tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88797448073304573292024-02-06T22:17:39.947-08:00sometimes you get moreAmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-73204605671689194452013-09-04T07:58:00.002-07:002013-09-04T08:05:50.152-07:00I'm back!It's been a while hasn't it? I've had a renewed desire to blog recently so I'm hopeful I'll be on here more regularly. For today, here's a little picture to get started. Sorry it's so blurry, it was the most incredible rainbow I have ever seen. It is a representation of what I've been feeling lately. Even when life is quite stormy there can be amazing beauty at the same time.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJGPmeAG9HMwL3spLha0lj0gnmIxPNs0d1cMz-X3e24poYVnQk-P7zGhiPwPfGCIlL3Yw9inUr0dl2hMcnZkqvcpGCrfabpeMtRuE-iGo1UXAij5pWvYM5vaJP_tnZLvRpWeCjE_toy8/s640/blogger-image-932063609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJGPmeAG9HMwL3spLha0lj0gnmIxPNs0d1cMz-X3e24poYVnQk-P7zGhiPwPfGCIlL3Yw9inUr0dl2hMcnZkqvcpGCrfabpeMtRuE-iGo1UXAij5pWvYM5vaJP_tnZLvRpWeCjE_toy8/s640/blogger-image-932063609.jpg"></a></div>AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-12279500021283363852012-09-20T20:17:00.001-07:002012-09-20T20:17:21.184-07:00Sad and HappyLauren is really into making sad and happy faces lately. I came across these gems on the IPad today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/20/2610.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/20/s_2610.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/20/2611.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/20/s_2611.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/20/2612.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/20/s_2612.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/20/2613.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/20/s_2613.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />If these 4 pictures don't satisfy your need to see Lu's happy and sad faces then you're in luck because have at least 200 or more of them! For some reason they make me giggle each time I see them!<br /><br />-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-64370306717759250462012-06-22T20:13:00.001-07:002012-06-22T20:13:02.243-07:00MilestoneLauren will be 4 in a couple of weeks! I cannot believe my baby will be 4!<br /><br />Last night was her first night in her entire 4 years of sleeping without her binkis. Yes that is plural. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/3314.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_3314.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These are her most prized possessions. She affectionately calls them by their colors. This set is called white, pink, pink. Did I mention she loves them?<br /><br />If ever she is not cooperating with me a conversation like this happens:<br />Me: Lauren, do you want to keep your binkis?<br />Lauren: YES<br />Me: Then you need to help Mama.<br />Lauren: OK<br /><br />It's been the best bribery ever! But sadly that era has ended and honestly I am probably more sad about it than she is.<br /><br />Actually she has done great without them. She understood when I said they were gone and hasn't asked for them since. It is strange to send her to bed without them but seriously, she is almost 4, it's about time!<br /><br />I'll just have to find another thing she loves enough to make her listen to me! Wish me luck!!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-9506318894267296492012-06-22T19:41:00.001-07:002012-06-22T19:41:47.332-07:00Laundry<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/22/3274.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/22/s_3274.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These piles of laundry may look very normal but they are actually quite interesting (to me at least!). The big pile is Abby's and the small one is Lauren's. Believe it or not, they represent the same number of days of wear. This size discrepancy is not abnormal around here. Each time I fold laundry I see this same thing.<br /><br />The question is, does Abby go through an abnormally large amount of clothes in a given period or does Lauren go through an abnormally small amount?<br /><br />And the answer is......(I know the suspense is killing you!)...... Sadly it is that Lauren goes through a small amount of clothes. The even worse part is that since she doesn't dress herself yet it is my fault. This is terrible to admit but she will wear the same clothes for multiple days quite often and yes, she wears them to bed too. Why am I admitting this?!<br /><br />Tonight I decided that as I have become a more experienced parent (older) I find that I am a much better parent in some ways and a worse one in other ways. This clothes situation with Lauren is definitely one of the things that I am worse with! Maybe I'll write a post someday about the things I'm better at but not today.<br /><br />So, if you dressed your child in fresh clean clothes this morning be proud of yourself. I'll try to follow your example tomorrow!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-19167717968708475772012-06-17T06:17:00.001-07:002012-06-17T10:52:34.666-07:00Visionwalk and BBS ConferenceJust a quick post here. I'm sitting in the Atlanta<br />Airport on my way home from the LMBBS Conference at Duke University in NC. It is a bi-annual conference for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. It's my first time attending this conference. I should say our first time because Nate came also (which has been fantastic!). It was a great conference where I learned a lot and met a lot of wonderful families who are dealing with the same issues we are.<br />I also wanted to mention that the Visionwalk was his past weekend while I was gone. I was sad to miss the walk but knew the BBS conference was important. <br />I want to thank all the people who supported us and donated to our team. We were able to raise just over $2000!! I appreciate so much every single dollar that was given. I felt love and support from all of you. The dollars given will be put towards research that WILL prolong or possibly save Tyler and Lauren's vision.<br />I cannot thank you enough!!!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-59605001919545223012012-05-07T13:11:00.001-07:002012-05-07T13:11:24.037-07:00Feeling DownIn the past 2 weeks I've had 3 IEP meetings. The first was for Alex. He has been in speech therapy to correct some letter sounds. This meeting was actually to sign off on ending his therapy. He decided one day that he would fix his sounds and get out of speech! He was diligent and quickly fixed his sounds and he has been very consistent since then. I am so proud of him for recognizing and fixing the problem!!<br /><br />The next meeting was for Lauren. Her meeting was just her annual meeting to review and set new goals. It was the best meeting I've had with her team and I appreciated connecting with her teachers and therapists better. She has made some great improvements this year in preschool. The biggest struggle she has is that she wants to do everything in her own way and on her own time! The teachers and I exchanged ideas and suggestions and I felt like we were working together to support Lauren. It was great. We also spent quite a bit of time going over her results from NIH. We talked at length about the vision problems that she will inevitably have and discussed things to watch for with her. I was so impressed that I could do that without getting emotional! I feel like I can talk about the future without really connecting that it will really happen. It's a strange disconnect in my head.<br /><br />The last meeting was to review Tyler's NIH results with his IEP team. Again, it was an interesting hour of talking about devastating realities in a very detached, matter of fact kind of way. Tyler's vision therapist reported on how extremely quickly Tyler is learning Braille, that he has a real gift for learning it. I was so happy to hear that but a thought popped into my head that maybe he has been given that gift to learn because he's going to need it. The thought hurt and caught me off guard. I didn't want to cry so I pushed it aside.<br /><br />I am starting to learn that I can be strong when I need to be but the emotions will hit me at some point. That point seems to have come today. I think I push the emotions away and try not to feel them and then it makes me feel terrible inside after a while. So today I'm giving myself a day to feel the emotions and hurt a little for my kids. Sharing these feelings are part of my effort to feel them and move forward. I'm sure I will feel better tomorrow but for today I'm content to be a little down. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-38525181739449199942012-05-03T11:40:00.001-07:002012-05-03T11:40:21.466-07:00Time with AbbyToday I went on a field trip with Abby and her class. We walked to a local nursery to learn about plants. Here's Abby sitting with her classmates.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/03/1979.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/03/s_1979.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I've had a couple of opportunities to spend semi-alone time with her this week (semi because Lu is around too). Abby is such a happy, bubbly, fun person to be around! <br /><br />I surprised her this week by checking her out of school and taking her to lunch. I've never done that before but I will be doing more of it in the future. It was so fun to steal her away and get to enjoy some time with her.<br /><br />It's been a fun week with her.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-29120967196666167112012-04-12T09:45:00.000-07:002012-04-12T09:45:29.531-07:00NIH reportI was so happy to look on my porch yesterday and see these two packages.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8GACFlg-ObVrJr5I-wXNZDh9BLl25rC0SRTTLuOOCrJiOBnlvveuScr-hMPHSmaOlHCznDHqkormN6UWaypKNAO8rgq8Fq4s0ttuVFML4hq3sgZ24A5I11Bh2Lf1oxCWWmBKPnb6kk0/s1600/DSCN0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8GACFlg-ObVrJr5I-wXNZDh9BLl25rC0SRTTLuOOCrJiOBnlvveuScr-hMPHSmaOlHCznDHqkormN6UWaypKNAO8rgq8Fq4s0ttuVFML4hq3sgZ24A5I11Bh2Lf1oxCWWmBKPnb6kk0/s400/DSCN0429.JPG" /></a></div><br />
These are our official reports from our visit to NIH. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3f2a4WA8wyI1wf0VtLEAOMwhEZ-ow29vQyYxufxO3Y_WAE-q4qTe66aX-sLXDJF8Kaddn_Fku8Uh1QL7W7vHqOdwcsmbciMLGEczPllXiRiN3QsHrRImqV-QbFq8tWBO2zav6473QlJI/s1600/DSCN0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3f2a4WA8wyI1wf0VtLEAOMwhEZ-ow29vQyYxufxO3Y_WAE-q4qTe66aX-sLXDJF8Kaddn_Fku8Uh1QL7W7vHqOdwcsmbciMLGEczPllXiRiN3QsHrRImqV-QbFq8tWBO2zav6473QlJI/s400/DSCN0432.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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I left NIH in November with some information but I've been waiting for these reports to get the complete wrap up of all we did there. The reports where really well put together and easy for me to understand. Most of the information was what I had already heard but it was interesting to read through it all.<br />
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The one thing that really stood out to me was the opthamologist noted that Lauren has mild retinal degeneration in both eyes. He was not that clear with me when we talked at NIH so it took me by surprise a little. I am grateful that her eyes are not worse at this point but it does lead me to believe that she will be diagnosed with RP in the future.<br />
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Although I have known that this was probably what we would be dealing with I had not given it much thought lately. Reading that yesterday made it more of a reality and was a little emotional for me. <br />
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Getting the reports was good motivation for me to continue trying to make the needed diet and exercise changes at our house and has given me a better idea of what specialists I need to get the kids into next. <br />
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I am still waiting to hear back about the genetic testing we had done. I don't have any idea when we will hear about that so I will just keep waiting.AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-72707215944141695602012-04-06T13:08:00.001-07:002012-04-06T13:27:13.065-07:00RewardI just had a little experience today that I wanted to share. <br /><br />I've had a few things on my to-do list that I have been putting off for a while. They are church related items that I KNOW need to be done but just haven't been able to get excited about for some reason.They involved activities that I don't like doing such as making phone calls, dropping by unannounced at people's homes, and putting myself out there to others. I know, not really that difficult for some but difficult for me!<br /><br />I finally decided that no matter what I would get these things done today. So, I did. I pushed through my insecurities, and worries and got them done because they are my responsibility. <br /><br />After I finished and walked into my quiet house (all the kids were at school, yeah!) I had a very calming, peaceful feeling in my heart. I'm sure it was there for two reasons. First, simply just peace of mind that I can quit thinking about the looming tasks! And second, because I did want the Lord has been wanting me to do.<br /><br />I feel like that peace was the REWARD for me doing what I know is right even though it was not easy for me. I'm so grateful for the peace I felt and hope to remember it so that next time there is a looming task I won't worry so much and put it off. I will hopefully remember that I will be supported through difficult tasks and be given added peace for doing what is right.<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-10562318289033668122012-03-31T14:44:00.001-07:002012-03-31T14:44:17.360-07:00More DCDay 2 in DC was much more relaxing than day 1. <br /><br />Sara and I slept in, actually Sara did. I seem to be unable to sleep in so I just read a book until she woke up!<br /><br />We got our running clothes on and took the Metro over to the National Mall to run. These are our views from our run.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2554.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2554.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2555.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2555.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had a great time!<br /><br />We also went around the White House again.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2556.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2556.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We did a little shopping and then went back to the hotel to get ready for the big wedding.<br /><br />The whole purpose of this trip was to attend Sara's friend's wedding. <br /><br />It was held at the St. Regis hotel a block from the White House. It was a beautiful wedding! Alaina (Sara's friend) looked beautiful too. Here they are together.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2557.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2557.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That was all we did on day 2.<br /><br />Day 3.<br />This morning we worked out in the fitness center at the hotel, then cleaned up and headed into DC again.<br /><br />We had planned to visit the Smithsonian museums, Holocaust Memorial, and the National Archives.<br /><br />On a whim we decided to go to the top of the Postal Museum. Since the Washington Monument is closed the tower on the Postal Museum is the highest point in town. <br /><br />This is looking right down Pennsylvania Ave to the Capital.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2558.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2558.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Washington Monument.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2559.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2559.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We saw the Hope Diamond in the Natural History Museum.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2560.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2560.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We saw a huge stuffed elephant that I knew Tyler would love!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2561.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2561.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We went through two museums and then discovered that we were very tired and very tired of walking. We were running out of steam! <br /><br />We were unable to see the Holocaust museum so we headed to the Archives for our last stop. <br /><br />We saw the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights. They were amazing to see.<br /><br />We finished our DC experience with a nice lunch/dinner in town and caught the Metro back to our hotel.<br /><br />Here is a view of escalators to and from the Metro by our hotel. I'm not sure it really captures how long and steep they are but they are long and steep!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/31/2562.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/31/s_2562.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We affectionally called it the cliffs of insanity (from The Princess Bride)!<br /><br />We stepped all the way up two times and it was not easy!<br /><br />We've had a great time on our trip. We'll both be flying home separately tomorrow morning.:(<br /><br />I've loved being able to spend this time with Sara. I hope I can be more like my little sister someday!<br /><br /> Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-37231998500913942902012-03-29T19:20:00.001-07:002012-03-29T19:20:04.028-07:00Washington DC day 1Sara and I got up early today and took the Metro into DC. We took a trolley tour to see all the sights. We quickly realized that we would never get to see everything in one day!<br /><br />We went to the White House first.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3479.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3479.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3480.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3480.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3481.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3481.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next we went to the National Zoo and saw the Panda.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3482.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3482.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Isn't it cute!!<br /><br />After the zoo we decided to walk to the National Cathedral. It was a beautiful walk through a great neighborhood. We stopped to take a picture of the cherry blossoms.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3483.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3483.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We were a little late for peak cherry blossoms but still enjoyed the ones that were still around!<br /><br />The Cathedral was impressive.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3484.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3484.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3485.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3485.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Next we jumped on the trolley and headed out to the Lincoln Memorial. It is probably my favorite memorial. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3486.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3486.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is a shot looking from the Lincoln Memorial out at the Washington Monument. The reflection pool is under construction. :(<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3488.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3488.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The next stop was Arlington Cemetery. We loved the amazing rows of headstones, the Kennedy flame, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3490.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3490.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Did I mention that Sara got pooped on by a bird? Notice that it is on her nose too!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3491.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3491.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Although she looks like she's laughing, she isn't! I am laughing while taking the picture though!<br /><br />More great blossoms.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3492.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3492.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We ended the day with a lot of walking!<br /><br />We saw the Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, MLK Memorial, Washington Monument (seen here).<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3493.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3493.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The walking continued through the National Mall to the Capitol Building.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/29/3494.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/29/s_3494.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After the Capitol we walked to the Union Station, ate dinner, had ice cream, and caught the Metro back to our hotel.<br /><br />It was a long day!! We had a great time exploring DC and taking in all of the amazing sights! <br /><br />Now we are sitting in the hotel with our throbbing feet elevated! <br /><br />I can't wait to see what fun we'll have tomorrow!<br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-78488757581207835932012-03-22T22:04:00.001-07:002012-03-22T22:04:01.158-07:00PrideLook at this beauty!<br /><br />I am so proud of myself! I made this fantastic banana-coconut bread with lime glaze. I got the recipe from Our Best Bites blog. I would highly recommend it!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3666.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3666.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-9880354621686033292012-03-22T21:56:00.001-07:002012-03-22T21:56:00.755-07:00Testing. . . TestingThis post is a test run to see if my new blogging app will work.<br /><br />I looked through my photo's tonight and found about 500 photo's similar to this one! That scary looking child in the middle really is Abby!<br /><br />Does anyone else have this problem?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3653.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3653.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here are a few more gems.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3654.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3654.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3655.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3655.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here's a change of pace. Gotta love the 20 pictures of this megazord!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/22/3657.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/22/s_3657.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />What did my kids do for fun before we had an iPad?<br />AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-82076073846758414942012-03-02T18:47:00.000-08:002012-03-02T18:47:21.289-08:00Winter!On March 2nd winter finally arrived! <br />
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We have had the best winter I can remember. It's been snow free with very mild temperatures. Did I mention it's been the best winter?<br />
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As nice as it's been, it was nice to get a good dumping of snow finally. I even had a thought of keeping the kids home from school and taking them sledding. Then I came to my senses and sent them off to school! <br />
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After the kids were off, Lu and I had the task of shoveling all the snow! It was heavy and severely drifted in some spots. I got a little done and then was saved by my neighbor with a snow blower. I was so grateful for the help!<br />
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Here is Lu "helping" me with the shoveling.<br />
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Lu is eating the snow here. It also shows how high the snow piled up!<br />
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The nice thing about this snow storm is that it looks like winter today but a few days from now it'll be spring-like again. I love it!AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-23776029291483982542012-03-02T18:35:00.000-08:002012-03-02T18:35:48.808-08:00Recent HappeningsI haven't been keeping up on the blog very well lately. Here are a few of the things that have been going on this past month.<br />
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Abby got glasses a month or so ago. She LOVED them for the first 2 weeks and now I have to remind her often to put them on. I think she looks cute in them.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqR1pFm8oFl7X7hgpA5p92P_HZ8pZCf0lIt21AWWBPEvJSUKSULq2IwQ2lnjTUfHBuHYAp7kTlsjfSiU8578Fbhb7jlq02lAvw5ZSm6C33MRP8kUW_nh5AGQrwqbAmyL4kTxmNcTDozw/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqR1pFm8oFl7X7hgpA5p92P_HZ8pZCf0lIt21AWWBPEvJSUKSULq2IwQ2lnjTUfHBuHYAp7kTlsjfSiU8578Fbhb7jlq02lAvw5ZSm6C33MRP8kUW_nh5AGQrwqbAmyL4kTxmNcTDozw/s400/photo%25283%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our ward had a great Blue and Gold Banquet. It was our first year attending it because of past scheduling conflicts so I don't have anything to compare it to but I thought it was pretty great. There was a nice dinner, a cake decorating contest, and best of all a magician! <br />
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Can you tell that the kids were completely mesmerized? <br />
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Alex even got the chance to go up and assist the magician.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9tcB1Jy-EOsO15u6OhdzrspcaNeT4qpdFK7Gc4xv6ioaQGwjqdrPhpF7dF4UmnDh1F2US3V4zMhxNbmqpkaXipiZlm7kVecI7mwWrjqd9TeGd9c14yDmmHJXGXjs2GFPT9oqhnprypY/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9tcB1Jy-EOsO15u6OhdzrspcaNeT4qpdFK7Gc4xv6ioaQGwjqdrPhpF7dF4UmnDh1F2US3V4zMhxNbmqpkaXipiZlm7kVecI7mwWrjqd9TeGd9c14yDmmHJXGXjs2GFPT9oqhnprypY/s400/photo%25286%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Have I ever mentioned how much Abby like to play with Ferby(our dog)? She loves to sleep with him and dress him up with dolls clothes and bows in his hair. She also likes to put him in our play shopping cart and push him around the house. Today she topped it all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oeNcNlRcMyCOeDdDDivNKS9E-HgKOICM1PCT5FBnSf2AcLPIKn_6AuaQ0ijvLSR3TBSN6LrXRwhOQPWjTgkAVZh22GCS0teLt7K6riyWIIDsGUbU3KGZG2nbvVisbQmPIbGW4MqUoFk/s1600/photo%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oeNcNlRcMyCOeDdDDivNKS9E-HgKOICM1PCT5FBnSf2AcLPIKn_6AuaQ0ijvLSR3TBSN6LrXRwhOQPWjTgkAVZh22GCS0teLt7K6riyWIIDsGUbU3KGZG2nbvVisbQmPIbGW4MqUoFk/s400/photo%25289%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The best thing about this picture is the contrast in facial expressions. Abby is so proud of herself and loving the new idea. Ferby looks less than excited. It was pretty funny.<br />
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Those are a few of the happenings around our house this past month.AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-83544502662852709032012-02-10T14:02:00.000-08:002012-02-10T14:02:57.169-08:00Happy Birthday Abby!!Abby turns 7 years old today!<br />
On her birthday I always think back to the crazy night she was born. The short version of the story is that she came 2 weeks early. Nate had left that very morning for a week long trip to Atlanta. I went into labor on the evening of the 9th, called my mom, she took me to the hospital, was admitted around midnight, called Nate at 1:00am (3:00am his time) to let him know that I was in the hospital and we were having a baby! While on the phone the doctor came in so I told Nate I would call him back. When I called him back 10 mins later I was holding a little 6lb 8oz Abigail Sara Arnesen. Nate caught the first flight home and was at the hospital by 10am. It's such a fun story to share with Abby. She loves it!<br />
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She had a friend party last weekend. We had a rockwall climbing party at the city recreation center.<br />
Here's the birthday girl on the wall and then all her cute little friends that came to the party.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8_IpqnVhC_D5MbX1av2gfQUB5Uu3HChO7t16La8_bPl2xQATmmUEA3QDD5eXjd6_byC19A8LdmeTfjgYtIo1oQlAz97X7FCnPhL2ENRPn_OHha1OJ3Ed7OF7j9p3E2-RTHHVtK_ZQFA/s1600/February+2012+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8_IpqnVhC_D5MbX1av2gfQUB5Uu3HChO7t16La8_bPl2xQATmmUEA3QDD5eXjd6_byC19A8LdmeTfjgYtIo1oQlAz97X7FCnPhL2ENRPn_OHha1OJ3Ed7OF7j9p3E2-RTHHVtK_ZQFA/s400/February+2012+021.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFL3eodrHkQ6YnVTkm2_NXsldpUl2fLMZ739tuf7vt_ktqy2w5oR6J7iUypjI54WJXakPbCmn1k-cYnrZ-n06Ghtp7i4lCkH3iEi6NSe5yVZWUR1HAF8Dzcx5qP6OW6KfF41Ps6bPKqM/s1600/February+2012+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFL3eodrHkQ6YnVTkm2_NXsldpUl2fLMZ739tuf7vt_ktqy2w5oR6J7iUypjI54WJXakPbCmn1k-cYnrZ-n06Ghtp7i4lCkH3iEi6NSe5yVZWUR1HAF8Dzcx5qP6OW6KfF41Ps6bPKqM/s400/February+2012+039.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Here's her cake that ended up looking like a big pink donut. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxoZar2L9JLFJub_A0L8ZuxjAtL96BFiZlUsd4V7p1SV7bWmpTDBu8xtAVpB8MlN2_OjwgWBZ1OrR1ZZmVdjfU1KtrbtGNXg4MlZCvx-GlIVxN6TEiCKWVwFUp77pMIxFjx3xWaaBQls/s1600/February+2012+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxoZar2L9JLFJub_A0L8ZuxjAtL96BFiZlUsd4V7p1SV7bWmpTDBu8xtAVpB8MlN2_OjwgWBZ1OrR1ZZmVdjfU1KtrbtGNXg4MlZCvx-GlIVxN6TEiCKWVwFUp77pMIxFjx3xWaaBQls/s400/February+2012+054.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Here are some of my favorite things about Abby.<br />
1. She is my best eater. She will try anything and likes most things.<br />
2. She is a great reader and she enjoys reading. (Wish I had a little of that in me!)<br />
3. She is just like her Aunt Sara. She hates getting her hair brushed, she is very smart, and she loves to have her arms scratched (lightly). It's exactly what I hoped for when I named her after my favorite sister!<br />
4. Abby is so creative and has LOVED spending time with her Dad creating things lately.<br />
5. Abby makes a bed for Ferby (our dog) on her bed each night. It's cute to see them asleep together.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsl_Q0IqKfH97A6SH5KwgPTfFTEdaldsp78tbfVUvjEmLBxUX4W-FjZhLWOSwPQj8gOr9NM486ap2CHbbhwmP3RCuM6DM2r-dUWhNAcRBvDJx1G36JsnPDzEyYHtUkowPrLPPTu5imU4/s1600/February+2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsl_Q0IqKfH97A6SH5KwgPTfFTEdaldsp78tbfVUvjEmLBxUX4W-FjZhLWOSwPQj8gOr9NM486ap2CHbbhwmP3RCuM6DM2r-dUWhNAcRBvDJx1G36JsnPDzEyYHtUkowPrLPPTu5imU4/s400/February+2012+004.JPG" /></a></div>6. Abby is a perfectionist (again like Aunt Sara). I'm very impressed by her desire and determination to get things right.<br />
7. She's my little buddy and even when she's driving me a little crazy I still thank my lucky stars that she's mine. (Well, not while she's driving me crazy!)<br />
Happy Birthday Abby!!AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-12861496322544037292012-01-07T10:54:00.000-08:002012-01-07T10:54:00.513-08:00The after party...After Christmas we took a day off and did NOTHING!!! I don't think I even got out of my pajamas that day. It was wonderful.<br />
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Tyler got a huge Alien Invasion Lego set that he spent almost the entire day doing. Here is the before and after.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYdD7pgXweYPRpQIsj7LLuvbHY1EjZN4piibEccsIu4KR90CF6FCLkxV4ESWVxtFGNgDLrhjqkf4wlaralPLQrNL4D4kPGR-laCyry2cRHM1XQN52qANSs2SAKxT-9Sxf5OlGdsSDRFw/s1600/broom+trick+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYdD7pgXweYPRpQIsj7LLuvbHY1EjZN4piibEccsIu4KR90CF6FCLkxV4ESWVxtFGNgDLrhjqkf4wlaralPLQrNL4D4kPGR-laCyry2cRHM1XQN52qANSs2SAKxT-9Sxf5OlGdsSDRFw/s400/broom+trick+031.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfsENqPCRq3SyoGmGorkKxfvGDxSzoga7qTj76VTcmW6hOPdskHiAiS0pSzdhRVwsRn7QP5k4YAvB5rIC8EdRWZE9pi12uzOiUQ7K79x1XHKH2vbS1kObZlJQ6i6ziY9IA6OWdKttTaI/s1600/broom+trick+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfsENqPCRq3SyoGmGorkKxfvGDxSzoga7qTj76VTcmW6hOPdskHiAiS0pSzdhRVwsRn7QP5k4YAvB5rIC8EdRWZE9pi12uzOiUQ7K79x1XHKH2vbS1kObZlJQ6i6ziY9IA6OWdKttTaI/s400/broom+trick+041.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Did you want to see that closer up? I thougth so, otherwise taking so many pictures of this lego set would've been silly!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nLt8TIMU59uW8SB6dTynwQJjetjJ2TJRHdZg6EWR6Pl8-6k9l_jYVMkFlJFTMKafVnFZdsrgOBVOoIDt23p94beF7Rw0hqSu3XJCPj160OlTWylJS3smQ5nm_CRH-K8QGMa3kAPJTeE/s1600/broom+trick+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nLt8TIMU59uW8SB6dTynwQJjetjJ2TJRHdZg6EWR6Pl8-6k9l_jYVMkFlJFTMKafVnFZdsrgOBVOoIDt23p94beF7Rw0hqSu3XJCPj160OlTWylJS3smQ5nm_CRH-K8QGMa3kAPJTeE/s400/broom+trick+039.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoafwo0dKlSgyZ5e3fvQ0SdLjQEFISiwhhtGvQ74CpvNoZn4XABDTYGkvYpsSIZSr_BTQfi8fzQPCKJd5SQoCifb2QSdPIFvRXkTFFv3HflO-NeHkm8Ia3YIeoAfU8XqJCoJ2ln88H2U/s1600/broom+trick+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoafwo0dKlSgyZ5e3fvQ0SdLjQEFISiwhhtGvQ74CpvNoZn4XABDTYGkvYpsSIZSr_BTQfi8fzQPCKJd5SQoCifb2QSdPIFvRXkTFFv3HflO-NeHkm8Ia3YIeoAfU8XqJCoJ2ln88H2U/s400/broom+trick+043.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaj1ruhvIIwKs2o35rzXHqXBWzpZMWBvx-ccFA3FBEfyCEk7EtqeRobk8gu9bFTN6dAdnr-gdQgKzU8YC0qajcMEoQQFOGdsItJHKKBdh4O6VUlrSbMPG5maRO6lXNFN_WfxBWGoCbE8/s1600/broom+trick+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaj1ruhvIIwKs2o35rzXHqXBWzpZMWBvx-ccFA3FBEfyCEk7EtqeRobk8gu9bFTN6dAdnr-gdQgKzU8YC0qajcMEoQQFOGdsItJHKKBdh4O6VUlrSbMPG5maRO6lXNFN_WfxBWGoCbE8/s400/broom+trick+044.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Well after all of that Alex couldn't let Tyler steal the show so he got out his Lego stuff and we took pictures of his things. They are not new from Christmas but hey, why not take a few shoots of them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gsivCKfg4zez3DNf7g_OCd6frh2-63BPYSGhMo1a2ngPpy8xd37m3gjownMYroBIbHYamaLzZLGJm27dcoTVAGR-bIsCm4YXa0xXguY3btOOhuYGh1dsWG6UTB3-igypLfNgATn_jhA/s1600/broom+trick+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gsivCKfg4zez3DNf7g_OCd6frh2-63BPYSGhMo1a2ngPpy8xd37m3gjownMYroBIbHYamaLzZLGJm27dcoTVAGR-bIsCm4YXa0xXguY3btOOhuYGh1dsWG6UTB3-igypLfNgATn_jhA/s400/broom+trick+046.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gcaJ_txnTjiM75Nn8bCbyWjPGzJr8Jsn5q5entb4yuGTRWvFQBZKV0meAe5BtH59e1vtP3WTtBZLseoJHCxxWQmTcKGEH87pwPvE__gLaHfbakrVcyKnj65A5lsjGp47vZxVlQN1r0c/s1600/broom+trick+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gcaJ_txnTjiM75Nn8bCbyWjPGzJr8Jsn5q5entb4yuGTRWvFQBZKV0meAe5BtH59e1vtP3WTtBZLseoJHCxxWQmTcKGEH87pwPvE__gLaHfbakrVcyKnj65A5lsjGp47vZxVlQN1r0c/s400/broom+trick+049.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Alex spend some quality time with Nate making paper airplanes out of a kit he got from Grandma and Grandpa.<br />
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I'm not sure where Abby was all day but this is what Lu did all day. She's pretty skilled with the IPad.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qbh932SqGIc81S1mU7fNdh8OBd9-g-zvhE_vPJbFA0OyBN6ejvfBH7VdUJKN8SZvhLRCYv1fwMcUPw7t_jhh-1TX_KqIhxuRwv6PuBVPIkTSg089BB4Itd4Y7V7pY0B6AJ1aRMU-zz4/s1600/broom+trick+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qbh932SqGIc81S1mU7fNdh8OBd9-g-zvhE_vPJbFA0OyBN6ejvfBH7VdUJKN8SZvhLRCYv1fwMcUPw7t_jhh-1TX_KqIhxuRwv6PuBVPIkTSg089BB4Itd4Y7V7pY0B6AJ1aRMU-zz4/s400/broom+trick+032.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We ended up running some sort of errand that evening so we loaded the whole crew up to get out of the house for a while. Nate ran into Walmart to do our semi-annual cereal stock up while the rest of us waited in the car. Here's a view of us waiting in the car.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ1qWG1kZdmMjWnhB1BaDq9iKqmwt0amamR-rcIsiCrCWPihVH3BVuvDzEwnY5f_7cDC0OaxrX-SQnI1ujNDiGz8AjaI3l2vayBXdT5aIYgmu7um4Ksejx2eYWBkM6MmmcwGSu73LZ98/s1600/broom+trick+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ1qWG1kZdmMjWnhB1BaDq9iKqmwt0amamR-rcIsiCrCWPihVH3BVuvDzEwnY5f_7cDC0OaxrX-SQnI1ujNDiGz8AjaI3l2vayBXdT5aIYgmu7um4Ksejx2eYWBkM6MmmcwGSu73LZ98/s400/broom+trick+035.JPG" /></a></div>What would I do without the phone and DVD player to entertain?<br />
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Outside the car I caught a beautiful sunset. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfdrNxDWydmbAVd_iRZVnkK2WM7P1mJD5rVoJPe0SvGrW58uubAxK8RMV-oPr-kxH0miSchgO96upm1o-8t8FJdHnuzMtTKPOcqmN_OZ-Io-YWwrBOEyUspndDOHHLtlUQcUyYdN3Jps/s1600/broom+trick+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfdrNxDWydmbAVd_iRZVnkK2WM7P1mJD5rVoJPe0SvGrW58uubAxK8RMV-oPr-kxH0miSchgO96upm1o-8t8FJdHnuzMtTKPOcqmN_OZ-Io-YWwrBOEyUspndDOHHLtlUQcUyYdN3Jps/s400/broom+trick+034.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It was a perfect ending to a nice relaxing day with the family.AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-76067907203408287862012-01-06T10:53:00.000-08:002012-01-06T10:53:54.037-08:00Christmas 2011We had a great Christmas this year. It was pretty relaxing and low key. <br />
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My favorite part of Christmas is the Singleton party. It was always held on Christmas Eve until a couple of years ago when we moved it to the 23rd. It's always been at that party when it really starts to feel like Christmas. This was our first Chirstmas without Grandma Singleton and the party just happened to fall on the 6 month anniversary of her death. It put a little sober feeling over the party but it was still a very enjoyable time. <br />
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As a kid I always remember having a little talent show at the Singleton party. All of my cousins would play amazing piano pieces and my family would do things like put nylon stockings on our heads and sing Jingle Bells as we pulled the stockings off and our faces were smashed and funny looking. Good memories....<br />
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This year my cousins Shannon and Brooke played Sleigh Ride on the piano. It was the only talent of the night but it brought back great memories. It is a seriously difficult piece and they played it wonderfully. They are amazing!<br />
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On Christmas Eve we had Adam and Megan over for our Arnesen party. We are the only Arnesen's around so it's a pretty small party! We always love getting together with them but don't do it enough. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ptpe3DE7OPySL4DTiLGUq2fH8DQbLghMNamrU1TAbmdifMsolwHpb7Vabogn9ly5HFBMA_9TSH1X9krrqpqcOalrkTalYG61Mv03UxScHowwPhKxbkEKL8oEiLzlmFjRXdxt_nRQdT0/s1600/broom+trick+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ptpe3DE7OPySL4DTiLGUq2fH8DQbLghMNamrU1TAbmdifMsolwHpb7Vabogn9ly5HFBMA_9TSH1X9krrqpqcOalrkTalYG61Mv03UxScHowwPhKxbkEKL8oEiLzlmFjRXdxt_nRQdT0/s400/broom+trick+008.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Megan made homemade ice cream for dessert. The kids loved the toppings and especially loved crushing the oreos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76h5z3jHWxjZKbucwdQjIPoHU_1Tv3yso66VLx3_u1vYQjfiinxoKYSWLq4ty-Db6ldA4AVfRSc7yh2g3TOMxFG3tWVrlXFACNnrBkZT6PMlOw3UWXRdzd_HvigTCI0SOuQAiCiJ80P4/s1600/broom+trick+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76h5z3jHWxjZKbucwdQjIPoHU_1Tv3yso66VLx3_u1vYQjfiinxoKYSWLq4ty-Db6ldA4AVfRSc7yh2g3TOMxFG3tWVrlXFACNnrBkZT6PMlOw3UWXRdzd_HvigTCI0SOuQAiCiJ80P4/s400/broom+trick+012.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Here we are with the spread for our ice cream. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgha896RIxz8tEtyeuYc16fCnZ47QrUMqZEise5FC0RWOE1AyCz5CR6AfBZYDRD0pTmoT1gwG8ALA3o03bg41cf4zemVUg226oJA4uv6Hx36S3ItOikSy3osjXOCG7cZhWP1mYsBsG6Ak/s1600/broom+trick+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgha896RIxz8tEtyeuYc16fCnZ47QrUMqZEise5FC0RWOE1AyCz5CR6AfBZYDRD0pTmoT1gwG8ALA3o03bg41cf4zemVUg226oJA4uv6Hx36S3ItOikSy3osjXOCG7cZhWP1mYsBsG6Ak/s400/broom+trick+014.JPG" /></a></div><br />
After the party we got ready to put the kids to bed and read The Night Before Christmas by the Christmas tree. The kids actually went to sleep pretty good this year and Nate and I got to work! We give one gift to each child and Santa brings one gift. At 11pm I realized that the one and only gift I had for Alex was no where to be found. To this day we have never found it. After a bit of panicking and some quick thinking we turned an extra gift that we were planning to give to all the kids into Alex's gift. <br />
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Here are some of the Christmas morning pictures.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0snJd2vh_JPB2uPxhThO_9ON7ZBMyj68Tobqr4rR29NSGPWmfgFZ6dvf4i65_wY5etjCxOGxaGfHPCd5-3_1QhtxmOsV70LUF3sqLKZgzysTIktIx-lBbuYrIT1GJLmvE4nJhy-yOiQ/s1600/broom+trick+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0snJd2vh_JPB2uPxhThO_9ON7ZBMyj68Tobqr4rR29NSGPWmfgFZ6dvf4i65_wY5etjCxOGxaGfHPCd5-3_1QhtxmOsV70LUF3sqLKZgzysTIktIx-lBbuYrIT1GJLmvE4nJhy-yOiQ/s400/broom+trick+015.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMjYHSDo8YsuwHofbrXnyPidI8C5tB8uF0AdbMnAAWvAWeNVEEJ27Dg4kdkH7NWmWXHxZ1eQDrfKL3b6zqpcRX7KKJX16vvx98NwfQnILr6m84NJ8BccRuw9cbPl78EHts_7V4TZ7wZQ/s1600/broom+trick+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMjYHSDo8YsuwHofbrXnyPidI8C5tB8uF0AdbMnAAWvAWeNVEEJ27Dg4kdkH7NWmWXHxZ1eQDrfKL3b6zqpcRX7KKJX16vvx98NwfQnILr6m84NJ8BccRuw9cbPl78EHts_7V4TZ7wZQ/s400/broom+trick+016.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Llgl71XjENUuQkOI41_FiHKwlDuMNjw38zEU6dWFU46jp2Jd82YvBfqktEKWSkPDKhc337WsIXL9VlDuQKqS66o1GN3dRHuc0iniA4RSGK8a_WDbkvi5KUwUGIqmSMhE3dq7r6AvI_o/s1600/broom+trick+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Llgl71XjENUuQkOI41_FiHKwlDuMNjw38zEU6dWFU46jp2Jd82YvBfqktEKWSkPDKhc337WsIXL9VlDuQKqS66o1GN3dRHuc0iniA4RSGK8a_WDbkvi5KUwUGIqmSMhE3dq7r6AvI_o/s400/broom+trick+019.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5FBbipD1b4T-q3ONH2hqB9A90wn9zLSuVhxE6Qkj1M6Gp0Gv-d65odVK7jAa72YPdcozMQC0Af16n2T8Mgj4SFDpXckzprPozTZx4AkL2mdeeVgWy09H9jJnk_RAJN_u8BUSUHbnyc4/s1600/broom+trick+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5FBbipD1b4T-q3ONH2hqB9A90wn9zLSuVhxE6Qkj1M6Gp0Gv-d65odVK7jAa72YPdcozMQC0Af16n2T8Mgj4SFDpXckzprPozTZx4AkL2mdeeVgWy09H9jJnk_RAJN_u8BUSUHbnyc4/s400/broom+trick+020.JPG" /></a></div><br />
After opening presents at home we drove to my parents church to attend with them. I LOVED having a few presents in the morning and then off to church to enjoy the spirit and remember exactly why we are celebrating.<br />
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After church we headed to my parents house for breakfast (for lunch) and then more gift giving and recieving with cousins. I wish I had gotten a picture of the pile of presents there. It was massive! <br />
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Here is Abby almost getting lost in her pile of gifts from Grandma and Grandpa (they love to spoil the grandkids!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeox95VBchBOaBwqd8fb9Uw_kj8gdhJi303vkJn6nQQl1QLwIK0x0gslioeO1QoNchbHHjHajJgS1gLj_m6s4KxpQfx2EVnSjeu2EP3CuejWmGxlCI2AJYO6pppSnuBFpM_n1IWi9WS8/s1600/broom+trick+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeox95VBchBOaBwqd8fb9Uw_kj8gdhJi303vkJn6nQQl1QLwIK0x0gslioeO1QoNchbHHjHajJgS1gLj_m6s4KxpQfx2EVnSjeu2EP3CuejWmGxlCI2AJYO6pppSnuBFpM_n1IWi9WS8/s400/broom+trick+027.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Here are Tyler and Alex with a favorite gift from the day. And one of Lu because she stood still for a picture and almost smiled!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaALuN6AXOkbjDfrdStjkwxZIIna8UPFQ2B0urGz4yCNK1gSMQlqLp-OiilGYgK3JFw6p2K_YPczZBzzzcJ25zHy4fRYpNUQ1CkpGgZX6kqmezJ6T3UzNz-_7wtjwVkLf0i3-SDlrWv0I/s1600/broom+trick+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaALuN6AXOkbjDfrdStjkwxZIIna8UPFQ2B0urGz4yCNK1gSMQlqLp-OiilGYgK3JFw6p2K_YPczZBzzzcJ25zHy4fRYpNUQ1CkpGgZX6kqmezJ6T3UzNz-_7wtjwVkLf0i3-SDlrWv0I/s400/broom+trick+028.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhYbXA-7-TfgQxANOWqyFKdW4WNQHuoTZGKiwE8V2TLmhhFW-YtSBT-TEJzVnLyk9UB3lQylCkBXbMebSs3LeqokR2_QiTfxMNGBrY39j3JWvm3TlMJxNdgovmxhuMV27FGe6j5jh0m8/s1600/broom+trick+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhYbXA-7-TfgQxANOWqyFKdW4WNQHuoTZGKiwE8V2TLmhhFW-YtSBT-TEJzVnLyk9UB3lQylCkBXbMebSs3LeqokR2_QiTfxMNGBrY39j3JWvm3TlMJxNdgovmxhuMV27FGe6j5jh0m8/s400/broom+trick+029.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9T1flHeg5YbKzanE9sfShV4alPQHE6PC6Q8eob_6Mu27Ywu9zFK5yHyx2HydmlgdC0WinTUPDJ1ZrJbpQomI_IuhvPKibB-I8FIZX8PBUACC6FmL54Lla4K9tvXEBpVJuRRWZp7D3fw/s1600/broom+trick+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9T1flHeg5YbKzanE9sfShV4alPQHE6PC6Q8eob_6Mu27Ywu9zFK5yHyx2HydmlgdC0WinTUPDJ1ZrJbpQomI_IuhvPKibB-I8FIZX8PBUACC6FmL54Lla4K9tvXEBpVJuRRWZp7D3fw/s400/broom+trick+030.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And one last picture because I love it! It's my Grandpa Singleton who must be the most perfect man on earth! I love him dearly.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXQ5LxPRWKW3Wnk2nHvXVywSODqPPTtfJtjRUmjaIFm7T1zTz-oc_Hb15HdYsUrWBMizoO4Rk0G5Pp6wVbLUyuFRNynYog08pkJa9TwbMprBZxegEeIgWmRKyI-LZ1Qh4WkIbVXeX74Q/s1600/broom+trick+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXQ5LxPRWKW3Wnk2nHvXVywSODqPPTtfJtjRUmjaIFm7T1zTz-oc_Hb15HdYsUrWBMizoO4Rk0G5Pp6wVbLUyuFRNynYog08pkJa9TwbMprBZxegEeIgWmRKyI-LZ1Qh4WkIbVXeX74Q/s400/broom+trick+024.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It was a great Christmas!AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-48242619514583790252011-12-12T20:21:00.000-08:002011-12-12T20:21:52.671-08:00SantaTonight the older kids and I went to a Christmas party. It is put on by one of the special ed teachers at the school. It's for all of his current students and former students. He is so kind to have the party every year. We've been going for 4 years now. It's always the same....the kids play the same game each year, sit on the stairs and sing songs, and then Santa comes in with gifts for each of them. The kids really enjoy it. Here they are sitting with Santa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrbDtYepDXhoR6xRdQzJ_dkQLVFjILHiq4qfGqPg_Ib7o1I_S5HTRbVVcEnZpeqrlkb2WbUzdtsv6FXhDc2hICXY0KX8I8LFADqRSFX8emQ74vNSfIeD-lkAfnZtn6shphtt8oqY29GA/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrbDtYepDXhoR6xRdQzJ_dkQLVFjILHiq4qfGqPg_Ib7o1I_S5HTRbVVcEnZpeqrlkb2WbUzdtsv6FXhDc2hICXY0KX8I8LFADqRSFX8emQ74vNSfIeD-lkAfnZtn6shphtt8oqY29GA/s400/photo%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18txKe4AXDfAWYky2RK0CEDY5_b2YqOxdH6TFy8DxQY4p5TDvgyeTYlYbeWlbTY68elE2rcRk3lf6_9aauzNCSdQhXl4h5gMA69LDO38pCienth53xMEiCEEzSUyq4XI84hqdXFxPzyI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18txKe4AXDfAWYky2RK0CEDY5_b2YqOxdH6TFy8DxQY4p5TDvgyeTYlYbeWlbTY68elE2rcRk3lf6_9aauzNCSdQhXl4h5gMA69LDO38pCienth53xMEiCEEzSUyq4XI84hqdXFxPzyI/s400/photo.JPG" /></a></div><br />
In this last picture Santa is asking Tyler what he wants for Christmas. Tyler said a remote control car. I was a little surprised because I hadn't heard him talk about one of those this year. After we got home Tyler requested some help from me to write a letter to Santa.<br />
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Now I wish you could've seen this next part because writing about it just won't do it justice. I told Tyler he didn't need to write a letter because he just told Santa what he wants. At this point he throws his hands in the air and shouts "I panicked!" I wasn't following what he meant so I asked him to explain. Again he throws his hands in the air and says "I panicked with Santa. I don't want a remote control car!" Thus the reason for the urgency to write a letter to Santa with his more thought out request. I wish you could've been there. It was great!<br />
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Hopefully Santa will get that letter in time to make any needed changes to his previous plans!AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-26068101166312058692011-12-04T20:56:00.000-08:002011-12-04T20:56:40.791-08:00NIHLast week Tyler, Lauren, my Mom, and I flew to Bethesda Maryland to the National Institutes of Health. We were able to participate in a study they are doing on Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. I have been working towards going on this trip for over 10 months now. I have had soooo much anxiety over many aspects of it. The travel made me nervous, navigating my way around a new place made me nervous, trying to make the kids do all of the procedures and tests that needed to be done made me nervous. I was a nervous wreck by the time we left. My biggest worry was that I wouldn't be able to get Tyler on the plane. He has been known to refuse to get on things before like trains or buses so the plane made me worried. If he refused I didn't know what I would do. I considered medicating him and Lauren to make things easier but the medication made both of them dizzy and that made me worry about them getting sick on the plane. Do you see a general theme here of me being nervous. Seriously, I cannot think of a single event that I have worried about more than this! Nate gave Tyler and I blessings the night before we left. I felt a nice calm feeling come over me and I felt like we were going to be ok. <br />
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I was so proud of Tyler and Lauren on the plane. They were so good! Tyler got a little nervous getting on but he kept telling himself that he was brave and he was strong. It was really cute. <br />
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The plane ride was uneventful and we caught the right shuttle to NIH from the hospital and we arrived at the Children' Inn around 6:30pm sunday. The Children's Inn is a place for families to stay while they are patients at NIH. It is a great place. Tyler was very excited to find the game room he had seen online. He also LOVED this super mild therapy dog.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp04HjlsHpuSyBcHmXS9qyL7NSQ5EZHAPfK_vmADqFjyh6dS9TgG1xkrwTYt8K9I94pSU9VJQEYe0LmFskFCPWfv9gHTBbRGSdzdGC8MiClU72ZQehTvrfapkThMrzjnnW2QwZ392lo8/s1600/Tyler+and+Vi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp04HjlsHpuSyBcHmXS9qyL7NSQ5EZHAPfK_vmADqFjyh6dS9TgG1xkrwTYt8K9I94pSU9VJQEYe0LmFskFCPWfv9gHTBbRGSdzdGC8MiClU72ZQehTvrfapkThMrzjnnW2QwZ392lo8/s400/Tyler+and+Vi.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Lu loved the playroom. It had a treehouse in it where she loved to play.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-kJD-iiqPswiLPEaIh7Ew8tRa5uDrDHbf0PLrd2yft5SLWSGjMVuFSHn0Py5iIw0g_a840bGure2QYcdwv6uNtxZMNyIWoUCkmnYbGFOppCNq74TBpN1QMPMAC0kPzx7Aaja0pSbUWo/s1600/Lu+in+treehouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-kJD-iiqPswiLPEaIh7Ew8tRa5uDrDHbf0PLrd2yft5SLWSGjMVuFSHn0Py5iIw0g_a840bGure2QYcdwv6uNtxZMNyIWoUCkmnYbGFOppCNq74TBpN1QMPMAC0kPzx7Aaja0pSbUWo/s400/Lu+in+treehouse.JPG" /></a></div><br />
She loved the "Woody hat" and this fun life sized light bright thing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1B1q6omYTv-jKFNhhjbgY8JmmpFLNL_PhJ6o98yxjNOEEBO2EE4wNwQGApMy9nlglKv72-Y7Kgz1iFdF7mp7mz2iEQXY3bwVEa5Q-m3aPOIFGLbEczsIRzNMjQKnxfSOrnuQLDsLxd8/s1600/Lu+in+Woody+hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1B1q6omYTv-jKFNhhjbgY8JmmpFLNL_PhJ6o98yxjNOEEBO2EE4wNwQGApMy9nlglKv72-Y7Kgz1iFdF7mp7mz2iEQXY3bwVEa5Q-m3aPOIFGLbEczsIRzNMjQKnxfSOrnuQLDsLxd8/s400/Lu+in+Woody+hat.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq74ja9iNH4RhdPDFZwi5qW7M7mMeiuSISdP8yW7_6kTJeR1HcTzG1J2V7FIlPluB_Q__ITaGlFcDKZB3u2DnthYSn4EU2vXEbv8F6wCaSUu7tc-qD68pkKCH3atJWjFs3gMyc8k6UcA/s1600/Lu+at+lightbright.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq74ja9iNH4RhdPDFZwi5qW7M7mMeiuSISdP8yW7_6kTJeR1HcTzG1J2V7FIlPluB_Q__ITaGlFcDKZB3u2DnthYSn4EU2vXEbv8F6wCaSUu7tc-qD68pkKCH3atJWjFs3gMyc8k6UcA/s400/Lu+at+lightbright.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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We started our appointments on monday morning. Tyler was amazing. He was calm and so willing to do whatever we asked him to do. He was able to do every test that was scheduled for him. I was certain there were a few he wouldn't be able to do but he surprised us all and did them. Between monday and thursday he had a physical exam, blood draw (13 viles to fill and 3 different attempts,it was not fun!), DEXA scan to measure bone density, Abdominal MRI and brain MRI, 2 different ultrasounds, x-rays, EKG, Psychological testing, Audiology testing, Opthamology appt, and a couple of other appts that I went to and he had to wait in the waiting room with Lu and my Mom for hours! I am so proud of him and what he did there. I know that he was strengthened and calmed as a result of so many prayers on our behalf. It really was amazing. Here he is waiting for an appointment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAmHa6ZDLQ9jjtKxCYtWGvC69kxvP901wIRp_ygdEcOrAzjAz2Zx8nUk8ULh7uaQvOx02frHF9OYnvf2rVpSLEuSwEK5XWjPKRaekjniGe9NVefilxfK7puAGvLE74fdLqDGPX9txMfc/s1600/Tyler+at+NIH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAmHa6ZDLQ9jjtKxCYtWGvC69kxvP901wIRp_ygdEcOrAzjAz2Zx8nUk8ULh7uaQvOx02frHF9OYnvf2rVpSLEuSwEK5XWjPKRaekjniGe9NVefilxfK7puAGvLE74fdLqDGPX9txMfc/s400/Tyler+at+NIH.JPG" /></a></div>He loved that some of the offices had complimentary drinks!<br />
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Then there was Lu. Wow, was she the opposite of Tyler. She was scheduled for all the same appointments as Tyler but I think the only thing she did was the psychological testing. She threw a royal fit anytime anyone tried to touch her. Luckily we had scheduled for her to be sedated for her opthamology appointment at the end of the week. We decided to do as many tests as possible while she was out. She ended up having her eye exam and ERG, MRI's, blood draw, and physical exam while she was sedated. It was a wonderfully calm and relaxing few hours for me while she was out! (Is that wrong of me to say?) Here she is just before the sedation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9fC7x1gzXVMw_rHT6FoWQxS4Xcgo6Bg7-989BUz92MdHeHeX-tot7HA6yudTfL3EPJzTgM_-hfbfYFzu4HanVO6FvIf-sajs4OmXXwA3H7ix7tFazz-5wY-Tw_Z4S3lWscYDQBQH0Os/s1600/113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9fC7x1gzXVMw_rHT6FoWQxS4Xcgo6Bg7-989BUz92MdHeHeX-tot7HA6yudTfL3EPJzTgM_-hfbfYFzu4HanVO6FvIf-sajs4OmXXwA3H7ix7tFazz-5wY-Tw_Z4S3lWscYDQBQH0Os/s400/113.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Did I mention that she watched a Bugs Bunny movie about a million times on the IPad? She called it "carrots" and she watched it all the time! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y0TGefqVtdPoZ5nV8pJknrowqL7rhdKw4J4HcmgbMqFCjNVH-eYP7B5XqqQftpZHoJEmWXfgXmpcOCWt1oYUef6HX4VzdmISI067X9aYa2PV3sZzylaDKHgFiIg6J3Bc2ziJeNOTfig/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y0TGefqVtdPoZ5nV8pJknrowqL7rhdKw4J4HcmgbMqFCjNVH-eYP7B5XqqQftpZHoJEmWXfgXmpcOCWt1oYUef6HX4VzdmISI067X9aYa2PV3sZzylaDKHgFiIg6J3Bc2ziJeNOTfig/s400/109.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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We got some great news that Lauren's eyes seem to be fine. She doesn't have Retinitis Pigmentosa as of yet. The opthamologist said he would love to do an exam in a few years and see how things look but for now she is just fine.<br />
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Lu recovered from the sedation just fine for a couple of hours but then she seemed to struggle. She started shaking really bad and she could not stay awake. It was a little concerning but it was also really cute to have her cuddle and sleep on me and my mom. <br />
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Even the day after the sedation she seemed really out of it still. I am counting that as a blessing because we flew home that day and she was an angel through it all. We had 2 flights and I don't think she even said 2 words or moved off my lap during either. By this morning she seemed to be back to her normal self so I'm not worried anymore. <br />
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The entire week was so exhausting for my Mom and I. The days were long at the clinic and then trying to entertain the kids in the evenings was draining too. My Mom was a fantastic travel partner. She and Tyler were buddies and I took care of Lauren most of the time. My Mom was a great support to me and I loved being able to share this experience with her. She was our navigator and found ways for us to get out for dinner or get to the grocery store. She was so great to entertain the kids in waiting rooms when I was meeting with different specialists. I really enjoyed getting to spend the week with her.<br />
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I also have to share these pictures because they are perfect representations of the week. These are their security badges they had to wear all week. Tyler didn't go anywhere without his elephant. He even held it during his MRI's. And Lauren, well the picture says it all!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JmkwHY2WefRUaSw0CGrqwfCqyu87Pr-VVTO1zyE68GRPi6MA6Sk8nRcXjvnzOS3P9ZwSH_litn7hkWJP-lNzljYKwZ3H6nKUAfIuTyWz_WJi9smOvSRRCW72-R1KxauA4EkE40VU0ek/s1600/Tyler+NIH+badge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JmkwHY2WefRUaSw0CGrqwfCqyu87Pr-VVTO1zyE68GRPi6MA6Sk8nRcXjvnzOS3P9ZwSH_litn7hkWJP-lNzljYKwZ3H6nKUAfIuTyWz_WJi9smOvSRRCW72-R1KxauA4EkE40VU0ek/s400/Tyler+NIH+badge.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyrmIWlknH6dZBTbZhuZ1LbT7wVSTv30-zyjDszz3HBZ5pjGelCUlGfso2CZB0JZ5DrQf0erj42hCY1xpQs-rOd6m4k3-qk6qNRAqTGLpwTNl7wu3NyL1EEtf_JdbM63uRMW9DfGxI6w/s1600/Lu+NIH+badge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyrmIWlknH6dZBTbZhuZ1LbT7wVSTv30-zyjDszz3HBZ5pjGelCUlGfso2CZB0JZ5DrQf0erj42hCY1xpQs-rOd6m4k3-qk6qNRAqTGLpwTNl7wu3NyL1EEtf_JdbM63uRMW9DfGxI6w/s400/Lu+NIH+badge.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Even though the experience was very exhausting and difficult I am still so glad that we had the opportunity to go. I thought I would come home with tons of new information about the syndrome but I don't feel like I did. I did learn some things but I found out that I already know most of what there is to know about the syndrome in general. I realized that I need to shift my focus from general information to more specific information about what is going on with my kids. That is what I did find out this week. I found out the Tyler is already showing some pre-diabetes signs. I feel a real urgency to change some things in our diets to make sure he is healthy. I also found out that generally my kids are doing really well. Their hearts and kidney's are fine. Lauren's eyes are fine. And although Tyler does have the eye disease his vision is quite good still. I learned more about genetics and how the syndrome was passed on too. We didn't get the result of the genetic testing yet. That could take a few months to get. <br />
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The most important thing I learned this week was something that I already knew but was reminded of many times this week. I re-learned that I have been guided and directed by the Holy Ghost so many times as a parent to these special kids. I was able to think through our journey from the time Tyler was born until the now and was able to recognize that my mind has been enlightened by the Spirit. I've been lead to different things at different times that have been beneficial for us. As I've looked at the past 10 yrs it's so easy to see how blessed I've been. I feel really grateful for the renewed appreciation for the gift of the Holy Ghost. <br />
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On the flight home there was a beautiful sunset somewhere over the midwest.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqz3m9kwRbcK2Q2bd2Up9rBZqOR08YB5sSgCmYrILXBWz3PfyPweOm3_nEd5bEB6xCqOEt_FLakRiHzm10qMHgoNMyWDNx9_ZCq3oPadiAnpMi5LiMBDSuUb4ImkwAkYc9W0MpvG5aLc/s1600/plane+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqz3m9kwRbcK2Q2bd2Up9rBZqOR08YB5sSgCmYrILXBWz3PfyPweOm3_nEd5bEB6xCqOEt_FLakRiHzm10qMHgoNMyWDNx9_ZCq3oPadiAnpMi5LiMBDSuUb4ImkwAkYc9W0MpvG5aLc/s400/plane+sunset.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I was so excited to get home and see Nate, Alex, and Abby. I was also very excited to sleep in my own bed without Lauren!AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-14937708080617143522011-11-16T21:02:00.000-08:002011-11-16T21:02:33.457-08:00A giftHere is a question. Do you think that simply thinking about something and hoping for something is a silent prayer? Because I have been thinking about something and really hoping something would happen. I haven't "officially" prayed about it but I've thought about it a lot. Today the thing that I had been hoping for happened and I instantly had a feeling that it was an answer to my prayers. Only, I haven't prayed for it. Maybe it's what some would call a tender mercy. I remember a few lines from a talk given by Elder Bednar about tender mercies. He says " <i>I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.</i>" He also says "<i>the Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.</i>" <br />
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I guess whether it was a tender mercy or an answer to silent prayer doesn't matter. I recognized instantly that it was a blessing made just for me. <br />
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You're probably expecting some great story at this point but it really is a very simple thing. But, I have thought about this very simple thing over and over today and I am so grateful for it!<br />
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Lauren has been going to preschool for a few months now. She comes home happy and I see papers she brings home but I have no idea what she does at school or how she acts there. I don't know the routine. I don't know what her behavior is like. Does she act happy there or is she missing home? I have held her cute, chubby checks with my hands and looked into her eyes almost begging for her to tell me something, anything she did that day. I know she can't tell me but for some reason it makes me sad to not know what she thinks and feels about her time at school. This has been the norm for almost 3 months now. I think about it less than I did at first but sometimes my heart still longs for her to share something with me.<br />
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Today Lauren and I were playing with some toys and she brought out a bag of wooden blocks. She set it on the table and said "It's toy time"! She said it 2 or 3 times and I instantly recognized that they must call playtime "toy time" in her class. I was so excited that she shared something with me. It was so small but it was so big at the same time. A little while later I heard her talking to herself saying "let's count to ten" then she would start counting from 1 to 10. Again, my heart just melted knowing that she must have learned that at school. I can just imagine the teacher saying that exact phrase. Like I said before. I know this is such a small thing. I still don't really know much about her school and her time there but I am so grateful that she was able to share something with me. I am even more grateful that I recognized that it was a gift for me from my Father in Heaven. He knows me. He knows the small desires of my heart. I am so grateful that he gave me that sweet gift today.AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-50601568473058681432011-11-07T10:21:00.000-08:002011-11-07T10:21:01.935-08:00Fall HappeningsThis is a catch up post for all of our fall activities.<br />
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We went to the school carnival last month. They had fun activities for the kids but my kids LOVED the band the most! Tyler's old teacher is the drummer in the band so he let the kids sit and play the drums.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4TUkf1vq_65ehmLoFip7d_dBA1XHeu0o0GS6eo6rh26Oyw8Y5apAkyZLHUWRRTSNaILjfF7H618SIU6BJHXjg-o2J_qbxYkgAQoYi3qgoyBGqRdlAG-AsHnpAnCyTNeugVvbmCsJSD0/s1600/New+Camera+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4TUkf1vq_65ehmLoFip7d_dBA1XHeu0o0GS6eo6rh26Oyw8Y5apAkyZLHUWRRTSNaILjfF7H618SIU6BJHXjg-o2J_qbxYkgAQoYi3qgoyBGqRdlAG-AsHnpAnCyTNeugVvbmCsJSD0/s400/New+Camera+006.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYmECo4M5KPbECkB3lolIpbywF-700AhLA8ppz5f2T6W-iUyrzmBREtB727ufbUtYMRhd9v50xOFxrPrCP_PL7oJiLGb4m-CKImXH-SwylaSVIK7EfUQ6VMuzojzaV05dnnm-GlufpQ4/s1600/New+Camera+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYmECo4M5KPbECkB3lolIpbywF-700AhLA8ppz5f2T6W-iUyrzmBREtB727ufbUtYMRhd9v50xOFxrPrCP_PL7oJiLGb4m-CKImXH-SwylaSVIK7EfUQ6VMuzojzaV05dnnm-GlufpQ4/s400/New+Camera+007.jpg" /></a></div>Here's Lu soaking in the loud music from the band!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHC7JUm73gql1iB3MzV-l3qLVlUhrGv-A-QmvWpObeQC_PIq7ieim3WQTdssQ2wpaNFk1hJlZ-iuYSuNy4ZCi8SVraMjOyyCMdsfUXMl5vZsxWOke6ts1TLJEIjAhvyGdRN_0qkIFHBk/s1600/New+Camera+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHC7JUm73gql1iB3MzV-l3qLVlUhrGv-A-QmvWpObeQC_PIq7ieim3WQTdssQ2wpaNFk1hJlZ-iuYSuNy4ZCi8SVraMjOyyCMdsfUXMl5vZsxWOke6ts1TLJEIjAhvyGdRN_0qkIFHBk/s400/New+Camera+008.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We went to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point during Fall Break. The kids had a great time there. I didn't remember Lu's stroller and she can't be trusted to stay with me while she's walking so we rented a wagon for her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsAFwoMkXHl3BB2Qoy5cuxex7lslbAi8BkeZcYydEgmdYjnQIjAPvpQ6IsuaTUAt-vN60HVc7wRfBgSMvqXT4de8wQISTUAnTHyPGXyoZZXTjbpCSxMGo0-4QL0R5TklQ9SNWwBThxN0/s1600/New+Camera+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsAFwoMkXHl3BB2Qoy5cuxex7lslbAi8BkeZcYydEgmdYjnQIjAPvpQ6IsuaTUAt-vN60HVc7wRfBgSMvqXT4de8wQISTUAnTHyPGXyoZZXTjbpCSxMGo0-4QL0R5TklQ9SNWwBThxN0/s400/New+Camera+011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tyler rode this bike around a track. It's a big deal to me because he doesn't know how to ride a bike and I wasn't even sure if he knew how to pedal! It wasn't easy for him but he did it! I was so proud of him for trying. He ended up doing this activity twice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S-0IC4nKtD6zG4ZnZx6-y7dxy53FSys_e78knJDbJUEvN031G_2ohUyUKK7Xs-z0aYVg8zTb9s7t-e_U8SMYXc28512ZvaeaVxVQJfP1huRK7VjWJj0s-Q30SkGe_sq_HtsDpvlo3bY/s1600/New+Camera+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S-0IC4nKtD6zG4ZnZx6-y7dxy53FSys_e78knJDbJUEvN031G_2ohUyUKK7Xs-z0aYVg8zTb9s7t-e_U8SMYXc28512ZvaeaVxVQJfP1huRK7VjWJj0s-Q30SkGe_sq_HtsDpvlo3bY/s400/New+Camera+009.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We watched pig races, played in bouce houses, played volleyball over hay bails, roped cattle, got faces painted, and had a snack. I didn't take the kids through the corn maze though. I didn't think that was a good idea by myself! If I lost someone in there I may not ever find them! This is the only maze the kids went through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDFjGjGE4B6KmBL2Fh-REktHt15wEc64WfM4mQ6VcqTOS3KBL373Yr4I0SBUvjwePUvdy5aVMaqm5wsr4lQfty-8qrDrrMWJidXEBKBeXiRoxDaX3ByxLGH8SWeN_cCaJ_X5tHdyFz_Q/s1600/New+Camera+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDFjGjGE4B6KmBL2Fh-REktHt15wEc64WfM4mQ6VcqTOS3KBL373Yr4I0SBUvjwePUvdy5aVMaqm5wsr4lQfty-8qrDrrMWJidXEBKBeXiRoxDaX3ByxLGH8SWeN_cCaJ_X5tHdyFz_Q/s400/New+Camera+010.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We also spent a night at Grandma's house over Fall Break. It was our mini vacation! The next morning we got donuts and went up into the Layton foothills to eat and look at the fall leaves with Grandma. Here we are.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6CbcdGaJ0-aAsKK6ieNBnCLMeJCL5m0ohsU6KxYX5Yu-uis9Uu2KjWYj1WHyEWUhLQpnZJjKGVZwhCNnFCjZocrOa963d26zFukeKfks4qC19Y8Zi9Dktj8W454RW5mh_K1YwRCpf9g/s1600/New+Camera+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6CbcdGaJ0-aAsKK6ieNBnCLMeJCL5m0ohsU6KxYX5Yu-uis9Uu2KjWYj1WHyEWUhLQpnZJjKGVZwhCNnFCjZocrOa963d26zFukeKfks4qC19Y8Zi9Dktj8W454RW5mh_K1YwRCpf9g/s400/New+Camera+012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The spot we went to had a great lookout area where we could soak in a view of the valley below.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2j5zVrkqTYmtZpdbVxDBbUxQ-5ocurigyc8OH4_P0waXhYJC9WcrZVh4GQLfctiG6yhFcjNFH1SOeCVEgkegt6u9p8XHfbB9MnY8QVNq0wZMM2LqSseVo14QZViEFuXf9piRG5bvx48/s1600/New+Camera+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2j5zVrkqTYmtZpdbVxDBbUxQ-5ocurigyc8OH4_P0waXhYJC9WcrZVh4GQLfctiG6yhFcjNFH1SOeCVEgkegt6u9p8XHfbB9MnY8QVNq0wZMM2LqSseVo14QZViEFuXf9piRG5bvx48/s400/New+Camera+013.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We picked fall leaves and still have them drying in a heavy book. We should probably take them out now!<br />
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Next we carved pumpkins. Lauren thought they looked pretty tasty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvpvnaSwIC9RGS3xU7-_2SoX6xxZ1YEXy22n40AdRFK-ts45PLgLSxJxsH900B8bcM5CqT5FHErycNF48R2TxUIqp7XdBQ30k7NCjh8mjuwQfZem0Zz-WqGO5uEVeAxxWk6-JBfrQUns/s1600/Lu+eating+pumpkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvpvnaSwIC9RGS3xU7-_2SoX6xxZ1YEXy22n40AdRFK-ts45PLgLSxJxsH900B8bcM5CqT5FHErycNF48R2TxUIqp7XdBQ30k7NCjh8mjuwQfZem0Zz-WqGO5uEVeAxxWk6-JBfrQUns/s400/Lu+eating+pumpkin.JPG" /></a></div>I'm pretty sure she thought it would taste like cantalope. <br />
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Nate was a great helper with the carving. He helped the kids get their designs just right.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VNSPASLOhIJDqUEjTUYQJhQ1gAQy6ebWYrXd2XT4-0X9btv7VkvGQw5EAO7lJcjdcsYxnxSvb7LIpJW-hFrH17l-omfORY8AkyFw5N_hK801d1bKxgJ27WDWPfOpu38UpU3YTMe2Il8/s1600/carving+pumpkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VNSPASLOhIJDqUEjTUYQJhQ1gAQy6ebWYrXd2XT4-0X9btv7VkvGQw5EAO7lJcjdcsYxnxSvb7LIpJW-hFrH17l-omfORY8AkyFw5N_hK801d1bKxgJ27WDWPfOpu38UpU3YTMe2Il8/s400/carving+pumpkin.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Then came Halloween....<br />
Have I mentioned that I don't love Halloween? Scary things, candy and dressing up are not my favorite things! Nevertheless, the kids had a costume parade at school on Halloween. Tyler doesn't dress up so he sat with me and Lu during the parade. He was my photographer so I got some pretty interesting pictures there!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht28_hObaY8Z4ebSEvSFG6vHT9u222hQuAkUZZhYrEoFKtlElz0ROgGvLV13BEEC6o6tyZBXNRz9dsG-YjCS0elZ8QVHNrn043BfP0nRYf2Cdb-oFJiu05397igVCBn0xa8l8JO2EtbJs/s1600/New+Camera+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht28_hObaY8Z4ebSEvSFG6vHT9u222hQuAkUZZhYrEoFKtlElz0ROgGvLV13BEEC6o6tyZBXNRz9dsG-YjCS0elZ8QVHNrn043BfP0nRYf2Cdb-oFJiu05397igVCBn0xa8l8JO2EtbJs/s400/New+Camera+015.jpg" /></a></div>Here I am waiting for Lu to finish throwing a fit on the floor. It was nice of Tyler to capture that moment! If you look closely you can see a pink blob on the floor by me. That's Lu.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDqbAihqH5eooJtj10UWto74PzeYsqti6TPc4QmfZSrUd3cmZeLZ9RLUX9JfCK80Hd548HN-DNw6hODSKdWpUIRodD1CkgJCxZbb4_UcAtBJcNocp8_BwnIeSnDEHRqVZdsXXjd06Seo/s1600/New+Camera+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDqbAihqH5eooJtj10UWto74PzeYsqti6TPc4QmfZSrUd3cmZeLZ9RLUX9JfCK80Hd548HN-DNw6hODSKdWpUIRodD1CkgJCxZbb4_UcAtBJcNocp8_BwnIeSnDEHRqVZdsXXjd06Seo/s400/New+Camera+014.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tyler took some great pictures at the parade. Unfortunately none of them were of Alex or Abby in their costumes! Luckily I had the camara handy that night just before they went trick or treating. Here is Alex and his friend. Alex was a phantom.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7kfXnXoVS4j8YmOq-2LwRgNrp5t2UpVa1PJGky7bdAtDEFNAlVM0dIaBKjiHd_HwfaIBIyhfP-QmnM0X8ZXXmcx1nD_iRHk3lNsWNbart7P3A8TI_LVnqAK90X6YRo-Me7FpT8Mkx8o/s1600/New+Camera+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7kfXnXoVS4j8YmOq-2LwRgNrp5t2UpVa1PJGky7bdAtDEFNAlVM0dIaBKjiHd_HwfaIBIyhfP-QmnM0X8ZXXmcx1nD_iRHk3lNsWNbart7P3A8TI_LVnqAK90X6YRo-Me7FpT8Mkx8o/s400/New+Camera+016.jpg" /></a></div>Abby was Minnie Mouse and Lu was whatever we could find around the house that she would wear!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FHGy6MHPDtD8DQCUSDPqS3MCjzabUksakjSX5bQEnLogIV8R0fq1296wYae_2kbcRbsWrehmfc0rPZWZHAmYVPoPwpiugR-nr3lYphyphenhyphenPY9k_iKWp04HFqo3FW-m6syFBsFVmvkMX_Tk/s1600/New+Camera+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FHGy6MHPDtD8DQCUSDPqS3MCjzabUksakjSX5bQEnLogIV8R0fq1296wYae_2kbcRbsWrehmfc0rPZWZHAmYVPoPwpiugR-nr3lYphyphenhyphenPY9k_iKWp04HFqo3FW-m6syFBsFVmvkMX_Tk/s400/New+Camera+019.jpg" /></a></div>(Can you tell Abby had a party at school that day? Wish I had gotten a picture taken before she stained the front of her costume!)<br />
Here's Lu taking another taste of pumpkin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEife67oeIzoRIpVOjvI4jSzM2EkSeFZoXljUOikMfXEB-IRW7yW2zj4ETvzqWZh3tYtFeVN-a7DqqQ8mnyB0WPnM5nm1xuo4EuIDFhpiq1VPoxE0OufJCfvcztcF0NNG1PqVHex3dSmvcw/s1600/New+Camera+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEife67oeIzoRIpVOjvI4jSzM2EkSeFZoXljUOikMfXEB-IRW7yW2zj4ETvzqWZh3tYtFeVN-a7DqqQ8mnyB0WPnM5nm1xuo4EuIDFhpiq1VPoxE0OufJCfvcztcF0NNG1PqVHex3dSmvcw/s400/New+Camera+018.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I didn't get a picture of Tyler but he was a doctor. He dresses up enough to be able to trick or treat to the houses on our street. He's done after that! Alex and Abby went crazy with the trick or treating this year! They went for 2 1/2 hours! Here they are with their friends they went with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJR2UjubMUxbq-hWRAAWRgRKZFy9LYrLUQKEdrvHUnnrAnL376OYenvrgZAws9mbkjpomJfu_8k6yxhjDJo5xmHaAh-ywR8-v37iHdoBePV7_cr85SUcwwmzXWVTRngD0hN-COYKirJ68/s1600/Alex%252C+Jack%252C+Austin+Halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJR2UjubMUxbq-hWRAAWRgRKZFy9LYrLUQKEdrvHUnnrAnL376OYenvrgZAws9mbkjpomJfu_8k6yxhjDJo5xmHaAh-ywR8-v37iHdoBePV7_cr85SUcwwmzXWVTRngD0hN-COYKirJ68/s400/Alex%252C+Jack%252C+Austin+Halloween.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10tmmmbeKNMwbz8l_x8cNmEcz6wSQ9H1TvY5hyphenhyphen_JDt108KxXdnSGhGnLHH3lAFiy0tRr341RDuErO_x6VszgwP9yGx-vbC5cWO1_ozjBondoxLPDYVbQeQG2Dp0-RM8YUV_lwzVJbXLg/s1600/Holly%252C+Abby%252C+Haylee+Halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10tmmmbeKNMwbz8l_x8cNmEcz6wSQ9H1TvY5hyphenhyphen_JDt108KxXdnSGhGnLHH3lAFiy0tRr341RDuErO_x6VszgwP9yGx-vbC5cWO1_ozjBondoxLPDYVbQeQG2Dp0-RM8YUV_lwzVJbXLg/s400/Holly%252C+Abby%252C+Haylee+Halloween.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Abby and her friend ended up in the wagon by the end of the night and they had gotten a little silly! By little I mean ALOT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g9L_kPOik89ZfT368ILTGn08Us-UD3-DE3CMCl1y8y1OcMqzL1nQLVUm6jq43YKkORjKJVXeAq6iNlkZYeHw9utfOqncyQlwDDp-yohnriuOlF399xGP27j6Sx4Ym5HQIxxGZc1c0WE/s1600/Abby+and+Haylee+wagon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g9L_kPOik89ZfT368ILTGn08Us-UD3-DE3CMCl1y8y1OcMqzL1nQLVUm6jq43YKkORjKJVXeAq6iNlkZYeHw9utfOqncyQlwDDp-yohnriuOlF399xGP27j6Sx4Ym5HQIxxGZc1c0WE/s400/Abby+and+Haylee+wagon.JPG" /></a></div><br />
That's all I have time for right now. I went on a fantastic girls getaway weekend with my sister/sister in laws last weekend. I'll have to share about that one later!AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-64571697958474176392011-10-27T11:28:00.000-07:002011-10-27T11:28:52.130-07:00Family PicturesWe had family pictures taken a few weeks ago. It had been almost 3 yrs since our last pictures so I was very excited about it. I stressed over the clothes, the location, the weather, everyone's hair, etc....you know how it goes! All of those things came together just fine. The one thing I forget to stress about was Lauren. Turns out that should've been at the top of my list! To say she was difficult would be an understatment! <br />
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My sister in law's brother did our pictures. His name is Clay Hansen and I thought he did a wonderful job. We were not able to do many poses because Lauren was so difficult. He followed her around for quite a while trying to catch a good picture of her. I think he did a great job.<br />
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Here's the family<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1IUx0XvlZJqduOpHTxYZhObsoML-8voHSTt6TUJ5pEZK7YLgL1GlLFwy_TKYf3odi3-3UkQDGP2CCtJPNIbb4IBmFnxSiV-OgWrOyZ9ricBTPigz4fI1Nvol5SWNobuVO_uejebMKVE/s1600/Family+Pictures+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1IUx0XvlZJqduOpHTxYZhObsoML-8voHSTt6TUJ5pEZK7YLgL1GlLFwy_TKYf3odi3-3UkQDGP2CCtJPNIbb4IBmFnxSiV-OgWrOyZ9ricBTPigz4fI1Nvol5SWNobuVO_uejebMKVE/s400/Family+Pictures+027.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tyler<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvELAB5OIKdU4Nj8JuA2wFySz43iAZaSR9PzJaoa27FKzsn0K5WMhEcVRmm5DUqIDARt8GBJeztxp-FlnQCO_3Rrc-IOACEeroC4cKujPkzchKNQx4ecM0s2OclQGya0Ber9vGPlB5rg/s1600/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvELAB5OIKdU4Nj8JuA2wFySz43iAZaSR9PzJaoa27FKzsn0K5WMhEcVRmm5DUqIDARt8GBJeztxp-FlnQCO_3Rrc-IOACEeroC4cKujPkzchKNQx4ecM0s2OclQGya0Ber9vGPlB5rg/s400/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+008.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Alex<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87YL8UiUqtmQWd1WTGiWg-VQm-8rqmwG3kgd5LWesJTHhYNZbD_h0e9T7DkrJoDLnOsCiWQT86dpiyM39FxX2fRIfGYJ7nALPpZZv4zHc2i0sEUV6jGu07Yqcjen4NbMQ_avMO9ufg1w/s1600/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87YL8UiUqtmQWd1WTGiWg-VQm-8rqmwG3kgd5LWesJTHhYNZbD_h0e9T7DkrJoDLnOsCiWQT86dpiyM39FxX2fRIfGYJ7nALPpZZv4zHc2i0sEUV6jGu07Yqcjen4NbMQ_avMO9ufg1w/s400/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Abby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVF88XDhQdJQhoOud2OoUE8B5d_UGM3_SlXrV4QoD0YldeYKNDgp0yJQcWJllpLA_n5JHHzbg0hPLScLhYjPxpZbracuHEaJWOBrhXeYvH-NVMyu5yVCMU5tNgyb_rhDlhVMbUkll5SM/s1600/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVF88XDhQdJQhoOud2OoUE8B5d_UGM3_SlXrV4QoD0YldeYKNDgp0yJQcWJllpLA_n5JHHzbg0hPLScLhYjPxpZbracuHEaJWOBrhXeYvH-NVMyu5yVCMU5tNgyb_rhDlhVMbUkll5SM/s400/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Lauren<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWVX7BxwPAOqkkix35xh-XgW7YV8JqPHzVUDc-z_qADm02znWDYjqpSE8k58cKx4-2QqTHx7wgO9L_YCThnhiUIrfR7J_XtbLu3aWjXL6-N6QmD3FgijknyA5ivEFVXJr9Ljml_ekrzw/s1600/Family+Pictures+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWVX7BxwPAOqkkix35xh-XgW7YV8JqPHzVUDc-z_qADm02znWDYjqpSE8k58cKx4-2QqTHx7wgO9L_YCThnhiUIrfR7J_XtbLu3aWjXL6-N6QmD3FgijknyA5ivEFVXJr9Ljml_ekrzw/s400/Family+Pictures+017.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7xzBF6tVG18UGCIFRPkKJba3Y3qEsMUaTYo-AyxrvdKCOPu26o1y3m1zC6INsRxfk6sl3FtBEN8C9AGUkc2i4XgdAptbeQ74dy8KKmlEfqXw5rzoN-OCEfwmiWR4KLEGotNVjd1DQUY/s1600/Family+Pictures+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7xzBF6tVG18UGCIFRPkKJba3Y3qEsMUaTYo-AyxrvdKCOPu26o1y3m1zC6INsRxfk6sl3FtBEN8C9AGUkc2i4XgdAptbeQ74dy8KKmlEfqXw5rzoN-OCEfwmiWR4KLEGotNVjd1DQUY/s400/Family+Pictures+025.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Me and Nate<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Wx1FZovZ-36W-FtwPD2Q71JBONKlcoruBNYJcmpCnLxAI2KshZ1mq0fEBLD8LNk1jMxXxwhsC_ZBEoZRNPmS1l9Pbtnu6EjmB97f2h7rYf8fV6L5OgsGO5p7ElOxXprVhQ5IbsiVdE/s1600/Family+Pictures+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0Wx1FZovZ-36W-FtwPD2Q71JBONKlcoruBNYJcmpCnLxAI2KshZ1mq0fEBLD8LNk1jMxXxwhsC_ZBEoZRNPmS1l9Pbtnu6EjmB97f2h7rYf8fV6L5OgsGO5p7ElOxXprVhQ5IbsiVdE/s400/Family+Pictures+022.jpg" /></a></div><br />
These are a couple of my favorite pictures. It was the only time that Lu was being happy during the session.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jhf9ylzjWcaJbn2u0YN9inHYNOO0T9FZDO78ilXzJwkRGgcOboEcxqvaBCxIeQk-rEMp7fmgZHsZptAcHn_yF6seMqIAuAEnmrT682NCNit53gMiCWljo2rgBJV7sGcy5EbTg3ruFFo/s1600/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jhf9ylzjWcaJbn2u0YN9inHYNOO0T9FZDO78ilXzJwkRGgcOboEcxqvaBCxIeQk-rEMp7fmgZHsZptAcHn_yF6seMqIAuAEnmrT682NCNit53gMiCWljo2rgBJV7sGcy5EbTg3ruFFo/s400/Copy+of+Family+Pictures+014.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv76a5yQ9GxpjT-TpMp9ZiJ13W-T9Jq8uU4lTaChJO3Z6E5xYtIYo0Uk9PtHIiawvlFMEIfFcEtYNx7FZhAapuxKka5Fv56JeFHVWX-e7NnUQ0sYQm4uj-y2VPDcRJyk3ji6R8usFB-Q/s1600/Family+Pictures+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv76a5yQ9GxpjT-TpMp9ZiJ13W-T9Jq8uU4lTaChJO3Z6E5xYtIYo0Uk9PtHIiawvlFMEIfFcEtYNx7FZhAapuxKka5Fv56JeFHVWX-e7NnUQ0sYQm4uj-y2VPDcRJyk3ji6R8usFB-Q/s400/Family+Pictures+016.jpg" /></a></div>AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-1330209604495845132011-10-10T10:44:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:45:05.828-07:00Birthday!Yesterday was my 34th birthday. That's right, I'm not afraid to say my age! I have a few good reasons to not be afraid of my age. <br />
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1) When I was younger most of my friends in my grade were a year older than me. Yes, it was sad when I didn't drive until I was Jr. in high school but my Mom always said "You'll love it when all your friends are turning 30 and you're still 29."! She was right.<br />
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2) I just happened to marry a great man who is 6 1/2 yrs older than me. I always feel young compared to him! He's a good sport about all the teasing I do!<br />
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3) I would much rather be 34 than 21 again. I love having more perspective, knowledge, and most of all PEACE. I love where I am in life. I love the ages of my kids. I love that Nate and I are at a great place in our marriage. I love where I live. I love the people that I get to associate with. I simply love where I am in life and I wouldn't trade it for the smaller waistline and fewer wrinkles that would come with a younger age.<br />
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There you have it! That's why I'm not afaid to say my age.<br />
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My birthday was a nice day. Since it was sunday, Nate was home and was able to take over with the kids and house and let me relax a little. I did have early morning meetings and a primary program practice and it was fast sunday. But other than those things it was a relaxing, enjoyable day. <br />
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Nate surprised me with a new camera. I've wanted a new one for a few months. It's just a point and shoot, nothing fancy but I'm excited about it. I spent some time in the afternoon playing around with it. Here are a few shots I took of the kids.<br />
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Do you love the close up?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh8mGMonP-rJU2xdKd54d3cFo-1KoDQE6guJiDLeJgZTBNa8sW51QINX5REFH6J5nWOu21ROmcjg-W1V3qhk-h-fQIAjroeptxcHLpNjyHhc3atJqKGpCNIAxbBzjf0rWYR0eofb7T_8/s1600/New+Camera+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh8mGMonP-rJU2xdKd54d3cFo-1KoDQE6guJiDLeJgZTBNa8sW51QINX5REFH6J5nWOu21ROmcjg-W1V3qhk-h-fQIAjroeptxcHLpNjyHhc3atJqKGpCNIAxbBzjf0rWYR0eofb7T_8/s400/New+Camera+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Before you think they're all lovey dovey, please know that they were INSANE yesterday. The next picture is more realistic.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7xRMWOts1pxAEy-nbr1cDRxv5Atmd9zHn5iSGK9bl7c-932wJEB2UwEmP-wy-jT2-RhafD7Ti8WVaWOn_hxL-fCTXsgaYBYtDYKGdv1HkkgYnNywBKl9J1s1O8bP-YxxdBP3Hsa-bQA/s1600/New+Camera+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7xRMWOts1pxAEy-nbr1cDRxv5Atmd9zHn5iSGK9bl7c-932wJEB2UwEmP-wy-jT2-RhafD7Ti8WVaWOn_hxL-fCTXsgaYBYtDYKGdv1HkkgYnNywBKl9J1s1O8bP-YxxdBP3Hsa-bQA/s400/New+Camera+002.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIL2sJjQriZ5t5h2fe2B9d2hzZtHleJkLSRPNzc-u6ropA710C91lwsoXd9jRjGBD7JvXdN9ZY6VDPF8O5QkfClJKUHbMxkPI57bcaJv_wreDtwAcaEz8ykrkINkC8sg2Hn5YpH3kPkY/s1600/New+Camera+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIL2sJjQriZ5t5h2fe2B9d2hzZtHleJkLSRPNzc-u6ropA710C91lwsoXd9jRjGBD7JvXdN9ZY6VDPF8O5QkfClJKUHbMxkPI57bcaJv_wreDtwAcaEz8ykrkINkC8sg2Hn5YpH3kPkY/s400/New+Camera+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here's Lu playing under a parachute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa4SMb-mIvnCsFGrR4CccGDt3_lIOJ4-xsADUHNFWVRHAz7c6jazQiBdqvnl1E7WE7HrKtFIniub6Nv0Q8C0XlL_ufgMw6qVNhSlCQZFPADLbLz0sOl5dcCdxkqpNeHYBMCX4hbopZPg/s1600/New+Camera+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa4SMb-mIvnCsFGrR4CccGDt3_lIOJ4-xsADUHNFWVRHAz7c6jazQiBdqvnl1E7WE7HrKtFIniub6Nv0Q8C0XlL_ufgMw6qVNhSlCQZFPADLbLz0sOl5dcCdxkqpNeHYBMCX4hbopZPg/s400/New+Camera+003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Thanks to everyone for the nice birthday wishes. It was a great day.AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8879744807330457329.post-41029561107461521532011-10-03T21:16:00.000-07:002011-10-03T21:16:55.360-07:00General ConferenceI'm not writing to brag but I am writing to share my success story!<br />
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Let me explain......to put it simply, our kids struggle with General Conference! It's not something that they look forward to. They do like skipping a week of regular church but they don't really like sitting, listening to speakers at home. <br />
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I signed up on Pinterest recently and saw an idea to help kids listen during conference. It suggested having 5 buckets with candy in them and a word posted on the front. Each time a child hears one of the words they get to pick a candy out of it. I loved the idea! Instead of using candy I decided to put dimes in the buckets. I put one roll of dimes in each bucket. It looked like this<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbLxcFta092KZ95Eq3MVhvGqL6MlMMJx0H6Vf4qgUyT8Tf9TmBCaZ-9i2lwIwAco7pUeMTh979vQCeYDLWhIf5oWyLSaQQjO0fku2Bv-kImns649vErN0uwinL98jrT0AgVwuWIuTqJk/s1600/buckets2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbLxcFta092KZ95Eq3MVhvGqL6MlMMJx0H6Vf4qgUyT8Tf9TmBCaZ-9i2lwIwAco7pUeMTh979vQCeYDLWhIf5oWyLSaQQjO0fku2Bv-kImns649vErN0uwinL98jrT0AgVwuWIuTqJk/s400/buckets2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK8eX70fLFCnuWszAZj4zPxcqgTG1bMxWgdRLSaNnaBpH1c4_9DEZz83f_jl2EMiCg0Wa59iCCV2uYPH_GiIbffu15atkD9FwLaWL-hyUTsSlNsCAfrYG0ZQB_Zh_xtZrzl8SFIL1y4M/s1600/money+in+buckets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK8eX70fLFCnuWszAZj4zPxcqgTG1bMxWgdRLSaNnaBpH1c4_9DEZz83f_jl2EMiCg0Wa59iCCV2uYPH_GiIbffu15atkD9FwLaWL-hyUTsSlNsCAfrYG0ZQB_Zh_xtZrzl8SFIL1y4M/s400/money+in+buckets.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The dimes were a big incentive to listen! Alex and Abby listened intently through the 2 Sunday sessions. I know it sounds like a bit of a bribe to pay my children to watch conference but I choose to see it a different way. As my sister-in-law said. It's a small price to pay to start building a testimony! I agree with her. Abby and Alex both made close to $10 a piece! It's the best $10 I've ever spent!AmyA.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16813528825393479346noreply@blogger.com1