tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65273545052901731412024-02-06T22:06:18.637-05:00Life...It Happens Naturallyhollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-88425392462939012322011-06-21T09:11:00.036-04:002011-06-23T21:31:08.418-04:00my fault...not so...well, just a little<div>--so i've figured out why i don't blog so often anymore. it's facebook's fault...that and my so-called smart-phone. yes, i blame technology for my inability to reach people through blogging technology! i do, however, have a somewhat logical reason as to why it's not my fault.</div><div>--when i began this online documentation of my life in 2004 to keep far away family and friends more involved, i was jotting down notes of all the little things i wanted to write about when i got around to writing, and then i'd do just that. facebook on my phone has totally thrown off my system. now i hit a few buttons and i've updated the world as to the goings-on of holly and family. (at least the facebook world...)</div><div>--sooooo...solution! update my blog with everything posted on my facebook page since i got my notso-smart-phone. it solves two problems too...it gets me off the hook for the last (nearly) year of not consistently blogging, AND lets all you non-facebookers (weirdos) or facebookers who don't stalk my page (notso-weirdos) see the day to day life of me! (and it is pretty much day to day...while i don't post every day, sometimes it's several times a day, depending on what's going on. and because it's just so easy to do. thanks, notso-smart-phone...)</div><div>--so, be warned...this is loooong. and a disclaimer or two too: 1) i don't typically speak of myself in third-person...that's facebook's fault too. it instigated it, and i played along. 2) "hmh" is holly miller hunt. 3) when it says hmh was with so-n-so at such-n-such, either i decided to alert the world as to where i was and who i was with or a so-n-so did. 4) sometimes it gets rather silly; cause it seems i'm not the only one playing on facebook at work or late at night, and since the notso-smart phone will notso-wisely notify you when somebody comments on your notso-intelligent post, it can just spiral out of control. :)</div><div>--and so we begin...this is the last nine months of my life in 160characters or less. (facebook restricted status updates to 160characters, but comments could be longer...though i hear it's been adjusted to 420characters. just an fyi for all you non-facebookers...i mean, weirdos. ;) )<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center">---------------------------------------<br /></div><br /><div>hmh: got a lot done tonight. after making mini pizzas with the kiddies for dinner and their bath/bed routine…i organized the shed, and cleaned out and scrubbed the fridge…both make things sooo much better. time for bath, book and bed…hafta work in the manana…blah! ~august 20, 2010, 9:13pm<br /><br />hmh: wants to go camping…gotta make that happen sometime soon. ~august 22, 2010, 8pm<br /><br />hmh: spent the lunch-hour at the bookstore…dangerous… :D ~august 23, 2010, 12:51pm<br /><br />hmh: likes making money with craigslist…yup yup! :D ~august 25, 2010, 12:50pm<br />hmh: well, i’ve decided it’s high time to get the kids their own rooms. so there goes my exercise room. i’ll get the treadmill downstairs (somehow), put the tv/dvd in my bedroom. i sold the spinning bike yesterday and spent ¼ of what i made on it buying sierra a daybed today…yay craigslist. now it’s time to decorate! :) ~august 25, 2010, 8:42pm<br />hmh: oh, and get all the toys from downstairs into two bedrooms…issue then becomes keeping two rooms neat…hmmmm. ~august 25, 2010, 8:43pm<br /><br />hmh: has been unbelievably productive this weekend…will post pics of sierra’s new bedroom tomorrow…time for bed. ~august 28, 2010, 11:37pm<br /><br />greg garvey: i think we were on fire island at the same time… then again, it’s 31 miles long, so it’s not a surprise we didn’t run into each other… :) ~august 29, 2010, 11:24am<br />hmh: didn’t know it was that big…but we stated within a quarter mile radius of where we docked the boat. had fun..hope you did too and that manasquan is/was great. :) ~august 29, 2010, 12:19pm<br /><br />hmh: rockband 3 coming in october. includes keyboard…now where will i put that??? ~august 28, 2010, 2:14pm<br /><br />hmh: is amazed her 3yr old made her new bed without being told then proceeded to scream, fight, and cry for 45min because the dress she wanted to wear wasn’t clean… ~august 30, 2010, 8:47am<br />mike silvestri: what can you say. she knows her fashion. lol ~september 3, 2010, 6:44am<br />hmh: she definitely knows what she wants and fights for it…that’ll come in handy one day. i don’t try to fight the clothes choices, so long as they’re clean…i let her pair flowers with polka dots, stripes or even another totally different flower pattern…while she learns her fashion sense. ~september 3, 2010, 6:51am<br /><br />hmh: hurricane prep…not cool but sometimes necessary. not quite as often here as at home…but it happens. ~ august 31, 2010, 1:12pm<br />fred jones: be safe! ~august 31, 2010, 2:37pm<br />carroll miller adams: hoping it is not bad for you. at least you have experience with prepping, clearing the yard, and storing up supplies for possible power outages. ~september 1, 2010, 10:42am<br /><br />hmh:’s not too happy…daycare is closed for the “hurricane” that wasn’t. turned out to only give us some rain. (this storm may indeed affect some areas, but not really here…i’ve been through and run from many a hurricane in my day…this one’s not worth shutting down for.) not cool. have lots to do at work today, though i’d love a four day holiday any other weekend…but not this one…too much to do. ~september 3, 2010, 6:46am<br /><br />hmh: is lady antebellum bound…awesome! :) ~september 3, 2010, 7:01pm<br />hmh: best concert EVER! i think they are my favorite band. great vocals. fabulous song writing. & they sound just like the cd/radio versions…which i love. what little improv they did was awesome. all in all fantabulous! ~september 2, 2010, 11:33pm<br />hmh: oh and i got out of the parking lot and home…from portsmouth no less…sooner than i would have gotten out of the parking lot of the va beach amphitheater 3miles from my house. double fantabulous! ~september 3, 2010, 11:35pm<br /><br />hmh: new couch and chair…love ‘em. trying out all possible reading spots….. ~september 6, 2010, 5:08pm<br />hmh: found my spot!! :) ~september 6, 2010, 10:58pm<br /><br />hmh’s usually sweet boy said when he gets home from school, he’s running away from home. hmmm how to handle that…help him pack or ignore it?? ~september 9, 2010, 12:49pm<br />hmh: yeah, we talked about it on the way home…he had no response to where he’d go, what he’d eat or how he’d pay for it. except, “mama, how come god made it so that we have to eat?” nice. and then when we got home, sierra got out of the car, stood in the driveway with arms crossed, put on a pouty face saying, “i-wanna-run-a-way-too!” awesome… ~september 9, 2010, 9:46pm<br /><br />hmh:’s at busch gardens<br /><br />hmh: was very domestic today. baked a cake and two loaves of honey-wheat bread. even broke out the vacuum…wow. had planned to do yardwork, but the rain kept us indoors. good day! :) ~september 12, 2010, 5:29pm<br /><br />hmh: hates getting up in the morning already tired…it’s gonna be a long day… ~september 14, 2010, 7:59am<br /><br />hmh: “aidan, what’d you do at school today?” aidan: “i played duck-duck-goose. i picked the biggest girl in the class; but i was faster than her because my body is not that wide.” ha!!! ~september 14, 2010, 7:27pm<br /><br />hmh: watched some high school volleyball today. memories… :) ~september 18, 2010, 2:37pm<br /><br />hmh: is headed to bbq #1 for today. ~september 19, 2010, 1:53pm<br />hmh: bbq #2…breaking out the beerpong!! ~september 19, 2010, 5:26pm<br /><br />hmh: ugh on mondays… ~september 20, 2010, 7:09am<br /><br />hmh: could eat breakfast for dinner every night. ~september 22, 2010, 7:19pm<br /><br />hmh’s beantown trip fell through…still headed to jersey…leaving the kids with gp’s as planned & headed to visit mi padre. :) ~september 23, 2010, 5:54pm<br /><br />hmh: totally loves the boat-life…even it’s currently in new york ~september 24, 2010, 3:57pm<br />alison cook: i thought you were boston bound ~september 24, 2010, 4:24pm<br />kim forbes scales: careful with your phrasing or your post will be plagued with “love boat” lyrics. :P ~september 24, 2010, 4:28pm<br />hmh: ali – trip crumbled due to illness but kept kids’ weekend with grandparents plans & used chance to see my dad. kim – that’d be funny… ~september 24, 2010, 4:48pm<br /><br />hmh: “rainy days and mondays” …not so bad afterall ~september 27, 2010, 7:02pm<br /><br />hmh: went 6-0 in volleyball tonight…good times. just haven’t played on a guys’ net in a long time…might be sore tomorrow. and maybe i’ll be jumping higher by the time i’m back on a girls’ net. hmmm ~september 30, 2010, 9:24pm<br />jlee tharldson: good game btw ~october 1, 2010, 8:01pm<br />hmh: gracias…had fun playing again. and glad you’re playing with us! :) ~october 2, 2010, 9:28am<br /><br />hmh: really?? ~october 1, 2010, 7:49am<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXLwzcLUzW2WRMBtGp87rL06MAuAihbjBfrieJM2_vbSqT4lZ23K-lRv4xbOF0A1-uvzCmoR7t-jsi36jiR9JXyarH5-e_qGb_CkIPJ6PPF1998mJiq1KTIL8Cs_yEGqoQvvejdfpuD4/s1600/34427_476527886030_534356030_7089405_2292833_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620689940887205538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXLwzcLUzW2WRMBtGp87rL06MAuAihbjBfrieJM2_vbSqT4lZ23K-lRv4xbOF0A1-uvzCmoR7t-jsi36jiR9JXyarH5-e_qGb_CkIPJ6PPF1998mJiq1KTIL8Cs_yEGqoQvvejdfpuD4/s200/34427_476527886030_534356030_7089405_2292833_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />hmh: is having quite a productive day…using the fact that i’m stuck at home to my advantage…however bummed that i don’t get paid for it. ~october 1, 2010, 12:58pm<br /><div><br />hmh: hates walmart but finds that every so often it’s a necessary evil…thank goodness that’s a rare thing though… ~october 2, 2010, 1:05pm<br /><br />hmh: is officially blogging again after a year off… ~october 3, 2010, 4:25pm<br /><br />hmh: will admit that it takes nearly two hours in front of the tv, uninterrupted by children, to fold all the laundry…which is why, though i wash plenty often enough, the folding doesn’t happen but once every two weeks or so…good times! ~october 3, 2010, 10:11pm<br /><br />hmh: must have been a sight to see coming into work underneath a tiny lighting mcqueen umbrella…strategically held sideways trying to block the sideways rain… ~october 4, 2010, 1:09pm<br />leah hunt: sounds like something i would see in nyc :) ~october 4, 2010, 1:33pm<br />hmh: have gotten all kinds of comments on it…aidan will be proud my coworkers like his umbrella. haha. ~october 4, 2010, 1:44pm<br /><br />hmh: rockstar picture of aidan! (better be for what i paid for them though…ha!) ~october 5, 2010, 9:31pm</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620691319836221586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAKXc01OPIiDqHVGTAhZ-BrgK0q68fRr9oVJ43QmepHsXRXnhgI9V1K96zw7UVwPOy8OyVm68rgoqKFNqY9ht58U0A_hQACQcJsMiEAfplBqxs5koFBsukWRTf4NZVGlZNZ4oEmgtYkM/s200/64046_478440051030_534356030_7128274_5839158_n.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmh: is loving the pictures we got back today from tae kwon do…fab!!! ~october 5, 2010, 9:32pm<br /><div><br />hmh’s looking forward to the kids’ first camping trip this weekend…and the weather couldn’t be more perfect. ~october 7, 2010, 10:23pm<br /><br />hmh: headin’ into the wilderness… ~october 8, 2010, 5:19pm<br />leah hunt: have fun! ~october 8, 2010, 5:35pm<br /><br />hmh: has come back to civilization after an awesome weekend! :) ~october 10, 2010, 3:40pm<br /><br />hmh: wants to know how many showers does it take to not smell like campfire anymore?? :D ~october 11, 2010, 8:31am<br /><br />hmh: loves getting to work and having no emails…yah, that’s not today… ~october 13, 2010, 8:04am<br /><br />hmh: is tired…. ~october 14, 2010, 9:20pm<br /><br />hmh: is hoping she didn’t just get scammed by the “christian who loves the lord” and needed $3 for gas…cause all i had was a $20. she did praise jesus when she saw it though. ~october 16, 2010, 11:10am<br />john agapos: you did a kindness to someone you didn’t know with no expectations for any return favors. it’s a beautiful thing. did you get taken? or were you doing for one “of the least of these”? you will be blessed either way. the 20 is gone, don’t sweat it. enjoy your day. ~october 17, 2010, 2:54pm<br /><br />hmh: is contemplating kitten names for two precious itty bitty kitties coming home tomorrow…they are brothers, on light and one dark. thought of star/sky, comet/cosmo, triton/titan, newton/da vinci, galileo/copernicus, benjamin/franklin, and thomas/jefferson so far… ~october 18, 2010, 8:24pm<br /><br />hmh: meet “sunny and shade”…well actually shade and sunny, but it sounds better the other way. kids didn’t get the humor of my name choices i gave them. a close second was “biscuits and gravy,” but aidan insisted the dark one was biscuits. sorry, but i don’t do burnt biscuits… ~october 19, 2010, 9:46pm</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620689937997996098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOb-beqP0rMehCPGDjnHSRvkaca136Z6793QKpAJ3ZkIWrJ7wHxakUXVufKFDqVyo-UvI1iffmGdtx7Cwxg7NMGvoz9nxy1N_8uZ_tqLWbjnUIEXQ1fR3mzc4hwZ27G8CGbEFTfQ5Sak/s200/36151_484816141030_534356030_7242709_7236605_n.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>fred jones: when all of y’all were little, ashley and i adopted a dog that the ammans had – a part yellow lab. cheryl asked corby, as he was known then, to name him. he asked how you name a dog and she told him it might be something that the dog looked like. that’s why ashley and i ended up with a dog named “oatmeal.” also, tricia and i fosterd a sheltie named biscuit – i don’t know why, but no gravy. ~october 19, 2010, 10:26pm<br /><div>hmh: i remember oatmeal! and its so something corbin would come up with. :) ~october 20, 2010, 7:51am<br />betty smith: what fond memories!! deedaddy says, “wherever biscuit is…hope he found some gravy.” ~january 7, 2011, 11:40am<br /><br />hmh: is getting ready for family coming this weekend :D ~october 20, 2010, 7:38pm<br /><br />hmh: “sometimes believes in six impossible things before breakfast.” ~october 21, 2010, 9:45am</div><div><br />hmh: had a great weekend with the family…didn’t want to go to work today ~october 25, 2010, 8:22am<br /><br />hmh: worked out tonight…finally. can’t remember why i missed two weeks…something always came up. i hate starting over…but it must be done!! ~october 25, 2010, 10:11pm<br /><br />hmh: could probably go to bed now and still wake up tired…long week already… ~october 26, 2010, 8:29pm<br />melissa burch kelley: yikes, and it’s not even half over, hope it improves :( ~october 25, 2010, 10:11pm<br /><br />hmh: had to go old-cshool with the pumpkin this year. aidan said that REEEEL jack-o-lanterns have faces on them…not cats or spiders and such… ~october 27, 2010, 9:30pm<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXEhQtQkNEccdBJZiD_6_WUnKpiWDUQkaR-9lQsj-Gp16Vw-WRkPSbmdB_yRLDE7qvgX3M2qeEq-ncNX-u9VnATotY0YYKdDCYkH9gjshzVVGGH3xpyqW6_uJMZfjjbc1PuyDenRRp3g/s1600/73250_488752986030_534356030_7308970_3825002_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621140973098280978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXEhQtQkNEccdBJZiD_6_WUnKpiWDUQkaR-9lQsj-Gp16Vw-WRkPSbmdB_yRLDE7qvgX3M2qeEq-ncNX-u9VnATotY0YYKdDCYkH9gjshzVVGGH3xpyqW6_uJMZfjjbc1PuyDenRRp3g/s200/73250_488752986030_534356030_7308970_3825002_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>hmh: just found out kitties like peanut butter. sierra left her bagel on the table…they ate all the pb off of it. nice. ~october 30, 2010, 10:53am<br /><div><br />hmh: got in thirty minutes of trick-or-treating before tinkerbell required a visit to the ER for breathing problems…fun night! ~november 1, 2010, 9:20am<br /><br />hmh: tink in the ER…poor baby ~november 1, 2010, 9:50am<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620689950587386018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsXOzxiV9kEtc0F5uBZ_QqQ09QUSNYrZjXEWCBHigt5b7gI7uYsYFxLSZMbOg6xzjKslha1DM4aces5Y-FbTC5DH2yC6S0017EyOnPRdTKYN3V_s23m_lX81-cUhW5dfTdFvSO9v01lg/s200/72784_491079381030_534356030_7359327_7792093_n.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmh: sierra’s taking advantage of lap-time minus aidan today…in fact, she just said, “are you gonna come sit with me mama??” :) ~november 1, 2010, 11:14am<br /><div>shannon maynor: lol :) ~november 1, 2010, 12:30pm<br /><br />hmh: can’t stop laughing at how retarded her two newly-snipped kitty boys are with their cones on their heads…wow… ~november 1, 2010, 8:38pm<br /><br />hmh: needs a brain break. ~november 2, 2010, 12:46pm<br /><br />hmh: can’t just prefer to have christmas gifts taken care of by t’giving (and usually does)..she must! christmas in mobile in three weeks! :D ~november 3, 2010, 3:20pm<br /><br />hmh’s vow of not buying anything that’s not absolutely necessary doesn’t apply to books…i’m just sayin’… ~november 4, 2010, 5:08pm<br /><br />hmh: just realized there are only two (maybe three) weekends between now and January 3rd that i don’t have travel/visitor plans. 11/13: home, 11/20: dc, 11/27: al, 12/4: gone?, 12/11: company in town, 12/18: al, 12:25: home, 1/1: nc. wow…busy… ~november 6, 2010, 9:24am<br />carroll miller adams: tis the season for family gatherings and travel, eh? can’t wait to see you and the kiddos. ~november 7, 2010, 10:24am<br />hmh: and sooooo, has decided to use this weekend to go ahead and decorate for christmas. i know it’s early…but i’m sure i’d somehow not find the time if i waited. let’s see how long the tree lasts with two kitties…….. ~november 7, 2010, 7:36pm<br /><br />hmh: hates jillian michaels! but if anything, other than actual bootcamp, can whip my butt back into shape as quickly as possible, i’m counting on her…thanks annie ;) ~november 8, 2010, 7:02pm<br /><br />kenisha mcquitter-mccutcheon: like you’re ever out of shape holly! out of shape for you is like perfect shape for me ~november 8, 2010, 9:20pm<br />hmh: too sweet…but i wish it were true. it’s been a long time since i haven’t thought of myself in some definite need of toning. don’t like the mushy. it isn’t much, but it’s enough to annoy me into action…finally. ;) ~november 8, 2010, 10:25pm<br /><br />hmh: will admit she’s baffled by her 5yr old. it’s amazing what he notices, retains, and recalls. however he has moments where he’s a complete dodo-bird. what’s wha?? ~november 11, 2010, 8:39am<br /><br />hmh: had a good day. 12 whole minutes of doing actual work. took advantage of a slow day after weeks of crazy. spent the afternoon at the hilton at the mega staff meeting… ~november 111, 2010, 6:07pm<br /><br />hmh: laughs all the time at work. just got an awesome compliment and laugh…even if it was a little twisted. susan says, “holly, i know if i called you at 3am to help me move a body, you’d be there. you’d bring your kids, but you’d be there.” classic! :D ~november 12, 2010, 12:06pm<br /><br />hmh: beerpong, rockband, “margaritas in the moonlight…just another saturday night.” ~november 13, 2010, 8:05pm<br /><br />hmh: is officially sick. it doesn’t happen often, so every couple of years it catches up with me in a big way…ugh ~november 14, 2010, 7:40pm<br />kim pinkert hatfield: i hope you feel better soon! ~november 14, 2010, 7:45pm<br />nick upton: hope you feel better soon. :) ~november 14, 2010, 7:54pm<br />den sirj: hope you feel better soon holly… ~november 14, 2010, 8:44pm<br />richard koehne: bummer ~november 14, 2010, 8:53pm<br />michelle mcrae keenlyne: was it the margaritas? ;) hope you feel better. ~november 14, 2010, 10:50pm<br />michael parsley: does that mean you won’t be coming in tomorrow? ~november 14, 2010, 11:16pm<br />nani vickers: let me know if you need anything. ~november 15, 2010, 7:45am<br />hmh: thanks, guys.<br />haha michelle, but it wasn’t the margaritas, sickly was already on its way…however staying out probably didn’t help. should have heard the sad attempt at rockband…no voice. ;)<br />michael, i’m at work bright and early as usual. :) ~november 15, 2020, 8:51am<br />carroll miller adams: hope you feel better soon and can enjoy your trip down south next week. can’t wait to see you! ~november 15, 2010, 11:22am<br />john agapos: i’ve never known alcohol to ever even get holly staggering junk, let alone hungover. and there were many attempts made, to be sure. holly, sorry you’re not feeling well. if it were bacterial, you would feel much better after a few drinks. it must be viral. so, rest, fluids, etc. some otc’s will go a long way too. nothing you don’t already know. ~november 15, 2010, 1:25pm<br />hmh: carroll, thanks and me neither! it will be a rushed and packed trip, but it must be done; since it will have been nearly 18months since i’ve been home by the time i get there.<br />john, thanks for the compliment (i think), the memories, the laugh, and the advice. :) ~november 15, 2010, 4:36pm<br /><br />hmh: 1, aidan:0. he tells me at 5:30pm that if i don’t take him to the school skating party (that i’ve had no prior knowledge of) at 6pm, he won’t be my friend anymore. ~november 17, 2010, 8:31pm<br />nani vickers: lol…the things they learn in school ;)<br />devlin hunt: hahaha the guilt trip! ~november 18, 2010, 1:18pm<br /><br />hmh: is done with all things christmas…now that i’ve picked up the cards after walmart texted me they were ready…so cool. ~november 18, 2010, 12:56pm<br />alison cook: i wish there was a dislike button as i am utterly jealous. ~november 18, 2010, 3:03pm<br />melissa burch kelley: jealous ~november 18, 2010, 5:31pm<br /><br />hmh: is packed and ready for a dc/arlington weekend! :) ~november 19, 2010, 10:49am<br /><br />hmh: is laughing. sierra is convinced poppy is on the dc metro with us and keeps yelling “hi poppy!” not understanding why he doesn’t answer…ha! ~november 20, 2010, 12:45pm<br />adriene ratcliff caton: so sweet! ~november 20, 2010, 1:00pm<br />alison cook: i just told poppy haha ~november 20, 2010, 1:57pm<br />corene baron garvey: she is toooo cute! told poppy and he got a kick out of it. can’t wait to see them in december. ~november 20, 2010, 3:45pm<br /><br />hmh: is amazed at the mess two kitties can make in two days. returning after five days away next weekend will be scary… ~november 21, 2010, 5:06pm<br />emily miller: yay, you’re home…now you can get ready to come see us :) i’m heading down tomorrow…see you wednesday! ~november 21 2010, 5:28pm<br /><br />hmh: is driving…and will be for quite some time. alabama, here we come! ~november 23, 2010, 3:32pm<br /><br />hmh: thinks certain people shouldn’t be allowed on the highway…much less out of the righthand land. good lord, learn to drive, people! ~november 23, 2010, 7:34pm<br /><br />hmh: is making excellent time…georgia on my mind… ~november 23, 2010, 11:10pm<br /><br />hmh: just drove back in time an hour. 1.21 gigawtts! :) ~november 24, 2010, 1:53am<br /><br />hmh: would like to solve the (before & after) puzzle: “home sweet home alabama” ~november 24, 2010, 5:40am<br />nick upton: where the skies are so blue…~november 24, 2010, 8:17am<br />scott shannon: turn it up! ~november 24, 2010, 8:46am<br />susan steele: big wheels keep turning, carry me home to see my kin, singing songs about the southland ~november 24, 2010, 8:33pm<br /><br />hmh: is not a napper…but after driving all night and getting less than 2hrs of sleep…had a fabulous nap with sierra today. :D ~november 24, 2010, 4:47pm<br /><br />hmh: happy turkey day ~november 25, 2010, 10:59am<br /><br />hmh: rooooollll tide roll! ~november 26, 2010, 2:48pm<br /><br />hmh: leg 1 of return trip…cops cops everywhere ~november 27, 2010, 11:46am<br />hmh: car that was pacing off my speed for forever just decided to pass me and got pulled over. not sure if he exceeded whatever margin there is allowed for speeding or if he was just the fastest car out there at that moment. either way…glad it was him and not me. ~november 27, 2010, 1:07pm<br /><br />hmh: driving driving driving ~november 28, 2010, 2:02pm<br /><br />hmh: hates rudeness just about as much as stupidity…otherwise i might be convinced to communicate my feelings for the morons on the road today. but alas… ~november 28, 2010, 4:30pm<br />hmh: communicate to them, i mean ;) ~november 28, 2010, 4:31pm<br />john agapos: i always knew you had a soft spot for morons, lol ~november 29, 2010, 9:32am<br />hmh: ha! ~november 29, 1010, 9:39am<br /><br />hmh: is home…4hours later than expected thanks to traffic…but home nonetheless. thankful for a wonderful visit with family and friends…and for rockstar children!!! ~november 29, 2010, 12:18am<br /><br />hmh: must admit that the eyesore-yard of the neighborhood looks waaaay better when all that “stuff” is covered in christmas lights! early darkness helps too… ;) ~november 29, 2010, 1:27pm<br /><br /></div><div>hmh: thinks static electricity is pretty cool…until i get shocked kissing my son goodbye. we both jumped! lip stung for a while too… ~december 2, 2010, 9:30am<br /><br />hmh: headed to vball playoffs…time to kick some boootay!! :D december 2 2010, 7:32pm<br />nick upton: good luck! ~december 2, 2010, 10:08pm<br />hmh: playing in the finals next friday! ~december 2, 2010, 10:27pm<br />sara campbell: you guys did awesome!! ~december 2, 2010, 10:36pm<br /><br />hmh: had no idea brazilian food was so good…yum ~december 3, 2010, 9:56pm<br /><br />hmh: is a spiritual being having a human experience…not the other way around. ~december 4, 2010, 10:25am<br /><br />hmh: totally wore the cozy slippers to the movie theater… ;) ~december 5, 2010, 4:099pm<br />scott shannon: oh you’re that lady… ~december 5, 2010, 5:19pm<br /><br />hmh: is about to head to the courthouse…cause i'm going through the big d and i don’t mean dallas.” ~december 7, 2010, 1:24pm<br />peggy flemmig browne: you are?? i thought your hubby was deployed... ~december 7, 2010, 1:30pm<br />melissa burch kelley: good luck ~december 7, 2010, 1:39pm<br />adriene ratcliff caton: good luck! maybe you’ll get the “palace” :) ~december 7, 2010, 1:41pm<br />nick upton: been there done that...good luck... :) ~december 7, 2010, 2:18pm<br />scott shannon: i feel your pain...been there done that ~december 7, 2010, 2:36pm<br />hmh: separated 15months...now it's official ~december 7, 2010, 2:38pm<br />kelly reinecke meyer: hope all went well ~december 7, 2010, 2:51pm<br />hmh: all went well...we settled everything back in january. @ adriene: gave up the palace in february...but the kids and i are happy and cozy in our townhouse :D ~december 7, 2010, 6:53pm<br />morgan flarity: holly, i'm happy to hear it went smoothly, sorry to hear it though. well, someone is gonna be very very lucky to have you!!! ~december 7, 2010, 7:53pm<br />michael parsley: glad things went smoothly... ~december 7, 2010, 8:28pm<br />sandra wertz: thinking of you guys…here’s to the future! ~december 8, 2010, 4:15pm<br />shannon maynor: <3 you guys ~december 9, 2010, 11:53pm<br /><br />hmh: is treating herself and the kids to dinner out…no cooking or cleaning tonight. next treat is being in bed with my book by 8 o’clock! ~december 7, 2010, 6:55pm<br />sarah martin flynn: have fun! you deserve it :)<br />cammie munz briquelet: you deserve it!! hoping today went well. :)<br /><br />hmh can definitely feel the love…thanks, guys! :D ~december 8, 2010<br /><br />carroll miller adams: a wonderful life is ahead of you, dear. ~december 8, 2010, 11:03am<br />hmh: agreed!<br /><br />hmh: is tempted to attempt hibernation. sooo busy…sooo tired…~december 9, 2010<br />scott shannon: suck it up princess ~december 9, 2010, 9:50pm<br /><br />jennifer hutchins suit: hope that you and the kids are doing well…your posts almost always make me smile…we should plan to get together sometime and let the kids play!!<br />hmh: :D agreed. we are kinda booked til after new year…but then it’ll be aidan’s bday. not doing anything nearly as big as last year…but will be sure to let you know. we miss riley! ~december 10, 2010, 9:42am<br />jennifer hutchins suit: we are slammed until at least after new years too…plans every weekend…we will work it out. :) ~december 10, 2010, 9:49am<br /><br />kelly reinecke meyer: i had a wonderful time at the royal chocolate for sarah martin flynn’s baby shower. thank you annie lyon reed and holly miller hunt for helping out. ~december 11, 2010<br /><br />hmh: got caught under the mistletoe for the first time ever. “…oh by gosh by golly, it’s time for mistletoe and holly!” :) ~december 11, 2010<br />susan steel: you crack me up! love it :)<br />nick upton: very nice…by golly; miss holly…<br /><br />lindsey odom: happy birthday!<br />jen fry: happy birthday!! have a great day!!<br />susan steele: happy birthday holly, hope this next year is the best one yet! :)<br />jack markowitz: happy birthday holly!! sorry we couldn’t make it to the party. trust you had a great time just as well! hope you have a special day!!<br />lois beasley miller: happy birthday to you. make it a great day.<br />nick upton: happy birthday miss holly…hope it’s special!<br />melissa burch kelley: i hope you have an amazing birthday holly!!!!!!!!!<br />kimberly rirchard huggins: happy birthday holly!<br />landis watts: happy bday<br />hillary lauren smith: happy birthday!<br />richard koehne: happy birthday to you! happy birthday to you! happy birthday to you! lalalala…. dawn addison mckinney: happy birthday holly! :) have a “holly jolly christmas”<br />lisa stuller: happy birthday holly<br />alison cook: hope you have a great day…happy bday!<br />scott shannon: happy birthday holly! see you thursday!<br />melissa van riper biss: happy birthday!!! hope it’s a great new year for you!<br />laura cunningham: happy birthday<br />marie-anne grondin: happy birthday my dear holly!! i hope life is treating you well, because you more than deserve it!! take care!! xx<br />monica ibacache: happy birthday honey! hope you come this way again :)<br />kim courchesne: happy birthday!! have a wonderful day!<br />kim pinkert hatfield: happy birthday! i hope it is an awesome one for you :)<br />laura grady holloman: have a happy birthday holly!! hope you have a wonderful day!<br />kim forbes scales: happy birthday!<br />carroll miller adams: happy birthday! we love you bunches!<br />penny marr rower: happy birthday holly! have a fantastic day :)<br />erin williamson: happy birthday to you!<br />leah hunt: happy birthday holly!<br />kelley reinecke meyer: wishing you a great birthday!<br />espen øyan: hooray! :D<br />billy morgan: happy birthday<br />karli bates: happy birthday pretty lady!!!<br />brian zarzycki: happy birthday<br />tricia jackson jones: happy birthday!<br />julie froeseth: happy birthday :) hope it’s a good one!<br />kenisha mcquirter-mccutcheon: happy birthday holly!!!<br />selena gamble chidester: happy birthday!!!<br />sarah martin Flynn: happy birthday!!<br />collin goehring: happy birthday<br />sara campbell: happy birffday! hope you had a great day :)<br />angie clute woge: hey there, hope you’re having a great birthday!<br />connie smith bailey: happy happy birthday, sweet holly!! i hope you had a great day and really took some time to pamper yourself! love you!<br />sarah ward: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!<br />angela gattis fowler: happy birthday holly! hope you had a fabulous day and that all your birthday wishes come true. miss you! btw i still have my JAGS keychain, think of you often when i see it :)<br />kelly schultz: happy birthday mrs holly!! i hope you have a wonderful day!<br />samantha goubil: happy birthday holly holl. hope it was a great day!!<br />jay boren: happy birthday!<br />mary elizabeth moore-dobson: happy birthday!<br />sheryl brown pierce: happy birthday!!<br />corene baron garvey: happy birthday holly!<br />shannon maynor: happy birthday sweet lady!<br />shannon mcdonald ladd: happy birthday!<br />shadra kendall carpenter: happy birthday holly…sorry i missed it!<br /><br />hmh: did indeed have a happy birthday…thanks all!! :D ~december 15, 2010, 9:04am<br /><br />susan steele: if a fat man comes into your room in the middle of the night and shoves you into a bag, don’t be scared cause i told santa i wanted a friend like you for christmas ;) ~december 16, 2010, 7:57am<br /><br />hmh: thinks it’s uncool when i call daycare at 6:30 and they’re open, then get there at 7:30 and they’re closed. at home with the kids today…will attempt to work. though i must say a day in the pj’s sounds fabulous. :D ~december 16, 2010, 9:37am<br />nick upton: i agree on both counts. ~december 16, 2010, 9:42am<br /><br />hmh: is halfway home…layover in atlanta ~december 17, 2010, 9:17pm<br /><br />hmh: thinks traveling with a head cold is miserable. still can’t hear but at least it doesn’t hurt anymore. and it’s good to be in lower alabama. :D ~december 17, 2010, 11:59pm<br /><br />hmh: will be attending the family christmas party tonight for the first time since 2002! ~december 18, 2010, 6:06pm<br /><br />hmh: is hanging with the cousins while watching the game…good times ~december 19, 2010, 1:41pm<br /><br />hmh: concourse b ~december 19, 2010, 7:42pm<br /><br />hmh: is it 5o’clock yet? cause 99 cent margaritas are calling my name… ~december 20, 2010, 12:58pm<br /><br />hmh: lots to get done tonight…let’s see if it happens… ~december 21, 2010, 4:10pm<br /><br />hmh: is off…time to relax. ~december 23, 2010, 3:59pm</div><div><br />hmh: workout, dinner, and movie…check…and it’s only 9. now what? i say book. ~december 23, 2010, 9:08pm<br /><br />mike silvestri: hey! merry christmas!! hope you and the kids have a great holiday ~december 23, 2010, 6:07pm<br />hmh: mikey, we miss uuuuuuuu! hope you have a great holiday too :D ~december 23, 9:03pm<br /><br />hmh: was with richard koehne, susan steele, andy steel, and jeff taylor at texas steakhouse ~december 24, 2010, 8:32pm<br /><br />hmh: so did not enjoy digging the car out of the driveway. while i appreciated the 45minute workout dark and early this morning…it’s just not my kinda thing. ~december 27, 2010, 8:04am</div><div><br />hmh: is headed to a little cabin in the woods for new year. :) ~december 30, 2010 5:33pm<br /><br />hmh: holy stars, batman! gorgeous! and it’s even cloudy…can’t imagine on a clear night…fabulous! :D ~december 30, 2010, 11:40pm<br /><br />hmh: considers herself a natural snowboarder already…cause after only 3hours logged on her first attempt, can choreograph falls to avoid pain with style and grace. hehe! ~december 31, 2010, 3:24pm<br />susan steele: i feel a youtube video coming on…lol :) ~january 1, 2011, 11:17am<br />hmh: sorry, susan. there was no photographic evidence for that. we did take pictures in the parking lot though…so i can prove i was there. however the most action my camera saw was me falling on it. i do love the protective case i bought. didn’t hurt me or the camera! :D ~january 2, 2011, 10:36pm<br /><br />hmh: had a great holiday season with tons’o visiting…however will not travel farther than two hours in any direction for a few months. not sure where that will take me, or how long this vow will last, but hey… ~january 2, 2011, 4:45pm<br /><br />hmh: just watched casablanca for the first time…origin of many many quotes. ~january 3, 2011, 10:26pm<br />rob thomas: my favorite movie of all time. ~january 3, 011, 11:15pm<br /><br />hmh: can’t figure out where the last six years went…happy birthday to my sweet angel aidan! ~january 4, 2011, 4:10pm<br /><br />hmh: will totally be stepping out of the comfort zone tonight… ~january 5, 2011, 7:17pm<br /><br />hmh: black swan…should be good. ~january 7, 2011, 9:38pm<br />hmh: wow…that’s all i got. dancing was awesome…but twisted movie. ~january 7, 2011, 11:45pm</div><div><br />hmh: told sierra she could have another biscuit when she finished her eggs. way too soon i hear, “mama, my eggs are all gone.” of course they were…into the garbage! sneaky thing. but i gotta hand it to her…her response was logical, and quite truthful…especially for a 3yr old. i’m thinking law school… ~january 8, 2011, 1:08pm<br /><br />hmh: is watching a nervous aidan wait with his new older tae kwon do class…he sits in the back and observes…he’s so me. :) ~january 10, 2011, 6:23pm<br /><br />hmh: didn’t think a cat would get a bloody nose. sure it makes sense that anything with a nose could have one…just never thought about it before. awesome… ~january 11, 2011, 9:55pm<br /><br />hmh: cracks up when sierra says, “do you understand me, mama?!?!” with that little attitude. ~january 12, 8:30pm<br /><br />hmh: had a good laugh this morning. when telling aidan for the 15th time to put on his shoes, i had a mommy-brain moment and said, “put on your seatbelt!” ~january 14, 2011, 10:33am<br /><br />hmh: is heading to aidan’s birthday party at chuck-e-cheese…lord help… ~january 15, 2011, 11:43am<br /><br />hmh: has no aspirations for today higher than folding a mountain of laundry …though it is a high mountain… ~january 16, 2011, 1:41pm<br /><br />hmh: finished “fall of giants” last night and is having trouble deciding what to read next…so many choices to choose from…i love that problem! ;) ~january 17, 2011, 10:08pm<br /><br />hmh: has remembered why i shave in the shower and not the tub…these legs outgrew the bathtub many years ago! thus we shall have a new scar…after the bloodiest chapter in my shaving saga since i was 12 and tried to take all of the skin off my shin bone. what makes this story even better is that the only bandaids i had were transformer bandaids. while i do love transformers, we’ll have to remedy that…tomorrow…awesome. ~january 20, 8:53pm<br /><br />hmh: will be home today with a sick baby boy. haven’t decided if i’m gonna take sierra to school. might be an easier day if i do… ~january 21, 2011, 7:47am<br /><br />hmh: “you don’t have a soul. you are a soul. you have a body.” c.s. lewis ~january 22, 10:52am<br /><br />hmh: a forkful of butter…helps the medicine go gown. right?? gross... ~january 25, 6:18pm</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620844123955378578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXK7G1qzc3SsR5XwbFiGzZnSMXEP-gosRICmDtrMpNLjxyzKvE64gZJquswagB7niYaE297cj7BUJkpObTvUC7vSeoZdJF6nvcLDCJllvOUv2B3QdpqLj74OG3noC5ThDN6B-2ndRRAQ/s200/169887_10150127250116031_534356030_8134625_6488217_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmh: is getting more sore by the hour. tomorrow will be painful. i so love getting back in shape….. ~january 27, 2011, 9:22am<br /><div><br />hmh: appreciates aidan’s attempt at giving me two 3day weekends in a row, though i doubt my work does… ~january 28, 2011, 12:22pm<br /><br />hmh: is out with michele…and has totally been outdressed. though that generally happens anyway…but always with michele! :) ~january 29, 1011, 9:37pm<br /><br />hmh: was with michele young at kokoamos island bar and grill ~january 29, 2011, 11:37pm<br />scott shannon: late night, i like it :) ~january 30, 2011, 12:17am<br />sarah ward: i'm here where are you? ~january 30, 2011, 12:35am<br />hmh: sarah!! found you...tag, you're it ~january 30, 2011, 1250am<br /><br />hmh: wonders what the point of asking which office i would like aidan’s appointment to be at if you’re not gonna schedule us there?? sitting at location number two…and late. ~february 2, 2011, 9:31am<br /><br />hmh: thinks that, even after getting to work several hours later than normal, it sure was a looong work day ~february 2, 2011, 5:33pm<br /><br />hmh: was in bed by 9:30. must have needed the rest cause i have no memory of the time between then and 5am…and that NEVER happens. ~february 4, 2011, 6:18am<br />scott shannon: deep sleep = good ~ february 4, 2011, 8:46am<br />hmh: deep sleep = rare ~february 4, 2011, 8:47am<br />scott shannon: no doubt ~february 4, 2011, 8:58am<br />nick upton: TGIF ~february 4, 2011 9:27am<br />susan steele: working with me does have that effect on people...lol ~february 4, 2011, 6:14pm<br /><br />hmh: is taking kids to pizza hut for an excited aidan to use his coupon that he got from class for reading lotsa books ~february 4, 2011, 6:30pm<br />nick upton: taking alyssa tomorrow for the same thing :) ~february 4, 2011, 6:40pm<br />melissa burch kelley: awww, i remember doing that with the kids lots of years ago...man how time flies ~february 4, 2011, 6:42pm<br />john agapos: now, that's my kind of coupon. can grown-ups get those? ~february 4, 2011, 9:46pm<br />hmh: haha...i wish. i could feed my family for life if that were true! :) ~february 4, 2011, 9:52pm<br />carroll miller adams: congratulations to aidan! ~february 5, 2011, 12:26pm<br /><br />hmh: is so over these snowdays…some of us have to work, ya know. i need a snowday babysitter…feel free to apply… ~february 10, 2011, 6:26am<br /><br />hmh: saw four cop cars at chick-fil-a this morming. i would hafta agree a chicken biscuit is way better than a donut. ~february 11, 2011, 7:44am<br />john agapos: blasphemy! ~february 11 ,2011, 8:21am<br /><br />hmh: heard the best excuse for why aidan shouldn’t go to bed: “but, mommy, i told you i was half panther…and panthers are nocturnal.” classic. ~february 11, 9:30pm<br /><br />hmh: happy valentine’s day ~february 14, 2011, 7:57am</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621140974670092946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCEvabBeDlr7bsfDVg_Jvszfyc-FXjjysLsdNzVNWzrvHuJjJBeCqUQZHXvAa_Ry21jpMm2ZJTYQmyKvO6z7b35gJDhgtEumryNN25OrslyvChh8Ka10hj2p-IS97wztGt0fLoNr1Zfg/s200/175420_10150138073036031_534356030_8280674_2934800_o.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />hmh: is glad i have never bothered to break out the hair dryer more than maybe twice a year, since i walk through a windtunnel to get to work every day and all… ~february 15, 2011, 8:13am<br /><div><br /></div><div>hmh: said, “you’re a smart boy.” aidan said, “yeah, i’m smarter than NASA!” ~february 19, 8:42am<br />carroll miller adams: and maybe one day he can prove that. i love it! ~february 19, 2011, 9:32am hmh: he still says he wants to be an astronaut...though sometimes he says “scientist” ~february 19, 2011, 9:40am<br />carroll miller adams: either one is a great goal ~february 19, 2011, 12:23pm<br /><br />mike silvestri: so my mom was talking about two of her friends’ kids from up here and asked what the two kids in VAB were like. i asked, “aidan and sierra?” she said yes and i said, “oh they were the best. you can just tell they are going to be nice and successful people when they grow up.” hope all is well, miss holly! tell everyone i said ‘hey’ please! ~february 19, 2011, 10:34am<br /><br />hmh: decorated ~february 19, 2011, 2:34pm</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621142027346752914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR8JV7Yne9CZIX2gYJJcyvxSdvrRcq4DWdJ-_yOYM8EQqr1u-j1iAii3zjCwDU0YLM8b1bike25KPxRaUFMKrsd3ejJjBSq93r3nEgYgPil1giAw01y9ITyoBr5dmqm4YbhgNiTm5Lm4/s200/181688_10150141691801031_534356030_8315097_6085606_n.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>hmh: would like to know what time corporate nap time is today. ~february 22, 11:44am<br /><div>kelly reinecke meyer: now! ~february 22, 2011, 11:44am<br />hmh: so when i get caught sleeping at my desk i can say you said it was okay...that should fly, right? :) ~february 22, 2011, 11:45am<br />kelly reinecke meyer: absolutely ~february 22, 2011, 11:47am<br />susan steele: ummm...no nap for you today... :) ~february 22, 2011, 11:58am<br />scott shannon: no rest for the wicked. ~february 22, 2011, 1:31pm<br /><br />hmh: heard the following from the backseat. aidan: “do you want to be rich?” sierra: “no.” “but rich is good.” “nah-uh, a witch is bad.” hahaha ~february 23, 2011, 5:58m<br /><br />hmh: learned all about the presidents today from aidan. president george washington is “the father of our country.” president lincoln was “honest abe.” and the name of the president right now is “rockin-bahma.” awesome! :) ~february 25, 2011, 9:12pm<br /><br />hmh: was with susan steele, michael parsley, deanna rixon, and ashley bell at mccormick & schmidt’s for 2010 lifenet health year in review banquet and awards. ~february 26, 2011<br /><br />hmh: from banquet last night :) ~february 27, 2011, 3:40pm</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621142024538451282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6AS15hZEjkd8-CmRvJ1HckuYl9Ww1rJHADP5gp7tzBETNUIsgs9CtYXlVku_MJIeFaEkeFInEvxnrQBLAHnfc10hafavEIZQwqUy_QZUOOFBhbBzDpOuIdICBtbrWMArUJOYjAsK8Pg/s200/176238_10150147702371031_534356030_8379573_7083890_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>hmh: 7hours at work on a sunday…blah. but will enjoy the paycheck…brightside! :) ~february 27, 2011, 4:45pm<br /><br />hmh: is hoping my sweet boy enjoys his first day of daycare at the ymca today! ~february 28, 2011, 10:02am<br /><br />hmh: doesn’t understand how we have 70degree weather in february and march 1st it’s 40degrees…really?? ~march 1, 2011, 8:49am<br /><br />hmh: he is an official green belt now. but i’m still the same proud mama! :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3LjGYnJwH_nPfseV0fcsRUDe9UZunVScBhZLNFXRdGaNeeVB6SAfxrEtI9nKWTuyWQA1-sXSTrkhyphenhyphenec5hpzrVoU6vGHBVm9BO8U1L2gdDNf44mfKY9SoSIbsw_8JigtE6hTouBPHvDY/s1600/191062_10150150146966031_534356030_8404922_1487641_o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621148520558870930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3LjGYnJwH_nPfseV0fcsRUDe9UZunVScBhZLNFXRdGaNeeVB6SAfxrEtI9nKWTuyWQA1-sXSTrkhyphenhyphenec5hpzrVoU6vGHBVm9BO8U1L2gdDNf44mfKY9SoSIbsw_8JigtE6hTouBPHvDY/s200/191062_10150150146966031_534356030_8404922_1487641_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><div>hmh: was at virginia beach rock gym ~march 5, 2011, 12:25pm<br /><br />hmh: just heard reba do a beyonce song. haven’t decided how i feel about it yet… ~march 5, 2011, 6:03pm<br /><br />hmh: had a fabulous weekend…but is majorly sleep deprived. tomorrow’s gonna be rough…. ~march 6, 2011, 7:14pm<br />susan steele: lunchtime margaritas??? :) ~march 6, 2011, 7:18pm<br />hmh: i'm not sure that would help my situation however fun it might be. grateful you stocked up on our sugar products...when you see me nodding off tomorrow start throwing sweet-tarts. :) ~march 6, 2011, 7:28pm<br /><br />hmh: is watching taylor whip up on some oscar smith tennis girls with susan steele and taylor steele at salem high school ~march 8, 2011, 6:44pm<br /><br />taylor steele: i know i didn’t say this at dinner, but thank you for coming to my tennis match and watching me play…it means a lot :) ~march 8, 2011, 10:01pm<br /><br />hmh: just saw a hit and run in a parking lot…and was one of five people who go the plate number…hope he gets screwed ~march 12, 2011, 4:56pm<br />rob thomas: book 'em, dan'o.....ok, before your time...actually before my time. ~march 13, 2011, 12:39pm<br /><br />hmh: had another excellent weekend! :) ~march 14, 2011, 8:43am<br /><br />hmh: had a loooonnnng day…started way too early, meeting went way too long, had way too much work when i got out, and had to stay way too late (cause even 15minutes is way too long). worn out… ~march 16, 2011, 7:50pm<br /><br />hmh: happy st. paddy’s day! ~march 17, 2011, 7:49am<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621148516883949122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E0VZNEWCIxsnbdntNhygwaCrVR2z_Ebh-ojkSmKFHU2qWlbJH_GtdAXtsDVVFjenmBs57fpXaOw1yMqp5jOvZFA24k_7pX_9EXBTA9WD-zYthuAw0I4mlpdr3ryAekQpkEWDNTLqPtU/s200/191040_10150162270406031_534356030_8517172_6515215_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmh: is trying to decide how productive i should be during my three day weekend… ~march 18, 2011, 8:49am<br /><br />hmh: was so productive yesterday, that i get to do nothing…unless i just want to…the rest of the weekend! :) ~march 19, 2011, 12:52pm<br /><br />hmh: namaste, from my yoga babies! :) ~march 22, 2011, 7:27pm<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621142028379822402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VZoh9xKbLHjkrmmOuOFaCk9reWX9NvxKJKR28VZBdKFh07F7K9GuCK_3lKm60Cp9nw8sRQcPIZTm3aUa_wFExVY-zXXjdQxouZlwFzDadFGj5phIOn4jOsu4wwKevBl34UW9_1FPyIg/s200/188615_10150166794591031_534356030_8565329_350200_n.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>hmh: the mind officially went into weekend mode hours ago…too bad i’m still at work accomplishing no more than the art of looking busy… ~march 25, 2011, 3:49pm<br /><br />hmh: just saw a pink caddy…but it didn’t look right. i always pictured bubble gum pink. this looked like a white car got washed with a red sock… ~march 26, 2011, 2:00pm<br /><br />hmh: had a great relaxing weekend…didn’t want it to end. now, workweek workweek, go away… ~march 28, 2011, 8:38am<br /><br />hmh: came home and went for a run…now it’s time for volleyball. good start to the week even though i’d so prefer the weekend. :) ~march 28, 2011, 738pm<br /><br />susan steele: sooo…ummm…yeah…you rock! :) ~march 20, 2011, 3:25pm<br /><br />hmh: wants to know if it’s absolutely necessary to boil eggs before you dye them…we eat lots of eggs but it makes more sense to dye the one we will use…?? ~april 1, 2011, 8:11pm<br /><br />hmh: was with jlee tharldson at pacifica little bar bistro ~april 2, 2011 8:24pm<br /><br />hmh: pulled the first tooth today. hoping the tooth fairy has some 1s… ~april 6, 2011, 8:53pm<br /><br />hmh: one down… ~april 6, 2011, 8:54pm<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621148524919349506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvLdy8WJ9XsXjeUqJxPfGqueYuU6IfT0kKPz24n5O2DjP1FbQACwvBvH5ZSirZAXMHsnhXeZi1ENdOm6McZkeLEX_fXZw1iJTkFVwBMLQdG46ajAYSwocRZgH3FY6LHS7c1GOU67jr-A/s200/209825_10150212079451031_534356030_8685494_2533950_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmh: “it’s morally repugnant to ask our service members to face death in war zones on an iou.” unknown. ~april 8, 2011, 8:27am<br /><br />hmh: made it to baltimore in decent time despite the traffic, rain, and idiots out on the road. looking forward to a good weekend with family! :) ~april 8, 2011, 10:53pm<br /><br />hmh: is on the road again. :) ~april 17, 2011, 12:21pm<br /><br />hmh: was at camden yards orioles stadium with jlee tharaldson…twins game :) ~april 18, 2011, 6:48pm<br /><br />hmh: first mlb game! :) ~april 18, 2011, 8:44pm<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621152038875188034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZPaRLfwyooi3rixEURj-upbIGNgxb2MbmSiHgslWofxEcUvgovBjVIEvOAc_dz5G1Ufr4HA6HJpE5cXIwsZkdfei8FLJ0b8iV96dnk-2NC5RiU0bsC2Bjq3MaIAR2ANvk0GwUWqYhCg/s200/219889_10150222121051031_534356030_8784481_2833638_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmh: sierra’s first pedicure :) ~april 20, 2011, 6:59pm</div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kqem7lzYc6MuSQ5RWlD6BRw4MLkUuCf4RA47BnNzM_XZylQdjEYPTQy_r0vlmofYL9ReQdu4G5p88sxRgQJysjTdR4THjfetXYYmTApEMYRXWSpgxxYYx6Ju7YwPM3He24m_04XsPuE/s1600/210343_10150223723596031_534356030_8798193_5399655_o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621148538999479154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kqem7lzYc6MuSQ5RWlD6BRw4MLkUuCf4RA47BnNzM_XZylQdjEYPTQy_r0vlmofYL9ReQdu4G5p88sxRgQJysjTdR4THjfetXYYmTApEMYRXWSpgxxYYx6Ju7YwPM3He24m_04XsPuE/s200/210343_10150223723596031_534356030_8798193_5399655_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>hmh: happy earth day from the dentist’s office ~april 22, 2011, 8:18am</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621152048691413602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHDBxlMPte9MMyZhvRphlofpG0aQDXNb9_kRodkc4Jn_EJkYDxm-amxIsBto-vrrqXgCevBTmUVjmCFUIiqojd6W2rXKhsJ8l1GBZSgLGlyw_W7cuDpbmHHaBJBfeM2CMnq5E0J8q35k/s200/221013_10150225024111031_534356030_8809006_3903780_o.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>hmh: is enjoying the camping breakfast experience…yummmmmm ~april 23, 2011 8:17am<br /><br />hmh: must quote aidan once again. aidan: “what did that man who came to the door want?” me: “money.” aidan: “then he should stand at a redlight with a sign like everybody else!” ha!!! ~april 30, 2011, 4:22pm<br /><br />hmh: believes “the only things in life to regret are the chances you didn’t take.” ~may 4, 2011, 9:02am<br />michael parsley: amen ~may 4, 2011, 12:25pm<br />joseph antoine: exactly! ~may 4, 2011, 1:42pm<br /><br />hmh: “nothing is a waste of time if you experience it wisely.” auguste rodin ~may 6, 2011, 1:21pm<br /><br />hmh: was with sarah ward, richard schini, scott shannon, and mark higginbotham at KOA campground…DIGS tournament!! :) ~may 7, 2011, 8:48am<br /><br />hmh: aidan decided it’s mohawk weather again… :) ~may 9, 2011, 10:08am <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k07GqQWLQDHg7G71Bk_pmiAA_j47pUHyrmGOmE6lFDkbT7gWHyiZ2cG366i13UW-4-nW2-GxzFLBbtG5irT0269KEQkfIa7vHVRpvbJMkSMH-U1jlMDPF6sQZi1BHBiihBjXpRGQhEM/s1600/220068_10150240419411031_534356030_8976824_3204771_o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621152041720863074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k07GqQWLQDHg7G71Bk_pmiAA_j47pUHyrmGOmE6lFDkbT7gWHyiZ2cG366i13UW-4-nW2-GxzFLBbtG5irT0269KEQkfIa7vHVRpvbJMkSMH-U1jlMDPF6sQZi1BHBiihBjXpRGQhEM/s200/220068_10150240419411031_534356030_8976824_3204771_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>hmh: doesn’t understand the point of automated post office machines if they’re gonna give me the wrong postage and my packages get sent back to me…all mother’s day items (sent a week in advance) are now on my kitchen counter due to insufficient postage…awesome ~may 9, 2011, 6:18pm<br /><br />hmh: will feel this tomorrow…first workout at the y since 2003. and we begin again! :) ~may 11, 2011, 7:25pm<br /><br />hmh: is at the ER with sierra…again. seriously, her 3rd trip and she’s still 3!! ~may 12, 2011, 11:20am<br />hmh: lord help…even with her entire body wrapped it took three of us to hold her down…and she fought the whole time. six stitches…<br /><br />hmh: and a dora sticker makes it all better ~may 12, 2011, 12:18pm<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621152046183043074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiDLkKca3mav1drUDTYzfJhjglR47DuSoUUv5fGtf79wnV-pjW400oX-MFxe7KhUanMF7caniovk3eyrMRvdZGQG9APQM32Uuj8J8KvogUkl71gpDnSO-wUTzYdEr9dqnlYpMpygssN0/s200/220929_10150244394706031_534356030_8999914_926321_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmh: building character one scar at a time ~may 12, 2011, 9:34pm<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621156750480966322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEFu3OR6y1DCSLkt3cQVqfmftN5JWqO1MY24Zx8PeurEkEB6DaE4YZvN_7JHPSMFeT3gEc9EsnXwLqMDAsfYfv-nm6IxPbA450OhZbMKW5iw9fVuR6bjzQsfb_UoNbol3KiZ4QWP7nWU/s200/241251_10150245032031031_534356030_9002572_7607867_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>hmh: busch gardens with pawpaw and aunt emily :) ~may 14, 2011, 3:35pm <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOENKhAWLgu8UA0LzbSe0OyntPoZ8r3rypoyum7AlWvAeEtmAc53T6FmAvBjxphOVPOux6CJjgeZ3VdvGLVWWeGqZUGT7uGBDQHIRuikSHEGKeauYhbYyhDZOXJmfsdeW0tPHv_8M0MM/s1600/241414_10150246360246031_534356030_9014223_8372918_o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621157130652225506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOENKhAWLgu8UA0LzbSe0OyntPoZ8r3rypoyum7AlWvAeEtmAc53T6FmAvBjxphOVPOux6CJjgeZ3VdvGLVWWeGqZUGT7uGBDQHIRuikSHEGKeauYhbYyhDZOXJmfsdeW0tPHv_8M0MM/s200/241414_10150246360246031_534356030_9014223_8372918_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>hmh: sierra’s new “do." had to do a bob with some layers to hide the chunk of her hair she cut off at school...awesome. ~may 26, 2011, 9:44pm<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621158572627884114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-csmECo2ahvJREE5VA2qmUnpT8sAKg9DADe8I4FbRic4bo6sRjVC-xi6ABjGUO1jybEr-gdYFF5C6B6nyKDKhuRe_v9PfxEeCqAOUdG8Nmt-Wmi0bAWWFKxb5j_XrlUNZxGFRlGd009E/s200/258155_10150258022051031_534356030_9122548_175864_o.jpg" border="0" /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>hmh: is amused by the number of people at work who address me by name and i have no idea what their name is. (i could find their desk/office though. i think…) ~june 2, 2011, 5:13pm<br /><br />hmh: wondered why the book aidan was reading me had such complicated names…the tosis family with a dog named hally. then he said, “hally tosis…” ha! ~june 4, 2011, 10:50am<br /><br />hmh: long day of watching movies wore her out! :) ~june 5, 2011, 8:06pm <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqbV-lic14YuVfmj4BtobGMY6yiwO3Gjw2s1hyphenhyphenwTkh13a6qWHfE1jFcpCguoW79IYwlQEw6NtD6yD6Ux_SHZ3cVdPPjtwmMNhGHQWvHKtL5kWsU-tIlv7sSdjuJeaeFhgb0CRRAzFBag/s1600/242905_10150266705541031_534356030_9219746_1005755_o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621157128762757474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqbV-lic14YuVfmj4BtobGMY6yiwO3Gjw2s1hyphenhyphenwTkh13a6qWHfE1jFcpCguoW79IYwlQEw6NtD6yD6Ux_SHZ3cVdPPjtwmMNhGHQWvHKtL5kWsU-tIlv7sSdjuJeaeFhgb0CRRAzFBag/s200/242905_10150266705541031_534356030_9219746_1005755_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>hmh: has learned that “zumba” is spanish for “abs.” :D ~june 6, 2011, 7:43pm </div>monica ibacache: ha! holly...you got me lol-ing over here. :)<br /><div><br />hmh: was told by aidan today, “mama, my teacher says that a yellow light does NOT mean “either hurry up or slow down”.” ooops! :D ~june 8, 2011, 9:29pm<br /><br />hmh: has given up on bedtimes that are early “enough”...i feel like after work and whatever else, we're rushing through the motions and moments and i'm missing it. will hafta brave some morning kiddie-crankiness...but in the meantime we will seize the day ~june 14, 2011, 8:41pm<br /><br />hmh: all tucked in :) ~june 15, 2011, 8:36pm<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621157625673301218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJqCBXk2wghuQKXEvq5qBH1jJMrx3nQ0nn-FyyFmZ5ATaIH2D8PFRppJqldkkW9Ix9SN548jiIDwQSmr0b6dr93K7cy_jaAjzPqNWeBf1nrB8XwhsHbDSFLy4tZ6KMhP5wiD0ggn2L4I/s200/258497_10150275855376031_534356030_9311690_1041908_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>hmh: wonders how one can misplace an indoor cat???? we've managed it...hafta assume he ran out when we came in...boo ~june 6, 2011, 11:17pm<br />peggy fleming browne: not to be a bummer, BUT, that happened to us when i was a kid – we couldn't find our himalayan for like 3 days, then, we smelled something odd and found him under my mother's bed – he had had a heartattack...hope your story turns out better than ours! ~june 6, 2011, 11:22pm<br />hmh: i totally should have posted this two hours sooner...cause as soon as i did, signed off and got up...out he comes. after looking everywhere he could possibly go and more, inside and out, shaking the food bag all over the house (that usually makes him come running), he jumps off the kitchen chair from behind the tablecloth. can only assume he was fast asleep or not hungry at all (must be the first...he's always hungry.) and i just knew i saw him run in (to his food bowl) when we came in and not outside. though the thought did cross my mind that something happened to him and we'd find him when we smelled him. glad that's not the case. crisis averted! :)<br />nick upton: love a happy ending ~june 6, 2011, 11:35pm<br />rob thomas: glad you found the kitty, but that's a very existential question you proposed. is an indoor cat still and indoor cat if it's outdoors? if a tree fall in the woods does it cry “timber” or does the lumberjack? ~june 7, 2011, 1:56pm<br /><br />hmh: last day of kindergarten...my sweet first grader. :) time flies!! ~june 7, 2011, 12:00pm <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFmbVtCyGZXanrBGzRO4vbuMnzkCV79E2VMWcbxZ2tviEzRAga0otchNQZtjnzDKiXQhukLT6hJfneRX_IX5_A0iQ7jakRlPPvXBB2GRChxQvewE1RP8wu2rszl1iJ-jwdJ4q8qVi-_s/s1600/257445_10150277269541031_534356030_9323382_1638964_o.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621157619582948514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFmbVtCyGZXanrBGzRO4vbuMnzkCV79E2VMWcbxZ2tviEzRAga0otchNQZtjnzDKiXQhukLT6hJfneRX_IX5_A0iQ7jakRlPPvXBB2GRChxQvewE1RP8wu2rszl1iJ-jwdJ4q8qVi-_s/s200/257445_10150277269541031_534356030_9323382_1638964_o.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>hmh: was at rascall flatts at farm bureau live with susan steele, andy steele, taylor steele, and devlin hunt ~june 19, 2011, 7:39pm</div><br /><div>hmh: can't believe princess sierra is 4 today...and yes, she thinks she's truly a pricess, so don't argue! :) ~june 22, 2011, 8:23am</div>hillary lauren smith: she will never stop. i didn't. lol j/k :) happy birthday sierra!<br />melissa burch kelley: happy birthday sierra!!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-13932341093206196932011-03-10T08:31:00.018-05:002011-03-11T08:20:17.048-05:00here there and everywhere<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">--shamefully overdue...and therefore lacking in appropriate detail as well. apologies upfront.</div><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582593218512881346" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0uEu5RkVVOslPUjef8ozkXimnByraSW_BscD6WXSlSO3dtzOAnJvzQFxJ_70ELHDK9MhD4bwbo8ThtgCIhCAXMGiqKeK_ZhzvWtm0aNm9eoW3inizr5raXxCcyPXHfCgXPOxpACQjkk/s200/DSC00841.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582593224304642594" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG5NaLARgAweiFW45h3iWygtFxyYqXhOyvD2hSwrUqj0AbBMqT_V4BRNPhgaKqLwC8zVEL3CvoaepSb1P3IWRKaGiD7uvlzIb2dE5Ru-XDnBB204ovK4s4OfqfoicqowiMoiJNhZrHeI/s200/DSC00843.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br />--we have multiple travel stories from the last part of last year, and had a grand ole time. first we drove down to mobile for thanksgiving. we left after work on a tuesday night and drove straight through. took 15hours give or take...which was excellent time. i find i like to drive in the middle of the night...children are generally quiet (read asleep) and other drivers are usually seasoned travelers (read non-retarded/aggressive, so long as it's not a drunk night...so tuesdays work perfectly.)</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582591875322197122" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiaOcaZW8nMm5-JLy3faTXSU7XHvqGw2g2BQAtqlyI2FLgKNklnZT9lsj_SrZqWyUIYT9wH6SER3NL1d3gekAl8X0GLOpRWXTe5J8enBg3X5un_GCV3K50OrrNOEfkY5_5SIBD9mXzfk/s200/DSC00687.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /><div>--we got home at 4am central time...just in time for about an hour of sleep for me before children were ready to be awake. i managed to squeeze an extra half hour of "rest" while they played quietly...haha...in our room before it was necessary to let them out. i'm embarrassed to say that i honestly cannot remember what we did that day, minus some prep work for thanksgiving dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582591888983279906" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNQIaoDM7PPEOjMcMwcH5bhvKIU9kCF-mvWkAeJ85rluZftITv6niMUZxAMhuOWeCLxJ0644cHgub66MtqRigY_smLO3rFFzne8bmkV7KirxzG9Lq15tiXqwyHZALD578eK-aYnGCGNA/s200/DSC00693.JPG" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IzX4DrkRQgF00L7Qm_cTfqtDTHgHEa580tli4yt6FPZ4l4N_8uYcaXY-EVps7QYzw7xIjSw2UqvTvf59nYSLlARr8G2ZLvjlWA8gOiNV2R8Xofbd2b4YpGJGvlrSFgq18XQNgiessDA/s1600/DSC00741.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582630725994149234" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IzX4DrkRQgF00L7Qm_cTfqtDTHgHEa580tli4yt6FPZ4l4N_8uYcaXY-EVps7QYzw7xIjSw2UqvTvf59nYSLlARr8G2ZLvjlWA8gOiNV2R8Xofbd2b4YpGJGvlrSFgq18XQNgiessDA/s200/DSC00741.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582591875623104034" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VEHvvTjPSXOfYXxCOZBf0J-k7v0DTyKWFibKfc2Zc59_iehn_nGgsyNmaX-RcUeonQk5vVJZXM8gqb4GjXN_5USd50h1wXXsq7pRor7df_SUsZSTbU4zfYb7lktDI1kWwK5b0ixKPbw/s200/DSC00709.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /><div>--thanksgiving was in lucedale as it has been as long as i can remember. the kids had a blast playing with my cousins, eating more than humanly possible, going on adventures in the pasture to the pond, and hugging on animals. i spent my time catching up and enjoying the company and conversation of my wonderful family.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582592537740941826" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ70OI5v2mECTAQNVkjWWzZF-3n0kytia5Vw7fzudRWrMvONgSUTYzKm_wqLJNDn_rEVJDbJHm_ti_ToEvAnoa2qBdesUmgLjOevd8008i0MjZcfIdlZtXhqJdjBVG1tGoaI1BF6pgJo/s200/DSC00770.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582592539723036834" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHibtVBbc98Sq_YPvt1e8gnpGy5SVLgdHTGpLP8Hxd-CJEoo8LhW83WwR3D8N7HMaMEenT39BoxNQckA4GeZ5dGpXqfnOo2IiXHvf-hccGIsTs5nqDZeyg6coIhGcu31MQ6gt4mcw5DBA/s200/DSC00771.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF-TikYPSMQnA-IA-kjuEDRdrs49_UoI8xUAf_tUh7b2rvcbwKfpO96i78o2QFAQNce_Sr6gs8LbwbBwJlUXHy_DTW0WqhUE5OAEX5U8kMO6iOgjjY5SBpvsfXgiOjmuW0jANea-OGyA/s1600/DSC00784.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582592552275182850" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF-TikYPSMQnA-IA-kjuEDRdrs49_UoI8xUAf_tUh7b2rvcbwKfpO96i78o2QFAQNce_Sr6gs8LbwbBwJlUXHy_DTW0WqhUE5OAEX5U8kMO6iOgjjY5SBpvsfXgiOjmuW0jANea-OGyA/s200/DSC00784.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582592547832787266" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDeEwDNvUUIxots9jrq2WcNI_Ns-WLlFGx7QIG7Bf_ig1QEv9ZkgnjrzWFo3gGx30JKX5kPulEInof7bhY9E_FVt7Q2ncvRwfdCE6t4PfOyuTIWVnuqeuyCnnMOxs_OlxDTGJrlGmgQw/s200/DSC00785.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /><div>--friday was the iron bowl day (alabama/auburn game for the non sec-fans)...or cookie making day...depending on who you were to ask. chuck and emily and i watched the ballgame while aidan and sierra made and decorated cookies with li-li. after the unfortunate outcome of the game and a wonderful dinner, we trooped over to our cousins' house and took them with us to bellingrath gardens to enjoy the christmas lights. it seemed to be a shorter walk/smaller display than last year, though they add lights every year, so i contribute that to the fact that both of my children were on their own feet and couldn't help but break into a run occasionally when accosted by so many lights, long winding paths to explore, and cousins. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkadEhnkbjuPKy3cPUC3ODyDZ_a7WpjWHy9Gktg4viGASf87rp1kbQi1vVBBsreYCtj0lHjGStE_0z3Rv5CvtmTPKfZB2DHJ3hAVdLyILW7zEvn8_eU1fJIZMHF2oEEPcMs09UJmH_GE/s1600/DSC00818.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582592557363431730" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkadEhnkbjuPKy3cPUC3ODyDZ_a7WpjWHy9Gktg4viGASf87rp1kbQi1vVBBsreYCtj0lHjGStE_0z3Rv5CvtmTPKfZB2DHJ3hAVdLyILW7zEvn8_eU1fJIZMHF2oEEPcMs09UJmH_GE/s200/DSC00818.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582593207101913042" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqfmvNJLmZZkS28sFSPaxI56V-DQppsCqrU_Urki6GNOtjlF-leqVPgs0B3MY9EUp5qpRG6wD0QTrD2gwpqsYWSUw5epHpZg303GbKTJKB6wGRd_5jGchRvzbiqc7dsk7vmS0_mwCLGo/s200/DSC00822.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj768E66CgEJ3VRK6jIRc27Womsc1AIpnDCXVm6HuDqCVno-BY-lztRCl59tG7guXzTKA6yMv0tbiszBcdukcRBMRMVQborgKiAJIIs3AcBXtlnhFI9-zedlPtE4GZvkMjL8AIkQIBGyf8/s1600/DSC00831.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582593215064148834" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj768E66CgEJ3VRK6jIRc27Womsc1AIpnDCXVm6HuDqCVno-BY-lztRCl59tG7guXzTKA6yMv0tbiszBcdukcRBMRMVQborgKiAJIIs3AcBXtlnhFI9-zedlPtE4GZvkMjL8AIkQIBGyf8/s200/DSC00831.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582593228856642450" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGEACb63gVLwnOZR8f7Of7xF2EcWQyKoIJP0q38oSM_sqRPPoKfLLfW7oINbj7qLDw0xjAzpr9Bi7plj2-bifkMhQGvuDHy-SDqsT25uxaMlcJc7ZYt2wSZC6xN7FO9I-_njRLTOhE1Q/s200/DSC00835.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /><div>--bright and early saturday morning we started our journey home, after a nice breakfast with my dear friend jay at cracker barrel. that day we drove to athens to visit aunt carroll and uncle larry. emily met us there as well later that day. kiddies were treated to experiences such as throwing pumpkins off the pier, rides in spinning chairs, remote helicopter flight shows, and a hissing kitty cat. our drive home the next day was to take 10hours...and ended up taking nearly 14. holiday traffic was ungodly terrible! but we made it home and had a great trip.</div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoulP8AIB0pKbpww2q0wF-2tXAsN0kYYsHhpGWUw6LlnAJizlTyL2tSb8N5teNs2Pl-orRutWbQ-WEPUbDv_eDL_aTMzRM9wLqAbjSQdc4b5Hz1iLx06fz6mmfxHYIXq9ovfjyo4geeY/s1600/20101212131717.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoulP8AIB0pKbpww2q0wF-2tXAsN0kYYsHhpGWUw6LlnAJizlTyL2tSb8N5teNs2Pl-orRutWbQ-WEPUbDv_eDL_aTMzRM9wLqAbjSQdc4b5Hz1iLx06fz6mmfxHYIXq9ovfjyo4geeY/s1600/20101212131717.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJETTgqlBncjq2g-Jo780k6FmTYv8MuA1kEvMbzII_zkCh6Woc7xJvNtI7aUIfE9SlEFOu96SNqmWt0q4-QOUaZxUGJogPRDHQqmlT5Aptzk_HHZ3Yrp_pthd-8UHlWqIjES2KzpcR-Y/s1600/20101212132458.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJETTgqlBncjq2g-Jo780k6FmTYv8MuA1kEvMbzII_zkCh6Woc7xJvNtI7aUIfE9SlEFOu96SNqmWt0q4-QOUaZxUGJogPRDHQqmlT5Aptzk_HHZ3Yrp_pthd-8UHlWqIjES2KzpcR-Y/s1600/20101212132458.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoulP8AIB0pKbpww2q0wF-2tXAsN0kYYsHhpGWUw6LlnAJizlTyL2tSb8N5teNs2Pl-orRutWbQ-WEPUbDv_eDL_aTMzRM9wLqAbjSQdc4b5Hz1iLx06fz6mmfxHYIXq9ovfjyo4geeY/s1600/20101212131717.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJETTgqlBncjq2g-Jo780k6FmTYv8MuA1kEvMbzII_zkCh6Woc7xJvNtI7aUIfE9SlEFOu96SNqmWt0q4-QOUaZxUGJogPRDHQqmlT5Aptzk_HHZ3Yrp_pthd-8UHlWqIjES2KzpcR-Y/s1600/20101212132458.jpg"></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzHk8V_vN_WAkPcwAc8K_0abd3p8UeanxPQouQNNvv4RI-x1Kbj5o9cH13bRsd2gpLjZjZ9HC1DmqUXaE0Gmg75jFXTZTC4YiAorcjftREIa8UMyyE0ezX3UXBuobzYxykO0rEA895R8/s1600/DSC01060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582444853747581122" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzHk8V_vN_WAkPcwAc8K_0abd3p8UeanxPQouQNNvv4RI-x1Kbj5o9cH13bRsd2gpLjZjZ9HC1DmqUXaE0Gmg75jFXTZTC4YiAorcjftREIa8UMyyE0ezX3UXBuobzYxykO0rEA895R8/s200/DSC01060.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T0pKEKZA6xBontTzTeLKkN3fYs_2Bn7pjReuv3hNMts_s79nBe2dcAjRwPHTCSHYQWop_0jtbGSv_7YH1mrqmjXGrqEXckotaMKz9CyDhD4EtT0mFlOUHvKEmvZB4S_4WRg-JLExIBQ/s1600/DSC01058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582444857913138530" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T0pKEKZA6xBontTzTeLKkN3fYs_2Bn7pjReuv3hNMts_s79nBe2dcAjRwPHTCSHYQWop_0jtbGSv_7YH1mrqmjXGrqEXckotaMKz9CyDhD4EtT0mFlOUHvKEmvZB4S_4WRg-JLExIBQ/s200/DSC01058.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>--two weeks later, aunt emily and pawpaw came to virginia beach for a miller-fied christmas. they took aidan and sierra to the movie "tangled" while i went to a baby shower, we went christmas shopping, kids got to meet santa claus, pawpaw and aidan put together and flew a remote helicoptor, and aunt emily and aidan put together a lego spaceship. everyone had all kinds of fun that weekend. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryVeRBh20WpsHf7r10y7TaYowcXDdUzED43V1U2VjqF0QhBjRat38T0bRcZkf0thPhys_EVNbXLhMhxTCI0K0nhhB8slNEPRDsxSAVk05faV2pQzLQByjB_kBToFfhzfBs-_EF15kRrw/s1600/DSC01001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582448167063225970" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryVeRBh20WpsHf7r10y7TaYowcXDdUzED43V1U2VjqF0QhBjRat38T0bRcZkf0thPhys_EVNbXLhMhxTCI0K0nhhB8slNEPRDsxSAVk05faV2pQzLQByjB_kBToFfhzfBs-_EF15kRrw/s200/DSC01001.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF47fCYshRTmuw2tPsuC6J0vvP_CIAG3NRNPrcuFTAFIky5XdoLRxxTz7WE6J2wZw9vO29Kr_Bc2LIew_0-j4RFgsSu7rTWbQ_pEJUeipLsYjvEo0CGsFK0d1tsuqgpr5yrG5w3_3AO-Q/s1600/DSC01020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582448155025241474" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF47fCYshRTmuw2tPsuC6J0vvP_CIAG3NRNPrcuFTAFIky5XdoLRxxTz7WE6J2wZw9vO29Kr_Bc2LIew_0-j4RFgsSu7rTWbQ_pEJUeipLsYjvEo0CGsFK0d1tsuqgpr5yrG5w3_3AO-Q/s200/DSC01020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>--they even got to watch my volleyball finals...which we won...yea!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAxS_KQy9Fl-NXK_4gIZyfzGBmNUYOH-VEierUO0cIYfBeRks0CCduj7Ozypy28sppOuRnnmK0N4iM4HqUWc0j1QiZEjO7tTSXfB2WNu7KjAJYJhkt_71qVTwwB55tRVjACBEDuEFgcM/s1600/20101212131717.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582448147893369410" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAxS_KQy9Fl-NXK_4gIZyfzGBmNUYOH-VEierUO0cIYfBeRks0CCduj7Ozypy28sppOuRnnmK0N4iM4HqUWc0j1QiZEjO7tTSXfB2WNu7KjAJYJhkt_71qVTwwB55tRVjACBEDuEFgcM/s200/20101212131717.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7ObQbBbpp9Pw1zxQr3bpvtfDYci9mMcS9hR60m5_wzvirakB2LpRVERmWdyWVIvN4hxgHY2O9Xo0GisHNfUnHAu-j0EQ812arHLte7U3skfI4trer4QHAnBUlcciaHN_nxcqgDCyDvI/s1600/20101212132458.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582448144055567490" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7ObQbBbpp9Pw1zxQr3bpvtfDYci9mMcS9hR60m5_wzvirakB2LpRVERmWdyWVIvN4hxgHY2O9Xo0GisHNfUnHAu-j0EQ812arHLte7U3skfI4trer4QHAnBUlcciaHN_nxcqgDCyDvI/s200/20101212132458.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />--the next weekend, aidan and sierra went to new jersey for ten days with their dad to visit grandparents and aunts/uncles. they had a blast and got waaaaay too many toys and clothes, that it has taken us nearly this long to get them all down to virginia and find places to store them. :)</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju40qfQmt9jxYxYs1EfZ9R5CjKiKpIQZQmZmbs35Vwo7hgwvtLi7tE0k0wVHzJhgT7PRyaM7Tx5E_kLl1UU6ttfKNRS6_1A7PIlUo2QoAEkc1A4Btn_7K665F4rRdOU9psvvF_2tmonL4/s1600/DSC01075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582444866425181074" style="WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju40qfQmt9jxYxYs1EfZ9R5CjKiKpIQZQmZmbs35Vwo7hgwvtLi7tE0k0wVHzJhgT7PRyaM7Tx5E_kLl1UU6ttfKNRS6_1A7PIlUo2QoAEkc1A4Btn_7K665F4rRdOU9psvvF_2tmonL4/s200/DSC01075.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyIMr9nCKJWCPCVNgvCPtNhXKpbeoT2LfNlH_xLZA2CEVCQ7vTfvmVfwuwZTmr7RPChHlljmbxRs652WrX6DXTvA_DV80RMqn-_1vn1wNWc8yUB5yOh8JRNSEETvvKZ6RlNbIS6bPPSo/s1600/DSC01085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582445780841414546" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyIMr9nCKJWCPCVNgvCPtNhXKpbeoT2LfNlH_xLZA2CEVCQ7vTfvmVfwuwZTmr7RPChHlljmbxRs652WrX6DXTvA_DV80RMqn-_1vn1wNWc8yUB5yOh8JRNSEETvvKZ6RlNbIS6bPPSo/s200/DSC01085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />--while children were otherwise occupied, i took advantage of the fact that my cousin jason would be in mobile for the family christmas party, and that i wouldn't have to buy three plane tickets, to fly to mobile. emily and i went shopping during the day then helped prep for the xmas party at my mom's house. i hadn't been to the family party since 2002, and hadn't seen jason since long before that. and i have no shame in admitting that when i finally did see him, i actually had tears in my eyes...and i don't generally do stuff like that. now that it's in writing and on the internet, my stone-cold facade will have been shattered...darn. anyhow, it was great to see everybody again, and those that i hadn't seen at thanksgiving, and to see the change in family dynamics as my cousins have grown up and joined the adult side of our gatherings.</div><div align="center"><br />--the next weekend was christmas. it was very very quiet and very very weird. i was trying to figure out what i used to do before children, as i didn't really have anything urgent to take up my thoughts and time and energy besides working all week. on christmas day, i went to my friend susan's house for dinner which was really nice.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIikOazdowo-h0jtV4l-bY-vOSA7F6QW3BeVmMOFk_3XcxKcbcuQFkNriDOwjaLSJDRvY7UHdo-znmsrd1IVNsiBFUGlcHVbR8OnNVd9KhBrrAjyVtskFwO9ELm-JwqVQlAZpXUrVEXac/s1600/DSC01101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582445787478474722" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIikOazdowo-h0jtV4l-bY-vOSA7F6QW3BeVmMOFk_3XcxKcbcuQFkNriDOwjaLSJDRvY7UHdo-znmsrd1IVNsiBFUGlcHVbR8OnNVd9KhBrrAjyVtskFwO9ELm-JwqVQlAZpXUrVEXac/s200/DSC01101.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEArcdgFSpw2mzyypiRmq8tV4zme-zBH1d5rp6ZeLXQPC7BMK7lL9X-BWNGi86at1QRRN4Kjms5hhViC_0BsatEH1iF6zMhfhe-iXiSwgFE7CSgF52GOy5DhZcEfJdg_x_QQvAWf6XmwQ/s1600/DSC01102.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582445788935669906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEArcdgFSpw2mzyypiRmq8tV4zme-zBH1d5rp6ZeLXQPC7BMK7lL9X-BWNGi86at1QRRN4Kjms5hhViC_0BsatEH1iF6zMhfhe-iXiSwgFE7CSgF52GOy5DhZcEfJdg_x_QQvAWf6XmwQ/s200/DSC01102.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4y2vU_JU_w6KBYKAz9D9c9yJCeByXkKtaUS5jXYH6uEEaT7_fDArd6lsWE4044KVLtGQCJaGgZkEpJ12AbnFpQ5EFkuJLZcTbaAOys2cEiV_ddLaloUFLt5GGtZ7NbmU9orDSqCYaSY/s1600/DSC01107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582445797363531234" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4y2vU_JU_w6KBYKAz9D9c9yJCeByXkKtaUS5jXYH6uEEaT7_fDArd6lsWE4044KVLtGQCJaGgZkEpJ12AbnFpQ5EFkuJLZcTbaAOys2cEiV_ddLaloUFLt5GGtZ7NbmU9orDSqCYaSY/s200/DSC01107.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1xvDhjxwCy6JC4a64x9KkNfDtfb5pMZbKqh-MAp7n5Xorx712rErssNxDQtR8z_p7vgIN9vJlp0kFJ-9FBGJ1ltbAq5Lr1nJ406WzkxBXP2eCZ1qIHpqHkizw1guL1bheR5xXvXZMw0/s1600/DSC01104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582445802794887122" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1xvDhjxwCy6JC4a64x9KkNfDtfb5pMZbKqh-MAp7n5Xorx712rErssNxDQtR8z_p7vgIN9vJlp0kFJ-9FBGJ1ltbAq5Lr1nJ406WzkxBXP2eCZ1qIHpqHkizw1guL1bheR5xXvXZMw0/s200/DSC01104.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"><div><br /></div>--the kids came home on tuesday, and on thursday we drove to north carolina after work. my mom, stepdad (chuck), his mother (frances), my sister (emily), her boyfriend (jordan), my step sister (meredith), and her fiancé (mauricio) all met in boone for the new year. we stayed in an awesome cabin in the mountains. friday we left the grandkids with the grandparents and went snowboarding. it was my first attempt, and i think i (almost) did rather well. there were no green slopes to speak of, so learning (read falling) took place on the blues. i got the hang of the snowflake thing but managed not to be able to choose a lead leg, and so in switching back and forth, i fell quite a lot. when i did choose a lead foot, i'd end up catching the front lip of the board and bouncing on my knees. not cool. volleyball-wrecked knees don't much appreciate that, and i therefore perfected the art of the bellyflop in order to save them. :) we had a lot of time for hanging out that weekend, watched some football, played some games (including dirty santa), and had lots of yummy meals. we even did an early birthday party for aidan.</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGgthjx0-smZOaz4MhVqmTjMLyN2aMjz7ahGNfL-TZujrXEuKXKnzZ-_lkGsTRGFkjeUMA6eESN_YbB1vnu5nwR65TlCFP6k_dVMK8xC-qmpdv6UinPJQKIpplhPwDJ_TypsDAc-avD8/s1600/DSC01125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582445985456600818" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGgthjx0-smZOaz4MhVqmTjMLyN2aMjz7ahGNfL-TZujrXEuKXKnzZ-_lkGsTRGFkjeUMA6eESN_YbB1vnu5nwR65TlCFP6k_dVMK8xC-qmpdv6UinPJQKIpplhPwDJ_TypsDAc-avD8/s200/DSC01125.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div>--so, that was our holiday season in a nutshell. good times had by all. indeed.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-52086028117002770912010-11-29T10:57:00.004-05:002010-11-29T13:46:16.705-05:00driving lessons--after logging 42 hours of highway travel over the last ten days (20 of which happened in the last two days), providing me with plenty of opportunities for observation and time to ponder, i've come to the following conclusions:<br />· most people don’t understand the concept of cruise-control.<br />· learning to drive in japan should be a prerequisite for obtaining a driver’s license in america.<br />--now, barring any emergency maneuvers or the obvious start and stop of traffic lights and/or bumper to bumper traffic, i am capable of driving an entire trip without touching the pedals. i could go so far as to say i could do it sitting with my legs crossed underneath me…hypothetically, of course…not that i do that…much. just kidding! gotta watch out for the aforementioned situations. anyway, i can successfully drive while changing lanes and speeds, even handling merging, mis-timing of lane changes, and the ever present (many times strange) driving choices of the other people out there at the touch of a few buttons…maintaining a constant speed, or margin of speed relative to the speed limit. that (and using the passing lane for its intended purpose,) reduces the adjustments others have to make to me, which in turn, one would assume, would make driving with me on the road an easier day. why have i found that that concept seems so hard for other drivers to understand?? <div>--they should move to japan for a few years to learn the “art” of driving. while the japanese do drive on the wrong side, they drive the right way. when people are in abundance and space is at a minimum, one must do things more efficiently. they (can) drive full-sized cars on sometimes (it seems) half-width lanes lined with cars…and make it look easy. and really it is easy, once you understand what’s going on. the idea is that everybody has somewhere to go, so let’s all get there. they use a few concepts somewhat foreign to the states, that i call “situational awareness” and “courtesy.” novel ideas, really. if you’re aware of what’s going on around you, as in where you are, who else is there, and where you’re all going, something called “anticipation” sets in. you understand that if there is space in front of you, it will be used by that car sitting on the side wanting to pull into traffic. so, anticipating his move, your adjustment only has to be slight in order for him to be able to join the traffic flow, and you were courteous in the process. nobody gets greedy and speeds up, which would lead to either him not being able to pull out, or you slamming on the brakes when he does it anyway, (or crashing). and nobody gets mad either, because we’re all still moving along! wow…. it’s a proactive kind of thing…and it works…crazy, huh? what i've seen of many americans (not all of course) is that they are selfish, aggressive, reactive, oblivious, and/or mean. drivers, that is… ;) oh, and if when driving on the highway in japan, you come up behind someone driving slower than you are, they move over…even if there is no lane. assuming no mountain drop-off, they’ll cross over the right side line so you can go around them. what a concept…</div><div>--on a completely different note…below is something else you would never see in japan! makes me laugh.</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuypxVHs9Hsp2q-IrUoJ1YER0mmVjUm9gxMEQDG8QKDjyrNQR9Cd1qEwWBMwuCTGrGN1VKMi283F2gbLY_VgkrrC9aOAhP-GwPNZFXjQELqaw__7xs2_oBHODG7AEThRj8su4x6zPb_g/s1600/deer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545001771569110386" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuypxVHs9Hsp2q-IrUoJ1YER0mmVjUm9gxMEQDG8QKDjyrNQR9Cd1qEwWBMwuCTGrGN1VKMi283F2gbLY_VgkrrC9aOAhP-GwPNZFXjQELqaw__7xs2_oBHODG7AEThRj8su4x6zPb_g/s200/deer.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3WfEQWneOC4OTgg1upoXqSNaw-xl5MGnmsCVKdsh4IxED-q2NxBbjT0ZISO6VqPpiehDGvIlJtEzb_0QpwY9Bt5Cceveyqw4C1bOYP3m1ErioYJdwWUYKuIBoV9ZIrVTEJUm-rV9FRc/s1600/deer.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3WfEQWneOC4OTgg1upoXqSNaw-xl5MGnmsCVKdsh4IxED-q2NxBbjT0ZISO6VqPpiehDGvIlJtEzb_0QpwY9Bt5Cceveyqw4C1bOYP3m1ErioYJdwWUYKuIBoV9ZIrVTEJUm-rV9FRc/s1600/deer.jpg"></a></div>hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-82921002421954376282010-11-17T08:33:00.003-05:002010-11-17T09:09:44.377-05:00operation take turns<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOMQdp584s9ou5EeoKyem5Qf88vzkGc2pSc4uUPgNfqE7iOPIiQ2gs3PMdL-QzOneQ7OdAFnWw_tRdGz1EkiabJezS0oEd98rLiZSf4WEag62sESTU0LnIvuXOKGUoCEb5GVR2O1miPg/s1600/kids.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540511558201822898" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOMQdp584s9ou5EeoKyem5Qf88vzkGc2pSc4uUPgNfqE7iOPIiQ2gs3PMdL-QzOneQ7OdAFnWw_tRdGz1EkiabJezS0oEd98rLiZSf4WEag62sESTU0LnIvuXOKGUoCEb5GVR2O1miPg/s200/kids.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />--i'm convinced my children have begun a coordinated effort in alternating between making mama proud and making mama mad...<br />--friday i went to aidan's kindergarten parent-teacher conference for his progress report. mrs. watkins showed me all of his assessments. they use a numbering system where 1 means "below expected", 3 is the expected level, and 4 is "above expected." aidan had grades above expected in all areas. he reads short sentences, writes/spells understandable words/sentences, draws intricate pictures, understands and applies new information and situations, and gives detailed explanations and descriptions. she said he's very sweet and plays well, but occasionally has trouble focusing. she also said that he has his own sense of humor, and will sometimes laugh at something when nobody else is laughing, then dissolve into giggles. i was not surprised by any of this...but enjoyed hearing it from an outside observer. and he grinned from ear to ear and puffed up like a peacock when i told him all the good stuff his teacher said. :)<br />--that same night, sierra chose to spend the evening in timeout. she drew on the wall, put the cat in a sink of running water, poured a bag of catfood into the litter box, locked herself in my room and ground chapstick into the carpet. <br />--all this is compared to sunday when aidan argued with absolutely everything i said, whined and flopped on the floor, hit his sister, and told me he wasn't my friend anymore. (my favorite response to that phrase is "there’s no rule that says i have to be your friend in order to be your mother.") and all on the day sierra was my "big girl helper" because i didn't feel well, sat for two hours with a kitty asleep on her lap, and told me with hands on my cheeks, "mommy, you're precious!"<br />--it's a conspiracy, i tell you!hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-560945967198367642010-10-28T09:34:00.004-04:002010-10-28T09:50:19.677-04:00sweetest boy ever<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9boUTj1M7BDusSU0-WLpbhFDCU06Gz-DTdmlhhN3RAJa4hF0TUsDF6NqkuZn0bTjRKhIfjJGTYulCJgz-HNWQ7mt9FTej9CUyKcJZajujabKLAQ_GG5xbEvJLK507vOw4L2zSkC8UlI/s1600/aidan+camo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533093029328420930" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9boUTj1M7BDusSU0-WLpbhFDCU06Gz-DTdmlhhN3RAJa4hF0TUsDF6NqkuZn0bTjRKhIfjJGTYulCJgz-HNWQ7mt9FTej9CUyKcJZajujabKLAQ_GG5xbEvJLK507vOw4L2zSkC8UlI/s200/aidan+camo.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>--i truly believe i have the sweetest boy who ever was. yesterday was aidan's tae kwon do testing date. he did all his forms, some sparring, and even worked with his weapon. at the end of the testing period, they sit and each kid is called to get their new designation of rank. the ones with just belts (of whatever color) get a headband of that color, and the ones with a headband move up to the next color of belt. aidan was a yellow belt with a yellow headband going to a camouflage belt. most of his class was a yellow belt going to a yellow headband, with two camo belts going to a camo headband. so, aidan was in a class by him self...literally.<br />--anyway, everybody sat through the presentations, and when they went from the yellow headbands to the camo headbands, at first i thought they were saving him for last for some reason. yeah, not so much. they didn't have his belt on the table, and completely forgot to promote him. without calling out or jumping up and down, i tried to get one of the instrutors' attention. that didn't work. they finished the presentations and then moved everybody over for pictures. aidan was the last one to get up. his instructor came over to him, and i though i couldn't see aidan's face since his back was to me, i could tell by mr. gunzel's face that aidan was upset. he asked aidan what was wrong. i couldn't hear what he said, but mr. gunzel looked up at me with a concerned/apologetic smile, and called ms. moren over and ran to get his new belt. they were both upset that they had missed him, and ms. moren announced that they had one more presentation to make. that aidan was sooo mature that he sat quietly and then politely asked mr. gunzel if he made rank. then she praised his efforts and said the next class level better watch out, because he's moving up to "karate for kids" in january, from the "tiny tigers" class.<br />--when he got his belt he was beaming, sweet boy. he was very proud. when i got to talk to him, i asked him what he said to mr. gunzel. he said he said, "my mama told me i was going to get my camo belt today....." then he told me, "i was about to cry." awww...love him! and so proud of him too. :)hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-17675190815909164532010-10-27T21:16:00.003-04:002010-10-27T21:28:15.725-04:00a dash of southern<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-Hh2miA4BXa1eh7PdLYPPFQTj2G3NjC6fTOgFz5ivaJ7g01oM_wB-pQcszRyAPhyEE8oSaVSqaxP5dNtztOhtpWAh2kmb-FAqBLksX98siTklAWfjKUuf2edpiD8l1sSvt3G_7R0MzU/s1600/DSC00367.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-Hh2miA4BXa1eh7PdLYPPFQTj2G3NjC6fTOgFz5ivaJ7g01oM_wB-pQcszRyAPhyEE8oSaVSqaxP5dNtztOhtpWAh2kmb-FAqBLksX98siTklAWfjKUuf2edpiD8l1sSvt3G_7R0MzU/s200/DSC00367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532902096715599234" /></a></div>--we had a weekend of visitin'. my mom (li-li), my sister (aunt emily), my aunt joan, and my grandparents (meema and dee-daddy) came up by train for the weekend...well, emily drove over. we had a blast!<div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5RT2nrmdzuiGF_kJgMkSa3SthYIJcVsBVyq1V-nQ502r-gF0KXGeTcNspC5X_btLk_BnVM79lmQ80HcBuCuX3bZlasyMtbhI1u9OwKRvMyH9fkMEaRsoHs29N2kUoNMUcjn53vnS0Ro/s1600/DSC00375.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5RT2nrmdzuiGF_kJgMkSa3SthYIJcVsBVyq1V-nQ502r-gF0KXGeTcNspC5X_btLk_BnVM79lmQ80HcBuCuX3bZlasyMtbhI1u9OwKRvMyH9fkMEaRsoHs29N2kUoNMUcjn53vnS0Ro/s200/DSC00375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532902103295693522" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpQ-FdIPKt0JEGWIiKAjXrT6DzGYy_k3zmWoI0fzsDgFcW791pUCMO2IHNIYBMtZafn95tAXzO8w2lWSJGCaqkHauYNKNIU-sc0q0XD8D3CejCj34p4rh7dvREQxQ2RXYiLQ5GaZzaVw/s200/DSC00370.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532902097171432834" style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px; " /></div><div>--it had been a long while since we've all been in va beach together, and it had been over a year since i saw meema, dee-daddy, and aunt joan, so it was soooooo nice to have them. we didn't get crazy and try to do too much, we just relaxed and talked and laughed and enjoyed the weekend. though, mama was convinced to ride the teeter-totter with sierra. ;)</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdp0NqDoSLYsXZVIxvg2DmKJVJzPCbT3Mo9zZLsJQK2jf1uDPx_Nz81xy9Pv_0PzqlK_dZq0U4rgs_iQI7JbmFC7di4HSMTBYOfAT_UF4E3-NQre8ZmyAb1LYFm49_n_UxW6loB0geSw/s1600/DSC00377.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdp0NqDoSLYsXZVIxvg2DmKJVJzPCbT3Mo9zZLsJQK2jf1uDPx_Nz81xy9Pv_0PzqlK_dZq0U4rgs_iQI7JbmFC7di4HSMTBYOfAT_UF4E3-NQre8ZmyAb1LYFm49_n_UxW6loB0geSw/s200/DSC00377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532902106583565394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px; " /></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmT3scLNFU-dJ0mhZ-RCfIeUGOuTNj10HpZJXZhBZYdb4DpLKVYSuMo7_nfnDuqLR5K_X6AlU2TAwFhgJ0WUpAgdGrxFsTpe6y7VAd1EoirfH7IUOTTj0bAAZFY8mDTCTK1_GKyxKgo8/s200/DSC00379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532902110154882978" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></div><div>--good times + good food + good family = goooooood! </div></div></div>hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-47577676552202730402010-10-19T21:26:00.003-04:002010-10-19T21:31:38.539-04:00toeing the linewhere exactly is that line at which i should start caring about what clothes i let my child leave the house wearing, versus the self-esteem building principle of letting her choose her own outfit??<div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBok7ItgOM-RaIQh30dD66udb0ftxflJzNvbRc6Pd7R_jT3yd1CO2JJWccCkc1R3edJJ0-YkPZ1V3ojvwnDiAjMx9h6tdT1qNL9r6g9eBM1pWcGVPLo9BOFKjbBq6DHGfJv2wBhRqnRZs/s200/DSC00351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529934554980237666" /></div><div>have we crossed that line? i'm not sure which side of the line we're on, but we're toeing it all the same. i happen not to care so much about what she picks out so long as it's weather-appropriate and somewhat activity-appropriate. i almost reconsidered that philosophy when she walked out this morning. however, i let it/her go. and biased as i may be, she's still gorgeous. needless to say, my girl has no self-esteem problems! ;)</div>hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-92151191838525395682010-10-12T21:48:00.011-04:002010-10-12T22:27:01.829-04:00pocket full of acorns<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9Ine8gdKE00SmQxhem_UFpHJ4SmnIXCorRpj-W5G4ZakW6BaOOIT3439mWPNr4HPgTZ2Pp-F3iXn_PgkuKed1LUxnQxIAvpDFOYwZvcWO3e1_1mOoSNqj1HIsF_iscobT18Okb07W6A/s1600/DSC00178.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9Ine8gdKE00SmQxhem_UFpHJ4SmnIXCorRpj-W5G4ZakW6BaOOIT3439mWPNr4HPgTZ2Pp-F3iXn_PgkuKed1LUxnQxIAvpDFOYwZvcWO3e1_1mOoSNqj1HIsF_iscobT18Okb07W6A/s200/DSC00178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342150960070914" /></a> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr1jejHrnKATG18Q-Xxoc9INksiS1sxKLhJET_QjeLaVz9FEv8la4jnB3tKMTxOjyxY4ktva2p7p3lcDX8vCBiO_jtJXM5cgZe1yqCKMxsJcTUkZMZEjbXPDaz72b5h54z1sV_m55Qgw/s200/DSC00188.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342153862316850" /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--we had a blast on our camping excursion this past weekend. (first of all, i let the kids have a dress-rehersal the weekend before in the living room...they thought it was fun sleeping in the tent.) we went to kiptopeke state park in cape charles, va, friday evening after work...after the camp store was closed. it said on the website not to bring your own firewood, and since the store was closed, while i set up the tent, i set the kids to work scrounging for wood. good thing i had packed cold fried chicken for dinner that night, because our meager supply of firewood only managed to cook marshmallows...so considering that's all we needed to cook, it all worked out. </p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpk15-stPzdsVVykbYu2Ae4fvyW03TcGxVNRkMmJLvIrBWxW5Mws2Ejk7ykHh8P9O0WfjETTxlqd5gF_RU192XocBdgFddUDKlb0UBfilL8S8CI5qGIrz5_0KxREBqrsVt3XoAR7xFD4/s200/DSC00193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342152361330130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px; " /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3GkspYdEMoMo-RGJYpGZsxf8Kjmh9Y3SWA1LwUKxFBpQ-h6FBiBungrMidEfvyMmHDtT4c4iN-XBMHT-xnOl4V5KOU597NnXUuZmEW7j_DCngo5FNYqBxMvdr4zDdqmwm_dCpm8GkJI/s200/DSC00199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342161243125842" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--after we made camp, we went for a walk to get our bearings, find the facilities, and see the sunset over the bay. got some great shots of the kids down by the water. after our walk we came back for dinner and dessert. s'mores received two thumbs up...but that wasn't a surprise.</p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKo_DS0Ir1nn_cBMp91bXT3G8KB3DqE6Jz95Sr2D8Cb64h2OW__0bjrpx3mwP4epNLe9LAGBmYbNGFkH9TTBFlY4kxQyRuoW5OaaUvhULnn65nXY6xAnJHuPXKxIBVNK0_ju-1e6yONE/s1600/DSC00210.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKo_DS0Ir1nn_cBMp91bXT3G8KB3DqE6Jz95Sr2D8Cb64h2OW__0bjrpx3mwP4epNLe9LAGBmYbNGFkH9TTBFlY4kxQyRuoW5OaaUvhULnn65nXY6xAnJHuPXKxIBVNK0_ju-1e6yONE/s200/DSC00210.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342165675777138" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKye5bTp15I8dZnsoWgXj-ez2ueZeupZA_Is0GsmfcLQCV1Ew8HOoG7GAvrLVXDRCuihiYMlBi1Jeta0tdFRx271LpRE-SvxSS6p25LLr89Ff8RylZWbWphjIj-5UcPMuCVgs5g-K9dY/s200/DSC00213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342479101299074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--getting them to bed wasn't too hard, but not that easy either. we read stories and they crawled into their sleeping bags. however, sierra kept peeking out of the tent to see where i was, and chatting with aidan, so the whole go to bed with the sun thing didn't quite work out according to plan...though i knew they'd be up with the sun. </p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjPyAjL2_mwrq-nPnmQYFaTu9SSkCoLoB9EVUgp0h3Vqhr1ZHehMdfHDpBYKzp6J6IrBmyUYTQMgiqwfXyfy2C6uNS6fWOcTlJDdJfZx1UjN-o4H2pVfMtz1TmLadtF6L2kgb_dPhFYQ/s200/DSC00234.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342491367010338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px; " /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ3thJ3JtAJzxZCuTHudGZ6IyjHCVl7E1k-3TVBea-I-lVLd8xRYCY3wcdlpbYm7QXB5nrfwgkMV8WY-UaYJ4pFLwuzq1ApmxNzHGrf2wa8REICpNk6TU2MF9JNg-j7mkDR7Y_mKT6nA/s1600/DSC00245.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ3thJ3JtAJzxZCuTHudGZ6IyjHCVl7E1k-3TVBea-I-lVLd8xRYCY3wcdlpbYm7QXB5nrfwgkMV8WY-UaYJ4pFLwuzq1ApmxNzHGrf2wa8REICpNk6TU2MF9JNg-j7mkDR7Y_mKT6nA/s200/DSC00245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342494967350258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 200px; " /></a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--the next morning we prepped for hiking. there were several trails to choose from, but in order to have the highest chance for children's enjoyment, i chose the one that included a butterfly garden and the bird-banding station. migratory birds fly over kiptopeke every year, and the volunteers have set up a banding station to tag and keep track of several species. it was really interesting to see. </p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyn4Zd4LX8fdIFbXSOu_2-hN_YKuAhxP5TVuN2Lp7L653pFh03r1AHY9OKGIE0ThjDSqIEB26yKumptnfzw2g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--at the butterfly garden, we met a conservationist tagging monarch butterflies. she caught them in a net, put stickers on the underside of their wings and then released them. kids got to “help” her release them. </p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dykUsH8wIJmzreLABBIAp4PpR_7ga_I9IOc44ABvgLrAoCN-xf1WC9KO9sYkmYsBsQw4Rs0iCFiEUeZoFXE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwI1_EaxrVkcerCnvsKDjFSdn8FT0RvfXctDdSmp08CxFZGo4HxLJtfpdqWnDhd31Alfx8Uq38r8jEb5pZ31g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--when we moved on to the banding station, they had just brought in several birds. all over the park they have tiered nets set up that capture the birds, and every hour they go check the nets. after they band, weigh, measure, and chart each bird, they're released. kids got to touch many different kinds of birds, and even release a few themselves. they thought it was pretty awesome...which it was. (sorry for the retarded sideways videos...i really have to remember that i can't turn the camera that way for video....oops.)</p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOyj8XxS5r-3o4rj5f8AFNyimHtLKi35kcPY8i6OT5gLVoMaUhANGghGrcm8BRGdMRfBSF8DdSMOrttRBp7LSHqMqC3SCkoJWIaP4FUZxMdp6vOgPxGLugaX3rUfIcChQzFFOuAqVTfU/s1600/DSC00263.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOyj8XxS5r-3o4rj5f8AFNyimHtLKi35kcPY8i6OT5gLVoMaUhANGghGrcm8BRGdMRfBSF8DdSMOrttRBp7LSHqMqC3SCkoJWIaP4FUZxMdp6vOgPxGLugaX3rUfIcChQzFFOuAqVTfU/s200/DSC00263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342767093020210" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 200px; " /></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgfB2__ddHjlXBX2eputmxfOWTwVgetlbI6WhlyyOD2blJar3gqtOo92MNYeWrrmD0WLouGeSBC9PZIsUXjJbYTIOGWiMSO8qtou2bIDXyFD4FG-_LZM7pHnBZukr0qfiJL0n8F8IfCA/s200/DSC00270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342773058453698" style="cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 200px; " /></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxjzxjnSH9h6pD2KdkAsZLEytLEizhWskLng9BC16ovY8X5YvnliQ0ogcYzPV1R4jZEZL80m6Zj4YjBe207WQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--while we were at the banding station, there was a call on the radio that they'd captured two hawks and were taking them to the hawk observatory to let everybody see before they released them. so we made our way that way. we got to see a male and female cooper hawk and hear all about them. the male was a bit unhappy to be there, but wasn't too stressed, however was at times somewhat loud. the female was much larger than the male, and they said she could pick up a bird the size of a pigeon in her talons...while still in flight...as in the pigeon's flying and the hawk grabs it. pretty impressive. we actually "adopted" her. with a donation, as each bird is banded, they'll notify you if and when the bird is ever found again anywhere in the world...pretty cool.</p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukoa9Ib4SzYvCudfrygGIsm7QRy6v2C3TmN2Dm19mWoth1hoqeu5mV9tV8bjd9Ww9ZnadT_oaj5X8FyA9XTyD8OQ1n2XvpFjUCvDoXZbRUk4CnZ2WPkv19t_PLR4jB5s69-vQecXNJ9w/s1600/DSC00281.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukoa9Ib4SzYvCudfrygGIsm7QRy6v2C3TmN2Dm19mWoth1hoqeu5mV9tV8bjd9Ww9ZnadT_oaj5X8FyA9XTyD8OQ1n2XvpFjUCvDoXZbRUk4CnZ2WPkv19t_PLR4jB5s69-vQecXNJ9w/s200/DSC00281.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342776255104802" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4Y-_VB5XCmSH27WMJUSezMjcG1Sa6NxeMuJ1uBJ0uC4dCbW_7yvrEM4Y84pGk_rgwtdsD2SRO4oycPRam-Jemj2rHMyT_KZt2bwGFoXuVA_WEQIXs6rzMv09QQ5ojKccYJtkUcSO0bA/s200/DSC00293.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342775121851122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--after lunch, and after i untangled the fishing line the kids managed to turn into knots, we tried our hand at fishing. sierra's attempt lasted an entire 20seconds before she tossed her pole on the ground (into the water) and she was in the water herself. aidan lasted longer, but eventually gave up. i didn't expect us to catch anything, but we had fun trying anyhow...then they had more fun playing and getting completely covered in sand and water. needless to say, shower time in the bath house was our next adventure. </p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrx-nuc9uepjbbhk83g0VkqG4YB6yGlzw4H3b_vjXeVH6v7__J0kFb8ijnfIabsm4jc4qnv0fFvkmD0Lr3OVASxO_oHrYSO-05O4w9KQwT-ln3dsm1JIkRxOal7ZqvHtBS2XQVLqCWHU/s1600/DSC00308.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrx-nuc9uepjbbhk83g0VkqG4YB6yGlzw4H3b_vjXeVH6v7__J0kFb8ijnfIabsm4jc4qnv0fFvkmD0Lr3OVASxO_oHrYSO-05O4w9KQwT-ln3dsm1JIkRxOal7ZqvHtBS2XQVLqCWHU/s200/DSC00308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527343063587940642" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KyWR-NMNahfcfmeMt-3z_ekAsfpFHxz2SQNbZJ2tmi52Z8v_tss6vsTVjwDXB92YMYpJB4P1LvG5m5PyP-MCTQPy9dSwQdjGQQGlFCMioe24T83OFRaDujsEOG1yVmwzVEsjbTl4p-8/s1600/DSC00320.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KyWR-NMNahfcfmeMt-3z_ekAsfpFHxz2SQNbZJ2tmi52Z8v_tss6vsTVjwDXB92YMYpJB4P1LvG5m5PyP-MCTQPy9dSwQdjGQQGlFCMioe24T83OFRaDujsEOG1yVmwzVEsjbTl4p-8/s200/DSC00320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527345007767624034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px; " /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHODxH0ArSTQRGHPSi4DPW6fRjMBRInslHvuEhAmXbBRH6Ym7wSLsuo0Xdy_pHUICFPzWX1crgFheA0UysfkQ7lp-Jj1_tiwVG8ti2UF5zvTih2w_XptdUCKwgHHrX-4Q5TOrzXlwyxo/s1600/DSC00313.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHODxH0ArSTQRGHPSi4DPW6fRjMBRInslHvuEhAmXbBRH6Ym7wSLsuo0Xdy_pHUICFPzWX1crgFheA0UysfkQ7lp-Jj1_tiwVG8ti2UF5zvTih2w_XptdUCKwgHHrX-4Q5TOrzXlwyxo/s200/DSC00313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527343068056158722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px; " /></a> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--they played for a while until we ate, made s'mores again, and read some more stories before bed. the next morning...bright and ungodly early...we were up and about. i went ahead and packed up the camp after breakfast, and decided to try to actually make it past the butterfly garden this time when we hiked. sierra asked and asked when we would go hiking all morning, then while we were still within sight of the parking lot, she decided her “legs hurt” from walking so far. (click on the picture above...you can see the cars behind us. photo by aidan...sierra took the next one.) i'm not sure what i said to turn that wonderful situation around, but we took advantage of her distraction and had a great hike. we looked for bugs, tracks, birds, feathers, leaves, animals, and just enjoyed the longest mile ever! unbeknownst to me, sierra filled two pockets with acorns that i found later that evening in the washing machine...good thing they're hardy little buggers and didn't destroy the laundry. we did leaf rubbings, saw beetles and spiders, and talked about not eating berries of unknown species. fabulous!</p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0bS0qw1voChUdiN4KUoKiTLfhKNnfB3LjzJv1inhvy-zoGfZYCmE887jVuTSlHqmK6xc-8R2FhLDg8nID9-JwwggytBadLQ9brlRJj10UElnE7wPUqjNLbzrNfv_-qh9r8wfqZ8VzG8/s200/DSC00316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527343076026422626" style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px; " /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg973uitupL6Nr-jF9pMpI-kOfpb5XL_Ij-5U6Zd46LRWxXCfGa-Sgw7_Bdv4FScbX599HEtUVw3YaVCa11hcJXS2vIjtb7JsBm8A8iUHllrSXTcz_UAmpjYkDyfKNLYA90qH-1RZ_mAJQ/s1600/DSC00326.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg973uitupL6Nr-jF9pMpI-kOfpb5XL_Ij-5U6Zd46LRWxXCfGa-Sgw7_Bdv4FScbX599HEtUVw3YaVCa11hcJXS2vIjtb7JsBm8A8iUHllrSXTcz_UAmpjYkDyfKNLYA90qH-1RZ_mAJQ/s200/DSC00326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527343084306645026" style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px; " /></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92H9k8pMWYaFn8B9w_zgy_sDIF8XJZHPHehpto460t3pZjsPaK-KTIKP-c9HQS-kVq8CZf-GfnhyJRKCr5fVHr0cOxIUtO3Aw4VJJAZYuGPYFaoAxq1tVrmwpNFX5ShDENXD8SVhoCGU/s200/DSC00328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527343174494046530" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 130px; " /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">--so, final verdict is that camping is super fun...perfect weather helped make their first trip the first of many...we're already planning our next adventure. :)</p>hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527354505290173141.post-57450252658573108602010-10-03T14:58:00.011-04:002010-10-03T16:29:37.116-04:00once around the sun<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--where to begin...where to begin...</span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn2KrGW1Byp3HuJM1vign2nE457Q9fKBP0eQZLsY6eBL-PineDbSCLsQdj6ZGM9SiifknWilSAB7bJBOPqeiNlFKAyfnafj6Y7JdVSPHE4lezlP8Wt-hPWqVMjRbA9kdWC0_Ff2GStds/s200/DSC00056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898634481031650" /> </span></span></span><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAscbHdY3jJLsOsSejs4H2xydIM9DH8Fl3MK28d7gbXvWcokCMxYx38I11kfY6vyhMmoIDvebnJKoOp6-fuIsybai-fAibrdoET0kGVcmW3y2vmxDkk5ulKg7fwPZbLYTiIS8RzPjMd0U/s200/DSC00650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898637167769186" /></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--it's hard to believe i haven't sent out an update in an entire year (unless you count facebook status updates); but then it's also not so hard to believe. life has been very different and sometimes difficult this past year, though all in all it was a very good year. here's my disclaimer: this will be an insufficient recap of the past year, and pictures will not really relate to what i've written, however hoping you'll all enjoy it anyway.</span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCqHdEz8nSwdoNuQ2exy7Hnm05ydWTL_wVcoemz1l5CfoJ9cFWGVVAWJQI_Z4TJ92vJ5yFQCGUeeBvGPbd8Qkf6FWM0h2vEmpiN6JXJ499wxzkypXA6i7GgCKqtDsOqGdE0-ZfVXRqOg/s200/P1090507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898652302973586" /></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--the kids and i are currently installed in our 3-bedroom townhouse in what billy somewhat-teasingly calls the ghetto...though i don't agree with that assessment. we've definitely cut our square-footage down, reduced our collection of possessions, and downgraded our use of certain utilities...all of which are really a good thing. but have no fear; we are safe and sound and thriving, surrounded by friendly neighbors, in a good school system, and very comfortable and happy.</span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh9cvLIbbUFWl81MZWWTWbAhjw79OiDUh-7LMWaCypM8XhEIUGuUOvXy9I7v4zaRAlxZ-5m1YrD1VFefVaKlz6x5PJxdlN9FtauslfpyeXMHfva7w_mE533AJNwOG883ku3TY9GYpl90/s200/20100825182828.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898627537344978" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--aidan started kindergarten this year. h</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;font-size:small;">e goes to half-day class in the afternoon. i was somewhat disappointed that he wasn't in the morning class, though i was secretly hoping he'd be in the all-day class. morning class would have allowed him to ride the bus to school, which would have saved me morning daycare costs...and all-day (in addition to giving him more learning time) would have reduced it even more. however virginia beach uses the all-day classes for remedial purposes to make sure all kids leaving kindergarten are at the same level...as they don't always begin it at the same level. needless to say, aidan blew the test out of the water...which of course made me super proud, while also making it necessary to pay for extra childcare. oh well. aidan was upset that he didn't get to ride the bus though, but understands he will ride next year. this year his daycare takes him to school and picks him up.</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB-hh-hdB5P4mCr0t1UUtr_f1HKWS-nwoOJc253Y38ZuGjIhTobvSIOypyu5oaCMyEaGFlqL2x1SzbN1VKn27Um6-MU3hua9osN9HXdVRDdsggVVLKPF1neyyv_oXXcp5LcdZUE1WRp4/s200/P1090446.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898641906521666" /></span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--it was sierra's first experience with any school setting when she started daycare this year. she took to it like i don't know what. i think there were two days when she didn't want me to leave her...but for the most part she runs off without looking back, as she's already screamed hello to multiple little friends before i've even signed them in at the door. she is, however, equally excited to see me when i pick her up, so that's good. she tells me that her favorite part of the day is playing with her friends.</span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHPa0jueTDjMlspG5ZDP4T2Q3Za2Y3QisEDBdx5Z1T0vVxzAmGTmLPJUPN9tXO2nWahTeynDxFl8YngXDvSY81f1e4zlWdDNVCYvJ5GjnUSRIq3s65gOgcGDRI_JQEY2ED0sETIo3Dgo/s200/P1090631.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898940054801922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span></span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--aidan is now beginning to read. he does quite well when he sits still and pays attention...though that's a pretty typical issue for a five-year-old boy. he was actually reading some beginner books before he started school. and since starting i've noticed that his writing and spelling have greatly improved. each day at dinner when i ask him what he did at school, he usually tells me about what game he played at recess until i ask him direct questions about what he learned. his typical response is "i don't remember" until prompted a bit more. (sierra's favorite response to what she did is "i didn't do nothin, mama" with the sly sideways look/grin. then, "i play in the playstation!") sweet boy that he is, aidan usually says his favorite part of the day is when i come to pick him up. </span></span></span> </p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-ib8sJ3oDHwwyFNTbLOtc4-aqFKdVR3L0toaTLkiNo5IaPIFs2cwAYG1Xf3JpOdeRVPpeNSRFN7iLLACRg93ZoUWVH6BVxbp44U4GdVV4eKb8jw-dT6H3SaxLjEY36s4PDT2eYq29R4/s1600/P1090794.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-ib8sJ3oDHwwyFNTbLOtc4-aqFKdVR3L0toaTLkiNo5IaPIFs2cwAYG1Xf3JpOdeRVPpeNSRFN7iLLACRg93ZoUWVH6BVxbp44U4GdVV4eKb8jw-dT6H3SaxLjEY36s4PDT2eYq29R4/s200/P1090794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898948495381058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbGos4VbEgr05PEmLx3IeoSH4AW5QE5ypjMwyq5gtSwDng_byi5up5oQr3rwS15ei0GSW5r06uVzUZiJ99Xac28Cw5gHNj-vuj7ce20_ZddPKajWiVZCTAI_8hPpMNZvxgyVEcHjMA7c/s200/P1090798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523898971401243074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--he's been doing tae kwon do since january and getting quite good at it. he's enjoying class, getting better, and learning to focus...which honestly was my reason for choosing martial arts over sports at this point in his life. he's now a yellow-belt "decided." (they get the new belt/degree the first testing round when they're "recommended" for that level, then the headband when they test 8weeks or so later for the "decided" degree.) he's gone from white to orange to orange-decided to yellow to yellow-decided. he tests for his camo belt at the end of october. anyhow, it's interesting to see how he (and really his whole class) has progressed. they're not all the same belt/degree, but they're all improving. when i first started taking him, i was surprisingly disappointed in his "abilities." thinking i have a very coordinated child, as he's always been good at backyard sports and can't wait to play, loves to flip over and on furniture, can do a headstand for nearly a minute; watching him stand there unresponsive like he didn't understand that someone was speaking to him was not a comfortable moment for me. so, needless to say, we went home and practiced. i think some of it was that he didn't understand half of what they were asking him to do...as he's never been allowed to hit or kick anything without getting in trouble, they're saying things in korean, and it's kinda loud in there with little ones "hi-yah'ing" at the top of their lungs all over the place. it took him about three classes to get comfortable enough to hi-yah out loud...then he turned around and grinned at me. he still has his spaz-out moments, but he has learned a lot and does really well in class. his favorite part is sparring because he's now in the leadership class where they spar and work with weapons. he does these random jump-spin-kicks...where the most damage he does to his partner is that he ends up on the floor instead of actually hitting him. oh, and lord help us if i forget the bag with all his gear that day...total and complete melt down. but that's only happened once.</span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxwo2KF_rCM9tkvTyl4QNgw0bBW0OSZxfvwY6Aixsg199gfxOzXzMfOeaGSlLxR07m1YUwUOpmIqW5kWSdYTA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </span></span></span></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxiG3xSSHz17CKl-LxvFqvde18XQ4Oq-oGdb17KCmO77D259DC83BaK5gxZuLKCgPDVBl4k18z3CgFLrUVB0A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--sierra has grown so unbelievably much this past year. it's amazing. the difference between age two and three is crazy! she speaks in full-length stories, is totally potty-trained except for some nights (sorry for that to all who hate the nitty-gritty details i give...haha), and insists on doing most everything by herself. and when i say insist, she insists! i call her my italian princess...never thought something with skin and eyes that dark would come out of me...and even without my moniker, she truly believes she's a princess. (we did give her a princess birthday party too...so maybe I have fed the image just a little...hmmm.) anyhow, she's the most stubborn thing i've ever met. billy tells me that's because she's a hunt-lady. now i consider myself pretty flexible and easy going, though can definitely be stubborn at certain times. but she wants to argue like it's her calling...sometimes just to do it...sometimes just for a reaction...and sometimes she really means it. and when she means it, she most definitely means it. she pitched the fit of all fits one morning when the dress she wanted to wear wasn't clean. she wore her "merica fwag" (american flag) dress two days before, yet it was time to wear it again. she cried like the world ended when i told her she'd have to pick something else. after several minutes of waiting for her to calm down...which didn't happen...i told her to pick something or i would. she grudgingly and screamingly chose something else then stood there and screamed and cried some more when i told her to put them on. a few minutes later she was still standing, clutching, screaming, and crying. so i told her to put them on or i'd put them on her. she screamed louder. so i put them on her. then she took them off and put them on herself. she wouldn't walk downstairs so i carried her down and sat her at the table, where she wouldn't say what she wanted to eat, didn't eat what i gave her to eat, and screamed some more. so after her non-breakfast, i didn't give her the option of choosing or even putting on her own shoes, put some on her and put her in the car...where she continued to scream and cry all the way to school. the only good thing about that morning was that they don't need much prep time in the morning and our drive isn't very long...so i only had to listen to screaming for 45minutes. as soon as we got to school some little friend said "hi sarah." she stopped immediately...waterworks just turned off...and she said, "hi wee-yum" (william). gotta love it...</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF30AOF8N0KI6qzJyC2qOHVYsT3YCPf_QogRAAzY3nfb1jS7xZTaGuFMFfopRLGGfpKQ4D6urATYb46pv2whdSRpOARywwZSC3-OGSo52JKVw8lNLjMadhWblbOyujLeTU38zniTf6Ic4/s200/P1090973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523899007114017890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn3uIlds4NTX6osmHXv9I_vtJdV7way2Gr2dT-SJ9l9wQPJnHm2BFWdGkdWLyVDAoywkPogXl6akt0GOAbXU3z-WPRcaRJxA2BbjRGKEwfcfHvXY0OGiU0Gadx5tm77aj3NeZhqgqhyphenhyphenA/s200/P1100054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523899038048993042" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">--so, this was obviously not an all-inclusive detailed description of our past year...apologies all around. however i plan to update pretty frequently, so check back. happy fall!</span></span></span></p>hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742433541610809573noreply@blogger.com0