tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72691603251720962672024-03-14T03:13:10.108-05:00The Pinkerton ProjectsJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-28100052519312174832011-08-29T13:02:00.004-05:002011-08-29T13:12:49.107-05:00Aaaaand they're off!Today we finally sent the last kid off to start school! Yay, school! That means that 3 days a week, I'll get a whole 2.5 hours to myself!
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<br />Sarah on her first day of first grade:
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmTy84PhNoe9T1i5ZLOtplvqDQMPm0YXlhQFznFGDmxsnCd6CBS1JfrE-vc3FcMyrke5UGzyu96XXWIhaHo6x6grBVOWF1DMqRtC3Mn1082YWID4E79pc96E2_iIVfrcBxuNdhVp0OQg/s1600/001vs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmTy84PhNoe9T1i5ZLOtplvqDQMPm0YXlhQFznFGDmxsnCd6CBS1JfrE-vc3FcMyrke5UGzyu96XXWIhaHo6x6grBVOWF1DMqRtC3Mn1082YWID4E79pc96E2_iIVfrcBxuNdhVp0OQg/s400/001vs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646340521822766226" border="0" /></a>
<br />Ellen on her first day of pre-K in her favorite color, black. (Phoebe had to miss it for a dr appt.)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjJWWljNui8EhhRldvZkNUDXUjFcnUdfjFqXnaKxMBkZb7QkxNQRBYe2pTArQ61NqyliG04CDnESWASvcx2y35TkSqI-Z-up7nd_Yj7I7OKsLWGlaHLNBGUQ6hPI9BZ-f9Anoteplysk/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjJWWljNui8EhhRldvZkNUDXUjFcnUdfjFqXnaKxMBkZb7QkxNQRBYe2pTArQ61NqyliG04CDnESWASvcx2y35TkSqI-Z-up7nd_Yj7I7OKsLWGlaHLNBGUQ6hPI9BZ-f9Anoteplysk/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646340530323505330" border="0" /></a>
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<br />And last, but not least, Phoebe on her first day:
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCts2UGh1eIq-8vQPYT8bB614SXzbBzJNcvHmj4ch2RBj4loVBWxRoVQyrJ5-I_-gesRb053DZRby0Ubm73ZGWHMRQolW6kFH9g5VfxEHbkPKRQu3qxxT91EOhM1jr7c5wDkgdWBDBJ8/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCts2UGh1eIq-8vQPYT8bB614SXzbBzJNcvHmj4ch2RBj4loVBWxRoVQyrJ5-I_-gesRb053DZRby0Ubm73ZGWHMRQolW6kFH9g5VfxEHbkPKRQu3qxxT91EOhM1jr7c5wDkgdWBDBJ8/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646340509608658450" border="0" /></a>
<br />Even at their young ages, they have most definitely figured out that going back to school requires LOTS of shopping and pretty much an entirely new wardrobe, much to daddy's chagrin. :)
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-58325773346926877882011-08-29T08:26:00.003-05:002011-08-29T09:21:56.214-05:00tap, tap...anybody out there?So, it has been almost a YEAR since I last blogged here. Yowza! A lot has happened over the past year, most of it in my head, and I am ready for some changes and new things to come my way. One of those changes I'm looking forward to is recommitting to some of my personal works, such as this blog. The past year I've been so busy doing things for other people, some of it was rewarding, some of it not so much, but all of it has kept me from documenting my own projects and kids. I think it's time to change that.
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<br />To start things off, I have finally come up with my word for 2011! There's only a few months left in this year, but it took this long for my word to come to me. You can see my word and thoughts from 2010 <a href="http://pinkertonfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/deep-thoughts-with-jen-part-1.html">here</a>, but basically it's a focus word for the year. In 2010, my word was "focus" - something I still use as a focus word in my life. Just the other day, it hit me that my 2011 word should be "genuine." A lot of things I've struggled with this year have revolved around trying to be my true self, determining what *I* want and enjoy. A lot of my energy has been focused on my relationships and trying to identify genuine connections so that I can tend to them better. I've reflected a lot on many different things and have realized just how much we let outside entities and third parties influence our relationships with people and it really bothers me. I want to be true to myself and true to others, be genuine through and through. I won't lie, it's not always an easy task, especially for us people-pleasers. As I've sought clarity on my emotional baggage, there have definitely been some upsets along the way.
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<br />Genuine: authentic, sincere.
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-13770269410086688092010-10-28T21:43:00.003-05:002010-10-28T22:04:58.300-05:00trick or treat!<div style="text-align: center;" id="allsizes-photo"> <img style="width: 405px; height: 366px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/5123768193_b47c6d574c.jpg" /> </div><br /><br />Hello, long lost blog friends! I've been enjoying a super busy fall, which started over the summer. :) I love it, but I'm trying to wind things down soon so that I can fully immerse myself in the holidays this year. Hopefully, that will lead to more blogging, which I've been terrible about lately! You can see what's been keeping me hoppin' over at my photography blog, which is linked up on the right there. >><br /><br />Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays and I have always tried to make it more memorable for the kids by getting them involved in making costumes. Even as young as they are, they plan waaaaay ahead and actually stick to the plan. In fact, they are already planning for next year! <br /><br />We went with an Alice in Wonderland theme this year. The twins were Alice and the White Rabbit, while Sarah chose the Cheshire Cat. Halloween portraits are always so fun because you can push the colors and stuff just a little more than you usually would. Here they are!<br /><br /> <div id="allsizes-photo"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5123768445_95f0d2abf0.jpg" /><br /><br /> </div><div id="allsizes-photo"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/5123768701_ed8cea59f8.jpg" /><br /><br /> </div><div id="allsizes-photo"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5124147859_a07f1e147d.jpg" /><br /><br /> </div><div id="allsizes-photo"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/5123768813_27ebd8749f.jpg" /><br /><br /> </div><div id="allsizes-photo"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/5124147793_fb4bd84356.jpg" /><br /><br /> </div><div id="allsizes-photo"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/5124371686_77c60beedf.jpg" /><br /><br /> </div><div id="allsizes-photo"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img style="width: 402px; height: 199px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1145/5124372232_2912c809c4.jpg" /><br /><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;" id="allsizes-photo"> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/5124754312_c8076134cc.jpg" /><br /><br /> <div id="allsizes-photo"> <img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1252/5123768295_c1bba4fa1e.jpg" /> </div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;" id="allsizes-photo"> <img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1110/5124242169_b2b6d59844.jpg" /> </div><br /><br />Happy Halloween!! <br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-26251427784124523472010-08-14T21:05:00.007-05:002010-08-14T21:25:25.222-05:00vacation part 4: the beach!Our ultimate destination during the epic vacation of 2010 was Topsail, NC. We met up with 5 other couples that I met in an online group for twin moms due at the same time. We met last year, just the moms, in Hot Springs, AR, but this was the first time the husbands got to meet. We had a blast! Did a whole lot of nothing and ate and drank lots and lots. It was so nice! And did I mention there were NO KIDS?!<br /><br />We stayed in this little house right on the beach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg91lGWvcOdAvHXPzL3ZwL_1HdRb_lkn9EOc20O18cXTXjGyTzNlwdlocUBF6YczQbD5pOq8Gm_PMqQrPRRbS_EZ3Uf7Kr3JyeLWFCOPdH5ivEzDyn4-1zFD0FPGjMl3rehEGvEqMSEjs/s1600/009+%282%29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg91lGWvcOdAvHXPzL3ZwL_1HdRb_lkn9EOc20O18cXTXjGyTzNlwdlocUBF6YczQbD5pOq8Gm_PMqQrPRRbS_EZ3Uf7Kr3JyeLWFCOPdH5ivEzDyn4-1zFD0FPGjMl3rehEGvEqMSEjs/s400/009+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505453266304453826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mMX2DfOiNMz_f8Cguv9yEM8e7_jMapQOmMWFpECMGAdfoYnzOAqRjlkMkmImq0p_G0_wnDEBHUX3HY9_-Ruugj2Cd_NoR9r_LzMPdYeMfswU7P23iFA7HLEB4BVhXubZYnehbPXbx68/s1600/004edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mMX2DfOiNMz_f8Cguv9yEM8e7_jMapQOmMWFpECMGAdfoYnzOAqRjlkMkmImq0p_G0_wnDEBHUX3HY9_-Ruugj2Cd_NoR9r_LzMPdYeMfswU7P23iFA7HLEB4BVhXubZYnehbPXbx68/s400/004edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505453253281477506" border="0" /></a><br />Lots of chatting, lots of sun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI0E81VlDsIlK9qrLBdS-R1Hvcvxr-y-oHPg1InwWHl6n8YnKC-lEKNFeLGcuud6cV6Ncp9s0j7Fo-77dbc1GTLKx8xkHEfeDg2r6yv_e5gRdDMSVfoCI6yaWG4v86m_BX02K2fpapH8/s1600/007edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI0E81VlDsIlK9qrLBdS-R1Hvcvxr-y-oHPg1InwWHl6n8YnKC-lEKNFeLGcuud6cV6Ncp9s0j7Fo-77dbc1GTLKx8xkHEfeDg2r6yv_e5gRdDMSVfoCI6yaWG4v86m_BX02K2fpapH8/s400/007edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505453260557627506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTpCpwXpa0MObye7bFdrfyzt1hWWT0L5aO8ImB3fwU2zgUDIcq7eCzebW8lcBlHjo61iREI5ia9lExs3-FnpT8df9NqF5MxsaSpP0kSuY_1yZugixh6Y2DbDSroHWNTmN3QGb_cxHxbk/s1600/016edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTpCpwXpa0MObye7bFdrfyzt1hWWT0L5aO8ImB3fwU2zgUDIcq7eCzebW8lcBlHjo61iREI5ia9lExs3-FnpT8df9NqF5MxsaSpP0kSuY_1yZugixh6Y2DbDSroHWNTmN3QGb_cxHxbk/s400/016edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505453276226596690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9bjSspijx59lLAXmP8BEOzsr_AfQyjf3o51hAzIKwz6qxjOFLa2GP47ku_OIFwYi-k4cuy99Q3NSZZ_edk4yg9s8nL15wIdiYjaajXQvRmpWntsBy2pu7bjtviC9j2F2W6rKkdGIlGU/s1600/017edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9bjSspijx59lLAXmP8BEOzsr_AfQyjf3o51hAzIKwz6qxjOFLa2GP47ku_OIFwYi-k4cuy99Q3NSZZ_edk4yg9s8nL15wIdiYjaajXQvRmpWntsBy2pu7bjtviC9j2F2W6rKkdGIlGU/s400/017edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505453284796208706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeC1DR6tZ_zxHoyudIqOKJ1apCDqcjbFBjnNidtzNSiuQsrt6la4YpPGW3H2x1yKEtOr8l9UQfmQfnK4CK_ijOo-lS0sSA-PFTWgHL0_lkTiDx8m2_P8J-1P53Tcvg2AmxE-wY8KgVU6o/s1600/348.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeC1DR6tZ_zxHoyudIqOKJ1apCDqcjbFBjnNidtzNSiuQsrt6la4YpPGW3H2x1yKEtOr8l9UQfmQfnK4CK_ijOo-lS0sSA-PFTWgHL0_lkTiDx8m2_P8J-1P53Tcvg2AmxE-wY8KgVU6o/s400/348.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505454224917034514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5-Sqnh71tmkzZNzHSZVRkCTq65YSRtHC3knQBHT4YpPQcu0rhNI8_pIsN1IxkPEaguTDlFM5dR5Fhlov0OgHXMtm6d9U01SNFINzODNbaK1c17Qhyphenhyphen9HkOAyeCdk-LmfRtRII9j9EjU0/s1600/023edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5-Sqnh71tmkzZNzHSZVRkCTq65YSRtHC3knQBHT4YpPQcu0rhNI8_pIsN1IxkPEaguTDlFM5dR5Fhlov0OgHXMtm6d9U01SNFINzODNbaK1c17Qhyphenhyphen9HkOAyeCdk-LmfRtRII9j9EjU0/s400/023edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505454196791092162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsIZQL7XIE4t7wM7eFjYDr4UGfdlJv0vSF17Z-kDCt0eHQk2OkN1yWY0_TheUpL7mg4bGbw7IfWZEZKAOsH9X5sNASwCXksA-j4N5_vMOp1k3pR8hTRBJT0I5t3pblOzyteI7ekaMUzI/s1600/030edit+%282%29.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsIZQL7XIE4t7wM7eFjYDr4UGfdlJv0vSF17Z-kDCt0eHQk2OkN1yWY0_TheUpL7mg4bGbw7IfWZEZKAOsH9X5sNASwCXksA-j4N5_vMOp1k3pR8hTRBJT0I5t3pblOzyteI7ekaMUzI/s400/030edit+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505454206354720450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gtwYx72V6jkBsbaEJQlHhL9AaGsPNDBIe-jD16lWFsKLOLjJkdGwf_3bBAvdRl0scmngmkdYUnckKKf7fv_09MVofCMOwDybxJ2NzCw9n_3FRN7rkv3TIjgioHUaiUcoqOnkEqcd34/s1600/013edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gtwYx72V6jkBsbaEJQlHhL9AaGsPNDBIe-jD16lWFsKLOLjJkdGwf_3bBAvdRl0scmngmkdYUnckKKf7fv_09MVofCMOwDybxJ2NzCw9n_3FRN7rkv3TIjgioHUaiUcoqOnkEqcd34/s400/013edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505455297736056882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinG-HstUcEXiuY5E0Jq3_XLV32M6uOq6251DKMnRrlk04zE2pggf8EAw4xnQAVlXzKli70n89SyumFm8OPZVZkGW_rqO6fAbO0K6FTxVkHs1_N6krEaM0FdcLo5EfLPnDjoLZ3t9vSOfE/s1600/350.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinG-HstUcEXiuY5E0Jq3_XLV32M6uOq6251DKMnRrlk04zE2pggf8EAw4xnQAVlXzKli70n89SyumFm8OPZVZkGW_rqO6fAbO0K6FTxVkHs1_N6krEaM0FdcLo5EfLPnDjoLZ3t9vSOfE/s400/350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505455291932640642" border="0" /></a><br />The guys decided to treat us with wonderful dinners! I'm not sure if it was out of boredom or what, but it was good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDTfRNElYmXkIGiR-NFeA0ydCb7i1tAfSXLoSAK4X7b_NemECvx6D1YWuTzdXGEtQPQaiPodPUaVwW1a9nnMsg9fFjc9T7YiFOBEZxqnwYYiLdS-bf7Gc6qQjO-EqSwjqKLWyrdcDKjM/s1600/311.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDTfRNElYmXkIGiR-NFeA0ydCb7i1tAfSXLoSAK4X7b_NemECvx6D1YWuTzdXGEtQPQaiPodPUaVwW1a9nnMsg9fFjc9T7YiFOBEZxqnwYYiLdS-bf7Gc6qQjO-EqSwjqKLWyrdcDKjM/s400/311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505455285595840274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RXYhuWUxM-yeB3w82dLX19x6e3l2mP0EeSw-TAHibZAigTAfrxpes3RGri7vwSSgeZOr5tfYg9sXCVdLQF1mDU6lCPYIWSEgzA5kZHC_43cBtU1dw3BK5kdLEPhYSoEI8-KikftomcI/s1600/005edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RXYhuWUxM-yeB3w82dLX19x6e3l2mP0EeSw-TAHibZAigTAfrxpes3RGri7vwSSgeZOr5tfYg9sXCVdLQF1mDU6lCPYIWSEgzA5kZHC_43cBtU1dw3BK5kdLEPhYSoEI8-KikftomcI/s400/005edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505455278920991234" border="0" /></a><br />Here we all are! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGOhFSL8HqsdD0DW6p-iCYN5ugIJDmVLCV3TTR7k1CYtm5Pyb4tt5DFC8RDpPwx9w_ACPNcON3KrT22SHaWRgGEaSF0Ub1XAJbS64AP3ISHTo4jaBoqAqxS7pDnzTJgnbbPWLFkFsbHY/s1600/324edit.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQJhcGmkXUec6K3HLh43FaZKSQO-E4jPngFqqmFeTICPXB5RtVuaq0BWDWNZF0wFMxbgasYWAufnNySele0gqTTvN89_7amKCjVc5-06D-ZZ0kwTHD_EP72nzjkyiIwgQGatDKDA_PEs/s1600/030edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQJhcGmkXUec6K3HLh43FaZKSQO-E4jPngFqqmFeTICPXB5RtVuaq0BWDWNZF0wFMxbgasYWAufnNySele0gqTTvN89_7amKCjVc5-06D-ZZ0kwTHD_EP72nzjkyiIwgQGatDKDA_PEs/s400/030edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505454210084335154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qhFUUkEBdZo48GkmFlyvbIK3s00b0MERfNacmWjcvY5BVcSYol8U91_s95qx_wADvBR0bvvT2neJv8hRfmNNt9n3P-xgesOs6r4NCaFRuvB1TPvalnxsl9MZmYr_bGCiKmISBYQscc4/s1600/628edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qhFUUkEBdZo48GkmFlyvbIK3s00b0MERfNacmWjcvY5BVcSYol8U91_s95qx_wADvBR0bvvT2neJv8hRfmNNt9n3P-xgesOs6r4NCaFRuvB1TPvalnxsl9MZmYr_bGCiKmISBYQscc4/s400/628edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505455271911695218" border="0" /></a>Of course, we had TONS of fun and, of course, I took pics of everyone! You can see more over <a href="http://jenpinkertonphotography.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> at the Jennifer Pinkerton Photography blog. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQJhcGmkXUec6K3HLh43FaZKSQO-E4jPngFqqmFeTICPXB5RtVuaq0BWDWNZF0wFMxbgasYWAufnNySele0gqTTvN89_7amKCjVc5-06D-ZZ0kwTHD_EP72nzjkyiIwgQGatDKDA_PEs/s1600/030edit.jpg"><br /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-8385901619586346402010-07-27T21:52:00.006-05:002010-07-27T22:16:58.658-05:00vacation part 3: Charleston, SCI've been to Charleston several times and just knew that we needed to make a stop there during our epic vacation. It's so charming and full of history, I knew Scott would love it.<br /><br />We got there kinda late, so we headed for the bar around the corner, which just happens to be one of my family's favorite spots in Charleston! Tommy Condon's is an Irish pub and we got there just as the live music started. We made several visits to Tommy Condon's while we were there. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislCkU6i3p9KkhgH3jVAm1p3y2FSkDMp0F5plTBHfjKx_GvgNQM_mmQahyOn16ObP0UWS8hxrc78WEXuIghtJGUO_6tTRs0L4Hq5DFpeAxd0ize-XSf8z9rhnF3qFPqisDzypCCptsgoY/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislCkU6i3p9KkhgH3jVAm1p3y2FSkDMp0F5plTBHfjKx_GvgNQM_mmQahyOn16ObP0UWS8hxrc78WEXuIghtJGUO_6tTRs0L4Hq5DFpeAxd0ize-XSf8z9rhnF3qFPqisDzypCCptsgoY/s400/043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498786067816286978" border="0" /></a><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QJzI0f4r-iI&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QJzI0f4r-iI&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Charleston was our little splurge spot and we had a sweet little boutique hotel room at the Andrew Pinckney Inn, which is set up in some historic buildings. It occupied several buildings and our room was on the second floor of the building in the foreground on the left. Fabulous 12 ft ceilings with crown mouldings and amazing old wood floors and plantation shutters on the huge windows.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduiZwHUiVjimTKOHyG5Sm2Rz3SU53YxZxPVfQGdzPdfWpwtvhjjkPDOkSr9ackFyzuaRuRYxN47vjeAycueedepcqkoeAoeqm_end5KgmxTQVLlu37bZks8-BO2InNkFPmdFvCQZ3yEY/s1600/042edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduiZwHUiVjimTKOHyG5Sm2Rz3SU53YxZxPVfQGdzPdfWpwtvhjjkPDOkSr9ackFyzuaRuRYxN47vjeAycueedepcqkoeAoeqm_end5KgmxTQVLlu37bZks8-BO2InNkFPmdFvCQZ3yEY/s400/042edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498787639554746754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFnLZ2I9hZX9DyBxM-BF7HqMnUm8aeNquHn6tVjliZKJpT3T5-4DL9g_XKYn7O08l24l61VJVNFtErkFR9nyx__XRAPwgTYy7IRJeVhWN7u1cpS2l2AjWFMjsb_lA8IRRMX63eeWzk1w/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFnLZ2I9hZX9DyBxM-BF7HqMnUm8aeNquHn6tVjliZKJpT3T5-4DL9g_XKYn7O08l24l61VJVNFtErkFR9nyx__XRAPwgTYy7IRJeVhWN7u1cpS2l2AjWFMjsb_lA8IRRMX63eeWzk1w/s400/045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498786074406625410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGZknOR2jv7dLFS0hWAGNPpInOgMOEOSKBOYjS_qOGsOHyLIaVHmnzYSaSKIg4BrEczCxrKDtZVK1Ws1vpjJLj-cm8EzNHYcGr6Yt7Bkb0OKLZK6UFPIOQ8yATWlt9zFeMZOYzlTg0PM/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGZknOR2jv7dLFS0hWAGNPpInOgMOEOSKBOYjS_qOGsOHyLIaVHmnzYSaSKIg4BrEczCxrKDtZVK1Ws1vpjJLj-cm8EzNHYcGr6Yt7Bkb0OKLZK6UFPIOQ8yATWlt9zFeMZOYzlTg0PM/s400/047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498786085942172034" border="0" /></a><br />On the full day we were there, we headed out to Ft. Sumter, which is where the first shots of the Civil war were fired. My father calls it "the war of Northern aggression."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN-vbfNZWU4v0KTf8Mu_toPqbW1kenlVcbTjwQotuYAy3dJvPw4lbbPy4Qg6AJKFNPFmJcqg9YqeqHORUbZ5oitEXYAlz5F_M3Rtq53oP4TtyL-X2ilRhEw3gIiOSGmurl5fA4mtS6uE/s1600/014edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN-vbfNZWU4v0KTf8Mu_toPqbW1kenlVcbTjwQotuYAy3dJvPw4lbbPy4Qg6AJKFNPFmJcqg9YqeqHORUbZ5oitEXYAlz5F_M3Rtq53oP4TtyL-X2ilRhEw3gIiOSGmurl5fA4mtS6uE/s400/014edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498786107176243682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5wKBzUGPJR9dcUcI4QZc7jQv-ZcCRNpC72AhPLJpS6K0l0hHpcOp8i5za9SzGJpmNt2FdUUMyLsHL4v67BMA2_Q2c6Vg_b5IXdjbUHx4DKHLNGf6sb1-ef9Lf3gpXyQqjYpvplZQ_uI/s1600/017edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5wKBzUGPJR9dcUcI4QZc7jQv-ZcCRNpC72AhPLJpS6K0l0hHpcOp8i5za9SzGJpmNt2FdUUMyLsHL4v67BMA2_Q2c6Vg_b5IXdjbUHx4DKHLNGf6sb1-ef9Lf3gpXyQqjYpvplZQ_uI/s400/017edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498787623725184818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipjiIjOE4Q4FrP1V9KIyGB198JT5udaVuj9pfCrUFMflyMiMLBUGBZm6DfSCgX51jV3LrSIyviRfZCd7MTkxstTZUs2X3LmP5eNFrCgh1uZ2Cr9sm4f-JNeOCPBlCGdq0bFpS3HOIbTA/s1600/025edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipjiIjOE4Q4FrP1V9KIyGB198JT5udaVuj9pfCrUFMflyMiMLBUGBZm6DfSCgX51jV3LrSIyviRfZCd7MTkxstTZUs2X3LmP5eNFrCgh1uZ2Cr9sm4f-JNeOCPBlCGdq0bFpS3HOIbTA/s400/025edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498787646546476690" border="0" /></a> It was so hot and humid that after doing some walking around town and cooling off at our pub, we pretty much stayed in our cute room until the sun went down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsokSw_jPPBkseKF-t9m8vVx4RV2GfM6NPVFXoU9B3T5V_9AWUZ8Y9KDvToGFgwmSlt8DODMZYzZ_6oyri5qV9aFhVDD4KpD41hYEdqd28q-EI9qjJwUgGDq-xrEsy7qqs5Z30ms-Wp-4/s1600/004edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsokSw_jPPBkseKF-t9m8vVx4RV2GfM6NPVFXoU9B3T5V_9AWUZ8Y9KDvToGFgwmSlt8DODMZYzZ_6oyri5qV9aFhVDD4KpD41hYEdqd28q-EI9qjJwUgGDq-xrEsy7qqs5Z30ms-Wp-4/s400/004edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498786093553560002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95P-j_cGFYcm7gAfp3b9VAmXQ5YOkTjSKz5v34v328rUxLsVpsrn0EGWXm60wKbR2lRptqXU7saLC7f80o-V4pVBtdQ_2_YyGU1bVjPOBn8Qge62uGUp6w8AO8buWiRlPDFUM0eUowqw/s1600/024edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95P-j_cGFYcm7gAfp3b9VAmXQ5YOkTjSKz5v34v328rUxLsVpsrn0EGWXm60wKbR2lRptqXU7saLC7f80o-V4pVBtdQ_2_YyGU1bVjPOBn8Qge62uGUp6w8AO8buWiRlPDFUM0eUowqw/s400/024edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498787632021694306" border="0" /></a><br />Charleston is well known for it's colorful houses. The famous section of homes is called Rainbow Row.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57Hyqipligx7B-IZn3jl9_EsKSM_7wahzy03_sk7f4gwtZBwV6XObSXOMZcJriyRGLgzUFbUZZIZGG_nOYv-vxO4cGChr3RavQ6EFykqBPakD0RF1tTMVQFLrS9awxdsAC2TjGrzZ-mw/s1600/036edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57Hyqipligx7B-IZn3jl9_EsKSM_7wahzy03_sk7f4gwtZBwV6XObSXOMZcJriyRGLgzUFbUZZIZGG_nOYv-vxO4cGChr3RavQ6EFykqBPakD0RF1tTMVQFLrS9awxdsAC2TjGrzZ-mw/s400/036edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498790039834328802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6pQhE7j26mvN0NKCb_ZaA9NHuaKuvvmihL1rPYlFMR3B2pDpOK0zT07Jg4fPoTMhJCzV42x_1BfmzXQRByQhNbENY2foaNpnaD6eikokMRyXZuhVjux6LXAR3WEZeZGWhdEjq0a-DBA/s1600/035edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6pQhE7j26mvN0NKCb_ZaA9NHuaKuvvmihL1rPYlFMR3B2pDpOK0zT07Jg4fPoTMhJCzV42x_1BfmzXQRByQhNbENY2foaNpnaD6eikokMRyXZuhVjux6LXAR3WEZeZGWhdEjq0a-DBA/s400/035edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498787659649422402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0rFuXykBM7b8JvcjJYj6CJn1cAAHZpVH6x36yfsvOY-3lZ2uOn2wmXF9rMW8A3NgnOhETy56sBBa5lYpyEmDz8ftTl9fj2AGRkKAW-g1eDAusycoJlKYIkXlu0x8JemCKqg98LijRAw/s1600/038edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0rFuXykBM7b8JvcjJYj6CJn1cAAHZpVH6x36yfsvOY-3lZ2uOn2wmXF9rMW8A3NgnOhETy56sBBa5lYpyEmDz8ftTl9fj2AGRkKAW-g1eDAusycoJlKYIkXlu0x8JemCKqg98LijRAw/s400/038edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498790056554643826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBsCuS3Db3wMSImPQ84_7JVcgTOikV_ZDYWhcHMwyztmrUw6YDPnrpwNc-XfVqzy0uR7bGVhA0Yyhcs9bW6FyxytGz2Lsh32kKTSSBanlqfPYhLjC1B4I9GFbe5XfyJoQG3p1WPbp8uk/s1600/040edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBsCuS3Db3wMSImPQ84_7JVcgTOikV_ZDYWhcHMwyztmrUw6YDPnrpwNc-XfVqzy0uR7bGVhA0Yyhcs9bW6FyxytGz2Lsh32kKTSSBanlqfPYhLjC1B4I9GFbe5XfyJoQG3p1WPbp8uk/s400/040edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498790066211353458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkK-xAaESp06yd-V9PokPT4l0grw9neavVGkduFlOGxxGx5q13OwqyqRnoic48_PWU-mklQpHlSp491Pgt9f4Y3tqvasVEKaYFNXpwrn1evE-U4fMOvNFC6cINJplzdQ8IYu-NxwWPMQ/s1600/037edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkK-xAaESp06yd-V9PokPT4l0grw9neavVGkduFlOGxxGx5q13OwqyqRnoic48_PWU-mklQpHlSp491Pgt9f4Y3tqvasVEKaYFNXpwrn1evE-U4fMOvNFC6cINJplzdQ8IYu-NxwWPMQ/s400/037edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498790049336430450" border="0" /></a><br />There was so much more to do in Charleston, but we really just enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere. Ahhhhhh....Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-74338500871744022172010-07-27T20:07:00.006-05:002010-07-27T20:31:50.706-05:00vacation part 2: making our way through the CarolinasPart two of our journey involved lots of driving, but it was good driving! We went up, over and through the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. Such pretty mountain scenery! Our destination at this point was Charleston, SC, but along the way we stopped to meet my longtime online friend Hope and her husband before doing a little drive-by of my old house in Columbia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGhumKmjAFfABIk_JvfFio_jYFtyh6oj-51TZI72I8FLaN_zZ_o1vNNOAp4486nIVCzwEpWGzYVwmzqe60gnusmEW76DCyGgwGUIdhLcS52dEa4_XFGJOLlXd_T9P2GV5r8D8ZylQZWk/s1600/019edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGhumKmjAFfABIk_JvfFio_jYFtyh6oj-51TZI72I8FLaN_zZ_o1vNNOAp4486nIVCzwEpWGzYVwmzqe60gnusmEW76DCyGgwGUIdhLcS52dEa4_XFGJOLlXd_T9P2GV5r8D8ZylQZWk/s400/019edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498758707834156642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXwKHDB0PjYw2sbKofnktIG3lQkpR38fl60TSim7ho3M5VBKJCuOrV9V2eY77y21oP4gisL4P2JpizcB3bBltagR4yDZ96GXAy1V9PLw5gcFI1m4FwGeWx7odroQzgJ3KfQIySS66MoY/s1600/016edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXwKHDB0PjYw2sbKofnktIG3lQkpR38fl60TSim7ho3M5VBKJCuOrV9V2eY77y21oP4gisL4P2JpizcB3bBltagR4yDZ96GXAy1V9PLw5gcFI1m4FwGeWx7odroQzgJ3KfQIySS66MoY/s400/016edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498758701427813458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-DFGeXoYtNrfuc5rBWqRM8RTlPpfKeUJS_mvDVWc1H6Dvf4McJFAGn4H_2TPKGyPpgcIoLWzOWoVylzZ3rtZwo3zPjBO7N69-SOxYpE3u_mFF3Cx7AHtt2F1TRXHqzIBqaedsY_Ot3g/s1600/011edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-DFGeXoYtNrfuc5rBWqRM8RTlPpfKeUJS_mvDVWc1H6Dvf4McJFAGn4H_2TPKGyPpgcIoLWzOWoVylzZ3rtZwo3zPjBO7N69-SOxYpE3u_mFF3Cx7AHtt2F1TRXHqzIBqaedsY_Ot3g/s400/011edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498758691663964626" border="0" /></a>We were up in the clouds!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUCdhZ7YtpkKX44Ev_OmB5DPyjkszySivLC4mb_yKrrQ_bMIkwpWG9M2VPED6eRVtpnhonzaQvJVX98VIQhoVmy6u5y8Qh7KTrliN_TLmHWLuDNJgDvmaTWlmzNcq6W_AUZ3_uEn5yj0/s1600/026edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUCdhZ7YtpkKX44Ev_OmB5DPyjkszySivLC4mb_yKrrQ_bMIkwpWG9M2VPED6eRVtpnhonzaQvJVX98VIQhoVmy6u5y8Qh7KTrliN_TLmHWLuDNJgDvmaTWlmzNcq6W_AUZ3_uEn5yj0/s400/026edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498758728511835794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii5Q2VCMcFjOXqT9PNxi8EKe2L64Rc0pbqOXPpsajUjRNMWT3GO-nIBmh7i1RG-XB9KaTH4zjxJWzf2Dnp21w2r2o3_ORJR9xhGS7814pBl2hY3bk8f2JU2pZqtu8nMclMWqciOWnM78/s1600/025edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii5Q2VCMcFjOXqT9PNxi8EKe2L64Rc0pbqOXPpsajUjRNMWT3GO-nIBmh7i1RG-XB9KaTH4zjxJWzf2Dnp21w2r2o3_ORJR9xhGS7814pBl2hY3bk8f2JU2pZqtu8nMclMWqciOWnM78/s400/025edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498758722201570002" border="0" /></a><br />When we stopped to visit with Hope and her hubby Carl, they took us out on their pontoon boat. It was so nice to take a moment to do something fun! We also managed to find some good Mexican food.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6TMaKbJeSReE6RK0hXOYmSyiXyaOf55s4KD9HNfn7FvV0uc5lhC2Jel-cxAK2Uq1XeVmZbhSvY-OPEBgk099zIXj_9wvp73LUtqnyaRZOf1F_IVjzd-F8ToSjJ3S7yk7CG5c0i4WXgY/s1600/033edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6TMaKbJeSReE6RK0hXOYmSyiXyaOf55s4KD9HNfn7FvV0uc5lhC2Jel-cxAK2Uq1XeVmZbhSvY-OPEBgk099zIXj_9wvp73LUtqnyaRZOf1F_IVjzd-F8ToSjJ3S7yk7CG5c0i4WXgY/s400/033edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498761485724388082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_lNay6lhfKECl19_bjTBlh25xPwief2naIVC4iYl8DyyTQDyzWiV6Y8Yn08YwhZg3DPWHNS1Yr7yNYeywUwacV8kwAclj84YO3rWbBjtLFke4YMP9id5JQJl4U5fl9MFH6GMvRBAY-A/s1600/032edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_lNay6lhfKECl19_bjTBlh25xPwief2naIVC4iYl8DyyTQDyzWiV6Y8Yn08YwhZg3DPWHNS1Yr7yNYeywUwacV8kwAclj84YO3rWbBjtLFke4YMP9id5JQJl4U5fl9MFH6GMvRBAY-A/s400/032edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498761478047566514" border="0" /></a><br />I took Scott by my old house in Columbia, which we lived in from about 1989-1993. I have to say, it's become kinda ghetto! It did not look good at all, but I guess that 20 years can change a place. Oh, well. The entire area had grown so much, I hardly knew where I was!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OFLfwT2xOxydghwVaah8BfZDut4pe7X9_4DBIpg-L3-QT7eYxoSHOF0Id1XNyOJitA-seB33s50afR32xCv3oq3rl5o6H2s-yZ883ZnDyQB-CxpVntHQR-DtG8qOtzI6dhUdwk-xe6g/s1600/035edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OFLfwT2xOxydghwVaah8BfZDut4pe7X9_4DBIpg-L3-QT7eYxoSHOF0Id1XNyOJitA-seB33s50afR32xCv3oq3rl5o6H2s-yZ883ZnDyQB-CxpVntHQR-DtG8qOtzI6dhUdwk-xe6g/s400/035edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498761505174532418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmWF1KJbrJsSMBjTnnrtxszcTlxwuLfVvvlfjIrWyM7wJWfAu3yAHN5idXPcxiXa5_LFLgZOwlTQfwxNr5ZLkzY1RhZKnyAhwMmhE1iYd93On8YyYdBKhGzvLhecLMUY7nlYY1Ju7mUg/s1600/036edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmWF1KJbrJsSMBjTnnrtxszcTlxwuLfVvvlfjIrWyM7wJWfAu3yAHN5idXPcxiXa5_LFLgZOwlTQfwxNr5ZLkzY1RhZKnyAhwMmhE1iYd93On8YyYdBKhGzvLhecLMUY7nlYY1Ju7mUg/s400/036edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498761491698983490" border="0" /></a><br />I'll leave you with a little video of the husbands going across the floating dock. Haha, I was hoping one of them would fall in! Dangit.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PekzNMqZbCM&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PekzNMqZbCM&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-37129247207322026612010-07-27T18:57:00.006-05:002010-07-27T19:33:21.839-05:00I've been on vacation!! yay!! part 1: the bourbon trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-J5ASu-3kl5V_-cEPIecwaqVYZYniXmR9jkoFqPRHdl2r82MvQAXr1gAR9De6AltdxVfJlEp_P0ejUR5SYKtMIfl15RTTAZrww4E32Wj6hXmgOB4HV6vbcTdHnTjJazKaYKPb5TmfSY/s1600/031edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-J5ASu-3kl5V_-cEPIecwaqVYZYniXmR9jkoFqPRHdl2r82MvQAXr1gAR9De6AltdxVfJlEp_P0ejUR5SYKtMIfl15RTTAZrww4E32Wj6hXmgOB4HV6vbcTdHnTjJazKaYKPb5TmfSY/s400/031edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741932573635490" border="0" /></a><br />Sunday night, my husband and I got home from a long, wonderful, much needed vacation withOUT kids! We were gone for about 10 days and the purpose of our trip was to meet up with 5 friends that I met online when we were all pregnant with our twins. Scott and I decided to take our vacation road-trip style, stopping along the way to soak up some new places.<br /><br />The first leg of our journey led us down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We participated in program where you have a passport stamped at several different distilleries, earning a t-shirt if you get to all of them. It was fun to do and the countryside was just gorgeous! Scott even had to drive through a washed out road/river at one point! Gotta love back-roads.<br /><br />We started out at Jim Beam. We don't drink Jim Beam, but it was a nice place!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXM7TiHU_k-J6WzGPL70o_SYSnvUc4wUuoyQVOKgZIDmZuAAHgcH1TGH81qyuO_vGAiC5nbpTs_x3zoyL5KdZqBtABwWxJGSr001KKwH-RAH6lLdWgTjuuVbG1ndeXvuUaz_SwLpLqDI/s1600/006edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXM7TiHU_k-J6WzGPL70o_SYSnvUc4wUuoyQVOKgZIDmZuAAHgcH1TGH81qyuO_vGAiC5nbpTs_x3zoyL5KdZqBtABwWxJGSr001KKwH-RAH6lLdWgTjuuVbG1ndeXvuUaz_SwLpLqDI/s400/006edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741173539813954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fwMflO18w-mja8fWtZfPvYl_BdWE2LzFhXtKLt1fOZAEFHS2SmcQ6Lb2Cs29CTpnZGogR6TDWYxHdLxGzRoJ3Xmn4UMdFrjitW3PqYN14VosODGERdCuEoPp9glgYw1Dn0Fp9n8Q7Iw/s1600/007edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fwMflO18w-mja8fWtZfPvYl_BdWE2LzFhXtKLt1fOZAEFHS2SmcQ6Lb2Cs29CTpnZGogR6TDWYxHdLxGzRoJ3Xmn4UMdFrjitW3PqYN14VosODGERdCuEoPp9glgYw1Dn0Fp9n8Q7Iw/s400/007edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741148863099410" border="0" /></a><br />Second stop was Heaven Hill. We hadn't even heard of it! Might have something to do with the fact that it all burned down in the 90's. lol Bourbon and fire don't get along well!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz9n677JRhqchwk9moHb1Rvm4F73eOrznkRSn9IIBTxbKgle62HWdrby6Y-NUcIwvtOMBmMY-CiXGqzubcgoMB5fTfF3BCKlOlKk36rcW58SuSgSvd51nDqMoGd1Rg8R8wotPkkH-Y_c/s1600/008edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz9n677JRhqchwk9moHb1Rvm4F73eOrznkRSn9IIBTxbKgle62HWdrby6Y-NUcIwvtOMBmMY-CiXGqzubcgoMB5fTfF3BCKlOlKk36rcW58SuSgSvd51nDqMoGd1Rg8R8wotPkkH-Y_c/s400/008edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741156692998258" border="0" /></a><br />Next up was Maker's Mark. I remember visiting this distillery with my family as a child when we lived in Kentucky. The smells and heat from the huge vats of fermenting alcohol have always stayed with me. They weren't as intense as I had remembered, but it was fun to take Scott there so he could experience it too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz4yRHGI3n82icSJQNyU8wT91NpR4kOhqtF570Zc5fer5PuHE6J0mM1hjJ_-z9wTwmvM1uPUdOgZAY7H_dBNSJ6z4c5dZ_Ha_U396dzh3S96RpZw2IiIxeaktGhx_MsF0JG637jsR0sI/s1600/015edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz4yRHGI3n82icSJQNyU8wT91NpR4kOhqtF570Zc5fer5PuHE6J0mM1hjJ_-z9wTwmvM1uPUdOgZAY7H_dBNSJ6z4c5dZ_Ha_U396dzh3S96RpZw2IiIxeaktGhx_MsF0JG637jsR0sI/s400/015edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741457933045554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdOK4lRcjiMtVif19AYwfcaZUcy9WgLTAuaUbY91rKtDe1HtmeasmEhGZqBrq3qAoVuyLyRYhhyphenhyphenRZoH9rW4xk3NuczzNNWtWoD4BE7M2bDesfl0OxvqqQXSV8buJxrJDJ_R-_aMeNHYI/s1600/010edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdOK4lRcjiMtVif19AYwfcaZUcy9WgLTAuaUbY91rKtDe1HtmeasmEhGZqBrq3qAoVuyLyRYhhyphenhyphenRZoH9rW4xk3NuczzNNWtWoD4BE7M2bDesfl0OxvqqQXSV8buJxrJDJ_R-_aMeNHYI/s400/010edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741165083560162" border="0" /></a><br />If you aren't familiar with bourbon, it's made from grains and corn, fermented until it's basically moonshine. Then they place it in wooden barrels that are charred on the inside, where they are aged for 6-8 years or so.<br /><br />While on our trip, we became Maker's Mark ambassadors, which means we get our names on a barrel and when it's ready, we get a bottle from that barrel! You can sign up for free on their website and they send you Christmas presents and invites to events and stuff. It sounds pretty cool and we're excited!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebdXNQj2GA-XhYLslpEvKyDvZrUu5b0NapWnCJyBh7u7cjVRiNWawFpd4TIehUIvIi5kXmzyXQZpLd_4Ps6aB5XKl3bE4YDtMMj46J6nvdIvCZPc8NQ0Vi3jY7X1heu6sP14vtC9mSVo/s1600/014edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebdXNQj2GA-XhYLslpEvKyDvZrUu5b0NapWnCJyBh7u7cjVRiNWawFpd4TIehUIvIi5kXmzyXQZpLd_4Ps6aB5XKl3bE4YDtMMj46J6nvdIvCZPc8NQ0Vi3jY7X1heu6sP14vtC9mSVo/s400/014edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741179735541474" border="0" /></a><br />We picked up a couple of bottles of the brand new "46" which is pretty darn good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejn8-Poos2jQCgWW1cdnctuAG1_5eL624DE3pGh58sVzSf2wDIbUWGEapXrzKmkYB2W6d6FxdWRbbk5UJfgqKZozv-vPk_GgWz5mZwLbsR-Vyb9atRqtAKwR2xn7ehyssrSQK9IPkWfw/s1600/016edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejn8-Poos2jQCgWW1cdnctuAG1_5eL624DE3pGh58sVzSf2wDIbUWGEapXrzKmkYB2W6d6FxdWRbbk5UJfgqKZozv-vPk_GgWz5mZwLbsR-Vyb9atRqtAKwR2xn7ehyssrSQK9IPkWfw/s400/016edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741460599609634" border="0" /></a><br />Next stop was Four Roses. By this time of day, the distilleries were getting pretty crowded, so we didn't stay long, but this was definitely a beautiful place! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcT1-59i-0_KDiPzzE7U3yIgF1N2YY9WkeFVj4M6mS5ye4IkpuQsZdLUBFnnmwikiYYHuqviOq3qK9ec75Bnq59qEACDHIIEVfoO-FzJGjH81LHx5hvDbGB5amBhEED7eMjPgRGyqKKc/s1600/021edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcT1-59i-0_KDiPzzE7U3yIgF1N2YY9WkeFVj4M6mS5ye4IkpuQsZdLUBFnnmwikiYYHuqviOq3qK9ec75Bnq59qEACDHIIEVfoO-FzJGjH81LHx5hvDbGB5amBhEED7eMjPgRGyqKKc/s400/021edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741479330708178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA2rLxW6ySCGeiMTDZsJJUaAv5EVX9BhffYeA8-EGwqvGmp1VNNluYCgKCn0gvbtP46lsPauKPOkWUUdT1HMrJC6OUZbdDoJf-1iL_aD-DhqY8zUlLv4-UChBubsHvAvAtTifi1FeiUc/s1600/020edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA2rLxW6ySCGeiMTDZsJJUaAv5EVX9BhffYeA8-EGwqvGmp1VNNluYCgKCn0gvbtP46lsPauKPOkWUUdT1HMrJC6OUZbdDoJf-1iL_aD-DhqY8zUlLv4-UChBubsHvAvAtTifi1FeiUc/s400/020edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741470706247122" border="0" /></a><br />Wild Turkey. The only whiskey/bourbon I've ever had a baaaaad experience with. lol<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tyn20RTmq9Ftsh6kIBXalzwBBLr0sTIAAl2CqczmAiumZVYqey6FujDnHGoAMnGVaE8lKnLL0voYCQ2E82pIdzY0CIFAlD_fM6YJHQnsRYzS5b8D6xesH_EboOhPOR-V6F7vxpDjG2Q/s1600/023edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tyn20RTmq9Ftsh6kIBXalzwBBLr0sTIAAl2CqczmAiumZVYqey6FujDnHGoAMnGVaE8lKnLL0voYCQ2E82pIdzY0CIFAlD_fM6YJHQnsRYzS5b8D6xesH_EboOhPOR-V6F7vxpDjG2Q/s400/023edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741484994324738" border="0" /></a><br />We saved the best for last. Woodford Reserve's distillery is the oldest and by far the best and most interesting place we visited. If you had to just pick one of these distilleries to tour, this would be the one we'd recommend. It was in a gorgeous spot too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qrM6feTAwKWE3aPaxp-68pi3Rqmr4mk6022u-0seX2M92mvpWG-6yTSccyK-RlAKqxakKFkJuJISuTHsfv-dm5hZVB2VQ-MkWUNFVk-ZtuNJ3NhITnNAYFxzMfusGcddPH3jqWKl7kc/s1600/026edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qrM6feTAwKWE3aPaxp-68pi3Rqmr4mk6022u-0seX2M92mvpWG-6yTSccyK-RlAKqxakKFkJuJISuTHsfv-dm5hZVB2VQ-MkWUNFVk-ZtuNJ3NhITnNAYFxzMfusGcddPH3jqWKl7kc/s400/026edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741913067147618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0-aUlJdtjKW1NbQlxphnskk5BJDyut4_7_qtlH6ZVYdpj9UjgnctKvYsA0w5y-Ew4WHQNKy6Iztuhy5OeXH9dEp5m1ALF9u1rXpMhdWlN6uOXrOrtEbnYBsPG0xPJK_goAb92aOu50E/s1600/028edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0-aUlJdtjKW1NbQlxphnskk5BJDyut4_7_qtlH6ZVYdpj9UjgnctKvYsA0w5y-Ew4WHQNKy6Iztuhy5OeXH9dEp5m1ALF9u1rXpMhdWlN6uOXrOrtEbnYBsPG0xPJK_goAb92aOu50E/s400/028edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741925675354690" border="0" /></a><br />They use these cool copper things that no one else does, or so they told us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjdysM1TNts7JlAaJ-rbzJABKMYF_PDM5__pjiMZHj6NYbB5uMgWv4xMYp-3FSH-2mjdepys9ny_kya3bDLVfisHlDmUL0Eerykxbuu423Rox_cQoWUzwr4wpIcAou_FZMhbRLoM3-M0/s1600/027edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjdysM1TNts7JlAaJ-rbzJABKMYF_PDM5__pjiMZHj6NYbB5uMgWv4xMYp-3FSH-2mjdepys9ny_kya3bDLVfisHlDmUL0Eerykxbuu423Rox_cQoWUzwr4wpIcAou_FZMhbRLoM3-M0/s400/027edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498741917251250226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We saw and sampled our way through all of these fun places and would definitely do it again! You can learn more about bourbon and the bourbon trail <a href="http://www.kybourbontrail.com/">HERE.</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-86500708211268568582010-07-06T23:11:00.008-05:002010-07-27T20:34:02.601-05:00God bless America!I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! We spent Saturday with my in-laws and the kiddos participated in their annual neighborhood "parade." It's becoming a tradition for us and I know it's making memories for the kiddos. Living down in Texas most of my life, we never did a whole lot for this holiday because it's always too dang hot and dry!<br /><br />The kids in the neighborhood decorate their bikes, wagons and strollers, walk around the neighborhood lake and end the parade at the water with popsicles for everyone!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IsM2jXNGw5Y3D9u4R5aTuR3_SO3Gi1e13B6OU7GJ0qi3u164pIF281wyxLFPwgVk5InnCrP8MI6mpBMEDm2yqEy7xpuAoONX17a-IW4t1_dYlyqBmlwK7jGlWeyQxM60lgWuBX3pCsY/s1600/015edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IsM2jXNGw5Y3D9u4R5aTuR3_SO3Gi1e13B6OU7GJ0qi3u164pIF281wyxLFPwgVk5InnCrP8MI6mpBMEDm2yqEy7xpuAoONX17a-IW4t1_dYlyqBmlwK7jGlWeyQxM60lgWuBX3pCsY/s400/015edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013188679498578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyBgPoIRsgpRuKE1R_3xniAEJJB9W_XtvY2NYdIggDmC2RxdMlt9f87WtuAR5gDymAT8QmDhdnOTRInQaQsg3wcSk0AR7T8irHSC8VCEvUCBNjhRR77iT4_o3rsN1X6c4ZO2JTVebnO0/s1600/017edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyBgPoIRsgpRuKE1R_3xniAEJJB9W_XtvY2NYdIggDmC2RxdMlt9f87WtuAR5gDymAT8QmDhdnOTRInQaQsg3wcSk0AR7T8irHSC8VCEvUCBNjhRR77iT4_o3rsN1X6c4ZO2JTVebnO0/s400/017edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013198979017234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HN4RoHJ4aF5VYid3tf9-mhGthERuGzvSIV9kLgXwDaSgUV20iVS5jONinj6cgZ8vvJn-EhUeDCojTJVIWmtyNm3qn_IpaA35SqoqGhDwP8MfWNqT25rD0LPjs9wF2OKdTKqa73y7-bk/s1600/019edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HN4RoHJ4aF5VYid3tf9-mhGthERuGzvSIV9kLgXwDaSgUV20iVS5jONinj6cgZ8vvJn-EhUeDCojTJVIWmtyNm3qn_IpaA35SqoqGhDwP8MfWNqT25rD0LPjs9wF2OKdTKqa73y7-bk/s400/019edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013202494425538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuZFO9Og77x1em0zGoWnC6OQsDSsGrC7SiNMfHsbRRV9pwvWyMfgnwWOOBTgpmDKSqDOv1mEkSTZMSuXjMb95IsXLv8C5eabqi31bQ3vTmFKpA4pub1Nbr18zbLruRVQQEwQoRhoPV3Y/s1600/021edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuZFO9Og77x1em0zGoWnC6OQsDSsGrC7SiNMfHsbRRV9pwvWyMfgnwWOOBTgpmDKSqDOv1mEkSTZMSuXjMb95IsXLv8C5eabqi31bQ3vTmFKpA4pub1Nbr18zbLruRVQQEwQoRhoPV3Y/s400/021edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013213439040994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP81XssF7tnC0Uk_apmuF_Usul-8NAvC-lxgVA5UyDF8EUt2eoQe_9DFJc2ERV30_xLd8pGYyyd7_80ZSz0JWhiP0sfFhMMnCjxfy__M1ljSeBbK3lPjbkrNPMB97_QddispcVv96BII/s1600/022edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP81XssF7tnC0Uk_apmuF_Usul-8NAvC-lxgVA5UyDF8EUt2eoQe_9DFJc2ERV30_xLd8pGYyyd7_80ZSz0JWhiP0sfFhMMnCjxfy__M1ljSeBbK3lPjbkrNPMB97_QddispcVv96BII/s400/022edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013216900016130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwUoBZocy-jEwXtUWLRNBC8U4i_JVBuki6kXAEKCFCJeePQvr3EzjwUN5qTp002FII41OwEltn_iZfqe7wzKAeCciDPvFhx020qVYy4c0xxoxyonLoXmpDjN62wFpErl1Op3vGrrboAU/s1600/024edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwUoBZocy-jEwXtUWLRNBC8U4i_JVBuki6kXAEKCFCJeePQvr3EzjwUN5qTp002FII41OwEltn_iZfqe7wzKAeCciDPvFhx020qVYy4c0xxoxyonLoXmpDjN62wFpErl1Op3vGrrboAU/s400/024edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013580755688178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_USPKkPx3bUxibzw_V3Hn7hNxhzw1nSs8dq3U0XJzTc_sKLteKKS1RdpYOK7hJFHZoSwpeHB9pHfl-vgblV87BfQ4yJ_15ZoOq2oU49F_NQTbRuEZZJy9S04o75X17e2cH7zrtosEak/s1600/034edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_USPKkPx3bUxibzw_V3Hn7hNxhzw1nSs8dq3U0XJzTc_sKLteKKS1RdpYOK7hJFHZoSwpeHB9pHfl-vgblV87BfQ4yJ_15ZoOq2oU49F_NQTbRuEZZJy9S04o75X17e2cH7zrtosEak/s400/034edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013589674020546" border="0" /></a><br />Once evening set in, the family pyromaniacs started in on their stash of explosives! I parked myself in the back of the mini-van. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAJsXytd2MvOuvD699sfWzPRDNTusw9BGd_dvrtufye0f4tEzekPYcNlABwBkgGsHIonub8FGMIJ0eqszXKPU-BgmKOKSsbBZBUPnLunETD7AeI5dG0V7em9NpHHabKlvzwd6nyBpBws/s1600/079edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAJsXytd2MvOuvD699sfWzPRDNTusw9BGd_dvrtufye0f4tEzekPYcNlABwBkgGsHIonub8FGMIJ0eqszXKPU-BgmKOKSsbBZBUPnLunETD7AeI5dG0V7em9NpHHabKlvzwd6nyBpBws/s400/079edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013609482624882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5sBJcQvUDdLvQ4e47Qjtz_MbLGBbXGLc6wo8fy_TQRJ_PWB9fe1gge59PrLmhXmfuT4lPNYT8C_U3OTAkW40LgGNqScuyrsUgwhM1bIUho6iR-GYD9QeRZdU_w_T4CE3inX8UjjZOQE/s1600/086edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5sBJcQvUDdLvQ4e47Qjtz_MbLGBbXGLc6wo8fy_TQRJ_PWB9fe1gge59PrLmhXmfuT4lPNYT8C_U3OTAkW40LgGNqScuyrsUgwhM1bIUho6iR-GYD9QeRZdU_w_T4CE3inX8UjjZOQE/s400/086edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013596926760546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYCDoRZZ3apexq_HVUlmL9F20KRGRESooKaXhcLrtmBofIb3Ax4ltFlNaoHmx_S2rQtTkQrP4qC5_Flpo2Bt6q7qx0lRPUPrWoB87BH6QUTXkwJ-nmgpBx-QnNqh7fmLLGryM3dEwuOs/s1600/088edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYCDoRZZ3apexq_HVUlmL9F20KRGRESooKaXhcLrtmBofIb3Ax4ltFlNaoHmx_S2rQtTkQrP4qC5_Flpo2Bt6q7qx0lRPUPrWoB87BH6QUTXkwJ-nmgpBx-QnNqh7fmLLGryM3dEwuOs/s400/088edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491013620665806818" border="0" /></a><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L7eUS17WlA0&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L7eUS17WlA0&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />We ended the night with a real fireworks show and full bellies, happy to live in the greatest country on earth!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-27429754930807452692010-07-02T13:34:00.004-05:002010-07-02T13:43:32.372-05:00ahem....Hi.<br /><br />Remember me?<br /><br />Ummm, ya. It's been a little crazy around here! It's not getting any less crazy, so I figured I'd take some time today to update my blogs a little. I haven't blogged since April, so there's lots to catch up on!<br /><br />During our spring trip to Texas, we visited a strawberry farm near Marble Falls. It was our first time out there and it was a lot of fun! We went on a gorgeous, cool day and found tons of berries!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph7eG5g8FWXDf0kjTMn-crK_xRCl3Prdr3D1sUMwazeUg8dVTQvIQEZ_tHkDvtZI4vE7iksXlLQgd0a0LO7WyKCu93-ZVtJycxbVy1XzeizCzrK06-B921JLmnwK9jL-E13IYRknRE2c/s1600/019edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph7eG5g8FWXDf0kjTMn-crK_xRCl3Prdr3D1sUMwazeUg8dVTQvIQEZ_tHkDvtZI4vE7iksXlLQgd0a0LO7WyKCu93-ZVtJycxbVy1XzeizCzrK06-B921JLmnwK9jL-E13IYRknRE2c/s400/019edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380769776677858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZIgCI5Vkbkc2X48Z-F6HGfEcbXDMDYRFP9Td2xmgG7M7XQHcV8Y_GEE7tJdtigHU1UGxxT7xTk8BrrStG89jE6QG1HckTcNuTcjcLB___tIg6MFLInDDd8kCRmgxgRw5Om-tavjcTcg/s1600/037edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZIgCI5Vkbkc2X48Z-F6HGfEcbXDMDYRFP9Td2xmgG7M7XQHcV8Y_GEE7tJdtigHU1UGxxT7xTk8BrrStG89jE6QG1HckTcNuTcjcLB___tIg6MFLInDDd8kCRmgxgRw5Om-tavjcTcg/s400/037edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380754495858802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfChJiWLGUkGhGR2oKLIEwm7isRSfSZM0cvbR8j_onxxkzZzwrT1s949s8heLeEVvdxnqX-PAnMnyDPVZB8xvTIPbcLTUr_xil9uTs28Yl6ROuluQ18shjmUZAxSwnef_gj0xcSLDgVQ/s1600/027edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfChJiWLGUkGhGR2oKLIEwm7isRSfSZM0cvbR8j_onxxkzZzwrT1s949s8heLeEVvdxnqX-PAnMnyDPVZB8xvTIPbcLTUr_xil9uTs28Yl6ROuluQ18shjmUZAxSwnef_gj0xcSLDgVQ/s400/027edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380743984372642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_8dk0Ns1eYvyTFyXpPGPVEDz8-eiVKAHa7fSciKQHNJPWxr9qrTnaEYLfZ5Qxwnr-am2pLHoRn4IlSUPURA6IimTFpbox7X5Gp1KIwCZ9uuvmzrzICnV02jRr-WDRlKhZwkiQ8lh1l8/s1600/022edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_8dk0Ns1eYvyTFyXpPGPVEDz8-eiVKAHa7fSciKQHNJPWxr9qrTnaEYLfZ5Qxwnr-am2pLHoRn4IlSUPURA6IimTFpbox7X5Gp1KIwCZ9uuvmzrzICnV02jRr-WDRlKhZwkiQ8lh1l8/s400/022edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380732437173906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-d7PpJpU4XTzkQbEbjq6khbkZ0MUBzEBls-7fATpihtoPQJyLOpFCHb1EXgN1k7F1idKqJbkLDse4KEfbcKyEYT7FJiLSWobTJ7vATyFYks0ZYue1wFr3yQZb5X11krYLTklqrwgHdI/s1600/025edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-d7PpJpU4XTzkQbEbjq6khbkZ0MUBzEBls-7fATpihtoPQJyLOpFCHb1EXgN1k7F1idKqJbkLDse4KEfbcKyEYT7FJiLSWobTJ7vATyFYks0ZYue1wFr3yQZb5X11krYLTklqrwgHdI/s400/025edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380075069213010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWMrXhtCaEqzXGJzw99vWCY_MSvfqX4ftSXsqy3e3Izj_ZLYeNw7WZ8lYn0DkyuL7XN2r0OypbYlSxLrolQioXMJFc01TnM2e58njNzoL9pSGW8obW1v8muZ1iG7M5FZSb_dr6qgyeRw/s1600/034edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWMrXhtCaEqzXGJzw99vWCY_MSvfqX4ftSXsqy3e3Izj_ZLYeNw7WZ8lYn0DkyuL7XN2r0OypbYlSxLrolQioXMJFc01TnM2e58njNzoL9pSGW8obW1v8muZ1iG7M5FZSb_dr6qgyeRw/s400/034edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380758987644290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqWffwCi8rKwQDAWYJyTKn5AMLhhnGbRWD4TPawjIx0p90Idk-TSbi_aU50Df1ihgH3-tULboMJHP4w2gYwWODyrxYLe8SdaOreUxkaUEyBAM9roWvNRBX6ZkybHhG5mjM5b2pKpONIY/s1600/041edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqWffwCi8rKwQDAWYJyTKn5AMLhhnGbRWD4TPawjIx0p90Idk-TSbi_aU50Df1ihgH3-tULboMJHP4w2gYwWODyrxYLe8SdaOreUxkaUEyBAM9roWvNRBX6ZkybHhG5mjM5b2pKpONIY/s400/041edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380067819892242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6-WKpUADj1rscs8IxzwrXRUw1ZAMl6VWtkKOgEhY8q0_x_I6HJKWP4hVBp-432t_MccvRYKhGveBod5aa0ihVlIR7Czk2jqbIbmfWHJ5Oek46B4qXNeij1G7c8pMw5USIwAHY1Vaycg/s1600/044edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6-WKpUADj1rscs8IxzwrXRUw1ZAMl6VWtkKOgEhY8q0_x_I6HJKWP4hVBp-432t_MccvRYKhGveBod5aa0ihVlIR7Czk2jqbIbmfWHJ5Oek46B4qXNeij1G7c8pMw5USIwAHY1Vaycg/s400/044edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380051903790258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8If2oP5wTkl5HRefO-GqHHtGp1yKqz_gnR4RyCtfyexmjNykqDmF1QrIckomDgQBgehXTgQ3AEi0H1_NBHka8W_Buuzdv903CEMVGIH2FAeZCQKbm9CrjEBpvUkE-Smy61DgQPENltGQ/s1600/050edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8If2oP5wTkl5HRefO-GqHHtGp1yKqz_gnR4RyCtfyexmjNykqDmF1QrIckomDgQBgehXTgQ3AEi0H1_NBHka8W_Buuzdv903CEMVGIH2FAeZCQKbm9CrjEBpvUkE-Smy61DgQPENltGQ/s400/050edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380044923738530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWyJQrvhPgUkb_2Phyphenhyphen6j0lUJUUWYNAkozwlKXn3h1DRlx_jhxx17vsDbT7QwOuIkgFpZpe65Gr1IygYQgn7mHSwzf0uBzpza6cm7m-wLA0s6dg876S92jvfbpLkL0werVSsgJFmnSsro/s1600/052edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWyJQrvhPgUkb_2Phyphenhyphen6j0lUJUUWYNAkozwlKXn3h1DRlx_jhxx17vsDbT7QwOuIkgFpZpe65Gr1IygYQgn7mHSwzf0uBzpza6cm7m-wLA0s6dg876S92jvfbpLkL0werVSsgJFmnSsro/s400/052edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489380031182198738" border="0" /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-73640088118475719852010-04-27T13:54:00.001-05:002010-04-27T13:58:08.821-05:00swingin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXiDPTQYRUSEvZDV_GhyphenhyphenMBimf2Vu68fUmqRVCD-sJX_pudczixEmmXJv9LlmjX77ntXr_xlnW2aUSF1YivM1oZo1W8rJxt2CKZ-_9jbeKGJdav4y1j1eUaBAzNMCjbA7_1UaZ7_oJFvM/s1600/043edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXiDPTQYRUSEvZDV_GhyphenhyphenMBimf2Vu68fUmqRVCD-sJX_pudczixEmmXJv9LlmjX77ntXr_xlnW2aUSF1YivM1oZo1W8rJxt2CKZ-_9jbeKGJdav4y1j1eUaBAzNMCjbA7_1UaZ7_oJFvM/s400/043edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464893045112542274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt4G4oY_gffmG2ZjJsb6VQi1FvjTLnXKCVO1ZXhyphenhyphen9FV65G0G2p4fZe3tNGjljgFP-7cn4a3am58RBz39ZUoMLtF94kdF96RfU2NjRyFuDsTiJvO54oAdbZ4c0QA8TrxV6e2BCw6uOlmY/s1600/040edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt4G4oY_gffmG2ZjJsb6VQi1FvjTLnXKCVO1ZXhyphenhyphen9FV65G0G2p4fZe3tNGjljgFP-7cn4a3am58RBz39ZUoMLtF94kdF96RfU2NjRyFuDsTiJvO54oAdbZ4c0QA8TrxV6e2BCw6uOlmY/s400/040edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464893034524041042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jfYxYm0bfTaxi7gEU1SGRc6RlSd_UliPdpH-Kqqse8cz64wtaVMwfuTlgKCovCfhGleUlBAgJR23b2bFwzyTUucJ8BbM35UQucZ3kiaKT6Z_Z_u1fgxk6hbtWgihJLHqaU0J2kh4QBY/s1600/036edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; 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margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlqThV7f41-D0SA88g8T16LTaN12oVYlXyU1phMOUuRVp9gcVZOMhTcrlpPJBEtFB3speEsG7BwdOqE5ABYp_2NtQByOpSYvO3vx_PV-Xgv8RkKhyphenhyphenJccbn_DQUXpk7COI92PgDQInqIk/s400/047edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464893052169706898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4BVLutuIjZ-MODHxVnAkcvrTJSpPdFiw98Otegjq8BaPPARFFI0jst48dvck4O_cw7U4a499PcjEkyfDAE0CrpiZufAQRw3PKao8gWq6w2Ghm4GttAGKAuyok9FShWZGZ5NyWXmtj5s/s1600/054edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4BVLutuIjZ-MODHxVnAkcvrTJSpPdFiw98Otegjq8BaPPARFFI0jst48dvck4O_cw7U4a499PcjEkyfDAE0CrpiZufAQRw3PKao8gWq6w2Ghm4GttAGKAuyok9FShWZGZ5NyWXmtj5s/s400/054edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464893274055916194" border="0" /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-44110734751008358542010-04-19T15:58:00.004-05:002010-04-23T17:04:07.405-05:00my babies in the bluebonnetsThese also count as the twins' 3 year old pictures - happy birthday to them! xo They are in their Easter dresses, which I made for them.<br /><br /><img style="width: 352px; height: 243px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4529773940_53c02c2411.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4529773844_315dc7740e.jpg" alt="{e} by you." title="" class="reflect" width="347" height="500" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4529141791_fa2aac005c.jpg" alt="{e} by you." title="" class="reflect" width="346" height="500" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 358px; height: 252px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4528985275_129e0b0114.jpg" alt="{p} by you." title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4528984413_e2a49aa8da.jpg" alt="{p} by you." title="" class="reflect" width="334" height="500" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4529617718_0353ca2bb8.jpg" alt="{p} by you." title="" class="reflect" width="334" height="500" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4529617598_a7d03eb885.jpg" alt="{s} by you." title="" class="reflect" width="355" height="500" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 364px; height: 253px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4529617036_287f776afa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkpooka/4526244897/" title="<3 by pinkpooka {Jen P.}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4526244897_c45c96cf95.jpg" alt="<3" width="334" height="500" /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-37181597992071183292010-04-19T15:40:00.006-05:002010-04-19T15:57:15.056-05:00texas in the spring = heaven on earth!After the cold, hard winter we had here, I was determined to spend some time in my home state of Texas this spring. The last time I was down there for spring was when my eldest child was 4 months old, which was 5 years ago! Too long!<br /><br />I loaded up the kiddos and headed south. After all the winter rain they've had, everything is blooming and fresh and green and gorgeous! Quite a change from the brown and dry look we get used to seeing down there.<br /><br />Of course, one of my main objectives was to take tons of pictures of the bluebonnets. I had several shoots with friends and family, and also got some pics of my kiddos, which I'll post next.<br /><br />Happy spring!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXmg0AR_ixwFsoGSpjDtjVZYGBq5z8O8cDc_bd6c5S78XT9LKChW5aM9x8VfO5JPDtMquoe2JiDDHHGCOqHtxJ6HXJcdeZp0MtLFbM_83xDiLEwCrllxCv6pvVKwW_K9VnyNHTqWzYSU/s1600/114edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXmg0AR_ixwFsoGSpjDtjVZYGBq5z8O8cDc_bd6c5S78XT9LKChW5aM9x8VfO5JPDtMquoe2JiDDHHGCOqHtxJ6HXJcdeZp0MtLFbM_83xDiLEwCrllxCv6pvVKwW_K9VnyNHTqWzYSU/s400/114edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461954163616091410" border="0" /></a><br /><img style="width: 399px; height: 308px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4528781647_9cc454f1a2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4528781693_e60563698e.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" width="346" height="500" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 360px; height: 442px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4529414626_4ee84b8aa2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /></div><div style="visibility: hidden; text-align: center;" id="photo_notes" class="photo_notes"><div style="z-index: 1000; display: none; position: relative; width: 220px; margin-top: -5px; padding-top: 5px;" id="notes_text_div"><div id="notes_text_table"><div class="td_note_yeller td_note_yeller_container"><form id="notes_text_form"><input name="magic_cookie" value="d06581bf20deeb7626a36d66f579f694" type="hidden"><textarea style="height: 58px;" onkeydown="_limit_textarea(this, 300); _ge('photo_notes').check_note_for_prop()" onkeyup="place_notes_text_div(); adjust_textarea_height(this); _limit_textarea(this, 300); _ge('photo_notes').check_note_for_prop()" id="notes_text_area" rows="1" wrap="virtual"></textarea></form></div></div><form id="notes_text_buttons_form"><input class="Butt" value="Save" onclick="_ge('photo_notes').save_editing(); this.blur();" type="button"><input class="CancelButt" value="Cancel" onclick="_ge('photo_notes').cancel_editing(); 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margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD65FEUrxAZbupZcBpa8rxqaLzzdk2IWZpr2niT4_4yUfTbr4Fu6hbKPUmuHNPQJGTZaSRNtgWA-vCFM1ztO8xME23NnjU33MgjFkbB3Ak0zL1omto63zCu7pxROnoaiSkB0st410_i-E/s400/091edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461954152383360386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx95Y9HrBA5pd2OAc85gDXFeeroPk4NHgYRO324FJ2vrJMEznybuiyed1VXogqCQMVmNguTzF5fsAyHFmRo9QJP4bup6Qk-yOqsWvnCUroGdCYn-Wbzw7TjmhgZw-t0Xi2fBWPPoS2wU/s1600/084edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx95Y9HrBA5pd2OAc85gDXFeeroPk4NHgYRO324FJ2vrJMEznybuiyed1VXogqCQMVmNguTzF5fsAyHFmRo9QJP4bup6Qk-yOqsWvnCUroGdCYn-Wbzw7TjmhgZw-t0Xi2fBWPPoS2wU/s400/084edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461954137888562626" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-12657776214267518532010-03-25T14:48:00.005-05:002010-03-25T15:08:43.709-05:00the cutest freaking thing on the planet!!!!!All I can say is...HOLY CUTE!<br /><br />Several months ago, I stumbled upon the work of (my now blogger friend) Venus. I think I first saw her crafting genius on flickr and later found her etsy shop<span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyFind">Happy Find</a></b></span> and her <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://www.happyfind.typepad.com/"><span style="color:blue;">blog.</span></a></b></span><br /><br />From the moment I saw these <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=26907605">little necklaces</a></b></span>, I knew I had to have one! They are tiny little pin cushions hanging from a silver heart. !!!!!LOVE!!!!! I managed to maintain my self control until they went on sale last week, but I would have paid the full price, especially now that I've seen one in person! I love, love, love it! Seriously!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbp7YDCo_qYc766QoLF_6uysy6yLblVKNfXcHoIyW-Bynb_Ap6_CO-94xvE-t6Bir7AKSNKIzQCiGh6wALhtZ2ZLs6HULWq9lYSo9Vuy461qXdvoUlhx4CTdalv1kurI-eRh8irSJE3g/s1600/019edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbp7YDCo_qYc766QoLF_6uysy6yLblVKNfXcHoIyW-Bynb_Ap6_CO-94xvE-t6Bir7AKSNKIzQCiGh6wALhtZ2ZLs6HULWq9lYSo9Vuy461qXdvoUlhx4CTdalv1kurI-eRh8irSJE3g/s400/019edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452662604008754594" border="0" /></a><br />And to make it even better, Venus is a packaging genius as well! She has created some tutorials on her blog for folks who might be interested. She definitely puts the PinkPooka to shame in the packaging department!<br /><br />Look how cute this is...she stamps and stitches this stuff herself!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1v6Uc3mPa-hxuXomAlqQtQFdbhNL4vQ0OfFl-gW_fV7Y11tNMg2EioyZmXESVkr4geQQ24O8zr0gyTJo7OujpQaSFssJRSkExr2sGSO_KfFmZGbv_3fioJi_iSzntec6UVZMluyPV80/s1600/004edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1v6Uc3mPa-hxuXomAlqQtQFdbhNL4vQ0OfFl-gW_fV7Y11tNMg2EioyZmXESVkr4geQQ24O8zr0gyTJo7OujpQaSFssJRSkExr2sGSO_KfFmZGbv_3fioJi_iSzntec6UVZMluyPV80/s400/004edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452662564720747442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivg5MHlXa1X60vLNQ9sp9CzGvP2PKHFxWUr2vHTbuJUPHk_65aluNMZaxdX5I2esPtY1vwlEG4vesp7cDuFAocyqlvfpIosbo3SfwGhq96QhaO8cQExh8sBTjIMoPlVUU1IGtB0_QC30/s1600/005edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivg5MHlXa1X60vLNQ9sp9CzGvP2PKHFxWUr2vHTbuJUPHk_65aluNMZaxdX5I2esPtY1vwlEG4vesp7cDuFAocyqlvfpIosbo3SfwGhq96QhaO8cQExh8sBTjIMoPlVUU1IGtB0_QC30/s400/005edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452662574554168834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6ubtWAh03QOlt4t9t2mK8nGNMJ2pfOvk3KLfiwBKipNXvPdJqk1OQ72vlGVjgw4Kau9uxhYBbYO8VGVr_sfcSV2HpZpYOLY3MQsq47byD8dCwTIxmgXfrBTPOAk1Ug1Io-27B3Ek124/s1600/006edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6ubtWAh03QOlt4t9t2mK8nGNMJ2pfOvk3KLfiwBKipNXvPdJqk1OQ72vlGVjgw4Kau9uxhYBbYO8VGVr_sfcSV2HpZpYOLY3MQsq47byD8dCwTIxmgXfrBTPOAk1Ug1Io-27B3Ek124/s400/006edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452662587591628322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs4YiL3d_O3u21H1AQuQ0GK7huviTDmDGLzSCMhMWDDJtcbATZFg_V9V_NwRbFHr0uBvICZEOplz40zGs3h6ksew89FI_igQZGTHmRhs3kInroM7RBi3R_QPeCYIlZbkpqbEITR2HUjk/s1600/007edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs4YiL3d_O3u21H1AQuQ0GK7huviTDmDGLzSCMhMWDDJtcbATZFg_V9V_NwRbFHr0uBvICZEOplz40zGs3h6ksew89FI_igQZGTHmRhs3kInroM7RBi3R_QPeCYIlZbkpqbEITR2HUjk/s400/007edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452662594982524626" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you Venus! This necklace is probably my most favorite gift to myself ever! xoxo<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyFind">Happy Find</a></b></span> has the cutest pincushions and aprons as well, so be sure to check it out! You can also check out her <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://www.happyfind.typepad.com/"><span style="color:blue;">blog</span></a></b></span> for info on a giveaway that's going on!<br /><span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b></b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-43077431299518450882010-03-18T15:57:00.004-05:002010-03-18T16:15:39.974-05:00spring is in the air!!! finally!!I am *so* excited to report that spring is finally starting to show up here in Nebraska! The snow is almost completely gone and we have had temps that don't require you to wear 10 layers of clothes...we are happy folks right now!<br /><br />Sarah has started preschool at a church just about a 1/3 mile from home, so we have been walking her to school, which has been wonderful! Yesterday, I caught a glimpse of these flowers...a sure sign of spring! I was so excited!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4441850934_4ea573cdc0.jpg" alt="so exciting...!!! by you." title="" class="reflect" width="348" height="500" /><br /></div><br />This week, I finally got started on the girls' Easter outfits. I have some great Nicey Jane fabric from Heather Bailey that I mixed into stuff from my stash. I planned to have them wear ruffled pants underneath, since it's usually cold on Easter in the midwest, but the dresses turned out a little long for it, so now I'm not so sure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EJ-ZLDZXvI6fLJosHO7BTdsm-HDatJeMANDbhstF6wrJWqHDChw-cTiUm2Oqbm9ZYKvXelu1OwynKfANYRnZ7NDT0S8HagMsy_jUlHpVFE5lBa-4mJRQMoh0fLEONUEGdJXJBfE9ELA/s1600-h/002edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EJ-ZLDZXvI6fLJosHO7BTdsm-HDatJeMANDbhstF6wrJWqHDChw-cTiUm2Oqbm9ZYKvXelu1OwynKfANYRnZ7NDT0S8HagMsy_jUlHpVFE5lBa-4mJRQMoh0fLEONUEGdJXJBfE9ELA/s400/002edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450083512304333986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kwtbExkrsTyP1SGkFz-p5gpoSQVjICwTE6DOUilY1PkiZnFu7RwGMzkusiXG9hpSkai7AbQ46rvb5JZ-ILxHND5xbOBBX4zKbhgZ9ilYWi4rjuu_U_oof801MwlwitUg2jK_kZ6Cr78/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kwtbExkrsTyP1SGkFz-p5gpoSQVjICwTE6DOUilY1PkiZnFu7RwGMzkusiXG9hpSkai7AbQ46rvb5JZ-ILxHND5xbOBBX4zKbhgZ9ilYWi4rjuu_U_oof801MwlwitUg2jK_kZ6Cr78/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450083530729884402" border="0" /></a><br />I am planning to make a few extra dresses, so if you are interested in getting one, let me know! <br /><br />Today I took the girls shopping for Easter shoes, and guess what? They all picked pink ones! Shocking, I know. They are so cute though, I can't wait to get them out for some "real" pics later (like when I make my pilgrimage to Texas next month for bluebonnet pics!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qpvnF3n8ycoPDwMCXSGzfn-gcEZGoc0dnUi3UmS2CKCRx9LBpUd4449maa-H9pzQ1EATUN5eO3P20_-VAn2Dvdptm_qQ8SCUlBTNqDrHk3l1JsA-1tOXPlxgqS35bNIgzzJd3cDnxog/s1600-h/010edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qpvnF3n8ycoPDwMCXSGzfn-gcEZGoc0dnUi3UmS2CKCRx9LBpUd4449maa-H9pzQ1EATUN5eO3P20_-VAn2Dvdptm_qQ8SCUlBTNqDrHk3l1JsA-1tOXPlxgqS35bNIgzzJd3cDnxog/s400/010edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450083527383978114" border="0" /></a><br />If only I could find these in my size!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-79395609764086985542010-03-15T13:17:00.003-05:002010-03-15T13:27:27.059-05:00try your luck with our St. Patty's day photo contest!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjD750YzAoSQF3gio5JFkJ-pl7bVJlMhh1BUvWS4GY3ndzpfkKMiGtbANyBT_k975JXTe58znQYFBwzuL0NSwOpE_T20jLFEVyGn_VsOnYY7V7L8pptAY3ZJhlbymSY0pZ0R2ojAP3ok4/s1600-h/087edit.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img style="width: 350px; height: 235px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3363259448_0b4f2e0da4_b.jpg" /></span></a><br />pic by <span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://thousandwordsphotographymontana.blogspot.com/">Shannon</a></b></span></div><br />Sorry, I know I'm a blog slacker! Just wanted to pop in and let you know that we are having a fun little contest over at my most favorite blog... <span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://thematernallens.blogspot.com/">The Maternal Lens!</a><br /><br />Send in those green and festive pics for a chance to win one of my camera strap covers, which can be found in my </b></span><span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpooka"><span style="color:blue;">etsy shop.</span></a><br /><br /></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjD750YzAoSQF3gio5JFkJ-pl7bVJlMhh1BUvWS4GY3ndzpfkKMiGtbANyBT_k975JXTe58znQYFBwzuL0NSwOpE_T20jLFEVyGn_VsOnYY7V7L8pptAY3ZJhlbymSY0pZ0R2ojAP3ok4/s1600-h/087edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjD750YzAoSQF3gio5JFkJ-pl7bVJlMhh1BUvWS4GY3ndzpfkKMiGtbANyBT_k975JXTe58znQYFBwzuL0NSwOpE_T20jLFEVyGn_VsOnYY7V7L8pptAY3ZJhlbymSY0pZ0R2ojAP3ok4/s400/087edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448927968059299554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Check out the post <a href="http://thematernallens.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-photo-contest.html"></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:blue;">HERE</span><span style="font-size:130%;"></a> for all the details!</span><br /></b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-14598471678482636982010-03-10T09:08:00.004-06:002010-03-10T09:25:37.431-06:00it's our birthday over at {the maternal lens}One year ago, I began a new adventure with an awesome group of mommy-photog-bloggers. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl75hOlqaFJc4fU_3QbGDWRR1Pvl6kFI7nswk00IK1fRQp5pOh0PxZ5CTX8bS1wigxWbZacMHt_85BRCbJ-owe_qaXtVE4NP0sO0b_zIm-q_v2f8G6IKZ7-RxPOLEbuia0OJ_Dbosx21U/s1600-h/the+maternal+lens.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl75hOlqaFJc4fU_3QbGDWRR1Pvl6kFI7nswk00IK1fRQp5pOh0PxZ5CTX8bS1wigxWbZacMHt_85BRCbJ-owe_qaXtVE4NP0sO0b_zIm-q_v2f8G6IKZ7-RxPOLEbuia0OJ_Dbosx21U/s400/the+maternal+lens.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447025111704457426" border="0" /></a>I met Megan, Meg, Shannon and Sarah on cafemom.com and we have become such wonderful friends! <a href="http://www.thematernallens.blogspot.com/">The Maternal Lens</a> has been such a great opportunity for all of us to grow as bloggers and we have just begun to explore all we can do with it. The downside to being a mommy-photog-blogger is that there isn't always a lot of time for the blogging part, but I know we are all looking forward to really sinking our teeth into some juicy blogging as it becomes more and more a part of our lives.<br /><br />This week we are having a HUGE giveaway to celebrate our first year! Be sure to stop by and check it out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thematernallens.blogspot.com/">The Maternal Lens</a><br /><br />Happy birthday to us! xoxoJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-78472651035194842212010-03-02T18:11:00.004-06:002010-03-02T19:39:26.090-06:00back in the saddle! sorta.Although we are still stuck in the dead of winter, things are starting to look up! We are going to get really busy around here really quickly, but only good things are in sight.<br /><br />I have been pretty overwhelmed with the great response I got to the super hero capes I made a friend for Christmas. I got tons of requests for them, which is great, but they are pretty much all I've gotten to sew for months now. I'm glad to be caught up so that I can take a break and work on things that are a little more fun for me. My sewing machines are glad too - they definitely did not appreciate all the cape making.<br /><br />Last week while we were visiting Grandma, we made a stop at one of our favorite boutique fabric shops and the girls each got to pick out some fabric. Over the weekend, I made the time to sew them up some new goodies.<br /><br />{E} is a monkey junkie and insists on owning every monkey adorned thing we come across! She asked for a dress, so that's what she got. I love these little dresses b/c they really grow with the girls and can be worn alone in summer or layered in winter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88LsRClQR0OOm5TIBZfFdH6T90aae2oDE5q6oauIYmXv203CtYnUc681JcYwke3Tf8qWUJ0e_P_Jq5uZFKBqqovO-exUpYVOPkAX7OnZ3ez5NJ_A9IUcixnavT7R5Op-WHhDDG3GbnX0/s1600-h/005edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88LsRClQR0OOm5TIBZfFdH6T90aae2oDE5q6oauIYmXv203CtYnUc681JcYwke3Tf8qWUJ0e_P_Jq5uZFKBqqovO-exUpYVOPkAX7OnZ3ez5NJ_A9IUcixnavT7R5Op-WHhDDG3GbnX0/s400/005edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444209396127946306" border="0" /></a><br />{P} went for this awesome retro mushroom print. I had some coordinating fabrics in my stash, so it worked out great. I used <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://indietutes.blogspot.com/2007/07/peasant-blouse.html"><span style="color:blue;">THIS</span></a></b></span> tutorial to make it, which is super easy to do! The only thing I have trouble with is visualizing the sizes so I had an issue with hers being almost a little snug across the shoulders, but it works!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOsCFegVtoe7hkFl17SwYMwOCBEc5YP3P7p7jLab83bSHGpPEJkNxKtDY7ca9kzOJ79BkAVyc-LLjrvj0yrOT4m_YORCi2MhX83swLpsYdMlklMpsdo4mYrLBtFJkLpWmHkDU38x4wfA/s1600-h/003edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOsCFegVtoe7hkFl17SwYMwOCBEc5YP3P7p7jLab83bSHGpPEJkNxKtDY7ca9kzOJ79BkAVyc-LLjrvj0yrOT4m_YORCi2MhX83swLpsYdMlklMpsdo4mYrLBtFJkLpWmHkDU38x4wfA/s400/003edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444209381540444098" border="0" /></a>And here's {S} in her roller-skating fairy print top! I used the same tutorial but made the sleeves longer as she requested. Hers wound up a little on the big side, but that just means she can wear it even longer!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtFsQPS3_YLRVCEth4XQBX53DfhrVrjypE0C9CZNxArXeOIpkUjOxvpj_Hb9r4WJBT-ZKFbMZymNSJ_t0q3ya0WQBHwXwaJV1lflIGhqvtLiw_VdVwrYRPgAzVHQYjCXDd7Petbpj3Ng/s1600-h/010edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtFsQPS3_YLRVCEth4XQBX53DfhrVrjypE0C9CZNxArXeOIpkUjOxvpj_Hb9r4WJBT-ZKFbMZymNSJ_t0q3ya0WQBHwXwaJV1lflIGhqvtLiw_VdVwrYRPgAzVHQYjCXDd7Petbpj3Ng/s400/010edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444209405181920850" border="0" /></a>{S} chose to wear her top for her first day of SCHOOL, which was Monday!! Yes, that's right, she is now a student again! She's been a preschooler since she was 2 years old, but when we moved we planned to just keep her home for her last year before kindergarten b/c we didn't think we could afford to pay tuition. WELL, as I was pursuing the idea of getting the twins into a nearby church school in the fall, we were offered an opening in the pre-K class for her! Since there are only a few months left in the school year, the cost is much more manageable for us. She is super excited to be back in school and we're hoping she'll make some new friends.<br /><br />Did I mention we got the twins enrolled in preschool??? YES!!!! They will start in the fall and I am counting down the days!<br /><br />This week I've been playing catch-up, as usual, and I finally have some new camera strap covers in my <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpooka"><span style="color:blue;">etsy shop</span></a></b></span>. I plan to add a few more in the next week or so, so be sure to check it out! My current fave is this one, which looks like free flowing grassy stripes. I tried to get some neutral straps in the shop this time around for all those with hubbies who complain about the girlie ones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEqJabBKDwHOoUKTEIIkk76ITnF4CMwNNwkVB-kRwiiy3zwyuKPSed7BH3zstkyiFZdHjcQmX4WNI-TkAVvjfPCdVc9_hkuSfDmYTt5n_3XHmsBAu_5OBpqzi4eGphs0K2Mvpf0ivyIE/s1600-h/017edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEqJabBKDwHOoUKTEIIkk76ITnF4CMwNNwkVB-kRwiiy3zwyuKPSed7BH3zstkyiFZdHjcQmX4WNI-TkAVvjfPCdVc9_hkuSfDmYTt5n_3XHmsBAu_5OBpqzi4eGphs0K2Mvpf0ivyIE/s400/017edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444209406850663490" border="0" /></a><br />I'm still working on my office space while trying to juggle my sewing projects. Hopefully we can manage a productive weekend and get it finished up. I can't wait to get started on spring dresses and Easter clothes! I've also got grown up camera love bags on my list.<br /><br />On top of everything, I've even started to ... *gasp* ... exercise! I've been trying Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred video, and it's been good to get those workouts in. We are slowly seeing the snow and ice melt outside, so hopefully I'll be walking and jogging soon, but this is keeping me occupied in the meantime. I have a hot date with 5 twin mommies at the beach in July so I need to get less jiggly and fast!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-90601024538949138462010-02-26T12:30:00.003-06:002010-02-26T12:41:41.336-06:00my future Olympians<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokzihU2MgYA0x7OF1cCxg6huAiTpUY99pPEFlrmHlMjutyYHGhYCDTaEC04iroiCjDz6l9E7ysxOWM_048PfDE5pAMov3qI6x_7Td0ggHVszz80R4GwqrpS4iSCoZSpXhQFoWo60As8A/s1600-h/013edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokzihU2MgYA0x7OF1cCxg6huAiTpUY99pPEFlrmHlMjutyYHGhYCDTaEC04iroiCjDz6l9E7ysxOWM_048PfDE5pAMov3qI6x_7Td0ggHVszz80R4GwqrpS4iSCoZSpXhQFoWo60As8A/s400/013edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442622431219012130" border="0" /></a><br />These little ladies are athletes in the making! They have been so inspired by the winter Olympic games, they have been hard at work training! <br /><br />Our kitchen has been transformed into an ice rink (works best with sock feet) where they practice their "finger skating." It's most entertaining when they work on their couple skating, attempting big lifts and tossing each other into the air. They even wear skirted leotards to bed, on top of their pajamas, so that they might be inspired during the night.<br /><br />The stairs have become a bobsled/luge track and any available bench or piece of furniture turns into a ski jump. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekfMyuiU2vIeC6y_yPNnYREe7c1_lfKwZ2PqfU3-LwVGVSpgfXpBsjGeqhV0SsP8w7fVy0QkeMPBA-_6D8EXhns4zsMKySyDkovBTWNzceYFbEbrokIEfUBm-CV5aW_-3BQYzA37lgQo/s1600-h/031edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekfMyuiU2vIeC6y_yPNnYREe7c1_lfKwZ2PqfU3-LwVGVSpgfXpBsjGeqhV0SsP8w7fVy0QkeMPBA-_6D8EXhns4zsMKySyDkovBTWNzceYFbEbrokIEfUBm-CV5aW_-3BQYzA37lgQo/s400/031edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442622463737606786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow-WubjQxC5rvrnp-hnVB4VTu3FKm5zbCBesyrmjocs-YrSt3ZhJ-x81N1focRgso_Z2B1sGGoKJzvvWKD6rCLUtvYCKSNJFDgKt7cQuy99nuKmnHgDr6XoSwa-ikTVBtiWKLofu5CpQ/s1600-h/029edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow-WubjQxC5rvrnp-hnVB4VTu3FKm5zbCBesyrmjocs-YrSt3ZhJ-x81N1focRgso_Z2B1sGGoKJzvvWKD6rCLUtvYCKSNJFDgKt7cQuy99nuKmnHgDr6XoSwa-ikTVBtiWKLofu5CpQ/s400/029edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442622454187722386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR5zJhpM91L7vK24UDeIV-6mfg62bkEfr9gi61FITL2X0zXPmF0h0SFCcUzn-M8H3AJsC7arJ1zDtrg4dL78Iq20Mk071aD-CDV0FXyozXF7QxGnFPQt3IdGlvtnh1QprQ26vWk-Fkno/s1600-h/030edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR5zJhpM91L7vK24UDeIV-6mfg62bkEfr9gi61FITL2X0zXPmF0h0SFCcUzn-M8H3AJsC7arJ1zDtrg4dL78Iq20Mk071aD-CDV0FXyozXF7QxGnFPQt3IdGlvtnh1QprQ26vWk-Fkno/s400/030edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442622448623595762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTapOvXXzerfC69aha9lSN7h_v4-LA9TYnqFcglCO1Pm14Ynbu0-v9ECR7dboaXcq4RTZvS6p6vB9h4sGGI3DaADG21E2kwu1NIgJSL2gefBBoJ-ag8ucaF9dA6jmfXkyTCsG5BUuorrM/s1600-h/027edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTapOvXXzerfC69aha9lSN7h_v4-LA9TYnqFcglCO1Pm14Ynbu0-v9ECR7dboaXcq4RTZvS6p6vB9h4sGGI3DaADG21E2kwu1NIgJSL2gefBBoJ-ag8ucaF9dA6jmfXkyTCsG5BUuorrM/s400/027edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442622439216547618" border="0" /></a>Luckily, practicing for the hockey team (and beating each other with sticks) hasn't quite occurred to them yet, but I'm sure it won't be long!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-81145601107513116152010-02-25T20:24:00.004-06:002010-02-25T20:34:16.174-06:00a hairy situationYesterday, I took the kids down to see Grandma and Grandma took us all to get our hair cut! My girls have never been scared of the idea and actually beg to have theirs done, whether it needs it or not.<br /><br />I think this was only the twins' second time getting trimmed by a professional, so I made sure to take a few pics since I missed documenting the first time. Of course, no "before" and "after" pics - just take what I give you! haha Maybe over the weekend I'll get some pics of the kids with their new 'dos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSACk2dd1qLuGUT6oQ3fjDEUeknoUwyLpArj7e05TtuvSTAYMji6Y2WoPoZwS_boBIt2kFSMNh75Bb9mqSQY93-oEO8PMoYO7Ume2mw_eCAxKjLrDDTeu4dWf3Q2JbM5ZLSz1axlUTH7E/s1600-h/026edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSACk2dd1qLuGUT6oQ3fjDEUeknoUwyLpArj7e05TtuvSTAYMji6Y2WoPoZwS_boBIt2kFSMNh75Bb9mqSQY93-oEO8PMoYO7Ume2mw_eCAxKjLrDDTeu4dWf3Q2JbM5ZLSz1axlUTH7E/s400/026edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442373830860901346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarEOiCcUXvzLq8C4jQcnNax2KAJvCKwD-RT6Dej1Pi1IqHMk8pVk5RU4JzZ9QvaNx4z8wfqxUgSRcmjA3l5nk2OxG1aBQ0XHNYW3gvSq5Yjq1883b6d3TXY72odA0OQn76atfKlZsqzw/s1600-h/024edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarEOiCcUXvzLq8C4jQcnNax2KAJvCKwD-RT6Dej1Pi1IqHMk8pVk5RU4JzZ9QvaNx4z8wfqxUgSRcmjA3l5nk2OxG1aBQ0XHNYW3gvSq5Yjq1883b6d3TXY72odA0OQn76atfKlZsqzw/s400/024edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442373808155771554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYNxklmou8tuRLtdY_wkg1BY4DJ2vV-3Mtbscexr8t4w8br8dpHaOMzeJEh6vOORtyVzb9GJE0Ml18XHgQ38rAx0X85nH77oFIXVJKTl7hOTYpyOrOjKkyeSzie71l5XrHDCPOQ0Nh70/s1600-h/025edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYNxklmou8tuRLtdY_wkg1BY4DJ2vV-3Mtbscexr8t4w8br8dpHaOMzeJEh6vOORtyVzb9GJE0Ml18XHgQ38rAx0X85nH77oFIXVJKTl7hOTYpyOrOjKkyeSzie71l5XrHDCPOQ0Nh70/s400/025edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442373820837336146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_5OOxCoRcrE34DuYc8Q7eTAysfqo_kJgWey5APbaR1FF3wZrs1b3JJwe_uIj8SH7pp1WVE876wojwwEkdL3g95YBI0Mdc0y-iP7rPCiD1jk6UqukuBC-FgZ49-XZiyya_3wJAVUt3us/s1600-h/028edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_5OOxCoRcrE34DuYc8Q7eTAysfqo_kJgWey5APbaR1FF3wZrs1b3JJwe_uIj8SH7pp1WVE876wojwwEkdL3g95YBI0Mdc0y-iP7rPCiD1jk6UqukuBC-FgZ49-XZiyya_3wJAVUt3us/s400/028edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442373843164077778" border="0" /></a>The twins were so excited - they even got their hair curled!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VrT5u7p74OuKdWc7sTpz06N9E-OYB4ITKRHmIAryXod6FaKw7Vyh8WyCkVzO5_3s-4Ank6qQOQjxXb_0ChTygmPrY2q39djg4KYv70pPXuxPhwsBJsV4MwJwG1dpaP5qiIn6ZwTgVrg/s1600-h/029edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VrT5u7p74OuKdWc7sTpz06N9E-OYB4ITKRHmIAryXod6FaKw7Vyh8WyCkVzO5_3s-4Ank6qQOQjxXb_0ChTygmPrY2q39djg4KYv70pPXuxPhwsBJsV4MwJwG1dpaP5qiIn6ZwTgVrg/s400/029edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442373852571770994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhE394ShaXIU2Svfn6dHxMH90c4Jy4C5t4NyNQFyFnyIdmmtF1fdIocz7qVmGTQ3TPHJjVwmYdArlK2CPbCB4CcqsCznn47lJc0PuKBeqzKUQpKhNXs2XTlNd6jLzibQLfS6aaWUbFRE/s1600-h/030edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhE394ShaXIU2Svfn6dHxMH90c4Jy4C5t4NyNQFyFnyIdmmtF1fdIocz7qVmGTQ3TPHJjVwmYdArlK2CPbCB4CcqsCznn47lJc0PuKBeqzKUQpKhNXs2XTlNd6jLzibQLfS6aaWUbFRE/s400/030edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442374095171377394" border="0" /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-15333465328900111902010-02-19T10:34:00.003-06:002010-02-19T11:03:21.461-06:00booooring!I admit it, things are pretty boring around here at The Pinkerton Projects right now. I think I've been hit with a bad case of the winter blahs, which at best, makes me totally unmotivated and uninterested in pretty much everything.<br /><br />I haven't updated on the office project b/c it hasn't changed much yet. The walls are half painted and there are still boxes everywhere. I'm working on it though and today I'm focused on painting the window area on the other side of the room, which is technically our formal living room. I'll show you the "before" shot the realtor took - it's kinda the same now, but a whole lot messier!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8hKk0xVXaOIPCFY5BaDrBcSPM0QPKuZs3Dp3-t34gnaKley0WGgTnidmCB901LewZm1UGUJ4gVzCryb0oZDyXZPQw1aGtlNXz_i20Bdq0NMIbKCvGLw47Zq_PFAs0quzGLNVaWDxZpE/s1600-h/IMG_1444edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8hKk0xVXaOIPCFY5BaDrBcSPM0QPKuZs3Dp3-t34gnaKley0WGgTnidmCB901LewZm1UGUJ4gVzCryb0oZDyXZPQw1aGtlNXz_i20Bdq0NMIbKCvGLw47Zq_PFAs0quzGLNVaWDxZpE/s400/IMG_1444edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439999112972039154" border="0" /></a><br />*sigh* Look at all that green stuff outside the window! Certainly looks nothing like that now! Anyway, all that trim is getting painted and the walls are becoming yellow-ish. I've got some white curtains hung already, but will be improving those over the next few days before I share them with you.<br /><br />One exciting thing that's taken place recently was the purchase of new bedroom dressers for the master bedroom. We got a great deal on them and I'm so excited to have purchased *new* furniture that doesn't require me to rebuild it or repaint it first! We decided not to purchase the matching mirror, so I'm on a mirror hunt right now. Once everything is in place, I'll be sharing better pictures. I've been using a point-n-shoot camera recently for snapshots and I apparently need to read the manual b/c nothing is ever in focus!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMu-U1900ZyP-qX5ZHZniNHoz1F9qhBi9kpXnya2Nz5ibt4WRePZq_SqyTtNMWTw5mrEpcGqPb3ZWXDySM6itLRR5qzOXPw8I9k6FxWmetPfJioi0VAj9XlQtk2Qfy-bJeC6yvxrueAX4/s1600-h/024edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMu-U1900ZyP-qX5ZHZniNHoz1F9qhBi9kpXnya2Nz5ibt4WRePZq_SqyTtNMWTw5mrEpcGqPb3ZWXDySM6itLRR5qzOXPw8I9k6FxWmetPfJioi0VAj9XlQtk2Qfy-bJeC6yvxrueAX4/s400/024edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439999101323950114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-36Rlq_T0Ac-_qCaKbSlUzjYHzVdw7ZK6HrH-ZQIDQXfqDJsXYEvNEXNbakPf-g9d_M681ZVgHdzEdk5BnTASSS4af2uFU7HskE7NOdrPBo4E87rtLqzwkHQ0eBTek4_fcOZlfWpCrw/s1600-h/023edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-36Rlq_T0Ac-_qCaKbSlUzjYHzVdw7ZK6HrH-ZQIDQXfqDJsXYEvNEXNbakPf-g9d_M681ZVgHdzEdk5BnTASSS4af2uFU7HskE7NOdrPBo4E87rtLqzwkHQ0eBTek4_fcOZlfWpCrw/s400/023edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439999090766280514" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, just wanted to pop on here with something so you'd know I was still alive! Once I get all the hard work done, I'll have lots to share!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-21212261844614868842010-02-06T13:56:00.003-06:002010-02-06T13:59:08.155-06:00office updateJust wanted to pop in and let you know the desk is in! Looks pretty good! Now we need to do some serious filing, cleaning and organizing. Here's a little sneak peek...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW3rGhreOe0xovcRd_Cbg59eWTMeB_2yvet6l7SM_ukBVTyCuThSs4NzzUA7vrEjD3Nu9xHJOJdCJdlopCCsmYRwf8tWMit5JvqwMhqjrpozdKc4DHcImIK-OXs12zWwihyphenhyphenDCPBuPm_4/s1600-h/005edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW3rGhreOe0xovcRd_Cbg59eWTMeB_2yvet6l7SM_ukBVTyCuThSs4NzzUA7vrEjD3Nu9xHJOJdCJdlopCCsmYRwf8tWMit5JvqwMhqjrpozdKc4DHcImIK-OXs12zWwihyphenhyphenDCPBuPm_4/s400/005edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435222075858730018" border="0" /></a><br />Have a great weekend!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-53842381313855796162010-02-01T19:52:00.005-06:002010-02-01T21:03:57.816-06:00Operation: Rainbow Bright {studio/office BEFORE}<span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://pinkertonfamilyblog.blogspot.com/search/label/decor"></b></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Operation: Rainbow Bright </span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b></a></b></span>has been on hold with all the holiday hullabaloo going on, but we're gearing up to get things moving again. The next big space to be overhauled is the formal dining room which we will be using as an office and studio (for sewing.) We are severely lacking in storage for this space and of course, the budget is pretty much nothing, so we have a lot of work to do! <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span>I have been super busy with my sewing lately, so it has been even messier than usual and it is driving me bonkers!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span> I absolutely can't stand it anymore, but I don't really have a well thought out plan. We have some basic ideas, but for the most part, we'll be winging it.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span>Here is what the space looks like now. As I mentioned, it is technically our formal dining room, so we have a chandelier that needs to be replaced with something more appropriate.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span>The biggest challenge with that and with painting is going to be the vaulted ceilings.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMq7FoWmE3luKYkSpZBXsoCeftBNqtFzznhtgSiw3QaZl-KI786gj3lusoKDBrXiU1ATzY8ROxwdM8g31SMdYIuvaAeyhTb3m_FFu84UGqJuVoWgpyxGvyiHbeX8PDHRwt5Y1VSrPZfE/s1600-h/001edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMq7FoWmE3luKYkSpZBXsoCeftBNqtFzznhtgSiw3QaZl-KI786gj3lusoKDBrXiU1ATzY8ROxwdM8g31SMdYIuvaAeyhTb3m_FFu84UGqJuVoWgpyxGvyiHbeX8PDHRwt5Y1VSrPZfE/s400/001edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433460855368819874" border="0" /></a>Oy! It's embarrassing!<br /><br />There is an entrance into the kitchen back there to the left near where {E} is standing, and the formal living room is behind me. You can also see my ghetto window-shade aka a piece of paper taped to the window to block the sun. It shines directly into my eyes when I sit down to sew in the mornings. I *need* a window treatment now that the house next door has sold. Don't want the new neighbors peeking in at my mess!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAHKj2U8yqS_ZHP2A9uD8o1Lfw6pJY9SnjrnnGXjT4vqOolmZmlYq_FsvZD2yRroYe23PtJnLToie0xdDmU5v-QC6vBP800BRkRq5-jRf6hceFm7qIqjBTeNa8YkieUWQWfGi7F8_wOI/s1600-h/002edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAHKj2U8yqS_ZHP2A9uD8o1Lfw6pJY9SnjrnnGXjT4vqOolmZmlYq_FsvZD2yRroYe23PtJnLToie0xdDmU5v-QC6vBP800BRkRq5-jRf6hceFm7qIqjBTeNa8YkieUWQWfGi7F8_wOI/s400/002edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433469076691071170" border="0" /></a><br />This is where I've been working. It's our old dining table, but I think I'm going to switch it out for a different one we have sitting out on the porch that's a little more country (I intend to paint it a fun color.) The major change will be along the back wall. We are planning to create a semi-built-in desk using closet doors we've removed in other rooms. The desk will run almost the entire length of the wall and Scott wants to create an "L" shape in the corner to the right. Above the desk, I plan to hang wooden shelves that we brought with us from our previous house. Soooo, total cost of this project is pretty minimal so far! I do plan to purchase file cabinets to place under the desk. Here's a little visual I drew up for you. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_mqx6G-uiesq2aQluCtlOhLcGldQBf9EosQ0v6DPCPxxUGNLR-h1bMEZwREikdhA8A1VTZ2hM6At2BriuGiyY2-upGKby5DxmmBVRfhGKnyxh1E4unyKgd45sEwjXvKxWC-g8SzSSPY/s1600-h/011edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_mqx6G-uiesq2aQluCtlOhLcGldQBf9EosQ0v6DPCPxxUGNLR-h1bMEZwREikdhA8A1VTZ2hM6At2BriuGiyY2-upGKby5DxmmBVRfhGKnyxh1E4unyKgd45sEwjXvKxWC-g8SzSSPY/s400/011edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433460880275467794" border="0" /></a><br />This is Scott's side of the room. See how much crap needs to find a home? A lot! It has pretty much looked like this since we moved in almost 6 months ago. You can see here where he wants to create the "L" shape which would extend the desk to that window (my sewing table would have to move back a little.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDE7EFQZ4SRe75Aaw_Q70-rZpkaj7JA3a41m4yEYJkxifTlwJjrsvOtUBOheuGr6ObqrfbmfTQkdfGx6lFYU7xxm4FcmLiorcwldU0OUKwSCnXFJG-h7iekZJbZ5NLxeFzTY0aTELzUs/s1600-h/005edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDE7EFQZ4SRe75Aaw_Q70-rZpkaj7JA3a41m4yEYJkxifTlwJjrsvOtUBOheuGr6ObqrfbmfTQkdfGx6lFYU7xxm4FcmLiorcwldU0OUKwSCnXFJG-h7iekZJbZ5NLxeFzTY0aTELzUs/s400/005edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433468773510918866" border="0" /></a><br />Next to his desk, we have an old microwave stand that is currently acting as storage for all our "home school" stuff. The plan is to get new dressers for our bedroom so that we can move our pine armoire down to use it for fabric storage and home school storage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvZS_qQrmO-N4FW_asMEumnQToIlIZM4WN-dEzyZGXMgcS7O9qg_8Aq69KhTAyKaQ78ealuJlWPaxHOEjfy0HZaZ_LR2C9NdLHargqg33JDLEgXSBfLccIbS0oOjH48UM3FwWMOVHYH0/s1600-h/004edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvZS_qQrmO-N4FW_asMEumnQToIlIZM4WN-dEzyZGXMgcS7O9qg_8Aq69KhTAyKaQ78ealuJlWPaxHOEjfy0HZaZ_LR2C9NdLHargqg33JDLEgXSBfLccIbS0oOjH48UM3FwWMOVHYH0/s400/004edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433468764460680786" border="0" /></a><br />Since this space is so open to the rest of the house, I want to really make it special. I want to find cute storage boxes and baskets for all the junk. Here are the few little things I have gotten/made for the space so far. I've covered a chair in one of my favorite fabrics from <span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com/"><span style="color:blue;">Heather Bailey.</span></a></b></span>. I love, LOVE it! It's so fun with greens, reds, yellows and pinks. I also made some pillows for the sofa, which I intend to slipcover in white. White curtains have also been in the works. I found these damask print hat boxes on clearance for about $2 each! They make great fabric storage!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9AAwnNcrkKjgo7NPInM6hJPXkQTZZko5fSqlrfuc9ZQiIofXa4x7-vK_FPQsehs7srmMvcLgcTVAsjVco8f-FV0HoWiDE2fUELChX5h6bF8LAvWDM8AO0_V-vojJnEu7uJU7pDNWQf8/s1600-h/008edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9AAwnNcrkKjgo7NPInM6hJPXkQTZZko5fSqlrfuc9ZQiIofXa4x7-vK_FPQsehs7srmMvcLgcTVAsjVco8f-FV0HoWiDE2fUELChX5h6bF8LAvWDM8AO0_V-vojJnEu7uJU7pDNWQf8/s400/008edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433460885422785490" border="0" /></a><br />Right now the walls are the cappuccino color that the entire house was when we moved in and the trim is dark wood. We have a nice neutral yellow-y color for the walls and the trim will be painted white.<br /><br />Across from the work area, I have my ironing board, which is crucial to the sewing that I do, but is an eye-sore and clutter magnet. I think I'd like to find an old long credenza, buffet or dresser to put along that wall with some nice prints above. I'm planning to swap out the old ironing board for a table top board.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRMqakXvAsMeTFVRPCpJzagU1XvBoDgqk7R1i1-91UYxHZ0nRVfo8Eg22VfuCktNxVBFjcn5ZoUiCFEVzEGgRpinB27PKGy0TUrUYORqE8O4QmYCzgdh37EVtA6a4HMBLQaKQt6WUJQc/s1600-h/003edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRMqakXvAsMeTFVRPCpJzagU1XvBoDgqk7R1i1-91UYxHZ0nRVfo8Eg22VfuCktNxVBFjcn5ZoUiCFEVzEGgRpinB27PKGy0TUrUYORqE8O4QmYCzgdh37EVtA6a4HMBLQaKQt6WUJQc/s400/003edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433460871852821698" border="0" /></a><br />That darn chandelier is always in the way, can you tell? I'm surprised none of us have whacked our heads on it. lol<br /><br />If you have any good decor suggestions for this space, please share! I have a good idea of the type of look I want, but I'm not settled on the specific elements just yet. I keep thinking that making the back wall a focal wall by using a bold color or pattern would be fun, but I'm ready to get started and don't have a plan for it, so it might have to wait until later. To get an idea of the shabby chic/vintage/whimsical look I love and will be working towards, you can check out Heather Bailey's studio <span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heather_bailey/sets/72157594503869817/"><span style="color:blue;">HERE.</span></a></b></span> I love her fabrics and pretty much everything she does! HB, you are my hero!<br /><br />Hopefully I'll be posting "after" shots soon!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-21789763121860620802010-01-29T12:03:00.005-06:002010-01-29T12:11:26.604-06:00my first TGFFF sale!!!If you haven't already, be sure to become a fan of the PinkPooka etsy shop over on <span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-PinkPooka/274724580489?ref=ts"><span style="color:blue;">facebook</span></a></b></span>. Today I am having a TGFFF sale (that's thank-goodness-for-fabulous-fans.) All camera strap covers are $5 today only and I have also listed some of my "camera love" bags, which are perfect for your little one for valentines day!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnReTXsHLvlICPScAozqFvUQVzUtMcJLXKDhgRaze35kBEeV_R25_hT0aRcF96b2_MFFG81K9p985e0kXmFG5ZOn0pNffRlVcFaQR_y_NNYrSl6GmqLzb8mQDt4OGmWxKnueDY_j-ebs/s1600-h/Untitled-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnReTXsHLvlICPScAozqFvUQVzUtMcJLXKDhgRaze35kBEeV_R25_hT0aRcF96b2_MFFG81K9p985e0kXmFG5ZOn0pNffRlVcFaQR_y_NNYrSl6GmqLzb8mQDt4OGmWxKnueDY_j-ebs/s400/Untitled-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432224769878184450" border="0" /></a><br />One of my favorite camera strap covers is this one...it's done with a fabulous Heather Bailey fabric. If it doesn't get snatched up, I might have to put it on my camera strap!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mNT1R6ihXXfIbY5xofpR53QrNVCjKg6zwkUz_trAfuxgURIOOR0gS-An_tWrMd7rFFq560tpmrJ86k5Tty56FWBCs_fP1fxV__vUQhLE7jVkLMX3aG5Qbry8yi5MrFxxRCsNhc2vHSo/s1600-h/025edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mNT1R6ihXXfIbY5xofpR53QrNVCjKg6zwkUz_trAfuxgURIOOR0gS-An_tWrMd7rFFq560tpmrJ86k5Tty56FWBCs_fP1fxV__vUQhLE7jVkLMX3aG5Qbry8yi5MrFxxRCsNhc2vHSo/s400/025edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432224762600220482" border="0" /></a><br />I promise, you won't find them cheaper anywhere else, so now's the time to snatch one up! I've had them on sale for a while now, so Monday I'll be returning to regular prices. <br /><br />You can see what's in the store <span style="font-family:verdana, helvetica;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpooka"><span style="color:blue;">HERE</span></a></b></span>.<br /><br />Thanks for all the support! I have the best friends and fans!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-12514261225075247642010-01-21T09:49:00.003-06:002010-01-21T10:21:01.990-06:00peace in the pasture<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedYpHHWJOsvtvG6ypSuO1qVbeWddUGYXaaUrs4HDQYLZVbYmUhNdSMqdfiibI5kCUdIREXgJvwR4tXueimkzG7EMxrN7MCs0oAnoX5X7yWLQPVLiNGGWS672VZMiV6BPYqfMp9I1jvI8/s1600-h/061edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedYpHHWJOsvtvG6ypSuO1qVbeWddUGYXaaUrs4HDQYLZVbYmUhNdSMqdfiibI5kCUdIREXgJvwR4tXueimkzG7EMxrN7MCs0oAnoX5X7yWLQPVLiNGGWS672VZMiV6BPYqfMp9I1jvI8/s400/061edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429227110787008594" border="0" /></a><br />Last night, I finally went through some of the pics from this past fall when I took the kids down to Texas for a visit with Nonna and Boppa. We went for a walk in the pasture with Nonna and the dogs and, somehow, everyone under 3ft tall wound up swimming in the stock tank, even after they had received clear instructions not to do so.<br /><br /><img style="width: 396px; height: 280px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4292191572_9379fa0be2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCAqAGirDepMloTJXsX3mCNd-FwKLgVTYcMwEIRh1ZJzUJlh-9mvfyddhRlXh-tDtXNHQ9Ule0ShSnIY02g0PmYKh7MKPDCTHIG5uimXsJPFpFPQokj68xGDzJBRKaWEgkjIXm1txPdc/s1600-h/084edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCAqAGirDepMloTJXsX3mCNd-FwKLgVTYcMwEIRh1ZJzUJlh-9mvfyddhRlXh-tDtXNHQ9Ule0ShSnIY02g0PmYKh7MKPDCTHIG5uimXsJPFpFPQokj68xGDzJBRKaWEgkjIXm1txPdc/s400/084edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429227120404515010" border="0" /></a><br /><img style="width: 396px; height: 264px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4292118632_933036231b.jpg" alt="{p} in the pasture w/ Nonna by you." title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlIdLyhNdD7wHpKCPRfOIEya3KQnE-2tYS-4qzMKB9sDjHscfxcrBHFHRpVXsY_pwhyphenhyphen_nKHnvEj6uBIqXfR6u0GvzGX8XabH9ZBBFZwZDVUs0IRvQmNZlvV2dKQJ9jGRbEwNCvMy0U8Y/s1600-h/119edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlIdLyhNdD7wHpKCPRfOIEya3KQnE-2tYS-4qzMKB9sDjHscfxcrBHFHRpVXsY_pwhyphenhyphen_nKHnvEj6uBIqXfR6u0GvzGX8XabH9ZBBFZwZDVUs0IRvQmNZlvV2dKQJ9jGRbEwNCvMy0U8Y/s400/119edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429227131447133762" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4292172840_33a86c9943.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" width="334" height="500" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00Gc4jeGKGdGlFD1ZRTCkghytPN5AMV4j-tM6GUevmsHztbvtX6jaiPVZTOe4O5uOmqee3zJph5b-6e64vTEpsuMztmHnXEhFBLw7J7c1N-2bf-4Wzd2IsgVlsi-fLgxCuBBIG8jHeaQ/s1600-h/118edit2bw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00Gc4jeGKGdGlFD1ZRTCkghytPN5AMV4j-tM6GUevmsHztbvtX6jaiPVZTOe4O5uOmqee3zJph5b-6e64vTEpsuMztmHnXEhFBLw7J7c1N-2bf-4Wzd2IsgVlsi-fLgxCuBBIG8jHeaQ/s400/118edit2bw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429227125790118018" border="0" /></a><br /><img style="width: 407px; height: 279px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4292073220_160626ddd7.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4292173430_ac45af5bec.jpg" alt="{e} by you." title="" class="reflect" width="334" height="500" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 398px; height: 270px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/4019056933_5b14fe635f.jpg" alt="" title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOA3j9bi0qqmhzzfZMN7XDiLarcnJChEFqiDsNkFiHqShqlVjs-WDLpbvzgBAEXMUx1tfrmKOyKpdPoy_sODZ6Bgcl3kp-RhVTqF9Uwye6T-swXFohciFw_QFke4ru16RiyHuO8wWyV4/s1600-h/043edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOA3j9bi0qqmhzzfZMN7XDiLarcnJChEFqiDsNkFiHqShqlVjs-WDLpbvzgBAEXMUx1tfrmKOyKpdPoy_sODZ6Bgcl3kp-RhVTqF9Uwye6T-swXFohciFw_QFke4ru16RiyHuO8wWyV4/s400/043edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429227097193577938" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7269160325172096267.post-54289807741884511082010-01-19T14:52:00.004-06:002010-01-19T17:20:38.079-06:00deep thoughts with Jen: part 1I have so busy lately, I haven't had much time for blogging, but there's so much I want to blog! As 2009 turned into 2010, I did a lot of reflecting over the past year and thinking about the new year. Quite frankly, 2009 sucked for me. We were in an unemployment situation for almost a year, and along with that came real estate woes. We dealt with things one day at a time, and made it through those hard times relatively unscathed. As you probably know, we made a big move, got a new job and a new house, but the feelings of being displaced, caused by a year of house showings and having your things packed away, is still wearing on me, as I'm sure it is the entire family. We've been in our house for several months now, but I'd say we're still only about halfway settled into it. All I can say is that it's overwhelming and I'm very ready to move past this phase.<br /><br /><img style="width: 371px; height: 242px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3133500804_bf6845255c.jpg" alt="Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand. by you." title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br />Last year, my friend <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://lisa-marie-johnson.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:blue;">Lisa</span></a></b></span> blogged about choosing a single word to represent what you want to achieve for the (new) year. The words she's chosen for the past few years have been <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">happiness</span>, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">change</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">acceptance</span>. I was so inspired after reading her post last January, I desperately tried to come up with a word for myself, but just couldn't do it. All year long I thought about it. In hindsight, the word that would describe 2009 best would be <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chaos</span>. How sad is that? Really, truly, that is what 2009 was. I think I did a pretty good job of keeping up the facade that everything was normal and fine, but it was hard. Even as it happened, we thought we were doing ok dealing with everything, but looking back, it's obvious that the stress of that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chaos</span> chipped away at us and some of our relationships. The word that best describes how I <span style="font-style: italic;">felt</span> would be <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">distracted</span>. Even today, I struggle with being <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">distracted</span> by things that keep me from having and doing what I want and love.<br /><br />With the new year, I am only looking forward. I want to leave the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">chaos</span> behind. I have even chosen my word for the year, and we're only a few weeks into it! Just being able to find that special word when I could not do it, as hard as I tried, last year speaks volumes to me about where I was in my mind last year and where I'm headed this year. My word for 2010 is.........<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span>.<br /><br /><img style="width: 383px; height: 281px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3153356509_66dcaede21.jpg" alt="If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you. by you." title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Focus</span> is what I want for myself this year. I want to wade through the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chaos</span>; get rid of the bad stuff and get control of the good stuff, so that it doesn't overwhelm me. I want to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on my house and make it into a loving and creative home for my family. Not being able to really "live" in our house all those months it was on the market was really depressing for me. All those months, my kids couldn't have special spaces for themselves and we couldn't do a lot of things together because that energy was redirected into cleaning and showing the house. The twins went from cribs to toddler beds, babies to toddlers, in that time, but we just didn't have the money or energy to put into making that transition special. It was so hard to deal with the idea that my children had been robbed of a year of their childhood. It might seem a little overly dramatic, but really, that's what I feel happened. It could have been so much more special for them if we hadn't been in that situation. That's why house projects are so important for me right now. My children deserve those special places. All of us do.<br /><br />Obviously, I want to put more <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on my family. The kids are growing so fast and I don't have much time left with them before they go off to school. The challenge I've faced since our move, aside from all the distractions, is that I'm unfamiliar with the area, so it's just plain hard to find things to go do. Not to mention that the first 3 months it rained non-stop and now we are dealing with a never-ending supply of snow. I'm excited about getting out and exploring together and I know it will happen more and more as the weather improves. Quality time at home will also improve as the house projects get finished up, eliminating a lot of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">chaos</span>. Of course, I also want to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on my marriage and strengthening it. We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this summer and have plans for lots of traveling *alone*, which we are both looking forward to very much. One of the greatest things about moving to where we are now is that we are close to family so that we can do things like that. Hopefully we can squeeze in a bunch of dates this year, which are a rarity for us. I also want to put more emphasis on us parenting <span style="font-style: italic;">together</span> and spending time <span style="font-style: italic;">together</span> as a family, not just me with the kids.<br /><br /><img style="width: 339px; height: 253px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3133549304_613c52db1b.jpg" alt="From where it originated, there the soul is blended again. by you." title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br />2010 is going to be the year that I <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on me! With everything that's transpired, I've lost a little bit of myself and I've recently realized I haven't felt good about myself in quite a while. As always, I want to focus on losing weight and being healthy and active. I am feeling like this year might be the year that I actually stick to it and complete my 100lb loss that I began over 6 years ago. I want to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> and finish it!<br /><br />I have also been thinking a lot about my photography. Before we went through those tough times, I was so immersed in my photography, shooting constantly and improving because of it. I've lost some of my enthusiasm for it and I WANT IT BACK! Over the past few (like 10+!) years, I've been trying to get myself <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focused</span> on building a business with it, but after some serious thought, I am going to redirect that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> onto the photography itself this year. I want to learn and love it again the way I did before. I've gotten sloppy with the little bit of shooting I do now, and I want that to stop. Of course, I will jump at any opportunity that comes my way to shoot for other folks, but I am going to put the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on rediscovering myself as a photographer first this year. I've put off building my photography business for soooo long, it can wait a little longer. I feel a little bit guilty about this decision, but I know it is the best one. I also know that when I *do* put the<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> focus</span> on my business, it will be much better because of this.<br /><br />Since I won't be putting much<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> focus </span>on my photography business this year, I can put some <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on building a business with the my sewing! I really just do it to make a little spending money and spoil my friends, but I feel that my etsy shop has been successful enough to warrant more of my time and attention. With all 3 of my young children at home, sewing is much easier for me to manage than editing photos for clients, so it really is something I want to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on growing this year. Really, the only thing holding me back right now are the distractions that I want to get rid of anyway. And time.<br /><br /><img style="width: 385px; height: 282px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/3153356879_00ce529b8d.jpg" alt="In the hour of adversity be not without hope For crystal rain falls from black clouds. by you." title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br />I am hoping that putting all this <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on things in my life will help me to clear my head and find <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> in my life, in general. Something that I started last year, that was <span style="font-style: italic;">good</span>, was a mission to become a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">giver</span>. I'm not sure why I started it and I don't think it was an intentional thing, but I've been very aware that I've been doing it and I think I've done a good job with it. This year I want to push myself to become an even better <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">giver</span>. I want to put <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">focus</span> on becoming totally selfless about it. There are lots of reasons for <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">giving</span>, but I want to get to a point where I'm doing it just for the sake of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">giving</span>. It sounds easy, but when you are honest with yourself, you realize it is actually very difficult. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Giving</span> is something I will be discussing more in-depth in future posts. It is something that I am becoming very passionate about and that makes me feel good.<br /><br />Part of the reason I want to explore <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">giving</span> is because I want to focus on my thoughts about <span style="font-style: italic;">spirituality</span> and all that other, good, deep stuff. I don't consider myself a very <span style="font-style: italic;">spiritual</span> person, but I am very <span style="font-style: italic;">inspired</span> by those who are, especially when they are moms just like myself. Again, <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://lisa-marie-johnson.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:blue;">Lisa</span></a></b></span> is at the top of my list of <span style="font-style: italic;">spiritual, inspirational</span> people. She always has been. She takes the time to think about deep things (and blog them), sharing her thoughts as<span style="font-style: italic;"> inspiration</span> for others. Recently, she did a <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://lisa-marie-johnson.blogspot.com/2010/01/food-for-thought.html"><span style="color:blue;">post</span></a></b></span> where she covered some really profound thoughts. You can read more of it <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://lisa-marie-johnson.blogspot.com/2010/01/food-for-thought.html">here</a></b></span>, but here are some highlights:<br /><br />- Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is about.<br />- Make peace with your past so it doesn't screw up the present.<br />- What other people think of you is none of your business. (!!! wow!)<br />- However good or bad a situation is, it will change.<br />- If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.<br /><br />Even just the name of her blog...happiness is never stopping to think if you are... is so thought provoking. Another very spiritual person that I've recently gotten to know is <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:blue;">Aimee aka HomeSpun Threads</span></a></b></span>. She shares her struggles as a mom and the way that she manages the hard times with prayer. Even if you aren't one who prays, the thought behind it is quite profound and very inspiring. If you read her post <span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica;font-size:85%;" ><b><a href="http://myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com/2010/01/joy-triumphs-over-suffering.html">here</a></b></span>, you'll see what I mean. Have joy instead of searching for it. Please, please, go read it! Although I don't consider myself very <span style="font-style: italic;">spiritual</span>, I very much would like to be and I know that people like Aimee and Lisa are in my life to help me find that side of myself.<br /><br /><img style="width: 405px; height: 271px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2615024340_4272b95096.jpg" alt="cloud critter by you." title="" class="reflect" /><br /><br />Phew, that's a lot of deep thinking! I even peppered it with random photos to make it easier to get through for you. (You are welcome!) Until next time...Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072160628877931050noreply@blogger.com13