tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323506544445222322024-02-07T02:21:52.090-08:00RDH MomAlisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-38526958955439942742010-04-09T21:04:00.000-07:002010-04-09T21:18:52.733-07:00Have You Missed Me??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDJz6R2EmSkdnuJ8p69OBgmlN0GHBuK-NnXTXbtYdPe3hPv6Le2sltxIFFXhPOHDzJcoPm9wqsd4NklAJsiVP6pvFkOOQ2_7dmm2pJdfwg6nbQ9DGznWXYj6SI1rRpc3OVUF-kovwBZM/s1600/043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458355226843005010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDJz6R2EmSkdnuJ8p69OBgmlN0GHBuK-NnXTXbtYdPe3hPv6Le2sltxIFFXhPOHDzJcoPm9wqsd4NklAJsiVP6pvFkOOQ2_7dmm2pJdfwg6nbQ9DGznWXYj6SI1rRpc3OVUF-kovwBZM/s320/043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>On a whim tonight I clicked on my blog took a walk down Memory Lane. I was shocked that it has been a year since my last blog post and I am sure that all my loyal readers have forgotten about me...all 2 of them!! No matter....I realized that I have missed this blog and I felt an incredible urge to write...so writing I am going to do.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This has been a year of ups and downs. The good news is that I am healthy and happy and so is my family. There has been many changes and many opportunities for personal growth in our house. I am happy to say that we have taken advantage of all our opportunities and have grown as individuals and as a family. Of course we have also experienced intense growing pains in this process.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cassie started high school in the fall. I am happy to say that she is doing great now, but she struggled immensely in the beginning. I will save this for its own post.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Michael is in the 4th grade and doing well. He is beginning the Big Change I think, at least his attitude at times is telling me this. I think I am ready for it, but I will sure miss my little boy. He will still scrunch up into a ball and cuddle in my lap....this makes me very happy!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dave is great...we celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary today....it gets better every year. I can happily say that I love and like my husband. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be able to say that.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Life is good, growing pains and all. </div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-9790485908853994572009-04-26T16:37:00.000-07:002009-04-26T17:10:51.904-07:00Giving Back and Getting So Much More<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329148988680349346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZXAx7s61jWfsNq2NBllpd8doFeOfRgj9Xltoru9JKfXhVQ-IyLzd_OSWyHxoY7PxVPFrzGgsGyTyw5y5xRIKh1Azl5wRihiyGetEfAO6Rk_ybkMLnrXj9jAROjN07btyv9DgGZh8Huw/s320/P4260221.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Our girl scout troop volunteered today at the Soup Kitchen in a nearby town. It was our first experience doing community service in this capacity. It was actually my first experience also and I must admit I was a bit nervous and I think the girls were too. The place is not in the best location, obviously, and when we pulled into the parking lot there was already a line forming. It is one of those places that I would never pull into or get out of my car.....but I am so glad I did today.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329148984481183202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxB5FxR_YStwGha7AxSGyeiNCqN1J8_Os1rrd6eijmKtesrxc6raRkPsgJ8Uq9UC_4TP3t-fF-I2oqsrVrH8htW7TbGq0GgGjzQidE3K0qavuZxqc38GVETnNGfWAoI0m7n_nS6EABio/s320/P4260219.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />This particular soup kitchen is supported by all the local churches in all the denominations. It is very heartwarming to see all the many faiths working together to help the community. Our church works the 4th Sunday of every month and we provide all the food for that day. Meals are served daily, with different churches/organizations donating food and services. The menu today consisted of milk or coffee, a sandwich, soup, rolls, and a dessert. We also gave a "second sandwich" to go, which we wrapped for them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImDK5M82uFkWyNh2FSWythVQ5mRwnDZCT17EztVyZEJEqz2R56uzQ68U2Sz9Am7tByG0h5izzf0ocIMEgOLYNCy6GPUAcBl7JJIgY2zV57El8nsMkigRKG86931blKOqXd05Up96T7ak/s1600-h/P4260215.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329149023159473378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImDK5M82uFkWyNh2FSWythVQ5mRwnDZCT17EztVyZEJEqz2R56uzQ68U2Sz9Am7tByG0h5izzf0ocIMEgOLYNCy6GPUAcBl7JJIgY2zV57El8nsMkigRKG86931blKOqXd05Up96T7ak/s320/P4260215.JPG" border="0" /></a> We had an hour of prep time to prepare all the food. The meal was served for one hour and fifteen minutes and then the doors were closed for the day.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ymAkemngLBGHwMRxxHYYdIVDCWjHqVBKPU5d1n0zauc0QhjBGblO5CowvyCjOCNTug6UUvrIiTqgeEgJSmVt2SqF4Da28qC_s1NO-4-T7vq5_pd36CX4fZnmVUon7it_b9C00N81KO8/s1600-h/P4260226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329148994249094562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ymAkemngLBGHwMRxxHYYdIVDCWjHqVBKPU5d1n0zauc0QhjBGblO5CowvyCjOCNTug6UUvrIiTqgeEgJSmVt2SqF4Da28qC_s1NO-4-T7vq5_pd36CX4fZnmVUon7it_b9C00N81KO8/s320/P4260226.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was extremely impressed with the organization, the respect, the politeness, and the kindness. We served 216 meals today and I only had one person who was rude. There were homeless people, people with mental illnesses, black people, white people, Asian people, Hispanic people, older people, men, women, and children of all ages and colors. The children pulled at my heart strings, I knew they would. The young father who got milk for him and his toddler son and then poured both milks in his son's bottle pulled at my heart strings. The young couple with 3 young daughters who had the best manners pulled at my heart strings. The older gentleman with one tooth and a dirty, ripped jacket who told me I poured the best cup of coffee he had ever had pulled at my heart strings. The older lady who thanked me for giving her a meal today pulled at my heart strings. The teenagers who I would have avoided on the street, who called me Ma'am and said please and thank you pulled at my heart strings.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I was very proud of our girls today. They served all these people with love and kindness, gave them some dignity, looked them in the eye and realized they are just people. People who are not as fortunate as they are maybe, but people like them just the same. I think our girls grew a bit today, I know I did.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This Soup Kitchen served 5400 meals last month. The number is slowly rising as our economy worsens. They have a minimal budget and rely heavily on donations. If you have the means or the time I am sure you have a soup kitchen in your community that needs help. We will definitely be back.</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-72833425045713482442009-04-19T08:45:00.000-07:002009-04-19T09:05:50.118-07:00A Glorious Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8bZv1v_7UOGhSwu7gluUMmrCqR5fXJ0ObYWonLbuqKReCMvuXkZ-ABjPfPEeJfLj8InHTQ6HHa6o-2eOp8EbIJshbLqQK8Z7EFGD_P9Hg-NALvu83C27xYcy6XdyoHMl_K9etvMHpBY/s1600-h/P4180356.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326430413506364578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8bZv1v_7UOGhSwu7gluUMmrCqR5fXJ0ObYWonLbuqKReCMvuXkZ-ABjPfPEeJfLj8InHTQ6HHa6o-2eOp8EbIJshbLqQK8Z7EFGD_P9Hg-NALvu83C27xYcy6XdyoHMl_K9etvMHpBY/s320/P4180356.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the covered bridge at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Ferry,_California">Knights Ferry</a>. It is about a 2 hour drive from us. We went there yesterday for a picnic. It was a glorious day which was made even better because of the company we were keeping.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326430398661549202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvfqvIRYsIl418AVb4dO57gmJd2Ny0KpeXEVV4Mc7xlVHYmgNhnUd8CNWG_bB-10ZIOsTNz25ozpdzPgmsZJNM20-Q8e9hyphenhyphencnT8eZEzFurvN8ny_A9KVI8UczEA4sD57L0W5kI6RHlDs/s320/P4180355.JPG" border="0" />We spent a lovely day with <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mamarazzi</span></a> and her gorgeous daughter Jordan and wonderful husband. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mamarazzi</span> and I had the pleasure to meet a few months ago and instantly clicked. We knew our daughters would get along and they became <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">penpals</span>. Yesterday was their first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">IRL</span> visit and we were right, they did get along beautifully.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYOHFq_ymgdFJcDxAy1NtGWk8omyFoGpWUqp6o9wza7WPkMWsp42Eoq1mmsutnViD_kpmmEFPGvTLZBopmnWz5TO01-ds4p_7wKDu0O4t1W7-2T4agDFNa22el_vBCu8qsJFEENr4KhY/s1600-h/P4180310.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326430407016004290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYOHFq_ymgdFJcDxAy1NtGWk8omyFoGpWUqp6o9wza7WPkMWsp42Eoq1mmsutnViD_kpmmEFPGvTLZBopmnWz5TO01-ds4p_7wKDu0O4t1W7-2T4agDFNa22el_vBCu8qsJFEENr4KhY/s320/P4180310.JPG" border="0" /></a> We picnicked along the Stanislaus River. It is gorgeous this time of year. The hills are green and the wildflowers are blooming. The weather was perfect, 85 degrees and blue skies.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHKSRhgxec6_7DbDG1Md53ALhF6p1qymalJajsEcE3MyTEec1MdI7P3gyK0F0ozHKG8Es9GSEbl9F7fREwiHJbFd0k459r-t21elChLrywUs7bnS0R6RsCnDUveNNgWTIBhLYenybQqY/s1600-h/P4180344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326430406795920770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHKSRhgxec6_7DbDG1Md53ALhF6p1qymalJajsEcE3MyTEec1MdI7P3gyK0F0ozHKG8Es9GSEbl9F7fREwiHJbFd0k459r-t21elChLrywUs7bnS0R6RsCnDUveNNgWTIBhLYenybQqY/s320/P4180344.JPG" border="0" /></a> The girls had a blast walking along a river and climbing rocks. Big Daddy went with them and took these pictures. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mamarazzi</span> and I sat in the shade and talked and talked. I think we talked for the entire 5 hours we were there. It is funny how we never ran out of things to say!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEllctf7vep8xz2jhfs9LM96k1C4yrRXczy6ygl0b_TyWotcPW_KgbvROQC4unbgdlViEZbkO7-Uj4JgtVXltPxD-ASeWXbXhdys2MujzwpA49j89laWqEMfclT48hYKslIGZCOYG94Q/s1600-h/P4180350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326430399998631730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEllctf7vep8xz2jhfs9LM96k1C4yrRXczy6ygl0b_TyWotcPW_KgbvROQC4unbgdlViEZbkO7-Uj4JgtVXltPxD-ASeWXbXhdys2MujzwpA49j89laWqEMfclT48hYKslIGZCOYG94Q/s320/P4180350.JPG" border="0" /></a> Aren't these girls gorgeous?? They are beautiful through and through!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for a wonderful time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mamarazzi</span>, Big Daddy, and Jordan. It will definitely not be our last visit!!! I love how we have clicked and I feel very honored to call you Friend.</div></div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-41842461091752485122009-04-13T17:25:00.000-07:002009-04-13T17:25:00.428-07:00Spring has Sprung<div><div>Spring has sprung in my garden. Let me take you on a tour.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFmamqJjAT4Xwv3c0qYN7X6dYVlIc5_geZZ6u_PUjToK_XlIpNr3kIiKEDEFqJVvBo8dFCopDlISOWgU9hZD_OHP5uvqlBz_8xcg285C2-58xzV40w8g743ANdJRZdNqrd4P8B016FPQ/s1600-h/P4120177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323967204830894210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFmamqJjAT4Xwv3c0qYN7X6dYVlIc5_geZZ6u_PUjToK_XlIpNr3kIiKEDEFqJVvBo8dFCopDlISOWgU9hZD_OHP5uvqlBz_8xcg285C2-58xzV40w8g743ANdJRZdNqrd4P8B016FPQ/s320/P4120177.JPG" border="0" /></a> The apple tree is full of blossoms. It looks like we will a bumper crop this year.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY7QxukigBuo9BSBcN7uI89Y0G0hXS4NEDYQp_Yg3flRRPvvza8yFnqVDhAPQ8PPj_PqE0_dgATpX-2NXe2VoubNPvYrUVhyVGrIqK78o99NY5IiIf_BQhMSGUpoIqPLv4r8uF57Evtc/s1600-h/P4120178.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323967206641138818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY7QxukigBuo9BSBcN7uI89Y0G0hXS4NEDYQp_Yg3flRRPvvza8yFnqVDhAPQ8PPj_PqE0_dgATpX-2NXe2VoubNPvYrUVhyVGrIqK78o99NY5IiIf_BQhMSGUpoIqPLv4r8uF57Evtc/s320/P4120178.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have many, many roses. This is the climber that is on the arbor over the gate that leads to our pool. It has the most wonderful aroma, the old fashioned rose scent, my favorite. This climber is near our bedroom....I love it when it wafts into our room.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnYoWUkABlFw6L1B8UshnEuQh04FHPuxrmlsPqfPrnJNg8Wea7mTL5oWKKPmu71Q9cbtWbbX3xMeXnpYqDG8yzIor7m23E6iAwD1I65gJutl_Ja4e5wrfqQ5TFgBKf-qXpjukt_-fHuc/s1600-h/P4120179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323967202031755778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnYoWUkABlFw6L1B8UshnEuQh04FHPuxrmlsPqfPrnJNg8Wea7mTL5oWKKPmu71Q9cbtWbbX3xMeXnpYqDG8yzIor7m23E6iAwD1I65gJutl_Ja4e5wrfqQ5TFgBKf-qXpjukt_-fHuc/s320/P4120179.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another view of the delicate pink roses with the wonderful scent.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cl3X4QAiEQJH0dCJOLH15AdcGZmcusRToDIQ_ELm23mg7f1433pnQhPBOJLPaCialx4spcalUcxmYcra0b9-pDQGSFR15U1QJGC1an9JG60RTmvxh85XvZY2Ur54XY4fNm7AnGZQZzc/s1600-h/P4120175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323966591078874354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cl3X4QAiEQJH0dCJOLH15AdcGZmcusRToDIQ_ELm23mg7f1433pnQhPBOJLPaCialx4spcalUcxmYcra0b9-pDQGSFR15U1QJGC1an9JG60RTmvxh85XvZY2Ur54XY4fNm7AnGZQZzc/s320/P4120175.JPG" border="0" /></a> This rose is near our front door. It makes a lovely greeter for our guests.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_TLnyijRjh7OU5Tt83bN_b6YYmXAe3jmOPr4_2NmJmFS2_mdVZlvmDrwkBObjyUAvpr1EO1rzq9NC5R2aTjHxXpMwW9WghVJZbHTalLwPu6hBJXu_BUCp3mdARiHyTF7_SvCluGa0n8/s1600-h/P4120173.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323966588576913154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_TLnyijRjh7OU5Tt83bN_b6YYmXAe3jmOPr4_2NmJmFS2_mdVZlvmDrwkBObjyUAvpr1EO1rzq9NC5R2aTjHxXpMwW9WghVJZbHTalLwPu6hBJXu_BUCp3mdARiHyTF7_SvCluGa0n8/s320/P4120173.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another front yard rose...another welcoming site as you come to our front door. I think I have about 20 rose bushes in all colors and sizes spread throughout our yards. Not all of them are in bloom yet, but all of them are covered in buds.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdfbIpCudt79bqX3X_p6iSI2XK1KNmFeUoVEAoPgtslVTfAuYredbPA1RTui2Vyp5FqwWcslLxlQ8g3eny9UceLXS5U4mUJwqma7b7ybhjSPy2IAkjzLDMCrOzmhg3Y-urCSqIGmAdkc/s1600-h/P4120170.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323966584564300098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdfbIpCudt79bqX3X_p6iSI2XK1KNmFeUoVEAoPgtslVTfAuYredbPA1RTui2Vyp5FqwWcslLxlQ8g3eny9UceLXS5U4mUJwqma7b7ybhjSPy2IAkjzLDMCrOzmhg3Y-urCSqIGmAdkc/s320/P4120170.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are more apple blossoms. This is Michael's apple tree. This area was left free of plants, it just contained dirt. I called it Michael's area and he spent hours and hours digging in the dirt creating roads for his cars. The area was littered with Matchbox cars and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tonka</span> trucks. Michael also planted many, many seeds from his apples over the course of a few years hoping to grow an apple tree in his area. A few years ago we bought a tree and planted it together. It has always been known as Michael's tree and he always gets to eat the first apple of the season.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323971669509039218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxj4-i1iEvI57X49FArnwZuRtn6VFFkWYSRjKS6Sb2UFkKYOlwxGUZPc2RxKCxinHF9juz7wLaupGsGhX7sFDnFw6xB2VegweRx-szTKm0Nq8WsstFW9uo4JU3wKJ4H8rnSwkuzlE__0/s320/firstapple+003.jpg" border="0" />This is Michael eating the very first apple harvested from the tree. This photo was taken 3 years ago. Look how little the apple is!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3fHJX3xWdsLZ_vEUHAdwrYMErtftto6ZrrvacskztwY2YPuoheb51HsXVQywOHVFBwDQZj4HVApI_5gBNI6mU0MSUh_EpdW5VV5tGVrXXB0lxLovo91En0RV8GFrCn5eLBioylZkrXg/s1600-h/P4120169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323966584648975634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3fHJX3xWdsLZ_vEUHAdwrYMErtftto6ZrrvacskztwY2YPuoheb51HsXVQywOHVFBwDQZj4HVApI_5gBNI6mU0MSUh_EpdW5VV5tGVrXXB0lxLovo91En0RV8GFrCn5eLBioylZkrXg/s320/P4120169.JPG" border="0" /></a> Roses, Roses, Roses....nature's perfume.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCepQu9aV-caYSSqrPo76e97TcQw1SO8zEhG1aPsrlQIc_IiaeWdepJ3ahRkkafoJHg2IXVN9d-eeDTOnW2NJsubOedO_vTQMaRWaEhFSXG442x639pCZaAVSzvixCXkUQ-w3XayKsi0s/s1600-h/P4120166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323966577670651730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCepQu9aV-caYSSqrPo76e97TcQw1SO8zEhG1aPsrlQIc_IiaeWdepJ3ahRkkafoJHg2IXVN9d-eeDTOnW2NJsubOedO_vTQMaRWaEhFSXG442x639pCZaAVSzvixCXkUQ-w3XayKsi0s/s320/P4120166.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love the sunlight filtering through the vine.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323971663299373250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI7T1cw0qQ1KYnquhyzOmCzlo8jod0034ZbWQjUkrhGWwlKEgFMC4UAu5MIvI1JnRwieFkt53B-Sc7jrAJHQwmZO2Andt1GlCufNOzFDbSlIzqUxHayScYwC-tKxO00Y2tbX3z-yX8vE/s320/P4120172.JPG" border="0" /><br />Cherry blossoms. This tree is in our pool yard and it looks like we are going to have a huge crop this year. Last year the cherries never made it into the house. We would sit by the pool and pick and eat cherries right then. Our intent was to pick and bring in the house, but they were so good, they never made it inside!! We may have enough to share with our family friends this year, maybe!<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-35744956884009876172009-04-12T20:45:00.000-07:002009-04-12T20:45:00.146-07:00Back to Nature<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmzQCZWPg8gHN1pdJCxyWy6y68WOIx52kovuuM-73i1iMv_ZNx0zQmH0ytZ6gKG6LAqnWgEjQXYqWbKX5-njcpxSw2eJqAKL4BDPgzogJZBtYLDWkQcmuIzx5AAhhAPqJ7PsPDdG9qsY/s1600-h/P4110217.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323648617836435010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmzQCZWPg8gHN1pdJCxyWy6y68WOIx52kovuuM-73i1iMv_ZNx0zQmH0ytZ6gKG6LAqnWgEjQXYqWbKX5-njcpxSw2eJqAKL4BDPgzogJZBtYLDWkQcmuIzx5AAhhAPqJ7PsPDdG9qsY/s320/P4110217.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last Saturday we began our day lazing around the house. It started out as a nice peaceful morning and at some point it started to change into a bickering session between the kids.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w4qoDMCI7MsbuyyUxnGJlQd_l2uavr-WAXXCQpXnusuppQ1L1CLl0aLG28-X_lU51Hk8Jfw7pgYmDIgnhj-bmi3S9xtraeMFs6xxBnedpo3aPa408xYC51hYYiYwfF_D2WgdQ7flsbw/s1600-h/P4110216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323648611015929714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w4qoDMCI7MsbuyyUxnGJlQd_l2uavr-WAXXCQpXnusuppQ1L1CLl0aLG28-X_lU51Hk8Jfw7pgYmDIgnhj-bmi3S9xtraeMFs6xxBnedpo3aPa408xYC51hYYiYwfF_D2WgdQ7flsbw/s320/P4110216.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was at this point that I made an executive decision to get out of the house and get back to nature. I figured the children needed an attitude adjustment and a hike was just the motivation they needed.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_SGNQwis5jfjcGC12_EBNVwP_mhNv79qrUUDBb6vknWZuDJm2A51AJN9NXbydve6406ij0udd5r5sxaIbsLXsevcE184iADTdMZbvK5-R00wkSXz6_fb1opmnIVJ3vCiXwwp5Tk9Gdg/s1600-h/P4110195.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323648606769450242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_SGNQwis5jfjcGC12_EBNVwP_mhNv79qrUUDBb6vknWZuDJm2A51AJN9NXbydve6406ij0udd5r5sxaIbsLXsevcE184iADTdMZbvK5-R00wkSXz6_fb1opmnIVJ3vCiXwwp5Tk9Gdg/s320/P4110195.JPG" border="0" /></a> After much grumbling and groaning and "do I have to?" asked numerous times, we loaded up the van and drove to the beginning of the trail.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKu9Fy4pguxHL2Mi0PS5UIJITMIAgGQ0Ok56nLQgZQT8tTL8Ycs17kV3TSyGoCX-JsSuAYIz8_8aBfXfhfOF0enDq_w9tpjYIBnTIHpX1OFjY9G8OUQBIyh9KDm5wudQY-KnaBsg8XT8/s1600-h/P4110193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323648602483327602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKu9Fy4pguxHL2Mi0PS5UIJITMIAgGQ0Ok56nLQgZQT8tTL8Ycs17kV3TSyGoCX-JsSuAYIz8_8aBfXfhfOF0enDq_w9tpjYIBnTIHpX1OFjY9G8OUQBIyh9KDm5wudQY-KnaBsg8XT8/s320/P4110193.JPG" border="0" /></a> This handsome fellow was the only one of my children that was very excited about the idea and he willingly jumped in the van with a big smile on his face. Isn't that smile gorgeous??<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVDuR4_1UCX4dOLUyS2CkxKe1L53vsshkHbgFsZKvXOEo7Kj62G80KqYzoGEvrSGIcuiqtFPMzO5AZhG5wCmHlTRQRbcEE2qc43v_SvY8OsTzw1af3hmDUcLC5Xv6gErLyrBZvy3bcio/s1600-h/P4110191.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323648597580271202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVDuR4_1UCX4dOLUyS2CkxKe1L53vsshkHbgFsZKvXOEo7Kj62G80KqYzoGEvrSGIcuiqtFPMzO5AZhG5wCmHlTRQRbcEE2qc43v_SvY8OsTzw1af3hmDUcLC5Xv6gErLyrBZvy3bcio/s320/P4110191.JPG" border="0" /></a> The hike started slow with the age old questions - "how long is this going to take?" "how far are we going to go?" I just smiled at them and kept walking. I knew that nature would soon weave her magic on them and their attitudes would soon change.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323647154898741010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgJI2Vc-rDyveXhU9b8JFPBXqsj_1Hv3Ia6QHTVzGiC5sg_JTYLfPf66vHZ5FPf7BG8pHHwpEtKh39XvVluNwfT0fnw5kWTu9lM7oSm977VoCxTa1Z9KVVtFUZvQ7Ia1KrnGgj9Golag/s320/P4060151.JPG" border="0" />Remember the <a href="http://rdhmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/healing-after-storm.html">wildflowers Dave and I</a> collected last week? Like I promised, these are the seeds from that bouquet.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323647166537158466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExHwTwCXcFgSgs_4UXagWecSpnmyRHA9lqGSqSIVJ2WdVmj_Rv_O9I-cQlVqM_u8P4O_cvvpD46_ubeLYhrC5FzK22d3cHUdaOc5IlHMolNBn-21Juc6uiuxGlO6zD0yuAvvrZBxjgRw/s320/P4110172.JPG" border="0" />The kids had a blast distributing the seeds among the hills. I think Baron thought they were scrumptious dog treats, he was sorely disappointed!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzpt_xWIgZYRHF1r90fbRG9vMDvx2ZnGASo1BnmQXVUt5y6HyhT9vK8LlA76l6tKvWfXyqLfPjrNFKUfD6b_0cYlif4DoINVa4m-AUBrYOQKafSSLprYBT9HcZD4qavkM7qi7PGbO8OI/s1600-h/P4110180.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323647172829086386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzpt_xWIgZYRHF1r90fbRG9vMDvx2ZnGASo1BnmQXVUt5y6HyhT9vK8LlA76l6tKvWfXyqLfPjrNFKUfD6b_0cYlif4DoINVa4m-AUBrYOQKafSSLprYBT9HcZD4qavkM7qi7PGbO8OI/s320/P4110180.JPG" border="0" /></a> We found numerous animal tracks and were able to identify raccoon, deer, coyote, and mountain lion. We even found a set of tracks that looked like a coyote hunting a small deer and taking it down. This led to a very interesting discussion about the Circle of Life, prey/predator relationships and their impact on the environment. I love these conversations with my children, it warms my heart.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl8a_D4ZSVRAxIzAhthbFBu2pPfQ0m9FarZnxEADPHdYWEEqgOnE_YH0BEvRiypC_rgJdz2a76Vhdqn61M-cyO79dUqK_bYFBfhF8CV_cGWwY2md6Db9bdMEh98uVUiIFn_DaUO_73oU/s1600-h/P4110166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323647163900621906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl8a_D4ZSVRAxIzAhthbFBu2pPfQ0m9FarZnxEADPHdYWEEqgOnE_YH0BEvRiypC_rgJdz2a76Vhdqn61M-cyO79dUqK_bYFBfhF8CV_cGWwY2md6Db9bdMEh98uVUiIFn_DaUO_73oU/s320/P4110166.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We also made a new friend. After a brief relationship, she flew away.<br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgv7lT5fJG82vj1nQoM6vYqYGGfOOo7XDctc2EAkawlMa40mxG0l2FGUbiagJ6yReZx32Qw1boFHx-_86Xili8_5s4thHfm5z4PK9FFmnsV5RCji6TJPymROybWw0G2xtYqGGceX51LU/s1600-h/P4110162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323647159904542978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgv7lT5fJG82vj1nQoM6vYqYGGfOOo7XDctc2EAkawlMa40mxG0l2FGUbiagJ6yReZx32Qw1boFHx-_86Xili8_5s4thHfm5z4PK9FFmnsV5RCji6TJPymROybWw0G2xtYqGGceX51LU/s320/P4110162.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>As I expected, nature cast her magic spell on my children and the attitudes miraculously changed. Soon they were running and laughing and having a wonderful time. A bit of fresh air, some exercise, some conversation, and a lot of laughter is definitely the best medicine.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRqqpg2FKUGfp9uQlxj9v2Jhwv9w-EyzYhytGxil2Y9OX19BysfT15rR16DU3mhCwz6z3s-VpGb3GUdgdQBg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Here are the children at the end of our hike. Look at their gorgeous smiles, the happiness on their faces warms my heart. The magic is definitely working here. An hour earlier they were bickering and arguing and definitely not smiling.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8L1zQ1pijKjjM4SzNMe6K8xzsBWWxsG9CmLsosB_bZfErqfhdZOiHa1VgLakN3LpbxDOnCYRzUjTY9ClsFg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>More magic. I also love watching the children and dog running together. It is a truly beautiful site.</p>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-30961930784962392802009-04-11T20:40:00.000-07:002009-04-11T20:44:38.128-07:00Happy Easter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNVZVoTnzwZmp4n5J1aZdVIFAzdDvWgvrWzzIS8ISDSzJRiUFbDGV2sFF2mVWa9ot_lj02af0fkUbsV5Zg-UOczcwoRFw9PcHDO1AShuqhO8g_pjdQ1Xtyjs-kf3TFYpXTtgxOfrTq04/s1600-h/P4110252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323645000503621970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNVZVoTnzwZmp4n5J1aZdVIFAzdDvWgvrWzzIS8ISDSzJRiUFbDGV2sFF2mVWa9ot_lj02af0fkUbsV5Zg-UOczcwoRFw9PcHDO1AShuqhO8g_pjdQ1Xtyjs-kf3TFYpXTtgxOfrTq04/s320/P4110252.JPG" border="0" /></a> Happy Easter!!! Have a joyful and peaceful day!!<br /><br /><br />We will spend the day with our parents and have a wonderful Easter meal and Easter egg hunt for our kids....I am so glad they are not too old for the egg hunt...I know that day is coming.<br /><br /><br />Enjoy.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-83487952100122248142009-04-08T20:40:00.000-07:002009-04-08T20:40:00.476-07:00Urban Landscape<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVrxdQDnSxj3q9YGl5aK0b_BEDpCIXfPJ_z_dDu1wJOxCUJjOgwp6_h0UePOEwBlCKaCDWOe3xS4n9WwdJCQkWeJPcPDHrpybR2y6vAvPndXKkT8ahbPHPGLMY14eL5ZJ7Hmc_eerkpM/s1600-h/P4050209.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321420501294581922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVrxdQDnSxj3q9YGl5aK0b_BEDpCIXfPJ_z_dDu1wJOxCUJjOgwp6_h0UePOEwBlCKaCDWOe3xS4n9WwdJCQkWeJPcPDHrpybR2y6vAvPndXKkT8ahbPHPGLMY14eL5ZJ7Hmc_eerkpM/s320/P4050209.JPG" border="0" /></a> As you know...I love nature. If I had my druthers, I would live on acres and acres and grow all my own food and have cows, goats, chickens, horses, etc. I find much beauty and solace in nature and peace and quiet. Bird song and insect song is beautiful music to my ears.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4u8-XZ4J1SjrFYSIg3UUrm84RG4vGfQ1xswOU0_V6Zbo3N5jdXZnQFdH-d7EzL6M7s53EpKZyHIWHn285YoaSRG4IBa4q3vItYyuZsBLsaZYt11stdFYxWtDN8Iloenjyygeh2pq7Ss/s1600-h/P4050205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321420497857612818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4u8-XZ4J1SjrFYSIg3UUrm84RG4vGfQ1xswOU0_V6Zbo3N5jdXZnQFdH-d7EzL6M7s53EpKZyHIWHn285YoaSRG4IBa4q3vItYyuZsBLsaZYt11stdFYxWtDN8Iloenjyygeh2pq7Ss/s320/P4050205.JPG" border="0" /></a> Of course, that is not my life. I live in suburbia, close to the big city and close to nature. It is actually a perfect place to live, I get the best of both worlds. I also try to see beauty everywhere. I have been known to pull over when driving when something pleases my eye.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oeCWUYtlhmO3UfgyEJ77Ot5JneiZjQVxP5vTV5pO1ZalENFQ2g8kOJQeOHH6WYOXUJtg9opulKhT8XlvnEDV4JWOrRHtz2VDMsvbabmzRXchZhFtEiynWQH4TOjd2PywAne1yrciN6g/s1600-h/P4050204.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321420489227036706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oeCWUYtlhmO3UfgyEJ77Ot5JneiZjQVxP5vTV5pO1ZalENFQ2g8kOJQeOHH6WYOXUJtg9opulKhT8XlvnEDV4JWOrRHtz2VDMsvbabmzRXchZhFtEiynWQH4TOjd2PywAne1yrciN6g/s320/P4050204.JPG" border="0" /></a> I don't have a great camera, just a point and shoot device....someday I would LOVE a nice camera - are you listening Santa??<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kk5o7mrtaCa-IlwNLoA4uIuU3_9iCMl38yuWrd0OOElY5pLk6caTwKXiKI_4lBmfzhQwrQt9TA5zuiFxyPpYf6FsjHCYL9hTCBIPOxkwb0TVShLINJzBDiijqvVJwxWXQ4fjJbnqT7c/s1600-h/P4050203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321420486929177794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kk5o7mrtaCa-IlwNLoA4uIuU3_9iCMl38yuWrd0OOElY5pLk6caTwKXiKI_4lBmfzhQwrQt9TA5zuiFxyPpYf6FsjHCYL9hTCBIPOxkwb0TVShLINJzBDiijqvVJwxWXQ4fjJbnqT7c/s320/P4050203.JPG" border="0" /></a> On our trip to the big City to see Wicked- the most wonderful musical - I decided to bring the camera and find beauty in our urban landscape. This is what we saw...some of the pictures were taken by me and some were taken by Cassie. Every one of these photos speaks to me in a different way.....Enjoy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQAk6QBP0aIDHJtG4mREt0a6lPAa_3cmH5-kYxa5bqjHLTLmRUWlObmwlI1aJZsdA56wW478GZUuUvoL8RRJH1G9sH1xvKKpWIdFCu_fsHGQLg3Qma9bS4revbQeZxXuDgevVy_drMGU/s1600-h/P4050196.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321419787118584818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQAk6QBP0aIDHJtG4mREt0a6lPAa_3cmH5-kYxa5bqjHLTLmRUWlObmwlI1aJZsdA56wW478GZUuUvoL8RRJH1G9sH1xvKKpWIdFCu_fsHGQLg3Qma9bS4revbQeZxXuDgevVy_drMGU/s320/P4050196.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aNf4xYL6KUqf_W57t75en1LMLBZ6vPBwBeEX8agRfXpVzOM_fOoe8BnLeoosrUtXFU-9pjYk-4G_yA5J9QmNyY_-i0IgULHsFYrW-T-XSzDDQarM6gKP69yHqY9jyTW15eAGNJ8M-94/s1600-h/P4050183.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321419782934876978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aNf4xYL6KUqf_W57t75en1LMLBZ6vPBwBeEX8agRfXpVzOM_fOoe8BnLeoosrUtXFU-9pjYk-4G_yA5J9QmNyY_-i0IgULHsFYrW-T-XSzDDQarM6gKP69yHqY9jyTW15eAGNJ8M-94/s320/P4050183.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrbVb_OsSe1_dUfkDCxAxfBBAb4xUW1PRdvBx-HNVkz1CyHfwUrY2NdkHMZMOLFV_yDp49b7scw4XZeh9PTvc7PjFxjusXuID2qn9w2I5fjNarvZ1wGbWt27UDxaSGqmZhopFgSFqoHM/s1600-h/P4050176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321419778963695106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrbVb_OsSe1_dUfkDCxAxfBBAb4xUW1PRdvBx-HNVkz1CyHfwUrY2NdkHMZMOLFV_yDp49b7scw4XZeh9PTvc7PjFxjusXuID2qn9w2I5fjNarvZ1wGbWt27UDxaSGqmZhopFgSFqoHM/s320/P4050176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOyuRNTiHPqSc9tEflufA7vxmuQaDaPnBWmsBO84UDkK4TGeEHhcP59FMSspe4XHplUf_N6es4eswx5_-e6M_4p44t79x6GX4X5GABZSbz3JJ3Hs1H3zVV-9YTUFUgTZMzlo-9KnlgNY/s1600-h/P4050175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321419770978391218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOyuRNTiHPqSc9tEflufA7vxmuQaDaPnBWmsBO84UDkK4TGeEHhcP59FMSspe4XHplUf_N6es4eswx5_-e6M_4p44t79x6GX4X5GABZSbz3JJ3Hs1H3zVV-9YTUFUgTZMzlo-9KnlgNY/s320/P4050175.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h0M3B8N8yxOKOQ4PEIQ7M2pxZhGc-d1F-3gIJkB3HCnR7hwKZNX7HeVUJq_aVsNf8ebQ00kaGwHGzsShTKLKXa3FpnJd6jn3iuP0ZfSduV2ZOxF4mn2POYYuE34dtNY0HoW7sepzsnQ/s1600-h/P4050174.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321419768086682226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h0M3B8N8yxOKOQ4PEIQ7M2pxZhGc-d1F-3gIJkB3HCnR7hwKZNX7HeVUJq_aVsNf8ebQ00kaGwHGzsShTKLKXa3FpnJd6jn3iuP0ZfSduV2ZOxF4mn2POYYuE34dtNY0HoW7sepzsnQ/s320/P4050174.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjsYI33Cs6TIgIgzeWqFScQ0Nbd1ArHIkYfSmalaxaKTWsGCLkF5pkyHUBx7tAmSoxOOYZS0A-75_SYQLyhGvJs_0Grz27pTU4jlI0vZIXciRwIY2G_CZeidA0OwFBZjIQxd3Vlsd_K8/s1600-h/P4050170.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321418841985618738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjsYI33Cs6TIgIgzeWqFScQ0Nbd1ArHIkYfSmalaxaKTWsGCLkF5pkyHUBx7tAmSoxOOYZS0A-75_SYQLyhGvJs_0Grz27pTU4jlI0vZIXciRwIY2G_CZeidA0OwFBZjIQxd3Vlsd_K8/s320/P4050170.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOhFYFr5dYTll7t9RyhnLM8CHIuRvGlXKMz5x4pGOgxKyoj9ZQWfbbvfNJXm7UTc-9zAR5F9ZRFqchl6Yq8Fd7iZGDEDSwaY_vYdJ-wsRZJwgJM5qYuVq3KwD1oalo5KfQY_7siMQOxQ/s1600-h/P4050168.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321418834188587426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOhFYFr5dYTll7t9RyhnLM8CHIuRvGlXKMz5x4pGOgxKyoj9ZQWfbbvfNJXm7UTc-9zAR5F9ZRFqchl6Yq8Fd7iZGDEDSwaY_vYdJ-wsRZJwgJM5qYuVq3KwD1oalo5KfQY_7siMQOxQ/s320/P4050168.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWh4xPH4Qspmj17aDfHFXai4DRSa-BXUxbne0asnTiA1gbSEt_HwYUuRSu4KPPyBgcJHiFtgMSVHyyU3Q7uzKuaG4RpncrCwJCjQo4y-cDqmh2d0j4lmOv0UkQKrfe-OTQHOo8oHQiiGI/s1600-h/P4050167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321418834091188578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWh4xPH4Qspmj17aDfHFXai4DRSa-BXUxbne0asnTiA1gbSEt_HwYUuRSu4KPPyBgcJHiFtgMSVHyyU3Q7uzKuaG4RpncrCwJCjQo4y-cDqmh2d0j4lmOv0UkQKrfe-OTQHOo8oHQiiGI/s320/P4050167.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGJ0r9kSuRRUyvjFti6T1a0X9NZSRHutvFN91Ry0cinaj3zhln7wmV5nqc_OnpNLzFXz-vQnLt462tXVdLDIgxkFp3-HJGanWLsSZtATfy-bg-kx546bk_-am0f3UbQeRRAgBUaENVxQ/s1600-h/P4050165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321418829119546386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGJ0r9kSuRRUyvjFti6T1a0X9NZSRHutvFN91Ry0cinaj3zhln7wmV5nqc_OnpNLzFXz-vQnLt462tXVdLDIgxkFp3-HJGanWLsSZtATfy-bg-kx546bk_-am0f3UbQeRRAgBUaENVxQ/s320/P4050165.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8UBf7b8yWatym-L92alff_cDTH3Yi8CEiUH3seuzAeEzYK2_Jip-US4tqL6DOq9eXetAbRiS20-VJbufdozfZi_Mrke0bghAjmFXaQZ5SIlV0A4Z8zFcQeT37-KjzfgnAYAAyB8Lth8/s1600-h/P4050163.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321418827591729794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8UBf7b8yWatym-L92alff_cDTH3Yi8CEiUH3seuzAeEzYK2_Jip-US4tqL6DOq9eXetAbRiS20-VJbufdozfZi_Mrke0bghAjmFXaQZ5SIlV0A4Z8zFcQeT37-KjzfgnAYAAyB8Lth8/s320/P4050163.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Beauty can be found everywhere....it is all a matter of perspective.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-58778978519946679672009-04-07T19:55:00.000-07:002009-04-07T20:03:55.288-07:00A Welcome and a Thank You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2o80fiKlB2IJLrR_xviFK48fLxsHHDPNbjMbKBCpJPkZLaM3OO1F0qdbQv5GwcUyC-8zlsCANtMOgafRcUzmFZoJ-z9vjrOfEd-3cTzt7fL8xn6hV8hcVFIy7ICLxm-P_Q5ArIIIFhs/s1600-h/P4050210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322149073601041106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2o80fiKlB2IJLrR_xviFK48fLxsHHDPNbjMbKBCpJPkZLaM3OO1F0qdbQv5GwcUyC-8zlsCANtMOgafRcUzmFZoJ-z9vjrOfEd-3cTzt7fL8xn6hV8hcVFIy7ICLxm-P_Q5ArIIIFhs/s320/P4050210.JPG" border="0" /></a> There is a new blogger in our midst. Her name is Pam, we affectionately refer to her as Auntie Pammy in our house. I have had the pleasure of calling her a dear friend for many years now. Here is the link to her <a href="http://tootercattales.blogspot.com/">blog</a>...head on over and say Hi and give her a big bloggy welcome!!<br /><br /><br />I also want to acknowledge a regular commenter on my blog. She comments under Anonymous but always signs her comments "Karen in SC". She is my son Michael's birth great aunt and a truly beautiful person. Her comments are wonderful, she gives the best advice and adds a dose of love in every word. She is a very wise woman and I feel totally blessed to have her in my life. Thanks Karen...I love you!!<br /><br /><br />Have a wonderful day everyone!!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-61891300764343380202009-04-06T20:11:00.000-07:002009-04-06T20:11:00.410-07:00Wicked<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hyphenhyphenxC6JJTmar0bnSNVfiqcgOUOBpFbjQjLn_qL8jA-gYOx8olR0mbz-ZAsTAOtYueOGdvSJUqtSl8sPX8T3QwVcQSPyQ3kFa5kt2GVdAysdJnkEQYj1SwZ3CpMx72-5ms6zhGpReROS4/s1600-h/P4050185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321411363503029282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hyphenhyphenxC6JJTmar0bnSNVfiqcgOUOBpFbjQjLn_qL8jA-gYOx8olR0mbz-ZAsTAOtYueOGdvSJUqtSl8sPX8T3QwVcQSPyQ3kFa5kt2GVdAysdJnkEQYj1SwZ3CpMx72-5ms6zhGpReROS4/s320/P4050185.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last summer, while on a vacation, I read Wicked. It is a wonderful book, I highly recommend it. I immediately made a mental wish that the musical would come to town because I missed it the last time it was here.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGYSnDaTbhMz93JGwMEECVhyu8igXHlIbUNHTHmYsEUz8sS1Nw2e3H00hVbY3a8KheQwIMwEWIq7h1AECh2MZsPLVtAqIMDI8_P16eWxbofgIwTQKU4wGfGnyFT7fJussUXvbtWSFMq4/s1600-h/P4050200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321411356937154546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGYSnDaTbhMz93JGwMEECVhyu8igXHlIbUNHTHmYsEUz8sS1Nw2e3H00hVbY3a8KheQwIMwEWIq7h1AECh2MZsPLVtAqIMDI8_P16eWxbofgIwTQKU4wGfGnyFT7fJussUXvbtWSFMq4/s320/P4050200.JPG" border="0" /></a> I came home from vacation and was checking my email when lo and behold....Wicked was coming to town and I had an invitation to purchase tickets before they went on sale to the general public!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ED8bZYSgVOP1-HfUg2u6iWrWl2MwHD7jHBLGdjsTRxBadFxPdeBUrrRPeWVgh_ZmtgjDF1A6GDeEs61eoZKA1HM2YKZftiYfyBxsOaxcNTYGUVmhTBkhTdFbVpotfu5pKTXvJB_cH_s/s1600-h/P4050219.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321411358712285874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ED8bZYSgVOP1-HfUg2u6iWrWl2MwHD7jHBLGdjsTRxBadFxPdeBUrrRPeWVgh_ZmtgjDF1A6GDeEs61eoZKA1HM2YKZftiYfyBxsOaxcNTYGUVmhTBkhTdFbVpotfu5pKTXvJB_cH_s/s320/P4050219.JPG" border="0" /></a> I could not get my credit card out fast enough!! Today was the much anticipated day and let me tell you....I was not disappointed and neither was Cassie. The show was FABULOUS!! Words alone cannot describe it. If you have a chance....go see it!!! You will not be disappointed...actually..you will...when it is over!! I almost cried when it ended. I did cry when Elphaba and Glinda sang this song:</div><div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CEv2hLHEm5s&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CEv2hLHEm5s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div>Another favorite part was this song....The song itself is amazing, but the stage show is equally amazing for this song -</div><div></div></div></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MRUeEJQSKbs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MRUeEJQSKbs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I think this is my new favorite musical!!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-43020398730148205182009-04-05T19:37:00.000-07:002009-04-05T20:09:44.781-07:00Healing after the Storm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggGgGDTWn2BjIuIt7LddFFV-8ad8rARUqrzL4axPSi4_zvWTcggkVC4TeYi8pF41Mlb-3A6tZAj6TYyFLrDyT-xdw3wGspdR8LNbg13ZQ7FjlRdgJiPaJa17OXztKrEwTdSWM8tazVBI/s1600-h/P4040162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402991133381970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggGgGDTWn2BjIuIt7LddFFV-8ad8rARUqrzL4axPSi4_zvWTcggkVC4TeYi8pF41Mlb-3A6tZAj6TYyFLrDyT-xdw3wGspdR8LNbg13ZQ7FjlRdgJiPaJa17OXztKrEwTdSWM8tazVBI/s320/P4040162.JPG" border="0" /></a> Experience has taught me that growth is born from pain. There are no regrets, only lessons to be learn. Mistakes are made in order to educate myself in life. I know this, but it is so hard to remember when mired in the pain.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2s4nw0OpxNj4LGYUcIPBsHS1plcqK6UsYHQ4_gV695YW-ZDawD-Qf15W7ec4COAk3Wrx50W9CE4j9k8MzvghG4J3Dz8zh2MtLr-kSnwh9FRIq85yrtANHStQGOK7U6ySc6AWFnXV4p4/s1600-h/P4040161.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402992536281186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2s4nw0OpxNj4LGYUcIPBsHS1plcqK6UsYHQ4_gV695YW-ZDawD-Qf15W7ec4COAk3Wrx50W9CE4j9k8MzvghG4J3Dz8zh2MtLr-kSnwh9FRIq85yrtANHStQGOK7U6ySc6AWFnXV4p4/s320/P4040161.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last week/month has been difficult here, as you read on my <a href="http://rdhmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/difficult-times.html">post</a> the other day. I knew there would be much growth both individually and as a family, but I also knew we had to go through the mire and pain to get there. I think we are there now, I know we are there now. Our family has grown and so have we individually.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHemZH91mxW2quZSbgrQvuE7z0SCrYeDV2iAfjPpK_9AAxexgSchhOi8lwGhmvZwIxaqrAEogNJWcS9EkH-jFE0Lqz-ilQM3Dn71_SROor3MZiDXMNT-AXE5NQFOaEjGsuvbJxjen8G0/s1600-h/P4040160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402987423376594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHemZH91mxW2quZSbgrQvuE7z0SCrYeDV2iAfjPpK_9AAxexgSchhOi8lwGhmvZwIxaqrAEogNJWcS9EkH-jFE0Lqz-ilQM3Dn71_SROor3MZiDXMNT-AXE5NQFOaEjGsuvbJxjen8G0/s320/P4040160.JPG" border="0" /></a> Healing, for me, at times can be difficult. I know what my spirit needs to heal, but sometimes I am so mired in the muck that I resist my needs. I knew, this time, I had to fight through the muck or I would get so entrenched in it that I would not find my way out, for awhile.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ou95AivrkuQR7l1OnaCUhlK4xIIwAJgUFgMtWj9xnhHKa00_0wSpc1_fqTWirpGgtRVdMnOFQBdBUqwn0wLD5MSiDNRDfCnaov7dX04lI-F6y2Kp8WKNY_LE4Vg9s5Z4GhJbp9h-v3k/s1600-h/P4040159.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402560117549362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ou95AivrkuQR7l1OnaCUhlK4xIIwAJgUFgMtWj9xnhHKa00_0wSpc1_fqTWirpGgtRVdMnOFQBdBUqwn0wLD5MSiDNRDfCnaov7dX04lI-F6y2Kp8WKNY_LE4Vg9s5Z4GhJbp9h-v3k/s320/P4040159.JPG" border="0" /></a> Friday night both children were gone on sleepovers and Dave had plans with a friend. I knew that if I stayed home alone I would make myself very comfortable in the muck. Usually I love my alone time...but not this time. I knew it would be unhealthy for me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHWrusdLJ9yQ2yKOUHakzKMZOqd5_KW38o8cETFk2fG1aVYNNLj6kOdZv0EbFlCMBzDPr4f7L3P07KlDd3eaznHKAQGqLswCpVjgOKOfnQLKHD_pvLnRWFz_HlqwS5cltL4yv4VG1e98/s1600-h/P4040156.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402550983175106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHWrusdLJ9yQ2yKOUHakzKMZOqd5_KW38o8cETFk2fG1aVYNNLj6kOdZv0EbFlCMBzDPr4f7L3P07KlDd3eaznHKAQGqLswCpVjgOKOfnQLKHD_pvLnRWFz_HlqwS5cltL4yv4VG1e98/s320/P4040156.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I called my best friend, the one person who knows me better than anyone. We have been friends for over 30 years (can you believe we are that old T??) My friend who has a blog but won't give me the link to it!!!, but reads my blog daily!!! Anyway....we went out for Chinese food and then came to my house and made cookies and talked and laughed for hours. For Hours!! It was wonderful. Just what I needed...some Girlfriend Time. Thanks T....you are the bestest friend ever....(even if you won't link me to your blog).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjkt5kB54wFPOgy56kRjMLbQinyVI3tG2zNWhS0PDcXDqHYYf890Bt1eck4uT-A-5zxowsT2f6NtbW7mB9a7TZnKO_qKmuh4UHQmfYXjBwTDeCwsyv-9x0wETvZfdQXR9NNwq0DjoJHI/s1600-h/P4040154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402554800974674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjkt5kB54wFPOgy56kRjMLbQinyVI3tG2zNWhS0PDcXDqHYYf890Bt1eck4uT-A-5zxowsT2f6NtbW7mB9a7TZnKO_qKmuh4UHQmfYXjBwTDeCwsyv-9x0wETvZfdQXR9NNwq0DjoJHI/s320/P4040154.JPG" border="0" /></a> Saturday Dave and I had the day to ourselves. The kids were not due home until mid afternoon. I suggested that we take the hike I took you on yesterday in my <a href="http://rdhmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/spring-hike.html">post</a>. It was a glorious day and the hills were more colorful than they were last week. We walked for over 2 hours and talked and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMEFl8DNbRr9V2nhkw7EhXc0ZzfhnfQTplNaXD3Vo6oP6XzvA-T4P0GSgQT8nprN2RoutAuIlRsRWL697rwIiMGb04FwzEuVQn9ulPrH7JdAjFLClqMRNGcdUA2nhDA1XnsaHOHAGTUI/s1600-h/P4040153.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402546629611810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMEFl8DNbRr9V2nhkw7EhXc0ZzfhnfQTplNaXD3Vo6oP6XzvA-T4P0GSgQT8nprN2RoutAuIlRsRWL697rwIiMGb04FwzEuVQn9ulPrH7JdAjFLClqMRNGcdUA2nhDA1XnsaHOHAGTUI/s320/P4040153.JPG" border="0" /></a> Halfway through the walk I realized that Dave was not next to me. I turned around and saw him bent over picking a wildflower. There is nothing more endearing to me, or humbling, than to see the man I love picking a wildflower. It brought tears to my eyes. We lamented about picking a bouquet because our motto about nature has always been - "Leave only footprints and take only pictures and memories". We felt it would be wrong to pick a bouquet, but we really wanted to. So...we compromised. We picked a bouquet and promised the Wildflower Fairies that we would save the seeds and return them to the hills. We spent the next half of the walk picking the gorgeous bouquet you see in this post.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFo9AMBRsUk6DWuJfcIPmx6VDk__cKi9F2KS3gPko39kYBCiPvxzjXM5fQJzGla0HWcTEISU-n7GOjwh74a6DEf7P3Foe-7l1dqDCkUIhBT0pyS6ovjtj7EJRCg3u4n00HDnPAfvw_8c/s1600-h/P4040151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321402543513730594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFo9AMBRsUk6DWuJfcIPmx6VDk__cKi9F2KS3gPko39kYBCiPvxzjXM5fQJzGla0HWcTEISU-n7GOjwh74a6DEf7P3Foe-7l1dqDCkUIhBT0pyS6ovjtj7EJRCg3u4n00HDnPAfvw_8c/s320/P4040151.JPG" border="0" /></a> We weathered the storm. We have grown as a family and as individuals. Healing, for me, took place in the laughter, the friendship, the love, the flowers, the hills....nature. Another storm is brewing on the horizon. I do not know when it will get here, but know it will come. I have gained important knowledge through this storm. I know it will help me through the next one. Most importantly I know that through love and nature....I will flourish, I will grow, and I will heal.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-74197158490163620352009-04-04T20:42:00.000-07:002009-04-04T20:42:00.569-07:00Spring Hike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TVTQzXdSxwzIOYiiDKUBWLWbHVfGfpVBxMPu4jaDzvOh_YZeaTikoT6ImiacmR9KhGfen_eAaqY3XzLDJAdZ7LSybUHbjCQwXgG2lLGuW7HGljJMv05UHccQ6zLGMxMa2EiNdryChgo/s1600-h/P3260338.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319936359036145234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TVTQzXdSxwzIOYiiDKUBWLWbHVfGfpVBxMPu4jaDzvOh_YZeaTikoT6ImiacmR9KhGfen_eAaqY3XzLDJAdZ7LSybUHbjCQwXgG2lLGuW7HGljJMv05UHccQ6zLGMxMa2EiNdryChgo/s320/P3260338.JPG" border="0" /></a> I found this trail a couple of months ago quite by accident. I was walking my dog and saw an entrance to a fire road and decided to do a bit of exploring. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The trail/fire road winds its way through the hills around town and goes on for miles. We have been walking it regularly. Baron can get some off leash time, which he LOVES, and I can enjoy the quiet of nature, which I LOVE. It is about a 2 mile walk from our house, up hills, to the beginning of the trail and then we will walk the trail for about a mile before going home. The other day I decided to go on a wildflower walk on the trail. We have had a lot of rain recently and the wildflowers are just beginning to bloom. I knew we would walk quite a distance, so we drove to the beginning of the trail, and I am glad we did. We ended up walking for almost 2 hours and it was pure heaven.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VtcRlND-EWe_DaOlO5v6mI9CzntIhsghXUHaZExH8roV7WaN4ozTmJJw2Qxc-0lzWsMFSQuNdBKYoBjOHXJXBaRDKdu6-QmL22czXauqnIPfbrL2H34OaFiIaHg_vMtjqbU1n42cErk/s1600-h/P3260353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319936360425418482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VtcRlND-EWe_DaOlO5v6mI9CzntIhsghXUHaZExH8roV7WaN4ozTmJJw2Qxc-0lzWsMFSQuNdBKYoBjOHXJXBaRDKdu6-QmL22czXauqnIPfbrL2H34OaFiIaHg_vMtjqbU1n42cErk/s320/P3260353.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is my favorite time of year. The hills are green and lush, the skies are blue, and the air is full of birdsong. Oak trees are one of my favorite trees, redwoods being the other. They are so majestic and strong. I love seeing an old oak tree in a sea of green grass. Baron has decided to have a rest in the shade of this beauty. Doesn't he look small and insignificant next to the tree?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkuxP9ao1muNKFdBoEtqDvT9mQwnFI25AWtXYMRSK2_LzoEQx2ERfMS2nEtxVQLAqsdnbLfRMCKJCUnCnC1bzHDSNIBfZI5LgjQ3GoxxsWdBoqg9quGMxph3uHOsgs-4kC9kJXV_MtHQ/s1600-h/P3260351.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319936355283182770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkuxP9ao1muNKFdBoEtqDvT9mQwnFI25AWtXYMRSK2_LzoEQx2ERfMS2nEtxVQLAqsdnbLfRMCKJCUnCnC1bzHDSNIBfZI5LgjQ3GoxxsWdBoqg9quGMxph3uHOsgs-4kC9kJXV_MtHQ/s320/P3260351.JPG" border="0" /></a> We won't be able to hike this trail much longer. All this beautiful green grass will soon be a deadly carpet for Baron. Fox tails....thousands of them are just waiting to bloom. I have spent thousands of dollars at the vets due to these pesky little critters. I avoid them at all costs. Also, this area is rattlesnake heaven. These creatures will soon be out of hibernation and I do not want to encounter any of them. One of my childhood dogs was killed by a rattlesnake...it was horrible. We will enjoy the beauty now and pack it away in our mind until next spring.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69MtrPrSIQppdBjIQe4zFucWRjgsZK_fD3FO-RqUefxUOTbdjrzLLPnAljmkkaX9TovtwBZJpfv1cwig6s01neKciTt0P3UwfRqnrZ7gubOkCT64quMRpzHSSzHwqtlfMauF_Fp8MGrk/s1600-h/P3260350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319936347864848994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69MtrPrSIQppdBjIQe4zFucWRjgsZK_fD3FO-RqUefxUOTbdjrzLLPnAljmkkaX9TovtwBZJpfv1cwig6s01neKciTt0P3UwfRqnrZ7gubOkCT64quMRpzHSSzHwqtlfMauF_Fp8MGrk/s320/P3260350.JPG" border="0" /></a> Just gorgeous...more oak trees...more lush greenness. Soon all these hills will be golden brown in the hot days of summer. The greenness will be gone for another year.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyKRUMGHyUybkIru67lHnRC0FkoDXC_d2saB7PRdm7PQeHX_cb40vqXu64D2QgnBmZP50aJaj-L_nQim8t3CZyblHAkXGATFVSZ2wv9_ZupWuZZCOl-5KnPXqI-acCIBJ1e0G-3tObkU/s1600-h/P3260346.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319935593629683570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyKRUMGHyUybkIru67lHnRC0FkoDXC_d2saB7PRdm7PQeHX_cb40vqXu64D2QgnBmZP50aJaj-L_nQim8t3CZyblHAkXGATFVSZ2wv9_ZupWuZZCOl-5KnPXqI-acCIBJ1e0G-3tObkU/s320/P3260346.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our first wildflowers. I don't know what these are called, but they reminded me of baby daffodils. I loved them.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjCP8z9546NWOW4I0cWuI_MRfrCCxzcejWtf1AExXsS2v_u90ME7-jtoMf7dNO7TcCRsdhF3tqxVK2MjlceoLSYkMIPi6vGKmLyBZebE_RR3k_s3saSB2Py1D0qEdvuX6Xp4VLRGcNdk/s1600-h/P3260341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319935591596031170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjCP8z9546NWOW4I0cWuI_MRfrCCxzcejWtf1AExXsS2v_u90ME7-jtoMf7dNO7TcCRsdhF3tqxVK2MjlceoLSYkMIPi6vGKmLyBZebE_RR3k_s3saSB2Py1D0qEdvuX6Xp4VLRGcNdk/s320/P3260341.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Purple lupine and California poppies. California at its finest!! What a winning combination.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJcCtoggfwJGl34bYuXs8PZDaMRDXmpQcg_VNuqTdyKNN0Ir_hEOuPLVCh0hVCapI8XhLrD4v-2CzdlOiIADD-cmMZL6OaWcBV5uaoDTreWmdPNs2IMewlflT0WljdZwi1v895UW6iDA/s1600-h/P3260340.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319935584129837474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJcCtoggfwJGl34bYuXs8PZDaMRDXmpQcg_VNuqTdyKNN0Ir_hEOuPLVCh0hVCapI8XhLrD4v-2CzdlOiIADD-cmMZL6OaWcBV5uaoDTreWmdPNs2IMewlflT0WljdZwi1v895UW6iDA/s320/P3260340.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lupine in the background and I am not sure what in the foreground, but it pleases my eye and soul. I think I need to do a quick tutorial on wildflowers!! I must educate myself.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuImp5K-XLPKt9Dpgs0B5kiTzP3HrE5442NcC_11HqD-ZlqiqakJ55xzWQrfrDGYmIBVnAyX5My-jw142qC8NjrHLc2MNL5ftNeyF_LJxHTuk-zfRIOFqktZfIEwZ5H1MOr8xSPso4GRM/s1600-h/P3260339.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319935578967272562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuImp5K-XLPKt9Dpgs0B5kiTzP3HrE5442NcC_11HqD-ZlqiqakJ55xzWQrfrDGYmIBVnAyX5My-jw142qC8NjrHLc2MNL5ftNeyF_LJxHTuk-zfRIOFqktZfIEwZ5H1MOr8xSPso4GRM/s320/P3260339.JPG" border="0" /></a> The hills are definitely alive with color. This picture does not do it justice. The poppies, the lupine, the oaks, the sea of green...it does not get much better than this.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5noYkM-q4fGMeA3m65w3ZCzluQDKSOZiBUhRVdv0dKfRbjdap7EiaQ08-ATjNvBUjMnVcOIW1fL8akYkLIk6pVUhKcY6f-r3n6VlUKU1Sbwel-l5O9CHMpuMWLImdE-_9FxIehCoUdk8/s1600-h/P3260336.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319935575794855618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5noYkM-q4fGMeA3m65w3ZCzluQDKSOZiBUhRVdv0dKfRbjdap7EiaQ08-ATjNvBUjMnVcOIW1fL8akYkLIk6pVUhKcY6f-r3n6VlUKU1Sbwel-l5O9CHMpuMWLImdE-_9FxIehCoUdk8/s320/P3260336.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Baron and I enjoyed our wildflower hike. We will be back again, but not until next year. The fox tails are blooming and the rattlesnakes are waking up. We will be smart and safe and find a new walking trail. I also saw mountain lion tracks on the trail....it was very exciting!!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-5532832914028691162009-04-03T12:29:00.000-07:002009-04-03T13:00:48.037-07:00Difficult Times<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimAtdglJWhW5mKnYHj9_jlD4x7N8mfeMQ7MvaOCxwiUMXMjQ0m4uwtdZmF9d0GMaR4x6fvgnqXWhqGMXNpX2Yo-hZCSorCmDT9Hj_yRx0ZfUVldoh3iEzaheQJ_VVNl3sEgq25-vnVHg/s1600-h/P9140183.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320549792757624578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimAtdglJWhW5mKnYHj9_jlD4x7N8mfeMQ7MvaOCxwiUMXMjQ0m4uwtdZmF9d0GMaR4x6fvgnqXWhqGMXNpX2Yo-hZCSorCmDT9Hj_yRx0ZfUVldoh3iEzaheQJ_VVNl3sEgq25-vnVHg/s320/P9140183.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today I have an emotional hang over. You know the feeling? I am drained, tired, anxious, and have zero energy. Yesterday, yesterday....how should I begin? It all started 14 years ago when we came up with the brilliant idea to adopt a baby!! No one told us that parenting would be so fucking hard! Why doesn't anyone warn you?<br /><br /><br />I have blogged about the difficulty with Michael the past few months in regards to his homework and such. Happily, I can say....it is much easier now. We found a solution that is working without too much tear, drama, and yelling. Thank.God.<br /><br /><br />Cassie...my sweet little girl Cassie. She is struggling right now and it is breaking my heart. She had an issue last month that was heartbreaking and very difficult, as a parent, to go through...but we did. As usual, with hard situations, we came out the other side stronger and learned some valuable lessons. I was just coming off this emotional roller coaster and thought (big mistake) that I was going to coast for awhile.<br /><br /><br />Yesterday, my phone rang at lunch...it was the school. It was her Spanish teacher asking me if I had seen/signed the test she sent home on Tuesday. I honestly could not remember (I sign so many papers from this nice Catholic school on a daily basis) and asked her what the grade was. 59%, she tells me and she said it is signed, but she did not recognize the signature. Do you see where this is going? Yes, you guessed right. I was hoping for the outcome that I really did sign it, but just didn't remember....nope, no chance.<br /><br /><br />Cassie's version - she forged it because she forgot to have me sign it and she did not want to get a deficiency and the reason she got caught is because it was the first time she had done it and she wasn't very good at it. At least she didn't add the word "yet" to the end of her tirade....little things to be grateful for!!<br /><br /><br />This rocked me to the core. It is not the fact that she failed the test, it is the dishonesty. I don't like the dishonesty. It scares me to see this in my child. I feel that I have failed somehow. There is something that I am not doing that I should be doing, or I have done something that I should not have done.<br /><br /><br />I was able to get down to the nitty gritty with her. I knew there was more to the story than this superficial stuff. Sure enough...more bullshit from her "oh so catholic" bitch classmates. Can you tell I am done with them. I swear this school just breed viciousness in its girls. I can do nothing about it either. Cassie does not fit into their mold (thank God!!) and she tries to, oh how she tries to, but unfortunately, it only makes the situation worse. The school is too damn small to escape the narrow mindedness....hence...she is singled out and teased mercilessly. One more month of this crap...just one more month.<br /><br /><br />I know that Cassie plays a vital role in all this drama and I am trying to teach her this. She comes home from school internally raging from her hurt and frustration and Michael gets the brunt of her unleashing. I told her that these girls are carrying around a bunch of shit that they don't know what to do with so they dump it on her and willingly carries it around until she comes home and it gets too heavy for her so she dumps it on Michael. I told her there was too much shit flying around and it was getting very stinky. How do you teach a 13/14 year old girl to not pick it up?<br /><br /><br />I wish she had more self confidence/esteem to ignore the comments/looks/whispers from her classmates. My heart breaks for her....it is horrible. I also know that she needs to learn how to do this or the pattern will just repeat itself in high school with a different group of kids. I told her this, I hope it helps her.<br /><br /><br />Last night as I was mired in this muck, ready to cry at the drop of hat, our doorbell rang. It was our next door neighbor with 2 tickets to the San Francisco Giants vs. Oakland A's game in the City. I did not want to go. I wanted to crawl in bed and cry. We went and I did cry, in the car, until we reached the Bay Bridge. Seeing the beautiful City and the bay calmed me. We had a good time, did not stay out too late, but it was just enough to get away, as adults. I truly believe God guided our neighbor to our house....Dave and I truly needed the little get away.<br /><br /><br />I am still a down today. I don't know what Cassie's punishment at school is going to be. I don't know how she will deal with the drama from her classmates. She has only 1 more month at this school....1 more month....I hope she makes it.<br /><br /><br />If you are still reading this...thanks...I needed the vent. I feel lighter.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-48529595739440479402009-04-02T20:12:00.000-07:002009-04-02T20:12:00.459-07:00A Special Visit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDPgIfjKeU1Ya3NQ7pV8WUxEg9Ta50K5X75e57xIqCYYe2-eNDBL9iu6oynvXjiugQraLC2lZSrZxDWCgArC8QRPRbbhB_x_wIMuN5RiEgvWFDxPptaXqFLIbksqTJcsLhNAuy7C7908/s1600-h/P3230330.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319927133122425746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDPgIfjKeU1Ya3NQ7pV8WUxEg9Ta50K5X75e57xIqCYYe2-eNDBL9iu6oynvXjiugQraLC2lZSrZxDWCgArC8QRPRbbhB_x_wIMuN5RiEgvWFDxPptaXqFLIbksqTJcsLhNAuy7C7908/s320/P3230330.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Last week we had a very special visitor, Cassie's birthmother and little sister. We have been very fortunate to have a open adoption relationship with her and they live fairly close to us. We don't see them very often, but we thoroughly enjoy our visits when we have them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cassie's birthmother has another daughter now, she is 17 months old and is absolutely gorgeous. She does not physically resemble Cassie, but I see aspects of Cassie in her. Seeing this precious little angel takes me back to the days when Cassie was that little. It seems like it was just the other day, but, she will be 14 next month. I can't believe how fast time goes by. They have the same little hands and the same little feet. They have some of the same expressions and the same laid back personalities. Cassie's birthmother knows how to make her daughters, they may not look like her, but they have all her good qualities.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Seeing Cassie's birthmother (CM) reminds me of the love and gratitude I feel for her. Without her, I would not be a mom. To be perfectly honest, there are days when I question my desire to become a mom. When I think - "What the hell was I thinking? I signed up for this crap?" But, then again, there are days when I look at my children and cannot imagine what my life was like before I became a mom. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I love my role as a mother. I cherish it. I take it very seriously. I value it. I thank CM everyday for allowing me to take this journey. CM and I are very close. We may not see each other often, but when we do, it is like we just saw each other the day before. Our relationship is very easy going, casual, and comfortable. She walks in the house, kicks off her shoes, takes a seat, and we immediately begin our hours long chat fest. Literally, hours long. I am truly blessed to have this relationship with her. Cassie adores seeing her, and adores her little sister. She dotes on her, it warms my heart.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When Dave and I began our adoption journey 15 years ago, we were adamant about not having an open adoption. We decided we would sent a picture or two in the child's lifetime, but that was it. Somewhere along the way, we changed our minds, our perspectives. Thank God we did. I feel like we have a perfect balance. We have a precious daughter who is loved by our family and her birthfamily. We have a relationship with them that is not too intrusive on either side, but inclusive in love and respect. Cassie knows where she came from and where she is going. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>CM gave us a gift 14 years ago, we are giving Cassie a gift in knowing her birthfamily, we are giving CM a gift in knowing her daughter. It is a definite win/win situation.</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-19656683306988963222009-04-01T19:31:00.000-07:002009-04-01T19:37:46.781-07:00A Poet Among Us<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B2LrMSf-qM9Z4g8eYO_h1cayT02Hfcn7bmtLej8esyG72B7v89FVMP0JgNDEO42p9hGtVQsqcyfOeKMiGyzApn26JnBZMB34_sOgIpXf5GBigXlSiZpTUrl93suTQjJ8YfmWi3DCD4M/s1600-h/P3260337.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319916342613786002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B2LrMSf-qM9Z4g8eYO_h1cayT02Hfcn7bmtLej8esyG72B7v89FVMP0JgNDEO42p9hGtVQsqcyfOeKMiGyzApn26JnBZMB34_sOgIpXf5GBigXlSiZpTUrl93suTQjJ8YfmWi3DCD4M/s320/P3260337.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://prytzfamily.blogspot.com/">Jan</a> emailed me today to let me know that she published a few of Cassie's poems on her blog for National Poetry Month. I was so excited and couldn't wait to tell Cassie. I felt like my daughter won the Pulitzer Prize!! Crazy, isn't it? Needless to say, Cassie was very excited and when writing a comment on Jan's post, she wrote another poem...just like that. I wish I had that talent!! Here is the <a href="http://prytzfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/first-day-of-national-poetry-month.html">post</a>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks Jan...you made her day...and mine too!!!</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-17276985655462276582009-03-03T19:53:00.000-08:002009-03-03T20:29:23.389-08:00The Next Journey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeKn1ZpA8L6tdp6FMNjw81V8LHbqF-wHvNT6jQPKkCx9UoyNP03iPq5B8ckaHOCu6KVMB0lDs6vOsbKpwmHYSSdNGaoTGx9a6eRM3FOyvL9NL6XH17alDSXS6NPmutra-hiKqnsql-L4/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309176003524382370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeKn1ZpA8L6tdp6FMNjw81V8LHbqF-wHvNT6jQPKkCx9UoyNP03iPq5B8ckaHOCu6KVMB0lDs6vOsbKpwmHYSSdNGaoTGx9a6eRM3FOyvL9NL6XH17alDSXS6NPmutra-hiKqnsql-L4/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yesterday I registered my daughter for high school. I then came home and began to have a nervous breakdown, just a mini one.<br /><br /><br />I know she will be fine. I am looking forward to her starting this new chapter in her life. I am excited for her.<br /><br /><br />I am scared to death. I worry about her. I want to protect her. I don't want her to get hurt.<br /><br /><br />She has been at the same small private school for 9 years. She will be going to the local public high school where she will have 400 (more or less) children in her freshman class. She has been with the same 35 children for the past 9 years. This will be a huge change.<br /><br /><br />Intellectually I know she will be fine. I know that it will be a HUGE adjustment for her, but once she survives the first few months, she will be fine. She has a good head on her shoulders, has strong morals, likes herself, and respects herself. <br /><br /><br />Emotionally, as a mom, I want to protect her from all the mean people in the world. I don't want her to ever get her feelings hurt. I don't want her to get her heart broken. I want to put her in a plastic bubble and keep her innocence intact.<br /><br /><br />Realistically I know this is not possible. I know that she needs to hurt, in order to grow. She needs to experience life in order to live. Her hurts and broken hearts will help create the woman she is becoming. I know this, but I still don't like it.<br /><br /><br />She, on the other hand, is very excited about this new venture. Nervous? Yes, she will admit to that, but her excitement overrides her nervousness.<br /><br /><br />"I can't wait to meet new people and make a fresh start." This is what she told us at the dinner table tonight. The past 9 years has not been easy for her. She is ready for a new start and we are ready to watch her bloom and flourish, hurts and all.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-44250585716069248942009-03-01T13:07:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:37:42.531-08:00One Mountain at a Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiP4lUrOEJAjCBBCkVj8FaZKoqEwedV7UXCAUX8xNpTT0EJV-t0N1WCJUHPLp1_SfEYdmIbuOXeV0bsmHo0Ev4cSfVazUBnBW5h1XKfB2nCBsecr1z54uoUPRLbvy5boMaKRcUcuTs2s/s1600-h/P8150164.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308329465935921890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiP4lUrOEJAjCBBCkVj8FaZKoqEwedV7UXCAUX8xNpTT0EJV-t0N1WCJUHPLp1_SfEYdmIbuOXeV0bsmHo0Ev4cSfVazUBnBW5h1XKfB2nCBsecr1z54uoUPRLbvy5boMaKRcUcuTs2s/s320/P8150164.JPG" border="0" /></a> As I sit here listening to rain gently falling outside I find myself reflecting on the past month and the struggles and triumphs I have experienced. As I come down the other side of the mountain I remember the struggle going up the other side. Parenting. It is a journey of climbing mountains and coasting down the opposite side. I am almost afraid to say out loud that I have reached the summit and am teetering on the cusp of the mountain. I am afraid to jinx myself.<br /><br /><br />Michael. My sweet little son. My angel boy. The source of my struggle this past month. Every night became a battle over homework. He would become distraught, cry, whine, dig his heels in and refuse to do his homework. I would become distraught, yell, pull my hair out, and say things I am not proud of. I was at my wits end and tired of the nightly battle. One night I almost didn't come home from work, I could not fathom another night of the same. Night after night, nothing changed.<br /><br /><br />I prayed about it.<br /><br /><br />An answer came to me. Every time he started to have a meltdown, he was told to take a seat on the carpet and I put the timer on for 9 minutes (he is 9 years old). Every time he cried, whined, yelled, broke down - the timer was reset for 9 minutes. Sometimes he sat there for 30 minutes. I did not yell or scream. He would finally calm down, the timer would go off, and he would get up and complete his work.<br /><br /><br />This worked....for awhile. Unfortunately I would find myself putting the timer on over and over again in the evenings. I was at a loss again. Inspiration came to me yet again. <br /><br /><br />At the beginning of each week a list was started. Whenever we needed to discipline Michael we wrote it on the list. Whenever he did a kind act, was responsible, etc. he would cross an item off the list and write down the positive act. At the end of the week, if there were any items not crossed off, he lost privileges for that weekend (TV, computer time, dessert, etc). He has never lost a privilege and his list is getting shorter and shorter and his good deeds are multiplying.<br /><br /><br />This has been working for the past few weeks. We have noticed a marked improvement in his attitude and behaviour. I am not a screaming banshee in the evenings. Peace has been restored to our house, for the time being.<br /><br /><br />Boundaries, consequences, praise, rewards, patience, love and kindness, respect. Climbing the mountain is hard work. At times I can not see the summit and I despair of falling down. Perseverance fuels my ascension, add to that the love and commitment required to be a parent and I reach the summit. As I coast down this mountain I look ahead and see another mountain on the horizon. I can't tell how far away this mountain is, or how difficult it will be to conquer. Conquer it I will though. I will bring with me my perseverance, my love, my commitment, my patience, and my faith.<br /><br /><br />Parenting...one mountain at a time.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-35887777166929975512009-02-22T18:34:00.000-08:002009-02-22T19:05:00.510-08:00Fun Monday<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816395252377282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcPMEpYilzNyXYqVCrhH40A4T486JoB3NoQopTSQIMdumSCe2WS3VnWqBnnBpe5dDTwBMJ3d71z4ZcXUVG5zPmiULLjFKI7g26K3StTUDx4FEzy-84N3q-3xeeYCe9_5B-WV-XBOpSCg/s320/funmondaylogo.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Our wonderful hostess this week is <a href="http://beyondmyslab.blogspot.com/">Ari</a> who is going Beyond Her Slab with this assignment:<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><em>It's time for show and tell. What does your kitchen counter look like right now? (And no fair cleaning just for the picture!) Do you have any favorite or unusual items on your counter?</em></span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#660000;"></span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4vTYQaqgZOjxUgeX90TkkH9H5Hgw0c-Vg0_Cuy1AWWp83_YqeaWJvtHKD1IQ_Y_PcDmotvsQaJImVh0Uvhr1BjLrGwgBv2dOW11rxYBvBj5WwDgDVwa-d1vpWBE_gE75f43wbmU0mPE/s1600-h/P2220168.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305817181302297986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4vTYQaqgZOjxUgeX90TkkH9H5Hgw0c-Vg0_Cuy1AWWp83_YqeaWJvtHKD1IQ_Y_PcDmotvsQaJImVh0Uvhr1BjLrGwgBv2dOW11rxYBvBj5WwDgDVwa-d1vpWBE_gE75f43wbmU0mPE/s320/P2220168.JPG" border="0" /></a> A typical kitchen will have a potted plant or possibly a flower like this orchid...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgKxhITdDKyYEbkRmskW7S5ffQbi6j04CGsvzd0sopsua89FTrVXRTqg-EDBT9ukPP-5McqeSzl0VKrf9fc08-zmagBkjZlYSB2QJU4MynnSqDMw5hyphenhyphen_13Pwo6UsiVYso9rlVv4-C7Gc/s1600-h/P2220175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305817171230360322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgKxhITdDKyYEbkRmskW7S5ffQbi6j04CGsvzd0sopsua89FTrVXRTqg-EDBT9ukPP-5McqeSzl0VKrf9fc08-zmagBkjZlYSB2QJU4MynnSqDMw5hyphenhyphen_13Pwo6UsiVYso9rlVv4-C7Gc/s320/P2220175.JPG" border="0" /></a> ..and a bowl of fruit and possibly a banana stand....<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKG_G4lcq2GXXA7Rsv9yMwy76K8_KNSq8u1sZ1VKsosYDcWBjlHtEnmHHUItWo2JgiwJvMfEDrj0Ezo-i3bPFBOPGeR8EeMlegpvCMtT6VrCZOFCYIFnqNtW202SaNKi7ML3TEgNegII/s1600-h/P2220176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305817171357444738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKG_G4lcq2GXXA7Rsv9yMwy76K8_KNSq8u1sZ1VKsosYDcWBjlHtEnmHHUItWo2JgiwJvMfEDrj0Ezo-i3bPFBOPGeR8EeMlegpvCMtT6VrCZOFCYIFnqNtW202SaNKi7ML3TEgNegII/s320/P2220176.JPG" border="0" /></a> ...it is quite possible to have some trivets lovingly made by the children who reside in the house..<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmUAznKSQU7q6VyqIfwzSRnBEDy7jcshR44oJ0_gV9f8e8qJCaATd0goHE-s8_ZIS2TjJzQlvRWOUom2V1lQJ5I1ztQkPY-mZ8TyHBGlGK9gldBHuNyjoIr6JO8gjTdOe6dAuFdQG1us/s1600-h/P2220181.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816928850964690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmUAznKSQU7q6VyqIfwzSRnBEDy7jcshR44oJ0_gV9f8e8qJCaATd0goHE-s8_ZIS2TjJzQlvRWOUom2V1lQJ5I1ztQkPY-mZ8TyHBGlGK9gldBHuNyjoIr6JO8gjTdOe6dAuFdQG1us/s320/P2220181.JPG" border="0" /></a> ...maybe some artwork on the wall that gives a glimpse into the personality of the person who spends a lot of time in the kitchen.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816929889831330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wRnqb6YALUOWLDkaPQJCoakfSqDUuR1XDMeDjiNP-sTXNt9JLvYVZMFIoogWwyL0Zx6MChKyIU-Xf1D9Xd_aRC9MNaIC48GHVVfnFuhWu52VLnHUJEi-Am1VHpw8NAhKZKcG69Qs8L4/s320/P2220177.JPG" border="0" />Of course my kitchen has all of the above. I am very fortunate though. As you know I live with a 9 year old boy and he LOVES to play on the kitchen counter. I regularly find other interesting items on the counter. Usually these items are legos (either in pieces or formed into an interesting creation), books, cars, trains, etc. This is what I found on the counter today.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmLv0N9hkC2ik3NXhidXVSlO_W-42jk4P_VqElzEWSv4KpsXNNCrcQZacEcF7KFkmJRyr7GrKfOurZ6UWjgr0unfFwyQ1lUJUAy0YqVR2qUY1lcI7nZtuWnkn57Kf8YB_jtOce36ajMQ/s1600-h/P2220172.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816920465369954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmLv0N9hkC2ik3NXhidXVSlO_W-42jk4P_VqElzEWSv4KpsXNNCrcQZacEcF7KFkmJRyr7GrKfOurZ6UWjgr0unfFwyQ1lUJUAy0YqVR2qUY1lcI7nZtuWnkn57Kf8YB_jtOce36ajMQ/s320/P2220172.JPG" border="0" /></a> A car that crashed and rolled and landed upside down. I am not sure what was the cause of the accident, and I didn't ask.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-eenzFL6HM6D6tJEAp4ZaQIFjLimjZUbs-EuGDCQjqfEpN-tTHO7XfvVOSMZTzYJkQA1TTjdUQBcRjXBKs5spzY8MWE8xPV1bQzu8njSscZUWM4s0evfj8ohIaJaczwLIiyTvMHm2hA/s1600-h/P2220169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816909727565554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-eenzFL6HM6D6tJEAp4ZaQIFjLimjZUbs-EuGDCQjqfEpN-tTHO7XfvVOSMZTzYJkQA1TTjdUQBcRjXBKs5spzY8MWE8xPV1bQzu8njSscZUWM4s0evfj8ohIaJaczwLIiyTvMHm2hA/s320/P2220169.JPG" border="0" /></a> A train complete with its tender.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPJfYqQhFfs24NOug-v7GhSGYIOwu2Xi2FXlXR20NJqJMWTLo6_yXQzbnwxt22k3unoZ_OH5787cS_5sjnQcOrXZEeSfggT1IKPn6-wFqu_5iZHvGLSPoDVLykfI8JLmE8-wp49EZaXA/s1600-h/P2220167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816405399975634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPJfYqQhFfs24NOug-v7GhSGYIOwu2Xi2FXlXR20NJqJMWTLo6_yXQzbnwxt22k3unoZ_OH5787cS_5sjnQcOrXZEeSfggT1IKPn6-wFqu_5iZHvGLSPoDVLykfI8JLmE8-wp49EZaXA/s320/P2220167.JPG" border="0" /></a> R2D2 laying down, I hope he is just taking a nap and is not passed out, you just never know with these Star Trek characters. The yellow/green puff toy is an animal he made in art class. I am sure it has a name but I have forgotten it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOHmr-hds725UZGsQ1f4lzGPT16q0mDxM6GxIEeM-dgmmUZNCTv-xeUQdfzbQPWayi1PAlFzDC1-aoDt-DQSUjqvUAPywaLooyCdTeUsuNmGRIuAEd8TgTnox1GEbyNRKOQ5-giyyu94/s1600-h/P2220166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816400190086434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOHmr-hds725UZGsQ1f4lzGPT16q0mDxM6GxIEeM-dgmmUZNCTv-xeUQdfzbQPWayi1PAlFzDC1-aoDt-DQSUjqvUAPywaLooyCdTeUsuNmGRIuAEd8TgTnox1GEbyNRKOQ5-giyyu94/s320/P2220166.JPG" border="0" /></a> A silver truck that has mysteriously come apart. It may have been involved in the crash with the white car, I am not sure, sometimes it is better to not ask any questions.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZQe-Ha9dh4IKKHiegowta45nFktBp0FCbfZ_fTiaNKcLw1tnEDYriPdfTs_NDEcMG9AoQDMir0fGMlycZRRATpEjpj3NLW09EE0jCHD4LZeptVO5a2PNUlZhbbAv1N0MoriSESJCokE/s1600-h/P2220165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816401562872002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZQe-Ha9dh4IKKHiegowta45nFktBp0FCbfZ_fTiaNKcLw1tnEDYriPdfTs_NDEcMG9AoQDMir0fGMlycZRRATpEjpj3NLW09EE0jCHD4LZeptVO5a2PNUlZhbbAv1N0MoriSESJCokE/s320/P2220165.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Awesome Book of Sharks! What household is complete without this book?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCWFJTJMZ4KvHLGuZEbUXjDO0TjC8Z0BNkynZMNrmcGKBihCI2FAXHdwlVwhX38zfLgkYx-ToEi6hmf0sOPxDzfQrwMDznC46vjqvZYkIcnkZqEktXAP8fQBvzYbosAtGrnTW8z40pBE/s1600-h/P2220164.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816396635946018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCWFJTJMZ4KvHLGuZEbUXjDO0TjC8Z0BNkynZMNrmcGKBihCI2FAXHdwlVwhX38zfLgkYx-ToEi6hmf0sOPxDzfQrwMDznC46vjqvZYkIcnkZqEktXAP8fQBvzYbosAtGrnTW8z40pBE/s320/P2220164.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now I know you all know what this is! What? You don't know? I am surprised at you! It is a wigwam, of course. This is a project for school. Michael made the framework out of pipe cleaners and paper maiche'd the covering. He then painted it brown.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305816917809546194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEjz87IQOa72ee3ilh6zTDaOX779T1R-bwPID7kDAHvUQoMXjY8GO_fE11nLULuBS6gC06D-CcJtHynf7L2IbTa-UPiRuWHUKMgu-hZB1RkZK_PYrib8g6n9Lndhrtsjbf32ph7V15vk/s320/P2220173.JPG" border="0" />And last, but definitely not least....what kitchen is complete without an ongoing science experiment. This container is growing <a href="http://www.triops.com/">triopes</a>, a prehistoric creature that resembles a shrimp.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That concludes your tour of my kitchen...thanks for visiting. To tour more kitchens, feel free to visit all the other Fun Monday participants.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-78165397649657975652009-02-21T19:06:00.000-08:002009-02-21T19:25:40.770-08:00Just the Other Day<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305453541353236642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyswtIPIzXHM4mZnhQRkte4yDTtasbVB86uKPz3arkOPhp3Ps9yEzd5VrEDDY3W28c9TNzaAlKLl7HcxJtLsHIsXMZoCIdCVtbocDLrBZdD81NUpMcrCN6XAU08sd62vxBb13UnSQv-D4/s320/Cass+22.bmp" border="0" /><br /><br />Just the other day I took this picture of my daughter. It was on her First Communion Day. She looked like a little angel, so sweet and beautiful.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305453538775584434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVzqsP0mYSlR_HY_DubznFXomEqUQqCx5PChZ41nTK32yQB1oCC-bHet8u9pMELdyWIQllCZBidozJzl0zDcCuYPaG2BI36fydeM7mgXcXvrG8wJ1Yno6UQ3UptCKjvNp6CS6EOCG0m4/s320/Cass+1.bmp" border="0" /><br /><br />A few days after the above picture I took this picture of her. My sweet little angel girl, so precious and kind. She was always willing to help, never uttered an unkind word. She was so innocent and young.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZB-5qcC1MV0aQhj1cyOgFWdObZcza1wH8V0EJVS49S2tb9f_GKlZ4b0aeQlnI9gBCc7yVyrACvTQvgUAqXJRo976VGWaKn7TadoI8Y3ed2_tI4mQt5W0Vphb29-GGEqhI1FmjZX0FtI/s1600-h/P2210157.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305453822392222194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZB-5qcC1MV0aQhj1cyOgFWdObZcza1wH8V0EJVS49S2tb9f_GKlZ4b0aeQlnI9gBCc7yVyrACvTQvgUAqXJRo976VGWaKn7TadoI8Y3ed2_tI4mQt5W0Vphb29-GGEqhI1FmjZX0FtI/s320/P2210157.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today I took this picture of her. How did this happen? Yesterday she was the girl in the previous pictures. How can she change so much overnight? She is still young and beautiful.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhicr5DJANqP6Su_gnG4ymVYxzvAJwxFQCRR0w2xIBvdlpI22RusrzIMIw9o0L6v846ZD-D1k4WhvlLmPWLy4qYsbuZsTTB4wbqzM-dvE7JhSuLC4wnKwVMZ9A5xXhn1VhIcXXgsSj1A/s1600-h/P2210154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305453550345012514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhicr5DJANqP6Su_gnG4ymVYxzvAJwxFQCRR0w2xIBvdlpI22RusrzIMIw9o0L6v846ZD-D1k4WhvlLmPWLy4qYsbuZsTTB4wbqzM-dvE7JhSuLC4wnKwVMZ9A5xXhn1VhIcXXgsSj1A/s320/P2210154.JPG" border="0" /></a> She is still kind and sweet and innocent.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoHw5_coGGhde88OL7czTCW6Ze_-T_t9ngynBQvBEH3jJF-1pcucglQRVx-wVj026ifTTL9-HvMGsHjVTDDG_0Y2P_rf9cdXbMZHi4LOXMUDo4of3QSL-Lvsiyyq9ieELbJzzob8mQCM/s1600-h/P2210158.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305453542342158578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoHw5_coGGhde88OL7czTCW6Ze_-T_t9ngynBQvBEH3jJF-1pcucglQRVx-wVj026ifTTL9-HvMGsHjVTDDG_0Y2P_rf9cdXbMZHi4LOXMUDo4of3QSL-Lvsiyyq9ieELbJzzob8mQCM/s320/P2210158.JPG" border="0" /></a> The only difference now is that she has added a few new features to her personality. Coincidentally these features were added when she started adding new features to her physical presence.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsAc46-4FusWFe8ZYXQ-KATac7JYd5WnvCnHWIygL8HO3hGzdJC8y90WutzLe1ryJFmvwR8dbkw9rwWO94cHKuC7diCTA0ABru3sD3RE2er0qlRttdfkksvyMff7IZRvDdm1jprleKs8/s1600-h/P2210161.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305453543752531906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsAc46-4FusWFe8ZYXQ-KATac7JYd5WnvCnHWIygL8HO3hGzdJC8y90WutzLe1ryJFmvwR8dbkw9rwWO94cHKuC7diCTA0ABru3sD3RE2er0qlRttdfkksvyMff7IZRvDdm1jprleKs8/s320/P2210161.JPG" border="0" /></a> The eye rolls, the groans, the tears, the drama....I don't think I signed up for this portion. What happened to the little girl of yesterday? At times I still glimpse her and I am sure she is still there somewhere. Hopefully she will return someday, a more mature version of her.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I do need to count my blessings though. Cassie is very innocent and sweet. She is still very helpful and she has a kind soul. She will go far in life, we just need to get through the next four years.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>She is graduating 8th grade this year and will enter high school in the fall. Today we took graduation portraits and I snapped these pictures before we went to the studio. Her beauty brings tears to my eyes, both her inner and outer beauty.<br /><br /><br />Just the other day we were bringing her home from the hospital....what a journey it has been.</div></div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-40824189180780444172009-02-19T20:29:00.000-08:002009-02-19T20:42:15.681-08:00Night Happenings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwbJ_rAsmqphxRym4FHdEgoS8SWBDfl7KuImD66ntVZPXdJNix9PllSAEgb5XhidyMfaeIcHZgEgL-5EmFcpy7F9dL4W2-gv3b0JSZuRh-_9a_4eCUw75VW8w0QMseA3Z4nFCWbpnMwg/s1600-h/P2070185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304732316865815346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwbJ_rAsmqphxRym4FHdEgoS8SWBDfl7KuImD66ntVZPXdJNix9PllSAEgb5XhidyMfaeIcHZgEgL-5EmFcpy7F9dL4W2-gv3b0JSZuRh-_9a_4eCUw75VW8w0QMseA3Z4nFCWbpnMwg/s320/P2070185.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last night was a very strange night in our household. As you know, I have been battling the plague this week and my sinuses are a wreck. It is OK when I am upright, but at night the breathing becomes very difficult. Apparently, this makes me a very loud sleeper and because my husband is a very light sleeper...well you get my point. At around 2:00 am this morning Dave had had enough and went to sleep on the couch. This is not strange by any means, but what happens next is very strange.<br /><br /><br />I woke up when he left our room and continued to doze off and on the rest of the night. At one point I "heard" him walking back to our room, but he wasn't. Later I heard the TV on very loudly for an instant before the volume was lowered. I didn't think much of these instances until I spoke with Dave today. Here is his version of last night.<br /><br /><br />He was laying on the couch but couldn't sleep so he had the TV on very low. He eventually fell asleep only to be woken up by the volume on the TV increasing. He woke up confused and turned the TV off. He then heard the door to the garage opening and closing. He said other strange noises and occurrences were happening all night.<br /><br /><br />After he told me what happened to him, I told him that I was sure I heard him walking in our room, but he wasn't. He was very troubled by this and thought that maybe someone was walking around our house last night. I assured him that is was not a "real" person because our dog would have barked or attacked or something. But, I do think "someone" was walking around our house last night. I think this spooked him more than a real person. <br /><br /><br />I wonder if he will sleep tonight??Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-77785961898046316422009-02-19T10:23:00.000-08:002009-02-19T10:28:33.671-08:00Back to Reality<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze3nMDo9MIeuE-sDUPkI7hyphenhyphenutMZH2FahHHb4X4s7k1ZzjX5VRFFxRqyv7xI9PZmPTSOtVviEk8Ny_0CveprmIJIprYHsBlk1FjqAJPvNzCz7fHDWu0yFoA1pIAnpH_iqlkjudsWcu_cM/s1600-h/P2020154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304576125309632834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze3nMDo9MIeuE-sDUPkI7hyphenhyphenutMZH2FahHHb4X4s7k1ZzjX5VRFFxRqyv7xI9PZmPTSOtVviEk8Ny_0CveprmIJIprYHsBlk1FjqAJPvNzCz7fHDWu0yFoA1pIAnpH_iqlkjudsWcu_cM/s320/P2020154.JPG" border="0" /></a> Thank you for all your well wishes, your chicken soup, and your lovely comments. We are on the mend finally. The kids are back in school today and I am going into work at 1:30. I feel like we are entering the land of the living finally. It rained every day we were sick and today the sun is shining and the sky is blue. It is the perfect compliment to my mood.<br /><br /><br />For some reason I cannot send email, only receive it. I apologize in advance for not being able to reply individually to all your comments. <br /><br /><br />Oh..one more thing...we still don't have lice!!! Life is good!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-13236137682566437652009-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:002009-02-17T10:15:41.732-08:00Quarantine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb6Isb8q1u-i9aTD3BWqM6RJS0sNwrl4uXievADv7ie5ItHvvgk1WXiV9TQnYLC3ETJ2frV7f2sjU3_r708fMgp6j0rGp5hjZUtXNEskqEKNb9tylbRamVLPPZjofQlvEEiifF2kHOyk/s1600-h/P2070186.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303829754258676130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb6Isb8q1u-i9aTD3BWqM6RJS0sNwrl4uXievADv7ie5ItHvvgk1WXiV9TQnYLC3ETJ2frV7f2sjU3_r708fMgp6j0rGp5hjZUtXNEskqEKNb9tylbRamVLPPZjofQlvEEiifF2kHOyk/s320/P2070186.JPG" border="0" /></a> We have the plague in our house right now. Michael, Cassie, and myself are affected, or should I say infected. Dave was smart and left home to go to work today. Hopefully he will bypass the plague. Symptoms of the plague - vomiting, diarrhea, cough, sore throat, stuffy head, fever and body aches. So much fun!! I guess it could be worse...we could also have the lice problem that is going around the school!<br /><br /><br />I am off to cycle the laundry. Please send healing thoughts our way...and some chicken soup!!<br /><div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-29752931488827818372009-02-15T19:53:00.001-08:002009-02-15T20:03:27.155-08:00Fun Monday<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303238724502635794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYocfRBjH9pyugNZnBCQr6PklFOSQtZLnBKgZvNlgwM0Q2reUX2ejLSyW1LUOxrKa5Cb6zN4mwZVjT9N0_j5MKS26M1mFyTEi9FA_kiadiaz31ORvjYbLasoJq1UWF9KuxH6gRApv3tsI/s320/funmondaylogo.jpg" border="0" />Our wonderful hostess this week is the lovely <a href="http://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/">Gattina</a>, and here is her assignment:<br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#003300;">Please show us what you wear on your feet inside your home ! Do you wear slippers, flip flops, shoes or nothing ? just take a picture and show us your feet !</span></em><br /><p><em><span style="color:#003300;"></span></em> </p><p><span style="color:#003300;"><span style="color:#000000;">Sounds simple enough! Here are my feet:</span></p><em><br /></em><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw8V73Spm_ets1yS-6bgTAmxrBL73jLmxh_FZ_7UOn90K5f0F50aO80JlSGoGnXxBj4JqCWgyeqf-wRYltDbk4t9G7PXjGqX1n-DhMEfNvdPvYrqQkyTEXnbnP3XVl-tBakyBJjLjn0E/s1600-h/P2150155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303238724500795266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw8V73Spm_ets1yS-6bgTAmxrBL73jLmxh_FZ_7UOn90K5f0F50aO80JlSGoGnXxBj4JqCWgyeqf-wRYltDbk4t9G7PXjGqX1n-DhMEfNvdPvYrqQkyTEXnbnP3XVl-tBakyBJjLjn0E/s320/P2150155.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ooops...sorry...those are my dog's toes....here are mine...<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303238729924469010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhULZi5B1s3UNL6n0CgoTrqtvA-D0vbIdNmumXdYosm0dAeIg8woABpSrfCxhCv5bxIi3OiOj8o1e8TX71Jou22-4uhc20dvjuVnnzWEbbEwTLTT2VfTlm47E7N91VJjzvA44XCOz0Tno/s320/P2150154.JPG" border="0" />These are my winter feet, in the summer my toes are painted and my legs are hairless. I always go barefoot in the house unless it is really, really cold and then I put socks on. Up until last year I wore socks 24/7 year round, now I only wear socks when I put shoes on. I attribute that to the perimenopause phase I am entering!!</div><div> </div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-53727377095694118162009-02-14T18:30:00.000-08:002009-02-14T18:49:47.345-08:00The Perfect Valentine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZo6_uKDKCJkDcwIQNxaB9Y-a18iVIwuxhOqRr2w_0lviDtPYswwwf5kCXMem-HK6-NqQ1Getz0Ejk-q1oyxAnkDE9yRNestSfVuqKajXR_IU0UvnTxEgclOG0VZcb5B3I4eWsLX6ENY/s1600-h/P2140294.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302846398739859202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZo6_uKDKCJkDcwIQNxaB9Y-a18iVIwuxhOqRr2w_0lviDtPYswwwf5kCXMem-HK6-NqQ1Getz0Ejk-q1oyxAnkDE9yRNestSfVuqKajXR_IU0UvnTxEgclOG0VZcb5B3I4eWsLX6ENY/s320/P2140294.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nine years ago at exactly 7:11 am we were given The Perfect Valentine. A seven pound, eleven ounce bundle of joy emerged from his warm cocoon into the arms of the beautiful woman who carried and nourished him for nine months. This selfless woman looked at him with love in her eyes and welcomed him into this world. She then looked at me with love in her eyes and said the following words as she placed him in my arms - "Here is your son".<br /><br /><br />Those four words said with love and sadness, hope and joy were music to my ears. That little bundle has grown into the handsome boy you see in the above picture. He makes us laugh, he pushes my every button, he has angered me beyond belief, he fills my heart to bursting with love. He gives the best hugs and will still fold himself into my lap for snuggles. His sweet little boy smell is more appealing to me than expensive perfumes. He is stubborn, strong willed, intelligent, funny, sweet, kind, lovable, meticulous, and handsome. His brilliant blue eyes have a sparkle in them that will light up a room. <br /><br /><br />He is my son, my Perfect Valentine. I am eternally grateful to Laura, his birth mother. Her selfless act, done with love and heaviness in her heart, fulfilled my dream of being a mother for the second time. I can never repay her, but I can raise him, our son, to the best of my ability. My hope for him is to grow up to be a responsible, kind, loving adult. That was her wish for him, that is how we will repay her.<br /><br /><br />Happy Birthday my Perfect Valentine.....Thank you Laura.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-22101107041608427372009-01-19T18:07:00.000-08:002009-01-19T18:22:54.265-08:00Still Here....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYjIY2mshZqkQYjuHrgh1vMAOlSAFOWWl1eI-bnyEecoNrLAeCN7GuJKCKPBVIdyqJTdDDLXObqKQXA27JfYPBD88JU-kyoH9Oise7Abj1fUsqsi51knb5pS_HqlYluj5gvzqbtreI7k/s1600-h/P1100193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293192448148159890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYjIY2mshZqkQYjuHrgh1vMAOlSAFOWWl1eI-bnyEecoNrLAeCN7GuJKCKPBVIdyqJTdDDLXObqKQXA27JfYPBD88JU-kyoH9Oise7Abj1fUsqsi51knb5pS_HqlYluj5gvzqbtreI7k/s320/P1100193.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am still here, still alive and well, my family is well, there has not been any trauma or drama or catastrophes....my only excuse for being MIA for the past 2 weeks is LIFE. I have barely turned on my computer to check emails, I have not visited any blogs, I have not even thought about blogging.....I have been a very bad bloggy friend. I am sorry, truly sorry (hanging head in shame). Thank you my good bloggy friends for being concerned about me and sending me emails. It is so nice to know that I am loved.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is the LIFE I mentioned above. Work, clean, cook, grocery shopping, walk dog, laundry, help with homework, drive children around, work, clean, cook, laundry, watch son play basketball, walk dog, watch daughter play volleyball, work, clean, cook, etc. Nothing exciting at all, except for the new hiking trail we found. We have been hiking it weekly and love it. The above picture was taken at the top of the hill. The bridge you see in the right hand upper corner is the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather here has been 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. It is very weird, I wish it would rain, but we have been enjoying the gorgeous views on our hike.<br /><br /><br /><br />That is my story, nothing exciting, all is well. I am going to start visiting tonight so put the kettle on please! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInZA5p4aPulA4Jd6EucXKMdDbOMOVct67Jmm-yy4Kn02PVpKctMcSgV380S9lnPYB2f3ZDtFxbBWHLYkY3YFpPRoEoyL1F7Gb4EYyVC-zyIuUORfJdbHHVr0Bknh3hEVnFu0Lk3ou7-Q/s1600-h/P1100188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293192444162847394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInZA5p4aPulA4Jd6EucXKMdDbOMOVct67Jmm-yy4Kn02PVpKctMcSgV380S9lnPYB2f3ZDtFxbBWHLYkY3YFpPRoEoyL1F7Gb4EYyVC-zyIuUORfJdbHHVr0Bknh3hEVnFu0Lk3ou7-Q/s320/P1100188.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cassie and Michael resting at the top of the hill. The hike is about 2 miles straight uphill, very steep in areas. It is very difficult but the views are well worth it!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432350654444522232.post-49700064857983766922009-01-06T20:02:00.000-08:002009-01-06T20:13:26.634-08:00Clouds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgXzFhvrp8GClN_jCszMFRCia_Js4VIhK5Ktu9Kz8OYI67NaF8iRt2OAIL3TeOSPdJGQTLjmFEpNtdmIgjtyXWCuc-SJPvANXPuqpF-mSdaQi8o7e3iDaliiTlUJ0xNZcp-JT2pAziW8/s1600-h/PC230216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288397779388627698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgXzFhvrp8GClN_jCszMFRCia_Js4VIhK5Ktu9Kz8OYI67NaF8iRt2OAIL3TeOSPdJGQTLjmFEpNtdmIgjtyXWCuc-SJPvANXPuqpF-mSdaQi8o7e3iDaliiTlUJ0xNZcp-JT2pAziW8/s320/PC230216.JPG" border="0" /></a> What do you see when you look at this cloud? My son saw an elephant. I can see that too. He is facing the left and his trunk is curled up. What do you see?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGWxBXfhzKVrz4EFKbtFaYyBnCKaM_nwjPoDM9Lhf82zYcLYBBO5Q-rIG0dU3nxeRxK8CD8cZs2zYh4D-PJt6sLJz1zHtNdJ5CiusX5JlsKNFHjUHDFDKuS05d29a3CCtKwTeGAaIh5s/s1600-h/PC230215.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288397762972204658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGWxBXfhzKVrz4EFKbtFaYyBnCKaM_nwjPoDM9Lhf82zYcLYBBO5Q-rIG0dU3nxeRxK8CD8cZs2zYh4D-PJt6sLJz1zHtNdJ5CiusX5JlsKNFHjUHDFDKuS05d29a3CCtKwTeGAaIh5s/s320/PC230215.JPG" border="0" /></a> What about this one? Michael saw a bunny hopping. I couldn't really see it. I see Mickey Mouse with a really long nose. What do you see? I love looking at clouds, don't you?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Something very strange happened to me last night/this morning. I woke up out of a deep sleep and I was very, very nauseous. I was afraid to move I felt that sick. I laid there trying to calm down and figure out what the cause of this feeling was. I didn't feel sick, sick, just extremely nauseous. As I was laying there, I realized that I was in the middle of a dream before I awoke. In the dream I was flying a small biplane, making loop-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">di</span>-loops, and basically not flying in a straight line. It dawned on my that I was suffering from motion sickness! That has never happened before.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609471622265969310noreply@blogger.com20