tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12672803274730848402024-03-05T03:04:24.254-08:00Jody's Jots, a little of this a little of that...jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-76227506499361049542013-01-13T21:56:00.001-08:002013-01-13T22:02:33.749-08:00Christmas 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GAn7ECEEdQXIfhxU73E6EYzU5k4NMrfmpYs7r9vJ_fIFjWWVyQXy5l9HZOE31WVHgNfhD2QdkQH4AY6tS36Kh286bXBu-022hLjy8JOswM8hQtTHhZfUXKvegoAKdM8ijXt5c3tsG7lM/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GAn7ECEEdQXIfhxU73E6EYzU5k4NMrfmpYs7r9vJ_fIFjWWVyQXy5l9HZOE31WVHgNfhD2QdkQH4AY6tS36Kh286bXBu-022hLjy8JOswM8hQtTHhZfUXKvegoAKdM8ijXt5c3tsG7lM/s200/IMG_2988.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Shoeing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Christmas 2012 was a wonderful season. This was the most nonstressful Christmas ever. Shopping was a week long event (instead of the usual several months), we saw the Forgotten Carols, The Nutcracker, and the Donny and Marie Christmas Show. Christmas Eve found us at the Cathedral of the Madeleine for their annual Christmas Mass. It is a beautiful way to start Christmas Eve. I love worshiping with people from all denominations and walks of life. The music defies description. After Mass we came home, got dinner ready, and talked to our Cameron for two hours. He is doing so well, we even got to see his face on Skype, what a miracle. He looks great he sounds great! We are so proud of him and can't wait to see him in July : )<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitch got new skis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBZ-bgrb2QdKejTy6ObOzWxO0uitcu9CCck4wq0spS5WLusOK3-sxSjMR6LzU8uLvLFPPaKOmxWmw0Hhigsqj_0MLONu13PeiYdEzwjWXrKp9AxlhaionG1lr2jFtNFv4JaapkyQJypZh/s1600/IMG_2904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBZ-bgrb2QdKejTy6ObOzWxO0uitcu9CCck4wq0spS5WLusOK3-sxSjMR6LzU8uLvLFPPaKOmxWmw0Hhigsqj_0MLONu13PeiYdEzwjWXrKp9AxlhaionG1lr2jFtNFv4JaapkyQJypZh/s200/IMG_2904.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nutcracker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl7psh_uIjVshz5e81pE108AiS3mNZhQr9LmkydYeVhVySAMnIVafTuEIj-4Xgq4TnJ51XxpcWYZY77LqTdfc9yn0WIatma4fIblY8ksvX9rpF_VWpWjDJcvPoH6WqFj-XijvN_FUkrkk/s1600/IMG_2932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl7psh_uIjVshz5e81pE108AiS3mNZhQr9LmkydYeVhVySAMnIVafTuEIj-4Xgq4TnJ51XxpcWYZY77LqTdfc9yn0WIatma4fIblY8ksvX9rpF_VWpWjDJcvPoH6WqFj-XijvN_FUkrkk/s200/IMG_2932.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sledding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sledding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later in the evening, we enjoyed our annual testimony meeting as a family. It is so beautiful to share personal witness of the Savior with the glow of the Christmas tree. I love this time of year. I love Temple Square with the beautiful lights and nativities, i love our house festooned with our nativities from around the world, i love family, celebrations, dinners, good food, gatherings, family, carols, ward dinners, Festival of Trees, parties, more good food, shopping, family, and more good food. I think everyone should be home for Christmas every year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Newlyweds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Christmas night we went to Grandpa and Grandma Meiners' house for the ritual of feasting and Pounce (a favorite family card game). It was a great day. Toby took the week off so we could just relax, sled, snow shoe, eat, and enjoy. We took the family to Les Miserable, what a powerful story of redemption and forgiveness. I loved having Cristy here for the holidays, she almost didn't make it and that would have been a tragedy. Home for Christmas, that is where everyone belongs.jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-21769331319945189532013-01-13T11:33:00.000-08:002013-01-13T11:33:10.841-08:00Thanksgiving 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWrv2o0laqqMATtmNm-fe62nlhQj-gUYp9rCt2Z0KwEWH-JXXJ1ngTKb9dG2NiVawgH9hwCJKGw4ZJdwBt8MMh4Maytjci2Kr1TJFTc7YX7ubNIL0kzV4cVdgxQ4n_P1BUrMqKA0Vmwnh/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWrv2o0laqqMATtmNm-fe62nlhQj-gUYp9rCt2Z0KwEWH-JXXJ1ngTKb9dG2NiVawgH9hwCJKGw4ZJdwBt8MMh4Maytjci2Kr1TJFTc7YX7ubNIL0kzV4cVdgxQ4n_P1BUrMqKA0Vmwnh/s320/thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving at the Hawkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm trying to get caught up to 2013 but i just want to add a paragraph or two about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving was fabulous, one of my favorites to date. The whole family was together (except Cam in the Philippines) even my brother Jeff and Bridget came from Colorado. Our new house is double the size of our old house yet our kitchen space is smaller, so the question of where to have thanksgiving loomed large. The garage was decided upon and with the help of Ashley, Mariah, Cristy, Toby, and Taylor we transformed the garage in to a respectable dining hall. Everything was beautiful and tasty!<br />
<br />
The day started with the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and the roasting of the turkey. It was an unusually warm Thanksgiving day in Utah, somewhere in the upper 40's. A regular heat wave. We took advantage of visiting cousins and spend a couple of hours at the local trampoline gym jumping our way to happiness. There were about 20 of us. I haven't flipped, flopped, or jumped so much in years, it was a perfect pregorging activity.<br />
<br />
I loved having Jered, Mariah, and Luke, Tay and Ash spend the week with us. It was fast and furious, but wonderful. It was a sort of a combo Thanksgiving/Christmas for us. We saw the lights at Temple Square, ate food, went shopping, crafted a little, went to the movie, ate a little more and enjoyed playing games with Cristy and Jeff one night.<br />
<br />
I love thanksgiving. It is everything a special occasion should be; good food, good people, good times! Thank you dear people for joining us.jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-71865502705275492052012-12-30T15:27:00.001-08:002012-12-30T15:27:57.593-08:00Chickens and Pots
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8evp-SQABbHw1kSNuBQVKJhqnb9jlKNw3xfpaVCvdzsSRsqotoF4fGXTV8RSUv9L52bHgapiN7yElPIjKZ2TIj9f4x7mxx9i2REfrzt6MRe8JybTfJVW8OLnVMRhK1qy-PM2lHHNWfutO/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8evp-SQABbHw1kSNuBQVKJhqnb9jlKNw3xfpaVCvdzsSRsqotoF4fGXTV8RSUv9L52bHgapiN7yElPIjKZ2TIj9f4x7mxx9i2REfrzt6MRe8JybTfJVW8OLnVMRhK1qy-PM2lHHNWfutO/s320/IMG_2736.JPG" width="320" /></a>I started this blog as a blog about my chickens. We moved in May and left the chickens
behind. It was a sad thing; I miss
my ladies every day. I traded my
chickens for a studio. The biggest selling point for our new home was an amazing
studio. I went from an 8x8 foot
shoebox to a 30x20 foot work room.
</div>
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In the beginning of October I was asked to sell my pottery
in a boutique. I was
terrified. Should I?? I didn’t feel ready. It was a dream I have had for years,
but was the timing right? I
stewed, I pondered, I stressed, I agonized. I was still turning the idea over in my mind when I went to
visit Cristy. I sat by a lady on
the plane who has become my best customer. She was so complimentive. She loved bowls with carvings (I thought I was alone), she
loved bright colored bowls, she loved leaves, and poka dots, and pots with
faces. She loved braided handles
and platters with carvings. Was it
a sign? Was she just being
nice? I didn’t know. I was skeptical.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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When I returned home she called me and made a sizable
order. I was humbled I was
excited. She wanted me to teach
her 18-year-old son who serves as a TA in the ceramic classes at Davis
High. I wondered if I had anything
new to teach him. It has since
become a wonderful experience. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP06lnupzMQiI_TlUARmyPLZ4lQZefpqn0gchyphenhyphenR5tExRL_4fSlOS8dqN4Uv8ZNF73TXx_BPDoFzGzrunSLGBFTn6ug9rzoq1R3bqyfSOlQMKfGn8wUL7JirQKTAJswIgRlVJ9vFgm6Dn6/s1600/IMG_2738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP06lnupzMQiI_TlUARmyPLZ4lQZefpqn0gchyphenhyphenR5tExRL_4fSlOS8dqN4Uv8ZNF73TXx_BPDoFzGzrunSLGBFTn6ug9rzoq1R3bqyfSOlQMKfGn8wUL7JirQKTAJswIgRlVJ9vFgm6Dn6/s200/IMG_2738.jpg" width="150" /></a>Was I was ready to walk naked upon the art stage? I had a dream the week before the show
that I was swimming in the ocean with Toby and Jered. They had an inflatable inner tube. I was treading water.
They yelled at me to look backwards and there loomed a 90-foot wave,
three feet from where I was treading water. They were safe, I knew that, but I was in deep trouble. I knew I had to hold my breath until
the wave passed. It was
terrifying. The dream stayed with
me for weeks.</div>
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I agreed to do my first sell with only five weeks to
spare. I explained to Toby what
this would mean he willingly agreed to support me. My family ate a lot of Little Caesar Pizza. I worked harder than I ever had in my
life. I threw, trimmed, glazed,
and wedged. I worked ceaselessly
every chance I got and late into the night most nights. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOv_x8YFZHCQuVckYQnIVTHjQx8Fu9iQlSHsN2xS43ezXVopVvg1kVqo0uNE_qOmDvE5gyJ2lUEHd2-zVYukRLKJz_8m6cFk_n2ILpHsE0h3L0QLLMOMsIMNwfJ5gH2Ld3V4haUMV4_oI/s1600/IMG_2853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOv_x8YFZHCQuVckYQnIVTHjQx8Fu9iQlSHsN2xS43ezXVopVvg1kVqo0uNE_qOmDvE5gyJ2lUEHd2-zVYukRLKJz_8m6cFk_n2ILpHsE0h3L0QLLMOMsIMNwfJ5gH2Ld3V4haUMV4_oI/s320/IMG_2853.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVoDdJojWGZSrOcvlkHcFJz1CNCMstxiPXHS09R9dfKhtBBpHjMDMjIgQExf3BC5PiaJBWX4Thdq58QMorgbEXHZAXjya6RRMqEtyUAfWa_otDEnVIQlUw691qRkbAY76ThxT_73Kqoor/s1600/IMG_2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVoDdJojWGZSrOcvlkHcFJz1CNCMstxiPXHS09R9dfKhtBBpHjMDMjIgQExf3BC5PiaJBWX4Thdq58QMorgbEXHZAXjya6RRMqEtyUAfWa_otDEnVIQlUw691qRkbAY76ThxT_73Kqoor/s200/IMG_2862.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQfiDbzKP-K_ysjy7bkmbCtW4luacFH-FIzNiqTi96TUCjnePMheUpafX6aGv3gdG4BbS6UeZLfVZSPbheKnDqp2sqPLr6QY4uNS7zKU963zFAdNtuMRasxjshD_rtGifmjMCX9vJxasp/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQfiDbzKP-K_ysjy7bkmbCtW4luacFH-FIzNiqTi96TUCjnePMheUpafX6aGv3gdG4BbS6UeZLfVZSPbheKnDqp2sqPLr6QY4uNS7zKU963zFAdNtuMRasxjshD_rtGifmjMCX9vJxasp/s200/IMG_2855.JPG" width="200" /></a>The day of the show came. My wonderful family came and supported me. It was more than I could have
dreamed. Although traffic was
light, I still sold a lot of bowls.
When the day was done, I was happy and yet a little sad, I couldn’t
place my feelings. Immediately I
came home and started working on a second show 3 weeks hence with Thanksgiving in
the middle. Again, I had great
success and sold every bowl I brought (except some bright, happy bowls which
will have to wait for spring) every platter, tortilla warmer, and pot. Toby asked me how it went and again I
was elated and a little sad.
WHY?!? It didn’t make
sense. It took me awhile -
12 months of my pottery life was gone.
My bowls are my friends, they have replaced my ladies. They are mostly one-of-a-kind. I am not a fast potter. I labor and stew over each bowl and
piece. They are a little part of
me. I breathed life into clay and
make it functional. I loved to go
down to my studio and just look around.
Now, there are only empty shelves waiting to be filled. I received many orders from the second show
and spent all of December making more platters and bowls. I told Toby I was going to write a book
called, “The Inconvenient Dream”. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I’m looking ahead to 2013. I don’t know where pottery will take me. Will I do more shows? Will I just make things for people I
love and special orders? I don’t
know. I haven’t decided. I learned a lot this fall. It was an experience I will never
forget. I have miles to go to
before I become the potter I would like to be but thank you for all your
support these past couple of months.
It has been an amazing ride!<br />
<!--EndFragment-->jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-71875964018990287462012-12-30T14:44:00.000-08:002013-01-13T22:03:58.774-08:0050?!?!? WHAT THE HECK?!? When did that happen?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’ll admit i had a hard time turning 50. Birthdays? What are those?
Just a time to get together and a good excuse to eat cake without
guilt. I didn’t mind turning 20,
30, 40 felt like a holiday, a freedom from 30’s (those were hard years) but
50?!? Seriously, that is a big
number and what does it even mean?
Am I too old for skinny pants?
Am I too old to go to the trampoline park with my kids (who aren’t
really kids anymore). Am I old
enough that I can wear bling without my son telling me I should move to Tooele? At what age can wear what we want? Tierra’s and cupcake dresses? Hmm, I think
that ship sailed and I wasn’t on board, unfortunately. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NV4GIwWWEpcl1i1bTeaLtKfl8KTngOsrM_UO8FKCJUNShnwyqFDFOMqFsTruXvge_EOwzDW3gV-uGOuy_PH7dmN9_7A9qjUQPo1QXfDGQx-xUwlH3MvUqOz5bNGLji3BfSTH3N-RS1Hi/s1600/IMG_2833+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NV4GIwWWEpcl1i1bTeaLtKfl8KTngOsrM_UO8FKCJUNShnwyqFDFOMqFsTruXvge_EOwzDW3gV-uGOuy_PH7dmN9_7A9qjUQPo1QXfDGQx-xUwlH3MvUqOz5bNGLji3BfSTH3N-RS1Hi/s320/IMG_2833+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfGQu2dE9-mt7bma47qDDeNCaWddf25pMmLLhPsy3-Ld4Zidq4nLNnJ0yaNjZdVLD5nTq2KMDiFNv6Ejn8uLFE4j7bqI9GAAGHwgHnancqvXD1w3HFBzcCjFe_deeD_WN7BwWm9zJi4xW/s1600/IMG_2822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfGQu2dE9-mt7bma47qDDeNCaWddf25pMmLLhPsy3-Ld4Zidq4nLNnJ0yaNjZdVLD5nTq2KMDiFNv6Ejn8uLFE4j7bqI9GAAGHwgHnancqvXD1w3HFBzcCjFe_deeD_WN7BwWm9zJi4xW/s320/IMG_2822.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWZm0SZ1tEMz3K-tiMUKOWpJE3oByjhNggzKYbZPrwT8b1xzcq5ckQckWEDa_XwtqFIseI0yRRYcYOY9qnv5udrRkYK8YCZqXPzLbaLQ-uewetTcQE-Ybm2GETTc7Q4FBiQWyg3bcL2ux/s1600/IMG_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWZm0SZ1tEMz3K-tiMUKOWpJE3oByjhNggzKYbZPrwT8b1xzcq5ckQckWEDa_XwtqFIseI0yRRYcYOY9qnv5udrRkYK8YCZqXPzLbaLQ-uewetTcQE-Ybm2GETTc7Q4FBiQWyg3bcL2ux/s320/IMG_2762.jpg" width="240" /></a>But 50, that was a hard pill to swallow. I don’t feel any different than I did
20 years ago. In fact, I feel
better. I have more stamina, more
energy, and more passion for life.
I don’t want to get old.
That’s all. I love life, I
want to drink from it deeply forever, I don’t want to get senile (more than I already
am). I want to travel and put in
18 hour days and never slow down. I
want to have energy for my grandkids; I just don’t want to be some old lady
that they can’t relate to. I feel
bad for Mitch. When Mariah
and Taylor were teenagers we were in our 30’s and now Mitch has an old
mom. I never saw it coming. No one warned me that I would go to bed
in my 30’s and wake up 50. That’s
how it feels. I don’t recognize
the person in the mirror, that can’t possible be me; I am young. I feel young. It is weird.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYIrFJlh6HOCjcKRKTEGyaImPMpEWAxjuTWJ8hKeQI_YdZWmAsywUwQMW4vSKpJCkTEsMykyzUyUPeYUwTnDERs25jWc8bC_ma6OCTvbI5pRH0tO7kfFxxjX6zGhetZeLc6apiuDibtQ7/s1600/IMG_2774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYIrFJlh6HOCjcKRKTEGyaImPMpEWAxjuTWJ8hKeQI_YdZWmAsywUwQMW4vSKpJCkTEsMykyzUyUPeYUwTnDERs25jWc8bC_ma6OCTvbI5pRH0tO7kfFxxjX6zGhetZeLc6apiuDibtQ7/s320/IMG_2774.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke sitting on my stomach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In spite of all my misgivings, I had a terrific birth-day or
birth-week. I flew to DC and spent 30 perfect hours with my sister, Cristy (we saw the ballet Dracula), I spend my birthday at the zoo with Toby, Luke, Mariah, Rob and crew, Taylor threw me amazing party, Toby got me a slab-roller for pottery, friends, and family
were amazing. I felt loved and
supported and I did eat cake, lots of delicious cake (thanks Margaret). I’ll take that fuel and more forward
for hopefully 50 more! Thank you
wonderful people, I love you all!!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-84317076215097651172012-12-30T14:00:00.003-08:002012-12-30T14:00:33.899-08:00Technology Overload<br />
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I am feeling slightly
technologically overloaded these days. Taylor mentioned that he was going
to write a book about all the things i don't know about technology. While
that may be true please let it be stated here, for time and all eternity, that
i did unlock my own Apple phone this month. I may not have a lot to brag
about, but i am proud of that accomplishment. Between Facebook, Blogger,
Instagram, Pinterest, text, email, and now, Google plus (if i want to see
pictures of Luke), it just seems like a lot (and no, i don't twitter).
Remember when people passed notes in class and you got mail in the
mailbox? Remember Photo mat where pictures were developed (i actually
applied to work at Photo mat but was denied because i failed the prerequisite
math test)? Why is that suddenly sounding easier? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Why is keeping track of
your third cousin once removed now a prerequisite and answering 50 emails a day
part of etiquette. With a camera
on our phone, we also have apx 2,000 pictures a year to sort and index.
As the comic Jim Gafferty said, "i have more pictures of my son than
my dad ever looked at me". Am i the only one on technology overload?
Hmm, so... in my quest to sort out all the before mentioned communication
options, I'm trying to decide what to do about blogging. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When i saw my friend Karen's book she made from her blog, i started
writing. I loved her book. These days i don't scrap book, or
journal (i write Cameron each week instead), so i liked the idea of a photo
journal, a sort of family history. The problem is i have been a terrible
slacker. So... my goal now made public (or at least to Karen as she is my
only reader) i vow to do better. I will blog at least once a month.
There, it isn't much, but it is a start. On we go soldiers of
technology! I am going to catch up
from the fall and then march forward. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-29293421314300405252012-11-11T20:05:00.001-08:002012-11-11T20:05:19.553-08:00Mitch and NUAMES<h2>
<br />Mitch’s First day of High School by Mitch and Mom</h2>
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It all
started this morning when my mom took the wrong turn and got on the freeway
instead of Woodscross where the bus was supposed to pick me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She let me out on the freeway entrance
and I started walking to the bus stop as fast as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a ride by the only person I knew going to NUAMES.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We missed
the bus and sped as fast we could to Bountiful High School where we also missed
the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then drove at mach 5
to the next pick up which was Viewmont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the mean time, my mom was driving at mach 5 to the next freeway exit,
ran a red light and sped back to find me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She saw the NUAMES bus leave the highschool as she was still on the freeway
trying to get to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she got
to the school I wasn’t there and she couldn’t figure out where I had gone as
she saw that I had missed the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She sped to Viewmont to make sure I was on the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she got there she was shocked to
see me waiting for the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me
my lunch and all was well.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the way to school I
had a sound track of odd kids making pokemon noises and talking about World of
War Craft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the other kids
on the bus were talking about Mind Craft or Star Craft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was entering alien territory.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When we
arrived at school I was about ready to shoot myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started with period 5, English, not much to talk about
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next I had Digital
Photography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am very excited
about this class as we are learning everything about Photoshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an assignment to take 20 pictures of specific items
for next weeks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next came
lunch. It is weird to have only two periods and then lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ate with the girl that gave me a ride
to school, Witley, which is the weirdest name on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lots of people with strange
names at that school, one girl (im not making this up) her first name is Demo
and last name is Lition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only at
NUAMES.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a weird girl, so it
fits ish. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After lunch
I had math, gotta love math.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
taught by a Russian lady who spells everything wrong on the board as she can’t
speak the language too well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are guinea pigs in a new math class that has never been taught before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish me luck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next came
Engineering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is cool, we have
an assignment to make a paper bridge to span between two boxes with no other
materials than paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
excited. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After school
we had our First Robotic club class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am way excited the last group that did it won the state championship
and went on to the world championship that is held in St. Louis and got 81<sup>st</sup>
out of 83! It was U.S. and then all those Asian countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After First
Robotics the fun began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First I
couldn’t find a bus to take me to the Front Runner Train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called my mom but she didn’t want to
drive all the way to Layton as they told her there was a bus that left from the
school and I needed to figure it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was about 3:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
took me a long time to figure out where the bus was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So… the first bus took me in the wrong direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed on the bus to loop back
around to the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way
back to the school we as we were driving along (I was the only passenger) a truck
with a trailer on it was trying to turn and didn’t see us, we tried to swerve
out of the way but it bashed into the back of us and we did a 180 and almost
tipped over. My neck still hurts.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After all police in Utah came and I had to fill out 1000 forms about the accident
(they wont be able to read them, have you seen my handwriting?) That took about
an hour and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I got on
the same number bus and had to go all the way back where I turned around,
waited another hour to get on a different bus that took me the front runner
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way to the station
we stopped at a train crossing and watched my train leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was about 30 seconds late : (.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to wait another hour for the next
train.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89U7X4mfdA8ZXkLwSmU58Dx-DQNSrZsQgDdmSYaybv650bVYTvIOllMwMp06gancJu5MIrkFIAZlCFsRpFKKhZaVpHs1B2HYrd9lqfCCu-XG2maNDIlq3FAW8MCNygjXNW4209-WoYfdN/s1600/IMG_2518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89U7X4mfdA8ZXkLwSmU58Dx-DQNSrZsQgDdmSYaybv650bVYTvIOllMwMp06gancJu5MIrkFIAZlCFsRpFKKhZaVpHs1B2HYrd9lqfCCu-XG2maNDIlq3FAW8MCNygjXNW4209-WoYfdN/s200/IMG_2518.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnvu3spCUanz3tarDtf-L3wsZgZJWO8BGhoi7DthRPssjyhPogyY1UhQY4C-cjG_DjCw0AuxNv6pq_Vj3oKqeW-9LM2jBGpjUvxog4yv2S-PZNRpre3gLOvCe4XtccUo9G_fQukbaGgJm/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnvu3spCUanz3tarDtf-L3wsZgZJWO8BGhoi7DthRPssjyhPogyY1UhQY4C-cjG_DjCw0AuxNv6pq_Vj3oKqeW-9LM2jBGpjUvxog4yv2S-PZNRpre3gLOvCe4XtccUo9G_fQukbaGgJm/s200/Unknown.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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In the
meantime (since I never called or texted my mom), she was calling the police to
see what had happened to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
got a call about 6:00 from a police office who told her that my bus had been in
an accident and he had my Park city ski pass. That’s all he told her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that police hadn’t called she
wouldn’t have heard a thing from 3:30 until 8 when I finally got to
Woodscross!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lets pause and feel
sorry for my mom who was going crazy wondering what happened to her little boy
on his first day of high school!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
phone was dead and I didn’t want to use the little bit of batteries I had. I wanted to save the battery so I
could call when I finally got to Woodscross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor mom</div>
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<br /></div>
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So at 8 I
arrived safe and sound ish…, 5 ½ hours after school was out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went for ice cream and are now
writing this note as not to forget my first day of High school!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-33550777425071849332012-11-11T19:47:00.002-08:002012-11-11T19:51:06.325-08:00August, September 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0kU-JEyKB6nzddZwfjvZtuSJG7Reb0XeQyfvPiROcUJzAnUVclzpaXzjBx2XULHUs-q6SnjYIoaSaSXd70jzrKP9SQF1OolDief6AfBh83n_C0vAX-1H4_L3ZLwilHJ6H2EGjrxvCHY_/s1600/IMG_2458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0kU-JEyKB6nzddZwfjvZtuSJG7Reb0XeQyfvPiROcUJzAnUVclzpaXzjBx2XULHUs-q6SnjYIoaSaSXd70jzrKP9SQF1OolDief6AfBh83n_C0vAX-1H4_L3ZLwilHJ6H2EGjrxvCHY_/s200/IMG_2458.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuPK0PojABaO3bH8Ae68R2W6AZC5afyQYPUB0InXiUQYH0-J6MNxk7UwjtCHeTdy-cJXEMa0r7HjEW0Bp3ewcMy0-EcLHBWbjbBwSvBjHRcnHRdLr4KcUrJcv7YIiJJIpNbp31-u0QvdO/s1600/IMG_2451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuPK0PojABaO3bH8Ae68R2W6AZC5afyQYPUB0InXiUQYH0-J6MNxk7UwjtCHeTdy-cJXEMa0r7HjEW0Bp3ewcMy0-EcLHBWbjbBwSvBjHRcnHRdLr4KcUrJcv7YIiJJIpNbp31-u0QvdO/s200/IMG_2451.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QiTusX8-qKbRIwlFM8ihSgjKlT-lum166T0neo1oI9KvhheiZsWacwxenRoaeeWYqYYmrDFQJULJ1mv-Amfw8sYD2l-hV08mW1j0kyw0ZQ_sxGe-3DZ9Tqik7BVvjYti2IGcik7rzjUT/s1600/IMG_2423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QiTusX8-qKbRIwlFM8ihSgjKlT-lum166T0neo1oI9KvhheiZsWacwxenRoaeeWYqYYmrDFQJULJ1mv-Amfw8sYD2l-hV08mW1j0kyw0ZQ_sxGe-3DZ9Tqik7BVvjYti2IGcik7rzjUT/s200/IMG_2423.jpg" width="150" /></h2>
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stunning Sun Valley</span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> July brought me to Sun Valley with some of my favorite people- my parents and sister Cristy. We rode bikes everywhere. To town, around town, to watch the hang gliders, to see the beautiful valley, to shop, to eat carmel apples, to visit the lodge, and just for fun. We spent time in book stores, in our favorite Indiana Jones Store, art galleries and even spent a minute or two in a pottery store. </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ate, hiked, biked, talked, swam, watched the hang gliders every morning and evening. We watched the opening of the Summer Olympics that took place in London. We stayed in a nice little condo with breath taking views of the mountains. We took a lovely drive to a meadow and took a hundred pictures (dad has them all). We made yummy omelets, ordered too much pizza and even got to read. What a perfect four days!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Girls Trip to St. George</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NwP7ybPVpE7bxGs3xkwWNmSkyJxlbcAFsRA_72408sNxmxB5NlCBVRWEwF4UEzhukOo8HQ_Th5kyW6Hi6MKGPJ9AU_-MWzgp04C6606H-44iVsiZYNicTBHHyKRsprOQRA4hSMQT3kaE/s1600/IMG_2596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NwP7ybPVpE7bxGs3xkwWNmSkyJxlbcAFsRA_72408sNxmxB5NlCBVRWEwF4UEzhukOo8HQ_Th5kyW6Hi6MKGPJ9AU_-MWzgp04C6606H-44iVsiZYNicTBHHyKRsprOQRA4hSMQT3kaE/s200/IMG_2596.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvPgPO5eAm4pYHd45dkcA6qXctahBHJ_uE6X9U0pstNh6ksbHAhZGx6dshPLa5jLNhCojIhxP-FxSHdzLcVAI_9wsPza4-UcHntuQ7zqGFIpxcFXzXscT7sN-kTHtFX_x_FwtDG-6wvJY/s1600/IMG_2642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvPgPO5eAm4pYHd45dkcA6qXctahBHJ_uE6X9U0pstNh6ksbHAhZGx6dshPLa5jLNhCojIhxP-FxSHdzLcVAI_9wsPza4-UcHntuQ7zqGFIpxcFXzXscT7sN-kTHtFX_x_FwtDG-6wvJY/s200/IMG_2642.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSels4Q3eIN31z-GbhTQQ86frMe8d9u3BezNSw3XQpbFiMm3NdWTg6FyioIVvdLpFC7y6tSVpBu4Aa8xCOvtjwZq5fcSwWiF9MlBSeD1gAkO3U0ieYa_r8L5iJjhqK0kXrmJAFN2GSmrm/s1600/IMG_2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSels4Q3eIN31z-GbhTQQ86frMe8d9u3BezNSw3XQpbFiMm3NdWTg6FyioIVvdLpFC7y6tSVpBu4Aa8xCOvtjwZq5fcSwWiF9MlBSeD1gAkO3U0ieYa_r8L5iJjhqK0kXrmJAFN2GSmrm/s200/IMG_2592.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September brought a girls trip. Mariah, Ash, Luke and I traveled to St. George for four relaxing days. Summers are a little hard on Mom's and working women so the escape was the perfect tonic. We shopped, swam, walked, and even biked for a minute or two. Ash and Mariah were able to go to the St. George Temple and attend the production of Aladdin at Tuacahn while Luke and I hung out. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We crafted, watched movies, ate Mexican food, baked goodies in the condo and generally relaxed and enjoyed. We swam each day and enjoyed perfect weather. Warm and wonderful, my favorite. The best afternoon was spent in the St. George DI where we found all sorts of treasures. i wish we had taken pictures. Luke was a real trooper through it all. The time went way to quickly and soon it was time to return home. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRpeNExxmPKqyslkaXyGGLGOFHoIgOCNNKW93rD_6Coyf00sN79iz7pFQNBZ3qvbOptI7lxFHDQ8yqYD9N2r8vkG4flapDjsouYdE71DPxj0ZJjVbVq_6DPSdDeqvOjVL1D5Zzp7lJoTk/s1600/IMG_2620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRpeNExxmPKqyslkaXyGGLGOFHoIgOCNNKW93rD_6Coyf00sN79iz7pFQNBZ3qvbOptI7lxFHDQ8yqYD9N2r8vkG4flapDjsouYdE71DPxj0ZJjVbVq_6DPSdDeqvOjVL1D5Zzp7lJoTk/s200/IMG_2620.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q19iE5Vca_AU07nuFN3Wqn3HkLnRxoPdsVT9150CxaSoAXfrORAT9bbS6dhaxdKbZDt0Q_q3M3ov8OWAi2R9ZgaUuogO1lImcjvZsByl1CNDycyOmbHoQoxPbbPivejP9-MGbjB_fLX-/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q19iE5Vca_AU07nuFN3Wqn3HkLnRxoPdsVT9150CxaSoAXfrORAT9bbS6dhaxdKbZDt0Q_q3M3ov8OWAi2R9ZgaUuogO1lImcjvZsByl1CNDycyOmbHoQoxPbbPivejP9-MGbjB_fLX-/s200/IMG_2625.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of hours after we returned home we had a birthday dinner here for Kathryn, Mom and Mariah. It was fun to get-together with the family. i love my family, i love my girls, I love my sisters, and i love my mom! </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL_qd-_r3Mlk3bdHSWtP8D8hipUgHDG66QqAJO9VaVWZIZ_Q6ynUsEHPPVLSFyq6fuyCkLRz44zLcICRNZV9uNpZ9wxRr8Z0G1bJSutgKwhfOirAwl4jaXe-7Tco7plfXp3x-r1MCC2dx/s1600/IMG_2618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL_qd-_r3Mlk3bdHSWtP8D8hipUgHDG66QqAJO9VaVWZIZ_Q6ynUsEHPPVLSFyq6fuyCkLRz44zLcICRNZV9uNpZ9wxRr8Z0G1bJSutgKwhfOirAwl4jaXe-7Tco7plfXp3x-r1MCC2dx/s200/IMG_2618.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><br />
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<br />jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-84011409942320682632012-08-19T21:36:00.002-07:002012-08-19T22:00:14.640-07:00Lake Powell 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwegGuLWBYiyvxkFtxniUISnl0GOQCpE56tJYASiy4myzyQY-X94-BCfBl4aMv2CBJZoJGG3Hdfgjk4O3anCQh6epmFWibot-35y9oUJ67dpbXUtIUjKq4X604_B868_x5nWJQP_CKsCrK/s1600/DSCN3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwegGuLWBYiyvxkFtxniUISnl0GOQCpE56tJYASiy4myzyQY-X94-BCfBl4aMv2CBJZoJGG3Hdfgjk4O3anCQh6epmFWibot-35y9oUJ67dpbXUtIUjKq4X604_B868_x5nWJQP_CKsCrK/s200/DSCN3860.JPG" width="200" /></a>Lake Powell is the perfect place for a family vacation. There are no schedules to keep, no trains, planes or automobiles to worry about. Just 9 people, on a boat, on a lake, eating, laughing and enjoying each other. Having sailor Luke aboard this year made it even richer, although after Jered's comment that Luke would sink like a rock if he fell in the water sort of ruined my relaxation. I can't imagine having multiple little people to worry about on a houseboat, but one was perfect. Luke is a natural born sailor. </div>
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The water polo/basketball game was one of the highlights for me along with the amazing finger canyons of the lake. I also enjoyed the time we spent with the forest ranger atop a canyon ledge viewing the ancient remains of people long gone. Nothing is better than the fam together at Powell; each day was an adventure and the time went way too quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA02hu3WWoaJjRYC5650FiAEHP6IqswYCb6TtgZL5UpCm6hOq3aLXzKLkdnpDcLvtnZxv0KMM-Vv4WrYfMHMAenHYdbbnfQ7CM7nSSGkZWzJOW9jZl57z1giSGgOxstwdJk2M8QLNJ49_i/s1600/DSCN3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA02hu3WWoaJjRYC5650FiAEHP6IqswYCb6TtgZL5UpCm6hOq3aLXzKLkdnpDcLvtnZxv0KMM-Vv4WrYfMHMAenHYdbbnfQ7CM7nSSGkZWzJOW9jZl57z1giSGgOxstwdJk2M8QLNJ49_i/s200/DSCN3719.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3UGaYck2jOTuYMjbdPGoZHzNEJvW3DcBJc-xObYZuv8UervJzb4LB5KmQzhY4ZQYE5QOVp3NHcwrPhjAWeVtAWwwiFPpaQaeZloRplBUxfnsl-g43gLOw6E8Rk2HtsWBNyKJjFzjvdbs/s1600/DSCN3776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3UGaYck2jOTuYMjbdPGoZHzNEJvW3DcBJc-xObYZuv8UervJzb4LB5KmQzhY4ZQYE5QOVp3NHcwrPhjAWeVtAWwwiFPpaQaeZloRplBUxfnsl-g43gLOw6E8Rk2HtsWBNyKJjFzjvdbs/s200/DSCN3776.JPG" width="150" /></a>It was a perfectly relaxing vacation. With tubing, waterskiing, wake boarding, scurfing, cliff diving, swimming, eating, all with our fearless captain at the helm, we were in good hands. The weather was perfect and the deck hands were full of adventure although a little serious as you can see by the picture at the left.</div>
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Our only glitch happened the night before departing. About 11:00 Sat night as we lay on the top deck a storm came up. At first it was sand blowing in our faces and grit in our teeth. Tay asked Toby if the ski boat was tied securely and he was assured it that it was. As soon as Toby and Taylor looked over the side of the houseboat to ascertain that all was well, the rope broke which has secured the front of the ski boat to the houseboat. With that rope gone, the ski boat swung violently around and started bashing the swim deck against the houseboat with every breaking wave. Taylor and Toby hoped on the ski boat yelling for us to cut them free.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIKqu9hguV9v6yYNKcJK1Jb1SMKBurZkLnzu7HVTx7mi7DHYwLmbphzvYznsM4rGbDjslCsoJxk7XqRZYP_wQ-GIPw6UynASPwvunxYfcQESd6pWL_ljKS1uj4p-5ASmRgySGRDk1gEiB/s1600/storm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIKqu9hguV9v6yYNKcJK1Jb1SMKBurZkLnzu7HVTx7mi7DHYwLmbphzvYznsM4rGbDjslCsoJxk7XqRZYP_wQ-GIPw6UynASPwvunxYfcQESd6pWL_ljKS1uj4p-5ASmRgySGRDk1gEiB/s200/storm.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5srfAY6F6ygjnhP1iELKbmzc24RuxQiUKbLF-Ix9y3RB_ciDobwMj-OOA4QKYnmcdxNLhdt5PLQa0yFXFwv7QG1nPocnMPD6sEF3hh7GEZ1mkbx797hXSJ-WglblJG_jh9_0Ov_pscwe/s1600/DSCN3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5srfAY6F6ygjnhP1iELKbmzc24RuxQiUKbLF-Ix9y3RB_ciDobwMj-OOA4QKYnmcdxNLhdt5PLQa0yFXFwv7QG1nPocnMPD6sEF3hh7GEZ1mkbx797hXSJ-WglblJG_jh9_0Ov_pscwe/s200/DSCN3914.JPG" width="150" /></a>Cut them free?!? Are you kidding, I'm not going to send my husband and son out into a violent storm to save a ski boat. Set the boat free, but not the men. Mitch cut the rope and they immediately they were out of sight. We dropped to our knees and pled for their safety. It was an intense situation. The old adage that "sometimes God calms the sea and sometimes He calms the sailor" was true that night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdnZ5ZhvQzgQgVFzG6T8E-W3c5LHh4LWM4_u8MdaiV_rffStbHZEfVd78lXb-rOHrL7mujPl9lIOWQ6DIWLvHh8A36EIouPr2aLYBQr4-wUReoPNw6cb9wBHXIgGtb4dVPp1-l6g8KAsQ/s1600/powell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdnZ5ZhvQzgQgVFzG6T8E-W3c5LHh4LWM4_u8MdaiV_rffStbHZEfVd78lXb-rOHrL7mujPl9lIOWQ6DIWLvHh8A36EIouPr2aLYBQr4-wUReoPNw6cb9wBHXIgGtb4dVPp1-l6g8KAsQ/s200/powell.jpeg" width="200" /></a>The storm ranged on, but we felt peace. They called us about 45 minutes later to let us know they made it safely to the marina. About 12:30 they returned unharmed. There were many lessons learned that night, but one that i will never forget is how imperative it is that we have our personal ropes tied securely to the right principles and we don't cut loose from that anchor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mzU3nHl7XaQGg_vnjQkhiTtJxxdGakO1zX527XrRAMYa35i0kBshvZ6DyFSYV6HvE-5oU_fTPUhuZ2JlqND3zKZf07iHetmaT4gv8ml1XtI8nJpqeunpOpCm2FM9AiQazLEjm-PfrVZe/s1600/DSCN3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mzU3nHl7XaQGg_vnjQkhiTtJxxdGakO1zX527XrRAMYa35i0kBshvZ6DyFSYV6HvE-5oU_fTPUhuZ2JlqND3zKZf07iHetmaT4gv8ml1XtI8nJpqeunpOpCm2FM9AiQazLEjm-PfrVZe/s320/DSCN3942.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdOEx6z0r6zry4Cz4OY1aWfZPet8VZvY-0Wui29Ha2TSCNhiwCjFZ93lMAiUvTuaymbUksL9YLm28siuQwho8zHN1mpUpnYNZVyKKZ2qHUZb82dNKtSz1xk9048IqzLUVbEd8CVGdg6AU/s1600/DSCN3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdOEx6z0r6zry4Cz4OY1aWfZPet8VZvY-0Wui29Ha2TSCNhiwCjFZ93lMAiUvTuaymbUksL9YLm28siuQwho8zHN1mpUpnYNZVyKKZ2qHUZb82dNKtSz1xk9048IqzLUVbEd8CVGdg6AU/s200/DSCN3888.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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We missed you Cam, you love Lake Powell as much as i do. Next year you will complete the crew.<br />
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A fabulous trip, thank you sailors, I love you all!<br />
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<br />jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-1584224975597739262012-06-24T23:39:00.001-07:002012-06-24T23:39:21.947-07:00Italy- What more can i say?Italy, a dream come true. Italy was everything i dreamed it would be. Delicious food, amazing sites, breathtaking art, miraculous sculpting, astounding history and beautiful country sides. It didn't disappoint in any area, the only sad thing was that we had to leave after only 9 days. It was like going into the most scrumptious candy store and only tasting a couple of the delicacies. It left us wanting more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPaXJw5Uq95M0ixUmOFAlRATa1LJyKuvlcdqNmJBncuwpSIJhXYA5TBOY-bWR1N1INyo5aqgRabyQ3PFHE0yAtaUVx65cc8zWr2RY6_-nkKAsVmSZmMD4vujB7bA14vv1glf1XZq9wTa1/s1600/italy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPaXJw5Uq95M0ixUmOFAlRATa1LJyKuvlcdqNmJBncuwpSIJhXYA5TBOY-bWR1N1INyo5aqgRabyQ3PFHE0yAtaUVx65cc8zWr2RY6_-nkKAsVmSZmMD4vujB7bA14vv1glf1XZq9wTa1/s200/italy+3.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8_Q7QzkjxhDAwMm5xw5sPvyBUvGemTTifFRQP5nM0l4Xqu6A0SpD9z76CULG23GyP_zmLv_c8Tf0UBXKqBD6X3A5dtB5_loeAh1ojQFW0vR1OfAJ4VMSIiSwHP2__QfvSvTEd174X5zd/s1600/italy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8_Q7QzkjxhDAwMm5xw5sPvyBUvGemTTifFRQP5nM0l4Xqu6A0SpD9z76CULG23GyP_zmLv_c8Tf0UBXKqBD6X3A5dtB5_loeAh1ojQFW0vR1OfAJ4VMSIiSwHP2__QfvSvTEd174X5zd/s200/italy+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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We landed in Rome in the morning of May 4, 2012 with the help of trains, metro and car ride from the ever helpful Fabrizio, we dropped our bags at the hotel and beelined it straight for the Colosseum, the most iconic sight in Italy. The second we were off the train we knew we had been transported into a different time, culture, land and place. To say that the Colosseum is magnificent is a terrible understatement. Everything is big in Rome. The Colosseum sat 50,000 Plebes, Patricians, and slaves with its majestic architecture and artistry. While the structure is certainly impressive the history isn't. Up to 10,000 animals, criminals, homeless, handicapped, and beggars were slaughtered by gladiators during a single festival, one every 5 minutes. <br />
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From the magnificent Colosseum, we visited Constantine's victory arch followed by the Forum. The Forum is hard to envision. This is the land, the actual stones, roads, columns and sites that Julius Cesar saw each day. We walked the same roads, and sat on the very stone that his body was laid to rest after his murder by the senate 2000 years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM29mBTm_YfEyPxKPdTDNWYtwP1NAApFmy10Ih4Oj964e1HqNp6MavUKwJ3Dz9sVwPTJdsxKJ__ra6r50bZmcRwDzmWlAM8vB3Su10EM8N8qenEmCJIiPiiQdNGca7UiJ78iLyxOsR6il7/s1600/italy+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM29mBTm_YfEyPxKPdTDNWYtwP1NAApFmy10Ih4Oj964e1HqNp6MavUKwJ3Dz9sVwPTJdsxKJ__ra6r50bZmcRwDzmWlAM8vB3Su10EM8N8qenEmCJIiPiiQdNGca7UiJ78iLyxOsR6il7/s200/italy+5.jpg" width="150" /></a>From the Forum we walked to Palatine Hill which overlooked Circus Maximus which could seat 300,000 people, a third of the Roman citizens.<br />
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After more than 30 hours of not hitting a pillow we slept well that night especially with the help of pizza, caprice salad and yes, gellato.<br />
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Day two took us to the Vatican, the smallest country in the world. There is no possible way to describe the Vatican museum. We only had five hours to explore and hardly scratched the surface. The miles of sculpting, art and artifacts can only be appreciated in person. The cream-de la cream of course is the Sistine Chapel. With tears in my eyes, i stood in astonishment at so great an accomplishment. The room is smaller than either of us had anticipated, and a little sterile in structure but nothing could take away from the amazing scenes portrayed on the ceiling. It cost Michelangelo everything and i am grateful for his sacrifice. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxBL-EfyvDXC2tZhLurbwm_Lmdja0O6HQ95x7nRSrzIJA7sD7SJ7FLJiSVDVtX89PxkX2XBsKxGjLMMkb2m6gsEKqw9u3gN_eY26rwXfAYXBZiiDMgtotAntnDfYbU5-SMNPvXX87eVUQ/s1600/italy+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxBL-EfyvDXC2tZhLurbwm_Lmdja0O6HQ95x7nRSrzIJA7sD7SJ7FLJiSVDVtX89PxkX2XBsKxGjLMMkb2m6gsEKqw9u3gN_eY26rwXfAYXBZiiDMgtotAntnDfYbU5-SMNPvXX87eVUQ/s200/italy+13.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
St. Peters Basilica defies adjectives (i am running out anyway) described by many as the most beautiful building every made. There are 300 yards from front door to the seven story gold alter. Michelangelo's stuning Pieta nestles snuggly to the right of the entrance. St. Peters Basilica was completed around AD 349 but completely redone in 1506. It is filled with priceless art, sculpting 20 feet high, magnificent marble columns, the bones of Peter, and even a glass coffin containing a recent pope. We never had enough time anywhere we went and St. Peters was no exception.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu4v3swnKA_29c2XiTI-YE_OLPdbWSGJTNe7kbhdXF3E7WfsZEWpNt92xeJhc29BRuHoKajAdnBvofgMop7IghCFtVLLo1FmFed7W3ppzFXxsDfTtLgszFQoohhVPHaXfD3JOdWGhvPpC/s1600/italy+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu4v3swnKA_29c2XiTI-YE_OLPdbWSGJTNe7kbhdXF3E7WfsZEWpNt92xeJhc29BRuHoKajAdnBvofgMop7IghCFtVLLo1FmFed7W3ppzFXxsDfTtLgszFQoohhVPHaXfD3JOdWGhvPpC/s200/italy+8.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKSAXYGXkum0by1iQ6vM8xkIiPj8Lx5j3NMiCyo7ai-CJTK_Vp1aPUSlALNMO07ZNzyGVZ5Coo9of9chR_7rbhRdxTlW40XFMbEj7JuF-Z-MEaKby_a8bpLj50lVCRAGDg_2M98XSS8eV/s1600/italy+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKSAXYGXkum0by1iQ6vM8xkIiPj8Lx5j3NMiCyo7ai-CJTK_Vp1aPUSlALNMO07ZNzyGVZ5Coo9of9chR_7rbhRdxTlW40XFMbEj7JuF-Z-MEaKby_a8bpLj50lVCRAGDg_2M98XSS8eV/s200/italy+28.jpg" width="149" /></a>I can't write this much about each day. From the catacombs of St. Sabatione, baths of Caracalla, villa borghese, trastevere, roman roads, brushetta, squares, piazza's, fountains, sculptures, museums, art, art more art, churches so beautiful that if a single one was in America people would travel across the country to see it, yet in Rome there is literally a splendid church filled with priceless art on every block and no one seems to notice.<br />
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As old and full of history as Rome is, Florence feels new and enlightened. The birthplace of the Renaissance with it's buildings a mere 500 years old or so. The bed and breakfast we stayed in was in a 300 years old building, a new one we were told. Again, to walk the streets where the likes of DaVinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini, walked. i sat on the very rock that Dante wrote the Divine Comedy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T7oxUCFjcoQtmTsWLGlMsW3OZ-9oLu_nU6LZklGyZvwTa544iUr43YOCZ6xjPXP739K0FigeMXxFM7mFHv1-eGZjCbziuop6ZloELzpE8DIuG-iVeSfbh4B2lm2D1dzo70c1kTDFkNkN/s1600/mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T7oxUCFjcoQtmTsWLGlMsW3OZ-9oLu_nU6LZklGyZvwTa544iUr43YOCZ6xjPXP739K0FigeMXxFM7mFHv1-eGZjCbziuop6ZloELzpE8DIuG-iVeSfbh4B2lm2D1dzo70c1kTDFkNkN/s200/mom.JPG" width="200" /></a>We loved Florence, with the Duomo, the Medici family and all their estates, Michelangelo's stomping grounds, Bernini, Caravaggio, the quaint shops, pottery, gellato, pizza, piazza, statues and art. We even spent the night in a convent with a view of the Duomo out the window. A very walkable city with a surprise around every bend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgdfWAhkPaCHe9ZzH6VppC_3vUq3Jz4ohnNbbpHlL5AFxI_L5ERPKp2lSKGWDdnyVFYHtj0BL2IyG-xs-xVVpmPaXEAy4ax30pQenrgpS6lYfLj-Bi9xVSvDQE42YIWDq05U3cIVmZlCi/s1600/italy+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgdfWAhkPaCHe9ZzH6VppC_3vUq3Jz4ohnNbbpHlL5AFxI_L5ERPKp2lSKGWDdnyVFYHtj0BL2IyG-xs-xVVpmPaXEAy4ax30pQenrgpS6lYfLj-Bi9xVSvDQE42YIWDq05U3cIVmZlCi/s200/italy+21.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
We stole away from museums and art for a single day and did a day trip to the Cinque Terra, the Italian Riviera. What a treat that was. Beautiful shops, houses, painted orange, yellow and red, nestled atop the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean sea. <br />
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Back to Rome we traveled for three more days of wonders. We traversed the city on foot, train and taxi. Mostly on foot. We put in 17 hour days and literally ate our way through the historical city. With Rick Steves as our guide we tacked the ruins, pagan and christian sites, museums, catacombs, fountains and piazzas. Rick never led us astray and with the help of audio guides and endless study of his maps we never got lost (for very long).<br />
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With the greatest traveling companion, we saw, ate, visited, wept and drank deeply from the wells of Rome. It was only a sampling, we will return. Ciao for now.jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-48806334737452593012012-03-04T08:29:00.007-08:002012-03-04T09:10:11.257-08:00Our New Bundle of Wonderful!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV_WlGvJpcXz0itiuPyUVEujN1g4FqzPNiZkM65rs2dNTtxLE0Sae-BlNz3JdFk6kcVQnkbKJuvupDRTEkI0qLtC-_JMMcyU4BXf4rmv3EjlJ0OPPxlnmeruCQF6rxwXt0qS75wIFCxGb/s320/IMG_1404.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716086427489529426" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-neCfyvVSjuKH4ZCIve7xiDCmBsddCHneUBr5JJl4r_voDwdnX7sjIGDY2GCRVR4UTF0KrTKS3Z7F_fyg4CImsmzM5bXQUr5VxoJ6LhypQyla_sU7nAM9BoVkJ6GwPACxII_MHyfHJAB4/s1600/IMG_1421.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-neCfyvVSjuKH4ZCIve7xiDCmBsddCHneUBr5JJl4r_voDwdnX7sjIGDY2GCRVR4UTF0KrTKS3Z7F_fyg4CImsmzM5bXQUr5VxoJ6LhypQyla_sU7nAM9BoVkJ6GwPACxII_MHyfHJAB4/s320/IMG_1421.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716087798578680802" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1IhW1LkFTP33l4bVXgKzwTjueBQ2jA0PqennPkiV_fVsPhEZmNc0dvsS2XQcGP0aZFHYW1Ca9ZpbKe6ZilEaMKUCLDOKfXQGo8DM3nVvbPqCvfK7N-ED8ZkBr4fHchYfZcG3nzUrWghU/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1IhW1LkFTP33l4bVXgKzwTjueBQ2jA0PqennPkiV_fVsPhEZmNc0dvsS2XQcGP0aZFHYW1Ca9ZpbKe6ZilEaMKUCLDOKfXQGo8DM3nVvbPqCvfK7N-ED8ZkBr4fHchYfZcG3nzUrWghU/s320/IMG_1419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716086434016618754" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLTlP-BsPVuCzZFzZcAXftrSAF1RB6RbGyQWmkamtSYCpa4NiFNkm59V7x3j8CRi6zTQlc-iapWtepxfECeNlAcpisj7QKfbXushIPmx9k1dmtaJNQAuvZdwQAwxCmsS4htENZSxCuA4A/s1600/IMG_1427.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br />It's been a long time since the last post. I missed most of last summer, fall, Halloween, birthdays, Mariah's and my trip to Hearst Castle, our trip to California over Thanksgiving, Disneyland, Christmas, more birthdays, our 29th anniversary and valentines day. I pledge to do better. It's time to get back on the band wagon because we have an 8 pound 9 ounce, 22 inch bundle of wonderful that needs to be documented!<div><br /></div><div>Welcome baby Luke to planet earth, February 13th, 2011. You are one lucky little baby. You have a mom and dad who love you so much, you have a support team that includes cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and four happy grandparents and several great grandparents. I am blessed to be one of those grandparents! </div><div><br /></div><div>Robynn and I flew down the day after Luke was born to give him a kiss and love. I can't describe the joy upon seeing his little face. When doctors place that tiny pink bundle in your arms for the first time there is hardly room to receive the joy, that is the feeling i had when Mariah handed me our first grandbaby. Absolute joy. Months of anticipation and trepidation were culminated in a tiny blue and green blanket of wonderful. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was able to go back down the following week and stay for a few days. Those days were full of baby and new mommy; days that i will treasure forever. I got to sleep with baby Luke on my chest or by my side for the first four hours each night. As we snuggled up on the couch i wanted to infuse into this little soul my love for him even as tiny as he is. I want him to know that his grandma and grandpa no matter how many miles away love him and are here for him every day</div><div><br /></div><div>The next generation of Meiners, Hawkins, Robinson and Jenson is here, created with love and born with love. Welcome little Luke!</div><div><br /></div><div>For the full birth story, click on A Day in the Life of the Robinson blog. It is a touching, honest account of Lukes birth.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-42165194549445876622011-08-08T22:36:00.000-07:002011-08-23T19:40:03.292-07:0050 and Fabulous!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9eTMydRPUyK8vWHTW45nRLK373aw_ylyk1Y30VJZv3_cqS7cTwA6IyfDUYwCObRKdTR9iHJj9wwDNuevrhqDF-KZkReVlhJ18D4tJUL1IhbM_IZbIeR9fs-weSb4ZytMhGDbJbxR98G9/s1600/IMG_0553.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9eTMydRPUyK8vWHTW45nRLK373aw_ylyk1Y30VJZv3_cqS7cTwA6IyfDUYwCObRKdTR9iHJj9wwDNuevrhqDF-KZkReVlhJ18D4tJUL1IhbM_IZbIeR9fs-weSb4ZytMhGDbJbxR98G9/s320/IMG_0553.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638735628779591010" /></a>
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<br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXy95rzFTT7vGK_1-2X1rbxESu1R4pcVbjKsz3keXG2BTiZ_LEFzWf19klasr6yflliuhu4MT33oMo5b_g5I7RF55hzaujpRp_7frGJXGoLe5Mn1OcmhbQTWGiQT-j54U9RbxgEwjIzWs/s200/IMG_0546.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638732514375050306" /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fkjNpOH1fZhjuSWAzhiVVVbC80KYlQkeEcpP9kMnZeCEs1UAuZohWZ9dA8158nG8AniG8YTa-hxDOGQvf78irWqs4yrtgBDYLR4q3TbFAwEOBsSO_33-mKdOhCykUE8GSf1wjfXJgnIo/s200/IMG_0575.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638732503799873010" />
<br />One of the many things that Toby had to get used to when he
<br />married me is that we don't celebrate birthday'sin days, we have birthweeks or even birthmonths. Toby's 50th was no different. It started with a Utah family get-together on July 24th where we ate carrot cake and sang happy birthday. We followed that up with a trip to California, just Toby and i for four glorious days. <div>
<br /></div><div>It has been five years since Toby and i flew away for a vacation with just the two of us. i love to travel and i love to travel with my man. We stayed in a beautiful hotel just a stones throw from the Queen Mary in Long Beach. We walked to the aquarium and ate a Bubba Gumps on Thursday. They even sang and made Toby dance</div><div>at the restaurant. Friday, we rented bikes from the hotel and eek along for a 2 hour ride along the beach. Life doesn't get better than that! The beach is solace to the soul. We spent an hour at the wrong Forest Lawn, but still enjoyed ourselves. We found our David sculpture which i told toby he looked like when we first got married. He still does.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>We met Jered and Mariah for indian food so hot our taste buds are barely recovering, but oooh was it yummy and then spent a remarkable evening in Laguna beach at the Pageant of the Masters. There is no way i can adequately describe it, you just have to experience it to believe how cool it is.</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6WXH-3nwCKFJOtZUeVVgbljroZOiArjZ_mWzA-UXgHxafpnASGYMOb9rmK5AjWsuivAOf0DoyA-pQ-PBiqzssXjbaKDXbhJp5cxfIBi__xYUHjDTlDJEnFe0GXwVKD-apRyru-Udgd02/s200/IMG_0599.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638732507714161986" /><div>
<br /></div><div>Saturday found us at Griffith Observatory and then a fabulous evening at the Santa Monica Pier. Nothing beats a great pier for people watching. Oh, did i mention the 1/3 pound hamburger we ate beforehand? Hmmm good people, good times, good food.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Saturday we went to church with Mariah and Jered, (we skipped Sunday School and had breakfast with our friends Margaret and John) and then the time came to return to Utah : (</div><div>It was a wonderful, very fast four days! Thanks Mom and Greg for watching Bren and Mitch. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Tues. we had the "friend" party. The party's just keeps coming. We had just a few of Toby's old time friends for a nice evening of dining and visiting. It was a fitting way to celebrate 50 wonderful years. I am so blessed to have spent 28 of Toby's 50 years with him. I love him more today than i did 28 years ago and hope to have 50 more amazing years ahead!</div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-54877578212462542282011-07-15T21:33:00.001-07:002011-07-15T21:44:24.657-07:00Gender Problems on the Farm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz3NURKIvxxRBd6ENO_QPDNEkF9zKxF5-2LqytIqbvvbITI6ZSDja7gqJbDRMmbExkQITp3pz64fq6X8rtwPA0xRO2PsndVsDnv7QgtQFr3gz1XdFzktSfcGVGJcfq4i_12L_y1WyS0Iu/s1600/DSCN8009.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz3NURKIvxxRBd6ENO_QPDNEkF9zKxF5-2LqytIqbvvbITI6ZSDja7gqJbDRMmbExkQITp3pz64fq6X8rtwPA0xRO2PsndVsDnv7QgtQFr3gz1XdFzktSfcGVGJcfq4i_12L_y1WyS0Iu/s200/DSCN8009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629803954949632082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3f8p5E6iszv-AWCJS-V1g4qBq7euSN88uiMiL801XgqeWW78X2AWF_p5HQseBx2LuQMsIeP4RKUIahlThu1E0yKTvO0Uy17cx5gQIxTZPnCY4KzrmKh7RyJ2qWatgG-Qzf0ZFOcjMw3n/s1600/DSCN8022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3f8p5E6iszv-AWCJS-V1g4qBq7euSN88uiMiL801XgqeWW78X2AWF_p5HQseBx2LuQMsIeP4RKUIahlThu1E0yKTvO0Uy17cx5gQIxTZPnCY4KzrmKh7RyJ2qWatgG-Qzf0ZFOcjMw3n/s200/DSCN8022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629803946931483330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2iRJblX3mqmyUFjjvS01aJetwDg4iP1aEQ97GzGo538Lzo6-9hIdkTRkctEp6LaXVcsQ0xDJ8i16Mc44lFphnQaLZ8E6OCF8qYJst_jDSHfMEM7CgRL1uFS5HgE8OHh907SXmxanc8Nb/s1600/DSCN7998.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2iRJblX3mqmyUFjjvS01aJetwDg4iP1aEQ97GzGo538Lzo6-9hIdkTRkctEp6LaXVcsQ0xDJ8i16Mc44lFphnQaLZ8E6OCF8qYJst_jDSHfMEM7CgRL1uFS5HgE8OHh907SXmxanc8Nb/s200/DSCN7998.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629803941715904418" /></a>We are having gender issues on our farm. Bill, The duck has become a she, now known as Balina, Penny (my favorite chicken ever) started crowing about 10 days ago. It started out a terrible noise as she/he was learning the trade, (the neighbor thought we had a goat) but oh how he/she loved to practice starting about 6:30 A.M. Now, every night at 10:00 we go out and scoop him off his roast and take into the laundry room for the night. Are we the only people who have a crowing rooster in our laundry room?<div>If Bill had stayed Bill and Penny (now Henry or Rooster Cogburn as Mitch calls him) had just stayed as they were, life on the farm would be simpler. </div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-60874901031128779442011-07-15T21:24:00.001-07:002011-07-15T21:32:55.252-07:00They Came by Two's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61Bb8aisFTX6GP8BPVyCLjAo2bEvk8nW9NkHETcj9qn2Zyw4P3EW7tmJbOEdAzNYLQDpm3zxQFd65FIedqjyE3AgqXoqbbAR4ht9aaiz1LI8A8Bxb-uDdnuk2R6bFvCoYJZJpN4nxMRJ8/s1600/DSCN7996.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61Bb8aisFTX6GP8BPVyCLjAo2bEvk8nW9NkHETcj9qn2Zyw4P3EW7tmJbOEdAzNYLQDpm3zxQFd65FIedqjyE3AgqXoqbbAR4ht9aaiz1LI8A8Bxb-uDdnuk2R6bFvCoYJZJpN4nxMRJ8/s200/DSCN7996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629802916492483362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIOG1app4QZKWrJy7QJo3rHdYWWT3YX7DMYLcwEYpx0WXyr87uwsM6ptDWDil5dcHx4H2SuA0heKUzdrQm2I-CO_OncshVGOvOEtP-xDio-RnI8gEuGuUBkrfH5D3rVSX-IixDA92yjW0/s1600/DSCN7994.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIOG1app4QZKWrJy7QJo3rHdYWWT3YX7DMYLcwEYpx0WXyr87uwsM6ptDWDil5dcHx4H2SuA0heKUzdrQm2I-CO_OncshVGOvOEtP-xDio-RnI8gEuGuUBkrfH5D3rVSX-IixDA92yjW0/s200/DSCN7994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629802909669693010" /></a>A friend asked if we could keep her bunnies for the summer. How do you say no to a friend? Our farm is growing. I told the lamas up the street if they got bored to come on down, everyone is welcome until October, I don't enjoy chipping ice off water dishes 2 times a day. I am a fair weather farmer.jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-49781620501367884982011-07-10T18:42:00.000-07:002011-07-10T19:45:06.840-07:00The Farewell and Farewell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRTkUwQ_0bKVzauSKnsu2xgLdw0fCqFfUW9O_xGTLI4bpyHvKx2oit7mGmvtVRJ28z-z5IW4gTEIbcsfH2Mo0ZJnCfnE7r2P9Ps_NuJl_qbGFDAz4valZ-ezqENdfP3TvdZ0Os0wz4PZa/s1600/DSCN8193.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRTkUwQ_0bKVzauSKnsu2xgLdw0fCqFfUW9O_xGTLI4bpyHvKx2oit7mGmvtVRJ28z-z5IW4gTEIbcsfH2Mo0ZJnCfnE7r2P9Ps_NuJl_qbGFDAz4valZ-ezqENdfP3TvdZ0Os0wz4PZa/s200/DSCN8193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627919926312431922" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZYQnUFSFvWZxZizteFKIzpYm9Qlf4NguRWPtw9I0oC9SczJCX8uFp9wZNdA5pTRhFAVM27YbqkPw9m6MO-9MLiiSeDmao91Uw1jJz0GueB3BG_G5FECl_klubZnTFryGFpaulI5ys-by/s1600/DSCN8151.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZYQnUFSFvWZxZizteFKIzpYm9Qlf4NguRWPtw9I0oC9SczJCX8uFp9wZNdA5pTRhFAVM27YbqkPw9m6MO-9MLiiSeDmao91Uw1jJz0GueB3BG_G5FECl_klubZnTFryGFpaulI5ys-by/s200/DSCN8151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627919922550529250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxCDuqsGBaVby8VJ5zn47E8liDY-elv2GS99eS-qekJLl8BeMRTtMEAEp1jD_TUUaZur255yyxdkWOxlJL2AKYmRjHFJSHW_CmcMOmsFiqtw4TbLBUhbqers5qZtCx0zeZft8YNmIO3Nw/s1600/Cam.tif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxCDuqsGBaVby8VJ5zn47E8liDY-elv2GS99eS-qekJLl8BeMRTtMEAEp1jD_TUUaZur255yyxdkWOxlJL2AKYmRjHFJSHW_CmcMOmsFiqtw4TbLBUhbqers5qZtCx0zeZft8YNmIO3Nw/s200/Cam.tif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627919914918345826" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday wasn't so picturesque as far as weather goes, but after three months of praying for the wedding, i didn't complain. Cam gave a wonderful talk, he invited the spirit into the meeting and touched my soul. It's humbling to watch children grow from children to adults. It was a nice day, painless and perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>This Wednesday wasn't so painless. After gorging ourselves at PF Changs for Cam's 19th birthday, we enjoyed a fun 4th of July at Greg and Janica's with cousins and such on Monday we continued the food fest at the Cheesecake Factory on Tuesday. We trekked off the MTC to say goodbye on Wednesday. If you have seen the Indiana Jones Temple of Doom movie you remember when the guy reached into and pulled out the man's heart. Short, quick, but his heart was still missing nonetheless. The new procedure at the MTC is 1000x better than it used to be, but you still come home with a hole in your heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>We heard from Cam yesterday. I was so grateful and relieved to read how happy and excited he sounded. We raise them for 19 years, give them back to the Lord and He returns them better than we could ever have thought possible. It is a pure program and one that i so grateful for! But it still hurts my mothers heart.</div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-11820675393465202342011-07-10T18:15:00.000-07:002011-07-10T18:42:24.776-07:00The Wedding<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X0W-CqBNyRRRnpE4WIvS8wIPu9r355AfoJjkFPqaG7fXhCXzHE9gBh_LOhCpVog0uUmqAYn_Wy4CMIuO9VZjjWLs_cMwzy6JhVnWVSg7-EouL3tU6KNbiAS2iVzPc6fEeGQQlIQ01Ngz/s1600/TashleyWed-0821.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X0W-CqBNyRRRnpE4WIvS8wIPu9r355AfoJjkFPqaG7fXhCXzHE9gBh_LOhCpVog0uUmqAYn_Wy4CMIuO9VZjjWLs_cMwzy6JhVnWVSg7-EouL3tU6KNbiAS2iVzPc6fEeGQQlIQ01Ngz/s200/TashleyWed-0821.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627900878092370274" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlt9TbWRuQrGgJKy8q6C_ENxWtS6v0DzUsRdUkkKBUuK3n1PB8e0xxXk2HQxyI15fT5moq23qhPMXbt7k8zboMM3W3S8V9VD24MwAJm3CwJ1_OV86b0Zayg8ve0HX2x6jal8bqjea90szq/s1600/TashleyWed-1031.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlt9TbWRuQrGgJKy8q6C_ENxWtS6v0DzUsRdUkkKBUuK3n1PB8e0xxXk2HQxyI15fT5moq23qhPMXbt7k8zboMM3W3S8V9VD24MwAJm3CwJ1_OV86b0Zayg8ve0HX2x6jal8bqjea90szq/s200/TashleyWed-1031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627900866190214530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZh6QxrqSj8_6MTlQ-L1A5-aEHccfnCeEHfP7As-AFkgmlIz0UPr76HArOSAAdbfGZvSucnoPL13joPgURBmDWBMes9P8RYgJlX2jEclRh6KoG5zwxF7YDrWFM4hdBuvsM5yqMM3QdjrQF/s1600/TashleyWed-0022.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZh6QxrqSj8_6MTlQ-L1A5-aEHccfnCeEHfP7As-AFkgmlIz0UPr76HArOSAAdbfGZvSucnoPL13joPgURBmDWBMes9P8RYgJlX2jEclRh6KoG5zwxF7YDrWFM4hdBuvsM5yqMM3QdjrQF/s200/TashleyWed-0022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627900865215481842" /></a> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg33a1fEZIkoT3hBjX-Wkxs6sadAFJsG6Id1UI52AVIyAzoTfMXNyJBXTIjwTmbUp47_nJW41vOGBSlNWCqO6aCWThIowIaMquVlUCwd7WrEKtluvIwTLQbncasqcaNrPIkctluh92dmu/s200/TashleyWed-0226.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627900867258838178" /> <div> It came, itwent, it was beautiful! Months of organizing, making long lists, discussing, marathon shopping trips, great lunches, cupcake and croissant consuming, planning, preparing and praying, came to fruition. It was a beautiful event. Starting Thursday with Ashley receiving her endowment, followed by lunch with her family, Ashley's bridal shower that evening, Friday prep day, dinner with the Goulds - Saturday finally came and with it came fair weather and a day that dreams are made of. The beautiful bride, the handsome groom, throngs of happy well-wishers and supportive family and friends made the day perfect.<div><br /></div><div>The ceremony was short and sweet, the pictures striking, sky blue, luncheon delicious, words of wisdom shared, memories recreated, the day flawless. The amount of work absolutely overwhelming but with the help of angels we were able to pull it all off and the receptions was gorgeous. We fell into bed about 1:00 AM totally spent but hit it hard early the next morning for Cam's farewell. We truly didn't lose a son we gained a beautiful new daughter. </div></div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-28496660088265740672011-06-26T19:00:00.000-07:002011-06-26T19:28:35.123-07:00Moab - 2011 Family Vacation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAaRHQ0t9NgxB_NDpYKBtkdddyehk3Li2Yn1oSi0GP1Mz0JQo_cCFIoPhDLJp9drQyY3LXshqpizOJKf_1HLLAKf_P3Sslo8dBIryOerFwF7w4ip4TZJtNN69ZWQEy38VhsogWq4tOqt3/s1600/DSCN3554.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAaRHQ0t9NgxB_NDpYKBtkdddyehk3Li2Yn1oSi0GP1Mz0JQo_cCFIoPhDLJp9drQyY3LXshqpizOJKf_1HLLAKf_P3Sslo8dBIryOerFwF7w4ip4TZJtNN69ZWQEy38VhsogWq4tOqt3/s200/DSCN3554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622720605634862562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBtBWaP-kzrXKtL1KpGEeyEVXvf5P2jwCCDMmfg_lEpxNi8ueaNYWthYW9J-6jASd-F78RRj9zbBP9OisrDEzLA9AmOjmTdhEdKObgrLDVMaNdCdz3cU6mOgVoSH6D2tL_9b8d6C57g1Z/s1600/DSCN3573.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBtBWaP-kzrXKtL1KpGEeyEVXvf5P2jwCCDMmfg_lEpxNi8ueaNYWthYW9J-6jASd-F78RRj9zbBP9OisrDEzLA9AmOjmTdhEdKObgrLDVMaNdCdz3cU6mOgVoSH6D2tL_9b8d6C57g1Z/s200/DSCN3573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622720600540111266" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20xJgs9Yn_FWibk37v8T8rzMay_UNJMGA2s3SuchCl0O4EjVt_Xxw8R85zlI7mjmpwbpzX_OEedSr1MGicKXnGUZhx650MiYKKPBHMDNjcZc-DOGwvMYrx96CfA8BKwtguodC5fy6tl_F/s1600/DSCN3520.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20xJgs9Yn_FWibk37v8T8rzMay_UNJMGA2s3SuchCl0O4EjVt_Xxw8R85zlI7mjmpwbpzX_OEedSr1MGicKXnGUZhx650MiYKKPBHMDNjcZc-DOGwvMYrx96CfA8BKwtguodC5fy6tl_F/s200/DSCN3520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622720595021383538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JtCH2zn_89-X8JiGoiXe-D-n5Y9CJMQGL0wHK721Q7ISJlGhBUozubjUaT7e7ZwyEswimBerdU8aAUbHr5rye_I7b2ki02-waRs9edXPcaJmmHGOqG8uOOwRLO9rlU63bNm1xjIG5cjP/s1600/DSCN3494.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JtCH2zn_89-X8JiGoiXe-D-n5Y9CJMQGL0wHK721Q7ISJlGhBUozubjUaT7e7ZwyEswimBerdU8aAUbHr5rye_I7b2ki02-waRs9edXPcaJmmHGOqG8uOOwRLO9rlU63bNm1xjIG5cjP/s200/DSCN3494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622720126867808946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IEKkvldmCcj66SUTTg1IiFGcZMk8t6dz2ChJcxzI-c5NWv3NUpEShH-y1aW2oZFl32sJziexb2GsJ0Q9W9QgnubHjcEOSTc3cW2lt8B7spREzQM9FfhxvoW76ODsAo2xvl0bGVCubQCp/s1600/DSCN3522.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IEKkvldmCcj66SUTTg1IiFGcZMk8t6dz2ChJcxzI-c5NWv3NUpEShH-y1aW2oZFl32sJziexb2GsJ0Q9W9QgnubHjcEOSTc3cW2lt8B7spREzQM9FfhxvoW76ODsAo2xvl0bGVCubQCp/s200/DSCN3522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622719931607653042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMct8T5oAI4TqfyYk5F3NLx1seGvqv1iiFhjxTNhF3VHEq801xVm4pNwHvgXDzE55Kk882iH6eZtfN9Fi9PjXcSSfYtXMoTWOrztwkfd3uttJmYL2ZbMBTworbRDkb73WebKY9gW1bzot/s1600/DSCN3469.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMct8T5oAI4TqfyYk5F3NLx1seGvqv1iiFhjxTNhF3VHEq801xVm4pNwHvgXDzE55Kk882iH6eZtfN9Fi9PjXcSSfYtXMoTWOrztwkfd3uttJmYL2ZbMBTworbRDkb73WebKY9gW1bzot/s200/DSCN3469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622718773701523874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU05NE-nV5WzhZ7Qhp4KQBaNO5BKpTe5Y8L-sqMVF99odaDQvkhApX-JzavCUb-J5ZIuwpMZMHEYIqFJDRwFway7-ADSXDjZmMla6jThNdFn8vm_RgYm_lL2iip4dirYqLBmQgG_bf9sWc/s1600/DSCN3452.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU05NE-nV5WzhZ7Qhp4KQBaNO5BKpTe5Y8L-sqMVF99odaDQvkhApX-JzavCUb-J5ZIuwpMZMHEYIqFJDRwFway7-ADSXDjZmMla6jThNdFn8vm_RgYm_lL2iip4dirYqLBmQgG_bf9sWc/s200/DSCN3452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622718766650630706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuMhU8vUn1SC9HzyezE4HYUf-yS8JTdfg2MJ00x3f0wVDXJRRGFWMQ6ypA6KRbtmDn18fKE6r5B_ad6XDqdyhPAIHr-qUtH87KwMXBmwlRdnlcGpJxT-RUhrLM7GakWmVP5uP1uGigouC/s1600/DSCN3334.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuMhU8vUn1SC9HzyezE4HYUf-yS8JTdfg2MJ00x3f0wVDXJRRGFWMQ6ypA6KRbtmDn18fKE6r5B_ad6XDqdyhPAIHr-qUtH87KwMXBmwlRdnlcGpJxT-RUhrLM7GakWmVP5uP1uGigouC/s200/DSCN3334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622718751133170402" /></a><br />If you aren't used to Hawkins' family vacations you quickly learn that you need a vacation from our vacations. This year was no exception. In 4 days we rented mountain bikes for two different adventures, forged streams and mountains, hiked Double arch, Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock at midnight and sunset, we swam, shopped, rode ATV's and ate. The final day we rose early (again) and hiked the Fiery Furnace, what a fabulous finish to a fantastic adventure! <div><br /></div><div>Our mountain bike rides included Bar M, EZ and Lazy (don't let the names fool you) and a somewhat technical ride through Canyon Lands. It was beautiful, challenging and a huge accomplishment for all 9 of us to finish strong! The perfect trip! The best part was just being together as a family before Cam heads off the the Philippines. I love all you wonderful people, thanks for putting up with your crazy parents!</div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-83241001466865094692011-06-26T18:26:00.000-07:002011-06-26T21:23:26.589-07:00A Duck Came to Stay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemVB_1BCJSYrqdfgQqhl8CitAx7HxSBNi6UJ72zrkI7dqhRleNp2pZqNrlZP9iynA1THSAxSoSApnRHkTyAf08QLDUAc2FLZT_oDFurnwN485tupA5GmS5K-E0jBPBAnjNpmiPz55_Rcj/s1600/DSCN3239.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemVB_1BCJSYrqdfgQqhl8CitAx7HxSBNi6UJ72zrkI7dqhRleNp2pZqNrlZP9iynA1THSAxSoSApnRHkTyAf08QLDUAc2FLZT_oDFurnwN485tupA5GmS5K-E0jBPBAnjNpmiPz55_Rcj/s200/DSCN3239.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622713263107618626" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LAzc7pvFLlT85mPB3FuV_k9LIrEGgM2kPA-2SUvmn2o0qr2zpsChHrwv4I0Ew2XNXBbh8cyjfydVU2PC1OCUTdt2utHibwawBzLw5wS9v1qsTAoAlkUkUBRGwErvfN8UiQGI-CHPpnGi/s200/DSCN3244.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622710832293848722" /><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw_t7oLA7oo1gvn8WKBB_jyUa5XdTguY2cE1KTirwWzB4hTHHvXKfdmdm_OqZjHcWjnL5x6tYimcn0qPJqdQxcmBjZaNPeBtJLawLrQ4tgTIQjvHJ9H1is6Zh6LCfVvQtTldCj9rUDdJp/s200/DSCN3224.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622713266542830674" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A year ago i read in Smithsonian (my favorite magazine) about donkeys in Morocco that know how to get to a country veterinarian by themselves. When this gentleman wake in the morning he finds a line up of donkeys, unaccompanied by owners outside his door. He can't figure out how the donkeys know the way, they just do.</div><div><br /></div><div>While we don't have a line up of animals outside our door, (they all live inside) animals do tend to find their way here. The last in a long line is Bill. Bill was one week old when he came to stay. He quickly became the family favorite, especially of Cameron who has spent hours playing with the furry little feathered friend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bill had a great 3 weeks here, splashing happily in the fountains in the backyard, watching TV with Cam, playing with Mitch, sleeping on Toby's shoulder, and pooping on me, until we decided he was stinking up the house and needed to live outside. We thought we would see what the chickens thought of Bill.</div><div><br /></div><div>The ladies didn't seem to notice the little addition to their coop except Georgia (named after curious George) who inspects everything, but she seemed harmless. For over an hour we watched to make sure their was no fowl play. Happily we went to bed. Bill had found a home with feathered friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>Havoc struck in the morning. i think the girls upon waking for the day, were thrilled they had food. Unfortunately for Bill, he was breakfast. They pecked all the feathers off the back of his neck, leaving it raw and bare. Poor little Bill came back into the house to recuperate from his terrifying adventure. </div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-55532952205573159732011-06-01T21:29:00.000-07:002011-06-02T10:14:30.130-07:00Princess for the Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh9JTe1cWTC-Z3t4A7yn0dVJnVA7BUfUsCqMgZBMnlZtQncShWn7umX_bM01xPoclNbek0OUD4A5dLK5P9PXLjCIlQtGRpETYfKAXdeOU7xlaHrQzLbBwYrKreUMlU8FmC7D74fUBFo4l/s1600/DSC_2362.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuCeCZxc6Ga0RpCfhlb0zuju7jIdYI5GsekBF2elkAef4uj7OGQp4rnlV5ZeALn4OCSkeoIhBCVEjAUBOzavQCq22GLyl7WbnXoDuV_e0zjAR7njtrnleKmCTNKOG85nZENLnW_quzhnJ/s1600/DSC_2515.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuCeCZxc6Ga0RpCfhlb0zuju7jIdYI5GsekBF2elkAef4uj7OGQp4rnlV5ZeALn4OCSkeoIhBCVEjAUBOzavQCq22GLyl7WbnXoDuV_e0zjAR7njtrnleKmCTNKOG85nZENLnW_quzhnJ/s200/DSC_2515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613481061820987858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVeqtTm5HyxRgPYdaQAroRKZDR9ZGht3Az3paxWA3tl7OuqcH3kN4mf8JSKYLrQSG6AeKQQ3VvxHI_7FNXo_0DigMVovWA-x6m67JkCNK4dCQx5YSYkaPP-0Fzzp0XtPIJOv8aA30ufs9/s1600/DSC_2294_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVeqtTm5HyxRgPYdaQAroRKZDR9ZGht3Az3paxWA3tl7OuqcH3kN4mf8JSKYLrQSG6AeKQQ3VvxHI_7FNXo_0DigMVovWA-x6m67JkCNK4dCQx5YSYkaPP-0Fzzp0XtPIJOv8aA30ufs9/s200/DSC_2294_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613480859937670482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSo66IrkA3Sg1XNYQLD2NrPoftkgOXCHTaolGieMzlLVgrpurN3TM9xFIajlXy4sCIAc813xkOhmNYu8e2XYSJcFq1kt_vAnl7gKKkIs8NuYAZbjiNz0yR-gAnvxb2fD6Arhc7Yw_KEP2/s1600/DSC_0161.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSo66IrkA3Sg1XNYQLD2NrPoftkgOXCHTaolGieMzlLVgrpurN3TM9xFIajlXy4sCIAc813xkOhmNYu8e2XYSJcFq1kt_vAnl7gKKkIs8NuYAZbjiNz0yR-gAnvxb2fD6Arhc7Yw_KEP2/s200/DSC_0161.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613480855414260930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iLRLi1JfbVB1gAGGVk8gS60JqSGL7E5-9ttjN4aAMS0gMhZBbXehRl3l79aqK8YFI7KlwfndiWMVjYl11_qBiJxaKadueNoD1nQpvk5F4MP6f5fHZabjOqu1HTf2ZHhy7qrk_XJK5ZtV/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iLRLi1JfbVB1gAGGVk8gS60JqSGL7E5-9ttjN4aAMS0gMhZBbXehRl3l79aqK8YFI7KlwfndiWMVjYl11_qBiJxaKadueNoD1nQpvk5F4MP6f5fHZabjOqu1HTf2ZHhy7qrk_XJK5ZtV/s200/DSC_0067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613480849174728690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeG7ow30xGYzJcm_3hvHHJybQzbyFbeAL800qvMnFd2U97gzr7EjlSND01yulooafX-Q1V1HhXEVti7YJQDJw_wu0tXHEx5_eWSquikT3bC9Ml5uYIt3zongfNknORlt27jUIi83wWkHW/s1600/ash+makeup.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeG7ow30xGYzJcm_3hvHHJybQzbyFbeAL800qvMnFd2U97gzr7EjlSND01yulooafX-Q1V1HhXEVti7YJQDJw_wu0tXHEx5_eWSquikT3bC9Ml5uYIt3zongfNknORlt27jUIi83wWkHW/s200/ash+makeup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613480842366414210" /></a><br />We should all have the chance to be a princess for a day. Last Thursday Ashley got her chance (even though she wouldn't wear a tiara). Makeup at 12:30 at the Bare Minerals store in Fashion Place mall. The lady was a true artist, applied makeup for 45 minutes and yet kept it looking natural and beautiful. Next stop a little shopping, followed by a hair appointment for an up-do. On to the dress, shoes and photographer for an almost four hours photography session! <div><br /></div><div>Everyone should feel like a princess for a day; admired, pampered, indulged, and beautiful. The results for Ashley showed on camera. Kudo's to my friend Kathleen, an amazing photographer for artistry and endurance : )</div><div><br /></div><div>We are all extraordinary, exceptional, significant, and of great worth. If we could see ourselves with true eyes we would see that we are all indeed princesses. Thank you to the truly wonderful princesses in my life... I love you all!!</div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-60154974673386387892011-05-23T22:12:00.001-07:002011-05-23T23:00:13.528-07:00Wedding, Farewells, Vacations and Sleep<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_5Q1CmQylUJWw5zA9d5PTuSJNE9sSmZDx2WstlnzLfEZzADNp7np45eDAJoRUY0Fn2dKpxASCKlcXDmvsqidNAi7q8qIWTf3tGR8StqpxVMTRw6R0nwmheHQxcvFMh-hMRs3cUOmGOwq/s1600/5280_BOUNTIFULUT_st.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_5Q1CmQylUJWw5zA9d5PTuSJNE9sSmZDx2WstlnzLfEZzADNp7np45eDAJoRUY0Fn2dKpxASCKlcXDmvsqidNAi7q8qIWTf3tGR8StqpxVMTRw6R0nwmheHQxcvFMh-hMRs3cUOmGOwq/s200/5280_BOUNTIFULUT_st.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610155282058044882" /></a><br />There is a never-ending list of things to do. Last week Ashley and i did a 8 or 9 hour marathon shopping day on Monday, after i ran 5 miles with Karen. We ordered her cake, bought napkins, got her hair piece, cake cutting knife, flowers, ordered candy (well we tried), went to apx 25 stores, gathered linens, and rented the tables and chairs among other things. <div><br /></div><div>Tuesday i went to pottery : ) (Can't skip that no matter what else is happening in life) After pottery was Activity Day for nine little girls. We planted plants in the rain. Tuesday night we took Cameron to the Temple. It was a beautiful night. i was overcome as I entered the chapel. Truly the windows of heaven were open. Grandma and Grandpa joined us even though they had a very busy night. What a blessing it is to have such supportive grandparents. We celebrated with dinner at Wingers about 9:30. A long, wonderful day.<div><br /></div><div>Wednesday was missionary day. We got Cam's shoes, two pairs at the cost of almost $300. It is criminal what good walking shoes cost for men. We bought his luggage and went to Cafe Rio for lunch. A great day, $600 down, just getting started.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I sort of woke up feeling a little overwhelmed. We were suppose to have rented a houseboat from friends for our family vacation, that fell through the day before. I don't feel overwhelmed very often, but Thursday I did. I started thinking maybe everyone was right maybe this was too much for one week. I decided most of the stress was coming from a disorganized house. i didn't shower, i didn't get dressed, i cleaned for 9 hours and it felt wonderful! My dear mom and dad came to help. it was just what the dr. ordered. life is good again. Amazing what 12 hours can do. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday i played the part of nurse. Cam got his wisdom teeth out, no more wisdom for that boy. Our chickens needed scr</div><div>atch, had to run for a Kiva for Cam and a myriad of other errands along with visiting teaching but mostly i just kept my eye on Cam. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday, we worked in the yard. I made 7 stepping stones out of pottery mistakes. It was fun to be creative, we worked in the yard, tried to replace all the flowers killed by the hail (hell) Wednesday night. Another trip to Joe's for more flowers. Please appreciate the yard when you come for Cam's farewell. Toby and Cam worked on the climbing wall all day. Just when we thought the day was over, Bren had a party and about 10 kids from school we ordered pizza, barbecued hambur</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJEKmajWwXYdHkjPPQIhElSaX-zl-BP-IAOPx_FiT26k7-dxzNWO2VhntApSi4BtkMCAJGAd3uXeWJhMiL9rFMMEBuw8jSZG-a-ErNsXdKzjk8xw7jMdWmQQgDRkVz1PWj9OBz1i94W-J/s200/Cafe-Rio-Mexican-Grill-Eyes-East-Coast-Expansion.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610155293270300050" /><div>gers before falling asleep to Inception.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday, i taught Relief Society. I was assigned President Monson's talk on Gratitude, perfect timing. Ashley came in the afternoon, we went to Robynn and Dan's for a nice, yummy dinner with the fam, came home and addressed invitations. Today was wedding day again. We figured out center pieces, ordered ties, mailed invites, went to Cafe Rio... and on we go for 2 1/2 more weeks. It is all good stuff and i am grateful for every minute of it! Does anyone have any suggestions for where I might find a light blue dress?!?!?</div><div><br /></div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-87799481547561444032011-05-10T21:57:00.000-07:002011-05-10T22:21:51.619-07:00A Chicken on the Kitchen Table...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2Hn4pXeJKP4S9PDfxm2QaMdUAdG3DSJSHXhu2dgBYvVMSiGQQSGR7EhNHfQ7kSYGlFZ1Ni3ZLUbbeJjJmddq0cdMLKY4_osa2zsNOGLxj7xRDMRUoT3NGeInyDTpZE-3Ro2D6wwbNQ25/s1600/kissing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2Hn4pXeJKP4S9PDfxm2QaMdUAdG3DSJSHXhu2dgBYvVMSiGQQSGR7EhNHfQ7kSYGlFZ1Ni3ZLUbbeJjJmddq0cdMLKY4_osa2zsNOGLxj7xRDMRUoT3NGeInyDTpZE-3Ro2D6wwbNQ25/s200/kissing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605322967243242242" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcNwo6eSFAjbNqC4PH1d7mjTBP3PgQCOAnQ-PTGzCqQkbTKmidfIEK6zPOXXqRcxxMWLGLqjUxxuLRH51D3d3SzsS5mtP7rhztAnryvYkTBdTXRew8dKEwIdSSTrQngBiY_JOMKwZgiI5/s1600/ash+tay.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcNwo6eSFAjbNqC4PH1d7mjTBP3PgQCOAnQ-PTGzCqQkbTKmidfIEK6zPOXXqRcxxMWLGLqjUxxuLRH51D3d3SzsS5mtP7rhztAnryvYkTBdTXRew8dKEwIdSSTrQngBiY_JOMKwZgiI5/s200/ash+tay.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605322964351426690" /></a><div>I awoke a week ago Sunday to a chicken sitting on our kitchen table. Not stuffed with rosemary and poultry spice, but sitting, alive and well, waiting for breakfast. A strange way to start the day, but fitting after all.</div><div><br /></div><div>After sitting all day in the Detroit Airport, Tay and Ash made it home about 10:00 PM from visiting (and meeting) Ashley's parents. Tay had a plan and i was his accomplice. I was to set up a fancy dinner in the Grandparent's basement (for privacy), complete with candles, china, flowers, and a ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>While i was setting up the basement i heard that Bin Ladin had been shot and killed by the US military. I hate to hear that the hornet nest in the Middle East is stirred. As a mother of four sons, i just don't like it. I'm glad he is gone, brave men did their job honorably and well, it just makes me nervous. </div><div><br /></div><div>The proposal went well, and to no one's surprise, she said yes! Ash and I had already bought her dress, major wedding plans had been made, but Dad had to be asked for his daughter's hand to keep it all proper and respectful. Permission granted, proposal accepted and my son is one happy little boy! </div><div><br /></div><div>Amidst all the hoopla of the Royal Wedding and Bin Ladins death, the world missed an important event. On the morning of Monday, May 2nd about 6:00 my father-in-law slipped to the other side. He was good man, an honorable man, a man of character, unfailing honesty and patriotism. We laid him to rest beside his wife on Friday May 6th.</div><div><br /></div><div>A chicken came to the table as an omen of a strange day. Our son Taylor became engaged, Bin Laden was shot and my father-in-law passed through the veil. Death, marriage, joy, sadness, celebration and contemplation. Life goes on just as it should.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-7638455621547103432011-05-10T21:11:00.000-07:002011-06-02T10:18:51.452-07:00Twelve Hours to Remember<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaFWBP1LiE9EgDjVi_rSJT9YQob2lxrDURoVhfkT_qaXsjwSpNA5yM-tOKv7KoIcZkC5ZLpOQiKIcij8oeXR-CMTFiurEHJpVBHQ-vUKtwq7HwyxLEpxPcBjY67Shl5mg37WDB6JbIpaG/s1600/cams+mission+call.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaFWBP1LiE9EgDjVi_rSJT9YQob2lxrDURoVhfkT_qaXsjwSpNA5yM-tOKv7KoIcZkC5ZLpOQiKIcij8oeXR-CMTFiurEHJpVBHQ-vUKtwq7HwyxLEpxPcBjY67Shl5mg37WDB6JbIpaG/s320/cams+mission+call.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605315666318420866" /></a><br />I wish i had written when this was all fresh and new but I was waiting for the news of Taylor and Ashley's engagement to be official before I wrote for the world to read ( or the two of you that already knew that are reading this).<div><br /></div><div>Cameron, our second son, third child was waiting most patiently for his mission call to come. Each week we anticipated it's arrival, but to no avail. He called the Church Office Building, they relayed the news that the call had been issued the week before but there was a couple of unresolved issues. He was sure that meant "foreign" the desire of his heart. They promised on Monday, April 11th that the call had been mailed. We made preparations, Ashley and i took the day off of work, Taylor, Ash and Cam drove from Logan, I cooked, cleaned and prepared for the big event. Cam couldn't wait any longer, "Mom, go find the postman and make sure it's coming". I did. I tracked the mailman down and asked if there was a big envelope for us. He was puzzled and not amused. He handed me a tax envelope and stated that that was all.</div><div><br /></div><div>I called Cam, we were devastated. No call, people coming, crock pot full of pork. What to do? Call the Church Office Building. I did. Devon was sympathetic to our problem, but when i asked if i could run into town and get a duplicate he was less-than-enthused. But we had people coming, croissants on the counter and cookies in the oven. (I don't think i was the first mom in this predicament). He would talk to the person in charge and call back in an hour. We were beat. I tried. i did my motherly best. i took on the establishment to no avail. Cam and i were lamenting when the postman walked up our sidewalk and i spotted a white envelope sticking out the top!!! Redemption, it was there all along! I sheepishly called the COB back and told Devon thanks for everything! AHHH it was in my hands, the fate of Cameron was in my hands. I quickly started in on brownies and called everyone back!</div><div><br /></div><div>Mariah on Skype, Cristy on a line, Rob and Dan on a line, Jeff on a line....drum roll please... Philippines Quezon City North Mission!! Cam isn't going stateside as i had hoped but to the other side of the world where they think it is perfectly normal to eat duck fetus in the shell, raw (story for another time) on a regularly basis. The equivalent of the popsicle man sells them. A glorious and exciting night, we are proud of you Cam and wish you all the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not one to be outdone, i received a text from Tay 12 hours later at work the next morning. "Mom, Ash and I are getting married, before Cam leaves". BEFORE Cam leaves, that is just over 8 weeks away.... what?!?! .....</div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-71113584479365592202011-04-06T21:56:00.001-07:002011-04-06T22:32:08.030-07:00Life on the Farm....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz_arDrOLh0eQLXhJrIONKjpt_v0vnynTxKtrgZaKNglpgrPYV3BdLAoGtE141A5BkdhXtp0yfAZrg0NWx0laDLfizLmfiDxaQcxKirbmUg1Jr60HLnQhrF5Vc3xlypXeIPFUDX0Y67TQ/s1600/babies+in+a+box.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz_arDrOLh0eQLXhJrIONKjpt_v0vnynTxKtrgZaKNglpgrPYV3BdLAoGtE141A5BkdhXtp0yfAZrg0NWx0laDLfizLmfiDxaQcxKirbmUg1Jr60HLnQhrF5Vc3xlypXeIPFUDX0Y67TQ/s320/babies+in+a+box.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592708221056488322" /></a>Last week i read "The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love". It's a true story of a New York City girl who falls in love with a Bohemian Farmer. Together they farm 500 acres with plow horses and little modern conveniences. <div><br /></div><div>Even though we live in town, my heart has always lived on the farm. My heart thinks we have a half acre garden, two dozen chickens, a dozen happy children, rabbits and maybe a lamb or two grazing in the pasture. On our farm there is a wonderful pottery studio where i make all our dishes in a wood burning kiln. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mitch, our 14 year old son, and I decided we would try rustic farm living for a week. On Monday we made granola and whole wheat bread. We decided we would only eat things that we theoretically could produce. On Tuesday we made homemade butter out of heavy whipping cream and buttermilk. The process wasn't easy and my shoulder hurt the next day from shaking the mason jar so vigorously, but it was delicious (although not cost effective). We germinated alfalfa sprouts and planted spinach, lettuce, strawberries and broccoli in the garden (just in time for the snow to fall).</div><div><br /></div><div>The best part of the week was when we ventured to the local feed store and brought home week-old baby chicks! They live in our kitchen with their tiny peeps. My farmer's heart is content.</div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1267280327473084840.post-30103451318231343202011-04-06T21:48:00.000-07:002011-04-06T22:34:09.859-07:00I guess the time has come...I have not been an avid Blog reader, only because i spend time each day on the computer writing articles for the internet as a content writer. When i am done writing, i check my e-mail, groupons, daily deals, etc... then move on with my day. But Mariah, Karen, Robynn and others have inspired me to jot a few notes down of my own. Do I have anything worthy to say? Anything worth taking up others time to read? Maybe, maybe not. But life is a journey and a journey shared with a friend is much more enjoyable. <div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03857768134429574270noreply@blogger.com0