tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64540169942001591362024-03-05T16:44:33.358-05:00LifeLife and how we live it.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-16813718065811227822012-04-03T20:45:00.003-04:002012-04-04T12:53:56.317-04:00Who found who?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wB4Fei3b6qs/S3tJUwNvmII/AAAAAAAABEc/0PZ99YpTxO8/s1600/question-mark1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wB4Fei3b6qs/S3tJUwNvmII/AAAAAAAABEc/0PZ99YpTxO8/s320/question-mark1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today during my regular bible reading I noticed something I thought might be worth sharing. You know how when you hear a sermon that points something out inside a verse that you never knew was there and it gives it a whole new meaning? Well thats kind of what happened today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reading in John 1:43-45 read it with me see if you catch it..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote-Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay so, it might not mean much but I caught something I have never seen in these verses before. Do you notice that Jesus said He found Philip, and then later Philip tells Nathanael that he found Jesus? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To me that is a good picture of salvation. It's God's place to save us sure. However, his nudging of the Holy Spirit combined with our allowing him to work with in us and give up control of our life is what ultimately makes salvation work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just thought I would share. </span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-16419396929542807262012-03-15T16:00:00.000-04:002012-03-18T15:01:44.700-04:00Who told the sun where to stand in the morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t know if you all know the song to which I am referring. This is a song that our choir sings and I always love to hear. It states in part of the song "Who told the sun where to stand in the morning, who told the ocean you can only come this far, who told the moon where to hide till evening..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You get the point. Anyway this week has been a testing in control. Basically me fighting control with God. Hummm who do you think has the best chance at winning that? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter Riley has been sick all week with Strep. We cant seem to get her fever down for more than a few hours anyway. She has missed 4 days of school. I am praying she can go tomorrow because she has a lot of makeup work to do already. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have had some car maintenance issues this week and last. My van which has well over 200,000 miles on it is giving out a little at a time. Hoses, connections, all seeming to wear out this week and last. It seems like when it rains it truely does pour. It has been a total of three different things that needed replacing and one more we haven't done yet all at once.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, as I was doing my Bible reading today and considering all the I have to be thankful for in contrast to the small amount of things that have been an irritation this week it seems silly to complain. It seems silly to think that I know better how to run my life. Look at who created life to begin with. What makes me think I can do a better job at running things? Yet, every so often I try. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get to going good thinking I am really getting the hang of this life thing. Then all the sudden in a week or so everything seems to go out of control. Yet, God knew all along that this week Riley would be sick and our van would have issues. He knew all along. So, I am choosing to instead of saying why me and " why do I have to spend my savings on this van" instead of a vacation. I am looking at it as "thank the Lord we had the money to fix it".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I could go on and on.It has been one of those weeks. I am just saying that we are never in control we just think we are. Then, something happens that makes us look up and say okay God you are going to have to take this now, I cant handle it anymore. I think thats probably exactly what he is wanting from us just to say help me I cant do it..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Phil4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything. but in everything, by prayer and petition, with<u> thanksgiving</u>, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-25566343720425030102012-03-08T19:39:00.001-05:002012-03-15T16:04:24.454-04:00Media Organization<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just wanted to share my solution to the problem of how to store DVD's, CDs, and Video games where it looks good and is functional.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6454016994200159136" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">Uploaded by user</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mom2zanriley/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Brandie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The above is a total view of my shelf. This is located near our TV and our Wii. So, in each box is labeled DVD, CD, and all the wii games are in the bottom so the kids can get to them easily. I also have organized my photos so that they can be seen by anyone that wants to look at them, and I can get to them easily.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3Dg-tCaPIwFfDl2zwRhttqu9e3MwoSnj9nl3S1iXFB3BGq0uZvKr1p9aUpxu248zEIJjqh6vbKjLWpmY2mP12uB1ocC-ZBrbdnl-7AmK-xHUtx6wQob76IoxakK_T3nxSe4Xxs40eyQ-/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3Dg-tCaPIwFfDl2zwRhttqu9e3MwoSnj9nl3S1iXFB3BGq0uZvKr1p9aUpxu248zEIJjqh6vbKjLWpmY2mP12uB1ocC-ZBrbdnl-7AmK-xHUtx6wQob76IoxakK_T3nxSe4Xxs40eyQ-/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The boxes are from Ikea. They are awesome is all I can say! Love, love, love them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some close up photos of the shelves.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVaF2yhLBrfF1XUk1-TS8UVKPGqHjIsTKiBlMcetOclrJhfuipfVXHYeB6uFvBL0q88HjOrgA1CFY6RrtJfGcc5U3TY5t4MsGyb7Usqy15WEm8gDDiJJJ5tOt-fxI-6m-dlBX1ai58iGa/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVaF2yhLBrfF1XUk1-TS8UVKPGqHjIsTKiBlMcetOclrJhfuipfVXHYeB6uFvBL0q88HjOrgA1CFY6RrtJfGcc5U3TY5t4MsGyb7Usqy15WEm8gDDiJJJ5tOt-fxI-6m-dlBX1ai58iGa/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGQYKCwOCmVCR2mrLtRB-cVCPJczotNrQBvbzBE7uyI_VFOjO_llXGqaVuw3jekWd-1dKZz7HVr9i32gch4nvC866YP3uz6Yq9U7RQJEoOL2plgac3Z0NfKujdF2kinStXskwrXuhyyeb/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGQYKCwOCmVCR2mrLtRB-cVCPJczotNrQBvbzBE7uyI_VFOjO_llXGqaVuw3jekWd-1dKZz7HVr9i32gch4nvC866YP3uz6Yq9U7RQJEoOL2plgac3Z0NfKujdF2kinStXskwrXuhyyeb/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had some extra shelf space to feel so I threw in some pretty things just to bring it all together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL40_-_e4Wzl18bzyaYM5fkA-Lziu35BPi38McEV0ayjIr2z0pwGzao4SjZ-dWhG265-QFGdgUpcTxZZmpsWFJTQPvLHWZHTZTNrJagl79JUlHZgzYQdsvKopLqFimu2jp22PE2Fg6RJYA/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL40_-_e4Wzl18bzyaYM5fkA-Lziu35BPi38McEV0ayjIr2z0pwGzao4SjZ-dWhG265-QFGdgUpcTxZZmpsWFJTQPvLHWZHTZTNrJagl79JUlHZgzYQdsvKopLqFimu2jp22PE2Fg6RJYA/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading more organization tips to come.</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-76916772124590856712012-03-03T11:13:00.002-05:002012-03-03T11:45:36.565-05:00I will praise you in the storm....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will praise you in this storm....</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.hayabusa.org/forum/attachments/random-thoughts/218857d1304298508-ringgold-ga-tornado-pics-dscn9971-2-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.hayabusa.org/forum/attachments/random-thoughts/218857d1304298508-ringgold-ga-tornado-pics-dscn9971-2-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The above picture is of the April 27th Tornado damage to my hometown of Ringgold Georgia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the storms moving through the area yesterday, sparing Ringgold thank the Lord, I felt the need to remember all the took place almost a year ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was such a scary thing to live through yet thank the Lord we were spared. We didnt even lose a limb of a tree. However, my great grandmother who was 97 at the time was sitting in her house as the tornado came through downtown Ringgold It took the roof of the back end of her house. All the damage is now fixed her house looks brand new. Other than a few exceptions our little town is coming back full swing. So, after last night I just felt the need to say again thank you Lord for protecting Ringgold last night. Thank you also for allowing us as a town to come back better than before even. Please be with the people in the areas that were hit again last night and help them to rebuild and come through stronger for it.</span><br />
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<br /></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-47565184353122286432012-03-02T12:40:00.001-05:002012-03-03T12:26:34.217-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRdTFM_vGTrJF9-JiKlg6iL_2PNHnX3yCGiGfyrJMD-ofw-l5Z2drC-DNSei0AgGcxOn8DSgKykUayPjpMCpDmiqPVNZS1cbs-zbDXrIFtNvA1T9YUOPX2TOAoQk9IHRDATiAuTkAKkt5/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRdTFM_vGTrJF9-JiKlg6iL_2PNHnX3yCGiGfyrJMD-ofw-l5Z2drC-DNSei0AgGcxOn8DSgKykUayPjpMCpDmiqPVNZS1cbs-zbDXrIFtNvA1T9YUOPX2TOAoQk9IHRDATiAuTkAKkt5/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My latest Projects</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I received an old ottoman from my mom and although liked the material that it was covered in I thought another material just might match better. I found some material on sale and thought I would give it a go trying to recover it. So, long story short I did it! I also had enough left over to recover my piano bench. Here is what both looked like before.</span></div>
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</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-22699009049694093552011-01-17T14:22:00.000-05:002012-03-03T11:45:23.769-05:00The Lord is Good<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord never fails to amaze me at that way that he comes through and takes care of me and my family. He is an awesome God that knows exactly how to show us that he loves us in good times and in bad. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 139:7-8 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.where can I flee from your presence? or where can I flee from your presence? 8.If I ascend into heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.</span><br />
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</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-54599708263779971332011-01-13T12:48:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:48:45.833-05:00Okay I am back...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I apologize for my extremely long absense however, I have just not made the time to sit down and write for quite some time now. I need to get back to it, for its a very good outlet for the things I am thinking, feeling, and experiencing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lots of things have happened since I have last blogged. To those of you that know me you already know these things. However, I will let those of you that dont know my goings on quite so well in on it as well. The main thing that happened during my absence was my daughter got bite/attacked by a dog at a friends house. It resulted in 4 stitches and a very bruised and swollen face the stitches were on her upper mouth between the lip and the nose. She is healing wonderfully. I am so thankful to the Lord for this. This was also an experience that on the surface could seem minor. Her life was never in danger. We knew she would heal. However, what haunted me after the accident was....what if....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dont you hate what if. What if I hadnt gone over to that house that day, what if I hadnt allowed her and her brother to play outside. There is also the what if she had been hurt worse. The dog had bite lower and got her neck instead of face. What if the little friend (who is 9) hadnt been there to pull the dog off of her. What could have happened then.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I dont even want to think about it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When this happened it made me realize that life can change at the blink of an eye. At one moment you are fine, and than the very next, chaos. Does this surprise the Lord though. No of course not it doesnt. He knew exactly what was going to happen that day eons ago. It's funny to presume to know what our lives will hold isnt it. B/c we really dont know at all. We are only along for the ride.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Psalm 139:1-6</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1.O Lord, you have searched me and known me 2. You know my sitting down and my rising up you understand my thought afar off.3.You comprehend my path and my lying down. And are acquainted with all my ways.4Fro there is not a word on my tongue, But behold , O Lord, You know it altogether.5.You have hedged me behind and before, And laid your hand upon me. 6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me: It is hight, I cannot attain it.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-3713183531911599442010-09-01T14:05:00.000-04:002012-03-03T11:43:19.737-05:00Project Finished<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a long time coming on the revealing of this project. This has been something that has been in the works for quite some time. Matt decided to build Riley a bed after looking into buying one for her and it being way too much money. Matt got together some things drew it out and made it. We both painted and decorated it. I was very proud of him. It is so nice to have a husband that is so good at making things, and fixing things. Just this last weekend he changed the brakes and rotors on my van, how many husbands take care of things like that? So here are some before and after shots of Riley's new bed. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the only piece to the new bed that we already had. Matt built the bed around this headboard.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This the finished headboard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the bed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A up close view of the drawers<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Well what do you think? I think it is awesome and I am so thankful I have a husband that is so talented!</span></td></tr>
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</div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-10999709476829605612010-08-21T15:53:00.000-04:002012-03-03T11:43:42.595-05:00Kid vs. Wild<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, many of you know how much my children enjoy Discovery Channels shows. They really are loving the fact that they are finally making new episodes of "Man vs Wild" with Bear Grills. For anyone who doesn't know this is a show with a guy that used to be special forces that is telling you how to survive in the wild in the case that you were stranded and had to take care of yourself. He is always during his show saying that the most important thing is to not panic, and get your most important things taken care of...food, shelter, and water.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, the kids were with my Dad the other night apparently they had some car trouble and couldn't get their van to start. There was a group of them stuck there and Dad told me that Zander announced to everyone. "Dont panic, we have food and we have shelter we will be fine." than followed it with "well, maybe not food but we do have shelter" (meaning the van). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just wanted to share what my eight year old survival expert had to say in a true emergency situation lol. Not really an emergency but he thought it was so it was funny! Those shows probably do have some worth after all. I know I have learned alot lol</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-10179214119218549822010-08-06T15:32:00.000-04:002012-03-03T11:43:57.709-05:00First Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well the first day has come and gone as a matter of fact they are now home from their second day of the year. Other than some crankiness they have right after getting home from school, they are doing fine. Here are the pictures from the first day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow Riley starts first grade and Zander starts 3rd grade. This is a picture taken years ago of them. Judging from memory I am guessing Zander is around 3 and Riley at about 1 1/2 or close to that anyway. Look at them they are babies. They arent babies any longer. As I was putting together school supplies and labeling bookbags yesterday I was thinking man its not going to be anytime at all before my kids are grown. Its sad but exciting too. As they grow their personalities come out more and more. They are actually growing into their own people. They are following in our footsteps of faith so far but I cant wait until they understand even more. Its always hard on me the first day of school. I guess b/c it represents each year that they have passed into another stage of growth in every way. Spiritually, emotionally, and physically.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be posting pictures from the first day as soon as I can. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well let me first start out by saying that this past weekend Saturday to be exact was mine and Matt's 11th Anniversary. Since we had spent so much on taking the kids all over just a few weeks ago and than tons on clothes and school supplies for them to have everything they need for back to school, we were a little tight and couldnt do a whole lot.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My main thing was just some time without the kids.We got that thanks to my wonderful in-laws!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have been wanting for awhile to paint our front door. So, after going out for a nice dinner we decided instead of spending money on a movie or something we would just come back home and paint the door.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know incredibly lame but it is what it is...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so...here is what Matt did for me for my anniversary....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BEFORE:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/July2010Door001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/July2010Door001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the outline of a star that we hung there for the 4th of July.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another before shot from the outside<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what the end result looked like. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end result from the outside</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well we had a great anniversary despite not actually doing that much. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now my front door matches my shutters. I need to get a new outside picture but I still have some things I want to do first...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a few more projecst coming that I am going to start tackling as soon as the kids go back to school.</span></div>
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</div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-70240600200196866942010-07-28T16:29:00.000-04:002010-07-28T16:29:03.502-04:00My sister<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:49633/1ce8ac3bc8b72d641bcc27800d350d5e/image/6c4702a40285aa6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49633/1ce8ac3bc8b72d641bcc27800d350d5e/image/6c4702a40285aa6.jpg?size=320" /></a> <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I have three sisters however at this time only one of them is having a very hard time. I dont want to go into detail. She is going in for treatment. We dont know exactly what is wrong right now. She is very, very, very depressed. She is the mom of two wonderful little kids a little girl that is 4 and a little boy that is 3. Please pray that she gets the help she needs so she can get back to what she used to be like. </span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-41279944560858455212010-07-26T21:20:00.000-04:002012-03-03T11:46:46.650-05:00Busy Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to apologize for failing to post regular here lately. I have been super busy. My mom's birthday was this past Sunday. On Saturday we went over to her house and got her and took her to Lowes to pick out a plant (her favorite thing in the world) for her bday present. Than we went over to my Grandparents pool and swam for hours, I mean really there wasnt much else to do with the heat index over 100 degrees. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, than Sunday we had church in the morning only to rush home super fast and get everything ready for our family to come over to eat lunch, for my mom's bday. Matt grilled chicken, we did baked potatoes, and crescent rolls. My step dads parents brought slaw and potato salad (which I dont care for but appreciate them bringing them b/c others do like them) Total we had 14 people in here to feed!!! I have a pretty big family. Everything is a big event. A bday is a major deal. We try to make sure everyone gets invited.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The funniest thing is that my 96 year old Mammaw came and sat beside my Grandma (her daughter). Neither one of them can hear worth a lick and so the lunch consists of them yelling at each other b/c they cant hear each other. Also when you say something to them you have to yell. We also had my two kids plus my niece and nephew (who are 3 & 4) so needless to say it was loud. However, we had a great time. After we got done eating we went back to Grandpa's to swim for awhile. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I ended up not getting any pictures at all. My batteries died on my camera during our staycation and I havnt bought anymore. I keep forgetting to every time I am at the store that is why there are no pictures from the party.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, tomorrow consists of taking the kids to the dentist and than the rest of the week we have to get clothes for the kids and shoes and then this next saturday coming up July the 31st is mine and Matt's 11th anniversary so I am hoping that Matt gets something together. I dont want anything big just some time alone with him and to get to go out to eat. Hopefully the kids can spend the night with one of their grandparents.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just wanted to fill you all in on why I havnt blogged. I promise to get back to regular post asap! This is a busy time of year for us. The kids only have this week and 1/2 of next and then they are back to school!</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-81543328139240831002010-07-20T16:55:00.000-04:002012-03-03T11:45:02.874-05:005 Things Tuesday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.realpeachymom.com/"><img alt="5 Things Tuesday" height="125" src="http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/MomCents/button1-1.gif" width="125" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5 Things to do before the kids go back to school....</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.Go Swimming at least once more preferably many more times and take along some friends</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. get all the school supplies bought</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. get all going back to school close bought/ and shoes in addition to going through old clothes and cleaning out what doesnt fit any longer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.start going to bed earlier</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.Start getting up earlier</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its going to be hard to get back into the swing of things with school. I know it will be hard for me to get up early again I am sure the kids arent looking forward to it either.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems this summer has really flown by and I cant believe we are already talking about going back to school.</span></div>
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</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-78430389551226420432010-07-18T23:17:00.000-04:002010-07-18T23:17:31.918-04:00One last thing<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay for all of you that are sick of hearing about our adventures this week I apologize I just have one more to share and we are done for awhile. Matt goes back to work tomm and all goes back to normal :(...We were blessed with tickets to see the Braves play today. They are our local MLB team actually doing very well this season. We also got Valet parking, and passes to the 755 club which is a indoor diner at the top of the stadium where you can enjoy ac and the view. These were all a gift, we could'nt or wouldnt have paid for these tickets. We had two different groups 2 together third row from field, four tickets 8 row from field. Anyway it was a treat to get to do something so neat. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please understand that we had just got soaked by rain coming into the stadium we look like drowned cats but this is us, up in the 755 club!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this picture of Zander was cool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my little girl, and the hubby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab68/mom2zanriley/Braves%20Game%20July%202010/July18thBravesgame012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is just a shot to show how close we are...this is the dugout</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well thats it for our adventures for awhile. Regular blogging coming back soon!</span><br />
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</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-27103489233750890272010-07-16T14:08:00.001-04:002012-03-03T11:47:37.602-05:00Vacation Installment # 3- The aquarium<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all do not tire of reading my post about our adventures this week, however since that is all we are doing this week its all on my mind. I love to share the photos of our trips. We are doing lots of small day trips as I wrote before, instead of a long stay somewhere to save money. We have one more trip to come this week and we are done. Matt goes back to work Monday :(</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzHbCTCeXYNr4_Bv58mMPgoKEU8qmaKGB0eAbxIxVXTrxIlxJvROu13S5eH2yZgBb9zjXMMc5xXB1g3Pih5_PM8zHU5pHQpEuTJrCNrF3ZrIdYwDieSVJCvBacyP81xbtMhQrizW9NXqZ/s1600/JulyVacation+Aquarium+&+minigolfing+091_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzHbCTCeXYNr4_Bv58mMPgoKEU8qmaKGB0eAbxIxVXTrxIlxJvROu13S5eH2yZgBb9zjXMMc5xXB1g3Pih5_PM8zHU5pHQpEuTJrCNrF3ZrIdYwDieSVJCvBacyP81xbtMhQrizW9NXqZ/s320/JulyVacation+Aquarium+&+minigolfing+091_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to Ripley's Aquarium in Pigeon Forge, we than ate at our favorite restaurant up there the "Cherokee Grill" than did a mini golf before heading back home.</span></div>
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</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-42057074044278230332010-07-14T20:23:00.000-04:002010-07-14T20:23:37.259-04:00Vacation Installment # 2-The Zoo<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had more adventure than we bargained for on our number two adventure of our vacation. As I stated before we decided to do things within driving distance to our house while my hubby was off work this week, in order to save on hotel cost. Yesterday we did the Atlanta Zoo. It is a very nice zoo. We had a very good time here are some pictures and than following that I will explain why this trip turned out to be more of adventure than I want to repeat.....</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCYYxfKyH5sNGNv0ZVr7zNOdGQ1Apk9GbZxR_wvktnR3sHoiPwYjzCK_4Ffclpd8TqvHObG8we-RWaCS24RsjlWekOefHPni-xKGU1IWaiE_oLoTsq9SlSY0nHFSLdAiyn4COFSeDPewC/s1600/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCYYxfKyH5sNGNv0ZVr7zNOdGQ1Apk9GbZxR_wvktnR3sHoiPwYjzCK_4Ffclpd8TqvHObG8we-RWaCS24RsjlWekOefHPni-xKGU1IWaiE_oLoTsq9SlSY0nHFSLdAiyn4COFSeDPewC/s320/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander & Riley looking at the Elephant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KocGtyWShu0icZqSUCp4qc4EwIWm51x-9T_9zz8kcE4oh1rpUWF_r7Eg3F0PSyyXxEQ47xtve_9-YRKFnsIM5p4OO_HXrzdaMFGk9Wg1RF1X-WqWtvEg1BYQq5GsNUsvpzsju4INgFVE/s1600/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KocGtyWShu0icZqSUCp4qc4EwIWm51x-9T_9zz8kcE4oh1rpUWF_r7Eg3F0PSyyXxEQ47xtve_9-YRKFnsIM5p4OO_HXrzdaMFGk9Wg1RF1X-WqWtvEg1BYQq5GsNUsvpzsju4INgFVE/s320/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley feeding the birds, Zander fed them too they had so many birds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgORo7H4yp-ebeo9xRRjPbRRGbAe2F8yOZVB3qcTqyq-SfXz0GKgORxk-sJ6F3620H8Bfft94zcd9K9M1LfGEDO1wwQxU6xguUQAERaKe1WxdiBFqIh4tFpRb2UdCsR_wuiol6SGCw0nL/s1600/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgORo7H4yp-ebeo9xRRjPbRRGbAe2F8yOZVB3qcTqyq-SfXz0GKgORxk-sJ6F3620H8Bfft94zcd9K9M1LfGEDO1wwQxU6xguUQAERaKe1WxdiBFqIh4tFpRb2UdCsR_wuiol6SGCw0nL/s320/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander with his favorite thing in the background a turtle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR9rKtHsbL_2IUtg-A6tEM3A453HKIWlRmR-L5sZ7T6iAcDJsU5866W55YyvIy6fJMESahOg21FraHqsW6UyC9LK1nLtoWw2oq_nLzlEb-7YE0TBjOYP5F8i_SBV_ljuLlOKqG3OZMYbp/s1600/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR9rKtHsbL_2IUtg-A6tEM3A453HKIWlRmR-L5sZ7T6iAcDJsU5866W55YyvIy6fJMESahOg21FraHqsW6UyC9LK1nLtoWw2oq_nLzlEb-7YE0TBjOYP5F8i_SBV_ljuLlOKqG3OZMYbp/s320/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander & Riley outside the gorilla exhibit, the gorillas were so big, very neat to see<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here are some shots of just the animals</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatLPG7bt11uyzHIDaGCV5M36RrHa-TtTWAinQj3JpmMgMOO5krj5uH-4KMgmOgqbX78q6G3OkC5hWrSHZb7pKSnJFDjKmXj5uVbCXomagRMg2BP_dSVNmAMnxjf0TrLSWqQE9klpt2LPB/s200/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the gorillas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGzorilMFLhNBZJlkh7Cxom5Nc9n2_Knon_pPN3EdZDh4GArlwpPGgfdoQevia4oK5Eq4jyzkRsolw7-bVKJPL98JqsnIAab0UJTxSVHyquL8I3tNes44h6pCn-9SMUEV-pgad1e3MOcZ/s200/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giraffes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0HYODupG_snyj0aDVjHsUg9hrMdOAqslLKH79vF95P3hAqWeq3-XWNAQ0tRGQoh2U3oH-_gJzbV1NvJbuUaZO5o-ZFpF-MoFB-C1v1FRNBxC9IpV9LR5rYsbPJjdUaOuwHKpGhyRup7_/s200/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rhino</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iG-6zvD1isFIN0pniB8A0g12T45XBYppYAvxrR8ycyNzupRZwsnbWUxtXmTeKa_VUyr8NpAGDCUCcc3iB-nVrtbz_5F93vJPXJFICAxeMBwuzM5hOW3kNY_kKHVJMu_pv99wh146yB5d/s200/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tiger</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some more of the kids & animals</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZPqKqd3lO_Dkq-PRXjui-FlmxkYup14s2D9hyj2FzkfvRqk14ruxECxHlzQphXwkemnqhSrLGzPWtFoxBjM8BerDzcIYUrwZwawEhCVonjtfxURUtxFF_x1tsDpr6TKWOwl1o5d6CLh6/s1600/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZPqKqd3lO_Dkq-PRXjui-FlmxkYup14s2D9hyj2FzkfvRqk14ruxECxHlzQphXwkemnqhSrLGzPWtFoxBjM8BerDzcIYUrwZwawEhCVonjtfxURUtxFF_x1tsDpr6TKWOwl1o5d6CLh6/s320/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley petting the panda through the glass-the pandas were so cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9KizeF2v47Y1QMVsSWtBS9TsR312bYNOnDd8A9gyjKrR4zphVy30qj-uo6uNGD9isSOSAMzWqRU_iOz_rLEpBYxHqqxqbdhvd3mGGHGU1rXzoNCBIvR9CQYYeHXxpPDCdc-0g5WlJPue/s1600/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9KizeF2v47Y1QMVsSWtBS9TsR312bYNOnDd8A9gyjKrR4zphVy30qj-uo6uNGD9isSOSAMzWqRU_iOz_rLEpBYxHqqxqbdhvd3mGGHGU1rXzoNCBIvR9CQYYeHXxpPDCdc-0g5WlJPue/s320/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander & Riley on a Kamodo Dragon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmVPwIpjbZtsGSuzw26M2mFNaIsa7NJyb0LF2ItWYX90T9DOyPafCGUeJ9Ot2FN4aOM0CZYNdl61Q7PHwtiN_att587eTQpfh_J8hyPr89jy5KSnr5ND4MawmRXRxAAsP3Q0LpruZSqmj/s1600/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmVPwIpjbZtsGSuzw26M2mFNaIsa7NJyb0LF2ItWYX90T9DOyPafCGUeJ9Ot2FN4aOM0CZYNdl61Q7PHwtiN_att587eTQpfh_J8hyPr89jy5KSnr5ND4MawmRXRxAAsP3Q0LpruZSqmj/s320/JulyVacationAtlantaZoo+096.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the pandas</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay so now that I showed you just a small sampling of the part of the day that went great, let me tell you what happened on the way home...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well we took our time after the zoo got dinner, went to Ikea all that went fine other than having to battle traffic in Atlanta at rush hour but no major issues.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started heading home a little after 9p.m.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got to where we were about 45 min or so from home and all the sudden the van started making this funny noise really loud. I didnt know what had happened so Matt pulled off the side of the road and saw that our back passenger tire was completely blown apart. So, there we are on the side of I-75 in the dark without a flashlight Matt trying to get the blown apart tire off and put the spare on. We have never had to use the spare of the jack in the van it took a little while to get everything out, Matt finally got the spare on, we were only one mile from an exit. Matt said the spare is losing air, but if we can just make it to a gas station I will pump it up and we will be okay getting home, and we can just deal with getting a new tire tomm. So spare on we try to get back onto the interstate. So, as soon as Matt gets the van up to about 55mph the spare blows so off we go again to the side of I-75. Now around here we would've known who to call to get it towed but we werent familiar with the area so Matt called 911 and asked them to send a tow truck. In the meantime while we were standing on the side of I-75 waiting on a tow truck to come and assist us Matt called his mom who lives across the street from us and asked her to please come get us. She left and was on her way but like I said before we are about 45 min away from home or so. So, the tow truck pulls up and says "did you need a tire changed" matt said no I can change a tire the problem is I dont have another tire to put on it, I have already gone through two...we need you to tow it to for us...he said well I already have a car I am towing right now I will have to go drop it off and come back for the van. We are thinking great so we are just stuck here for 40 min or so on the side of the interstate. However, the man was nice enough to let us ride in his big rig to a few exits closer to home and dropped us off at a quick trip gas station to wait for Matt's mom to arrive. He went back for the van later and towed it to a place that would replace the tire. So, Matt's mom finally arrived and we got to go home. It was WAY more adventure than I ever want to have again. Between the cars and trucks flying by us on I-75 to dealing with the kids who were scared out of their minds (I was too lol), to having to fit four people and two bags with everything that we had of value in the van into a truck meant for two people at the most, we had one heck of a night.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how I see it though. I can look at this as man, what a bummer, this just stinks, or I can look at it as Thank the Lord that....we didnt wreck when our tire blew, no one hit our van parked on the side of the interstate, the trucker didnt leave us but took us somewhere safe to wait for a ride, and my mother in law drove 40 min or so to come pick us up. All these things are things that couldve went much worse. Not to mention the fact that we were not in downtown atlanta when we had a blow out and it wasnt raining as it was earlier in the day. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long story short about the tire we got it fixed. We are going to have to take it tomm morning and get the tires balanced and than we should be off to adventure number 3 the aquarium up in Pigeon Forge. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be praying for a less eventful trip tomm!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God Bless!!!</span></div></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-33822162509339869112010-07-11T19:39:00.000-04:002012-03-03T11:47:08.006-05:00Zander's Big Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was a very important day in Zander's life. He was baptized. What made it even more special was he was baptized in the same baptismal (the same church) that I was at the same age of 8 that I was when I was baptized. I was so proud of him for making the decision that he did.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN65Y5naSqROMQS-o_cQEL-lg_9WroYeF_DrPYeMNYgWSBVBt4GOssf9VIb9LGYY3-M2CGHq7SN8ZlMasg7j1Ukghc662U3zP0WtNwU9HGm9cG_zsG9DBabdksMmBjmVEPwJ6g-54xeodN/s1600/July+11th-Zander's+Baptism+002__1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN65Y5naSqROMQS-o_cQEL-lg_9WroYeF_DrPYeMNYgWSBVBt4GOssf9VIb9LGYY3-M2CGHq7SN8ZlMasg7j1Ukghc662U3zP0WtNwU9HGm9cG_zsG9DBabdksMmBjmVEPwJ6g-54xeodN/s320/July+11th-Zander's+Baptism+002__1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUKhq1SMt5zjYxqh0u8iCL-Kx3RtuSdUPk1b3K4skRyO7Iz4MNUyIaFrpmBMooYDVURtHy-tXo_5un7NXiGm4EVLJFNIa6_QZM8Mwy8CgLZL03KTQsc_n17DrgWF0o-yU-laavDETk_xR/s1600/July+11th-Zander's+Baptism+003_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUKhq1SMt5zjYxqh0u8iCL-Kx3RtuSdUPk1b3K4skRyO7Iz4MNUyIaFrpmBMooYDVURtHy-tXo_5un7NXiGm4EVLJFNIa6_QZM8Mwy8CgLZL03KTQsc_n17DrgWF0o-yU-laavDETk_xR/s320/July+11th-Zander's+Baptism+003_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so excited with all the family that made it to the church today to witness this event that will only happen once in his life. Two of his pawpaws, three nannies, two cousins, two great-grandparents, and an uncle...quite a crew</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-61044127106844300882010-07-10T13:25:00.000-04:002010-07-10T13:25:14.527-04:00Lake Winnie<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided instead of a big vacation this year, where we stay over night for several days we decided to do a bunch of little day trips instead. Doing more things but saving money in not staying anywhere overnight so saving in hotel cost. We were going to try to do a local amusement park called Lake Whinepesaukah. They were having a great deal they were running on buy one get one free when you bring in a coke can. So, we decided to go ahead and do this instead of waiting till next week when Matt was going to be off. He took off yesterday anyway b/c his mom was having a very minor outpatient thing done he was going to go and so after that we took off to Lake Winne. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some pictures from our trip. I would say it was a great day!! They LOVED it and that was what the point was so...take a look at our day.....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJjkcieb7xzvJomuorxsaMZ9qhs0msRrJ2zs_QhTaor0alT8gG5KfDeTs2ulLvE8XwPPkHuuvXNTALyr68EBkmqKyTzaSnsawqLckq3aiYmwYJG12KwjVCQ_3CGgY198pdlXRzoYujG35/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJjkcieb7xzvJomuorxsaMZ9qhs0msRrJ2zs_QhTaor0alT8gG5KfDeTs2ulLvE8XwPPkHuuvXNTALyr68EBkmqKyTzaSnsawqLckq3aiYmwYJG12KwjVCQ_3CGgY198pdlXRzoYujG35/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt & Zander riding the elephants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMD0LoHygORlPpqrZJkZE7rkNozRKMmlVSxREK1ycwaP8q7g-q7xCmFaWsVt5A2NkFT9ZnRZsLs5zxgEgroaFOipfzL7zI1UAAKEt1UBa39ZvbbQd9t-bO1Tvc4yPiprF-q63SP8wb9Jt/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMD0LoHygORlPpqrZJkZE7rkNozRKMmlVSxREK1ycwaP8q7g-q7xCmFaWsVt5A2NkFT9ZnRZsLs5zxgEgroaFOipfzL7zI1UAAKEt1UBa39ZvbbQd9t-bO1Tvc4yPiprF-q63SP8wb9Jt/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley in the elephants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_1_At4qEwZor2ZMh9lpwBHhVczdSJnKFasBoQvgfbooxFA9ymfsX62dpzSQIOgNr6i_AqtMutYLCLXc2pgivUQbFMR0f2rpqQTEROaPgEI1_p37_N0mfSg3lKLkN5iSvmIeIP6cP-b82/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_1_At4qEwZor2ZMh9lpwBHhVczdSJnKFasBoQvgfbooxFA9ymfsX62dpzSQIOgNr6i_AqtMutYLCLXc2pgivUQbFMR0f2rpqQTEROaPgEI1_p37_N0mfSg3lKLkN5iSvmIeIP6cP-b82/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley on the carousel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsxAzDiwxDNvHlDYEQ1pWvwWKvzMxv9r5X8_GJMOmnZo3owkqD0B4WvkzsEJRfSPd1AmxXgbj4G7aIPDKK77CCsX-w6HQSiBzgmq8GvjSg2bffZanmdQ8Kqvmd8vanRMIfqQa-k9dfABL/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsxAzDiwxDNvHlDYEQ1pWvwWKvzMxv9r5X8_GJMOmnZo3owkqD0B4WvkzsEJRfSPd1AmxXgbj4G7aIPDKK77CCsX-w6HQSiBzgmq8GvjSg2bffZanmdQ8Kqvmd8vanRMIfqQa-k9dfABL/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander on the scrambler</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYHnmsCDQr60KL2gcitJfkJZtVvGVqtQouMo67N8yC6kFEH2-FwHdRgOQI9z2wwh7VN8PHwHabHa9lOq_sSpzecSqxHz8FZhUaiTd7v1KQcN2BQMMyX2Uzk3p30HsGxNw4_bWVDNfhDSH/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYHnmsCDQr60KL2gcitJfkJZtVvGVqtQouMo67N8yC6kFEH2-FwHdRgOQI9z2wwh7VN8PHwHabHa9lOq_sSpzecSqxHz8FZhUaiTd7v1KQcN2BQMMyX2Uzk3p30HsGxNw4_bWVDNfhDSH/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander driving the old timey cars, Riley riding shotgun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p4Kixx8VQtFt7kiSF0JfpNjB7hXW29D7r-ekXiq6x5qqCLJrdYpKLTSxZuL79vENGfenGJ2jDRdR2gde5fSZ3HW3EYGoUVi602o2UYG2iQSg-aV9dZSG6qBa5ZWC92uPjsrmdi-Cl_NH/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p4Kixx8VQtFt7kiSF0JfpNjB7hXW29D7r-ekXiq6x5qqCLJrdYpKLTSxZuL79vENGfenGJ2jDRdR2gde5fSZ3HW3EYGoUVi602o2UYG2iQSg-aV9dZSG6qBa5ZWC92uPjsrmdi-Cl_NH/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+045.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander right after he rode his very firs for real rollar coaster The Cannonball</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo9OwyRypbAC6OAQhGOkCfM16DiaDy6h2wdO_x7-AB1zcOhb_53gsfIy0Ek7CenMzxqz3sbtXIsm3a3_jsp6bH7IBwFViCDJsyaW0WLg9Qj7VP5Nmyr6jPvX4ih9BGzsaInKHJM14f02h/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo9OwyRypbAC6OAQhGOkCfM16DiaDy6h2wdO_x7-AB1zcOhb_53gsfIy0Ek7CenMzxqz3sbtXIsm3a3_jsp6bH7IBwFViCDJsyaW0WLg9Qj7VP5Nmyr6jPvX4ih9BGzsaInKHJM14f02h/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander & Riley on the parachute ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0KIZKalYOIpHeGxFtzKKSR2Ko-vOibUYkC2B41_QHkNzwggk1p60gvIi11TrUNXoq7XTObKVdwXzEM6x4ynX8wc6UYP0aww44bRDJiOPVBsCieQ_DLc4gGPPOxvR7Py0UTaxFUtfDb6V/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0KIZKalYOIpHeGxFtzKKSR2Ko-vOibUYkC2B41_QHkNzwggk1p60gvIi11TrUNXoq7XTObKVdwXzEM6x4ynX8wc6UYP0aww44bRDJiOPVBsCieQ_DLc4gGPPOxvR7Py0UTaxFUtfDb6V/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley & Matt riding what turned out to be our favorite ride, the sea warrior</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo9DTzQmxfiyOFnoLAC0VTKhyy1S7RGBHHiDOSnQmdkEhUSqWuf1Dv2-BzP0rhjExVP4IsfmL07YB6x0sn07rr7p44KXb1wk35189k1Xs_6WyLgEVfB_KgroNQyEmpCrMMstPFzjBn_uF/s1600/July2010-Lake+Winnie+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo9DTzQmxfiyOFnoLAC0VTKhyy1S7RGBHHiDOSnQmdkEhUSqWuf1Dv2-BzP0rhjExVP4IsfmL07YB6x0sn07rr7p44KXb1wk35189k1Xs_6WyLgEVfB_KgroNQyEmpCrMMstPFzjBn_uF/s320/July2010-Lake+Winnie+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zander & Riley right before the tilt a whirl started</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well thats just a small sampling of the day but we had a blast, and it was well worth the money!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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</div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-32473857747496615672010-07-08T22:01:00.000-04:002010-07-08T22:01:44.363-04:00I got an award!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B-VeIVHCi1jjoe_PtJVgobAZOgUlhQ9s-pkJ74_d0xujP9LDBhP-upwmY_n9YwvGVaZVi00T_oYJgqpAY77uEm5N2svPrZty2M1MT7UudhEZI8W2MQS5D4qkqyoH34ZZujdKRebvefJr/s1600/SugarDollAward.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B-VeIVHCi1jjoe_PtJVgobAZOgUlhQ9s-pkJ74_d0xujP9LDBhP-upwmY_n9YwvGVaZVi00T_oYJgqpAY77uEm5N2svPrZty2M1MT7UudhEZI8W2MQS5D4qkqyoH34ZZujdKRebvefJr/s400/SugarDollAward.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently received the Sugar Doll award from Hannah at </span><a href="http://ourhappyhomeblog.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://ourhappyhomeblog.blogspot.com/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> be sure to go by and check her blog out, its a really good read</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so honored to get this award.. so in keeping with the rules I will tell you 5 things about myself , and pass the award along to 5 awesome blogs...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here are the 5 things about myself-this is not including the obvious fact that I love to write and that I love the Lord and my family more than anything....now to continue..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. I like playing the wii with my kids, husband, siblings and friends...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. I love my almost 10 year old minivan with a VCR in it</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.I love being at home and really dont enjoy sleeping other places (as in hotels etc.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. I love to read Christian fiction, mystery, and romance books...I read a LOT!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.I love being a stay at home mom and having a laid back under scheduled life :) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now for the five blogs that I enjoy reading</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com/">homespunthreads</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">2.<a href="http://www.mommyofamonster.com/">mommyofamonster</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3.<a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/">nieniedialogues</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">4.<a href="http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/">jdaniel4smom</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">5.<a href="http://adayinthelifeofmaesmommy.blogspot.com/2010/07/nate-let-me-count-ways-i-love-thee.html">adayinthelifeofmaesmommy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-64358427008088584262010-07-07T17:46:00.000-04:002010-07-07T17:46:06.132-04:00Our July 4th Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">I know I am a little late posting this, but this is the first time I have sat down and got all these pictures on the computer in order to post them. We have a tradition every year of going to the same place to see fireworks. My husband's parents usually ride along with us. The kids love it. We bring snacks and drinks. We have a great time. This year my mom and step dad also joined us along with my niece and nephew, so that just added to the fun. Thought I would share some photos from that night. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGk5-6Y6JAVSeOmHWmqoNYuooYegX-sv-TaV__Gm5pM7GZg_a7UGnh54w9af9DUHUU0W6bDEZYU7vffAoZxWQbiajJ_L3HqNm9mar7ghyphenhyphentFtxhn2huYeHijtjiMdGiVbJTr-WE9CaVmcg/s1600/July+4th+2010+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGk5-6Y6JAVSeOmHWmqoNYuooYegX-sv-TaV__Gm5pM7GZg_a7UGnh54w9af9DUHUU0W6bDEZYU7vffAoZxWQbiajJ_L3HqNm9mar7ghyphenhyphentFtxhn2huYeHijtjiMdGiVbJTr-WE9CaVmcg/s320/July+4th+2010+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our sweet Riley-Roo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGQYN6gkSSHJw-7mrbvc3qLLBGF-jqPE8hLNe-vbSQ85b_QFCXfzja8EptxmNv8_R5rWJf1GRpKqNBkNiB_A4OIcP1TLg5_E4B0ftBAz0piapieF9TOZeqZzlUSHIybrFvYiU_pEziHbL/s1600/July+4th+2010+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGQYN6gkSSHJw-7mrbvc3qLLBGF-jqPE8hLNe-vbSQ85b_QFCXfzja8EptxmNv8_R5rWJf1GRpKqNBkNiB_A4OIcP1TLg5_E4B0ftBAz0piapieF9TOZeqZzlUSHIybrFvYiU_pEziHbL/s320/July+4th+2010+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zan-Man</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8NsM6BgjSwPXmY1EoT8S4M3OIYh39IucSAk5hiFRJNKwMkxRyShYues0dnq2oLOEEh6xLXrOAHEsKWnUSMUA-M7WYCzN7Zd1lsk9UQl9dPUvlRLc7a-DCm6mqAn8nT0FZBAQwCUvEmIH/s1600/July+4th+2010+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8NsM6BgjSwPXmY1EoT8S4M3OIYh39IucSAk5hiFRJNKwMkxRyShYues0dnq2oLOEEh6xLXrOAHEsKWnUSMUA-M7WYCzN7Zd1lsk9UQl9dPUvlRLc7a-DCm6mqAn8nT0FZBAQwCUvEmIH/s320/July+4th+2010+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Peyton (my nephew)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7mN_KLYfyTXXGWrNbbybdpyAX2YgZOcKT9JK9bKijLMxjPB-yaWgmh5H_WJtRGSVPD0DSwFt42Je2wFpzN3xiwgw9_iI5GnB_wyCHF5xoaMdGZ8Vn6vAuAKCV4JqpLngWCODwqynFihB/s1600/July+4th+2010+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7mN_KLYfyTXXGWrNbbybdpyAX2YgZOcKT9JK9bKijLMxjPB-yaWgmh5H_WJtRGSVPD0DSwFt42Je2wFpzN3xiwgw9_iI5GnB_wyCHF5xoaMdGZ8Vn6vAuAKCV4JqpLngWCODwqynFihB/s320/July+4th+2010+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Skyler (my niece)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghm3gHuhYZWl8-_JZP6ilemTAY_etFjjnTAXDIGF5lQAhkwyMDzPrnTlB5UhO5TTBQX6AJBuA12fq4Sa4FTPDzRwohQHQTtg-YRw8WN-vWf7Nk0JA06r1-PwOr1lVGUDxGtpuCbEbuyJhk/s1600/July+4th+2010+007_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghm3gHuhYZWl8-_JZP6ilemTAY_etFjjnTAXDIGF5lQAhkwyMDzPrnTlB5UhO5TTBQX6AJBuA12fq4Sa4FTPDzRwohQHQTtg-YRw8WN-vWf7Nk0JA06r1-PwOr1lVGUDxGtpuCbEbuyJhk/s400/July+4th+2010+007_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole Crew<br />
Matt's parents on left. My mom and Step Dad on right..Hubby in the middle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJQbNw2UjkeEKIuG11RzE9LXjjDWHwTNaKFlVS_S3mheuzZt_g9IZeBE4KepdddM37m9t9JaUSEc_eOOMHHgzxCxuS8Q05U1YFEO8Owdn8Lvg54jV-DSTbOGvpUOFC-0UpEU1k0fzBx2U/s1600/July+4th+2010+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJQbNw2UjkeEKIuG11RzE9LXjjDWHwTNaKFlVS_S3mheuzZt_g9IZeBE4KepdddM37m9t9JaUSEc_eOOMHHgzxCxuS8Q05U1YFEO8Owdn8Lvg54jV-DSTbOGvpUOFC-0UpEU1k0fzBx2U/s320/July+4th+2010+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom & Skyler & Peyton</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzug46ZZklLFN47FCsdOIQat9NwBcMWlonGXFo5cU4RxrxeOYV5R7wp6zjjMJ7UVnoQUJOeuz-O1ClO15lvBUGTQj8c0xAdGYc8JwTE9AGkBPv4iRPvD2lbvYOLmtL0lC-Qc-8kz1SPdZ/s1600/July+4th+2010+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzug46ZZklLFN47FCsdOIQat9NwBcMWlonGXFo5cU4RxrxeOYV5R7wp6zjjMJ7UVnoQUJOeuz-O1ClO15lvBUGTQj8c0xAdGYc8JwTE9AGkBPv4iRPvD2lbvYOLmtL0lC-Qc-8kz1SPdZ/s320/July+4th+2010+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before it got dark, just sitting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BtZL4G_B-fpMdLmboYVs3dqdR4VQMVutDJ5PCOe9fxmwXmlVGYf4yXq0nNxUJO3tNZrsRpbKzPMCX_LwxdF4bKwRyAr9TJ8gm_z1YDp4c1531dtHnvb5DJvLDz13xBfyCFJK8hn_nhs1/s1600/July+4th+2010+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BtZL4G_B-fpMdLmboYVs3dqdR4VQMVutDJ5PCOe9fxmwXmlVGYf4yXq0nNxUJO3tNZrsRpbKzPMCX_LwxdF4bKwRyAr9TJ8gm_z1YDp4c1531dtHnvb5DJvLDz13xBfyCFJK8hn_nhs1/s320/July+4th+2010+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father -in-law and the Zander</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-59992070474022715042010-07-03T19:52:00.000-04:002010-07-03T19:52:14.109-04:00Happy 4th<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a flag pole on our porch. The flag was getting very worn and tattered. While on a trip to Wally world, I picked up a new one. I was telling the kids how important our flag is and what is stands for. After getting back home the kids ran off to "make something" like they always do. Well check out what my 8 year old made all by himself. Notice there are 50 stars...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY-wRNVlkKdoBWSZ4saI_zpk98wYUmKTBQqLAOBRjzAVe0vCvEpIoF52ISmk-X_QMPyD2-2ZTVPH-flzRjg3-xeweHD_WCOXgGGgN6Hwc_AD4SuFmQNyImsE9Y7D8agjAlgyXH2_kz_WW/s1600/Matt's+Birthday2010+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY-wRNVlkKdoBWSZ4saI_zpk98wYUmKTBQqLAOBRjzAVe0vCvEpIoF52ISmk-X_QMPyD2-2ZTVPH-flzRjg3-xeweHD_WCOXgGGgN6Hwc_AD4SuFmQNyImsE9Y7D8agjAlgyXH2_kz_WW/s320/Matt's+Birthday2010+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was pretty impressed to say the least. These are white construction paper, red, and blue. He used a white crayon for the stars, and taped it all together. I thought for being 8 it was quite good. Its pretty big too its at least a ft tall...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just wanted to share</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy 4th</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-1460673697067830142010-06-29T11:29:00.000-04:002012-03-03T11:47:58.230-05:00Time for a Change<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have struggled for sometime with discontentment. If it was b/c I thought we didnt stack up with it came to our place in society or that I didnt think our stuff was new or nice enough. I was constantly comparing and than feeling crummy for comparing. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was convicted by the Lord that this attitude needed to stop. That I needed to trust that he knew exactly what I needed and would give me exactly what he thought was best for me. If I was mad at the lack of things I would have to realize I was mad at God for not giving them to me. That is a wrong attitude. So wrong. I have prayed forgiveness for my sinful attitude. Thats what it is you know sinful. Its a commandment. Do not covet!!!! I was coveting all over the place. I asked the Lord to forgive that attitude and to grant me an attitude of contentment. I am not saying this to boast as its very humbling to admit my failure. However, I am just a sinner saved by grace and that is all!!! I cant earn it and will never earn it. I just fall back on the Lord's open arms and thank him for taking me and forgiving me when I fail him so miserably. How would we feel if we gave our children something than all they did was complain that it wasnt as nice as the kids down the road or said okay whats next when is the next thing coming...so wrong..and that was me...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now do i think I have this thing licked and will never struggle again with it ..hardly...but at least I see the issue and am trying to focus more on my relationship with the Lord than anything else.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For where my heart is there my treasure is also..</span></div>
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</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454016994200159136.post-23588509563119063452010-06-19T17:38:00.000-04:002010-06-19T17:38:10.785-04:00Father's Day gift<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Matt was going through his stuff from years past and found this poem that I had wrote to him for Father's day we are guessing two years ago though it couldve been last year we cant remember. Anyway Matt actually asked me to post this b/c he thought it was good and others would enjoy reading this so here it is:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Children</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Their eyes are wide open & ready to see</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">They hunger to know, are ready to please</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Everything is an adventure to them</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Every bug, frog, or turtle a new best friend</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cleanliness is not something they seek</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dirt, mud, sand they all are neat</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">They love to hear stories and pretend</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Will play outside and not want to come in</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Their hearts & minds are eager to know</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Anything you are willing to show</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Belief in God to them is not hard</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After all who else could've made stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Faith is easy to such innocent minds</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The love of the Lord is easy to find</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Children are gifts we receive from above</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Remember to take time to stop and to love</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For childhood wont forever last</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And this sweet simple place will be in the past</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thank God for your children each day</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Enjoy them always in everyway</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04216887083928584547noreply@blogger.com2