tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247460695018915462024-02-19T00:32:40.005-05:00You. Me. Us.The life and times of a homeschooling, work-from-home, video gaming, TV watching, tech-junky family and those that help to make our life what it is.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-40336398885211902452017-03-05T17:47:00.000-05:002017-03-05T17:47:17.115-05:00And just like that...The height of tax season is ovah. Thankfully. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll still have a couple of days here and there, but the daily "I have to put on real pants" thing is done. 😁</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe now I can manage to act like a mostly-decent mom again. Maaaaybe. If not, there's always this to make me feel better:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUfmdzAtUnA/WLyRNASt2sI/AAAAAAAAEL8/KnRhBvKG1x4DG03sFuSn6NZzvk0UW0qjACLcB/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUfmdzAtUnA/WLyRNASt2sI/AAAAAAAAEL8/KnRhBvKG1x4DG03sFuSn6NZzvk0UW0qjACLcB/s320/IMG_1066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not a lot going on lately. Boys are doing great. Bailey is enjoying his job, and he and Braeden just wrapped up a really good 4H weekend. It was DPA (District Project Achievement) weekend, and we are so proud of both boys. Braeden won for the very first time in his category! Bailey didn't place, but was very proud of himself for changing things up and giving it his best. ❤️</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6doiKv6dpY/WLyRqZvS2DI/AAAAAAAAEMA/wpV_bYzTDTEPQL0QFwJ5LXMylHAjHBGmACLcB/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6doiKv6dpY/WLyRqZvS2DI/AAAAAAAAEMA/wpV_bYzTDTEPQL0QFwJ5LXMylHAjHBGmACLcB/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNKpjwEwFVE/WLyRwCbBm-I/AAAAAAAAEME/B5dzaZClu1oPg84PDKyKN0HcHTmKK6pHgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNKpjwEwFVE/WLyRwCbBm-I/AAAAAAAAEME/B5dzaZClu1oPg84PDKyKN0HcHTmKK6pHgCLcB/s320/IMG_1082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The hubs and I had a lovely day together Saturday, doing nothing but being together. Capped it off by hiking around Rock Eagle together before the boys' ceremonies. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiWIaIjAs0E/WLyS_kl6QuI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/Osgb077ghbAkT4zX5D_KZCXEZd6KpU9rACLcB/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiWIaIjAs0E/WLyS_kl6QuI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/Osgb077ghbAkT4zX5D_KZCXEZd6KpU9rACLcB/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WO-ZaaXH_2M/WLyURQ8tLnI/AAAAAAAAEMY/hPVE1CdjXUgufOyAKm5iR95W8JP8VfIlACLcB/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WO-ZaaXH_2M/WLyURQ8tLnI/AAAAAAAAEMY/hPVE1CdjXUgufOyAKm5iR95W8JP8VfIlACLcB/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZC84boeH2w/WLyT2qwXLkI/AAAAAAAAEMU/xTOezHR0SmIFL-sqTE31uDB-c1N6bd9OACLcB/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZC84boeH2w/WLyT2qwXLkI/AAAAAAAAEMU/xTOezHR0SmIFL-sqTE31uDB-c1N6bd9OACLcB/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_bylwdoFjI/WLySV3KHX9I/AAAAAAAAEMM/AWLPUqZ0fm8luG2Hqj2epKnENR5GTuNoQCEw/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_bylwdoFjI/WLySV3KHX9I/AAAAAAAAEMM/AWLPUqZ0fm8luG2Hqj2epKnENR5GTuNoQCEw/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Getting ready for <a href="https://www.time4learning.com/blog/new-homeschooler/time4learnings-2017-homeschool-convention-itinerary/" target="_blank">homeschool convention</a> season. Last year, I drove to Greenville and attended (as an employee for Time4Learning) a convention for the first time. I even did a workshop/speaking engagement. This year (fingers crossed), I'll be flying to Cincinnati to again attend as a T4L rep! Looking forward to manning the booth and speaking again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's about it, for now. Happy March, everyone. Until next time...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-6869481958209495132017-02-05T13:25:00.002-05:002017-02-05T13:25:43.493-05:00Tax Time...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yQIz7dC8tS3ouZBod94kqTHYYO7AQqINy1ebEkZ03fm_9V5TPNGnf4eaVz5CrnqQMPTN8ohpb7K1wq1hExb1ciyd3GCFxmeLkgtE5D6Ek6C0q1jFex435-VfeG1StZU8EcVQ9axO-cM/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yQIz7dC8tS3ouZBod94kqTHYYO7AQqINy1ebEkZ03fm_9V5TPNGnf4eaVz5CrnqQMPTN8ohpb7K1wq1hExb1ciyd3GCFxmeLkgtE5D6Ek6C0q1jFex435-VfeG1StZU8EcVQ9axO-cM/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracy sent me this. Hilariously accurate for some... 😂</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It rolls around every year, just like everything else I suppose. This tax season will be my shortest yet, thankfully.<br />
<br />
Not a lot going on so far this year. Preparing for the tax season and trying not to get behind on everything that I get behind on when I'm working out of the home. The weather, outside of a freak cold/snow snap at the very beginning of January, has been unusually warm. The boys (and myself if I'm being honest) have been having a lot of trouble focusing. We'd rather be outside, lol. Usually it's not until spring that we're experiencing and trying to <a href="https://www.time4learning.com/blog/new-homeschooler/5-ways-to-prevent-homeschool-burnout/" target="_blank">prevent homeschool burnout</a>. Not in the midst of what is supposed to be winter. Ah well. I imagine we'll have another cold snap, right about the time we're expecting spring, so maybe that will help us stay focused later. :)<br />
<br />
Braeden and I, along with friends, ran in our first Hot Chocolate 5K/15K in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. That was SO much fun. Thanks to Lisa, we got a great hotel room right at the finish line of the race. We had a nice dinner in the ATL the night before and enjoyed the run the next morning. Lisa, Tracy, Hank and Braeden ran the 5K and I ran the 15K. The chocolate was amazing, and Braeden and I are already planning on participating next year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-lqfepV_Gc/WJdo-GkPQtI/AAAAAAAAEGg/wBYrG7nNIGoC6JaJtAvB0a7ZKq0-rAhJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-lqfepV_Gc/WJdo-GkPQtI/AAAAAAAAEGg/wBYrG7nNIGoC6JaJtAvB0a7ZKq0-rAhJwCLcB/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm. Ribs! PSA: if you're ever in Atlanta and craving some good BBQ, check out Twin Smokers downtown. </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="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52Tg5A1Iej0/WJdpfFMEyWI/AAAAAAAAEGk/8quhQSillLkZ9rdcFvGiQ2PeqWiPWap3ACLcB/s1600/13_170545_foo251360976bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52Tg5A1Iej0/WJdpfFMEyWI/AAAAAAAAEGk/8quhQSillLkZ9rdcFvGiQ2PeqWiPWap3ACLcB/s320/13_170545_foo251360976bar.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this picture of my boy crossing the finish line! :) </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="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_GRBPQU_OQ/WJdptW5r0eI/AAAAAAAAEGs/tPMrq38OR8UiDqeJdBwZLQS7rYL34fcJACLcB/s1600/IMG_0972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_GRBPQU_OQ/WJdptW5r0eI/AAAAAAAAEGs/tPMrq38OR8UiDqeJdBwZLQS7rYL34fcJACLcB/s320/IMG_0972.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braeden and I with our finisher mugs (and my blingy 15K medal, lol). They were filled with some super yummy sweet goodies. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That same evening, after the run, Bailey participated in his second Wake 'N Bake Off (a cooking competition sponsored by Terrapin Beer and MyAthens, where both amateur and professional chefs compete with foods that have to contain a Terrapin beer). Last year they had separate days for the "sweet" cook off and the "savory" cook off. In those, Bailey took 3rd in amateur sweet and 1st in amateur savory. It was such as awesome experience for him. This year, they combined the sweet and savory in the same day, and participants chose one or the other. Bailey wanted to challenge himself and chose to try again for 1st in the amateur sweet category. He made mini mocha cheesecakes. Guess what?<br />
<br />
HE WON! He had to compete against the reigning amateur sweet champ, so you can imagine how excited he was...how excited we all were for him...when they announced him as the winner! Big weekend for both of my boys. ❤️<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERTnY96j3AA/WJdsNxS13BI/AAAAAAAAEHI/4uFV3wB0WKkn0PmLKstHRnrm7vVA5K47gCLcB/s1600/42FE9B16-A019-4B9C-8F4C-AA9D57CD5E68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERTnY96j3AA/WJdsNxS13BI/AAAAAAAAEHI/4uFV3wB0WKkn0PmLKstHRnrm7vVA5K47gCLcB/s320/42FE9B16-A019-4B9C-8F4C-AA9D57CD5E68.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_ijiP2BrrE/WJdrtOIZwKI/AAAAAAAAEHA/7aBw6xto_ecegP7dxS-PPVGx_6EvZ95RACEw/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_ijiP2BrrE/WJdrtOIZwKI/AAAAAAAAEHA/7aBw6xto_ecegP7dxS-PPVGx_6EvZ95RACEw/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's about it for now. Hopefully everyone enjoys their Super Bowl Sunday. Not a sports person, but looking forward to the commercials and will be cheering for our hometown Falcons. Until next time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeKd3jqGldA/WJdtQEHOq3I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/_0kj8MeP6fwbyHPB0grd3AcHNJC29TgHwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeKd3jqGldA/WJdtQEHOq3I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/_0kj8MeP6fwbyHPB0grd3AcHNJC29TgHwCLcB/s320/IMG_1004.JPG" width="309" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-11005553356286957842017-01-01T18:18:00.000-05:002017-01-01T18:21:42.285-05:00And that's a wrap.2016 has come and gone.<br />
<br />
Mind. Blown.<br />
<br />
The older I get, the shorter the years seem to get.<br />
<br />
Not a lot has happened since you last visited. I had mentioned before that the eldest started his first job (outside of his own food business, which he started last year). Imagine our surprise when we realized a few weeks into his job, that our mostly-work-from-home and school-from-home family needed our 3rd car. As much as I'm on the road, the hubs discovered that he hated being home without a ride. Worked out well though. We put over 30k miles a year on the jeep and it only gets about 19-20 mpg. Our new car gets 35-37 mpg, so while we're paying an additional car payment, we're actually noticing a substantial savings in gas. The hubs still has the Jeep, but I'm driving the Civic all over the planet. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhKAY0d9RSA/WGl9nGYLSrI/AAAAAAAAECw/_uig5BbnukE6bLWX4HKYGh298qsIGLbTACLcB/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhKAY0d9RSA/WGl9nGYLSrI/AAAAAAAAECw/_uig5BbnukE6bLWX4HKYGh298qsIGLbTACLcB/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new-to-me 2013 Honda Civic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________</div>
<br />
I started AND finished my first ever half marathon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUK7ONNom-Q/WGl_vcacpeI/AAAAAAAAEC8/1Ez8P4YGbxAynxbt_KYUEUKf-mCVakqRwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUK7ONNom-Q/WGl_vcacpeI/AAAAAAAAEC8/1Ez8P4YGbxAynxbt_KYUEUKf-mCVakqRwCLcB/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to get to the start line.</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="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jr-Za_bD-gc/WGl_zSQoZcI/AAAAAAAAEDE/oelFrFgsLK8e9g-zM-6RrhssmEEij9wwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jr-Za_bD-gc/WGl_zSQoZcI/AAAAAAAAEDE/oelFrFgsLK8e9g-zM-6RrhssmEEij9wwwCLcB/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs snapped this pic of me crossing the finishing line. I was sobbing, lol. Happy tears, though. So freaking proud of myself. </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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8yVh7HR8C4/WGl_zfUmXvI/AAAAAAAAEDA/U0bIeCK898w-aHj9xnpCBaWqydklqF0DQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8yVh7HR8C4/WGl_zfUmXvI/AAAAAAAAEDA/U0bIeCK898w-aHj9xnpCBaWqydklqF0DQCLcB/s320/IMG_0439.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my bling. My half marathon medal, and the Triple Peach medal...the Triple Peach was a 3 run series -- a 10k (6.2 miles) in July, a 10 miler in October and the Half (13.1 miles) on Thanksgiving Day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I won't go on and on about it, but it was absolutely amazing for me, and I can't wait to reach the next run goal I'm setting or myself -- a full marathon in 2017! Imma do it. I'm sure of it. ;)<br />
<br />
The day after my half (yeah, full on crazy moment, lol), my boys did their first 5k with me! I loved having them there, and we've already signed up to do another 5k together next week.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWigick6jZ0/WGmJKJJx-dI/AAAAAAAAEDU/7alEinNansQ6717iOoHPMOkHcP3Kt7rfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWigick6jZ0/WGmJKJJx-dI/AAAAAAAAEDU/7alEinNansQ6717iOoHPMOkHcP3Kt7rfQCLcB/s320/IMG_0450.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the start of the Buddy Christian Memorial 5k. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________</div>
<br />
This time of year is usually our extra long winter break. With all of the holiday excitement and family stuff planning, it's hard to keep our focus. For all of us, not just the boys. They continued with their foreign language classes, and we worked through resources from a <a href="https://www.time4learning.com/blog/tips-worksheets/holiday-homeschool-unit-study-giving-hope-and-family/" target="_blank">December Unit Study</a>, but that was about it. Something is better than nothing though, yeah?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________</div>
<br />
Had a lovely Christmas, even if it was warmer than normal and seemed to come out of nowhere.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-fxAic5BwzfE5jFMZPtLHb2WyDpQrgnwMthV3mNnSLzpJDXRtfq8BDVaKB86AkSF6YXZC0EZSw8MabMNCMzwR2kG-h9in4c7lylAJ9rwER_DwDHhjXFyFddziL3231y9hyupIrl-TRI/s1600/IMG_0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-fxAic5BwzfE5jFMZPtLHb2WyDpQrgnwMthV3mNnSLzpJDXRtfq8BDVaKB86AkSF6YXZC0EZSw8MabMNCMzwR2kG-h9in4c7lylAJ9rwER_DwDHhjXFyFddziL3231y9hyupIrl-TRI/s320/IMG_0509.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree decorating, complete with a body-less Santa, White Christmas in the background and my super special ornament in memory of my sister-in-law.</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="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vkrdV1wY6c/WGmJ7LNVlhI/AAAAAAAAEDc/4ddQJHZFAHkhgsTeSGBysiLqPTyl1OCoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vkrdV1wY6c/WGmJ7LNVlhI/AAAAAAAAEDc/4ddQJHZFAHkhgsTeSGBysiLqPTyl1OCoQCLcB/s320/IMG_0799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't think they would be, but both boys were genuinely surprised when they opened their "big" gift from us this year - a new Xbox One S and several games. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________</div>
<br />
Oh! I also made a trip down to Fort Lauderdale after Thanksgiving, to hang with some of my most favorite peoples. I did work from the office some while I was there, and managed to hit the beach one afternoon. But the first thing I did after driving 12 hours? Watched the Gilmore Girls revival. Don't judge. ;)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhOy5jxS3HE/WGmLOxw5JbI/AAAAAAAAEDs/0ohX2bpl3V8kQYtNd2ELNT8PRbdU2D4MwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhOy5jxS3HE/WGmLOxw5JbI/AAAAAAAAEDs/0ohX2bpl3V8kQYtNd2ELNT8PRbdU2D4MwCLcB/s320/IMG_0457.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need that bag. NEED it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________</div>
<br />
Ultimately, 2016 didn't suck for me. I had 366 days to love and be loved. I did and I was. Wholeheartedly. Hope 2017 is even better.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year, errbody! :)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-35662249518747113712016-11-20T20:41:00.000-05:002016-11-20T21:28:24.781-05:00Novembahhhh...Good. Lord. How did it get here already? More importantly, how is it almost over?!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things are going great here. Moving right along. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remember that 10 miler I was worried about in the last post? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I crushed it. ;) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Really, I was terrified that I wasn't going to be able to finish before the "sag wagon" came around (if I hadn't been able to stay in front of a 16 minute per mile pace, I would have been nudged to the finish line or on a course that was no longer maintained by volunteers or safety officers). Not only was that a non-issue, I completed the 10 miles with an average pace of 14.28. I was SO proud of myself! :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q4vFWTbX5g/WDJLIb0HXBI/AAAAAAAAD-k/43hZonlF8M88VwkdGTXLOcVJf5wg9gyAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q4vFWTbX5g/WDJLIb0HXBI/AAAAAAAAD-k/43hZonlF8M88VwkdGTXLOcVJf5wg9gyAgCLcB/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome friend Brad semi-surprised me (I had to find out a couple days before the run, so I could pick up his race packet, lol) and came down to run my first 10 miler with me...a WEEK after he ran his first 30 mile (50k?) ultra marathon. How <strike>crazy</strike> cool is he? ;) </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="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPAVT0o0S8o/WDJLGCQVc1I/AAAAAAAAD-g/rMHYLe12C2wDa27Zhpw1dGhDJ5nkVJ6zACLcB/s1600/CF66E535-70A1-45C8-83C1-BB2E5D3B1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPAVT0o0S8o/WDJLGCQVc1I/AAAAAAAAD-g/rMHYLe12C2wDa27Zhpw1dGhDJ5nkVJ6zACLcB/s320/CF66E535-70A1-45C8-83C1-BB2E5D3B1811.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off my finisher's bling. :D </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A week after the 10 miler, my friend Lisa and I completed a local 5k, and 6 days after that, she and I did a local charity 10k. This particular run was awesome for me, as I finished with my best PR to date. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynnqa8qmVZk/WDJMVWgXWxI/AAAAAAAAD-o/IHiuApwZJycDYPhPR4LuRnjmOpZrQfT-QCLcB/s1600/065F1C72-C3EF-4D48-9733-4540C56283D4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynnqa8qmVZk/WDJMVWgXWxI/AAAAAAAAD-o/IHiuApwZJycDYPhPR4LuRnjmOpZrQfT-QCLcB/s320/065F1C72-C3EF-4D48-9733-4540C56283D4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa and I at our 5k. She had <i>the best</i> socks. Yoda! </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="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYqZE-iTqoI/WDJMz1RySYI/AAAAAAAAD-s/guxQvYywyAwg9cMcW2e6IMCIZOd8B0eZQCLcB/s1600/07E5A4F2-E98D-497E-8D5C-1C0FADF54B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYqZE-iTqoI/WDJMz1RySYI/AAAAAAAAD-s/guxQvYywyAwg9cMcW2e6IMCIZOd8B0eZQCLcB/s320/07E5A4F2-E98D-497E-8D5C-1C0FADF54B02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 10k prize and stats. 12"02"!!! Wooo! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My next run is the Thanksgiving Half (you really do need to be a little wacky to voluntarily run 13.1 miles, haha), followed immediately (next day, but less than 24 hours later) by a local charity 5K. While I think it was silly to sign up for the 5k so close to the half, this particular event is one that I really wanted to do...plus, both of my boys are going to run it with me! Some friends of ours as well. Big group event. Lots of fun. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXpBsFRJgXMbue9ZyVc1rA1iZC6F0W7864BmZ9hjYRE4aC0yyL9Hw0RaSqb6q-B6rxiD45Ir3wSLXKPuQly2ezNfL_LaJ4SqRpz8-KjCedwCEVNhU7SuYx1l6eElSD6DYFPmpJeSE3CA/s1600/IMG_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXpBsFRJgXMbue9ZyVc1rA1iZC6F0W7864BmZ9hjYRE4aC0yyL9Hw0RaSqb6q-B6rxiD45Ir3wSLXKPuQly2ezNfL_LaJ4SqRpz8-KjCedwCEVNhU7SuYx1l6eElSD6DYFPmpJeSE3CA/s320/IMG_0404.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picked up my swanky pullover and bib today. Can't wait to get the finisher's medal for this AND my special Triple Peach medal and shirt at the end! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What am I doing the Saturday following a half and a 5k? Driving 10+ hours to the Ft. Lauderdale area to hang for a few days with some of my favorite peeps. Good stuff. I may not be able to move any part of myself on Sunday. But good stuff. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanksgiving dinner with the fam will be short after the half, but at least we'll get to see everyone. No major Black Friday sales that I'm planning on participating in, but I will try my luck at a few online specials. Fingers crossed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's see...what else? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bailey started his first job this month. Those that know and love me, even despite my anxieties, lol, can imagine how that has torn me up. Don't get me wrong. I'm excited for him, and I'm super proud of him. But -- but -- how is he old enough for this? Hell, how am I old enough for this?! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pumpkins! The boys haven't carved pumpkins in a couple of years. Time usually gets away from us and none of us have the best time management skills, but this year they were able to make it happen. I love them. They free handed them, and I think they turned out great. Even better, the way they look after a couple of weeks had passed. I feel like I mostly resemble the droopy pumpkins all the time these days. ;) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6zZq7Zasqkfq9deVouBoM_vLOXTwSBIEy1kGt_dJz-tbdDJtlCfk1DQwwjFriiWgk6RqZWu-IexvSOgHNfeI3WPLiAqdiM1hf9yTj7PGWQAT4cs7CWQNa4RAY2F_AA8qo2vTPckiP1A/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6zZq7Zasqkfq9deVouBoM_vLOXTwSBIEy1kGt_dJz-tbdDJtlCfk1DQwwjFriiWgk6RqZWu-IexvSOgHNfeI3WPLiAqdiM1hf9yTj7PGWQAT4cs7CWQNa4RAY2F_AA8qo2vTPckiP1A/s320/IMG_0254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just after they were finished. Braeden's on the left, Bailey's on the right.</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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ukQxDckND4/WDJN__Bm5zI/AAAAAAAAD-4/mt2wZAgpKqwt5kvNgYRTQ8kgI4MtrGNQwCEw/s1600/IMG_1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ukQxDckND4/WDJN__Bm5zI/AAAAAAAAD-4/mt2wZAgpKqwt5kvNgYRTQ8kgI4MtrGNQwCEw/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaaahahaha. A couple weeks later. See what I mean about feeling like these guys? :P </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
School stuffs is going well. Admittedly, Bailey is struggling with finding time after work shifts and on off days (he's only working about 15 hours a week, not a full time commitment or anything), but he's a trooper and is finding his groove and getting stuff done. Braeden is doing well. The language learning program they started last month (or was it in September?), Time4Languages, added German. Buuuuuut, they added it after he had already started the Spanish course. He's a little miffed at me, because he's always wanted to <a href="https://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/foreign-language/german-language-learning.html" target="_blank">learn German</a> and I'm making him finish at least the first 6 months of Spanish before I let him change. Ah well. Maybe he'll be multilingual instead of bilingual. :D </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think that's it for now. Sorry this turned out to be an all run-type-post. I'm sure I will post about the half after it's done and I won't have another big run until the Hot Chocolate 15k in January. I'll try to be quiet about it for a little while, lol. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with those that matter the most to you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gonna leave you with this little this-is-my-life gem. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NciDryKfhOE/WDJPIwYmGOI/AAAAAAAAD_E/5vhTjP349I4sT0vK8RbPrbm-RAfMqZ8AgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NciDryKfhOE/WDJPIwYmGOI/AAAAAAAAD_E/5vhTjP349I4sT0vK8RbPrbm-RAfMqZ8AgCLcB/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-67351016194097172212016-10-19T19:12:00.004-04:002016-10-19T19:12:52.965-04:00Fall is my favorite. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr4FJd_sPWHtqMX1tePTbPD84F4iG8X9cpVDjMoGVCiUW4ZcbKmrlg-KmCUj3xBUwXV_5K7ffU9O__iT6RZ15WTHh2YC2-Meimiibwghsk6sr3Na3G9PAp7GxdofJoDYRpFGnro5GM-M/s1600/64415182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr4FJd_sPWHtqMX1tePTbPD84F4iG8X9cpVDjMoGVCiUW4ZcbKmrlg-KmCUj3xBUwXV_5K7ffU9O__iT6RZ15WTHh2YC2-Meimiibwghsk6sr3Na3G9PAp7GxdofJoDYRpFGnro5GM-M/s320/64415182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yep. That's me! When I was younger, I always liked spring. It was so nice when it would start to get warmer, and everything would bloom.<br />
<br />
Then I found out I was allergic to everything that bloomed, lol. And in GA, "starts to get warmer" means the temps go from 65 to 95, in what feels like one day. Wasn't bad when you're a wee kiddie. But as I got older, I did a 180 and realized that what I really looked forward to, was fall.<br />
<br />
This fall is super exciting so far. My oldest's food business is doing really well, thanks in large part to working with an amazing local charity. This past Saturday, he made his first trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer event. It was held at Grumpy Old Men Brewing, which was a terrific little place with a great crowd!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VxHwoCYo-g/WAf0bCm95GI/AAAAAAAAD5U/fLUco-KePSskS1mWpMmeXN_2VWMgwGDFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VxHwoCYo-g/WAf0bCm95GI/AAAAAAAAD5U/fLUco-KePSskS1mWpMmeXN_2VWMgwGDFQCLcB/s320/IMG_0156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with the dry erase markers is really the only contribution I can make, lol. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD4o8EIqyic/WAf0Z37aAmI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/nZT6KmXf36QmM4ai6CEL1gnApSGwIlxCQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD4o8EIqyic/WAf0Z37aAmI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/nZT6KmXf36QmM4ai6CEL1gnApSGwIlxCQCLcB/s320/IMG_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 3 most favorite humans in the history of ever, working together. :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjSS2Qg111Tl8L0vIaSw_CWEktDApoQR_omM3PSsFNO64ejuj2J5SMaeL_18e_XHxxFGWxZNQVMwsbAcV2TqEzvPpZph-VLCjF2WVsoW3HV1G__y-2_LUId0kGRjs_shchHvTJFtSkRg/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjSS2Qg111Tl8L0vIaSw_CWEktDApoQR_omM3PSsFNO64ejuj2J5SMaeL_18e_XHxxFGWxZNQVMwsbAcV2TqEzvPpZph-VLCjF2WVsoW3HV1G__y-2_LUId0kGRjs_shchHvTJFtSkRg/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we wasn't helping his brother, the wee one enjoyed keeping me entertained. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Coming up this Saturday we've got another BBBC event, but we're staying closer to home. We'll be hanging at our favorite local brewery, The Southern Brewing Company. Good times.<br />
<br />
What else is happening this fall? Mostly, I'm running. Gonna feel a little like Forrest Gump, me thinks. On Sunday, I'm running the PNC 10 Miler.<br />
<br />
Yeah. That's 10 miles. MILES. What the heck am I thinking?!<br />
<br />
That's not even the craziest thing I'm doing. Provided I don't die during the 10 miler (kidding, not kidding, lol), Thanksgiving Day will find me running the Atlanta Half Marathon.<br />
<br />
Whaaaaaaat?!?! ;)<br />
<br />
The boys have a good bit of 4H stuff over the next few weeks. Braeden will have his first Junior weekend overnight thingy, which he's excited about. They both are doing DPAs and have to have their portfolios completed by the beginning of December. I suck at this, but thankfully their 4H coordinator is awesome and works her butt off for all of the 4Hers. Even with all of her effort, it still takes us weeks to get everything together, so that will be a concentrated effort until those portfolios are turned in.<br />
<br />
That's about it for now. I need to go put away laundry. Thankfully, I can do that to music. In what I can only describe as "Braeden's way," Braeden has gotten me hooked on a supahfun new satellite radio station. Caliente (which is described as Tropical Latin Music Hits). He has loved his <a href="https://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/foreign-language/spanish-language-learning.html" target="_blank">online Spanish language course</a>, and found that station hoping to listen for and recognize words he's learned. He cracks me up. But I will say that the station is terrific. I love to dance, and Latin music = dancing. Your body almost can't help itself. Moves without thinking. ;)<br />
<br />
Okey dokey. Leaving you with this, because as much as I love pumpkin, there's something else that I like so much, I feel it in my soul.<br />
<br />
Minter. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3OwQusmbDKsoNd68iDOJPiA3Gj0DNvSoxEYfSxnCnhi75LqlXg5uAf6MJT6eRPRs2bGcjwtrRUIuF-NHdG1mcuH8jWLKtpbbMuA5whAEjpPQiIhW9O1DDCP_Thpedjfx7Ee_0-NbT6E/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3OwQusmbDKsoNd68iDOJPiA3Gj0DNvSoxEYfSxnCnhi75LqlXg5uAf6MJT6eRPRs2bGcjwtrRUIuF-NHdG1mcuH8jWLKtpbbMuA5whAEjpPQiIhW9O1DDCP_Thpedjfx7Ee_0-NbT6E/s320/IMG_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-57442803153488596022016-09-25T16:01:00.001-04:002016-09-25T16:01:04.875-04:00Stress level = maximum.Why?<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This happened. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOLU6Mv4Akg/V-gbbM5jLGI/AAAAAAAAD0M/mBlnRzMJgkIeexJfOGRI9w_3LRzsSHjAQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOLU6Mv4Akg/V-gbbM5jLGI/AAAAAAAAD0M/mBlnRzMJgkIeexJfOGRI9w_3LRzsSHjAQCLcB/s320/IMG_2094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah. My first born got his license. <gulp> </gulp></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I knew it was going to be hard, but watching him drive away on his own that first time? To be honest, there is NO amount of wine that can calm those nerves, lol. He's very responsible and has no desire to be driving all the time though, so at least there's that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
HE'S MY BAAAAAABYYYYYYYY. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxtE3f6p8Qc/V-gc_jgJgUI/AAAAAAAAD0U/SEvCqm8yT9Md_jsLpGGtpLRkhfvDeQVYwCLcB/s1600/Loudly_Crying_Face_Emoji.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxtE3f6p8Qc/V-gc_jgJgUI/AAAAAAAAD0U/SEvCqm8yT9Md_jsLpGGtpLRkhfvDeQVYwCLcB/s320/Loudly_Crying_Face_Emoji.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, fine. I know I'm not the first or only mama that's gone through this. Moving on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's really about all that's happened since last we spoke. The boys are in full swing with their fall schedule (art, nature science, 4H), so we're always on the road. Even with Bailey driving, there are some classes that I still take them to, because I take care of other errands while they're in class. As always, I'm so thankful that their <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm" target="_blank">homeschool curriculum</a> is so flexible. Some days they log in before we leave the house, some days they don't get a chance to log in until the evening. Yay for slacker flexibility. ;) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I leave, I want to give a shameless plug for my kiddo's business, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SquarePegGastronomy/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf" target="_blank">Square Peg Gastronomy</a>. The fall is a great time for him. His weekends are already full - two different events are coming up with <a href="http://www.bulldogsbattlingbreastcancer.com/" target="_blank">Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer</a> which we're super excited about. It's a wonderful group of people, doing good and trying to make a difference. With my grandmother wrapping up her radiation treatment (breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year, already been through chemo), this cause is especially important to us now. Outside of those, he's planning on selling at some other local venues. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Funny how that sheltered, unsocialized homeschooler (insert sarcasm, in case you missed that) has managed to start his own business and make some pretty amazing contacts in our community, huh? :P</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPSkpwL6WAw/V-gq9T88bMI/AAAAAAAAD0k/n9iHkG8zyeAR2252IkpNDdAamT9M-cWnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPSkpwL6WAw/V-gq9T88bMI/AAAAAAAAD0k/n9iHkG8zyeAR2252IkpNDdAamT9M-cWnwCLcB/s320/IMG_2083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is no real reason for this one. But I can't stop giggling. We've already blown through Stranger Things twice and we pretty much agree with the doggy regarding Steve and Jonathan. Ha! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-92147560706296761572016-09-04T10:32:00.002-04:002016-09-04T10:32:28.550-04:00Stuffs and things...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfypNjqbKYk/V8uDnQldAbI/AAAAAAAADwc/2MVDaiFsWyYW8mOEN0i1BauPA0g4WnkFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfypNjqbKYk/V8uDnQldAbI/AAAAAAAADwc/2MVDaiFsWyYW8mOEN0i1BauPA0g4WnkFQCLcB/s320/IMG_1904.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Once again, I lose an entire month. August came. And August went. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what happened in August? Stuffs and things. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This wasn't in August, it was at the end of the July, but Bailey got to attend 4H State Congress. This was a really big deal for him, and he got to go after winning 1st place at his regional DPA. Even though he didn't place at state, he had a terrific time, and it was an amazing experience for him. Plus, he gets another chance to go next year (if you win at state, you don't get to compete again as they consider it as you have "mastered"). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-pp4-6nNH0/V8uSCPa-NTI/AAAAAAAADw0/NMwL0cARHkMkJJSWZcNZW1nIfYJFqx-SgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-pp4-6nNH0/V8uSCPa-NTI/AAAAAAAADw0/NMwL0cARHkMkJJSWZcNZW1nIfYJFqx-SgCLcB/s320/IMG_1928.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boy, in the news! ;) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Was fortunate enough to see Def Leppard and REO Speedwagon with some lovely ladies. It was SO much fun! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kS8vlQpOZc/V8uSl5LIhbI/AAAAAAAADw4/Mpwr3IX2YQoIXXAKdfduzKQBhLhcrnbMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kS8vlQpOZc/V8uSl5LIhbI/AAAAAAAADw4/Mpwr3IX2YQoIXXAKdfduzKQBhLhcrnbMwCLcB/s320/IMG_1947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh yeah - I have a 17 year old and a 12 year old. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What? When? How? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mean, yeah, of course I know how. But the when...man, that's the tough part. I'm pretty sure it was just yesterday that each them were wee little babies. Now one is grown (close enough to grown <sniff sob="">), and the other is on the cusp of the dreaded teen years (actually not dreaded, Bailey has yet to go through the stereotypical teenage angsty years, no reason to think Braeden will). I really, truly can't wait to see to who these guys become as they can get older, but my heart just aches when I think of how much time has passed. </sniff></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUQ_UDApJwI/V8uS-86Q37I/AAAAAAAADxA/hhSRF0CvJToZvyb4v6z__s5bwg6i0-3JwCLcB/s1600/8BF8F49B-C155-4E27-8A9C-8F0847D2EEED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUQ_UDApJwI/V8uS-86Q37I/AAAAAAAADxA/hhSRF0CvJToZvyb4v6z__s5bwg6i0-3JwCLcB/s320/8BF8F49B-C155-4E27-8A9C-8F0847D2EEED.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey age 3 months / age 17. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JGz_V6dWQI/V8uS_cvUcmI/AAAAAAAADxE/VHLT2k3pi_oZeoFnr_DhubmZl9sLw8lOgCLcB/s1600/87EAE584-8F80-404A-9D64-B6459C046821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JGz_V6dWQI/V8uS_cvUcmI/AAAAAAAADxE/VHLT2k3pi_oZeoFnr_DhubmZl9sLw8lOgCLcB/s320/87EAE584-8F80-404A-9D64-B6459C046821.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braeden age 1 day / age 12.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
That's about it for August, really. We are getting ready to start their next school year. Normally, from year to year, nothing changes too drastically. We've been with Time4Learning for so long, and it's still working for us, so there's no need to change it up. BUT - this year, we are adding something new to their curriculum, and we're so excited about it! Time4Learning just announced Time4Languages, an <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/foreign-language/time4languages.html" target="_blank">online language learning</a> add-on. Woot! Spanish for Braeden and French for Bailey. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alrighty. I'm out. Hope everyone will join me in my "bring on the fall" chants... ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IfULiPFzBg/V8wwYh6EFzI/AAAAAAAADxU/ZyVjjTjMUdAkqvIwKx9ZaOYvenhOUYLSACLcB/s1600/64415182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IfULiPFzBg/V8wwYh6EFzI/AAAAAAAADxU/ZyVjjTjMUdAkqvIwKx9ZaOYvenhOUYLSACLcB/s320/64415182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-29625107204421775762016-07-05T16:12:00.000-04:002016-07-05T16:12:57.969-04:00The Peachtree Road RaceIf you live in Georgia, you're more than likely aware of the <a href="http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree" target="_blank">Peachtree Road Race</a>. Heck, even if you aren't from GA you may have heard of it...people come from all over to participate in the world's largest 10K.<br />
<br />
Approximately 60k people come to run, jog, walk, wheel, parade through the ATL. This year was the PRR's 47th annual race. While a select few come to really race (several thousand dollars in prize money, plus the prestige of being the PRR winner), most of the people continue to participate because it's tradition. You get up at the butt crack of dawn, you sweat until you feel like you're hanging out in Satan's arse, you high-five a gazillion strangers, you pick up your coveted shirt and you head home for Independence Day festivities and foooooood.<br />
<br />
Two years ago, the thought of me doing anything other than driving a 6.2 mile stretch was non-existent. I had just started my weight loss journey that summer and thought walking 2-3 miles, at what I now recognize was more of a stroll, was a big accomplishment. In all honestly, two years ago that was an accomplishment. As time progressed, I walked a little further, walked a little faster. Eventually I completed the couch to 5K program and in May 2015, mostly ran and completed my first 5K.<br />
<br />
For whatever reason, once I realized that I could run, even if at a snail's pace, I set my eyes on the Peachtree. I had always heard about it, and it looked like fun. So back in January, I joined the Atlanta Track Club (to guarantee my spot in the race...didn't want to rely on the lottery) and on March 1, I registered for the 2016 PRR.<br />
<br />
To say the experience was amazing, would be the biggest understatement evah. Absolutely incredible. From the start to the end, every single part was astounding to me. I wish I had thought about taking more pictures, but I was so focused on not dying, I didn't pull out my phone once I started. The event was code red, or whatever they call it. Basically, conditions were hazardous because of the heat and humidity. They weren't kidding. I have never sweat like that. EVER.<br />
<br />
Anyway, people lined the streets to cheer us on, encourage us, and give high-fives and fist bumps. If there were 60k participants, there were probably twice that many spectators! It was the most inspiring thing....for that hour and 40 minutes (yep, that's how long it took me. nope, not ashamed. two reasons...I didn't die and there were 11,000 people that finished after me so I wasn't last, lol!) I truly believed that *I* was inspiring. That *I* was amazing. I can't say that I've ever felt like that before.<br />
<br />
Here are a handful of photos that I did get.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCqBpjFx0SU/V3wNFcSUOTI/AAAAAAAADnU/16dg2APUOrk6teMRkwG-YsYAwWMyZadqwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCqBpjFx0SU/V3wNFcSUOTI/AAAAAAAADnU/16dg2APUOrk6teMRkwG-YsYAwWMyZadqwCLcB/s320/IMG_1714.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wave, getting ready to cross the start line.</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="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPJpXYCeY00/V3wOOBM29lI/AAAAAAAADnc/X4IL1dUvWlg3syepf_E3RtvqYk4sSx4-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPJpXYCeY00/V3wOOBM29lI/AAAAAAAADnc/X4IL1dUvWlg3syepf_E3RtvqYk4sSx4-QCLcB/s320/IMG_1713.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before I got in line. </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwudKVqtlRirBAsKej0xx-YWLcU3RIjCrAl7LqfgaZOT4Aa9RvKYwkcNUhTMzd2okTLaM2rL9a7OtHLVsuBcdg2zMGwnC7aP2A_DJ_DHkbFbQWFfzNYJ8ay19IVXzlTI5iLAdAcF7h9Kc/s1600/IMG_1715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwudKVqtlRirBAsKej0xx-YWLcU3RIjCrAl7LqfgaZOT4Aa9RvKYwkcNUhTMzd2okTLaM2rL9a7OtHLVsuBcdg2zMGwnC7aP2A_DJ_DHkbFbQWFfzNYJ8ay19IVXzlTI5iLAdAcF7h9Kc/s320/IMG_1715.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the finish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyvqOp3xtWOXll-OduF6AZBtytMI9LqTRZtK0y48V-iQPzLv5xrux_2Bn2xsBa9kPdONAewl5PKIkeWy4Lr-PhLOImKyZw0Zb3VD4FGMMxsTbFviaFYiAkIFCviU9OXNBEYV5Jz3K5gE/s1600/IMG_1716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyvqOp3xtWOXll-OduF6AZBtytMI9LqTRZtK0y48V-iQPzLv5xrux_2Bn2xsBa9kPdONAewl5PKIkeWy4Lr-PhLOImKyZw0Zb3VD4FGMMxsTbFviaFYiAkIFCviU9OXNBEYV5Jz3K5gE/s320/IMG_1716.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My coveted shirt.<br />I will admit, without shame, that the probability of my wearing this shirt every day for the next week, is high. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnJ400QN8qA/V3wP5AUBqDI/AAAAAAAADno/6OntB9gzp6QFf-OHCD6ryrClW0XuibTbACLcB/s1600/892B5BA8-6461-45D6-8E25-8D3CB0528383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnJ400QN8qA/V3wP5AUBqDI/AAAAAAAADno/6OntB9gzp6QFf-OHCD6ryrClW0XuibTbACLcB/s320/892B5BA8-6461-45D6-8E25-8D3CB0528383.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, not directly related to my run, but aren't these cool?! Mizuno did a custom design of their Wave Rider 19, just for the Peachtree! I had to go to a fitness expo to pick up my bib over the weekend, before the race. When I saw these there, I naturally had to have them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm sure you've heard enough about this now. I know, I go on and on. But for reals...fabulous experience that I can't wait to repeat.<br />
<br />
What else has been going on around here? Not a lot to be honest. Bailey has been away all summer, either at a 4H function, or working a summer job in the kitchen at scout camp. I've not seen him much, and I hate it. He's having fun though. So it's all good. Braeden and I have gone to a movie, gone bowling and he's starting to run with me, so we're getting in some good time together.<br />
<br />
As much as I'm a gadget junkie, I have totally embraced this paper planning thing. Started out in Moleskine doing bullet journaling. Next, tried a small ringed binder planner. Kinda a mix of a traditional calendar and bullet journaling. Thennnn (I know, I'm sick, I need to stop trying all the things) I decided to use an excellent coupon to try out a Happy Planner. Which has turned into an eclectic mix of traditional planner, bullet journal, and memory keeping. Who knew I would have so much fun with it all. Since I have a new appreciation for the analog, I'm also trying to work in some paper <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/printable-worksheets.shtml#planning" target="_blank">homeschool planners</a>. I don't want to plan their lessons/activities necessarily, since T4L does that for me. But to put on paper their extras, and their strengths/weaknesses -- could be cool. We'll see if I can stick to that too. :)<br />
<br />
Until next time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-51170788393441004112016-05-29T20:28:00.000-04:002016-05-29T20:28:07.645-04:00A litte bit of everything...It's been a little while, and while I know I have a lot to say, my brain isn't going to function enough to let me put it all in any kind of understandable order. Bloodline season two dropped this weekend, and I've got some Netflixing to do.<br />
<br />
So, let's do the random photo thing! :D<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yv-9lOb-9w/V0uBBgGSOGI/AAAAAAAADjY/x9hfhLqEO5AfQx77bAE-QVxgqJm18x_3gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yv-9lOb-9w/V0uBBgGSOGI/AAAAAAAADjY/x9hfhLqEO5AfQx77bAE-QVxgqJm18x_3gCLcB/s320/IMG_1242.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's meeeeee!</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="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsZrFpStf-g/V0uBpKDFnBI/AAAAAAAADjg/n7XAgiLQE70BqphYoV2SOSifZ5KfKAYcgCLcB/s1600/D904BC23-B417-49D8-9570-742CD87ABE41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsZrFpStf-g/V0uBpKDFnBI/AAAAAAAADjg/n7XAgiLQE70BqphYoV2SOSifZ5KfKAYcgCLcB/s320/D904BC23-B417-49D8-9570-742CD87ABE41.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know we're on vacation when we eat ice cream as a meal and I remember to put sunscreen everywhere...or almost everywhere. :/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWNyzfnka5Q/V0uBsM465UI/AAAAAAAADjo/0j3RcdT_wxEajLB-BWLzSApWcd66as1HwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWNyzfnka5Q/V0uBsM465UI/AAAAAAAADjo/0j3RcdT_wxEajLB-BWLzSApWcd66as1HwCLcB/s320/IMG_1041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braeden - Florida 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9TZvm44QZs/V0uBwnmbhGI/AAAAAAAADjs/aIm-2gCKQeEDgxOHYVjWdnjzfsTKIGoqACLcB/s1600/IMG_1042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9TZvm44QZs/V0uBwnmbhGI/AAAAAAAADjs/aIm-2gCKQeEDgxOHYVjWdnjzfsTKIGoqACLcB/s320/IMG_1042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey - Florida 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihhV_d6x3Ew/V0uBrSFWtyI/AAAAAAAADjk/UuByg8JeqQ8wb5yfcyCZ2RzYKpjdPmbjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihhV_d6x3Ew/V0uBrSFWtyI/AAAAAAAADjk/UuByg8JeqQ8wb5yfcyCZ2RzYKpjdPmbjwCLcB/s320/IMG_1043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw this on the interwebs after Prince died. I chuckled whiiiiile kinda sorta weeping. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYNFufiaLg0/V0uBxZVUYpI/AAAAAAAADjw/VBiaURG1tEYG8-8NOO2AoDddiR1JBS0IgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYNFufiaLg0/V0uBxZVUYpI/AAAAAAAADjw/VBiaURG1tEYG8-8NOO2AoDddiR1JBS0IgCLcB/s320/IMG_1076.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory beach selfie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVDFw3lqiEs/V0uCX2pLQxI/AAAAAAAADkA/zp6-NP4T7NQoj1hv1xVytjjRX53z1NE9QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVDFw3lqiEs/V0uCX2pLQxI/AAAAAAAADkA/zp6-NP4T7NQoj1hv1xVytjjRX53z1NE9QCLcB/s320/IMG_1085.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My goofball boys. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvkuvpCBo6E/V0uB9viX4-I/AAAAAAAADj0/Q0CCiZjKzmQ5PnHfZc8gB63yCIqSER-FgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvkuvpCBo6E/V0uB9viX4-I/AAAAAAAADj0/Q0CCiZjKzmQ5PnHfZc8gB63yCIqSER-FgCLcB/s320/IMG_1120.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-na8qDAqX710/V0uCHosMjKI/AAAAAAAADj4/0Tw7-SNS7Lk2dzBI0NxToRf1jsYT609cACLcB/s1600/IMG_1124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-na8qDAqX710/V0uCHosMjKI/AAAAAAAADj4/0Tw7-SNS7Lk2dzBI0NxToRf1jsYT609cACLcB/s320/IMG_1124.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vacay crew, at our most favorite place to get grubs. Meg O'Malley's. </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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WMv6L6wcKk/V0uD4q_DVoI/AAAAAAAADkQ/KabJZmCkz1Id00bzeezc0wbWu6A7F3bKQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WMv6L6wcKk/V0uD4q_DVoI/AAAAAAAADkQ/KabJZmCkz1Id00bzeezc0wbWu6A7F3bKQCLcB/s320/IMG_1186.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Teagan. She had a horrific encounter with another dog, a fence and a collar. Staples and stitches, in the 3 digits (not posting pics of the injuries, cause icky). :( <br />After she had the drains in her neck removed, we had to wrap her ears and neck so she should wouldn't shake and scratch and we could NOT get a cone of shame on 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="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApNYTkSG2uc/V0uEjIbqcoI/AAAAAAAADkU/P_kqbxOx8EQmqH_F_Nt-QRMflq9uqJV3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApNYTkSG2uc/V0uEjIbqcoI/AAAAAAAADkU/P_kqbxOx8EQmqH_F_Nt-QRMflq9uqJV3QCLcB/s320/IMG_1230.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful girl, right after all the staples and stitches were removed (just a few days ago, as of this post). There are some areas we have to watch, and she has some fluid pockets that we're keeping an eye on, but she's been healing so well! :) </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QaBmccf6VbKJpbCYRgZWZeu9NXPymJEW96D6eIWHtBHiUDpFTQikvJ9Z8rF-AFyEW8haSuG2W3Zr2nO_L6kYsBvZanCq2YrSCPuPs3pXtNhwepfdld7pUy5SX8Gb851_rP3UbdWpYAM/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QaBmccf6VbKJpbCYRgZWZeu9NXPymJEW96D6eIWHtBHiUDpFTQikvJ9Z8rF-AFyEW8haSuG2W3Zr2nO_L6kYsBvZanCq2YrSCPuPs3pXtNhwepfdld7pUy5SX8Gb851_rP3UbdWpYAM/s320/IMG_1227.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys! This was just this week...they each won 4H'er of the year awards, Braeden at the cloverleaf level and Bailey at the senior level.<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think that's about it. Or rather, that's all the photos I had on my phone, lol.<br />
<br />
This summer is SO packed for my guys!<br />
<br />
Braeden is attending 4H summer camp and has a few 4H summer classes that he's signed up for. He will wrap up his school year sometime in June, and in July I'm hoping to have him take a <a href="http://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/middle-school-online-writing-courses/" target="_blank">middle school writing</a> class. Fingers crossed that happens as planned.<br />
<br />
Bailey is having all of his wisdom teeth cut out, is teaching a 4H class, has TWO state level 4H competitions to attend (they are really the same event, but broken up into two parts) aaaaand decided that he was going to take a job in the kitchen at scout camp this summer. o.O<br />
<br />
I bought a paper planner to try and keep up with all of this. A. Paper. Planner. Those that know and love me, understand why this is noteworthy. I hate paper planners. But my trusty phone calendar wasn't helping me remember it all. Boo. Let's hope the new planner does actually become a helpful tool, rather than a fancy schmancy doodle pad. :D<br />
<br />
Ok. Tapping out. Remember that whole Bloodline/Netlfix thing? That neeeeds to happen now. ;)<br />
<br />
Until next time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-66800322007666662842016-04-17T10:37:00.000-04:002016-04-17T10:37:57.064-04:00A Trip and a BirthdaySo far, April has been a big month! The first week I was so super fortunate to be able to spend the entire week at my corporate offices in Ft. Lauderdale. I work from home, but I genuinely love my co-workers, so being able to spend so much time in the office with them was amazing. It was both productive AND fun. ;) <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was only the 2nd time I've been able to take a trip by plane. The last time I flew (which was last year to Ft. Lauderdale, lol), I sat in the middle. I didn't mind that because I was glad to be sandwiched in between two people (one of whom was my friend and boss-at-the-time) for that very first take off and landing. Eased my nerves a teeny bit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For this trip though, I had a window seat! That made me a little anxious on take off, just watching the ground get farther and farther away, but once we were up, it was fabulous! I loved the views and just being able to appreciate how lovely everything is. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the way down to FL--</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rn1dOerbIdA/VxJxUlLLstI/AAAAAAAADhk/85gD26T6oQgPWXYju_5VPJRemI86UIJGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rn1dOerbIdA/VxJxUlLLstI/AAAAAAAADhk/85gD26T6oQgPWXYju_5VPJRemI86UIJGQCLcB/s320/IMG_0937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3ix6WpEEZYeeeCR9prFZGztpBXm19uEEbpjgHiiU5GZxCDGdqy7P7fGRfE6IbUc4P6n-I_87V6tFoX5BdR32-xq4DPqo1roenqQ55vUYH5segvcNUS9vKvdnseq5O23qLpvS4FV1e8w/s1600/IMG_0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3ix6WpEEZYeeeCR9prFZGztpBXm19uEEbpjgHiiU5GZxCDGdqy7P7fGRfE6IbUc4P6n-I_87V6tFoX5BdR32-xq4DPqo1roenqQ55vUYH5segvcNUS9vKvdnseq5O23qLpvS4FV1e8w/s320/IMG_0939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIktl6A-LoA/VxJxUgk2exI/AAAAAAAADhg/_YwaPMbZPhEEfIesu02_AC7JzbALvvlAACLcB/s1600/IMG_0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIktl6A-LoA/VxJxUgk2exI/AAAAAAAADhg/_YwaPMbZPhEEfIesu02_AC7JzbALvvlAACLcB/s320/IMG_0940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the way back to the ATL --</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzPeo-EgMpgbUFVWZXL2eBpKFsWySpCMQpRQogZQHCTK-bxVv9Em6ESKxJaSjsZ55_5biP3gkJrnt9vAoKAXQG0LWK2eMTuWF2RnLsoJGroyTaNFyxPJHbHnnMAJuSviJDCNxa0Y6x50/s1600/IMG_0969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzPeo-EgMpgbUFVWZXL2eBpKFsWySpCMQpRQogZQHCTK-bxVv9Em6ESKxJaSjsZ55_5biP3gkJrnt9vAoKAXQG0LWK2eMTuWF2RnLsoJGroyTaNFyxPJHbHnnMAJuSviJDCNxa0Y6x50/s320/IMG_0969.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGN6yF3gYDaRFaQzRPqdKVSlJE6qbw7khyphenhyphen1Z3OhXuDCw3H9qpKIK7jWRtRM7vpNu_56rHwDdsN6fM5dXQZ4DOtQRkeG-uSI7G49EVzzp9FC02bgpKvYhwqfvlBXa0D5Rq6LoGAFPA6l8/s1600/IMG_0970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGN6yF3gYDaRFaQzRPqdKVSlJE6qbw7khyphenhyphen1Z3OhXuDCw3H9qpKIK7jWRtRM7vpNu_56rHwDdsN6fM5dXQZ4DOtQRkeG-uSI7G49EVzzp9FC02bgpKvYhwqfvlBXa0D5Rq6LoGAFPA6l8/s320/IMG_0970.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn1H2V-489I/VxJx4bcpBxI/AAAAAAAADh0/Z0Si0wbpmDMIbsKp9rRtafzZWav14ybegCLcB/s1600/IMG_0971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn1H2V-489I/VxJx4bcpBxI/AAAAAAAADh0/Z0Si0wbpmDMIbsKp9rRtafzZWav14ybegCLcB/s320/IMG_0971.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will say it a thousand times, but I LOVE the people at Time4Learning. I've been lucky enough to work for them for almost 6 years. Even luckier to have been using their curriculum in our homeschool for almost 10 years! Good peoples. :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Moving on...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yesterday was my birthday! I'm like a child. I love telling people it's my birthday and I love getting birthday wishes. Every year, lots of thanks are given that I made it to another one. :D </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There wasn't any big party plans (which I'm okay with), but we did get to spend the day with a great group of people. Coincidentally, yesterday was Dragon Con's annual volunteer appreciation day, and it was held at Stone Mountain. Food, hiking up the mountain, and hanging with friends. All capped off with reserved seating for the Laser Show. Fun stuff! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn9wSeMmE1uuWdqjHoHAAkqlcIg-HsRycJJbkBfkDqCkChiWLUGGXmBGM2ssiLBYiP5guBWe_oSB4tjuqxiAOeP4JLL3sdCpbzCtg0obqzybDYhNBIXdljw_nxLwAjttuyCjrmnhlhRE/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn9wSeMmE1uuWdqjHoHAAkqlcIg-HsRycJJbkBfkDqCkChiWLUGGXmBGM2ssiLBYiP5guBWe_oSB4tjuqxiAOeP4JLL3sdCpbzCtg0obqzybDYhNBIXdljw_nxLwAjttuyCjrmnhlhRE/s320/IMG_0609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hiked to the top of Stone Mountain...this incredible was totally worth it!<br /></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="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2gzyQYTy7s/VxOb4RSdOUI/AAAAAAAADiQ/dGLkoAjBUYon19kmbWExiu4XXUcSMYzwwCKgB/s1600/IMG_0621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2gzyQYTy7s/VxOb4RSdOUI/AAAAAAAADiQ/dGLkoAjBUYon19kmbWExiu4XXUcSMYzwwCKgB/s320/IMG_0621.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family photo at the top. :)<br /></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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7TWsDAYRHM/VxOb1mVyKfI/AAAAAAAADiI/h2Tg63XySlMtWWEkDTXI9LqS2SVTLWXUACKgB/s1600/IMG_0623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7TWsDAYRHM/VxOb1mVyKfI/AAAAAAAADiI/h2Tg63XySlMtWWEkDTXI9LqS2SVTLWXUACKgB/s320/IMG_0623.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our seats for the Laser Show.<br /></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="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekXzJGy-5-4/VxOb4cHA9yI/AAAAAAAADiU/M3GYy57qP1gohjmCXRlXSgCcAjGrXZhQgCKgB/s1600/IMG_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekXzJGy-5-4/VxOb4cHA9yI/AAAAAAAADiU/M3GYy57qP1gohjmCXRlXSgCcAjGrXZhQgCKgB/s320/IMG_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cool is it that they threw the DC logo on the mountain at the start of the show?!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are leaving tomorrow for our annual beach trip with our friends. Two weeks in the sun and sand. It don't suck. ;) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Boys mostly have a pass on school since there is no wifi at our beach house. The hubs and I use our phones for hot spots to work, but I don't want to use the data on school, so they will do some <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/printable-worksheets.shtml" target="_blank">printable worksheets</a> (yep, even at Bailey's age/grade I can find worksheets that are at grade level appropriate) and they will do some hands on stuff (experiments, field trips, etc). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's about it for now. I have to pack. PACK. Ugh. I super suck at that. Inevitably, we have to buy something that I left behind every. single. year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Leaving you with this awesome birthday gift that Braeden drew for me. A unicorn that's farting rainbows. Yeah, he's definitely mine. :D </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-LrNVcCr3grhaf51EMEEQVNnnl8MREbZXBfnZfbCb09bVOSeh6-PkCC3v8-9VPoTcyr7O_-nfu05DbRNquJLvjJV6EVT_acy4fN9FldsjepJ7whmh-7rc2rZgg7E2kGtzK0JAE_4Bh0/s1600/IMG_1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-LrNVcCr3grhaf51EMEEQVNnnl8MREbZXBfnZfbCb09bVOSeh6-PkCC3v8-9VPoTcyr7O_-nfu05DbRNquJLvjJV6EVT_acy4fN9FldsjepJ7whmh-7rc2rZgg7E2kGtzK0JAE_4Bh0/s320/IMG_1013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-89242133135551428032016-03-27T18:05:00.000-04:002016-03-27T19:23:21.394-04:00I’m not really an average homeschooler, and that’s okay<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those that have hung out here a while, you know who I am. This post isn't anything new, but I wanted to do an introductory (of sorts) post on Medium and this is what I wrote. Putting it here too, for those folks who check in regularly. :) </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQaB5zMBYk4/VvhYg639nWI/AAAAAAAADg4/YPEdQqi4vgsM0Vrw5CtjKi4CGEUIpeETQ/s1600/IMG_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQaB5zMBYk4/VvhYg639nWI/AAAAAAAADg4/YPEdQqi4vgsM0Vrw5CtjKi4CGEUIpeETQ/s640/IMG_0570.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.6); font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was our holiday family photo. Nope, not Santa. Taken with Krampus, at a local craft brewery!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em;">Even though homeschooling is becoming far more mainstream and accepted more than ever, non-homeschoolers</span><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em;"> </span><em class="markup--em markup--p-em" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'salt' 1; font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em;">still</em><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em;"> </span><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em;">tend to envision homeschoolers in a certain stereotyped way.</span></span><br />
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="eca6" name="eca6" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do we all have a “classrooom” at home, complete with chalk boards, and neat little desks? Uh…no. Do we all make, and more importantly follow, a rigid schedule for our day? Nope again.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="6744" name="6744" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Want a glimpse of a different type of homeschooler?</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="0614" name="0614" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only do we not have a classroom, my boys have been known to do school while wearing a minecraft cube on their head, or using their tablet while lying upside down on the sofa. My 11 year old thinks I’m punishing him when I tell him he has to wear pants. Hell, sometimes I think *I’m* being punished when I have to put on pants (Editor’s note: by “put on pants,” I mean put on something other than PJs).</span></div>
<br />
<figure class="graf--figure graf-after--p" id="07e6" name="07e6" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 18px; margin: 43px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="aspectRatioPlaceholder is-locked" style="margin: 0px auto; max-height: 925px; max-width: 700px; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div class="aspectRatioPlaceholder-fill" style="padding-bottom: 925.390625px;">
</div>
<div class="progressiveMedia js-progressiveMedia graf-image is-canvasLoaded is-imageLoaded" data-action-value="1*liyRUQr1W0Mjf6Z2lGJ6-A.jpeg" data-action="zoom" data-height="2190" data-image-id="1*liyRUQr1W0Mjf6Z2lGJ6-A.jpeg" data-scroll="native" data-width="1657" style="-webkit-transition: background 0.2s; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: -webkit-zoom-in; height: 925px; left: 0px; margin: auto; max-width: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: background 0.2s; width: 700px;">
<canvas class="progressiveMedia-canvas js-progressiveMedia-canvas" height="75" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden; -webkit-transition: visibility 0s linear 0.5s, opacity 0.1s 0.4s; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 925px; left: 0px; margin: auto; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: visibility 0s linear 0.5s, opacity 0.1s 0.4s; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: hidden; width: 700px;" width="56"></canvas><img class="progressiveMedia-image js-progressiveMedia-image" data-src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*liyRUQr1W0Mjf6Z2lGJ6-A.jpeg" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*liyRUQr1W0Mjf6Z2lGJ6-A.jpeg" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden; -webkit-transition: visibility 0s linear 0s, opacity 0.4s 0s; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 925px; left: 0px; margin: auto; opacity: 1; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: visibility 0s linear 0s, opacity 0.4s 0s; visibility: visible; width: 700px; z-index: 100;" /></div>
</div>
<figcaption class="imageCaption" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'lnum' 1; font-size: 14px; left: 0px; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.4; margin-top: 10px; outline: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; top: 0px; width: 700px; z-index: 300;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Working on his Time4Learning, on tablet. Yes, he can see. There are eye holes. He said it was comfy.</span></figcaption></figure><br />
<div class="graf--p graf-after--figure" id="8580" name="8580" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 38px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We own a TV (this is a thing with a lot of homeschoolers, many claim they don’t own one). In fact, every room in the house has one. And we watch them. A LOT. We love cheesy Sci-Fi shows. British TV is some of the best. We record and binge no less than a dozen “prime time” shows. No shame.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="ae99" name="ae99" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s where I really branch off from what you may picture in your head when you hear that I’m a homeschooling parent.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="6c6d" name="6c6d" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have short and often times brightly colored hair. I turn 39 next month and honestly could not tell you the last time I saw my natural hair color. I know it’s a shade of brown, that’s about it.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="c4b2" name="c4b2" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a dozen tattoos, and have started gauging my ears. We even let our boys (currently ages 11 and 16) pierce their ears (both ears, both boys). They also enjoy neon colored hair every now and then, and my 16 year old already knows what tattoo he is going to get the day he turns 18. Yep, I’m okay with that.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="aeae" name="aeae" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I swear. All the time. I try to shield it from people that I know find it offensive. I try really hard to curb it around children. But when I can, I’m fairly prolific with it, lol. The “F” word is my most favorite word in the history of ever. Why? It’s a verb. An adverb. An excellent adjective. Basically, just a fun, all purpose word.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="9ecd" name="9ecd" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dresses and denim jumpers? Haha. Let’s try jeans and Doc Martens.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="cc67" name="cc67" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m comfortable with my faith, and with the fact that it’s a personal thing. I don’t go to church (gasp!) and really dislike organized religion.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="75d0" name="75d0" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lesson plans? Fuhgetaboutem. Not going to happen. I use an <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm" href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: linear-gradient(rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8) 25%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 25%); background-position: 0px 22px; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; background-size: 2px; text-decoration: none;">online homeschool curriculum</a>, and have for almost 10 years. The boys enjoy using it and it lets me continually work on my slacker persona. Win-win.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="b8f9" name="b8f9" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having pointed out all of these differences, what do I have in common with many stereotypical homeschoolers? I want my kids to learn in an environment that isn’t harmful to them, either physically or emotionally. I want them to learn at their speed, and progress at a pace that is comfortable for them, rather than progress at the exact same rate as 30 other children, all with different learning abilities. I want them to pursue their passions and succeed.</span></div>
<br />
<figure class="graf--figure graf-after--p" id="86a8" name="86a8" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 18px; margin: 43px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="aspectRatioPlaceholder is-locked" style="margin: 0px auto; max-height: 700px; max-width: 700px; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div class="aspectRatioPlaceholder-fill" style="padding-bottom: 700px;">
</div>
<div class="progressiveMedia js-progressiveMedia graf-image is-canvasLoaded is-imageLoaded" data-action-value="1*QxPs9cUhFjwVIlV6WzpMGw.jpeg" data-action="zoom" data-height="2448" data-image-id="1*QxPs9cUhFjwVIlV6WzpMGw.jpeg" data-scroll="native" data-width="2448" style="-webkit-transition: background 0.2s; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: -webkit-zoom-in; height: 700px; left: 0px; margin: auto; max-width: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: background 0.2s; width: 700px;">
<canvas class="progressiveMedia-canvas js-progressiveMedia-canvas" height="75" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden; -webkit-transition: visibility 0s linear 0.5s, opacity 0.1s 0.4s; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 700px; left: 0px; margin: auto; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: visibility 0s linear 0.5s, opacity 0.1s 0.4s; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: hidden; width: 700px;" width="75"></canvas><img class="progressiveMedia-image js-progressiveMedia-image" data-src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*QxPs9cUhFjwVIlV6WzpMGw.jpeg" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*QxPs9cUhFjwVIlV6WzpMGw.jpeg" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden; -webkit-transition: visibility 0s linear 0s, opacity 0.4s 0s; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 700px; left: 0px; margin: auto; opacity: 1; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: visibility 0s linear 0s, opacity 0.4s 0s; visibility: visible; width: 700px; z-index: 100;" /></div>
</div>
<figcaption class="imageCaption" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'lnum' 1; font-size: 14px; left: 0px; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.4; margin-top: 10px; outline: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; top: 0px; width: 700px; z-index: 300;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Doing school while wearing an Anime costume wig. Just cause.</span></figcaption></figure><br />
<div class="graf--p graf-after--figure" id="b3f0" name="b3f0" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 38px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently had an opportunity to speak at a homeschool convention. It was terrifying for me, but after I was done, I felt amazing. So many moms thanked me for admitting that I have zero organizational skills and that I usually have no idea what I’m doing, but despite that, my boys are doing well. They’re doing great even.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="d748" name="d748" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ten years ago, it would have been awesome to have another homeschool mom tell me that they felt like they sucked, but their kids were okay. I guess that’s what this post is for me. A way to say that to other moms.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p" id="cd49" name="cd49" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chances are, you don’t really suck at this. You’ll homeschool your way and it will work.</span></div>
<div class="graf--p graf-after--p graf--last" id="9d23" name="9d23" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your. Kids. Will. Be. Fine.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-73193054278695865982016-03-13T20:15:00.001-04:002016-03-13T20:15:02.094-04:00A homeschool convention and a DPA win!But first...this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBMNTcvEF40/VuX8KMaIMhI/AAAAAAAADf8/ZmJY_LUYPuAIHNmjLrBOmGCIt8dUXfVaQ/s1600/IMG_0803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBMNTcvEF40/VuX8KMaIMhI/AAAAAAAADf8/ZmJY_LUYPuAIHNmjLrBOmGCIt8dUXfVaQ/s320/IMG_0803.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
Heehee. I saw that on Facebook and it cracked me up. Repeatedly. I mean, really. Sounds reasonable, right? ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So this weekend was a big weekend for all of us. Bailey and I were both away from home so the hubs and Braeden had an entire weekend together, just the two of them. As much as we all spend a lot of time together (and we love that), I don't know that they've ever had that much time with just one another. They enjoyed watching movies that I wouldn't watch and eating foods that I wouldn't eat. :D<br />
<br />
Where were Bailey and I?<br />
<br />
I had an opportunity to work (as a Time4Learning rep) and speak at a largish scale homeschool convention. I've worked a very small convention once before, and had a good time there, but this was really different. Just way more people, way more vendors/exhibitors. It was really cool!<br />
<br />
The very first night of the convention, I spoke on being an <a href="https://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/accidental-homeschooling.shtml" target="_blank">accidental homeschooler</a>, and a not-so-supermom. Kinda perfect, yeah? I was pretty much on a nerve/anxiety high, lol, and I don't even remember what I said, but even so...I think it went well.<br />
<br />
Even outside of my speaking engagement, I talked more than I can ever recall talking in a 3 day period. Like ever-ever, lol. And those that know and love me, know that that's A LOT. What's even crazier than that? People <i>wanted</i> me to talk. People wanted to ask <i>me</i> questions. Hearing just one mom tell me that I was encouraging and inspiring felt amazing, so you can probably imagine how I felt having several moms tell me that. ME?! :D<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KQEVHYh7TqMespLIaXMIj2MITqwWn0ETN4Le_PpW6LBYP6T1XMBS0ax86RXVwdAOh6iMazGRCehJxeUjTHXUbPI0DpDIZq2tepKbTid_ElefNqB8_BPHiZmJtTNF5RMkvEbKsA43LnA/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KQEVHYh7TqMespLIaXMIj2MITqwWn0ETN4Le_PpW6LBYP6T1XMBS0ax86RXVwdAOh6iMazGRCehJxeUjTHXUbPI0DpDIZq2tepKbTid_ElefNqB8_BPHiZmJtTNF5RMkvEbKsA43LnA/s320/IMG_0822.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my fabulously fantastic co-worker at the booth. :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bailey was at his 4H DPA (District Project Achievement) competition. This is the third year he's done this (and duh, every year he enters for cooking something) and guess what? HE WON! First place in his project group! He's on his way to the state competition in July and we couldn't be any prouder.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTrBb12hBlI/VuYBSX8rojI/AAAAAAAADgQ/WlWSc7kW8NovexCnjvrgExzmSeeD-rCjg/s1600/IMG_0831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTrBb12hBlI/VuYBSX8rojI/AAAAAAAADgQ/WlWSc7kW8NovexCnjvrgExzmSeeD-rCjg/s320/IMG_0831.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though I couldn't be there, his awesome 4H leader made sure I got a photo of him on stage after his big win. :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm sure I could go on and on, but I'm going to tap out now, and try to adjust to this stupid time changing thing. Grrr. Lol. Until next time!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-32281597771916573932016-02-29T16:45:00.001-05:002016-02-29T16:45:23.409-05:00Leap Year!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qWN_UZz_1g/VtRwWzlrLbI/AAAAAAAADfY/HAKWFA8F2PU/s1600/ask-history-why-do-we-have-a-leap-year_iStock_000020004359Large-E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qWN_UZz_1g/VtRwWzlrLbI/AAAAAAAADfY/HAKWFA8F2PU/s400/ask-history-why-do-we-have-a-leap-year_iStock_000020004359Large-E.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit <a href="http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/why-do-we-have-leap-year" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My whole life, I've always thought February 29th was <i>the</i> coolest day.<br />
<br />
I mean...how you not love a day that only happens once every four years? I think the biggest fascination I had with the day was birthdays. When I was younger I really did think you only aged every four years, lol. As I got older, I thought it was way awesome that kids born on 2/29 could pretty much set their own birthdays during the non-leap years. Wanna celebrate in February this year? Okay, 2/28 it is. Want a March birthday this year? Okey dokey, 3/1 for the win. :D<br />
<br />
As an adult, I still think it's fun to make a big deal out of the day. My boys played some <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/math-games.shtml" target="_blank">math games</a> revolving around the extra day (like figuring out how old they would be if they only aged on leap day, calculating how many leap days the average person sees in a lifetime, that kinda thing), and I loved googling some fun scientific and historical facts about the day with them.<br />
<br />
Here are some facts that we learned this morning:<br />
<ul>
<li>We would lose 6 hours <i>every year</i>, if we didn't have an extra day every four years.</li>
<li>Those leap year babies that fascinate me are called "leapers" or "leaplings."</li>
<li>Born on 2/29? There's an <a href="http://leapyearday.com/feb29/home" target="_blank">Honor Society of Leap Year Babies</a> you can join. Launched in 1997, there are more than 10,000 members worldwide!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Pretty cool stuff. Anyone have any other nifty little bits of info about Leap Year to share? Chime in the comments below! :) </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-36699706402911048712016-02-13T11:07:00.001-05:002016-02-13T11:10:01.609-05:00A review! - Science4Us and Time4LearningIt's been a while since I've reviewed anything here, so it's time, dontcha think? :)<br />
<br />
If you've read any of my posts, like ever, you know we love Time4Learning (our core homeschool curriculum). We've been using the online program in a variety of ways, and for a loooong time. My 11th grader has been with T4L since 2nd grade and my 6th grader has been with it since Pre-K.<br />
<br />
Even though we've had no complaints regarding what was available to us and when, I'm excited to talk about one of their newest upgrades. Science! Science has always been a favorite subject around here, and we all wish that this had been available when my boys were at the younger grade levels.<br />
<br />
Time4Learning recently partnered with Science4Us to bring more than 300+ K-3 grade <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/science.shtml#elem">elementary science</a> activities to their members. And get this...it's FREE!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yMSr3kdNPg/Vr39z4DZuOI/AAAAAAAADeE/2apNUBJJ0IU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-12%2Bat%2B10.08.13%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yMSr3kdNPg/Vr39z4DZuOI/AAAAAAAADeE/2apNUBJJ0IU/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-12%2Bat%2B10.08.13%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Parents can opt in for the S4U material through their parent admin account. Until it's activated, the S4U button on the left is greyed out (like the playground button on the right). But once activated, the button turns colored so kiddos know it's active.<br />
<br />
Once they click on the science button, they are taken to their dashboard (specifically for Science...no change in the dashboard for the other T4L activities).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bioQsgcIt78/Vr8_PVpeDxI/AAAAAAAADeY/Y3jJW527FjQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-12%2Bat%2B10.08.26%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bioQsgcIt78/Vr8_PVpeDxI/AAAAAAAADeY/Y3jJW527FjQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-12%2Bat%2B10.08.26%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My youngest (yeah, he's older than the program, but he was my reviewer/tester, lol) appreciated being able to work independently and know what has been completed and what's next.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYJymiymVzM/Vr9TE5aa5HI/AAAAAAAADeo/UeYraIqOx7s/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-13%2Bat%2B10.57.38%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYJymiymVzM/Vr9TE5aa5HI/AAAAAAAADeo/UeYraIqOx7s/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-13%2Bat%2B10.57.38%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the completed activities show a check mark, so he knows he's done with that one...</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="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2FYRKE-kmg/Vr9TUguzGTI/AAAAAAAADes/-cgWuHb3-AI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-13%2Bat%2B10.59.07%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2FYRKE-kmg/Vr9TUguzGTI/AAAAAAAADes/-cgWuHb3-AI/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-13%2Bat%2B10.59.07%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the quizzes are cute and engaging...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Like I said before, we wish this had been available when they were at the K-3 grade levels. It's cute and interactive (which meshes well with the lower level activities in T4L) and ultimately is a great addition to what is already our favorite homeschooling resource. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-44949102733710978252016-01-24T13:34:00.000-05:002016-01-24T21:34:59.440-05:002016. The year TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN.It's like...it's the future. ;)<br />
<br />
My last break was longer than the break I felt guilty about in my last post. Haha.<br />
<br />
Sheesh.<br />
<br />
I don't even know where to start with my updates. Life just always moves forward. As it should, yeah? Things are good with all of us. Work stuffs are actually awesome. The <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/homeschooling.shtml">homeschooling</a> stuffs are still great.<br />
<br />
Maybe it would be better to just randomly throw out pictures and bits of stuff...<br />
<br />
********<br />
Our 3rd Annual Walk to End Alzheimer's. We love being a part of this, every year. Trying to do what we can, no matter how little that is, to fight for an end to what has to be just THE most terrible, devastating illness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFimgTp40yc/VqUNGjcT6EI/AAAAAAAADaE/CUiO4w0Lvb4/s1600/IMG_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFimgTp40yc/VqUNGjcT6EI/AAAAAAAADaE/CUiO4w0Lvb4/s320/IMG_0081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68vq6UCNuDk/VqUM9GLjROI/AAAAAAAADZ0/0Er-2n3AOWo/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68vq6UCNuDk/VqUM9GLjROI/AAAAAAAADZ0/0Er-2n3AOWo/s320/IMG_0080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2agFoNtkNk/VqUNDtD1yLI/AAAAAAAADZ8/UK201tMREOQ/s1600/IMG_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2agFoNtkNk/VqUNDtD1yLI/AAAAAAAADZ8/UK201tMREOQ/s320/IMG_0078.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM-DHSddUtXXqY4k34KD7Syj3MerLRKGgMkqIO1xOmRSDccbVfEnZ9IsKOb84u8etFRMEnfrTE4x7dYFNEpgkZ2ZbF1ypJ0TA35sGFTE0K34rxJfpprjKFG1fBobAHtKAQHwNFlYGYs0/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM-DHSddUtXXqY4k34KD7Syj3MerLRKGgMkqIO1xOmRSDccbVfEnZ9IsKOb84u8etFRMEnfrTE4x7dYFNEpgkZ2ZbF1ypJ0TA35sGFTE0K34rxJfpprjKFG1fBobAHtKAQHwNFlYGYs0/s320/IMG_0079.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have always walked for Hazel. This year we walked also for Laura Lee and Pat (Ginger's mom). Laura Lee passed away just after our walk, and Pat had just been diagnosed the week of the walk. Keeping the families of everyone effected by Alzheimer's in our thoughts and prayer, always.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
********<br />
The eldest is <i>thisclose</i> to having his license, and has spent a lot more time behind the wheel. Gulp. <sniff sniff="" whimper=""> I don't like having to acknowledge how much older they get. Like, every year. Did you know that happened?! </sniff><br />
<br />
Also, at the tender age of 16, he started his own food business. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SquarePegGastronomy/">Square Peg Gastronomy</a>. Shameless plug -- pretty please go "like" his Facebook page? ;) Eventually he wants to own and operate a food truck. He has to start somewhere, so he's been making some noms and selling them locally, at local breweries around town. I'm in awe of him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8t4jWnGDgM/VqUOrWzNJYI/AAAAAAAADaQ/FaQHknSZQRg/s1600/IMG_1461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8t4jWnGDgM/VqUOrWzNJYI/AAAAAAAADaQ/FaQHknSZQRg/s320/IMG_1461.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRv6mlLceKk/VqUO7arBTYI/AAAAAAAADaY/58em_csVtOQ/s1600/IMG_0429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRv6mlLceKk/VqUO7arBTYI/AAAAAAAADaY/58em_csVtOQ/s320/IMG_0429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
********<br />
Meet Artie!<br />
<br />
Apparently we are the dog whisperers or something. Whenever doggies show up on our property, they end up staying, lol. This beautiful little guy was terribly mistreated and hurt, then dropped off on our dirt road. :( The wee one immediately bonded with him and they have become buddies. We took him in, got him fixed (awesome way to welcome one into the family, no? har har) named him after one of our favorite characters from Warehouse 13 and he's now the cute, newest addition to our brood. For those that might be keeping count, this is indeed doggie number FIVE. o.O<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpgsbCuvvt08g1QEldH3tZG4HRt9Qy9eXrLucbwMa1_fyx5L7Lt_2Xb8BjbYtrGhkl4-iaInMVDbfNL6rIl7R1Qopw4Vj8GYj1Payq0_Dg-r02p_EfdnUUyshUH3rWMgpJ-j3yauBNnA/s1600/IMG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpgsbCuvvt08g1QEldH3tZG4HRt9Qy9eXrLucbwMa1_fyx5L7Lt_2Xb8BjbYtrGhkl4-iaInMVDbfNL6rIl7R1Qopw4Vj8GYj1Payq0_Dg-r02p_EfdnUUyshUH3rWMgpJ-j3yauBNnA/s320/IMG_0400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrVWvZYS-lw/VqURVocjkQI/AAAAAAAADas/EUA1Iu65b0k/s1600/IMG_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrVWvZYS-lw/VqURVocjkQI/AAAAAAAADas/EUA1Iu65b0k/s320/IMG_0584.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
********<br />
Zoo Academy<br />
<br />
This past fall, the boys started attending a homeschool academy at the zoo. They have some friends that attend too, and so far, it's been a pretty cool experience for them. While the kids are getting their learning on, the moms walk around and catch up and just enjoy the locals. :D<br />
<br />
I could share a crap-ton of pics from the zoo, but I'm just going to share two for now. 'Cause cuteness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vN__MjwQn4o/VqUSMHIhZcI/AAAAAAAADa0/kpO2GyIFKUg/s1600/IMG_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vN__MjwQn4o/VqUSMHIhZcI/AAAAAAAADa0/kpO2GyIFKUg/s320/IMG_0184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboXQVa9gUrnq1WhzJHbXfoTHAU5tBdFwIgO7nDYMZA_fsqJYi416I05DQRXqQQnw5KH_FnQNW2bBuB1ujPpjB54SHhHLKp70raOoMdXH50LjbPZd1bCg2aeCxpVTCsd4ePyBp-po9ABE/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboXQVa9gUrnq1WhzJHbXfoTHAU5tBdFwIgO7nDYMZA_fsqJYi416I05DQRXqQQnw5KH_FnQNW2bBuB1ujPpjB54SHhHLKp70raOoMdXH50LjbPZd1bCg2aeCxpVTCsd4ePyBp-po9ABE/s320/IMG_0194.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
********<br />
The hubs turns 40!<br />
<br />
My mother-in-law and my sister-in-law did an excellent job of planning a surprise party for his 40th bday this month. Complete with super secret invites to very old friends, and uh...a little glimpse into life after 40. ;)<br />
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IM8J_LaRPwQ/VqWFxewVA3I/AAAAAAAADc0/WU1k7Sb_DPg/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IM8J_LaRPwQ/VqWFxewVA3I/AAAAAAAADc0/WU1k7Sb_DPg/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surpriiiiiiise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLImeL4T0_k/VqWF9SuBJBI/AAAAAAAADdE/3x3oKaMm2bk/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLImeL4T0_k/VqWF9SuBJBI/AAAAAAAADdE/3x3oKaMm2bk/s320/IMG_0845.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter, through the years. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-420NeOOTToo/VqWFxuVCXkI/AAAAAAAADc4/8fyA27m9R6o/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-420NeOOTToo/VqWFxuVCXkI/AAAAAAAADc4/8fyA27m9R6o/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, a potty chair. ;) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz7BG_q34Lc/VqWGP--gMMI/AAAAAAAADdM/tmXIxCHqpfU/s1600/IMG_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz7BG_q34Lc/VqWGP--gMMI/AAAAAAAADdM/tmXIxCHqpfU/s320/IMG_0847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Depends for when it's a long walk to said potty chair. HA! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The boys and I were also able to pull off a surprise party the following week, for local friends where we are, and at his favorite place to hang out. <a href="http://www.sobrewco.com/">Southern Brewing Company</a>. Everyone there is always awesome, and they helped with hanging up the banner I had made, as well as making a hilarious sign they put out at the door!<br />
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3s4AiNQqxs/VqWHRwbdhNI/AAAAAAAADdg/bV-6zu0eoEg/s1600/IMG_0647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3s4AiNQqxs/VqWHRwbdhNI/AAAAAAAADdg/bV-6zu0eoEg/s320/IMG_0647.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this human. This birthday makes twenty of his birthdays that we've celebrated together. Can't wait to celebrate a gazillion more!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61Gw1XPJYxg8E3JYZR9aiS_Be7pOXEEp05svVeQvvpP-zPmxTU_JZZ1C5IVQQ7bzCooV28GLnpUAqFMJMaBNPPd-QzQwdMSiVsnPb2h81cAYaFMAIkSiKop9yHQBv3fWqcCneyIUf1-4/s1600/IMG_0648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61Gw1XPJYxg8E3JYZR9aiS_Be7pOXEEp05svVeQvvpP-zPmxTU_JZZ1C5IVQQ7bzCooV28GLnpUAqFMJMaBNPPd-QzQwdMSiVsnPb2h81cAYaFMAIkSiKop9yHQBv3fWqcCneyIUf1-4/s320/IMG_0648.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He shares a birthday with The King. And hates this fact. Thought the "Elvis" and Walter's name "in lights" was a fabulous touch. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
********<br />
Giving up. Going random.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I have the attention span of a two year old. I'm tapping out from any sort of structure to the post. Lucky you. Heh. ;)<br />
<br />
Here are some others bits from the last few months.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjZBoMU6xn8vWzlI-ugEv9AyQW8To2IG3vvk5iHx6NQ1n7aIQdKMBTQLAyhmpcIMNVeLIrz742iUO_YgqGMRIX0JjRkawDrdjWB-XHdw0NzqME4lu89bExxpKe7LTkZoJxegPqmEgA14/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjZBoMU6xn8vWzlI-ugEv9AyQW8To2IG3vvk5iHx6NQ1n7aIQdKMBTQLAyhmpcIMNVeLIrz742iUO_YgqGMRIX0JjRkawDrdjWB-XHdw0NzqME4lu89bExxpKe7LTkZoJxegPqmEgA14/s320/IMG_0097.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had an opportunity to go the Opry's 90th birthday bash with some rather lovely humans. :) Saw Carrie Underwood, The Oakridge Boys and some other great acts. Good times. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmGVskpW0S0/VqUULkEICxI/AAAAAAAADbM/H42H_LG5tnw/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmGVskpW0S0/VqUULkEICxI/AAAAAAAADbM/H42H_LG5tnw/s320/IMG_0044.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw George Ezra with some awesome friends. I. Love. His. Voice. Super love even. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dGEPrTk3l7A4LadGdbmpn1B_iTM1PrLyDEDPB5EDHTX4_i75VvBX3_kmi9-cFzeIpgXKO6-COkmC0qrR3QqSTCK1EYFwyqBNTyxtCnMEpAHLU7f1MsIGdvbOSy3eZrMZoCk27Y13Wb0/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dGEPrTk3l7A4LadGdbmpn1B_iTM1PrLyDEDPB5EDHTX4_i75VvBX3_kmi9-cFzeIpgXKO6-COkmC0qrR3QqSTCK1EYFwyqBNTyxtCnMEpAHLU7f1MsIGdvbOSy3eZrMZoCk27Y13Wb0/s320/IMG_1758.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey got a KitchenAid stand mixer. FINALLY. I'm surprised he hasn't named it and tried to carry it around with him everywhere he goes. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UA5nXcxRfGs/VqUUXjpogcI/AAAAAAAADbk/SSJ2zPls738/s1600/IMG_1786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UA5nXcxRfGs/VqUUXjpogcI/AAAAAAAADbk/SSJ2zPls738/s320/IMG_1786.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attended my first live showing of Beauty and the Beast. A dear friend invited me and it was absolutely awesome. We said we were going to see more live shows and we haven't been able to make that happen yet. Methinks that needs to become a priority.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEV8mtbjyiY/VqUUVa-X8XI/AAAAAAAADbc/SicDn13cXKc/s1600/4809C1E1-182E-46D5-9DA5-04A50EC6E55B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEV8mtbjyiY/VqUUVa-X8XI/AAAAAAAADbc/SicDn13cXKc/s320/4809C1E1-182E-46D5-9DA5-04A50EC6E55B.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitness update! That's the look of someone who felt like a badass right then, lol. This was last month (December). A great run. My longest, with one of my best times!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwiyO7dLjMhtmYDFe3Bf0vQuTiDnd02LPsBfPUR9UHbAz4kWBreTT4YHyW4DmfCKfVC_onLtboLPUftXtQS57kQQkudYi34W-po_tUiwNsgrMSGo-dEZzYk7IybGaEY3ZOkagGes4XGo/s1600/IMG_1621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwiyO7dLjMhtmYDFe3Bf0vQuTiDnd02LPsBfPUR9UHbAz4kWBreTT4YHyW4DmfCKfVC_onLtboLPUftXtQS57kQQkudYi34W-po_tUiwNsgrMSGo-dEZzYk7IybGaEY3ZOkagGes4XGo/s320/IMG_1621.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good fun over the summer, with this crazy fabulous group of little humans. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgalbnlSApc/VqUUudSgsdI/AAAAAAAADcE/RIk1mDIZxKU/s1600/IMG_1683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgalbnlSApc/VqUUudSgsdI/AAAAAAAADcE/RIk1mDIZxKU/s320/IMG_1683.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys' Dragon Con costumes this year. Don't ask me who they are, I can never remember. Anime something. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48KF7KiNQEQ/VqUUn9XEOlI/AAAAAAAADb0/dAX7rYiyobk/s1600/IMG_1695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48KF7KiNQEQ/VqUUn9XEOlI/AAAAAAAADb0/dAX7rYiyobk/s320/IMG_1695.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my best Dragon Con moments evah! That's Steve Whitmire and Kermit. K E R M I T! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnp-bwjMGas/VqUVCb0OjbI/AAAAAAAADcM/ExK0-x-eswE/s1600/IMG_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnp-bwjMGas/VqUVCb0OjbI/AAAAAAAADcM/ExK0-x-eswE/s320/IMG_0597.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas gift from the hubs and my boys. I've wanted a pair of Dr. Martens for forever. They picked out this pair of hot pink patent lamper boots. Perfection. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et7MG6QBRHg/VqUVaXIgOCI/AAAAAAAADck/4DLQxpzM5SY/s1600/IMG_1463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et7MG6QBRHg/VqUVaXIgOCI/AAAAAAAADck/4DLQxpzM5SY/s320/IMG_1463.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just cause. I adore this dress. And it's a medium. I wouldn't have found something like this when I was a 2XL. ;) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KamDJbL5O8/VqUVNE4TQDI/AAAAAAAADcc/HKgjOGuQxjs/s1600/IMG_1595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KamDJbL5O8/VqUVNE4TQDI/AAAAAAAADcc/HKgjOGuQxjs/s320/IMG_1595.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helped this little princess celebrate turning 4. Can you tell we love her? And can you tell that she's already aware she's all that? :D </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
********<br />
Okay. Whew. That was a lot. Maybe too much, lol. In theory, I'm going to try to get back to the monthly updates. Fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
Hope you all have had an amazing start to your 2016!<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-2163820169474319312015-06-13T18:12:00.002-04:002015-06-13T18:12:35.419-04:00I'm still here...I know it doesn't seem like it. Who knew three months could fly by and get lost? LOST I tell you. :/<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nitK9IgerZI/VXybjbo6cvI/AAAAAAAADRQ/GGGdtLy2S3c/s1600/benjamin-franklin-time-quotes-lost-time-is-never-found.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nitK9IgerZI/VXybjbo6cvI/AAAAAAAADRQ/GGGdtLy2S3c/s320/benjamin-franklin-time-quotes-lost-time-is-never-found.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finishing up the tax thing and some new responsibilities at my other all-year job, coupled with already poor time management skills...well, obviously that results in a lack of blog updates. I sowwy.<br />
<br />
Since I saw you last, spring has come and gone. Doesn't hang around long in GA, as we tend to get springsummer, with a quick summersummer follow up. After I wrapped up things at the tax office, we made our annual pilgrimage to Florida with the B's and the H's. It was an excellent time, as always, but there was a little something different about this trip. What was it?<br />
<br />
I was 70 pounds lighter than a year ago and I ran my very first 5K with Tracy and Jen!!!!!!! I was so proud of myself, and all of us, for what we have accomplished to get to that point. My guys were there to send me off with hugs and support (they knew I would finish, even if <i>I</i> didn't know that), and they were there when I crossed the finish. The fact that we ran it in Fl, the place where this whole journey began for me a year ago, made it all the more sweeter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1lMOWy5AHM/VXymeG-szxI/AAAAAAAADRg/KTsUTiHI_-E/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1lMOWy5AHM/VXymeG-szxI/AAAAAAAADRg/KTsUTiHI_-E/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the race. Tracy had these awesome shirts made for us! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAZJHi96hZQ/VXymxJCBwrI/AAAAAAAADRw/SWAMMN9x0Jw/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAZJHi96hZQ/VXymxJCBwrI/AAAAAAAADRw/SWAMMN9x0Jw/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the race. Yes, I realize I look like I'm dying. But I didn't, so yaaaaay. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qokgI_gQ9ZY/VXymfMHVUrI/AAAAAAAADRo/X1O7O42IrMk/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qokgI_gQ9ZY/VXymfMHVUrI/AAAAAAAADRo/X1O7O42IrMk/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After we all finished!!!!! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Speaking of the whole getting healthy journey...<br />
<br />
Going against every part of my brain that wanted to so NOT post this picture, when we returned from vacay, I shared my before and after photo on the friendface. When I took the "before" photo, I honestly never expected that I would make the progress that I made. So, I honestly never expected to show it to anyone. On one hand, I <i>hate</i> looking at it. On the other hand, I <i>love</i> seeing how far I've come. And lemme say...my spirit animal is a sloth and I think doughnuts should be a food group at the top of the food pyramid...so if I can do this, anyone can. :D<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ee75D359dUNqypv068lr6vkLn5iO8xc-Q2pGGnNWy2tRMAkmca_cf_uLWnHhFZc0I3EUEtEiLFC-8dCdhf_96UUCxgJNuL_dXKtIgDmYnNWWx8hhahfyi_Rkm59X4h6pa2QPhZzcs8E/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ee75D359dUNqypv068lr6vkLn5iO8xc-Q2pGGnNWy2tRMAkmca_cf_uLWnHhFZc0I3EUEtEiLFC-8dCdhf_96UUCxgJNuL_dXKtIgDmYnNWWx8hhahfyi_Rkm59X4h6pa2QPhZzcs8E/s320/IMG_1185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to save my old shorts, but that is the same shirt. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hmmm. What else?<br />
<br />
Just yesterday I picked the boys up from their first ever 4-H summer camp. Spent a week at Tybee, lucky little boogers. While Bailey has done a scout camp thing once before, Braeden has never been away for so long. But when I picked them up, they said they had an ah-MAY-zing time, and it was the best week of their life. Haha. It's been 24 hours and Braeden is <i>still</i> singing camp songs. He wants to make sure that I know every word to every song he learned.<br />
<br />
Every. Song.<br />
<br />
There really wasn't a way for them to take pictures, but their wonderful 4-H coordinator sent me these two:<br />
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27CxXtHWuBE/VXyoUbDWbtI/AAAAAAAADSE/UzhxUaQ4N7E/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27CxXtHWuBE/VXyoUbDWbtI/AAAAAAAADSE/UzhxUaQ4N7E/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey "singing" to snails...if you hum, it somehow mimics waves/water and makes the snails come out of their shells.</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGxdMj0RWks/VXyoWTKqJJI/AAAAAAAADSM/MPTjiElXoOg/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGxdMj0RWks/VXyoWTKqJJI/AAAAAAAADSM/MPTjiElXoOg/s320/IMG_1220.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braeden and his "marsh mud facial". </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Those that have hung out here a while know that we homeschool year-round, and that is still working for us. Right now we are in our "school-lite" mode for summer. Even though we follow a much lighter <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer/learning-program.html">summer learning</a> schedule (<i>much</i> lighter), Braeden is working hard at finishing up his <a href="https://www.time4learning.com/education/fifth_grade.shtml">5th grade homeschool program</a>, while Bailey is just about done with his 10th grade courses.<br />
<br />
Whoa. That was hard to type. Where in the heck has the time gone?! I remember when Bailey was a wee lad and Braeden was a smushy little dude. What? They were! See? ;)<br />
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mF2vAtfqZ2g/VXypwH4luRI/AAAAAAAADSY/bYCOxo6qaTs/s1600/100_4206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mF2vAtfqZ2g/VXypwH4luRI/AAAAAAAADSY/bYCOxo6qaTs/s320/100_4206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day we took Braeden home from the hospital. He was a day old, Bailey had turned 5 three days prior...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I guess that's it. We took the boys to see Jurassic World today (it was okay, yay Chris Pratt, lol) and we are unplugging for a little while to head outside, cook on the fire, and play some card games without the distraction of our gadgets. Shocking, yes?<br />
<br />
Until next time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-74689875813629504842015-03-02T12:46:00.002-05:002015-03-02T12:46:47.665-05:00Oh, Spring. Where are you?It's March. That means I'm looking for spring. Really looking. Searching desperately. :/<br />
<br />
I like the cold. At least for the most part. I don't mind snow (as long as it doesn't affect power and there is no ice!). I love bundling up with blankets and hoodies.<br />
<br />
But I'm really missing the sunshine right about now. I don't see much sunshine (or anything else) from my desk at the tax office. The tax thing is slowing down, but it's not over. I need it to be over. I'm also missing my outside walks/jogs. I am ridiculously grateful for my treadmill because it's helped me keep my momentum, but I am soooooo bored with it, lol. I want to see the trees. And the cows. And the donkeys. And the chickens. :)<br />
<br />
So what's been up with us? School has been going along. I won't say swimmingly or anything, but well enough. Both of the boys have struggled with some of their courses. But I think that's a good thing honestly. They have basically sailed along all these years and it's good for them to come across lessons/activities that they have to retake, or really focus/concentrate on. They did have an opportunity to break up the online learning last month. February was #FreebieFebruary, so the interwebs were awash with free educational resources. I found some <a href="http://www.science4us.com/free-science-worksheets/">free printable science worksheets</a>, some <a href="http://www.printable-worksheets.com/states">free United States printables</a> and a crap-ton of other free worksheets/crosswords. Free is always good. :D<br />
<br />
As for what else we've been up to, I'll show you...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We replaced our kitchen island. Sorry about the background mess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PqmXsWKmM4/VPSdxmnZLmI/AAAAAAAADNs/Rq8dCNi9S6M/s1600/IMG_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PqmXsWKmM4/VPSdxmnZLmI/AAAAAAAADNs/Rq8dCNi9S6M/s1600/IMG_0855.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvnYIino8gU/VPSdxhTq_-I/AAAAAAAADNo/7UiCWuQs3vY/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvnYIino8gU/VPSdxhTq_-I/AAAAAAAADNo/7UiCWuQs3vY/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had what could have been some beautiful snow, but instead was messy/nasty/power outage causing ice. Bleh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8LS-bgeMiw/VPSd551N9NI/AAAAAAAADOA/505RfSuhBDY/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8LS-bgeMiw/VPSd551N9NI/AAAAAAAADOA/505RfSuhBDY/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I got new glasses! Not incredibly noteworthy, but I went with a style that is really out of my norm. Love them so far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7J-P2_HcU0/VPSd2JN4V7I/AAAAAAAADN4/Vu4icCMan-Y/s1600/IMG_0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7J-P2_HcU0/VPSd2JN4V7I/AAAAAAAADN4/Vu4icCMan-Y/s1600/IMG_0843.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The boys I tried Korean BBQ for the first time. Not only was it a great time with friends, it was <i>really</i> good noms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn0AVuawzJo/VPSebNUEkGI/AAAAAAAADOc/7FTzSmSKWDk/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn0AVuawzJo/VPSebNUEkGI/AAAAAAAADOc/7FTzSmSKWDk/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Braeden has his first 4-H Cloverleaf DPA competition at Rock Eagle. Bailey was there as a teen leader...they both had a really good time!<br />
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ06_vu7BSg/VPSeFDx7HpI/AAAAAAAADOM/a_FTd8GZ-AU/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ06_vu7BSg/VPSeFDx7HpI/AAAAAAAADOM/a_FTd8GZ-AU/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group, having some fun together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbzKyPfIC7Q/VPSefBlDfzI/AAAAAAAADOk/po7RLhBNn-A/s1600/IMG_0804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbzKyPfIC7Q/VPSefBlDfzI/AAAAAAAADOk/po7RLhBNn-A/s1600/IMG_0804.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rock eagle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhME8NzKyNc/VPSef7RxxgI/AAAAAAAADOs/_aF-HMBaUIo/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhME8NzKyNc/VPSef7RxxgI/AAAAAAAADOs/_aF-HMBaUIo/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on his project. Healthy and fun fruit kabobs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmmuUDBDA1E/VPSelf6-jZI/AAAAAAAADO0/ymaU-Xgkxh4/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmmuUDBDA1E/VPSelf6-jZI/AAAAAAAADO0/ymaU-Xgkxh4/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Displaying for the judges and tasters.<br /></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCj5udoIVWT_zMHSCn5CjWfQo81eXrAlXKersx3LTfGsDJXNPiwD2oSRIKfPA3LYMubjOhITQviXA8u-DZXg4YtQZkvcMUV9ZuvcgimPPAIXfTwsN-Cp6o_W2qD85FC41Y91oSyk3h8Y/s1600/IMG_0805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCj5udoIVWT_zMHSCn5CjWfQo81eXrAlXKersx3LTfGsDJXNPiwD2oSRIKfPA3LYMubjOhITQviXA8u-DZXg4YtQZkvcMUV9ZuvcgimPPAIXfTwsN-Cp6o_W2qD85FC41Y91oSyk3h8Y/s1600/IMG_0805.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So how did he do? My baby won 2nd place! I was so proud of him, but more importantly, he was SO proud himself!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
Well. That's about it for now. This month, Bailey has his Senior 4-H DPA, he's in a play with his drama class and hopefully, we'll see some of that spring I've been looking for. ;) <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time...</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-74751207273522451672015-02-01T16:00:00.000-05:002015-02-01T16:00:07.987-05:00February. What the what?!I lost January. Lost it. Completely. My calendar is telling me it's February, so one can naturally assume that January happened. But I don't know when. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Tax time is in full swing right now. Why am I still torturing myself with tax time? Cause I'm a sucker. Plain and simple. Every April, I'm all badass and "I'm not doing this again!" Then every November, "sure, I'll do it again." :/<br />
<br />
Boys are doing well. Really staying on top of their school stuffs while I'm at work. The last couple of weeks, Bailey has really realized how different <a href="http://www.letshomeschoolhighschool.com/">homeschooling high school</a> is compared to years past. I know he's in 10th grade, and he was in high school last year, but the courses this year are just more involved, more thorough and more time consuming. He's spending more and more time working through it all. But he's handling it like a trooper.<br />
<br />
Braeden is also struggling with the <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/education/fifth_grade.shtml">5th grade curriculum</a> stuff lately. Not of all it. Mostly with the science. Weird, right? You just <i>knew</i> I was going to say he's having a hard time with math, didn't you? Lol. He's handling it okay most of the time, but we have definitely had to have the whole "if you think it's easier in public school and you wanna try that, just let me know" speech. He never does tell me he wants to give that a whirl. Shocker.<br />
<br />
Not really anything else to report. Like I said...tax time brain fog. Oh! Our Moose had his first heartworm treatment injection on Dec 31, and did just fine with that. He had second and third (and hopefully final) injections this past week. With the exception of him being more sleepy, and the constant drinking/urinating thing (prednisone side effect), I don't know that we would know he's been going through this whole thing. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstVtcsl17zuQDGoGE6odGpnaiFsNNIi8D3t4mVg7b4hy3HlmUTcYthDYLoz3jJmnqSo4YSRt25jD1kZO6wSwSSNydFNW9n4Xxlslk8YKxH9iQKq_gcBnMkMIKpA0ySUwF08u6L38Q5Vc/s1600/IMG_0623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstVtcsl17zuQDGoGE6odGpnaiFsNNIi8D3t4mVg7b4hy3HlmUTcYthDYLoz3jJmnqSo4YSRt25jD1kZO6wSwSSNydFNW9n4Xxlslk8YKxH9iQKq_gcBnMkMIKpA0ySUwF08u6L38Q5Vc/s1600/IMG_0623.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my lap, with one of our other doggies, Lola. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgsBzVHxCfM/VM6QrjmKDWI/AAAAAAAADLk/ykOg_rURqUs/s1600/IMG_0624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgsBzVHxCfM/VM6QrjmKDWI/AAAAAAAADLk/ykOg_rURqUs/s1600/IMG_0624.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making himself comfy ON Braeden, lol.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While I wish I had a huge fitness update to share, I don't really. It's been a struggle to have extra exercise time before or after being at the tax office. I am getting in some treadmill time a few days a week and I am doing a really good job at keeping up with my calorie intake, so that's something. I did have a ridiculously happy moment when I had to buy some new pants for the office. This time last year, I was wearing 18s and 20s. Two weeks ago I bought 12s. TWELVES!!!!!!!!!! I haven't been in a 12 since before Bailey came to be. :D<br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtS2YZhenPo/VM6Smf2vvmI/AAAAAAAADL4/sSFguL-FAIM/s1600/IMG_9186.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtS2YZhenPo/VM6Smf2vvmI/AAAAAAAADL4/sSFguL-FAIM/s1600/IMG_9186.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm such a goober. Even though I was buying these pants, and I was taking them home, and I had every intention of wearing them in public, I *still* took a photo of the 12s on me in the dressing room as proof. Heh. Goober. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's about it for now. I hope everyone's 2015 has started off splendidly! Until next time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-83621318208313521532014-12-28T13:16:00.000-05:002014-12-28T13:26:36.384-05:00December!Lawd. December just flew by. Like, if I didn't have pictures, I could have missed it. :/<br />
<br />
We stayed busy, as usual. The boys had several 4H activities (a movie night for the wee one, an overnight lock-in for the eldest and some community service opportunities) and we had our normal holiday madness. Let's see if I can touch briefly on a few things...<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the month, we went back to the Atlanta History Center to learn a little bit about the holidays and their history. A teeny little bit, lol. We were hoping for more in-depth information, but it wasn't quite as expected. Not bad, though, and a good time was had.<br />
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NgU9SjtAUcs/VKA6EKhBm7I/AAAAAAAADHo/oKEJiVNmt7w/s1600/PC050055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NgU9SjtAUcs/VKA6EKhBm7I/AAAAAAAADHo/oKEJiVNmt7w/s1600/PC050055.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some decorations outside the Swan House.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKt6D9DC8o/VKA6NJvZMQI/AAAAAAAADH4/7UlsLHvXHpE/s1600/PC050054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKt6D9DC8o/VKA6NJvZMQI/AAAAAAAADH4/7UlsLHvXHpE/s1600/PC050054.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey asked for this for Christmas. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UckD0ITFd14/VKA6L-Qt7NI/AAAAAAAADHw/YKU0SeOVFf8/s1600/PC050001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UckD0ITFd14/VKA6L-Qt7NI/AAAAAAAADHw/YKU0SeOVFf8/s1600/PC050001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys and Z. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7BncfmoLlMrx08kBm4IbhBlYnRzr9ljH7pO8D58j5I8fXY5N7mhjFi2wE6pNO-VR4-bLSoV5b0ICcerB6xFg_X2SRQmF7rOnj-fkbjxhoUfG79P1CqtM0dIjKKe8gcKOmbGtZ9oeF0s/s1600/PC050009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7BncfmoLlMrx08kBm4IbhBlYnRzr9ljH7pO8D58j5I8fXY5N7mhjFi2wE6pNO-VR4-bLSoV5b0ICcerB6xFg_X2SRQmF7rOnj-fkbjxhoUfG79P1CqtM0dIjKKe8gcKOmbGtZ9oeF0s/s1600/PC050009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering wood for the kitchen...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hECy2le8aYE/VKA7QSHxNNI/AAAAAAAADII/cHo_wKJWryc/s1600/PC050012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hECy2le8aYE/VKA7QSHxNNI/AAAAAAAADII/cHo_wKJWryc/s1600/PC050012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really cool, old and giant sized, dutch/campire ovens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCgKMrAZCK8/VKA7U2kJisI/AAAAAAAADIQ/vMl1bsMGi44/s1600/PC050018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCgKMrAZCK8/VKA7U2kJisI/AAAAAAAADIQ/vMl1bsMGi44/s1600/PC050018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little woodworking class...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The boys also had a chance to make their own candles by dipping wicks in wax and water, repeatedly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXDRmUM5HoY/VKA9fsdtgtI/AAAAAAAADIo/o1V2RNAcDPE/s1600/PC050078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXDRmUM5HoY/VKA9fsdtgtI/AAAAAAAADIo/o1V2RNAcDPE/s1600/PC050078.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpceenIDBok/VKA9e1MCjKI/AAAAAAAADIc/L3T8Xot_d_A/s1600/PC050079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpceenIDBok/VKA9e1MCjKI/AAAAAAAADIc/L3T8Xot_d_A/s1600/PC050079.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GE7J1E5Ryis/VKA9fC9T5bI/AAAAAAAADIg/osIDRCbCiUM/s1600/PC050080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GE7J1E5Ryis/VKA9fC9T5bI/AAAAAAAADIg/osIDRCbCiUM/s1600/PC050080.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nope. Not gonna remark on any of their shapes. :D<br />
<br />
What else? Oh! We got new stairs for our back porch. Why is this remarkable? Because we have been barely avoiding traumatic injury for years. Between broken steps, and loose steps/rails, going up and down the stairs had become a strategic obstacle course, lol. Thanks to Tracy and her dad, and help from their family, we got some beautiful stairs put up in no time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdMjnFAI4JU/VKA_L3H4mII/AAAAAAAADJA/l36nknQrGGE/s1600/IMG_0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdMjnFAI4JU/VKA_L3H4mII/AAAAAAAADJA/l36nknQrGGE/s1600/IMG_0537.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lVTmAiZTaY/VKA_I62xIiI/AAAAAAAADI8/zN9nYhV9CQI/s1600/IMG_0539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lVTmAiZTaY/VKA_I62xIiI/AAAAAAAADI8/zN9nYhV9CQI/s1600/IMG_0539.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-dJDdLZK0w/VKA_2Qh4obI/AAAAAAAADJQ/IIkdlOSLw1o/s1600/IMG_0542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-dJDdLZK0w/VKA_2Qh4obI/AAAAAAAADJQ/IIkdlOSLw1o/s1600/IMG_0542.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pFBGapFwQQ/VKBAPXcGCvI/AAAAAAAADJY/BCnTdIu5EFc/s1600/IMG_0544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pFBGapFwQQ/VKBAPXcGCvI/AAAAAAAADJY/BCnTdIu5EFc/s1600/IMG_0544.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsUGZ3HkNeQ/VKBAm0c5x6I/AAAAAAAADJg/k0TtSSP44yM/s1600/IMG_0547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsUGZ3HkNeQ/VKBAm0c5x6I/AAAAAAAADJg/k0TtSSP44yM/s1600/IMG_0547.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WZNXobhGy2rhVIWu5cCA-5vOOsJngJZXU99pFmU6cscd0s1nORngVT6IkY5_hgLMEH0IPJ9mt4eYM8wIMye4oBCC6L2s1xdaur5kcpdaoXVkEOAEoO4IOnmVX4dt3N1jFz54nYd8N-g/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WZNXobhGy2rhVIWu5cCA-5vOOsJngJZXU99pFmU6cscd0s1nORngVT6IkY5_hgLMEH0IPJ9mt4eYM8wIMye4oBCC6L2s1xdaur5kcpdaoXVkEOAEoO4IOnmVX4dt3N1jFz54nYd8N-g/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There was also a trip to Six Flag's new Holiday in the Park. It was fun to ride a couple of the rides in the winter, and to see the lights. I did take some pics, but to be honest, my internet connection SUCKS (looking at you, Windstream) and I still have other pictures to upload. Just imagine a theme park. With lights. ;)<br />
<br />
Christmas festivities went well. We've had celebrations with my family, at home and with friends. Due to work schedules, we are having a celebration with my in-laws in a couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-im-VdV6PiCQ/VKBCctZfEjI/AAAAAAAADJ4/sobMxD5Xc0Q/s1600/PC200031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-im-VdV6PiCQ/VKBCctZfEjI/AAAAAAAADJ4/sobMxD5Xc0Q/s1600/PC200031.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet niece. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hyrKY12PDs/VKBC1YuJW8I/AAAAAAAADKA/S1BzaBFI4mA/s1600/PC200055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hyrKY12PDs/VKBC1YuJW8I/AAAAAAAADKA/S1BzaBFI4mA/s1600/PC200055.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youngest nephew. Totes adorbs. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcVDPSvCIH4/VKBC6pL0dwI/AAAAAAAADKI/g4FhNEVxDNg/s1600/PC250203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcVDPSvCIH4/VKBC6pL0dwI/AAAAAAAADKI/g4FhNEVxDNg/s1600/PC250203.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braeden is very happy about the Dancing Groot that Bailey got him, lol.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2gC6TiKLR2SPEVtyPXPsbSvb_dyfoLhe75ISvGLipJnLbKsJFyqEXYgUD1FWTfDtqjjdEGAZzwYCagI2LI-Q7wKAGanPP32x4jUe5b2FiSToGEhO2Rm-v_VI2WB-oz7dIH2Tcc7BemQ/s1600/PC250217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2gC6TiKLR2SPEVtyPXPsbSvb_dyfoLhe75ISvGLipJnLbKsJFyqEXYgUD1FWTfDtqjjdEGAZzwYCagI2LI-Q7wKAGanPP32x4jUe5b2FiSToGEhO2Rm-v_VI2WB-oz7dIH2Tcc7BemQ/s1600/PC250217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braeden and the trench coat he asked for. Goofy kid. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4k6sFiQ2w0s/VKBDbIpQc7I/AAAAAAAADKY/nQEXs7mOY70/s1600/PC250221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4k6sFiQ2w0s/VKBDbIpQc7I/AAAAAAAADKY/nQEXs7mOY70/s1600/PC250221.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey and his new coat. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxNFkUcLVj_bHb-5E_PY4abgzV2KAhGaufUT29A0XHSkogi2O9mQVhJNl2CUvHR2Ft-GdHYFOOwUzoQb7tl3KLpIIGDq5JT_LXckwxqE1TCyHQj3gwMEUEjD8QI8fCgFsl_2mlBzpQtM/s1600/PC250231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxNFkUcLVj_bHb-5E_PY4abgzV2KAhGaufUT29A0XHSkogi2O9mQVhJNl2CUvHR2Ft-GdHYFOOwUzoQb7tl3KLpIIGDq5JT_LXckwxqE1TCyHQj3gwMEUEjD8QI8fCgFsl_2mlBzpQtM/s1600/PC250231.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs and his new porkpie hat the boys and I found for him. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week we are getting ready to ring in the new year, get back into the school thing, and for me to start full time at the tax office. Can't believe it's that time already. Ugh. The boys aren't lamenting the school thing too much, thankfully. They've enjoyed their break and know they have to find their groove again. In their downtime, Braeden has been doing a little math from last year's <a href="http://fourthgradehomeschoolcurriculum.com/">fourth grade homeschool curriculum</a>, because he's finding that he's struggling with the 5th grade stuff. I think it's cool that he can drop back down and practice. Usually tax time is when they have the most time to blow through their online lessons because our extra activities are cut back so much. I'm expecting this year to be no different.<br />
<br />
What else?<br />
<br />
Fitness update? Okey dokey. :D I will be ending 2014 55 pounds lighter than when I started it! I am so damn happy about that, and really proud of myself. I know, sounds pompous. But I am. And to know that I have done it without pills, chemicals, or dieting. Simply making better (and new life-long) food choices and getting off of my butt. I completed the entire Couch-to-5K program, and I'm looking forward to starting it over, challenging myself even more. It's been an awesome journey so far, and I'm looking forward to what 2015 brings me. I really haven't done a before and after thing yet, and this isn't an official one, but I am sharing a pic from last Christmas, with a couple from this Christmas, just for a visual aid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W62q5wrJ0z4/VKBGiNOgqOI/AAAAAAAADKo/mBMBomaRIHs/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W62q5wrJ0z4/VKBGiNOgqOI/AAAAAAAADKo/mBMBomaRIHs/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9TZMqfuAbE/VKBHKQ9yFZI/AAAAAAAADKw/LsMtJC68xlQ/s1600/PC200138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9TZMqfuAbE/VKBHKQ9yFZI/AAAAAAAADKw/LsMtJC68xlQ/s1600/PC200138.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRuYznlI4SM/VKBHLOPoXwI/AAAAAAAADK4/9YalDE8iCFA/s1600/PC200035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRuYznlI4SM/VKBHLOPoXwI/AAAAAAAADK4/9YalDE8iCFA/s1600/PC200035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I know these aren't the greatest, but you can see what I'm so happy about. It's one thing to say I've lost 55 pounds and 3 sizes, but to <i>SEE</i> it...pretty outstanding. :D<br />
<br />
Gah. I'm so scattered. I do have one request from everyone. One of our furry babies, Moose has heart worms. We are treating him, and the injections and the recovery period can be pretty scary. He's having the first injection this Tuesday. We love all of our doggies, but Moose definitely holds a special place in all of our hearts. If you'll keep him in your thoughts/prayers, and send well wishes for a successful treatment, we would greatly appreciate it.<br />
<br />
Okay. If you've made it this far, bless you. It was a long one, lol. I hope you all had an amazing holiday season, and that your 2015 starts off safely, happily and is full of promise.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-76196157072754777372014-11-14T13:08:00.001-05:002014-11-14T13:10:30.179-05:00Stuffs and RandomsI have a bazillion things running around my brain right now. I want to get several things out, but I know I won't have the patience to try and put them in any sort of order. So....<br />
<br />
Bits o' random, coming at you...<br />
<br />
What's been going on since I spoke with you last? In my head, it feels like it's been <i>months</i>, lol. Last weekend, we visited our local Medieval Times for the first time. We went with friends, and our little group of 13 had an amazing time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKBUQDGsGzY/VGY-rE6KBkI/AAAAAAAADCY/H71DEsHYANM/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKBUQDGsGzY/VGY-rE6KBkI/AAAAAAAADCY/H71DEsHYANM/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhD0L0dDJ4o/VGY-5wuc3TI/AAAAAAAADCg/7RAtzQ_7QJU/s1600/IMG_0422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhD0L0dDJ4o/VGY-5wuc3TI/AAAAAAAADCg/7RAtzQ_7QJU/s1600/IMG_0422.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were team yellow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HR3OgRavgTw/VGY_CwdswhI/AAAAAAAADCw/Etsw-76QImw/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HR3OgRavgTw/VGY_CwdswhI/AAAAAAAADCw/Etsw-76QImw/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arena.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WumH1yYe6Ic/VGY_CNwUWGI/AAAAAAAADCo/iD8t9c7Bc1I/s1600/IMG_0426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WumH1yYe6Ic/VGY_CNwUWGI/AAAAAAAADCo/iD8t9c7Bc1I/s1600/IMG_0426.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our yellow knight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-PewcIGz6E/VGY_NPUcH6I/AAAAAAAADDA/1lXpw2of2Ic/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-PewcIGz6E/VGY_NPUcH6I/AAAAAAAADDA/1lXpw2of2Ic/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joust!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_4n5k4wU48/VGY_JkljQ1I/AAAAAAAADC4/o0xjI5FP-oI/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_4n5k4wU48/VGY_JkljQ1I/AAAAAAAADC4/o0xjI5FP-oI/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kind and his peeps. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
School is going well. Bailey is working on NaNoWriMo for the first time, and enjoying it. He won't hit 50,000 words, but he's sticking with it, so I'm happy. Braeden would have liked to do NaNoWriMo, but only if took the place of his other school work. Ha. He's enjoying school, but would rather be back in his <a href="http://thirdgradehomeschoolcurriculum.com/">third grade homeschool curriculum</a>, rather than moving forward with 5th grade. 5th grade is a big year...learning a lot of new concepts, instead of rehashing what he's already learned. I am grateful that we haven't butted heads much though, so that's something.<br />
<br />
We had another field trip to the history center to learn about WWI. Of course I didn't take many pics...but I did get two.<br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLw2MhPDjoU/VGZBALB6OnI/AAAAAAAADDQ/Dw59uYBFtWs/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLw2MhPDjoU/VGZBALB6OnI/AAAAAAAADDQ/Dw59uYBFtWs/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about trench warfare.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6jzm_lrwvs/VGZBABypYdI/AAAAAAAADDM/20vy83PaTck/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6jzm_lrwvs/VGZBABypYdI/AAAAAAAADDM/20vy83PaTck/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A reenactment of sorts...who started the war, who were allies and who were enemies. Done on a "playground," lol.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I made my very first batch of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombucha">kombucha</a>! It's currently in its second ferment, so I haven't tasted it yet, but we are looking forward to trying it! I hope to post an instructional for those interested, after we taste the final product and I can make sure I did it right, lol.<br />
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_dSLWHc_-w/VGZDIUhk2_I/AAAAAAAADDg/Mb_4TUxElfs/s1600/IMG_0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_dSLWHc_-w/VGZDIUhk2_I/AAAAAAAADDg/Mb_4TUxElfs/s1600/IMG_0441.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to a lovely friend, this is my "mother" at the beginning of the first ferment. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OWCEjSa2Vw/VGZDJG8N5aI/AAAAAAAADDo/c2qpHU6gWFY/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OWCEjSa2Vw/VGZDJG8N5aI/AAAAAAAADDo/c2qpHU6gWFY/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the second ferment! Grape! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hmmm. What else? I don't think much more is going on. I am working a couple of days a week at the tax office, to get ready for the upcoming tax season. Lots of family visits coming up with the holidays. Tomorrow is my last day of week 6 of the C25K program. Week 6! I really cannot believe I have come that far. And I'm feeling GREAT about it! As of today, I am down 45 pounds. Yep, that's clap worthy.<br />
<br />
Go ahead. Round of applause. I'll wait.<br />
<br />
;)<br />
<br />
Seriously, if anyone out there wants to get started on a healthier path, but you don't think you can, lemme tell ya - if I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT. :)<br />
<br />
Alrighty then. I'm out. I wish each and every one of you a fabulous November and a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones! Until next time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-28250255601477411502014-10-23T20:37:00.000-04:002014-10-23T20:37:00.868-04:00Turning Two, and Other Updates...I was supposed to come back after the Dragon Con post, wasn't I? Oops. Life, man...gettin' a little crazy up in here! ;)<br />
<br />
Long past time for an update, so what's been going on with us?<br />
<br />
School has been going well. Both boys have established their routines with their high school and <a href="http://www.elementaryonlinecurriculum.com/">elementary online curriculum</a> programs. We have added quite a few more field trips than normal to our schedule. Some homeschool days at the Atlanta History Center (Villains in History earlier this month, WWI next month), and we are also planning our first trip to Kennesaw State University's Museum of History and Holocaust Education as well.<br />
<br />
Family stuffs has been fun. This past weekend, we helped my sweet nephew celebrate turning two! Such a big boy now, yeah? It seems like it was soooooooo long ago that either of mine were two, lol.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBtKRLR8SLzGlb7QRiGtsHwGurIe7iMZHXy6X_Vwo50FluK5XcFjpZTUG61P__HA6bQf3GSJiZnludG7Drw95_G9TxFgNMfy3rV-tRnq8BB6TKO4BR4wkMxrO33L3-o9FYcf0W4C1tp0/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBtKRLR8SLzGlb7QRiGtsHwGurIe7iMZHXy6X_Vwo50FluK5XcFjpZTUG61P__HA6bQf3GSJiZnludG7Drw95_G9TxFgNMfy3rV-tRnq8BB6TKO4BR4wkMxrO33L3-o9FYcf0W4C1tp0/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He got a brand new big boy bed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9J-0jK42WoA/VEmCI1OcWkI/AAAAAAAADAM/dWc83MAYgzg/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9J-0jK42WoA/VEmCI1OcWkI/AAAAAAAADAM/dWc83MAYgzg/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a tractor/power wheel thingy! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_NmVucygQo/VEmCV3q5cDI/AAAAAAAADAU/oxRosVwCXho/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_NmVucygQo/VEmCV3q5cDI/AAAAAAAADAU/oxRosVwCXho/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AWEsome cake. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apRDXmNB5gM/VEmCfbjprPI/AAAAAAAADAg/KmxW67u7XEw/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apRDXmNB5gM/VEmCfbjprPI/AAAAAAAADAg/KmxW67u7XEw/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eldest and the birthday boy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U75H06hCkkI/VEmCe9MkIGI/AAAAAAAADAc/WGyypcx2f8Q/s1600/IMG_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U75H06hCkkI/VEmCe9MkIGI/AAAAAAAADAc/WGyypcx2f8Q/s1600/IMG_0134.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the princess-slash-niece. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTWCeoXacXg/VEmCm_oQc4I/AAAAAAAADAs/WpYpKvES-4o/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTWCeoXacXg/VEmCm_oQc4I/AAAAAAAADAs/WpYpKvES-4o/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys. Seriously. They are incredible. And cute, to boot. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIjse9hzen4/VEmBwsz9iII/AAAAAAAAC_0/PNjGlkioeQE/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIjse9hzen4/VEmBwsz9iII/AAAAAAAAC_0/PNjGlkioeQE/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More presents!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZcKlRhUCW8/VEmBzupe4WI/AAAAAAAAC_8/A_6LvdYQJvY/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZcKlRhUCW8/VEmBzupe4WI/AAAAAAAAC_8/A_6LvdYQJvY/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More presents! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NbW_0hjdtMI/VEmCst_FcSI/AAAAAAAADA0/tS1YTt_o2ws/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NbW_0hjdtMI/VEmCst_FcSI/AAAAAAAADA0/tS1YTt_o2ws/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs and myself. I wubs him. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJHfpFrX7k0/VEmCuOxtLwI/AAAAAAAADA8/pad7aQ0BiTQ/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJHfpFrX7k0/VEmCuOxtLwI/AAAAAAAADA8/pad7aQ0BiTQ/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My silly wee one. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The boys and I completed our 2nd Walk to End Alzheimer's. Such a terrible disease...we pray for a cure and will continue to support this organization and it's mission.<br />
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzdDTO5jpAA/VEl_uUYUcLI/AAAAAAAAC_M/LNeIWMSxXt8/s1600/IMG_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzdDTO5jpAA/VEl_uUYUcLI/AAAAAAAAC_M/LNeIWMSxXt8/s1600/IMG_0070.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the walk...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9pD2hj0oug-x-dPiw7TRP2hPb4bCAuLfD8xrlDCrfqVpv4Y564yrgvjnVMRZHTlnOHd6yBlJP4NMnwaVIuDxHoZv9UUl4LvRJAK6hn7C9d30zWIrtk7C1FRW6nQ8J__0Lg8qT7uYO9Q/s1600/IMG_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9pD2hj0oug-x-dPiw7TRP2hPb4bCAuLfD8xrlDCrfqVpv4Y564yrgvjnVMRZHTlnOHd6yBlJP4NMnwaVIuDxHoZv9UUl4LvRJAK6hn7C9d30zWIrtk7C1FRW6nQ8J__0Lg8qT7uYO9Q/s1600/IMG_0071.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And on the way home, lol. We *did* have to get up really early. Plus, after the walk, we had a yummy lunch with friends. He was full and sleepy.<br />
I know you probably can't see it here, but around his neck is a purple lanyard. Our friend April (we walk for her mother) gave Braeden the "team captain" lanyard this year. He was SO proud of that. Took me daaaays to get it off of him lol.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Uhhh...what else? Oh! One of my besties and I went to a concert that really felt like it was twenty years in the making! We finally, <i>finally</i> saw Garth Brooks in concert. It was AHmazing! I don't even listen to country music anymore, but it was one of THE best concert experiences I've ever had. I had seen him back in 1997 in Reno with my late sister-in-law, so while it was fun, there was a little twinge of sadness too. It was good to remember her, and that experience I was able to have with her, though. All in all, an excellent memory made with an excellent lady. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDm-sbbRIFpGU4kAmu-aLX-lyKZsBUqb9yj8oZBqtunxt56hb74XdcUjvn1FiVqXWWJ0AMDivgwpFW2TifS6jBE1Lgq7Py-2FF9IE7E9VD-b7NwtD3gSOh9z7LYN1i8Jsgc65L1lsW0/s1600/IMG_1250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDm-sbbRIFpGU4kAmu-aLX-lyKZsBUqb9yj8oZBqtunxt56hb74XdcUjvn1FiVqXWWJ0AMDivgwpFW2TifS6jBE1Lgq7Py-2FF9IE7E9VD-b7NwtD3gSOh9z7LYN1i8Jsgc65L1lsW0/s1600/IMG_1250.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and Katie. Yes we have the same name. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMng2VawM8Q/VEmBJ31jG7I/AAAAAAAAC_k/cJxztWh5hkE/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMng2VawM8Q/VEmBJ31jG7I/AAAAAAAAC_k/cJxztWh5hkE/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The set.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vbtp5ps_wKmMOvk3jmdLE1T_YJmkLPQS2cpABzYACtCSTvWKv3M6ch_KvDokJAJe8xivul3ksVFfhL0nZxgi5LIvr6U-z8LYT0GJOMdBYMEdOgJ6JMjkFrjJeFPfCmS35BLwCs-5hRo/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vbtp5ps_wKmMOvk3jmdLE1T_YJmkLPQS2cpABzYACtCSTvWKv3M6ch_KvDokJAJe8xivul3ksVFfhL0nZxgi5LIvr6U-z8LYT0GJOMdBYMEdOgJ6JMjkFrjJeFPfCmS35BLwCs-5hRo/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GARTH! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
How's the fitness thing going? Very well, thank you. As of this morning, I am down 38.2 pounds! I have shed two pants sizes and two shirt sizes. TWO SIZES! I still have such a long way to go, but I am so proud of how hard I've worked to get this far. :D<br />
<br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hl8VEhmu-U/VEmePrOP4uI/AAAAAAAADBM/D-4mNqWH9jU/s1600/IMG_0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hl8VEhmu-U/VEmePrOP4uI/AAAAAAAADBM/D-4mNqWH9jU/s1600/IMG_0189.jpg" height="320" width="122" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a Large T-shirt that I thieved from my kid's closet. For reals. A LARGE! And those are size 14 jeans. YAY!!! I'm not ashamed to put those sizes out there...like I said two sizes down from where I was 5 months ago! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ok. I think that's it. At least that's all I've got at this moment. Hope you all have had a fabulous fall, and continue to do so!<br />
<br />
Until next time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-69665971665166224712014-09-05T11:46:00.000-04:002014-09-05T11:46:07.373-04:00Back to School (and Dragon Con!)Every year we start after Labor Day...because Dragon Con. Who wants to try and start school before such a fun activity, right?<br />
<br />
Weeeellllll. The flip side of not starting <i>before</i> DC, is having to start <i>after</i> DC. We are tired. Exhausted even. We're still excited and talking about what we saw, who we met and what we bought. So getting back to school and into our routine, right this second, is slow going.<br />
<br />
Oh well. Homeschooling = flexibility. ;)<br />
<br />
I am actually at a homeschool conference this weekend. The inaugural <a href="http://www.nationalallianceofsecularhomeschoolers.com/conference.html">National Alliance of Secular Homeschoolers</a> conference. It's really cool. I know that we have our core...Bailey is taking English II, Geometry, US History II and two sciences this year, Physical Science and Earth/Space Science. These will be through T4L. Braeden is using their <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.fifthgradehomeschoolcurriculum.com/&usd=2&usg=ALhdy297v6izbcGQ4UarfKxkDF9KlBJeeg">fifth grade homeschool curriculum</a> too. Buuuut...I'm always on the lookout for supplements and extras. So walking around a vendor hall chock full of secular resources is super exciting. :)<br />
<br />
That's really all I've got. Still recovering from one convention, while attending another conference, is tough. Imma look around, take a nap, then look some more, lol.<br />
<br />
Leaving you with some pretty pictures from our Dragon Con experience. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EW9L2Qy2nA/VAnZBTksraI/AAAAAAAAC4E/5bB1GJIA050/s1600/IMG_1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EW9L2Qy2nA/VAnZBTksraI/AAAAAAAAC4E/5bB1GJIA050/s1600/IMG_1100.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54LorBu_LKg/VAnZkfl7PlI/AAAAAAAAC4s/pK8CZlfM0Vs/s1600/IMG_1119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54LorBu_LKg/VAnZkfl7PlI/AAAAAAAAC4s/pK8CZlfM0Vs/s1600/IMG_1119.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XMnC2rIvWe86Xsj_tAobRgygml0_m4otfF3dATv_DBLslN5rkbX7EsDSAYNh324zzco9AD00qC-jSx4vP6sQ7d_owSP81y1h2LLWSWwQDIqOUbFUtFRrDM0Q2j6e6hReFUWDjHX0iOc/s1600/IMG_1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XMnC2rIvWe86Xsj_tAobRgygml0_m4otfF3dATv_DBLslN5rkbX7EsDSAYNh324zzco9AD00qC-jSx4vP6sQ7d_owSP81y1h2LLWSWwQDIqOUbFUtFRrDM0Q2j6e6hReFUWDjHX0iOc/s1600/IMG_1107.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtlLYg71-bE/VAnZMXjPl7I/AAAAAAAAC4c/nhZg7pMnthQ/s1600/IMG_1112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtlLYg71-bE/VAnZMXjPl7I/AAAAAAAAC4c/nhZg7pMnthQ/s1600/IMG_1112.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS4q3Lmne5w/VAnZEo96ADI/AAAAAAAAC4M/fjJFguwlt58/s1600/IMG_1110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS4q3Lmne5w/VAnZEo96ADI/AAAAAAAAC4M/fjJFguwlt58/s1600/IMG_1110.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4I1hTHSWRQ/VAnZi0lOarI/AAAAAAAAC4k/dDHf0FmcRe0/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4I1hTHSWRQ/VAnZi0lOarI/AAAAAAAAC4k/dDHf0FmcRe0/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKNXXu7s_tA/VAnZv_n7FnI/AAAAAAAAC40/_ybyA_YZgDw/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKNXXu7s_tA/VAnZv_n7FnI/AAAAAAAAC40/_ybyA_YZgDw/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqQM0o9OLKo/VAnZwEG8SfI/AAAAAAAAC44/P5TzO32nk5c/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqQM0o9OLKo/VAnZwEG8SfI/AAAAAAAAC44/P5TzO32nk5c/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuyeKjFQ-F4/VAnZ3Welc5I/AAAAAAAAC5E/wY0tIavn6ss/s1600/IMG_1125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuyeKjFQ-F4/VAnZ3Welc5I/AAAAAAAAC5E/wY0tIavn6ss/s1600/IMG_1125.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Pam3hAihU/VAnZ_oDX7hI/AAAAAAAAC5M/xwWWzfiaeYs/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Pam3hAihU/VAnZ_oDX7hI/AAAAAAAAC5M/xwWWzfiaeYs/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-6621687768144211662014-08-20T21:07:00.000-04:002014-08-20T21:07:30.334-04:00Wordless Wednesday<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8juBMHXFxg/U_VFepO7CtI/AAAAAAAAC2E/myVYHYkzmjU/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8juBMHXFxg/U_VFepO7CtI/AAAAAAAAC2E/myVYHYkzmjU/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a ... licensed (kinda) driver!!! <gulp></gulp></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a5pAQQgq8jQPfIl4LS0mpLVvIECX8FR_EeX6AuFQYag0VK87xiVvaRcFREZrN9RojyJpoQVIN3rQnM5Q2DpoJVAhQN60NjZn5F85JKbcoGTU44Rw4GKDONUzC940HRafyGEne-JNElE/s1600/IMG_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a5pAQQgq8jQPfIl4LS0mpLVvIECX8FR_EeX6AuFQYag0VK87xiVvaRcFREZrN9RojyJpoQVIN3rQnM5Q2DpoJVAhQN60NjZn5F85JKbcoGTU44Rw4GKDONUzC940HRafyGEne-JNElE/s1600/IMG_1074.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little afternoon bowling to celebrate passing his permit tests. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-21848200238229226432014-08-14T14:32:00.000-04:002014-08-14T14:46:43.258-04:00Gearing up for the 2014/2015 school year...Dude. I'm getting ready for 5th and 10th grades!<br />
<br />
Whaaaaaaaaa? I have no idea when all this happened.<br />
<br />
;)<br />
<br />
It's really hard to believe that we've been at this homeschooling thing this long. When we pulled Bailey out of public school in the beginning of 1st grade, our initial plan was just to homeschool him for the remainder of that year, putting him back for 2nd grade. Nine years later, and here we are.<br />
<br />
As far as curriculum planning goes, I have it easy. I know that both of the boys will be continuing with Time4Learning as their core. It was Braeden's Pre-K and <a href="http://www.kindergartenonlinecurriculum.com/">kindergarten online curriculum</a>, and he's still using it, and Bailey has been using it since his 2nd grade year. That means that there is a lot of comfort and familiarity there, for both them and for myself.<br />
<br />
We will supplement things as we go along. Science experiments, art projects, field trips, etc. And we always allow for several interest led learning days (or weeks, lol). But that's my plan. Sweet, yeah?<br />
<br />
By the way, I'm linking up with iHomeschoolNetwork's 6th annual Not-Back-to-School blog hop this week. Click on the button below for more blog posts and ideas. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/6th-annual-not-back-to-school-blog-hop-curriculum-week/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrcPgCcJtkEnumCEmLkCJQTuut8SOy_t7lWzrpbrLM4_KjYe5dEJJEKGGxiHrnBrFA0QXprOPhyphenhyphen9ortnvEdY2eLQxjh6B9e3CoXOs01OWkOdq3FXh3keFNJgf868imUAyUlXCCOvsAKQ/s1600/nbts-blog-hop-2014.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In other news, we had some birthdays this week! Bailey turned 15 on 8/11 and Braeden turned 10 on 8/13. My babies are growing up SO fast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFFOvkmpSr4/U-0AB2Ah_PI/AAAAAAAAC0k/bR2EphpF5Q4/s1600/IMG_1058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFFOvkmpSr4/U-0AB2Ah_PI/AAAAAAAAC0k/bR2EphpF5Q4/s1600/IMG_1058.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixo_rL8Fvuc/U-0AFSiIKyI/AAAAAAAAC0s/c7OC1AUphDU/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixo_rL8Fvuc/U-0AFSiIKyI/AAAAAAAAC0s/c7OC1AUphDU/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I know it's supposed to happen that way, lol, and I'm glad...but double digits and *gulp* DRIVING????<br />
<br />
Is it wine-thirty, yet? :/<br />
<br />
They are having a little get together this weekend with a few friends, and I will post some pictures after that is all said and done. Hope you all have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
To close, I'm just gonna leave this here. In honor of Robin Williams, my sister-in-law Karen, and everyone else who has lost their battle with depression.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KC-oSn6Z9EM/U-z8fKCg-xI/AAAAAAAAC0c/-Uqg3cgJve8/s1600/10615602_10152347627724001_4225592410538647783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KC-oSn6Z9EM/U-z8fKCg-xI/AAAAAAAAC0c/-Uqg3cgJve8/s1600/10615602_10152347627724001_4225592410538647783_n.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-624746069501891546.post-47652107160386312372014-07-27T20:40:00.000-04:002014-07-27T20:40:34.671-04:00It's been a little while...You know. Life and stuff. It happens. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am going to try and get back into a weekly post, but it can be SO hard sometimes. I kinda thought my summer would have more down time than it has, but it's been <i>packed</i> with things going on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mostly fun things. Lots of activities with the boys, that has been great. We went to Six Flags with friends not too long ago. We've kept active with the homeschool group. Play dates (for both the boys and for Mama, lol). We've been experimenting with making more stuff at home. Okay, using the word "we" might be a stretch. The hubs and the eldest have been experimenting with making more stuff at home. Heh. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5mDIS1wIU8/U9WXskGx8sI/AAAAAAAACxI/_hAhuxH9d-M/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5mDIS1wIU8/U9WXskGx8sI/AAAAAAAACxI/_hAhuxH9d-M/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade butter that Bailey made tonight.</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUOiHQBAMIY/U9WX-f9f25I/AAAAAAAACxQ/nhwv8FyWAM0/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUOiHQBAMIY/U9WX-f9f25I/AAAAAAAACxQ/nhwv8FyWAM0/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttermilk, strained from the butter making. </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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD260VOwlUI/U9WYh2nCpxI/AAAAAAAACxY/GT4tKDifnCU/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD260VOwlUI/U9WYh2nCpxI/AAAAAAAACxY/GT4tKDifnCU/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different flavors of pickles that the hubs is currently fermenting.</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwuaK8HTlsw/U9WZF3zOMqI/AAAAAAAACxg/8hHjgyiUvPo/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwuaK8HTlsw/U9WZF3zOMqI/AAAAAAAACxg/8hHjgyiUvPo/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dilly beans. Green beans, garlic and dill, fermented in a brine. SO. GOOD. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately there have been some not so fun things. :/ My dad has been in the hospital for the last three weeks, and has had three surgeries in that time. With a fourth surgery scheduled for tomorrow. Neck and back surgery. Hopefully the one tomorrow will be the last one for a while, and he can finally start his rehabilitation and get better. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I say it all the time, about how time flies, but I really can't believe we are approaching the end of July. The boys' birthday party will be in just a few weeks, followed by <a href="http://dragoncon.org/">Dragon Con</a>. There is a butt-ton of excitement around those two activities (I will have a 10 year old and a 15 year old! Whaaaaat???), but excitement can sometimes equal high strung and tense for this anxious gal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh! Also, I attended my very first homeschool convention yesterday. Crazy, that I've been homeschooling for this long, and I've never been to one! It was fun, even if a little overwhelming. I knew going in that our core curriculum was set. As are most of our online supplemental resources. But I was really looking forward to checking out some things like science kits and other "extras." I didn't buy much, but I got a ton of catalogs and brochures. I will have to spend some time this week looking through all of those, but I'm super grateful I wasn't one of the people who were buying their entire <a href="http://seventhgradehomeschoolcurriculum.com/">seventh grade homeschool curriculum</a> (as an example) yesterday, lol. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The fitness thing is still going well! I hit the twenty pound mark this week! It may seem like a slow loss (20 lbs since May), but I'm honestly really pleased about that. My goal is to lose the weight at a steady pace, and keep it off. I think losing it more slowly, with lifestyle changes rather than with dieting, is what is going to help me keep it off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XuA4toy2PIaAYW9iSjeNlYE2YyKC6IpcV21g2WC9PnRWzwSgriFF40ag3OHMYBEVIp0-HIX1NVvXMNe3HCn5VJVvcyAlJfHNU1jJxlZXh33b3dpMd65QfgFLoNKnmruKNBKSzi4fvYg/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XuA4toy2PIaAYW9iSjeNlYE2YyKC6IpcV21g2WC9PnRWzwSgriFF40ag3OHMYBEVIp0-HIX1NVvXMNe3HCn5VJVvcyAlJfHNU1jJxlZXh33b3dpMd65QfgFLoNKnmruKNBKSzi4fvYg/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my neighbors that I say hello to, every day on my walks. :)</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahp39QDt3Vk/U9WZ9eI-S8I/AAAAAAAACx0/Hqt1WPgy5_Q/s1600/IMG_1005.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahp39QDt3Vk/U9WZ9eI-S8I/AAAAAAAACx0/Hqt1WPgy5_Q/s1600/IMG_1005.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today was my first 15,000 step day in over a week! Felt great!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okey dokey. That's all I've got tonight. We have something planned for every single day this week, so for now, I'm going to put away some laundry, have a glass of wine and hopefully get some sleep. :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you all have a wonderful week! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720459597404449811noreply@blogger.com2