tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21155071020263668172024-03-13T02:41:10.564-04:00Redefining Normal One Crazy Day At A TimeEveryday things too good not to write down and share!!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-894404609283655622016-08-30T17:02:00.000-04:002016-08-30T17:02:59.213-04:00The Sound of SilenceI have been enjoying the remake of Simon and Garfunkle's song "The Sound of Silence." For some reason that song ran through my head as I make dinner and my house is the polar opposite of that concept. Some might think I long for the sounds of silence but the fact of the matter is that I love the noise. As I hear the crinkle of the aluminum foil, I am aware that a healthy dinner is headed our way. I can hear Reagan's occasional burst of laughter from the living room as she reads something funny. Rebecca's trumpet blares the beautiful notes of a C scale as she prepares to practice. The rather loud drumming of the snare as Ryan works to perfect his lesson for the week. These are the sounds that make my soul happy. Sounds that I know, all too soon, will be gone and an element of silence will fill my home. The sounds of laughter, bickering, conversations and stories told are the best parts of my day.<br />
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Quickly I realize, however, these sounds are not all I look forward too each day. As I sit here taking it all in, I am just waiting for my best friend to walk through the door. To hear about his day and share with him mine. Although I know as the kids grow and move on to their adult lives, my home will still be filled with laughter, playful bickering, conversations and stories told because I get to be married to my best friend. I am overwhelmed with how blessed my life is!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-50225298233691272512013-02-16T11:25:00.000-05:002013-02-16T11:25:56.347-05:00Lent Day 3-4I made a grave mistake yesterday...I had sugar free gum. This decision came from a desire to have something sweet so I thought, hmmm, I will just have a piece of sugar free gum and that will curb my craving. Not only did it NOT curb the craving it has made it worse by about 10 fold. I am still eating fruit and bread and stuff so this constant nagging is not out of a need for carbohydrates, but simply an annoying indulgence that has been fed for far too long. I did however, put a small bag of conversation hearts in my cupboard for Easter Sunday...the day when I will be expecting a basket of candy from my family this year!! haha Unless by some miracle I feel so good by then I don't want it. I can not fathom that right now. <br />
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In other news, I took my first Anatomy 2 lab test last night. I found it quite easy, as the instructor said we should. Today I must cram for my medical terminology test. I do believe at the end of the semester and before my program starts I will be going back over this massive amount of vocabulary. It's like its own language. It has been fun between the med term and the a&p class to be able to not only spell, but know the meaning of words like cholycystokinin-pancreozymin! Makes me feel smart!!<br />
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Well, it would sure me a shame for me to fail my test because I am stalling on the study!! Hopefully to day, Lent day 4, will show some relief for the sugar desire. I think I may just let my kids eat every piece of Valentine's Day candy just so I don't have to keep looking at it!! Thank goodness there is no Dove chocolate laying around...a girl can only take so much. And yes, I am still thinking about yummy, smooth, delicious Dove chocolate...Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-31552939560451523142013-02-14T14:46:00.000-05:002013-02-14T14:46:52.810-05:00Lent - Day 2So I woke up this morning with the headache that always follows me giving up sugar. However, I have discovered that two Excedrin will take away the pain! I don't consider myself that much of a caffeine drinker, but I think the lack of sugar AND caffeine must be a dual contributor to the headache. I cannot drink coffee at this time because my coffee is like dessert between the flavored creamer and the yummy sugar. Yes, I have tried sugar free creamer and have decided that I would rather not drink it at all. Too bad for me, I am terrified of diet chemical water, aka soda, and so that is out as well. So not only is the sugar gone, but I am having to drink more water. Perhaps a more healthy me is in store??<br />
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I have discovered two things in just two short days...I have never considered myself an emotional eater, but upon getting some challenging news yesterday all I wanted was a piece of chocolate. Huh?? That surprised me, that the one thing I would crave would be something sweet...the very definition of an emotional eater is one who turns to food to make them feel better. That's kind of a lot to take in with just one day under my belt. So being that I am doing this to see what God has for me during this time, I turned my attention to Him. I must say, that time satisfies in ways chocolate cannot and I don't even have to put sweatpants on to indulge in it!!<br />
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Secondly, I discovered, I eat when I am bored. Seriously?? I did not realize this either. After a few hours of study...I am not hungry, but in the kitchen wishing I could eat something sweet. When something sweet was not an acceptable choice I tried to think of something salty that would do the trick. As I paused to consider this, I realized that I am not hungry, just bored. However, instead of realizing this fact and jumping right back into the homework, I am here, writing this. There is more than one way to avoid homework!! <br />
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I am proud of myself though. This morning I made cinnamon rolls with frosting for the kids for a special Valentine's Day breakfast. Had fun heart covered plates covered with some chocolates and other special candies and although the aroma of the cinnamon rolls was almost more than I could take, I gave the little scrap of cinnamon roll to the dog as a Happy Valentine instead of listening to the voice that said it was a "special day" and it would be "OK" to have it. <br />
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So that is Lent day 2 or day 39 which ever way you want to count it. Some pretty big stuff to pay attention to, but I am excited to see what God is going to do as He turns my attention away from sugar and towards Himself...always a good thing!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-29407141361445241532013-02-13T17:17:00.000-05:002013-02-13T17:17:00.508-05:00LentIt's that time of year again, the season of Lent. I have decided to go with the one thing that plagues me every year and finally be successful...Sugar. So for the next forty days sugar or sugary treats are not to pass my lips. So because I have made this decision all i have thought about all day long is chocolate!! I keep telling myself it's not as good as my mind is trying to tell me, but then my mind being ever so cleaver, reminded me of Dove chocolate. Smooth and tasty...ah well it will have to wait because this year I am going to overcome my addiction!!<br />
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I am going to do my best to not torture my family with my grumpy attitude as I begin to detox as I have discovered in the past is an unpleasant process. I figure I will journal on here as I go and hopefully there will be more gained from this than just me saying, "I did it!" So here we go...I am looking forward to crossing off day one!<br />
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In other news I took my first Anatomy and Physiology II test last night. I think I did well. It was pretty intense. I had a moment where I looked at the questions and was actually amazed that I understood what all of these huge words meant!! It's kind of exciting!! I have to wait allllll the way til next week for my grade...that is not great...I am dying to know now!! I have a lab test and a medical term test to finish out the week. Medical Terminology should be an interesting test because i haven't looked at the material yet....this is not good. Must go study...Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-91921349414294518882012-12-11T23:20:00.002-05:002012-12-11T23:20:38.550-05:00Evening AloneI found this in my drafts and thought I would share it...I think it is from september or october!<br />
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Some how last night all the planets alligend and for the first time in 13 years I was in my own home all alone. Ron and Ryan were camping with the cub scouts, two life saving friends each took one of the girls so I could go to school and decided to just have them stay the night. So I came home from school to an empty house and woke up to the same thing. What an amazing break! I am weirdly refreshed even though it was just a few hours. However, because I am me, I did some reflection. <br />
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Last night I walked through the house and saw a mess. Evidence that children live here and a crazy week had been accomplished. This morning as I get ready to pick up my kids (2 of them anyway) I stood in the upstairs hall, which gives me a small view into each bedroom. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness as I see the preteen room filled with items that suggest someone is growing up and starting to behave that way. In the other girl's bedroom, I see someone who is trying very hard to learn to juggle all the responsibilites of life including keeping her room up. Little piles of "treasures" here and there and all things important to a 9 year old. As I glanced into Ryan's room I see his bow an arrow set on the floor and a few super hero masks peaking out of the closet and I realize how quickly that phase will pass. Just looking at these things filled me with happiness though. Joy that my home is typically filled with laughter and even bickering filled me up, as I am blessed with the sounds of children in my home. God has certainly blessed my life and as I took inventory, I realize all too soon the halls and rooms will be perfectly clean and silent. The kids will grow and move on to their own lives and it will just be us. As wonderful as that phase of life will be with my best friend, I'm glad it's not here yet. Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-47268579085083985292012-12-11T23:17:00.001-05:002012-12-11T23:17:49.866-05:00What is it about the night?I studied for about 12 hours today, but I wanted to get this written before I forgot so hopefully it will turn out right. <br />
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Ron made a comment a few weeks back about how usually when someone talks about the night time it is in a negative way. Things are scary at night or in movies bad things happen in the dark. Usually our minds head right to the negative when it comes to anything about the night. However, he pointed out, there is one exception...the night Christ was born...Christmas night. When we hear that we think of the songs like "Silent Night" which has words like "holy, calm, and even bright" in it. When we think about that night we think about joy and anticipation. Quite a contrast from the other ideas about the night!<br />
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Well because I am me, I had to let that thought marinade in my head for a few days as it was surprising deep as my husband put it! As I pondered this thought, I began to realize that maybe there was a bigger meaning than just a star would shine brightest if Jesus was born at night. What if it was to show us that good things can happen in the night? That in the darkest times of our lives, if we will have the anticipation that Jesus is going to show up in our "night" and bring something new to us, maybe the night wouldn't be so bad. Maybe He wanted us to know that our perspective should not be one of dread when we walk through dark times, but of hope and excitement and anticipation of the promise that He gives that He will come to us in that place and never leave. <br />
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I read a portion of a bible verse today and it said something like..."He quiets me with His love." In this season of wrapping up a term in school, with Christmas right on its heels, it did me some good to rest a minute in His love and let my soul become quiet for even just a minute. In our "night" experiences God so wants to come and not only quiet us with His love, but to turn that night into something unforgettable, life changing and eternal! Much like He did on the night He was born!! Christmas is fast approaching, my hope is that we all stop and really remember why we celebrate for truly that night began the greatest love story ever written and I am so thankful to be apart of it!<br />
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<br />Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-61297463821090221562012-10-09T21:35:00.000-04:002012-10-09T21:35:14.826-04:00I Have Never...I Have Never...this was the name of the game I played today. Inside of a bag on folded sheets of paper were several items written. For an example, "I have never posted on facebook", the card might read. If you HAVE posted on facebook you take and M&M and if you have not, then you take nothing. The person at the end of the game with the most M&M's wins. <br />
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This got me thinking today. If I look back on my life and play this game, how big would my pile of M&M's be? I certainly want to make sure that I am doing enough things in life that when the end comes I have a whole pile of candy and litany of stories to share with my grandchildren and hopefully great-grandchildren about my adventures. I want to make sure that fear or the business of life doesn't always crowd out adventure and exploring this great world God has created. <br />
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Although I feel overwhelmed with school right now, I think this New Year's Eve I will be making plans for the next year's adventures. I want my kids to learn to live a life that is full of adventure, even if it is just in the backyard or across town. I know that if we don't plan for it, it will never happen. <br />
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I Have Never...will that be the end of the statement of your life, or will you also have a huge pile of M&M's and a great book of stories to share?Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-54718467555412357602012-10-04T14:23:00.000-04:002012-10-04T14:23:23.761-04:00That is really heavy!Today in my patient skills lab we learned how to properly move patients from the bed to a wheel chair and "log roll" them in a bed. I got to be the class example of the patient. Thank goodness it is a small class. So I'm laying on the bed while the teacher gives another student instructions. Let's just say when she finally helped me off the bed into a standing position we were really, really close to each other...uncomfortably close. I felt like I should have been taken out for drinks or something first. Anyway, I finally made it to the wheel chair and was miraculously healed so I didn't have to be moved back into the bed! When it was my turn to move the next girl, I was surprised at how natural it felt to explain what I was doing and how I was going to do it. The woman actually asked me if i had done this type of work before...not unless you count dragging Ryan's heavy arse to the bathroom at night! Anyway, I have a brand new appreciation for my mother-in-law and sister-in-law for the kind of work they do day in and day out. I have no idea how they even have a back left! Even the smallest girl in the class, healthy and able to help move herself around was incredibly heavy at the angle at which you need to work and lift. So this post is my shout out to Mom and Jean for being freaking superheroes every time they go to work...you guys are AMAZING!!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-58748532282935663162012-10-02T21:44:00.000-04:002012-10-02T21:44:14.813-04:00UpdateI thought I would give a quick update on school. I am currently getting A's in two of three classes. My PE class has not had anything graded yet so I guess the butt-kicking I get in the pool every week is all I have to go on at this point. I have to say, last week she worked us so hard that on Saturday I woke up and I was sore from the base of my skull to the tops of my feet. I am getting pretty good at taking blood pressure. I also can take your temperature (that is massive skill right there) and check your pulse and respiration. I have learned the bones of the body and am trying not to forget them all as I now fill my brain with muscles. I must tell you as we are learning about muscles and the different tissues, I gagged a bit when I was cutting up some raw chicken. My meat eating days may be over for a bit, because being able to identify it's parts really kills it. gross. <br />
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My PE class has a wellness portion to it. That basically means that health is more than physical it's emotional, social, spiritual and even environmental. She had us pick three behaviors we would like to change this term. We are supposed to start journals as well. Turns out my water class is more than just killing myself in the pool. It's good though and if I am going to spend the time and money on it, I might as well get all I can from the class. My first behavior change was my prayer life. I need to pray more, or at least more specifically and listen more. It is not what I want it to be and so I will be working on that. Secondly, I need to take stock of my days and see where I am wasting time. Time that I can take to do stuff with the kids or take care of other things. Sometimes I feel like if I can't play for an hour, I shouldn't play at all. However, the other day when I told Ry we had 15 minutes to play catch and I set the timer...we had the best 15 minutes we have had in a while. So I want to create more moments like that. Lastly, is a physical one. I want to start moving in intentional exercise everyday and take off some of this weight once and for all. I watched this thing on youtube call 23 and a half hours. You should check it out, it's really good. Anyway it inspired me to make time to walk everyday. Hopefully I will start to reap the benefits of these decisions. The Bible says if we seek first the kingdom of God, all of these other things will be added to us. So I am definitely going to start there. <br />
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In other news, Rebecca's bedroom got a make over and it looks awesome!! I could not be more pleased with how it turned out. I also finally decorated my half bathroom and will be excited to show it off at holiday time. My mom came to town and she helped me with both since she has an amazing gift for decorating and I do not. She also blessed me by purchasing the items for the bathroom. It looks really great. Plus I think I learned a few things while we shopped and am anxious to try out my new skills in another room! The upstairs hallway has also been painted. Goodbye ugly walls!! Now for the foyer to be done. I'm a little terrified of getting up on scaffolding, but I think I am just way to cheap to pay someone hundreds of dollars to do it. We shall see how that works out. <br />
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Well, I guess I will close here. I won't be able to keep those A's if I don't put in the hours of studying. So off I go...I have 7 more muscles of the face to learn tonight!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-24339215854553794942012-09-20T16:46:00.000-04:002012-09-20T16:46:30.553-04:00GlassesI guess it wasn't enough that I found a gray hair a few weeks back, but now I need reading glasses too! The gray hair didn't last long, I promptly called Chrissy and we dyed it the very next day. She helped me pick out a stellar color that as long as they keep making it, I will use it! <br />
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Fast forward a few weeks and several headaches later, I finally went to the eye doctor. I thought the headaches were from stress, but it turns out I needed some reading glasses. The doctor actually said I have a very mild distance sight problem and suggested BIFOCALS...I just looked at him and he must have understood because I got a 3 minute explanation about how lots of people between 35 and 40 are needing bifocals now a days. He ended the education with saying I only needed it if it bothered me because the script is so slight. I am sorry to admit, I am way too vain for that nonsense...bifocals....good grief, what the heck is going to happen at 40?? <br />
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So here I sit with my ever so cute reading glasses thankful that I only need them when I read. I guess if I am just going to study all of the time I should look the part..glasses and all! Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-73881401124297663462012-09-07T17:37:00.000-04:002012-09-07T17:37:35.779-04:00Just Like FishI was cleaning the fish bowl today. No, they aren't my fish and yet I get this joy...I am blessed. Anyway, I put the fish in a much smaller bowl and they seemed really happy just swimming around in there. In the mean time, I cleaned their much bigger and better bowl and put pretty rocks in there. As I tried to get the fish in my little net to put them in the bigger, better bowl, God started to talk to me like He does when I am doing something very NOT spiritual. I got to thinking about how we think life is so grand in our "small fish bowl." We are swimming around doing our thing. And then one day something interrupts our normal and we do our best to fight it and avoid it and try to maintain status quo. What we don't realize, too many times, is that the interruption has the hand of God attached to it. Thankfully He is patient to chase us around the bowl and try different things to get us in the net, just so He can bless us with something so much better than we currently have. I am not sure what my fish thought once they arrived in their clean, bigger home, but I know more times than not, when I finally get in God's net I am blown away by His plan. <br />
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School for me is one of His nets. I know it is where He has me and I sure did fight it for a while. But now that I am there, I am seeing Him working in me in ways I never thought possible. He is showing me more and more about how He made me and the potential He has placed inside of me for my place in this world. As I embrace and step out of my comfort zone I see more and more the impact He has on people through me and I am blown away. I am excited to continue and see what else is in this "bowl" that I am in for now and maybe, just maybe, next time I won't resist because the new place is really, really cool!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-46518423742817380832012-06-10T20:50:00.001-04:002012-06-10T20:50:57.151-04:00Happy/SadRemember the snake from the other day? Well I must say I am pleased to know where he currently resides. You see my friend Chrissy was over and the kids were playing in the pool, again, and I saw my friend the blue jay up by the tree in the back yard. He was doing this weird dancing around thing and then I saw it...this rope like thing strike up into the air toward Blue. Well, that snake messed with the wrong bird! It took about ten minutes but eventually the bird proclaimed victory over the snake near the shed. Slither got pecked to death by Blue and that is kind of sad. The happy part is that I officially know where the snake is as Blue dragged him behind the shed and probably had a feast on the biggest "worm" he has EVER seen!! I was waiting for the crow bullies to show up and steal it, but alas they did not. I can safely walk in the grass again without wondering where I might encounter Slither! Whew. I do, however, feel bad about HOW he died, but if I do what my pastor says and tell 100% truth...I'm so glad he's gone!!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-44010822070003199252012-06-07T17:47:00.000-04:002012-06-07T17:47:57.355-04:00Random Things From the Week<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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Here comes another storm. They have been rolling in every couple of days or so. I love them because they keep the weather at a beautiful temperature, but they make my pool dirty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPzmG2na6pkyE7LXq3-qnjQrE4zwiC36A8v47DoOup5QwlB8jFb-ftH7vw-aMLqbxp6io7ujZ7Lwdi-i74iVt6upN6_6FMt6lpJBfis1NcSAzsYlyYuglwCQ8ZJbSbu6ad1kqJuscksJ_/s1600/IMG_4717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPzmG2na6pkyE7LXq3-qnjQrE4zwiC36A8v47DoOup5QwlB8jFb-ftH7vw-aMLqbxp6io7ujZ7Lwdi-i74iVt6upN6_6FMt6lpJBfis1NcSAzsYlyYuglwCQ8ZJbSbu6ad1kqJuscksJ_/s320/IMG_4717.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is our pool. It serves the purpose of keeping the kids occupied and cool, but it keeps getting filled with stuff flying in the air from the above mentioned storms! That was bugging me until today when we traded storm debris for a snake...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILr_KzlllAKa5P1gRHWGHkWuRUf3e14UJBdmr3eOMX46QmFmvf_YS19Alaf7J6ITxMDXt5Pjkshc0mk8fpcZqLbq4Pf2iXLVEtNM_kQccKC2FMusXVdcxUPqGjN_7QdHTpj0452Wl7FcE/s1600/IMG_4702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILr_KzlllAKa5P1gRHWGHkWuRUf3e14UJBdmr3eOMX46QmFmvf_YS19Alaf7J6ITxMDXt5Pjkshc0mk8fpcZqLbq4Pf2iXLVEtNM_kQccKC2FMusXVdcxUPqGjN_7QdHTpj0452Wl7FcE/s320/IMG_4702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes he freaked me out for a second. But then I got the camera, when he kind of coiled back and stared at me head on, I decided I was too close and backed up a bit and got this shot. He has maybe another inch or so of tail. I will not be going in the grass for the rest of the day because I don't know where he went!</div>
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My birthday was this week and I was so excited to get my first helmet! Ron and I have gone on a few rides together and I am HOOKED!! I see many summer dates exploring back roads on his bike. We are even busy planning a day trip if our rear ends can handle four hours on the motorcycle!!</div>
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This gift was from Reagan! Ryan got me a book and Rebecca got me some pretty pj's. I am really blessed with some thoughtful kids that know my taste so well!!</div>
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These beautiful flowers were also part of birth week. I wish I could add a smell function because these roses are so fragrant!! I just LOVE the color!!</div>
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Here is our garden this year. We have tried to grow stuff every year and it looks like we might finally be successful!! These are two different types of tomato plants and I am so excited how they are thriving. I grew these from seeds started inside!</div>
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Ron built me raised beds and then made these super cool covers with PVC pipe and netting. Keeping all of the wildlife out has brought our blueberry bush back to life and is giving our plants a chance to grow. Thanks to all of the storms I haven't had to water them much!!</div>
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I was excited about these cucumber plants because I grew them from seed, they flowered and then I had to plant them in the ground. However, they started to die. I am please to see that not only have they come back to life, they are flowering again...who knew plants could be so exciting??</div>
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That is our week so far. The kids got out of school today and already spent and hour in their rooms. Not a great start but I think they will get the hang of it!! Well it's pouring rain now and the crew is hungry so I must go...kind of wish I had a plan for dinner!!! </div>Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-56214796313295089692012-01-29T17:48:00.000-05:002012-01-29T17:48:17.018-05:00You Will Be SavedI was considering a passage of scripture the other day. I must confess I am too lazy at this moment to go find it and give the reference, but it is popular enough that you will know it's in there if you read the Bible at all. The verse says something to the effect that those who call on the name of Jesus will be saved. For countless years I have kept that phrase in one tiny,little, box of meaning. That it only meant to be saved from hell. However, the other day I believe that God really opened my mind to what He really meant. <br />
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It was one of those mornings and at 8:15AM I was already stressed out. Taking the advice of a good friend, I closed my eyes and inhaled and exhaled the name of Jesus. The first syllable on the way in and the last on the exhale out. After about 3 breaths I could feel fresh grace pour over me and I went about my day brand new. <br />
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What I had done was call on the name of Jesus and I was...saved. Saved from frustration, saved from a pity party, saved from anger and saved from doing something I would have to ask for forgiveness from later. How small minded of me to think that calling on Jesus would only save me from the number one issue of hell. I can imagine Jesus standing there waiting and waiting, hoping that we will take Him at His word and call on Him so he can save us from all the things that this world throws at us. <br />
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I encourage you that the next time you are anything but full of joy and peace, call on the name of Jesus and allow Him to do what He promised...to save you from whatever you face. He is good, He is faithful and He is quick!! This is one promise I will not let go to waste!!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-30871714686016899622012-01-04T13:57:00.000-05:002012-01-04T13:57:57.123-05:00O Christmas TreeMy Christmas tree has been up for quite some time now. I am just now taking it down. As I was doing so, I starting to think about all the wonder and magic that is present when we put it up as a family and what a chore it is as I take it down alone. A month and a half ago I looked at each ornament and recalled memories. Today I see how many I can take off at one time without any of them breaking. I also started to notice a few...like the angel made out of toilet paper...huh...really? LOL That always brings me to the thoughts of my ever growing children. Like when Reagan declared she only had six years of school left and the ache that promptly starts to form in my chest. I tried to imagine what my tree will look like when everyone is grown and gone. Will it be one that matches and has beautiful decorations all symmetrically placed? I think of how beautiful yet boring that tree would be. <br />
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I can hardly believe this Christmas season has come and gone and here we are starting another year. I feel like it went passed me in a blur and didn't even really "feel" like Christmas. So now as I take down this tree, instead of a chore to be done, I am taking the time to remember the past year and all of its great memories. The ways my family has grown and the individuals in it. I am thankful that at this stage I "get it." Time goes fast and that is helping me really treasure each moment instead of racing from one thing to the next. Yes we are busy, but even in the activity there are moments and like Mary did in the Bible, I hope that I too will tuck these things away in my heart and remember them always. <br />
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I am blessed beyond measure and yet I look forward to this next year with excitement at all God has in store for us. Some things we have gotten a glimpse of and after I put the fear aside I can say I am truly excited. There are other things that haven't been discovered yet, adventures planned, and moments to tuck away. If I have one resolution it is this: to get all I can out of each moment and each day that God gives me. To live in the present and really live this precious life...Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-59997578830823122722011-12-21T23:07:00.000-05:002011-12-21T23:07:57.741-05:00PricelessTuition: $1286.72<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hours spent studying Math alone: 100+</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Earning an A in all three classes: Priceless</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes I am finally done with this term and I got all "A's" the jury is still out as to if I have any sanity left, but I got the grades I needed! I will post of picture of whatever sparkly I buy myself because I totally earned one!! Now I get a break (if you call preparing for Christmas a break) and then it's off to the races again in January. I learned a lot about myself this term and I think being able to achieve that A in math has really helped my confidence soar. I feel like I am more patient with the kids when they are working through something that is frustrating to them. I know what it is like to feel like you are spinning your wheels or that there is no point in what you are doing. It's really hard to explain, I just feel different. Who knows, maybe I actually grew up a little bit. What I do know is that God was with me every step of the way and I am pretty sure I witnessed a miracle on the last test I took before my final exam. I still don't understand that particular section of math and yet I got an A on that test. What was totally cool was working on the final exam and knowing that I did learn something...98% correct of something. Not sure how long that information will stick, but that's OK too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I knew it before in my head, but now I know it in my heart...God desires to be involved in the details of our lives. Even though He knows our thoughts before we think them, it's still nice to be asked or talked to about whatever is on our minds. I know my kids love me, but if I never heard them say it ever again, that would make me sad. I think it's like that with God. That's why He wants us to ask for help, to tell Him that we love Him, because it's nice to be asked and it's nice to hear a person say those things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If every school term has such a profound affect on my life as this one has, I cannot wait to see what I become by the end of this process. God is doing good things, and I for one, am excited about it!</span>Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-3481558955500965302011-11-10T19:27:00.000-05:002011-11-10T19:27:01.377-05:00Bad TimingSo I think at this point it is clear that my picture a day idea is not going to work. Big surprise I am sure. I swear each time I sit in my class I get another huge assignment to do. I think it is finally time to admit that i just can't do everything all at once!<br />
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In happier news, I am currently carrying an A in all three classes, the dreaded math class included. In fact I have to cut this short because I have a math test tomorrow and there is lots to study yet! There is four weeks left and a final exam that breaks down to: Speech: 8 classes left (including the final exam) Sociology: 8 classes and Math: 13 classes...Not that anyone is counting or anything. Hopefully I can finish strong and keep all of these A's.<br />
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The books are calling...Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-4944853067488517532011-11-07T17:49:00.000-05:002011-11-07T17:49:51.839-05:00Mental Picture DayHa! I know that is a total cop-out, but alas all I have time for, so, picture this:<br />
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A stack of books, each one filled with page after page of non-fiction ever educating your tired mind. Next to the books is a stack of paper, waiting to be filled with the knowledge you just absorbed. A steaming cup of coffee, in hand, waiting to be sipped so you are sure to stay awake until all the assignments are complete. However, you must picture yourself walking away from this stack because you still have a 2 hour class to attend. Never fear, when you walk back through the door, that stack will be there waiting to greet you. It's good like that...it learned its ways from the dishes and the laundry. I am sad to report there is no homework fairy either...unless...gasp....I AM the fairy...drat.Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-40087645262043251812011-11-05T20:14:00.000-04:002011-11-05T20:14:34.746-04:00Pony RidesToday my dear friend Chrissy invited us out to a fund raiser at a barn called Trails and Tails. There they had pony/horse rides for the kids and a bon-fire for us to keep warm. Turns out the fire is a double edged sword because although it is toasty while you stand by it, once you walk away the cold feels colder!! At any rate, it was fun to spend some time together. Ryan had a small melt down and Abby bit into a piece of gum and pulled her tooth out! Other than that it was a super fun morning...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSggGtU07jAJK1plfTgH5mlV7qF_z0PLdt3Ohsx4czJg3LFJwq5CPOMdvf1gcSYcDt3QUNN0wbbNRGlPwAeyB9UD66md97j8fh83m8yo9Up0c4cGxjVb_paJnsUJEEj180UOVTvnNaiVZO/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSggGtU07jAJK1plfTgH5mlV7qF_z0PLdt3Ohsx4czJg3LFJwq5CPOMdvf1gcSYcDt3QUNN0wbbNRGlPwAeyB9UD66md97j8fh83m8yo9Up0c4cGxjVb_paJnsUJEEj180UOVTvnNaiVZO/s320/154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rebecca on the pony! She totally wants riding lessons now...her Aunts will be so happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZyr_NhYdE_dAl3aGOSMOHfGaRf022Esaz0DVJNLG451zdNq15ZQDWekU9r8KV_OojD4xdVhHIn_KGFx27TAhbN4pAtecgW2F99LkWNEpPFa8-IHigLnMgo1nj02Be4tc9hZDKCCYu8oX/s1600/155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZyr_NhYdE_dAl3aGOSMOHfGaRf022Esaz0DVJNLG451zdNq15ZQDWekU9r8KV_OojD4xdVhHIn_KGFx27TAhbN4pAtecgW2F99LkWNEpPFa8-IHigLnMgo1nj02Be4tc9hZDKCCYu8oX/s320/155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan on the horse. After a few rides he was telling the lady he could do it himself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankfully she has rules to follow and that wasn't an option.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRe2AptEJmAoDG3I87wEZIXmhIl91PKKGFgSTp5u8Yuobf44qdC_Y8kg1sNnEfuBKgMRmKLMRLCUBj5Cz_ddV74o_9xvLYlk0hFAJo1ifgqJNkgwU4GhQtFxMzL7n_ivKAciLWJRSoLGr/s1600/156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRe2AptEJmAoDG3I87wEZIXmhIl91PKKGFgSTp5u8Yuobf44qdC_Y8kg1sNnEfuBKgMRmKLMRLCUBj5Cz_ddV74o_9xvLYlk0hFAJo1ifgqJNkgwU4GhQtFxMzL7n_ivKAciLWJRSoLGr/s320/156.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chrissy and Abby having some fun together...before the tooth incident!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgz3bxSLOC4gApts2Rel9ubzcDNBjOvSqlWujNo9xeVm4FxA1B1ptHB-9EHFSZ3NaQ06mMPDLFTistTeNdxultNWnNNxldXCJqlU6ik1-tUTlNc-8jurW-pc0SK5Al08rLnAXOgbYTVoJ/s1600/168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgz3bxSLOC4gApts2Rel9ubzcDNBjOvSqlWujNo9xeVm4FxA1B1ptHB-9EHFSZ3NaQ06mMPDLFTistTeNdxultNWnNNxldXCJqlU6ik1-tUTlNc-8jurW-pc0SK5Al08rLnAXOgbYTVoJ/s320/168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abby with her fabulous "I love horses" face paint, taking a lap!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_-kFLuthOrxdviLm0A_QWuk58brqnstv3-rQ4v369DNwr4OXbwNAb3lWVqdPzZ24aZWiwwYNyuR8qjTevzAs4lkqNYT0E3v6pzcPm6rfKfnA2UzOtJyWQ7HKIvOoQgtouhmP5kUC1P0S/s1600/173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_-kFLuthOrxdviLm0A_QWuk58brqnstv3-rQ4v369DNwr4OXbwNAb3lWVqdPzZ24aZWiwwYNyuR8qjTevzAs4lkqNYT0E3v6pzcPm6rfKfnA2UzOtJyWQ7HKIvOoQgtouhmP5kUC1P0S/s320/173.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reagan, who although can completely hold her own on a horse, would rather be lead around than not get to ride at all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The super cool thing about this barn is that their lessons are super affordable. We are hoping in the spring to be able to let both girls take lessons. It was a really fun morning and I am so glad we went. Now I must get back to my homework. The kids are busy so I might actually be able to get through one of these half page math problems without someone interrupting me! Ron is watching TV with the headphones on and he keeps laughing. Every now and then I shoot angry, jealous eyes at the back of his head...stupid math.</div>Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-84350389859291558222011-11-04T23:56:00.000-04:002011-11-04T23:56:52.844-04:00picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP20ATfPAAmoRbHTgR8E5CZ78CwEqzPK9Wn47Nj7vP06S1q6rAYmPLYk4gzrvSGga3P7Uv9zrI-yybpIrirGCtAdJxoG9VpHsG6FjbBauHF8mM7voH6RtaiKaQfvyfJ0nl1clPi8T4ZrTM/s1600/Whale+Tour+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP20ATfPAAmoRbHTgR8E5CZ78CwEqzPK9Wn47Nj7vP06S1q6rAYmPLYk4gzrvSGga3P7Uv9zrI-yybpIrirGCtAdJxoG9VpHsG6FjbBauHF8mM7voH6RtaiKaQfvyfJ0nl1clPi8T4ZrTM/s320/Whale+Tour+%252811%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yikes 6 minutes until tomorrow... I almost missed a picture on day 3 for heavens sake!! This was taken on our whale watching tour off of Cape May, NJ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ2OkJa31Khc5X6aGu6VZuKByJX10GfF9hKnQ1rjMUMdKz9Opf92PETdcTcEkBVr2gEJeZwBmM0eLqPLGizbNGXcsvUb2ipd1wJsBrPXqksePqRJ_JRu8PO3txCnNuiPKAZYGLYWbNI28/s1600/Whale+Tour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ2OkJa31Khc5X6aGu6VZuKByJX10GfF9hKnQ1rjMUMdKz9Opf92PETdcTcEkBVr2gEJeZwBmM0eLqPLGizbNGXcsvUb2ipd1wJsBrPXqksePqRJ_JRu8PO3txCnNuiPKAZYGLYWbNI28/s320/Whale+Tour.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The water of the Atlantic was so smooth on this day, it was amazing. The white water was from our boat but the water in the top of the picture was how calm the rest of it was...really beautiful! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-48242566485310551032011-11-03T19:44:00.000-04:002011-11-03T19:44:26.325-04:00A little bit of fallI wish I could have waited for better light but alas it was kind of a busy day. Here is today's picture: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8P6rgDbXLQmvQb90n8gPXGzrJyflov84Ugy5U9ZuSuBG_oe16cT41ZK7oJdS_A28Y1UqtdKRMrm1D1fWH53hMlvbGERdE-4nmcyOcdwG5LLDuX2ehpeuXFxpphiR7TzvkHB5IDQ6OX9v/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8P6rgDbXLQmvQb90n8gPXGzrJyflov84Ugy5U9ZuSuBG_oe16cT41ZK7oJdS_A28Y1UqtdKRMrm1D1fWH53hMlvbGERdE-4nmcyOcdwG5LLDuX2ehpeuXFxpphiR7TzvkHB5IDQ6OX9v/s320/IMG_3444.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UGhPOEdcLmzwiKgfM1Wbj2zyG5AaTjr6qgkUjEMaeAcmgtD_SyEnM5bMez-tzgpC3H74zXpMBeL_zgEcgs_ju30M_NO8PxrIn99biPOd_5Zx74KTCTHosYlf6cbTKv1cUQFhRjF6xQIV/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UGhPOEdcLmzwiKgfM1Wbj2zyG5AaTjr6qgkUjEMaeAcmgtD_SyEnM5bMez-tzgpC3H74zXpMBeL_zgEcgs_ju30M_NO8PxrIn99biPOd_5Zx74KTCTHosYlf6cbTKv1cUQFhRjF6xQIV/s320/IMG_3445.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are my two favorite trees next to my house. The yellow one can be so much better, as it is more beautiful than it shows in this picture. Behind it is a red tree that is amazing as well. That red tree is right outside a window and when the blinds are open it makes me happy that its the tree leaves that fill the window scene instead of the neighbors house!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The trees in our area have kind of been traumatized by the weather so there aren't too many that bright, brilliant colors. I have really been taking in those that do have the color. One thing I love about this yellow tree is how the yellow leaves pop against the green grass and make a nice yellow tree skirt around the base of the tree!</div>Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-23784487443119574502011-11-02T08:31:00.000-04:002011-11-02T08:31:59.347-04:00A new ideaSo I have been brainstorming how I can combine a few things that I love, into the few short extra minutes I have each day. Today I think I have come up with it...a Picture a Day. We all know that sticking with something for any length of time is not my strong suit, but my goal is to share a picture a day with all of you. Some days may have words, others just the picture, but the idea is for the next year to post at least one picture each day. It combines my love of photography with blogging and helps me put aside the homework for a minute and do something I enjoy. I hope that over the months we will see an increase in the quality of the photos I take and hopefully I can help those who don't live here experience PA. I am sure there will be "people" shots as I do those best, but I am also hoping to capture some of the beauty in the landscape of this place we call home. For today:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtsfaAiF0DfItBCLk5KjNVGZ2J5THdXBt4wuRhkwsyw6yfJvX7BOvWPz6zqS5gCi8kwbDF3_9JV2xvalAuMcQHJZ3E-G2uaujyhGGkmnsYeekp5NTbFBEszeSOQB2OR1NX2XscyODlPTo/s1600/Halloween+2011+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtsfaAiF0DfItBCLk5KjNVGZ2J5THdXBt4wuRhkwsyw6yfJvX7BOvWPz6zqS5gCi8kwbDF3_9JV2xvalAuMcQHJZ3E-G2uaujyhGGkmnsYeekp5NTbFBEszeSOQB2OR1NX2XscyODlPTo/s320/Halloween+2011+%252811%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rusty was so sad that he could not come trick or treat with us. Although I can see that this behavior will destroy my binds, I couldn't resist how adorable he looked. Poor guy felt left out...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w2-mjMdjYr_2tei1q7aYGtHYlfb0pMNTzjy_99U0H5N5sdL1OWJLq4OwQRy-FmTExbGGyDXD5HK8Jx_ZjRTLIJGB5gUiAvEjvnbxC8iA3I_6k1LvZXlnzXrVHLiLMowU_vr97TlpBZrA/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w2-mjMdjYr_2tei1q7aYGtHYlfb0pMNTzjy_99U0H5N5sdL1OWJLq4OwQRy-FmTExbGGyDXD5HK8Jx_ZjRTLIJGB5gUiAvEjvnbxC8iA3I_6k1LvZXlnzXrVHLiLMowU_vr97TlpBZrA/s320/IMG_3440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite thing about this time of year is the beautiful sunrises I get to enjoy out my front window. Next time I hope to have my camera down by the creek as the steam was rising from the water...it had a super cool look to it. </div>Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-4093535334854289802011-11-02T08:20:00.000-04:002011-11-02T08:20:10.437-04:00Snow in October?Just like they predicted we got hit with snow over the weekend. Although I tried to be adult about it and hate it...I loved every minute of it. The kids got their gear on and played, I enjoyed a nice hot drink and watched it fall. It really was the perfect kind of snow...here on Saturday gone by Monday!! It totally put me in the Christmas mood, even though it is a little early for all of that!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqYxo72Tjzi-huuZBzfiIDNMUV58Gb77RoZtCP0LO4uUVQGu9eLJ4LnxMO59K2z2rOIDEgAgsUf9IPnTmzHeedkKC2PgD65rcxQJhIL-KhsKu8po-1Np4g3fNQ8uHILIf3QSFkzeOrihH/s1600/IMG_3436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqYxo72Tjzi-huuZBzfiIDNMUV58Gb77RoZtCP0LO4uUVQGu9eLJ4LnxMO59K2z2rOIDEgAgsUf9IPnTmzHeedkKC2PgD65rcxQJhIL-KhsKu8po-1Np4g3fNQ8uHILIf3QSFkzeOrihH/s320/IMG_3436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6xwDbkZ7wRhNsrRrZ-L0rTgEuksJUK0WbheIbQg2H7wXZsOaElssbgeCE5shLOIWqZQBUUr0zuhd-6ybZU8d8hTD4FgaxX5oD6nhiGzT0FoULLk1kCyXVMtfvBGgPDWaCctIMyL_dzkb/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6xwDbkZ7wRhNsrRrZ-L0rTgEuksJUK0WbheIbQg2H7wXZsOaElssbgeCE5shLOIWqZQBUUr0zuhd-6ybZU8d8hTD4FgaxX5oD6nhiGzT0FoULLk1kCyXVMtfvBGgPDWaCctIMyL_dzkb/s320/IMG_3437.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPssxVtjxf2rWnTDiz2t9NZifX4NWG7tMu8aMRsxIY5j2U9lRDLh4LjWFR2W232MzcByPAplILe8ZXqTMWaRJUFPJ6OqmLO3A3y26VQCbrTdRAjQzuvnlcz_ReYQszXgcLE0k38QGu1viY/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPssxVtjxf2rWnTDiz2t9NZifX4NWG7tMu8aMRsxIY5j2U9lRDLh4LjWFR2W232MzcByPAplILe8ZXqTMWaRJUFPJ6OqmLO3A3y26VQCbrTdRAjQzuvnlcz_ReYQszXgcLE0k38QGu1viY/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>These aren't the best pictures I have ever taken, but you get the idea. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-85026042625491240012011-10-28T13:32:00.002-04:002011-10-28T13:44:35.019-04:00HalloweenHalloween has been on count down since October first. Ever since the calendar turned over to October 1, Ryan has been excited. He was the first to choose a costume and Captain America was his choice. I thought that was an interesting choice since he has never seen Captain America, but who am I to argue. I have to say he had the shield and everything. I thought for sure I would be carrying it by the second house, but he carried it all night. I was informed that he could not fully protect me and keep the peace without his shield!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMAcqb6MYmL2IXo8UAs2Z-aBH-s4DMAuvOb0TJV44aZQEt3SyIUH4gLixb-csOtwaWQaFmEHFZlo13iwh34M58tbTnyJh1e75fNkV2TGCB16PIZC5PHib3M2-FF7IYrjKF9R95ASUMMga/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMAcqb6MYmL2IXo8UAs2Z-aBH-s4DMAuvOb0TJV44aZQEt3SyIUH4gLixb-csOtwaWQaFmEHFZlo13iwh34M58tbTnyJh1e75fNkV2TGCB16PIZC5PHib3M2-FF7IYrjKF9R95ASUMMga/s320/IMG_3419.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Reagan was a chef. I found the white puffy hat at a craft store but was having trouble finding a chef's coat. I lucked out at the community aid center when I found a black jacket with a high collar in the ladies department. It was the perfect fit!Add a white apron and a towel and we had a professional! As a bonus that coat was $2.50!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS-cU3vHIYCklp1u_1ukTzgBFL_q9JEyyXr2ApemBxbBJDvSa-6DfxqB4VcXFysEQO2galC4mtNHfkvDbxBKeBbdN8uNGs-EAR0IxIbpf3qSNQrdCwahPxn53lwfttLikqB1lyqvK4xdN/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS-cU3vHIYCklp1u_1ukTzgBFL_q9JEyyXr2ApemBxbBJDvSa-6DfxqB4VcXFysEQO2galC4mtNHfkvDbxBKeBbdN8uNGs-EAR0IxIbpf3qSNQrdCwahPxn53lwfttLikqB1lyqvK4xdN/s320/IMG_3427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Rebecca wanted to be Miss America (we kinda had an America thing going on this year). At the same Community center I found the most beautiful dress and in her favorite color. As I stood there trying to decide if my limited sewing skills could alter the dress to fit her, a lady walked up to me and said what a beautiful dress it was. I explained to her that it was for my 8 yr old and my concerns. She walked me through exactly what I would need to do to fix it and made it sound so easy. So for $5 Miss America was born. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHdSNqTaBXSbaiITDVpoBsgvDUe8gKeiF-Md9gf4HOYm0qWr_LfTSwZaMN1cQWOHmEcOqhkj4H4ulRrVi4QzEqt4ddMSfDyJRzU7GIlt2By5C7aaDUuD-Ax2XbZIi68HsdElfRXfzZ1uy/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHdSNqTaBXSbaiITDVpoBsgvDUe8gKeiF-Md9gf4HOYm0qWr_LfTSwZaMN1cQWOHmEcOqhkj4H4ulRrVi4QzEqt4ddMSfDyJRzU7GIlt2By5C7aaDUuD-Ax2XbZIi68HsdElfRXfzZ1uy/s320/IMG_3432.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I was a little nervous about fixing Rebecca's dress when I had to go to YouTube to figure out how to thread my bobbin. However, one great video later and I was ready to go. I get everything ready and started to hem the dress and I hear Ron from the other room..."Hey Hon? What's that noise?" I reply, as if it's the most natural thing in the world..."the sewing machine." I am pretty sure I should be offended by the incredulous sound in his voice as he repeated, "sewing machine?" I got that feeling that he was making fun, kind of like I do when something is up with the car and he pops the hood. I always look at him and ask..."whatcha lookin for?" LOL At any rate, I am happy to report I actually did a good job and I am excited as ever to sew more stuff. It's not as hard as I thought....guess that is the story of my life. <br />
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Thankfully the rain stopped just before we went out to trick or treat, but it was still C-O-L-D! Yikes...we froze...we being the adults. As tradition dictates our friends, the Hoffners, came to trick or treat with us. Always a great time. Unfortunately this year their little guy who is Ryan's age wasn't feeling well and his dad took him home. Come to think of it, I think they were the smart ones, all nice and warm inside!! Reagan had two friends join us, so she had a super fun time too. Two hours later and to the bone cold, Halloween 2011 was over, well after the kids each gave me a candy for walking around with them :)<br />
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Tomorrow it is supposed to snow, and no, that is not a typo...I don't mean a few fun snow flakes...it's supposed to SNOW...inches. I am trying to be super adult about it and be irritated by that, but truly I am so excited!! I love snow...I wouldn't mind if the green leaves were off the trees first...it is a little early, oh and none of my kids have full snow gear yet...Other than that...totally excited. I will keep you posted.Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115507102026366817.post-62738798473816156782011-10-24T18:31:00.000-04:002011-10-24T18:31:37.687-04:00What do you want to be?Ryan asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up this morning...so I told him, however, he really only asked me so he could say what he wanted to be. The following conversation went like this:<br />
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Ryan: When I grow up, I want to be a police officer (since we had just past one)<br />
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Rebecca: Well you know you can't just go around arresting people like a crazy person.<br />
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Ryan: You can't?<br />
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Rebecca: No, you have to know the laws!<br />
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Ryan: Oh. Mom? <br />
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Me: What?<br />
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Ryan: You know, if you break the law I will arrest you. <br />
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Me: You would?<br />
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Ryan: No. <br />
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Rebecca: Well whatever, I will be in Japan living the dream.<br />
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Me: Japan? Huh. Well you better start learning to like fish, octopus and squid cuz that's what they eat there. <br />
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Rebecca: Really? Gross. Maybe the dream is in Chile<br />
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I love the car ride conversations. Just another day in paradise!!Ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04047776720381332852noreply@blogger.com2