tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-382861282024-03-19T06:40:44.027-05:00Relative NormalcyReally, is there anything such as "normal"? In our family, normal is a relative term. Our normal is organized chaos. We hope that you enjoy our Relative Normalcy.tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-46362104582263612172011-09-13T23:34:00.000-05:002011-09-13T23:34:45.637-05:00a note to my oldest dudechandler-<br />
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tonight we had one of the most precious talks we have ever had. not really because of what it was about (a girl) but because of how we talked. you were so open and transparent with me. showing so much wisdom. we talked about integrity, honor, wisdom, discernment, graciousness, God's plan to prosper and not to harm, not understanding why GOd may close a door to something in order to open one to something better, about seeing God's hand of protection...and SO much of it was YOU talking to me, instead of the other way around.<br />
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i have often wondered when i talk (sometimes tirelessly) if you hear anything i say. if you can hear that i am really on your side. if you trust me and my advice. if you know and see that God is truly in control of your life and what happens to you. if, when i am vulnerable with you, and tell you about my mistakes and failures-you really listen and hear my heart's desire is that you do better than i did, that you will make better choices. if ANY of it actually soaks into your head and more importantly you heart.<br />
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tonight, i know that even if just a little bit, you do.<br />
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i am so grateful that God has seen it fit to bless me with you. not just to be your "mom" but to be a trusted confidant. i so don't deserve it. He is SO good. He is good to hear my prayers as i pray so fervently for you. He is good to answer my prayers, not always with a "yes", but sometimes a "no", and sometimes a "not yet." He is good to know what is best for me and for you, even when i don't. He is good to give me just a little peek into your heart and to let me know that i am not completely spinning my wheels and that there are days, that i do in fact get it right. oh i am so grateful for those days.<br />
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you are 15. i know that everyday, not even every week, or every month we will not be on the same page. you will roll your eyes at me, rebel, argue, bicker, whine and fuss. but today, i am resting in knowing that you love me, you trust me, you hear me, and you know God is at work. it will be days like today, that will get us through the mess of the other days when we are "off"<br />
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i am proud of you. you are a joy. you are a gift. you are one of my greatest delights. and i am SO proud to be your mom.<br />
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i love you peanut.tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-13448055371107689152011-09-04T10:37:00.000-05:002011-09-04T11:42:14.766-05:00he's HEEEEEEEEEERE!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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a little short slideshow...nuthin' fancy :)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">maverick was born on may 12, 2010....14 years to the day that his big brother was born....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it is a very special day for this momma. my first and my last baby born on the same day. that doesn't happen very often. we had been so worried that our new little man would come on a day that might keep me from being able to celebrate chandlers birthday and also have me laid up in the hospital while he has his 8th grade graduation from middle school. the thought of that was just so hard for me to be ok with. of course, God had it under control</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (i have found that he usually does, if we would just stop and allow it). on the morning of the 12th we went to the amazing Dr Beverly Wood and begged her to let us have this baby today. she said that ONLY if i was dialated and that she felt good about it, she would consider it. i crossed my fingers and willed my "girls parts" to do what they were supposed to do...actually i may have threatened them, that's beside the point. DR checked and indeed my pep talk worked--- DR "wanna meet back at 1 to have this baby?" ---me, "is the pope catholic?!?! let's do this!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">we got in the elevator, squealed, and began calling all of our people to let them know what was fixing to happen. since it was ALSO chandlers bday, we had promised to come eat with him at school and bring his favorite lunch....instead we got him out of class for the day, took him to out to eat for birthday lunch (at chili's of course) and straight back to the hospital. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">having a baby by c-section is a WHOLE differnt game. it's very calm and easy. no huge dramas. the family is all there in the room when we wheeled out in our gowns and hats. and wait there until we come back with our new bundle of love.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">as soon as they wheel me into the delivery room (alone, they call for randy later) i am freezing. it is so cold you can hardly stand it. between that and my nerves, i laid there shaking like leaves on a tree...almost uncontrolable (which was embarassing). getting an epidural while shaking like your in an earthquke is no fun. but they did it, cause they were great and amazing...then that darn sheet goes up. i know it is to protect me from something that would be sure to scar me for life, but i am dying to know what's going on down there. finally randy is in and at my side. tells me that he loves me and that he's proud of me. and then he does what only any good "Cheeks" man does-small talk and chatter with the staff. sheesh. this makes me crazy. DON'T DISTRACRT THE PROFESSIONALS THAT HAVE YOUR WIFE CUT OPEN IN HALF!!!!! it will make your wife feel better if everyone is paying attention to their job. (just a little advice to those who may need it) and then just like that after a little pulling, and stretching, and discomfort, and wierdness, your baby's face appears over that white sheet like magic and everything changes right that second. i have another new baby, and my heart just filled with so much love and joy, i worry that it may explode and they will have to admit me a as a cardiac patient. bliss.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">randy takes my new tiny man down the hall and to our room where his already adoring fans wait for his debut, i stay in that cold room and thank the drs, nurses, and God for making this go well and taking the best care of me they could. and then i close my eyes and take it all in....i thank God for my new little guy, for the big brother and sister, i pray for my marriage and that we can be strong for our children and teach them to honor Him. i praise HIM for his grace and mercies that pour over me. thank him for another chance at the life that i had always dreamed of. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">then i make the ride back to my room and i just lay there in my bed and watch. i watch how randy shows him off to all of our guests, how chandler BEAMS when he sees and holds his birthday buddy, sterling fascintated by his tiny nose, how he is introduced to his fantastic grandparents, how the nurses and technicians come in and out, new people are arriving , i listen to the ooooh's and ahhhhh's and laughter---it's music that reaches down to the very depths of my soul. these are the moments that i will never forget the rest of my life. sitting and watching those that i love experience and rejoice over the birth of my new baby. my cup runneth over.</span>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-11009551350877453422011-09-03T23:54:00.000-05:002011-09-04T00:02:59.063-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cheeks, party of 5</span></div>
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these were our first "family" pictures with all 5 of us. they were so fun.</div>
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this session, i finally took my own advice...</div>
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as a photographer, i always tell people to NOT stress out about what they wear,</div>
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the location, or to over think it. when our sweet photographer, <a href="http://www.karynkelbaugh.com/">Karyn Kelbaugh</a>, </div>
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showed up to our front door. i was LITERALLY in my pajamas still, the babies asleep </div>
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in their beds (with not a clue as to what we were wearing),</div>
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and i had NO idea where we would go to do the shoot.</div>
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clearly, i had taken the "don't over think it to a new level"</div>
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we threw on some clothes (whatever they wanted to wear-nothing "matched")</div>
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and headed to our back yard that was full of dead grass, branches, and nothing pretty-</div>
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when were done there, we headed up the street to a train track, unsure of what would be there.</div>
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this was the most relaxed, un-stressful, and fun family shoot ever. </div>
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no tears, no crying, no fighting, no eye rolling...nothing.</div>
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and the result-was a set of images that beautifully reflect each member of my </div>
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family and each of their precious personalities. </div>
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i love them. they will forever be treasured.</div>
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when i look at these pictures, i am overwhelmed by how much i love the people in them.</div>
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that THIS is actually MY family...and i can't believe that they are mine.</div>
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i can't believe that God for some reason, saw it fit to let me have them. </div>
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this is maverick kirby------</div>
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he is 6 months old. he is happy. he loves to suck his left thumb, loves it.</div>
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his eyes are the most beautiful blue i have ever stared into. </div>
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i want to soak him up with a biscuit and gobble him up. </div>
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he is was a precious and treasured surprise 5th member of our family.</div>
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sterling maye-------</div>
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she is 2, and all that comes with it. she is a MESS that you can't help but love.</div>
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she is silly, but at times super shy and clingy (which i kinda love).</div>
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she has personality beyond her years. she is ornery. she is beautiful.</div>
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she calls her brothers "bubba" (chandler) and "buddy" (maverick) and </div>
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is quick to correct you if you interchange their "names."</div>
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and she thinks they are both fabulous.</div>
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chandler garrett------</div>
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he is 14 and a freshman in high school (i have no idea when this happened)</div>
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he is smart. he is funny. i enjoy just hanging out with him and listening to </div>
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his opinions of the world around him. he's super talented and creative.</div>
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he thinks his parents are embarrassing, but secretly he thinks we are hysterically funny...</div>
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at least that's what i tell myself. i totally have a crush on him and think he's fabulous!</div>
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randy & tomi-----</div>
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he's my hero. i am a crazy nut case. he's smart and a hard worker.</div>
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i am a photographer and mom and a wife. </div>
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he loves his job (regional director of operations for a really great long term care company).</div>
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he loves to hunt. i love road trips with just he and i. we make each other laugh.</div>
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i love how they play together. it sends me to the moon to watch them and makes me super happy!</div>
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she wears these wings every where. and i can barely stand the cuteness. </div>
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someday we are gonna be best friends....after she's a teenager. :)</div>
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oooh. these 3. precious.</div>
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my boys. they share a birthday-14 years apart. </div>
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the first and the last boys i will ever fall in love with.</div>
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randy is such a great dad. he is crazy about these kids and about me.</div>
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and that is one of the BEST feelings in the whole world!</div>
<br />tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-79750382458658684172010-08-23T10:20:00.002-05:002010-08-23T11:33:11.295-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">First Day of High School!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDQQuJrwiqLqQrLWG-yUvGkRoqfaX_fMN80hGESvTmp4H0PX_vXBs1W3U9YRs5Jt0gf39ArvHPlJJB9RLsQSd6-bEr_kfJn_pmZngyimcdVMw7OWmmz_6YTqnJsyuBdOpWH1-uQ/s400/_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635284875369058" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(this is the first day of kindergarten)</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-wqC_gyfHehbrM3iU-JUr3s0YsJZxPJk2EqOVv9K3KDimm-3C9sgnqI9nzTGPfiOImMjvF-COmZFtdzmSrlwD3Oo9ws7v2yaZSHotgILWNQTVrDXyx2fgF_u0HaXYtNwrhAVcw/s400/_8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635738527049170" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(this was today- 9th grade!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div>how did we get here so fast? high school. wow.</div><div><br /></div><div>i, like so many other mom's do on this day every year, think back on all of our other "first day's" of school... today was my 10th. and i am overwhelmed by the thought that i only have 3 more after today. just 3 more times to drive up to school, tell him to be GREAT, like God made him to be, try my best to get a hug and a kiss with out embarrassing him too much, tell him i can't wait to see him in a few hours and hear ALL about the day, and send him off into school. just 3 more times. (can you see me wiping away tears and sniffle) </div><div><br /></div><div>i remember when i first took him to kindergarten- i was a mess. i was so excited for him. i couldn't wait to hear all about his new friends and the play ground, and lunch time. i was thrilled at the thought of "home work", so that i could see all that he was learning (clearly, i am WAY over being excited about homework) i was scared. scared that i would be missing out on something while he was away from me, in someone else's care (thank you mrs. le roy for loving him). and i could only imagine all the things that waited for him inside that school, all the things he would learn, friends he would make, and new opportunities for his future.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd7lqlLOsXuGHIKL71fmkLKg4vucS14H2gf-_Ys4bg1rQ7Tj_vy2-_Wrw38ROKceXRKQSyVvvlxu_bnRi5XtNP3gEFFfEKCncQFHkFn6pPvFzzZ8xQrI8xm7v7OL3S2TSMJn11w/s400/_4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635302695594802" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(look how little he is...i LOVE this of him walking in to W A Porter elementary for the first time!)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and today, i don't feel much differently. just a bigger kid, a smaller backpack, and a bigger school. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivalkC9WfoiAOT28yBnPCanme4nGyhX1aeQu_nmmGs5GFn5bRf2Witat_PI_xzRqAvInfao3buQyGDlJQUZf3kS3dK7RAIPZbuSurSQHvN-tJF_TjzJFw_tnqTM8TldVQwAIxsWw/s1600/_14.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivalkC9WfoiAOT28yBnPCanme4nGyhX1aeQu_nmmGs5GFn5bRf2Witat_PI_xzRqAvInfao3buQyGDlJQUZf3kS3dK7RAIPZbuSurSQHvN-tJF_TjzJFw_tnqTM8TldVQwAIxsWw/s1600/_14.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivalkC9WfoiAOT28yBnPCanme4nGyhX1aeQu_nmmGs5GFn5bRf2Witat_PI_xzRqAvInfao3buQyGDlJQUZf3kS3dK7RAIPZbuSurSQHvN-tJF_TjzJFw_tnqTM8TldVQwAIxsWw/s400/_14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635761709249458" /></a>i wept again today, like i do every year (literally) as soon as i drove away. wept. i am certain that will happen the next 3 years too. i have dreamed about him being in high school and all the fun things that he will get to be a part of. homecoming, driving, football games, dances, pep rallies- so so many fun things! </div><div><br /></div><div>so today, i am praying for God to shine favor on him as he starts this new part of his life. i pray for sweet friends, teachers to care for him, a heart that is kind to others, and a mind that is open to learning all that he can. again...not unlike i did the first day of kindergarten. </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJz1Z70pzTOm996FjEAHDi37Ku2VV2zxi9nIWY3HuHyy3aiQJsyf-JhleOQ6Ojl0FZQTgevdR1OdkcGoCaQ0f5NDcIRoT1dHZklucu6zONuMuY_X50hpuw3FIqeml4DX3y_pcKBQ/s400/_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635296524517170" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdtF_bMkkHOv62T7Nt610C1WxWywc9pTvB88B8upzg90xR1X3EEE0-HW0XwU-Ob_LcGVg5GMi7iW7MnEFr8Zo0dZKBDuQ359Z4cFjFJQ2W4JfehagrGs_2ccaf06eJ73a-1D6rQ/s400/_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635301168923042" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(really, was he not the CUTEST thing you have ever laid eyes on?)</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-Qh0r3_9suyWTrJEK7Ufwqy3lqz4_7yq07ESZ0StJy3nqrmq9vB3qqu2t7b3-MLqKMyFLeyAEJkBtRSva9-j6hhfLi1EXKnbLWQpxWz4Z6_HuXWT5QGZr6KFBjBCvuhJOR58xw/s1600/_13.jpg"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>here are a few more pictures from this morning. he is not nearly as patient or happy to pose for me anymore. but he endured for me.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7uFQIAEox6zrHy1cDvdMKpoUOSAXm7HflnZvgZpxaPRZR6ynkN7pg0DXiXTRuAS9IUPpmVBkLbo5gORebGXckIsHUIh9T-9v0apbUfAeST_FRe8AkG_K0PcAi7EVDtzUTLRWXA/s400/_9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635740532020594" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPmse29aUd-r_zghbIAcnGytMt4xbAcB_EG9ztMHPdNX_ApVMP0_Fhv49Z47bx1R38pBhhSbLPUTkbTPeor59TPFUsVcj9OtFmAwVCBNOQnXlh0g1FIPDa2E-jb_GM0WekTYR8g/s400/_12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635750223422866" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-Qh0r3_9suyWTrJEK7Ufwqy3lqz4_7yq07ESZ0StJy3nqrmq9vB3qqu2t7b3-MLqKMyFLeyAEJkBtRSva9-j6hhfLi1EXKnbLWQpxWz4Z6_HuXWT5QGZr6KFBjBCvuhJOR58xw/s1600/_13.jpg"></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IAv8Yx-TVKTGpPRUvKvzStaArtxJDLi6H_MO1utSfPeghOm3CoSgHh_caMXtX1TDieyiYMltiBNq9nyTPg9qSIoYGZDNHZ8l00k69MRqK0txl0MoUmRFQs7LAjIngPktgA05Gg/s400/_6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508635309301846338" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">have a great year my boy! i love you to bits!!!!</div></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-80234975763639019182010-08-22T22:59:00.002-05:002010-08-23T00:35:08.421-05:00i am baaaaaaack!<div><br /></div><div>it has only been like 12 months or so. that's all. (read with great sarcasm) </div><div><br /></div><div>the last year has been full. full of lots of <i>things</i>, life changing events, growth, new life, struggles, great joys, devastating heart breaks, glorious answered prayers, tears, a little arguing, lot's of laughing ( 'cause if you don't, you might cry), mountain top highs, and way down in the valley lows. do you want the good news or the bad news first?</div><div><br /></div><div>let's go with the good- we made it through. we made it. and i might venture to say that we are stronger than before. (i am at least, but so i don't feel so lonely and vulnerable in the blogging world, i will continue to use the words "we, our, and us" eventually i will have to do this on "my own" but for now, i will remain "plural inclusive)....and yes that's a word (at least in my world it is)...i pinkie swear.</div><div><br /></div><div>we successfully got our biggest through the 8th grade and now he is prepping to start high school. we found out we were having another baby (*SURPRISE!!!!!*****) just before sterling's 1st birthday. then discovered it was another boy! we were thrilled! i also had a really hard pregnancy and it nearly did me in- i was WORE out! the stress of the baby was a whole nutha story. he finally came on may 12th---exactly 14 years after i had his big brother. the timing was perfect and a huge answer to prayer. so many many other details to share in posts to come.</div><div><br /></div><div>the biggest bad news of the last year (and i am going to be REALLY vulnerable here) is this.....i was COMPLETELY checked out. completely. since that last "Sterling is 9 months post", i haven't written down ONE thing...no journaling no nothing. the truth is, when i found out i was pregnant, i was real real sad. (that is so hard to write) not sad about the baby necessarily, but just sad about how it would change my life. i was so getting used to the peeps that i had and the way our lives were going along just fine. i really and truly went into some weird depression- i think that it kinda freaked my husband out. there were days and days that i wore the same thing, never left the house, cried constantly, and just checked out of life in general. i have NO pictures of the last year (mind you, i am a professional photographer). i have MAYBE a very small handful but really nothing like i should. it's shameful. when there are people out there with real terminal illnesses, and they just want one or two more days with the ones they love. i am moping around, complaining, and whining, and WASTING away the precious gift of time that my sweet loving Jesus gave me. wasting it. shameful.</div><div><br /></div><div>so, now, on the eve of the biggest brother starting high school, the 21 month old sister getting ready for mother's day out, and the littlest brother cooing and giggling in my lap. i have decided, i don't want to miss it. i don't want to miss another year with my kids or with my amazing husband. i want to be fully here and in the moment and wrap myself up in them and feel how much they love ME - just because of who God made me to be and that's what they love about me. Warts and all- i don't really have warts, but you get the picture.</div><div><br /></div><div>i am going to spend the next few months "journaling" about last year and trying to fill in the holes that i left out. some posts may be full of joy and happy thoughts, some might be me recalling the bad days, some may be pure nonsense and silliness, and there will for sure be some about all the fabulous things that God will be doing in our family this year. and for a laugh, i can almost guarantee that more than one or two posts will be composed while on "ambien" and those will be pure ridiculousness. i am certain that if you follow this blog for very long, you will hear somethings that my shock you and blow your mind, you may think "hey, i don't like this girl all that much anymore" but please stick with me on those days, i hope to show how God pulled me through and growed me up a little (yes, that also is a real word). He is changing my heart even now as i type. and more......now.</div><div><br /></div><div>so, if you pick to read this, thank you. your encouragement and honesty will be a <b>huge</b> gift to my journey in becoming the girl, wife, mom, daughter, friend, aunt, neighbor, sister-in-law, yada yada yada that HE wants me to be. i need your accountability and maybe even a gentle kick in the butt. if you don't pick to keep up with it....i totally understand. just know that i am trying, and i am trusting that God has a plan for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>so......check back soon. this may be my new daily obsession. and if you spread the word and sign up to follow, and make comments, we just might be able to reach a mom that is where i was and help encourage her a little too. after all, isn't that what God calls us to do. help those who are hurting?</div><div><br /></div><div>until next time.............</div><div>from my <a href="www.gypsyheartphotography.com">gypsy hear</a>t to yours!</div><div>~t</div><div><br /></div><div>ps a few words that GOD has on my heart to ponder today.</div><div><br /></div><div>*ephisians 3:16 i pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources, he will empower me with his inner strength through his Spirit</div><div><br /></div><div>*philippians 4:7 then i will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything i can understand. His peace will guard my heart and mind as i live in Christ Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div>*1 thessalonians 5:13 so encourage each other and build each other up.....</div><div><br /></div><div>*psalms 139:16b every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.</div><div><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-76332384929199675152009-09-21T11:14:00.004-05:002009-09-21T12:08:05.163-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sterling @ 9 months old!</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLijg6cJC1jFXUZVFGSID18ozu5xjUHXslyKyYp_RruNYB5-OaD3mrHZQOeGQDSJBcvU-KUGxOjxSkcXO2urUahlVqVQFIY4Tcn4jE5F4TtVQhuveRM7cdcJ2k20RKwu_aDIIFA/s1600-h/DSC_0031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLijg6cJC1jFXUZVFGSID18ozu5xjUHXslyKyYp_RruNYB5-OaD3mrHZQOeGQDSJBcvU-KUGxOjxSkcXO2urUahlVqVQFIY4Tcn4jE5F4TtVQhuveRM7cdcJ2k20RKwu_aDIIFA/s400/DSC_0031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383959907320868306" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This baby is something else! She is the busiest little thing-into EVERYTHING!!! We have had to move things, child proof, block off doors. I never had to do that with her brother. It is a whole new world around here. She is also the happiest of babies-smiling and giggling all the time. She thinks her brother is the greatest thing ever! She is crawling fast and furious, and has zero fear. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>She has this past month, out grown more than just her clothes! We have had to put away her bouncy seat, her car seat, the bath tub, and the swing. We took pictures of her in them just so we could compare to when she was first in them all and it is crazy how much bigger she is now. She thought getting in each of these was great fun-she hadn't been in them in a while so they seemed like "new" toys to her. She was sad when we took her out and threw a minor fit, then she was off crawling to get into something else!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84QrpjpeXlO9OCelgvb9Zoyw5XfIGSoFlxJWlgLoC1Kqa0lqpGN2C6k3ZXOsn9juPJ_yxsMf-qVaZegDq_QjBEbc4NV1wdq8LC1E4TZ7774fFLKga3QbCOs6rpuR-LIPpU7qI3w/s1600-h/DSC_0012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84QrpjpeXlO9OCelgvb9Zoyw5XfIGSoFlxJWlgLoC1Kqa0lqpGN2C6k3ZXOsn9juPJ_yxsMf-qVaZegDq_QjBEbc4NV1wdq8LC1E4TZ7774fFLKga3QbCOs6rpuR-LIPpU7qI3w/s400/DSC_0012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383959892503345554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWyeZswCEJFM_vOuPCe4o1aIKf3Ytb7ATa8kcsft12TeSlnbxjLhB3ZTB1LfQWfXYQ-IbyoILJ_uvmv7SSy915xL6xLfkCRdWY95bFlYiNLR-2dOlA_UQyBw-rgxzeB7IOJ-IsQ/s1600-h/DSC_0015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWyeZswCEJFM_vOuPCe4o1aIKf3Ytb7ATa8kcsft12TeSlnbxjLhB3ZTB1LfQWfXYQ-IbyoILJ_uvmv7SSy915xL6xLfkCRdWY95bFlYiNLR-2dOlA_UQyBw-rgxzeB7IOJ-IsQ/s400/DSC_0015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383959885812612690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx1XQsA4OR3akjTsQkHAcxdPyaDdw75mxFfg88Lwwqv4J90Ts_SWaeoP2cZokk3cnhyR28WYSZk3cHKGVvbGtNKt3JeMkrtKRBblnqu5pQgNTpqxjVy_O-R2wFVB7-P3IPteYsQ/s1600-h/DSC_0017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx1XQsA4OR3akjTsQkHAcxdPyaDdw75mxFfg88Lwwqv4J90Ts_SWaeoP2cZokk3cnhyR28WYSZk3cHKGVvbGtNKt3JeMkrtKRBblnqu5pQgNTpqxjVy_O-R2wFVB7-P3IPteYsQ/s400/DSC_0017.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383959877081542578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4pm0CePL1jRY9eKAkMfwPWs6o-XUTKeJ1o3WB48vzL0TfU6t6amWiro6l4ZIctsGcCAc5cJoL4FcUlqOZnQUUrEV_xpYtfmaurVZDCNbtEp1Ppoiu9OUHIHcTLdbAHGYPRQpQ/s1600-h/DSC_0018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4pm0CePL1jRY9eKAkMfwPWs6o-XUTKeJ1o3WB48vzL0TfU6t6amWiro6l4ZIctsGcCAc5cJoL4FcUlqOZnQUUrEV_xpYtfmaurVZDCNbtEp1Ppoiu9OUHIHcTLdbAHGYPRQpQ/s400/DSC_0018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383959868318454018" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-86053262777917978922009-09-20T22:45:00.004-05:002009-09-21T10:42:26.754-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">First Day of 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> Grade</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRftZY8qAjMg4A9gdCpz3iv1uJPxqky6mNezah6vB4BUkWzPiMDTiKTQ7UFGXiKpY1x1AgIFFaYGFwQk1EIc3LcrHOKbjzy-DbHnY6dsAJV1BNgS8wycEyKcrxHbPw3L_ndBDLKQ/s1600-h/DSC_0044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRftZY8qAjMg4A9gdCpz3iv1uJPxqky6mNezah6vB4BUkWzPiMDTiKTQ7UFGXiKpY1x1AgIFFaYGFwQk1EIc3LcrHOKbjzy-DbHnY6dsAJV1BNgS8wycEyKcrxHbPw3L_ndBDLKQ/s400/DSC_0044.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383764047088899202" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I know that I start so many posts with this question in some form, "Where has the time gone?" but I truly ask myself that nearly everyday. Chandler just started the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> grade-his last year of Middle School. Only one year left till High School. 4 and half till college. Where has the time gone? <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>He is LOVING school. He started playing football, is in all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pre</span>-AP classes, and is in select art, he also is playing soccer outside of school. He is a busy little bee. He is a typical 13 year old kid, but funny, kind, and he is in love for the first time (however, it is with his baby sister- more on that later:) </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I just wanted to share his "First Day Look" (it looks thrown together, but trust me- LOTS of thought went into this). We are so proud of the kid that he is and know that we are really lucky that he is ours!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholc3PwjXF790PDcpL-BOShBCd96anjqVQiV_UWZl6RZylRN3QPxIQS-dsRsPdsT-iNN2ngzfuKNskbkI6PWP7IEfeJq58mcR78QLp2XSFqh4mCUXb8lePoSCP1wmAJStq3JP2GQ/s1600-h/DSC_0049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholc3PwjXF790PDcpL-BOShBCd96anjqVQiV_UWZl6RZylRN3QPxIQS-dsRsPdsT-iNN2ngzfuKNskbkI6PWP7IEfeJq58mcR78QLp2XSFqh4mCUXb8lePoSCP1wmAJStq3JP2GQ/s400/DSC_0049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383764035428199890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WY1orAWX08xQBkO0rjwoKWTG94yzeDF0iN__9Nd697t8bZYsHCzMyPX8GD3UGme60DIOu3bjwSH1F1ijSW6iYL_KMYR4Hz8ITQb6lYpp9TxGXKLWHL6GC5Cc47emV9ok3KMhyA/s1600-h/DSC_0046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WY1orAWX08xQBkO0rjwoKWTG94yzeDF0iN__9Nd697t8bZYsHCzMyPX8GD3UGme60DIOu3bjwSH1F1ijSW6iYL_KMYR4Hz8ITQb6lYpp9TxGXKLWHL6GC5Cc47emV9ok3KMhyA/s400/DSC_0046.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383764023779655778" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-22926275141949723792009-09-20T22:25:00.002-05:002009-09-20T22:44:05.120-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Family Photo Fun!</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaixiJViwZN6dsYfmYtO-y2tY_rr9GjrVqVXn2xU1N8IwUoKF7Bwu348TiebGl4Xvuby2auRL-qHvnky5eCcMxg7VkjxaWaXcj-AryqHrafrbF3SXawUC4RWHaxQV3LksM8pdVmA/s1600-h/DSC_0182.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaixiJViwZN6dsYfmYtO-y2tY_rr9GjrVqVXn2xU1N8IwUoKF7Bwu348TiebGl4Xvuby2auRL-qHvnky5eCcMxg7VkjxaWaXcj-AryqHrafrbF3SXawUC4RWHaxQV3LksM8pdVmA/s400/DSC_0182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383758037465738674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It NEVER fails. We can be together for 10 days, but the last night at the very last moment possible, we panic because we don't have a "family picture" This usually results with</div><div style="text-align: center;">all the guys complaining and LOTS of crying from the kids. Oh if you could just be a fly on the wall when we are trying to take this pictures. It is quite hilarious.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the end, we always get something fairly good with our ever growing family </div><div style="text-align: center;">(21 and still counting). We are so so blessed.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-coMU8fn5vI-LnG4Xgi5G8s8ZYsXDGB8FJk6DdASifP5kkWkVveBShn3is2tTlVp2tGIVceXXVz6kJilnsR-jM6Xqfo_ASO6ghUdeKZALFMZ-pQey6FzWj6iylXon_N8v1qEGAg/s400/DSC_0188.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383758017309311442" /><div style="text-align: center; ">All the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Grandkids</span> with Maw Maw and Paw Paw-</div><div style="text-align: center; ">from the left: Ella (3) Julia (1.5) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Caden</span> (4) the twins, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Emmory</span> and Amelia (4 weeks)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brandon (6) Chandler(13) Ainsley (1.5) and our sweet Sterling (8 months)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuw4jDIhT0B8xSehGgkzUZHn4dvQtOFv9sBGT_dyHLWHzW2p2eVk_yLkeNpp7hpElF_hy_lInOTcqHz6U9hjt3uDz9e6UCzNW1agv2ZtXeR9pjrrxiYWD8SF6K5qe5gBTcLBvUw/s1600-h/DSC_0202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuw4jDIhT0B8xSehGgkzUZHn4dvQtOFv9sBGT_dyHLWHzW2p2eVk_yLkeNpp7hpElF_hy_lInOTcqHz6U9hjt3uDz9e6UCzNW1agv2ZtXeR9pjrrxiYWD8SF6K5qe5gBTcLBvUw/s400/DSC_0202.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383758029706758226" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Just the girls- only 4 out of the 6 are crying-no too bad.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> cracks me up</div><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-84600450092610317782009-09-20T22:02:00.002-05:002009-09-20T22:21:41.266-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Chandler wants to live with Melinda & Travis.</span></div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhN-o625GYgVw1D5tj1ilO011PpNO72WftMAiCCanz34DpZZfNInb8iLzAixwTbQRc_AzTCbYPenSQbwI2KVDODNO2OsT7ZFJVqNdhC-t7T6MrX407dfbUEua5KbZ6YZsK_bEsLQ/s400/DSC_0157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383752314443193330" /><div style="text-align: center;">My sister and brother in law bought a house this past spring. IT IS FANTASTIC!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The best part is the property. It's gorgeous!!! This is their front yard </div><div style="text-align: center;">(view from the front porch). Isn't it great? You can't even see the road- it is country <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">livin</span>'</div><div style="text-align: center;">with out being out in the boon docks! Chandler ran and rode four wheelers, shot</div><div style="text-align: center;">fire works, climbed trees, explored, played with the dog...every night he was filthy dirty and</div><div style="text-align: center;">completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">exhausted</span> from playing so dang hard. The other reason that he would love to move in with Travis and Melinda (besides that they are so fun and all the kids favorite aunt and uncle despite my trying to beat them) Travis is a vet and they got to borrow a horse for a few days.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chandler love love loved it! </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBwUAZtk0NFXw6rEfdbFoejNeYnLxiBwGOW5EVEdamri3ZwLAI76jzt5S6o45_fUUKzr3OSeukmAGT6P6_i2V4KpNKryR7yHbZ7xDaojKwbJZ4HS8tA28tSLiIKqkQRCk8LlNPw/s400/DSC_0177.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383753196311674866" /><div style="text-align: center;">He's a natural.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmmBVkHLeA_Ob_WtjOsvfmEcrNPIl5XS0w0mjVwSXkl2gBd_2GaZaxuBUXCTF4gE0KK5Xefw0NaICJiTLJb1yx54jSnGzMFNsQ9qUBFW9Xw9k5jrhF6F42VmB0DxZSPLUOnB9OA/s1600-h/DSC_0163.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmmBVkHLeA_Ob_WtjOsvfmEcrNPIl5XS0w0mjVwSXkl2gBd_2GaZaxuBUXCTF4gE0KK5Xefw0NaICJiTLJb1yx54jSnGzMFNsQ9qUBFW9Xw9k5jrhF6F42VmB0DxZSPLUOnB9OA/s400/DSC_0163.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383752293193528226" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-25656329775999155912009-09-20T21:40:00.003-05:002009-09-20T22:01:36.933-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Family Day on the lake!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">We rented a "party barge" one day while we were in TN. We were on the lake <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">literally</span> all day! We had a great time and the kids thought it was so fun. We cooked out, rode tubes and jet ski's, then we found this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">teenie</span> little island right in the middle of the lake. It was so cool. Everyone hopped out of the boat and swam for a bit, laid out, some of us even fit in a quick nap. Our family is so fun! I love being a part of it!</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp-0kT_YfXwaeUoZiQ_2uoJwAjmBckQsoXCliO4Y1tNj5k4bch4_hdQqltzLmiDLjzH9WssBl3FKny-2BP_Gs-N6r0LWD3z13LYdrlXke4mBFWgj-aBRoOh6f4aDWJyxPO2Ttaw/s1600-h/DSC_0137.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp-0kT_YfXwaeUoZiQ_2uoJwAjmBckQsoXCliO4Y1tNj5k4bch4_hdQqltzLmiDLjzH9WssBl3FKny-2BP_Gs-N6r0LWD3z13LYdrlXke4mBFWgj-aBRoOh6f4aDWJyxPO2Ttaw/s400/DSC_0137.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383748045399035554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"Our" island</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtucijO58W2BfbJA-_kM15MhV0uLcdHsesiVtoeAsJwXrqpyUcklXOu4Qjl3ykHqQs0RKnZOhdoLshPh7RH96x4EtycR37YChATLLjH1YyMMnsItndcVW39YBuMgKr75WH9lWjaA/s1600-h/DSC_0104.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtucijO58W2BfbJA-_kM15MhV0uLcdHsesiVtoeAsJwXrqpyUcklXOu4Qjl3ykHqQs0RKnZOhdoLshPh7RH96x4EtycR37YChATLLjH1YyMMnsItndcVW39YBuMgKr75WH9lWjaA/s400/DSC_0104.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383748036593624898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sterling in her float- she loved it, can you tell?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyqurNJlvdmxjTH1eVtvlzCx85LRqNKchklNpcf9qw5eNcsUW2g-iUTwnzjCg5mXDcGL9nQQyQhYgiReDGp2VEnP4D5IQoBa4UekVnZFBgu41GYkx_8Wd9HJOa9QGg-pyfdf7lA/s1600-h/DSC_0140.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyqurNJlvdmxjTH1eVtvlzCx85LRqNKchklNpcf9qw5eNcsUW2g-iUTwnzjCg5mXDcGL9nQQyQhYgiReDGp2VEnP4D5IQoBa4UekVnZFBgu41GYkx_8Wd9HJOa9QGg-pyfdf7lA/s400/DSC_0140.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383748029406477650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Paw Paw let Chandler drive the boat. He did great!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0tpxjZPJ5PRgvLjaEEA-crD6ydF0A7H864hPi1T4ouhyphenhyphenFvzOm94QjHtgWixR70VwjIDc1t4CJDQ4Sc2WqEeZDiCZJHcc11P_NyILThp05Rt7Mr5OCEwjT9bv5bzi70PU_fdFvQ/s1600-h/DSC_0141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0tpxjZPJ5PRgvLjaEEA-crD6ydF0A7H864hPi1T4ouhyphenhyphenFvzOm94QjHtgWixR70VwjIDc1t4CJDQ4Sc2WqEeZDiCZJHcc11P_NyILThp05Rt7Mr5OCEwjT9bv5bzi70PU_fdFvQ/s400/DSC_0141.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383748017981626946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My guys- love them!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtKYj9eb-wycpNnJSKF0mm-cMoKDwyVxT-KgRIZumsjnaJz8Yy5dgZE0dpG45FTcB98WEYQH9F6jnUxej9kWlaqUpN_FeuN2cagjIqKBIb4cpq71TPZFUNFJ36JVlwO_WUn4TA/s1600-h/DSC_0118.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtKYj9eb-wycpNnJSKF0mm-cMoKDwyVxT-KgRIZumsjnaJz8Yy5dgZE0dpG45FTcB98WEYQH9F6jnUxej9kWlaqUpN_FeuN2cagjIqKBIb4cpq71TPZFUNFJ36JVlwO_WUn4TA/s400/DSC_0118.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383748010002615186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ok</span>, not super attractive, but Chandler loves these kinds of pics!</div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-14231045501377606882009-09-06T19:00:00.003-05:002009-09-06T21:11:08.533-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ryman</span>, Tootsies, & Hatch</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>One of my favorite days in Nashville, was the day we walked around downtown. It is such a cool town, lots of historic old places, cool people, and TONS of music. What could be better?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We started out at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ryman</span> Auditorium. I really am embarrassed to say that I had no idea what this place was. It is the original "Grand ole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Opry</span>" and it is SO great! The history that is in that place (especially if you are into music) oozes out of the walls and it is really beautiful. It is where Johnny met June and you can almost here Minnie Pearl holler, " HOW-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DEEE</span>!!!!!" It just makes me smile to even think about it. They still do concerts there with people from the Jonas Brothers to Willie Nelson. I am really hoping that we can go back to concert this fall. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Next stop, was "Tootsies" I had heard of it before, but didn't realize what a cool place it was. It's a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">teenie</span> tiny little bar, that is just across the alley from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ryman</span>. Tons of artist have</div><div style="text-align: left;">snuck out of the back door of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ryman</span> and into "Tootsie's" for a little fun. It is also where loads of musicians have started out on the 12 x 12 foot stage. I know those walls could tell some really great stories! Tanya Tucker was actually there in the upper room, we just missed her (she scooted out the back door before we saw her). <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The last place we went was "Hatch Show Print" It is one of and probably the most famous press printers in the country. They have done show posters for the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ryman</span>" for years. They still use the wooden blocks that they lay out in a tray and crank it through the machine. ( i know it is much more complicated, but you will have to just trust me) It is a really cool art form. I would love love love to have one of their prints someday!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This was so fun! I am fascinated with all three places and how they are all in a way a part of each other and also such a big part of some of the music that I love! If your ever in Nashville, you should check it out!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVpU3MQJCg9susPCKjrjIvqdwlz7A8YCbgblh8dr6rptLl8fmSnsmxvGXkLWuqfxF6cIdcUZyDRMiQub9zzKRwQuqvoj2ni0Tk0XDM3zLnVIDHh-CKwFpdc6Gtam-ld-82PQnxQ/s400/DSC_0107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378514134513136786" /><div style="text-align: center;">The Outside of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ryman</span>.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlTTW09T8hGq7fA3BHL_hp7TRsg_KiDRmNFxLxlMuhyphenhyphenOVsrnw9JnSiYVf64yjK4YcgaQywGAtkDFJSHQWaBT5yFVHmcisxiGz4-TW3GQx3EqrZJ1SR5Nqu67sbV_wzA0BsUYLYQ/s400/DSC_0141.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378514120510110674" /><div style="text-align: center;">This is what the musicians see just before going out on stage. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Johnny and June, Minnie Pearl, Dolly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Parton</span>, Hank Williams....so cool!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2jKJXLvT5WPLosfZ0TUEAHKHvt9UHL31IT9KBi0IYrdAgrmKd48jh2w7dPAtK_vQy7ob4CXn1k_Vxc1UKPcvxFEwM5RvkVJyjMb1snRB_DHrkXumT6miJ3OqD_h8MtUHSCZfRw/s400/DSC_0145.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378514111587778706" /><div style="text-align: center;">Us back stage.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT_05m4lzaX6rT26lVC6tWzQf0EZts_YUwzqjSIaNkke_Ahjr8jWWeWEQPYpfO8gUpSGwoIQf60K-Bolk62qZlGw6kdWIYbZV300wLqwDrjw5knRigdn8fCG9zQu1Hm-cb250KQ/s400/DSC_0223.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378514088586014354" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6wZqa55CBsIZ5QEKQ76DsdzrG9u9aQZh2OUfNnpYA9NuGhYjRV5O_u07Dlra0Z0hwfMgeZavrvxKSXaC8ZY4RbQjDJCOluFlr1nkrvOnul40-GIxA7AOG7fbv2suxSpskHxgFw/s1600-h/DSC_0225.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6wZqa55CBsIZ5QEKQ76DsdzrG9u9aQZh2OUfNnpYA9NuGhYjRV5O_u07Dlra0Z0hwfMgeZavrvxKSXaC8ZY4RbQjDJCOluFlr1nkrvOnul40-GIxA7AOG7fbv2suxSpskHxgFw/s400/DSC_0225.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378516927909272306" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Garrett and I in Tootsie's</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ-DAExnlWKle5GQwPOtL31UoeAnZg0JOsdhr0Zk7NhQPqNtKWv34FvtrtVWrtDNrlTujg6J7acSNREQj4UOiBVKoDGMq-PdG3XoQQbd5rZnW_8GtgWtrQum1Ar3WFbFDeAgh4w/s400/DSC_0215.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378514102288079362" /><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, have taken our 13 year old and our 7 month old baby to a bar. </div><div style="text-align: center;">'cause we are good parents! :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh982LO06v50MbUTEboZJ6s-VcPudfCldZ7NqKgGK3K4sjQkV4OlCvQr7NHYDiThu4gYPggfPNxswj4NTBAGzaaE-WvvqP-ajpm31gWUVqwtGUIU-EcwzkwqfiaITulK6cu0E4vpA/s1600-h/DSC_0219.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh982LO06v50MbUTEboZJ6s-VcPudfCldZ7NqKgGK3K4sjQkV4OlCvQr7NHYDiThu4gYPggfPNxswj4NTBAGzaaE-WvvqP-ajpm31gWUVqwtGUIU-EcwzkwqfiaITulK6cu0E4vpA/s400/DSC_0219.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378516921341044146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the upper room. See all the hand writing on the walls?</div><div style="text-align: center;">And in the picture, that is Tootsie herself!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuItp3aMs0QzU9RWeToaCMsm7Ajuryj7ZfMOk8ZFZp0wKUSUbpu6ClqWoOAW4-gXCDAmdao_ytDW9I1xcFsLp7wxI7CakgJTdBSClKvJjj-Ria7Huhyphenhyphendu5vKDstOqWFnK63ZRd2A/s1600-h/DSC_0233.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuItp3aMs0QzU9RWeToaCMsm7Ajuryj7ZfMOk8ZFZp0wKUSUbpu6ClqWoOAW4-gXCDAmdao_ytDW9I1xcFsLp7wxI7CakgJTdBSClKvJjj-Ria7Huhyphenhyphendu5vKDstOqWFnK63ZRd2A/s400/DSC_0233.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378516912656785794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is inside the printing place. It is so cool. See all the wood "print blocks"? </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScQApiwtRq1FZ3AqBE5b64i2LGJ-WHKkz_xrsLYIrteMKlYYMoHY3NOpluTIuz2hA85RSxnf9p7AoYpRWGBg0kCCpFHLx-qMw63-B3mjFaiCNhpLaiIqIn7o0ki5Wl1aC8nrKog/s400/DSC_0236.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378516891133849074" /><div style="text-align: center;">This is one of the blocks that they were working on- I wonder what it turned out like?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmSDKB0TPL_Nd1TsshzHJOuVkbMT_MB87rcFwAHXvOMCyYjTiUZYxknE9VkhExA_cLS5eROwMJXt3V0d6xfBmbKN544qf8ZTGihCq2rwIsbli8SF6mt7JmQBrS0bSQ59it26iow/s1600-h/DSC_0238.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmSDKB0TPL_Nd1TsshzHJOuVkbMT_MB87rcFwAHXvOMCyYjTiUZYxknE9VkhExA_cLS5eROwMJXt3V0d6xfBmbKN544qf8ZTGihCq2rwIsbli8SF6mt7JmQBrS0bSQ59it26iow/s400/DSC_0238.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378516901344173490" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">These are some of the posters. They are so retro and cool!</div></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-84802263186322659082009-09-06T11:32:00.002-05:002009-09-06T12:53:20.047-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Loveless Cafe</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">{Nashville, TN}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">When I knew we were going to Nashville, I started asking around for some great restaurants. My friend Kate @<a href="www.juxtaposephotography.com"> Juxtapose Photography </a>(check out her pics) said that we HAD to go to Loveless Cafe. So, I obediently looked it up and dragged our whole clan there for lunch! I was worried that it wouldn't hold up to the greatness that i heard that it was. Let me just say, it SO totally did!!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AHHH</span>-MAY-ZING!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">The atmosphere is so fun! There are lots of little shops to look in, the art is really retro and cool, there is lots of history in that little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">restaurant</span>. And the best part...the FOOD. Good ole, down home, country, fry everything cooking. YUM!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">Chicken fried steak, fried okra, mash taters, gravy, cobbler, iced tea!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">SO GOOD!!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">If your ever find yourself in Nashville, hop in the car and take a scenic drive to Loveless. You will not be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disappointed</span>!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwwvdRMoVDHfhKH13UAORNpwr8LPY45Cw_dGo7qcd-NbXWUxMGR1ALSanBjiv8W1xLp6yfwnK1igQ83G_ifP9ejvwMy5EzHQ_-F8jrbZ5iJp6m0rprpj43iBW3cAJz1ipZgdpGQ/s400/DSC_0212.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378407848882500498" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw_D65Fe8xW_QU5dS6O7RmBuoH860QhzBwFtdN1HrO1okvMt7o5Q5hBSUUwNMQJ26nhQL0l2qRdktUU6-oqePEoXfWgMf6LYsrH6af3BevQJz29xmFGAVI0AJslA6fRdLrw-7kA/s1600-h/DSC_0201.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw_D65Fe8xW_QU5dS6O7RmBuoH860QhzBwFtdN1HrO1okvMt7o5Q5hBSUUwNMQJ26nhQL0l2qRdktUU6-oqePEoXfWgMf6LYsrH6af3BevQJz29xmFGAVI0AJslA6fRdLrw-7kA/s400/DSC_0201.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378407859384699106" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here we are waiting for our food to get here.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAJ4qt1qpTqjJwCPh3LBhWW7XP_6Vwr2mlMYzKDD5CLOQQNhbEHvSoCMX4iYsgbhOe_ZUupZkLF9WrVyTLBwZIATQA7juhFo0THZ_uXoQV68TwuSQNKB5X9_CBlvxS1vi5H5TCg/s1600-h/DSC_0230.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAJ4qt1qpTqjJwCPh3LBhWW7XP_6Vwr2mlMYzKDD5CLOQQNhbEHvSoCMX4iYsgbhOe_ZUupZkLF9WrVyTLBwZIATQA7juhFo0THZ_uXoQV68TwuSQNKB5X9_CBlvxS1vi5H5TCg/s400/DSC_0230.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378407839204331122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Just out side of the cafe, there are several good photo ops. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this- look at Sterlings tiny little face-so cute!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72lFXGHEuCFLyOnR4gF2KvjoCVY7j3FKGHRVROJZUwySRbYOztMq5awbgmdr24cDMI8zODKSG1hHMkmObAyHWPslbJZpAS6KJgvwY0X0qLVgmVjVpLoLW3gyUOx-KjlKmoAA-Jg/s1600-h/DSC_0246.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72lFXGHEuCFLyOnR4gF2KvjoCVY7j3FKGHRVROJZUwySRbYOztMq5awbgmdr24cDMI8zODKSG1hHMkmObAyHWPslbJZpAS6KJgvwY0X0qLVgmVjVpLoLW3gyUOx-KjlKmoAA-Jg/s400/DSC_0246.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378407831713116402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Old antique tractor. We thought we might put the kids to work to pay for our meal.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPMW1ScC5MsEvVnrFiz0Ck84VRXsaCHFwL3LALb9X54yaSropcKbb3Dcv8mrKPTNF7n2vYN7QOqszapLHdZCPBpzrs-wJdytPx6FIGrT01C9Dv6qjvYgkmJbPfATE1j3CmbbaFw/s1600-h/DSC_0263.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPMW1ScC5MsEvVnrFiz0Ck84VRXsaCHFwL3LALb9X54yaSropcKbb3Dcv8mrKPTNF7n2vYN7QOqszapLHdZCPBpzrs-wJdytPx6FIGrT01C9Dv6qjvYgkmJbPfATE1j3CmbbaFw/s400/DSC_0263.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378407826935234098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is me and the famous Carol Faye, aka the Biscuit Lady.</div><div style="text-align: center;">She and the cafe have been featured on the Food Network. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She is the only one who knows the magic recipe for those dang good bisicuits! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't she just <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">look</span> like a "biscuit lady"?</div></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-32514080561190982562009-08-01T16:52:00.006-05:002009-08-01T17:14:22.630-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">The 4th of July!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovnrvXy2beewHsEh95gKhR-XzXORFZxaHUojA77A5BXHG6LrvF9SAtOlCIYRtcfHALE2n1lps_aJGrSIDVrC8BHybTOmC4hOkcYMmN6_WpXjoRlRPt61tP-4p_zDrBP2-GTWdTw/s400/SDC10968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365117496480778738" /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>we were in Nashville for the 4th too. i LOVE the 4th. i LOVE a cookout. i LOVE fireworks.<div>we went to church saturday morning, had a cookout to celebrate both the 4th and my sisters in-law birthday. then set out to see some fireworks. it flipping POURED DOWN RAIN. HARD. we still tried to go and see them from the car-which is not near as fun as sitting out in the grass with a picnic, but we made a memory anyway. we scrunched up and mashed our faces up to the windows, but all we saw was lightning. we gave up and went home. <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGol6cwnO-FM46bi30IWRI3xE9CVP38onYeDW9vVbgj5qI4p3Mdi4I-W4OwinxaFPjz4McDhF6vprCJ4hq9hTSoeqkJpa6tHbvKZaGdagRJsNyThY-QA_8k7mc89bsknA98yitLw/s400/SDC10964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365117501717150098" /><div style="text-align: center;">chandler got a pic of randy and i huddled up in the car.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZiAzS1PSBUK-UV8H3v2OgWRC7dyFHSzCmbT8CSl8D5Sg86qDgLt32g9IM1_umNDUCa1w5_C2U-o0NCgZIhl8oCkRQCTjNhCoQTvycxXB1xoPcQOAYETGmg16Akx21HwDugM-wg/s400/SDC10957.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365117499956983970" /><div style="text-align: center;">and here they are in the front seat-waiting for the light show.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUZN7X3J_8ClDBd92DNp8XA5M5JYUPu9dGrtYIylb30tHGyTl8Uzj3he65aHkm5B4pQxk027iJ0JThRIzopiS_nDCeg2XbmbD9VHeDxrsp-4DHrW0NnC4L9bwZFWjUjWzrpGFQg/s400/SDC10956.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365118007989153522" /><div style="text-align: center;">.....and sterling. she wasn't interested at all! she slept through the whole adventure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we are so blessed to live in a country where we can worship the God that we love. </div><div style="text-align: center;">we can love who we choose to love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">we can be who and what we want to be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">happy 4th, and thank you to those (and their famillies) who have sacrificed</div><div style="text-align: center;"> so much for us to enjoy our freedom!</div></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-33358968088184267322009-07-13T11:30:00.004-05:002009-08-01T16:44:40.100-05:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Cheeks Family <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Vacay</span> 2009</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Our family vacation took us to Nashville this year. We had a GREAT time. Nashville is where half the 21 of us live and since my sweet sister in-law gave us twins in June we didn't want her to have to travel, so Nashville it was. It was our first time to travel with Sterling, we looked like we were moving to Nashville with all the stuff we carried. It's amazing all the stuff you "think" you will need on vacation. Anyway...both kids did great on the flight. Sterling fell asleep as soon as we took off and woke the second we started to land (she is the best baby). Garrett read and listened to his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ipod</span> and ordered a coke and was happy as could be. We met every one for dinner and then got settled in at Melinda & Travis' for the week. Lots of "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doin</span>" to be done this week and had to get rested up!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TbE14WrA-tNlx8F8tbrjuNVqdanWl_1lOSaNUF34z6FlWUZCufcN7VrlAWTXSwbDOOEJhbBKj3fuvQwRb4pMXGlxswRWjuqi9b0uq1a6egLuZoegjKSrc_BLMQPyajiIFqnMEw/s1600-h/SDC10948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TbE14WrA-tNlx8F8tbrjuNVqdanWl_1lOSaNUF34z6FlWUZCufcN7VrlAWTXSwbDOOEJhbBKj3fuvQwRb4pMXGlxswRWjuqi9b0uq1a6egLuZoegjKSrc_BLMQPyajiIFqnMEw/s400/SDC10948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357987286105356258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Getting read for a plane ride</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3nusOoeCpM6xDal6GReVErKUwkj08hheq3XMDpXfOhDn7xlwur2DnaXRM4M03oP6yXtX1BzngXlY3PdDW1zmjbp7cR_o1E4_kFGrjHjxYBr6j7tcIeohCDA4f5o782r5gzVW/s1600-h/SDC10951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3nusOoeCpM6xDal6GReVErKUwkj08hheq3XMDpXfOhDn7xlwur2DnaXRM4M03oP6yXtX1BzngXlY3PdDW1zmjbp7cR_o1E4_kFGrjHjxYBr6j7tcIeohCDA4f5o782r5gzVW/s400/SDC10951.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357987282619279010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Loading up</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4HOEMjyytms0kdMbLru6CkjW1yb2hglVwZUQGkBjZVaM890IwVk8UbjDMi7vqiXwg_kAw3M9wv5oqwSDP3KqZgy1GFoeMlL8_1TVcQPuCX4p7ACqs4SQS5gQcYFplLzm22dHAQ/s1600-h/SDC10950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4HOEMjyytms0kdMbLru6CkjW1yb2hglVwZUQGkBjZVaM890IwVk8UbjDMi7vqiXwg_kAw3M9wv5oqwSDP3KqZgy1GFoeMlL8_1TVcQPuCX4p7ACqs4SQS5gQcYFplLzm22dHAQ/s400/SDC10950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357987275064585490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPbTiHC72zZNmt2N9OV6jGwV1PeUt5n_s18duLpmPi6Gy5T2FSIOKH6hO39S1ILJpoJdTNBjaAgppgB1ygumnZpGRzMajGnyqy50p2Y29a9HPQH2vZK7e3XbS76QuImJSat7MmA/s1600-h/SDC10952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPbTiHC72zZNmt2N9OV6jGwV1PeUt5n_s18duLpmPi6Gy5T2FSIOKH6hO39S1ILJpoJdTNBjaAgppgB1ygumnZpGRzMajGnyqy50p2Y29a9HPQH2vZK7e3XbS76QuImJSat7MmA/s400/SDC10952.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357987266098964450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">i know i sound like a broken record but, how cute are they?!?!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8264KIkx-Nz6gweVvLPCeXMs_2lmYYPAiGZWWGAD14cRwLYFrkBZeNB1ApfrBi741qIjXagGkny0aCbr3zDX9P5VnEwZy83MGUx2TRDtvVsI6pYn_3w8l19exQzwxcMUL1xrrUg/s1600-h/DSC_0128.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8264KIkx-Nz6gweVvLPCeXMs_2lmYYPAiGZWWGAD14cRwLYFrkBZeNB1ApfrBi741qIjXagGkny0aCbr3zDX9P5VnEwZy83MGUx2TRDtvVsI6pYn_3w8l19exQzwxcMUL1xrrUg/s400/DSC_0128.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357985989883597474" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sunday, we loaded everyone up for a short road trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky. There were some underground caves to check out. it was cool. chandler and the other boys thought it was great. we toured the cave in a little flat boat and ALL the kids had to wear life jackets (even though the water was about 2 feet deep. sterling was NOT a fan and neither were the other babies, but she did great (however, she looked hilarious). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqm8I21Hpo7l_83ZtiL8EDVXHN6vCYPpguMipreKBanqGH-IH1GBE5wB16l1qmLbvr_e0SZdFsmhFBgorvw6gp_GwnY-8NyGrHHTGIqIg0l25wSj7NSaIRyjP0yuPAbWlzD2xPw/s1600-h/DSC_0136.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqm8I21Hpo7l_83ZtiL8EDVXHN6vCYPpguMipreKBanqGH-IH1GBE5wB16l1qmLbvr_e0SZdFsmhFBgorvw6gp_GwnY-8NyGrHHTGIqIg0l25wSj7NSaIRyjP0yuPAbWlzD2xPw/s400/DSC_0136.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357985983897927490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">this is them in the cave (just before this, we were all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">practically</span> laying in the floor of the boat, cause the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ceiling</span> of the cave was SO low- not for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">claustrophobic</span>)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiWkz1XD1OxXwBiR6GpCX-3_j-t_722mjN4q8ZQlPjR8uEUpu9AftyX2wo9a4OHVWvWRhlnj9ApiAWRNfWjic_-357P3dbsyzssb8Wl4_ZwCE58f2aJm6L8pgc0HYYChNI_7WKQ/s1600-h/DSC_0147.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiWkz1XD1OxXwBiR6GpCX-3_j-t_722mjN4q8ZQlPjR8uEUpu9AftyX2wo9a4OHVWvWRhlnj9ApiAWRNfWjic_-357P3dbsyzssb8Wl4_ZwCE58f2aJm6L8pgc0HYYChNI_7WKQ/s400/DSC_0147.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357985978695845634" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>After we made it out, we wandered around in the woods and came across a "Paw Paw" sign that we couldn't pass up. (the "extra" baby is our darling niece <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ella</span>)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSes4OoqponNbpxZu7h7sP98H_hrBahOaP5Y4KRQJaQwaJ7SJgfV3hGfyfmwlMSZSvTXmuKe285qmwXBfNbgoPjziWfTuiNTsaNHpdJb2nywmlWpyE_QIZ5IH-_uZZVm_lrdUzQ/s1600-h/DSC_0111.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSes4OoqponNbpxZu7h7sP98H_hrBahOaP5Y4KRQJaQwaJ7SJgfV3hGfyfmwlMSZSvTXmuKe285qmwXBfNbgoPjziWfTuiNTsaNHpdJb2nywmlWpyE_QIZ5IH-_uZZVm_lrdUzQ/s400/DSC_0111.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357985973055131106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">of all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">grand kids</span> (9 with one on the way) these are the only boys.</div><div style="text-align: center;">they love to be outside. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">brandon</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">caden</span> wear chandler out every visit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">they just want to run and wrestle, and hike, and play.</div><div style="text-align: center;">chandler sleeps really great every night after being with them.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTbHSLGgSbDEnM2TCIfYJDblX3qSg-ipOHuCVBtq2Bv_D1km_3VCwQrCVoaxSgyYbkkc45_7tTheiGv_h_Xe1JAiC5TK1AcDs0tuKaEkbmPZ8gB9X2rnWQhSVBJ6Q15vcjzb04w/s1600-h/DSC_0143.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTbHSLGgSbDEnM2TCIfYJDblX3qSg-ipOHuCVBtq2Bv_D1km_3VCwQrCVoaxSgyYbkkc45_7tTheiGv_h_Xe1JAiC5TK1AcDs0tuKaEkbmPZ8gB9X2rnWQhSVBJ6Q15vcjzb04w/s400/DSC_0143.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357985965246463186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">and finally, one last picture from "cave day" </div><div style="text-align: center;">me and my girl. she was so super happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">right after this, it literally came a monsoon. we were soaked to the bone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">soaked.</div><div style="text-align: center;">then a late lunch at the cracker <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">barrel</span> and on our way</div><div style="text-align: center;">back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">melinda's</span> to hang out. </div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-91847133381938226552009-07-12T21:13:00.003-05:002009-07-12T22:06:16.711-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Father's Day Randy</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">One of the reasons that I am so in love with Randy, is because he is the Father to my children. He loves them in the most precious way. When he is with them, there is a tenderness to him that is spills out on to Chandler and Sterling. He always says that he is "tough" and "has a reputation to protect" but the heart that he has for them doesn't surprise me, it is really who he is deep down. He smiles at them in the most fabulous way and his eyes light up with so much joy that they belong to him. He is strong, and gentle, and ornery, and loving, a sacrificial provider, a source of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">aggravation</span> (mostly to Chandler) and laughter. He has opened my eyes to what "devotion" to your children can look like and we are a family that wouldn't be as strong with out him. He thinks his daughter is the most glorious thing that has ever been. He loves Chandler as if he was his very own. He knows that Chandler has his own "real Dad" and honors and respects that, but is more than thrilled to be his Dad in the day to day, and calls him "my boy." This year, several people wished him a "Happy first Father's Day," my sweet husband was quick to say, "This isn't my first Father's Day, it's my 3rd." I think that is reason enough to love him. These are a few of my favorite pictures of this year. They aren't great shots, but they hold precious memories of the love that he has for my children. Thank you Randy for the father that you are. You are a everyday unexpected gift that I NEVER imagined that I would have. I love you so very much!</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPqVhyPVz-HB-S_vv28-6FPHmQyAgl-qoxWX7WlkwKXxH155a6SWTyHxUN8ynpTViwMd8PJFrzl0HnU4TZCKn5Yn6FJhOx02orOVftIXcjU2GA2XfUK5GtQnuehXVB-TkBajE9g/s400/DSC_0028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357765253348155762" /><div style="text-align: center;">Being a Dad is dirty work.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His gift for Father's Day. Pictures of the kids playing in mud.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They are so cute and he loved it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(thank you Major Images)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYuSCO1eoZXc5t-sRlehblKXwNhnGGkBknvB_qJFOvYC6PNkemty9yE0dHlOVWsvmqCyN0BfDTwXyFEiIwhLE6JlOgw1CGoH2NYKUBdjAifRXKYJXAOnp7i26QxmjBYEpm387rg/s1600-h/DSC_0129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYuSCO1eoZXc5t-sRlehblKXwNhnGGkBknvB_qJFOvYC6PNkemty9yE0dHlOVWsvmqCyN0BfDTwXyFEiIwhLE6JlOgw1CGoH2NYKUBdjAifRXKYJXAOnp7i26QxmjBYEpm387rg/s400/DSC_0129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357768001522506962" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Our trip to Sea World</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOBXJZrxLuNWZ4KMhumk7-n827XWj_nw66Gt4Hu_XOzFKpmjH7EdEu1DO9PE2YAdh0qZi6CObp8VhH4ZrH-XzI_0PB5dM-D1CRIvNU5z1b1kcVBJM6cn3eYNQ4Z15yZHC9lqU7A/s1600-h/DSC_0310.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOBXJZrxLuNWZ4KMhumk7-n827XWj_nw66Gt4Hu_XOzFKpmjH7EdEu1DO9PE2YAdh0qZi6CObp8VhH4ZrH-XzI_0PB5dM-D1CRIvNU5z1b1kcVBJM6cn3eYNQ4Z15yZHC9lqU7A/s400/DSC_0310.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357767993563711154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is SO what there <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">relationship</span> is like. They both love each other and </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aggravate</span> the fool out of each other. I don't understand it at all, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but it makes for an interesting life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5zlH30oAbP0USdCXFvNH4LEImPnIy0RolgjoSccy022pbQwqp9DBjsozJh7sKPqvIXN3ZH8eDCJBMtododb-Pe9dFy3Gd-A0a_fpZEsyFbLafQDHpENWt2D5fyPCGL3hAxpbEQ/s1600-h/SDC10505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5zlH30oAbP0USdCXFvNH4LEImPnIy0RolgjoSccy022pbQwqp9DBjsozJh7sKPqvIXN3ZH8eDCJBMtododb-Pe9dFy3Gd-A0a_fpZEsyFbLafQDHpENWt2D5fyPCGL3hAxpbEQ/s400/SDC10505.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357765271690201778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The first time that he held Sterling in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NICU</span>. He was overjoyed!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSKsBLTxnIT1WU_DYGzhJ-0xPkNb3TuYEsUyd398YqlM4hfQFIzVn1BJjYMWSiprZzUGZS6KsGuPc2QLNcwPxFb0FfC3jomiHmhW-arA0I1PzEdfl3nHCxGWQxgPPjDZ8_Y-8ZA/s1600-h/SDC10703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSKsBLTxnIT1WU_DYGzhJ-0xPkNb3TuYEsUyd398YqlM4hfQFIzVn1BJjYMWSiprZzUGZS6KsGuPc2QLNcwPxFb0FfC3jomiHmhW-arA0I1PzEdfl3nHCxGWQxgPPjDZ8_Y-8ZA/s400/SDC10703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357765262763831410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the day that Chandler shot his first two deer. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't think that Randy could have been more proud! </div><div style="text-align: center;">He smiled for days after this.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(and no, that is not an extra kid that we picked up-just a darling little friend)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_-3KeIq8TiVpVxbdFjG10nuSPvrH57nRAkopnQg6fLTysh6fJaMCzT0sBHiDkmqR1HBnb0P3KDBQ5S1vHiESBBgWa8IQS053ldHn1gf2svY-2uX4o1gdYLhZqnF4bY8dBgzZFw/s1600-h/DSC_0298.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></span></a><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-56927413113299750752009-07-12T20:55:00.002-05:002009-07-12T21:09:40.948-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Month 7, a month of Firsts!!!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 24px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Our girl was 7 months old in June. She changed SO much! The day she turned 7 months, she sat up for the first time (for more than 5 seconds) she is super proud of herself and loves that she can see what we are all up to (she is so nosey-just like her daddy)! That same week, her bottom 2 teeth showed up (and she was a bit of a crab about it). She is eating table food...every time we give her something new to try she grins and looks at us as if to say,"YUM! Yall have been holding out on me!" And there is NOTHING that she hasn't loved (guacamole is her favorite so far!) At a whopping 22 pounds, yes 22, she has out grown her carrier car seat, her bouncy seat, AND her baby bath tub. She is now in a big girl booster, her high chair, and sitting up in the sink for her bath. We went on her first vacation ( a whole 'nuther post about that later), that brought her first plane ride, her first boat ride, her first life jacket (which she hated!), her first tattoo (rub on of course) and her first bar ('cause we are good parents), and her first fire works (she slept through the whole thing)! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>She is THE happiest baby (actually, Chandler was the exact same way). We all adore her. And she is IN LOVE with her brother and he is IN LOVE with her. Can't wait to share more of our girl with you!<br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d54417a4e5449354e7a413d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: sterling is 7 months" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d54417a4e5449354e7a413d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/scrapbooks" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox scrapbook</a></td></tr></table></span>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-52662518102697230872009-06-23T19:06:00.002-05:002009-06-23T19:23:48.626-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Anniversary #2</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOdnMWlWB2zFN3Wi-GlIdJ6J37ZWC7jIe9OMVoynEb-ZuldV4FkekML8ysHaie99EHKBkHq5Dym-8YGydxGWycMWMv629jcuRVs_y_0mDdO22TOgGnuANvZvkoe9F3tPaHj-Z_g/s1600-h/SDC10939.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOdnMWlWB2zFN3Wi-GlIdJ6J37ZWC7jIe9OMVoynEb-ZuldV4FkekML8ysHaie99EHKBkHq5Dym-8YGydxGWycMWMv629jcuRVs_y_0mDdO22TOgGnuANvZvkoe9F3tPaHj-Z_g/s400/SDC10939.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350679425179253250" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well, here we are 2 years later! We had a great date night for our Anniversary. My sweet Randy, got a sitter for the kids and reservations at one of my FAVORITE places, Texas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">de</span> Brazil! I SO love this place! It was so good to just sit and be "Randy & Tomi" We just chatted about all kinds of things, where we wanted to be in the next 5 years, the best and worst part of this year, how our lives have changed, you get the point. I still learn new things about him all of the time. And the longer I am with him, I learn more about myself. He has been the most wonderful blessing! I love his sense of humor, I love that he thinks that I am funny too, I love the dad that he is, I love the commitment that he has to our family, I love how he provides a safe, happy environment for me, I love that he always thinks that I am cute (even when I am clearly not), I love that he calls me "Baby" (before him, I always thought that was so corny), I love his family, I could go on and on. More than anything, I just love that he picked me to marry. I tell him all of the time, "Sugar, you are my favorite husband that I have ever had!" AND...I love that he thinks that is SO funny and just laughs. He loves me unconditionally, the good and the bad. I can't wait to spend the next year with him. I love you Sugar!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM88KZhUPluwYQzTRPk7hbDKIsciruLOlhyphenhyphenAxQPqjT6eVHzd0u_ZoDMpBGTwlTwrYKjrzgb5TiAV2pU5Yn6-6t4-gWNG-nJgpQyweBy2sRFGHcY1KSulIYhVkZ3tIBVKSXWbIAA/s1600-h/SDC10941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM88KZhUPluwYQzTRPk7hbDKIsciruLOlhyphenhyphenAxQPqjT6eVHzd0u_ZoDMpBGTwlTwrYKjrzgb5TiAV2pU5Yn6-6t4-gWNG-nJgpQyweBy2sRFGHcY1KSulIYhVkZ3tIBVKSXWbIAA/s400/SDC10941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350679421126086242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The night we were married, on our way to the hotel, I was DYING of thirst. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, in all of our wedding business, we drove through Sonic and</div><div style="text-align: center;">got a Route 44 Coke. SO good!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This night, we decided to go through the same drive through every year,</div><div style="text-align: center;">order the same drink (for old time's sake), </div><div style="text-align: center;">and have the guy at the window take our picture. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish we had thought about it on our wedding night and last year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's never too late to start a tradition. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's to a 3rd year and looking</div><div style="text-align: center;">forward to sharing another Coke with you Randy!</div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-7960691005950519632009-06-23T18:48:00.002-05:002009-06-23T19:03:47.203-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Soccer</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2McmuSYRUDc9Pegi3Y7Esb_SOiIkpmLyvQv4HoElw4TtA2P-i2nX_PrdP9wt2l50jKCRMdTdNvSdO6BnXBx5gZANTQJ4AY78NT7cyJS3MGNYxQJNzsDzZpbce6XHW6s8TLz79EQ/s1600-h/DSC_0525.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2McmuSYRUDc9Pegi3Y7Esb_SOiIkpmLyvQv4HoElw4TtA2P-i2nX_PrdP9wt2l50jKCRMdTdNvSdO6BnXBx5gZANTQJ4AY78NT7cyJS3MGNYxQJNzsDzZpbce6XHW6s8TLz79EQ/s400/DSC_0525.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350676273266319970" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This was the last game of a fairly sad soccer season. Chandler was THRILLED to be back playing with his old team "The Bulls" The kids just had a hard time coming <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">together</span> as a "team" and actually "listening" to the coach. I think that maybe they won one game all season. BUT, let's focus on the good...He loves it. And as this last game rolled around we actually saw our son, who is usually fairly mild mannered, actually get some attitude and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">aggression</span>. I watched him nearly tackle and take out one kid several times and he almost got a red card and tossed out of the game. I have to say, I kinda loved seeing him get a little mean. :) Hopefully, next year will be a different season, where we actually win. But for this year, we are just happy to see him loving something and enjoying the sport. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbv2zp_wWrqP2-upXZlNDyncRj7hp8oPCDyugm0BqUZ1F076AumUnm3bw05bxtkotSqz4zwtybt99NaAS-tVhGGzEy5cqiA0rge8AGZdrIXW7XQLcrP8icmSdyCOdE3noJUQN4w/s1600-h/DSC_0530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbv2zp_wWrqP2-upXZlNDyncRj7hp8oPCDyugm0BqUZ1F076AumUnm3bw05bxtkotSqz4zwtybt99NaAS-tVhGGzEy5cqiA0rge8AGZdrIXW7XQLcrP8icmSdyCOdE3noJUQN4w/s400/DSC_0530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350676249947005138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihca-2pH7QRnA2RpYgKlf5UPOFOEuYnvBjauR7d46fWCq3T8ZI9Aw5Hayz37ZDSPPCmMMa5ZsIl10Mn5V2WNcRSkokJD-vxjXc5aVlwc72gAIKnb-9GNQYPuhsloTdAl1WEqtf8Q/s1600-h/DSC_0531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihca-2pH7QRnA2RpYgKlf5UPOFOEuYnvBjauR7d46fWCq3T8ZI9Aw5Hayz37ZDSPPCmMMa5ZsIl10Mn5V2WNcRSkokJD-vxjXc5aVlwc72gAIKnb-9GNQYPuhsloTdAl1WEqtf8Q/s400/DSC_0531.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350676243535104082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is just before he knocked this kid on his rear. It was really great!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJFLmxqH-lscc6m0ASyPoJojX7Ye-MqaebzgMAeTzofmo-2GbyyNGOfTiXisVl5vgQZZvsSo2t1nfHfv1LssIcRpB7YEtYAJKgsCsWQhuUuRXN1r0xPUrz57GgoAL2A9cTYhXxg/s1600-h/DSC_0544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJFLmxqH-lscc6m0ASyPoJojX7Ye-MqaebzgMAeTzofmo-2GbyyNGOfTiXisVl5vgQZZvsSo2t1nfHfv1LssIcRpB7YEtYAJKgsCsWQhuUuRXN1r0xPUrz57GgoAL2A9cTYhXxg/s400/DSC_0544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350676236307620434" /></a>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-35544787997186336792009-06-23T16:48:00.002-05:002009-06-23T18:41:16.926-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Mothers Day 2009</span></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRJp6_YwSTii0F5n5Fr5OppWslPoSIt3TY6zuvDW-ZXHlmMLZz6SfGykQwceTyvpWQPGWnEZC1Ex3PeTKuitEDi8Fv1l_RdmuHqaCZC2Ct8UF76SmNd_jceCmSs1UaOZ0EnGf_Q/s1600-h/DSC_0563.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRJp6_YwSTii0F5n5Fr5OppWslPoSIt3TY6zuvDW-ZXHlmMLZz6SfGykQwceTyvpWQPGWnEZC1Ex3PeTKuitEDi8Fv1l_RdmuHqaCZC2Ct8UF76SmNd_jceCmSs1UaOZ0EnGf_Q/s400/DSC_0563.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350644336719883954" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Better late than never....we had a super laid back day. We are always so busy and my people are always in several different places, so I just wanted everyone in the same house for the day and working on a "honey-do" list. It was great! Lots of things <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">accomplished</span>, Sterling's room finished, laundry done, floor's cleaned, miscellaneous things fixed= a happy mom. Then Chandler had his last soccer game of the season, so we packed up for that and then on to dinner, at our old stand by- chili's! I guess that I am old, because the less exciting the better. :)<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Mother's Day always gives me a whole roller coaster of emotions...I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">extremely</span> blessed to have these two precious ones call me mom. They bring me so much JOY. I can barely wrap my brain around how much they have changed me. They have made me more patient, more laid back, more silly, more worried, more fulfilled, more happy, just more everything. I love them to pieces! I also think about the two babies that I have lost. I wonder about what they would be like, look like, and how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">they</span> would have changed me. Finally, I think about two more. The two who I got to be mom to for just a little while. In my heart, deep down, they are still mine. I still love them so much. I am so thankful for the time that I had them in my house and also so thankful for how they each changed me too. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I am also blessed to have not just one mom of my own, but several. God so graciously orchestrated a team of moms for me. My Mom, my G-mom, my precious mother-in-law (who I adore), and so many other's that took me in and loved me, supported me, gave me a safe place to fall, made me feel at home, taught me how to love unconditionally, showed me great sacrifice, taught me how to love my children, and one who raised a boy who would one day become my husband. Oh how I love them all! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lastly, thank you to that husband of mine for being on this journey with me. There is no one else that I would rather parent with in the world. Thank you for letting me be a stay at home mom to my kids...you will never know how much I love them and that I get to spend so much time with them. It is such a sweet gift that you give me everyday.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Happy Mother's Day to me! <br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-14780268608042761462009-06-17T17:48:00.003-05:002009-06-17T18:27:53.894-05:00<div>Living with a teenager!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwNJViTjLoVmHd-lBF3yHO8NpKw55f2pJhyphenhyphenJqNWTjDQ0sul5LMaF2uPyndjzGGyDvoWekqAsDZ74ep1OysxxcMiH56PQKn9ALisendiOee4x_1zoqWfPetEsI5wQID7rqBSPJ8w/s1600-h/DSC_0307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwNJViTjLoVmHd-lBF3yHO8NpKw55f2pJhyphenhyphenJqNWTjDQ0sul5LMaF2uPyndjzGGyDvoWekqAsDZ74ep1OysxxcMiH56PQKn9ALisendiOee4x_1zoqWfPetEsI5wQID7rqBSPJ8w/s400/DSC_0307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348442106648863682" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk3lhnEHXPD4YvuKH7hud8JFlqOLk94CFV6JIGTDX8QrxsFPegp9RMuIRR4anw3om4TJszkbTPbVzPLnD-lCOc-1BSHncIgyjCXWbiwZlYDWSqQWkJzzlrjOLDV0pLNNob_Bf3g/s1600-h/DSC_0243.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Our sweet little man has been fairly interesting to live with lately. I promise you the day he turned 13 something in him snapped and he has been in FINE FORM. He truly is, for the most part, precious. Kind, thoughtful, respectful, funny, a great big brother and all around happy child. He has also always been one to drop a few funny lines on me over the years and he is still catching me off gaurd from time to time and making me laugh so hard that I nearly wet my pants. And, even though I "think" that I will remember all these silly little stories, I know that one day they will slip my mind, so I wanted to write them down for my memories sake. Here are a few of the things that he has said in the past few weeks that have both infuriated us, left at as a loss for words, or made us laugh out loud.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*We were having a simply normal afternoon. He and I were standing across the bar from one another in the kitchen talking about our day and what needed to be done that evening. I simply said, "Hey, when you are done with your snack, could you please switch the laundry over?" He then dropped his snack, threw his arms in the air, and attacked,"WHY DO WE HAVE TO DO LAUNDRY? LAUNDRY IS STUPID. I HATE LAUNDRY. STUPID LAUNDRY. WHY DON'T WE HAVE A ROBAOT TO DO THAT? STUPID LAUNDRY!!!!!" First of all, we don't even say the word "stupid" in our house, but, that was the least of the issues. I calmly said "Ok. Clearly we have laundry because we like to wear clean clothes. If you would like to wear dirty ones, go right ahead, but for now you need to get your happy hiney in there and switch the laundry. And furthermore, we DO have a robot that does the laundry. It is called the 'Washing Machine' Now hush up." I am telling you it was like he was from another planet! He did the laundry and hasn't said another word about helping with the laundry or the robot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*Randy has TERRIBLE hearing. Chandler is REALLY soft spoken. This is generally cause for arguments around here. Randy is CONSTANTLY saying "What? Speak up son." And usually Chandler says something like "You are deaf." rolls his eyes a little bit and then repeats himself. One afternoon, it went something like this.... Randy- "What did you say?" Chandler- "I said it loud enough for this whole house to hear me and I am NOT repeating myself!" I thought Randy's head was going to spin around. I COULDN'T believe that he said it. It is SO not like him. That boy is testing his parents like crazy. It is funny now, but at the moment-it was NOT pretty!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*And finally.... there is a sweet family that lives across the street from us. They have a young boy and then two teenage daughters (who by the way, are BEAUTIFUL). Little brother thinks that Chandler is great and wants to play with his ALL the time! And Chandler will always say yes and happily goes over to their house and plays. He has NEVER once mentioned the girls (or the tons of super cute friends that are over there all the time too). Well... the other night I was over there too, and on our way back across the street, I said "Dude. Are you telling me that you have NEVER noticed how cute those girls are? I mean, it's fine if you have, I would think it was weird if you hadn't." He looked over his shoulder at me with a HUGE grin and said "Mom, c'mon. I am weak. I AM a man!" HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! I laughed so hard.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He is really so entertaining. We are blessed every day (even the ones that we want to ring his neck and throw him in the dryer) by him and the young man that he is growing up to be. I am not sure what other "teenage" moments are around the corner, I am positive there will be some doosies, but I am going to treasure each one!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-33670421518896554862009-06-16T19:19:00.003-05:002009-06-16T20:29:38.349-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">THE NORRIS FAMILY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a special family to us. Really they are like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">family.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love them so very much. They are the people that you call</div><div style="text-align: center;">when you need a piece of furniture moved, a quick bite to eat,</div><div style="text-align: center;">your hair fixed (thank you amber), help fixing something around the house</div><div style="text-align: center;">(thanks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scott</span>), or someone to run to your side when your family is in crisis.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a joy to FINALLY get to <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">have a session with them!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWf5eAoYOtexdrDDZvEeY2VCG2Adg_R9z9gAcsAk1GtPooq2BhsJLojrcGXYbLP2gqc9UMzzblhUDfhnpmA2oA-auv0Y0dx7q8Oei6ekEhm3Xyi3spb_HyUi1QB56PZYPz8nYGg/s400/35.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348085490448788402" /><div style="text-align: center;">i LOVE this picture of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scott</span> & amber. love it!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPdraFGN2WP24PWD2IICMJ_CTBtXL9aCC1LWhdWKaenNphW5Lcskb8922D7L0nBbaVHTEF1x6OThqNglRcHgg6X8Cd-PYcd28uP-3kQbfiLcYSoxqcOgfvM7ZwExP54l0n-01YQ/s1600-h/24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPdraFGN2WP24PWD2IICMJ_CTBtXL9aCC1LWhdWKaenNphW5Lcskb8922D7L0nBbaVHTEF1x6OThqNglRcHgg6X8Cd-PYcd28uP-3kQbfiLcYSoxqcOgfvM7ZwExP54l0n-01YQ/s400/24.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348096413843386914" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">this is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kaylyn</span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> she is a MESS. and so darn cute. she <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">defiantly</span> has a mind of her own!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb691YY_lSy01hFfkqUyEX7UFXKUkYqu53y-Ym_Zx-ejpC1j7qQUGnllC1rGMkb_S4GYRw3U5lTC-pSm-1FoJRYBw1w4KupbJh6CWHma-AZs6ozI0EdrikfGZspsZMnswG1RDtQ/s400/51.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348096409856386306" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2z1IgX_lhNKgVQElC2tN9PeI8YmUZsO5QEQAxLukJk6nNgCjng6hyphenhyphenBkjuy14KMxzR-u3c-qWxLpXVM0GuO-h3NLFHLRJ7KbbX2-L8_3D3MvPJkx-nZ9zJfElsKRg7yVopjS-lw/s400/45.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348096398206325202" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this is big sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mikayleigh</span>.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBHK6HMyqEV6eXgQijrmJAACGwzBvVwqKzX6pd-mQQQCRso6r7zdm7H70xkfClrbMU1PcvweiIn3-mRu7pnD5TLco12uvKLGmJl9IrJwdgXcEAMO9y4OLqAZGwgtzebX7rC3hug/s400/19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348085508865336402" /><div style="text-align: center;"> she is truly one of the most</div><div style="text-align: center;">precious children EVER! and just look at those eyes of hers! </div><div style="text-align: center;">so BEAUTIFUL!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirviIkGehRZo5uZaNrjZpN6AufyfhH-eyZhO0ba2qdouEbxJmQBT57YgGjADKdq252AuEzOEWwub1EkoG8BX3adaoIuRPNZ7EbCkLvSvyniNTD759Vi-ZRGriAGkb0ChaMbe4ZRw/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348096400843974786" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuCGP1Bg3TEKB-FBjkL0vkKVuJqZpYfgAWEmahzBCADBvktNzXOkf1JK1AISbwdG-sAvuLRO9bjqGksTkMBv_iGHzvsYI_O0cEm9Ac47M7OiQXn3PcQzCbZ55FLI4XxBfMGHqiQ/s400/20.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348085498685493922" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsN9YNZw1dLLpLMwMwhWNBDZ5siPh7X8tzBYbn_fw6DNIdaJrn76dZWc_Ir-10zFtKsD0eZJjN6jJDPxgrkfMle30a4OfbXZOPswPvRIOzpPCxjrdGzMAFt85muXcsXb3JAy9kQ/s400/31.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348085500185787234" /><div style="text-align: center;">this is the "family" picture. it is SO them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">amber looks great. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">scott</span> is trying to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">kaylyn</span> to cooperate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">mikayleigh</span> is rolling her eyes at her sister.</div><div style="text-align: center;">and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">kaylyn</span> is in her own world and is NOT interested in the "family" picture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_oQr9MSwj-l-F-VUTDQ1Lo1bSN8kmqV2XLb9IIlOHosKjSYvOPlk0L6l6tqcsuCDEQduazGj9rarAwd05n92LLBU5ZWVPWfX5jwknyp6GXEmhsumNghX1zG2wN99Ig3t1tjfZA/s400/13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348085486091051922" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">norris</span> family! </div><div style="text-align: center;">i love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">yall</span> so much!</div></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-41813629002649577602009-06-08T18:05:00.004-05:002009-06-08T18:30:38.532-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sterling and Chandler</span></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC61rCEJVc0HH1c92y0FRsYDP47NHkC62397RPANrmGuZ5YshV-wUT5Y465-zvzvuSbBcJsEXD586QADrJzXd0UGZMXfM5XBqc00hW6-VWfYtNKJTDfvLiI8KKdfMJm1bsiMAtaA/s400/DSC_0012-r.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345097955660578578" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhiAnhz2togRnbVNp3sSth3mEpLLAkuQb8UU4r01XBVQZLEOnDDUiWsn2teRhGeb_HwUURFIKehn2kbAASilZWZN-uUzLTjHdWTlgVQNXCmnuQPDKZSioVnS5-C-uN7xmSqQY8g/s400/DSC_0015-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345097951524472626" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8KXIbUEbsp4jTECuIJO6eBBpZNXa0OKnXohyphenhyphenKCbJ3rbNan4B3Klo2opHOcHCFyoAy6_3WrJHMZg_Ni8CQm2e8k-pdRppszHXymkGgZ3P9wzq5m_4oEXVzeWhT8dkuBdXDvy2Ig/s400/DSC_0022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345097947484546162" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcIWKR8KTAC1nBMcl5w0-8bzcjHUoGZFhotGpO_2AXvxBAgoCq4EO87TymwH7E8qmt0XLFMm9X2MfW9N8vhdlVxvAiOOcV75AeSc2z2jF04iHNeK_EleaimhREgwQ89BrCQzW2A/s400/DSC_0045.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345097946538394050" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtn3lMZE-Obq71AwszLSUODaLGx83RBrHF7IZX4XfQjxm4lxtXjeDtmdXznfRXciotPBs-ehq9g7jLCrrjhAVgr1pYdKy1VeWR6kFzXyGwNdWi2veqJBvvY8aY_O0vHIc86K9lA/s400/DSC_0079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345097939446565362" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwugU86HHiG8u3mkIUXXwrYA_jZhVKidobfykNt5gT2pQ1PvvILHp4_zqoU3CHxpgmdsaiJ1oq2raiIa6U7HfMDYUuN8PBQbNdJwItbuUXkJZgF3laS2cGSs3Y3OwjU5OIyG9wfg/s400/DSC_0119.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345101493003652882" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OnOdJ42Kb1dEShinWUc6UfhxJem0f5OnHIfB7PYUAWYARFudJx7xRQKFIYKlQDlxyeMsflAT6DhV96nEETvAvkb87Q7CkHqevFaT8Ucvjm4LOoCDCk1plCoiPopNjmknu53-jw/s1600-h/DSC_0094-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OnOdJ42Kb1dEShinWUc6UfhxJem0f5OnHIfB7PYUAWYARFudJx7xRQKFIYKlQDlxyeMsflAT6DhV96nEETvAvkb87Q7CkHqevFaT8Ucvjm4LOoCDCk1plCoiPopNjmknu53-jw/s400/DSC_0094-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345101497583232098" /></a>These two adore each other! I love watching them. Sterling looks at Chandler in a way that she doesn't look at ANY ONE else. As an only child, it really is fascinating to see the relationship that they have with one another. Precious. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-50608053793891190342009-06-08T17:24:00.003-05:002009-06-08T17:59:56.063-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Sterling is 6 months old!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:24px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We can't believe that our girl is 6 months old! We had some family pictures taken again. She WAS NOT HAPPY!!! This sweet little girl is always smiley and happy and Miss Personality...except for on the day of these pictures. She was a CRAB! We finally stuck her in the bath tub (her favorite pass time). Even though she wasn't super happy, I do love that we have these photos of her in the tub. She really does LOVE it and I love all those rolls and I love when her eye lashes are wet and stick together. So cute. Enjoy our little lady bug! (pictures are by <a href="http://juxtaposephotography.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">Kate Mefford</span></a>- she is fab)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4f5463304d5467354e773d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Sterling @ 6 months" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4f5463304d5467354e773d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/slideshows" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox slideshow</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-34496400220017280772009-06-08T16:27:00.002-05:002009-06-08T17:22:37.294-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Chandler Garrett is 13!!!!</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gFzhKsjOg8tC3UQ6XD8yCS5cDMOik_eaopnzmIMIiadPC22l_eDpa3ZyJ2aPW1x4cacRynjZT4hh0WtCpChm9wJxU6LsFY3xBjMGywv8mLCVwhIngF4NM786CZwBtZCf4am0RA/s1600-h/sterling6chandlersombreroCR.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gFzhKsjOg8tC3UQ6XD8yCS5cDMOik_eaopnzmIMIiadPC22l_eDpa3ZyJ2aPW1x4cacRynjZT4hh0WtCpChm9wJxU6LsFY3xBjMGywv8mLCVwhIngF4NM786CZwBtZCf4am0RA/s400/sterling6chandlersombreroCR.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345073469827204978" /></a><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>13. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I can barely wrap my brain around it. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>13!<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Every year, I am sure like every other mother, I can't believe that my baby is another year older. Another year further from the tiny little baby that scared and thrilled me all at the same time. And another year closer to leaving me to be on his own, in his own world. Also, every year, I have another thought that maybe not all moms have. Every year, with out fail, I sit in amazement, that we are BOTH still alive. Not just alive, but THRIVING, and HAPPY. Since I was such a baby when I had him, I just prayed and prayed that I somehow wouldn't hurt him or lose him, or screw him up beyond repair (I am also amazed at the same for me). I have done my fair share of messing up, no doubt, but with the sheer grace of God, we are here. We are blessed. We are healthy-mentally, physically, and emotionally (relatively speaking). <br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>13.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I am so so proud to be this kids mom. He is funny. He is kind. He has a tender heart. He is smart. He is ornery. He has a great laugh. He is inquisitive. He loves to read. He is creative. He is an amazing big brother. He loves Jesus. He is loyal. He loves his family. He is talented. He is a pure JOY. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This year for his birthday, he chose to not have a "party" with the bounce house and all that mess (first sign of a teenager). He picked to go to a birthday lunch at Los Vaqueros (he loves mexican food) then we wandered the Stockyards, rode the mechanical bull, and went through the human maze (so fun). We also had "family" birthday at our house. He requested mom's famous hamburgers and a peanut-butter cup cake. And of course, no party at our house is complete with out the "Birthday Sombrero" <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>He's a teenager now. A whole new world is before us. I can't wait to enjoy this part of his life and share it with you!<br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVQ3tDyVPpXBZZTbfbbVJ-F2k5WU-wqdEFH2KbLTzdVrAro62He9iJ0Xhu-bjb8SBIF2ikQJvoS7tR6REOPO4c_KQ3S3ae2sxwECDfjakaerkAkBsoSVgC8RhdDv-OpImqbf4OQ/s400/DSC_0401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345073455798739346" /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pqRwtZs_MLgBUe7vBJ5_4CHGwVnurR5tIIRb9_e5FEm4_C5xswOnyr80buflyarSc2lDJdVJDXaHMx80tgcB3hsXSQX7xkJ1b1LlKO_XTbyYwv5BSLTXAO7-7GKkKkZ6CHeiQw/s400/0067.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345073461370919362" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv8FT3AMhJnmyjhL4hEjLTtHwUrx73cRYIkYhOjlK9_Q3-KtNLKou3mwfxrJCA47LJlRIv8hkEE_6HkNtZAS6y1-nOhI0TcX5eu72bMxNTFeY0zIBH62zsX1Qx_CrqdIR9K_4ag/s1600-h/DSC_0403.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv8FT3AMhJnmyjhL4hEjLTtHwUrx73cRYIkYhOjlK9_Q3-KtNLKou3mwfxrJCA47LJlRIv8hkEE_6HkNtZAS6y1-nOhI0TcX5eu72bMxNTFeY0zIBH62zsX1Qx_CrqdIR9K_4ag/s1600-h/DSC_0403.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; "><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4f5463304d4463334d673d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: G's Birthday" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4f5463304d4463334d673d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/slideshows" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox slideshow</a></td></tr></table></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38286128.post-45866165381081803452009-06-02T10:45:00.003-05:002009-06-02T11:16:53.851-05:00<div>So this is my attempt to "catch up" We have had SO much going on and I will never truly be on top of things, so here are a few quick points and pictures so you can see what we've been up to!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkSFON0WPqA21bp2gJPd1dcNeraHNfLwSq0nsbvqDYRfojYiVC-2oE0umXalLkPneZJ5ZVfewye1h7rLRd6rW4pDMiHaXxuZhWnR6QKZMwpyef3ZuFMNP93ukBUuQ_c2uQD-sDQ/s1600-h/DSC_0273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkSFON0WPqA21bp2gJPd1dcNeraHNfLwSq0nsbvqDYRfojYiVC-2oE0umXalLkPneZJ5ZVfewye1h7rLRd6rW4pDMiHaXxuZhWnR6QKZMwpyef3ZuFMNP93ukBUuQ_c2uQD-sDQ/s400/DSC_0273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342761039613579794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This was Easter morning before church...so so cute!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0xUHIMRiUlen1T_LZUxEtVdh5vcR77NQr7zUOxt3u4mhrFICrhH_qS0Q8fyfz4xcibMYuu-U9UbxYZR7J-EK0T8dfAzhJf2JSoRhfI9JVqG8ZGYvLIFl07CHDANSaTyBQCQCLw/s1600-h/SDC10907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0xUHIMRiUlen1T_LZUxEtVdh5vcR77NQr7zUOxt3u4mhrFICrhH_qS0Q8fyfz4xcibMYuu-U9UbxYZR7J-EK0T8dfAzhJf2JSoRhfI9JVqG8ZGYvLIFl07CHDANSaTyBQCQCLw/s400/SDC10907.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342761034397564002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our sweet friend Elizabeth got to marry her best friend in April... </div><div style="text-align: center;">no picture of her, but here we are after the wedding. We are SO happy for her...</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Jaclyn Hatcher, Me, Kim Kaercher, Linsey Bellows)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn5SZYJZkum2xDjePvjJ313luaHgSKEYJ9DvFg6oW1o8aXBG7AbYQcLdJ4QX73P1moyabA3DQ-FwXV0hDHIxcEK3zDDDjF_D8eM3KMLHkzC5mVS0hFCmeKGqTdm91iuEXoxJiDg/s1600-h/SDC10921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn5SZYJZkum2xDjePvjJ313luaHgSKEYJ9DvFg6oW1o8aXBG7AbYQcLdJ4QX73P1moyabA3DQ-FwXV0hDHIxcEK3zDDDjF_D8eM3KMLHkzC5mVS0hFCmeKGqTdm91iuEXoxJiDg/s400/SDC10921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342761030185682898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our girl LOVES a bath! Look at those rolls! So precious!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbx9hx_dm39L2t6RSZlNRXamFMwnaK2aPGB1ME9w5qduOBGuNgzkfuUggbCWoa2CaoxEbpqzRCfPOp-hzNCb0EOUE6FXzDwM6R3p6Gyl8BTdwWWbh4ErXDdqMn-96UHCFf5q26aw/s400/DSC_0286_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342758496162776866" /><div style="text-align: center;">Sterling @ 5 months!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrkzRoQuq4KVgYcuJrDGveNjfZnEyzUdbY0zaJ4bvlKrXy3sS9DudeNC2OV-pth4hEms_-hUP2R4kXMrSBCiqOcPYolfZwY82Y2JAeG3PAmDk2hF3hCAz7_Cegfla3HhcO73UEQ/s1600-h/DSC_0029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrkzRoQuq4KVgYcuJrDGveNjfZnEyzUdbY0zaJ4bvlKrXy3sS9DudeNC2OV-pth4hEms_-hUP2R4kXMrSBCiqOcPYolfZwY82Y2JAeG3PAmDk2hF3hCAz7_Cegfla3HhcO73UEQ/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342761027319943522" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">....and @ 6 months.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEd4KTytbEZeAeGbqyv8alVabmlPDm9qjVIsrr2x1hsYL187WxjCZKmR-WEoPQ8yeM93tjb9ngC-47Tb0KKRs3nvPuaR3bFQGDrO2eezuU8PA8TAc9syItPBEoVdFCi-XR6R87A/s1600-h/DSC_0089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEd4KTytbEZeAeGbqyv8alVabmlPDm9qjVIsrr2x1hsYL187WxjCZKmR-WEoPQ8yeM93tjb9ngC-47Tb0KKRs3nvPuaR3bFQGDrO2eezuU8PA8TAc9syItPBEoVdFCi-XR6R87A/s400/DSC_0089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342761023405851106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">She is teething, and this is her LOVING a cold piece of watermelon!</div><div style="text-align: center;">She chewed on this for a long time and was a happy happy girl!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCAwQRds3ULeTBKvXmdBYzt-IUKR5XTqRFA5RFeGDrTClx81r6PDbRN22iJuyuWcxQWVASLqn_EK-54fsxf117p2NnU8Q6JnpcaPvvUr-ldcZmd1P9LAQpKXC9-HJNoHbIvUC1A/s1600-h/DSC_0164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCAwQRds3ULeTBKvXmdBYzt-IUKR5XTqRFA5RFeGDrTClx81r6PDbRN22iJuyuWcxQWVASLqn_EK-54fsxf117p2NnU8Q6JnpcaPvvUr-ldcZmd1P9LAQpKXC9-HJNoHbIvUC1A/s400/DSC_0164.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342758499233515858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We bought a camper (we are officially trailer trash) In April, we took our very first camping trip to Glen Rose, TX. We had a great time! </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcffqwn4q9arX1y8f7zSyohRSb7a9m2vLmQ26PfJL9jNE2bpZeGjSKnpcuteHfg8JrDTuE1PPJAafC2QnekYoTt6oFkJPpYHoHxbUHgH-EG-whzfBKm6ByDlgGEGLz06uQc-EtQg/s1600-h/DSC_0013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcffqwn4q9arX1y8f7zSyohRSb7a9m2vLmQ26PfJL9jNE2bpZeGjSKnpcuteHfg8JrDTuE1PPJAafC2QnekYoTt6oFkJPpYHoHxbUHgH-EG-whzfBKm6ByDlgGEGLz06uQc-EtQg/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342758485540989970" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is us at the MOD. We walked 3 miles and raised $2450!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are thrilled with our success and are already looking forward to next year!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopE6mL4ZM59ocCeJBf9OqZ3Szg6558VL7G0HnJsfJqjWPV7ZWnj9HewJ7QJIQWvKdenCJkY7cz5yLyYl0NjI6tj_BSBuLyFYvm4lt-cdhtr9V4Z0wYP5q-DYope48z_7bQjdAjA/s1600-h/DSC_0132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopE6mL4ZM59ocCeJBf9OqZ3Szg6558VL7G0HnJsfJqjWPV7ZWnj9HewJ7QJIQWvKdenCJkY7cz5yLyYl0NjI6tj_BSBuLyFYvm4lt-cdhtr9V4Z0wYP5q-DYope48z_7bQjdAjA/s400/DSC_0132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342758482011269618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In May, we went to Sea World. We camped out and celebrated birthdays with dear friends!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was Sterlings first time in the pool! She was super happy about it!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE9MgMsm_i-5jafLHb7b0dri6rvk7JoQnAN1cf_2FHsJ1t29SUcyBOjkiS3fH650RtksVtwzbq07kD2zI_rOL4unApwMp9oqcdpmOx4lfFhevDPOBpm1lVwtfhV33dVSPmDyUEw/s1600-h/DSC_0197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE9MgMsm_i-5jafLHb7b0dri6rvk7JoQnAN1cf_2FHsJ1t29SUcyBOjkiS3fH650RtksVtwzbq07kD2zI_rOL4unApwMp9oqcdpmOx4lfFhevDPOBpm1lVwtfhV33dVSPmDyUEw/s400/DSC_0197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342758480741068146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Us at a show at Sea World show. So Fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There have been some other important events too that I will give their own posts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, look for mothers day, Chandler's 13th birthday and Sterling is 6 months old coming soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>tomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839578919309402816noreply@blogger.com2