tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90357608859734015562024-03-12T22:58:59.661-04:00Now Playing...John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-68232642699031351432015-05-01T15:01:00.002-04:002015-05-01T15:01:23.526-04:00Nathan turns threeNathan,<br />
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You are such a little man now. My little baby boy is insistent that he is a "Big Boy" now, and I am proud of all you have become.<br />
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This last year, we moved twice, and you varied in your responses to this. But overall, you were a real trouper. I think the move may have been the hardest on you, at least until school started. You couldn't understand why we were leaving the only home you'd ever known, and then leaving again. First, you kept asking to go back to Florida, then when we packed up again, you were NOT happy. <br />
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Thankfully, you've come to love our new home, and no longer ask about the others.<br />
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The last several months have been all about Batman. You also love transformers, and any other superhero your brothers are raving about, but overall, it's Batman. You can recognize the Batman theme song (any of them) from just two or three notes. You now have three Batman capes, and when you were potty training, the toy of choice you earned was a Batman figure from the dollar store. You even refused to answer to anything but "Batman" for several weeks. The nursery workers at church were better at remembering this than Mommy was, but that didn't stop your insistence.<br />
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You wanted, and got, a Batman cake for your birthday, and you were so excited you took everyone in the house over to the fridge to show it to them. Repeatedly. I can't complain. Daddy's favorite superhero is Batman too. =)<br />
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You want to be big like your brothers. We have almost daily conversations about when you will be big enough to go to school. You know it will be when you're five, but you keep hoping five will come sooner, rather than later. I think you keep asking me, just to make sure I don't forget and you miss the chance. =)<br />
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Your transition from diapers caught me by surprise, but it was a happy surprise. You were refusing to go potty, and then one day you refused to wear diapers, and that was it. Of course, to be fair, the thought of missing out on the father/son campout because you were in diapers might have been a motivator. Either way, you did a great job, and overnight, you became so independent.<br />
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You can dress yourself, you can put on your shoes, you can get your dishes for lunch, and help me set the table for dinner. You are my helper when your brothers are at school and you relish the responsibility.<br />
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I'm also glad that you love to read. Even though your brothers no longer need me to read to them, you will follow me around with a book while I clean until I can sit down and read to you. If Andrew will read to you, it brings you such joy. Your favorites are the David Shannon book, which you have memorized within a day or two of checking them out from the library. Lady got you one of them for your birthday, and you were so excited.<br />
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You love your siblings, playing well with Autumn and Andrew especially, since Timothy is gone to school most of the day. You and Autumn will be quite the partners in crime when she's a little older. I'm almost afraid to picture it. =) And I think you will really miss Andrew in the fall when he's in school all day. (And the questions about when you get to go to school will probably increase tenfold.)<br />
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Most of all, I love your spirit. You are kind, and loving. You give wonderful hugs and kisses, and you are so caring about those around you. You help the new kids in nursery, and when Autumn is crying (As long as you didn't cause it) you do your best to make her laugh again. More than once have I found you in her crib if I don't make it in there when she first wakes up from her nap.<br />
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You are a wonderful blessing, and a special boy. I am so humbled and blessed to be your Mom.<br />
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I love you,<br />
Mom<br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-2049567345088421022015-01-01T20:34:00.001-05:002015-01-01T20:34:28.073-05:00Baby Girls Turns One (belated)Autumn,<br />
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I'm sorry this is almost three months late. Your birthday literally fell in the middle of our move (we were actually in between houses on your special day), and then with the unpacking and everything, Mommy is only just recovering enough to think about blogging. I trust this won't cost you too much in therapy down the road. =)<br />
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Little girl, you have brought so much joy into our lives. You are Daddy's little princess, Mommy's little sweetheart, and so adored by your brothers that sometimes you protest their demonstrations of love. =) When Nathan met you, we weren't sure if he would understand what was happening, but he went right up to you, and declared "Baby. Sister." Then he gave you the first kiss he'd ever given. You two have been best friends ever since.<br />
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The last year has brought a lot of changes for us all, and you have handled them so well, always such a happy little girl. Everywhere you go, you know instantly how to charm people, and aren't afraid of strangers. Considering how many you've met in your short life, that's pretty impressive.<br />
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You have taken your own time about everything, labor, sitting up, crawling, and now you resist Daddy's best efforts to encourage your walking. Although, Lady says I was the same way. Except for the climbing. That one you get from watching your big brothers. =)<br />
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You are into EVERYTHING! If you can reach it, it must be rearranged, removed, or thrown to the floor. Or eaten. You were very proud of yourself the first time you managed to finish off the snacks left on the table. This summer I couldn't install baby locks, so I just had to arrange the cupboards accordingly, and let you have fun. In our new house, I've been able to do the same. It's been a bit messy, it's okay. Almost nothing has been broken. =)<br />
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You also love to talk. You could say Mama, Dada, Ba-ba (Brother), Dog-dog, Ki-cat, 'nack, and bye-bye all by your birthday, and keep adding all the time. I love to watch you read to yourself and hear you jabber away.<br />
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I also have to confess that I'm enjoying finally having some pink in the house. Your brothers play with your stroller almost more than you do, and you are all about their cars, but it's still nice to bring a balance of sorts. =)<br />
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We love you baby girl, and are so grateful for your wonderful spirit your wonderful adorable smile. We'll try not to spoil you too much. Well, I'll try, you have the men in this family firmly under your spell. =)<br />
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Happy Belated Birthday.<br />
Love, Mom<br />
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John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-67637322905921198292014-08-16T14:28:00.004-04:002014-08-16T14:28:45.507-04:00Seven Years...Timothy,<br />
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When did you get so big? I turn around, and you're not a little boy anymore. You're this gangly seven year old who's too big for me to pick up. You wear size two shoes, which means you'll probably have bigger feet than me by the time you're ten. You got a skateboard for your birthday, and you are so smart! My baby is growing up, and as always, we're in uncharted territory.<br />
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This year, you welcomed a baby sister, discovered chapter books, finished first grade, and moved across the country on yet another adventure. If we don't count our summer in Utah, that's four states since you were born. In each one you have adjusted with amazing aplomb and cheerfulness that is so wonderful. We are so proud of you for this and so many other reasons.<br />
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I introduced you to chapter books this spring, and it was as if I'd opened a whole wonderful new world, which is true. =) You found the "Magic Treehouse" series and read all 50-some books in less than two months. If we didn't know where you were, it was a pretty good bet that you were upstairs nose-deep in the latest book. I made extra trips to the library to keep you supplied, and I couldn't have been prouder. I'm so glad that you read, and that you love history so much. You've found several other series that you like since, but you still talk about the things you learned in Magic Treehouse books. When you found out we'd be near Gettysburg now, you made me promise that we'd go see where Lincoln gave his famous address. We haven't made it yet, but we will. =)<br />
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You still love the color blue, and you still want to be a firefighter when you grow up, but you've also found many new loves. If you're not reading, you're probably playing Legos. You got a Star Wars X-Wing fighter for Christmas, and put it together almost all by yourself. It took you most of the day, but you did it. You were so proud of yourself, and rightly so.<br />
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All of your sibling look up to you, each in their own way. To Andrew, you are a best friend and confidante. To Nathan, you are exactly who he wants to be, and he imitates you all. the. time. Sometimes this frustrates you, and sometimes it makes you laugh, but it will continue to happen. Please remember that before you act.<br />
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I'm not sure exactly what you are to Autumn, but I know her face lights up on seeing you, in a way that not even Daddy gets. I can't blame them. You are a pretty cool big brother. I love to see you play with each of them in a way that makes them so happy.<br />
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You are great at helping in so many ways. You like to do chores, as long as it's not cleaning your room, and I need to take more advantage of that. Once we get into our new house, we'll work on a regular chore chart, but for now, thank you for the help you give. <br />
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This year you will be going into Second Grade, and you are super excited. I'm excited too. You will learn new things, and make new friends… and since we're buying a house, hopefully you can keep these classmates for a long time. No more new schools in the foreseeable future.<br />
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Here's to another year ahead, full of wonderful adventures. Happy Birthday my son!<br />
<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-45667227995380755342014-08-03T20:59:00.003-04:002014-08-03T21:01:54.846-04:00Turning 5Andrew,<br />
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And now you are five. I can't believe how you've grown. Yes, I will probably say this every year, but it's true. See?<br />
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This year, you finally got to go to school (Pre-K), and you loved every minute of it. You of course charmed your teachers, and I think they were more sorry than you for the school year to end. You learned so much, and it was a joy to see. The ride home every day was usually all about what you did. Unless you were hungry, in which case you'd plan out your lunch. =)<br />
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By the end of the year, you were reading far above your grade level. You attribute this to Timothy's tutelage, but you had a lot to do with it too. While I have to admit, I miss not reading our way through the library bag, I love to see you and Timothy sitting on the couch each reading your stacks of books. It brings joy to this bookworm's heart. (Apparently so much that I forgot to take pictures.) And you still want to be read to, so I can keep you close a little longer…<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">You are such a great helper too. You have a little sister now, and you are her sworn protector. You only sing the first part of "Rock-a-bye-Baby" because you don't want her to be scared by the second part. You always have time to say hi to her, and snuggle her (even if she's too intent on going places lately to appreciate the latter).</span><br />
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You've had some crazy adventures this year. Some were fun, like a new sister, and moving to a new state. And some were a little scary for Mom and Dad, like that three day hospital stay for your asthma. Thankfully, moving halfway across the country seems to have cleared that up.<br />
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Through it all, you've kept a wonderful and cheerful spirit, charming the hearts of everyone you've met. From teachers, to nurses, to total strangers, everyone loves you. As they should. You have a wonderful spirit, so loving and giving. Never lose that.<br />
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We love you, and we are thankful every day to have you in our family.<br />
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Love,<br />
MomJohn and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-25741673259026780942014-04-20T21:32:00.004-04:002014-04-20T21:32:58.828-04:00Nathan is Two!Nathan,<br />
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And now you are two. You don't really understand this. Until yesterday, "birthday" was synonymous with "Diego Cake." (I blame your brothers for this, and their tendency to plan holidays, in this case, their own birthdays, months in advance.) However, with a present to start the day, strawberry pancakes for breakfast, cake and more presents after lunch, and one of your favorite meals for dinner, I think you've realized there is more to birthdays than just cake. The cake turned out pretty sweet though. You were thrilled. =)<br />
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Nathan, you are a joy and a blessing in our life. Your smile and laugh, your bright mind, and those big blue eyes are just a few of the amazing things about you. You are a happy little man who loves to laugh, and make others laugh. You love to run, to read, to learn. When you're tired, you love your milk and your belly button.<br />
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You have developed your own opinion about clothes, food and well, pretty much everything a lot sooner than your brothers. It's thrown Mommy sometimes, but it's a good thing. This also means you're communicating sooner, or at least trying to. In the last couple of months, your language has really taken off, and it's been so fun to see. Not that you weren't talking before, you're just getting easier to understand.<br />
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In you, Daddy has found his little sports fan. You'll bring him the remote and ask "Watch Hockey?" or "Watch Golf?" Today, you cried when we wouldn't let you take your new golf set to church. You love your Daddy, and want to do whatever you see him doing.<br />
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This last year has brought so many adventures, and you have weathered them with amazing aplomb. We took you on a three day marathon road trip across the country, and until the last half of the third day, you did it really really well. Of course, by that point, we were all done with the car. It wasn't just you. <br />
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While we were in Utah, you learned to walk, and to climb. You proceeded to keep Mommy on her toes, and follow your brothers everywhere you could. Neither of those has slowed down in the slightest.<br />
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You found another outlet for your attention though, when your little sister joined us six months ago. We weren't sure you understood what was going on, but the minute you saw her, our worries were wiped away. You walked right up to her and said: "Baby! Sister!" and gave her a big kiss. You hadn't kissed anyone before that day (not for lack of trying on Mommy's part.) You adore her, and she you. I look forward to seeing your friendship blossom as you both continue to grow. <br />
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I am so grateful that you are in our lives little man. I look forward to the adventures this next year will bring.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0IQhpRu2Vw/U1RtKl5fN6I/AAAAAAAABs8/4_nc2i5hmTQ/s1600/2014-01-21+15.50.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0IQhpRu2Vw/U1RtKl5fN6I/AAAAAAAABs8/4_nc2i5hmTQ/s1600/2014-01-21+15.50.15.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Love,<br />
MomJohn and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-10778330256842819332014-01-02T12:00:00.000-05:002014-01-02T12:31:44.103-05:00A Christmas/New Year Greeting from the Keislings (A Year in Review)<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">A Christmas Greeting from the Keislings
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">It is hard to believe that another year is coming to a close. This year, more than any in a while, has been a whirlwind at
the Keisling house.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUqaXoCQu0c/UsWOcBCi1_I/AAAAAAAABns/bA5sxPK6wKo/s1600/Bath+Tub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUqaXoCQu0c/UsWOcBCi1_I/AAAAAAAABns/bA5sxPK6wKo/s1600/Bath+Tub.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The whirlwind began last year at this time, when Margaret was called
to be the Young Women’s President in our ward. This meant that she
would be in charge of all the youth activities and teaching for all the
girls in our congregation from ages 12-‐18. She has been dedicated to
her calling, and John has tried his best to support her by bathing the
kids and putting them to bed by himself every Tuesday night for the last
year.
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The whirlwind continued into January, when John accepted a summer
job as the Assistant Technical Director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival
in Cedar City, UT. (More about this in coming paragraphs.) In February,
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">we were surprised with the news that another family member would be joining
us, and we began thinking of boy names again. =) (More on that later too.)
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOYdZ_XZwLM/UsWO7aziJJI/AAAAAAAABqs/4wHB1ulAavc/s1600/Milwaukee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOYdZ_XZwLM/UsWO7aziJJI/AAAAAAAABqs/4wHB1ulAavc/s320/Milwaukee.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">In March, John left for a weeklong conference in Milwaukee. While he enjoyed
the conference, he was extremely cold the entire week. Margaret thought this
was justice for leaving a pregnant woman all alone at home with 3 boys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">In April, John finished his 2nd year of graduate studies. We packed about half of
our house in preparation for a summer trip to Utah. The company John was
working for had agreed to provide an apartment for the entire family on top of
his salary. We talked to Timothy’s school about the logistics of pulling him out
early, and once we had that all worked out, we were ready to pull out to Utah on
the 1st of May.
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The original plan was to pull a trailer with our minivan so that we would
have plenty of toys for the boys, and enough of our household items to
make us comfortable for the 10 weeks we would be in Cedar City. After
getting about two hours down the road, our van overheated. After quite
the adventure getting our van towed, we turned around and brought the
trailer back to Tallahassee. (The van was okay, but it wasn’t going to pull
the trailer to Utah.) Thanks to some great friends, we were able to unpack
the entire trailer, and re pack our van with the absolute necessities for our
Utah trip. With a car top carrier on top, and the van packed as full as it
would go, we returned the trailer and got down the road, only 10 hours
behind schedule.
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Thankfully, the rest of the trip to Utah was uneventful. It
was long, but we amazingly still made it to Utah three days.
Our family spent from the 2nd week of May through July 4 in
Cedar City. John worked a lot of hours, and while he was
gone, Margaret and the boys spent time exploring the local
parks. When John was off, we did some hiking, some
sightseeing, and saw some friends we haven’t seen in a
while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">When John’s contract ended in July, we had some time on our hands, so we
made a trek across the country and saw some long lost friends. We were
blessed to be able to spend July 4th with Jen and Jeremiah Bruce. Jen was the
teacher Margaret did her student teaching under. The next day we went to
Salt Lake and visited Temple Square before continuing North to Idaho for an
outdoor wedding reception for some “family” (unintentionally complete with a
huge trampoline to the boy’s utter joy), </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">then on to see Margaret’s roommate
from college, Marnee, and her family. John was amazed by the amount of
potato farms, but the boy’s favorite part was definitely seeing the goats down
the street.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">We left Idaho and headed south. After a quick stop to see our friends
Ty and Cami one last time, we headed south to the Grand Canyon.
We’ve included pictures, but anyone who has been to the Grand
Canyon knows that the pictures don’t do it justice.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnDoy8y4HO8/UsWOw5UFdKI/AAAAAAAABpo/db0Ubb2tOmQ/s1600/DSCN2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnDoy8y4HO8/UsWOw5UFdKI/AAAAAAAABpo/db0Ubb2tOmQ/s200/DSCN2774.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zla731TOYbw/UsWOx2YwuDI/AAAAAAAABp0/FHbZO7aBn3o/s1600/DSCN2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zla731TOYbw/UsWOx2YwuDI/AAAAAAAABp0/FHbZO7aBn3o/s200/DSCN2778.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6u56VQgJe5s/UsWO4kEs3DI/AAAAAAAABqU/kveAijJ3xaU/s1600/DSCN2790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6u56VQgJe5s/UsWO4kEs3DI/AAAAAAAABqU/kveAijJ3xaU/s200/DSCN2790.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi7HMx_-MdY/UsWO2AmrBiI/AAAAAAAABqI/RLppEdaEApw/s1600/DSCN2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi7HMx_-MdY/UsWO2AmrBiI/AAAAAAAABqI/RLppEdaEApw/s200/DSCN2815.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZsfPNtJayE/UsWO04QHOTI/AAAAAAAABqA/aTPl6gksdfQ/s1600/DSCN2784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZsfPNtJayE/UsWO04QHOTI/AAAAAAAABqA/aTPl6gksdfQ/s200/DSCN2784.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">After Arizona we headed for Texas, where we spent about a week with Grammy (John’s mom.) After two weeks on
the road, we finally made it back to Tallahassee, where in August, Timothy started 1st grade, Andrew started Pre-‐K and
John started his 3rd and final year of graduate school. (And Nathan tried to go along)</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iosVXh9QO60/UsWO3-ZzAcI/AAAAAAAABqQ/yfaw1PdbA-o/s1600/DSCN2944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iosVXh9QO60/UsWO3-ZzAcI/AAAAAAAABqQ/yfaw1PdbA-o/s320/DSCN2944.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">In September, John headed back to Texas to attend his grandfather’s funeral.</span><br />
and i<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">n October our family was blessed with our newest member.
Autumn Elizabeth joined us on the 12th of October. She is
amazingly beautiful, and John has been wrapped around her finger
since the day she was born. Lady (Margaret’s mom) came to help
out for two weeks after the baby was born.
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">November brought us Thanksgiving where we once again hosted the graduate students who couldn’t make it home for
the holiday, and now we’re into December.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Margaret is busy being a mother of four beautiful children and the Young Women’s President. When she has time, she
relaxes by playing with yarn, but that time is rare these days. John is working on applying for jobs and doing his thesis
project. He is the Technical Director for Spamalot. His favorite piece of scenery is definitely the 13 foot tall rabbit. John
is also teaching the 16 and 17 year old Sunday school class at church.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Timothy has lost all four of
his front teeth since June.
We told him that he was
going to make the tooth
fairy go broke. He is
becoming an avid reader,
and can usually be found
curled up with a book.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Andrew loves Pre-‐K and
may have his teacher
wrapped around his little
finger... He loves to sing to
his little sister, although he
steadfastly refuses to sing
the second half of “Rock-‐A-‐
Bye-‐Baby” because it might
scare her.
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Nathan is growing so fast,
and loves to do anything his
big brothers do. When
they’re not around, he’s
pretty sure he should be
eating or drinking milk. All.
Day. Long. He loves his baby
sister so much, and he is
learning how to be gentler
in displaying his love.
Autumn still spends a lot of h</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">er day sleeping. I have it on good authority that her favorite thing to do is to
spit up all over her daddy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">If all goes as planned, John will be graduating this coming May, and the
Keisling family will be moving on to our next adventure. However, as we
celebrate our last Christmas season in Tallahassee, we are amazed at how
blessed our family truly is. We hope that this Christmas season finds our
family and friends with as much to be thankful for as we have in this past
year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">God Bless you each and every one, and may he ever keep you in his care.
John, Margaret, Timothy, Andrew, Nathan, and Autumn </span><br />
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John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-57266107149391447872013-08-22T21:21:00.001-04:002013-08-22T21:21:26.753-04:00Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We finally made it to Texas and Grammy's house, where the boys joyfully reunited with Harley</div>
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Enjoyed Daddy's belated birthday cake<br />
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And took in the Zoo.</div>
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(Elephants and Penguins are now Andrew's favorite animals. )<br />
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They had a great bird exhibit, where you could feed the birds. Practically had them eating out of their hands. So cute. =)<br />
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We visited Dallas, and saw the Dallas firefighter's museum. All kinds of antique fire engines, and the boys got to "Drive" them. A great way to spend the afternoon. =)<br />
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But after all that adventuring, it's good to be home. =)</div>
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-31065421107688086262013-08-22T21:07:00.002-04:002013-08-22T21:07:58.375-04:00Big Hole in the Ground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After our whirlwind weekend, there was one more stop before heading back east: The Grand Canyon. We'd seen pictured before, but they just didn't do it justice. Neither do these. It was absolutely breathtaking.</div>
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They had a junior ranger program, which the boys go all excited about. They had to find things like squirrels, condors, and all kinds of rocks. One bigger than they were. That seemed to be their favorite part. =)</div>
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They attended a park ranger story time</div>
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Saw some Native American Hoop Dancers</div>
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And took lots of pictures<br />
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Nathan got tired of the pictures, but he was happy to show me his belly button (New word of the week)<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Finally, they earned their junior ranger badges, and were officially sworn in. So proud. =)<br />
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All that rangering can wear a fella out. =)<br />
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Daddy and Mommy stopped for a few more views before we left for good.<br />
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Amazing day. So glad we took the time to stop. </div>
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-82881651397573319472013-08-22T20:45:00.000-04:002013-08-22T20:45:43.963-04:00Starting home, and seeing friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
John's contract ended on July 3rd, so we packed up the van (Once again, amazing how tightly we fit everything...) and headed north for a whirlwind tour before heading home. We spent the 4th with a good friend from my student teaching days, and the boys had a blast with their boys, and of course the pyrotechnics that went along with the holiday. I don't think they got a lot of sleep that night. =)</div>
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The next morning we took them up to Salt Lake to see temple square. Their favorite parts seemed to involve water.<br />
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The view wasn't bad either.<br />
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We got a family photo on the steps of the temple. Almost at the very spot John and I took a photo the last time we visited, the day after our wedding. (And sadly, I can't find the picture. Oh well)<br />
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Of course, my little clowns had to post for some shots on their own. =) </div>
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By the time we left temple square, they were pretty tired, from the excitement, and I'm sure the lack of sleep the night before. </div>
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OUr next stop was in Poccatello Idaho, and the wedding reception of a good friend. A "little brother" of ours. The boys' favorite part was the trampoline nearby. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">But they did leave it occasionally. </span><br />
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After the reception we continued north to Rexburg Idaho to see a dear friend and old roommate, Marnee. Our boys had a blast together, and we even got a few posed shots for posterity.<br />
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Well, as posed as you get with 5 small boys. =)</div>
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And here's Marnee and I. It's been too long in between visits. We need to fix this. </div>
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As we left Idaho behind, we stopped briefly in Logan to show the boys where we were married. They thought it was great. Such a beautiful, peaceful place...<br />
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Our last stop in Utah was in Provo, and one last posed shot with Ella and Lily. Once again, we tried... =)</div>
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John and I also got an unplanned tour of the ER and Labor and Delivery at the local hospital. Diagnosis: Kidney stones and a UTI. Yeah... That's what you want on a road trip... On the bright side, that was the shortest ER visit we've ever had. And, I finally started to feel better. =)</div>
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John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-43261796672277061892013-08-22T20:11:00.002-04:002013-08-22T20:46:04.220-04:00Mountain Hiking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">One Saturday, since it was too hot to do much else, we escaped up the pass and went hiking in the mountains. Timothy was thrilled! I found a few trails that were advertised as family friendly, and easy enough for small children, and off we went. </span></div>
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The first one was pretty flat, and was more of a forest hike. It led to an overlook where we could see all the way to Zions National Park. Pretty, but not quite what we'd had in mind. It did boast some bristlecone pines that were supposedly some of the oldest trees in the area. </div>
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The next trail was Cascade Falls Trail. This one was full of breathtaking views, which I didn't capture fully because I was too worried about a certain 5 year-old falling off the mountain. We finally reached a compromise where he didn't roam too far ahead (Farther than I wanted, but...) and I admitted that he was big enough to be careful. We made it to the falls without incident. </div>
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The falls weren't really big, but apparently they were created from a crack in the bottom of Navajo lake nearby. Still, the views made it worth the trip. And, Mommy learned about loosening the apron strings... =)<br />
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John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-63584456963184906742013-08-11T22:33:00.003-04:002013-08-11T22:33:53.493-04:00St George<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>One weekend, we took advantage of a rare Saturday that John had off and went down to St George UT, about 45 minutes south. The difference in altitude was about 1500 feet, so the temperature was much warmer. It was hot, but we had fun. </i></div>
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<i>We found a place called Pioneer Park, just above the city. It was advertised as family friendly and good for small children. It was right. We found a few places to hike, and the boys loved it. The first place we stopped had a small canyon of sorts, and was much cooler than the rest of the park. It was a nice place to start. </i></div>
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<i>Andrew wasn't so sure about climbing up the crevice though. He was content to check out the dirt floor for a while.</i></div>
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<i>John found a place to scale to the top, and I had to work to keep Timothy from following right behind. </i></div>
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<i>Then we found a place to climb and overlook the city. It wasn't too had of a climb, but challenging for the boys, who bravely pressed on.</i><br />
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<i>It was totally worth it. =)</i><br />
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<i> And of course, we had to check out every "cave" we found. =)</i><br />
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<i>Bonus Pic. Love this one. =)</i><br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-67206670708279117112013-08-11T21:52:00.003-04:002013-08-11T21:58:33.673-04:00More Summer Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>So... This is way overdue, but here's the beginning of my catch-up posts from the summer. </i></div>
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<i>Daddy's schedule took off, and we didn't see him much the second half of the summer, but we kept busy in many ways. Nathan enjoyed the lack of baby locks...</i></div>
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<i> Learned how to climb....</i><br />
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<i>And how to walk!</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyrxAvuGf-dAbc466MEhjyrwjwMplVXEAWorZEKzZVkndI14UaZVtmcoMYL_SeDijMXRn6MEvXWkt0KmjwcsA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<i>We did take advantage of every moment we did have with Daddy</i></div>
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<i>Someone lost his first tooth! =)</i><br />
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<i>We found more parks</i></div>
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<i>And a lake. (A very cold lake)</i></div>
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<i>And when we could we ran away and reunited with friends</i></div>
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<i> There was also a lot of this...</i><br />
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<i>Apparently not having bunk beds, or a lot a toys, let to some creative moments. Thankfully, more of them involved mattresses, and only a few involved flooding the bathroom. ... At least once I turned off the sink in their room. =)</i></div>
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<i> We took them to see the Greenshow at the festival. Outdoors, and kid friendly. They loved it. Nathan was entranced. He was glued to the stage for the whole 40 minutes. It's good to know we're raising them right. =)</i><br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-78184715597339178322013-05-19T23:40:00.002-04:002013-05-19T23:42:04.088-04:00Let the Summer adventures begin!<i style="text-align: left;">(So, in the last year, I've discovered exactly how much more time 3 kids takes. I've managed birthday blogs, but that's about it. I need to do better, so here's my first attempt.)</i><br />
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<i>We've successfully survived John's second year of Grad School (Only one more to go!), and Timothy had a great year in Kindergarten, and Andrew is very excited to start pre-k next year. But that's in the fall. For now, we're on a grand adventure. </i><br />
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<i>Utah Shakespeare Festival offered Daddy a summer job, so right around the first of May, we loaded a trailer and headed off on our 3-day trek to southern Utah. Unfortunately, we got just over an hour down the road when the transmission overheated and we were stuck on the side of the road. One tow truck ride and a few hours at the mechanic later (Not to mention a scared dog who pooped in the van, and then ran off at the mechanic) we were grateful to discover nothing was permanently damaged. But, we were advised to return the trailer. So, back to Tallahassee we went (very slowly).</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Not everyone was upset with the breakdown.</i></td></tr>
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<i>Thankfully we had some wonderful friends who came over and helped us unload the trailer, and pack the van to the gills. We had to leave our kitchen supplies and big stuff like the bikes and tools, but we were able to get an impressive amount of stuff in the van, and our little cartop carrier. (Note to self, check amazon for a bigger one for the way home...)</i><br />
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<i>Tallahassee Goodbye, Take Two. </i><br />
<i>We left Tallahassee late that afternoon, and didn't make it as far as we planned, but were very grateful for a cousin in Baton Rouge with a spare bed and a generous heart. </i><br />
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<i>The next day we made it to Grammy's for lunch, and left Harley with her. Our apartment doesn't allow pets, so Grammy kindly agreed to let him keep her company this summer. </i><br />
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<i>After lunch, we got on our way again, shooting for Albuquerque that night. Thankfully the car ran smoothly, and this was the most unusual thing we saw that day. </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not what you expect to see at a rest stop, but it was nowhere West Texas...</i></td></tr>
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<i>Day three was a shorter day, thankfully, and we got into some beautiful scenery. The Vermillion Cliffs were an unplanned stop, but after 2 1/2 days in the car, a necessary one. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Someone finally succumbed to the tires of travel</i></td></tr>
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<i>We finally reached Cedar City Utah at the end of day three, and spent a day in a (surprisingly roomy) hotel room while Daddy had his first day of work, and our apartment was cleaned. Monday night, we moved in, and are settling into a nice routine. </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First meal in our summer digs</i></td></tr>
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<i><br />Daddy works from 7:30am to 7pm 4 days a week, but gets off at 5 on Fridays. Most nights, this is the scene that greets him. They love their Daddy. </i><br />
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<i>While Daddy's at work, we're busy exploring. We've discovered the library, and 4 different parks. Our favorite is Park Discovery. This park is ridiculously cool. It was apparently designed with the input of nearly 8000 children, and it shows. Dinosaur Dig Pits, a space rocket, 2 boats, and all kinds of slides and things to climb on. </i></div>
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<i>We hope to see more sites soon, maybe even some canyons. But for now, We're just enjoying the adventure. </i></div>
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John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-28410478191216092862013-05-19T22:54:00.004-04:002013-05-19T22:54:45.762-04:00Happy First Birthday Nathan!<i>(This is a little overdue, but I still wanted to make sure I did it.)</i><br />
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<i>Nathan,</i><br />
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<i>Your arrival was quick and definite. I was expecting a longer labor after your brothers, but as it was we only made it to the Birth Cottage 40 minutes before you were born. Good thing we didn't wait any longer. On the other hand, at 9 pounds, 4 ounces, I'm glad you didn't wait any longer either. =)</i><br />
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<i>Everyone was so excited to meet you, Timothy probably had the biggest smile though. Since then, you two have always had a special bond.</i><br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CTqtmuXW1Eg/UZmCOXfttNI/AAAAAAAABFA/LoQxmW191hU/s1600/DSCN1536.AVI"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D35881a071dc8b0f2%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1371606842%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D85984000AAEE62ECB9785F8DF158BAB1453DEC0C.40A6D2D72C56F12371C5A130CAE36E253755CC04%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D35881a071dc8b0f2%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1371606842%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D85984000AAEE62ECB9785F8DF158BAB1453DEC0C.40A6D2D72C56F12371C5A130CAE36E253755CC04%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PW6VS2MPhMo/UZmDQTvhiaI/AAAAAAAABC8/MXk-F1E4sGw/s1600/DSCN1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PW6VS2MPhMo/UZmDQTvhiaI/AAAAAAAABC8/MXk-F1E4sGw/s320/DSCN1571.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div>
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<i>Your first year with us has been so much fun. You have always been such a happy baby, and so alert. From the beginning, you have been taking in your world, especially your big brothers. Timothy is the coolest thing in your world, and Andrew isn't too far behind, although there has been a little "attention tension" at times. =)</i><br />
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<i>Daddy has been around a lot this year, at least while you're awake, and you have loved it!</i><br />
<i>Dad-da was your first word, and who you took your first steps for. (Steps you've since refused to take again)</i><br />
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<i>Mommy has a special place too. The last few months have been very much about Mommy, and no one else if she's around. You love it when strangers coo, but lately, no one better get too close.</i><br />
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<i>Everyone compliments your eyes and your hair, which is only right. They are beautiful. If you ever get a sister, I hope she gets your hair. However, no one can top your smile. It brightens my day every time.</i><br />
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<i>I love to watch your expressions as you discover the world around you. You're into everything right now, but Mommy has gotten a lot more mellow the third time around. Messes can be cleaned. Your brothers don't always feel the same way I do, but they're learning to keep their things out your reach.</i><br />
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<i> Happy Birthday Little Man! I can't wait to see what the next year brings for you!</i><br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-49724216008928621382012-08-11T14:42:00.000-04:002012-08-17T06:56:52.785-04:00You are 5 now...<i>My firstborn turned 5 this weekend. It's absolutely crazy. The past 5 years have taken us through 3 different states, and so many adventures, but parenthood has been the best adventure of all.</i><br />
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<i>Timothy,</i><br />
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<i>You have gone from a sweet adorable baby that I never wanted to leave, to this big boy that I still don't.</i><br />
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<i>You're now a big brother twice over, and such a good one. You have your moments of "oldest child syndrome," but you're learning to let Andrew have his own voice too. I'm sure you will help him learn to allow the same for Nathan.</i><br />
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<i>Both of your brothers adore you. Nathan's eyes will follow you more than any other person, and Andrew usually wants to do or have the same as you, even if it's not what you want. =) But you are a great helper to both your brothers. You help Andrew brush his teeth every night, and just the other day, when I got out of the shower, I found you comforting Nathan who had awoken and was crying.</i><br />
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<i>I love your imagination and enthusiasm for everything. You have a sweet sensitivity that I pray you never lose. I you will always remember that tears are okay sometimes, and that you will never forget to show love to those around you. Your hugs every morning are the best way to wake up, even when I don't want to get up yet. =)</i><br />
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<i>Next week I will be waking you up as you head for Kindergarten. Kindergarten! You'll be gone all day, and I think I'm more nervous than you are. You haven't been away from me for that long since you were a baby and I had to leave you to go to work. I know you'll do fine though. You are so excited to meet your new friends, to see what new things you will learn, you don't have room to be nervous. That's okay. That's how it should be. =)</i><br />
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<i>For your birthday this year, we agreed to have friends and throw a party outside the family. You'd been planning it for months, as each of your friends turned 5, and had so many ideas. You did settle on a Captain America cake, since he's your current favorite super hero. I think the cake turned out pretty well.</i><br />
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<i>Sadly, the rain kind of interfered with our plans for a pool party, but our friends the Stones who had been gracious enough to invite us to use their pool, also opened their home and we had fun inside also. There was some swimming by the hardy souls, so I think everyone was happy.</i><br />
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<i>Even though you love Captain America, you still want to be a firefighter. Captain America was a long time ago, firefighters are now. Although, since you found out that you can get paid to set off fireworks, there may be a secondary career aspiration in the works. =) </i><br />
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<i>Then there's your ongoing Star Wars obsession. I think I'm okay with that one too. =)</i><br />
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<i>Timothy, my wish for you this year is that you will grow and learn as much as you can. Not just as school, but everywhere. Don't leave your learning at the door. I pray that I can continue to teach you as well. I have so much that I want you to learn, but mostly I want to help you grow in the Lord. He will guide you throughout your life, especially when your father and I can't be there. Listen to that still small voice, and you'll be okay. He loves you more than we ever can. </i><br />
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<i>I love you Timothy David. </i><br />
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<i>"I'll love you forever</i></div>
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<i>I'll like you for always</i></div>
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<i>As long as I'm living</i></div>
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<i>My baby you'll be"</i></div>
John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-15732396135806032452012-07-31T22:34:00.001-04:002012-07-31T23:24:06.981-04:003 Years of AndrewMy dear little man,<br />
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Today you are three. You are so excited about it too. This is the first birthday that has really meant anything to you, and it has been fun to watch you experience it.<br />
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You wanted a Curious George cake, and while Mommy is not a professional decorator, you seemed very happy with the results. The fact that it was a banana cake probably didn't hurt. =)<br />
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We celebrated a day early, since Mommy and Daddy had scout stuff to go to on your actual day, but since you got your whole birthday to play with your presents, you didn't seem to mind much. It's hard to say if you liked the parrot puppet or the Marbleworks better, but they're both providing hours of fun, along with your other little presents.<br />
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You have changed so much in the last year. When you turned 2, you still weren't speaking much, content to let your big brother do most of the talking. Now, you are just as talkative as he is, and say the funniest things. I love seeing how your mind works. One of my current favorites is the way you say "our" instead of "we." " ("Our had hotdogs for dinner") We try to correct you, but you persevere. I figure it will work itself out. =)<br />
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It has been fun to have just "Mommy and Andrew time while Timothy has been in school this year, but it has also been nice to see you just have Andrew time. You announce that you want to play in your room, and off you go. Sometimes I sneak up there and eavesdrop. The things you play show off your wonderful imagination, and I love it.<br />
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Your big brother is your best friend, and while you will usually follow his lead, you aren't afraid to let your opinion be known. Watching you play together has made some of my dearest memories.<br />
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You are a big brother yourself now, and such a good one! You love to help Mommy entertain Nathan, you tell me when he's crying, and you love to show him off to everyone we meet.<br />
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You are very independent these days, which is so fun to see. "Me do it" is a very familiar phrase. Yet you still love to cuddle, especially when you're tired. May you never grow out of that.<br />
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When we ride in the car, you point out all the landmarks that you know. When we would take Timothy to school, Mommy was treated to a litany every day: "Stephanie's school!" "Ice Cream Store!" (This one is still very important) "Bank!" "Winn Dixie!" "Gas Station!" "Karen's School!" "Publix!" "Timothy's School!" (Stephanie & Karen being the big sisters of our carpool mate) You also like to play "Rollercoaster" in the car. Tallahassee has some nice hills, but I didn't think they were that steep until you and your brother invented this game. For never having even seen a roller coaster, you do a pretty good impression.<br />
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You've also proved yourself quite the ladies' man this year. Not among your peers, but among Daddy's fellow students, and the teenagers at church. Karen, your 14 year-old babysitter may be your favorite person outside the family, but that didn't stop you from also making valentines for the girls in Daddy's program. Those baby blue eyes, and that smile, who can blame them for melting?<br />
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Andrew, you are a wonderful little man, and I am so glad you're in our family. You are such a blessing to all of us. Happy Birthday my Son!<br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-64900333013935853242012-06-10T17:40:00.000-04:002012-06-10T17:40:00.767-04:00Graduation: I'm a big boy now!A few weeks ago, Timothy had his Pre-K graduation. I still haven't figured out exactly why there are so many graduations in the younger grades, but it was still cute, and he was very very proud.<br />
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Timothy has been attending pre-k in the afternoons this year. I couldn't have been happier with his school. It was a small school, a small class, and he just thrived. Sadly, it's a private school, and other than the 1/2 day pre-k, it's out of our price range. New school is on the horizon for the fall. It's sad to leave such a great environment, but Timothy says he's looking forward to making new friends.<br />
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Anyway, the Pre-K graduation was held an afternoon about a week before the end of the school year, and was short and sweet. Perfect for a bunch of 4 and 5 year-olds. They came out for a short skit, poem and song...<br />
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Then they went inside and changed into their little caps and gowns. I thought they looked adorable, but Andrew thought they were wearing rain coats. A comment that drew several chuckles from the audience. =)</div>
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Timothy was so proud to get his diploma, and struggled to understand that his rolled-up yellow paper wasn't really his diploma. Once he got his "real" one, he was okay.<br />
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We are very proud of our little man, who has<br />
learned so much, building on what I'd already tried to teach him, and went even further. He can write his name, and as long as I help him with spelling, he can write pretty much anything he sets his mind to. He's not reading yet, but he's close. He works on words constantly. (I personally do all I can to encourage a similar obsession with books to my own.) He's also putting 2 and 2 together, and always tells me about all the other things he's learned. Weather, bugs, you name it. And my favorite part? He's always showing his brother what he's learning. I love to watch that. =)<br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-27771717240998380372012-06-09T22:11:00.002-04:002012-06-09T22:32:04.448-04:00And Baby Makes 3... boys that is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, it's seven weeks overdue, but here's the story:<br />
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On
Thursday, April 19, 2012, Nathan James Keisling joined us. He was 9
pounds, 4 ounces, 21 inches long, and absolutely adorable.<br />
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After
the last two labors, we were expecting this one to take a while too.
Maybe not eight hours, but when my contractions started coming fast and
hard, I figured we had time. I finished making dinner, we fed the boys
quickly, took them to a friend's house for the night, and arranged to
arrive at the Birth Cottage at 8pm. After a quick labor, and the most
comfortable I've ever had (As far as labor can be "comfortable" anyway),
Nathan was born at 8:40. Good thing we got there when we did. =)<br />
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The
entire experience at the Birth Cottage was wonderful and unhurried, yet
we still slept in our own beds that night. Our friends kept the boys
until Saturday, but they did bring them over for a short peek at their
new baby brother. Timothy was so excited, we thought his face might
crack.<br />
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Andrew was a little unsure at first, but within a
few days, he was right on board. He kept saying "I hold him on Sunday
after church" Right after church on Sunday, he proclaimed that he was
now ready to hold the baby. And he did. Checking out all little
brother's features, and asking me about each one. He's pretty much been
in love since. <br />
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At first, there was a lot of sleeping, and thankfully I had some great help
from John and my Mom the first few weeks.<br />
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Since then we've been adjusting to 5
people in the family instead of four. The boys and I
have been slowly rebuilding our routine, and seem to have found a good rhythm. We haven't made it to
playgroup again yet, but I blame the weather for that one. But, there's always a new baby to interact with... <br />
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Nathan
has grown like a weed, and is a sweet happy baby. He will cry for
hunger or when needing a diaper, but he's very alert, and loves to watch
and interact. He watches his brothers play, he coos at the baby in the
mirror, and loves it when people talk to him. I'm still trying to catch a
good smile on camera, but we have seen plenty of them when the camera's
now around. At 14 pounds, he he's no lightweight, but we think he's
pretty cute.<br />
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Now if he'll just stop outgrowing his carseat... =)<br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-78609803086587223952012-05-13T20:03:00.002-04:002012-05-13T20:09:53.778-04:00Spring Happenings<i>So.... between a lack of energy and motivation (due mostly to being hugely pregnant), and the general business of becoming not pregnant (There's a baby! Yay!) my blog and journal have both become sadly neglected. Here is a sad attempt to partially catch up.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><i>The first weekend in March, was the Father/Son campout at church. John bravely decided to take both boys, who couldn't be more thrilled. They started out nearly jumping out of their skins in excitement, and came home the next afternoon utterly exhausted. But once they had a bath and a short nap, they were ready to tell me all about it. They got to cook out, sleep in a tent, go fishing, and helped with a service project before they came home. John says that AJ needs to be potty trained next time, but other than that, it went very well. </i></span></div>
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<i>About a month later, John talked his very pregnant and uncomfortable wife into family trip to a FSU baseball game. It wasn't too bad. It was an evening game, so it wasn't too hot, and the boys had so much fun! There was a rain delay, and the stadium cleared out about halfway through, leaving the boys lots of room to watch the game, and even join in the heckling of the opposing pitcher. They kept hoping to catch a fly ball, but I didn't have the heart to tell them that the net overhead was preventing that....</i><br />
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<i>The next day we met at the church to help with the cub scout service project. They were washing chairs. T was very helpful and intent. AJ... well, there were bubbles and water. And thankfully a towel to dry him off at the end. =)</i><br />
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<i>Just before Easter, we spent a day at the beach. It was beautiful, and we all had a great time. There was a few moments of panic when Andrew took off into the surf alone, and I pulled my groin running to pull him out, but no one was hurt. And he now has a much safer appreciation of the surf. Hopefully that will last the next time we go... I'm also glad no one has evidence of my mad dash. 9 months of baby in my womb I'm sure made quite a sight....</i><br />
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<i>The next week, Timothy's school had a family field day, and we went to that too. We didn't last the whole time, since it was pretty hot, (April in FL, go figure) but we had fun. The boys threw beanbags, races in sacks, and did the obstacle course. Over, and over, and over...</i></div>
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<i> Oh, and there was a free football game. Spring scrimmage. Probably the only one I will take small children to, but it was a fun family time. Good to get all those family activities in before.. Well, that's for the next post. =)</i><br />
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<br />John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-72194555070133991422012-03-15T20:21:00.000-04:002012-03-16T20:53:10.076-04:00Prepping for BabyFor my part, baby prep started out as quite a long list, but I've whittled it down, and feel like I can finish before he comes. <div><br /></div><div>In addition to ours, I've had several friends having babies as well, so I made 3 baby blankets, and have one left. I was waiting for my niece/nephew to find out what color to make the last blanket. My nephew arrived this week, so I can whip up something for him. I just have to settle down and pick a pattern. =) But, here are my efforts to date:</div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0Pj0sUoNQI/T2FSkm5pGZI/AAAAAAAAA1o/Csa6E8pfhQo/s320/DSCN1408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719943790608325010" /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w49C8i1okP4/T11buyoUIbI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/1N9_iqvV-kM/s1600/DSCN1378.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w49C8i1okP4/T11buyoUIbI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/1N9_iqvV-kM/s320/DSCN1378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718827961253372338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5THtoUtqYA/T11bvVNUIzI/AAAAAAAAA1c/a3e7Ckul-kQ/s1600/DSCN1384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5THtoUtqYA/T11bvVNUIzI/AAAAAAAAA1c/a3e7Ckul-kQ/s320/DSCN1384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718827970535367474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've also decided to go the cloth diaper route, since last time I had 2 in diapers it got pretty pricey. I convinced John to let me try, did my research, and took some of our tax return for the initial investment. I decided to go with Pocket Diapers since the actual mechanics of changing them wasn't that unlike disposables: You stuff the middle with an absorbent insert at laundry time, and then just put it on when changing. Even John agrees they're not too bad. =) Andrew loves them, and they're adjustable to fit both boys. </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgUFQEkrQqk/T2FUIBhAbAI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/u2fD8CnmUIU/s1600/DSCN1406.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgUFQEkrQqk/T2FUIBhAbAI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/u2fD8CnmUIU/s320/DSCN1406.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719945498559802370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0f_xn_wb_0/T2FSmMiemII/AAAAAAAAA2M/D0wR0vSRKTc/s1600/DSCN1404.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0f_xn_wb_0/T2FSmMiemII/AAAAAAAAA2M/D0wR0vSRKTc/s320/DSCN1404.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719943817891584130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>Plus, and I never thought I'd say this (then, I never thought I'd go the cloth route either), but aren't they cute?</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ygJ07nw7Ow/T2PfxG36API/AAAAAAAAA2w/UnZ-Y53pf5M/s1600/DSCN1420.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ygJ07nw7Ow/T2PfxG36API/AAAAAAAAA2w/UnZ-Y53pf5M/s320/DSCN1420.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720661986442346738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQclJFl8Syw/T2PfwiGxCQI/AAAAAAAAA2k/477oSnpkc9E/s1600/DSCN1419.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQclJFl8Syw/T2PfwiGxCQI/AAAAAAAAA2k/477oSnpkc9E/s320/DSCN1419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720661976572561666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>From deciding on cloth diapers, with all my research, it wasn't that much of a stretch to decide on cloth wipes as well. I usually bundle up the wipes in the diaper, and that won't work so well with disposable wipes. I had some old flannel sheets, so I found some DIY instructions, and started cutting them into squares. I borrowed a sewing machine, and ended up with about 80-something wipes. That should last me quite a while... =) Andrew loves them, and complains when they're not handy and I grab the disposable wipes. I need to set up a better station upstairs, but I'll get there. It wasn't a complicated sewing project by any means, but I'm still pretty proud of it. </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Vm9v_TKUU/T2FSlJfMpjI/AAAAAAAAA10/B9hmKlVCHJw/s1600/DSCN1401.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Vm9v_TKUU/T2FSlJfMpjI/AAAAAAAAA10/B9hmKlVCHJw/s320/DSCN1401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719943799892649522" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvabsmYAN2o/T2FSllPjlpI/AAAAAAAAA2A/_nKICDEDicM/s320/DSCN1400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719943807343236754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I still need to finish putting the baby's room together, but it's slowly becoming a reality. John's got the furniture set up in there, so I just need to finish putting everything away. But like I said earlier, I've got a few weeks. Now to find a carseat.... =)</div>John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-85615059027290983782012-03-11T17:41:00.006-04:002012-03-11T22:06:16.649-04:00Busy, Busy, Busy...So... I seem to have really slacked off on blogging lately. I should probably catch up before life gets too crazy again. =)<div><br /></div><div>It's seems unreal that we only have about 6-7 weeks before our newest little one joins us. Physically, I'm ready for him to be here now, but realistically, I still have a lot to do in the coming weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have been busy getting ready for the little man though. With our tax return, we bought bunk beds for Timothy and Andrew, and some wheels for John. </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkuLKtdz830/T11I6UcfUwI/AAAAAAAAAzM/-qiQOQHVkpI/s1600/DSCN1354.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NkuLKtdz830/T11I6UcfUwI/AAAAAAAAAzM/-qiQOQHVkpI/s320/DSCN1354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718807268588212994" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's been nice not having to juggle transportation. As for the boys, well, I'll let you judge. =)</div><div><br /></div><div>We got the beds off of craigslist, and the safety rail was missing, so they served as solo beds until John could make one. Now that they're stacked, and our boys are beyond thrilled. </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--J-WBth6jho/T11I6oUtpCI/AAAAAAAAAzY/77F71kHrdlo/s1600/DSCN1357.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--J-WBth6jho/T11I6oUtpCI/AAAAAAAAAzY/77F71kHrdlo/s320/DSCN1357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718807273924305954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed7CljD_R1w/T11Z2d0h67I/AAAAAAAAA00/7dDxcE_-it8/s1600/DSCN1393.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed7CljD_R1w/T11Z2d0h67I/AAAAAAAAA00/7dDxcE_-it8/s320/DSCN1393.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718825894083161010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The boys keep me in a semi-constant state of amusement and amazement. Andrew is talking up a storm these days, and it's so much fun to finally know what's going on in his head. A few weeks ago, he came up to me with several of the little people from my old FP farm (nearly 30 year-old set) and said: "Look Mom, Fingerpuppets!" </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkJooMswalU/T11NvXrhTgI/AAAAAAAAA0I/oZSHpEhf3XY/s1600/DSCN1371.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkJooMswalU/T11NvXrhTgI/AAAAAAAAA0I/oZSHpEhf3XY/s320/DSCN1371.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718812578036141570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>He's also decided that that baby is "My Baby," not our baby, just his. Hopefully he's still just as excited when the baby is more than a vague concept in my belly. =) He's constantly telling me "I a Big Boy," and he really is. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's also been fun to see all the concepts like time, days and months coming together for Timothy. It seems that he's almost always flipping through the calendar, figuring out the months, and asking me what happens in each month. He's been learning about the early presidents, and Martin Luther King in school lately, and loves to come home and tell me all about it. He tells me all about George Washington and the cherry tree, and Martin Luther King, although why he's so important is still a bit vague. We've expanded on it at home, and it seems to make sense. I did get a great laugh the day he brought this home:</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybUBzqrcpMw/T11I7Y3QNtI/AAAAAAAAAzk/nYgNOcbYESw/s1600/DSCN1359.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybUBzqrcpMw/T11I7Y3QNtI/AAAAAAAAAzk/nYgNOcbYESw/s320/DSCN1359.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718807286954079954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We've also kept up our monthly visits to Home Depot (I'm shooting for this to be constant all year, but depending on baby day, that might be tricky. We'll see. =) So far, the projects have been fairly simple, and they are so proud of them. They are some of the youngest kids there, but they are fairly good with tools, considering their age. But, they are their Daddy's sons. =)</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTe7hgpqVIU/T11I7sCXSXI/AAAAAAAAAzw/X37f9idtksA/s1600/DSCN1360.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTe7hgpqVIU/T11I7sCXSXI/AAAAAAAAAzw/X37f9idtksA/s320/DSCN1360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718807292100954482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OswVIUvExhk/T11NumXP3YI/AAAAAAAAAz8/XehN2bH1T_k/s1600/DSCN1363.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OswVIUvExhk/T11NumXP3YI/AAAAAAAAAz8/XehN2bH1T_k/s320/DSCN1363.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718812564797775234" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrfR-D81hxg/T11Nv9BDD3I/AAAAAAAAA0U/XRDVHbDgMpU/s1600/DSCN1390.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrfR-D81hxg/T11Nv9BDD3I/AAAAAAAAA0U/XRDVHbDgMpU/s320/DSCN1390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718812588058546034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IGVUINia60/T11NwkIMrHI/AAAAAAAAA0g/FJ_4Awtktu8/s1600/DSCN1391.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IGVUINia60/T11NwkIMrHI/AAAAAAAAA0g/FJ_4Awtktu8/s320/DSCN1391.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718812598557518962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txcdbzauslc/T11Z1-bQvmI/AAAAAAAAA0s/x2xtbAsZlMI/s1600/DSCN1392.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txcdbzauslc/T11Z1-bQvmI/AAAAAAAAA0s/x2xtbAsZlMI/s320/DSCN1392.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718825885655678562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGJb13uCcOc/T11Z26_b57I/AAAAAAAAA1E/mTyYnfmlZjI/s1600/DSCN1394.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGJb13uCcOc/T11Z26_b57I/AAAAAAAAA1E/mTyYnfmlZjI/s320/DSCN1394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718825901913532338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>John had spring break this past week, and we spent a lot of it rearranging and doing baby prep, since John won't really have time to help me out again before the baby comes. My due date is finals week, so we're timing it close. =) Let the countdown begin! </div>John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-64341069402961400672012-01-07T11:25:00.003-05:002012-01-07T11:37:54.992-05:00Adventures at Home Depot<i>This week, I noticed online that Home Depot's children's workshop was building savings sheds this Saturday. I've been wanting piggy banks for the boys for a while, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity. And hey, it's free!</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Unfortunately, John came down with a massive ear infection, and hasn't left the couch in three days. (Poor John...) I was counting on Daddy to take the lead on this one. But, since we'd already promised the boys, I couldn't let them down. We got up early, and headed out the door. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>It was a fun little workshop. Prefab kits, and aprons they got to keep. (Apparently you get a new pin for each project you complete, so I can see us returning a lot.)</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ3TS64E3mA/Twh0MfEfCQI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/FaOPJfL4d_c/s1600/DSCN1343.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ3TS64E3mA/Twh0MfEfCQI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/FaOPJfL4d_c/s320/DSCN1343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694929486657554690" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVjO4L9oCeU/Twh0ME2B_ZI/AAAAAAAAAyI/w_IFlQMtup8/s1600/DSCN1342.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVjO4L9oCeU/Twh0ME2B_ZI/AAAAAAAAAyI/w_IFlQMtup8/s320/DSCN1342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694929479617609106" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxLTA38QGCI/Twh0MuX4c_I/AAAAAAAAAyg/hiLu6VAxMKI/s1600/DSCN1344.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxLTA38QGCI/Twh0MuX4c_I/AAAAAAAAAyg/hiLu6VAxMKI/s320/DSCN1344.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694929490765444082" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i>The boys loved it! They got to hammer in nails, screw in a screw, and even paint the roof on their shed. A few of the nails may be a bit crooked, and Mommy may have a slightly bruised thumb, but still, it was a nice way to spend and hour on a Saturday morning. =)</i></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_OAf-c-pAE/Twh0NUtPSmI/AAAAAAAAAys/M1F6qYsYuAE/s1600/DSCN1348.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_OAf-c-pAE/Twh0NUtPSmI/AAAAAAAAAys/M1F6qYsYuAE/s320/DSCN1348.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694929501055568482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9x650PJofwE/Twh0NiS_9gI/AAAAAAAAAy4/solRnGMYc8o/s320/DSCN1349.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694929504703608322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div>John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-39676585821988113612011-12-31T21:22:00.011-05:002012-01-01T17:42:58.386-05:00Christmas at Grammy's<i>For Christmas this year, we loaded up the car and headed to Texas to spend the holiday with John's family. The car was a bit crowded this year, with the addition of Harley, but we were blessed with good weather, and good travelers, so it was a fairly easy trip.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGE5NxHbPvw/Tv_EEfkN5rI/AAAAAAAAAtg/EzGisyjt3Z0/s1600/DSCN1220.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGE5NxHbPvw/Tv_EEfkN5rI/AAAAAAAAAtg/EzGisyjt3Z0/s320/DSCN1220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692484035491522226" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9n4KHtkihI/Tv_EEEiDVAI/AAAAAAAAAtY/FB-coJKCUiM/s1600/DSCN1219.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9n4KHtkihI/Tv_EEEiDVAI/AAAAAAAAAtY/FB-coJKCUiM/s320/DSCN1219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692484028234683394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>It was just us and Grammy for a few days, which the boys loved. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCzmZLWrfgs/TwDRzwmWENI/AAAAAAAAAt8/1eXKmfLHJM8/s1600/DSCN1222.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCzmZLWrfgs/TwDRzwmWENI/AAAAAAAAAt8/1eXKmfLHJM8/s320/DSCN1222.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692780616145572050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mlpCSZ96xI/TwDRzRCB_3I/AAAAAAAAAtw/alDjJBPZOhI/s1600/DSCN1228.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mlpCSZ96xI/TwDRzRCB_3I/AAAAAAAAAtw/alDjJBPZOhI/s320/DSCN1228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692780607671762802" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><i>But when their cousin showed up, they were ecstatic. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnWxqgY0240/TwDR1VuY9lI/AAAAAAAAAuU/izKh9SGCCZs/s1600/DSCN1241.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnWxqgY0240/TwDR1VuY9lI/AAAAAAAAAuU/izKh9SGCCZs/s320/DSCN1241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692780643291297362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiaJILbaolI/TwDVzDPXiwI/AAAAAAAAAu8/WmE58RYYL4k/s1600/DSCN1252.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiaJILbaolI/TwDVzDPXiwI/AAAAAAAAAu8/WmE58RYYL4k/s320/DSCN1252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692785002016115458" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px; " /></a></div><div><i>Mommy was well spoiled by Grammy, since I wasn't allowed to do much. And all the boys loved having all the adults to read and play with them. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGL6BZzpblc/TwDVygynLeI/AAAAAAAAAus/2y0cOnXx9l0/s1600/DSCN1246.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGL6BZzpblc/TwDVygynLeI/AAAAAAAAAus/2y0cOnXx9l0/s320/DSCN1246.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692784992768699874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbzTztkxL1Q/TwDVySUiKCI/AAAAAAAAAug/fvMmkDl6_RM/s1600/DSCN1245.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbzTztkxL1Q/TwDVySUiKCI/AAAAAAAAAug/fvMmkDl6_RM/s320/DSCN1245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692784988884445218" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><i>They even got a music lesson. =)</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXXLmvkQ9Oc/TwDVzqWt8QI/AAAAAAAAAvE/R_H1dEahlX8/s1600/DSCN1234.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXXLmvkQ9Oc/TwDVzqWt8QI/AAAAAAAAAvE/R_H1dEahlX8/s320/DSCN1234.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692785012515926274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWohe6_ONlQ/TwDVz4flMlI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/lH7TH-zlFSM/s1600/DSCN1235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWohe6_ONlQ/TwDVz4flMlI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/lH7TH-zlFSM/s320/DSCN1235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692785016311198290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i>All that activity will wear a guy out... </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cWPr1RAHuw/TwDR1NaKPRI/AAAAAAAAAuI/JkaFQxmQX5A/s1600/DSCN1225.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cWPr1RAHuw/TwDR1NaKPRI/AAAAAAAAAuI/JkaFQxmQX5A/s320/DSCN1225.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692780641058962706" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i>The highlight of Mommy's week though, was when Grammy decided to make cookies with all three grandsons. Much hilarity ensued.</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI_pDLKDzog/TwDeXNV3qaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/3NfzlXkbmfQ/s1600/DSCN1255.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI_pDLKDzog/TwDeXNV3qaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/3NfzlXkbmfQ/s320/DSCN1255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692794419296053666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29qENLRchno/TwDcA37hk2I/AAAAAAAAAwU/ZH02rNeivFo/s1600/DSCN1258.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29qENLRchno/TwDcA37hk2I/AAAAAAAAAwU/ZH02rNeivFo/s320/DSCN1258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692791836568032098" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MnTnU95ezjk/TwDcBM_oEGI/AAAAAAAAAwk/3N88BjslP3Y/s1600/DSCN1263.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MnTnU95ezjk/TwDcBM_oEGI/AAAAAAAAAwk/3N88BjslP3Y/s320/DSCN1263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692791842222379106" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDDO97fSf0w/TwDcBms6PXI/AAAAAAAAAww/B8xNIFGhDs8/s1600/DSCN1264.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDDO97fSf0w/TwDcBms6PXI/AAAAAAAAAww/B8xNIFGhDs8/s320/DSCN1264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692791849123200370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGwgX2Q1Oq8/TwDdcy5bG2I/AAAAAAAAAxA/9rUCKV147qM/s1600/DSCN1268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGwgX2Q1Oq8/TwDdcy5bG2I/AAAAAAAAAxA/9rUCKV147qM/s320/DSCN1268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692793415765007202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqh2KI0L-fw/TwDddtHzUTI/AAAAAAAAAxI/yU8TJA8FCDI/s1600/DSCN1270.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqh2KI0L-fw/TwDddtHzUTI/AAAAAAAAAxI/yU8TJA8FCDI/s320/DSCN1270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692793431394570546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw9H0V-aUJuJUaxp5arfj5XnZM2f61ZKWDtQiGtQc2B6V8fOZQIO69V_o1RCmkl_beHeABBWmcUMlAOdEjiZA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>We got smart and took the clothes off for the frosting of the cookies the nest morning, but that didn't make it any less amusing. Especially when it was decided that eating trumped frosting. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MG2m2fUl3zM/TwDdd55jBmI/AAAAAAAAAxU/WiOQHCR4BPU/s1600/DSCN1280.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MG2m2fUl3zM/TwDdd55jBmI/AAAAAAAAAxU/WiOQHCR4BPU/s320/DSCN1280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692793434824443490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OYJmomyeXw/TwDde5bmTgI/AAAAAAAAAxg/clBLBKp3hXA/s1600/DSCN1283.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OYJmomyeXw/TwDde5bmTgI/AAAAAAAAAxg/clBLBKp3hXA/s320/DSCN1283.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692793451878698498" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i>Timothy insisted that the cookies were for Santa Claus, but I managed to convince him that Santa only needed about 6, and he could let his Daddy and uncles sample the rest. The selected 6 were put aside, and set out carefully right before bed. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVlh0IAXdNk/TwDeXaPUlCI/AAAAAAAAAx4/TGfDadzsYOI/s1600/DSCN1303.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVlh0IAXdNk/TwDeXaPUlCI/AAAAAAAAAx4/TGfDadzsYOI/s320/DSCN1303.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692794422758249506" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i>Christmas day itself was great. Thankfully, only Timothy was old enough to understand that we were supposed to open presents right away, so there wasn't a problem waiting until after church. Once that began though, happy chaos reigned. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFmoA1Tem34/TwDZdupTU8I/AAAAAAAAAv0/K3l9DhHuyZQ/s1600/DSCN1317.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFmoA1Tem34/TwDZdupTU8I/AAAAAAAAAv0/K3l9DhHuyZQ/s320/DSCN1317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692789033757004738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkjq2UIOShE/TwDZeNYQQWI/AAAAAAAAAwA/85Lu-QrJQAw/s1600/DSCN1315.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkjq2UIOShE/TwDZeNYQQWI/AAAAAAAAAwA/85Lu-QrJQAw/s320/DSCN1315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692789042006999394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGhflQMicek/TwDZc7Zm-EI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ruqPqz2oPUc/s1600/DSCN1318.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGhflQMicek/TwDZc7Zm-EI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ruqPqz2oPUc/s320/DSCN1318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692789020000974914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PW36B8D4Hfg/TwDZcfvuZcI/AAAAAAAAAvc/fvN_HzNoNjQ/s1600/DSCN1320.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PW36B8D4Hfg/TwDZcfvuZcI/AAAAAAAAAvc/fvN_HzNoNjQ/s320/DSCN1320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692789012577543618" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>The boys made out like bandits, and our car trip home was overstuffed and almost comically crowded. But for me, the memories are the best part. =)</div>John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-32694609489698626082011-12-31T17:58:00.007-05:002011-12-31T21:22:36.567-05:00Christmas preparations<i>It's been a busy month here in "Florida Tallahassee" (To quote Timothy), but it's been good. Here's a few highlights of what we've been up to. =)</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>We began our Christmas celebrations the day after Thanksgiving, with the annual search for the perfect Christmas Tree. This year we found a tree farm outside of town, and had a great time traipsing all over on our search. Well, most of us. Andrew wasn't so sure. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqiBcOFJ5so/Tv_A0WFaE-I/AAAAAAAAAq8/9R4i4OLUv0k/s1600/DSCN1171.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqiBcOFJ5so/Tv_A0WFaE-I/AAAAAAAAAq8/9R4i4OLUv0k/s320/DSCN1171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692480459533587426" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHzx-hfM39Q/Tv_A00gdn1I/AAAAAAAAArI/5RnwfposqEk/s1600/DSCN1172.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHzx-hfM39Q/Tv_A00gdn1I/AAAAAAAAArI/5RnwfposqEk/s320/DSCN1172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692480467700129618" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_dZKM3JBXg/Tv_A1FTZLoI/AAAAAAAAArU/MOP8NW0cD_A/s1600/DSCN1173.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_dZKM3JBXg/Tv_A1FTZLoI/AAAAAAAAArU/MOP8NW0cD_A/s320/DSCN1173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692480472208715394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Once we got the tree home and lit, the excitement really began. The boys loved getting out all the ornaments, and I loved seeing their excitement. Every year they are more and more involved, and it's so much fun. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-ej2ncnEVo/Tv_BQ6_p-uI/AAAAAAAAArg/f-mTE4cqwlQ/s1600/DSCN1177.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-ej2ncnEVo/Tv_BQ6_p-uI/AAAAAAAAArg/f-mTE4cqwlQ/s320/DSCN1177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692480950477912802" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LymjqgDZYm4/Tv_BRZCdUHI/AAAAAAAAArs/3_dZUDUBqT8/s1600/DSCN1178.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LymjqgDZYm4/Tv_BRZCdUHI/AAAAAAAAArs/3_dZUDUBqT8/s320/DSCN1178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692480958542729330" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><i>Once we got the tree up though, I found myself explaining again and again that no, tomorrow was NOT Christmas. We finally made a countdown chain to save Mommy's sanity. Gluing a paper chain together, and then letting the boys take one link off every day, really helped Timothy grasp how far we were from Christmas. Andrew didn't really grasp the concept, but he liked taking the links apart. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Oh, and our December may have included a picnic or two... =)</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UddXP1Ci4Zc/Tv_CifGjR7I/AAAAAAAAAtM/4vJad9riCIQ/s1600/DSCN1186.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UddXP1Ci4Zc/Tv_CifGjR7I/AAAAAAAAAtM/4vJad9riCIQ/s320/DSCN1186.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692482351739914162" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i>Quite by chance, I heard about Tallahassee's annual Winterfest, so we bundled everyone up and headed downtown to check it out. Of course, by "bundled up", I mean sweatshirts, which were only worn for part of the evening. I could really get used to this weather. =)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>There were LOTS of people downtown, but we made it in time for the tree lighting, and then took a stroll through candy cane lane before the parade. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-io5fz8l5jf0/Tv_BR0mX-rI/AAAAAAAAAr4/KeVfErg9RRQ/s1600/DSCN1187.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-io5fz8l5jf0/Tv_BR0mX-rI/AAAAAAAAAr4/KeVfErg9RRQ/s320/DSCN1187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692480965941131954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvDTGddD7tw/Tv_CFzXWoEI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/ykJJWIRkL5k/s1600/DSCN1191.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvDTGddD7tw/Tv_CFzXWoEI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/ykJJWIRkL5k/s320/DSCN1191.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692481858962890818" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kouVOQS5kkw/Tv_CFuEp4jI/AAAAAAAAAsE/eg2aCBLK8ks/s1600/DSCN1190.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kouVOQS5kkw/Tv_CFuEp4jI/AAAAAAAAAsE/eg2aCBLK8ks/s320/DSCN1190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692481857542283826" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Oh, and there was a firetruck. =)</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlrC2uPkgBo/Tv_CGHkJRkI/AAAAAAAAAsc/8xpNWz3PzGU/s1600/DSCN1193.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlrC2uPkgBo/Tv_CGHkJRkI/AAAAAAAAAsc/8xpNWz3PzGU/s320/DSCN1193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692481864385250882" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i>The parade was fun, but really long. tired little boys were done before it was, but it was still a fun adventure overall. We'll definitely check it out again next year. </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w97ELBCC_XI/Tv_CG5CHSOI/AAAAAAAAAso/YifXZlWC8_A/s1600/DSCN1198.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w97ELBCC_XI/Tv_CG5CHSOI/AAAAAAAAAso/YifXZlWC8_A/s320/DSCN1198.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692481877664286946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtsUWw_jz-M/Tv_CiByeKrI/AAAAAAAAAtA/wquUkdGp1Lc/s1600/DSCN1208.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtsUWw_jz-M/Tv_CiByeKrI/AAAAAAAAAtA/wquUkdGp1Lc/s320/DSCN1208.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692482343871064754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGlo7roM_c8/Tv_Ch19xQpI/AAAAAAAAAs0/kEY3SR_ChgU/s1600/DSCN1201.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGlo7roM_c8/Tv_Ch19xQpI/AAAAAAAAAs0/kEY3SR_ChgU/s320/DSCN1201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692482340697227922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035760885973401556.post-36880880174746483602011-11-15T16:04:00.003-05:002011-11-15T16:16:50.939-05:00Announcing a new addition!<i>The baby isn't due for another few months, but in the meantime, we've added a new member to our family. </i><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-za17Au4Y7tA/TsLWFRdGP8I/AAAAAAAAApw/0eORHgk4svQ/s1600/DSCN1155.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-za17Au4Y7tA/TsLWFRdGP8I/AAAAAAAAApw/0eORHgk4svQ/s320/DSCN1155.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675333866513383362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px; " /></i></a></div><div><i>Meet Harley. He's about 5, mixed breed, and very well trained. All the boys in the house, big and small, are absolutely thrilled with this development. Some friends needed more room in their house, and needed a good home for one of their dogs, so we took him for a trial weekend. Doesn't look like he'll be leaving anytime soon. =)</i></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0CwXaPR4CQ/TsLWFw2drpI/AAAAAAAAAqA/5ARrkeqB-NI/s1600/DSCN1156.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0CwXaPR4CQ/TsLWFw2drpI/AAAAAAAAAqA/5ARrkeqB-NI/s320/DSCN1156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675333874941275794" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></i></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoCS3mCicH8/TsLWGx1Pc2I/AAAAAAAAAqI/1zzC5a-9rTk/s1600/DSCN1159.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoCS3mCicH8/TsLWGx1Pc2I/AAAAAAAAAqI/1zzC5a-9rTk/s320/DSCN1159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675333892384453474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></i></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>*Mommy might be a little more excited about THIS new addition, </i></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXL5Zl8Rxq0/TsLWHCsU0NI/AAAAAAAAAqU/U16YHwEZUiU/s1600/DSCN1160.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXL5Zl8Rxq0/TsLWHCsU0NI/AAAAAAAAAqU/U16YHwEZUiU/s320/DSCN1160.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675333896910459090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></i></a></div><div><i>since the other one worked sporadically and kept burning my baked goods, (this one makes absolutely perfect cookies!)but has to confess that Harley is a sweetie, even for someone who's not really a dog person... =)</i></div>John and Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983916142943954264noreply@blogger.com2