tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56108866718784043942023-11-16T01:19:27.367-06:00A Family TreehouseUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger634125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-33757826142409526012014-04-03T23:42:00.000-05:002014-04-03T23:44:50.508-05:00Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit<div style="text-align: left;">
Confirmation Sunday was in early march at our parish. There were a LOT of children being confirmed! There were 5th, 6th and 7th grade students from our parish and two other parishes in our deanery that are very small. Because the group was so large, they held this special Mass in the Catholic High School's gymnasium with both our current Bishop and Bishop Emeritus! There were a LOT of children. We were sitting up in the bleachers and this row of chairs were where Bud and Branch were assigned to sit. We eagerly awaited all of the children's arrival...</div>
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Once the kids had come and sit down, it was fun to see them looking around for us! THEN… they found us and I got a quick picture!!</div>
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After the processional, the Bishop used some incense around the alter and … the fire alarm started going off!!! Someone went and got that all squared away and as he began his address, he made the joke that this was how they make sure that everyone is awake and paying attention! </div>
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As the Bishop gave his homily about standing firm in your faith, even when it is questioned...</div>
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I noticed that someone was not going to be standing firm AT ALL in the bleachers. In fact, this is what happens to Bump every time he is in the bleachers, it seems! Basketball games are not exciting enough and neither is a 2 1/2 hour long Mass!!</div>
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As all of the children came forward with their sponsors to be confirmed, I watched my two eldest children and had those terrible happy mom tears as they were confirmed by Bishop Emeritus Bruskewitz.</div>
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A good firm handshake and away he went! Confirmed with the patron saint name of St. Thomas Aquinas!</div>
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Then it was our Branch's turn and she tells me that she thought that the Bishop was going to push a hole right into her forehead while applying the oil!</div>
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Her chosen saint was St. Elizabeth of Hungary. As she was shaking Bishop Emeritus Bruskewitz's hand, we noticed that the children in the other line, who were being confirmed by Bishop Conley were not shaking hands, but were giving fist bumps or "knuckles"! Cracked me up!! I think the Bishop had hurt his hand, so wasn't wanting to shake hands, but the fist bump is great for this age of kids!</div>
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I love the relationship that these two have with each other. Now, there are DAYS, but most of the time they get along splendidly and seem to always have had each other. They enjoy doing things together and this picture just gets my mama heart...</div>
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Just after being confirmed with the oil of chrism, back to their seats… and giving each other's foreheads a sniff! Oh!! The great fragrance of the perfumed oil of chrism! They were eager and so happy to not have to be nervous any longer!!</div>
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After mass, the children assembled for a photo with the two bishops. I tell ya… there were a LOT of children being confirmed! Can you locate the treekids in the crowd?</div>
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Bud a few rows from the top… (funny to see the faces of kids who don't know that their picture is being taken!!)</div>
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Branch in the front row - ever lovely and patient!</div>
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Both treekids chose Brent, a cousin of Pops' who is currently studying at a local seminary, as their sponsor. We shared a beautiful day and are still working daily toward holiness!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-35062672993030727242014-03-25T05:30:00.000-05:002014-03-25T05:30:02.181-05:00Blossom turns NINE!!<div style="text-align: left;">
How do these things happen? How is it possible that the little baby that was in such a hurry to get here that she was born on the floor of the elevator lobby, just yesterday it seems, has turned NINE years old?!?! My, how time flies!</div>
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Somewhere along the way, the children have decided that it is beyond amazing to get breakfast brought to them in bed. SO, that is our tradition. If we are home, they have a breakfast in bed. It varies as to what is served. But, this year, I knew that she would love some sweet treats for her birthday… some things that we are otherwise avoiding and sacrificing this Lenten season as we prepare our hearts for Easter. So, a day for a little bit of celebrating...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her very favorite "KRAVE" cereal, white powdered sugar donuts with orange salt water taffy snowman noses, fruit kabobs, orange juice, licorice tea and a paper doily and a sprig or two of baby's breath to make it look all pretty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They stay and wait in their bed for breakfast to arrive. SOME people truly are awoken by our birthday singing. OTHERS, like this little girl, have probably been up waiting for breakfast to arrive for over an hour! She is our early riser and Pops (the other early riser int eh house) had arrived home around 3 in the morning. So, after little baby woke me, I fed him, changed his diaper and ran out to put together the breakfast I had mostly created the night before! Just heat the water for the tea, pour the juice, the cereal and put the noses on the snowmen! She was ready for our arrival!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she was HUNGRY! Blossom loves fruit and grapes & strawberries most especially. So, those kabobs were right up her alley! Presentation means a lot to this kid, so I do really try to fancy things up for her! Bud would have liked fruit in a bowl just as well… but this girl - fancy fruit pattern on a skewer made her morning!! I added the snowmen donuts as a sneak peek at the rest of her birthday celebration, but I don't think that she caught on! Pops took the big 4 to a state tournament basketball game and they had a great time while I put together a special lunch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">After they got home, she was ushered to the bathroom by her sister (to wash up) who made sure that she covered her eyes until everything was ready!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I added a 3-D Snowflake and Branch had helped me make white paper chain icicles the night before. And that was the beginning of the "FROZEN" theme! That little snowman is the birthday cake. His name was "Olven" and I wrote on the card that he was Olaf's long lost cousin!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">When they came around the corner and saw all the treats… they were very excited! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Snowman looks very sad. But, the olives for the mouth kept rolling off! The parmesan cheese was fresh fallen snow… and the noodles are just buttered spaghetti noodles - a favorite of Blossom's!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretzel sticks, marshmallows, raisins, & left over orange salt water taffy pieces!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">… cheese puffs - a favorite amongst the treekids!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I haven't made Jell-o for quite a while and they were quite excited that I did! I'm not sure it was the best that it was blue… there were quite a few blue mouths after this one!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just couldn't call the olives "droppings," "dung," or "reindeer pebbles" so, I consulted ol' Roget and found "meadow muffins" and couldn't stop laughing, so I went with it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My treekids love these whole carrots as much as Sven the Reindeer did!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH, did they EVER want to stuff these chocolates in their face!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese & crackers are a great simple addition to a lunch … but, they were NOT a hit. I think I should have spent more time on taking the pictures and skipped making these! I was not quite ready when the family arrived home so, I had to hurry with taking pictures before they devoured it all!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While these are cute and lovely… I think they would be disgusting! My treekids love marshmallow, so… they were a hit! Glad they liked these easy treats!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had icebergs to keep our beverages cold...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our water was Melted Snowman!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought berry flavored water and some liked it … others not so much!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Gatorade's flavor is "Frost"!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl requested Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Check!! Can do a snowman with Cream Cheese Frosting!! :) Not sure what I would have done if she wanted chocolate frosting!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so happy that she was thrilled with all the surprises on her birthday. We did her special meal at lunchtime since Pops had to catch a plane to Oregon where we had planned to be traveling to for her birthday. Unfortunately, several things "fell apart" and we ended up not getting to go at the last minute. I had 2 days to plan ANY kind of birthday party and get things ready and special for her. I was thinking about how lucky I was that we would be traveling for her birthday and I would be eating out with her and enjoying a treat from the DQ or something… But, I suspect that this birthday theme will be far more memorable than an 18 hour car ride!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just cannot believe she is growing into such a little lady (well, that IS debatable. I just videoed her making ridiculous noises for laughs from Bud and Branch. Not so lady-like!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the wishes were made and the presents were opened!! They were tore into quickly and she was treated to many lovely birthday packages all fun fun fun for a NINE year old girl!!</td></tr>
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We love our Blossom and hope that she has many many many more years of happy birthdays!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-81781627075366608942014-03-22T07:30:00.000-05:002014-03-22T07:30:01.154-05:00Mocha Pudding for Two<div style="background-color: white; font-family: omnes-pro, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px; word-spacing: 1px;">
I mentioned a few posts back about a yummy recipe that everyone was ooohing and aaahing over and I promised many I would share it. So, without further ado… a recipe that was found and altered from <a href="http://offbeatandinspired.com/2014/01/23/coffee-pudding-for-two/#_a5y_p=1334319" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a>.</div>
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1 ½ cups heavy cream<br />2/3 cup cold coffee concentrate or very strong <a href="http://freshgroundroast.com/collections/beans" style="color: black;" target="_blank">coffee</a> (I made somewhere between a double & triple strength coffee with instant decaf coffee)<br />2 tablespoons cornstarch<br />1/8 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />6-8 tbsp dark chocolate chunks, reserving some for topping (optional)</div>
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1. In a small bowl, mix together the salt and sugar. Set aside. </div>
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2. In a small measuring cup, mix together the cornstarch and enough of the cold coffee to dissolve the cornstarch.</div>
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3. In a medium saucepan, combine cream and the rest of the coffee over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. (Make sure to pay attention because this can easily boil over or even just curdle!)</div>
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4. When the cream and the coffee are simmering, slowly whisk in the sugar mixture. When it has come back to simmering, slowly add the coffee/cornstarch mixture. Cook until mixture thickens.</div>
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5. Strain the pudding over a fine strainer to ensure a smooth consistency. Stir chocolate chunks into the strained pudding, reserving some chocolate for topping. Note that the chocolate will melt quite a bit due to the heat of the pudding. If you want chocolate chunks add some more chocolate after the pudding has cooled quite a bit.</div>
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6. Pour pudding into a serving dish and cover the top with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap lays directly on top of the pudding. This prevents a film or "skin" from forming.</div>
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7. Refrigerate until the pudding sets. Top with dark/milk/white chocolate chunks. Serve and enjoy!</div>
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I doubled, tripled, quadrupled - I don't know how many times over to get a big bowl of this pudding made for a house-full of women at my "baby" brother-in-law's fiancé's bridal shower. I served it in those plastic champagne glasses with chocolate chips up the stem, a spoonful of pudding, and a sprinkling of white chocolate chips. I think it would have been super yummy with some crushed Heath bar, but I didn't have any and had forgotten it at the store. SO yummy! It was a hit and was great for the gluten-free needs of some of the members of the family. So… give it a try - this is just right for you and your honey (or just you if you are a glutton for punishment)!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-77807783632174009342014-03-21T15:28:00.001-05:002014-04-03T23:43:29.741-05:00Museum Fun!<div style="text-align: left;">
Busy month, so far! The first weekend we celebrated the confirmation of both Bud and Branch (pictures later) and then I spent the week baking and preparing treats and cleaning house for my brother-in-law's fiancé's bridal shower. (It was a fun time!) Then, we planned to go on a road trip and it all fell apart when our rental vehicle was not longer available. So, I had two days to plan and execute a birthday celebration for Blossom! Fun doing birthdays… not under such pressure. Then my mom, dad and sister came out for a visit. They went home, I tidied up and got some laundry done before my good friend from college popped in with her three little kids. I took one day to break it all up and put my feet up before making good on a promised birthday gift of a membership to The Lincoln Children's Museum!!</div>
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We spent the morning at the museum. WOW! It has had a bit of a face lift since the last time we were there. Lots and lots of fun things to do for everyone. (Even mom… who called a mom friend in Lincoln to meet there to chitter chat with while her littles played, too!) I was not very fast on the snap for taking pictures with a babe in arms… and Branch and Blossom were BUSY going from one thing to the next wanting to do as much as possible before having to leave. It is funny as the treekids are getting older they have more freedoms and go around without needing me the same way as when we lived around here when the three oldest were nearly babies! </div>
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I have this one, though. Bump still needs mama!! He would do an activity and come running back to find me sitting in the same chair waiting nearby. Then he realized that he had not painted his face like the big kids!! He sat down to give it a try. He had a fun time making whiskers and a nose. I added the black lines for ears...</div>
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He got a little upset that I had put the ears on for him and I told him that they were NOT yet completed! They needed little pink bits under the ears! Smiles returned and he set out to finish his "by myself" job.</div>
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Pink on cotton swab and ...</div>
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apply it appropriately.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please notice the very wet sleeve… the entire front of his jeans, the front of his shirt and his sleeves were SOAKED. He played in the water area for nearly 40 minutes. He told me that another not very nice kid got him ALL wet. I asked if any of that water was just from him playing a bit. He said only a tiny bit and showed me a pinch with his fingers. Hmmmmmmmm… Likely story!! ;) They have ponchos to stay dry, but he was NOT interested in staying dry. He was interested in having fun and exploring. He rode home in his carseat with only his t-shirt and underpants and finds that to be incredibly hilarious!! No pants, socks or shoes in the car… Aaahhhaaa haa haa.</td></tr>
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Checking out his handy work… he decided that it didn't look scary and therefore it had to go. He had seen Bud's paint job and wanted a scary face instead. So, we wiped it all off and he went running off to find the daughter of my friend.</div>
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The KEVA blocks are in the temporary exhibit, currently, and it was pretty cool what was built in there to look at. Bud got right to work in creating a tower… and had fun in there building. Is anyone EVER too old for blocks? I think NOT!! :)</div>
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Bud with his scary face paint and his tower.</div>
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I went to find Bump & friend to get ready to leave. They were apparently ready to leave in a Mac truck (a museum exhibit). So much for minivans and suv's!</div>
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I hope that he learns some better manners with the ladies in the next few years. I am sure they will not be impressed by these faces, blowing noises and the like in about 10 years!!!</div>
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When we got home, I realized I didn't have pictures of Branch and Blossom AT ALL! Blossom ran and hid and washed all of her face paint off and claims to have been mad at me for a reason that she KNOWS that I KNOW. But, unfortunately… I haven't a clue what she was upset about. Her face paint was super cute and Branch had done much of it. It was cute with a snowflake on the forehead and swirls down the sides. Branch did her own little swirls and had fun. This little guy enjoyed watching all the activity around him and was awake for the full 2 hours!!</div>
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RIght before we left, Bump begged Bud to do a scary face on him and they sat there for 5 minutes while I rounded up the girls. So, here is his dragon scary face!!</div>
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I was cracking up at the look on this little guy's face! He hasn't had much time outside and the wind blowing up his nose still shocks him!!</div>
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A little bit better view of Branch's pretty shirt design… she worked on that on the day that I just had to put my feet up and recoup from the busy-ness of the past few weeks! It was done as mess free as humanly possible! It involved Sharpie permanent markers, rubbing alcohol and 3 rubber bands, 3 plastic cups, a medicine dropper and a piece of cardboard. She is planning to make another one for her sister, so I'll take pictures and show how this is done when she makes that one!</div>
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When we went inside from the deck, here, Bump sat on the floor and was treated to many many many kisses from our big puppy girl. One look and I said… to the shower with you!! I went to get a pair of undies for him and came back to my bathroom to find that he was hiding from me in the closet… under the shelves in amongst Pops' shoes!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1603 photo file-13.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/march/file-13.jpg" /></a></div>
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Silly boy has been FOUND!!</div>
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He needed his hair washed, so shower it was… but, she was cleaning up that paint pretty well, eh!?</div>
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Now everyone is back to normal and we have had a good day filled with art and math and spelling and reading and email and crafts and MY GOODNESS… I'll have to take another whole week off soon!! ;) I hope to be back to post confirmation pictures and birthday pictures soon. (Not one picture did I get of the bridal shower! We were running late and the guests were upon us 10 minutes early… so, no pictures. AND it was sooo lovely and the treats were quite tasty!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-41811028557616360902014-03-11T05:46:00.000-05:002014-03-11T05:46:00.832-05:00Cracking up...Just a minute to pop on here to share a baby video… Enjoy!!<br />
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Now, back to your regular scheduled programing!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-1349248355967922182014-03-10T08:15:00.002-05:002014-03-10T08:15:33.071-05:00Daybook Entry 3.10.14<b>Outside my window…</b><br />
There is light just barely glowing on the horizon. OH, how I dislike Daylight Savings Time. Wishing we could just let it be and keep time standard like they do in Arizona!!<br />
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<b>I am thinking…</b><br />
I enjoy hosting parties at my home and hope that all the people who were here for my soon to be sister-in-law's shower enjoyed their time here, had fun visiting, and enjoyed a few delicious treats with their coffee. I plan to post a recipe here later this week that was requested over and over!<br />
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<b>I am thankful…</b><br />
For a most wonderful husband who is a great daddy to his children! While I hosted the bridal shower yesterday, our littlest treekid was OVERWHELMED, to say the least, with all the noise and commotion that is involved with 25 people all in the living/dining room! Li'l guy was completely unconsolable in the house while I was tending to hostessing duties. Pops took him outside and sat in the truck and calmed him down and let him nap in his arms after he cried himself to sleep. Such a sweet sight that baby finally sleeping in his papa's arms. {{sigh}}<br />
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<b>I am laughing…</b><br />
I hopped back on the blogging train with 7 posts in 7 days and then disappeared for a week! Sheesh - regularity would be good. Perhaps I need to find a blogging rhythm that works for me! A new post every day doesn't always work. This past week I was very busy preparing for the bridal shower and Pops' was out west galavanting from Boise, ID to Jackson, WY before arriving home 30 minutes before people arrived for the shower! (Thanks be to God that he did and was able to calm and soothe that babe!)<br />
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<b>Learning all the time…</b><br />
Math math math. Double, triple, quadruple a recipe!! I had kids asking what I was scratching and scribbling and showed them all kinds of fraction work. They are seeing how one can use math skills and "when am I ever going to use THIS?" kind of flies out the window seeing me actually figuring!!<br />
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<b>Celebrating our faith…</b><br />
This year during Lent, as we prepare our hearts for Easter, our family is giving up our sugar addiction and avoiding sweets. It is quite challenging for the tree kids as they are very used to enjoying delicious sweets and deserts fairly regularly. Additionally, I have put Facebook scrolling on "limited" to a few minutes on Sundays and checking the pages that are informational and a way for us to stay in the loop of groups and clubs that we are physical members of, not just virtual! Boy, is this a hard one for me! I love to see what people are sharing and doing. People having babies - hope that all goes well! People asking for prayers - I won't be able to know specific prayer requests, all those FB friends are getting blanketed prayers these next few weeks! I set up an app long ago to feed this blog into my FB account. So, these will still post. I wonder what happens when I enter a give-away on another person's page and it has a "like" button or "share" button that I click as an entry into the contest… Hmmmmm...<br />
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<b>From the kitchen…</b><br />
I have seen this past week that there have been many more requests for fruit than over the rest of the winter. A hankering for sweet can be cured with an orange or a banana!<br />
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<b>I am working on…</b><br />
remembering to keep my camera handy. I have gotten out of the habit of taking pictures of everything. I didn't get ANY pictures of the bridal shower… but, I enjoyed myself and I think that it turned out beautifully. Wish I had taken pictures, though...<br />
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<b>I am creating…</b><br />
a ribbon bouquet with the package ribbons for my new sister-in-law to be to use at her wedding rehearsal.<br />
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<b>I am going…</b><br />
to eat eggs and bacon in a few minutes. It might be a quiet breakfast as the treekids are all sleeping in late this morning after getting to bed late last night!!<br />
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<b>I am hoping…</b><br />
that no one falls into the lake. People are still out ice fishing on the nearby lake. There is much open water. It was 70 degrees yesterday - but people still are drilling holes and putting a line in the water hoping to catch a fish! CRAZY, I tell you! I hope these crazy people do not fall in!!<br />
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</b><b>I am reading… </b><br />
Lent Reflections with Father Barron this year. They are short little thoughts/devotions that show up in my email inbox. Things to ponder, ways to grow closer to Jesus, ways to challenge myself to grow in holiness… all packed into a short little snippet each day through Lent.<br />
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<b>I am listening…</b><br />
The sounds of the ocean are rolling in on the baby monitor. Our "white noise" machine has been in use a lot more lately. Coach Tim Miles talking with his team. Pops is watching video and loves sharing what this coach says and does with me.<br />
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<b>Around the house…</b><br />
I have a little bit of clean up to tend to, today. Just straightening things up and getting things back to living life order! I am excited about the little touches I added in our "main" bathroom this past week. I finally decided on what I wanted in there after living here over a year, now! I added a couple vinyl cut-outs to the wall and Bump is telling the world we have new tattoos on the wall in the bathroom! Perfect! I will look in there and think of my Aunt Grace, though, every time I see the owls decorating the little room! (And I am appreciative of the help that my mother-in-law added in there with a couple rugs, some towels and a decorative owl! What fun she brought along with her this week! The treekids all liked the foam airplanes she brought them mush better than the rugs!)<br />
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<b>One of my favorite things…</b><br />
A quiet morning wake up. Kids still sleeping, me alone pondering the day. (Why don't I get up earlier than everyone else EVERY day!?!)<br />
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<b>A few plans for the week…</b><br />
Bud has his first book club meeting today. We are seriously contemplating a long family journey out west with Pops again for his work.<br />
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<b>Pondering these words…</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Patterns.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Patterns.jpg" /></a></b></div>
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</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-35316364649236540702014-03-01T23:30:00.000-06:002014-03-02T00:46:41.377-06:00Sunshine Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJot-EwGAbrZvhwBfXqV6BEhTLVMD7YJRcTt-7tgPwVB309X9f_9gNKCXiwbrClTABFj-aFwg5CHxzJ14HV7XEkxgejo9arziLsv0f4E5F5ZkatQuJMf0KX2vyO85UVu5aXSm3cuNwho/s1600/sunshine-award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJot-EwGAbrZvhwBfXqV6BEhTLVMD7YJRcTt-7tgPwVB309X9f_9gNKCXiwbrClTABFj-aFwg5CHxzJ14HV7XEkxgejo9arziLsv0f4E5F5ZkatQuJMf0KX2vyO85UVu5aXSm3cuNwho/s1600/sunshine-award.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I was recently blessed by Amy over at <a href="http://knt2gthr.blogspot.com/2014/02/sunshine-award.html" target="_blank">Knit Together</a> with the Sunshine Award! This very sweet, and I have been trying to figure out how to get it done! So here it goes... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Here are the "rules" for acceptance of this award:</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Use the award logo in the post.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Link to whoever nominated you.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Write 10 pieces of information about yourself.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nominate fellow bloggers who nominate 10 fellow bloggers who "positively and creatively inspire others in the blogospere."</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leave a comment on the nominees' blogs to tell them of the award.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">So without further ado, 10 things about me you didn't know you wanted to know:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">1. I am a perfectionist. But, unfortunately it works against me ALL. THE. TIME. When you have perfectionistic tendencies you can get stuck unable to move forward because it isn't PERFECT. That happens to me often with this blog. I get behind and then I can't get myself to get going again because how do I fill in the missing time? {{sigh}} If only I had more arms, more hours in the day, more brain cells to figure it all out!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">2. I grew up with really blonde hair. I loved my hair. My hair has gotten darker as I've gotten older. For a while I colored it myself. But, it would get pretty brassy looking. So, I when and got a color fix and loved it. Then it grew and got cut and grew and got cut and one day I looked in the mirror at myself and when I say I looked… I mean I stared at myself one day. We were in Oklahoma in our little RV home. I was in our little bathroom looking at myself in that little mirror over the sink. And I had the realization that I didn't even RECOGNIZE myself! My hair was quite dark!! I had to do a double and then triple take. I ended up with a highlight job about a year and a couple months ago. I loved it. I had it done a couple times, but it is starting to need a fix again. Ok, that is exaggeration. It needs a new highlight BADLY. But, how to make the time to get that done with a teeny nursing babe? I could have someone out to my house at 8pm and the baby would be sleeping. Otherwise? It might have to wait - and I hate to say… there is gray now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">3. I think I would rather have all gray hair than this "I don't know what to call the color" of my hair currently. Then I would tell myself that it was "Ash Blonde"!!! :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">4. I LOVE frozen peaches. I just ate some with my hubs and I LOVE them. They are better than a bowl of ice cream. Of course, these are no standard frozen peaches. They are made by my mom and I don't know what she does to them, but they are goooooooooooooood. The ones from the store are not. This may have been my last bowl of frozen peaches, though. My mom learned how to can peaches this past summer and she says she prefers them canned and doesn't plan to freeze any more. I know - cry a river… But, I will miss her peaches. I think it is how she cuts them. Then I eat them when they are still a little bit slushy!! YUM!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">5. I don't really like to talk on the phone. BUT, when I do get on the phone, I have a hard time getting off the phone. But, the thought of talking on the phone sends shivers up my spine and I cringe. I don't think I always felt that way. I used to talk on the phone for hours. But, I was a teenager then. I am of the text/email persuasion. Send me a text. Send me an email. I'll get back to you. Leave me a voicemail and you probably won't hear back. Unless I email you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">6. I wish that my cellphone number was a secret. I don't like feeling like I can be reached anywhere and at anytime. I want to have a cell phone to get a hold of someone to come help if I have car trouble or am lost or the like. But, I would rather not have a number that anyone knows! Of course, that means that #5 isn't entirely accurate. Email me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">7. I feel like I am sounding anti-social. I don't think that I am anti-social. I just don't like to have answers to questions immediately. I want to read the question and ponder it and mull about it and then respond. I don't really like chitter chatter. Well, I like to chit chat with my mom. But, we like to beat a dead horse on the same topics, usually. No surprises. Comfortable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">8. For one of my college jobs, I worked as a bartender at a dance hall. I loved it. It was fun to listen to people talk about … every.thing. I enjoyed learning about a variety of mixed drinks. I laughed at one point because the nights of the week brought different crowds. One night of the week was country & western, one night was big band or polka, one night was rock and one night was often a wedding reception. I knew what kinds of drinks would be ordered based on the "theme" of the evening. I still can't get over how many gin & tonics old men drink!! YUCK. Cowboys with a drawl drink Coors and that is pronounced "Kirrrrrrrrrrrs". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">9. I do not like movies that are scary, action, tense, suspenseful. I do not particularly like animated movies. I don't like all chick flicks. I don't like all comedies. I am a picky movie watcher. I don't watch television. I do not like the news because it is too scary to see what is happening in our world. I read the weekly newspaper, listen to the radio, and rely on my husband to tell me if there is any "big" news.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">10. I love listening to talks about faith. I love amazing conversion stories. A couple years ago I drove from Illinois to Jackson, WY alone. I left our children with my parents and drove all that way and met Pops there (he flew in from Las Vegas for work, I think). The whole way I listened to inspiring faith filled talks and was ready to listen the whole way back. Pops was done listening after 3 CDs! He was ready for simple music. Hmmmm. I should have put him on a plane and drove by myself again! It might have had something to do with not being able to sit and listen uninterrupted during the regular days of my life! Something about being needed by one of those precious tree kids!?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">11. And just for good measure, I'll share that I prefer to write VERY conversationally and I really dislike editing. If I edit, I tend to not put anything up here because it all sounds like silliness to me!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">OK - so, I think that most of the blog writers that I read have received this award. I would love to give it to you if you haven't received it! Or perhaps their blog is more focused than this little journal of mine. BUT, if you have a blog and want to play… let me know and I will link to you here!!</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-83691756512127195622014-02-28T22:57:00.003-06:002014-02-28T22:57:30.072-06:00Too Cold, Too Hot… Where is JUST RIGHT???<div style="text-align: left;">
OK - now I know I am really stretching myself. 7 posts in 7 days just to make it happen is quite a challenge! I need to go around and find some link-ups to do on various days of the week if I am going to continue at any kind of similar rate of posting! Then I will have an idea to spring off from!!</div>
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As it is, it is near the end of the day and I have very little to share that I have a photo to go along! I like pictures. They make reading my drivel a little better, no? So, where does this leave me? Hunting in iPhoto for something to share.</div>
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AHA! THIS:</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1004 photo file-19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/feb/file-19.jpg" /></a></div>
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What is "this" you might wonder! Well, let me tell you about this. These are ice crystals that were in my pitcher of strawberry lemonade in my side by side refrigerator-freezer in the kitchen. The beverages are stored on the top shelf (Heat rises, but apparently not in a this fridge.) and I poured myself some lemonade and it was very cold!! Would be extra appreciated in the summer!</div>
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So, what is so great about these ice crystals? We currently keep the thermostat in our house anywhere between 68 and 70 degrees F. The thermometer on the cupboard says it is 79 degrees (but it IS sitting right next to the printer…) in the kitchen. The freezer in the same appliance freezes things rock solid. The settings are such that we expect the freezer to freeze hard and make PLENTY of ice continuously. Somehow, the freezer is freezing things in the refrigerator, though. My vegetable drawer is producing frozen lettuce, frozen cucumbers, frozen carrots, frozen mushrooms. I am pouring lemonade crystals into my cup. The cheese is freezing. The LEFT-OVERS are FREEZING!! (This might be a good thing considering how long some of them sit in there!)</div>
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But, here is where things get a little more interesting. We have a refrigerator -freezer in our garage. It is the kind you probably had growing up with the freezer on top and the fridge on the bottom. It is out there in the unheated relatively cold garage. It has been quite cold lately and I wouldn't venture into the garage without at least socks on my feet and sleeves on my arms. (I am currently wearing a tank top, but would put on a jacket, sweater or sweatshirt to go into the garage.) Things in my refrigerator out there are at a normal refrigerator temperature. It is gonna get crazy here so hold onto your hat…</div>
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The temperature in the garage is probably under 30 degrees F. The freezer of the fridge/freezer combo cannot seem to keep ANYTHING frozen. There is a chest freezer out there and it freezes rock solid. But there isn't a thing out there that will stay frozen in the fridge. I need to take all those frozen pizzas and bring them inside my nice warm house and put them in my refrigerator to keep them frozen… WHA????????? So, the heat is rising in that appliance where the air temperature around the appliance should keep the stuff frozen if I just open the door! I would imagine that it might have something to do with the temp outside being too low for it to work efficiently, but my chest freezer is working great. The fridge portion is working great and now houses all fresh veggies so they stay cold, not frozen. </div>
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What to do? What to do? Have any of you had this problem? How do I fix it? I am tired of frozen stuff in the fridge and thawed out things in the freezer. I don't want to live in backwards world!! Help?? Ideas please!</div>
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(And… this post is definitely squeaking in under the wire for </div>
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Friday at just before 11 PM… but I did make it! Woot! Woot!!)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-42098355129018368852014-02-27T05:11:00.000-06:002014-02-27T05:11:00.803-06:00I Like LicoriceWe joined one of our homeschool groups for a field trip not too long ago and went to visit and have a tour of a small business in Lincoln, NE.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0980 photo file-7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/feb/file-7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/home.asp" target="_blank">Licorice International</a> where they sell various forms of licorice from 14 different countries!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The packing, shipping and receiving area. Sitting and listening and then asking lots of questions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0984 photo file-10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/feb/file-10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the day before St. Valentine's Day and I considered purchasing <a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Strawberry-Cream-Bites-1-2-lb-9p590.htm" target="_blank">these pretty little treats</a> and then wondered how many fans of Husker Sports buy these!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0983 photo file-14.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/feb/file-14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the opportunity to sample <a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Kookaburra-Shooters-1-2-lb-9p592.htm" target="_blank">these</a>. I had a brown one that was supposed to taste like root beer. Hmmm - might have tasted like root beer. I am not sure that I liked it and from the looks on my kids' faces they would have rather had… something else!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0982 photo file-8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/feb/file-8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Kookaburra-Allsorts-1-2-lb-9p591.htm" target="_blank">These</a> were liked by several of us. SO, I bought a little bag of these as well as the best selling <a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Kookaburra-Strawberry-Twists-1-2-lb-9p226.htm" target="_blank">red licorice</a> and the best selling<a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Kookaburra-Black-Twists-1-2-lb-9p225.htm" target="_blank"> black licorice</a>. I was surprised that Bump liked black licorice, but that is also his preferred<a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Licorice-Tea-10-bags-2p172.htm" target="_blank"> cup of tea</a>!!</td></tr>
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It was fun to go meet up with some other people for the morning. It looks like the group schedules an outing once a month. We hope to go often!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-2764100395748131332014-02-26T22:21:00.001-06:002014-02-26T22:21:43.510-06:00So, Sew a LittleBranch has been learning to sew a little by trial and error and a little with help and some instruction.<br />
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Geemah and PopPop were here earlier in February and Geemah spent some good quality time with Branch working on using a pattern to create a nightgown. They worked at it for a day and Branch learned quite a bit about reading a pattern and cutting and sewing. In the end… she turned out a lovely nightgown that she wears more often than she wears any other pajamas, now!!! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1127 photo file-17.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/feb/file-17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I think she must have had fun and is proud of herself!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1128 photo file-18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/feb/file-18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I am proud of her, too!!</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-77258683775415124922014-02-26T06:00:00.000-06:002014-02-26T06:00:13.410-06:00Lays Potato Chips.<br />
I CAN eat just one. I have no problem eating just one of those classic potato chips. I can eat just one of the sour cream and onion, the barbecue, the wavy plain, any of them…<br />
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I can eat just ONE and quit.</div>
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BUT - with this baby? I absolutely CANNOT pick just one picture to show. Ever. He is so blasted cute in my very biased mama vision. Maybe that bias is too much to see. But, this beautiful baby face gets me every time. </div>
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There are half a million pictures on phone cameras, both of my dSLR Nikons, on Branch's new for Christmas Nikon Coolpix, the iPad, and even a few on "Photo Booth" on the computer.</div>
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I cannot choose just one to share… so, I will share all of them from the other day when Pops was holding this precious bundle of joy!!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1080 photo file-5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/num6/file-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now, you've scrolled all the way through and you couldn't stop at just the first one, either!</div>
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I am so blessed.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-8935884953519338842014-02-25T17:49:00.001-06:002014-02-25T17:49:18.059-06:00Daybook Entry 2.25.14<b>Outside my window…</b><br />
A spit of snow. I know that many people have more than their fair share it seems… but, they must have some of mine. We get a sprinkle here and there. Sort of like Parmesan on Noodles. Never enough to fully cover and have good fun for days out there.<br />
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<b>I am thinking…</b><br />
I linked up to post <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/02/7-posts-7-days.html" target="_blank"><b>7 posts in 7 days</b></a> over with Jennifer and am glad that I did - sort of. She says it is a great opportunity to clean out the draft posts you have written but haven't posted. I don't have any. I have to think up plenty, or pay attention to my treekids and post their funny stuff!! Maybe I will have plenty to share. Cheer me on!! 7 posts in 7 days will be a true immersion back into this here blog of mine!<br />
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<b>I am thankful…</b><br />
For a 12 year old who will go up to the mailbox even in 16 degrees for his little 4 year old brother who wants to know what magic has appeared in the mail each day.<br />
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<b>I am laughing…</b><br />
That the 4 year old is pacing for the return of said 12 year old!!<br />
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<b>Learning all the time…</b><br />
When I was in high school we had "L.I.F.E. Week." It stood for Learning Is Fun & Easy. That was my favorite week of school by far. You would sign up for interesting things to do and either learn a new skill or improve on one that you already had experienced a bit. My favorite thing was going skiing. We got not he school bus and spent a day on the "mountains"- ha! It was hardly a mountain, but it was a great slope and perfect for learning. I also remember baking and candy making. I am sure there were other things, but my 'rememberer' isn't that great. BUT, I do remember that those days of school were looked forward to and I learned good things! So, in that spirit, I am doing some fun things with the kids lately. Trying to inspire and show that learning IS fun and easy. Self-motivated learning usually is! Our schooling over the past few weeks has been VERY "un"school-ish. Some days I type up a list that might have math work, typing, science experiments and the like in the learning area of the list. Other days, have had "Make up a dance and teach it to your sister. Perform it for your family." and "Learn to write a Haiku poem." They all seemed to have fun with that kind of thing. This week I changed it up again! I said the need to choose 3, 2 and 1. They looked at me cross-eyed! Chores, Non-electronic Fun and Educational. They needed to choose 3 of one, 2 of another and 1 of another. I was surprised that no one chose 1 chore!! :) AND that when faced with having to choose to make their own list, they struggled with writing down non-electronic fun. Now, we do not have a Wii, we don't subscribe to TV service (we only have some DVDs and, yes, VHS!), they have a 30 minute limit on their computer account… you would think that deciding on their "fun" wouldn't be difficult. BUT, when framed in that way, they could ONLY focus on electronics!! Later, I found the girls skating in the basement, dancing and twirling, Bud was of course reading, reading and reading - with paper books instead of ebooks or audio books. Bump was working hard to convince all of the bigger kids to play Candyland and UNO!! Today, Branch is creating a booklet about horses, Blossom is creating a booklet about cats, Bud has painted an Irish countryside and is working with some colored craft sticks. My experiment is turning out fun. We'll be back to some books soon enough...<br />
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<b>Celebrating our faith…</b><br />
Continuing to learn about the deep and rich faith that we share. Bud and Branch will be Confirmed this Sunday and they are looking forward to it!<br />
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<b>From the kitchen…</b><br />
We are eating out of the pantry! Meals are being planned to use up the sweets and heavy carb-laden foods. Lent is nearing and we are sacrificing a family addiction to sugars! So, it seems that we are eating a lot of sugar in cleaning out the coffers!<br />
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<b>I am working on…</b><br />
A sewing project that I may have gotten myself in a bit over my head. I have much of the project cut out, will need to find lots of time to sew it up! TIME? Where do I sign up for an extra 8 hours per day (where the children are sleeping, don't need me and I have already had my 8 hours of sleep)!?!<br />
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<b>I am creating…</b><br />
Bridal shower ideas for my soon-to-be sister-in-law's upcoming shower! The invitations are sent. The RSVPs should start rolling in. I need to clean this house! ;)<br />
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<b>I am going…</b><br />
To keep making meal plans. It seems to help me "keep it together" with feeding my family!!<br />
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<b>I am hoping…</b><br />
For 5 Minutes Peace. Just 5 minutes. I would love more than 5 minutes, but I would be happy, no THRILLED to have 5 uninterrupted minutes of my own. (Can you tell that maybe I have been working on this one single blog post for hours??? - and I haven't even a single picture here!)<br />
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<b>I am reading… </b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(links are amazon affiliate links)</span><br />
Plenty of picture books with Bump. Lately, my favorite is not his. :( I like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014240456X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=014240456X&linkCode=as2&tag=afamtre-20">My Lucky Day</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=afamtre-20&l=as2&o=1&a=014240456X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Keiko Kasza. Bump is liking Little Critter… in particular <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060539461/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060539461&linkCode=as2&tag=afamtre-20">Little Critter: Just a School Project</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=afamtre-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060539461" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Mercer Mayer<br />
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<b>I am listening…</b><br />
To an audio book - Drive: the Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=afamtre-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0143145088" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />(Hence the interesting things I've been doing with our "school." All those scratch and sniff stickers as motivators and certificates of completion might not be the best way… So, working to figure out how to encourage internal motivation!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143145088/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0143145088&linkCode=as2&tag=afamtre-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0143145088&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=afamtre-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(amazon affiliate link)</span></td></tr>
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<b>Around the house…</b><br />
I "won" a silent auction item this weekend. It is a cute thing to hang on the wall. I haven't a clue where I will be hanging it! I didn't think that I would win anything that I bid on, since I was an early bidder and certainly not a high bidder! But, I have a little item that will need a home on the wall. Hmmm.<br />
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<b>One of my favorite things…</b><br />
Watching and being amazed at what things babies do. Why does it melt my heart to see a smile or hear a coo? Why do I love seeing that kind of interaction between one of my bigger kids with the baby?<br />
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<b>A few plans for the week…</b><br />
I need a couple things for getting ready for the bridal shower for little things I am making. I need a couple things from the bookstore for Confirmation gifts. I need to exchange a baby bathtub that I bought for this baby that is growing and now nearly too big for the baby tub I have been borrowing. The trouble is I got it home to discover a crack and decent sized hole in it. Grrrrr. Wasn't hoping to go back to Toys R Us with children in tow!! Otherwise, we will be hangin' our hats and staying home. It is going to be a cold week after tomorrow!<br />
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<b>Pondering these words…</b><br />
In order to grow, truly grow, you have to abandon some of your old ways and embrace other new ways. Are you willing? - Matthew KellyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-54486622128874347982014-02-24T04:00:00.000-06:002014-02-24T04:00:07.963-06:00Pals R Us<div style="text-align: left;">
It must be so fun to be 10 years old when your mama has another baby born into the family. This 10 year old, Branch, has ALWAYS loved all things baby… real or pretend. She is a great helper and loves to play and smile and hold and rock and sway and snuggle this new little babe.</div>
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I have to believe that God will give her many babies of her own one day (far far off in the future) to love and raise to be as sweet as herself. Of course, they will make that one frustrated and angry face for her just like she does for me about twice each month!!</div>
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On the other side of the equation is the baby. He LOVES her, too. He is very generous with smiles and coos and giggles for her. Of course, that doesn't make it harder to love him!</div>
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This is the first time I have had the "guts" to let her (or any of the kids for that matter!) change diapers. She wanted to change Blossom's diapers when she was just a baby herself. But, she was easily appeased with throwing away the wet ones! When Bump was just a little stinker, she wanted to change his diaper, but was ok with doing the smiles and entertaining and picking out his outfits. This time around, she tells me that she is big enough. I figured she could try (after he had a big ol' poo one day and I had already cleaned that up) a wet diaper change on the bed, which is lower than the changing pad. She did splendidly! So, when she offers to change wet pants… and I don't have to hurry us along, I am happy to have a "little" helper!</div>
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How do they grow up so fast!?! Remember that one angry face she makes? Yea. I remember when she was 18 months old and making that same face at me! She makes some angry eyes that are almost, but not quite crossed and purses her lips really tightly. She's been making that same face… but it is now on this becoming all grown up girl! WHhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...</div>
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It is true that the days are LONG and the years are so short. I am not sure how that happens, exactly. But, I try to enjoy all the moments. I told Branch a few days ago, "Babies. Aren't they sweet and wonderful?" She grinned and said, "YES! Who wouldn't love them!?" True. But, some people don't. She just cannot grasp there being someone out there who wouldn't just be enamored with a baby! Maybe one day she'll be overly exhausted with a fussy baby and she might have a tiny glimpse! </div>
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My Branch has been concerned and asking me often if this little guy has a blog name yet. I haven't settled on anything yet. Do you have any ideas to call this sweet pumpkin? <a href="http://afamilytreehouse.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-babe-needs-blogname.html" target="_blank">Here is a list of several ideas </a>that I contemplated for Bump… And those of you who like Ohio for some reason… BUCKEYE is NOT a real option!!! :) </div>
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Lots of love here. Tingly Toes. That is all. (If you are thinking, now, that you'll comment and say Buckeye is great… don't. Really. Pick something else. I don't have time to clean up my computer… that baby needs more kisses and love than he's had yet today!)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-70618339964435775872014-02-23T22:22:00.001-06:002014-02-23T22:22:43.026-06:003 months today - Chubby Tub Time!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yea, I look GREAT! All those rolls? They prove I am a good eater, my mom is a good milk maker and the other stuff in the mirror? Ignore it… Just check out MY CUTENESS!!! :) Gotta love … me!!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-68637576913707849122014-02-20T13:11:00.000-06:002014-02-20T13:11:17.975-06:00Snow Day!!Well, the weather isn't too bad for kids to go to school. But, the snow did cause some visibility difficulties and slick spots. We, however, don't worry about those things for our school!! But, the wind isn't whipping, the snow stopped falling, the snow is wet and packable… I declare it to be a snow day!! Go out and learn about how this wet snow is different than the dry stuff we have had dusted across our area often this winter. Go play and find out what the difference is. Go PLAY and LEARN!!! :) Snow days can be great learning days!!<br />
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I was learning from INSIDE the house. I learned that my kids are ingenious! No standard snowmen, here!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a potential toilet, not sure what we have going on, there. The snow mound to the left of Bud is a snow sofa - turning into a bed. Pull-out sofa, anyone?? ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited to be out playing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1093 photo file-2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/Winter%20Fun/file-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't remember where he was heading with that, but he was helping build all sorts of creations out there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1094 photo file-3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/Winter%20Fun/file-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone busy, having fun with the snow. It will likely be gone later this afternoon. The forecast says we'll reach 45 today. They set bowls out on the patio table to catch snow for snow ice cream… it is mostly water, now! Maybe I've learned that this wet snow is great for packing and the drier snow would have been better for snow ice cream!!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-74778198248750172252014-02-20T01:26:00.001-06:002014-02-20T14:59:44.027-06:00Sometimes you just need a spot of tea!<div style="text-align: left;">
It has been fun spending so much time snuggling and hugging on our new little babe. But at some point, the big treekids want some fun, too! OK - so, I think in looking over these pictures, I know why I don't do a tea very often!! This was a LOT of work. FUN. But, a lot of work. I spent all morning baking, nursing the baby, baking, and showering. Then, we ate some lunch, cooked a bit, finished it up and was ready for tea time around 3 PM right as Pops was arriving home from his latest trip. Branch and Blossom set the table (Can you say an iron would be nice for the table cloth!?!! But, then we wouldn't have gotten to tea time at all!)</div>
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The table was set with all sorts of treats and finery.</div>
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Wanna guess whose teacup and teabag rest was used by whom? Only Pops' was chosen for him. Everyone else chose their own teacup set out of the cupboard. I'll post who used which set later on. So, chime in!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1011 photo file-3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1016 photo file-5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1017 photo file-6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1007 photo file.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F.</td></tr>
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I felt a wee bit guilty about all the sweets, so I made some fancied up cucumber and carrot treats! The girls thought they looked lovely and sort of sushi-ish! Whatever - there were none left over! Mama scores!!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1010 photo file-2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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A family favorite - Scones and Lemon Curd!! Oh, my! Have you ever had any lemon curd? The recipe I use tastes like lemon meringue pie filling. DE-LISH! (I just put some more of the blue spot remover stuff in the dishwasher - sorry about that spottiness on the flatware! {Shaking head - wishing the spoon would have not been in the jar.} Next go 'round it should be better.)</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1018 photo file-7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Super Secret Yummy Brownie Recipe cut into circles to be able to sit in these little paper cupcake liners and on my springy cupcake tree? Yum. You can't eat just one. I love brownies. Branch and Bump helped to make them but Bump was in on the tasting before the eggs were added. He said, "This tastes like chocolate and SUGAR!! Yum. I love Brownies!!" FOUR. I love four - even more than brownies!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1024 photo file-10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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A few chocolate dipped strawberries. I figured they would be pretty and exciting… I NEVER expected them to actually be all that tasty! Strawberries in February? These little beauties were red all the way through. They had better flavor than many strawberries we eat in the summer!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1026 photo file-11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-11.jpg" /></a></div>
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AND tea. Many flavor options. Peppermint, Chamomile, Vanilla Chai, Apple Cinnamon, Lemon, Licorice Spice… yum TEA with cream and sugar! </div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1027 photo file-12.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-12.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
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And this beautiful Polish teapot from my mom when my folks were living in Poland!! Isn't it so pretty?!?!</div>
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1050 photo file-28.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-28.jpg" /></a><br />
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Dressed in their best… Cowboy Bump lost his tie along the wait, Blossom was being, uh, fancy, Branch did up some make-up for herself and her sister (there will be lessons soon…), and Bud dressed in a suit and forgot to shave, I see.</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1030 photo file-14.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-14.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since it has been a while, I took several close-ups of all my treekids…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1033 photo file-15.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bump - 4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1045 photo file-23.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to give me a wink!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1034 photo file-16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossom - 8</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1048 photo file-25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-25.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing - this is how a fancy person would use a tea cup!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1035 photo file-17.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branch - 10</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1047 photo file-24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-24.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinky must be up and carry the plate so as not to drip or dribble on the floor as I pretend with nothing in this cup!!</td></tr>
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And, then there was this handsome mysterious man...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1036 photo file-18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bud - 12</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1049 photo file-26.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-26.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puberty has brought the hair in nicely on his upper lip, no?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1037 photo file-19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, OK… Some temporary tattoos were given to him for St. Valentine's Day!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1041 photo file-21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-21.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinky up the girls tell him.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1042 photo file-22.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-22.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It feels weird to use manners and pose for the camera for more than one picture with the group. But, it made mama so happy to get several pictures of this most elusive character!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_1040 photo file-20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/14/tea%20party/file-20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH, my! Can't make mama happy for that long, now can we!?</td></tr>
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We had lots and lots of fun talking and giggling. We enjoyed our treats, practiced some very nice manners and enjoyed the company of Pops. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope to be blogging more regularly again soon. I read a <a href="http://9peasmom.blogspot.com/2014/02/lately.html" target="_blank">great little post</a> from a gal who has many children… it resonated so well for me! She talked about how sometimes it is easy to fit all of the social media into life and other times you just have to focus on life and put social media on the back burner until you are back on track. I relate well to that. I need to have a name for that so I can post a picture or something when life gets too busy and then get back at it when I can. I love having a blog and posting things here to remember later. I love reading comments and making "cyber friends." But, there are times I just cannot keep up with everything and social media is what has to go sometimes. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-12232829163353909622013-11-30T16:29:00.002-06:002013-11-30T16:29:50.728-06:00Thankful for our Blessings… one and all!Well, it has sure been "exciting" around here this past week!!<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
Our newest little bambino was born a bit on the early side - but, still considered a full-term baby. He was due on December 11, but was born on November 23 at 2:57 AM!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0485 photo file.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/baby/file.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not quite a day old</td></tr>
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</div>
<div>
This is his story:<br />
<br />
I was sitting in a rocking chair with our little Bump cuddled up on my lap for a bedtime story. We fell asleep like that and Pops woke me and carried Bump off to his own bed for the night. I thought I was having some "Braxton Hicks" contractions as they were not regular, and weren't much to speak of. So, off to bed I went after brushing my teeth. I thought the contractions were weird, but again, not regular or overly painful. So, I fell asleep. About an hour or so later, at just past midnight, I woke up and told Pops, "I think my water just broke." He definitely didn't think that I was kidding, but we were only VERY sure when I stood up and my pajama pants became immediately soaked! </div>
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Well, so much for that labor induction we had planned for later in the week…</div>
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The last time my water broke on its own, I delivered a healthy baby girl on the floor of the elevator lobby at the hospital within 15 minutes after it broke! Let's just say, I felt a weeee bit of stress in that we live at least a 40 minute drive from the hospital!!</div>
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I had a few strong contractions and Pops visited with my midwife on the phone. She told us to either get ourselves to the hospital right away OR call 911. We got in the van to go right after calling the grands to say, "Please come over, we are heading to the hospital to have this baby and the kids are all sleeping!" Woke up Bud so that there would be someone who knew why we weren't here if someone woke needing something and he waited for Grandma and Grandpa to arrive. We sped away to the hospital and thankfully arrived at the ER (around 1 AM) where my midwife was waiting with a nurse and a wheelchair!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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We made it up to the labor and delivery department and got settled in to wait and see what would become of this labor and baby!! I was feeling great. I had a bed and a room - no floor delivery in the hallway for this go-round!</div>
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Things moved along quickly and the paperwork was all tended to and baby arrived within 2 hours. Baby appeared to be less than thrilled with his arrival and screamed and hollered for what seemed like 10 minutes or more! I was thinking that he had better get it all out as we wouldn't have time for this nonsense with 4 other kids running around, too! He calmed down and Pops and the nurse took him around the corner to be weighed and measured - 7 lb. 11 oz., 20.5 inches long (decent 37 week 3 day gestational age)!! My midwife was tending to something a few feet away and an aide arrived to help do some clean-up and walked over to me and alerted my midwife to tend to me… I was hemorrhaging and there was a flurry of activity around me getting my fluids going and pitocin running, a shot of methergine in my leg and all of the blood cleaned up and weighed. I am not sure how they do their figuring, exactly - but, whatever was done, they measured the blood loss to be 1700cc. My blood pressure was at one time 60/40 - ish. Apparently I was the same color as the bed sheets and felt quite weak and woozy. It wasn't long before I was feeling well enough to move on to the postpartum recovery area. It was rather scary, but everything turned out well.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0505 photo file-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/baby/file-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one week old with a satisfied milk mustache - a western one with serious handlebars, no less!!</td></tr>
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<div>
Today, baby is doing GREAT at one week old! I am slowly feeling better and gaining energy and strength. I celebrated a very thankful for life kind of Thanksgiving this year. Thankful for the new life that we are blessed with in this teeny tiny baby. Thankful for my life and that I am able to continue to watch and help my beautiful children grow and learn. Thankful. Truly thankful.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-77999255832200055202013-10-29T21:36:00.000-05:002013-10-31T15:15:22.057-05:00Ruff WeekendIt was a sad weekend for our family as we had to say our last goodbyes to our old faithful fur-friend, Scarlett Eve. She was just over 12.5 years old and she has lived with us for just over 12 years! That is quite a long time in Boxer dog years!! She was ancient, but had a serious will to live!! I could go on and on about all that she fought through in her 12.5 years - but, I will instead use this ONE blog post to remember her, to chuckle at her funny side and to have a place to go and look at many pictures that bring me joy. I wish that I had more pictures of her from before 2008... this grouping of pictures will be missing those first 7 years of her life with us. I can't remember where I put all those old pictures of her, right now!! So, if you'd like to take a trip down memory lane with me - hang on for a long ride... I took pictures of my fur-kid as much as my two-legged kids!! If not - that's ok, stop back by later when I am moving on to other topics!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
R.I.P.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scarlett Eve</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10-27-2013</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Scarlett Dog graying face photo file-15.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always up for a ride in the car. This was when she was starting to turn "grey" and we were becoming shocked by how much less black there was on her face!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="100_0653.JPG photo file-16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Cape Blanco Lighthouse in Port Orford, OR</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="100_0668.JPG photo file-17.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom bought this hat for Bud for his birthday and we were going to put it away for later. But, we really were curious how it would look "on." Scarlett was our guinea pig for this kind of stuff more often than not.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="100_0672.JPG photo file-18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was RARELY amused.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0032.JPG photo file-19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a squirrel up this tree and she was sure she could get to it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0044.JPG photo file-20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loved being on the beach with us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0050.JPG photo file-21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-21.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was fun to watch her try to catch the waves, the foam and taste the salty water!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0053.JPG photo file-22.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-22.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes those waves would try to get her...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0073.JPG photo file-23.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But, she was game and ready to attack again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0089.JPG photo file-24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-24.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little closer... a little closer...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0091.JPG photo file-25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-25.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RUN!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0104.JPG photo file-26.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-26.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost got her feet that time!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0116.JPG photo file-27.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-27.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She went with us everywhere. This was a hike in July 2008.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0137.JPG photo file-28.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-28.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were up on a cliff on the southern Oregon coast. (Blossom wasn't too interested in the hiking part!!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0149.JPG photo file-29.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-29.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were celebrating and memorializing the short life of our Brody, as we do every year with a balloon release.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0051.JPG photo file-30.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-30.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love those perked up alert ears!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-81 photo file.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She joined us on our very first family camping trip in Teton National Park. Surely, she kept the bears away!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1247 photo file-31.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-31.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting family at Lake Mac in Nebraska</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1459 photo file-32.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-32.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of her very favorite things... a farm pond!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1464 photo file-33.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-33.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish there were sound effects available for these pictures!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1466 photo file-34.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-34.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is chasing frogs all over the pond and in the field.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1469 photo file-35.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-35.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved watching her hunt the frogs... all alert and ready to get one!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1472 photo file-36.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-36.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something must have escaped from the pond!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1484 photo file-38.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-38.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, Scarlett, you'll get it!! Keep after it!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1485 photo file-39.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-39.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the only times Scarlett would enter the water of her own desire. Not much of a swimmer, our girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1494 photo file-40.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-40.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hunt continued through the weeds and she ran and ran and ran... This is what I imagine for her afterlife "over the rainbow bridge"... It makes me feel happy to think that she is snorting and snuffing and running and jumping and keeping her tail curled up and ears all perky. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1506 photo file-41.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-41.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As she would trot along the edge of the pond, the frogs would jump into the pond just as she would almost be to them. It was so fun!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1528 photo file-42.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-42.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pops caught a frog up on the road. But that poor ol' dog never did get ONE frog!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photos-1719 photo file-43.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-43.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She always wanted to be included with whatever the kids were doing, even if it was just schoolwork up on the counter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0062.JPG photo file-44.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-44.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunbathing, whether on the sand, curled up on a blanket, rolling in the grass... sunshine made her happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0067.JPG photo file-45.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-45.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and tolerating me taking pictures and threatening to shade her from the sun, not so happy!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0229.JPG photo file-46.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-46.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So young with clear eyes. Still a black mask, wet nose, shiny eyes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0230.JPG photo file-47.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-47.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved her profile in this picture... and the clear brown of her eye. They were kind, soulful, questioning, loving and knowing eyes. She may have been a "dumb dog" to some but, my companion and very smart even when she acted crazed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0024.JPG photo file-48.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-48.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, how smooth and soft that little spot on her neck under her chin was... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0026.JPG photo file-49.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-49.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Occasionally, Pops took some pictures of her. I am not sure what he was going after on this one, but her tickle-y whiskers are certainly highlighted well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0029.JPG photo file-50.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-50.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I would wake up with this in my face!! It always made me laugh!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0105.JPG photo file-51.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-51.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right in the mix of decorating the Christmas Tree... not to be left out of anything!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0127.JPG photo file-52.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-52.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She never chewed on shoes or slippers unless she was provoked. Pops was always provoking her!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0128.JPG photo file-53.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-53.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barking, growling, and gently chewing on his feet. Anytime was a good time for that...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0144.JPG photo file-54.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-54.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She even loved the snow! Her shirt says, "I'm Mama's Dog" -- tee hee! I had to add some elastic to the bottom hem or it would drag. But, the smaller sizes wouldn't fit around her chest!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0155.JPG photo file-55.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-55.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mama? Let's go in the snow? Wanna, wanna, wanna??" - isn't that what she was saying?</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0219.JPG photo file-56.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-56.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Must've been!! I put on my coat and gloves and took her out where I made snowballs for her to catch. </td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0229.JPG photo file-57.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-57.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loved eating snowballs - and Blossom thought it was "helping" Scarlett catch them by showing her to open her mouth! </td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0044.JPG photo file-58.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-58.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to get a picture with everyone looking at the camera has always been a challenge...</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0048.JPG photo file-59.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-59.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Scarlett didn't make it any easier, really!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0049.JPG photo file-60.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-60.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many many tries before we ever would have a "keeper"!!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0134.JPG photo file-61.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-61.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa brought treats for Scarlett most years - sometimes a toy. This particular year, it was "liver treats" (and quite possibly that fancy-pants new sparkly pink collar)!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0143.JPG photo file-62.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-62.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And ONE liver treat was never enough.</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0219.JPG photo file-63.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-63.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She kept her eye on them... </td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0221.JPG photo file-64.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-64.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and let us know that she was always a willing recipient of a treat!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0006 photo file-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loved treats and was gentle enough to take them from a baby!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSCN0162 photo file-2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She joined us in the tornado shelter in Oklahoma!</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSCN0179 photo file-3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She thought she was a lap dog and wasn't too picky about the size of the lap she was climbing onto!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSCN0270 photo file-4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She did pretty good living in our funny little RV life. But, moving back to the midwest was hard for her. Hot and cold temperatures and plenty of allergens plagued her - not much of a problem out in Oregon. </td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0507 photo file-5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her dry eye got much worse with the allergens of the midwest and she eventually lost sight in both eyes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0752 photo file-6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we moved into a little rental house in Oklahoma, it was chilly with the door open while we unloaded the moving truck. So, these ones all curled up to stay warm and snooze as we worked into the dark night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0314 photo file-11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlett liked a good snuggle... in someone's soft cozy bed! Most often Branch's in her later years since it was lower to the ground. Before that... it was mine, at the end of the bed under the covers keeping my toes warm!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0001 photo file-7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Often she would hog the bed. She just wanted up there with ya!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0012 photo file-8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if it was good that she lost her sight before her hearing, but at least I could clap and she would come toward my clapping hands when she was straying away. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0025 photo file-9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always enjoying the sunshine outdoors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0044 - Version 2 photo file-10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I often wonder what it would have been like if Scarlett would have been able to see Mini and chase around with her!! Probably wouldn't have turned out too well, I suppose!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0003 photo file-14.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/blog/ab/file-14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After sitting out in the sunshine and wandering away, we felt so lucky to have found our girl this past July. And we treasured our time with her. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0134 photo file-6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/Scarlett/goodbye/file-6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the last moment, we loved her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-26086124363239182272013-10-24T09:14:00.003-05:002013-10-24T09:14:40.598-05:00Fall Fun<div style="text-align: left;">
I know I have disappeared again for a bit... We had a wee bit of company and I have been busy in my sewing room. My folks were here visiting and then took the treekids with them on a little mini-vacation to Breckenridge, CO. Pops and I had moments of staring at each other wondering what to do with ourselves. He found plenty for us to fill up our time with and all of my sewing for the weekend and not fussing over meals plans were thwarted! Rats. Oh, well... I did do quite a bit of canning since we had visited the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch and I love homemade/chunky spicy applesauce!</div>
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Here are the treekids with Geemah & Grandpa.</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0068 photo file.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file.jpg" /></a></div>
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At a fun place like this, you better "snap fast" or your photo opportunity falls apart!!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0070 photo file-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bud is always giving bunny ears or crossed eyes and it was time for him to get a little return ears!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0074 photo file-2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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My mom thought we needed a picture, too... so, we got up there in the stinky rotting hale bales, too. Some of "us" could smile through the stink, others... not so much!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0077 photo file-3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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I think I told him to fake that it smelled good or something. In hindsight, if I would have just said pretend it smells like all those cow patties... and at least he would have grinned and not looked so PAINED...</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0078 photo file-4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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I thought he needed a little cheer... so, such is the progression of photos in our family. With the advent of digital, no one will mess up any "expensive film"... just delete or laugh later!!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0079 photo file-5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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The corn box... I liked it soooo much better than the sandbox. This was pretty cool, but Pops reminded us of how expensive it probably was with all that corn!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0080 photo file-6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then we were off to the pumpkin patch - a couple kids hitched a ride! But, might just be a little frightened that they'll fall out (or get DUMPED out!!)</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0088 photo file-7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-7.jpg" /></a></div>
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I enjoyed looking in the piles of pumpkins along the edge of the patch. I walked into the patch for a bit and realized that I would be much better off not trying to hop over the vines! So, I left that to the more stable/non-pregnant folks on the hunt...</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0090 photo file-8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-8.jpg" /></a></div>
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There were pumpkins of ALL sizes, but of course, the most ginormous ones were the sought after ones...</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0095 photo file-9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-9.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bigger is better? Well, not so much when mom tells you that you have to be able to carry it out of the pumpkin patch to be able to take it home!! I know, a complete kill-joy I am!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0096 photo file-10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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We chose several jack-o-lanterns, a cinderella, a white one, some kind of blue moon and a sweet meat. I still have some processing to do with the pumpkins... The treekids will enjoy carving the jacks and Pops will season and roast the seeds. I will have to roast all of the sweet pumpkins for preserving for pies and muffins and bread this winter!!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0103 photo file-11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/fun%20with%20family/Pumpkin%20Patch%20and%20Apple%20Orchard/file-11.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love seeing the determination of this little boy. He is still three, but is getting so excited about his birthday next month!!</div>
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Always a little help from his daddy to finish the job!!</div>
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...I'll be back to share more, soon...</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-11276628886305670432013-10-03T12:14:00.000-05:002013-10-03T12:14:41.663-05:00Visiting Our Friends in Oregon!!<div style="text-align: left;">
We arrived at our <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Friends'</a> home in Oregon after our salt flat stop in Utah - but it was pretty late. It was dark out and we were ready to be out of the van for a LONG time!! The kids played late into the night and Jessica and I talked and talked and talked... I reminded her again that I know that guests and fish have something in common - they both start stinking after about 3 days! So, we could stay for a short time and then move on and do some other things, or our schedule would allow us to be there for FIVE nights!! She graciously said we would have so much fun and we would not wear out our welcome. So, we gave it a whirl!!</div>
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The night we arrived was dark and picture-less! The next morning we got up a little groggy, but Jessica made some yummy apple puff pancakes to get us going for breakfast! Pops and Bud went salmon fishing and Jessica's "Captain" and "Rascal" went to a birthday party for most of the day (that worked out just right - they had plans and Bud could go fishing without thinking he was missing out on playing with his pals!). While they went to town, I stayed back with my younger three and two of Jessica's girls, "Twinkle Toes" and "Chiquita" and one of her sons, "Snuggles." It wasn't long before the kids spotted some deer for photographing!</div>
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But, I had more fun photographing the kids playing outside!</div>
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My Branch and Jessica's Twinkle Toes have so much silly fun together! <br />
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We think that they should move to Nebraska to the house down the street that is for sale... They think we need to move back to Oregon! </div>
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I think SOMETHING needs to make us able to see each other more often!</div>
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Bump had fun climbing on their play structure...</div>
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And liked climbing and playing with anyone who was available! With soooo many kids running around all the time, no one ever had to be without a playmate!</div>
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Branch loves their wonderful yard. Lots of trees, a tree swing, a great play structure, regular deer visitors - only dislike is its distance from our house and all the neighborhood dogs that come "visiting" at full speed ahead!!</div>
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While we were there, the weather was blistering in Nebraska and we were so thankful to be comfortable playing outdoors! I was actually surprised by how green things already were! There had been a little bit of rain and it was making the grass perk up just a little bit!</div>
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Bump had tons of fun with his friend, "Snuggles." I chuckled often at their size similarity! Bump is 3.5 and Snuggles is 6!! They were matched well even with what they enjoyed doing! Playing cars, swords, chasing and exploring in the yard!</div>
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Not certain about what was so intriguing out there, but I have a feeling it was sticks and leaves... ;)</div>
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But, then there was something else drawing Bump in... Golf Balls!!!! </div>
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My little Blossom and Jessica's "Chiquita" were giggling inside, where they escaped to when I pulled out my camera.</div>
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This is Ferdinand. He is doing exactly what I needed to be doing after being up late chatting and getting up early to the chatting and giggling of happy children!</div>
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We'll visit Crater Lake National Park here at the Treehouse next week. It is too beautiful to miss!!! </div>
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See you then!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-31638256405755652582013-10-02T06:21:00.000-05:002013-10-02T06:21:00.565-05:00Western Wednesday :: Patience & The Grand Entry<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0040 photo file.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/travel%20time/Pendleton/file.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anticipation was pretty high as we piled into our seats early. We didn't want to miss anything. So, we probably (OK, ok, we REALLY) got there early. It was even early by Pops' standards and he would like to be seated for church 25 minutes - or even 30 minutes before hand! So, we were early. </div>
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A few other people in the grandstands behind the bucking shoots were early, too. At least we all had room to stretch out and not feel boxed in!?!</div>
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But, getting somewhere early without a book in hand is not my Bud's idea of a good time. Nothing was happening, nothing to read, heat was starting to settle on him and he was looking to choose boredom as the feeling.</div>
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But, you could see this little sprout grinning behind! Yea - she likes a rodeo. She was finding things to be excited about...</div>
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Like the rodeo contestant sitting only a few rows ahead of us!!</div>
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Pops is already dreaming of next year's Round-Up - advertised on the general admission bleachers across the way.</div>
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Nice picture by Pops, eh? Zoomed in to see that they have to be prepared with a medical stretcher/backboard - just in case...</div>
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It is fun to see the excitement building over by the bucking shoots, loading those bareback broncs into the shoots for the first event...</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0051 photo file-8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/travel%20time/Pendleton/file-8.jpg" /></a></div>
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Seeing another contestant come sit in the rows in front of us...</div>
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The count-down timer had started on the scoreboard and was down to only 2 minutes left until show time! </div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0060 photo file-10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/travel%20time/Pendleton/file-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then, it all began with a BANG!</div>
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Out came the American Flag on horseback...</div>
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and a tribal flag and a Canadian flag! All at full speed, jumping the fence and into the arena!!</div>
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The National Anthem was sung by the sister of Reba McEntire, Susie McEntire. WOW - do they sound like sisters or what!?!! I didn't know that it was Susie until after she sang and they said who it was. I was listening and thinking, "Sheesh! Opening day with the big guns - Reba on day one!?" But, it was her sister and she sounded wonderful and the "bombs bursting in air" was a great addition!</div>
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The official opening day of Round-Up was Wednesday, September 11th, so the flag flew at half-staff.</div>
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After the National Anthem, the Pendleton Round-Up Queen and Princesses entered the arena...</div>
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and they ride at full speed around the arena greeting the spectators!</div>
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Everyone cheers and the festivities begin!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-73918159725365946682013-10-01T16:15:00.001-05:002013-10-01T16:15:47.656-05:00TIME FLIES!!WOW! Here it is the 1st of October and I am contemplating the first days of our recent vacation! We left home on September 2nd! It seems like it was only a couple weeks ago, but it was nearly a month ago! Our first day of driving took us from eastern Nebraska to bedtime in Park City, Utah. That is a LONG drive, folks!! But, we got there and swam in the pool before hitting the hay and sleeping too late the next morning.<br />
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I do not know how many times we have driven along I-80 through Utah, but we have always hurried from one side to the other not stopping. We've seen signs like this one many times and I have to say I understand why they place them...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.24saltlake.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Drowsy-Driving-Sign-Utah-281x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.24saltlake.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Drowsy-Driving-Sign-Utah-281x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://www.24saltlake.com/news/100-deadliest-days-utah-roads/</td></tr>
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It seems as though you drive along for forever seeing nothing much new! Sometimes there are things off to the side to look at, or places where people have apparently stopped to play in their drowsiness! It sort of looks like they have stopped to play in the sand! This time, Pops received a business call as we were moving across the state and we stopped at a rest stop not too far west of Salt Lake City so as to not drop the call!!<br />
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The kids and I piled out to use the facilities. I was confused by the signage on the restroom doors. It instructed people to wash their shoes off before entering the bathrooms if they had been out walking in the salt. WHAT!? Salt? I had thought all of that stuff was Sand!! After using the facilities, all the treekids wanted to explore the salt flats now that we knew that it wasn't just sand! Off they went into the salt and I back to the van to retrieve my camera!!</div>
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See? I'm not crazy, am I? Doesn't it just look like sand!?! Several miles east of here we saw other salt flats and they were much whiter. This is very sandy colored!! Even the white sand beaches of Destin look more salt like than these salt flats!!<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0005 photo file-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq260/moravec_bucket/2013/travel%20time/file-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Pops was headed out to join the treekids, now that he has completed his phone call!<br />
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Thank goodness for those business phone calls making us stop to prevent dropped call syndrome!! The treekids had great fun running and playing in the salt and just checking it all out in general! (Poor ol' Blossom's car riding shorts are comfy... but too short! She will look like she is just wearing a mini-dress in the rest of these pictures. I OBVIOUSLY did not pick her comfortable-in-the-van clothes!! Yikes!)<br />
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We could hear this jet long before we could see it with all the cloud cover that morning. But, it came lower and it was exciting to see. I am very intrigued by these jets... I think your standard 747 is no longer a big excitement in our family (unless we are all on it)!<br />
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They were picking up pieces and running and finding formations that people had left behind.<br />
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Crystals of salt - sort of looked like snow - certainly NOT sand when you were out on it!!<br />
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Getting down lower to the ground, I discovered that it almost looked like carpet!!<br />
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Someone spilled their coffee on this carpet, but sort of carpet-like just the same!!<br />
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Oh, uh! And, there it is... the call back for business!! I have a picture of Pops on his cell phone just about every time that we visited the coast in Oregon... looked like sand here, needed a cell phone usage pic!! :)<br />
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Bud was searching and running further away than anyone... I think he thought he could get all the way to that mountain range! No one really wanted to ride in the car for another day!!<br />
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But, it was time to go and they were called back. They were all searching for the perfect piece of rock salt to keep for themselves and for pieces to share with their rock collecting Geemah and a piece to share with their <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">friends</a> we were hoping to see that night!!<br />
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I really enjoyed stopping to see these cool salt flats... and to use the bucket of water to wash all the salt off the bottom of our shoes after we were finished. No wonder the signs asked you to clean off your shoes before using the restrooms! Our soles were caked with salt!<br />
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Cleaned up, treasures stashed, belted back in... ready to get to Oregon!!! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-62797391312633762572013-09-27T09:14:00.000-05:002013-09-27T21:25:47.458-05:00Seven Quick Takes - Home Sweet Home<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" height="195" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt1"></a><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt1" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 1 ---</a></strong></div>
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Last week was Busy. This week, I have been trying to find where I left everything that I needed to do while I was busy last week!! Last week, we arrived home from our 2 week + a few days trip. Then I spent the rest of the week baking and sewing! Our parish's Fall Festival was held this past weekend and each family is asked to contribute. So, I baked my favorite Sugar Cookies - and yes, I had helpers, but I did not have time to take pictures of the work... only the end product!! Pumpkins and Candy Corn for the Fall Festival! I wrapped individually so that they could be sold for $1 each. I loved them. Mailed some out to a <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">friend</a> whose family loves them like we do and the treekids ate the rest... they are all gone and Bump already asked to make some more!! I think we will need to make and FREEZE some cookies so we don't have to bake cut-out cookies every-other week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt2"></a><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt2" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 2 ---</a></strong></div>
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Along with the cookies, I made some super yummy brownies. When we were staying with <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica's</a> family a few weeks ago she shared a new treat one of her friends had told her about. Basically, you make a pan of brownies, poke a few small holes in the top, pour caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of that! DELISH!!! But, I am trying to "market" this for a church fundraiser... "Jessica's Friend's Brownie Delight" wasn't quite descriptive of the deliciousness that was to be found inside the pan!! So, I enlisted the creativity of my Facebook friends and merged their ideas and came up with a beautiful descriptive title. The pan of brownies was put in a silent auction and went for over $15! There were sooooooo many things to bid on that I was pleased they went for that!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt3"></a><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt3" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 3 ---</a></strong></div>
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As I was running out of time, I wasn't able to get the little knitted hat completed that I had hoped to, so I made a hooded baby towel. It is probably more practical in use than a knitted baby hat and it sure wouldn't take the same amount of time to complete, so - I rushed to get something handmade to take for the festival as well... I think it turned out quite well considering I didn't have all the same pretty embellishments that I often do use! What do you think... gender neutral, anyway!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt4"></a><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt4" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 4 ---</a></strong></div>
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So, when your mom was baking for others when you were a kid... did she smack your fingers and send you on your way saying, "These are for... not for us!!" I do not know any kids who didn't get that at least a little bit! But, I really try hard to make extras and other things so they don't feel like I only bake all these yummy things for "everyone else"!!! So, I made extra cookies, an extra pan of brownies and while I was at it... I made a batch of Kolaches!! I think that is what put me over the edge and I probably should have left them for this week... or NEXT week, but - that is not my style - work until I am all out of gas is my "way" I suppose!! But, I did make some Kolaches and there were some very appreciative folks around here!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt5"></a><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt5" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 5 ---</a></strong></div>
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All that kept my hands very busy! But, my mind was elsewhere. I was still back on vacation ... We went out to Oregon and played and played! We visited many friends, Crater Lake National Park, and places in Canyonville, Roseburg, Rogue River, Grants Pass, Marlin, Klamath Falls, Bend, Russell's Custom Meats in Canyon City (Awesome place to stop for Jerky and or Meat Sticks!), Baker City (a quick stop for a delicious artisan chocolate and a peek at the largest gold nugget ever found in Oregon!), North Powder, and Pendleton. Then it was on to Idaho ... McCall is BEAUTIFUL then on through Boise, Mountain Home, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho Falls up to West Yellowstone, MT into Wyoming via Yellowstone National Park to visit Old Faithful then down for a quick visit to Teton National Park (where I lost my heart many years ago and I only truly find it again when I am there...). We continued through Wyoming with a stop in Casper before working our way through Northern Nebraska stopping to visit family and Pops took care of some more work in the Ainsworth area. Finally, we worked our way back home and I was exhausted! I am exhausted over again just thinking of ALL that we did on our journey! So, I have been going through pictures and there are some pictures with full posts to write and share about some of these things that we stopped and did! I will continue to work through all of those pictures... there are MANY! (only 1,318!!!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt6"></a><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt6" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 6 ---</a></strong></div>
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It is one of my favorite things to see in or around the Tetons... a BEAR!! We have seen bear in the parks only 3 times. Each time, it was near sundown and we were heading out disappointed to not have seen a bear. This time we were treated to an amazing bear sighting!! Now, remember... this is at dusk. By the 3rd and 4th picture below, the sun was pretty well behind the mountain range. Photography without a tripod in these times produces a fairly blurry image as even pushing the shutter release moves the camera enough to cause blur. For picture #3, I did use the flash and I am not really sure if I can say that it "helped" - but it is a clearer picture with those glowing eyes...<br />
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In about the middle of this shot, you can see the back of a "something." At this point, we did not really know what we were seeing. It was moving fairly quickly through the brush and we would catch peeks of it here and there. Pops thought it might be a wolf that we were seeing. So, we waited and watched... hoping to get a better view. Then it went into all of those bigger shrubs.<br />
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So, I backed out of all the fuzzier pictures and zoomed in on the camera's image viewing screen. THOSE do NOT look like wolf ears and that hump on the back is NOT a dog-like hump!! We thought we were onto a bear. EXCITEMENT grew in the van as all the seat belts came off as we all tried to get a better (SAFE inside the confines of the van) view!!<br />
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We were patient and the bear cam out the other side of the brush and messed around by a trailer. It wasn't long before it started heading to the road and all the shushes imaginable were issued so that the squeals of delight were not audible!! (Have you ever seen a squealing girl make no noise? It is funny!!)<br />
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This big ol' bear crossed the street and was held up by this fence. He attempted jumping the fence and then went down along the fence a bit before trying again and succeeded in his climb/leap. AWESOME!!<br />
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I have many more pictures of what we saw - but they are SO blurry. Anyone take many pictures at this time of day - AT A DISTANCE and have success!?! What do I need to do to make my shot turn out better?? I do hope to get this opportunity again!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt7"></a><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt7" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 7 ---</a></strong></div>
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Next week promises to be a busy week, too! We will be back at "it" with more of the formal school things that we do take on. Of course, I have to say that I am very thankful for our homeschooling life!! Without it, we would not be able to go and see and do as much as we have. The flexibility is great for our family. I was thinking about this the other day... School works great for some people and their kids. We support our local schools and take part in their activities and help with their fundraising. However, I think school would mostly just get in our way of learning and experiencing life!! What a dilemma!! School or Real Life Learning by going and doing... we are very fortunate to be able to live where we can direct the education of our children and learn at our own pace doing our own "thing." Either way - we love our life and all the craziness we seem to find ourselves in!!<br />
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-78297983907171461842013-09-25T12:12:00.001-05:002013-09-25T12:12:49.874-05:00Western Wednesday :: An IntroductionI have been crazy busy here trying to get settled back into "life" after our 2 week journey out west and back home again. It was great fun and I am wanting to share all kinds of fun pictures! I have been going through pictures and have discovered that no one is going to want to see ALL those pictures all on one day! So, I have been trying to figure out the best way to share and not "bore" the folks who don't want to see rodeo for the next 3 weeks!! ;)<br />
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So, I will work on sharing our experience over time, allowing me to continue sharing my current goings on as well! If you enjoy learning about the rodeo and seeing pictures of the western fun, stop by on Wednesdays!!<br />
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OK - so, first things first...<br />
<ul>
<li>What rodeo did the Treehouse Family attend? </li>
<ul>
<li>The Pendleton Round-Up</li>
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<li>Where is Pendleton? </li>
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<li>Pendleton is located in Northeast Oregon in Umatilla County in one of my favorite places in America (I have a few, so far...).</li>
</ul>
<li>What exactly is The Round-Up? </li>
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<li>It is a week-long celebration of western heritage complete with concerts, parades, pageantry, rodeo performances, and plenty more to thrill anyone taking the time to visit.</li>
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<li>Why should I care? </li>
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<li>The Pendleton Round-Up has been named #1 Top Cowboy Vacation Destination by Western Horseman Magazine, Best Professional Rodeo by True West Magazine, One of the Rodeos Worth Driving To by Cowboys and Indians Magazine and to top it off, the Round-Up played an important role in the naming of Pendleton as #1 on the list of Top Ten Western Towns in America by True West Magazine!! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(source; Pendleton Chamber of Commerce)</span></li>
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<li>How is The Pendleton Round-Up any different from any other rodeo celebration? </li>
<ul>
<li>Let's start by discussing the arena. It is a football field surround by a dirt track. A lot of the events are completed on grass - which can have horses slipping and falling with riders atop, bull doggers can tear up their knees when trying to wrestle their steer to a stop, the bucking area for broncs is... as large as the football field and track, a temporary fence is set up for bull riding, the barrel pattern is so much larger that it typically is finished in 28 seconds as compared to the regular 16 or 17, and the cowboy's timed events have the calves or steers being chased down an alleyway that begins outside or underneath the grandstand and running down a ramp into the arena full speed ahead instead of from a stopped position in a small chute. Let's just say - it is DIFFERENT!!</li>
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<li>Anything else of significance? </li>
<ul>
<li>There is a lot of focus on the Native American influence of the area. There is a relay race on horseback for various tribes to compete against each other, there is a display of the traditional dance in the arena during an intermission including a parade of chiefs and princesses around the track. Outside of the arena grounds, an encampment is set up with 300+ traditional tepees where the Native Americans set up for the week to live and be a part of the celebration. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
I think that it might be best - if you have the time (and interest) - to watch this production by Oregon Public Broadcasting, <u>Pendleton Round-Up: The Wild West Way</u>, before we continue next week with Western Wednesday!! It is a well done production highlighting the history of The Round-Up!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Let 'er Buck!!</i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5610886671878404394.post-23525334451062365122013-09-13T11:20:00.001-05:002013-09-13T11:20:34.791-05:00Seven Quick Takes - "on the road again" edition<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt1"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt1" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 1 ---</a></b></div>
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Oregon. This is a really "quick take"... how is it you can miss a place and BE there at the same time. I had no idea when we decided to move back to the midwest that I would miss ALL that Oregon has to offer in its landscape. Don't get me wrong... I love the people in the midwest and I love our church in the Lincoln Diocese... BUT - Oregon. yes... Oregon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt2"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt2" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 2 ---</a></b></div>
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I am contemplating the business opportunity in coin operated laundromats. Seriously. I am at the hotel doing ONLY three loads of laundry for our family of six after what we have worn since Sunday... so, nearly a week. We are pretty conservative and re-wear jeans and pajamas...but, I just spent $6 for three loads. I imagine that this is "inexpensive" in terms of laundromats. I am only using a hotel machine at $1/wash and $1/dry. I have had the pleasure of using the public laundromat on other trips and have spent at least $2/wash and at times $3/dry!! Hmmm... I'd sure like to see a balance sheet of an average, excellent and failing laundromat. I think that would be interesting... Along with that - how about the pricing structure and other assorted financial information broken down. All this... for laundry!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt3"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt3" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 3 ---</a></b></div>
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The 103rd Pendleton Round-Up has been fun. We have had some pretty warm days here in Pendleton, but don't have to fight the humidity and so it is very bearable. We have done a fair amount of walking around the downtown area, peeking in stores, drooling over the smells of the various food booths, considered a tour or two around town, ate pizza, "fry bread", Hawaiian Shaved Ices... I have lots of pictures of the rodeo and will share them later in their own post... hoping to get home to do that! <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt4"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt4" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 4 ---</a></b></div>
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We are constantly arranging and re-arranging our plans on these long trips! We thought that we would get to Yellowstone by Saturday to celebrate Bud's 12th birthday!! It is now looking like we won't get there for that. So, perhaps we will make it to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm" target="_blank">Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve</a> for his birthday. It looks like they have a "Star Party" on Friday night... maybe we can get there by then! That would make his evening! If not, we'll have a look at what is available on his birthday. WAIT! What? 12!??!! Holy Smokes! We'll have a teenager next year?!??? My, how time flies!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt5"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt5" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 5 ---</a></b></div>
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We had so much fun with <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica</a> and her family last week. No one was ready to leave their house... and I get a request DAILY from Bump to return to "his friend, {Snuggle's} house". I love that we have such a great family to be friends with and spend some good time with! Now we are just hoping, praying and waiting (trying to do that one patiently!) for their visit to Nebraska!! ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt6"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt6" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 6 ---</a></b></div>
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Today is "Friday the 13th" and Bud said, "Aaaahhhhh" and hid under the sheets. Then came out and said - "Nothing to worry about." Blossom, shouted "HOOOOoooooray!!! I'm 8.5 today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394" name="qt7"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5610886671878404394#qt7" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 7 ---</a></b></div>
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From Sept 10 - Sept 12 I took 677 pictures. It is going to take me a while to go through them to share our stay in Pendleton!!! I am excited, though... The bull riding event at the Round-Up did NOT disappoint!!! (Sorry... gotta leave you a little teaser!!) I'll get to the pictures ASAP and share soon!!<br />
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
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