tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48780272336089788772024-03-13T02:42:54.610-05:00A Very Marty lifeThis is a way for us to keep family and friends updated on the happenings at the Marty household.The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-73594085927882777192014-03-21T09:11:00.003-05:002014-03-21T09:13:52.564-05:003-21 World Down syndrome Day!!Today is World Down syndrome Day, 3-21. It represents Trisomy 21, chromosome 21 has 3 instead of 2. In our world, it is a beautiful day. We get to honor our little girl. She is fiesty, cuddly, smart, funny, I could go on and on. We always do a little celebration in her honor. Always a cake, balloons and a small gift. Just an ordinary day made special just for her. (Excuse the pic.....it was taken on my iphone and the color setting was not correct.)<br />
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We love you Emma, our little peanut!!<br />
<br />The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-65758602684047680522014-02-22T07:22:00.000-06:002014-02-22T07:25:43.883-06:00A beautiful day!!<br />
It was a beautiful day in the northland, despite the fact that we had 9" of snow. Now don't get me wrong, I am so over winter. The sad fact is we still have at least another month of this!!! I heard last night on the news that we are 14" above the average for this time of year. YIKES. Could be some flooding this spring. You have to admit the snow is pretty hanging on the trees. I think it will be on them for a few more days. Temps are very chilly (again!) and will be for at least the next week.<br />
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This picture was taken out from my front window. Don't mind the glare that looks like a snowman. (pretty neat though) Just look at all that snow. Ugh........ I can't remember the last time I have seen this much snow. There is no way the kids could walk through it. </div>
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The next few pics are from Evan's golden birthday. (sorry these shots are from my IPhone) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Birthday boy!</td></tr>
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Just a few gold decorations. He loved it and that is all that matters. <br />
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<br />The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-43807376717174754982013-12-11T20:46:00.003-06:002013-12-11T20:46:57.760-06:00Family Room Christmas Tree<br />
I am slowing going to show you Christmas at my house and yes, probably bore you. This is more for me to remember how I decorated. I will start with the family room tree. It is a small tree, stands about 6 1/2 feet tall. This is the tree with all the ornaments that mean something to me and the family. I love the peppermint lights and candy canes. This year I added the red and white ribbon. I am enjoying the pop it brings to the tree. So get ready for lots of tree pictures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree at night</td></tr>
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I have done this tree topper for the last few years and I absolutely love it. Most of the items I bought in Texas. It just adds some whimsy to the tree. The little wood ornament was made for me by the kids I babysat back in 1984. I love that I can tell a story with some of the ornaments on my tree. It was fun to tell the kids this year where some of the old ornaments came from and what they mean to me. <br />
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This little house was made by my brother Ross 30+ years ago. I still love it and would like to have more. It has a hole so a light from the tree can go in it.<br />
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The tree skirt is something I will keep forever. My mom made it many years ago and I have always loved it but now I hold it a little more dear to my heart. It will be fun to give it to my kids one day.<br />
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This last picture is just a little snippet of decorating on the t.v. console. Love the picture that says 'At Christmas all roads lead home'.<br />
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So there you have a little glimpse of Christmas. I have come to realize this year, that less is more and I will be getting rid of the stuff that holds no meaning and I have no space for. I probably have 3 bins that I did not put out this year and it will be leaving my house. Getting ready to purge a little. <br />
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<br />The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-24679009861212309422013-09-05T09:27:00.002-05:002013-09-05T09:28:17.187-05:00Evan's 1st day of KindergartenMy mind is confused, I feel lost. My little buddy started kindergarten today. I need to figure out my new normal. I am excited for him to start school but I am sad that my little buddy isn't home with me. He kept me company and was my companion on so many errands and other fun things. I will miss him (and Emma too). But I know he is so eager to learn and I am eager for him to continue to grow. He is so smart and I know he will have a great year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nervous for school, sister is coming to check on him</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a little scared, Mom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little happier and showing off his new backpack. </td></tr>
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I worry, for him, because he was so nervous and scared to start. He woke up at midnight screaming and crying. It broke my heart. He even got a little teary at the bus stop. I know he will miss me too. But it is time for him to spread his wings just a little more. I am already anxiously waiting for 4:15 when my kiddos will come home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the bus, a little nervous.</td></tr>
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Well it is time to figure out what to do with myself. Watch out house, here I come.<br />
<br />The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-68036022932894238462013-09-03T09:59:00.000-05:002013-09-03T09:59:36.078-05:001st day of schoolEmma is off to school today. She was very excited!! She will be going to 1st grade for one more year and it will be fabulous. She has the same teacher and para-professional. I must say that I love those 2 ladies. They are the biggest cheerleaders Emma has had to date. They are excited to see her grow this year and with them I know she will. Here is to a great year, sweet Emma.<br />
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The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-82984693473319006722013-06-28T07:52:00.001-05:002013-06-28T07:52:11.210-05:00Follow my blog with BloglovinThe Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-62569594216060601502013-03-21T09:17:00.001-05:002013-03-21T09:17:48.079-05:00World Down Syndrome Day<br />
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Today is World Down Syndrome Day and it is a day we celebrate our sweet little girl!! We will honor her with cake and balloons and a small little gift. We feel honored to raise a child with Down syndrome. Our little girl has opened our eyes to so many things and for that, we are forever grateful. </div>
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Yes, I know these pictures are from December, but it is the most current I have down loaded. But this just shows my girl and all her silliness and how she loves. </div>
The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-87752143956199489832012-06-11T07:21:00.000-05:002012-06-11T07:21:15.462-05:00Last day of Kindergarten Last Thursday was Emma's last day of kindergarten. I cannot believe how fast the year has gone. She has grown is so many ways this past year and we are so proud of all her accomplishments. These are a few photos before she got on the bus. She was happy and so good all week. I am not sure if she realized it was the last week of school or not, but we loved it (and so did her bus driver!).<br />
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Love my vintage chalkboard that I purchased with my sister in some small town in Wisconsin. It will be used a lot over the next 14 years. As you can see she loved holding the sign about her head. Silly girl!! I hope to post more pictures of her last day and our welcome to summer celebration.<br />
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<br />The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-38988487522323209172011-12-12T17:12:00.013-06:002011-12-13T10:04:56.279-06:00North Pole Breakfast and Frosty Scooby Doo<div style="text-align: left;">We started a new tradition this year. We had our first North Pole Breakfast and elf visit. It was a success. Our theme for the part was winter wonderland ( I thought since we live in the land of winter for about 6 months of the year, why not). I found these cute printables on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shindigparties">Etsy</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lots of cute printable but I decided on this theme all because of the fabric I had purchased. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The elf was busy decorating from the lights. Hmmmm, how did he do that. {one thing this breakfast lacked was pictures of my kids. They were present but I only got one good one of Evan and no good ones of Emma = ( } </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboejyE_-wkukhz_eBKNRgAUVke2_Z9r82usDc4YSgImrIJajPeZ8PdrKS-KS1nsDU2hHao0LalS1-gESSE2JyTOHfXLKYJVlO3u0_hl2bhgMnmbK8dWnXAhaFk-OlsZcYyNU1Ozx_igU/s400/PC020106.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685391730617329010" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That little elf made marshmallow dips. He brought snowballs from the North Pole too. Santa even threw in some Santa mix ( you can kind of see it on the left side.) Strangely my kids didn't like the Santa mix (it is Captain Crunch Christmas mix and I bought 2 boxes.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RZjKW-aHBM6sH0TuqzNOYszZxkNOUJUa0ypvkZIkMhSCu_N4Z4Y6W0rThrfqzJterYC9NRuDNOtgt97WTwCtiQaLEe3vPKkgmk18rK91Px3vfipmg0lE-WtQKHiGrg6p-CIOn3h4sTY/s400/PC020116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685387176764882482" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The elf was reading the Elf on the Shelf. So we read it too to introduce Mr. Elf. We also had muffins.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DXOOTKS4QAbbrYZvWu4PrldO1l0KOuIZQ32ak8GBWAfB6e67-sBAzrxTusZQdRMF8UZWaNO-zYwuxoJB0FCFMsv3jq-P9NjJCd22vkp07g87pEJ8BFq1Jxp-4-uRI3ULvVc8cOZAzDU/s400/PC020113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685385423119011458" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a view of the table.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCoCfW2hJLFdS_P4ns7X-8TR-uzAG51Jl8i-ezsnfXOaEpoFuFCrlzwC89dbERp2LnS6zQJoN2iigNRl5gFWqbWDnx_S4OS0T0Sg9PYR4F3uJkbmRYtnwMY_QhHoLyKdO1jhdREbgrhk/s400/PC020112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685385414655893698" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The elf also left a little gift. His shoe had snowman stickers and a giant pencil. We had milk in the jars.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G8dVakvKZ-lLlgjnwDQ-GT8oS_UjQ_iYfsU7KHEnf_X9n4O9xOXclF48OvfmZCS8mnCTy_tRxT6ogyxCXGVmlgsfJNyUfwXaDJfGRgu-MlaZwcWUQtAe_oijdRFb36i74zSNQo6AdF0/s400/PC020104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685385410741213810" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The elf left a note letting the kids know who he is and what they needed to do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYSeT7Uysty7jiAdlvePAn5pC18IMVKBj33RKq3HNVj61AKJ-vsWw5hmSsnBvMDnbiHf3ewNhxI-lDgo7iycTyUWuEwqinK-9Ig1VJ2kIWNR3_KCqTYq9mATO6jJp9WbwzEfFBjOH6FM/s400/PC020108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685385399046072546" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-T1VEzH8K2qP5OfoNveUgoHHUOejYE_bjSRZ5AMwXJ5fGZrJ_3C6vmXymEQ7jLjGj1bQqxvmawViSoMcZRtrQL9-tb4Bac06tttA6s4CoipFD8ow68SlkM0HE4R-bEP_pNIv57bIkFE/s400/PC020114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685387170510492898" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is Evan enjoying the morning. He is more into it than Emma but they do look for it every day and they both talk about their elf too.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAQuzwq7JUJtkx3xXtehbZozEGe1kh7yBkFxuEVPrpUOCEnH0gMgrpOkFmfYb7yqoiZ-5rnxMQCLkY0UilTFK0e9JxBvwQeEN6BaSoHH6qQl4_985bdKUNTaN1MHcs1iSvsu31uNJRnQ/s400/PC020117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685387336130019474" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So yes, his name is officially Frosty Scooby Doo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqUyeJQlgfAsEAu1csiH2R2Waq5ESTdOW2aKaDo8fR1cun136VCXrvr8oj5Bm5QXkm2LI0_YmMyHhKX6QvUhn8WNVdUmjj06FwCu1xEw4rYZAJyIs3-mBDBh4hzC6mYX3q2THvcTpYNk/s1600/PC020110.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-55144383159494246232011-09-27T11:23:00.002-05:002011-09-27T11:35:08.667-05:00A sweet pillow<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I just had to post the cute pillow I had made for me for Emma's room. I am collecting "Now I lay me down to sleep" samplers for her room. I found this one on Etsy and just fell in love. It was a huge piece of fabric but we cut it down to fit into a pillow. I found fabric for the back and the cute trim at Hobby Lobby while I was in Texas. Here is the finished product.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKKCkFok_EL8jHJPCvpE9RbOpdvbtmCQozokWpy35XVjafnuNFNmVd3xWF1b15olm5GF78bv722RWjAywz6alH1Pzd6xmVdbjhlMgQY3p45Jlfj2fGVOPFTmisG62aHcfGUcz2F4Ni7E/s400/P8230060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657076675026382226" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Here is a close up of the pillow. The little girl is so sweet and the stitching is so neat to me. I also thought the girl looked like Emma. The fabric behind her is Emma's quilt. I am doing a vintage look in her room.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvEMBaX-ZmfqJmMKDDGQDmOTaSUIw1ht6hoOWc3S_5-N9U6DUstoE2OksMAgZ8vaMKliGGkBKBAwTWB6ul_TJ3b53cHqJiyH6Q6nTioJ2KN8ursMkMGTar_ZmvPreg9jzcsmsu9NuaUI/s400/P8230062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657076686348648594" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Here is a close-up of the adorable trim I found. I just love this trim and wish I would have bought the whole bolt. I would love to trim a lamp shade in this too.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr6upRl_tS0rLZ47v5l1C5DGOQgqgUxgEWX1BulXnPzBxOZGNlHcWKYrUAFDOA1WUDwcMkwE3524jDApNVkK207ObFJ8HolTmTkoMTfA6nWd0ar_P1m7ogMnx3N8gCbYgCRFscir6sdE/s1600/P8230065.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr6upRl_tS0rLZ47v5l1C5DGOQgqgUxgEWX1BulXnPzBxOZGNlHcWKYrUAFDOA1WUDwcMkwE3524jDApNVkK207ObFJ8HolTmTkoMTfA6nWd0ar_P1m7ogMnx3N8gCbYgCRFscir6sdE/s400/P8230065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657076684717485762" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">More to come on her room once I finish painting her bed and a cabinet and rearranging her room a little. I also may try to some type of craft for her room too. I know, hard to believe, but I really want to craft more. Especially after seeing all the fun things my nieces do.<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-8113283809461965192011-08-26T12:47:00.021-05:002011-09-15T20:23:07.530-05:00Back to School party<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Well now that school is in session I thought I would finally post my back to school party. (Please excuse the poor quality photos- I cannot find the cord to my nice camera so had to use my other one and I also forgot to put my glasses on. OOPS!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">The first few pics are of the center piece. I found the vintage globe at a garage sale for $3. I thought it was a good deal and it is in really good shape. I thought it worked perfectly for my tablescape. I found the printables off of someone's blog and I cannot remember were now. I need to learn to give credit were credit is due. I also liked how it seemed vintage like too.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmCrKDkTmNPIIfV0AqUcBiOAnxwSbVOfOiapCWYNIZkS8kWYJoilI5XDh6mabAkO-28pV7sK2pLdGlLSSUeWEPqdPjQtORDbrnl2XmwCC0w85M7MS1I7K1UmMJMfoSMdFlLn1Cyb2_WQ/s400/P8240086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651893277073026434" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">In looking at my pictures I realized this is not the complete center piece. I also had a pencil vase with fresh flowers. Please excuse the mess on my hutch in the background. These pics were pre-party.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL877TPZDE7iB9UQUwe75KA8a1GfmcFWuJscDCGmqYRmBu-9YBsoN-XDGwHtUGAcfj8ZPBV2JNmgN7tXD0mklBAQi1qPXAMOwVm46CrJ9pImr_I2Rbftnp2UWlu54jNB7QJe0dBeaVscs/s1600/P8240084.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL877TPZDE7iB9UQUwe75KA8a1GfmcFWuJscDCGmqYRmBu-9YBsoN-XDGwHtUGAcfj8ZPBV2JNmgN7tXD0mklBAQi1qPXAMOwVm46CrJ9pImr_I2Rbftnp2UWlu54jNB7QJe0dBeaVscs/s400/P8240084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651893270088801842" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I really liked how my mantel turned out. I kept it really simple and love the results and will do the same next year. The banner is back to school fabric from etsy. It too has a vintage feel to it. (Sorry for the blurry picture.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSweJldQaC125P0S5EvlfSJ1vX2GqHf80qEzMCQA1I-Mxs9Tr1WXxcIzuSQtXd2OUw3vI6lufZ4tAKVYTOmig5x8KQWEKnI-htuHEIs741gHWPKZkiFbDlYNLbcB5gGKHqIa7bbfse-E/s400/P8240067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651893242172266466" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">This is a shot of my flowers looking down at them. I added rulers and pencils into the mix of flowers. I thought it turned out cute. I got the idea from the Celebrate Fall magazine by Phyllis Hoffman.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLIkB8OEgqhdc9JFEH1lTSV8nD9Wo6uXtC9zpPoPW5avQHgCYNsdHJLgBY1X5ORHpSMAFi0iMeyNuD_empQWJqhgfWsic45DVrbMFdLQxYhuHUNzGlVQbz2fKQNCEd2EIcTkXDYd9F0Y/s400/P8240070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648260819657092370" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">These are the goody bags I did for the kids. I filled them with back to school supplies and age appropriate since I had a mix of ages.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dqeeeCIUqRT-KM6-8oKg2jIYSRiquSKoTD1MSBgeQD_Te5MV8Ghp_t6IXHhy_eEbRI2DF9759958koy_6b8kXoTNbd2yC9T1OuHTMzCbXuUNb8hR1uMIPoENza3yMh0-54eSv5bnvFo/s400/P8240074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648261967381568594" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Here is a picture of the table before the kids saw it. Please disregard the boring looking plate in the bottom of the pic. That was my plate and I should have removed it for the picture.(I really should learn photoshop.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F9m88RDlLMgrEIsOc2nD3ZHu7GP_1tunOUGK9jROcP7VB2f86fuqdgCyIIDASvi7jtH13ZGfypt95vBJqlLtNR78SdTA-qvHMZF5hLmHRhMtov_NEgNn3EuEfJ2gm2smQqZbL0TN9gg/s400/P8240098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648260380650933778" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">This is what everyone's placemat looked like. I used black scrapbook paper and wrote their names on it. Very simple and I thought it looked cute.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcuoa-nP4bZtOlgFB67OOQMTPZJTa9zs51HeyuRjc4dFK7ZyhEsu9xVM5y3lWnjSLJaFQjqjgT4AQMyDfK70PAK8GtFOcXA2VR7KLyrt49ZGNprA0fgA4uzlf1kQNJ0ovaUDgQYOHmTo/s400/P8240079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648261143886371394" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Underneath everyone's plate I wrote a little personalized message. They all loved it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgTH93Kq9JCjf-4gnqnkHZft9XgrYmv6NsSkVNUvGK-VSeU0FAF0C5Mc6eqm7jJsn2DmgK01vesP6-zUxLOwUSbkjumY8gSL8oUX5TRum6zepCBvZL18KTnNqm_qalAO2VFsx84iz8NQ/s400/P8240077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651893249214450802" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">My attempt at a sandwich made to look like a cake. Very cute but do it for only a few kids not 5! You use a lot of bread and you waste a lot of bread. Kids LOVED it though. So worth the work put into it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWjk69VwKzQP3ldwRdRdIMLh6YK9V3r-72vNuZ2igyt_Cnt61L0effWxgEcw9t6qYT1qIUysR4137Ofhg_Y194SIpYttmMJGzbYixc6LoWnKqDTX-gIr1UV9KTEnTdE945y4wbYXAmOY/s400/P8240097.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648260107902519426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And finally I served cupcakes that looked like apples. The kids loved those too. The stems were tootsie rolls and the leaves were starbursts. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmHQla0f8KSRwWUrvu2LtofQaIDY0DZeYzq13znff0wyjphk7EePuVRFtkNFSu3a4nqnjJIOAifQ52HoBjDT1FzAVhj9FnUXfTkOmQMtRYNJr-7UpBN5FsBywcMyYnfhyNLSPGvTq14g/s400/P8240094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651893258372875986" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">So there you have the back to school party. We also played Back to School bingo which I purchased off of Etsy. The kids enjoyed that too. I will have to do it again next year. It was so fun and worth all the energy that went in to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnmg8_smRGDwHruidMqqYmwZeVXPoZuWS_BHL2eeGfUsQcfJAidLgs888q6CWJEPPDI6q9wW_UpKswJltaj0i9QUiKC1ncGP5ylmPgivMtm66fdzvkIVOLa8EgDNgOscyoC6IDNcl-Tc/s1600/P8240073.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-13812192552452797042011-08-20T07:37:00.007-05:002011-08-20T08:09:31.112-05:00Too much RAIN<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">NOTE ** this is more of a post for my memory**</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">While most areas having been dealing with heat and no rain, here in the upper midwest we have had plenty of rain. We have also had lots of humidity due to all the moisture in the air. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A few weeks ago we had yet another storm. This one came in the early morning, around 5 a.m. I was sound asleep and awoke to a noise. I thought to myself, is that the wind?! I rolled over to discover that the power had gone out and came back on. So I thought maybe that was what I heard, you know, all the noise that is there when we have power but don't realize until you have no power. So I went back to bed. Well Evan and I got up around 6:30 did our usual morning routine. I went to open the blinds and the front door and this is what I saw!! A HUGE tree branch had landed on our side walk. Thankfully missing the garage. It doesn't look too large, but trust me it was.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOX4qSISRvmYDXUYvloIW1HbYCsugmiPk9KDkwY9uFrzRawiWpjYmJEXQ_Xz514WWvJNCJLWADDg5tDLMxkl6S_yqMvCbMRSYZn148Mql2zLM9xeMIj5wco05RE6dIeOiOFpsXisorRJc/s400/P8010023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642917377617108994" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Of course I went out to see the damage and heard chainsaws. My neighbors to the right of me lost 2 giant trees in their front yard. One of which was covering his driveway. Thankfully they had no damage either. They also have 2 cars that are parked in the driveway nightly. Here is there mess.</span></span></div><div>
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<br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDQJQmHytazAmcpz1czavI1QfQ3WqQapLVmiAkPYvXFNZFFSDUBheQphsKJx6ZjmNZ-uhvMFe_T_NZcu9ZruIKtJKNwdSm-SO3yY0Edvx_-52GBxMP2rlZwTw84VzWaHcmAS89S0FSXM/s400/P8010027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642917385165842178" /></div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This is looking from behind my garage to their house. Another tree lost. They also lost a 2 huge trees by the lake. One hitting their dock but not their boat.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJgaWE_RSBmMiWJnMkIqWGLAXNSnUecUuep_97C65KsKL5mqAe-KSi-pN9nQGM8aKk9I1zdbuG4zcLTS29A92EIisNiJu1u_bf68DcfhgMP2kH24mYClSy-linEKmZMLmZQv1B2F5CkQ/s400/P8010028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642917390428704610" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When I came back to our house I notice this tree on the side of your house uprooted. I sleep on that side. I am so glad the wind went the way it did. Thankfully we didn't lose any more trees. That tree is large but our precious pines held it up. One received a lot of damage. Another thing, these are crappy trees so we were glad to see it go.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmkm6zZ7qwGohkIpMywgQVmxFyxb5IPQYZ7AZcYj-lOjdHjUKQUUAkKw1ICmptK-16IfZjiWSysrRYR2by2kLOGaEup4fEhokOdJOUKaasIhiXH-FaCPgdF1dHObeluyODGE4T7491TY/s400/P8010024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642917399882086914" /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This is just another big branch down in the yard. We had several of these type of branches down in our backyard as well.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp-d2jcVh2p66CTwv5rWNRifRRCs2NKbinFKE92jDRRWUygRo-c3447bxPT1KBdZjyJkq8-TSgM8KpXvq640NMssCQb2lFYDQnTqHHKaFDOkuD4JATrPgmTUFz0IURR754KZQjqztE-8/s1600/P8010026.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp-d2jcVh2p66CTwv5rWNRifRRCs2NKbinFKE92jDRRWUygRo-c3447bxPT1KBdZjyJkq8-TSgM8KpXvq640NMssCQb2lFYDQnTqHHKaFDOkuD4JATrPgmTUFz0IURR754KZQjqztE-8/s400/P8010026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642917090497019378" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The only good thing about all the rain is that our lake has come up a lot this year. We have been is such a low moisture pattern for a long time. IT is definitely very lush and very buggy!! YUCK!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I think it was determined that we had straight line winds but it looks like a tornado to me. There were only 3 houses with major tree damage or loss. Our house and the ones on either side of us. </span></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">
<br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">One thing I learned through all this is that people are really kind and want to help. The hubby was out of town and I was home alone with 2 little ones and trying to clean up a mess. Both neighbors, who lost trees, came to help me clean up. One even cut up the big branch so we could use the sidewalk. Be kind to your neighbors. You never know when you may need them.
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<br /></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-16863023809663370142011-08-16T16:05:00.009-05:002011-08-16T20:55:43.729-05:00Getting Ready!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;">I think I am ready to give this blog thing another try. So brace yourselves for more than one post this week. ( of course my computer acts up so if it takes a few days you will know why.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;">I thought I would have my first post be about getting ready for "back to school". School doesn't officially start for us until September 8th but I will be a hosting a small back to school party for my some dear friends of ours. It will hopefully turn out good ( I have lots of ideas but until it actually happens, well you know how that goes.) So I have been a crafting fool for the last few days. Here are a few things that I have made.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">Pencil vases</span> ( side note, hot glue does not hold the pencils. I will be trying double sided tape. I read this is a magazine and should have tried it right away.) These will be great for the table and for a little present for the Mom. I also thought maybe a great teacher gift for open house night. Still chewing on that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">A</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">B</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFF00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">C </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">letters. I have had these letters in my stash for a few years. Finally decided to craft them up a bit. I still might add a little bling to them.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgU_D6FYAkl9W0dSHGZCOC1g6p3XDBftc69SA7R59l6xofLOgAhBbExZnhrWVR9oCkIH4ujGkS1LhIu8Y5a8x0btyzVDtntjtk8o4cGCQxRb3M2rFyrHm2ZWitn58wL2eXCgP-vnSsAw/s400/P8160035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641569459697693490" /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">C</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">r</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">n</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">s </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">in a vase. Simple addition for tablescaping. Just add a bow and you are good to go.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Picture in frame.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> I love the saying and it is my motto for my kids. Just be creative and don't worry about perfection.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJLwLUCGjypkvSD_w3l3Kia0BD4X5q0YpgxJ6-e_gBAX3E4cRhmilzNwuusP5O1l9j-55OMU9lvvacsxj_55VMEJLRGo275ka1lcvBrmxHAkE3XvY5AoLuyoaeVk10dsIziBEtjpVL8c/s400/P8160033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641569258215834370" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Lastly, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">a no sew table cloth</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">, for the kids table. Thanks for the idea Sue. I just loved the fabric. I bought 1 yard and added some pom pom fringe with hot glue. Instant cuteness!! I will be making more of these.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6BsBIgeo-YnzGZ-21ecpiPqgI6Q4geLCkzVBQ21AtVL2HZ5SqawSAfUDmW7lrDjXrhGzza0_euB8OnpRSIyn7GqZIA6XhMliW-oj_pctN0B6ohZ4hdhIiVw6jfwfKtDvcIktuAZtntU/s400/P8160036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641569837345776962" /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;">I am excited to do more for this party. I also bought a banner on Etsy (shown in picture). </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;">I will also be posting some of my trash to treasure items too. Hope they turn out the way I am envisioning.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Linking to Kim for <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/08/wow-us-wednesdays-27.html">Wow us Wednesdays</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">
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<br /></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-77628870876457308702011-03-09T07:33:00.003-06:002011-03-09T07:53:40.858-06:00Sometimes a small change goes a long ways<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">We have done a few changes to our living room and dining room. Because the main level of our house in sooo open it is really hard to create a cohesive space with paint. My living room and dining room ( hallway and entry) used to be a very light yellow, which I loved. It was a bright space when the sun shines and still bright on the gloomiest of days. However, my hubby just wasn't loving it. Yes, he has a say in the decorating. Bummer, I know. So we painted and we also painted our woodwork. The woodwork got painted over the summer. When that happened our window treatments came down and I just was growing very tired of them. ( they had been up for 11 years) Here is the space prior to all the changes.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJ7og7rfLWCOae7djE1cvywqEipYKDiK6r64rlRqMCNrOqNX0u5UpGs7apZFvbKh4gQW12BZG5aI_WLuqGOES17Ry-pjjGWDtLJS0472oZfkUPzahibsaJbXVlusNxslCpBGkDZs1JrE/s400/P1010193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582074863146403202" /></div><div>Another view of the living room. ( these were taken in the fall and when we had our house on the market. Hence, the minimal things around.)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN3rpO7cus4NAuCKCDxyxi5sNKHdYGaJ8BS4jnVYy8vOeiH-REeNZ6Bjju5YFRTbq3m6sHLgsZmqeO0XvaxHkoxScmEBTfk63oRdsfTom9IYN1beM9AdSqCO7njns4iabvlXYb4uRDCE/s400/P1010192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582074853708066690" /></div><div>Well, here is the paint, painted trim and our new drapes. It is hard to get good pictures now with the darker paint and the doom and gloom of our winter. ( the drapes are tied and will be for a week or so, so the pleats will hang right.)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1xNmGS48H2A1wkL9zV-3Q3Df6Mkxyg7TmzyU5E6MRzQnuomgnv96wWVzALGXmbfhR-aREospwjFMLHCvIZTC99RTJXge-Ud-R33zUzoxdbV6bAQk_JuJ62TUrFAC1Uh77ra_RbgBbqI/s400/P3080110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582074882578632658" /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A close up of the drapes. It is hard to get a true picture of the color. They aren't this bright in person. This is also the new wall color. My whole main floor is the same color. Not sure if it will remain but for now it will.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx26uGcGjJ6peHff4GqkHXrmzn-hkQgXC6gHYrR7o8jKYF8bSbeGpR1UG8aU36rQZpr9aTcAEMb2csOwTkNnbnebBrBLWaRWVTuMdmQGh3M6uMwRkORbgTEyocur7QKJjLsxHGEebTDg/s400/P3080109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582074877314129474" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the two drapes together. The toile is in my kitchen. ( we have a sliding door here)</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pY9AcMHZpWQi8gfbTaeWEEEBL-Etwner9SAWuZwQGNElraW1lRYhOkYD7gHHnmg2MgfhKxX30IigyIyQxUBIVDlDrPr9XrX2QtyvBEiU0yNWUEVhle_3aw6LKngZmrIWN_8LWhgI5dI/s400/P3080108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582074868974818450" /><div style="text-align: left;">So what do you think?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-60650093126258618382011-03-04T07:02:00.002-06:002011-03-04T07:24:14.271-06:00Dreaming...........<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dreaming!!! Yes, that is what I am doing today. It is what you do when you have had 5, yes 5, months of snow. I am really sick of looking at this view EVERY day (and of course the water is completely frozen too). And there is no end in sight. It sounds like we are going to get another significant snowfall early next week. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! (can you tell the winter blues have set in?) Minnesota can be very pretty but for me after Christmas the snow can go. I want to see green grass and flowers blooming.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS3cJaTZYII5xSv_8WyE-SY7-kTmXDWDk00lfQMKckjD0yjy47wZvyHYBviXMWpdQ_C6ueuDLAMZaHVyhIQRmmZetIJrII2OnWGlxMwjrpyT68w0onmOsP98cdZk_0ffl0AwQiDGGYMc/s400/PB120032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580212601636080162" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So dreaming I do. I would much rather see this view (weeds and all) than snow. I want my kids to play in the sand and run barefoot ( oh wait, I want that too.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioj7sYSOLvedjGco9p4xH9IZ8_1Ui4D-eJs-P8lnxJFzWpo2lhLHJwMf8neplQfLxUderjWEW9kTu3Y_1iyLqEnWVLUFyGq5jP2lHUclFGb_NXw5b7ZkcNmlP-M1gmxerRv2jeTp3Sxxg/s400/P7110063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580212612248087586" /></div><div>I want to garden and look at all the pretty flowers!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxxC1WhubIn-0yoqWtMSyJfYEmpVfnTJ1m-dmmOJxV-RoLDAvxoasgLs81M2LlnCFwKg-0FMQ32o-JpP_-osNN8uRwGn9yTvQMNZhcI80ygXnidxpzEqluOqf9V_43ffwBaZBHperpLw/s400/P7110064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580212618221081522" /></div><div>But most of all, I want these beauties to bloom again. It is a sure sign that spring is here and warmer days are ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBFioL_2pMKE62-TlWEqlUHjiBqsxiy8AiFu7JJ__V8YiarUonIPcfKrgYxtUoTCfOq3D3l4eoOMwV2Id5QCAQCwUoR7gCPxs2EUROy8xU5AEzTFZXC7XBkOyTBQQbil8RWZP73LD8yg/s400/P6060035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580212610572114482" /></div><div>Oh how I love peonies! I cannot wait to plant more in our spring project. More to come on that when all the snow is gone ( it could be May).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirODq5qOBlCDOmgtwcGqlQI0Oq1Q78RnpGcm11j3umgj4uiUcrv7-b9ZBGhwsrKzAjjS49AMfyh-ywnWtcNbEpeg5DQmP4Uzl2d8V2UCnsTxE5I5y0p-W_BHatLd781EaEzAPRuvkW95E/s1600/P6060029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirODq5qOBlCDOmgtwcGqlQI0Oq1Q78RnpGcm11j3umgj4uiUcrv7-b9ZBGhwsrKzAjjS49AMfyh-ywnWtcNbEpeg5DQmP4Uzl2d8V2UCnsTxE5I5y0p-W_BHatLd781EaEzAPRuvkW95E/s400/P6060029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580212604382698578" /></a>What are you dreaming of?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-41229252481272366732011-01-10T13:46:00.004-06:002011-01-10T14:42:49.365-06:00Christmas Eve<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, I know Christmas is long over but I am just getting to some pictures. I am not sure where January is going but it does seem to be flying by. We had a wonderful Christmas season, but I am glad to be done. The decorations are put away and the house feels so clean now. Oh how I love the Christmas decorations though. First up I thought I would share my Christmas Eve table. I was very happy with how it turned out. Every Christmas Eve we spend it with my 3 brothers, all of whom are single. So here is the table set for 5. Emma and Evan sat at one end but I didn't put out the good stuff for them. I am also pretty certain that my brothers wouldn't care it I set a fancy table so I strictly do this for me and Jim. (thank goodness he likes things like this.) On my buffet you can kind of see part of my snow village. For some reason, I cannot find the other half to my village. It looked very pretty in person.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgfCAmArhHD0dTzMId5kbJLYrIY8rTj0cFzO3xckwtPoylUGa-iumy0fyBqufYQrc4jIsTgHbTau_XieVAYprhG2CBfzL5tPQv7AlqZQTYstOiO9mKOq9nQzA1_PoEBjuGAcH82M9_gA/s320/PC240020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647213780278034" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a view from one end of the table. ( I forgot to remove the price from the poinsettia, oops.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdwPtgcgwHFhAOVvjXw1aafljtf_dntDfkMCgq2zMGhSzOGsvFNNHhZsO9qaGry8D3D4e_RrskV_kTATqzrc6Be2k40Sw4Gj0usqPgwugxdSL6Q-w9_1svp_0tKkSq8WN7KGGvrLNzX4/s320/PC240024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647194524944722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div>Here is a close-up of the table setting. Nothing to fancy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEUhTEHcR-6BIlxRntOoLgneIrmsX4AYdWPmVsq3WDRyxxFyWOw4ydqBb4PHlh-faCb8LFNJzrH2gKmlPWRYRNUdbdFNKNakrEWlBgnN6nolo1LaxUqUrBQtdc_V1xvSioGnqyYZ6d50/s320/PC240021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647207976603042" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A close up. I did birds with candle holders and my crystal pieces that were wedding gifts. I just love the hurricanes. I used part good china and part every day. It seems when my brothers are here something gets broken or spilled. Thankfully nothing broke but Emma pulled the table cloth and one of the votives splashed onto the tablecloth. I hope it will come out. This happened last year but that was done by one of my brothers. Aargh..... Oh well, always a memory.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Fe2NNLQqCNNmnjKIU67IGxZm7ZzW4iPMGi_jv8xfcJ51PUiMKS1z684BzuFe3G4mtGa4fqG33qEpdTmbFkp8wspKrcY5XH3prlM6z8Y2DsIUUyCvZ7H6yymBJcOramvg5Zn8dM8IROg/s320/PC240023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647198267936210" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is Scott. He never can give you a normal smile. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHZAA7qDD57I1TvqJmnel4XEVCk-zsXc5XmSfDcVfDrq-WDczRnKkKmRGzBo6-7yVLrpLrxeq8-w9I7qX3A6-5noQhaeedL_eSEuWZhyeTZQuPAGK5ctnsXfRxTku25RZKBB20I8Mkr4/s320/PC240043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647727557064434" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is Emma with Dad. Not sure what her look is but she just got some ice cream toys and loved them. Funny how all her uncles remembered another niece getting these exact ones a few years ago. I was impressed that they remembered!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWNrQxWoQ9QOITe3H-0KKkpWKa4UiE_20QY5imM6iH5yodG2bGDpBb-Ek_8RB-vxHL-N0w7aIYV4nL0N0_0NLEkFT5U7_LHBo4uJyTzYU-R-g_LchJbiip6Ak-2tsjRBhwhEen2Gp-Kg/s320/PC240042.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647712560301442" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I just love this picture. Evan was so into his toys and when he opened this one he got so excited and it made us all laugh. Evan and Todd had a lot of fun together that night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL-KVaAiTz1dksxBITxZN6pWjQkEROmZeqDC8UScFAgcMRbcIdd6N3xMAugymtZ7MlFAq78_NQFfBTUcm_qYnCk2g14MMOQyd-1qP5XKWrSfUH6ohaUE-8F1UJblDOekkPCd1_9mQva4/s320/PC240036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647220540177970" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another hit was the recordable books from Auntie Sue. Emma especially loves her book. She was just reading it again today and is beginning to memorize the story. I am very proud of her and these books are a hit. I will have to get more of them for her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL713WHnkrkD0OsPovIj9leYV9PbMGOglXzRpojjIQZXTMpJMfFALpQ_0XLt1DavCpmC9YOmsnVGYrBtaGZmniDGgWZnj64SXz6PXfyPlLIOlKxz7H1z-QR1uRIrQj681tlWUEPBEe5mI/s320/PC240047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560647732848035682" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sorry, more Christmas pictures are coming. January isn't a very exciting month for pictures so bear with me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-12166118968464317472010-12-20T14:56:00.004-06:002010-12-20T15:20:10.690-06:00Meeting the guy in the red suit!!!!<div style="text-align: left;">Well we did it. We braved meeting Santa this year. We talk about it all the time but they are always afraid to just meet him. Well, this year at the District Education Center ( the same place Emma goes to preschool) the local American Legion holds a Christmas party for the kids in the area and Santa comes. I was excited that Mrs. Claus was there too. She looked great, Santa, well he needed a little work. Anyways, it was a great because there was no one there. We walked into the room and Evan spotted Santa and was very nervous but he noticed that Santa had candy canes. Oh how he wanted one. Santa said "you need to come see me first". Up he went on his lap. He was so nervous the whole time. (Emma was still working on getting her coat off.) Sorry, the picture is blurry but you can see Evan was a little scared.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmTL9cBq9VHbkp2egjLTWMTatzafd8LOmfY_LlpmpeNsvepch46ao00bHgOGuDmue0RwPhDLki921-jJqRdLeAPL7qMox02iW5Imjd8FjOjbkqQO4xhBXi4-QHwjBLUPBrTIXS3dm2uE/s320/PC040132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552872196922270626" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This picture shows his expression more clearly. HE really wanted to get down but he sat there for a few minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvl7Uk_Mb0T-nB83-kDjW-U0-iGwMB4S7alha0lghwiRf7UTIl4Jcp6vvfUc7Lq1w-vdjNeIpkGp5QSSpl9POkol6DVRo1x7MuFPBX-ky2aq9vyXhpdDuHrXvuMg38bIJ92mS_IiZegQ/s320/PC040135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552872189911621058" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In comes Emma and she walks right up to Mrs. Claus and sits on her lap. It was very sweet. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ah-V6rXNNp051bPU_5MW1nMT3yYidtgOScJAkxHts6Nt6-u3fyKn0OGgI2xazbzyMHoAURD3AxY_EWd3g9oxij9hbh-emg5zlPdF8A0vpOOgOMWwYQ6cKPj1uKqC2rbVPvaeuiCB0v8/s320/PC040134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552873295836894290" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am pretty sure Emma is telling Mrs. Claus a thing or too. Evan, still scared.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM2kMfv_yQ4bKvxTwVnMhxrpN586dWKXrnrksuR_bm6C7Of1WYSaAcgujTrOXr8nFv8A0Ro0CthBO4_-qxVPFCpDy23-wx8SW6VRnAR3k-4YH_DFiNJUafHHW-uGBXlLQvNahOsgFN7s/s320/PC040133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552873292757975090" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well Santa wanted her to sit on his lap so up I put her and she was a little nervous too but sat there enough to get some pictures. Overall I thought they did great. They also had balloons and homemade cookies. The kids loved the cookies. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlj_v6HIWkCM8sTMdGx20otiGYYCgHLHVt38NrHiD9XLK8kTUherk2nu0qnS9zYDEwEPCHSFs8OTWsso1ltiV7i7_2VZ225jfwIq9ViazrTsubm7WwRC0sOaQu8EPRUYK1S-PrKjQDeE/s320/PC040137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552872208017658386" /></div><div>Here are a few pictures of my kitchen. I hope to post more of my decorating throughout the week.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnQjEmq0mPfz2WG6WIEVwWP5fhzitRWF0cPzRUibkuCbUtLPGOe6nFRr58gR6kR-yAR76zRQVi6hc1jaNOCoXVLFsZBAfCAaaTlygbCoLg30FIc_zuGUKzYWWYkmiKG5l5Mch1H65bN0/s320/PC100167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552873311743860674" /></div><div>Close up of the hutch in the kitchen. I did snowmen and red and green in the kitchen/family room area. Very happy with it.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHfwQFwFfj-F1KPM2IG0_mAIHiudiTbUGJct7QUklKg8Ic0vh5xsZ7enYSX2Ddg3o-sxIzHqB_HOnaz5qtHPLaM_KIzJ-W0rj9lKO4olG5S-mCIbg1BqiYBPitb0imbP8rb4ZrwLFgKo/s1600/PC100166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHfwQFwFfj-F1KPM2IG0_mAIHiudiTbUGJct7QUklKg8Ic0vh5xsZ7enYSX2Ddg3o-sxIzHqB_HOnaz5qtHPLaM_KIzJ-W0rj9lKO4olG5S-mCIbg1BqiYBPitb0imbP8rb4ZrwLFgKo/s320/PC100166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552873303700356514" /></a>Another view of the hutch from a distant.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaad8m3dPovd-ll8Vlk5995AA6BZ62aGpWfQVyX3AvAl1JibUClnPmMPYBWmg-F1UziGaAY96kskI5PROj2mil9FUydkDNk5TtkszOIZPB4yXrrBEa1f2HqUTxbi5aGofEe47AL_kL-3c/s1600/PC100165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaad8m3dPovd-ll8Vlk5995AA6BZ62aGpWfQVyX3AvAl1JibUClnPmMPYBWmg-F1UziGaAY96kskI5PROj2mil9FUydkDNk5TtkszOIZPB4yXrrBEa1f2HqUTxbi5aGofEe47AL_kL-3c/s320/PC100165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552873299474033826" /></a>Well we are in for another big snowstorm today, possibly another 5-8 inches. YUCK!!! It is going to be a VERY long winter. If we get another 12 inches (including todays storm) we will hit a new record for snowfall in December. Isn't that something to be proud of? NOT!!!!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-16404497927366863872010-12-19T09:44:00.008-06:002010-12-19T10:48:39.192-06:00How can she be 5?!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">****Warning...... this is very heavy on pictures, I mean HEAVY! ******</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv8xeeKoF5O9xiWXAW74yJpH58fFi9NI1FoMFC66ZXjEEnSehB81vFeLV30G0oticRSM2XsFLk9BcvEDqHYvi4BqeV5WjRDEqK7qjbm4sLNhC7GRGj3No-6YLCGWz-cc_LbLd5esc0bA/s320/PB170021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552420947216428274" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is hard for me to imagine as I reflect back 5 years ago. I had no idea what life had in store for me when I was given this precious little girl. Oh the challenges we faced then seemed like nothing we would ever get through, endless trips to the hospital, would she every get off of oxygen and a feeding tube. WOULD SHE EVER COME HOME? It all seems like a life time ago now but when we were in it, it seemed like we would never get through it. Here is Emma almost 5 years ago to the day. ( actually a few weeks younger.) Oh she was so small.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg2vYoBp0vGI7byvFxwACyyRsJ4qSo4LMBYpHNXh6OwgNviTYVykXxwX-q934esjBT8hSRoIBLMSCZehy8Ijj-nybs4KiLvNhoM6QYzjUxz6YswwDlNauA3J9Y-ECfkBk_ArpU-WuqqU/s320/P1010041.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552424376655824178" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well here she is 5 years later and although she is still a peanut I cannot believe how she has grown. Needless to say, I have grown too. Although the challenges have changed and gotten harder, I will never be less grateful for this precious girl. Oh how she teaches us!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwqYSIbsVDTaqsuQik6fi0xGeakF99sEscT9CaIKi12Kenml2i0j7NFZ0tCwE4HyjLujOGHeBd4MK_LkEm10SUXe_JWoCOoPZw4m3YGFFRXTj6CJ-bQDHgBo6eHhrm64fRUnvhXTQwPo/s320/PB170020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552420949221863426" /><div style="text-align: left;">On to the birthday...... no birthday in our house would be complete without a little dancing. Evan and Emma danced to Elmo. ( I realize maybe I should have gotten them dressed but it was early and our day off from running. This is the actual birthday day!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_bnsy0g0PHYdoh4gRnUySKPkcAbp4m78sTTc1tqjxUvutd2d4t3gGYykO1IV1MMN0ZZr6v2-41OVvoL562rhtI5ymI8lzISfxQhVcwzH8Mv-DBhJHd7LTuRiNgx1UMCNQXS12-z6CVw/s320/PB170028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552421822269851906" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the little cake we got her for her birthday. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljzSCh4oCVOAL7PMA4_MT0jcf1ZCfQ0rDnpw91XycKgwrTn6sGZj9StFAyIZSX4Qx8Em7bVxRrticlGMo7c5oH5eOSZkH8BVTGGGqlZmyDxq9XeHk96h0FNfdCcjOQF4r-Yag1JXIaHg/s320/PB180035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552421827352877266" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Emma and her cake. She loved that we sang to her. Evan helped blow out the candles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz98Ai6GQC4ZaE7HvHG2iLUZB60156yCyHqfltwmid7nZ0Fb7sJvN0fdxWYDcRnxpmosF0CRbThvsQtNi-VKhBRfhmRVAg7lWE8v4Unxo_Y4IZUnRY3PvOYp2TV2ExXKiL2zVD9rhB_88/s320/PB180042.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552421831932672002" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We gave her a few gifts that night. She got a 3 foot doll and a tent. Evan loved helping her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhNfcLbyfzrVn7oFC_WRpaYIy7PvMB5s6Lhbet0HTsvJ9APqlJDLpqi0rjqygEGFFn4gaX6yx-D9pGnHEpKSvW8BIZilfTwa2gri8_7-zaTokDQZUAJ0hI7T7rvfX_In0KvEYyJ6XjDc/s320/PB180049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552421833986075874" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next day her preschool class had a little party and the parents can come and volunteer that day. We went for a little while and her is Emma showing us her classroom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrU-yc058zPOunQIwY4iJ2uNn2-kE2xrXnMqxUESfF2zQ7YzMWcE-b6e5dY7EQisdWhJGTEmDfpX6DXLe8Gsh9gi-qkr0U2TegtCzyu6BIlQrlKODh_TZFrfvWB2iAugPf8E1QAqcNsI/s320/PB180057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552420953241888866" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The kids all get in a circle and they put a crown on Emma and they all sing Happy Birthday! very cute. I think she was a little nervous being the center of attention.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIa_s3fG-FT4pvyR1OWIE6TwrxbjZJax8-2kYbu88DMVHUs8twix3J0KZ88vKOdO9HjfOYGqujmsZvseSR5nsGuybkXkfbFBU1VkDajumCrVsvgwk4YpO4bJuTf9QSfg1JwqNOFAmCls/s320/PB180065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552420965022835762" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is Emma's little friend. She is the sweetest little girl. She waits for Emma to get off the bus and makes sure she gets to circle time. Here she is giving Emma a hug. It brought tears to my eyes to know someone cares that much for my little girl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlGylhfWL1_CA1WBs9dG2C78mhDAimUmIpWsKRUP9Kv0yOoq9IL1199a0rUEfHephKA0vbBEu69B6QcagfUcz8i2QDfN4-vA17QUWlvTuxXZtdLA10qU6ioeIKdOotR3ntJv7qduHlEw/s320/PB180059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552420955990340210" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the class doing the "Snowey Pokey". Emma was giving it her best effort and her little friend was trying to help her too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMT6wua9GdjWELoNOZRuDmhgGY4-C2pc2ozxdXNgetD7dtOtX8NGh_2ASwKFtJXyzvqcJ1nvgIDL-h5Wm8bP0a0Q3kwJmN_TwlifA8yVKfylCQt6MFxwJefOFZiUQhfNEchyphenhyphenZeFVfIXw/s320/PB180061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552434158648268994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here we are enjoying a snack with Emma and her class. We brought in cookies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GkwjEACJSpHxJc6qwO31gG34y5Jq8Uq3oXVlc_pMrQDBHxPyHDojykt_e2GgBpernHJxtGyUhUaF1LAXsxJwhRv48qoDKROni6wjSJx4srBdh3C7rzimnzZqTpPTZU7_ScXeRODuAeY/s320/PB180072.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552422918641238930" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On to the party day. Here are some pictures of the decorations. Nothing too fancy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz0Vgs0SH85Bo0R2TFNFI1L0yb4WvegeKP4u4DWElSQBSfgw-b2cvacT9uS2E1XMrzTdQ-voCq0zdYtZo6yt6JwYp9nHzQveaTqr8NAOSPCK2-BCNNVPyeCoXUcF3erBHQEWA_SRr1e8/s320/PB190089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552427982714812466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div>The table. No one sat at it until I made them eat cake at it. I thought it turned out cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG77TGvvnIDfhHPoqAxfmCealyQzG6vE27YoEV0jF3vr0Av568PlS3C2e8jpmGx4Lpd4-M8xdtAogU4wicWy2BrGTMSIBPrHIg9GotV3QPT0u2fFYzcXVHDbAEDMKoYjb4W47IkdVaaE/s320/PB190083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552424348548426818" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aa guest entered, the candle was Birthday cake (thanks Sue.).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALSBkisVDeyXQcZwugO0SWPQyTaDr_tHf1QXSq2rTa8YNBoFPY1wIRiLyTmWKmGsn9MfArfZTN5BUB1XeWlBVcK14JWY3bbNT7qZ72MuA1nZVNBGi_Wxe4NumJjxTn6v_gwaa3C2_0_g/s320/PB190081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552422927252475090" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks again Sue for this idea. Books with their characters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52L7IROZqStpXvfi8N6IkguuZjujMtXEigWo1Y3SQNm3dHqXpW-NdGHqdI-m_4KZrkmJJFcP28GWv_lf8iOnEdyiDdcoHXlZIE3Qz0v64U9qaNg87pWUQ2lGRkqJEJJWJTe3_X3SS4EI/s320/PB190080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552422922030054226" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The birthday girl enjoying her presents.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJU-x76fw82wSkGhgu8G-XCPojhCEM2iUsn5ygKzNTAwJC02GYjGnvHKe65RuS4AOQ6tLep2mVqLvfckLkN9HwTnWzlHCgcP23sazMR3SfqSTyEs3LwuRTIlDuLAYVH6G-Vz9ogX72f6c/s320/PB190108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552422930774412466" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cake, it was hard to get it to look like a book. I could have gone much fancier but I didn't want to a fortune for a cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSBCDOKUwyNJ9zGAdwLskzibH1ZOHdL36aLIO-avqHBTJ1nsRDt-wqxiu_-MD8GlTLbCObjmIuX4FseD3opN5-Car2j1MgEcINDnZ-Z6KBXw91baO2VxZjwUgRx63cX5uop5NIyVvwfM/s320/PB190113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552424370231230706" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Getting ready to blow out the candles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Y9fVvVZcw4nE1pJzMr99zihPYyVku1RyYhm2LWxRqpTnZQZ1V8xY7Pl1KmMNwBgKR31Supa7w5t-s3E7mfula1gt8FVJxmyI8xkITc-3_bpvRC6lLZEnxUL0pF06DP1wgsrbz96c4Y/s320/PB190116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552424371353475426" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here we are helping her. She wanted to touch the candles. Ouch!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj6EZ_rrKtt05TOjC-zVgHC6z_x66Z2naEoJ77mBwL_9mRlv-BS6NEMSa8Rdv3x9qXQhFdH9jxQ-ldbRQWy-6foXODmOqbbLQbXapMT5XabBeXnG4BKfJFo762nK0dMmXHIoq32l2k5k/s320/PB190119.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552424355017396754" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is her stash. In case you can't tell, we had a book party. Emma loves books and she got lots of them. It was fun and easy to do.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWYK5KmZyGko-fJfmJ9plkVdtye9drXC9yz1hPyJOfeD0W0IkFpaUuKJKBJGj4qcFGHvRHcwdek2oAeEVgxTiYvU71bMIvV9oI9P9aNR0wuoTJ8W3nc1bTWDQ_TUghe-_5_cjKi7A2B0/s1600/PB200126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWYK5KmZyGko-fJfmJ9plkVdtye9drXC9yz1hPyJOfeD0W0IkFpaUuKJKBJGj4qcFGHvRHcwdek2oAeEVgxTiYvU71bMIvV9oI9P9aNR0wuoTJ8W3nc1bTWDQ_TUghe-_5_cjKi7A2B0/s320/PB200126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552422935045367794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-43759202643605611312010-11-15T14:24:00.006-06:002010-11-15T14:59:13.201-06:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Saturday morning (early) we awoke to this!! Yep, snow!! It is the kind of snow that is extremely heavy and wet. The flakes were huge and it was really coming down. Very pretty. Evan was so excited and he thought Santa was coming. Too cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWp4VJgbs996BTFTpReoJEIu-tV7odjje68rHe9ttG9OSyWDzT0uERKUG6j6KVXAfDy86HPbNrEI_hfiZbr_SeH393n7mW0W1FPzo6y3BOcfuvXwZUkgJ2ov7gM4G_poT7TQ_tztt7Tk/s320/PB120031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539875559915422386" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is another shot looking from the house to the lake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmAWAcSlEAynhoeKozyS90kMeQRiYeFnrKzDS-E_n1JW3_URxY7zS7PkDXsEQ5g0qFbhcm_K28frT5FID6QqTp7S3WDX4L32ifU-S_xAZgXJBqZFM8o1N8BbtyASEZy2zafIZweAV1SM/s320/PB120032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539875563868103250" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sorry to bore you with tree pictures but it was so pretty hanging from the trees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_RSqCZULn40BMkyw_zeUs1LIBimW4jwn_pzAMasVrbfNHu6NeVvZybxYaqqCYFYccLhW0zgc3MdyvLY3uVZqaabK2X-Zc4-PIISi2iT_clBIwC6JOXXFze5c1YMX59212xMRP6sD-tg/s320/PB120036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539875574010225874" /><div style="text-align: left;">Another landscape picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-6PDFSheS9t3tY-Anlz0h-NS0bp1maLEbByY77wYb3HZMh_Tv0VhDXpWN3_L7A7mA5s8LvVB3L9C3DaJm9QQAEM3qWLZ0lnrAImZPv06N5Y15U17oOe_YAu1-DVhet5jqTdbn2XWDzs/s320/PB120037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539875580936944034" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After lunch ( and before naps) we decided to bundle the kids up and head outside. They loved it for a while. Emma kept eating the snow. It brought back memories of me doing that when I was a kid. Then she proceeded to take her hat and mittens off, so in we went.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDDe8d5W7piBcz6rzXkdOYUo4ves6B5YZwfUY3BKJfSm0kcehGNwQLrjEOBHefU_pr9FLidVmD7HUTvXVjxrZcKuHqYky5irojp50Fu7Agv1N3n2ZIkUnYT8llOAygZBJF2o5kohP2A0/s320/PB130039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539875595087732946" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Evan thought it was fun but he didn't like the snow hitting his face. Just imagine those big flakes hitting your face. He kept saying my eyes hurt. The snow was melting in his eyes. Do you notice the hat Laura? The funny thing is, he has both hats you crocheted on. He thinks it's fun to wear them at the same time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuas24Qr2nSCj-2iVXjawjtyx0p7h6BGHWOsGj8ijXBxdqcwwBdbfP9dqGaoiEA1JqgRKGhHSr7kkVg1w1Em3sLJg2AUOL118Ey8RSe5Ka2fm1DZ1j2Ip0HLYsaX2HfKIc3dtyzs5_ok/s320/PB130040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539875842434083106" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is our pathetic attempt at a snow man. Jim went a little crazy dressing it up, but Evan really enjoyed it. ( Remember I had to bring Emma in by this point.) The snowman is quickly melting away. A lot of the snow is melting although the ground is still white. Hopefully we will get some warmer weather to melt more of it. We have an outside project that needs to get done.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC45eDIgcXN59kcIR_FKKzQ7Fqx6k81Uy_NeE1wTbvBTNfu-Vm8nnDdLHe-NKD9PaAl6iy7NxRj78Pm54loBrmAenDCQ3Yqrm1-wWjQOIIOwz62A2ig9eE8E0BjDcUKcM6K87nDD4nqk4/s320/PB130049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539875852892727218" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well all this snow put me in the mood for Christmas. So on Sunday I put my very small tree up in my family room. It houses all the ornaments I have received or collected over the years ( and ones we have purchased). I still need to add a little more to the top but I am liking the way it turned out. I still have to add the tree skirt but I have not gotten any of my bins out yet. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyeDHEfHExXNBfdYGjBlCYlpflFjBjSega1FVXBuI1iSGfQnOUiR3dBBaijyGh9oFKOjHzrlZj_AMjm6YsPaS5DShUyRx57p_AYV27ar2t5aJMIivteyjrL74ACATatEWD9YCrXIglpA/s320/PB150050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539879341525423506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy decorating!! Once Emma's party is done I will be in full Christmas mode. Can't wait for both!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-37380902773253905672010-11-13T07:17:00.006-06:002010-11-13T07:36:19.908-06:00Halloween<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, it has been a long time but I thought I would give this blog thing another try. So I thought starting with the holidays would be a great time to do it. I realize that I should have posted all summer but it just didn't happen. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well the day before Halloween we carved our pumpkins. The kids thought it was fun except for cleaning out the pumpkin. Emma thought it was fun to put the stuff back in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31ipijB5tuMYATJ6MfyhE4_kMN5DaMa0577cvbA2YjMEn-obrzhWSEpIJN_QYUHYQHAdO8Id-9O5cdiDDchb768KItPmOc9jw56bnGNSnQfwYSdkiVtbPgbDOk7i_341n6R3hyphenhyphen-JJ1HY/s320/PA300067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539024687289587154" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here I am with the kiddos. Oops.... we forgot to turn the pumpkin around for the picture. Evan was really into the skull thing for some reason. Daddy just had to add it to the picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsDUcwbpXsoev6l4j7L0KLq52bw9lUJ5L8z-xXYEF1LgBTXphcXl7GY_iLkAVlX31iuIPmyLf4a0Cn0-Z8DHH0beXnZejm1rSBVPCw8cLR-ltAbJZEIvUDzMU-c6aWhfxPhDEKsO5fZk/s320/PA300086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539023429799854818" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Halloween day was a perfect day for this region. Not a cloud in the sky, no winds, cool and crisp. Just like a fall day should be. ( I know you in other warmer climates disagree but we like it like this in the north land.) Here is Emma in her costume. Emma was a cookie. She hates to wear things on her head and you can forget about putting anything on her face. So I tried to find the easiest costume there was. (not to mention overpriced) </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFCjx_I4KXjveCELRknvThpWxii0ttFN24IwB5SWbonT1nKPg3mxxaDs7np6wRUarCfwdq_cjAIH9QqXAfbBPhpXaUyUnIV1rusSfUr1u6MZcsPPY4NC4V0u2Kt8JizlLjGvaps-mJq0/s320/PA300095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539023419865761570" /></div><div>Here is Evan in his costume. He went as Thomas the Train. Although the day before he really wanted to be a ghost. But he quickly forgot about that. He was so excited to get candy!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACNDnP8CHTKGrLq2dQHWT9xct0GmmRS6q7z5Utt0uQwAU0SFLZ0f4Qy1nq3a6B5zEgogNdJ_HV8DjV8s9lOaT0mqY1fvWzDR7eV1KTnHZ9xbmQZ1nmbboy9wo6TyrNc08Azwe8vAMyqg/s1600/PA300094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACNDnP8CHTKGrLq2dQHWT9xct0GmmRS6q7z5Utt0uQwAU0SFLZ0f4Qy1nq3a6B5zEgogNdJ_HV8DjV8s9lOaT0mqY1fvWzDR7eV1KTnHZ9xbmQZ1nmbboy9wo6TyrNc08Azwe8vAMyqg/s320/PA300094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539023416069906914" /></a>All in all in was a great Halloween!! The kids really got it this year and it was fun to watch. Now I need I need to shed a few pounds ( well more) from all the candy I consumed.</div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-33076150709295598462010-07-09T06:42:00.002-05:002010-07-09T07:23:53.302-05:00A Bridal Shower<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Yes, I am finally posting. It has been busy around these parts. More on that in another post. A couple of weeks ago I hosted, along with my s-i-l Julie, a bridal shower for my nephew's fiancee.</div><div>Her colors are cream, black and green. Below are pictures of decorations. ( sorry, not the best and I am not sure what setting I should have it on to make them enlarge. I also need a better camera.)</div><div>The first is the food table. My sister picked up the paper supplies for me at Hobby Lobby ( we do not have one here in Minnesota). Of course, no picture! ( That is the bad part of being the hostess and doing it by myself-NO TIME before hand) The plates were black and with white flowers, very modern flowers. My silverware was the green. I was excited to find some fabric that matched almost exact to my plates. I used the fabric on the food table and on the dining room table. I tried my best to stay in the black, white(cream) and green theme, with using what I already had. If look close, you can see the bride to be in the background behind my mother in law. ( don't worry I moved the kids chairs out before it all started. Guests came a little to early.)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeNxWARqKATdjo80VfrQR5FJU9JMGMpbsZ8FIjtRIwZjayifoBYJVBpABDQIelr7N1ulbmxR7MHUEh2diqEz8YTo7C4dUM_TdLwQ5v9nt_1wWLMaywv3aPUk6dGJ9DuB7znpM193ZhOk/s320/P6270112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491871446226720274" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the centerpiece for the main table. I took clay pots and spray painted them a green. ( I got the paint at Lowes, but I cannot think of the color.) Then I used my trusty cricut and cut some letters using vinyl. I have another fun thing to create with. The vinyl is so fun to work with. Then I just went to my local nursery and bought some plants that I thought looked somewhat modern and wedding looking. They looked really nice in person, not so good in pics though. I filled some little crystal glasses with black, white and mint m& ms. Those were a hit but I am hear to tell you, very expensive treat. It is hard to tell but the white flowers around the pots are lit. They are from Michaels and they are Martha Stewart. ( I also thought they would be fun for birthday parties or hanging somewhere in Emma's room.) I also wrapped tule around the base to soften it a bit. You cannot see them in the pictures but I also scattered some diamond rings (courtesy of Wilton, $1.99) Very simple, but everyone loved how it looked.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfrEwdXfzmY-28EfswRMKEHtKRNZSWeQ_PVqM9w2Qo8CTHJ4wSGo8e3MWxx5sx9TgStumNqeuzyBLSuAi5yAhjNhm8iMwl4ohik1ZZ25uApe6SBVyvcyDrIsUSfq5f-v4zuCiX3YuWLo/s1600/P6270115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfrEwdXfzmY-28EfswRMKEHtKRNZSWeQ_PVqM9w2Qo8CTHJ4wSGo8e3MWxx5sx9TgStumNqeuzyBLSuAi5yAhjNhm8iMwl4ohik1ZZ25uApe6SBVyvcyDrIsUSfq5f-v4zuCiX3YuWLo/s320/P6270115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491871436815866546" /></a>These are the cupcakes. Julie got them from Walmart and they were yummy. Again, we tried to stick to our color theme. The cupcakes were chocolate with white frosting and the design was green. What we should have done was put a C on them ( the brides future last name)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPSsCzH_Tx-YH0t0Lj5pX-IylK99r2mDWEvd9DG6F-x_KpciW_V5Ip7Yusi6fYDEaku4bPNwz4yafKo6RUD5RgduHrpBkpkhkavTSANcEg1JJ9A3-ZffyJNwc9fq0c1FYgiIUcmuMDYE/s1600/P6270118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPSsCzH_Tx-YH0t0Lj5pX-IylK99r2mDWEvd9DG6F-x_KpciW_V5Ip7Yusi6fYDEaku4bPNwz4yafKo6RUD5RgduHrpBkpkhkavTSANcEg1JJ9A3-ZffyJNwc9fq0c1FYgiIUcmuMDYE/s320/P6270118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491871426493074994" /></a>O.k. my pics are out of order but I am too tired to move them around. Here is a close up of the food table. You can get a better look at the fabric.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GRCu733n6EXEDwQZ1Ie1MBuZXG-bO6eqjmwmQGj5PxuFVZz-tEQJlyDg6svMVRpJiGCnUcWB2J-_rsFbDBHNXPWJqWEbllEw6kOeWE5bf4eH10GXhttDip3vQIIXBg5nqBPBW9Hu9nk/s1600/P6270114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GRCu733n6EXEDwQZ1Ie1MBuZXG-bO6eqjmwmQGj5PxuFVZz-tEQJlyDg6svMVRpJiGCnUcWB2J-_rsFbDBHNXPWJqWEbllEw6kOeWE5bf4eH10GXhttDip3vQIIXBg5nqBPBW9Hu9nk/s320/P6270114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491871421332630258" /></a>From my kitchen light I hung diamond rings from sheer ribbon. Another hit of the guests.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTL4pyfdfTRHKGIDkfZDUDAvX12AB1OA2_KLuHqB-I64Ek6ev7lqs9shky4-_sXFcd50HDf0Jvh9JJ02gulE8NfuU3I4gXmCsn1n4KrdEJeX787nFKcZMe-TNvhC_GMOeGekoABD6D4s/s1600/P6270113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTL4pyfdfTRHKGIDkfZDUDAvX12AB1OA2_KLuHqB-I64Ek6ev7lqs9shky4-_sXFcd50HDf0Jvh9JJ02gulE8NfuU3I4gXmCsn1n4KrdEJeX787nFKcZMe-TNvhC_GMOeGekoABD6D4s/s320/P6270113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491871411840478802" /></a>Well, there you have it. Very simple decorations, but I was trying to spend too much money. It was a very nice shower and the bride to be loved everything so that is what matters the most. I am off to Chicago today. Jim is there on business.</div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-75439132496390452512010-03-26T07:15:00.003-05:002010-03-26T09:40:02.975-05:00Meeting that "special" guy<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess I will be continuously apologizing for all the pictures from the past few months. But I thought I should document some of this before I forget about it. Emma goes to therapy at the Courage Center and this past Christmas season, they ( courage center) threw a holiday party for all of their clients. So we, of course, attended. We left Evan at Grandma's and made it be for Emma only (he was invited to come too). There were a lot of people and it was neat to see all these kids and their families. Here is Emma with the snacks that they provided. (Just a side note: Emma didn't sit still the entire time.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-GbyG0eXmNyJlAb5JtQjo2rx0CBb_4oq3Brymvyx24jh74-1oOjRW-ZTzaxHOuxeC3p-BoJ1XZ2vR9pzKWlpiEEnFY33QgtLQCgF2bR97ois4UDtQVnXCEoyt5q6mr17Z5gNf78_YDk/s320/PC170001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452916417484343426" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here she is meeting that special guy. She liked Santa but really didn't want to get too close to him. He had presents, you know.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHzS3Cvk4amqrsHNaTfvucuurkR799M3qyDjrkddtGKfB9rrfKykBrw-iplp_bCd-PS76nv_9dkPxjmhLgKCJ_DgCGu1QHwZql3uxvdeuVQqUCWQ8MLYUYTDHWURGVGXEspHDEEfFw-Y/s320/PC170003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452916437168339650" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is another shot of Santa trying to get her on his knee. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her and Santa. She sat in a chair next to him. It was pretty cute. She then got her present.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE466hOkLchZNerty5GVEzgI2dSELKTNmr2lQJ_-MBp1j04Cd8pElbJdyIVJBW7t-h397_RuA5i-Am-lUOQgK_i2N3MCBYXi67TSLywAjWxCH05yTOZtO4pUvND0mUlvTuniH1pP8pRcw/s320/PC170002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452916429108112258" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here she is opening her gift. She got a doll, stroller and some other things came with it but I cannot remember. She thought it was so neat that Santa gave presents. So she would keep going up to Santa and try to take the other kids gifts. Can you say embarrassing?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dywvBEK3xHFQt4iRQYJEfKn4yamZqcd2TGDeUSbAI2wlsfKRgZtWeJ2Qw_GSf-bbukkdsMNt9q58ctpI_ckoUEO0Xn6HBASh5bfdfjGGUP0qVlg4_-TbBseR_n87-5-zh4YnksmZ4cs/s320/PC170004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452916444720860242" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, this is when we had to leave. Emma threw the BIGGEST fit and was screaming and crying. Not fun for her parents. It took quite awhile to settle her down. I guess I am glad she like Santa, even if it meant having a tantrum. Maybe next year will be a little better. Next post will be a current one and then back to the archives. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-58634298104634946462010-03-22T14:35:00.004-05:002010-03-22T15:21:18.410-05:00Snowmen and Mice-oh my!!<div style="text-align: left;">**Warning** this is a long post and it has a lot of pictures. So, this post is about birthdays and yes, we celebrated them in early December and late January (I told you I was going backwards. I am going to spare you all Christmas though. Just can't go and do that.) Anyways, first we celebrated Emma's 4th birthday. Since Emma isn't really into anything specific, we thought it would be appropriate to do a winter themed birthday. She also really loves snowmen, in particular Frosty. Hence, the theme. Our decorations were somewhat minimal because we had just finished up the kitchen. So in our dining room (which by the way, is now a big waste of space because NO ONE will sit in there for a party. I AM SO DONE decorating this space for a party). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkJM1fm4SG0elCzpkOVm41z8d3WOQrY7YnkPSq9J4TdrYEUGivkEK57OlcNH_9fFl5ZzV6iXio_iaUh2W43tnRcLKVlrxm0WP0z-AlfetTMKUghl6jPyQPVkdCuRTZKKQsd1PLdvULng/s320/PC040066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546061509663554" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have this metal snowman that actually goes outside but we put in the corner of the empty family room off the kitchen. The little snowmen I gave away to the young kids at the party.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJAABvd4uCEPVOC2CHzpBCVcdG753jW0S7pALXf-jlFuBVMQ3DvG80NqhWrzXfOQCig_kF7GzkqUxlQKqnXd2iAh7x7UCmaIpBKI7V6TxX75SiTlCBOMdTONcIJIlML9fJpq89-tVCwY/s320/PC040068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546069995667282" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the birthday girl opening some of her gifts. She really likes the snap on dolls from FP and this was her expression when she opened her gift.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNMQ2AcswutJ3GJUqAbrpHXGmqIGVdmQknXYZYSl1s9v2VZfL8wgDJixYYyvDQxc3SHz4z_T2BH4iM7Abg0ctPBBzQSd-JTJKYc5Fyk7qx6VyIgeDvcKzQznw8vSrBaRSADpgxmIxYWk/s320/PC040086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546714148993874" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, no holiday would be complete without books for Emma. She just loves them and as you can tell she took time out to look at a book.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvAIOWxjqEWMSqdwJwjQVXQK32Nn7AltkHsNT_u46jH8Hv5gbR0C2EGFlVUjBdpoRZtaGQk3mCX6wvbeJVhfCIPBxtaSWcP3XItb304GVXQKP2VEYkxJKck3J8CGWIxwKYSX5EjQITcM/s320/PC040082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546708268602290" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the family. Look at Evan looking so intense at the cake. That boy certainly takes after his mother. Jim had to hold Emma's hand so it wouldn't end up in the cake.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSmpZkH4-pHYt_Fror2rjcNV1ABwAZxyCq7PVEOjdFQ_5rLlkhfQ6K-HPhK8qGyqn8DFVkbHfkUPMJ3U8duTLmUK1fvzN-EdFkUgOU6Ez59TODW1CQRIaceiDDudVlBabt6lfl8gfPcs/s320/PC040115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546722321540754" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My attempt at a snowman cake. I completely forgot to add the arms. Oh well. It turned about pretty cute, I thought and it was yummy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlnt2IDOkCyk2PVKBSbao4hiFk9I3tRWM6AhLEghjl9wMaK8pSGaD7VM_SphKa-n32N1P-Z9t8VpMJkXPA99NEIHTH9N3gANnralzcrKv_VOKfxta4mTyXMiZUhC4muiBu5nd_ReC2Rw/s320/PC040108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546086839456146" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On to Evan's 2nd birthday. It was hard to decide what to do for him but we ended up on Mickey Mouse. At the time he really loved Mickey. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0K7E7OV28GlzGaWFT9yC6gRDPVITw181BE4HCsSfS5r_n_EcuuT9p2ZFiORS4t2rKOmbtgRGtyAFzPWHYAj7H_Zf81kFLqHx9TxIRURdtNyB89n0j5a_B0ywe3SNc1AE_yKNAf-R1Fs/s1600-h/P2020079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0K7E7OV28GlzGaWFT9yC6gRDPVITw181BE4HCsSfS5r_n_EcuuT9p2ZFiORS4t2rKOmbtgRGtyAFzPWHYAj7H_Zf81kFLqHx9TxIRURdtNyB89n0j5a_B0ywe3SNc1AE_yKNAf-R1Fs/s320/P2020079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546055414408866" /></a>This is party hat that I made for him. Unfortunately the hat was to big on him but I thought it turned out cute. I got the idea from Notes from a Cottage Industry. ( not sure how to link to it)<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0RucHpEZQNSd0Km1u4DjhaTcfrHYte_h5N3t6awtaHL0gzz1bcLAnSSE3oyMVbfc6qpQ8N1oyENixnTuymfdgT-yBBQalX4ILg8MJJeAlssod_UEBtG2c-QUzRQfGqbOg6aFJjUEIKA/s320/P1300043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451545162452463410" /><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, we have to get a family shot. Hard to get a great picture of all 4 of us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuRE0WCM0WwJCwdNamt1nrT3D1THsMaaFgZuFkZZtZ1RckEjCo17vNONMDa_tJhk4TWluYEUkGZv182kcA5rdVwxtvzy31uJpQo8AG-7Gw2JgfrTMS4yEfon6jdnQai86aF_iXpOxIu8/s320/P1300057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451546044398585970" /></div><div>Here is the birthday boy. Because his hat was too big, he wore Mickey ears. Thanks, Sue, for the idea. The other kids wore them too.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U1cmNpI-ocNGVzS-YpfFZ-np-MDUoHLFa4e_UdR1ear6WaTQlmRhjaEWb6FsLVLySCZogSlVwJjdCYeW9OmvQ-n2BP4AJS3QCPiPKozrbVhx_jesDewu04U5rtjdXDMLpaI95GsQuJw/s320/P1300055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451545204103366434" /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is Evan with his hat, see, too big.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7FV2vaD_qP3Agbc-j1fBs8GDmd1nkH0JA3ES84049YF5f3V7NVf7nRJ2ZTG1XWtwhwM5ZvDf5RCf_BnkaQuYDPkuSCXIPiomk9rWFcxGKt49WxSkcrGrX1OaPZzVvvP70i4tRNj_zyU/s320/P1300053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451545189480247666" /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought Emma this cute pillow case dress. She really looked cute but I couldn't get a great shot of her. Imagine that! Here she is dancing. All of our parties have turned out to having a dance floor with people, mainly little people, dancing. Lots of fun for everyone.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL8YMSE2mCbubZcl6047pb8CzDypOGDrNysRN6TmNVLHPT_-swd5_UGAdHnsklfSkEeLoIgXuXPFvc7JHBvxADNiu5IRYRpQ5QBuwzIfC79u0W35PsdwhRRrCgoyJ0jEHPtj-uXu2mn0/s320/P1300050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451545180961160002" /><div style="text-align: left;">My disappointing, overly expensive birthday cake! It was small but ended up being fine and the red was more maroon then red. Aargh! Evan loved though it and that is all that mattered.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXoHf1uMSTvWo5jP_OY_aNWOHeniqRJW6-fwnE2Ag-1LGWRroeX35THvgOF36OaV_dhoAwFfS2ajJ0CaIqt7GCdzH2wfrXc8QzI3croa1VQr-AIMBvUVHUFT-xOpYO3MV9_7jfWSUTwo/s1600-h/P1300051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXoHf1uMSTvWo5jP_OY_aNWOHeniqRJW6-fwnE2Ag-1LGWRroeX35THvgOF36OaV_dhoAwFfS2ajJ0CaIqt7GCdzH2wfrXc8QzI3croa1VQr-AIMBvUVHUFT-xOpYO3MV9_7jfWSUTwo/s320/P1300051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451545205400429410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So that is our birthday celebrations. I did make a banner out of Mickey mouse ears that turned out pretty cute, but didn't get a great picture of that. Next up, random winter shots.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-34758420922314265382010-03-21T15:10:00.004-05:002010-03-21T15:28:28.392-05:00Happy World Down syndrome Day!!<div style="text-align: left;">I know, I know, it has been a long time. But I wanted to post this for today and then I may work backwards to catch you up on our winter. Today is World Down syndrome Day, 3-21! Or other wise known as Trisomy 21. We thought it would be nice to have a little luncheon with some family and celebrate Emma and her designer "genes". We had such a nice and relaxing lunch with Grandma Dotsy, Auntie Joni and Uncle Todd, Auntie Julie and cousins Jake and Colby. Below is the cake I made for the day. Jim did the lettering. For those of you who don't know blue and yellow are the colors for Down syndrome.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL4UzeiAPHYNx2L8fW3d57zXLqDCQ-BBeQ4FBmvDtYQPMHe9pFk4bkwSmCSBzuwHE4YT-P1QL_O9IyMHppFWcdDsdhwkO4CkVE8sHXf46dvMH9x8a8t8RZnoPS4S5qiR8nIlZ_ryRM_E/s320/P3200192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451182718766886354" /></div><div>Here is the guest on honor. Grandma Dotsy bought the kids this darling Easter basket thing from Hallmark. I must say it is pretty cute and the kids LOVED it. Here is Emma playing with it. She just lit up when she played it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1KUYCFLj9SDXHUfGkD0JbWF06R_sFhSw8oN6TBy8GSXAn_hyphenhyphen4cyneQfLGZmzpL2UjkZtIz6Er1tzj282DYIF19YZszato46LrpHNRE4rwkwY_AD8oy1xHqXwA3mWqWBfMvKd1KdinB0/s320/P3200208.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451182767701658370" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, here is Bubba (Emma's name for Evan). This was before the festivities began.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyakoxet6zQW8PqI6_bx4cYpDHU1FxXZL9exzHiw0YQq5naemLARR8XvFRbEW9bGvvCkAxq9c5W0xnxHB0gdLRXxKRfyzV9WoCo0OS6cG_iv2LvhtRymgD1Ld8D3a3UOqQF5ktelmbJw/s1600-h/P3200197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyakoxet6zQW8PqI6_bx4cYpDHU1FxXZL9exzHiw0YQq5naemLARR8XvFRbEW9bGvvCkAxq9c5W0xnxHB0gdLRXxKRfyzV9WoCo0OS6cG_iv2LvhtRymgD1Ld8D3a3UOqQF5ktelmbJw/s320/P3200197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451182759322775698" /></a>Grandma and Joni <i>trying</i> to get Evan to eat. All he wanted was cake. Can we say Junk food junkie. And we really tried hard to get him to eat healthy.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx6WTadUJOE-Kn1H6W_jGyU5ngB5X7VXN3-jT4uCwiHizUZRhRznbB1T72HXZAkKKcNpJcDXsncQyHh9S8e8vojlNqwV_c56E-VKDc2hS7iACycVCjt0nOWSlujcB1JVYxxD3cu5wZuM/s1600-h/P3200205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx6WTadUJOE-Kn1H6W_jGyU5ngB5X7VXN3-jT4uCwiHizUZRhRznbB1T72HXZAkKKcNpJcDXsncQyHh9S8e8vojlNqwV_c56E-VKDc2hS7iACycVCjt0nOWSlujcB1JVYxxD3cu5wZuM/s320/P3200205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451182748069819314" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here is sweet Emma enjoying her lunch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKS4aENHBG_LiXuH3cizSLbCgLM_SeGwWIiVxcjCDsowqKmP6TpPSwxC0yRIhoN4_soFp4YOTJ02-2kFi0fQfbVO9y5ea4nhux4KRyzqBBQ2YaMXaeMs24RnKpJT2JKe4QmLcfWJqTAI/s320/P3200203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451182738829156626" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After naps we plan to get the kids outside or whatever Emma would like to do. This is her day and we are honoring her the best we can. I will probably post random photos from the past 4 months. So be prepared. I am going to try to be better.</div></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878027233608978877.post-84899609042422416872009-11-19T20:45:00.004-06:002009-11-19T21:20:10.571-06:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET EMMA and a sneak peek<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q3-3nNg-QDHnGBwMiMq2VEUezNhKZXa4zRT5Z8yL8EY-Fnw31e8NobTRuRq4Arm5dOjx7pyyfBh2ffI8sCvS24Ha82xhTI0aN81f-TQnnfI0ngj7voviPpHer0A1LCJScX6ChjavcIA/s320/PB160011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406012544591918690" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is hard for me to believe that my sweet little angel turned 4 yesterday! I reflected back on the day she was born and the days that followed in the Special Care Unit. It seems like yesterday that we were living the life of daily visits and the worry of when she would come home and today she continues to amaze me ( and wear me out) every day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Tuesday, Emma's preschool class had a little birthday celebration. We brought the class cupcakes ( Joni made them for us). Parents are welcome to come in for the celebration. It was nice that Jim and I both were able to go. We brought Evan of course.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OZWbBYmk5C3PABNCrEI7IyCRcKX6GubdTOXiM8iimaaZMPGBuQ5jmH7IqpA1UUQC4eQn8hs8nCQ3hi_oJQRax6-tALPgmfuU3qh-C3o24DycXllM7t8eYYsZmhJQUj8tfMEXYXSwPqI/s320/PB160006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406012567180551426" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are the cute cupcakes. We had enough to share with Emma's Wednesday class too. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwv_XjnY1gNiqSbX6v1_iu1md8PBIUiOLNGCNnFVL25905UpQy7lMI7WOAsDK5qBSJX9fhzCNXo4f3CKLqnnkRq7EGQ1Vbvyu0L-iDLa7kLnFUtNjsTCNFEliIWi01D8UxJllE0nz76g/s320/PB160007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406012569642018546" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before snack time, the class had music time. It was cute how they all sat in a circle and I was so impressed how Emma sat for the entire time. She really participated with finger play.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrPIltUnOEIBD8LC_rhvd1pLUe_-rxOg2D1qpmE_AXV1WcfzVx9mJRbJcitJ5BGYWAFlmIax6nzgXgOqYkeYL8d43rbuL-MfIUpU2eETQ-vfXu_WUYp_J1snDXLVZQ7qAT0aQU8-9oTA/s320/PB160014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406013141604777026" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After music time, it was time for Emma's celebration. All the kids go to their tables with their little place mats with their names on them. So cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScfcb446LUIPdMBDuhmYlEQcL7sNF4HspemQoySO0qjSqrsy-fc4MFjEpJBWvx9cE6iwEYdqRtgCu9dG0gawwoi_L-l5qTpKlK5eGr-PKECOxIbf6A8rsfjhOQ1k-ZxVk0yHsff_8myQ/s320/PB160019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406013149956401058" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is Emma enjoying her treat. Most of the kids looked like this after their snack. Emma is saying cheese. What a goof ball.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtjIooJ0tIpMU64ajh8yOX7x4S_ekmJfcwDKrMD7wMwHqaPljYYwcURsaM5RuTzHx6ug2hUo1bjUMsFSHFt-RiDbVcPIUan96PzWTbSB6_vEQpWskYbB62P1bbggt1Mg8ow7Do2vgZqU/s320/PB160024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406013163202563778" /><div style="text-align: left;">After snack they kids get back in the circle for story time or in this case to honor the birthday girl. She wore her crown for a few seconds. The teacher on the left is her preschool teacher, Ms. Kathy and the one of the right is her special ed teacher, Mary Jo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhentCK9pvQ0QHqqMWib6wFBp8eJifB0adWDxWm4KdJicG496Z9hqFpsUAzw0MiZlRBsZNEQsF7tmxjw-uaoGyoRX-dwvuV9woGv9Xnc6Q8eZHO0wqLqUr86z4UBUfdvg_YpzmE3t2M5aU/s320/PB160025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406013173324330002" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made a board of Emma's family. I stuck a few pictures of various family members. She named everyone in the picture. After that Jim read her favorite story. Emma really enjoyed it and would either sign words or say them after Jim would read. It was so sweet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnHdAfpIppVdl1IWWqkN_zt51QDZJJMUO1AlZCdMpzdfdaNHWABdJmVdpA7oN-E3EgoU9giNW97LB-L6lb8jDl9ysED1qyWzU5rIk0nDq6VKU2ldEw-zCB78LpM-SQk2JRDoSRYW1Vpg/s320/PB160023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406013161470892690" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is what Evan did almost the entire time. He loved playing and really didn't want to leave. Especially when Emma and her classmates went outside to play. I think he will be ready for school when the time comes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-b7GA5_f76qgLOBFp6jlPQTYgC2BODzfM6JhLCxECOxwWbf0IrMz6fT6FPUo-9p2rhGt49GNmHMjwr2DjNRlpym5M8H0pynCEH1xXyPJOx05ddSjBNKEnguorRJ4uXJJUsY991OoMm4/s320/PB170028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406012554656554626" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is Emma waiting for the bus on her actual birthday. She knows to hold on to her backpack and we wait for the bus. The bus driver calls her smiley. She is usually very happy on the bus. That makes me very happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ai1erto216OVjeo5h04EGEJiV2DJK-xcNA53luxfkpBOxuEJ9q5ds4OLQOIDXBcFVregl4KXgO-UefvS6fP2V1TeiiutUCqncdHIF3wsDDKrC50Ygd_nbnFQ4_IUrPYt_qxHkFAO6Pk/s320/PB190035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406012556817946178" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">O.K. so here is a sneak peek into the kitchen. It has been what feels like forever but things are finally coming together. We got the granite and the upper cabinets installed today. Tomorrow will be the tile, some painting and more cabinet work ( I think). Next week will be the final coat on the flooring and the following week should be the wrap of week and the painting should get done as well. I really love how things are looking. I hope to someday get all the before and afters posted. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Martyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16977492849741354483noreply@blogger.com3