tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90148185006337215392024-02-19T09:45:25.042-06:00The Donovan Daily2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-2204673223591595032013-06-01T18:56:00.000-05:002013-06-01T18:56:47.549-05:00Challenge Day 5I am on day 5 of the Advocare 24 day challenge! As of this morning, I had lost 4 lbs so far! Yippie! And, even better than that, I'm feeling FANTASTIC! I have energy and am just feeling.....great. Not sure how to explain it. <br />
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I LOVE the Spark energy drink! I had heard about it (many, many times!) from others but hadn't yet tried it until now. It's delicious and so full of vitamins! <br />
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I have not had issues sticking to the eating plan. I thought maybe I would be I eat so often (every 2-3 hours) and I'm eating so healthy that I've been full and satisfied, not hungry like I was worried I would be. We even went out to eat the other night and I was able to find something on the menu that I could eat (with some modifications). I was even able to pass up strawberry topped cheesecake without really being tempted. (seriously, wasn't even tempted!) The only "challenge" I've really found is that I end up making at least two dinners every night. Those of you who know my hubby know that there is no way I could get him to eat healthy so I make my dinner (example: grilled turkey breast and steamed asparagus) and I make his/Little M's dinner. Oh well...such is life (for now.)<br />
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If any of you out there in blogland are interested in learning more about Advocare and their numerous health and wellness products, feel free to visit this website. <a href="https://www.advocare.com/130519722">https://www.advocare.com/130519722</a> Or check out <a href="http://www.advocare.com/24daychallenge">www.advocare.com/24daychallenge</a> if you'd like info on the challenge. <br />
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I can only tell you my experience so far, but as of today, I'm LOVING it and feeling FANTABULOUS!2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-24784690411407168152013-06-01T18:42:00.000-05:002013-06-01T18:42:50.098-05:00Photo Dump<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">My cousin Sarah does these great, super funny, super cute blog posts that show everyday randomness in her (and her children's) life. They are always top notch posts. So, I hope she doesn't mind but I'm going to borrow that "theme" and show you what our past few weeks have looked like. </span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORbpB2HogkLZ_UQEzc4fogLig2fjEjdGGBeJBjMXBkP-NqS0uOF-AYeBMAu3GhkrWb8Iw5uj9JSRsTtKGh4Yc5yNM9XjWzu2VuwkezYJhXepgrZPtMCtbBp7bkLhO1_OjB7xwGrSZcCzC/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORbpB2HogkLZ_UQEzc4fogLig2fjEjdGGBeJBjMXBkP-NqS0uOF-AYeBMAu3GhkrWb8Iw5uj9JSRsTtKGh4Yc5yNM9XjWzu2VuwkezYJhXepgrZPtMCtbBp7bkLhO1_OjB7xwGrSZcCzC/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" width="240" /></span></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Story time at the library ended in making Ant masks</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dW-4MZQShGDbGqZjzsCCZNu2YfGK3-HUjT-F5TAOujWrRuQBYOKXPRf3ZDQyVRuh63-MZjQkdXcd1MdfS0-GskOv8qqrYrgTF6x5uNQXEgJ-MqlzsK48Fi92iHhcrmp0He1MnSSd0yQS/s1600/IMG_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dW-4MZQShGDbGqZjzsCCZNu2YfGK3-HUjT-F5TAOujWrRuQBYOKXPRf3ZDQyVRuh63-MZjQkdXcd1MdfS0-GskOv8qqrYrgTF6x5uNQXEgJ-MqlzsK48Fi92iHhcrmp0He1MnSSd0yQS/s400/IMG_1618.JPG" width="300" /></span></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Modeling her garage sale finds. You can never have too many dress up clothes!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-HpIhLXDrJLfgkx53s-OEy7N-_mNlhh6L6ZZdUdmCmSSSUhW68M-OMnj2qSd5ekDHtGQP3yqcJEtodmcVgxbAa37IVsM_i_6HGrV0r6Qa7ygopT2n2AfpU-DRbjPcZB2EdBARhdnOJaY/s1600/IMG_1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-HpIhLXDrJLfgkx53s-OEy7N-_mNlhh6L6ZZdUdmCmSSSUhW68M-OMnj2qSd5ekDHtGQP3yqcJEtodmcVgxbAa37IVsM_i_6HGrV0r6Qa7ygopT2n2AfpU-DRbjPcZB2EdBARhdnOJaY/s400/IMG_1624.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>I'm pretty sure the neighbors think she is insane. She "flew" around the yard pretending to be a butterfly for<em> at least</em> an hour!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxuVoufwfBQrGkiX8oc3pNl2cMCM6hD6Pule-_Udi8-uWoORPIjeIroc_VjCbPikpX686gcTj2p-IPgNq-Y7SGpifLy_FfKyz_b3weumd6kitOQQ0aduOAHkwGlCaBLkti7Z4Hv_GV1bv/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxuVoufwfBQrGkiX8oc3pNl2cMCM6hD6Pule-_Udi8-uWoORPIjeIroc_VjCbPikpX686gcTj2p-IPgNq-Y7SGpifLy_FfKyz_b3weumd6kitOQQ0aduOAHkwGlCaBLkti7Z4Hv_GV1bv/s400/IMG_1626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>The Barbies got to go swimming in their cruise ship pool. (Notice she is still wearing the wings? They have become a daily feature!)</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3ueuTsI0jHfJw5aqionSgeXdVivvtOxfayyw2HAKGGmRZtyE00pE9c2xvJGMMbiGbUFxrUazS9jp7Y0R_o63Ux-mUFYF2YUm21XufB1pcksWrwVCWUPk_8hfpbpLoVF-7Xib4HrjRGTW/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3ueuTsI0jHfJw5aqionSgeXdVivvtOxfayyw2HAKGGmRZtyE00pE9c2xvJGMMbiGbUFxrUazS9jp7Y0R_o63Ux-mUFYF2YUm21XufB1pcksWrwVCWUPk_8hfpbpLoVF-7Xib4HrjRGTW/s400/IMG_1652.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>Playing in the sprinkler</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKGS5cbq7HsTBwgURyhEPXwEEVNwTFu_2MVJnZo-ndoqrwbT5eUDnWlM12UFoIZiwyxmflfs3JEwiunnXjm8KzTBbCZbqeVuCeG_zZQfN8uWZznOQQhO5mysWbRcGFbIhYF5RxBhgjBKE/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKGS5cbq7HsTBwgURyhEPXwEEVNwTFu_2MVJnZo-ndoqrwbT5eUDnWlM12UFoIZiwyxmflfs3JEwiunnXjm8KzTBbCZbqeVuCeG_zZQfN8uWZznOQQhO5mysWbRcGFbIhYF5RxBhgjBKE/s400/IMG_1657.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>The neighbor boys came down to play in the sprinkler too. They brought their Gator, which Little M LOVED!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvohHRPJjynuK1HgiciuUjgiD4iFvWkh-8dy-bDlmXulNgJpsFvuOOr8bX2JfK8WuUv83LB05Fbuog4Hb5Vde7yI_F5Bj0hD3Pf9qWBSJM_gt0Ec8TLgT2dBiBYGk9pE94MjeBZj6eWC1/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvohHRPJjynuK1HgiciuUjgiD4iFvWkh-8dy-bDlmXulNgJpsFvuOOr8bX2JfK8WuUv83LB05Fbuog4Hb5Vde7yI_F5Bj0hD3Pf9qWBSJM_gt0Ec8TLgT2dBiBYGk9pE94MjeBZj6eWC1/s400/IMG_1662.JPG" width="400" /></span></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Little M makes friends every where she goes. She wanted to swim with these girls so badly, and I, of course, had forgotten her swimsuit. So, I let her swim in her clothes. :) If there was ever any doubt if we were hillbillys, there's your proof</strong></span>! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-mS8hgszLMdWKWuzoy_r4R8W6skJquMiYl8pzPSbL_CsQIeU_Yu3UHouD_cSPu1vjGbahuVmOc8qtaP5QpxD1HYC2JU0fqPqzw1Cv3ZGYxBRt_uCweY6eGxr0Bg3bsSWm-07RRAlF3jy/s1600/IMG_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-mS8hgszLMdWKWuzoy_r4R8W6skJquMiYl8pzPSbL_CsQIeU_Yu3UHouD_cSPu1vjGbahuVmOc8qtaP5QpxD1HYC2JU0fqPqzw1Cv3ZGYxBRt_uCweY6eGxr0Bg3bsSWm-07RRAlF3jy/s400/IMG_1668.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Since her clothes were soaked from swimming in the lake (see above) she rode home in a towel and her unders. And slept the whole way!</strong></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH0LaMADCkqIEs1iF0hrxQ2w-QdrdKHxpETtzLMUa2MW3aKPRZj89f69jge0PLbpIFiRBKw4jztWvJ2SwWlUcbVcL62NP3PtMAej-tntozOTNWKspniGaRlxl5EXtn907djRRM1LDQOTy/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH0LaMADCkqIEs1iF0hrxQ2w-QdrdKHxpETtzLMUa2MW3aKPRZj89f69jge0PLbpIFiRBKw4jztWvJ2SwWlUcbVcL62NP3PtMAej-tntozOTNWKspniGaRlxl5EXtn907djRRM1LDQOTy/s400/IMG_1616.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Butterfly hunting</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdTDYxK_mcotY-tlZTQSaCSMl-m9DTJ94-04qlVksqVB9KvnzdAYjuJErft_HVHZ8-f8Iz4SVEve1aYPBgqmuNX8OcEb5wU6cx1XoVvWj7ASH-7VIcpsZXR79pOvHuT-9u0op_1MqzX12/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdTDYxK_mcotY-tlZTQSaCSMl-m9DTJ94-04qlVksqVB9KvnzdAYjuJErft_HVHZ8-f8Iz4SVEve1aYPBgqmuNX8OcEb5wU6cx1XoVvWj7ASH-7VIcpsZXR79pOvHuT-9u0op_1MqzX12/s400/IMG_1736.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>How can you not love this face? Was so excited to get to see her TWICE in the month of May!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIJuLdMTG67vyasgZ01VGbYJBK8Uu8NVjKsZhqt47_dMK8um2vnB7RJEv2ODiJ0_hM7fJJCe7F_GxZ3g0fXBi8_nAnoLf10o3RUlc_UJ5CtUiyMxGY9zpKQv-HXlw204sEgT3ub6ZUPlb/s1600/IMG_1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIJuLdMTG67vyasgZ01VGbYJBK8Uu8NVjKsZhqt47_dMK8um2vnB7RJEv2ODiJ0_hM7fJJCe7F_GxZ3g0fXBi8_nAnoLf10o3RUlc_UJ5CtUiyMxGY9zpKQv-HXlw204sEgT3ub6ZUPlb/s400/IMG_1741.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>So. Stinkin. Cute!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqqCTW4kwkpzs49A2RiAFHj-KB3ZwdrlElgKI3S3r9y4Sw9Ou7ZOs4kYD8_Bl2YbZkFxCPs01rpt6DvLlyzeAmp-HdVXN2o0fME7h9ZiDXVDHeSXesjIaRyb_d45dIegXG2Enyuokbd6H/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqqCTW4kwkpzs49A2RiAFHj-KB3ZwdrlElgKI3S3r9y4Sw9Ou7ZOs4kYD8_Bl2YbZkFxCPs01rpt6DvLlyzeAmp-HdVXN2o0fME7h9ZiDXVDHeSXesjIaRyb_d45dIegXG2Enyuokbd6H/s400/IMG_1761.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Celebrating Dad's birthday</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9Rau5FryLAMAh5h_jRuLnXgAqwiQQsUCg0FrUo3RPBCLcW1I3HTpN1GpNK6yxgTULBM12Q7qdg-T8nUTniO2jXFPqLREMA_cNwfFJ-hNhEIIxohgXNQ-rq2Y-bwBOia0fz1gJusdMd4e/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><span style="color: magenta;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9Rau5FryLAMAh5h_jRuLnXgAqwiQQsUCg0FrUo3RPBCLcW1I3HTpN1GpNK6yxgTULBM12Q7qdg-T8nUTniO2jXFPqLREMA_cNwfFJ-hNhEIIxohgXNQ-rq2Y-bwBOia0fz1gJusdMd4e/s400/IMG_1675.JPG" width="400" /></span></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>She got her own Golf Cart (purchased because I love little old men and I couldn't say no to the one who carved this)</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2_a1FSv9ECZ1y_9ZTGoj8hbWjQUcGgaMRFXxSHhgIN4wqg22gXw4qg_RoSAZroH935_92Bn7XaSTTD3qBOMOC9ceYENjMnX32RJLTzibDwtRUYX_v31njHq13JdoFdr5st7orn_kreNm/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2_a1FSv9ECZ1y_9ZTGoj8hbWjQUcGgaMRFXxSHhgIN4wqg22gXw4qg_RoSAZroH935_92Bn7XaSTTD3qBOMOC9ceYENjMnX32RJLTzibDwtRUYX_v31njHq13JdoFdr5st7orn_kreNm/s400/IMG_1720.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>I love this picture. She is growing so fast!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP92Cajjnf3s2Q_Fk7PGcdKSEtZGgSkSPKf06RAHJQj8lgsg4AkFkwwlsGsuQzoo_wfmIrIW1B8kJSLcLBpOaFKsBgRkdhi19LQgxNJpP1qC1sU6qNST8VlpsHD0zMhNxJ4l78pI0hrKK8/s1600/IMG_1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP92Cajjnf3s2Q_Fk7PGcdKSEtZGgSkSPKf06RAHJQj8lgsg4AkFkwwlsGsuQzoo_wfmIrIW1B8kJSLcLBpOaFKsBgRkdhi19LQgxNJpP1qC1sU6qNST8VlpsHD0zMhNxJ4l78pI0hrKK8/s400/IMG_1698.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Are we the only ones who play fetch with our child? We throw the ball into the water, she runs down the beach, swims out to the ball, and ....</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpaFQoVZRxIqTc9RKBEq3xrkT5_PtR35C2tFWjkFnyXextpscDDaUoWUE3-OJ9Il5fPkISEMrqIrH_2t2-v-cl5tJs8HP8MOjvnOZqWXexMs2AzhwZZ-YvsnGI5HlAiWM2JE1Npba9A_3/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpaFQoVZRxIqTc9RKBEq3xrkT5_PtR35C2tFWjkFnyXextpscDDaUoWUE3-OJ9Il5fPkISEMrqIrH_2t2-v-cl5tJs8HP8MOjvnOZqWXexMs2AzhwZZ-YvsnGI5HlAiWM2JE1Npba9A_3/s400/IMG_1699.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>brings it back so we can do it all over again! Who needs a dog?!?</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zQ6cYSSfbypJClBG_a6uPn3f4aHjELHXhOKy3yXDbFakrFesKHEK43WE6SAqRuo8fZvBJFwtnR-gRNOveL_2oH7f318I40TlSqZS_7lgHWDz3lilej5yPyLkdTRBYkGsBcu6Ly2SG87e/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zQ6cYSSfbypJClBG_a6uPn3f4aHjELHXhOKy3yXDbFakrFesKHEK43WE6SAqRuo8fZvBJFwtnR-gRNOveL_2oH7f318I40TlSqZS_7lgHWDz3lilej5yPyLkdTRBYkGsBcu6Ly2SG87e/s400/IMG_1700.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>She loves her "tubby" boat</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqDdZEuGT-EvZ84EUYg1-MuBUnbOBhikhNf5yDppO40X2egRwVPFQ2wL_kPYj1VkcErHsGWmNbrCe7CArjlPpyhIw0Xq0Tk9sT-yrkNNrAjD7esDUeSfj7B7uBGb7nbi-Jnpo_pIn6emy/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqDdZEuGT-EvZ84EUYg1-MuBUnbOBhikhNf5yDppO40X2egRwVPFQ2wL_kPYj1VkcErHsGWmNbrCe7CArjlPpyhIw0Xq0Tk9sT-yrkNNrAjD7esDUeSfj7B7uBGb7nbi-Jnpo_pIn6emy/s400/IMG_1704.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Sand castles</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI0Bqk7VS9bkSU0YBBVUxd6irJdp2W490MU6kQFlhdRCHfOilJBJ8L2z5ydfhmmR8xIJOPWq4bSKuswzysJdO1dj-3aEUlDxWa50U6XR2CimxdYjH67Wtn6gCyCzG8uVbXCznJbWfFt95/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI0Bqk7VS9bkSU0YBBVUxd6irJdp2W490MU6kQFlhdRCHfOilJBJ8L2z5ydfhmmR8xIJOPWq4bSKuswzysJdO1dj-3aEUlDxWa50U6XR2CimxdYjH67Wtn6gCyCzG8uVbXCznJbWfFt95/s400/IMG_1707.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>She is learning to fish and is getting really good at casting. She has a great teacher in Dustin. He is very patient and encouraging with her!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihblxWPjQ0pVXht8VwLFBPG0xWO70T0ub-62BfAm1Wmbqmc4wqF4eQ7bQ6QIMUn0IQ93eRrcPlH629srs59xjSci1hdoglE-iNbDWXgcandUeW43eafHXmSO0Gx_METkGQcV7CDpxc9JDi/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihblxWPjQ0pVXht8VwLFBPG0xWO70T0ub-62BfAm1Wmbqmc4wqF4eQ7bQ6QIMUn0IQ93eRrcPlH629srs59xjSci1hdoglE-iNbDWXgcandUeW43eafHXmSO0Gx_METkGQcV7CDpxc9JDi/s400/IMG_1712.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Judy atti-tudey! She's cute...and she knows it!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw811XZuAxqjO6HZdAr0FVAE3aHslJLBF90j5Dk0uL38klHTlIUe7NOKxhuiNfTtJjjwIUFQbW4UNbDvc4Rs-eu2xrfHtZ8mgcHVP2ubZnIVTguyBtMccmFVVWEz_yDNxlBluTbgyKZ3H/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw811XZuAxqjO6HZdAr0FVAE3aHslJLBF90j5Dk0uL38klHTlIUe7NOKxhuiNfTtJjjwIUFQbW4UNbDvc4Rs-eu2xrfHtZ8mgcHVP2ubZnIVTguyBtMccmFVVWEz_yDNxlBluTbgyKZ3H/s400/IMG_1685.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;">One of many beautiful flowers on our campsite</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><strong> Happy summer, everyone! </strong></span><br />
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-34938105680984071402013-05-27T19:56:00.002-05:002013-05-27T19:56:28.740-05:00Challenge Accepted!Tomorrow I am starting the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. Even though the challenge consists of taking a ton of pills, drinking a fiber drink that I hear is non too pleasant, eating a very strict Paleo diet, and working out. Even though all of THAT...I'm still excited! <br />
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I've taken the last week off of my workout routine due to a small injury. My left hamstring and both knees just couldn't seem to get along last week with Jillian Micheals last week. So, I took a week off to heal and hopefully, when I hit it again tomorrow, we will be back on track. I'm guessing the fact that I work out in our barn, on cement, with no padding, doesn't help the knees/hamstring issue either, but there isn't much I can do about that. <br />
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In preparation for the start of the challenge tomorrow, I measured myself tonight. I also will take a day 1 picture (and a day 24 pic) so I can see them side by side. I'm not sure how accurate the measurements will be since I did it myself but I at least have a starting point. Dustin offered to help me with it, but I'm too ashamed for him to see the numbers. I know, I know...I don't make any sense. I strut around the house in nothing but my bra and underwear, not caring if he sees me. (maybe even a little secretly proud when he looks at me!) but there is too much honesty in the actual numbers. I can't be that honest with him. Or with you. Sorry...I'm just not there yet. <br />
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So anyhow, wish me luck as I get back to the diet hard core! I'm hoping this will be the boost that gets me over this weight loss plateau. I've got 40 (at least) pounds to go yet. <br />
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On the plus side, I bought a new pair of capris this week and they are 4 sizes smaller than what I wore last year at this time. I'm going to celebrate that small victory!2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-8961209291073888172013-05-17T15:01:00.001-05:002013-05-17T15:01:24.683-05:00A day at the Zoo<strong>This past week, little M and I joined our friends Lisa and Grace at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. M had never been to the zoo before and was beside herself with excitement!</strong> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxsnTzPi03xxQ3rUkH43DLSnS4RKApidE3HXdHbSzXTZrrqdGZF-UP8IUKLGB7XaApSOqk85w1YhGuSJTRwxdyRCwrk5Ba-I5jhgechFHVXFl7KM7AfF_Viih7DRJdEEgG4aDzoH-Rl3D/s1600/IMG_1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxsnTzPi03xxQ3rUkH43DLSnS4RKApidE3HXdHbSzXTZrrqdGZF-UP8IUKLGB7XaApSOqk85w1YhGuSJTRwxdyRCwrk5Ba-I5jhgechFHVXFl7KM7AfF_Viih7DRJdEEgG4aDzoH-Rl3D/s320/IMG_1512.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As hard as I tried, I don't think I got one single picture where Gracie is looking at the camera.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLejB5m_J5l8lFzGz4NaBgqXRWI0b0-RhRMQ-0ExpUpCXAomyk5p72Nv0Cb08pewl2mSd4_h00KUgGamDcs-hCcBE6EpUMm9JSkK4Fz7yCQk3KKHCSgu0C-wvGrH0iWW7cepbuTaPMCTw/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLejB5m_J5l8lFzGz4NaBgqXRWI0b0-RhRMQ-0ExpUpCXAomyk5p72Nv0Cb08pewl2mSd4_h00KUgGamDcs-hCcBE6EpUMm9JSkK4Fz7yCQk3KKHCSgu0C-wvGrH0iWW7cepbuTaPMCTw/s320/IMG_1519.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The giraffes are my favorite!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSHRHMlZH-lbmKgQPt-vb2CBTb6__05HCQYRDEihRjb4TnmDOSjh47wDxML8XPo1I9su1X5G-AN3RerFlShgnfehruuH4qukT0wTRtb0cd-zM1uEcjfTryi77U6KhC0TuDZDvCZqFnsRa/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSHRHMlZH-lbmKgQPt-vb2CBTb6__05HCQYRDEihRjb4TnmDOSjh47wDxML8XPo1I9su1X5G-AN3RerFlShgnfehruuH4qukT0wTRtb0cd-zM1uEcjfTryi77U6KhC0TuDZDvCZqFnsRa/s320/IMG_1529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These two are like peas in a pod. They ran ahead of us the entire day</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4pp6BNj5-eZKNZBJIoi_7VdpPu0Id-vo7TcZNOj0OgAEHPya_ebaAAAVSDMtfnnKF5t739Ilw4EtI_DxfsSrg8GuyhfbYNW3N90j20plPzPXNp4UkqkEwJmbLxwEO80hyphenhyphenyOQepqeGEqM/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4pp6BNj5-eZKNZBJIoi_7VdpPu0Id-vo7TcZNOj0OgAEHPya_ebaAAAVSDMtfnnKF5t739Ilw4EtI_DxfsSrg8GuyhfbYNW3N90j20plPzPXNp4UkqkEwJmbLxwEO80hyphenhyphenyOQepqeGEqM/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ostrich babies?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTX3etKRzKhUUPUmAISAcv3jFeUECaFr1wmw6fnNPLXsIMKm_RtdOiJNSMtsTqa-YPznQrwbh_wqa0sfw7z5acsQ1sl7x32NJflY7WwQqcSrbydrfJzGwLpym3o9EkMYFDzVk1OdZm0PH/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTX3etKRzKhUUPUmAISAcv3jFeUECaFr1wmw6fnNPLXsIMKm_RtdOiJNSMtsTqa-YPznQrwbh_wqa0sfw7z5acsQ1sl7x32NJflY7WwQqcSrbydrfJzGwLpym3o9EkMYFDzVk1OdZm0PH/s320/IMG_1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We enjoyed the ostrich, who was trying to nip thru the fencing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz5-yKoll8I_YJLLWoDUnU8jX8BJHDkitVDDATO8THW_uSsDqCJtogvTAPN97ClRgdkjSSUgOEDlcXWyIsdRqy3y603vQ9hsX2sBnUJGrMMhifwNanzyJddSyw9b0KxMVBzKFZvsmBbVN/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz5-yKoll8I_YJLLWoDUnU8jX8BJHDkitVDDATO8THW_uSsDqCJtogvTAPN97ClRgdkjSSUgOEDlcXWyIsdRqy3y603vQ9hsX2sBnUJGrMMhifwNanzyJddSyw9b0KxMVBzKFZvsmBbVN/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peacock on her next</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHcw7XekAv5u6x5yJKvkwpRJcSDpwFoh4RAYMakdQuwckRHPayQ1n2HMoeIdbY0v6ncG4rGXmwP0CbWDM2i6gKRUrjCkZ0ck8qG0arPjJtlOySxGGEeIQZW8vktGYXZZP3NA-qrwRuOxX/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHcw7XekAv5u6x5yJKvkwpRJcSDpwFoh4RAYMakdQuwckRHPayQ1n2HMoeIdbY0v6ncG4rGXmwP0CbWDM2i6gKRUrjCkZ0ck8qG0arPjJtlOySxGGEeIQZW8vktGYXZZP3NA-qrwRuOxX/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joeys</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-EB4vOVeACH2J_u06Df3dL5IA8UI02pkkAtay9XFR_j9UYCFJbWKAVBl3ZThnrJKyGVoABZBawIsoIyEacaFWqrHaxijck_zIlMsqzxAIhMw9mu6HrUmjyfnNolRNwsDzwXC0MrIfWgd/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-EB4vOVeACH2J_u06Df3dL5IA8UI02pkkAtay9XFR_j9UYCFJbWKAVBl3ZThnrJKyGVoABZBawIsoIyEacaFWqrHaxijck_zIlMsqzxAIhMw9mu6HrUmjyfnNolRNwsDzwXC0MrIfWgd/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This penguin was very social</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTOjjbIBgvJvGw8AiiERj7Yh5pqPBwLatmGpOfny-nz2caPiBaeH2Lz6Cs-oMMhGdt2geJOsMRv4C9roMwJoYpycQqDvfOuDwE6QKzCbXTje3sNAnvx0yhk4jse0dOARE9Ezelll9JVRN/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTOjjbIBgvJvGw8AiiERj7Yh5pqPBwLatmGpOfny-nz2caPiBaeH2Lz6Cs-oMMhGdt2geJOsMRv4C9roMwJoYpycQqDvfOuDwE6QKzCbXTje3sNAnvx0yhk4jse0dOARE9Ezelll9JVRN/s320/IMG_1558.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">M has been asking to ride a horse. She chose this one, named Cookie, for her first pony ride.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbCS_ywWzbgDbDNOwo5x_yr3OBQEMLYCrjhguIEKypZXIUjFri6iOVq-E3DwlDrIUsCNbm1saLz-vdFOdQI4Vosys0c66Ux7fVGIcKV-SVQ7Bpuo7UrE-sL9ZgLOrmoBgkahiOo3KgpbC/s1600/IMG_1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbCS_ywWzbgDbDNOwo5x_yr3OBQEMLYCrjhguIEKypZXIUjFri6iOVq-E3DwlDrIUsCNbm1saLz-vdFOdQI4Vosys0c66Ux7fVGIcKV-SVQ7Bpuo7UrE-sL9ZgLOrmoBgkahiOo3KgpbC/s320/IMG_1567.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Petting the pigs. She wanted to pet every single animal and couldn't understand why most were off limits.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav_8z9f0au1slKlpYBE85akMchKB-bEP7CMrdf5zIyvZCy75Pz4kzFBarH6icrrKa0KcHnBYXP1WHCx8DPZpAFz5-61qUCphBbKyYfrAKnbkdS0CG3CWguKxmPPKR27lZU1o9L0jZEorN/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav_8z9f0au1slKlpYBE85akMchKB-bEP7CMrdf5zIyvZCy75Pz4kzFBarH6icrrKa0KcHnBYXP1WHCx8DPZpAFz5-61qUCphBbKyYfrAKnbkdS0CG3CWguKxmPPKR27lZU1o9L0jZEorN/s320/IMG_1571.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">M loved the donkey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PGT9_NWlRO9fbZJUnPR-AT5JWHzgYwariBqimWaWABiTP8wpjcQADXgB8frwRQtUbgEt__AxBhkMWHNvmZxOAXtDePtQpDcojyw9seOiqnQuHa3jbV5P9HkdgkthtJH05J7y9plFGeHC/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PGT9_NWlRO9fbZJUnPR-AT5JWHzgYwariBqimWaWABiTP8wpjcQADXgB8frwRQtUbgEt__AxBhkMWHNvmZxOAXtDePtQpDcojyw9seOiqnQuHa3jbV5P9HkdgkthtJH05J7y9plFGeHC/s320/IMG_1575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brushing the goats</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEqm9px7jsoZCkXnbhDY3OieFXYDLj2Ld1XWRx9AIOzfMPvTfteW1pSLuZTGvKWboHP38u59LKYiGCtfcsaCylLtIvylW_ujoZV8_27RJ7GT20hIyVdFtQohuVmUayAlMO5n4bVtbPPnf/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEqm9px7jsoZCkXnbhDY3OieFXYDLj2Ld1XWRx9AIOzfMPvTfteW1pSLuZTGvKWboHP38u59LKYiGCtfcsaCylLtIvylW_ujoZV8_27RJ7GT20hIyVdFtQohuVmUayAlMO5n4bVtbPPnf/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">M has really been into giving hugs and kisses lately. Even the goats received hugs from her!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNHh1GVg751FwcimCgMUWPM7_klbn7Ias5yM3jZbqK9plINsqfI9DAWCbP9lHdX5cbX33yVBsYQYQcuxQTJmuEIjr5ax0G3NReRrqsRY1EwRymIStmh5laL7q8p0GGk8Na_4t85jPrSZy/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNHh1GVg751FwcimCgMUWPM7_klbn7Ias5yM3jZbqK9plINsqfI9DAWCbP9lHdX5cbX33yVBsYQYQcuxQTJmuEIjr5ax0G3NReRrqsRY1EwRymIStmh5laL7q8p0GGk8Na_4t85jPrSZy/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5i81zXDFgYyWeTnR_H5YAD8bP2Ts0kUwYHmiRVugU3xMgxRJ-XgsV3nXSMRpplBWhD047rYrq6xfXezezxnmvjPbtz0jgoFvgak9uQO6ArBYRbxQ-_4p9JfmKsKqEq_mN-m0pv4glyYE/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5i81zXDFgYyWeTnR_H5YAD8bP2Ts0kUwYHmiRVugU3xMgxRJ-XgsV3nXSMRpplBWhD047rYrq6xfXezezxnmvjPbtz0jgoFvgak9uQO6ArBYRbxQ-_4p9JfmKsKqEq_mN-m0pv4glyYE/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH-Ti4NBlnW_m_G6D1q8mQ1eotq1HoJ6p0pTnrYr70mXJVn-dsmJeZb04Akp7QLgMf5dY3wfXjJx1Rytc73q2zQdUuOpNPwuIssaF8S_273O0gjxsEtgbH2g4YE2CcLRhyphenhypheneLxmEgzwNcl/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH-Ti4NBlnW_m_G6D1q8mQ1eotq1HoJ6p0pTnrYr70mXJVn-dsmJeZb04Akp7QLgMf5dY3wfXjJx1Rytc73q2zQdUuOpNPwuIssaF8S_273O0gjxsEtgbH2g4YE2CcLRhyphenhypheneLxmEgzwNcl/s320/IMG_1592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I enjoyed getting to spend my day with this girl! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH0FxOVVVFaCGh0Y2mamLA41w28PkcIfuFIzednEbxw8zEfnxSS-CZDrSfaqbQOsaLw1kPQZ9RNyEiLVjjh7mL0r2zzLzXi4N3CSQYwlnB2UTaFUhwarLlAYqkaznkGinjuk4NpOxMV5I/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH0FxOVVVFaCGh0Y2mamLA41w28PkcIfuFIzednEbxw8zEfnxSS-CZDrSfaqbQOsaLw1kPQZ9RNyEiLVjjh7mL0r2zzLzXi4N3CSQYwlnB2UTaFUhwarLlAYqkaznkGinjuk4NpOxMV5I/s320/IMG_1509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The zebras were M's favorites</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi_zFC1AyuKB5bScTSlHgV3HAhyphenhyphenFgqPdwgKNiLXivpTsU1EQrMVplPDT7icPZ1uwgZoKyRqYJdtI6EyIChCs6cO4RExUm6nC-e8kmsUrgCjndh8xikuzWg3LlLk6nxrGRfEvtt6jp-9Of/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi_zFC1AyuKB5bScTSlHgV3HAhyphenhyphenFgqPdwgKNiLXivpTsU1EQrMVplPDT7icPZ1uwgZoKyRqYJdtI6EyIChCs6cO4RExUm6nC-e8kmsUrgCjndh8xikuzWg3LlLk6nxrGRfEvtt6jp-9Of/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">M fed the giraffe a lettuce leaf. Then it licked her on top of the head. Of course I was a few seconds off on getting the picture of her getting licked. :( Look at that loooong tongue!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEfJa7ULPi-PQ_PRlLSXhNVNyKIl9PzHov3VkU6VFavPCKoOg8o-x2yIPpM6ohmia6rtuntCdBreksL_oqbT3_A1jMOEBiUZeomR17cDPgCLQzqp_XOOZM_aCmhpdoGZNHFzxtRWCWoYZ/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEfJa7ULPi-PQ_PRlLSXhNVNyKIl9PzHov3VkU6VFavPCKoOg8o-x2yIPpM6ohmia6rtuntCdBreksL_oqbT3_A1jMOEBiUZeomR17cDPgCLQzqp_XOOZM_aCmhpdoGZNHFzxtRWCWoYZ/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">M wanted to pet the crocodile! I told her they weren't friendly and she pointed out that he must be because "him smiying (smiling) at me."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPbx7js2LMfBDpCygK5qJVFtxGFe3kps9Ts_UIdMzSl7MCLLAtDmHvhMtvTWPnS4Zc9F2IxEe6QdpR0PHoDA3lLVKokA0GtGlLtGssXsfaz37INdsW9vz4pWrwozMK53f_IBdtD8ocer/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPbx7js2LMfBDpCygK5qJVFtxGFe3kps9Ts_UIdMzSl7MCLLAtDmHvhMtvTWPnS4Zc9F2IxEe6QdpR0PHoDA3lLVKokA0GtGlLtGssXsfaz37INdsW9vz4pWrwozMK53f_IBdtD8ocer/s320/IMG_1556.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The otters were very playful and put on a great show while we watched.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2zV3nAruwib5LNZ_taXqg9wRYkO6vjZVtSOHVi_p9F3iU4WQKZ4DJbPfmW_BqnfLONcEGxx-bnS2VXE0zaW8nLoFF56xTnJSyCuxLUTRM1BF7cD09hzqiBelQhyphenhyphen4fp7_nLaHNTS5ngFc/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2zV3nAruwib5LNZ_taXqg9wRYkO6vjZVtSOHVi_p9F3iU4WQKZ4DJbPfmW_BqnfLONcEGxx-bnS2VXE0zaW8nLoFF56xTnJSyCuxLUTRM1BF7cD09hzqiBelQhyphenhyphen4fp7_nLaHNTS5ngFc/s320/IMG_1565.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Such beautiful birds</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">All in all it was a fabulous spring day: the weather was warm and breezy, the animals were very active, and the air was filled with little girls giggles!</span></strong></td></tr>
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-77692348976659491032013-05-16T21:26:00.000-05:002013-05-16T21:26:34.077-05:00Progress Photo ShootSo...this is a hard one for me to post. I've had several people asking to see before and after pictures so here goes nothing. <br />
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Let me preface all this by saying I ABHOR having my picture taken! I HATE IT! I LOATHE IT! And, even more than that, I severely dislike the "selfies taken in a bathroom" trend that seems to be "cool" nowadays. How tacky! But, for you, I will break all my rules, and will post a few nasty self pics.<br />
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Keep in mind there were taken post-workout so I look like dog doo. My hair ain't done, I'm flushed, and workout clothes are not flattering on anyone but tall and skinnies like Barbie. And, please pardon my messy bathroom. We do not have a single full length mirror in our home (nor do I want one. I do NOT want to see any more of this gaggy body than I have to!) This bathroom mirror is the biggest/longest mirror I have so I had to use it to get a body shot.<br />
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Also, I had not planned on anyone but me seeing these pictures when I took them. In fact, I didn't even plan on the hubby seeing them...or else I would have had him take them, which would have eliminated the whole "white-trash takes selfies in the bathroom" dilemma.<br />
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So...here goes nothin'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtg0j5CfrxRLnjTO-x9ZBi_2T1oSJkGDI9Qc7agkRYKTNtPjjPLLF3U7cFmyKi7lm9oIIIfkR9_oBrONKaQnfrXx-R6LRzs3CAzbvgPo6D6sM7fXHH5Nv8mnN8-xjIqfuPNrlw70OsWmha/s1600/IMG_0458.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/AVvXsEgtg0j5CfrxRLnjTO-x9ZBi_2T1oSJkGDI9Qc7agkRYKTNtPjjPLLF3U7cFmyKi7lm9oIIIfkR9_oBrONKaQnfrXx-R6LRzs3CAzbvgPo6D6sM7fXHH5Nv8mnN8-xjIqfuPNrlw70OsWmha/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOmeKMTfg2SdBs0HPuQloUTnjJTUBoFJQtixuHdQ9wpzKNVrtEa3ypZnE-ntLTLEOo3VH-FfvyAH6A0k5llk0jb4fa6kRgxBOMcXGWJyHlQ8c0sBFv5zTPF2mriiDKj6gaJTmisPD05Ue/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOmeKMTfg2SdBs0HPuQloUTnjJTUBoFJQtixuHdQ9wpzKNVrtEa3ypZnE-ntLTLEOo3VH-FfvyAH6A0k5llk0jb4fa6kRgxBOMcXGWJyHlQ8c0sBFv5zTPF2mriiDKj6gaJTmisPD05Ue/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_BtCF1JpTMRygf8ZTD5PeTql7pNyRqq5YWEvFo1ODlQ5Qn-6fUlygA1Y2eejy6tbfku3w-EeI5Vl3x2FdPqjEcwvVDKhFO8dDjtJHcmrToIN8lzryThTX48CtMqzinaHc7Jj1oCZBqYP/s1600/IMG_0460.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/AVvXsEjA_BtCF1JpTMRygf8ZTD5PeTql7pNyRqq5YWEvFo1ODlQ5Qn-6fUlygA1Y2eejy6tbfku3w-EeI5Vl3x2FdPqjEcwvVDKhFO8dDjtJHcmrToIN8lzryThTX48CtMqzinaHc7Jj1oCZBqYP/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC84QM15LgfXb5W6Vdv86v8XkGoGODNx_9S51G-dh5fLAJBrG4DJb_U5EeB2lzQ6s4ev6t2Q8EixLrw3I5ui9Ch8-NehWbyYXBgeG2kiqHMW6v2UYlZjapoqbKqWo8AcaB6Y3uhL5J0LwA/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC84QM15LgfXb5W6Vdv86v8XkGoGODNx_9S51G-dh5fLAJBrG4DJb_U5EeB2lzQ6s4ev6t2Q8EixLrw3I5ui9Ch8-NehWbyYXBgeG2kiqHMW6v2UYlZjapoqbKqWo8AcaB6Y3uhL5J0LwA/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAKOKkE9unEPDbbKimCR1FQIFa_6gbpxRNTpKvuvXPZWqaQ58E5uXaG205dA6I_WedaA1-HqWcadaXIXEmeerdEbXNhrUB8PGd518JlewW5WLe73L2_NPq1vS9Ti-TGhQIBJT7Lt_drG3/s1600/IMG_0459.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/AVvXsEiwAKOKkE9unEPDbbKimCR1FQIFa_6gbpxRNTpKvuvXPZWqaQ58E5uXaG205dA6I_WedaA1-HqWcadaXIXEmeerdEbXNhrUB8PGd518JlewW5WLe73L2_NPq1vS9Ti-TGhQIBJT7Lt_drG3/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9vSrCVzpNblCDz3Oqkoe9sorf01jJQGFYPUik4oX_IwemJhSCqD3SRcRqRiPnxJC2vZIetdtplQUahhi0zJ6p3_xp0Va8gM_sbJJjA5WNrH81LoZH_25Eq6bto4O-XhhKqiSmRkztQFv/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9vSrCVzpNblCDz3Oqkoe9sorf01jJQGFYPUik4oX_IwemJhSCqD3SRcRqRiPnxJC2vZIetdtplQUahhi0zJ6p3_xp0Va8gM_sbJJjA5WNrH81LoZH_25Eq6bto4O-XhhKqiSmRkztQFv/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_YOjTPyAZ8DRr0pbBZs9hGkgoxEZXRyK3vKps1vcCUtm2V8BEwVyWr787mVET_QtWq4U6tCMe5MOHH0DrGHpnXWVT7s2Y8Bn9te5pOaDdFLj5Yg-PoSlAiEUIBOo2-BN14fx9u7mdmE_/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_YOjTPyAZ8DRr0pbBZs9hGkgoxEZXRyK3vKps1vcCUtm2V8BEwVyWr787mVET_QtWq4U6tCMe5MOHH0DrGHpnXWVT7s2Y8Bn9te5pOaDdFLj5Yg-PoSlAiEUIBOo2-BN14fx9u7mdmE_/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So there it is. Pictures don't lie. This is me today. All of me. But less of me. </td></tr>
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So, there ya have it. Pics on the top were from Day 1, the picture directly below that is 40 lbs lighter. I've still got 45 lbs to go but, I'm getting there! And, I know you can't see it in the picture all that well, but I am firming up and gaining muscles. My arms are getting nicely defined for a fat girl. When I lose the rest of the weight I will have some majorly ripped guns! <br />
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And, because I can't leave you with those disgusting pictures scarred on your retinas, here's a before and "progress" (not "after" because I'm not done) when I'm actually dressed. <br />
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You can't tell from these pics but my double chin is slowly disappearing. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me! **Just thinking about that makes me want to do a happy dance!** The camera angles here actually make my "before" (on top) look smaller than my "progress" picture. Go figure! </div>
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So, when I get discouraged, I look at these pictures to show myself that yes, I AM making progress. Hopefully by putting myself out there, and exposing my ugly, I encourage you to keep at your goals as well. </div>
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-7627001816379803122013-05-10T20:44:00.000-05:002013-05-10T20:44:14.047-05:00Trophy Wife!My husband deserves a trophy for putting up with me. And a trophy wife to hang on his arm. I'm working on it. <br />
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Several years ago, before all the infertility mess started, I made an appointment with the Dr to question why I had all of a sudden gained 80 plus pounds. Yep, you read that right. I don't lie. Truly, in a span of 6 months or so, I packed on the weight like crazy. At first I assumed it was due to lifestyle change. You know, the whole "I'm married now and I eat what my husband eats" type weight gain. But it came on so quick it was a little concerning. <br />
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So, I went to the Doctor. Doc was also concerned and tested me for what seemed like everything under the sun. Thyroid, Diabetes, Cushings syndrome, etc... And finally I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. I won't bore you with all the details of it, other than to say that PCOS makes it very difficult to lose weight. And very difficult to keep it off. <br />
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Am I making excuses? No. Okay, maybe a little bit. But truly, I have always been pretty active and for the most part a decent eater. But it hasn't been enough. <br />
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So, a few months ago I looked in the mirror and decided ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! I made a vow to lose the weight and to keep it off! I've been following Weight Watchers (though admittedly very loosely...who has time for all the tracking crap?!) and have made it a goal to work out at least 6 days a week. I have been doing the Jillian Micheals Body Revolution and am actually really enjoying it (after the fact...during the workouts I often just want to punch that perky Jill right in the neck.) I enjoy most sports and any type of outdoor activity except running. I hate running! I will go for a very brisk walk and enjoy it immensely! In fact, I'm always looking for people to go for a walk with. Give me a call! But ask me to run? No way! If you see me running, you had better run too because something BAD is coming close behind me. <br />
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So, I'm down 40 lbs. Yea me! But I've still got AT LEAST 40 more to come off this frame! I'm firming up, I'm building muscle. I can tell a difference in my arms for sure. And my blubber gut is shrinking, though not nearly as fast as I would like. I'm down 6 jeans sizes (but I'm super super cheap so I have only bought one new pair. I just wear my old jeans looking like the saggy baggy elephant! That's hot, right?!?)<br />
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I've been stuck at 40 lbs lost for several weeks now. I've tried changing up my eating, more intense workouts, cutting more calories, adding more calories. Nothing seems to help. I'm still losing inches but somehow the scale just. wont. budge. So, I'm trying the Advocare 24 day challenge to see if the cleanse and then diet plan will be enough to get me over the hump. I'll let you know how I feel in a week or so. If any of you have used Advocare products I would love to hear your thoughts. I'm looking forward to the energy boost and, truthfully, I'm even kind of excited about the clean eating. Even though it will mean making to separate dinners each night. Can you imagine Dustin eating healthy? His body would probably be in such shock it would collapse on the spot. The man lives off pizza and Doritos. He's 6 foot tall and thin as a rail. NOT FAIR! But, I digress.<br />
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So....I'm working on becoming the trophy wife for the hubby. (and for myself but that's a whole 'nother post for a different day) Of course, I'm only 5"1' so I think I'm technically too short to qualify. If only there were a way to stretch people. And, I'm not blonde. And then there's also the issue of my face. Okay, maybe I'm NOT going to be a trophy wife. But at least I could get back to the skinny little number he said "I DO" to. I'll settle for that! 2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-64005148640885355922013-04-24T22:16:00.000-05:002013-04-24T22:16:25.762-05:00Little M goes campingWell, summer has officially started for us; we took little M on her first camping trip. AND...she LOVED it. The weather wasn't the nicest that weekend (thank God for heaters!) but M played outside all day and never complained about being cold. In fact, when I sent her in to warm up for a bit, she was disappointed. I think she thought she was going to miss out on something exciting. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Little M learned how to roast a weenie over the fire.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a bit trial and error for her but she got the hang of it!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying her hard work!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dustin spent the weekend building a deck. He did a great job!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sitting by the fire before roasting marshmallows.</span></td></tr>
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One of Little M's favorite things was to go for golf cart rides (or, as she says it, "DOLF CART" rides) around the campground. She also enjoyed playing at the playground and couldn't understand why, since she had packed her swimsuit in her bag (with out me knowing), she couldn't go swimming?!</div>
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Oh this kid. She makes me laugh!</div>
2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-46808188126160190462013-04-24T21:45:00.004-05:002013-04-24T21:45:26.379-05:00Here Come's Peter Cotton Tail<div style="text-align: center;">
The Easter Bunny was very good to Little M this year! 3 Easter baskets and 2 Easter Egg hunts. I think someone is spoiled!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">She was very excited that the Easter Bunny had left her eggs while she was napping!</span></td></tr>
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This was an easy egg to find. The Easter Bunny was pretty sly with some of his hidings; it took M quite a while to find them all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Little M participated in the Easter Egg hunt at the campground, too.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">She was excited that her name was drawn for a big chocolate rabbit. I was excited that it was WHITE chocolate, which I HATE and will not be tempted to pinch at all!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Counting her eggs. She had the least amount of eggs for her age group but she didn't care at all.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My friend Karen and her little boy went with us on the egg hunt. He collected many more eggs than M.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing on the playground after the egg hunt. Typical Little M there...always talking or goofing off!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL80qMIc1c98TY-fF2CeAgsRhWjvfaUO8M4LhKerzuuLgs7czqJnDRi7J-ZU5KtM2keSn8q5zM0D6fAfDmt6DwRxitHzve9xWBnwAdmGnOJDkyuCJN1MsNhoh5pubr_z6OVWKujVAAK-4z/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL80qMIc1c98TY-fF2CeAgsRhWjvfaUO8M4LhKerzuuLgs7czqJnDRi7J-ZU5KtM2keSn8q5zM0D6fAfDmt6DwRxitHzve9xWBnwAdmGnOJDkyuCJN1MsNhoh5pubr_z6OVWKujVAAK-4z/s400/IMG_1308.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Easter baskets from Grandma Ricki (my mom), us, and her grandparents in Florida</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Doesn't the Mini Utility Bin from Thirty-One look so cute as an Easter basket?! I had her name put on it and she loves it! It sits on her dresser now and holds all her coloring books, crayons, pencils, etc. I love things that are fun AND functional!</strong></span><br />
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-6563715135780157422013-04-09T20:21:00.000-05:002013-04-09T20:21:56.318-05:00Little M turns 4March brought a big celebration for us: Little M turned 4 years old. It was SO FUN to celebrate her birthday with her! We had a house FULL of friends and family who came to celebrate M with us. She was beside herself with joy (and, I think, a little overwhelmed) at all the love and attention shone on her that day! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We decorated while M was napping. She woke up and was truly convinced that fairies had been to the house to decorate for her. She kept saying "Manda, fairies did this. Fairies did this for ME."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">She would only open the gifts with her name on them. She would find one with her name and be completely surprized! "Wow! This one is for ME too, Manda!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was really sweet how so many different people stepped in and helped M read her cards</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know, I know....she looks just like Dustin. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">She wanted a pink and purple cake. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For months her Barbies have "went to the movies, the store, and to church" in their bathing suits. Now they have an appropriate place to go. Go figure...Barbie WOULD end up on a cruise on my dime before I bought myself one. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">M was so excited to share her birthday celebration with Jim. We had a small surprise cake for him to celebrate his 60th. M told everyone for at least a week after that night that "Me had a cake and Grandpa Jim had a cake too!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The kids found the dress up clothes. I love this picture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Mom and Jim were able to be here for the party and then spent the night with us. It was so great to have them here! Little M LOVES "Grandma Ricki." I think she is her favorite person in the entire world!</span> </div>
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In case you were wondering, YES, I DO have pictures where M is actually looking at me. I just can't post them here. Sorry...you only get to see the "bad" pictures. :( <br />
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We had a great time celebrating! Thank you to ALL who came to make it a special night for our little one. Little M, I pray your 4th year of life is FULL of great things! We love you! <br />
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-71061222671076067692013-04-08T14:15:00.000-05:002013-04-08T14:15:26.278-05:00Crafty?!? No, not me!Spring has sprung! At least, it has INSIDE our home, even if it's not so sure it's here to stay OUTSIDE yet. March came and went in a flash. So, my next few posts will hopefully get you up to date on the comings and goings of our house. <br />
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Little M loves to do crafts. Me, I'm allergic to them. I hate them. I break out in hives whenever I have to use scissors, or glue, or do anything at all artistic. Don't get me wrong...I can appreciate when other people enjoy crafty things. It's just not something I am good at. At. All. Nor is it something I enjoy. However....since M likes doing those types of things, I've been stretching myself. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Homemade bathtub paints were a HUGE hit! She painted the entire bathtub!</strong></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy__7zIZev3uKByOW9MXWDEJPnePvuNfzgaESVY-qiGBMQ0EW3ecrkhDqazWPvuX2a_bkVaJuHBqEFCWSvuxQ8Ce3ko3gvexsxzRFsNTcrUDd76Vos_o-B38R6ZyO6E4bjQ4mpPkppd2TA/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy__7zIZev3uKByOW9MXWDEJPnePvuNfzgaESVY-qiGBMQ0EW3ecrkhDqazWPvuX2a_bkVaJuHBqEFCWSvuxQ8Ce3ko3gvexsxzRFsNTcrUDd76Vos_o-B38R6ZyO6E4bjQ4mpPkppd2TA/s400/IMG_1218.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>Lets make an Easter Bunny!</strong></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4syCJuHF6J071VgWDNG8d_2jM19V6eld-jqu7aynG_dOsoqlXkeF0JzPPGHEemOktJbK5gSGIBuNhyphenhyphenjvVKBIiLbrPymyTDYJMa-gWqK_Hh_S1EnMrLgtM95jEpz6MVVbxP1n2TW2Wk86/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4syCJuHF6J071VgWDNG8d_2jM19V6eld-jqu7aynG_dOsoqlXkeF0JzPPGHEemOktJbK5gSGIBuNhyphenhyphenjvVKBIiLbrPymyTDYJMa-gWqK_Hh_S1EnMrLgtM95jEpz6MVVbxP1n2TW2Wk86/s400/IMG_1220.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><strong>The finished project</strong></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdjRNxRWuwmCToxl1LuFITBOnIJh5hWHfl8N_tWChsZ9-CyNLkzVWnOgBPrmP4_IBPOT_D47n1-1v1LcJMErRSGRB_cJlXufZENsVEjB5fnuDqgK3ClIqpKcJZ0SP-uZpw5dMee9LyMmJ/s1600/IMG_1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdjRNxRWuwmCToxl1LuFITBOnIJh5hWHfl8N_tWChsZ9-CyNLkzVWnOgBPrmP4_IBPOT_D47n1-1v1LcJMErRSGRB_cJlXufZENsVEjB5fnuDqgK3ClIqpKcJZ0SP-uZpw5dMee9LyMmJ/s400/IMG_1221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_pZCCUKeACsunL29iUdUeqGbRT7AcB_XR1r8SpJFRaGGRpgavHsCg2PjP_F8lGMUYz2NvDpd-V-itrgLaeQw6L3GHSDmWwMXSWKyWhEhDLjxzs6w2d-Y2zoqjvSS5piklPOL6UigIqkZ/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_pZCCUKeACsunL29iUdUeqGbRT7AcB_XR1r8SpJFRaGGRpgavHsCg2PjP_F8lGMUYz2NvDpd-V-itrgLaeQw6L3GHSDmWwMXSWKyWhEhDLjxzs6w2d-Y2zoqjvSS5piklPOL6UigIqkZ/s400/IMG_1215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;">Baking I can do without hives :) Little M helped with the pink frosting on the cupcakes.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S4bJ05DjaPoIAdXjmmNMvg2sef7D3XgB9EJol6xtlRCt2T7B1g1kyGm2Vbfkf_Ae7nreOtT5CKNsJiq3gAS4cCr2CU1rGg4g8pNpc2eO2x99o3vJkdDu0BmIhyphenhyphenEBgrYzIUhXyWSy-vR4/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S4bJ05DjaPoIAdXjmmNMvg2sef7D3XgB9EJol6xtlRCt2T7B1g1kyGm2Vbfkf_Ae7nreOtT5CKNsJiq3gAS4cCr2CU1rGg4g8pNpc2eO2x99o3vJkdDu0BmIhyphenhyphenEBgrYzIUhXyWSy-vR4/s400/IMG_1120.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: white;">I </span><span style="background-color: white;">love that they do crafts in both Sunday School and Preschool. It gets me out of having to do so many at home. Hee, hee. And I LOVE that she hung this one up herself!</span></span></span></strong> </td></tr>
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Thats it for my crafty side, for now. This month I'm focusing on outdoor activities and tasks. MUCH more my style! :)<br />
2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-69128792996108644302013-02-21T19:06:00.004-06:002013-02-21T19:06:11.062-06:00Busy Bee's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The past two weeks have been busy! Here are a few pictures of what the past two weeks have looked like...and they don't even include pictures of preschool, visits, speech testing, hockey games, a trip back to Sterling for me, or Friday morning church group. Whew! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJhpDHgQ4mZ1WBnm3O8lrYy1qf8vF8TIYFt8Q60etfhHEGom5aJZHhk__roN-2pzR2lT42f9_j00HBOKYE1khEBWL2jasaYCx0Jr0DuwspYAFe7KtNt9H-stdvTJg0MVNkWvTpySlabQ1/s1600/IMG_1103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJhpDHgQ4mZ1WBnm3O8lrYy1qf8vF8TIYFt8Q60etfhHEGom5aJZHhk__roN-2pzR2lT42f9_j00HBOKYE1khEBWL2jasaYCx0Jr0DuwspYAFe7KtNt9H-stdvTJg0MVNkWvTpySlabQ1/s400/IMG_1103.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie came over to play</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW926t6_it5bhorZjLw-GbRSi6XtjsYTdWCvCQL7gKDYS2NpzbXC1j4BlRDJLPWwmiQ4thV_FguWMoMe9jrBBqr2k-nVJWtLndEZj_-cFrQUeXMZhZonZtpIb2eeg91TWj4xEum0LQSfyD/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW926t6_it5bhorZjLw-GbRSi6XtjsYTdWCvCQL7gKDYS2NpzbXC1j4BlRDJLPWwmiQ4thV_FguWMoMe9jrBBqr2k-nVJWtLndEZj_-cFrQUeXMZhZonZtpIb2eeg91TWj4xEum0LQSfyD/s400/IMG_1116.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentines Day surprises!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgmgLV5H46FZnHspS6KL0bBOKUFhc34TgBIDAKdufKxyxTkg0MCWz-tWEC2zxqx6DOyOPJYIpCl3hyphenhyphen988Ozqjg6eJT-v63RAcW1fY6QAOPxCEWA2KTjMCme7OjavM0oB3Wx6-Aio-dTmg/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgmgLV5H46FZnHspS6KL0bBOKUFhc34TgBIDAKdufKxyxTkg0MCWz-tWEC2zxqx6DOyOPJYIpCl3hyphenhyphen988Ozqjg6eJT-v63RAcW1fY6QAOPxCEWA2KTjMCme7OjavM0oB3Wx6-Aio-dTmg/s400/IMG_1082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Bass Master magazine and telling me all about how Dustin is going to bring home the big trophy this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRmj5OWUNROiVpQKLno4j4w5lWbhb5SD8uUjxzQ-6dk7Z2dl-FRNkbVzbgxry-GAZCa_i6lbRiwvk3OCpALk4dcnv8U0uIcMhNGPr_BTu1TTo3gwYvlvC_-1hfnsExpkskcqZtBgx53al/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRmj5OWUNROiVpQKLno4j4w5lWbhb5SD8uUjxzQ-6dk7Z2dl-FRNkbVzbgxry-GAZCa_i6lbRiwvk3OCpALk4dcnv8U0uIcMhNGPr_BTu1TTo3gwYvlvC_-1hfnsExpkskcqZtBgx53al/s400/IMG_1036.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was our turn to provide snack at preschool. "M" wanted butterflies...so, butterflies she got.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYn6cm23T1KNlvOD-3MDWMhd5c4vTWCoJC-b-JI3SeI9zhrBipjWmFSiIg-xJkJApSR8fSq4lPFfP0RNoNkEt_C1neUUidypVicv40rODlgVe50vf_ZA-ArH63Ln70dQYlLlxPh0hkrt94/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYn6cm23T1KNlvOD-3MDWMhd5c4vTWCoJC-b-JI3SeI9zhrBipjWmFSiIg-xJkJApSR8fSq4lPFfP0RNoNkEt_C1neUUidypVicv40rODlgVe50vf_ZA-ArH63Ln70dQYlLlxPh0hkrt94/s400/IMG_1061.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance class! She is taking a combo class that includes ballet, tap, and gymnastics. She loves it!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSCBMqibowjUPKBW_1t3fTARJ-RYcL_773xIn6T7SsEj3fEp6R3HCSY0GG7TIWgwuUzGarTsGLIuEaO8Mv5NXVVbePNOhIiAbk_qHFxuvltbw-22r__nr-uQvmZEgHyH2MAkigDKfDkI3/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSCBMqibowjUPKBW_1t3fTARJ-RYcL_773xIn6T7SsEj3fEp6R3HCSY0GG7TIWgwuUzGarTsGLIuEaO8Mv5NXVVbePNOhIiAbk_qHFxuvltbw-22r__nr-uQvmZEgHyH2MAkigDKfDkI3/s400/IMG_1044.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdOFF6b9m3o930MOoJ7vh4gBPtdkjRhRM3gAUMT3bnjZ-W3Dk61G1BeFyQi8i61X4g0DDe2C2XK_0_ZmM_36a3BqJpv6fiXlA6wwPREFqbTKuMMJqgYSofxMZAiyvHqhFVOwoXz60q0-4/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdOFF6b9m3o930MOoJ7vh4gBPtdkjRhRM3gAUMT3bnjZ-W3Dk61G1BeFyQi8i61X4g0DDe2C2XK_0_ZmM_36a3BqJpv6fiXlA6wwPREFqbTKuMMJqgYSofxMZAiyvHqhFVOwoXz60q0-4/s400/IMG_1023.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a warm-ish day to go outside and burn off some energy on the Barbie bike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2Ukdln88jR6mNzA6-ZMxs_srqMHWpFosSdB8LxAY4EP279iFIngw025_DPb_C3hXgeP6TZ8OmYqO11Biyq6Thv0JHLa08caTsLvN_yejZ_nNesIiGBFkElo2q5jPsjNXuxUmwu7Lljzf/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2Ukdln88jR6mNzA6-ZMxs_srqMHWpFosSdB8LxAY4EP279iFIngw025_DPb_C3hXgeP6TZ8OmYqO11Biyq6Thv0JHLa08caTsLvN_yejZ_nNesIiGBFkElo2q5jPsjNXuxUmwu7Lljzf/s400/IMG_1003.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making brownies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicaeXnSt1GVXZqiSdeQl_ZSQ9dDjXOTvBB_OsLoSayWrbIwpplS5FXhnGlNSsiqYlY6J6T9AsOHz1nkQbDYBZ6d8w0RToNo9c7fFQl1xVpKb067qztr9y27wX_Gmc_CvRg6kkwFXqRDgD/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicaeXnSt1GVXZqiSdeQl_ZSQ9dDjXOTvBB_OsLoSayWrbIwpplS5FXhnGlNSsiqYlY6J6T9AsOHz1nkQbDYBZ6d8w0RToNo9c7fFQl1xVpKb067qztr9y27wX_Gmc_CvRg6kkwFXqRDgD/s400/IMG_1006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worked on our scissor skills and writing our name on her Valentines Day heart swag. </td></tr>
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All in all, a fun, but exhausting two weeks. I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend...and catching up on Downton Abbey.</div>
2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-71138716236953797142013-02-05T14:01:00.001-06:002013-02-05T14:01:47.254-06:00Dancing DivaLittle M loves to dance! She twirls around the kitchen (usually under my feet and on my last nerve) endlessly. Most people who meet her will at some point have to watch her dance for them as she says "Yook, watch me!" She is so full of energy....always. So, we signed her up for dance class!<br />
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We toured the Fort Wayne School of Dance the other night. Little M's eyes were as big as saucers. She had a smile on her face so big I thought it would split her cheeks. Her eyes twinkled and she tried to copy the big girls as they danced. She does not have an edit button (or an "inside" voice, really) so very loudly she kept exclaiming with overwhelming enthusiasm "Yook how pwetty! Yook at the bayawinas!" **On a side note, yes, speech class IS in our future!** <br />
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Today we went and bought her adorable little black leotard and skirt, tights, ballet shoes, and tap shoes. She's all ready for her first class tonight. She had a hard time falling asleep for her nap because she is so excited! All together this adventure has cost a small fortune but I just keep reminding myself that this may be the only opportunity she might have for something like this. And, if it makes her feel special, helps her develop socially/mentally/physically, and gives her a focus, can you really put a price on that?!? She's a shining star, she really is! <br />
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If you see me sometime in the future, ask to see pictures (I tend to have my camera everywhere I go) and I'll show you some snaps of little M on her first day of dance! 2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-87278945700256991172013-01-30T13:18:00.001-06:002013-01-30T13:18:19.663-06:00Another Step CloserIt's done. Its official. We did it. We submitted our application for embryo adoption from the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Now we hit our knees and pray that this works. (As if we weren't praying that already!) Here's hoping....2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-4039981639189213712013-01-16T13:21:00.000-06:002013-01-16T13:21:07.484-06:00The Whirling DervishLife in the Donovan household has been amped up by a whirling dervish in the form of 3 year old "M." "M" came to live with us last Monday. She is beautiful with her straw colored blond hair and blue eyes. And, she is FULL of energy! She is non-stop from the time she wakes up to the time she goes to bed. But, she sleeps very well (wouldn't you if you ran 110 miles an hour every waking minute?!?) and for that I am very thankful! <br />
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She is so much fun! She loves puzzles, and puppies, and anything PRINCESS! She can be a little bit of a picky eater but we have found that if you make whatever it is she doesn't like (applesauce, blue berry muffins, yogurt, etc) pink, she will gobble it right down! I'm not so sure how healthy it is for her to have the food coloring but, I figure its got to be less healthy than feeding her junk food, which she loves, for every meal, right? <br />
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She loves going to hockey games with me! We went to two this past weekend. She did a good job of sitting relatively still, and had her Strawberry Shortcake dolls all lined up on the ledge to watch the game with her. She got to meet Icy the Eagle (the mascot), which made her day. You should have heard her giggles when he kissed her hand! Her little voice (with her speech impediment) calling out "Lets go, Komets" is just too cute for words.<br />
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I laugh at how God brought this child to me and he even cared enough about the details to throw in a few that he knew would make me so happy:<br />
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* She takes 2-3 hour naps daily (I NEED my down time!)<br />
* She easily goes to bed at 8 PM for me (I was warned that would be a challenge)<br />
* She loves books and puzzles as much as I do. One of my favorite parts of the day is reading to her before bed!<br />
* She is a NEAT FREAK just like me! She makes her bed and cleans up her toys when she is done...without me telling her to.<br />
* She loves bath time and playing for hours in the tub! Literally...hours! I have to go in and add warm water for her. <br />
* She loves to snuggle! <br />
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She is such a good little girl. I have fallen head over heels in love with this one! It is a long-shot possibility that we may be able to adopt her eventually but if the day comes when I have to give her back....I'm going to be crushed! I wish I could post pictures so you could see just how much fun we have together (and just how stinkin cute she is!)2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-72909001380417680752012-12-18T12:31:00.001-06:002012-12-18T12:31:18.906-06:00Bad news for AUTOBAHNMy little dachshund doggie has been acting wierd. It's hard to really put a finger on what, exactly, he is doing strange, but he's just not himself. Then he started having seizures and tremors. We originally attributed it to the fact that our foster child was poisoning him (as we suspected and she later admitted to the police) but we soon learned that was not the case. In fact, her giving him copious amounts of chocolate may have actually been a good thing as it caused us to take Autobahn to the vet. <br />
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At the vet, they drew blood and ran some other tests. The bad news came on Saturday when the vet reviewed the results. The vet called to say that Auto had critically low Phosphorus levels. He said this is not caused by cheap food, chocolate poisoning, or anything else. In his research, the only thing he can find that leads to LOW (this is a very rare problem...usually, in both humans and dogs, the issue results with levels too HIGH) Phosphorus is Thyroid Cancer. Poor little Auto! He is truly his mommas baby! He's so friendly and lovable...everyone that comes to our house leaves with a new friend in Autobahn. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVBFoPcHsl-hKdiPX5EBf5qx0ABO-IYcDc-kKXb4mKfgEFPrqSo4Ucje_xKi86XkQjQFpTqzZ30shzdaNF4iyzFLeywcLis-EQyt05naaJjQD6DgXTcdwLrkguCTilczswfn-bM3LGU_S/s1600/IMG_1537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVBFoPcHsl-hKdiPX5EBf5qx0ABO-IYcDc-kKXb4mKfgEFPrqSo4Ucje_xKi86XkQjQFpTqzZ30shzdaNF4iyzFLeywcLis-EQyt05naaJjQD6DgXTcdwLrkguCTilczswfn-bM3LGU_S/s320/IMG_1537.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that cute mug!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJtT5FBJsiyPW4o5__T_9l8eScH16uga0iDcUDsRm1MLzk697tDhdNCei8z6t7zuJj-OSXy3vy1IsbRpzy0m9Q9j9RzsAI3lvvMAnC_1fioQwxh-rvffPsmJjjCz_kxvsRiHgoqzLem8S/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJtT5FBJsiyPW4o5__T_9l8eScH16uga0iDcUDsRm1MLzk697tDhdNCei8z6t7zuJj-OSXy3vy1IsbRpzy0m9Q9j9RzsAI3lvvMAnC_1fioQwxh-rvffPsmJjjCz_kxvsRiHgoqzLem8S/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome boy...with devil eyes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWdaASwjP08Cf027WdTAH4RGHSqr9mQVBjHYE8zK3nkqXCYk4ZJUXXhOpg9zH2rh1BBTKKQMVm08sQg3GebOs0rwDVytVVeBle4xtu3kE8v0x5NcTrZehPysEvxE1d7mqJm4iHsSy6J8g/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWdaASwjP08Cf027WdTAH4RGHSqr9mQVBjHYE8zK3nkqXCYk4ZJUXXhOpg9zH2rh1BBTKKQMVm08sQg3GebOs0rwDVytVVeBle4xtu3kE8v0x5NcTrZehPysEvxE1d7mqJm4iHsSy6J8g/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you can't find Auto, look under blankets. He loves to snuggle down and cover himself up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8Yq2p4RQD5aNmfI4CEfh4ERbcoViw-sCbw3gGJUlwEesG8okyFVWeJPUJLBlEcWL4mgZ3PsmE7tX-uA_0VtL-KSVYTjVbouRmar0b0QouvqlDN2VmYr2nIWgJdoJ06Z0_5T7H5JrSchq/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8Yq2p4RQD5aNmfI4CEfh4ERbcoViw-sCbw3gGJUlwEesG8okyFVWeJPUJLBlEcWL4mgZ3PsmE7tX-uA_0VtL-KSVYTjVbouRmar0b0QouvqlDN2VmYr2nIWgJdoJ06Z0_5T7H5JrSchq/s320/IMG_1373.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening his Christmas gift</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPXEjs7ZskHROxzPEZEYgBbf3aGE_xWRC7-UOXtllC1wBu44dcTtNmD-ytKg52G0efmoiegelc9djj7DCSgAsSd1MIulKdS7-97385HZ6rFPgXxF0whScJQvq25vSlZNEYvBXr-OK-eXM/s1600/IMG_20120416_122023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPXEjs7ZskHROxzPEZEYgBbf3aGE_xWRC7-UOXtllC1wBu44dcTtNmD-ytKg52G0efmoiegelc9djj7DCSgAsSd1MIulKdS7-97385HZ6rFPgXxF0whScJQvq25vSlZNEYvBXr-OK-eXM/s320/IMG_20120416_122023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of his favorite things is to go camping with us. The few times we have went without him, he got so upset as we loaded the camper and he wasn't in it. Here he is relaxing after a long day spent sniffing through the woods and trails.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrzMclN9rK6W53YxEWY3OhUs9duhNSgiS74n8C8FTfV7vKra-5Yuh-HIb109Wl9ezYUPzjf2rLvfu7bhSFWc0J6LYxH3aq0zJVNEZjejS1PtiRpVzGv-V_v86cmRk2Ph19f4rmCi1blQ7/s1600/IMG_20120503_124111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrzMclN9rK6W53YxEWY3OhUs9duhNSgiS74n8C8FTfV7vKra-5Yuh-HIb109Wl9ezYUPzjf2rLvfu7bhSFWc0J6LYxH3aq0zJVNEZjejS1PtiRpVzGv-V_v86cmRk2Ph19f4rmCi1blQ7/s320/IMG_20120503_124111.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auto loves popsicles</td></tr>
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We started Auto on new Phosporous building meds this weekend. He goes back to the vet in two weeks for another blood draw to see if there is any improvement. Dr. Miller said there is not much we can do if it IS cancer, just keep him comfortable as it spreads or gets worse. So, as silly as some of you probably find this, I'm asking if you would please pray for healing in my little buddy Autobahn! Thank you!2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-83891892317263035472012-12-18T08:48:00.000-06:002012-12-18T08:48:20.070-06:00Ugly Sweater IIIWell, lets try this again..... The conclusion to the Ugly Sweater night!<br />
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First game of the night: the Banana Thrust game. Contestants were to tie a banana to their belt and roll an orange across the finish line for the win. This game was not limited to males, but for some reason the men all thought they would excell at this and volunteered. Chris (in the middle) won the game with a loud shout of "It's all in the hips, men!"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul, Carl, and Chris in action</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The next game required contestants to wear pantyhose with a ball in one leg on their head. The original plan was that they had to swing the ball to knock down little army men. However, I didn't think to try it prior to the game and quickly learned that the army men would not stay standing. We improvised with them rolling the orange again.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to Mandy, Maria, Trent, and Renai for playing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the pantyhose SAID they were the same size but we suspect Mandys were mislabeled. The legs on hers touched the ground!</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">WINNER! Trent!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This game was followed by a drawing game that everyone participated in, many games of Pictionary, and Flippy Cup in the barn.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carl was the over all winner of the night! He won the<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <strong>UGLY SWEATER award</strong></span> AND the <span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>BLOGGERS CHOICE award</strong></span>! His name was added to the pot of the ugly little Christmas tree trophy</span>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A little musical entertainment in the barn</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNLJuFjcpFUZ3egXfCbQAByrQUsT9ht2bUnE_5HAnIDpTuw-PLujhkFkDXbzbFSUkEXJVda1r4uTu1vjJrvvLhzN_FOdDBZocfQfOn3S5a9OYQ_msGoPxeSKRwM6pjBor0bTYVgASSnjN/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNLJuFjcpFUZ3egXfCbQAByrQUsT9ht2bUnE_5HAnIDpTuw-PLujhkFkDXbzbFSUkEXJVda1r4uTu1vjJrvvLhzN_FOdDBZocfQfOn3S5a9OYQ_msGoPxeSKRwM6pjBor0bTYVgASSnjN/s400/IMG_0638.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where else do you enjoy a concert? In a boat, of course!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauJH-T8o-GguXQmvx_ajWoyR0pB29_hphRUSXe2nStaCDlJe9NqsC7CqgxbbFFwSzKzKAsIZOSi7jxlXHuiOmr-4km8PcBxSFDB7TdZOm0AyCsm0Ay3pSNT4EH2nTWQihXcjVyuN26EDk/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauJH-T8o-GguXQmvx_ajWoyR0pB29_hphRUSXe2nStaCDlJe9NqsC7CqgxbbFFwSzKzKAsIZOSi7jxlXHuiOmr-4km8PcBxSFDB7TdZOm0AyCsm0Ay3pSNT4EH2nTWQihXcjVyuN26EDk/s400/IMG_0640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All in all, a GREAT night! Can't wait to host it again next year! </span></div>
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-30382773060077144032012-12-16T09:13:00.000-06:002012-12-16T09:13:29.352-06:00ADOPTION UPDATEMany of you know that we have been going back and forth on the idea of adopting. Its something we WANT to do but it just seems so scary. For those of you who do not know, we have been considering an Embryo Adoption. I know this is a bit controversial in some ways, I know there are many arguments for adopting a living child rather than an embryo, I know that some of you will not agree with this. I know its risky; the odds of it working aren't that great. But, it appears that this will be the only way that I can ever carry a child and to experience child birth. And really, if you are of the mind frame that abortion is wrong, and life begins at conception, than how can you be against embryo adoption? Those embryos are children, too! Hopefully one of them will be MY child! <br />
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So, with both excitement and fear, we are embarking on a new adventure. We will be adopting thru the National Embryo Donation Center in Tennessee. This will require two trips to Knoxville, which will be a little tricky to maneuver with Dustin's work schedule, but we will make it work! <br />
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This is not an inexpensive adventure. Seeing how EA is not a traditional adoption, we do not qualify for any type of adoption assistance, tax credits, grants, etc... So the cost of this is completely on us. In an attempt to afford this, we are making some big changes in our household:<br />
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*Dropping our satellite<br />
*Lowering our cell phone plans<br />
*Cutting out many of our numerous family vacations<br />
*Hopefully selling our camper this spring (for those of you who know me, you know this is probably the hardest one for me!!)<br />
* Goals of paying off our vehicles soon and putting that money towards our child<br />
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While I am not working a traditional job outside the home (so that I can raise our foster children) I AM now a consultant with Gold Canyon and Thirty-one gifts. My goal for these "jobs" is to put every cent I earn into our adoption fund! So, if you would consider hosting a show for either (or both) of these companies, that would greatly help me out! Thirty-one has their new spring products available in January and a GREAT January host special right now: as a host, you get DOUBLE the hosting dollars! The new 31 products are really neat: lots of new organizing products and in new bright and cheerful patterns. I'll post more about this in a few days and will include links to both my websites. Please just consider hosting in the next few months. Its a win/win: you get great products for free or at a discount and I get money towards my adoption goal!<br />
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Thanks for following along on our journey with us. Your prayers and thoughts are much appreciated! <br />
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**Any of you who have experience with EA, I would love to hear from you. I'd love to hear your stories and also any financial tips you may have**2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-80747225674729195062012-12-16T08:53:00.003-06:002012-12-16T08:53:57.156-06:00Ugly Sweater II<div style="text-align: center;">
***Take note: the voting for the Bloggers Choice ugly sweater award will close tomorrow, Monday, the 17th. Please take the time to vote before then ***</div>
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I had planned on posting more pictures from our Ugly Sweater party but I have now attempted this blog post probably 4 times and for some reason I cannot upload the pictures :( </div>
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I'll keep trying.</div>
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-19861799712548862702012-12-11T17:00:00.000-06:002012-12-12T07:15:28.922-06:00Bloggers Choice Award: YOUR UGLY VOTES NEEDED!<span style="font-size: large;">This past Friday night was our annual Ugly Sweater party. So much fun! I can't speak for everyone else who attended, but I can say for myself that I HAD A BLAST!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have decided to do something a little different this year: I'm going to let YOU vote too. We did hand out awards at the party (I'll do a post about that in a couple days with more party pics as well) but I'm adding a BLOGGERS CHOICE award based on your votes! So, check 'em out...and vote in the comment section, please. Pass this on to your friends...the more votes the better the prize ;0)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHNmQbnbgvvVgUDjsGpziuR-Doc8Fk769jNrqTtdOIG7GgHFCVFiK79cgIfRphTQLBVnrYjVkdKbvNdHWhFlEFMg7KnxWAB2jQ5e3uhl2Vf0DN2j_OCl-euPCZtto_npRqlIk3AgOXTtd/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHNmQbnbgvvVgUDjsGpziuR-Doc8Fk769jNrqTtdOIG7GgHFCVFiK79cgIfRphTQLBVnrYjVkdKbvNdHWhFlEFMg7KnxWAB2jQ5e3uhl2Vf0DN2j_OCl-euPCZtto_npRqlIk3AgOXTtd/s400/IMG_0590.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">JULIE put a lot of time into her <strong>"bow sweater"</strong> and spent the evening not being able to sit down or lean back on anything for fear of losing or smashing all the bows in the back. A+ for effort!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2u2yrs07NHrqkbmFkPuxpQyYYWOIzkHQ23kbimqobJMYkHrb3gGkD6xcRzAHUgJrnqY0cjP_DJVozk13__xHV57K3CM6ahEW-VzbaQFFfoxcEX5OKTaMSxvz1AoQPJtQeGAJHVpqj1Dv/s1600/IMG_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2u2yrs07NHrqkbmFkPuxpQyYYWOIzkHQ23kbimqobJMYkHrb3gGkD6xcRzAHUgJrnqY0cjP_DJVozk13__xHV57K3CM6ahEW-VzbaQFFfoxcEX5OKTaMSxvz1AoQPJtQeGAJHVpqj1Dv/s400/IMG_0598.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">CARL is sporting the <strong>lovely, three sizes too small, sweater vest that LIGHTS UP</strong> and is <strong>complete with personal touches</strong>. (See below) LORIN is wearing the <strong>American Dream</strong>, which includes apple pie, baseball, flags, and corn on the cob.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pClMu7bBmPdb3df58JNVbNaK7WT_NiAF3KL_Rzhu8EkfPmdA1MiWsNxWS_2_tMS2V0L6L2bdj35jZJhxEmutQPCxG5ez1ec6IZqDEJNsj86SOAqw8Ath-2ZG7OuZgumacLMh0H90t1JM/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pClMu7bBmPdb3df58JNVbNaK7WT_NiAF3KL_Rzhu8EkfPmdA1MiWsNxWS_2_tMS2V0L6L2bdj35jZJhxEmutQPCxG5ez1ec6IZqDEJNsj86SOAqw8Ath-2ZG7OuZgumacLMh0H90t1JM/s400/IMG_0599.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The back of CARL's vest. It <strong>lights up</strong> and <strong>someone (who knows who) took the time to cut out what we can only assume were their family members faces and added them to the tree as ornaments.</strong> See the little white circles? Those are pictures. We assume the cows were not family members....or were in-laws</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiXU5ANb-pN1voQSinJ57oxtDBoqscNEaF549iErHWd8CRr-rJYlLkcudDcFd6UI0NmzXrrQcO__PHuZp22MBEgnhBuUFhQZXw0BiMJNNmXvbTIUFoSx9OnMr-gMJUy43MYhDb8c4GvMv/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiXU5ANb-pN1voQSinJ57oxtDBoqscNEaF549iErHWd8CRr-rJYlLkcudDcFd6UI0NmzXrrQcO__PHuZp22MBEgnhBuUFhQZXw0BiMJNNmXvbTIUFoSx9OnMr-gMJUy43MYhDb8c4GvMv/s400/IMG_0601.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">JEREMY and MARIA in their great get-ups. Jeremy's was even complete with <strong>Christmas stockings for shoes</strong>. Check out both of their <strong>Christmas pants</strong>! Maria's has <strong>multicolored starbursts</strong> embroidered all over. They go with the Christmas colored <strong>jeweled belt</strong>. These two have such a great sense of humor!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtchRX4E0cS4D-MqFy8nFn4TS94VPqffbgKr2dlkq5fMIzZVUyaFFgnevmh1NYNZGTan4uzSjA5AfY4zcttptA179iYXP1PnUO9RkO9Q7HLamuuTo2UOCMQbAoZgwZQxPMotiWB9Ye3Z7J/s1600/IMG_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtchRX4E0cS4D-MqFy8nFn4TS94VPqffbgKr2dlkq5fMIzZVUyaFFgnevmh1NYNZGTan4uzSjA5AfY4zcttptA179iYXP1PnUO9RkO9Q7HLamuuTo2UOCMQbAoZgwZQxPMotiWB9Ye3Z7J/s400/IMG_0602.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">MANDY came dressed as a <strong>Christmas tree.</strong> She certainly wins the award for enthusiasm, as she entered the house singing "OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE..."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4jhi0NzBRAfspG770femu8Uoa58MUrIQbgeLXzKPh9bgLghPFHXfKIm4FJJL5j6YP9fdPNmXsk_u_lSaMaGeIays67DDLqP2T0es7-MDZjoDEFIX1yOB6azO4HRFwuByopKIPm9eRSqO/s1600/IMG_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4jhi0NzBRAfspG770femu8Uoa58MUrIQbgeLXzKPh9bgLghPFHXfKIm4FJJL5j6YP9fdPNmXsk_u_lSaMaGeIays67DDLqP2T0es7-MDZjoDEFIX1yOB6azO4HRFwuByopKIPm9eRSqO/s400/IMG_0605.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">PAUL and CAREY</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Carey's sweater also <strong>lights up</strong>. She <strong>spent hours shoving little</strong> <strong>lights thru the front</strong> to light up the tree on the front. She also sported a matching <strong>Christmas tree watch</strong>!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPRI8l6S9hAryOo29QYx9G-gaH3IaDoQ-lRgmeBnD_XYXUDmW3Pgd4M-Z5ewNKUBEdk-BVtg4S6AuLWKvBiwQhPvBWcJFmiNYYrFb2qSafcgUsoJe1WnIKFQgV41gOtSzODRkYhSAXABW/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPRI8l6S9hAryOo29QYx9G-gaH3IaDoQ-lRgmeBnD_XYXUDmW3Pgd4M-Z5ewNKUBEdk-BVtg4S6AuLWKvBiwQhPvBWcJFmiNYYrFb2qSafcgUsoJe1WnIKFQgV41gOtSzODRkYhSAXABW/s400/IMG_0607.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">CHRIS and SHEA were looking grand in their Christmas pretties. I love the <strong>"matching" ties</strong>!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRmyvNiC9UKNe_8BuaH1CT1dvyvH5KDYf3uu_abmvSUZ-MB88r1ksHQjRjGVi-spV9HByf6y11OLxu7tAZ9_sg48k7QSk9NmK70hM0tRni_yJ7CMpTR_dvcfFwTp8z-JXwvnZ4U6UeR50/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRmyvNiC9UKNe_8BuaH1CT1dvyvH5KDYf3uu_abmvSUZ-MB88r1ksHQjRjGVi-spV9HByf6y11OLxu7tAZ9_sg48k7QSk9NmK70hM0tRni_yJ7CMpTR_dvcfFwTp8z-JXwvnZ4U6UeR50/s400/IMG_0608.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">JERRY and RACHEL</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jerry's shirt <strong>matched his thoughts</strong> on the contest. Rachel was all decked out...from her sparkly <strong>earrings</strong>, to her <strong>belt</strong>, to her <strong>bracelet</strong>! LOVE THE ENTHUSIASM!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFjvYTGErFgn2NQ7h449Oc7UHzFIZlGcul3v1dWsmBmcgxocBYPUQZVeK-BLgd1NFRa-WrMBfB3siRbf8ZJ9yFFLB-ill5xQBneR7x4dQkzKx6m42Kpz-oAr1iOwbK8VK4pN4sIjk6B4v/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFjvYTGErFgn2NQ7h449Oc7UHzFIZlGcul3v1dWsmBmcgxocBYPUQZVeK-BLgd1NFRa-WrMBfB3siRbf8ZJ9yFFLB-ill5xQBneR7x4dQkzKx6m42Kpz-oAr1iOwbK8VK4pN4sIjk6B4v/s400/IMG_0609.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">KERMIT and RENAI</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love that Kermit's sweater is <strong>borrowed from his neighbor lady</strong>! What a trooper to make that effort! Renai accessorised with an <strong>adorable hat</strong>!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eRkp9vrDuas5YJ4GAX6qUi9VCGzvS_kGQ6tiS28IR2bBl3e9f1XAWZ3ZUjvQQgBMDsimO3pTM3WVLKR5i3QvthjPdciURQh3Fu5uVIFhH-8AAOq5NCBcFwGY3OEGQHajeF7CglSE9OIn/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eRkp9vrDuas5YJ4GAX6qUi9VCGzvS_kGQ6tiS28IR2bBl3e9f1XAWZ3ZUjvQQgBMDsimO3pTM3WVLKR5i3QvthjPdciURQh3Fu5uVIFhH-8AAOq5NCBcFwGY3OEGQHajeF7CglSE9OIn/s400/IMG_0610.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">MICHAEL and CRISTY</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can never</span> <span style="font-size: large;">go wrong with a <strong>sweater</strong></span><strong> </strong><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>vest</strong> and a <strong>log cabin</strong> with <strong>lights</strong> all over! Sure to be warn again :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRXgCB5GOkEuc2aKDlM4X1tu8oiPPQ9H8p8zL_7ry8f3IDFXoJcFbH0CENf1pWvp6UbnYoZM4akKTvB26QrzVJTs5iMGCTDbYjsmqyzhlSa-aWMhHmBDrTpfxufniY2InVzfr-R31BgQM/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRXgCB5GOkEuc2aKDlM4X1tu8oiPPQ9H8p8zL_7ry8f3IDFXoJcFbH0CENf1pWvp6UbnYoZM4akKTvB26QrzVJTs5iMGCTDbYjsmqyzhlSa-aWMhHmBDrTpfxufniY2InVzfr-R31BgQM/s400/IMG_0612.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">TONY and LORETTA</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tony says the sweater may be ugly, but it is actually very <strong>comfortable</strong>. I love the Loretta is sporting a <strong>coordinating scarf and earrings!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LpYqha_dzwFA9iZ2qKDL5lNOOjPTTsN4sCsl2LnSywXyTyEVfL0JS58aVvHbSxLYnkapiawUqrQN4go-b7PeOrVwmhUwxebGO_FZvHfLv3ZAcItfL6sJxJfFIUt_I7GFhnSWBdR8xfwQ/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LpYqha_dzwFA9iZ2qKDL5lNOOjPTTsN4sCsl2LnSywXyTyEVfL0JS58aVvHbSxLYnkapiawUqrQN4go-b7PeOrVwmhUwxebGO_FZvHfLv3ZAcItfL6sJxJfFIUt_I7GFhnSWBdR8xfwQ/s400/IMG_0624.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">PHIL and LISA</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lisa is <strong>head-to-toe gingerbread</strong>. Literally. Even her socks, turtleneck, and earrings! WOW! Phil is sporting the snowman sweater with pride. His <strong>homemade snowman belt buckle</strong> is classic and ingenious!</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmfUhgOB3pzb2T_coyB_0_cVCfkrJAw3EjOeHcOTIH__qC7570mWyf0obPygbMh4rQlIh16F0UuMgkn-4-aMP7BcIeK2pKcGTzjiRZktQSbsGpNpRHin8LEQF6yt0R_98744QZbDJxNbV/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmfUhgOB3pzb2T_coyB_0_cVCfkrJAw3EjOeHcOTIH__qC7570mWyf0obPygbMh4rQlIh16F0UuMgkn-4-aMP7BcIeK2pKcGTzjiRZktQSbsGpNpRHin8LEQF6yt0R_98744QZbDJxNbV/s400/IMG_0591.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first and last time I wear <strong>leg</strong></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>warmers</strong>! Note that said leg warmers are actually the sleeves from my sweater. :0) Dustin is looking HOT in the lovely, <strong>handmade, latch hook tree skirt circa 1972</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzB2a3hRaf9jsOHHnWH0sg6TM9rp8kpL2_15ToUZcvKNfUl9K_lJY68Jn4GBNc-YirSVUXIGrvJerV9LoXqApzN8B8uw4xoIIqOr6Vl4IGYk3L8uS8B-p65xxZJGAsQ4LWFVNKHzliZlE/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzB2a3hRaf9jsOHHnWH0sg6TM9rp8kpL2_15ToUZcvKNfUl9K_lJY68Jn4GBNc-YirSVUXIGrvJerV9LoXqApzN8B8uw4xoIIqOr6Vl4IGYk3L8uS8B-p65xxZJGAsQ4LWFVNKHzliZlE/s320/IMG_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's too bad our Christmas cards are completed for the year. You may be seeing this again next year....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjtQxLw1f5rzypYWTtW58gdeIHDsQ3DKchvtaPlOu6R1G8NDEfTXPL2yFhaK1Ubz-QdJFYHKaEOWfHYxuSOasKRtPmdxk4uH-V1R_FY-tXSoL5IaFu-QuqiyMGT-9xIps1thIS6imkpLw/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjtQxLw1f5rzypYWTtW58gdeIHDsQ3DKchvtaPlOu6R1G8NDEfTXPL2yFhaK1Ubz-QdJFYHKaEOWfHYxuSOasKRtPmdxk4uH-V1R_FY-tXSoL5IaFu-QuqiyMGT-9xIps1thIS6imkpLw/s320/IMG_0595.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This picture looks full of love. If you could hear the photographer, you would be laughing as you hear her yelling at him "Kiss her! Kiss your wife! Oh come on...you can do better than that!" So funny!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdPhb_NJnCPHgPOFjvvVtrgKkckgRviEXBrZfF_tGBW_4AJfSSx7t9im85Z4ZqDi_M9SuRHcpl6oLclFY0ej8Ms0P8cUQwpl3MShRAvVx0AeCW7RvrcvwOgeMGs1vPcbhF2AmwJ_HJRc9/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdPhb_NJnCPHgPOFjvvVtrgKkckgRviEXBrZfF_tGBW_4AJfSSx7t9im85Z4ZqDi_M9SuRHcpl6oLclFY0ej8Ms0P8cUQwpl3MShRAvVx0AeCW7RvrcvwOgeMGs1vPcbhF2AmwJ_HJRc9/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">CAITLIN</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This <strong>sweater and glitter fuzzy shirt</strong> combo are SNOW much fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So....let the voting begin! I'm so excited to see who you choose!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will post more pictures and also the winners from the party (and this contest) in my next post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!</span><br />
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-83136114216913824082012-12-05T13:59:00.000-06:002012-12-05T13:59:29.443-06:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
Life here has been a little (more) hectic than usual this past week. We were placed with a new foster child on Thursday of last week and have spent time doing the typical "first week of fostering" things. This includes: buying her clothes, shoes, school supplies, registerring her for school, discussing with her the expectations of her behavior while she is here, case meetings, Dr's appointments, etc..</div>
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This little girl has a very sad story (don't they all!?!) and, according to her therapist, really needs to be shown love. So, I decided that our little Christmas tree that usually is naked (other than lights) would be decorated. By us. With homemade ornaments. **SIGH** </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGzfqhHqZ8aoi31QmuM3ENd6YCxt0-nDHf2vC6_OAzopo0cCOpW6i1xqVZIOD74Y2lg7he5dZqJAX6XYK3Li_wt5eoD7ifxsJAKNtBjj4EXSao9Dz76NT1xq_P4HV_EUhMfiFjNzfK-km/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGzfqhHqZ8aoi31QmuM3ENd6YCxt0-nDHf2vC6_OAzopo0cCOpW6i1xqVZIOD74Y2lg7he5dZqJAX6XYK3Li_wt5eoD7ifxsJAKNtBjj4EXSao9Dz76NT1xq_P4HV_EUhMfiFjNzfK-km/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting them out after measuring out all the ingredients herself. She doubled that batch and I helped her figure out the measurments.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGzMe2MQrrTmcjo4wHwCkBwl-IoMfEHANvZ9dF_05slDHmkm_g5joPXXpD0nC_M8axLVM1AML5v8bJ7CZ1QNP6LBkLl71OkhN3htm_egO3WwKTe-QU9aAbGc_ikSy2hKDjf3rQixujeQV/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGzMe2MQrrTmcjo4wHwCkBwl-IoMfEHANvZ9dF_05slDHmkm_g5joPXXpD0nC_M8axLVM1AML5v8bJ7CZ1QNP6LBkLl71OkhN3htm_egO3WwKTe-QU9aAbGc_ikSy2hKDjf3rQixujeQV/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching them bake. I wish I could show you her face so you could see how cute she is.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y0Pc9f3KX2-zrFo27gu-8dAU8fG4QN_QIPDpGrc3t9VmuScGk7eSTznhtSDBS3J6rVOu_cX1qrQ-MWWhjSNpdSEX6NF4zVtGMqXHArxlgMpwMJSPA4DbqZY5gM_c9V3-WdZTzUm2-_6O/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y0Pc9f3KX2-zrFo27gu-8dAU8fG4QN_QIPDpGrc3t9VmuScGk7eSTznhtSDBS3J6rVOu_cX1qrQ-MWWhjSNpdSEX6NF4zVtGMqXHArxlgMpwMJSPA4DbqZY5gM_c9V3-WdZTzUm2-_6O/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibprEdrGiVs_IRR28g-4E-QvWLS6D8O68JHJCPAOs6314b2CiZPFm1cTHS3fEhjUFx06npOwa2YuawnQ0sZAKUy8nbFHMCtrg97v1_5F4Nrh0CXV7x7jsnN5vBvq6Wmx9BM2bfc7pYepy/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibprEdrGiVs_IRR28g-4E-QvWLS6D8O68JHJCPAOs6314b2CiZPFm1cTHS3fEhjUFx06npOwa2YuawnQ0sZAKUy8nbFHMCtrg97v1_5F4Nrh0CXV7x7jsnN5vBvq6Wmx9BM2bfc7pYepy/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting her ornaments</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ug6npc1BWSWDpsa6cE2BUDwKWKv-ByFgNECkrcbD0s4mmimWWvOgVo1C_8OT0V_T861z_wJFG0C8tsPAJ1iWldUxPCwGA1M9bJiFO_ZUCeMNK9uR_Kb-pPywxY1E-fuBecRl-Vijrh9B/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ug6npc1BWSWDpsa6cE2BUDwKWKv-ByFgNECkrcbD0s4mmimWWvOgVo1C_8OT0V_T861z_wJFG0C8tsPAJ1iWldUxPCwGA1M9bJiFO_ZUCeMNK9uR_Kb-pPywxY1E-fuBecRl-Vijrh9B/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished ornaments</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlgjy3vh058fC_Y_D8k-1e_rvCRok5Ahbe9dEIYpFmCtqqIuiyb1ULmksBHiF-Fjp76xAUM9mM5q4NGFqiNJX0suQ0gHpDKAo_IQLmWqashWgXLbWZ2GlZeopOx3qKvEFx7wVeoDHSXKZ/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlgjy3vh058fC_Y_D8k-1e_rvCRok5Ahbe9dEIYpFmCtqqIuiyb1ULmksBHiF-Fjp76xAUM9mM5q4NGFqiNJX0suQ0gHpDKAo_IQLmWqashWgXLbWZ2GlZeopOx3qKvEFx7wVeoDHSXKZ/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta-dah! <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">All in all, even though it was a huge project that took ALL DAY, I think she really enjoyed it! A fun bonding experience for us.</span></td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1634746406"></span><span id="goog_1634746407"></span><br />2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-34438052484630003632012-11-29T07:22:00.003-06:002012-11-29T07:22:55.204-06:00Baby B photo bomb session<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the hi-lights of the past few weeks has been trips to visit Ty, Janna, and baby B! I love that little girl! So, let me share some of my favorite pictures from my times with Baby B.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2F5ZPNk1QoFm7IcfP_lkE4JqN-Ma9rxgGhZ5Y_exN5CncxueoyJ-NLMi-j_nwemZkR77LvdHP6WlUzigno0hiKUKluxRbSjNNqfUlzetoDmvAXCLq2CXtBQ-3ePXay1wHFAFRNSuBs017/s1600/bex9.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2F5ZPNk1QoFm7IcfP_lkE4JqN-Ma9rxgGhZ5Y_exN5CncxueoyJ-NLMi-j_nwemZkR77LvdHP6WlUzigno0hiKUKluxRbSjNNqfUlzetoDmvAXCLq2CXtBQ-3ePXay1wHFAFRNSuBs017/s320/bex9.2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still in the NICU here but I had to post a picture of her halloween costume I bought her. Have you ever seen a cuter lady bug?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby B finally got to go home after 75 days in the NICU! A happy day for all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is so cute watching mom with B. She's a proud grandma!</td></tr>
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Can't wait to see what the future brings for her!</div>
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-28972599614596683152012-11-29T07:07:00.000-06:002012-11-29T07:07:49.679-06:00The only thing CONSTANT is CHANGEWell, life has been the usual whirlwind in the Donovan household the past month. And, of course, I'm late on blogging about it! So, let me quickly bring you up to speed. This is a lengthy one so I highlighted some parts to speed it up for you, if you are in a rush. :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple weeks ago we said a sad and tearful goodbye to our two foster girls. They had been with us for 6 months. The physical act of saying goodbye was even harder than I thought it would be.</span> "R" was sobbing, hugging me and refusing to let go. She cried from the time we left our house and all the way thru Fort Wayne to where we met their Dad. It broke my heart. "A" was a little more excited to be back with her dad and didn't have such a hard time. Driving away while sobbing was a little challenging. But, I'm tough, and by the time I returned to our house I had pulled it together. All part of the job, right?!<br />
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We had such good times with A and R: the Marv Stieglitz retreat in Portage, swimming in Lake Michigan, trips to the ocean in Hilton Head, S.C with my family, summer swimming, bike rides, camping trips, VBS, first day of school, birthdays, a lemonade stand, and day dates (ice cream, movies, putt putt as rewards for good behavior...not all the same day). Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of hard and trying times, too, but the good outweighs the bad. We miss those girls a lot. Our house seems so empty now. I had to laugh at the fact that when they were here, we couldn't wait for them to go to bed at night so we could have a few hours to ourselves. Now, we have all day to ourselves....and we are bored. Life is funny!<br />
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We've gotten to talk to A and R once on the phone since then. We've also played phone tag quite a bit so hopefully we will be able to connect again soon. Please continue to pray for them, and their family. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving with my family in Ohio this year.</span> This is the first time in 5 years I have been able to spend a holiday with my family and it was so sweet! (In years past, my job would not allow me time off for holidays) We went to church that morning to thank our Lord for all he has provided, yet again. Then, we of course had a wonderful meal full of all the fixins you could think of for a Thanksgiving meal. Picture a Norman Rockwell type meal. Ha! After dinner several took naps and then the games ensued! It was just so fun to spend the day with cousins and friends, laughing and enjoying each other. I have missed that for so many years, and often feel like an outsider now when I go "home" to visit, but this was just the holiday I needed.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Now on to OUR BIG NEWS! Today, we have a new child moving in with us.</span></strong> She is 11 years old. She has a history of having A LOT of psychological problems. I'll admit I am VERY FEARFUL about this! Honestly, I don't know that we are the right home for her. I'm not known for my tact or patience. I struggle with control issues and, apparently, so does she. This should be......fun? PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR US AND FOR HER! We are trusting that God has brought her to us for a reason, even if we don't understand what that is right now. And, the kicker of it is, we have been pinching pennies and cutting costs where ever we can because we are preparing to attempt an embryo adoption...and now this girl is a foster to adopt child. This means that they are in the process of terminating her mothers rights and we will have the option to adopt her, if we choose. Believe me, I am praying fervently about this. I want a baby! Do I give up my dream of a baby for this child? I'm trusting God to work in my heart and to lead me in the right direction, even if it hurts.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Now here's my shameless plug for business: in an attempt to earn some extra money towards our adoption, I have started selling Gold Canyon candles/products. Would you please consider hosting an in-home, catalog, or on-line show to</span> <span style="font-size: large;">support</span> <span style="font-size: large;">me?</span></strong> There are many benefits to hosting: earning free and discounted items, a night with friends, laughter, good food, yummy smells..... FUN, right?! If you are interested in hosting, please just contact me and we will work things out. If you host an in-home show, you will probably get to meet our new daughter, M, as I would probably bring her with me.<br />
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WHEW! Thanks for reading thru this lengthy post; kudos to you for making it to the end! I'm windy. Have a great day, y'all. I'm off to prepare for M to come to us this afternoon. 2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-50007253893774586252012-10-10T21:55:00.000-05:002012-10-10T21:55:10.283-05:00I'm an AUNT!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Baby Bex has arrived!</span> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">I've been putting off blogging about this because I did not want to "steal T & J's thunder." But, it's now been almost 6 weeks since she was born so I'm guessing anyone who is reading this, and knows my brother, already knows. So now I can post and brag and preen and tell the world just how cute she is! </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">I've only gotten to see her twice, and hold her once, but she is just awesome! She came into the world 12 weeks early but has been doing really well. She is still in the NICU but will hopefully be coming home in the next few weeks. I can't wait to see her again!</span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: small;">The very proud mom and dad doing kangaroo care with baby Bexleigh Piper</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: small;">She's ready to hit the slopes</span>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: small;">Such a precious peanut!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: small;">Proud aunt and uncle the first time we met her</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: small;">she is still being fed thru a feeding tube for now</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrabIg-McAOk018mnBpe9aFhM_qWfmUsWrV0UtRDIvMZXivKhtSqOxcj6WHqP1-iMp8Dddnbjv99vnFJlhSxCHHRpd3crejpvB_T8AFwshgwUl15xr2Rh9OqzabCLC0Fv4kqSiaImSzRKL/s1600/20121008_212501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #d9d2e9;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrabIg-McAOk018mnBpe9aFhM_qWfmUsWrV0UtRDIvMZXivKhtSqOxcj6WHqP1-iMp8Dddnbjv99vnFJlhSxCHHRpd3crejpvB_T8AFwshgwUl15xr2Rh9OqzabCLC0Fv4kqSiaImSzRKL/s320/20121008_212501.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">She's up to 4 lbs, 15 oz's here</span>. <span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Thats very good, considerring what she started at</span>!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;">T and J changing diapers. They do so well with her!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYrZ-Y-taSSLi9vkutiM2ZK0FZX5eg21jkC6zM27icckTdvpYGQjES0scoYNb78naYaCUYVYh_INyutNWeDSciwZi2SsoKgo2sxnDGud7Q_bYOZ7cx1vtfxQrernH-NFHi2PyH7d7MKib/s1600/IMG_20120922_162234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYrZ-Y-taSSLi9vkutiM2ZK0FZX5eg21jkC6zM27icckTdvpYGQjES0scoYNb78naYaCUYVYh_INyutNWeDSciwZi2SsoKgo2sxnDGud7Q_bYOZ7cx1vtfxQrernH-NFHi2PyH7d7MKib/s320/IMG_20120922_162234.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: small;">Such a great dad! I've been so proud of him. I've had several people tell me how impressed they were with how involved he has been, how gentle he is with her. And I love that he has included me in this event! He sends me pictures almost daily and little updates too! I'm so glad he has been willing to "share" his baby with me!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Congrats, T & J, on a beautiful baby girl! I can't wait to watch her grow up!</span></td></tr>
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-56940851220406312402012-10-10T21:20:00.000-05:002012-10-10T21:20:26.447-05:00Fibber gibitsSeriously...I have nothing to say. Updating my blog has been on my "TO DO" list for WEEKS...and I keep putting it off. Because, I have nothing to say. Writers block? Or is my life really that boring?!?<br />
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I seem to be busy ALL THE TIME but never really doing anything that is blog-worthy. I am a neat freak (which is TOTALLY different from a clean freak, I assure you) so I spend a great deal of every day organizing some part of my house. The home office, the fridge, closets, the freezer, the garage, cupboards, dresser drawers...and when I'm done, I start all over again. I abhore clutter and things out of place in the house, so I spend a large amount of time picking up after the three children. Yes, I said three. Count them: R, A, and Dustin! <br />
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Other than my obsessive neat-picking (not nit picking, though I've been known to do that as well!) I spend a great deal of my time shutteling kids. The girls have visits with their parents on Tuesday, Thursday, Fri, Sat, Sunday. I get to drive them to all of that. Yippie for me! <br />
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Other excitement in our house lately:<br />
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* Both girls were failing 3-4 classes at mid-terms &<br />
* Both girls have worked very hard to bring their grades up!<br />
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* One of the girls came down with a nasty case of scabies. We don't know where or how she got them. No one else in the house has the issue. So, I got to spend a good three days de-lousing my house. Several times. And de-lousing a child. Several times. Fun times....I know you are jealous. <br />
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* D has been working extra so I've only seen him a tiny bit the past few weeks. I'm not complaining: we are thankful for the extra income before Christmas! <br />
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* I had my wisdom teeth removed last week.....with NO sedation. That was fun! (sarcasm font)<br />
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* I'm looking forward to my next trip to Indy to see Tyler, Janna, and baby B! Oh....that IS news worth a blog. I'll do that one next!<br />
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I hope you are all doing well out there in blogville! :)<br />
2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014818500633721539.post-22545488645496438692012-08-15T07:44:00.000-05:002012-08-15T07:44:37.907-05:00New Beginnings<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's the season for new beginnings, apparently</span>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RgfoR9b-DnsUnHOf-6IiuABuTjnrngM7fN8nGNUbUOLg4J713DbHOigGvukcb7BjfxlgCq1LqKuruVYfaVZb97Vq2uOMDN4gN2sdUpSZAdEVH1kIF5jGJF3Ecl3Gv2aKgTEBfPxuYRl2/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RgfoR9b-DnsUnHOf-6IiuABuTjnrngM7fN8nGNUbUOLg4J713DbHOigGvukcb7BjfxlgCq1LqKuruVYfaVZb97Vq2uOMDN4gN2sdUpSZAdEVH1kIF5jGJF3Ecl3Gv2aKgTEBfPxuYRl2/s320/IMG_3807.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The girls had their first day of 6th grade yesterday. I cried a little when they got on the bus. Then, I realized I had 8 hours of free time, and the tears were gone. However, the tears were back again this morning as the got on the bus again. I miss my buddies when they are gone!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRR-6PivkctQgQayy7xVwAxxyPqPZMkzs01tyuC6f8zQm0udaarC33p-vGnH0D5HDcCGu5oeYJJ5gcG5ZiKxSOKIw4fuziOyvkxaTwxPSxpfFXwr80BHvUInaftDyu2_8pj6XkD78E51G/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRR-6PivkctQgQayy7xVwAxxyPqPZMkzs01tyuC6f8zQm0udaarC33p-vGnH0D5HDcCGu5oeYJJ5gcG5ZiKxSOKIw4fuziOyvkxaTwxPSxpfFXwr80BHvUInaftDyu2_8pj6XkD78E51G/s320/IMG_3802.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coming from the city, they could not grasp the idea that the bus picked them up at the end of our drive. They kept asking where the bus stop was.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gBDC9-o85OCE9Di4M-1X6GEmLwk3iZVj-ncAtkSH8Csx_kHuZv8hH2eQrOuQTpfYcBP7a7_c-NQCpYyTri-cumWsUWyzYImcP9vB9pk2a9MEWhD3EFnKi8I-w_BBrU2k7f2Imz0Zgn9D/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gBDC9-o85OCE9Di4M-1X6GEmLwk3iZVj-ncAtkSH8Csx_kHuZv8hH2eQrOuQTpfYcBP7a7_c-NQCpYyTri-cumWsUWyzYImcP9vB9pk2a9MEWhD3EFnKi8I-w_BBrU2k7f2Imz0Zgn9D/s320/IMG_3789.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New hair cuts for school.</span> <br />
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**<span style="font-size: small;">I wish I could post pictures of their first day and how cute they were dressed. I posted the above pic because I'm hoping their eyes are blocked enough to count as "unidentifiable" by DCS.**</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other new beginnings to note:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I kicked my inside-for-ten-years cat out to our barn. She is not happy about it and comes to our windows and cries to be let in. It makes me so sad....I keep imagining how things appear to her. I wonder if she thinks I kicked her out because I don't love her anymore. How do I convey to her that it was the last straw when I caught her peeing on my new carpet once again!?! She joins a new kitten, Gumball, out there. They will hopefully get along soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dustin and I have been kicking around the idea of embryo adoption. Its been over two years since we last tried to have a child, and I honestly thought maybe I was "over" wanting to have a child. But, thru fostering, we have both realised we need to have our OWN child. So, please be in prayer for us as we toss around the logistics of this possibility.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Wednesday, Y'all!</span><br />
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2Dimples4Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00507058768791224213noreply@blogger.com2