tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88748068241455362242024-03-21T18:40:32.070-04:00In The Potter's HandsBonding our hearts together and shaping us into the people that He desires us to be...
Steve, Steph, Hayden, Kallie, Rylee, Emma and Tanner
"Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand.." Jeremiah 18:6Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-21244987101212451782016-06-25T15:43:00.000-04:002016-06-25T15:43:30.565-04:00Moving ... Not for the faint of heartMoving ... Fourteen years ago when we survived our first move, I told my husband that I never wanted to move again. It is so much work and no matter how hard you try to simplify the process, it is stressful!! We keep telling ourselves, baby steps. Every box we pack, every trip to the storage unit, and every bag of trash we throw away, gets us closer to the finish line. We are shocked with the amount of stuff that we have accumulated over the years. I am convince that our stuff duplicates when we sleep. It seems like a never ending mountain. In the midst of the chaos, I find myself sad about leaving this home. It has been a blessing in so many ways. The memories that we have made in this house are many. We brought four babies home from the hospital to this home. Kallie was only 2 weeks old when we moved in. I remember the first time we meet our amazing neighbors. A sweet and loving family from school that have become like family to us. We would love to pack them up and take them with us. Zoey (our dog) would love that. She gets totally spoiled! Our home has been filled with family and friends, celebrations, times of joy and times of sorrow. I don't think my husband and I would of thought that we would be raising six kids in this home, which is the reason that we are moving. We need more room. I know that our new home will bring us a new set of amazing memories, but as I pack and stress out about getting everything packed in time, I will cherish the memories that I have and look forward to the new memories to come. Home is where your heart is. I guess it is time to get back to work ... We will survive!<br />
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Our old home.<br />
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Our new home!<br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-16711765749892118862016-06-16T23:59:00.001-04:002016-06-16T23:59:51.985-04:00Five Years Later ... Baby, Full Time Job, Moving ... The Adventure ContinuesWow! It has been a while since my last post. A lot has changed in the McElroy Family in the last 5 years. Our biggest change is our newest addition to the family. Reece Micah Rex was born on June 5, 2015. He shares a birthday with his big sister Emma. (She loves it!) He was a huge, unbelievable, an amazing surprise that we were not expecting. My "baby" Tanner is 9 so we thought we were way past the baby stage. I guess God has a special sense of humor. Didn't see that coming. Reece has blessed us beyond our wildest imaginations. I can't fathom life without our little miracle. He is the best baby ever. We just celebrated his first birthday. Lots of cake and frosting everywhere, but what a fun day!!<br />
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I am currently working full time as a 4th grade teacher. I just finished my 4th year. It has been challenging at times, but I love teaching. I had the opportunity to teach Emma this year. It is always a joy when I get to teach my kids. Next year, I will have Tanner in my class. I thought that would be the start of retirement, but Reece has changed that plan. I have a few years before I get to teach him.<br />
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We are currently in the middle of selling our home and moving to a larger home. These kids keep growing no matter how many times I tell them to stop and stay young. As I look back over past posts and share them with the kids I am amazed at the many blessings that God has blessed me with. What an unexpected adventure. This is just the beginning ....<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-38693917046943835252011-02-19T20:00:00.006-05:002011-02-19T21:41:17.432-05:00Confessions of an Amateur Runner ... 8 mile run<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBT3qMCF2iFChFyGydFREENR_90bQUyDEDe6JMwrhVif5L0YxPorue9_y0LFrF64haeYDYGepdA3TMRLEKq_8NvGLlQ9QdC2GNBXwv591nf0wxmuEI_MbduGX2ZhkpZUzFJLAjn-IkysG/s1600/shoe.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 259px; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575577845263894050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBT3qMCF2iFChFyGydFREENR_90bQUyDEDe6JMwrhVif5L0YxPorue9_y0LFrF64haeYDYGepdA3TMRLEKq_8NvGLlQ9QdC2GNBXwv591nf0wxmuEI_MbduGX2ZhkpZUzFJLAjn-IkysG/s400/shoe.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgZ_uApYZRHJkyegADp2DQfhKLL_8bZq2TEUXa9nfW7O9cQjl1trrGCgkEVMon5EDAM8A7PeXhyvvlyHPGjM6NwtkUjr9tMRWK4oAmf_PZ46o32_UTRCQ3b4c5o7zSn_1qijvSUqbJBQZ/s1600/mp3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 168px; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575577845216359362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgZ_uApYZRHJkyegADp2DQfhKLL_8bZq2TEUXa9nfW7O9cQjl1trrGCgkEVMon5EDAM8A7PeXhyvvlyHPGjM6NwtkUjr9tMRWK4oAmf_PZ46o32_UTRCQ3b4c5o7zSn_1qijvSUqbJBQZ/s400/mp3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>One of the things that I love about running is that you don't need lots of expensive gadgets to enjoy this wonderful sport. That being said, I couldn't run without my music (my other passion) and my Asics running shoes (the best shoes, ever). These 2 treasures make my runs so much more enjoyable. I am currently in training for my second 1/2 marathon in March. Why, you ask? Well, because I enjoy racing and I love to run. Enjoy running... did that really come out of my mouth? If you would of told me 6 years ago that I would be running 8 miles and training for a 1/2 marathon, I would of told you that you didn't know me at all. Running has developed into a wonderful hobby that I love and get to share with some great friends. Somedays I really need to get away, enjoy the fresh air, and get a great workout in. Plus, it gives me an excuse to listen to my music. </div><br /><div>Ok, sorry about that rant ... back to training. The 8 mile run. For some reason this run was scaring me. My training has not really gone as planned, due to five, adorable, but sometimes needy kids. Getting back on track has been a bit tricky. I was lucky to have a good friend join me for this run. A running buddy is a lifesaver when running over an hour. Even I can get bored :) The clear, blue sky and bright, shining sun that I woke up to this morning, made me believe that this run might turn out ok. A bit chilly, 32 degrees, but I can work with that. It was one of those runs that was on track from the start. First 4 mile lap went smoothly, a little windy, steady pace, and my legs were feeling strong. Lap 2 would of been perfect, minus the sidewalk that tried to take me out. I caught myself, luckily. I must of looked real cute trying not to face plant onto the sidewalk. ( Quit laughing at me)</div><br /><div>Running has taught me a lot of life lessons, today I am reminded: why worry? I know that I will have good and bad days running. Worrying about which run I will face when I put on my running shoes robs me of the fun of running. If I can't enjoy the run, why run? </div><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UnRQP_4WaBksrfw6vhRXNCXUTfcj2nGqpEyB3NKQ8Zs_8V1aJz2PC5axAT8LbEe-Hr_GPes85E09Ck1_pcBkIFYxmmUUA6p-N1BzYa2v1XH0Swc-COgHxPXMTBq8or-8ap_zinijjkZ5/s1600/running+girl.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 264px; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575594680289097330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UnRQP_4WaBksrfw6vhRXNCXUTfcj2nGqpEyB3NKQ8Zs_8V1aJz2PC5axAT8LbEe-Hr_GPes85E09Ck1_pcBkIFYxmmUUA6p-N1BzYa2v1XH0Swc-COgHxPXMTBq8or-8ap_zinijjkZ5/s400/running+girl.jpg" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-24866186962689830632011-02-12T18:07:00.003-05:002011-02-12T18:43:20.458-05:00A little bit of everything ...Well, so much for my goal of keeping my blog updated. Life is more crazy and busy as usual ... I am trying to stay above water. It is a challenge. Here is an update of my adventure called life.<br /><br />Winter is dragging on and the family was hit with the flu bug, a real nasty one. One of the downfalls of having a family of 7 is that when a bug hits, it is almost impossible to get it to leave. Two and 1/2 weeks after the first family member got hit, we were done with round one. This week, round 2 hit. So far, 2 casualties, but I fear the war is not get over. These are the times when my patience as a mother is tried to the limit. Cleaning up sickness, getting sick, and taking care of the sick, get old very quickly. I am now praying that spring will come and the fresh air will help to air out the germs. <br /><br />On to more exciting news .... Steve and I are planning a little getaway w/o children to Mexico this spring. We get to enjoy this trip with my mom and dad and we are really looking forward to it. We have never been out of the country (except Canada) so we are in the process of getting passports. Seems simple enough. Some paperwork, some fees, and wait. Oh, I only wish. Getting our original birth certificates have been a complete nightmare. Last week, after another issue, I almost lost it!!! We are finally in the final stages and now we just have to wait for processing. I am praying that 3 to 4 weeks, really means 3 to 4 weeks. April is right around the corner.<br /><br />This once in a lifetime, romantic getaway has me thinking about getting my body swimsuit ready. No easy task, let me assure you. Yikes!!! Some days, I am convinced that a mother of 5 should never be allowed to wear a swimsuit!!! My brilliant plan to loose weight was to enter a half marathon race in March. I am a genius .. I know!!! I am now into week 7 of my 12 week training and I forgot how much time was required to train. What was I thinking. Weight loss is slow going and I am actually building muscles in my legs, which you would think is good, but not really!!! To add to my trouble, with all this working out, I am so hungry all the time. In my desperation, I may attempt the Cabbage Soup Diet, but I don't know if I am strong enough. Cabbage gets old very fast. <br /><br />Well, that is my life this last month. It is not all bad. I do have an amazing husband that puts up with all my drama, 5 wonderful children that make life full and exciting, and my dear friends that keep me balanced when I start to fall. My life is pretty good, looking forward to the next month's challenges. I am stronger than I think ... at least most of the time :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-42306344755822577152011-01-11T13:39:00.002-05:002011-01-11T14:22:01.033-05:00January 11, 2011Today seems like a good day for a fresh start ....<br /><br />Eleven days into the New Year and I am already seeing some of my New Year's Resolutions testing me. This is not anything new, but I was secretly hoping for a quick fix on some of them. You know what I mean. The ones that take a lot of work and disciple!!! In reality, the quick fix doesn't really "fix" anything. It is the process that we go through that builds our character and molds us into the people that we desire to be. I need to be reminded of that. No matter how many times I fall flat on my face, I will get up and try again. So today, I will look forward to this new year and get excited for the adventure to come. Here are just a few of the things that I am looking forward to this year .... in no particular order of importance :)<br /><br />* Spring - sunny, light breeze, perfect weather for a run or a day at the park<br />* Soccer - watching the kids play soccer. It gets so crazy, but so fun to watch<br />* The last day of school, and the first day of school ... moms everywhere know what I mean<br />* The day when my hair finally grows out to the length I want ... I might not make it to see this one<br />* Vacation - always a highlight of the year<br />* March 20. 2011 - Second 1/2 marathon ... if I make it through training<br />* Mexico this spring with mom and dad, counting down the days ... so excited!!<br />* Meeting my new body, after I reach my goal ... I hear she looks amazing!<br />* Watching my kids grow a year older and all the wonderful lessons they are going to learn and teach me in the process.<br />* Spending another year with the man of my dreams ... so blessed!<br />* Building deeper friendships<br />* Watching what God is going to do this year with Gilead ... always amazing to watch<br />* Getting to know Him a little better, and becoming a better women because of Him!<br /><br />What are you looking forward to this year?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-33781320296737627162010-09-13T08:20:00.012-04:002010-09-13T09:16:49.267-04:00Updates ... it is about time!As you can imagine a lot has happened since my last blog. Since my last entry was so depressing, I will give you the highlights of the last few months.<br />(BTW - the baggage is still lost, but "they are trying to locate it" How nice of them!)<br /><br />SCHOOL STARTED!!!!! Yeah!! Maybe now I can keep my house clean for more than 5 minutes!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TrreKlz3R22uCCyzA0JQYpOjIhggqFMjELDut0EErH0RkzfYoHvZmjGCvNZ8WdUt9ggaiYvpeQFv-WOzCAqjxFTy8TZBoWHQ0azExEyoS81nZvxZqgxmJ3pFhyvv2b3JhXTjm_GFL2VR/s1600/248.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516376231748889810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TrreKlz3R22uCCyzA0JQYpOjIhggqFMjELDut0EErH0RkzfYoHvZmjGCvNZ8WdUt9ggaiYvpeQFv-WOzCAqjxFTy8TZBoWHQ0azExEyoS81nZvxZqgxmJ3pFhyvv2b3JhXTjm_GFL2VR/s400/248.JPG" /></a><br />Here are my kids on the first day of school. They look so happy. I love it! Hayden (oldest) is in 5th grade this year. His first year in middle school. He was pretty nervous, but is doing well. He did tell me last night that he didn't want to go to school anymore. I told him, "Ok, just stay home with mommy and have summer all year round, and live with mom and dad forever." He said, "Yes, I want to do that!" I love him, but my sarcasm is completely lost on that boy. Kallie is in 3rd grade and loving it. She loves school and excels in whatever she puts her mind to. She is playing B-ball and soccer this season and dad is her coach in both. Fun times! Ry is in first grade. She also loves school and is my social butterfly. It is a wonder that she gets anything done at school, but she is doing great. Smart girl! Emma and Tanner are both going to preschool 3 times a week in the morning. Yes, you heard that right. Three mornings a week, I am free for a few hours. Of course, I love it! My only problem is that I never get everything done that I want to. Oh well, something to work on, I guess.<br /><br />Rylee turns seven and gets new glasses! Here is her photo shoot from JcPenny's. Wow! It is so hard to decide what to buy. Too cute!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5SvkDn5BS7M8C63deZPaGpnofuXAAMxvVxQWyfHjXwke56y5Qv4IBg6yn482bOhiddg4Li7_gS29RS98lRywXT5bKVfwFcX52D3VOg5YuS5rtf8j7cqFzG5uqn5OJODyHUw_1GT2gctO/s1600/Rylee+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 160px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516375711270881314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5SvkDn5BS7M8C63deZPaGpnofuXAAMxvVxQWyfHjXwke56y5Qv4IBg6yn482bOhiddg4Li7_gS29RS98lRywXT5bKVfwFcX52D3VOg5YuS5rtf8j7cqFzG5uqn5OJODyHUw_1GT2gctO/s200/Rylee+5.jpg" /></a> <img style="WIDTH: 160px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516375707407207698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnlL6FLTDO7QKr5d2B1OS7swsj731cQx82Fxf8E1zuAf2_b1SHhgVcebau2sgSg4SNM5FSOC6AnPHG301qZqw7dMShzVhfoq7LnXXzO-PAiRgffdSewBvhIz1Lw3pArWf-4oMMqxJ6AZp/s200/Rylee+4.jpg" /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsiqOQRuhcE5cR2EoUFxvJnb8l5b6oaAGawjAHQSr8hS1o90yufQKIYmULssfsMv1_HPLQE5xDgB3OEt-zLlNhYi-x9Hbg0qXcI6RSnJ7rGZ37bi3wEtSmFcCsotzeAHVt36KFeXbG2fR/s1600/Rylee+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516375542675048786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsiqOQRuhcE5cR2EoUFxvJnb8l5b6oaAGawjAHQSr8hS1o90yufQKIYmULssfsMv1_HPLQE5xDgB3OEt-zLlNhYi-x9Hbg0qXcI6RSnJ7rGZ37bi3wEtSmFcCsotzeAHVt36KFeXbG2fR/s400/Rylee+1.jpg" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Emma is five!! Mom had a hard time with this b-day. She is getting much too old. Her photo shoot was great! So sweet! Love her eyes! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KKCB7FyxPfK-D-mXizBLSknsWnZEJCRYd8ev8zcBJg7wQPRQVMuyTNChyphenhyphendfdM2erNWImdItNT3JSp4pas6dEZejS4Z-9nNqQ5SsBGUkpBnesYQJ5R8HYetRMbFaTjDx7I5wyJ_020o9S/s1600/Emma+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516375296580830354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KKCB7FyxPfK-D-mXizBLSknsWnZEJCRYd8ev8zcBJg7wQPRQVMuyTNChyphenhyphendfdM2erNWImdItNT3JSp4pas6dEZejS4Z-9nNqQ5SsBGUkpBnesYQJ5R8HYetRMbFaTjDx7I5wyJ_020o9S/s400/Emma+4.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jOjGjelGFQjpj0EOS_9HCa9BUAAr0Auo4ey8nxmCjqCWKShaJVJ8jwkGbqmnpFOmSqVvFhqS3qTN_WXzX0PKv7J0R-IYShL1zOMbIKaN6pHAi-TdYWprQHH-72Wm9h9frFVvWWqltXbh/s1600/Emma+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 160px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516375178337595346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jOjGjelGFQjpj0EOS_9HCa9BUAAr0Auo4ey8nxmCjqCWKShaJVJ8jwkGbqmnpFOmSqVvFhqS3qTN_WXzX0PKv7J0R-IYShL1zOMbIKaN6pHAi-TdYWprQHH-72Wm9h9frFVvWWqltXbh/s200/Emma+3.jpg" /></a> <img style="WIDTH: 160px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516375173638332466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dmgXp_ISKyek5NSW70l8P47epBHZv3e0azblOSIjWWYCLn5DtzGZMONDAPjxYRebwOcfM1v1dZdr2S2NcT3zArMnKV5tdovSX1JTBX8-4pqBNw2mdEoGQAxGV0D8HWXAomEyNFhc8BH1/s200/Emma+2.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>Cabrini Soccer is underway~ This year we have 4 kids playing and 3 teams to juggle! It is a little crazy, but I do ok with crazy. I have 5 kids. I am getting good at it!</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xNQn0VWRovdXpT95Y0zhJ56BCa28lv0gTn5W1cjiqpZTcbIUQDqGZhyphenhyphenkjzO5XWP-zcBG5JKTKqpvkP0zTsxXVbVJh7zXz82T6MJnewWE9TaeWFAnl7K6DlghwNHu189qIr9uGqL7iGBl/s1600/340.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 190px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516374798925410162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xNQn0VWRovdXpT95Y0zhJ56BCa28lv0gTn5W1cjiqpZTcbIUQDqGZhyphenhyphenkjzO5XWP-zcBG5JKTKqpvkP0zTsxXVbVJh7zXz82T6MJnewWE9TaeWFAnl7K6DlghwNHu189qIr9uGqL7iGBl/s200/340.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t5wIDQEVhfLmGxQUZ-nzo9i8UGSS-pVfKF7O4_Mr1T32um2evn8Tmsy2JYJ0kdWh7fxosBR8Pq5bm6eINzuJgaE7jQHPZk8yKjHM_ZXwoP19WJA1jx_CRR2Ug_NkV2rctetPE3kMw-8S/s1600/331.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 190px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516374602111069586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t5wIDQEVhfLmGxQUZ-nzo9i8UGSS-pVfKF7O4_Mr1T32um2evn8Tmsy2JYJ0kdWh7fxosBR8Pq5bm6eINzuJgaE7jQHPZk8yKjHM_ZXwoP19WJA1jx_CRR2Ug_NkV2rctetPE3kMw-8S/s200/331.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Stev9Dio-vTzYhft2duATNwJUgg3s0vCy4tBf6RkeWJn24F0mefM6ajnDNNZUR6svcaOsdltM7iDhzLFqe-i5E_Yu2XY8LqCpNvOyt-k1aBCJfqTx21Nttn9m-208hU5PEQyuDbgP4s/s1600/329.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516373993881340562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Stev9Dio-vTzYhft2duATNwJUgg3s0vCy4tBf6RkeWJn24F0mefM6ajnDNNZUR6svcaOsdltM7iDhzLFqe-i5E_Yu2XY8LqCpNvOyt-k1aBCJfqTx21Nttn9m-208hU5PEQyuDbgP4s/s200/329.JPG" /></a></div><div>Dad coaches Kal and Ry's team~ Blue Streak</div><div>They are doing great. Ry is a tough little player and Kal is scary good. I love watching them play!</div><div><br />Tanner is on a team by himself this year. I think he likes it, but he gets easily distracted! See what I mean. It is comical to watch!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj536XwdRzunWFnWu5ct8-VjrEPBo0LyDrioOiTqNtXIW6GU4aHkMTTxkPzSj_LLEbhIK0oKqYFVb4PkkDYhJmX_UqrYuANT42j0ULymnS9d5A9XMlUSMkUFJmLnG6trU2QVZj6InEd6MMD/s1600/301.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 191px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516374222552207666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj536XwdRzunWFnWu5ct8-VjrEPBo0LyDrioOiTqNtXIW6GU4aHkMTTxkPzSj_LLEbhIK0oKqYFVb4PkkDYhJmX_UqrYuANT42j0ULymnS9d5A9XMlUSMkUFJmLnG6trU2QVZj6InEd6MMD/s200/301.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-KN6cNjnUW_338Zzhyphenhyphen-vC-5hW80u4u5vJzjdd6PdgZ6QY_rvocMW_NzyLT89F3gcEdM5v0mMi54VHzBWwu64DoHxRt9D2gDR53VRJYX2BrNP95XW6bORsBJCout9MoisTAOgOjuLPi2i/s1600/298.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 192px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516374210345710482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-KN6cNjnUW_338Zzhyphenhyphen-vC-5hW80u4u5vJzjdd6PdgZ6QY_rvocMW_NzyLT89F3gcEdM5v0mMi54VHzBWwu64DoHxRt9D2gDR53VRJYX2BrNP95XW6bORsBJCout9MoisTAOgOjuLPi2i/s200/298.JPG" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Emma is going to be like her sister Kallie. Nothing gets in her way. Once she understands the game a little better, she is going to be a superstar! How cute does she look! I love it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7MIzvulrRdnWITn2yo_rM_DskVd_OOIxqEg0TyOZsNcJcEv7voMgo5G9xkTdUfjL9eKK5aF2jU9LLq25M17crv0GNLnyVKzf6pI7N_yrum6nmk09IJlIf5_H_Qb1z1bDdlXcXN6pwIY8/s1600/275.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516374002657154978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7MIzvulrRdnWITn2yo_rM_DskVd_OOIxqEg0TyOZsNcJcEv7voMgo5G9xkTdUfjL9eKK5aF2jU9LLq25M17crv0GNLnyVKzf6pI7N_yrum6nmk09IJlIf5_H_Qb1z1bDdlXcXN6pwIY8/s200/275.JPG" /></a> </div><div></div><div>That is the highlights of our life right now. Now you can see why my blog has been abandoned. I will do better, or at least, I will try! Steve is busy as ever with school, athletics, church, coaching, etc. I am helping coach the Cross Country team this year. It has been a lot of fun. It keeps me busy, but I have enjoyed getting to know the kids better. So off to do some chores. Talk to you soon!</div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-73442761789415052552010-07-29T14:16:00.002-04:002010-07-29T15:57:10.894-04:00Some Days You Just Need to Cry ...The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions. Ups and downs, highs and lows. Let's get you caught up with the craziness of the last 48 hours. <div><br /></div><div><b>Monday - July 26th 12:30 pm. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me and the kids are pulling into our driveway after visiting dad at school, talking all about what our favorite part of vacation is. Tomorrow at 4:30am we will be getting up and heading to Idaho to visit my family. The kids love to travel and the excitement is building. As I am helping Tanner out of the car, I hear a scream erupt from my backyard. "What are the kids doing now!" As I am getting ready to give a great mom speech about getting along with each other and being kind, I am cut off by the cries of my 2 younger daughters, a back door pane with shattered glass, and Kallie standing wide-eyed hands out and blood pouring down her arm. I drop everything, grab a beach towel off the clothesline,wrap her bleeding wrist, yell at the kids to run to the car. As you can imagine the car ride to the ER was a nightmare. Everyone is talking at once, the girls are crying, "is Kal going to die? what are we doing? what is ER?" I am trying to keep it together and Kal is doing pretty good and telling me that it doesn't hurt that bad. I tell the kids no more talking, mom has to concentrate and drive. I am telling myself, "keep it together Steph, don't crash the car, stop shaking and don't cry." At the ER, Steve meets us, I am trying to sign Kal in and comfort Ry and Emma who are so scared. Steve decides to take the other kids and I stay with Kallie. They tell us that she will need stitches, but she would be fine. Once, my heart rate gets back down to normal I find out that Kal was racing Hayden to the back door and put her hands up to brace herself from hitting the door and the glass shattered. She was so upset about breaking the door, she keep saying she was so sorry. I told her that we did not care about the stupid door, we only cared about her. Three hours later, and with 15 stitches in her left wrist, we left the ER and headed home. Now mom has to finish packing for our trip tomorrow. A little behind schedule ... oh well :) </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tuesday - July 27th 4:00 am Vacation Begins ....</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Three hours of sleep is not enough, but I have 2 plane rides today. Maybe I will sleep on the plane. Get in the shower. Finish packing. Wake up 5 sleepy kids and 1 sleepy husband and head to the van. By 5:45 am all 7 McElroy members are in the plane, buckled in an ready for our trip. In a few hours, I will be home and visiting with my family. Yes!!!! NOT!!!!! The adventure was just beginning. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>7:30am</b> Arrive in Denver. Find food. Shove food down. Get in line for the next flight that leaves at 8:10am. We would be arriving in Spokane at 9:30am. Steve went to get our seat assignments and I watched the kids. He comes back and says that the flight is overbooked and they are waiting to get our seats arranged so that we can sit together. Oh, how sweet!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7:50am</b> (Over the loud speaker) "This flight is full, we are offering $400.00 vouchers and meal vouchers for anyone that would be willing to give up their seat and leave on the next flight leaving at 9:35pm." I laughed and looked at Steve, who, by the way was looking at me like -Wow! That would be a lot of money for future tickets. After giving him the stink eye, I said, " Who in their right mind would hang out at the Denver airport for 12 hours for only $400.00. Crazy!!" Meantime, the plane is boarding, and boarding, and boarding. By now, I am starting to panic. "Go check again." Finally, they tell us that they have enough seats. Great!! We walk down the walkway get on the plane and the stewardess says, "who can sit alone?" Steve takes Tanner and sits in a row. Hayden is taken to some random seat, then Kal. By now, I am getting ready to lose it. I did not pay a lot of money for my family to be scattered around this plane by themselves. Everyone is giving us dirty looks because we are delaying takeoff. It turns out that they only have 4 seats. "Four of you can go, but 3 need to get off or you all need to get off." I told her to call my husband and get him off the plane. So we get pull 5 crying kids off the plane and walk back. In the walkway, we hear this lovely news, "McElroy family... McElroy family, because you did not take the 4 seats that were available to you, we will only give you 3 vouchers." That just about put me over the edge. Good thing Steve was there to calm me down. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>8:15am</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> I am looking at the 5 crying faces of my children and hearing them say, "we don't get to go see Grandma and Grandpa with the boat! Why? What is happening? We have to wait how long?" I wanted to throw something or cry or both.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9:30am </b> We had been at customer service getting help. Praise God we had a wonderful women that did everything she could to make this not as painful. We got travel and food vouchers and a flight at 11:30am to Seattle, a 3 hour layover and then a flight to Spokane that arrived at 6:00pm. instead of 11:00pm. Thank you. Not perfect, but manageable. Kal was hurting a little from her stitches and we needed to keep her antibiotics cold, but that we could manage. Better than being stuck in an airport for 13 hours. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>6:00pm</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><b> </b></span>Arrived, finally in Spokane. It is now 9:00pm our time and we have been traveling for 15 hours. Wow!!! Just a 45 min. drive home to Idaho and the worse is behind us. Well, not quite. Three bags are waiting for us, but we had 4. Hayden and Tanner have no clothes, but they assured us that we would have the bag by the next morning. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wed. July 28th - No bag. Not yet!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Thursday July 29th </b>- No bag. No phone call. No one calling us back. But Tanner did wake us up throwing up. Lovely, the kid that has no clothes, now will be throwing up all over the only set of clothes he has. And the rain keeps falling. Then the call we had been waiting for. No bag. Start saving your receipts. You will be reimbursed. Great!! I do like shopping, though. And with someone else's money. OK Let's do this ...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Things that I have learned in the last few days ....</b></div><div><br /></div><div>* Thankful to God for protecting my Kallie girl. It could of been so much worse.</div><div>* Thankful that Kal and I got to talk for 2 hours, just the 2 of us in the ER. She is an amazing girl. So brave, so smart, so funny. I love you sweet girl.</div><div>* No one is perfect, especially the airlines.</div><div>* God gives us gifts in interesting ways.</div><div>* My family is wonderful. I am so happy that I got to come and visit. I look forward to all the special memories that we are going to make in the next 13 days.</div><div>* Tanner is a great kid, even when he is sick.</div><div>* I love my husband so much. Thank you for fighting for our family and keeping me from losing my mind. You are the best!</div><div>* Things can always get worse.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-49648830717958936452010-06-17T10:38:00.005-04:002010-06-17T10:53:42.116-04:00Tanner ... The Days are just Packed ... why Stop to Sleep?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6H3NoArZFDaV5bobUnw6-CapCkX8bYCzbh8TjFFFvDhAEu6KbNo_j_kJZWHxa4jxrs-aNF_bZ0359WJCI5MXJ9WvdumYLA6uIbjeHeCA5GmJMTZVtZfRhtV71Fi6lYmM9uh6Hn3XVJJo/s1600/tanner+003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483753053320075698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6H3NoArZFDaV5bobUnw6-CapCkX8bYCzbh8TjFFFvDhAEu6KbNo_j_kJZWHxa4jxrs-aNF_bZ0359WJCI5MXJ9WvdumYLA6uIbjeHeCA5GmJMTZVtZfRhtV71Fi6lYmM9uh6Hn3XVJJo/s400/tanner+003.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFm-dnTK1efoiQ90SqCjt5bMiHVsQ7lbTdyf4K87WD9eclryOiVByiDWDc_P1MEuRK0Wchdtae7XMbHf80eEQRsKYAarbrByVQiRg-VzGeH0igBtRNadE2pMXqBVGIco-7-W891Ak8MSYE/s1600/tanner+006.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483752924921922386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFm-dnTK1efoiQ90SqCjt5bMiHVsQ7lbTdyf4K87WD9eclryOiVByiDWDc_P1MEuRK0Wchdtae7XMbHf80eEQRsKYAarbrByVQiRg-VzGeH0igBtRNadE2pMXqBVGIco-7-W891Ak8MSYE/s400/tanner+006.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7hAnf-fCt0kUIfF0k5f8-T1C_fBufWGKp8iiVZU4thKV9U1jv_DDreK2S2s7RCCqWMy4IpzJVA8kN0h0yO87C5yJUq815_XOrd8J0wlB_zjfa4OzPz-zH7MzpAXMww4CIeacgJfXjSym/s1600/tanner+008.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483752785597728914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7hAnf-fCt0kUIfF0k5f8-T1C_fBufWGKp8iiVZU4thKV9U1jv_DDreK2S2s7RCCqWMy4IpzJVA8kN0h0yO87C5yJUq815_XOrd8J0wlB_zjfa4OzPz-zH7MzpAXMww4CIeacgJfXjSym/s400/tanner+008.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuYt20j_X9wMFei5BqF-5HG2Aeq7uJMvhHcRMhI0FxrZ6HjnSEF0t-yhCMCnu9aV1pcLzttnGrwXlzLXT1831ltsBMNGcHpYNL422-DANflwULadmoyudA1P3dy2wFgeVcbDQbWjNxgwP/s1600/tanner+010.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483752581792099186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuYt20j_X9wMFei5BqF-5HG2Aeq7uJMvhHcRMhI0FxrZ6HjnSEF0t-yhCMCnu9aV1pcLzttnGrwXlzLXT1831ltsBMNGcHpYNL422-DANflwULadmoyudA1P3dy2wFgeVcbDQbWjNxgwP/s400/tanner+010.JPG" /></a><br />A few evenings ago, I was in the kitchen trying to get a meal together for my hungry family, when my youngest, Tanner, was pulling on me complaining that he was so hungry!! I grabbed a box of goldfish and set him at the table to eat a quick snack while I got dinner going. A few moments later I look over and see him half asleep eating goldfish. He couldn't even open his eyes, but he managed to search for the goldfish at the table and get them to his mouth, chew a few times and swallow. I started to laugh and did what any mom would do ... run to get my camera. Poor Tanner, summer is lots of fun, staying up late, playing outside, swimming in the pool. His days are just packed! We don't get naps in like we should. Shocker, I know! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Some days</span> you just crash wherever you are. For those of you that think that I am a terrible mom, yes, I did move him to the couch so that he could rest. He woke up about 1 hour later. The kids had already eaten and were headed to the pool. Mom thought she was off the hook for swimming, but Tanner woke up, ate, and headed to the pool. Rest time over, let's play!!! </div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-76131819558574532132010-06-17T10:24:00.006-04:002010-06-17T10:38:09.705-04:00Emma Turns 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0qlf70SD0ALqQQbRsMavnxW2n0Em5pz3U0yE0njvtrHsQRsZxusNt1GoopwJfpYOKA2aQFl7aw6lFzC-YYW4eOLS9loGU3X5R6a2hQfFUonAOdIy5oTlyZXionnrpIgb7fs3Fxf_hs3D/s1600/may+2010+127.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483749212499423346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0qlf70SD0ALqQQbRsMavnxW2n0Em5pz3U0yE0njvtrHsQRsZxusNt1GoopwJfpYOKA2aQFl7aw6lFzC-YYW4eOLS9loGU3X5R6a2hQfFUonAOdIy5oTlyZXionnrpIgb7fs3Fxf_hs3D/s400/may+2010+127.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEW90PyWMsBOFdIigc_fD7_MQazWsZZBru3WsyjVy5JznJBrhMlRjw-o8hrDGfcw9GtFwU0PsUcSS7H2ky3njI6NZ-664B1LWrP2XH4LXMVuYy_ng6Ib_AZaXvvq89MPMJctxEhyw345z/s1600/may+2010+122.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483749046984418450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEW90PyWMsBOFdIigc_fD7_MQazWsZZBru3WsyjVy5JznJBrhMlRjw-o8hrDGfcw9GtFwU0PsUcSS7H2ky3njI6NZ-664B1LWrP2XH4LXMVuYy_ng6Ib_AZaXvvq89MPMJctxEhyw345z/s200/may+2010+122.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7gHfzelbnz8BPwXG_lHnC0EqMQXePC23xkvFB5AF6qtOHFJyyi33ogi-dxmy548ttS73s5X_pGsDdR5hZqjj7eQe_SzMUtyPmPfMaZJGHdFWDnEIHUb0bDDObyca7DCYwt7WiBUR3_AV/s1600/may+2010+121.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483749043619643378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7gHfzelbnz8BPwXG_lHnC0EqMQXePC23xkvFB5AF6qtOHFJyyi33ogi-dxmy548ttS73s5X_pGsDdR5hZqjj7eQe_SzMUtyPmPfMaZJGHdFWDnEIHUb0bDDObyca7DCYwt7WiBUR3_AV/s200/may+2010+121.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzlEqfdZeKbqsQ8i2fxP_VTTyul8UKz8Y9pe4Bgoke6HDDig5B_w0q6cFIcoKX7HgpPRvbXW5bG52qOCEeUViF1DUxh37FLUkh-q2spvnfGenEf5KBJ6o64oajxrMV6gRt8hRcHr5mv1S/s1600/may+2010+119.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483748840825994818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzlEqfdZeKbqsQ8i2fxP_VTTyul8UKz8Y9pe4Bgoke6HDDig5B_w0q6cFIcoKX7HgpPRvbXW5bG52qOCEeUViF1DUxh37FLUkh-q2spvnfGenEf5KBJ6o64oajxrMV6gRt8hRcHr5mv1S/s400/may+2010+119.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CeDQ5b7pUTCp2_YstpcBNlnWpkSEXv4jvjAOpBynLJ4ztI7QnXzXpQ1E8pykYWDxr9wwamz02ToanUmnmn0JLWQ_4F0q-dpqKoR0-VgpJ8dgtkz5vRpcULAKgPlkxy-YzGsLF6kr_gN6/s1600/may+2010+126.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483748730357988098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CeDQ5b7pUTCp2_YstpcBNlnWpkSEXv4jvjAOpBynLJ4ztI7QnXzXpQ1E8pykYWDxr9wwamz02ToanUmnmn0JLWQ_4F0q-dpqKoR0-VgpJ8dgtkz5vRpcULAKgPlkxy-YzGsLF6kr_gN6/s400/may+2010+126.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Our Emma is officially 5 years old and loving it!! Mommy had a hard time with this B-day. I can't believe how fast time flies by. She is in a big hurry to grow up and is ready to take on any challenge that life throws at her. Her sweet spirit is a blessing to all of us. Mom and Dad were a big hit this year with her presents. We got her a couple of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ZU</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ZU</span> pets and some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accessories</span> to go along with them. Apparently, they were quite the rage at Christmas. We are a little behind the "trends". Oh, well!! We celebrated with the family and had cake and ice cream. It was a special day with great memories! We love you, Emma girl! You are a joy and a blessing in our lives. Happy 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Birthday!! Love, Mom and Dad </div></div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-67642641637897433302010-06-16T08:57:00.008-04:002010-06-16T09:25:47.860-04:00Rylee Gets a Visit from the Tooth Fairy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTizon-5QFP0DGBivnnX9XmZH8qcvzeUEHzcY4_bbZifPStByugJyAf-r35CdPB0MviqhkSvqZAONDRvdK2hIoON9ZFTMniRZNXapuWjxnShCwgd7IjmNHqqDR03mDXVZOlQadudoOtjT-/s1600/tanner+018.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483360596768282162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTizon-5QFP0DGBivnnX9XmZH8qcvzeUEHzcY4_bbZifPStByugJyAf-r35CdPB0MviqhkSvqZAONDRvdK2hIoON9ZFTMniRZNXapuWjxnShCwgd7IjmNHqqDR03mDXVZOlQadudoOtjT-/s400/tanner+018.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsGET0q9jxOdeWHv0BzstcartKsD2JGr8aGcE3AOSkHTca86fF_aUdrSrDminDVwD_BGEQ8XvXypgWbepvKUrLZqoqHQ_J_lWFwozlJnvG3F8Z_q9YlUaRi0ImZpf27ZiIwqxPAPySg3T/s1600/tanner+017.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483360455915875730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsGET0q9jxOdeWHv0BzstcartKsD2JGr8aGcE3AOSkHTca86fF_aUdrSrDminDVwD_BGEQ8XvXypgWbepvKUrLZqoqHQ_J_lWFwozlJnvG3F8Z_q9YlUaRi0ImZpf27ZiIwqxPAPySg3T/s400/tanner+017.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbndrj4kv_KhLaXm8YzH8CDU328ZhU5BwSyEXOpXbiPgG9Q8onuMtOKe-7WkdZeRoLAxt3d7o2PsIBGmAV4xT510GTdq27GtGzUS3aBTXam11jdLJSC1M9VeHko2tAKur4HqW3hMYYgmWU/s1600/tanner+014.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483358743883287282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbndrj4kv_KhLaXm8YzH8CDU328ZhU5BwSyEXOpXbiPgG9Q8onuMtOKe-7WkdZeRoLAxt3d7o2PsIBGmAV4xT510GTdq27GtGzUS3aBTXam11jdLJSC1M9VeHko2tAKur4HqW3hMYYgmWU/s400/tanner+014.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKi61L77Kzs23h774Ep0iEDnzgzc_MQnZXNO-jeo5RepuSJ3s3KA4UHGsQh4yeuNvr7EY9XpJtnv8b8lPEPDMloe15J9f3TJmsLqrFokGCeKoMdSGKTAnJfzswpR3G-mvhJHRmN22jKaB/s1600/tanner+012.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483358053424351426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKi61L77Kzs23h774Ep0iEDnzgzc_MQnZXNO-jeo5RepuSJ3s3KA4UHGsQh4yeuNvr7EY9XpJtnv8b8lPEPDMloe15J9f3TJmsLqrFokGCeKoMdSGKTAnJfzswpR3G-mvhJHRmN22jKaB/s200/tanner+012.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw9vJ4b_5XmhYSJN3Kicha3C_Wt5xgAK4qZtSN_oJt0-lXI8T4AF8VXDPlM3tmJBxA44piMzLG9KPljlH4SwecuQL9RxoV-xlKu6UItVGX8GvrfN18Zb7uCguyTg2vJxL5P5H1PtLSnm1/s1600/tanner+015.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483358068506058738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw9vJ4b_5XmhYSJN3Kicha3C_Wt5xgAK4qZtSN_oJt0-lXI8T4AF8VXDPlM3tmJBxA44piMzLG9KPljlH4SwecuQL9RxoV-xlKu6UItVGX8GvrfN18Zb7uCguyTg2vJxL5P5H1PtLSnm1/s200/tanner+015.JPG" /></a><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> has been informing us every few days that her front tooth is loose. She messes with that poor tooth all the time. Waiting for it to fall out has been torture!!! Yesterday, as she was checking out its progress, tells me that it is really, really loose and now it is bleeding a little bit. I smiled and told her that this is normal and that her tooth would be coming out soon. A few minutes later, she comes charging outside screaming that she lost her tooth. Yes, there was screaming, laughing, jumping, etc. Part of having a girl, I guess. I never seen anyone so excited about a tooth. She makes me smile. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> has such a sweet spirit. Everything is done with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">enthusiasm</span> and passion. You can't help but me sucked in. It is wonderful. As we congratulated her as a family we learned that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kallie</span> was the one that convinced <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> to let her pull it out. Brave girl!! I would not let <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kallie</span> anywhere near my mouth. They were so sweet, though. Hugging, laughing and telling the story over and over to the other kids. It was a big event in our home. After dinner, as the kids were getting ready for bed, Rylee comes tearing into our room to inform us that Kallie pulled out another tooth. Two teeth lost in a matter of hours!!! Wow!! Rylee was thrilled. We got a baggie and put the tooth under her pillow so that she would get a visit from the tooth fairy. I tried to tell her that the Tooth Fairy goes on vacation in June so she was out of luck, but she didn't buy it. Hayden made sure to tell me that the Tooth Fairy never goes on vacation. Ok, busted!!! It was a memoral night, for sure. Never a dull moment around here!</div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-82027005172584592122010-06-15T08:46:00.002-04:002010-06-15T09:17:47.903-04:00A Much Needed Update ...How has it been over a month since I have written on my blog!! My life was suppose to get easier when school got out. What was I thinking? Entertaining 5 kids all day long is impossible! I am already running out of ideas, my house is always a wreck (can't keep up with them), and I am still crazy busy! Why am I surprised... Well, here is a quick update on our lives ...<br /><br />As I mentioned earlier, school is out for the summer!!! Yes! I was hoping to have all this time on my hands to do the things I don't get around to, but it has not happened yet. I have been doing some reading, which I love and never have time for... that has been nice!<br /><br />Soccer is finished for this season, but the fall season is right around the corner. Games start the end of August. I am looking forward to it. I love watching my kids play. Tanner loved his first season and is ready to go again. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kallie's</span> team made it to the semi-final game and lost. She was pretty bummed, but she played so good this season. We are so proud of you, girl!!! She is becoming quite the soccer player. It is so fun to watch her play. <br /><br />Our days are filled with play dates, sports camps, and going to open houses for those friends that just graduated. It is lots of fun, but busy. We have enjoyed beautiful weather, so we have been outside a lot. I don't like leaving the kids outside by themselves so I have been involved in all the summer fun: slip-n-slide, pool, trampoline, swings, water fights. It is never ending fun at our house, or never ending craziness, depending on how you look at it. <br /><br />I am in training for the next few months of races. I have one in July in Taylor and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kal</span> is going to join me. She is very excited about running in her first 5K. Training is slow going ... our first training session was not good. She is having a hard time understanding that running too fast at the beginning is going to ruin your endurance for the end. I know she is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">able</span> to run 3 miles, I just have to convince her to do it mommy's way. Easier said than done!! Pray for me. I don't know if I am a good enough trainer. I need more patience!!!<br /><br />Steve and I have started P90X together. It has been fun, but hard to find the time to get it in. We have done a few workouts late at night just to get them in. I think he is enjoying it!! I have been pretty sore this time around and I am trying to tell myself it is because I am using heavier weights and running with it, but it may be that my body is just fighting me. Trying to get these last 20 pounds off is killing me. My body is holding on to them with a death grip. It is getting a little frustrating. I am pretty competitive, so bring it on!!!<br /><br />There is our update... So riveting, I know. More to come. Soon. Really. I promise!!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-40298218280086168672010-05-10T11:04:00.003-04:002010-05-10T11:17:11.477-04:00Potty Train Tanner ... Check<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsX0t40bEK7dr-L624IJ7_cCPPnf2lixju5pSKBNpr7Orl6nV9nTbAHofJAIt4XG9-f3h6hijRqjrrwtzumsWnuevkOPm2yNe2kBonU6erFAKcg-3X5cHc5G4YE2NVfdpnYjeV1U-kK39/s1600/may+064.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469658245256969122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsX0t40bEK7dr-L624IJ7_cCPPnf2lixju5pSKBNpr7Orl6nV9nTbAHofJAIt4XG9-f3h6hijRqjrrwtzumsWnuevkOPm2yNe2kBonU6erFAKcg-3X5cHc5G4YE2NVfdpnYjeV1U-kK39/s400/may+064.JPG" /></a><br />It is hard to believe, but true!! I have potty-trained 5 kids and now I never have to buy diapers again!!! I am so happy. It is the greatest feeling to know that the last one is done. How is it that my first and my last have been the hardest. I guess that way I can really appreciate it! I told my husband that we need to go out to celebrate our victory. Tanner is so proud of his accomplishment. The other day, he told me," Mom, I am not a baby anymore. I am a big boy!" Finally, he has remembered what mom has been saying for the last few months. No more baby. Just big boy!! Just little word of encouragement for all you moms out there that are in the middle of potty-training : This soon will end. It will take hard work and dedication, but they will get it. Your child will not be going to Kindergarten in pull-ups. :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-14760052127212224182010-04-18T16:10:00.004-04:002010-04-18T16:22:15.233-04:00My Green Shoes ...Tanner and his green shoes go everywhere together. They are best buds! These treasures were discovered by my little 3 year old a few months ago when mom was going through the summer clothes getting ready for her Mom 2 Mom Sale. I made the mistake of asking him to try on the shoes to see if they still fit. Luck for me, they are going to work for one more season. It was love at first sight. (Apparently, he has no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">knowledge</span> of the shoes from last summer) He wakes up asking for them. He eats breakfast with them, takes naps, and I have even found them in his bed. I can't really tell you what is so special about them, but if I would of known how much he liked them, I would of bought a few more pairs. Of course this season, I can't find them anywhere. I guess moms can't see the future. Oh, well. I can't help but smile every time I see my little Tanner and his favorite green shoes. So sweet!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjCAP7XQeEIvFl6D26h_7DF9UeBiFaa5syeVxONze__ZvTCR3HuKLZ-26x0vc4RlnXLBu9T5Lqb0qRk-LX4vF9Jfxn7pimRfpsZoAbCDwie0Z6_Ers8A487egJDdoSVkBHAZ9grUscN6a/s1600/tanner+002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461572991430192898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjCAP7XQeEIvFl6D26h_7DF9UeBiFaa5syeVxONze__ZvTCR3HuKLZ-26x0vc4RlnXLBu9T5Lqb0qRk-LX4vF9Jfxn7pimRfpsZoAbCDwie0Z6_Ers8A487egJDdoSVkBHAZ9grUscN6a/s400/tanner+002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr1DZIIWvmrDPSq9XO4JhUgpbUHA4BFmp96dOUe8xi4gll43t7eusCjF6eUDbUqpzZEJ5sleRKh96Ts7edztPSSFLUQ1jV7PYT5iWYvw52QSAb29qiqqPTfVgpZPq-kfYPk-mDbz6m7V7/s1600/tanner+001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461572873085189378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr1DZIIWvmrDPSq9XO4JhUgpbUHA4BFmp96dOUe8xi4gll43t7eusCjF6eUDbUqpzZEJ5sleRKh96Ts7edztPSSFLUQ1jV7PYT5iWYvw52QSAb29qiqqPTfVgpZPq-kfYPk-mDbz6m7V7/s400/tanner+001.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAq8iBOhY57lhHpdOMPO19hZaHP18H4Hkuqpyt5WWj5OeIDvRZMyGFuqpglSJRbQMjm7aaIxXDawP27cAEj5ECYTTioSJXEQQVI8IgTyGtAh4AuzqlegSroYpvM5jtWloX4dXDlpJGYyUS/s1600/tanner+005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461572869833163074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAq8iBOhY57lhHpdOMPO19hZaHP18H4Hkuqpyt5WWj5OeIDvRZMyGFuqpglSJRbQMjm7aaIxXDawP27cAEj5ECYTTioSJXEQQVI8IgTyGtAh4AuzqlegSroYpvM5jtWloX4dXDlpJGYyUS/s400/tanner+005.JPG" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-22477365149188191752010-04-16T21:00:00.006-04:002010-04-16T21:30:28.496-04:00Tanner's 1st Soccer PracticeTanner had his first soccer practice last night and he could not of been more thrilled! Finally, after 2 years of watching soccer, he can get in on the action. He looks so big in his soccer gear that it makes mommy sad. They grow up way to fast. Like almost every event in our lives, drama occurred. Let me explain....<br /><br />Steve (my husband) is coaching Kallie's team, so while dad was having practice, I took Emma and Tanner to their practice. We get to the field's, running late as usual, I grab the 2 soccer balls hand them to the kids and proceed to lock the van door. Tanner takes his ball in the parking lot and starts to kick it. When I turn around, Emma is frantically trying to tell me something and Tanner looks like he is about to cry. I soon discover that his soccer ball rolled under a car. No big deal, I thought, I will just bend down and get it. PROBLEM!!!! It has rolled under a Mustang and is wedged way under. Picture this, mom on hands and knees trying not to scream weighing my options. (I could send Emma under the car, but if she gets stuck, then what do I do? I really hope the owner of the car does not come around the corner.) I go back to our van to try to find anything that I can use to reach it. Everything under the sun is in my messy van, except what I need. Then I spot it. The snow removal brush thingy ... you know what I mean. After a few tries, I get the ball free. I look over at Tanner who is grinning ear to ear, "thanks, mom!" Now that I am dirty and sweating, lets go to soccer practice! Ahhhh!!!<br /><br /><br />It was worth it! Tanner had a smile on his sweet little face that never left. He was so excited to be out there. He was so proud of himself. During one of the drills, Emma and Tanner were teamed up to pass the ball back and forth. Tanner was having some trouble, but he was really trying. The ball would only go a few feet, no where near where Emma was standing. I heard her sighing in frustration, so I went over to encourage her. She turns around in disgust and says, "mom, he is just not getting this!" Emma can always make us laugh. "It is the first practice, Emma, he will do better next time." Good job Emma and Tanner. We are so proud of you guys!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16_T2_ePyJW9yTbZbBzaErkx8MuAK0yKXfTpPXILb5JgoG2_1FUTzviJfoENg8-tWaXaKLNld25DMws7mmt7JvWDZYg4mQiTonpd6rAkP4J2l1iUv6G9cywUi7VP6tuJyMFPq__RIUJzb/s1600/tanner+019.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16_T2_ePyJW9yTbZbBzaErkx8MuAK0yKXfTpPXILb5JgoG2_1FUTzviJfoENg8-tWaXaKLNld25DMws7mmt7JvWDZYg4mQiTonpd6rAkP4J2l1iUv6G9cywUi7VP6tuJyMFPq__RIUJzb/s1600/tanner+019.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460906188910729698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16_T2_ePyJW9yTbZbBzaErkx8MuAK0yKXfTpPXILb5JgoG2_1FUTzviJfoENg8-tWaXaKLNld25DMws7mmt7JvWDZYg4mQiTonpd6rAkP4J2l1iUv6G9cywUi7VP6tuJyMFPq__RIUJzb/s400/tanner+019.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOihI-UxZe6scwuCFIW5oHyrqWF5lHPmX4pE8sP6zUIsXv1orj78LHwmjNrYVzqbBdO3Iz_qsR5duVV4a-SiYa1m2vc163mv0hlVr6wcLSRHtyhTH4XCTSNrsLz2Zl4NkzXPusB3CJLVMw/s1600/tanner+020.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460906085267939202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOihI-UxZe6scwuCFIW5oHyrqWF5lHPmX4pE8sP6zUIsXv1orj78LHwmjNrYVzqbBdO3Iz_qsR5duVV4a-SiYa1m2vc163mv0hlVr6wcLSRHtyhTH4XCTSNrsLz2Zl4NkzXPusB3CJLVMw/s400/tanner+020.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zawAQXs1BhULGMyPXTmp-NOXmMsZ27W_tv1av6HGvfOYUymygdZ24NDR5z_DGQCLLxfkPPL4omvQJ4uPsAhB8ryt1JxDXFHTzzwXuSsCIeCcB5nB6q4junh5HngSBeGpWU5NzebJCpa4/s1600/tanner+021.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460906074407942498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zawAQXs1BhULGMyPXTmp-NOXmMsZ27W_tv1av6HGvfOYUymygdZ24NDR5z_DGQCLLxfkPPL4omvQJ4uPsAhB8ryt1JxDXFHTzzwXuSsCIeCcB5nB6q4junh5HngSBeGpWU5NzebJCpa4/s400/tanner+021.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QK8czdGZNTJtsrDZSWRq6HpEBqgnNN4-IkXxCInRM8y0K6LMVD-OGaut602TTcWgzurc86FoZJ49dTlVIQLJue3ruDtFe38B9izcCM93ysoNigdBz1Wwzl-7NlMTnVh-11or-JrXxtT7/s1600/tanner+016.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460905813019901250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QK8czdGZNTJtsrDZSWRq6HpEBqgnNN4-IkXxCInRM8y0K6LMVD-OGaut602TTcWgzurc86FoZJ49dTlVIQLJue3ruDtFe38B9izcCM93ysoNigdBz1Wwzl-7NlMTnVh-11or-JrXxtT7/s200/tanner+016.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3nh2iZ0GT1CCjG6h6CtPUZB7Z_n7cw6W4erbMWgJV7bth39womCeI46pxA3E7PhG4LFqSf3CjkC7idmGbIilXzBPRFB0fNVednZBWu9AuZ8DO4Aog2b4UsEwucxne0ZupXqtYL5a-Yp3/s1600/tanner+018.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460905823485324754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3nh2iZ0GT1CCjG6h6CtPUZB7Z_n7cw6W4erbMWgJV7bth39womCeI46pxA3E7PhG4LFqSf3CjkC7idmGbIilXzBPRFB0fNVednZBWu9AuZ8DO4Aog2b4UsEwucxne0ZupXqtYL5a-Yp3/s200/tanner+018.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xDc5gO0O4PUxCzf2SZOLf101eAty_j6TnbMijp3lU7zDDNcTI-TqnY495-ciljocYVQ5e2IRzng-_51xYlnvm3jVGZVxlIfKQN_W2Hf0ttuThCOjNeDkW8Skctj7Ha2EYTaAFLOF2JSD/s1600/tanner+033.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460905498002818578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xDc5gO0O4PUxCzf2SZOLf101eAty_j6TnbMijp3lU7zDDNcTI-TqnY495-ciljocYVQ5e2IRzng-_51xYlnvm3jVGZVxlIfKQN_W2Hf0ttuThCOjNeDkW8Skctj7Ha2EYTaAFLOF2JSD/s400/tanner+033.JPG" /></a><br /><div><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460905489754443570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oWJaMkw26OWxayH4CoXBVL-EDvOQ9i5tIQHgDY5IBf3wi9zQIS-Br9WNHJalqPnFfld_5QZuhARfqDdtrPcrCWinaT1dA-LxZ9xlBTi7iCQ_iDy3rviP2UyPc6Su8WNNAyJWzSmXh1qa/s400/tanner+024.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-21582987507738611942010-04-11T14:33:00.008-04:002010-04-11T15:37:24.811-04:00My 1st 1/2 Marathon ... I did it!My 1st 1/2 Marathon race is over and I crossed the finish line with 5 minutes to spare in my race goal. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Now, even a day later, it is starting to sink in. "I just ran 13.1 miles. Wow!!" I haven't decided if I am happier that I did it or that it is now over. I will not lie to you - it was tough. I watched in awe when those Marathon runners started crossing the finish line. Wow!! I can't imagine running 26.2 miles. Crazy! <div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>Let me tell you all about it ...</div><div>5:30 am - Alarm goes off. It is officially time to get up. I had woke up at 3:19am and 5:00am to make sure I didn't miss the alarm. Get dressed. Eat something small. Check and re-check my supplies: MP3 player, knee pads, watch, energy bar, gloves, etc. Check and check!</div><div> </div><div>6:05 am - My running buddy arrives. Yes!! We are both nervous but excited. Arrive at the race. Start hunting for a parking space. (Always a challenge) Find a spot. Attach running bibs and timing chips. Check for wardrobe malfunctions. Head to the port-a-potties. Yuck!! </div><div> </div><div>7:00am - Meet up with friends. Shivering from the cold and the nerves. Laugh and giggle, we always manage to make every race fun. Take pictures and pray!</div><div> </div><div>7:30am - Get into the massive crowd of people and get ready to start. No turning back. Ready, get set, go....</div><div> </div><div>I felt great from the beginning. I usually hit a wall between 4-5 miles, so I was waiting and ready. No wall. Yes!! At mile 5 we are starting to see the first racers getting ready to pass mile 9. It was crazy. They were really moving. At mile 6 (the halfway turn) we did a little cheer. Only 6 more miles to go. No problem. At mile 8, I had to make a quick pit stop at the port-a-potties. Five babies will do this to you. I was still feeling good, so I was very encouraged. My left knee and hip had been giving me a little bit of pain, but nothing too bad. By mile 10, with every stride I was getting a pain. I tried not to think about it and listen to my music. At mile 11, I took a 30 second break and walked to try and stretch it out a bit, but it felt worse to walk. When I finally saw the finish line, I was so happy. I crossed the finish line at 2:25.36. Yes!! My goal was 2:30. I did it!! At the finish line my family and friends were there cheering me on. It was a wonderful feeling. I am fighting some pain, but I am sure that I will be feeling better in no time. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISIOfaombBVuDfohGMtoSu1lpH3yz9Q0qoz6juABiwIOnO1NWgmZcpgCVW6pBqrlwv1iW7K4ugHlH0Kd1EBkKKiFSm2E-as8hlYglh6Cu67AgThGbhJlpu9nIhsyDkJ7tvrfM-ieBf2cZ/s1600/Half+Marathon+003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458953682751360770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISIOfaombBVuDfohGMtoSu1lpH3yz9Q0qoz6juABiwIOnO1NWgmZcpgCVW6pBqrlwv1iW7K4ugHlH0Kd1EBkKKiFSm2E-as8hlYglh6Cu67AgThGbhJlpu9nIhsyDkJ7tvrfM-ieBf2cZ/s400/Half+Marathon+003.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Crossing the finish line. I look a little scary! :)</div><div><img style="WIDTH: 346px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458955866671932914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nqziViepRJvVHcH3jeMaoEoPiBL8VhjUQXGPgRynOp5Gli-0TOzrzcJv9zy7hkFAJxuT9LGjoScLEpFNL6ltOsINmYsT5kL5ltc2RRm-LKtVYWdm7Mb49Qi5z3QDd12r0uS2jvbN1B0x/s400/Half+Marathon+005.JPG" /> </div><div>Getting a much needed hug from the family! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmSe5MyyfB35nRoegMASVgun8aOx4xjnV7Zdb0WjpUrY2jkDy56xMJF5OyzN2nqL5WTkLAkUgt7aBKMl4ggSt-l8L-KHshLRyiZCpLsfnXrAq5SXr7q0sEMJ-TQPfFfu22uo2B-VRDVXC/s1600/Half+Marathon+007.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458954142551293442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmSe5MyyfB35nRoegMASVgun8aOx4xjnV7Zdb0WjpUrY2jkDy56xMJF5OyzN2nqL5WTkLAkUgt7aBKMl4ggSt-l8L-KHshLRyiZCpLsfnXrAq5SXr7q0sEMJ-TQPfFfu22uo2B-VRDVXC/s200/Half+Marathon+007.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOylCuON5P1NePz6DqUHC21cNJ8YHRNG16_1niSR8lMbdHoqshuw3VArqE45a6dh8aU-5QdyqrP7WgCqSry6oV1-jxXDNChBrqQqzK8ZeucPW0A6tt3BJHLwaFmQWq77Ve2qT2HtxC2Mg5/s1600/Half+Marathon+008.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458954145877256402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOylCuON5P1NePz6DqUHC21cNJ8YHRNG16_1niSR8lMbdHoqshuw3VArqE45a6dh8aU-5QdyqrP7WgCqSry6oV1-jxXDNChBrqQqzK8ZeucPW0A6tt3BJHLwaFmQWq77Ve2qT2HtxC2Mg5/s200/Half+Marathon+008.JPG" /></a> </div><div>My running buddies - Keri and Nikki. Great job ladies!!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvVRnGNh9ATa4BJHREwn6lm7uyXrcQOfNHVK5ZhclePqpcqxYdDYJFeLR2gYTuy0TcXP_v9IB_Yja5qBXOgSRHG1RUwH3pRzNVrkkUN_uonaEfh7FlIUWbhdhsQ8ygohOOEP390jQgFRp/s1600/Half+Marathon+014.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458956186568931106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvVRnGNh9ATa4BJHREwn6lm7uyXrcQOfNHVK5ZhclePqpcqxYdDYJFeLR2gYTuy0TcXP_v9IB_Yja5qBXOgSRHG1RUwH3pRzNVrkkUN_uonaEfh7FlIUWbhdhsQ8ygohOOEP390jQgFRp/s400/Half+Marathon+014.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Kallie in her first race. 1.2 miles. Over 700 kids racing!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHzTNnfXGpk1rAQbOQ-OxK8KnPrEPqzpGHwvpKYOe_-h2sLH-WsTKE5lHvgcyQav38UxR0GeZATra9K_DhNXYhYftkdO8vzoh9fr8x23zMf5OHVx1ug5TPu9Kp_gyDXP3bxMyw2rlFBje/s1600/Half+Marathon+022.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458956463245456338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHzTNnfXGpk1rAQbOQ-OxK8KnPrEPqzpGHwvpKYOe_-h2sLH-WsTKE5lHvgcyQav38UxR0GeZATra9K_DhNXYhYftkdO8vzoh9fr8x23zMf5OHVx1ug5TPu9Kp_gyDXP3bxMyw2rlFBje/s200/Half+Marathon+022.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQBZ6szBHXfjWdpEEdysrkZEImVul7K_mKUUUsNu7CxSNySOqaoAVInzf-j1wiipqzyM25JbA9ivAnCYsS6NvNe63gspHtQlW5kg3_6_mXXIZufdzCLN2auVEJWNRxw5-bj-6zWh2gxPQ/s1600/Half+Marathon+021.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458956469730573938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQBZ6szBHXfjWdpEEdysrkZEImVul7K_mKUUUsNu7CxSNySOqaoAVInzf-j1wiipqzyM25JbA9ivAnCYsS6NvNe63gspHtQlW5kg3_6_mXXIZufdzCLN2auVEJWNRxw5-bj-6zWh2gxPQ/s200/Half+Marathon+021.JPG" /></a><br />Great job Kal. 8:35!! Wow! We are so proud of you!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-59257377708354021072010-03-30T18:06:00.002-04:002010-03-30T18:28:42.725-04:00Confessions of an amateur runner ...It has been a while since I have posted about my training, so here is the latest ...<br /><br />Training WAS going wonderful until the cold I got turned into bronchitis!! After 2 weeks of struggling with a cold and cough that was not getting better, I decided to head to the doctors and get checked out. She confirmed my fear and told me that I had bronchitis. I explained that I was in training for my first ever 1/2 marathon and I really needed to get back to training. She told me to take it easy and listen to my body. Check my heart rate and keep it between 140 and 160. Ok. No problem! Or so I thought. That afternoon, I ran 5 miles and felt ok. Not my best time, but I finished. I was bad and forgot my heart rate monitor, so I slowed down a bit when I needed to. That night my body punished me for my lack of wisdom. I slept a total of 2 to 3 hours and tried to cough up a lung the rest of the night. Great!! So I took it easy for a few days and it didn't seem to help. My friends told me to take time off and rest. I finally listened. I took a whole week off and did nothing, which was torture!! (I don't like to be off schedule) My first day back was a nightmare. I pulled 3-ish miles and walked a few times to prevent myself from falling over. My lung capacity was shot. I took a few more days and made a second attempt yesterday. It was better, but not easy. I ran 3 miles and struggled more than once for air. When I finished, I wanted to hit or throw something. I was so mad!!! I have not trained for 11 weeks to fail 2 weeks before my race!!! My new plan is to run 4 to 5 miles on Wed. and then take a break and run 10 miles on Sat. Ten miles will be a first for me. Pray that I can do it!! The weather is suppose to be beautiful, so that should help. I am slowly coming to the realization that in order to finish this 1/2 marathon, I may have to walk a little bit to make it. I really don't want to do that, but it is better than not finishing!! Update, coming soon :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-78346990472261418162010-03-09T13:14:00.004-05:002010-03-09T13:47:12.519-05:00Moments with Emma ...There is never a dull moment when you spend any amount of time with my 4 year old Emma. She has quite the personality, which comes from me, so I am told. She is always talking, asking questions, or just entertaining us with her humor. Here are a few conversations that we have had in the last few days ....<br /><br /><strong>(In the car on the way to school to pick up the kids)</strong><br />Mom, where do aliens live?<br />Aliens don't live any where. They are pretend, sweetie.<br />No, I mean do they live on our planet?<br />No, they are not real.<br />No, mom, you don't understand. I mean, do they live in outer space?<br />No Aliens. Really. No Aliens Anywhere!!<br />Ugh, I really wanted to meet one.<br /><br /><strong>(This conversation took place in our living room)</strong><br />Mom, when am I going to get a boyfriend?<br />Never!! Ok, not for a very, very long time!<br />Mom, I want Andrew to be my boyfriend. (Andrew is her cousin's boyfriend) Oh, wait. I think he is married to Lindsey.<br /><br />No, they are not married. They are just dating.<br />(she smiles)<br />When I get to be a mom, can I marry Andrew?<br />Sweetie, you probably have not even met the man that you are going to marry. I didn't meet your daddy until college.<br /><br />(slight pause to think) Mom, who is your boyfriend?<br />My boyfriend is Daddy!<br />No mom, he is your husband, not your boyfriend!!<br /><br /><strong>(In the car on the way to school to workout)</strong><br />Mom, are you going running?<br />Yes.<br />Can I run with you. I need to make sure that I don't get fat!<br />(laughing) I don't think you have anything to worry about, sweetie!<br /><br /><br />Emma, I love that you make me laugh. Thank you for your sweet smile and personaility. You brighten my day and I love being your mommy! Love ya!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTL2n0NRNwO-nqRt8Mpjse5RO4631pQ8uSl8Wjdt3YIGfix-am05q7lyRXsiTSRvGQJ_OhoyFiUII4aVdm_RiRjSIwzg1ZK9ywGiJ2rFPG6K1VOqqlz55YEIDgLyDDg-7GQ72uKxyPEsH/s1600-h/100_5373.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446699957047219266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTL2n0NRNwO-nqRt8Mpjse5RO4631pQ8uSl8Wjdt3YIGfix-am05q7lyRXsiTSRvGQJ_OhoyFiUII4aVdm_RiRjSIwzg1ZK9ywGiJ2rFPG6K1VOqqlz55YEIDgLyDDg-7GQ72uKxyPEsH/s400/100_5373.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFGcNMpzHgNK8am0J8QwoNoSMt24gXhBj-HP8CgfHkJD6Um8fKnsOHtaxfo2eaclnxjJpKLdqF1I9nHzTkQ6pg8eS8WXmoH1AKrUa32QBb39P_bkAQ7nHO0MS5s4HVeLJt6iwoQpQz4jX/s1600-h/100_6363.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446699962763565106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFGcNMpzHgNK8am0J8QwoNoSMt24gXhBj-HP8CgfHkJD6Um8fKnsOHtaxfo2eaclnxjJpKLdqF1I9nHzTkQ6pg8eS8WXmoH1AKrUa32QBb39P_bkAQ7nHO0MS5s4HVeLJt6iwoQpQz4jX/s400/100_6363.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwdAFfo_rCiMdPVL2q7tWt6-QDfUrRUnB0eQ0Cv3ZV-LpALQm9n9C59Ftx5JgK0U1Mqa8L_Oy8W-hKV5PzVDNDDavGeMIAfIXdD4JYoigwQaqbhf4T5juSrK9pRESBnSr7-pZjmE_nyLr/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+081.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 351px; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446700556547595410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwdAFfo_rCiMdPVL2q7tWt6-QDfUrRUnB0eQ0Cv3ZV-LpALQm9n9C59Ftx5JgK0U1Mqa8L_Oy8W-hKV5PzVDNDDavGeMIAfIXdD4JYoigwQaqbhf4T5juSrK9pRESBnSr7-pZjmE_nyLr/s400/Christmas+2009+081.JPG" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-82057910080068009542010-03-05T09:17:00.009-05:002010-03-05T09:44:43.264-05:00The Kids at a Ball Game ...The kids always find ways to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">entertain</span> themselves during B-ball season. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fieldhouse</span> is our second home this time of year. The kids love the freedom they have to run around and play. I love the energy that they release. My kids are still pretty young, so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> attention span for a b-ball game is about 5 minutes. So they learn to be creative and play. The exception to this rule is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kallie</span>. She watches the whole game from the bench, helping dad coach. She is learning whatever Dad will teach her. It is going to be fun to watch her play! She has her dad's competitive nature. (I am sure some of my competitive nature as well. :) At this year's Senior night, the kids had a great time. We had balloons ... <div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiUzMZk4WZUtyR6OmAKOymDf6R6BAb3tUJumk4YiSJGG_Z0A0Iau-SjSXhIoesZFgdg85DZEoBzGlbXYL6j1OfA6vW5ttBb1_BuWP_jR_5pFX536PrjqfIKZjC2yyPGNCusDlsjem6B5d/s1600-h/b-ball+033.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 182px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445158551666272722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiUzMZk4WZUtyR6OmAKOymDf6R6BAb3tUJumk4YiSJGG_Z0A0Iau-SjSXhIoesZFgdg85DZEoBzGlbXYL6j1OfA6vW5ttBb1_BuWP_jR_5pFX536PrjqfIKZjC2yyPGNCusDlsjem6B5d/s200/b-ball+033.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-ZCKj9Xwg9NAPOgxPkyo43YZ8GFeGgvhwcw2CoBycWIU8uPFrrcLlZOGWXt6cRmGGYybxAUXdXr4NLwksfb710i0YEp4n25f5wM-EvHYeCE_EUYJq1WfZBh9Vi-vreX48XXy5865iaEw/s1600-h/b-ball+018.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 182px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445158541895139810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-ZCKj9Xwg9NAPOgxPkyo43YZ8GFeGgvhwcw2CoBycWIU8uPFrrcLlZOGWXt6cRmGGYybxAUXdXr4NLwksfb710i0YEp4n25f5wM-EvHYeCE_EUYJq1WfZBh9Vi-vreX48XXy5865iaEw/s200/b-ball+018.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOb8KtkKMSwMkkrJXthHNZKPlYR1HrdpGoK9R5A2616Fhzy7NrBkL8ODog4lhMpYlUNm4nhax0edyUuZdBMhmzHSRRvGhKUMxOvLjMdep4_EbKWzJggBcDtcc_8FQy9G73H14_pq4Boui/s1600-h/b-ball+056.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445160388420535954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOb8KtkKMSwMkkrJXthHNZKPlYR1HrdpGoK9R5A2616Fhzy7NrBkL8ODog4lhMpYlUNm4nhax0edyUuZdBMhmzHSRRvGhKUMxOvLjMdep4_EbKWzJggBcDtcc_8FQy9G73H14_pq4Boui/s400/b-ball+056.JPG" /></a></div><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445158264312573506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4ReaoD7vUaL_vz6-rwhDNVo1ed41634B4YI6Vog3C0qvU-gSMzP0Secqz5sWRpIEMwxAAZMeY3ZNZC0bWOp-lTOmAAMXVSe5Lp767qnBfUlAs_-ZaWGaX6G9r1tluk9D9CqnjaSGy1cD/s400/b-ball+015.JPG" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOtLhOXjjOZx2Bn3SUF2q6B4YnruGbB2X_4HHME3gzLx8PPYylNU_ds9zNQt83wQx2-rW5_qSmVznaYqUvSeJ2LToh5069APcSHR8mdUpbZu6pygMe8Gjn8STee7xAMwRC0CLFSYBfXlk/s1600-h/b-ball+038.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445158047361454610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOtLhOXjjOZx2Bn3SUF2q6B4YnruGbB2X_4HHME3gzLx8PPYylNU_ds9zNQt83wQx2-rW5_qSmVznaYqUvSeJ2LToh5069APcSHR8mdUpbZu6pygMe8Gjn8STee7xAMwRC0CLFSYBfXlk/s200/b-ball+038.JPG" /></a><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445158058504988818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLg9Y5IMCpCnO6dkUSuyV0S0-eLhdvxOlBJa9upvt8QWZVhuIN8JBXzv2L_fB8Z_M2dzgJ1FCyp2GTLzzme-TuskkHKvygJYSsRZ8VJb5RAziIO60p49hUOlAPMxOYl4V6A8aT3YvOUDi/s200/b-ball+050.JPG" /><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4fwSK2zLlsDgnwFXsmSaKa2sZGVypx-94jue3wpUNPC3u5beNLwr9kfawXjAzBimEs1DLz7XxoP-xyjg_3FzBFCiqMxAJ0jn8anvPmInzhMz6XaogiER2rsQaIOoGOTC4eNkKlmHxq48/s1600-h/b-ball+046.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445157708434587634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4fwSK2zLlsDgnwFXsmSaKa2sZGVypx-94jue3wpUNPC3u5beNLwr9kfawXjAzBimEs1DLz7XxoP-xyjg_3FzBFCiqMxAJ0jn8anvPmInzhMz6XaogiER2rsQaIOoGOTC4eNkKlmHxq48/s200/b-ball+046.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqswz-mNTzA4-u62biIRw5wPRbLHJR0vRim388oBKZZdHe5FGreS6m9UjgJIRjCTp3wi7U-DKZ2R65mTGlVwopRWYVXBY8B8AOjFerE2iqy4t7jtzylgbDF2o7a5WkSR_1wZuKLPWSUznM/s1600-h/b-ball+035.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445160046917202418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqswz-mNTzA4-u62biIRw5wPRbLHJR0vRim388oBKZZdHe5FGreS6m9UjgJIRjCTp3wi7U-DKZ2R65mTGlVwopRWYVXBY8B8AOjFerE2iqy4t7jtzylgbDF2o7a5WkSR_1wZuKLPWSUznM/s200/b-ball+035.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRcoayj5rL5wJEO5-NOqrNfl1mt-p9R9_4cYl4eLHCfqiV0CREF6pT_evgXr1yl8JzpnKJ2tIrYHbveZol1m-izbwo5CqOL98jZccSQSlDngySZKk1cD9mDHINaAkfm9uYtjxVLvln5_S/s1600-h/b-ball+044.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445157105524303426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRcoayj5rL5wJEO5-NOqrNfl1mt-p9R9_4cYl4eLHCfqiV0CREF6pT_evgXr1yl8JzpnKJ2tIrYHbveZol1m-izbwo5CqOL98jZccSQSlDngySZKk1cD9mDHINaAkfm9uYtjxVLvln5_S/s200/b-ball+044.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMJC3w9Sb4q8_EPxfanLEkphHWSX2AAB7RcoERGUD6wfL1ISy2eUchutlJ8Rr_EB7hV_7noLWGYk3ZA8ppxGN6GT8mDPKRFlbnpdserex4EtGxzC1BLEdi0xKyy0v4nmOeYu7mbZZFSLm/s1600-h/b-ball+042.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445157101682919506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMJC3w9Sb4q8_EPxfanLEkphHWSX2AAB7RcoERGUD6wfL1ISy2eUchutlJ8Rr_EB7hV_7noLWGYk3ZA8ppxGN6GT8mDPKRFlbnpdserex4EtGxzC1BLEdi0xKyy0v4nmOeYu7mbZZFSLm/s200/b-ball+042.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2z18RUVBa6PLiPjreI_osUAlyCsgp64fKXxd-9q8MzVvejqO7oT8fDGUZu2yv30MU3csRdTaxj9kXmskUlFW_bvX7N51_56XAW6KvI2z594ba7RiAzJ2R08DhA6OUn81s3g92IP0QbyU/s1600-h/b-ball+028.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445156846252720770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2z18RUVBa6PLiPjreI_osUAlyCsgp64fKXxd-9q8MzVvejqO7oT8fDGUZu2yv30MU3csRdTaxj9kXmskUlFW_bvX7N51_56XAW6KvI2z594ba7RiAzJ2R08DhA6OUn81s3g92IP0QbyU/s400/b-ball+028.JPG" /></a></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-78185198738153097282010-02-20T17:59:00.002-05:002010-02-20T18:23:40.718-05:00Confessions of an amateur runner ...Today marks the end of week #6 in my 12 week training program for my first 1/2 marathon. Training has gone surprisingly well, but now I am getting scared. Truly, deeply scared!! On Friday, I mailed my registration form - the point of no return. No way am I going to back out now and waste my hard earned money (well, my husband's hard earned money.) BTW, thanks to my loving husband that totally supports me in this crazy plan to run a 1/2 marathon. He thinks I can do it. It always feels good to have someone on your side, cheering you on. <br /><br />Today my training called for a 5-k Race, but I didn't find one, so I thought I would just race myself. The weather has been beautiful the last few days, so I was looking forward to a run outside in the sunshine. My body must of agreed with me because it felt so good to run w/o the treadmill :) I started so strong and felt like I was going at a pretty good pace. I decided to keep it up, just to see how well I could do. I almost fell over when I clocked my first mile at 8:41. What!!! Awesome!!! I was so excited, I believe I did a little victory leap. (Don't worry, I don't think anyone saw me) Now, for those "advanced runners" you may be laughing at my time, but to someone who usually averages a 10 min. mile, this was huge!! "In your face, treadmill, I knew that I was not running a 11 min. mile!" What is up with horrible times when I run on the treadmill? Well, that is for a later post!<br />Now when the excitement wore off, I realized that I could be in trouble. I was sucking wind and my body was screaming at me. I had to adjust my pace to finish, but I was ok with it. I finished my 5 miles in 47:53, under a 10 minute mile. Progress is an amazing motivator!! Week #7, watch out. I'm coming!!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-54892611665362188332010-02-13T23:23:00.002-05:002010-02-13T23:44:09.302-05:00Confessions of an amateur runner ...It was a cold one today as my friend Keri and I made our way outside to run our 6 miles. Maneuvering around mounds of snow has been a challenge as we continue to change our running course to keep up with our changing mileage. Taking a break from the treadmill is a must when running more than 5 miles. After being sick last week, I was worried about this week's long run. I took it easy on Friday, because my body was so sore!! My husband tells me that I am getting old, but I don't want to believe it!! (He is right, of course!!) <br />Good thing I had a friend counting on me, I was fighting the run. Once we got out there, it was not as bad as I had imagined. After the first mile, I began to feel my toes again. It was nice. Running with a good friend has many advantages, we talked the whole time and made our run seem much less painful. My legs were tired as we kicked to the finish, but we did it! Six miles, yes!!! After the run, I mentioned that we just need to run that course twice and then some to cover our 13.1 miles. We both groaned!!! Week #5 check, bring on week #6. We have made it to the halfway mark in our training. Yes!! A milestone.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-86199792663201561782010-02-11T13:51:00.007-05:002010-02-11T14:12:14.430-05:00Much needed snow day ...Tuesday and Wednesday we got dumped with snow. This winter has almost been snow-free, so the kids were thrilled! A snow day is just what we needed after being couped up in the house due to sickness. As you can see, we made the most of it ...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cNM92OBM_wULHkfnOGcggPYHG3ajSBGbeFj2Ui6IvlDwl9ENoO4IbiVF0jAjcJdsjBdGAwV8J5cL-qBqUPoUjxZMVOsUAqGpOt7lbW2nuj9a2-qmsRJqwFmlo-lTcKhJAJTS9W2S69ap/s1600-h/winter+040.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437063864497155218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cNM92OBM_wULHkfnOGcggPYHG3ajSBGbeFj2Ui6IvlDwl9ENoO4IbiVF0jAjcJdsjBdGAwV8J5cL-qBqUPoUjxZMVOsUAqGpOt7lbW2nuj9a2-qmsRJqwFmlo-lTcKhJAJTS9W2S69ap/s400/winter+040.JPG" /></a><br /> I can't help but smile when I see this picture. Oh, to be a kid again!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZCz7jL_LCzxy5GuctifdpEtM3JC4pGcm13WkQkCofuIG8bPS6ZM0JhkHxaXqfl4kcrTxhfptfPq2RTwBgNJWu-i74dK5QjwZ46X7up3LN0W-QtNEfNKLgTAnub56K00U1nFFTtdxqKDY/s1600-h/winter+033.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437063686115587122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZCz7jL_LCzxy5GuctifdpEtM3JC4pGcm13WkQkCofuIG8bPS6ZM0JhkHxaXqfl4kcrTxhfptfPq2RTwBgNJWu-i74dK5QjwZ46X7up3LN0W-QtNEfNKLgTAnub56K00U1nFFTtdxqKDY/s400/winter+033.JPG" /></a><br />I feel a snowball fight coming on!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpLCbpyk6-YUlxwE8VR6Ik8SKn13CLWK3FQ4dBw2oBG70BSP4p0-4PTOabn_xHsxR-dIJ70ss_gYUTOgwzXInhPBNMuMIaUCJU6Wq9s8bGnbarL9S5t_NPsN7sal1bjT4g5SgcEBk_aS5/s1600-h/winter+030.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437063675010230882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpLCbpyk6-YUlxwE8VR6Ik8SKn13CLWK3FQ4dBw2oBG70BSP4p0-4PTOabn_xHsxR-dIJ70ss_gYUTOgwzXInhPBNMuMIaUCJU6Wq9s8bGnbarL9S5t_NPsN7sal1bjT4g5SgcEBk_aS5/s400/winter+030.JPG" /></a><br />Swinging is fun in any weather!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdD79qa1T0FFGwfeIM8iJpdaEaXlA-tPCcp3_4fvy4BLXsV1oso16rM1UTwEYqzZcA1XeVx4OinbzJwSq-fITtVCA9e4HnJQmkRbLOGEjJa5FW1K9Fy9071khSwN9BWaokHdITMet_LiI/s1600-h/winter+043.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437062540265333874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdD79qa1T0FFGwfeIM8iJpdaEaXlA-tPCcp3_4fvy4BLXsV1oso16rM1UTwEYqzZcA1XeVx4OinbzJwSq-fITtVCA9e4HnJQmkRbLOGEjJa5FW1K9Fy9071khSwN9BWaokHdITMet_LiI/s400/winter+043.JPG" /></a><br />What a face! Are we having fun yet?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdmFgGZgRfKQHFYzjA-YHy9rfrwWquLE-cO21yBH-1Jr1W-Nj4l0Ql3OkUWX2DcDjMtgsyUc_rpOHO_EZ8aZxb9XnyN9KL67E0v5AZmJwk-YTyMlKe8jx1j5Khxtq9a_3une1G9-vyjo9/s1600-h/winter+060.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437062531728281170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdmFgGZgRfKQHFYzjA-YHy9rfrwWquLE-cO21yBH-1Jr1W-Nj4l0Ql3OkUWX2DcDjMtgsyUc_rpOHO_EZ8aZxb9XnyN9KL67E0v5AZmJwk-YTyMlKe8jx1j5Khxtq9a_3une1G9-vyjo9/s400/winter+060.JPG" /></a><br />My favorite picture!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-roxAP9vfYITb8r9BagWMRJKo3_1CqIIWKCHnM-yhFg60AuVCLFoyHQL9KlPDEY4jbPcggV48YNOTPfL28sACAmvGrCqHElIyL7UEHb22gTvzcqAReg2_o-WmYS3atPlSylHCU_6lYyi/s1600-h/winter+085.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437062145980784002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-roxAP9vfYITb8r9BagWMRJKo3_1CqIIWKCHnM-yhFg60AuVCLFoyHQL9KlPDEY4jbPcggV48YNOTPfL28sACAmvGrCqHElIyL7UEHb22gTvzcqAReg2_o-WmYS3atPlSylHCU_6lYyi/s400/winter+085.JPG" /></a><br />Where has the fun gone?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0mWQ0nCX1fSEh-G6HDx6nF8-lUFHXJlfGeSpIuYR3V0qa6NNqIx-rIW6HSFAziWHf1ju40-WvfM9a7iM-rF55ZBmSnIXZDXTASMFHOe8lHG0VMWyh-mCFHRNEFkZZEgC5RYjPOIsfK9h/s1600-h/winter+088.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437062138804858146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0mWQ0nCX1fSEh-G6HDx6nF8-lUFHXJlfGeSpIuYR3V0qa6NNqIx-rIW6HSFAziWHf1ju40-WvfM9a7iM-rF55ZBmSnIXZDXTASMFHOe8lHG0VMWyh-mCFHRNEFkZZEgC5RYjPOIsfK9h/s400/winter+088.JPG" /></a><br />Your eyes are beautiful, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> girl!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB6FkhrcQ1LL9EK7ywC43_5aRwyQPz8yYIoaqoJblGuEMC2Zl0pdfWjEyaZbnIPjY_p7eHQdh1dTJ-pQNG_xa18Mb2AbmT3agok0D2JOpBrIUOUJjzw2U4WFN7NjFz9BD7mapsZEOeuH_/s1600-h/winter+071.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437061778980299378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB6FkhrcQ1LL9EK7ywC43_5aRwyQPz8yYIoaqoJblGuEMC2Zl0pdfWjEyaZbnIPjY_p7eHQdh1dTJ-pQNG_xa18Mb2AbmT3agok0D2JOpBrIUOUJjzw2U4WFN7NjFz9BD7mapsZEOeuH_/s400/winter+071.JPG" /></a><br />Family bonding time!</div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-39657307279611963572010-02-08T14:25:00.005-05:002010-02-08T15:01:38.859-05:00Big sisSome days managing the chaos of a large family can be pretty overwhelming. Our work as mom's is never done, no matter how hard we try to "keep up with it." But then, God gives us a sweet picture of why we do what we do. Thank you, Father. Today, I needed this!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEYwSB7wlOvz4kf1-Y8Ytjr3ucLPemts4RmUaAwEb1jN4GNu4WQjKsaTT_RScZH6TvKSPRlCtBW8r-RMN8dAyzLZ9Hsh4DHrrdYGXHasdhb0e-u5k0IjBeDtFVR1H8mwuqw6rog2VviAX/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435960154608596610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEYwSB7wlOvz4kf1-Y8Ytjr3ucLPemts4RmUaAwEb1jN4GNu4WQjKsaTT_RScZH6TvKSPRlCtBW8r-RMN8dAyzLZ9Hsh4DHrrdYGXHasdhb0e-u5k0IjBeDtFVR1H8mwuqw6rog2VviAX/s400/002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJWMd8M4nxbOuHLjIxOTKH6qtL-MVbSO-jSvXRIYljSZ3-7tffy-gIt6VjcOSrRDoF0oGCeI0C_g-OgpifSI6aN7m9Picgv7Z_4cQaZVZ3g5oKi1N827qiPIRgi3vQC1cFwvcejQkKL47/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435960164250314754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJWMd8M4nxbOuHLjIxOTKH6qtL-MVbSO-jSvXRIYljSZ3-7tffy-gIt6VjcOSrRDoF0oGCeI0C_g-OgpifSI6aN7m9Picgv7Z_4cQaZVZ3g5oKi1N827qiPIRgi3vQC1cFwvcejQkKL47/s400/003.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO_IUoEAUEzcGd3TibBLaVSm-3-B7ChRCTaaagNGkUrJWxRPYBZy5LHlMbrrYbhWgeOln1gU8dsskFv2ii82N7RNiPHI0t_nHdKCq35LWf4Kp5cSq8L4n-4zsp-EDoZPCs_0KKLYJctrj/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435960593230018338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO_IUoEAUEzcGd3TibBLaVSm-3-B7ChRCTaaagNGkUrJWxRPYBZy5LHlMbrrYbhWgeOln1gU8dsskFv2ii82N7RNiPHI0t_nHdKCq35LWf4Kp5cSq8L4n-4zsp-EDoZPCs_0KKLYJctrj/s400/005.JPG" /></a><br />When you play hard, you sleep hard. :)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-51213928588342891922010-02-07T09:55:00.003-05:002010-02-07T10:30:16.345-05:00Where have I been .....How has it been over a month since I have written on my blog! Life must be crazy, but this is nothing new. Here is an update on what you have missed ...<br /><br />I made a few New Year's Resolutions, some I am failing (like writing on my blog each day) and some that I am following. Yeah me. I talked myself into running a 1/2 marathon in April. I know what you are thinking, "she is crazy," but I really think that I can do it. I needed a real challenging goal to get me ready for 2010. What is more challenging than running 13.1 miles! Wow!! You are right, I might be crazy!!! Oh, well! The goal has been set and the training is underway. I called my sister for moral support, she ran her first 1/2 marathon last year. She gave me a great training plan and I am proud to say that I have been following it! I have run into a few bumps in the road, but nothing too serious. My first roadblock came a few days ago, when the flu hit our home. In a family of 7, it is a miracle if you escape the bug. I was not so fortunate. I have been in bed for 2 days and am starting to feel normal today. I told myself that maybe I could get in a few miles today to make up for missing 2 days of training. I quickly changed my mind when going up and down the stairs to get the laundry has made me winded. I guess my energy has not yet returned. I start week #6 of my 12 week training on Monday so I am praying for strength to get through Monday's workout. <br /><br />So that has pretty much been my life for the last month. Training, being a wife, mom, teacher, and super hero. My days are packed. Hopefully, life will slow a little so that I can record it and remember these crazy, busy days. Talk to you soon!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-57294041647288263242009-12-30T18:36:00.005-05:002009-12-30T19:22:23.264-05:00Our new, little house guest ...Last night at 11:30pm, I walked into our kitchen to grab a water bottle and found this surprise waiting for me ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkRL78bYJdxl9N0Hok7gjQqvS4fqxQFlerzVlGsUzuPH7llzQzczaSUxLpTVXKBW8dCDSJld6MZV1iUneFBqbmFsvELKT69B8qgp4qxfxjJEGP8F8q3GIscauHPg0aqbuoLiH_x2Rr_iA/s1600-h/houseguest+003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421178848962769090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkRL78bYJdxl9N0Hok7gjQqvS4fqxQFlerzVlGsUzuPH7llzQzczaSUxLpTVXKBW8dCDSJld6MZV1iUneFBqbmFsvELKT69B8qgp4qxfxjJEGP8F8q3GIscauHPg0aqbuoLiH_x2Rr_iA/s400/houseguest+003.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4vjR8UHuEP0MaRHFfIyvoU5adi18p9HsDOdUoV1XDweS7Yi2ixztnXzm9u1I64VftHsHVu6ZsnooHAjFOzWIhoJN0kB5TUX1YjGOZNi45MMpQibyHrkSWjyD1yeYjbwwu77MA5tAVjLI/s1600-h/houseguest+002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421178837055260962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4vjR8UHuEP0MaRHFfIyvoU5adi18p9HsDOdUoV1XDweS7Yi2ixztnXzm9u1I64VftHsHVu6ZsnooHAjFOzWIhoJN0kB5TUX1YjGOZNi45MMpQibyHrkSWjyD1yeYjbwwu77MA5tAVjLI/s400/houseguest+002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPRQMTY1Frs2h4K9YahjiKg1WwDX8uZ-ga56DPxQWxlRdG5E8FOVNiFsUjP_lwgiE-bGsa8uJrJE73xBxV3ZohNNTTaI0MHeaZpMeN7D9Tmu4QA-nnYyk8nux57RZ835jxzwtpA2oAtsY/s1600-h/houseguest+001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421178824269445698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPRQMTY1Frs2h4K9YahjiKg1WwDX8uZ-ga56DPxQWxlRdG5E8FOVNiFsUjP_lwgiE-bGsa8uJrJE73xBxV3ZohNNTTaI0MHeaZpMeN7D9Tmu4QA-nnYyk8nux57RZ835jxzwtpA2oAtsY/s400/houseguest+001.JPG" /></a><br />Yes, I did what any normal person would do in this situation...<br />Scream like a little girl,<span style="color:#cc0000;"> </span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">"STEVE, STEVE HELP!!!!"</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">He tries to tell me that there is not much he can do without a mouse trap. I was not wanting to hear that, "just get it!" So at 11:30pm, Steve (my knight in shining armor) goes to Meijer to get a trap for this unwanted house guest. I did not want to be left at the house, alone with that thing, but the kids were asleep and I thought it would not be a good idea to leave them alone. A few minutes after Steve left, "our friend came back." (As you probably imagined, after my scream, the mouse scurried back behind the stove) I had to keep an eye on it, so I quietly went to retrieve my camera to get a closer look. (I couldn't get a good look, because I was hiding between the living room and the kitchen. I know, what a wimp!) I got pictures so that I could later positively ID the intruder. Steve comes home later with an arsenal of mouse killing products. I guess he doesn't like the thought of this thing in our house either. :) </span></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Steve just laughed when I showed him the pictures. Why?? </span></span><br /><br />I guess I am not the only one who can't resist the urge for a late night chocolate snack.<br />Chocolate chip cookies, loved by all ....Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874806824145536224.post-17232278184467987732009-12-30T18:13:00.005-05:002009-12-30T18:35:57.129-05:00No more twists...Well, my career as a hair surgeon has come to a close. Praise God!! These last few months have been quite busy. My youngest daughter, Emma, twists her hair into horrible knots and I have been spending way too much time trying to comb through the mess. Everyone we talked to about it told us that she would just grow out of this bad habit. Well, no more waiting. Something <div><div><div><div><div>had to be done. My genius solution ... cute short haircut. She can't twist hair she doesn't have.</div><div> </div><div>Her haircut is super cute and she can't twist it!</div><div>She told me the other day, "Mom, I can't twist it any more."</div><div>I just looked at her, smiled and said, "I know, honey. Isn't it wonderful!!!"</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfSjuP7hY6uFl2ekIXaJKs-x0D7O115HM2rEW_jb05Pd3daYfKdxf_MfMO8c64J4FeWNaq23ajSD_wk-k5ZRiJraR0UFAkwY0R7jg5kIQcTh31myVr2A-DhlPeoCPnAmugd9Q6Zo2csax/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+078.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421175255746845922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfSjuP7hY6uFl2ekIXaJKs-x0D7O115HM2rEW_jb05Pd3daYfKdxf_MfMO8c64J4FeWNaq23ajSD_wk-k5ZRiJraR0UFAkwY0R7jg5kIQcTh31myVr2A-DhlPeoCPnAmugd9Q6Zo2csax/s200/Christmas+2009+078.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcjruUKT3DY4qqc4woj-vSLuKFtT7XyRWdb7SkGtd4frHX-UsUt59gk0pnjqctt1SA3VmyNY7vgipdfmfjfsm7-Ex2sTbjMb4C4JNZv2CqprbJTvOwhcvWwSkKjPbvSGKVyUAIMzl20vl/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+082.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421175250059938786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcjruUKT3DY4qqc4woj-vSLuKFtT7XyRWdb7SkGtd4frHX-UsUt59gk0pnjqctt1SA3VmyNY7vgipdfmfjfsm7-Ex2sTbjMb4C4JNZv2CqprbJTvOwhcvWwSkKjPbvSGKVyUAIMzl20vl/s200/Christmas+2009+082.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1QwJNTmforCKq4OG-ZrW7TXlr2CEtnvHJr4_6q08Al5oz5G8yksM9u-GoOnGAdPhtWExtWVXAQh5hLkniPkGqX8zv1VScrh2zEw3l6H4DiXs4HsO4KTw08ub8rDAO9STeZbswWCuBktD/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+080.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421175046717557378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1QwJNTmforCKq4OG-ZrW7TXlr2CEtnvHJr4_6q08Al5oz5G8yksM9u-GoOnGAdPhtWExtWVXAQh5hLkniPkGqX8zv1VScrh2zEw3l6H4DiXs4HsO4KTw08ub8rDAO9STeZbswWCuBktD/s400/Christmas+2009+080.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_y6evPsnYlD5rEp3-Xz9VBgFTemDhIm-Qw1Ul5xvcDRfaPtYBp3R-2vljwnwle4p0KKPNFPrFM29Sjn91itdSSOyUUKPThM9YG4alm2PNTEzQPvQfmLfVCmI2P0L3oVyhfG272_tqN2Y/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+081.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421175041609338434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_y6evPsnYlD5rEp3-Xz9VBgFTemDhIm-Qw1Ul5xvcDRfaPtYBp3R-2vljwnwle4p0KKPNFPrFM29Sjn91itdSSOyUUKPThM9YG4alm2PNTEzQPvQfmLfVCmI2P0L3oVyhfG272_tqN2Y/s400/Christmas+2009+081.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I can't help but smile when I look at her. What a doll. I love it! Why didn't I think about this sooner. </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879989486559663008noreply@blogger.com1