tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139118183964894752024-03-05T22:30:04.836-08:00Mitchell ManiaLife in the Mitchell family is crazy at times, but we love God and we love each other. Who could ask for more?Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-32936799010748070102014-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:002014-11-24T10:14:06.562-08:00Thanks for the Memories!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow! Where has the year gone? I cannot believe how it has flown by and now we are approaching Thanksgiving. This time of year always bring the fondest of memories shared with my family. When I think of the things I am most thankful for I guess it is those memories that come to the front of my mind. The one thing great about memories and traditions; you can share them and build on them to make new ones. <br />
The memory I have of the Thanksgiving holiday involves the smell of Mom's pumpkin pies, and coconut cake baking in the oven, and watching/helping her make her amazing cranberry relish. <br />
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She would pull out her old crank-handle meat grinder and set up the giant bowl on the counter. We would begin by washing all of the fresh fruit (cranberries, oranges (navels), and apples. She would start chopping apples and oranges into small enough pieces to go through the opening of the grinder. . Mmmmmm all of those fruity smells would fill the kitchen. That smell can send me back through the years in a flash. Then we would start grinding. This was the fun, but tiring part. As the years went by I was allowed to do more and more until one day I made the whole batch myself. I can remember feeling like I was finally grown up. Oh Mom was still right there chit chatting or correcting me on this or that (lol even if I felt I had devised a much better method! :) ), but the time spent together I would not trade for the world. Now that Mom has passed away, I still have her crank grinder, but it sits on the shelf while I use my Kitchen Aid grinder attachment! <br />
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We have hit that "all grown up" milestone with my daughter Goo this year. She washed cut and grinded all of the ingredients, then finished off with sugar, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts. When she was finished she pumped her arms in the air and said "yes! I did it all myself!" A tear came to my eye (and for those of you that know me, that is a very powerful moment for me.) I thought how proud I was, how proud Mom would be of her. I thought about the memories we were making. Years from now when she is making cranberry relish with her children, she will tell them how she learned to make it and how "Mom" didn't always want to do it her way but how special the time was together just sharing the same air space and loving each other. When I'm sad and I miss those I love I can hold on to those loving memories with all my might.<br />
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So if there is a bigger point to this blog...... Make Memories with those you love every chance you get. We are not guaranteed tonight much less tomorrow or Thursday. If you were gone tomorrow what memories would you leave behind? How many hours of overtime you worked? How much money you made? How clean your house was? I'm guilty of all of these mistakes myself. However, one crystal glass filled with a beautiful memory reminded me what I was forgetting. So I'm passing the reminder on to you!</div>
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Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-44693074414585232262014-11-19T19:58:00.001-08:002014-11-19T19:58:41.534-08:00Snap Crackle PRINT!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tonight I took my very first photography class. It was a beginners class (and boy is this chick a beginner!) I assumed that when I got in there I would feel very uneducated and photographically challenged. In some ways my assumptions were correct, in others I was pleasantly surprised to understand the explanations coming from the professional teaching the class. I love pictures. Not just the say "cheese kind", but those candid unforgettable moments that are preserved for a lifetime that we treasure. You know what I mean..... the moment your child opens up the perfect Christmas gift that they knew for sure he or she would never get, or the sunset that was so beautiful it made you want to cry. I've tried to take pictures like these only to realize that what I saw didn't come through the camera so great. <br />
Well, now I know what the buttons and gadgets can do on the camera. <br />
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Not all of them, but many. I was also reminded that the best way to preserve pictures is to have them printed and put in albums like "back in the day." Did you know that while individuals take more photos than every before that less than 10% of the pictures taken are ever printed? The instructor pointed out that this mean our grandchildren and great grandchildren will never find that shoebox full of old family pictures like we may have. Sure we save them on computers, thumb drives, and CDs, but these devices will be obsolete some day and we run the risk of loosing the ability to retrieve the photos. As he said this I was thinking of going back through my blog posts and looking pictures of<br />
Goo that I have taken, and true to form, few are printed. I kept thinking, "Wow! She was so little," or "I forgot about these!" No more. From now on my goal is to print as much as I can to capture and preserve memories for her in a way that she can enjoy when I am long gone from this earth. <br />
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Oh and BTW, tomorrow night is the ADVANCED CLASS!!!! Yikes!Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-68843162239618757022014-11-18T10:45:00.000-08:002014-11-18T10:45:58.832-08:00I'm BAAAAACCKK!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Readers, all the rumors about me being dead are NOT true. I simply took a looonnnggg vacation from blogging. My BFF is always telling me I need to blog again, so after filtering all of the "where have you been!???" computer stuff I'm back and here goes!!!!<br />
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Since my last post several years ago..... I know... don't judge me, please, I have completed an Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Psychology. In addition I have become a homeschool mom for my wonderful 11-year-old daughter, and Origami Owl independent designer<br />
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and partner in a corn hole construction business with my he-man honey. <br />
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<br />Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-8195176242314772009-02-16T11:51:00.000-08:002009-02-16T12:22:40.102-08:00Tag, I'm it!It has been sooooooo long since I have written a new post. I'm surprised the blog police have not tracked me down and given me a warning! There is so much to catch up on and I will promise to do so soon. However, today my friend Laura at Goose Hill Farm tagged me with this survey and I decided it was a good place to start. My life is not that exciting but here it is, for what it's worth!!!!<br /><br />1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00 AM<br />2. Diamonds or Pearls? I'm not picky I will gladly accept either<br />3. What was the last movie you saw in a theater? What happens in Vegas<br />4. What is your favorite TV show? Law and Order (all versions)<br />5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Oatmeal<br />6. What is your middle name? Faye<br />7. What food do you dislike? Asparagus<br />8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Craig Morgan<br />9. What kind of car do you drive? Dodger Charger (aka Thekthy)<br />10. Favorite sandwich? Can't have sandwiches anymore. Used to be a Reuben<br />11. What characteristic do you despise? Selfishness<br />12. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans and hoodies<br />13. If you could go anywhere where would you go? Scotland<br />14. Favorite brand of clothing? Nautica and Ralph Lauren<br />15. Where would you retire to? I don't think I'll every be able to afford to retire!<br />16. What was your most memorable birthday? I actually have two. The first was when James was driving "long haul" and drove all night across several states to surprise me, and actually did! The second is when the best boss I've ever had took me to Disney world for lunch and made me ride the rockin' roller coaster!<br />17. Favorite sport to watch? Football BABY!!!! NFL rocks!<br />18. Are you a morning person or a night person? I'm more of a midday person.<br />19. Shoe size? 8 - 8.5<br />20. Pets? 1 dog - Lil bit, 1 fancy tail goldfish - Fritz<br />21. Any new exciting news? Nope<br />22. What did you want to be when you were little? A professional singer/musician<br />23. How are you today? Very tired from being up so late finishing homework<br />24. What are you listening to right now? Anni humming and talking to her toys.<br />25. What was the last thing you ate? A piece of chicken and a small salad<br />26. Do you wish on stars? I would if I thought it would help! But I'm with Laura, praying is better.<br />27. If you where a crayon what color would you be? Periwinkle<br />28. How is the weather right now? Overcast and COLD!<br />29. Who was the first person that you talked on the phone today? James<br />30. What is your favorite soft drink? Diet Barqs Root Beer<br />31. What is your favorite place to eat at? Outback Steakhouse<br />32. What is your hair color? Auburn<br />33. What was your favorite toy as a child? Spyrograph (is that how you spell it?)<br />34. Summer or Winter or Fall? What happened to spring? Cause I really like spring!<br />35. Hugs or kisses? Again, I'm not picky, I'll take them both!<br />36. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate! I miss it.<br />37. Coffee or tea? Coffee<br />38. When was the last time you cried? Last week<br />39. What is under your bed? Kick butt dust bunnies<br />40. Salty or sweet? Depends on my mood.<br />41. What are you afraid of? Being alone<br />42. Do you make friends easily? I'm usually shy around new people. It takes awhile.Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-38852319262662788572008-11-26T07:01:00.000-08:002008-11-28T13:58:12.490-08:00Thekthy Is Theckthy No Matter How You Spell It!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272982355674596114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFMFOsaBOzckbsWf_vtbZ2Eh3z-9psjGe4zuj6iJ9drPPDHImTnDkaCqWjdKLO57GhwX_Jko9ydiTlWw0EqLl46O7Cp1tVYgzn877XWcUWom1HuU1QAfoOR6_DjYdVoH85PzdVagYk4xN/s400/PB191482.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />This all started back in October when my husband decided to lavish me with gifts for my birthday. I have to say the guy earned some major brownie points! First of all he decided to take me to a concert in West Virginia, and then he had my car windows tinted. Pictured above is the last installment of gifts; personalized plates. This is where it gets a little sticky.<br /><br />You see, James is known for coming up with some strange little names of affection like boogashay, and shugaboog, and shugalump all of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_cNCsSBr4waofqlE7FFcqg6B0VNk8ZBxvCCVPAKbG8F_bNnKhA9WY52uYm7Y3Z6YPkNJuQRr81RNM5KtDbLQ150lsDRxDcsSCaiXZZlb44bCW-98NDwp2Rsd4zoAjO57dd8FtdTBJO3q/s1600-h/PB211485.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272982383280110754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_cNCsSBr4waofqlE7FFcqg6B0VNk8ZBxvCCVPAKbG8F_bNnKhA9WY52uYm7Y3Z6YPkNJuQRr81RNM5KtDbLQ150lsDRxDcsSCaiXZZlb44bCW-98NDwp2Rsd4zoAjO57dd8FtdTBJO3q/s400/PB211485.JPG" border="0" /></a>which he knows would be very dangerous (for him anyway) to have printed on my charger!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_cNCsSBr4waofqlE7FFcqg6B0VNk8ZBxvCCVPAKbG8F_bNnKhA9WY52uYm7Y3Z6YPkNJuQRr81RNM5KtDbLQ150lsDRxDcsSCaiXZZlb44bCW-98NDwp2Rsd4zoAjO57dd8FtdTBJO3q/s1600-h/PB211485.JPG"></a><br /><br />The only little name he thought would be safe was "Sexy". Well, I'm not at all convinced the term applies to me; however, it was an acceptable tag for my car. Of course when he went to the DMV to order the tags, the standard spelling was already taken. So, after lots of combinations, this is what he came up with. THEKTHY! He said, "I just thought of how Anni says it - and Sam too!"<br /><br />I laughed and thought it was cute, but <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuO3pYNRx7Io6GBdf-XAetWiKJqyrHePqgLt5czWhjvBvvOXoZtnVtvrzMbw1xlLRdjivwLnk6E2j07bHy6vZqgvEX1BWLoJ4OohRWYE51M4m9WnszkEjH4XtqPV2X7B38NobiQUG2bSj/s1600-h/PB211483.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272991867023681122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuO3pYNRx7Io6GBdf-XAetWiKJqyrHePqgLt5czWhjvBvvOXoZtnVtvrzMbw1xlLRdjivwLnk6E2j07bHy6vZqgvEX1BWLoJ4OohRWYE51M4m9WnszkEjH4XtqPV2X7B38NobiQUG2bSj/s400/PB211483.JPG" border="0" /></a>now I have realized something. James has taken my intimidating, sexy car with an attitude and given it a lisp!!!<br /><br /><br />Oh well, if Tham Kiefer can be thekthy, so can my charger.<br /><br /><br />So if anyone laughs I'll just rev my engine and threaten to run them over!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_cNCsSBr4waofqlE7FFcqg6B0VNk8ZBxvCCVPAKbG8F_bNnKhA9WY52uYm7Y3Z6YPkNJuQRr81RNM5KtDbLQ150lsDRxDcsSCaiXZZlb44bCW-98NDwp2Rsd4zoAjO57dd8FtdTBJO3q/s1600-h/PB211485.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetslFb26IBilHCOd9PW96no8jhoyPqYXZbPIqtdUAhJg-dnhHK91YToN3NIaHlf2Oyrf-Vxe31d8TUer217bbeiNgVxa5IQozTPYJfUU3GUMLh0z7jf58r5oPl9PzDfG5L0GiJChRMfn2/s1600-h/PB211486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272982371094316450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetslFb26IBilHCOd9PW96no8jhoyPqYXZbPIqtdUAhJg-dnhHK91YToN3NIaHlf2Oyrf-Vxe31d8TUer217bbeiNgVxa5IQozTPYJfUU3GUMLh0z7jf58r5oPl9PzDfG5L0GiJChRMfn2/s400/PB211486.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-83366318538164349212008-11-14T07:46:00.000-08:002008-11-16T20:51:09.932-08:00No Snow Yet But She's Training For It!Last weekend Daddy had a paper to write and we needed to vacate the homestead and let him have some quiet time. So Anni and I set out to the back yard to find something to do and hopefully Mommy would not freeze her backside off. It was one of those grey cold days in Virginia, where wind was kicking up and it bit you every now and then. Any way, Anni said, "Mama, I got a good I-Plan!" And she was off into the garage to get her shovel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Im2LN6S2aWtHKaZQo9gm8vVmVyuuorsZvDjdDvsVVjrADVBJ61090c938ypzABXJctVf44RB8781HIxTKlXszDR31qwu9z0zclj9l4CyuubvBhZbMfKnhwjcI1AQTJ9vepWah1Bi2h2/s1600-h/PB091467.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268541702407493586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Im2LN6S2aWtHKaZQo9gm8vVmVyuuorsZvDjdDvsVVjrADVBJ61090c938ypzABXJctVf44RB8781HIxTKlXszDR31qwu9z0zclj9l4CyuubvBhZbMfKnhwjcI1AQTJ9vepWah1Bi2h2/s400/PB091467.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One thing Anni loves to do with her daddy in the winter is shovel snow. Well, since we haven't had our first snow yet, Anni decided to take advantage of the opportunity to get in shape by shoveling leaves. While most people would use a rake, not our Anni, she prefers her handy-dandy-Anni-sized-little red snow shovel!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiyrCsQ88GkyGr_d2enaz5vHYjnp4OA2JFfqQVbuuiBFbSSvoUdxNOa-ree3kBgaBje3eQMWU6XQesxZhVoG4HW3ifo3ciqiIjTdhZOg0Dd5UKF11VDFvjCaR2-p9i_Qb-dvSe4Rs02pW/s1600-h/PB091468.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268541699362645362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiyrCsQ88GkyGr_d2enaz5vHYjnp4OA2JFfqQVbuuiBFbSSvoUdxNOa-ree3kBgaBje3eQMWU6XQesxZhVoG4HW3ifo3ciqiIjTdhZOg0Dd5UKF11VDFvjCaR2-p9i_Qb-dvSe4Rs02pW/s400/PB091468.JPG" border="0" /></a> Of course the whole process is about having fun so when the pile is complete the only thing left to do is........................... Pick up as many as you can hold and .....................................<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGkWnFKj4ukDJbTymHOPXg8CZk_FBHhZAH4Asnhc0eTFeCtptBovs4G0zY-0gIDHeTRbxujKWgIIxBG13__4tiT2OtRdqijgNkR9ZlnTvNfrPFa9u8N5b8O9EahkXvopSByUUaVNBzijq/s1600-h/PB091473.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268541152055345794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGkWnFKj4ukDJbTymHOPXg8CZk_FBHhZAH4Asnhc0eTFeCtptBovs4G0zY-0gIDHeTRbxujKWgIIxBG13__4tiT2OtRdqijgNkR9ZlnTvNfrPFa9u8N5b8O9EahkXvopSByUUaVNBzijq/s400/PB091473.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />THROW THEM INTO THE AIR!!!!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">YAY</span>! She was having such a good time I had to take some pics. The snow is on the way, you can feel it in the air, but playing in the leaves was just fine for now.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhINS_KpiA2lZPPFfuzAaWbg-VIayyCZ33fp5qBo3tG-3e4xbrXXshTsplgFxgFZr178wgR-Sa_pPZPQI1P42MwVi5RtQTuQ3GR6L41lZj5tmsh6RNGsg3RnYO-62tS45iM8ZHdjuvu0N/s1600-h/PB091471.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268541146519826802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhINS_KpiA2lZPPFfuzAaWbg-VIayyCZ33fp5qBo3tG-3e4xbrXXshTsplgFxgFZr178wgR-Sa_pPZPQI1P42MwVi5RtQTuQ3GR6L41lZj5tmsh6RNGsg3RnYO-62tS45iM8ZHdjuvu0N/s400/PB091471.JPG" border="0" /></a>The throwing continues until she's exhausted or the leaves have to once again be shoveled. (Got to keep up that training you know!) </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268546826930313346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFDJIcpGUmxqhorsNNWMFUHaUUfI4Ii-E6rZqOytK-FoV7bfyui517csd0mI2oAV9Msn6ysi8fVybVqv2Hj1IGR9TzSWzwN8RqezPAlVE0aTYIuVAsWVoXFC5BqiX89AFDprfV3O9xcWG/s400/PB091470.JPG" border="0" /><br />Of course she had to show me them "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">shuga</span> lips" and beg me for some "warm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shocolit</span>" (that is the correct <em>Anniese</em> term for hot cocoa.)</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5QtHQzQ9JlFfwEAbhybmCzAn5Cj4-w2UPb49UJzxDHxu0z7ioldzO36aJAsSyLZBs5Xro-vDU8k03xIgzgz6a-i4R-3S8MD2wRSgrw29S6uIEJS9CRH2J-6GiSsF6BoxhEuxRoTpKknf/s1600-h/PB091466.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268541132799724466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5QtHQzQ9JlFfwEAbhybmCzAn5Cj4-w2UPb49UJzxDHxu0z7ioldzO36aJAsSyLZBs5Xro-vDU8k03xIgzgz6a-i4R-3S8MD2wRSgrw29S6uIEJS9CRH2J-6GiSsF6BoxhEuxRoTpKknf/s400/PB091466.JPG" border="0" /></a> Then it was back to the leave pile. Where's Anni?............................. Are you kidding me? She actually almost fell asleep in there. I had to make her get out and get cold again. Then it was time to go bug Daddy.<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSeeN1fFvTA6bZRLY4RYFWQSBX-QcBYEU75pwfKASSi6ti92ZoJJ2WfJj4cvKJEiC3NabTh0KqWIF6qE3t5JLpbbxcvaCj0YHfZPeQXv3rpfx5mp9BtA0iCyQaHeDM2zsNKcyIUGVxRna/s1600-h/PB091464.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268541128776889538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSeeN1fFvTA6bZRLY4RYFWQSBX-QcBYEU75pwfKASSi6ti92ZoJJ2WfJj4cvKJEiC3NabTh0KqWIF6qE3t5JLpbbxcvaCj0YHfZPeQXv3rpfx5mp9BtA0iCyQaHeDM2zsNKcyIUGVxRna/s400/PB091464.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-37455555302390389122008-11-04T10:33:00.000-08:002008-11-04T16:37:38.387-08:00My Little Fairy Princess<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264873380659007698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8IE164xxqGRTs34CKU3xVt7dfXNSXAW3Z5ksQVFvoJz9xbAAqavzRP9Cth2LsE0taOP7EQtuDDBWgFLdo_kCOoQeGL4aD-Q20uChHep6CHiNbymhYVjiBnDHdrdJ_35nxqA61X1AT-af/s400/PA301436.JPG" border="0" />I know, I know, Halloween is over but I was busy with finals last week and I wanted everyone to see my Fairy Princess! She can give you a black eye one minute and the next she wants to be decked out in pink wings and jewels! Go figure!<br /><br />Well, the Mitchell family as never celebrated Halloween before, because we seriously have some issues with the holiday, however, Anni's school was having a special event the night before and we wanted her to be able to participate. This way she got to do the whole costume thing and get a small amount of candy and be with her little Kindergarten buddies.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264873388477480562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdCI-3uGFaMvwuiAz80HqIAF2W-UHTVGi9VMdFAS10uPIRateBJksKfDAHqha3HBIlo1epJi1iz6JcPrfsBEs0fkE2_bEvlFkCts5Whl24DQdvd3ubzY8CWpb2ZGTw30_ElrK9Kfz1sf0/s400/PA301439.JPG" border="0" /> This is the principal of Luray Elementary. Don't know what she was smokin'! The assitant principal, pictured below definately had the force with him all evening. I'm beginning to be a little worried about the leadership at this school! Yikes! (actually Mr. Baker (Darth) is pretty cool) But the star trek babe I could do without. Anyhoo!!!!!!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264873390282886034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGAiNXgi5YivRlgUcIRKcHSkLODgEEGrHqbVRZZqqWoCXg_Y2s9-m_xQ5KtGUF4pDjJaLlTBmVRzbDSyl_birPh0_WQupEXjMk8em5rZMUpZcFER6bbxwMZaQD5db1bTO7gDVAptKl8KY/s400/PA301440.JPG" border="0" /><br />Anni made a finger puppet with Daddy. Looking like the beautiful princess she is!<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264873403354292914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHgFkOm_xLknxEnC0p57YviO1Umrmk6xvq3pxJXOSHzmRXxpBM_1YVByEyupGAPTd37D3ZP_Ucn-OjxMk0Wlwkpy-s5B47JF4wggmRb-o50eezMwkK47laUNCsbY3zShP5TXJD8h9VD7x/s400/PA301447.JPG" border="0" /><br />And then it was on to monster bookmarks with Mom. Still looking like royalty in her little costume.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264873414599513890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2GsTB-YqVZi28uCaOqZOb4QlgJyCkHTsaY9dftdCf6sli5lXIF05Ko-RMOLN7V8K3w2ZFQJX4I3u4kjnv9pNPXbYzBP1r4KCroTLAuK0oWswHcPxyItDK69ZqF3OQh6eSPXHWdAh4e3U/s400/PA301449.JPG" border="0" /> <div>She got to hear stories, play games and then it was off to get her goodie bag complete with candy, peanut butter and jelly crustable, juice box, and prize. All in all we had a really great time and Anni loved getting dressed up. </div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-33317022585703854042008-11-03T15:44:00.000-08:002008-11-04T16:41:28.340-08:00Somebody Call 911!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8Jz_mwbjj5Ar3MlcCljEvJVvcR-1jcMGuKwKIJFACpoOJT5nLUIPyol5XTjPOMUGnGs5f_GMCAjzTjaS7tXmz6ss1hss5P9Og5wwJdXaXN5_bH_sDn3cTZySDMS53_lOT7yFBI0YXXea/s1600-h/PA301428.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264583966263065458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8Jz_mwbjj5Ar3MlcCljEvJVvcR-1jcMGuKwKIJFACpoOJT5nLUIPyol5XTjPOMUGnGs5f_GMCAjzTjaS7tXmz6ss1hss5P9Og5wwJdXaXN5_bH_sDn3cTZySDMS53_lOT7yFBI0YXXea/s400/PA301428.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUZm_L3ysB21ETgeBBZ1V2GUpcvyCw6-i3CLQgeRt393Iiegy9Y7RER-AS8SAUGqCJ2Wrd3qVULadAMMp7iUGCAeBOhd8xY_7Z3SbjfZNpEpxh5Mf5mB65WzvEtOyXdJn7mMH1TRdXI4c/s1600-h/PA301426.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264583962233703650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUZm_L3ysB21ETgeBBZ1V2GUpcvyCw6-i3CLQgeRt393Iiegy9Y7RER-AS8SAUGqCJ2Wrd3qVULadAMMp7iUGCAeBOhd8xY_7Z3SbjfZNpEpxh5Mf5mB65WzvEtOyXdJn7mMH1TRdXI4c/s400/PA301426.JPG" border="0" /></a> Thursday, the Kindergarten class went on a field trip to our local Police Department and Fire Department. The tour of the LPD was pretty much textbook. First Sergeant Anderson took us through the offices, introduced us to the detectives and gave us a tour of the training room.</div><div></div><div>But the tour of the fire department was a whole different ballgame. When we entered the garage with about 65 Kindergarten children and about a dozen teachers and parents, the alarms started going off and the men were rushing children across the room to get them out of the way, fire fighters were running to get their gear. A few of the kids started crying but we got them calmed down. If it had been planned it wouldn't have been more exciting. Two tankers and a Haz Mat truck left sirens blaring and lights flashing. The kids had a blast. Then they returned before we left. And the classes were able to talk to the fire fighters about their call. I think it really made an impression on the kids. Many times they see emergency personnel as something fun. But that day they sensed the urgency of what was going on and knew those men were going to help people.<br /><br />Hope you enjoy the pics below.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoKmmPicgjQno7vvHumwkA6JwMmF_8f3kXnsi-jPzOdBh4f8YQeqomtinlpCvVqvln37G0HSzoY2NI2NDmwwHb0DDDMg6TioqruEu29RunOabRDHLPBhIACMaL4kua9LfI4HcSR7amLxC/s1600-h/PA301417.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264583956662489810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoKmmPicgjQno7vvHumwkA6JwMmF_8f3kXnsi-jPzOdBh4f8YQeqomtinlpCvVqvln37G0HSzoY2NI2NDmwwHb0DDDMg6TioqruEu29RunOabRDHLPBhIACMaL4kua9LfI4HcSR7amLxC/s400/PA301417.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264583947783380130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBRhRL5P_K41QOatmis8osv57sLhLIWJi4PYMgiZ8W7fHT-YCTkxrI344odFDs5o0h0nC6YcaZ4r5x9krHCujClD3agLabwvNPFLZzxGh12ZQ6AdM_48so9NEmkTmaW_N6aAQfNe3eEPq/s400/PA301410.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264583010027175154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbpV_lWBDuWJCFqKWjFRUL89ftXImVO3-HexAMu4iliWvqRr-UDQMmJ4i19CqEJX9nqTRH9vv21V2fdzdhJfRs1BeQc39dmNRtKmxo99lvt0Hdme90gb3iiAjB20iLeiwdOtGwwTKDCU6/s400/PA301402.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264582994332635954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq2MamoOGA-_c6Ce2ms-dznEMSiRYppwzDJLdvWhK1RjF6tRUq_OadNWokeW6GONRuYTtApZptQ6jZCbgSdvfg3HHLvm3pXDWwlBazyCxzvkiEzI6G2XXIJLHTLzVlTBnxTy4ivgNAVSy/s400/PA291392.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264582999129064130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRwbCyAmlnW43vnbSZcQj81lG0hVYs8R3FEN9FiymFGBupixNOsmf8qbMdAPxlr_g5DOnuIHrgTflcGrNIDMFtFWymsWjAljJBRf1hFvleegEXDKuzIBZ54oga6fpEkw0JtgP0zSIgDhs/s400/PA291390.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264582989746430882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryoH-QwLOhDNeSY-w14ac1vOxcc0SGv85l_TpI6e7FgWFqQTIWMwQckHzP6Z26WXnpGvRFMOvsReivpal53-ZUKFDRtVlfW2VcmnnWZzW5sNoE4v6fbAxXCnqDp-KjWl04fEq3rxNE2w6/s400/PA291389.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264582979046161058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ3gFaKvuM8dTAeiLPw7HFk6J0LiXhwXOR_0wMVv6pJdmOjp3EqygAX94pyHuTg73kaPxFGy13s4DJg8XHuo3Ye6AyNO4yFB9x0U6_As9xysOTESHQtBzGs4s40Vie19XLubFFKE_5_Dy/s400/PA291377.JPG" border="0" /></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-7260355902893577532008-10-30T07:40:00.000-07:002008-10-30T07:51:20.950-07:00It's All Good<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT0wRRoOrEITPrpNmCJ9w2Uy9V30EUhOAkKt4zsqHSJ4l53VieCnJU0NpOccu2f6sN18BJzVB9ttPE4QyRFrNxQbC-J_7Ee_56qignNk1SLSBmiBCHMdmTJIs80q88a17ZhtC8O-UXh9W/s1600-h/firepit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262956835961129986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT0wRRoOrEITPrpNmCJ9w2Uy9V30EUhOAkKt4zsqHSJ4l53VieCnJU0NpOccu2f6sN18BJzVB9ttPE4QyRFrNxQbC-J_7Ee_56qignNk1SLSBmiBCHMdmTJIs80q88a17ZhtC8O-UXh9W/s400/firepit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>October has been a pretty good time for the family. We have gone on a field trip with the Kindergarten class to a pumpkin patch, taken in a concert in the mountains, and enjoyed a evening by the fire pit in our back yard to celebrate my birthday. It's all good, as they say around here. </div><div>You know there is just something about looking into a fire that makes you think. (At least it always has that affect on me) As I sat there I thought about everything that has changed in my life over the course of the last year. Wow! The first thing that came to mind was I was convinced that I probably wouldn't be alive this year. I was battling fatigue and depression and the enemy almost won. That's not something I'm proud of but God had mercy on me and helped me get to this point. I have met wonderful new friends, had a great spring with lovedones, and actually got my dream car. I'm 44. Big deal, so I'm getting old. I love my husband, I love my daughter, I'm losing weight, how could I ask for more? When I look at the shape this world is in. I'm glad I've got it this good. It's all good! It really is!</div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-69626484994541127562008-10-11T16:51:00.000-07:002008-10-11T17:30:29.879-07:00Mommy and Daddy Visit School!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256049157034444482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW9y1GlN4p3as5VqcQYiM5MgafqX6omEz0gOqNtrGu-FadVeO_8OqmlL4Qq6s7k83nGAPPUCmfk9Y_fHzv8hssPNqusr-FLkSYzDXobNhT3p8-LHjYYVGTaCrM86FaXTY61HrgpWvdVFG/s400/PA101295.JPG" border="0" /> Friday, October 10 there was a special celebration in Anni's class to show off the class' writing skills and achievements. Each child was given a folder in which to keep daily written or illustrated work. I think the idea is to understand the concept of expressing oneself creatively. Since Anni is only beginning to write letters, most of her work was of the illustration variety. But Mommy and Daddy were proud!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYJ1Caf5kTXw5NOyM5xkg-FiknZnGta8JOjaQ75OSdJ6fEhS9QMk4aMqcHUz08-SpEtUdvtsjdjg5lYBBbDFITmdeDw0y5YQ2-YoH5svuCcXjjH8ryMSRojA45Hp350yaIzOUjExZdtNK/s1600-h/PA101296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256049160711687698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYJ1Caf5kTXw5NOyM5xkg-FiknZnGta8JOjaQ75OSdJ6fEhS9QMk4aMqcHUz08-SpEtUdvtsjdjg5lYBBbDFITmdeDw0y5YQ2-YoH5svuCcXjjH8ryMSRojA45Hp350yaIzOUjExZdtNK/s400/PA101296.JPG" border="0" /></a> The teacher took our picture while Anni was showing us all of her pictures. Many of them were pictures of Mommy, Daddy, Annie and Bit Bit (the dog). She's all about the family! I was happy to see that. She was so proud of her class. She took us around and introduced us to her friends.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256052377705424274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_48WVb8AUPYbWL1mPjrpBg5s_ic-IeWrS9D5-bfriSWZlLVQoWsz8Vx-KM5jjLeV-QphqmquNBzWJoYwCFGkq0VyfPN3dlFU966usrBDaEJRdGok-tcugdwO0LMtD2BgzaxHEcs3-JVW/s400/PA101299.JPG" border="0" /> We finally got to meet the children we had been hearing about for the past 6 weeks. She really loves her teacher and I am so thankful for that. She seems to really care about the kids and communicates weekly with parents. I failed to get a picture of Mrs. Johnson. I'll be sure to do that next time.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256049175391084546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRVauRY0nDw5qBtMRo1PiSDK5fkb0rjJE0Hf-snZf6E943x-W-32mGTQnxAIQfOz1AIOOCn48bZP9Z01cc51nwi3yjn8r14HgWj1vlPr75KZ12xRjcYlvd3wxftRbfrxvDu7hj6tHPUdS/s400/PA101300.JPG" border="0" />I was a little sad though. James and I and one other parent were the only ones to show up for the celebration. We tried to visit all the other kids tables to let them show off their work too. They all seem so little. My heart breaks to think they are disappointed. But I think we spread the love pretty well. Anni seemed to act as hostess taking us from table to table telling us who was who. She always seems to be so sensitive of other people's feelings. I think she felt bad for the other kids too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpmhVBT9nZa5si6EdDcd0iE2GoUAjfGNr3zI46rAPOu3COBg1RJ6zk5AFu5f9GK2cSz0N4D-W5c7TD1uana7ZQAlsnMMGk3E2HFF8GLxYFisF2_y06h7GF5W_IvtapfTH9cIKbnDBclX4/s1600-h/PA101301.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256049180433103970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpmhVBT9nZa5si6EdDcd0iE2GoUAjfGNr3zI46rAPOu3COBg1RJ6zk5AFu5f9GK2cSz0N4D-W5c7TD1uana7ZQAlsnMMGk3E2HFF8GLxYFisF2_y06h7GF5W_IvtapfTH9cIKbnDBclX4/s400/PA101301.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Anni's beautiful masterpiece of buttons and letters and of course the portrait of Mommy and Daddy dancing at the top.<br /><br />All in all it was a great time. She's growing so fast. I don't want to miss a minute of it. I know this may not be such an exciting blog for most of you out there, but my little family is one of the most precious gifts God has given me, so that's what I write about.<br /><br />We love you Anni. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-31401799067625093372008-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:002008-10-07T10:49:29.957-07:00God Must Really Love Me!<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0UFC0o1Qe9opqgFTi4Z__hbnEiXCmpAFKnciwgsYuw5ie_Q_6MA5Yh9T4JUIeoooqL17fJsOvIq8w5kJV0R00_h_v1AkAOf-AEqFhD8T0Yy6Cfjn1k1B-YkGqSgX4rWE03Kgw3HSfnZp/s1600-h/PA051291.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254456890401426050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0UFC0o1Qe9opqgFTi4Z__hbnEiXCmpAFKnciwgsYuw5ie_Q_6MA5Yh9T4JUIeoooqL17fJsOvIq8w5kJV0R00_h_v1AkAOf-AEqFhD8T0Yy6Cfjn1k1B-YkGqSgX4rWE03Kgw3HSfnZp/s400/PA051291.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This past weekend my wonderful hubby surprised me with an early birthday present. Our little family headed to the mountains of West Virginia Friday night and then on Saturday night James took us to a concert perfomred by my all-time favorite artist; Craig Morgan.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr85NKGWJ00jE6T6k72ju4NptIX10wILvrGSVGBq9tuuwf7uD8dApBPNAwDD-JrILtw4uOyH1KIPBdnd6kiz19yvJrn3cRrf-E3WndDzaQczh31Kn5fHMokF0tQPkdkhZVaEkaK5Suzz0Q/s1600-h/PA041256.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254461439570207538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr85NKGWJ00jE6T6k72ju4NptIX10wILvrGSVGBq9tuuwf7uD8dApBPNAwDD-JrILtw4uOyH1KIPBdnd6kiz19yvJrn3cRrf-E3WndDzaQczh31Kn5fHMokF0tQPkdkhZVaEkaK5Suzz0Q/s400/PA041256.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Anni is also a fan and this was her first concert. It was fun to watch her get excited about the music and the lights, although the poor thing was up way past her bedtime and barely made it through the show. But she had a blast! Especially when his encore number was her favorite song: <em>International Harvester. </em>Of course before the show we hit the t-shirt table and Daddy had to get an official Craig Morgan glow stick for the girl. Then it was time for the show. We had great seats only about 11 rows back. It was a pretty small venue. The show was absolutely awesome!!!!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOp9ymSkf40_LtGsSg7y1DzE-SXwqdPFvyzn5NB7WlgSzxzS2_5pt6JcmFrJA6nDYZP6hvv_2AzN4Xu-54wrleIEYeudjBMy80EwykFUNH29Wv2WdBU0QYbhdVXA27u7yZbmo5AEWA9mT/s1600-h/PA041283.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254456898109524210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOp9ymSkf40_LtGsSg7y1DzE-SXwqdPFvyzn5NB7WlgSzxzS2_5pt6JcmFrJA6nDYZP6hvv_2AzN4Xu-54wrleIEYeudjBMy80EwykFUNH29Wv2WdBU0QYbhdVXA27u7yZbmo5AEWA9mT/s400/PA041283.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />During the show there was much talk of the new CD that will be coming out on the 21st. (the other half of my birthday present). One of the new songs is entitled, "God Must Really Love Me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuyMGr5IixyEMb05AkYmxOABNy2WvIWVdIHTwoPsdNEwpkVx38jneiWc53tkx6grUmWKcetS4rhrAePCh_hSnIUJ76klxgN_mYe458Oyw-fUYtepI-WY6o86A4nhMoF5TFq93zr9OGYvM/s1600-h/PA041281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254456903674088210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuyMGr5IixyEMb05AkYmxOABNy2WvIWVdIHTwoPsdNEwpkVx38jneiWc53tkx6grUmWKcetS4rhrAePCh_hSnIUJ76klxgN_mYe458Oyw-fUYtepI-WY6o86A4nhMoF5TFq93zr9OGYvM/s400/PA041281.JPG" border="0" /></a>" Craig Morgan is a decorated army veteran and has a firm belief in God, family and country. Many of his songs speak of how God has blessed his life. </div><div> </div><div>While he was singing this song the words jumped off the stage at me.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The fact that I am alive<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuo36eL9Sq728U9mUjBeSYeMeSsZ_PUX3fgz0l2-jJqVtG1u5jXxrB-qNXxfFmW7pm7LA2v8Z0WRzslypBeKQ32C8AX6Auk_CdsAuijzbgJErI1kiLiHc714mlAO5V1XQgG8Gdoh74D_2/s1600-h/PA041289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254456904630566914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuo36eL9Sq728U9mUjBeSYeMeSsZ_PUX3fgz0l2-jJqVtG1u5jXxrB-qNXxfFmW7pm7LA2v8Z0WRzslypBeKQ32C8AX6Auk_CdsAuijzbgJErI1kiLiHc714mlAO5V1XQgG8Gdoh74D_2/s400/PA041289.JPG" border="0" /></a> today is proof that God must really love me. </div><div>Its a simple thought but sometimes I </div><div>think we try to make God's love so complicated. But the truth is, He just really loves us. The proof is all around us. The miracle of a baby's birth or a beautiful sunset and the majesty of his creation.</div><div> </div><div>During the song I looked at James and Anni and almost cried. God must really love me! If i died today, I couldn't ask for more than God has already blessed me with. I have no reason to complain. </div><div> </div><div>I went to this concert excited about seeing a famous artist whom I admire and respect and was given much more than a good show. I was amazed to find my self reminded of what a great God I serve, and how much he loves me! </div></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-26741059126561762872008-09-22T15:46:00.000-07:002008-09-23T05:38:06.295-07:00Look Out World! Anni's 5!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248982591158352242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT9ffuURSY06Vr1mq6x0L5Ac_gUNxGxmXd5ZWMjLPAuXx7aM-MrB4q5o5hqFpP5X-r2AYtFppk_wEHNR-HP1aqBSVmTONe69xc9VoESYpD7Y_a8Jg-QEaWKvUEbK_87PG8PVdPZAg7qh3/s320/P9201248.JPG" border="0" />We've all had those days that just do not go as planned. Well, Anni turned 5 on Monday the 15th and we didn't get to celebrate until Saturday, but we had plans. We found a Chuck E. Cheese about an hour and a half away and we planned to surprise Anni with an all-day event. Shopping for presents first then end at Chuck's place. Well, as usual things happened and James ended up on call and we couldn't go that far out of the area. Good thing we had not let Anni in on the plans. I was really bummed, because Anni doesn't have many friends her age and we weren't going to have a traditional party and I wanted the three of us to have a special day together. But I was determined that everything would turn out okay!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248982571770928402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfQm-PAXDSppju2a-QU4Xc92rsL7x5mVW1NUKYXIsnSSn189qJyE72inwMUrPFO7fBy3-Icyo5OU6USB7O4whjVmJTnQXXTJZLiAnzVkJ59_d8UtR-ca9KWcxL5Z3QoV8YwzeUqNS7STu/s320/P9201213.JPG" border="0" /> We asked Anni where she wanted to go shopping for her presents and she screamed, Walmart! But after we offered her the "toy store" (aka Toys R Us) she changed her tune. She had not been there since before Christmas and I think she had forgotten it existed, but she soon remembered. When then started our day at TRU and she had a blast. She had to ride everything, play with everything, and of course wanted everthing. We made our purchases and asked the birthday girl where she wanted to go for dinner expecting "TACO BELL" or "PIZZA HUNT", neither of which are on mommy's diet! Well, at the top of her lungs she cries, "I wanna go to Cwackow Bawwowl!" (aka Cracker Barrel) We both looked at each other and I said, "works for me."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM-I5bTEfLcALIkFdN5WR4iStIuJMMaK-VKQW6vDPmBEknT8isUIkWFmV1Wa89sTq1Nr4xBl-vzE-6gUd3gh0sKdH-pxYO9Z9Z2FJ5Q-NxZDKSQFAl0hV9tSNWJJBUnEC6TaRiA2W8jNJ/s1600-h/P9201220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248983153272516770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM-I5bTEfLcALIkFdN5WR4iStIuJMMaK-VKQW6vDPmBEknT8isUIkWFmV1Wa89sTq1Nr4xBl-vzE-6gUd3gh0sKdH-pxYO9Z9Z2FJ5Q-NxZDKSQFAl0hV9tSNWJJBUnEC6TaRiA2W8jNJ/s320/P9201220.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8j3Knn7C6K_zYsXTj7bDnrDa80zMi-lJ_QkHGAeZ6Pwt4Z63cN6Tw0KUuko_q0VL_SI0YrFzOUsRD-ljw6Kc2HgJGurMo-LDdBUJG17jkByCCIrPfaXfDiqyalAhYtgYJ99wrGg_TpWF/s1600-h/P9201221.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248983165693543874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8j3Knn7C6K_zYsXTj7bDnrDa80zMi-lJ_QkHGAeZ6Pwt4Z63cN6Tw0KUuko_q0VL_SI0YrFzOUsRD-ljw6Kc2HgJGurMo-LDdBUJG17jkByCCIrPfaXfDiqyalAhYtgYJ99wrGg_TpWF/s320/P9201221.JPG" border="0" /></a>Of course after dinner we had to stop at the toy section, then the traditional game of checkers on the porch. Anni just steals all the game pieces and declares herself the winner. Gonna have to work on that, but hey she's only 5! It is so fun to watch how much she loves life.<br />Next, we headed home to play with the presents.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248982579873325202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5rsiBOY-whgga5sWKhB0rw_qPbE7kcIAuW3YmBQLu3bFJjJQeectpvEcb8cgSKEAJP8roAbez9oDgwE9J9J8H9r5Dt6tlPlqmrU5NvZPhH0yicF1r3H0h8JJ3akKx5GO1KaEeA6RUCUX/s320/P9201227.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>While we were in the toy store we asked Anni what she wanted for her birthday. First she said she wanted "lots and lots o bawbees" and "lots and lots o tuff to go wiff em", which she got. Then she spied something and went crazy! "Daddy Daddy! I want one of dem! Pwees, pweese, peese!!!!"<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248983167384003906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEVo1F-tEhIdeEanEUvitPNfVIdRaDtrT-NFXPxXojl3wdCNfbI-r-MeyQoGhJ0IW1rgzsESgC24AjjAHJqFUKNQND1K2Y6FdqiFCcpiObYzMPdEiHmXvQfi16jKyGULhJiL0yhzDT2uh/s320/P9201240.JPG" border="0" /><br />Yes folks, a Hannah Montana skateboard complete with gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. And I wish you could have seen the look on James' face when he asked her if she was sure she wanted to learn to ride a skateboard and our beautiful five year old daughter assures him it will be okay because Cody has one and he can teach her! Cody is the boy next door that turned 14 years old the very next day. James' eyes sort of glazed over but he held it together.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphYwa680UwVXiBnThL-MzXt_cQY8WLVExGSifp9YYxXB6VHWBJKVBxdRbU1uwdBmH8EGq4-pMd9pG3Qhg4DoDRe7cVEdU3lADyTLymt8hYAEdMCfQFZKz667OElIZsYqOsQY3ivTXEdx9/s1600-h/P9201241.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248982583222951762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphYwa680UwVXiBnThL-MzXt_cQY8WLVExGSifp9YYxXB6VHWBJKVBxdRbU1uwdBmH8EGq4-pMd9pG3Qhg4DoDRe7cVEdU3lADyTLymt8hYAEdMCfQFZKz667OElIZsYqOsQY3ivTXEdx9/s320/P9201241.JPG" border="0" /></a> Needless to say, the girl got the board, and she didn't do half bad! I was impressed! It was funny how when Cody came out to see us, James suddenly said it was time for the skateboard to go in the garage. Then it was late and we had to go in for our little cake which again is not on Mommy's diet but I cheated just this once.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTsDYNF94kN_-N8oNI2d6ahMXmg84yvDhMDpaqoRdSHSkDHTf3q_45DwZNpcXR6tBz9xhSTwffb1qlY7PZXHqTDlCy0lFNQxCHIfW3bbmkTXNt00BerL5aHgZu_JBGNqlwavtgc6aOYHv/s1600-h/P9201246.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248982595230960258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTsDYNF94kN_-N8oNI2d6ahMXmg84yvDhMDpaqoRdSHSkDHTf3q_45DwZNpcXR6tBz9xhSTwffb1qlY7PZXHqTDlCy0lFNQxCHIfW3bbmkTXNt00BerL5aHgZu_JBGNqlwavtgc6aOYHv/s320/P9201246.JPG" border="0" /></a> Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Anni. Happy Birthday to you. (And many more)<br /><br /><br />Before I go, I must relate a funny story that happened the next evening. We went into town to get a few groceries and when we returned home Anni was helping James get the groceries out of the trunk of the car. In the process he accidentally smacked Anni in the middle of the forehead with a box of Capri Sun Roarin' Waters. Of course, he dropped his bags and checked her out saying, "I'm sorry baby are you alright?" She grabbed her head, rolled her eyes (so sarcastically) and said "yeah Daddy I'm alwite!" While she was walking over to me, I tried to make light of the situation. I thought it might hurt and was going to smooth it over while I was checking her over myself. So, I said,"I saw Daddy try to knock you out! What are we gonna do with him?" While rubbing her forehead, in a perplexed tone of voice, she shook her head and said, "I don't know...................we can't kill him!"<br /><br />I almost peed my pants. James is now sleeping with one eye open! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! You gotta love the girl!Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-63573588047699677062008-09-03T16:22:00.000-07:002008-09-03T16:56:25.848-07:00My Little BullPup<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AjlE68F-chQGRjBlLFmAwUbOdme6DjK-qxGMDh7PuqcScQ33ge9oo2dbPiVSt6y9QJS3tWavllaIQeGv3treqECdwyjmG-OypxZRM4E64fzyVGzO4QMYHkwArVxeE3SUoqgReJtPBZWy/s1600-h/P9031209.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241941240080625698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AjlE68F-chQGRjBlLFmAwUbOdme6DjK-qxGMDh7PuqcScQ33ge9oo2dbPiVSt6y9QJS3tWavllaIQeGv3treqECdwyjmG-OypxZRM4E64fzyVGzO4QMYHkwArVxeE3SUoqgReJtPBZWy/s200/P9031209.JPG" border="0" /></a> Well, I promised a blog about Anni's first official day of Kindergarten and here it is! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9v-fdisJKIcoJ21PLNaNYdGEodgKlap9dZJF61hzZw7m6fvTPQsJEse1EqdMKGAKNcOvHpgQngprhGVDtkwEsQ04zZgFkpb5E-WPAxQd7-bZEG27hfvKPQXphztNGFenk5x7lEIHkq3p/s1600-h/P8241199.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241941244091915154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9v-fdisJKIcoJ21PLNaNYdGEodgKlap9dZJF61hzZw7m6fvTPQsJEse1EqdMKGAKNcOvHpgQngprhGVDtkwEsQ04zZgFkpb5E-WPAxQd7-bZEG27hfvKPQXphztNGFenk5x7lEIHkq3p/s200/P8241199.JPG" border="0" /></a> Waking up earlier was not very fun for Anni but she has adjusted very well. Once we were out of bed at 6:45 we had to get dressed in just the right outfit. Anni was not very happy with any of my choices, however, I was not thinking wearing a bathing suit to school would have been well-recieved. In the end Mommy won the battle. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We packed our new princes backpack and High School Musical Lunchbox and then it was time for breakfast. Anni requested milk and waffles with grape jelly; the breakfast of champions no doubt. Then it was out to the car.<br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ93iBDtBwei6ayDqAkKuORXoUO_ZOR96vA1a9ro32apQt5lkGLj0fAoPoEuqazvfVDse3CNVR_GMBrPZ985SUH-8pAZpljqKEbqwA0sU2tG2GtYvsn914_XCkBAkc5zCKq7DKiosR6ZC/s1600-h/P8241203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241941245940949986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ93iBDtBwei6ayDqAkKuORXoUO_ZOR96vA1a9ro32apQt5lkGLj0fAoPoEuqazvfVDse3CNVR_GMBrPZ985SUH-8pAZpljqKEbqwA0sU2tG2GtYvsn914_XCkBAkc5zCKq7DKiosR6ZC/s200/P8241203.JPG" border="0" /></a> Getting into the spirit of things Anni had to pose by her new BullPup magnet on the back of the car. It didn't show up real well but Anni's cute anyway. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGRvTaMt50esL7mQV4Ou4Gv5kLeyD5LoNXUVi5SQRhnNZNVQJy6GnYhCYkaKZCt89ml6J2N2Tdg-icf18UQdE89sR1AdjOJ0oUs275UJ_ctIP6h2fPnC7LZuTuIlCbnOCNxv1x77GWOGy/s1600-h/P8241204.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241941252711715650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGRvTaMt50esL7mQV4Ou4Gv5kLeyD5LoNXUVi5SQRhnNZNVQJy6GnYhCYkaKZCt89ml6J2N2Tdg-icf18UQdE89sR1AdjOJ0oUs275UJ_ctIP6h2fPnC7LZuTuIlCbnOCNxv1x77GWOGy/s200/P8241204.JPG" border="0" /></a> Then it was time to buckled in and head off for the big day! I think Anni was a little nervous, but she is such a trooper, it was hard to really tell. When we arrived at the school, we were routed to the cafeteria, then to Mrs. Johnson's room. Anni looked a little overwhelmed and I thought she might cry, but I realized this was the first time she had been in the school with "all" the rest of the kids. Of course, they were everywhere. The hallways were crowded and bustling with activity. She held on to my pants leg for dear life. I stopped and told her, everything was okay, and that we wouldn't leave her until we got her settled in with her teacher. As we approached her classroom door, Mrs. Johnson stepped out, and all of the anxiety simply drained from Anni's little body. Mrs. Johnson was Anni's Teacher the last week of the Jumpstart program this summer and she new from the Kindergarten orientation day, that Mrs. Johsnon would be her official teacher this year. I was so happy to see her relax and feel secure with her. Mrs. Johnson is a good Christian woman and goes to the church we attend. Again, God is taking care of us.</p><p align="center">Then it was time for Mommy and Daddy to go home so we left our little BullPup to make her way into the world. It was scary but I handled it much better than the first day of Jumpstart. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnHKsWsaYkpyKQXcf9cX3YrY4AhlKoNNNS-yVio5yn8P167cUb0rZcktSZIVXNqLtF54HLGQMN76YfB2c9gtJKBOWmdyNd5-KJCU-7T75OC-SxAv1voGZZmqAJ3tmqAZW6qZuYQsnpf3L/s1600-h/P8251207.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241941260052685410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnHKsWsaYkpyKQXcf9cX3YrY4AhlKoNNNS-yVio5yn8P167cUb0rZcktSZIVXNqLtF54HLGQMN76YfB2c9gtJKBOWmdyNd5-KJCU-7T75OC-SxAv1voGZZmqAJ3tmqAZW6qZuYQsnpf3L/s200/P8251207.JPG" border="0" /></a> At 2:30 I found myself sitting in the car counting down the minutes until Anni would be led out the door. The Kindergarten classes are brought out of the building through a different door than everyone else and walked to the recieving area by an aid so the parents can pick them up right at the fence. I waited and waited and then there she was. If you look really close you can see the pink lunchbox on the left side near the bush. That's my little girl. Only she's not so little anymore. <br /></p>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-16990915789330674142008-08-26T08:06:00.000-07:002008-08-26T08:32:20.209-07:00Fair is Fair!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsR2H6vxWvVaxz8G5Kh1AoklnxJoIoeG3gMLByJLbBScB0LEb6s5hf5cOhcKSGJRyn6IsZqUSZBoFi-zy0JczERNxFdfuD7mZH2TJZ7skYhrfa_TegOcFo4TSClLeQJYgpWonzJqawWez/s1600-h/P8211197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238844373930334914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsR2H6vxWvVaxz8G5Kh1AoklnxJoIoeG3gMLByJLbBScB0LEb6s5hf5cOhcKSGJRyn6IsZqUSZBoFi-zy0JczERNxFdfuD7mZH2TJZ7skYhrfa_TegOcFo4TSClLeQJYgpWonzJqawWez/s200/P8211197.JPG" border="0" /></a> After a pretty stressful month the Mitchell family decided to close out the summer with a night of family fun at the Page County Fair. We looked at live stock, rode rides, and had ice cream. Anni deserved the break as much anyone and she had a blast. <br /><br />She loved the lights, the ice cream, the animals..... the night was an all around success. <br /><br />My baby is not a baby anymore. She started Kindergarten this week. I can already see the beautiful (inside and out) young lady she is growing into. I am glad we got to spend this special time with her. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjRZ0XwBwusp_sEbey_kUZ-xk9Vi4Yb2EcwhCUKT6UJf9Mz8mQ9belRbp9NBxysgarbN4OfctgXAs6AgolWRSwacUL4-mwqo4YG0INdyyRakgVImyo9wqV3pfWQInaHqVf4Lhtfww1oCv/s1600-h/P8211195.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238844388329201650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjRZ0XwBwusp_sEbey_kUZ-xk9Vi4Yb2EcwhCUKT6UJf9Mz8mQ9belRbp9NBxysgarbN4OfctgXAs6AgolWRSwacUL4-mwqo4YG0INdyyRakgVImyo9wqV3pfWQInaHqVf4Lhtfww1oCv/s200/P8211195.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y1W8lA6qofrJrDyPj3R7sHG9C2ueVWzLGdHmtKqithWRQ_e72mPu0R5Yh7vtPyj9IX_HMTOW9VYZXLCFYgB42_B853_vDc63XMsplPqlZUgeMV6_m5UkDZHfDem2FuihRM9Yeo9C2cxc/s1600-h/P8211171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238844376396173842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y1W8lA6qofrJrDyPj3R7sHG9C2ueVWzLGdHmtKqithWRQ_e72mPu0R5Yh7vtPyj9IX_HMTOW9VYZXLCFYgB42_B853_vDc63XMsplPqlZUgeMV6_m5UkDZHfDem2FuihRM9Yeo9C2cxc/s200/P8211171.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCQRw-kB7HfWCcl-3wld5K733hTlBFIgE-xgy-c3PEkted_41JKrAids2Zn5sOdw_jM4qbHLcPlLCg7CBnNl1IpQ-TWifu7KlMi45ThyphenhyphenPUJJGwU2_nc5u97McxbPeRWhgOyE5_ia13fkP/s1600-h/P8211198.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y1W8lA6qofrJrDyPj3R7sHG9C2ueVWzLGdHmtKqithWRQ_e72mPu0R5Yh7vtPyj9IX_HMTOW9VYZXLCFYgB42_B853_vDc63XMsplPqlZUgeMV6_m5UkDZHfDem2FuihRM9Yeo9C2cxc/s1600-h/P8211171.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjRZ0XwBwusp_sEbey_kUZ-xk9Vi4Yb2EcwhCUKT6UJf9Mz8mQ9belRbp9NBxysgarbN4OfctgXAs6AgolWRSwacUL4-mwqo4YG0INdyyRakgVImyo9wqV3pfWQInaHqVf4Lhtfww1oCv/s1600-h/P8211195.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y1W8lA6qofrJrDyPj3R7sHG9C2ueVWzLGdHmtKqithWRQ_e72mPu0R5Yh7vtPyj9IX_HMTOW9VYZXLCFYgB42_B853_vDc63XMsplPqlZUgeMV6_m5UkDZHfDem2FuihRM9Yeo9C2cxc/s1600-h/P8211171.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y1W8lA6qofrJrDyPj3R7sHG9C2ueVWzLGdHmtKqithWRQ_e72mPu0R5Yh7vtPyj9IX_HMTOW9VYZXLCFYgB42_B853_vDc63XMsplPqlZUgeMV6_m5UkDZHfDem2FuihRM9Yeo9C2cxc/s1600-h/P8211171.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjRZ0XwBwusp_sEbey_kUZ-xk9Vi4Yb2EcwhCUKT6UJf9Mz8mQ9belRbp9NBxysgarbN4OfctgXAs6AgolWRSwacUL4-mwqo4YG0INdyyRakgVImyo9wqV3pfWQInaHqVf4Lhtfww1oCv/s1600-h/P8211195.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y1W8lA6qofrJrDyPj3R7sHG9C2ueVWzLGdHmtKqithWRQ_e72mPu0R5Yh7vtPyj9IX_HMTOW9VYZXLCFYgB42_B853_vDc63XMsplPqlZUgeMV6_m5UkDZHfDem2FuihRM9Yeo9C2cxc/s1600-h/P8211171.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCQRw-kB7HfWCcl-3wld5K733hTlBFIgE-xgy-c3PEkted_41JKrAids2Zn5sOdw_jM4qbHLcPlLCg7CBnNl1IpQ-TWifu7KlMi45ThyphenhyphenPUJJGwU2_nc5u97McxbPeRWhgOyE5_ia13fkP/s1600-h/P8211198.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVj0l39FOn4ggMmUXl7mtFQnJ0mgQzh7iI7mN8vZH_WBr1n6LK7vkvB9Sp0GJqCcrSqUM048w7iFUQ7GIPlX9pR143shlt8mi7a6FRkmgkV2gf4L9bfTVQM13_D0rpsweR3NF8eray9if/s1600-h/P8211174.JPG"></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVj0l39FOn4ggMmUXl7mtFQnJ0mgQzh7iI7mN8vZH_WBr1n6LK7vkvB9Sp0GJqCcrSqUM048w7iFUQ7GIPlX9pR143shlt8mi7a6FRkmgkV2gf4L9bfTVQM13_D0rpsweR3NF8eray9if/s1600-h/P8211174.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238844393468753250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVj0l39FOn4ggMmUXl7mtFQnJ0mgQzh7iI7mN8vZH_WBr1n6LK7vkvB9Sp0GJqCcrSqUM048w7iFUQ7GIPlX9pR143shlt8mi7a6FRkmgkV2gf4L9bfTVQM13_D0rpsweR3NF8eray9if/s200/P8211174.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCQRw-kB7HfWCcl-3wld5K733hTlBFIgE-xgy-c3PEkted_41JKrAids2Zn5sOdw_jM4qbHLcPlLCg7CBnNl1IpQ-TWifu7KlMi45ThyphenhyphenPUJJGwU2_nc5u97McxbPeRWhgOyE5_ia13fkP/s1600-h/P8211198.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238844405009596754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCQRw-kB7HfWCcl-3wld5K733hTlBFIgE-xgy-c3PEkted_41JKrAids2Zn5sOdw_jM4qbHLcPlLCg7CBnNl1IpQ-TWifu7KlMi45ThyphenhyphenPUJJGwU2_nc5u97McxbPeRWhgOyE5_ia13fkP/s200/P8211198.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-66928093467430032312008-08-14T10:25:00.000-07:002008-08-14T11:17:56.586-07:00She's may be nicer but I'm Sweeter! Honest!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineJPH3FKRym1M5WXkaxh4YDf__U1Ls0Rl3KuITP6pukxBnnz9nj4BFcc0rVFNRUzCTreXjdGkEg3Ikc3K5ZmhfyMjUSb0pTNyzaEbvv2xKn69iGVts8LAWN_EBLmyQB03ZO8oZqYJQWFR/s1600-h/IMG2500_500_205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234426648050888898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineJPH3FKRym1M5WXkaxh4YDf__U1Ls0Rl3KuITP6pukxBnnz9nj4BFcc0rVFNRUzCTreXjdGkEg3Ikc3K5ZmhfyMjUSb0pTNyzaEbvv2xKn69iGVts8LAWN_EBLmyQB03ZO8oZqYJQWFR/s200/IMG2500_500_205.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLek6B67ibQ9nkKrYZH2m4YyYxDALR0UpzT_nR0esj4Ih7lWzTcbED3I-BGTqk_VdT0Poh5n-qu23V_ftoUlEEjqNNwX1mQE46D8_WETDfudb5KZcjK8fHALRteAMptgjVlJwUhFo_2HO-/s1600-h/Gena+in+Knoxville+06.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234426650122320802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLek6B67ibQ9nkKrYZH2m4YyYxDALR0UpzT_nR0esj4Ih7lWzTcbED3I-BGTqk_VdT0Poh5n-qu23V_ftoUlEEjqNNwX1mQE46D8_WETDfudb5KZcjK8fHALRteAMptgjVlJwUhFo_2HO-/s200/Gena+in+Knoxville+06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is my sister Toni. She has always told everyone, "Gena's prettier, but I'm nicer." I'm not going to say there is much truth in that statement but, as of yesterday, I can honestly say, "I'm sweeter!" Yes folks as you can see I have documented proof that Gena Mitchell is way too sweet.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_E_utrc0z5YwFJM59tO4y2MkEBbFyNJJgVLqsRKuF6GNZnMFyzHl-Rx6UVZ8H786d6rp9LPPFJvdzhiUNsHn7L9QXWHAGrRR6YV40ptSVd67ifkX5DmE-hu8zNgcKZf4IY3EPuGPUKdO/s1600-h/scrip+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234426651242944514" style="WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" height="125" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_E_utrc0z5YwFJM59tO4y2MkEBbFyNJJgVLqsRKuF6GNZnMFyzHl-Rx6UVZ8H786d6rp9LPPFJvdzhiUNsHn7L9QXWHAGrRR6YV40ptSVd67ifkX5DmE-hu8zNgcKZf4IY3EPuGPUKdO/s200/scrip+2.jpg" width="363" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First you must understand how terrified I am of doctors and anything involving the possibility of discomfort, and while I seem to be making light of the situation right now, I can assure you I have been under extreme stress for the past four weeks, dealing with some health and emotional issues. Because of this, I had to visit my doctor yesterday, and I have officially been diagnosed, diabetic, which is not surprising since my parents developed the disease as well. My sister, God love her, although she has battled many other ailments, has perfectly normal sugar levels, which brings me to the point of this blog. HEY TONI! I'M SWEETER!!!!<br /><br />Seriously, I love my sister. She's a nurse and knows my fears. She was, and still is, a tremendous help to me during this time. She let me cry and be irrational, and loved me anyway.<br /><br />I cannot forget to mention a few other people who have been so supportive. Becky, I love you, thank you for helping me with the diet. We can do this! And Chelle, thanks for enduring all of the crazy text messages and knowing when to give me my space. I so wish we could be closer. Thank you, Steve too, for your love and prayers. They meant more than you will ever know.<br />Last and certainly not least, James. I could not have gotten through yesterday, or the past month without you. I love you.<br /><br />For me, this journey is just beginning, but I'm doing much better today. God has blessed me with a doctor who is far more patient and understanding than I have ever known a doctor to be. I am constantly amazed at the grace I am shown by the Father. To think it would matter to Him that I am afraid. I have no words to describe how humbled I feel. Thank you Lord.Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-62230415982471296562008-08-06T12:38:00.001-07:002008-08-06T17:06:06.848-07:00Georgia On My Mind<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXpsQ0OyB27aUbLYp2kIIGROwhChYw6L5ZPU4Ac3JJKp4lUe-ULH7w9j4jQNnPvKgMPnoPcPEWZA9GJ8uQ_wXouXii_z96TBKcMCzV0XahK_Cy_a3QdQUPdL0k-VDSOSsWXBv91jMyZeQ/s1600-h/P8021138.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231492315568482946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXpsQ0OyB27aUbLYp2kIIGROwhChYw6L5ZPU4Ac3JJKp4lUe-ULH7w9j4jQNnPvKgMPnoPcPEWZA9GJ8uQ_wXouXii_z96TBKcMCzV0XahK_Cy_a3QdQUPdL0k-VDSOSsWXBv91jMyZeQ/s200/P8021138.JPG" border="0" /></a> I know it has been quite some time since the blog world has heard from me. Please excuse my absence. I have been otherwise occupied with life and this is the first time I have either had the chance to post or felt like doing so.<br /><br />Two days ago Anni and I returned from a two-week visit with my sister, Toni, in Valdosta, Georgia. It had been close to a year since the last time we were together and the visit was overdue.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt-m5AS_pYPpElEP-SU-s7jsL0dxxIN4BT6r1zOYi9RZMVQOeWkUgdgSggzSG6nB8RNgN7DwBGijQo9XwOgH67Kd5JnRVTLlX1aH1vrRoclzaE6SYlG_YozAwRBD2-P4AQVc2dz0jltg4/s1600-h/P8031147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231492321607626018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt-m5AS_pYPpElEP-SU-s7jsL0dxxIN4BT6r1zOYi9RZMVQOeWkUgdgSggzSG6nB8RNgN7DwBGijQo9XwOgH67Kd5JnRVTLlX1aH1vrRoclzaE6SYlG_YozAwRBD2-P4AQVc2dz0jltg4/s200/P8031147.JPG" border="0" /></a> My niece Becky and her two daughters had just moved down so our days were busy job hunting and just catching up on each others lives. Toni works a full-time job so my time with her was limited to evenings. We spent lots of time playing spades, hearts, Mexican train dominoes and darts. We had a blast. Lots of needed laughs for all of us<br /><br />I realized that I don't miss the humidity of the South. It rained most of the time I was there but at least it offered some needed relief from the heat. I don't know how I survived before!<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4mSsuE8GTQvXS4G96DVasVNauHLO9YOOS6zWJ_Plm4M7uFCAGq1KAz36Ijpi935WUWXDlnus8nNKkdPsSj09-NqhiPFMHy6TWAQ7UvyI5EFP_Xpww_TxAn_Kev0Xs463a9MLw2uyuM8-/s1600-h/P8031148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231492327046803362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4mSsuE8GTQvXS4G96DVasVNauHLO9YOOS6zWJ_Plm4M7uFCAGq1KAz36Ijpi935WUWXDlnus8nNKkdPsSj09-NqhiPFMHy6TWAQ7UvyI5EFP_Xpww_TxAn_Kev0Xs463a9MLw2uyuM8-/s200/P8031148.JPG" border="0" /></a> The morning I left was Katia's first day of Kindergarten, I didn't get a good picture of Becky which is why she is not shown. (Mommy was not a happy camper and I didn't think she would appreciate the only pic I had of her) Katia was a little apprehensive but excited. Her school is brand new so the building is bright shiny and new.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCFbelE2_4PSh0vtIjJn73j8aLLNY25nMi0cTbyK3r01tS2VXLkdnL8Ewo9gmVdFNpXXKn7bYbOt-1axE6Rh6FWJbuT189uK-zEzbYwbxwZg64Mf4K4llBF1DY-GNWUxQHxf-JRaUtIxx/s1600-h/P8031151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231492328651084338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCFbelE2_4PSh0vtIjJn73j8aLLNY25nMi0cTbyK3r01tS2VXLkdnL8Ewo9gmVdFNpXXKn7bYbOt-1axE6Rh6FWJbuT189uK-zEzbYwbxwZg64Mf4K4llBF1DY-GNWUxQHxf-JRaUtIxx/s200/P8031151.JPG" border="0" /></a> Larry is as crazy as ever (I'm sure it has nothing to do with living with Toni) and there doesn't seem to be any hope for change. At this point we wouldn't want him to change anyway! He keeps the family supplied with lots of laughs. There's one in every family.</p><p></p>Not much else to report right now. If I can recover from the two 14-hour drives in the past two weeks, hopefully I will be back regularly. Next time I'm definitely not going without someone to help me drive or I'm going to fly! What was I thinking? It was great to get to see the family though.Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-27184544956019820162008-07-07T05:57:00.000-07:002008-07-07T06:34:45.837-07:00My Little Girl Is Growing Up!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXpuDw7XOevvTlhWJmr2na_Cmn1pM_F1sX3DdzfzzjxvOSVk9Slgnob7LzXD7huX8dgJOuKdLA0E3dqd4Ra76rYyeGARDS0Ziqhr_gOqmdRHOtMK7NpVwtCLHccv8wjdBcYOv6iCnzZy_/s1600-h/P7061114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220262736854710434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXpuDw7XOevvTlhWJmr2na_Cmn1pM_F1sX3DdzfzzjxvOSVk9Slgnob7LzXD7huX8dgJOuKdLA0E3dqd4Ra76rYyeGARDS0Ziqhr_gOqmdRHOtMK7NpVwtCLHccv8wjdBcYOv6iCnzZy_/s200/P7061114.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220263277857896482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PbnLICf-5heJRUR6L4JB-bujgYm4kdfTl8ZBWWaO_HTb1ornWRHhCCXLcCVDGWXOKbmm6VsJ3KosCMfXY8DXSbffJXDjG0uNWG5rP-HgmpfgNAwEZcIlluESOxHUNpb_7_eWhuOa77XD/s200/P7061116.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwahSuVlfQW7pE2R_IWMq0WvqTAB74H2-LShGr9zhwBffewIILGj5gdTExdmxlmWYoaaUDbjlUouamRB6H67mEbXFuR_eHYlpq3Q_UJItb9MhSWHJeCLQdTeyQmo_ffxwYuFrZvfvLD659/s1600-h/P7061121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220262743633840050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwahSuVlfQW7pE2R_IWMq0WvqTAB74H2-LShGr9zhwBffewIILGj5gdTExdmxlmWYoaaUDbjlUouamRB6H67mEbXFuR_eHYlpq3Q_UJItb9MhSWHJeCLQdTeyQmo_ffxwYuFrZvfvLD659/s200/P7061121.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bpf1ihx75g1Mk7OY5HP3ohLAv1mM73RZ_N1oi1xW3L_1TlRmc8i5rqVbdDZV7mHyQwJwYULwEvUuvBpm51JjtEKd89mHxsfKrdSD-EdqVypTYiOWfSdwo3fXkzC5n5nRmNYJAsD7X0tn/s1600-h/P7061122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220262747019899746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bpf1ihx75g1Mk7OY5HP3ohLAv1mM73RZ_N1oi1xW3L_1TlRmc8i5rqVbdDZV7mHyQwJwYULwEvUuvBpm51JjtEKd89mHxsfKrdSD-EdqVypTYiOWfSdwo3fXkzC5n5nRmNYJAsD7X0tn/s200/P7061122.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220263289252849826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-Ec2WDEX25lM7nQcPko1DGo1IESmH1k_z6rzEDiK_5QPUMq2-4WMpx8NXe09R3Vv2UuQolmPyWRzXeP-3htyqcYASlwmW5HE5SsG8wJBMvP8wZyMw7gwMhDaxtTGZHWpGuDO858p0dBx/s200/P7061124.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEXN6di5zaAgVMiX8yLkhdohHFCQ3SjTsRD1YQjrjNZT2AlTynxoQ1tlTAVdHzsJXTvY3aubN2imIRH4v1fh14vhOt1YmGnv5OCWPi3QttOCNUseWDVAK24ncqkPGHjIHbWHxYphA3rJy/s1600-h/P7061125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220262757979145250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEXN6di5zaAgVMiX8yLkhdohHFCQ3SjTsRD1YQjrjNZT2AlTynxoQ1tlTAVdHzsJXTvY3aubN2imIRH4v1fh14vhOt1YmGnv5OCWPi3QttOCNUseWDVAK24ncqkPGHjIHbWHxYphA3rJy/s200/P7061125.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Today was Anni's first "unofficial" day of Kindergarten. Her school offers a 13 day Jumpstart program for little people beginning Kindergarten in the fall. Since Anni is only going to make the age deadline by 15 days we decided to take advantage of the program to help her with the transition. </div><br /><br /><div>We arrived at the school at 7:45 and gathered with the other parents and children in the cafeteria. The teacher came in an collected us, then it was off to the classroom. Anni was being a trooper. No tears just some apprehension. She wanted me to hold her hand and she wasn't letting any distance get between us. I kept praying, "God please don't let me cry!" We arrived at the classroom and I helped Anni find her seat. The teacher began handing out color papers and then a few of the kids began to cry. Not my Anni girl. She was really awesome. I was afraid she might start crying because she felt bad for the children who were upset. The little girl beside her was having a hard time and I leaned down and said, "Why don't you try to be her friend today, then maybe she'll feel better okay?" she nodded and I told her I was going to go. She grabbed my hand and I thought I was going to lose it, but I kept praying. Anni looked up at me and said, "Mommy, you can go get in the car, but you can't leave. You just stay right there! Isn't that a good i-plan?" She has always combined the words "idea" and "plan". This made we laugh even though I was on the verge of tears. I assured her I would be close by and that I'd be there to pick her up when it was time. I got me some shuga and then I stepped outside the door. After I made sure all was okay I headed home.</div><br /><br /><div>So here I am, in my living room blubbering like an idiot. Noggin isn't on the TV. It's quiet except for the tinkling sound of the fish tank pump. These are going to be 4 of the longest hours of my life. Anni - my beautiful little lady. Today Kindergarten - Tomorrow......... I don't even want to think about it!</div></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-66300440649877870872008-07-01T09:57:00.001-07:002008-07-01T10:49:01.320-07:00New Addition to the FamilySunday morning in church James' phone began to vibrate on his side. He leaned over to me and whispered, "My phone is ringing." He glanced down at the LCD and looked back with a grin. It was the call we'd been waiting for! Waiting 3 weeks in fact. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhqGH8q5alN0Nt4FPLu6BAF51XZw5-SK0z8nvJsinoqSKFsOczc0krj69HQ84wAnMYk9GCKyZR5Nqp5mhKapWQW8nQNmJoXDGVPSHaN56RAKXk4MzRx3Tpy7DvKoWHFHrUbCtDFEKZCJx/s1600-h/P6301101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218091938201824834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhqGH8q5alN0Nt4FPLu6BAF51XZw5-SK0z8nvJsinoqSKFsOczc0krj69HQ84wAnMYk9GCKyZR5Nqp5mhKapWQW8nQNmJoXDGVPSHaN56RAKXk4MzRx3Tpy7DvKoWHFHrUbCtDFEKZCJx/s320/P6301101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After the service dismissed I hurried to the back to collect Anni from her class and met James in the parking lot. Sure enough, my new Dodge Charger had finally arrived and she was waiting on me in Dulles!<br /><br />This has been my dream car since they came out in 2006. We have had an explorer for 11 years now and it's been a great family vehicle but we knew it was on its last leg and started looking around. I found a few deals online and showed them to James. He looked at me a little puzzled and said, "I thought you wanted a charger." <br />Well ladies and gentlemen, I almost passed out. "What? You mean.......? Do you really think.....?" As you can tell I was unable to form complete sentences. We set out looking and found the perfect one. I've always wanted a black charger with a rear spoiler and James wanted a sunroof. We found one in Wichita, Kansas worked out the financing and got the transfer underway. <br /><br />Here's where the waiting came in. THREE WEEKS! I thought I would die. The wait was finally over!<br /><br />So after we rushed home, changed clothes and picked up the dog, (this was a family outing) we we on our way to Dulles to pick up our newest family member.<br />We didn't get home until after dark so I couldn't take pics until yesterday, which are limited because it rained all day, and I couldn't keep Bit Bit (the dog - notice he thinks it's his car!) and Anni out of it (She thinks it's her new DVD player - I was instructed to photograph the entertainment system for you all, an<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4Rby_zYIKzCp2dj4-0rzQuFtj7i1TIJxGjUK6Ix3RilLjK6d0EjMXoCiEARcJIeFoF3hvpnviAfoIXR7KQ-qWg1wdqpQhq4n-DfWikLguIRYkvAY1bc877SmYobEl-VAlA5JFZxymC4o/s1600-h/P6301098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218092230911033202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4Rby_zYIKzCp2dj4-0rzQuFtj7i1TIJxGjUK6Ix3RilLjK6d0EjMXoCiEARcJIeFoF3hvpnviAfoIXR7KQ-qWg1wdqpQhq4n-DfWikLguIRYkvAY1bc877SmYobEl-VAlA5JFZxymC4o/s320/P6301098.JPG" border="0" /></a>d did so promptly, while she posed by the car!). I absolutely love it! <br /><br />We are so blessed, all we asked for was black paint, a rear spoiler, and a sunroof. We were given much more! It's got all the bells and whistles - Navigation System, DVD Player, Sunroof, Rear Spoiler, Leather Seats, Power Front Seats, Front CD Changer, Power locks, Power mirrors, Power windows, Heated Front Seats, a Hemi that can growl like no other! Wow! What a car! Now if I could just afford to put gas in it so I could go somewhere. Ha Ha<br /><br />And for all you guys out there negotiating contracts with your wives, FYI no contract was drafte<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzLZogXa9vMGH-O-hqXQ4EvaLhxxByhopEmi97hxkmGKHsEH6HtdHWfIJviGLZAu3lNxRPHrCjAV0i8YjNHIb4_XjAjxSmK_90rPQPXvUJaV1atsw5Sru2V_vrBvJLXy_7zcq1rQTEOrX/s1600-h/P6301099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218091953517140866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzLZogXa9vMGH-O-hqXQ4EvaLhxxByhopEmi97hxkmGKHsEH6HtdHWfIJviGLZAu3lNxRPHrCjAV0i8YjNHIb4_XjAjxSmK_90rPQPXvUJaV1atsw5Sru2V_vrBvJLXy_7zcq1rQTEOrX/s320/P6301099.JPG" border="0" /></a>d for this. When I asked him if he was sure he wanted to invest this much in a car right now he said, "You've always settled. You shouldn't have to do it this time." A statement like that will benefit the man more than any contract terms I can think of. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVFr43N2cZ6WIftn680YPw-u1Idrtbl6UfOe76CFqLgSX2MZEtI30miT7r1q2RHkRfLJSWz-gGZKVdavXfXid-liwpUZoVCT6F9j6Hlpgf3jqVC69ShBs81ZQ-OnC0r63vA8zwj8rvEGq/s1600-h/P6301097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218091947463525474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVFr43N2cZ6WIftn680YPw-u1Idrtbl6UfOe76CFqLgSX2MZEtI30miT7r1q2RHkRfLJSWz-gGZKVdavXfXid-liwpUZoVCT6F9j6Hlpgf3jqVC69ShBs81ZQ-OnC0r63vA8zwj8rvEGq/s320/P6301097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzLZogXa9vMGH-O-hqXQ4EvaLhxxByhopEmi97hxkmGKHsEH6HtdHWfIJviGLZAu3lNxRPHrCjAV0i8YjNHIb4_XjAjxSmK_90rPQPXvUJaV1atsw5Sru2V_vrBvJLXy_7zcq1rQTEOrX/s1600-h/P6301099.JPG"></a><br /> All joking aside. I do have a great husband. I just want everyone to know how much I love him. He's not perfect. I'm not perfect. Our life isn't perfect. Our marriage isn't perfect. But just like the charger, when we put all that stuff into God's more than capable hands, we get more than we could ever want or deserve! God is more than good - he's perfect - all the time!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218091964487712258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oGizj8JVufEAbixEoy3wqpP2EqMs60r__ZqN5t8Mu4cLZJgha3-_q7Kw2TpHrC1KPrkVQKO-JkhMnlAgXgBoQn6b9bypVCZUyMNTMqiw_F8eU7sGQqW0HVMHnOuWe5xD_hpQG9UD22Jn/s320/P6301100.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrlBG3NOgxlmm8PByXAHqieZJ0oxM0h7vFNAHXeRj4GlVXspID-npioDcuOav79Oy2TXAIRDJE3L9IguAcT96yD99R9jxvmZgI5i_HLvMSq9TLVUxCeCtx5AJsAtWYR8DJWQvqgvp5Nyy/s1600-h/P6301102.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218091960930039506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrlBG3NOgxlmm8PByXAHqieZJ0oxM0h7vFNAHXeRj4GlVXspID-npioDcuOav79Oy2TXAIRDJE3L9IguAcT96yD99R9jxvmZgI5i_HLvMSq9TLVUxCeCtx5AJsAtWYR8DJWQvqgvp5Nyy/s320/P6301102.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-46008606246743998462008-06-26T08:03:00.000-07:002008-06-26T11:19:53.008-07:00Quality not Quantity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NQ_NqfYVbdPTlpdRix3ZFO_ZnXfrcFw95szb_EO7r-i95_YrA2YJKhq1YVEJ9rc4HyDkmdjMKXT3bSHkVEmSD39SlSoAhW1nX8_OjHo2OAuBrQycXBOHcQk7vBEbMYAxR5rIpd72KtzC/s1600-h/P6221056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216211114205911570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NQ_NqfYVbdPTlpdRix3ZFO_ZnXfrcFw95szb_EO7r-i95_YrA2YJKhq1YVEJ9rc4HyDkmdjMKXT3bSHkVEmSD39SlSoAhW1nX8_OjHo2OAuBrQycXBOHcQk7vBEbMYAxR5rIpd72KtzC/s200/P6221056.JPG" border="0" /></a>This past weekend the Mitchell Family spent Saturday outdoors. Our favorite park is called "Imagination Station". There is an amazing maze of ramps, slides, swings and other various play things for Anni to enjoy and the scenery is breath-taking. We don't seem to get much family time anymore. James and I are always doing school work and if not that, the summer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stormy</span> season has kept James working overtime. We try to make the most of the time we do get to spend together by just enjoying the fact that God gave us each <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XZPieyTlZRs-7RJndbiS4alaiPlP8B_oJLYSXedj3doHmh3NAqnDbC1V5xwr0ZJgi53hfbyBDoX3gss_4F6syrvWP0FFMI9epgctVbO8Y2JrjygoWhHo_omBYsuueOaj0gUZ-sSyT902/s1600-h/P6221062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216216958995499426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XZPieyTlZRs-7RJndbiS4alaiPlP8B_oJLYSXedj3doHmh3NAqnDbC1V5xwr0ZJgi53hfbyBDoX3gss_4F6syrvWP0FFMI9epgctVbO8Y2JrjygoWhHo_omBYsuueOaj0gUZ-sSyT902/s200/P6221062.JPG" border="0" /></a>other. I think we forget how awesome that is sometimes.<br /><br /><div>Saturday was an awesome time to just hang out together and remember how blessed we are. I don't like living in this small town but I must admit it is a beautiful place. We are surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and wildlife. I hope you enjoy the pics. </div><br /><div>Our outing started with a great view of the mountains on the walking trail at the park and ended at "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hawks bill</span> creek" were we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84kAcPKbGQdiHbYy5zeCojwIAl-_xmje2RxPBIivRdzR0spTJV53uai2_cKVu06_4BB_VvJPmzj_odIp8PH1M0vY-BmdqVLBb7XgNZbYlBLLP7XYqgJdClES9D74gnNIi5-pwaLaFGc26/s1600-h/P6221063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216216966474673490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84kAcPKbGQdiHbYy5zeCojwIAl-_xmje2RxPBIivRdzR0spTJV53uai2_cKVu06_4BB_VvJPmzj_odIp8PH1M0vY-BmdqVLBb7XgNZbYlBLLP7XYqgJdClES9D74gnNIi5-pwaLaFGc26/s200/P6221063.JPG" border="0" /></a>found some new baby ducks and James taught Anni how to cast her Barbie fishing rod. The girl is almost a pro. I think she only sunk a hook into daddy's leg once. Yes she fishes with real hooks and catches real fish. She is quite the angler. Daddy doesn't let her bait her own hook yet but it wont be long. Then we headed home and Anni and Bit Bit (the dog) finished off the last of the corn (bait).</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcfWFCRPJSmP6CyrHZZ0gwcjobtA-ho1QSqtkhbWJggsJds3Rjnxru09GfhFLN7SZIPRkwcW-AB8DYwlc0em8ylaAbLqp3BLyMg29eXyWNX5VSLzlONl94inaV2vqfACt5jg2HgxoKzUE/s1600-h/P6221082.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXWmjQXM0n8xVvel_aNCe3iENvYu_6VsAbJO8SxhxFBW2BdiBb7CQWOx439BW961WLCwsick9DCZZtZAbE5JH9KAKmB8LwVeGWuN8uxOkStIyNwLpNPl6L1QTwPtj2KLmOsRFPHZv0XIU/s1600-h/P6221077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216211136695307410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="171" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXWmjQXM0n8xVvel_aNCe3iENvYu_6VsAbJO8SxhxFBW2BdiBb7CQWOx439BW961WLCwsick9DCZZtZAbE5JH9KAKmB8LwVeGWuN8uxOkStIyNwLpNPl6L1QTwPtj2KLmOsRFPHZv0XIU/s200/P6221077.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYISsic5vtHbVyQ1c8EFN_R7zBYKt0T87oMal9rk5xrZohmmwb5ny1kEDU-Q4mT-zEvNZj1CqtVciGRPk9b0V0iUUHFQFfSV9d5qRF1lXdLPcV978PtDpFWAQ14e5T5u-wPx4Z9ExjNdKr/s1600-h/P6221073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216211127094371458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYISsic5vtHbVyQ1c8EFN_R7zBYKt0T87oMal9rk5xrZohmmwb5ny1kEDU-Q4mT-zEvNZj1CqtVciGRPk9b0V0iUUHFQFfSV9d5qRF1lXdLPcV978PtDpFWAQ14e5T5u-wPx4Z9ExjNdKr/s200/P6221073.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcfWFCRPJSmP6CyrHZZ0gwcjobtA-ho1QSqtkhbWJggsJds3Rjnxru09GfhFLN7SZIPRkwcW-AB8DYwlc0em8ylaAbLqp3BLyMg29eXyWNX5VSLzlONl94inaV2vqfACt5jg2HgxoKzUE/s1600-h/P6221082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216211144341224322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcfWFCRPJSmP6CyrHZZ0gwcjobtA-ho1QSqtkhbWJggsJds3Rjnxru09GfhFLN7SZIPRkwcW-AB8DYwlc0em8ylaAbLqp3BLyMg29eXyWNX5VSLzlONl94inaV2vqfACt5jg2HgxoKzUE/s200/P6221082.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYISsic5vtHbVyQ1c8EFN_R7zBYKt0T87oMal9rk5xrZohmmwb5ny1kEDU-Q4mT-zEvNZj1CqtVciGRPk9b0V0iUUHFQFfSV9d5qRF1lXdLPcV978PtDpFWAQ14e5T5u-wPx4Z9ExjNdKr/s1600-h/P6221073.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYISsic5vtHbVyQ1c8EFN_R7zBYKt0T87oMal9rk5xrZohmmwb5ny1kEDU-Q4mT-zEvNZj1CqtVciGRPk9b0V0iUUHFQFfSV9d5qRF1lXdLPcV978PtDpFWAQ14e5T5u-wPx4Z9ExjNdKr/s1600-h/P6221073.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcfWFCRPJSmP6CyrHZZ0gwcjobtA-ho1QSqtkhbWJggsJds3Rjnxru09GfhFLN7SZIPRkwcW-AB8DYwlc0em8ylaAbLqp3BLyMg29eXyWNX5VSLzlONl94inaV2vqfACt5jg2HgxoKzUE/s1600-h/P6221082.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcfWFCRPJSmP6CyrHZZ0gwcjobtA-ho1QSqtkhbWJggsJds3Rjnxru09GfhFLN7SZIPRkwcW-AB8DYwlc0em8ylaAbLqp3BLyMg29eXyWNX5VSLzlONl94inaV2vqfACt5jg2HgxoKzUE/s1600-h/P6221082.JPG"></a></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-12660817979273802622008-06-23T13:16:00.000-07:002008-06-23T14:45:43.620-07:00Mother's Day Gift - Worth the Wait!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215174540143807922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="203" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPh2fTd3IPTmZAgghckLaPP4_UAyIHqZ03iHBaUbQEOhgKtqONvIWm5XOUfNO4ycwvxfvcid_oLrDzrGlql282VkvDiSiufpBEG_NKJ2CV6ww7a_wLrAk2dgVKDDeQLmSCtNLDXGulLhqX/s320/P6231083.JPG" width="281" border="0" />It finally came! My long-awaited Mother's Day gift. James, with the help of my good friend Michelle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kiefer</span> and my newest friend Sharon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sossaman</span>, ordered this custom designed handbag for me.<br /><br />Truly this is my favorite picture. My beautiful little Anni offering her sweet "sugars". I look into those sparkling eyes and that happy face and I thank God for her. This is a gift I would never have thought to ask for yet it leaves me breathless; both the purse and the child.<br /><br />She has made me more than a Mommy. She has made a better person. This story is much longer than I am sure any of you have time to sit and read so I'll try to be brief.<br /><br />One day I get a phone call from a young woman telling me she wants me and James to adopt her baby. There was an appointment to "terminate the pregnancy" the next day and an answer had to be given immediately. We said yes! We didn't know how we would make it financially, but God was in control and we knew we couldn't let this child be needlessly taken from the world.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215174553040117314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="214" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAcbtcrHAVnt-uxsF5OvT7iScz9hMWi9T4AAqAJNhUEpcfL_AVX-BRYqO_ltIDA_jSJRZFSX_sxUOvJSHA2x-XMM0JsKa3bvbjmhp5rk4nFFYIZBKvsRKef28N1a4ETJkRjE3KgESU6DA/s320/P6231092.JPG" width="294" border="0" /><br /><br />It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. We know that Anni was created for us and that we were created for her. She is our Joy in the Lord personified. I am eternally grateful that I have a wonderful husband and two amazing friends who would help preserve a precious moment for me this way. I love my Anni sugars and it only gets better than this when I get them in person.<br /><br />I love you Anni. Now gimme sum <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shuga</span>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215181306782814226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7GrSWJn7tr4HaeCvosnfTDVFIXUDjaCjTsGzKA8X14RnsMN4EK1j9zHmZ2KqM8j4WwdCVv6fMeeV3SMxXgcwH47ga5qmZSAII9UbM2NmGp8pWMrbA-3xW2LzEjOw5JwTgo2FmBHOgc_R/s320/P6231091.JPG" border="0" />Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-51748200204626669522008-06-16T09:44:00.000-07:002008-06-16T12:58:16.941-07:00The Cream of the Crop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nYNGu0sH7Q6dGOLM-fmfOH_k93QiV7KlnkZ0voTHtDmnaywtiw3EVqzYoDxa-K-GF5iRHe8XXzEAEBqzAlX9-tjXCmkFaH3BjCPaJkLB28Nrsn7SEVIyKNMJxEHPJhzGaM5aIAti_fP0/s1600-h/P6151052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212536051718186130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="212" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nYNGu0sH7Q6dGOLM-fmfOH_k93QiV7KlnkZ0voTHtDmnaywtiw3EVqzYoDxa-K-GF5iRHe8XXzEAEBqzAlX9-tjXCmkFaH3BjCPaJkLB28Nrsn7SEVIyKNMJxEHPJhzGaM5aIAti_fP0/s320/P6151052.JPG" width="285" border="0" /></a> Yesterday the Mitchell family started their Father's Day celebration in the traditional way. Breakfast, gifts for Daddy, and off to church. After church we took the man of honor to Cracker Barrel for fried catfish and a game of checkers with his Anni girl. When we returned home the two of them hit the pool while Mom hit the books, trying to finish an assignment that was due. <div>It was a nice day.<br /></div><div>As the day was coming to an end, I went outside to check on the water bugs. They were out of the pool and Daddy was doing his usual thing; overseeing Anni's bike riding and bubble blowing or anything else Anni decides she wants to do. The connection they have is amazing to watch. She is, without a doubt, Daddy's girl.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn-qzA5FJBkKOG3qeI6SsYLU1R-Vh-qUCx2tNZTQNGMULco1_qX_YJlmC6r8KVcuaMIbvMToRLGm7EJEILQjnfocd9gLrSYhBtifo42l076ZOJapv9hSJCvGihp9aVmjYCt_HVkJrXWth/s1600-h/P6151053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212536064130782050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="202" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn-qzA5FJBkKOG3qeI6SsYLU1R-Vh-qUCx2tNZTQNGMULco1_qX_YJlmC6r8KVcuaMIbvMToRLGm7EJEILQjnfocd9gLrSYhBtifo42l076ZOJapv9hSJCvGihp9aVmjYCt_HVkJrXWth/s320/P6151053.JPG" width="269" border="0" /></a>Anyway, we have this small cherry tree in our back yard. I love to cook and it drives me crazy to waste free produce. James know this so he asked if I was planning to do anything with the cherries. Persuaded to act, last week I picked a couple of bowls of these little sour rubies and made homemade cherry pie filling. So I decided to pick another bowl before the sun went down and we called it a night. Anni wanted to help, of course, and she said, "Daddy, wanna help momma pick thum chaiweeth?" James said, "sure". When they got over to the tree James noticed that all of the best fruit was at the top. He said, "Man look at all those up there!" I said, "Yeah, but I can't get to them. Guess I'll just leave them for the birds." The next thing I know James pushes his way into the middle of the tree, grabs one of the upper branches, pulls it down and says, "here I'll hold the branch - you pick. You know this is a real find! You should blog about it." I realized he was right. Not about the cherries though. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimp-gjZkW78xXRkjrTAvkXLSKnU1jdzkotUXXVUV4RCypm3QneoxlZmftuQ8hFTrtWqBIXwMksaPZ7rrvqPCHCfMCNgnspYQCfbJRFQd31rduXClKoISaxXVmscipAtk_JTs-gs3J2EGg/s1600-h/P4050589.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212536038927169010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px" height="233" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimp-gjZkW78xXRkjrTAvkXLSKnU1jdzkotUXXVUV4RCypm3QneoxlZmftuQ8hFTrtWqBIXwMksaPZ7rrvqPCHCfMCNgnspYQCfbJRFQd31rduXClKoISaxXVmscipAtk_JTs-gs3J2EGg/s320/P4050589.JPG" width="320" border="0" /></a></div>Oh they are great, but nowhere near as great as the guy holding the branch. I know it didn't really matter to him whether I got the cherries at the top of that tree. He knew it mattered to me. It was Father's Day and he could have spent the day on the couch watching T.V. We would have let him. Instead he spent it doing what he does best; being Anni's Daddy, and being not only the love of my life, but my best friend. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimp-gjZkW78xXRkjrTAvkXLSKnU1jdzkotUXXVUV4RCypm3QneoxlZmftuQ8hFTrtWqBIXwMksaPZ7rrvqPCHCfMCNgnspYQCfbJRFQd31rduXClKoISaxXVmscipAtk_JTs-gs3J2EGg/s1600-h/P4050589.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimp-gjZkW78xXRkjrTAvkXLSKnU1jdzkotUXXVUV4RCypm3QneoxlZmftuQ8hFTrtWqBIXwMksaPZ7rrvqPCHCfMCNgnspYQCfbJRFQd31rduXClKoISaxXVmscipAtk_JTs-gs3J2EGg/s1600-h/P4050589.JPG"></a></div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimp-gjZkW78xXRkjrTAvkXLSKnU1jdzkotUXXVUV4RCypm3QneoxlZmftuQ8hFTrtWqBIXwMksaPZ7rrvqPCHCfMCNgnspYQCfbJRFQd31rduXClKoISaxXVmscipAtk_JTs-gs3J2EGg/s1600-h/P4050589.JPG"></a></div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimp-gjZkW78xXRkjrTAvkXLSKnU1jdzkotUXXVUV4RCypm3QneoxlZmftuQ8hFTrtWqBIXwMksaPZ7rrvqPCHCfMCNgnspYQCfbJRFQd31rduXClKoISaxXVmscipAtk_JTs-gs3J2EGg/s1600-h/P4050589.JPG"></a></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-34689095141234815602008-06-12T12:58:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:37:19.750-07:00She wants FABULOUS!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacVHr0k8BWNc35_H8_LNSf8TtSmUTHpN1o8DgRJ6ahyphenhyphentLXz-aA7UoBK-FvtyCOPf-Fv8sCzcjU2rSXJIUYQttYj8p1wEM5_Ne62lTWwsAwFGpYjzgpqGCfg-FG3DWK70SOU8ZWjB852SM/s1600-h/P6111045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211102724789056114" style="WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" height="240" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacVHr0k8BWNc35_H8_LNSf8TtSmUTHpN1o8DgRJ6ahyphenhyphentLXz-aA7UoBK-FvtyCOPf-Fv8sCzcjU2rSXJIUYQttYj8p1wEM5_Ne62lTWwsAwFGpYjzgpqGCfg-FG3DWK70SOU8ZWjB852SM/s320/P6111045.JPG" width="281" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRA52DynOIKBbcBI12EVDdDlGI9tPnSDxtvduVUuBWlFd7Wv9EcBHbPp0HZpjccmM3hfTD9K4Njg03egkEN2jI5iEGHIXgeZBgXN5sVX5DKiljIb4QAigaVwu6YT4cG6qlIJktGvw5ui-B/s1600-h/P6111041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211102736292144210" style="WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" height="203" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRA52DynOIKBbcBI12EVDdDlGI9tPnSDxtvduVUuBWlFd7Wv9EcBHbPp0HZpjccmM3hfTD9K4Njg03egkEN2jI5iEGHIXgeZBgXN5sVX5DKiljIb4QAigaVwu6YT4cG6qlIJktGvw5ui-B/s320/P6111041.JPG" width="291" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>We have been waiting all winter to buy a pool for Anni. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgY6ZpMILmkX59omw2-Y2S7gI6sk01poNPO4MF8eEaZcz0QXtHhOqkmEQH7v1cRf6h8_EA7__CRYR50dP2o9N0cZryoddqzHDXTE2nib_JYM1d2pZcKfd-hLt5xav8e9Y0bT_wQIkd0YK/s1600-h/P6111033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211089855104034578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="197" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgY6ZpMILmkX59omw2-Y2S7gI6sk01poNPO4MF8eEaZcz0QXtHhOqkmEQH7v1cRf6h8_EA7__CRYR50dP2o9N0cZryoddqzHDXTE2nib_JYM1d2pZcKfd-hLt5xav8e9Y0bT_wQIkd0YK/s320/P6111033.JPG" width="269" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Last week the day finally came. It was a family outing. We piled in the car go to Wally World to make our purchase. We rush home and...............well after setting everything out we realized there was not one level spot in our yard. However, we tried as best we could to make it work. It didn't...... after filling the pool to about 5 or 6 inches (on one side) the whole thing collapsed. Anni was not impressed. I got frustrated and James just walked off and sat with his back to it. (I think he was trying to keep the 4 year old from hearing some major bad words) I went in the house and called my good friend Michelle Kiefer (not that I'm required to give her credit or anything) to vent and she says, "be sure to take pics so you can blog about it. So here I am. Telling the tale.<br /></div><div>Anyway, after we settled down, we decided that this little pool would not get the best of us. So we did what anyone would do. We hired professionals to come and level a spot in the yard.<br /></div><div>First we had a few days of severe thunder storms to deal with. That held us up. Then two days later the dump truck and tractor arrived. They dump the dirt, they level it and then they leave a load of sand. (for us to spread - we didn't want to pay for anything more...... should have) </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxvrBZCOynxUA7PkpwjCLDia5LkOEcGZLsgUIxz_BeYXmUEBgUKcHRMEZmWdVIqyPIz3RncNcCGo5UPkp4Vi3mV_m3AJClKJ7g15RVWxXXas-Epck40WJzmBIOQrNx3xWOKROi5-u09MB/s1600-h/P6050991.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211088653588921634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxvrBZCOynxUA7PkpwjCLDia5LkOEcGZLsgUIxz_BeYXmUEBgUKcHRMEZmWdVIqyPIz3RncNcCGo5UPkp4Vi3mV_m3AJClKJ7g15RVWxXXas-Epck40WJzmBIOQrNx3xWOKROi5-u09MB/s320/P6050991.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWhaJJaMRDpa3m42FjE6B5sZRdpUJM9B8efVTd6dOCXUPhQavIvmNwGupk5UCKPLqdI4KdwQxkaZOwHFac5o7aqf_-oHk6rKtDwnfJfX_9kVpmb0XYcgecsX0PDCnw1QkRFNk0dZ6md1Z/s1600-h/P6091025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211089846319474306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWhaJJaMRDpa3m42FjE6B5sZRdpUJM9B8efVTd6dOCXUPhQavIvmNwGupk5UCKPLqdI4KdwQxkaZOwHFac5o7aqf_-oHk6rKtDwnfJfX_9kVpmb0XYcgecsX0PDCnw1QkRFNk0dZ6md1Z/s320/P6091025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAThr6Ro06NPW3sSOSvuzoWmQCN7Jm3e7e55migpVnOil_QFKJSEQ4okiLCD-eTdDQc7d-OGuxjVRj8HfZLB_lOWxJEwoQw3vuEeVp_vDhx1cQmO0MhbRqKMOOB-zErLPVPy8DlOafHBP/s1600-h/P6050993.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211088674603750226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" height="158" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAThr6Ro06NPW3sSOSvuzoWmQCN7Jm3e7e55migpVnOil_QFKJSEQ4okiLCD-eTdDQc7d-OGuxjVRj8HfZLB_lOWxJEwoQw3vuEeVp_vDhx1cQmO0MhbRqKMOOB-zErLPVPy8DlOafHBP/s320/P6050993.JPG" width="259" border="0" /></a>The day finally came when we could set the pool up. We started spreading the sand. I thought I would die. I asked James, "can you explain to me again why we didn't want to spend the money to have them do this?" He just grunted and I took that as my cue to shut the trap and keep shoveling. The side of the box boasted, "ready for water in 10 minutes!" Well........ it took us a week and much more money than we planned on spending. </div><br /><div>After we managed to get everything set up and filling we thought everything was going to go smooth from there. WRONG! Once the pump was purring like a kitten, the hose sprung a leak and started spitting water everywhere. We were once again off to Wally World praying they had a replacement hose. They did thank the GOOD LORD. Poor James was kneeling in the dirt, in the dark at 10:45 changing out the hose. It all worked but the next morning he realized the lid to the pump was loose and it leaked water all night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5b0bD3b4YO-Zfbb3IZ02VjliOkwg7HUUTN1NrL00iT8Kc0Ua_gCQcbUuf9U-vhRRXwuFAxWy9hov5TqQgCdZWxR5P8BllzM-FA8Q10zBEas362JrYal6XQ9D9g-A4OY2l6nag3ez31gL/s1600-h/P6050988.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211088665751956146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" height="200" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5b0bD3b4YO-Zfbb3IZ02VjliOkwg7HUUTN1NrL00iT8Kc0Ua_gCQcbUuf9U-vhRRXwuFAxWy9hov5TqQgCdZWxR5P8BllzM-FA8Q10zBEas362JrYal6XQ9D9g-A4OY2l6nag3ez31gL/s320/P6050988.JPG" width="295" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajgvh1UtRR-7HCjW4znlPBPY7uZ4XkVaxnRV2oacm5pHb5_xmRu0wWk5MI5MweUbIpHPqqAgmhOBvuoGxLklSkcoxFhQBiwI3vfUlbHFlNKPvvFJiisVQsAuUPJbWiErwSeNA5mKxAhvW/s1600-h/P6091017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211088684730454578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="182" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajgvh1UtRR-7HCjW4znlPBPY7uZ4XkVaxnRV2oacm5pHb5_xmRu0wWk5MI5MweUbIpHPqqAgmhOBvuoGxLklSkcoxFhQBiwI3vfUlbHFlNKPvvFJiisVQsAuUPJbWiErwSeNA5mKxAhvW/s320/P6091017.JPG" width="267" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGXa5IZLJ78xD4i-N1eC9Qf2BKa1kMHIJFp0LVVBbwPmluA5r7nEOd0Fy2jJ1lrEb5WTsEmM7alBEq5BUdC_DgTQmuRgZ9uPe_dryyH6ULT2UI7Q3yqvRT9ou-GPunmHX2d1ZwESC4lRU/s1600-h/P6091023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211088694648725554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="166" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGXa5IZLJ78xD4i-N1eC9Qf2BKa1kMHIJFp0LVVBbwPmluA5r7nEOd0Fy2jJ1lrEb5WTsEmM7alBEq5BUdC_DgTQmuRgZ9uPe_dryyH6ULT2UI7Q3yqvRT9ou-GPunmHX2d1ZwESC4lRU/s320/P6091023.JPG" width="267" border="0" /></a>Once we fixed that problem it seems we now have a gloriously working pool for our precious little one. (I'm smiling and gritting my teeth while saying this)<br /></div><div>It was a frustrating experience to say the least. But I have to say that when she finally hit that cold water, giggling and squealing in delight, it made it all worth it.</div><br /><div>She actually jumped up and down and said, "You da best mommy and daddy in da whole wurd!" I guess we should soak this up before she figures out the truth! </div><br /><div>We love you Anni Girl!!!!! Happy Summer<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211104891681353010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3einrfQM_t0TooYJwnOKaeYmuCCr4Z5Q6Q3nDoclyTmLAX8_l8MpPhzrSN_ElAhLlvfRJAMHzkwo59-86QvjQSbGaNSP-E3qs5VjfayZSE8ijzFrrPg0eWSc-yjTcDePU1GfgWVm9BS-/s320/P6111042.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-58645522452083379342008-06-05T07:09:00.000-07:002008-06-05T07:41:50.542-07:00Lost but Now I See!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208399814397512050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSKlgMp79yuBKMdlAUPqfhTMsFuuhfYfuo7irpYJtlWXBfZi59nvrtbsvCtKMUT5fm9yteHc8xldnqvQrgMpRC60KEz90MdeFNUHfCiytHDOP186yc9dVWdQEUAlXyzC9IIOd9sdE4vJx/s320/P6040982.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Okay, so I lost my phone in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Walmart</span> on Saturday. We searched for over an hour. We made <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">numerous</span> calls to it, hoping someone would pick up. We sent texts asking whoever found it to return it to the service desk. Then we made the call to disconnect. I was really bummed. All those contacts. All those numbers. All those pictures.......... All lost......or...... stolen!? With that thought I got mad. I couldn't believe someone wouldn't just turn the thing in. What good was it going to do anyone? There was no service. If someone tried to have it activated they would get in trouble because we had reported it lost/stolen. I thought, just turn the phone in already!</div><br /><div>Well, after 3 days of checking with the service desk, a miracle happened. Someone at the service desk at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Walmart</span> actually knew what was going on. That was the first miracle. (I know, that was mean. I'll save that for another blog) The second: My lost phone was there! In fact, it had been there since Sunday morning. My hope in human kindness and honesty was restored. I'm ashamed to say I was quick to judge those around me. A close friend said, "When I found out about your phone I thought, "is there really no honest person left out there?" That got me thinking. The answer is, "yes". There is a lot of bad in the world but there is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">a lot</span> of good in "us". I would have turned the phone in. There are many others I know who would have done the same. A lost phone is just that. It can be replaced. The real loss is when we give up on each other. </div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-1866104107157886062008-06-03T06:59:00.000-07:002008-06-03T07:56:19.351-07:00Taco Slide<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_d7FdZAo0gFgZqQs0us_90e78g3IN3t6_Cv87xfddeygRjf4FEh2KdQmbbOBrqk73ttYsPp0ePQuC9bUnVjcw1HEkcCWaNFCAGRxgC5BPFmfOjEDrOCC-JJDhxuq2djckHEcfnNA1e_2/s1600-h/P5300966.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207668072229357922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_d7FdZAo0gFgZqQs0us_90e78g3IN3t6_Cv87xfddeygRjf4FEh2KdQmbbOBrqk73ttYsPp0ePQuC9bUnVjcw1HEkcCWaNFCAGRxgC5BPFmfOjEDrOCC-JJDhxuq2djckHEcfnNA1e_2/s400/P5300966.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcTkhZ7YxM5eVNC18h0piPQ0tBzhv1yESc9QhibL2f0nf-3KFK4O8soeQ2Z0wz-lNq-OZVQ4ZvMAsJypJBFqlXZUqlj8Aw-fdsrmlxr_zeca2bjDosLhk0IG1Ev_crJMnQdSEHl5VDtNt/s1600-h/P5300972.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207667363559754066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcTkhZ7YxM5eVNC18h0piPQ0tBzhv1yESc9QhibL2f0nf-3KFK4O8soeQ2Z0wz-lNq-OZVQ4ZvMAsJypJBFqlXZUqlj8Aw-fdsrmlxr_zeca2bjDosLhk0IG1Ev_crJMnQdSEHl5VDtNt/s320/P5300972.JPG" border="0" /></a>Anni is growing up so fast! Her favorite place in town is taco bell. (it's actually a taco bell/pizza hut express together) She used to call it "taco slide" because it is the only fast food establishment in our little town with an indoor slide. Well at least she used to call it that. If <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDsaaCnUVak0CokX-Ynt-xYFDw6DKGNukoX-fLmjweZymBY3FxNT9zpyP07SlmvJS_CYrJRb8RzxMaukDiTQANMHZJHpLpIEWQMp5K-8MhZAJ6EOH4e-ah8Z3cqENpjGQvIwlBmEszOzz/s1600-h/P5300972.JPG"></a>we call it that now she corrects us. (It as begun...) The ladies in there love Anni and know her by name. I don't blame them. Who could resist that face? Anni <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> has them wrapped around her <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7FSvwkDGWtmb2je73DRw_tr2_Z89t2mFiMmt-AyRMbE9cDpvNkQFfOxsY0B7No9Nx9fKHjzE065VH-CitiamifvCqASWEVQQEBJatMuFH594KhyD8kKekfh_Bwm37LBLiRd638K4H4bk/s1600-h/P5300974.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207657403530594530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7FSvwkDGWtmb2je73DRw_tr2_Z89t2mFiMmt-AyRMbE9cDpvNkQFfOxsY0B7No9Nx9fKHjzE065VH-CitiamifvCqASWEVQQEBJatMuFH594KhyD8kKekfh_Bwm37LBLiRd638K4H4bk/s320/P5300974.JPG" border="0" /></a>little finger. We don't even have to order for her, the ladies behind the counter already know she wants a cheese personal pan pizza, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bread sticks</span>, sauce, and one crunchy taco supreme with a little cup of sour cream on the side. It is amazing to see her work the room. The girl is a pro. Taco bell has a new frozen drink and of course Anni saw the picture and wanted one; strawberry. I told her when she was finished eating we would get one if she still wanted it. I didn't want to spend the money on one if she was going to waste it and I said so. When James brought the trays in to the play room there in the middle was a frozen strawberry drink. I asked him where it came from. He said, "the lady said she "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accidentally</span>" made it and wanted to know if we wanted it - it's free". Now folks, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mitchells</span> were the only people in the joint. I suppose someone could have ordered the "accidentally made drink" in the drive through but it was really quiet in there and I'm skeptical. What can I say? These people love her. So do I! </div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613911818396489475.post-32718058836960138582008-05-30T13:16:00.003-07:002008-05-30T14:52:38.133-07:00What Happens In Vegas...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gZmhOzkC2d-xGh-uTpQ_0_BImzB11ix6ZfFJzGOXNRAQqNp2HiYNyUiCkR7Sm34Hdo7pSanDLI5EQQsr-4PUZ_pAjycYS6UvXU1S21wEz3r9P4kPZdfu1aoqt6dOeoS-wMztOoyKj6XY/s1600-h/P5260957.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206280845037390018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gZmhOzkC2d-xGh-uTpQ_0_BImzB11ix6ZfFJzGOXNRAQqNp2HiYNyUiCkR7Sm34Hdo7pSanDLI5EQQsr-4PUZ_pAjycYS6UvXU1S21wEz3r9P4kPZdfu1aoqt6dOeoS-wMztOoyKj6XY/s320/P5260957.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div>The Mitchells have just returned home from an unforgettable vacation in sunny California. We left Monday evening and had to catch a connecting flight in Las Vegas. I got this shot as we were landing. The view of the lights was awsome! Here is where our trip gets interesting. Because our original flight was delay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzpJpvsL67HUDa3NQTKcE3CUFYPJoqmMJRuMPfwLMGO-SZgnp9RSBgllvbIEscXVHH_oT1zYy45Mo6rkQPS-i-ZHTjQt8RVgBj-ziCZPrzV4LfgNaw9aPqF2LUYdwZid9jGIF8hd05eYt/s1600-h/P5260957.JPG"></a>ed by 20 minutes or so, we were pressed for time to get to our connection. Who knew you could get so many slot machines in an airport? They were everywhere! I know, I know, it's Vegas right? They are so colorful and I am sure a temptation to those with money burning a hole in there pockets. However, my 4 year old wanted to play every one of them on our way to our connecting gate! Yes, folks, we landed at gate A3 and our connecting flight was sitting in D37! There had to be several hundred slot machines between the two gates. Each one of them blinking and winking at poor Anni, who didn't understand 30 minutes was just not enough time! This is when I should tell you that we had to stop somewhere just beyond section C to, once again, go through security; shoes off, laptops unpacked, backpacks, jackets, wallets, glasses, toys...... all into the grey pans they go. James was about to have a heart attack and I was ready to kill someone. Then we were off again; running like bats out of you know where. We finally reached the gate and this freshly dressed, non-sweating, even-breathing, pleasantly-smiling flight attendant looks at me and says, "Mrs. Mitchell?" If I had been able to breath I would have shouted, "No! I'm Mrs. Claus! This here's Santa and one of the elves. You think you could give us a lift cause the sleigh didn't make it through security!" But I just stood there sucking in air and nodding like a bobble head. I couldn't decide if I wanted to kiss her or slap her. We were the last 3 people to board. Once in our seats we settled in for the longest leg of our trip. Then about 2 hours into the flight the person behind us calls the flight attendant and tells him the woman besider her is having trouble breathing. The flight attendant brings a tank of oxygen and mask to relieve the woman's distress. I looked at James and said, "Dang, we should have thought of that!" After that the trip was rather dull. This is good; anymore excitement would have killed us.</div></div>Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562779825891391841noreply@blogger.com8