tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89228057855891857282024-03-13T13:19:51.166-04:00Midgets, Moonpies, and DawgsA place to remember... a place to look forward... a place to cherish... a place to dream... a place to hope.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-76426909146158837112020-06-16T22:35:00.014-04:002020-06-16T22:51:43.844-04:00Music for the SoulI totally know how to write in paragraph and the draft here is written with paragraphs, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to make the new version of blogger keep the format I typed it in once I publish it... So forgive the long, run on paragraph.
Tonight I was cooking dinner with Iz. Tre' wasn't home from work yet and Chip
was reading (after being forced off screens). I had iTunes on shuffle. There was
a little Veggie Tales from when the kids were little, a little Allison Krauss, a
little Hootie and the Blowfish, a little country, a little Allman Brothers, and
some Bon Jovi. Then came "When Love was Slain" (Selah), "Where Joy and Sorrow
Meet" (Avalon), "Chicken Fried" (Zac Brown Band), "Palm of Your Hand" (Allisons
Krauss's version), and "Come Thou Fount" (Chris Rice's version). A couple of
those songs are so tied to certain times of my life that I'll never hear them
without them stirring something deep within me. But the odd mix of songs and
then one a friend sent later in the evening matched my mood tonight.
The world is such a mess right now and there is so much hurt... so much hurt everywhere.
And there doesn't seem to be any good or easy way out of the messes for any of
us. And tonight it felt heavy even as I felt the love in my kitchen as I cooked
with Iz... and Tre' came home and was happy to see fried squash on the menu (he
and Iz have been wanting it and I always avoid frying b/c it's messy)... and
Chip woke up and came and snuggled in for a hug (which doesn't happen as often
as it used to). Even with all that goodness, there was still a heaviness that
hung in spite of the good and the gifts. We can't fix the world... we can work
to make our corner of it better for those we come in contact with... but there's
so much we can't fix. There's so much hurt we can't mend... So tonight, these
songs were salve for my heart...
From "When Love Was Slain"
This world is not my home;
Oh, this world is not my home;
My home's been made at heaven's throne;
This world is not my home.
From "Where Joy and Sorrow Meet"
There's a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep;
And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep;
There is hope in desperatio,n there is victory in defeat;
At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet.
From "Chicken Fried"
Well I was raised underneath the shade of a Georgia pine;
And that's home you know;
...
And my house it's not much to talk about;
But it's filled with love that's grown in southern ground;
From "Palm of Your Hand"
I'd rather be in the palm of Your hand;
Though rich or poor I may be;
Faith can see right through the circumstance;
Sees the forest in spite of the trees;
Your grace provides for me.
From "Come Thou Fount"
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing;
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
...
Let that goodness like a fetter;
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
And then a friend texted with a link to another song that was just what I needed tonight. "There was Jesus" was a bonus b/c it's Dolly's part of the duet. These words though...
In the waiting, in the searching;
In the healing and the hurting;
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces;
Every minute, every moment;
Where I've been and where I'm going;
Even when I didn't know it or couldn't see it;
There was Jesus;
In all of it... the hard and the hurting and the
good and the healing and the certainty and the doubt... He is there... Every
minute. Every moment. He is here. He is faithful... even when we can't make
sense of it all and don't know how the world or our country will continue to
move forward... He is here.
And to help my eyes to see more clearly... to trace
His faithfulness in this broken world full of hurting people... I'm so grateful
for...
A June day in GA where I actually wore a long sleeve t-shirt with my
shorts because there was a chill in the air, music that soothes, the moments
when siblings get along well, Louis Armstrong's voice, catching up with my
brother, softball tournaments, sleepy cats, soft blankets to snuggle under,
friends who know just what you need (sometimes when you don't even know),
hydrangeas that are deep blue, the word benign, a laid-back summer night...
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-22693265465746127912011-01-02T22:48:00.003-05:002011-01-02T22:57:19.857-05:00Enjoy the RideI miss writing!! It's good for the soul, or mine at least, and it clears my mind. <br /><br />Kiddos are doing well and Tre' and I are trying to keep up with them. They will be turning 2 and 4 this month -- how on earth is that possible?? Izzy is loving preschool and has asked at least a dozen times over break when she gets to go back. Chip is loving trains and cars and anything his sister is doing. He's learning to throw a good tantrum here and there, but is still the more laid-back of the 2 by far. Christmas was wonderful and over much too quickly. Not ready to go back to work tomorrow, that's for sure!!<br /><br />I've never been very good at New Year's Resolutions, at making or keeping them. So no big resolutions this year... However, I do want to relax a little more, let go a little bit, and worry a lot less. Tre' and I got to go to the Zac Brown Band concert with some friends on New Year's Eve -- had a BLAST! They have this song called, <span style="font-style:italic;">Quiet Your Mind</span> - don't you love that??? The chorus says: Quiet your mind; soak it all in; It's a game you can't win, Enjoy the ride. So, I'm not making any resolutions, but I'm going to try to do those things a bit more. Quiet my mind, soak it all in, and enjoy the ride. Hopefully in doing so, I'll help my kids learn to do the same.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-32104968773421146002010-07-14T21:48:00.004-04:002010-07-14T22:14:06.438-04:00Things I Learned at the LakeIzzy is growing up way too fast.<br /><br />So is Chip.<br /><br />18 month old little boys are insanely busy and share none of their energy with their parents.<br /><br />Nothing wears my kids out like life at the lake.<br /><br />Izzy is braver around her friends than she is with just us... wouldn't ride a tube with me, but hopped right on with the big girls.<br /><br />I could float for hours.<br /><br />Nothing says "me time" like a napping house, a good book, and being stretched out on a float on a screened porch.<br /><br />I didn't miss my computer that much even though we were gone for 2 weeks.<br /><br />Maybe I should try more time unplugged.<br /><br />Izzy still comes running to me with most news, but occasionally she doesn't and that makes me a wee bit sad... <br /><br />I'm still sometimes surprised by how much our family has lost in the last 3.5 years. We took a great picture of the kids, Izzy, Chip, and Natalie, piled on Aunt Nik Nik. Love the picture and there are smiles all around. Had to wonder though, what it would have been like with a nearly 8(!) year old Catie and 6 month old Aiden piled on.<br /><br />I could listen to my kids laugh all day. <br /><br />Izzy loves nothing more than being around other people.<br /><br />I hope that Tre' and I raise Iz to think for herself, esp. during her teenage years.<br /><br />Visits from family and friends sure are nice. <br /><br />Nothing says, "aaahhhh," like a hot shower after a day at the lake.<br /><br />Geocaching is fun.<br /><br />I love vacation, but nothing beats coming home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bRwH4d_GlIP8wbnSyoZaZxS5NTe2yu1y2ehUU68mANHdu_HEBlR1UT5tO6xS5zWBC_ib2-ICHDbNOOuAmEuxyh-h7fnLx2e4RGDLmpoLW-bxFVfp2_Ei-b8B8nzpQ4ADN77HJIpVTis/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bRwH4d_GlIP8wbnSyoZaZxS5NTe2yu1y2ehUU68mANHdu_HEBlR1UT5tO6xS5zWBC_ib2-ICHDbNOOuAmEuxyh-h7fnLx2e4RGDLmpoLW-bxFVfp2_Ei-b8B8nzpQ4ADN77HJIpVTis/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493949093176319826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpL5lvHJsFBAinfmojguNBk10yfy6L9Wz5hmnBjt08zbKyxIYqgAmBwhwwyLxQo_wPYmESyE3VYts6Y46Xbq_gpyuJ4TigFEZHsPi6iTjqfj9YCINxzwepb7EXd_DCI7-aJBdGI-CmfY/s1600/IMG_3237.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpL5lvHJsFBAinfmojguNBk10yfy6L9Wz5hmnBjt08zbKyxIYqgAmBwhwwyLxQo_wPYmESyE3VYts6Y46Xbq_gpyuJ4TigFEZHsPi6iTjqfj9YCINxzwepb7EXd_DCI7-aJBdGI-CmfY/s320/IMG_3237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493949082485530882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVDHhfeg8t3aa32eRCh8qKNAj4OoqrvfQg5ZAQMXuMCLEe4DfQcg7B15G98DQ-6uXoNgcyYHfjVkFESIeD-HolMHgpj2KFEFdMc5mXD-A-ZmTHmZqbhm-_P88NM6w8OyUrI7wlKbggXA/s1600/IMG_3234.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVDHhfeg8t3aa32eRCh8qKNAj4OoqrvfQg5ZAQMXuMCLEe4DfQcg7B15G98DQ-6uXoNgcyYHfjVkFESIeD-HolMHgpj2KFEFdMc5mXD-A-ZmTHmZqbhm-_P88NM6w8OyUrI7wlKbggXA/s320/IMG_3234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493949082069462162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyLMKuDSRSy1bZc1fzepZHDfdakA3u-3Z2sQMX7Rzdry3XlR18LJCxU6djkQT_3r2eFYBIJAAtOwLIDF1QdquctVRXI32fV91wkaYh2M8zOrmifC38j-B87nGR-gzfi69ahugeKVCZ-w/s1600/IMG_3225.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyLMKuDSRSy1bZc1fzepZHDfdakA3u-3Z2sQMX7Rzdry3XlR18LJCxU6djkQT_3r2eFYBIJAAtOwLIDF1QdquctVRXI32fV91wkaYh2M8zOrmifC38j-B87nGR-gzfi69ahugeKVCZ-w/s320/IMG_3225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493949072800642370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F5UZn6aw9bube0Ab6_VWDYetlLiuky_CXnYPfjYNbwPR0wgqNsmigyFbh4oOSjs3LcV1RvFvqA5b_P9prnbxZNYO7Z7iY50QH6oY1JJ9uJaO4Z0VFqJ-A4ioaLi0e4Yj9caTZLQ2jw8/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F5UZn6aw9bube0Ab6_VWDYetlLiuky_CXnYPfjYNbwPR0wgqNsmigyFbh4oOSjs3LcV1RvFvqA5b_P9prnbxZNYO7Z7iY50QH6oY1JJ9uJaO4Z0VFqJ-A4ioaLi0e4Yj9caTZLQ2jw8/s320/IMG_3214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493949062430051362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8avBTVNebcKwlo8uumDbkrCwXShu3lJtatDS5JB-f25N8i_qg-2eJiiDzx-4vJkyR_cwS5YXl-9sRlj2QpMw82Zct48q6b0bG0WTfwTjJTetwJG5nP8huXXfSc8ZLO6brrrhSjNF7h-8/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8avBTVNebcKwlo8uumDbkrCwXShu3lJtatDS5JB-f25N8i_qg-2eJiiDzx-4vJkyR_cwS5YXl-9sRlj2QpMw82Zct48q6b0bG0WTfwTjJTetwJG5nP8huXXfSc8ZLO6brrrhSjNF7h-8/s320/IMG_3277.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493950430943229122" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-12261255187550589472010-05-10T22:06:00.006-04:002010-05-11T02:08:32.104-04:00Strawberry Pickin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzqH6axJH06VSidGcq4Qb6htdJ6kNRiYZprpvMm8pny1QJn-gbvVqk8ClxeeADG_i-yAq2vWcQKLs88qLP9nOsYG1KaMwHWvvakI8eYi4sYW8NRxef2atlVzGRanFcEjVyE2uOWL1srw/s1600/1IMG_3000.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzqH6axJH06VSidGcq4Qb6htdJ6kNRiYZprpvMm8pny1QJn-gbvVqk8ClxeeADG_i-yAq2vWcQKLs88qLP9nOsYG1KaMwHWvvakI8eYi4sYW8NRxef2atlVzGRanFcEjVyE2uOWL1srw/s320/1IMG_3000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469830015119602242" /></a><br />This is a favorite springtime outing for me! I LOVE strawberries and I love taking the kids. I have to admit that I think Chip ate as much dirt as he did strawberries today! :) He also managed to swallow a few strawberry leaves. My how times have changed from the first baby!!! :)<br /><br />Tired tonight and counting down the days until school is out (FOUR!!), so I'll let the pictures tell the story...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPP8GoL60U1t9iNcb5OIInbcyxHP9WxkMXQmoSsLRMJwn-lJcQKMXW1GfqjPhFAJ1u5stoYPbAI1_DkXFoxQ9TEna7D7etW3HBQ0LJbzAcjWX26IYbc6Alz41uZTtrlD8FSBoTf4wyQk/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPP8GoL60U1t9iNcb5OIInbcyxHP9WxkMXQmoSsLRMJwn-lJcQKMXW1GfqjPhFAJ1u5stoYPbAI1_DkXFoxQ9TEna7D7etW3HBQ0LJbzAcjWX26IYbc6Alz41uZTtrlD8FSBoTf4wyQk/s320/IMG_2989.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469830038200838994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo25JqTrNbXMZASbceTu8jIx0TliPS8VibH-jIaEjlwuZ3fUVTMdTirBWObbpXWVNmElUr2KlxYcx8DI1aq4oXTIvmned1YaObugoJSlL3HirSkp0AS0XxR9Jv1E6PCM_6n2lxZHP95p4/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo25JqTrNbXMZASbceTu8jIx0TliPS8VibH-jIaEjlwuZ3fUVTMdTirBWObbpXWVNmElUr2KlxYcx8DI1aq4oXTIvmned1YaObugoJSlL3HirSkp0AS0XxR9Jv1E6PCM_6n2lxZHP95p4/s320/IMG_2984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469830034303057186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8uWBKynAy7MChdkcVSI_KYcElBfl5PD04nP5EEklW5RpEds1yAR58XpdMEfobQgG7z-yUm4GVLXSDyHHsiKbU_JRi0E21px2RILOpcGHgV4OLQTTGKGeKorw5LK-l7tyhCpYgybsjl4/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8uWBKynAy7MChdkcVSI_KYcElBfl5PD04nP5EEklW5RpEds1yAR58XpdMEfobQgG7z-yUm4GVLXSDyHHsiKbU_JRi0E21px2RILOpcGHgV4OLQTTGKGeKorw5LK-l7tyhCpYgybsjl4/s320/IMG_2986.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469830030319045618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbLgQqUyKnJS0xi_1DnHU1JVU7fyw7KvFQ14Ew859q71DIP3zKIwiEV4ajSuvnuEuu2ozVaWl60brT_lrJqE1bF6zSeo2PCQiE8fTUa51Fh2e4DN0moOZW74G82oebwsiS6ODYC0t9G8/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbLgQqUyKnJS0xi_1DnHU1JVU7fyw7KvFQ14Ew859q71DIP3zKIwiEV4ajSuvnuEuu2ozVaWl60brT_lrJqE1bF6zSeo2PCQiE8fTUa51Fh2e4DN0moOZW74G82oebwsiS6ODYC0t9G8/s320/IMG_2982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469830025312752786" /></a><br />Couldn't help but add a couple of pics of Catie from the same strawberry patch several years ago. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hkdJONRWZELtYQXEtphTyzLXBlhp_UJyEuvXXnIFaSydyEzuQcLsFXA-4mat-vNwA-AV4-jBMXhDf_7c7s1p35hmmtvp4FnIOjQ68wg8iM6JKKPVVwL5Q1OEB6XG7OTZAuKDc5ukFDk/s1600/2005_043020050261.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hkdJONRWZELtYQXEtphTyzLXBlhp_UJyEuvXXnIFaSydyEzuQcLsFXA-4mat-vNwA-AV4-jBMXhDf_7c7s1p35hmmtvp4FnIOjQ68wg8iM6JKKPVVwL5Q1OEB6XG7OTZAuKDc5ukFDk/s320/2005_043020050261.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469890205379230258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ8WR2ZHV0w2Vi54GwtFI2Bmfg8Jnzdya-csvbkzEMGdc-xt2jM763d1bj3B1mJ-xPP3-VAXETwf80BopR4rT-xdJNoCWilE1kfbu4BjKoycVsv3KQhH9qkMmx_e3BmCLYMXnAXkWafU/s1600/2005_043020050260.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ8WR2ZHV0w2Vi54GwtFI2Bmfg8Jnzdya-csvbkzEMGdc-xt2jM763d1bj3B1mJ-xPP3-VAXETwf80BopR4rT-xdJNoCWilE1kfbu4BjKoycVsv3KQhH9qkMmx_e3BmCLYMXnAXkWafU/s320/2005_043020050260.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469890199148970210" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-83393661171061704082010-05-03T21:25:00.004-04:002010-05-03T21:38:41.366-04:00Glimpsesinto our day to day life...<br /><br />Chip tinkled in the tub tonight while standing up. It's the first time he's ever "seen" himself tinkle. He thought it was hilarious!! Oh my goodness!! I laughed so hard!<br /><br />Did you know that if your child covers herself, and I do mean COVERS herself, in BRIGHT PINK MAKEUP, it might not come off if you scrub her with Dial soap, but a little Shout will do the trick? Yes, I "Shouted it out" (or off) of Izzy! <br /><br />Little boys can climb up and stand on top of toilet seats before they can walk. They are also fascinated with toilet water and will do anything they can to get to it.<br /><br />There is no sweeter sound than the laughter of my children -- esp. when one is making the other laugh. <br /><br />Hearing Little Man say, "Wuv you," absolutely melts my heart.<br /><br />Painting is a very interesting experience when there are 2 young children in the house.<br /><br />Little boys learn to make things go VROOM VROOM before they learn to talk and when they do learn to talk, "tractor" and "truck" will come shortly after (if not before) MaMa and DaDa.<br /><br />Izzy cried longer than Chip when she closed his finger in the door and he had to get stitches. <br /><br />My kids can turn a tub black with dirt faster than I can sneeze on these gorgeous spring days we've been having. I love it!! (except for the cleaning part)<br /><br />Brownies after the kids go down taste wonderful.<br /><br />Izzy enjoys saying "Boston Butt" (with a much higher pitch and great emphasis on the latter word) with a huge grin, b/c we don't usually let her say <span style="font-style:italic;">butt</span> . However, saying that we're having Boston <span style="font-style:italic;">Hiney</span> just doesn't sound very appetizing to me.<br /><br />Sometimes I'm amazed at the amount of potty talk that I engage in on any given day. A lot of life with little children is all about bodily functions. <br /><br />I love that Izzy knows that Catie was her sister and Chip's sister too. Lately, she's enjoyed looking at pics of Catie, and I love to hear her laugh at them.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-5968447252916375292010-03-30T21:11:00.004-04:002010-03-30T21:33:16.905-04:00Spring Break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkAWB2I9fSPBilB1wV7x_zXoSZDgwlDN4MnaGQfqBbuexLELnQHxfU2JOEtp3VCtkSd7m7sWnLlBXM2n6gYQYeOdi2-d3E6Q7HlQ_AelfX1QFpw4s6Bq-BDhNj5agsPJyTkNzyaq0-28/s1600/Picture+143.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkAWB2I9fSPBilB1wV7x_zXoSZDgwlDN4MnaGQfqBbuexLELnQHxfU2JOEtp3VCtkSd7m7sWnLlBXM2n6gYQYeOdi2-d3E6Q7HlQ_AelfX1QFpw4s6Bq-BDhNj5agsPJyTkNzyaq0-28/s320/Picture+143.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454603996954100194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGEsljE2l2KmG0lbuSYGTZnGlvnpzfE21Y5O-BZ5uCrv9rixlvYgk8dP0JwqWGJxBKV0OFFwrEmGpODpikl6qvbt7mTKtUYJXZggRQ0A6HYWx0e9E9hquUYP1m5HSAWjgDKunygarUEo/s1600/Picture+138.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGEsljE2l2KmG0lbuSYGTZnGlvnpzfE21Y5O-BZ5uCrv9rixlvYgk8dP0JwqWGJxBKV0OFFwrEmGpODpikl6qvbt7mTKtUYJXZggRQ0A6HYWx0e9E9hquUYP1m5HSAWjgDKunygarUEo/s320/Picture+138.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454603983906969234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoT22Z9KqFCI8TthH_7aWEjKqJNAXX9DqcINYnKvPtMFlpsFHT6tgAKGdEuIMSQ8nTJ-E2uYGJNBHbOPUF-oPPZqiR6ITTU5zZjtY1pQM9aoQlJpO9H17wRmEKgNfSz-MOzB7vWYjDiE/s1600/Picture+132.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoT22Z9KqFCI8TthH_7aWEjKqJNAXX9DqcINYnKvPtMFlpsFHT6tgAKGdEuIMSQ8nTJ-E2uYGJNBHbOPUF-oPPZqiR6ITTU5zZjtY1pQM9aoQlJpO9H17wRmEKgNfSz-MOzB7vWYjDiE/s320/Picture+132.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454603980477480146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBsSVrOo6CtbMmnbR0DpzzdlJPDu_NNlSGqEP13U4sFutcPI4VbhXmk7s20M-fzuNf2LopwmyT_K7gDGZxUtLZt19_PE5kBlKS8UDGWquMGuLDIF9gDtLhGHT-7RxPYG-ExQpgk7sgCo/s1600/Picture+130.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBsSVrOo6CtbMmnbR0DpzzdlJPDu_NNlSGqEP13U4sFutcPI4VbhXmk7s20M-fzuNf2LopwmyT_K7gDGZxUtLZt19_PE5kBlKS8UDGWquMGuLDIF9gDtLhGHT-7RxPYG-ExQpgk7sgCo/s320/Picture+130.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454603973748763810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd1327IneKLbJsxto1abuJDQBi0ZID2gosJf-Fn0ytXNGjM-Qcmy0Ju7ClrqeUk2FplQqg3ShQ3UjA4LvlC0qOq8WrVFCEwPDPMDCTtNAp9nzHvWDGNu9cMIR-IvKJ62dXY62-DQezy8/s1600/1Picture+137.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 161px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd1327IneKLbJsxto1abuJDQBi0ZID2gosJf-Fn0ytXNGjM-Qcmy0Ju7ClrqeUk2FplQqg3ShQ3UjA4LvlC0qOq8WrVFCEwPDPMDCTtNAp9nzHvWDGNu9cMIR-IvKJ62dXY62-DQezy8/s320/1Picture+137.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454603964971890674" /></a><br />Aaahhhh... I love spring break! We've been busy, but we've been busy on our own terms. And that does not include a 5:30 AM wake up call! Thankfully the kids somehow got that message too and have been sleeping in till at least 7:00 every day (I'm sure I just jinxed myself for tomorrow though). <br /><br />We've been busy decoating Izzy's room -- we've painted it green (<em>very green</em>), and tomorrow we'll be adding the finishing touches w/ lots of pink, green, and yellow and lots of ribbon. If we can just get the chair rail painted, cut, and hung before the weekend, we'll be set! I can't wait to see the finished product. The only problem is this has <em>totally</em> given me the redecorating bug and I'm already ready to tackle Chip's room next! His room has had classic Pooh in it for nearly 8 years -- could be time for a change! :) It really is amazing what a little paint can do for a room!!<br /><br />Both kids had well visits today and both are doing well. Chip seems to have some allergy issues as his runny, goopy eyes do not like the pollen! Both kids are off the chart or nearly off for height and weight. They definitely got Tre's height, not mine. Both kids also had to get their finger stuck today. Oh the tears -- esp. from Izzy. Only Chip had to get shots and Izzy cried for him then. She absolutely cannot stand for someone to be hurt or upset (unless of course the 2 of them are after the same toy!). She was very worried for him today when he had to get shots though. My sweet girl...<br /><br />Here's another favorite Izzy story -- <br /><br />This morning she wanted to build a track for the train and Chip was right in the thick of it and they were both hollering. I told Iz that she could share or put it up and wait until Chip took a nap to play with it. "Ok momma!" she said. There was no change in the hollering and Izzy wasn't making a move, so I said, "Iz, what's your choice?" "You can go ahead and put Chipper down for a nap, Momma." :) Gotta love it!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-12030628700410194992010-03-07T20:49:00.004-05:002010-03-07T21:05:06.225-05:00Nothing Too ExcitingWhew -- what a weekend! Chip has been one puny boy -- he's really never had a fever before now (unless you count a mild one for a couple of hours about a month ago). He has more than made up for it in the last 3-4 days. High temps of 103 and even above 104 a couple of times. Poor thing -- but he's still good-natured and would even smile some when he felt crummy! He's on an antibiotic, but I think he and Tre' are headed back to the doctor tomorrow morning. We're ready for him to feel better.<br /><br />Though we didn't get out to enjoy it much since Chip was sick, it was a beautiful weekend! It looks like maybe, just maybe spring is on the way!! I'm so glad we had some good cold (for South GA) weather this winter, but I confess to being ready for spring. I want to get our vegetables in the ground and we need to do some work on Catie's garden. Iz will have fun with all that this year. She's already helped Tre' move a few blueberry bushes that had sprouted up from our other ones. She keeps wanting to know when we can pick them. I think we're going to hit 75 degrees -- bring on the spring!! <br /><br />Someone asked me the other day what I missed most about Catie... Hmmm... hard question, and one that I don't know that I've ever thought about -- it's hard to pick just one thing. Originally I missed her snuggly self curled up next to me. Then as time passed, and Iz was still really small, I very much missed the conversations we had. She was starting to think and communicate big thoughts before she died and I missed that... still miss that a lot, in fact. Now Iz is starting to think big thoughts and it's fascinating to me to see how they think about such different things. I guess now I just miss her and the way we related to each other. As a mom, each of my kids is sooo different and thus the way we relate to each other is different. None is better than the other, they're all just so very, very different (still amazes me that these 3 kids came from the same parents). But I miss the way Catie and I related to each other b/c it was different than the way Iz and I do and the way Chip and I do... I also miss her giggle and her holding my ear. Lots of other things too, but tonight those are what I miss the most. Still hard to believe it's been 3 years...<br /><br />Off to get things ready for the week -- counting the days till spring break!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-88862642162255708412010-02-24T20:37:00.004-05:002010-02-24T21:18:54.196-05:00Busy BoyWhen Izzy was the age that Chip is now, we called her Little Izzy Tornado. I think she's officially passed the nickname to her brother. In matter of 2 hours tonight,he spread paper and old mail all over the kitchen floor, got into Vaseline and rubbed it in the carpet (he was hiding behind the couch when he did that), slung a slew of goldfish all over the place, and cleared all the magnets off the dishwasher twice! He's a busy boy and I'm a tired grateful Momma!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-67826341143534703372010-02-22T21:27:00.003-05:002010-02-22T21:39:08.490-05:00BloggingI really miss writing! It's therapeutic for me. I've always called it good, cheap therapy. Time is just so scarce these days. But... I'm scared I'm going to forget things -- cute think the kids are doing, ways they make me crazy, the laughter, the tantrums... So, I really want to try to write more again. It's really for me -- and for our family. I want my kids to know how things were when they were little. Maybe I can do it if I do little snippets instead of long posts. Who knows! <br /><br />So... a few quick things for tonight.<br /><br />Chip's current favorite songs are "Happy and You Know It," "Wheels on the Bus," and "Bippity Boppity Boo." Yes, you read it right -- he loves the Cinderella song and will pat your leg and say, "Bip bop boo," until you start singing it for him. He also knows how to use a wand. We DO have boy toys!! :) He makes mean VROOM VROOM to accompany the pushing around of vehicles. He loves a good wrestling match and I think he could take Izzy out if he tried! Though he has found his (loud) voice and knows how to make his wishes known, he continues to be a truly happy kid with an easy (and awesome sounding) laugh. <br /><br />Iz is my girl who's full of heart... which tends to bring a bit (ok, a lot) of drama to the house. Whatever she feels (and she feels a lot), she feels strongly. I love the way God knit her together and I stand amazed as I watch her compassion for others and her need to DO to help others when something is wrong. She can talk non-stop for 3 days on end I think!! Her imagination is amazing and lately, she's been trying to get me to speak in her new language. When I do, both she and Chip just cackle.<br /><br />Dinners out are rare these days for the four of us as it's just easier to be home. :) I'm so thankful for these days even though we (we being Tre' and me) are worn out at the end of them. <br /><br />Croupy coughs abound from both kiddos tonight... normal kid stuff... Thank you God for normal... <br /><br />Merrill died tonight... Her family is heavy on my heart. Cancer really is so incredibly unfair. www.caringbridge.org/visit/merrillkingJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-60361475889625511302010-02-21T20:26:00.007-05:002010-02-21T21:46:51.662-05:00In the Mood for Some Old PicturesI was looking back at some old pictures tonight. Here are a few. The first one is a pic of Catie right before one of her big brain surgeries. It was taken on a camera phone and she's signing "I love you." -- soooo wish I had it in better resolution! I think this was the surgery where Tre' had taught her to shoot spitballs the night before. Aunt NikNik had snuck a straw into pre-op in case she wanted to nail anybody. The one of Catie and I together at the hospital is from the very earliest hospital days when she was about the age Chip is now. I love that picture b/c she is actually sitting up and doesn't have to many tubes. The follwing days were really tough, but this picture has always been a favorite. I really do see a lot of Catie in Chip at this age. The middle one is an all time favorite of mine where she's getting her daddy with flour. The last couple are pics of Catie when she was right about the age Iz is now. In one, she's w/ her buddy Bailee at Stone Mountain. In the other, it's Halloween and she dressed up as a doctor complete w/ a CHOA nametag w/ her picture and all (thanks to our AWESOME Mr. Morris). <br /><br />Miss you so much sweet girl and soooo wonder where you would fit into the craziness that is our life now. Boy, wouldn't we love to know... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZrGZRL1FveHS60Q3YDSNQsDGBp9aiyqBUrr6EkgU3XnnX7IMcahjT0jPsBYRF2PcBiqc2_TyECGCP_CPE2f0IRTLzkSDbn9xihLJa4Lj0Iccfm1xVBIuQECxHYvK8HOn6a4zq0bgpfI/s1600-h/loveyoubw.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZrGZRL1FveHS60Q3YDSNQsDGBp9aiyqBUrr6EkgU3XnnX7IMcahjT0jPsBYRF2PcBiqc2_TyECGCP_CPE2f0IRTLzkSDbn9xihLJa4Lj0Iccfm1xVBIuQECxHYvK8HOn6a4zq0bgpfI/s320/loveyoubw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440876199844606178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhqmliIHDBXMiO_zTGhu8KkHm0gzF5hNWi8-YoAC8Io-6CiVW7ZUT9FVztQib4Jwl2qKQ11lpkX7iQMJUwgfG_I9nucwm5wBgaHQXatkb_iGSgj6N2LMe37rVzKZj82xMyk5y2tQNHu4/s1600-h/Liz+136.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhqmliIHDBXMiO_zTGhu8KkHm0gzF5hNWi8-YoAC8Io-6CiVW7ZUT9FVztQib4Jwl2qKQ11lpkX7iQMJUwgfG_I9nucwm5wBgaHQXatkb_iGSgj6N2LMe37rVzKZj82xMyk5y2tQNHu4/s320/Liz+136.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440876190221192946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Z4hK7FD0pOhEZ7wKgWpuFpHudCgiJJsQ5bPhQOM37FVYsyT9RYpk2A23pP9WJlnQ5EqhggaZrjeCb-n2UxUaciYc41XoKvb9Lia7lBYBE34QeuD1Tyzb9EmWmpJEQw1YL1onDq4p-Y/s1600-h/gettingdaddy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Z4hK7FD0pOhEZ7wKgWpuFpHudCgiJJsQ5bPhQOM37FVYsyT9RYpk2A23pP9WJlnQ5EqhggaZrjeCb-n2UxUaciYc41XoKvb9Lia7lBYBE34QeuD1Tyzb9EmWmpJEQw1YL1onDq4p-Y/s320/gettingdaddy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440876184986745666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndTAxtJDxmlH5_OIwOB4Oew0WTES4NAAdelq3-CQeXFrOrA6qLHttNXTvLEC5qn7RBMjtCBjJyQYNc_EPEBwGISzE2QIAlHSrLMVkQoSDcecR5goU1l624safR6wlOyspoZ24IlVWBiA/s1600-h/1baileecatie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndTAxtJDxmlH5_OIwOB4Oew0WTES4NAAdelq3-CQeXFrOrA6qLHttNXTvLEC5qn7RBMjtCBjJyQYNc_EPEBwGISzE2QIAlHSrLMVkQoSDcecR5goU1l624safR6wlOyspoZ24IlVWBiA/s320/1baileecatie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440876177464384338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfk6LbGhlMlIIfBXiWyHSjh4QuogGuYaJRW_aTk8pdpczUnCvfcrLHjgQPxZMGHs8H8PCNhs9GcPz3TWC-F67s3cxBZJwfYg1G4lZNTP_U9p5oUqU4mRfx6ZV4sRd9qTSshShyphenhyphen446OzA/s1600-h/dr+wilkins+3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfk6LbGhlMlIIfBXiWyHSjh4QuogGuYaJRW_aTk8pdpczUnCvfcrLHjgQPxZMGHs8H8PCNhs9GcPz3TWC-F67s3cxBZJwfYg1G4lZNTP_U9p5oUqU4mRfx6ZV4sRd9qTSshShyphenhyphen446OzA/s320/dr+wilkins+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440876170160777234" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-24905313591521367292010-01-03T13:39:00.003-05:002010-01-03T14:43:22.388-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ_L6lvIK6pXuTlRQ1pFFKydhyphenhyphentIstVfdx4htITQJ0aFxP-ovAf8LUk1OS1Gq8zjI3GxHaW3l1HXF4Lggi6ES36JuzmuNBe7_eoYopHX2Z5BUipIUDykW8l4qzbAF_CyIKsIaZEItYdk/s1600-h/IMG_2455-1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ_L6lvIK6pXuTlRQ1pFFKydhyphenhyphentIstVfdx4htITQJ0aFxP-ovAf8LUk1OS1Gq8zjI3GxHaW3l1HXF4Lggi6ES36JuzmuNBe7_eoYopHX2Z5BUipIUDykW8l4qzbAF_CyIKsIaZEItYdk/s320/IMG_2455-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422595323008120098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uS-XTrRmYfxgjFEJBLDvTKAtKLgiZNT6M-wOuLF6PdASKwRAjiwixkR8UOfxsp2vW3f9EhBMUdJLvlkrQV9W_3wqEfDi9NipaDs9np4wCSlWJVJXwofRc527w8FtnRoKgJlsbK-4Rs8/s1600-h/IMG_2456-1.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92pP4mjD87HT9DcMbLcqia25WsUXNJ3T9Jp_4MfX_DGYtwtCTrOkGYpGKvUyDpDao_bf7CMRoX_ldv7KtalZhVw-JEE9CrhFMYmXtRjOBMMl2eIXVYxuofsv7AXtQgyO1QxYTS6E3vDY/s320/IMG_2342.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422587160558349490" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-15818115681586927682009-12-28T21:34:00.004-05:002009-12-28T22:02:16.378-05:00It's Been a While...A long while in fact! And I guess there are lots of reasons for that. 2 kiddos underfoot, taking a class, and teaching full time are probably the big things to blame for why I haven't written in so long. I <span style="font-style:italic;">do</span> miss writing -- it really is just hard to find the time (to do the laundry, much less write!!). <br /><br />And I guess, if I'm totally honest, there are other reasons too. It's been a tough year for a lot of families that we know. Folks we went through treatment with and very close family members have had some really tough stuff to face this year. The Morgans lost Ryan and Missy, the Maxeys lost a 2nd daughter to cancer, others we know and went through treatment with have relapsed at 5 years out... In some ways, it's been hard to come here and tell funny stories about Izzy and Chip when I know so many others have been hurting. I know, because of Catie (and these others listed here), to cling to these amazing times with our kids, but I just couldn't write about it.<br /><br />Most recently, tragedy hit much to close to home. My sister and her husband, known to most folks here as Aunt Nik Nik and Uncle D, learned in mid September that the baby boy she was carrying, Aiden John, had Trisomy 18. She was due in early February, but he was stillborn early Christmas morning. I still reel to write that or say it out loud... Christmas morning. My initial reaction was anger... anger because I didn't want <span style="font-style:italic;">that day</span> to have to be Christmas day for them and anger because I didn't, and don't, want them to know that hurt that they now know all too well. It shouldn't have happened again. And as I thought more, though I still worry for them and Christmas Day, I was reminded that because of Christmas day, because of the birth of another Baby Boy, both Aunt Nik's and our family will one day be whole again... <br /><br />I just hurt for them... because I never wanted them to have to know this hurt... and because I know we can't fix it for them... <br /><br />In spite of it all, there was laughter and joy this weekend, mixed in with the sorrow and tears... Sometimes life is messy and hard, but it is the life we've been given and I will continue to try to do what I learned from Catie -- live full and keep laughing. I don't do it nearly as well as she did, but I'm working on it. <br /><br />I've thought a lot about Heaven this weekend. I imagined Catie peeking through the gates as sweet Baby Aiden was welcomed into the arms of Jesus. And then I <span style="font-style:italic;">totally</span> imagine her carrying him <span style="font-style:italic;">everywhere</span>. That girl loved babies... loved them I tell you! <br /><br />We've kind of let Iz guide us this weekend to let us know what she needed to know. At one point during the service this morning, she looked at me and said, "Momma, Baby Aiden not get to grow up?" Oh sweet baby, how I wish my answer could be different for you... <br /><br />So... I promise to try my very best to get some new pictures up soon!! Chip is ginormous and Iz is starting to look (and act) so grown up!! I hope you and yours had a wondrous holiday season full of the wonder and magic and the promise of the eternal that is Christmas!! <br /><br />Now, I'm off to try to find homes for all these toys!!<br /><br />BTW, if you'd like to drop in on Nik and D, their blog is www.theoddkouple.com .Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-63860127680001397602009-08-23T12:50:00.002-04:002009-08-23T13:02:38.945-04:00A Good DayOur portion of MRI -- a few hundred dollars<br />Parking fees at 2 different facilities -- $14<br />Co-pays for 3 different docs -- $90<br />Finding out your kid will be fine -- priceless<br /><br />So Chip has been having some issues w/ his eyes. If you know much about brain tumors, you know that eye symptoms freak out parents of BT kids. I was fairly sure that Chip's problems were just w/ his eyes, but it was still hard not to worry. <br /><br />Long story short, we headed to ATL this week for an MRI, to see Dr. Claire, and to see a neuro-opthamologist. The MRI was normal (thank you, thank you, thank you). After learning that, we headed to Piedmont to see the neuro-opthamologist. She agreed w/ us that he was definitely struggling w/ his vision, but she wasn't sure exactly what was going on. She was great and very thoughtful and called a friend of hers, a peds opth. at Scottish Rite. He was very kind and agreed to work us in that day. We met him and he quickly assessed Chip, put some drops in his eyes and said he'd be right back to let us know what was going on. We were surprised at his quick assessment and the impression he already knew what was going on (we'd already seen a doc here locally who was stumped as well). He stepped out for a couple of minutes. Upon coming back in, he looked in Chip's eyes briefly again and then sat back and told us that Chip was going to be fine. He said he has ocular motor apraxia. Basically, he can't track objects with his eyes. While we wish his eyes worked perfectly, this is SO TOTALLY something that we can handle! The problem will improve as he gets older and we are investigating occupational and/or vision therapies. <br /><br />We are doing well (esp. now!!) and things continue to clip along at a quick pace. The kids are growing, are doing well at the sitter's while I'm teaching, and are, as always, keeping us on our toes!! We love the normalcy that has invaded our lives and we are grateful for it each and every day.<br /><br />Please pray for our friends, the Maxeys. Their 1st daughter, Maddy, and Catie were in treatment together. They lost Maddy shortly after her 1st birthday. They are now facing extremely tough times w/ their 3rd child (2nd daughter). Please pray for Kirk, Natalie, and big brother Grant, as they take sweet Annette home. www.maxeyweb.comJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-34354643563304774972009-07-29T21:49:00.002-04:002009-07-29T21:53:30.726-04:00Wow, It's Been a While!I cannot believe it's been so long since I've written here! Blame it partly on FaceBook and partly on a really busy summer! <br /><br />We have had an absolutely AMAZING summer!! The beach, the lake, the beach, the local waterpark... lazy days, busy days... Cousins' Camp, the sprinkler, Bible School. It's just been great! I love the laidback feeling and the later nights w/ kiddos. The no rush to bed and the hang in your pjs after you wake up. We have lots of pics and I'l try to get some up soon. I plan to be better about writing here, b/c I really want to record all the stuff Izzy and Chip are up to, so that I remember it and that they get to hear about. <br /><br />So... that's it for now. Summer's done and the "real world" has arrived. We've got to be up and at em early in the morning. But... here's to more consistent writing!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-18787107146976286842009-06-18T20:35:00.004-04:002009-06-18T21:18:42.956-04:00NormalToday was a really great day! A really great, normal, summer day. Chip went to hang out w/ GaGa and Poppy and Iz and I met up w/ some friends and headed to a nearby waterpark. It's a great spot for kids w/ lots of stuff on the sprayground and slides just their size. I loved watching the look of sheer terror on her face as she flew down the slide, and then hearing her beg, "do it again Momma, do it again!" as soon as I pulled her up from the water. She is definitely going to be more of a thrill-seeker than her momma!!<br /><br />This may sound strange, but there are still times when "normal life" stops me in my tracks. It does not feel "normal" to me yet. I've been a mom for nearly 7 years, but much of that time I haven't been a "normal" mom. Catie was sick for so much of her life and the "rules" we had to play by were so different from those of normal kids. There weren't lots of playdates w/ big groups, long days at the waterpark (she had a hard time w/ heat and most of the time couldn't have made it all day), we weren't able to attend church regularly, she didn't get to go to VBS. All that is OK! We made good w/ what we COULD do and I know she lived full and happy and well... And so, now, w/ Izzy and Chip as we join in on some playdates, spend a huge chunk of the day running through the sprayground and swooshing down waterslides, attending church more regularly, and getting ready for VBS next week... as we live. normal. life. I'm simply shocked and grateful at how wonderful it is. Perfect? Nope, never is... but pretty dad-blamed good! <br /><br />If I let it, it could make me sad for the things Catie missed... but I also know that she was, at least I think she was, satisfied w/ the pace of our life and the day to day way we lived. I watch little girls who are the age she would be now and I am amazed at how grown she would be. Strangely, being around girls that age is usually a comfort to me... It's the events that get me and that's completely the opposite of how I thought it would be. I confess to being incredibly sad on the last day of school b/c she would have finished kindergarten and gotten her first real taste of summer break after a full year of schedules and routines... and there were tears when she missed what I know would have been her first spend the night party... I guess it's always going to be those "firsts" that get me.... all those "normal" things she would have done. Thankfully they don't come as often as they did that first year. <br /><br />So, this weekend we will honor her life and try to raise a little more money for research so that kids like her get the chance to try on "normal" life... <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><br />Oh sweet girl, I miss ya tonight. You would have loved standing at the bottom of the slide and watching Iz's face as she flew down and you would have cracked up at you brother tasting his peas tonight. I do wonder where you would fit in the mix if you were here... would you be Queen Bee, keeping tabs on everybody (it's a big job w/ that sister of yours) or would you kind of be off doing your own thing and letting the little ones be? I tend to think you'd want to be in charge, but who knows... I DO know that you are now filled w/ far more joy than any of us can even begin to imagine. <br /><br />Dad and Iz are off on the golf cart making a trash run. I'm hoping they bring a few blueberries back. Izzy loves them as much as you did... she's starting to ask about you from time to time. I like that. It's hard for her to understand where you are though. That will come with time and I'm grateful for the chance to tell her Catie stories. I think I'm going to go relax and curl up w/ the new book I'm reading. Love you sweet girl... Eskimo, butterfly, Daddy, and NikNik kisses to you.</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-86778974293009152122009-06-04T12:13:00.003-04:002009-06-04T12:16:20.554-04:00Catie's CURE Classic benefitting CURE Childhood Cancer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlsLxQU6scr5BPIem_iPqVhRKx9RgIb4AdOU034EvaWB5Xa_3hsc3UGzxJwccd4iehYdgbc1k7ex0NTteIL2x2NzfABx_6BCXW5eGZ2yC_B4pRhkjxySpfFXrysegbFr9a07DeL5PGAs/s1600-h/1drbaby.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlsLxQU6scr5BPIem_iPqVhRKx9RgIb4AdOU034EvaWB5Xa_3hsc3UGzxJwccd4iehYdgbc1k7ex0NTteIL2x2NzfABx_6BCXW5eGZ2yC_B4pRhkjxySpfFXrysegbFr9a07DeL5PGAs/s320/1drbaby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343506565233829858" /></a><br />We're gearing up for our golf tournament for this year and it's coming up quickly. We've taken a couple of years off, but we're back and we're hoping to have a great turnout for the tourney. The tournament will be held on June 20 at Black Creek Golf Club. For details on the tourney, go to http://catiescureclassic.com. This is the first year the tournament will be a memorial tournament, but we do this to honor our sweet Catie and the life she lived. We also do it so that other families won't know the devastating loss that is so often caused by childhood cancer. All proceeds will go directly to CURE Childhood Cancer (http://www.curechildhoodcancer.org/). We are in need of sponsors (levels are: Hole for $100 and Corporate for $500 and $1000), golfers, and door prizes. Each sponsorship comes w/ different perks, so visit our website to check them out (http://catiescureclassic.com/). <br /><br />Given the lovely economic times we're in, we're taking a bit of a different approach this year. We are still seeking "normal" sponsors (at the levels listed above), but we also realize that smaller donations add up to make big donations. We are seeking folks who might not be able to be a hole sponsor, but could handle giving $25 (or $10 or $50). If we could have 100 people donate $25, that would be $2500 (and the equivalent of 25 hole sponsors)... 200 folks giving $25 would give us $5000, and so forth. <br /><br />So, here is my challenge to you. (I'm not usually one to issue challenges, but today I'm going for it). If you are able and willing to donate to our cause, please do. You can easily do it through PayPal on our site (http://catiescureclassic.com/) or to Catie's Fund page ( http://www.curechildhoodcancer.org/default.asp?contentID=66). If you donate at Catie's Fund page, please list "Catie's Fund for Golf Tournament" in the comments section. The second part of my challenge is this... PLEASE forward this on to folks on your contact list. If half of the folks who receive this e-mail give a small amount of money and if everyone forwards this on, we could really build a large army and raise a lot of money. <br />Forwarding is a HUGE part of this effort because it allows us to reach a large number of people. <br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks for forwarding this on and donating if you are able. These donations (which need to be made by June 26) fund research that is literally life-giving.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-17337631747603784432009-06-02T16:15:00.004-04:002009-06-02T16:36:05.033-04:00ConversationsThis morning at breakfast, Izzy was eating the first blueberries and blackberries from our yard this year when out of the blue, she looked at me and asked, "Momma, Catie like blueberries?" It's the first time she's ever asked me about something Catie liked or didn't like. I told her that yes, Catie liked blueberries (and strawberries) a lot, kind of like she did. Then she pointed to her bowl of cereal, "Catie like cereal, Momma?" And I told her that yes, Catie liked cereal, but she liked it dry in a cup, not w/ milk in a bowl like she did. She seemed satisfied, and I appreciated that she had asked, so we went on with our morning. A little later, as we were riding in the car, she said, "Momma, I want to go to Catie's house." In my mind, I was thinking, "me too baby, me too." But, out loud I said, "Well, Iz, who does Catie live with?" "Jesus." "And where does Catie live?" "In Heaven." So I told her about how Heaven is way up high in the sky above the clouds and that loving Jesus means we go to live there when we die. I told her that Catie was little when she died, so she's gone there before us. And I told her that we would go to see her sister later when it was our time to go to Heaven. Again she said, "I wanna go to Catie's house." So we talked a bit more... Time and space and living and dying are hard enough to understand when you're grown, much less when you are two. But I confess to loving that she's opening the door for conversations about Catie and about Heaven. <br /><br />I worry that she will be scared of dying b/c Catie died young. Today was the first time I've used the word "die" with her and a couple of weeks ago I used the word "cancer" w/ her for the first time(the child life folks say to be sure to call diseases by their real names and to not say, "Catie was sick and she died" b/c then they'll be scared the next time they get sick.) I wish she didn't have to know that kids could die. I pray that God will give Tre' and I wisdom to guide her (and Chip) in all things, esp. important stuff like we talked about today. I sure do wish I could see in her mind to see how she's making sense of things.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-13172755284844051392009-05-17T21:29:00.005-04:002009-05-17T21:44:13.603-04:00Living GratefullyIn college, my roommate and I had a book called <span style="font-style:italic;">10,000 Things to be Happy About</span>. It was a smallish, but chunky book that simply listed things that the author was grateful for... things that made her happy. For a while, Alice and I would take turns reading through the book and highlighting the things that made us happy as well... Then we started our own "Happy Journal." I still have it and on occasion (though it's been far, far, far too long) whoever has it will pull it out, write in it and then mail it to the other one. I don't think that I've written in it since Catie died, not because I'm not grateful, but b/c sometimes I think some of the things I'm thankful for might sound strange once I write them down... For instance, how can you be happy about a melancholy evening b/c it makes you feel closer to the daughter you've lost? <br /><br />But the other night I walked out of CVS w/ Chip snuggled against me (there's something for the pages of our book) and the mugginess of the air hit me... it was the first breath of a hot summer night I've felt this year... and honestly, the first time I really remember noticing it since she died. I know I've felt it, but I haven't noticed it. That muggy breath of air took me back to bike-riding down a hill like I did many a night in the neighborhood I grew up in... and playing kick the can at my Granny's house w/ the other kids in the neighborhood... nights at the ballpark... <br /><br />It's strange how I'm suddenly able to notice more things in recent months... things that I've experienced in the last 2 years, but have somehow missed. I still miss Catie, in fact, I've really missed her even more the last couple of weeks... but somehow, some of the fog seems to be lifting a bit. A fog that I don't even know that I knew was there. <br /><br />I think I might have to take to writing in that old journal again, even if some of the things I write seem a little odd.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-44690213374128348992009-05-16T23:03:00.003-04:002009-05-17T05:30:40.733-04:00And Because I Can Never Ge Tired of This...<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzqpM0boWMK3mOwoqpKzZ_LGUw-WzzI8VelU7JDktQMwEdWoZ2ytyfPpWpxTusaIERf0CcfROdMuZvC0BLjsA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-39420018766199905742009-05-16T21:02:00.004-04:002009-05-16T21:32:50.863-04:00Izzy's Antics for Safe-KeepingI think I'm going to have to start a weekly entry on Izzy's antics and the crazy things she says. I don't want to grow old and forget the things that crack us up in our normal everydayness of life.. <br /><br />For instance... <br />*Upon seeing a bug this morning (a bug I never saw, mind you... I think it was a piece of dirt that proves how badly my floor needs vacuuming), Moonpie walked over a grabbed the first shoe she could find... a shoe that happened to be one of my crocs. She walks back over to where she saw the "bug" and says, "I got shoe and I know how to use it." I totally cracked up laughing.<br /><br />*Tonight, after arriving at home Izzy somehow got a hold of my keys... and for some reason... put them in a ziplock bag??? Go figure. She then had me seal the bag and said as she placed the bag on the counter... in her sealed ziplock bag... "Momma, I put them here for <span style="font-style:italic;">safe-keeping</span>, ok?" Safe-keeping??? Where does she get this stuff??? :)<span style="font-style:italic;"></span><br /><br />There was something else she said today that escapes my tired brain, but I hope I remember it later so that I can write it down for <span style="font-style:italic;">safe-keeping</span>. <br /><br />The pics below are from Mother's Day weekend at my mom's house. They're of Izzy and her cousin (Nikki and D's daughter), Natalie (also known 'round these parts as NatNat). They had great fun playing in the dirt helping my mom plant flowers. Chip missed out on the mudpies this year, but I'm sure he'll be in the thick of things this time next year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3TZ80j87_7JipfAMi0X9NNMoisiOlgnh_sFL5aTnasjD2kVj8LYVebmoFvpzJnV3SMn7I2nqfdQVJypCrLSAuEBXZgTsJvlPnrTGRXqAWkhnVDIgD0odEaK8yXskrEsctfE-tYKg5rA/s1600-h/IMG_11552.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3TZ80j87_7JipfAMi0X9NNMoisiOlgnh_sFL5aTnasjD2kVj8LYVebmoFvpzJnV3SMn7I2nqfdQVJypCrLSAuEBXZgTsJvlPnrTGRXqAWkhnVDIgD0odEaK8yXskrEsctfE-tYKg5rA/s320/IMG_11552.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336598192119631330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqZ31-vCAxJjdonFdBedfNfKn2DW4Ag3gzDah11bYbQbtIGCqldC4RX6IYyLLYamIfq6LIob0bOU5fc514Zaf1If0_jAVg22pIdQ221hj97qrWmxTnSBDnJTJukD8tJ_-tzGJALCDIIg/s1600-h/IMG_11546.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; 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cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96vhBPkDJpPBq8oERu63BUj8hQQET7uSysTOQvMr8cH6W0jaNpNgDiJGtgtoFue2dyzRsU8_r0taTYk-kNMhfmzf-s7VoS4B1I_UoPQE93J8SA1K4vBbHj910Lv2D_lj9GnMlUmGarII/s320/IMG_11577.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336596214279891970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsfB0GqM3v5J8bF438-mmq32hQw8qYxdmiabg_G0TO0BZO-Yz3mVfsFgyLP-luDjLpEOsPS-GDqcCE5VZxMjCz5TvKnydcEAe2B9Y9Z0XflZSy0Be3-WG5mwHw4MVXSECwXpwkz5sBwA/s1600-h/IMG_11591.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsfB0GqM3v5J8bF438-mmq32hQw8qYxdmiabg_G0TO0BZO-Yz3mVfsFgyLP-luDjLpEOsPS-GDqcCE5VZxMjCz5TvKnydcEAe2B9Y9Z0XflZSy0Be3-WG5mwHw4MVXSECwXpwkz5sBwA/s320/IMG_11591.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336596213121234962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8jLhiIKSyssA5-f3WMzWPbJZICqhiTdIRBdXHNZHqAKE6qCxK9ih5RrIuX5S3gTFrdCvkPd_1tsmmdeMhbgi0uqjGqgiaL4FZgoQ1X9w2xUEF84pJZ-EMpveNwYgwCagksa-_HOzxJo/s1600-h/IMG_11590.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8jLhiIKSyssA5-f3WMzWPbJZICqhiTdIRBdXHNZHqAKE6qCxK9ih5RrIuX5S3gTFrdCvkPd_1tsmmdeMhbgi0uqjGqgiaL4FZgoQ1X9w2xUEF84pJZ-EMpveNwYgwCagksa-_HOzxJo/s320/IMG_11590.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336596210121825346" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-57198424513602327062009-05-04T22:27:00.003-04:002009-05-05T00:27:07.289-04:00Chipper!Ok, so he was laughing a lot harder than this before I put the camera on him. Isn't that the way it usually goes??? :)<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3_pGPU1XgUxzD4jvrLrUvH2Y523vxvhf7bLEvAsINUXyYL8Gy-kZL6cBVqIBX5e31pMGmiP_KfPmvF8B3kw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-25816598680738894772009-05-04T22:17:00.003-04:002009-05-04T22:39:22.846-04:00Hey there!Want some chocolate cake? A friend showed up w/ the stuff to make the mug chocolate cakes. It's amazing how much it grew while it was cooking. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLWBYtYjnS_EDvZuK7zPiuROkHAjH7iQEaX20hh62yUOCPiQhWehWEsPbXUiWAqYlyN-XQTKxltudAxpNlbPsnxrLwWaXcLNlJtbmtrCB6Gp0t1azPv2KkzREfu5G_jBbjcqDW2EsxKM/s1600-h/IMG_1501.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLWBYtYjnS_EDvZuK7zPiuROkHAjH7iQEaX20hh62yUOCPiQhWehWEsPbXUiWAqYlyN-XQTKxltudAxpNlbPsnxrLwWaXcLNlJtbmtrCB6Gp0t1azPv2KkzREfu5G_jBbjcqDW2EsxKM/s320/IMG_1501.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332159307001546882" /></a><br /><br />Sweet boy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwmemaRxNtVcYaq1FhsP7BDLv4CVJDtz5cwuSlwi44u5vhOhLo20yv0N6hHix1j948Sc7ru9o7O7v2cpMtsRkUSaZOvchblKpx062lyNs9pEwn4JU3hi2MgSQFiuWmcMkTluAmop0n8s/s1600-h/IMG_1531.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwmemaRxNtVcYaq1FhsP7BDLv4CVJDtz5cwuSlwi44u5vhOhLo20yv0N6hHix1j948Sc7ru9o7O7v2cpMtsRkUSaZOvchblKpx062lyNs9pEwn4JU3hi2MgSQFiuWmcMkTluAmop0n8s/s320/IMG_1531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332159303725810514" /></a><br /><br />Chip hanging out w/ Flat Stanley. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2wRROnp6iiU_FrUkuof3fVlnqsBXQiyT1573hpzzFaZZYIfpoGAyh5X_E-ei04Et9qB5h8D-ZYC34IvnUluDD4IBW5XiHrGObXgGzRfKWuX0QwZuS_bvyn2U2QcusW3DL63LTSVqKcY/s1600-h/IMG_1526.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2wRROnp6iiU_FrUkuof3fVlnqsBXQiyT1573hpzzFaZZYIfpoGAyh5X_E-ei04Et9qB5h8D-ZYC34IvnUluDD4IBW5XiHrGObXgGzRfKWuX0QwZuS_bvyn2U2QcusW3DL63LTSVqKcY/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332159294294151714" /></a><br />Just a quick note to say thanks for all of your suggestions about salvaging the chalk writing in the playhouse. It sounds like there may be a spray that we can use to preserve it. :) I haven't made it to Lowe's or Home Depot yet, but hope to soon. You guys had some good ideas! :) Thank you!!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-38791167181427007872009-05-04T22:06:00.002-04:002009-05-04T22:16:36.547-04:002 Girls Carrying Big LoadsSaw Iz doing this...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAwBcqQkQSa1rq-ngeRSB6phRzd9tzfiSYoyOMkt17am3lbkKrNLnzZkN6gHlPmeNliXcXO2WhLgDZ6ivdMVmucStc3n8ejPu88i1BjOtjXkmPULtgK0GzxK3U6XHzHXsgiY9mCvLV9s/s1600-h/IMG_1516.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAwBcqQkQSa1rq-ngeRSB6phRzd9tzfiSYoyOMkt17am3lbkKrNLnzZkN6gHlPmeNliXcXO2WhLgDZ6ivdMVmucStc3n8ejPu88i1BjOtjXkmPULtgK0GzxK3U6XHzHXsgiY9mCvLV9s/s320/IMG_1516.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332157828233959954" /></a><br />and it made me think of Catie doing this...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF0F7EG0fHc2Wq0N5CFjZxgISycHytXuB-V_hT4IU9xFFMq89K1vEF1xPNBDObZlurIix1XdvDsh1ucq74innRIKGUmnILDPLf0xm1wkBcwsbBt_GThTlsUhHVDLOSJgbO1IcuKyfcqU/s1600-h/carry.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF0F7EG0fHc2Wq0N5CFjZxgISycHytXuB-V_hT4IU9xFFMq89K1vEF1xPNBDObZlurIix1XdvDsh1ucq74innRIKGUmnILDPLf0xm1wkBcwsbBt_GThTlsUhHVDLOSJgbO1IcuKyfcqU/s320/carry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332157824587488786" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-80346206790864130692009-04-26T21:41:00.002-04:002009-04-26T22:03:46.720-04:00Pics of Iz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc0QImuGWbu2GJ23l8UVEgHUPL942ZL78vCKpdN-OEbsc0W64Z1yhGxQagPk3WQ8KFoHVlrtNgCfNVVbu26kazPZJRboj2i4ukazHKq5AU7uwtlWyV8VsSnUJ4tefJ7KJO56fVQFzCh4/s1600-h/IMG_1488.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc0QImuGWbu2GJ23l8UVEgHUPL942ZL78vCKpdN-OEbsc0W64Z1yhGxQagPk3WQ8KFoHVlrtNgCfNVVbu26kazPZJRboj2i4ukazHKq5AU7uwtlWyV8VsSnUJ4tefJ7KJO56fVQFzCh4/s320/IMG_1488.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329183272445273794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxOB4aKf3_DEMNPD_mdjH-ANxddpoEVtrK5nDATLlCOUFFONX27EEJmzQkajO57gf6o8u-VB4avjNG8K7EuxsKfLUQu-h47jcfBAIYEWoAC_iUfC694FRiHS5XObj7-bKdBZWTTghXWk/s1600-h/IMG_1431.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxOB4aKf3_DEMNPD_mdjH-ANxddpoEVtrK5nDATLlCOUFFONX27EEJmzQkajO57gf6o8u-VB4avjNG8K7EuxsKfLUQu-h47jcfBAIYEWoAC_iUfC694FRiHS5XObj7-bKdBZWTTghXWk/s320/IMG_1431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329183274202414610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTF1Dict_Il93rPE-rNs4GcZJ_n-nlyhKODaAnjM9TPF5bRDCKWmgDMRwMwOxBp1GZsqJ5F5cpnl4qETNlvThdtjb6DbG1GlTbB-lxLZjoOPP2mcjuaHfzHV6YvrczidxAwIEITTzZT8/s1600-h/1IMG_1432.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTF1Dict_Il93rPE-rNs4GcZJ_n-nlyhKODaAnjM9TPF5bRDCKWmgDMRwMwOxBp1GZsqJ5F5cpnl4qETNlvThdtjb6DbG1GlTbB-lxLZjoOPP2mcjuaHfzHV6YvrczidxAwIEITTzZT8/s320/1IMG_1432.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329183270269125394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8evcFrPzwkkxjLvdwszQUp6QH4f-q9qtRN1g2cz6Ph-gMgbG-ugOcOzCNe23dGYpWTaZHi8JjDnUAR5s9eN-Icn-hW0DS5fykPhcoqq4ThaldRIrJjmtkvXwp2Ails6Oahq41HpJbipM/s1600-h/1IMG_1428.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8evcFrPzwkkxjLvdwszQUp6QH4f-q9qtRN1g2cz6Ph-gMgbG-ugOcOzCNe23dGYpWTaZHi8JjDnUAR5s9eN-Icn-hW0DS5fykPhcoqq4ThaldRIrJjmtkvXwp2Ails6Oahq41HpJbipM/s320/1IMG_1428.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329183262248911538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRXIhql0bn4JqaL9XqxSrQzhho80xciMoOGoifpv1fOABaa8ccGpoCO1fh5vZErCMkrwKe6i-pNjDMon_OA1AwPU0F_QwyMjO_M32EzXaj9FALCE6Xg0K6dbfqftUFOF_j0Oe5atQ2To/s1600-h/1IMG_1425.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRXIhql0bn4JqaL9XqxSrQzhho80xciMoOGoifpv1fOABaa8ccGpoCO1fh5vZErCMkrwKe6i-pNjDMon_OA1AwPU0F_QwyMjO_M32EzXaj9FALCE6Xg0K6dbfqftUFOF_j0Oe5atQ2To/s320/1IMG_1425.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329183260857772034" /></a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922805785589185728.post-34141365964482014842009-04-26T21:29:00.006-04:002009-04-26T23:03:30.144-04:00What a Great Weekend!This weekend was absolutely gorgeous!! Our original plan was a great visit w/ my college roommate and her family. But the ickies invaded at her house, so we had to postpone until next month. We were really disappointed, but now we have something to look forward to in May. :)<br /><br />It turned out to be such a nice weekend. It wasn't perfect (there were meltdowns and Chip hasn't been 100%... it was NORMAL), but it was as close to perfect as you can get. And I loved it too b/c it was peppered w/ Catie moments throughout. Saturday found Iz and I in the yard as Tre' and Chip napped. We watered the new plants in Catie's garden and spent time swinging. That girl LOVES to be outside!!! :) Yesterday afternoon there was a sidewalk chalk arts festival downtown. We headed down there and met some good friends. We checked out the AMAZING drawings on the sidewalk, hit the playground, ordered pizza from a great little joint downtown, and then crashed on the lawn (well.. the adults were getting tired, but the kids were still fully charged!)for an outdoor showing of <span style="font-style:italic;">Finding Nemo</span>. Anyone who's followed us since Catie, knows that she LOVED that movie. We have so many lines from it that we would always say with her that we just love ("You guys made me ink!" and "He touched the butt." and so many more!)... and "just keep swimming, just keep swimming" kind of became our motto w/ all we went through w/ Catie. Neither Tre' nor I had watched the whole movie since Catie died -- I had watched bits and pieces. We didn't make it through the whole movie (Iz was worn out, so we left about halfway through), but I think we did pretty good last night! Iz had a blast and Chip was his usual laid back self (I hope I didn't just jinx myself by typing that!!). It was so great to pal around w/ friends and just have a good time. We also ran into someone who had followed our blog for a long time and told us she had prayed so hard for us... That was pretty neat and meant a lot to Tre' and I that she took the time to stop and say, "hi." <br /><br />I remember BEFORE... before all this how I loved it when the weather started turning gorgeous like this... It just felt like it could pick you up and carry you along to wonderful places... The year Catie died, I don't even remember spring... nothing about it at all. I remember thinking that I guessed that would just be how it was now... I would never get that pick me up feeling from spring or the first brisk fall night or from blaring music while riding down the road w/ the windows down. I just kind of figured that was gone w/ Catie... that carefree feeling was one of those things that I wouldn't be able to get back. This weekend, though, I tasted it a bit. And it felt. so. good. It doesn't change our longing for Catie... that will NEVER go away, but it's nice to soar a bit on the wings of a beautiful day.<br /><br />The other thing that was nice about this weekend was the "Catie moments" sprinkled throughout. I've already shared a couple, and it really seems like there were a lot this weekend... However, I will share w/ you the funniest one. The funniest, by far, was tonight when Iz and I were riding the golf cart. Catie LOVED frogs. We still have her "frog stick" (used to nudge the frogs to jump) on our front porch, she ended up calling one of Tre's aunts Aunt Frog and the name still sticks. We have tons of tree frogs around here and they always remind us of Catie. Several have somehow gotten in our house or car since she died, and they love to get on the underside of the doorknob so you get a nice slime when you open it. We had TONS of frog encounters that first spring after she died. They still come, though they are not quite as frequent as then. I kind of think (though I could totally be wrong) that it's kind of God's way of letting Catie send us a hello or an "i'm ok..." Frog and butterfly sightings (esp. when they show up in unusual places or at unusual times) always make us think of Catie. I could so be completely wrong, but it's just funny how they pop up when we need a pick me up. So ANYWAY... Iz and I had run to our neighbors on the golf cart. We were coming back when I saw something small coming towards us through the air. And then THERE. WAS. SOMETHING. SLIMY. <span style="font-weight:bold;">ON. MY. FACE!!!!!!!</span> I'm trying not to drive in the ditch while trying to peel whatever in the heck is sliming my face off and then it's gone and I look at Izzy's shoe (and her face -- hahaha) and on her croc is the little green tree frog that totally just landed on my nose. Izzy laughed and laughed and laughed!!!!!!! Good gosh.... I love moments like those. And I love that even though I may be totally wrong about God letting Catie send us a hello, it still makes me feel closer to her.<br /><br />There were times this weekend that my heart would squeeze and I would think, "Oh I wish Catie were here too." or "Oh this would have been completely perfect if I heard her little giggle mixed w/ Izzy's." But, I guess one of the things I realized this weekend is that a really good day is full of those bittersweet moments that make me miss Catie. That makes my day fuller and makes her feel closer. And, sure, sometimes it makes me sad, but other times... other times I just love her even though she's not here. And, that... is just fine w/ me.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11734194398947469892noreply@blogger.com5