tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35753643398049082322024-03-14T00:47:18.843-05:00Catching An AdventureAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-17589438521118812542013-08-12T21:07:00.000-05:002013-08-12T21:07:26.059-05:00Menu Plan Monday<div style="text-align: center;">
Years ago, when I first had a blog, I found <i><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">I'm an Organized Junkie </a></i>and <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2013/08/menu-plan-monday-august-1213.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday.</a> I was hooked. I had never planned meals before and found myself with 2 kids and a stressed military life. I got right to work with this and had some success with it. Now I have 3 kids and a military life and planned meals is my lifeline. </div>
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<img alt="MPM-Summer" class="size-full wp-image-24036 aligncenter" height="150" src="http://orgjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/MPM-Summer.png" width="468" /> </div>
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I recently found a menu planning template at <i><a href="http://thenourishinghome.com/meal-planning/" target="_blank">The Nourishing Home </a></i>that I love. My favorite part is the "Do Ahead" section. This allows me to jot down things like boil eggs a day or two ahead of when I need them or cook extra chicken to make chicken salad sandwiches. I print this out each week and store in my home binder. I check it each morning to see what my day looks like. </div>
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Stress-saver!!!</div>
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Sunday: Pizza</div>
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Monday: Fried Potatoes & Eggs</div>
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Tuesday: Baked Chicken, Green Beans, Potatoes</div>
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Wednesday: Meatballs, corn on the cob</div>
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Thursday: Ham, Macaroni & Cheese</div>
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Friday: Dinner Out</div>
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Saturday: ??</div>
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I also plan out breakfast and lunch. We are all about making meal time easy during this deployment. I buy more easy to make meals and cook much less from scratch. It was so hard for me to break myself from the way I was cooking, but I was so stressed. Right now, in this moment of our lives, you will find more frozen pizzas and chicken pot pies that I have ever bought before. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-8604616843368273582013-08-09T12:52:00.000-05:002013-08-09T12:52:38.977-05:00Preschool Time - Sensory Bin Overview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took some inspiration from<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2013/08/all-by-myself-preschool-boxes/" target="_blank"> Carisa at 1+1+1=1</a> and made some sensory bins for Scarlett. She sits at the table and can work on these and I can see her from the living room or the kitchen. </div>
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<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF38HNkFwMq7HVz8-ofMypvLGmrC7uc-YBtWpaiTImmAqOtK7dFnoIPyQlOXMYLa4UxCfgSr6dM29bBM12mXCQZ4BPLf0X_ZX00FK1Q44ZbjXaZczpwFZ_XCxlNopHLZ_Ze1xPjCR4Vey/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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The clear bin is a shoe box bin from Big Lots. It does have a lid. </div>
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The yellow bin is from Dollar Tree. </div>
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All the little accessories are pulled from the kitchen, toy box, or under the beds - totally not kidding! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4CMcp_W1LMIFche4s7N_i5MGt8AnFqt0fQWv91J29UzPZuXs3rRk4UNdc_3cnHWv5FFBU5FdVVMoE5517wF2pvqsNxcDtsFnY1Jam79VKZwr_QCne0jfCw1ErMpk_hqODCZjHngAwSo3/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4CMcp_W1LMIFche4s7N_i5MGt8AnFqt0fQWv91J29UzPZuXs3rRk4UNdc_3cnHWv5FFBU5FdVVMoE5517wF2pvqsNxcDtsFnY1Jam79VKZwr_QCne0jfCw1ErMpk_hqODCZjHngAwSo3/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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This bin has multi-colored rice and some fun blue accessories. We are not necessarily doing a color-of-the-week thing, but we do things like this to emphasize colors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4A3gsvf63iA1G8Qt9XczGDH3h-9oS-px5IMnhLhPo3bxKu5V43TJNPQLd173LQxF1Kz2UquvRxywwhv8bPiyk3BPguKuUvlifABQqFddlgYxRThPuw1DlPb__d7BrDpM14Efv1aDvpIj/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4A3gsvf63iA1G8Qt9XczGDH3h-9oS-px5IMnhLhPo3bxKu5V43TJNPQLd173LQxF1Kz2UquvRxywwhv8bPiyk3BPguKuUvlifABQqFddlgYxRThPuw1DlPb__d7BrDpM14Efv1aDvpIj/s320/005.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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Cotton balls, foam shapes, and rocks make up our other sensory boxes. Scarlett loves the rocks most of all. I think we will add 2 more bins just so there are some variety. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrLSlRCzA5gM4LBkTtA4CNM9Ay5c7JVXU2wBDi6GaFQ65zncuRuYWOXhyneO4m2b3c1Id93u_w3lDJ2_IgCUiuH7QWWW-F9As_BhkjV24ovqLlgyUzY_UEgzI3_sRzuZZogTQHU3l-v_z/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrLSlRCzA5gM4LBkTtA4CNM9Ay5c7JVXU2wBDi6GaFQ65zncuRuYWOXhyneO4m2b3c1Id93u_w3lDJ2_IgCUiuH7QWWW-F9As_BhkjV24ovqLlgyUzY_UEgzI3_sRzuZZogTQHU3l-v_z/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I have 2 of the yellow containers that my husband brought home at some time. These just have some fun things to keep a little one busy. I keep this on the table next to her sensory bin. Scarlett will bring us a book or <strike>yell</strike> <strike>at </strike>ask us to play with her. </div>
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These bins are not more of our preschool curriculum. They are just fun. More on these later. </div>
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I am linking up with <a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2013/08/blocks-butterflies-boxes-of-sand-and-root-beer/?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffere73db&utm_medium=facebook" target="_blank">Homeschool Creations Preschool and Kindergarten Community</a>. </div>
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Such an abundance of great ideas. </div>
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<img alt="Preschool and Kindergarten Community at Homeschool Creations" hspace="10" src="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/PreK-and-K-Community-Header.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Preschool and Kindergarten Community at Homeschool Creations" vspace="10" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-84665994374221512472013-06-11T22:00:00.000-05:002013-06-11T22:00:32.311-05:00Two Days In A Row<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNAoNNJFipyELXmW8H9G9zoTx2ZuEh0MuadJXMkcftocs1lmC3RrTSY2Zo5wxwQjJ_rSSpE37V_on9VOYAdRDyTLZ6-I7B02HXBSECNUXmokdszD61WeBKk6K5aBzuBNxhKe5R7oDbbWf/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNAoNNJFipyELXmW8H9G9zoTx2ZuEh0MuadJXMkcftocs1lmC3RrTSY2Zo5wxwQjJ_rSSpE37V_on9VOYAdRDyTLZ6-I7B02HXBSECNUXmokdszD61WeBKk6K5aBzuBNxhKe5R7oDbbWf/s320/100.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxev8rS6Zy1ucI6XvUahKyXoeEum0b7L0JfbyIKMQK-ZeYQfRc2k77H6iQqAYylp21BE0ZexyCugp4lTwkvLpcZaYWXjkb6JaAUyA3Qv50GNmLRPxad6W9AsJcGJc6VdJAv2m2bt0YaE9/s1600/102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxev8rS6Zy1ucI6XvUahKyXoeEum0b7L0JfbyIKMQK-ZeYQfRc2k77H6iQqAYylp21BE0ZexyCugp4lTwkvLpcZaYWXjkb6JaAUyA3Qv50GNmLRPxad6W9AsJcGJc6VdJAv2m2bt0YaE9/s320/102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's summer break and Scarlett loves to paint (ahem)!</div>
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You might can tell! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA3nkoMoM8TfMgnWyfQRVxrYJhOFXgUvoxMR1vhkvnR0iUkZleV8DxFDoiY-IHdEEcLvOtXd1KqD6T-AFKMvOzb21gxlvvUkxHsCo0j6gb_x697QoWYyNgeClAHETrAl_uU0exjJoC7jG/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA3nkoMoM8TfMgnWyfQRVxrYJhOFXgUvoxMR1vhkvnR0iUkZleV8DxFDoiY-IHdEEcLvOtXd1KqD6T-AFKMvOzb21gxlvvUkxHsCo0j6gb_x697QoWYyNgeClAHETrAl_uU0exjJoC7jG/s320/110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If she didn't look so happy, this would feel like a parenting fail! </div>
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This is what happens when you are cleaning up and leave a toddler to paint. </div>
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Happy Girl! Bring on the Summer Fun!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-54585784908415237482013-06-10T12:49:00.000-05:002013-06-11T22:19:02.609-05:00Best Outdoor Toy Ever<div style="text-align: center;">
This toy is one of our absolute favorite outdoor toys. Kids come from everywhere when we pull ours out of the garage. We have toted our 2 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K3QSYY?ie=UTF8&keywords=flying+turtles&qid=1370879021&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Flying Turtles </a>all over the USA and they are still in great condition. They hold up well to any kid, any size. We have had turtle races with grown men before and its so fun to watch. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" height="206" id="main-image" rel="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81%2BEokww2aL._SL1500_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81%2BEokww2aL._SX342_.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="320" /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K3QSYY?ie=UTF8&keywords=flying+turtles&qid=1370879021&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1">The Original Flying TurtleĀ® (Teal) : Amazon.com : Sports & Outdoors</a></div>
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Many colors available. We have green and purple. </div>
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We have used the mess out of these things. This purple one is about 7 years old and is missing one of the hand-grips. Considering kids bikes don't last 7 years, we think the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K3QSYY?ie=UTF8&keywords=flying+turtles&qid=1370879021&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Flying Turtles </a>are doing well. I am not sure that Caroline knows that her purple turtle has been taken over by the toddler. She will soon. </div>
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<img alt="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/1/?ui=2&ik=3c6ad0115a&view=att&th=13f2f1cada6a0fba&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_mySCI7F7fzHhr_yiPeN5N&sadet=1370885093447&sads=STBc0GUanrzKP4fYOlc4CT_9X3w" class="decoded" height="320" src="https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/1/?ui=2&ik=3c6ad0115a&view=att&th=13f2f1cada6a0fba&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_mySCI7F7fzHhr_yiPeN5N&sadet=1370885093447&sads=STBc0GUanrzKP4fYOlc4CT_9X3w" width="237" /> </div>
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This is one of our many outdoor adventures this summer. Finding things to do with a toddler in and around a townhouse is a little challenging. Scarlett props her feet up on the bars and we push her around. She is learning to "drive" better each week. </div>
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More toddler fun in the works. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*this is my own personal review for the Flying Turtle. We really do love ours and in no way were we compensated for this review. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-11880941485033570622013-05-23T09:11:00.000-05:002013-05-23T09:11:26.740-05:00Almost Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have finally got this deployment started. The whole unit is on the other side of the world. Just this morning, I received a call from the Family Assistance Office just to see if we were doing OK. Ryan has already been gone for 4 months, but because he is National Guard this time around he has just made it to the desert. We have many more months to go. </div>
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As thankful as I am to have a family picture, this one is terrible. It was pouring rain! It was loud in the room where these pictures where and they were trying to get as many done as possible. It was a stressful day and I think you can see it on all of our faces!</div>
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School is winding down. Thank you very much!!! </div>
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Field Day is over for the elementary kids. Jackson was in about 4 events. Most of them involved him running. The boy is fast!</div>
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We still have Sports Day for the middle school kids. Somehow Caroline figured out how to be a cheerleader during sports day and not do any other sports. Although cheering can be tough, I do believe that they will get the easy way out this year.</div>
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Scarlett has one more week of daycare and then I think she will spend all her spare time trying to get into the "water." We added extra locks to the doors to keep her in the house. We are also going to be potty training this summer. I bought her a little kids potty. She refuses to use it, choosing to sit on the potty like a big kid. Who does she think she is!!</div>
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We finally dropped that bottle habit. She has had a bottle consistently for a little over a year. She only nursed before that and would occasionally take juice from a bottle. Now she is 2 and we just dropped them all together. The truth is we lost them all. Hopefully when they are found they can be trashed without Scarlett seeing them. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-15137860884645355892013-04-14T16:03:00.001-05:002013-04-14T16:03:56.368-05:00My girlsThey will be friends one day. Fiercely loyal to each other. They will fight for each other, love on each other, and cry for each other. There is peace in seeing sisters bond.<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiiVe0fmMG5Uj9nPgVwSBngigm6W0ku8-1M4EqTEwkAcah3ZvOFWls7ydvwfCxSrBovHAxiYjAbZFNiHScLgNA7B_maoVEQ0sig33llKHa_Xw9_n178p11xD_Y6hJKjhebqcrZMHuDvdg/s640/blogger-image--2014531190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiiVe0fmMG5Uj9nPgVwSBngigm6W0ku8-1M4EqTEwkAcah3ZvOFWls7ydvwfCxSrBovHAxiYjAbZFNiHScLgNA7B_maoVEQ0sig33llKHa_Xw9_n178p11xD_Y6hJKjhebqcrZMHuDvdg/s640/blogger-image--2014531190.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtbbXv711AtYHvXxvtHvpaSFBr5x3kBrqKp2Oz2oS5Kxko6TBxnApGJ93wN3NBoq341aqm8-C5zwagPW17EPpdkMZlae5hVzZDBFjMaTZjbN866QWosSeNp1dyJ9UUNWClDFq9QO4YlL9/s640/blogger-image-383148617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtbbXv711AtYHvXxvtHvpaSFBr5x3kBrqKp2Oz2oS5Kxko6TBxnApGJ93wN3NBoq341aqm8-C5zwagPW17EPpdkMZlae5hVzZDBFjMaTZjbN866QWosSeNp1dyJ9UUNWClDFq9QO4YlL9/s640/blogger-image-383148617.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-3130124233558778482013-04-11T20:44:00.002-05:002013-04-11T20:44:41.639-05:00Deployment Has Started<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This the most pitiful countdown tracker ever. The truth is that we are just getting started on this deployment. This is an app called Doing Time. </span></span></div>
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<img alt="photo.JPG" class="hv" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=3c6ad0115a&view=att&th=13dfbd309c9d506a&attid=0.1&disp=thd&zw" width="239" /> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are many more days to come. This is not our first deployment, but it is the first deployment with the National Guard. Everything has been chaotic. </span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are so glad just to get this deployment started so that we can start counting it down</span>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-3982277009496455022012-11-26T23:18:00.001-06:002012-11-26T23:18:50.611-06:00ThanksgivingMy Internet is running so slow. I think dial up would be faster at this point. The pictures that I am going to post will be HUGE but there's no way for me to change them from my phone (that I'm aware of). I am aware that I am writing this post twice because I somehow deleted it. <br />
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Thanksgiving Day was amazing. The weather was wonderful and I learned to make my hubby's favorite sweet potato casserole . He loves it and next year he will be eating whatever they serve in the desert, I may have to make it again. <br />
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My big kids learned to ride a dirt bike. They had amazing confidence in learning. I was worried and proud all at once. My baby girl was just happy to sit when it wasn't cranked up. Great big thanks to my niece for allowing us to use her dirt bike. <br />
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We have celebrated Thanksgiving with friends and family all over the country. I am so thankful for all the people that God has brought to our table or allowed us to sit at their table. We would not be who we are without knowing the people we have known and experiencing the life we have lived. <br />
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Pictures of the infamous bike experience. You better believe that they want one of these for Christmas. Of course that makes my man excited, so I'm kinda praying he doesn't find one. Not this year anyway. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOsiEmy6Qpx63Ql8yZRd9nWai-I5EM56VMD8Htw0p94Zix6m0QZDJ_DX-0v4qUMdbaLh-u8WnEbjyaODOPR_qdC_SzSbfyVa6b-y1-nu4L_PuE2RVQw7yt-TzMPVNbyNGxJKfgS-E-83-/s640/blogger-image--1294975195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOsiEmy6Qpx63Ql8yZRd9nWai-I5EM56VMD8Htw0p94Zix6m0QZDJ_DX-0v4qUMdbaLh-u8WnEbjyaODOPR_qdC_SzSbfyVa6b-y1-nu4L_PuE2RVQw7yt-TzMPVNbyNGxJKfgS-E-83-/s640/blogger-image--1294975195.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHZM-fwSk-YUrg7lFDFzbD8py4igVI35ppwOjmiHXaOro0hYJEEQjya9E2duXBdJFLwOY8Rc9rFFz2CqMSR6WkNXECedJ80TtjwNkuJTClheQji_tJNfrFLP2v87TZz08-5M8K78mIv0Z/s640/blogger-image--1285415591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHZM-fwSk-YUrg7lFDFzbD8py4igVI35ppwOjmiHXaOro0hYJEEQjya9E2duXBdJFLwOY8Rc9rFFz2CqMSR6WkNXECedJ80TtjwNkuJTClheQji_tJNfrFLP2v87TZz08-5M8K78mIv0Z/s640/blogger-image--1285415591.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD97VrNizJSBhVmqi5E0LNEEYLQ-7QhThQOHjC2q9xoZc61MUbjm1pILhvuOVfTthhN0ai2ZIOZ4zK-3JhYGMIUouPYVYDc1M4svvhnMg9JFmSBOWrHGbQ4sH6-yuGAnFxAjVuEge0QaNP/s640/blogger-image--689159020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD97VrNizJSBhVmqi5E0LNEEYLQ-7QhThQOHjC2q9xoZc61MUbjm1pILhvuOVfTthhN0ai2ZIOZ4zK-3JhYGMIUouPYVYDc1M4svvhnMg9JFmSBOWrHGbQ4sH6-yuGAnFxAjVuEge0QaNP/s640/blogger-image--689159020.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-17810858601929696752012-11-15T09:38:00.001-06:002012-11-15T09:38:41.209-06:00I'm A Helper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I always have thought of myself as a leader. I thought I was pretty good at making decisions and stepping up to the plate when no one else wanted to lead. I'm beginning to think that I am a much better helper. I actually had help all those times when I was "leading." Someone leading right beside, helping me along whatever path we are on together. Some of our greatest friendships have come from leading together. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">long weekends in the field = crashing in the chair</td></tr>
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I think that is why I have handled being a military wife so well. I have moments of weakness, but I have enjoyed moving and setting up home in new areas. We have built our world around the up and downs of military life. My goals have always been to help my husband feel settled so that he can focus on his job. The kids take a bit longer, making new friends is hard stuff. Mourning lost friends is even harder. </div>
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My helper tendencies extend past my home. I love to help in our church with children's ministries and women's outreach. With the help of my great friend Kaleena, we lead a group of girls in Girl Scouts for 2 years. I've stepped up and helped with PTA/PTO and sports. </div>
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Sometimes I have to say no. That has happened recently with Boy Scouts. I just could not help lead a troop of boys with this upcoming deployment. Especially since the Boy Scout Pack meets at the time that Scarlett needs to be getting ready for bed. Caroline is getting close to being a babysitter, but not for long periods of time with a cranky toddler. </div>
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I hope that I can teach my kids that they can lead, but they can also be a helper. Sometimes the ones that are already leading just need help carrying the load. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-37590541728192319612012-11-13T09:02:00.000-06:002012-11-13T09:02:16.165-06:00Planning For Some (not so) Mundane DaysI am so happy to report that this sports season is winding down. We need a break. We need the mundane, but really it will not be so mundane because Christmas is here. The kids are out of school for a week at Thanksgiving and the traditional 2 weeks at Christmas. It always goes by way to quickly. <br />
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I'm looking forward to doing some projects with the kids. There are plenty of options available, but keep the attention of 3 kids in different ages groups is difficult. <br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/" target="_blank">Operation Christmas Child</a> shoeboxes need to be dropped of next week. I love, love, love this organization. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Thanksgiving Activity Packs<a href="http://homeschoolcreations.com/ThanksgivingPrintables.html" target="_blank"> here </a>and<a href="http://thecraftyclassroom.com/blog/2012/10/11/thanksgiving-bible-printables/" target="_blank"> here</a></li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=118014&c=ib&aff=231308%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">Truth in the Tinsel</a></li>
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<li>Weekend visits with family</li>
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I know that my Scarlett will be full of excitement and curiosity this Christmas. We strolled through Hobby Lobby this evening and looked at the lights on the Christmas trees. Of, course she wanted to touch each one. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-32307280329892030432012-11-11T20:59:00.001-06:002012-11-13T09:00:10.191-06:00Happy Veteran's DayIf it wasn't for my veteran, I would have all these other blessing. <br />
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Thank you for your sacrifices Ryan! <br />
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We love you! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-43611984421309818792012-11-07T21:54:00.001-06:002012-11-07T22:18:58.638-06:00It's OK! Feel WearyI recently reread <a href="http://www.hopeforthewearymom.com/" target="_blank">Hope for the Weary Mom: Where God Meets You in Your Mess </a>and was encouraged all over again. <a href="http://www.29lincolnavenue.com/" target="_blank">Stacey</a> and <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/blog/" target="_blank">Brooke</a> not only give you a glimpse of what their weariness looks like, but they give us all permission to feel weary.<br />
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We can't always be that mom that has it all together. I am so hard on myself when I have to disappoint one of my kids. I cringe when I hear myself yelling at my kids or my husband. My job is mom, I'm not supposed to screw it up for everyone else, but I do (a lot). <br />
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Moms, hear me! Give yourself the chance to be weary. Give yourself the opportunity to feel defeated. When you are at your worse, Jesus will meet and remind you that He loves you and He is here to help you. We are not doing this by ourselves. <br />
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<img height="320" src="http://www.mikethacker.org/hopeforthewearymom/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/HFTWM-3D-362x383.png" width="302" /> </div>
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I'm a military spouse that's about to embark on over a year of my husband being deployed. I cannot imagine how weary I will get this time around. As a military spouse, we never ask for help because we are the strong
ones that are left behind to hold it all together. I know that the women
around me have bad days just like me. When we transitioned from active duty military service to National Guard
the weariness seemed to descend on me as a cloud. We are so busy, my house will become a mess, the kids will bicker, and everything that can go wrong will, but I am not alone.</div>
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God will meet me right in that mess and join me as I pull myself together.<br />
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You can get your very own Kindle version of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Weary-Mom-Expanded-ebook/dp/B009TQ76LC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352348160&sr=8-1&keywords=hope+for+the+weary+mom" target="_blank">Hope for the Weary Mom on Amazon</a><br />
You can get a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Weary-Mom-Brooke-McGlothlin/dp/1479396753/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352348160&sr=8-2&keywords=hope+for+the+weary+mom" target="_blank"> paperback version of Hope for the Weary Mom on Amazon</a>.<br />
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Read! Enjoy! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-35132918643471346352012-10-25T21:45:00.000-05:002012-10-25T21:45:20.891-05:00Social Networking; Let's Connect<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Instagram - Fast, beautiful photo sharing for your iPhone" class="instagram-title" height="86" src="http://d36xtkk24g8jdx.cloudfront.net/bluebar/558385b/images/public/logo.png" width="400" /> </div>
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I'm on Instagram. My user name is Aljstephens</div>
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Come find me and let's connect. </div>
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You can also find me on Twitter </div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/CatchnAdventure" target="_blank">CatchnAdventure</a></div>
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And Finally on Facebook</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catching-an-Adventure/342301082477450?ref=hl" target="_blank">Catching An Adventure</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-67193855204751058112012-10-22T09:28:00.000-05:002012-10-23T10:15:01.091-05:00Hope For The Weary Mom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.mikethacker.org/hopeforthewearymom/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/HFTWM-3D-362x383.png" class="decoded" height="320" src="http://www.mikethacker.org/hopeforthewearymom/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/HFTWM-3D-362x383.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.hopeforthewearymom.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The new "Hope for the Weary Mom" book is available. This book is an extended version of the 2011 e-book by <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/blog/" target="_blank">Brooke McGlothin</a> of the<a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/" target="_blank"> MOB Society</a> and <a href="http://www.29lincolnavenue.com/" target="_blank">Stacy Thacker</a> of the<a href="http://modsquadblog.com/" target="_blank"> MOD Squad</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These ladies have worked so hard to speak their hearts about a mom's life. They admit that motherhood is not always easy and that we all mess it up. They remind us that our hope in Jesus will bring us through to the other side. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-444" height="294" src="http://www.hopeforthewearymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/HFTWM-pin-heart1-300x294.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="HFTWM-pin-heart" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.hopeforthewearymom.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit the <a href="http://www.hopeforthewearymom.com/" target="_blank">Hope for the Weary Mom website</a> to learn how you can win prizes and get your own copy. There is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Weary-Mom-Expanded-ebook/dp/B009TQ76LC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1350865300&sr=8-4&keywords=Hope+for+the+Weary+mom" target="_blank">Kindle version</a> and a print version. </span> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-4691645870567642162012-10-18T22:41:00.000-05:002012-10-18T22:41:06.088-05:00Favorite Part of the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioBwJe2fcE3oQUwqtwjJ3wmB2FZv6tRoqckNQNdQqTRxGuZJ-4tHQPXZ-ggi1Si7YsMhs1-AgZnKwvTViV2w0O1sfGlhchYjqEARihvGKl-wLLo3mJLXutO97jvAYjRAjJ2KrbU8tV9rs/s1600/3E2FAF17-7098-4025-AC00-DA7D6655F9D9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioBwJe2fcE3oQUwqtwjJ3wmB2FZv6tRoqckNQNdQqTRxGuZJ-4tHQPXZ-ggi1Si7YsMhs1-AgZnKwvTViV2w0O1sfGlhchYjqEARihvGKl-wLLo3mJLXutO97jvAYjRAjJ2KrbU8tV9rs/s320/3E2FAF17-7098-4025-AC00-DA7D6655F9D9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I used to love nap time. The house got so quiet and I could recharge in the stillness. I certainly would get feisty when that nap time got messed up. I needed it as much as my Scarlett did. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, I am working when she is napping and when I pick her up all recharged. Except, mama is starting to drag. I am going all day and working part time and I miss that quiet time that was all for me. I have tried getting up at 5:30 and that is not working one bit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So my new favorite time of the day is after everyone is asleep. Everything can be still and quiet and lovely. I can recharge and remember all those things that get pushed back during the day. I can make a list, read a book, or simply sit, but I absolutely cannot clean anymore. </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-2603362341476152102012-10-07T22:40:00.001-05:002012-10-08T12:16:05.439-05:00Wonderful WeekendsI accidentally just blocked myself from attaching pictures to a blog posts from my phone. I will have to edit this tomorrow when I get to a computer. Somedays, I'm the one that's a mess.<br />
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We have a long weekend off school. It's what they are calling Fall
Break, but it is not fall here in Florida. I'm ready tomorrow to spend
some time with my kids because next week will be so busy.<br />
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My favorite part of the weekend was spent with my family at the <a href="http://visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/detail.cfm?eventid=1341" target="_blank">Pirate of the High Seas Festival</a>.
The fireworks display on Saturday night was amazing. We paid a little
fee and was granted access to the pier. The fireworks were shot off from
the end of the pier. The breeze was wonderful and the entertainment
amazing. Scarlett loved it all, she clapped and cheered the whole time.
The big kids loved it and claimed it was the best they had ever seen. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/546844_4620435157950_1709168098_n.jpg" width="320" /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">edited: We met a Jack Sparrow look-a-like. He was awesome and played the part just right. There was a beach ball drop and all the kids scored a ball. Sorry for the scary looking eyes (night time flash). I was looking for pictures of the fireworks but they must be on my daughter's iPod. She's needs to hurry home from her sleepover. </span><br />
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This is my favorite time of the year to live in such a huge tourist town. There is hardly anyone but locals here. You can get into restaurants without much of a wait an traffic is much more manageable. I love walks on the beach this time of year. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-73387388618352926562012-10-04T20:46:00.002-05:002012-10-04T20:46:28.945-05:00New Normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some days I think that I have it all together. We are busier that I ever imagined being. My phone calendar is my life lifeline. We would be totally lost without it. Working, even part time, has made our world a little bit more chaotic. </div>
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Caroline has turned another year older and started Middle School. Unbelievable stress getting adjusted. We are having to learn how to prep, study, and organize better than we ever have. Caroline continues to be amazing and she is adjusting to a new school and church. She is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Youth Group at Church, takes a dance class, and is trying out for the basketball team.</div>
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Jackson just celebrated a birthday and turned 8 years old. Time! Please slow down. Jackson is amazing at school. He can give 50% and get great grades. Caroline has to give 1000% and barely gets by. His downfall is that he likes to talk.</div>
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Our goal is to keep Jackson busy. He picks things up quickly and we hope to let him experience everything that he wants. Jack learned to play hockey this year and enjoyed a short season on the military base hockey league. Soccer is in full swing and this year Dad gets to help coach. I'll report how that is going later. </div>
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My Scarlett has found her vocal cords. She is still limited to just a few words. I have a feeling when she figures out talking we are all in trouble. Scarlett has just started daycare. This was her first week. It was never our goal to have out kids in daycare but financially I need to work now. Scarlett keeps us running and loves to go "wok" (walk) and feed the "ish" (fish).</div>
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As if Ryan and I are not busy enough, we are taking <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University</a>. I am so excited and hope that we can climb over this barrier we are at. New career, new home, new life that we are loving is difficult but doable. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-50247219802617064522012-05-11T11:56:00.000-05:002012-05-11T12:01:58.045-05:00Military Spouse Appreciation Day<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. </div>
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I've never taken much notice of this day because I was living the military wife and surrounded by military wives. Today, I miss them all and I am so happy to see their faces on Facebook. </div>
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Oh, it has been a strange path. This wandering, curving, one step forward two steps back kind of life. </div>
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My husband and I married after he finished "A" school for the US Navy. He had already completed Army Basic Training and AIT for the National Guard and was in college when we met. At the time, the Navy was offering him something a little more than what the Army was offering and so he choose to beginning active duty service in the Navy. </div>
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Then we got married.</div>
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<img alt="photo.JPG" class="hv" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=078db22942&view=att&th=1373cca1a30254ac&attid=0.1&disp=thd&zw" width="239" /></div>
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And we moved (a lot)</div>
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Bethesda, MD</div>
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Cherry Point, NC</div>
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Panama City Beach, FL</div>
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Bay St Louis, MS</div>
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San Diego, CA</div>
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Camp Pendleton, CA</div>
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And we had these <a href="http://catchinganadventure.blogspot.com/2012/05/names.html" target="_blank">amazing kids</a> along the way.</div>
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Today, my husband is in the National Guard. That transition is less than a year old and still very raw. My kids feel it, I feel it, and he feels it. There are still moments to enjoy, but just as many moments that would be easier within the confines of our old military life.adjusting to this new normal has been harder but we really enjoyed this time with Daddy. </div>
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Don't get me wrong. I have complained and gotten so mad at my husband and his military job, but it was our life. We ate, slept, and lived around the military lifestyle. We went to ball games, dance, gymnastics, and church if Daddy was there or not. I learned to rely on myself for everything very quickly. I also learned to love when chores were done for me (garbage day anyone?).</div>
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Pretty soon we will embark on a deployment from the National Guard point of view. I have no idea what to expect. We don't live very close to the Guard unit and so my neighbors and real-life family will be my support system. That will be so weird. </div>
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If you are here and not a military spouse, please find a spouse in your area to thank. You may not understand her life, but she will be so grateful for you noticing her.<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://household6diva.com/2012/05/2012-military-spouse-appreciation-day-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Household 6 Diva </a>and<a href="http://www.ridingtherollercoaster.com/2012/05/im-wife-on-roller-coasternice-to-meet.html" target="_blank"> Riding the Roller Coaster</a><br />
Go read more!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-110799008879051392012-05-11T11:27:00.000-05:002012-05-11T11:27:27.060-05:00Names<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My kids have scratched their names on
window sills, park benches, in concrete, and other places I may not know
about from the Pacific to the Atlantic. </div>
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I quit fussing at them about destructing property ages ago. </div>
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They are military brats. </div>
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And they are leaving their mark on the world around them. </div>
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So many military brats say they are not from anywhere and I just have a hard time accepting that. My kids can't say that they always lived in the same house or in the same town, but they can say that they have roots. </div>
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They learned some much in all the places we have lived. We are spoiled from learning what real Mexican food taste like and we cannot find that here on the Gulf coast. Then again, there is nothing like Gulf Coast shrimp. And please don't even start us on the yumminess that is New Orleans. </div>
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My kids, I don't care how many times they move I want them to know and understand that they are from home and home isn't defined by the house you are in or the town you reside in. Home is your family and they carve who you will be. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-70871854201855452802012-05-04T11:01:00.000-05:002012-05-04T11:01:58.326-05:00Cleaning House<div style="text-align: center;">
I am supposed to be packing for our move to FL in one month. I have maybe 6 boxes packed. This is not looking good. I have a hard enough time just day-to-day cleaning and get a little anxious when it all gets to messy. We are gonna be in big trouble in a few weeks when its time to load all of this and move. </div>
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The clean pictures are on the left and the messy is obviously the right. Its dark in here and we get all of the afternoon sunlight in the back doors, heating up the whole house. </div>
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This is what my house looked like after a few days with my sweet niece Lillie here. I tried to vacuum and get most things put away daily, but the piles grew larger and the mess was taking over. This house is not that big, basically what you see is it besides the bedrooms. If one area is overly messy you can tell right away. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq9_-AQWrH76er3BIxZfRTeDS7KtDY2T0-fLBI3rKDOK1DEPPE273SzmwjwI6wQb0STMo3R7nhhmUgBlcGnQ6fReqz-yJNRPzZKiabRS1dwBs5wVCa674mVaZaw8DAjonPRdD6wzwB7N0/s640/blogger-image-1134385471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq9_-AQWrH76er3BIxZfRTeDS7KtDY2T0-fLBI3rKDOK1DEPPE273SzmwjwI6wQb0STMo3R7nhhmUgBlcGnQ6fReqz-yJNRPzZKiabRS1dwBs5wVCa674mVaZaw8DAjonPRdD6wzwB7N0/s320/blogger-image-1134385471.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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None of this was the contribution of one child, but all of them together. Scarlett is 14 months old and Lillie is 2 years old. Together with the help of my big kids we made completely messes and got it all cleaned up each day. </div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-27006229010693877022012-04-30T16:32:00.000-05:002012-04-30T16:32:57.977-05:00Recently ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scarlett slept through the night for the very first time a couple of nights ago. She did not have a repeat performance last night, but she is sleeping for longer stretches of time. </div>
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She will get there eventually, we are just not a "let em cry it out" family. </div>
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Although, "crying it out" may have happened a few times because we were all sick of each other. For naps and bedtimes, she will fuss long enough for me to get out of the room and she is done. Maybe she's just making a show of missing me. </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqowU8Q10AGgMiq2QOLvTOBLJcsN0Y1Ym6BBE528f2Kg7_N9Ry-CTBo5a5uH2l3NetanG5YP7gkDJq_Oh2Q7kOMOMA1vDk80DhuPDMO0xRPms-5IRw15Ab53yhVlCf9FivBN841F7Eqwo/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /> </div>
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Scarlett has also learned to climb up the ladder and slide down the slide right by herself.</div>
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Good Grief! </div>
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Next week will be college. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DqPnqFNQvpmA1wwriDFGKl2Vl8oLdgkMXn9hTRwNm1AnzeXKjVySGKJEkFPzTtv4tw0W1eJ9bbJVfRMD2MLcUkTKlBOb2hpH06qqpH_H12JmEptg5x0aws7Gb8wSpu7Rja7e5_u7spXx/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DqPnqFNQvpmA1wwriDFGKl2Vl8oLdgkMXn9hTRwNm1AnzeXKjVySGKJEkFPzTtv4tw0W1eJ9bbJVfRMD2MLcUkTKlBOb2hpH06qqpH_H12JmEptg5x0aws7Gb8wSpu7Rja7e5_u7spXx/s320/005.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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In other fantastic news, Jack has lost another tooth. </div>
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He is so excited to look like a snaggletooth since he has been so slow to loose any teeth.</div>
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This is number 4 and he is 7 years old.</div>
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I see an orthodontist in my future. I can see how the bottom of his mouth is shaped like my husband's. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4FIqLGE69lWjqMf7AErnackzKn8KKN7u9Z0oU9ol4Nf2rAdOTPG7ctDCLKuRIhKdYadd6JfTfKWiazcR2BzCR-rq-WnPMxuOigeB84lWkb-D3qRMn8p-l-1np40QdJ6iMqIzhubdzNej/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4FIqLGE69lWjqMf7AErnackzKn8KKN7u9Z0oU9ol4Nf2rAdOTPG7ctDCLKuRIhKdYadd6JfTfKWiazcR2BzCR-rq-WnPMxuOigeB84lWkb-D3qRMn8p-l-1np40QdJ6iMqIzhubdzNej/s320/006.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-67749616251670783662012-04-27T12:13:00.000-05:002012-04-27T12:13:01.906-05:00My New Job - LexiWynn<div style="text-align: center;">
I have the amazing privilege to work for<a href="http://www.lexiwynn.com/" target="_blank"> LexiWynn</a>. They make custom order purses, wallets, beach nags, diaper bags, and more and I get to be a design consultant.</div>
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<img alt="LexiWynn" src="http://www.lexiwynn.com/templates/lexi_wynn/images/logo.gif" /></div>
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Matching up fabrics is something that I love. <a href="http://www.lexiwynn.com/" target="_blank">LexiWynn</a> will send me sample purses and fabric swatches. Customers will get to design their purse, bag, wallet, exactly like they want. I get so excited just thinking about all the possibilities. </div>
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There are leather and laminate samples to choose from, as well as all the regular fabric samples. You can add pockets and different purse straps. </div>
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So amazingly fun! </div>
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Check out their website and let me know what you would love to have! </div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-82737170381333113102012-04-24T14:33:00.003-05:002012-10-09T21:26:14.709-05:00Surviving (non) DeploymentsThis is from last May. I'm not sure why it didn't post. I thought I wanted it on here so I would go ahead and post it. We are all moved now and the car is fixed. At least that problem is fixed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan was not all the way to back to Florida on Sunday when I noticed a leak under my car. This is not at all what we need. Seriously, gas prices are gonna bury us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvqdg0o2YH0-_vobiK1jrSimY21Al-POf5BUH6vArgtyUztI7EaF5X2MAxr7JelrRj1Qpp8BYpLLyyr9VAK3pHCsJ_CPfPDAa-vQUDCiqgl40tBozOAxLVyETIA1LUEMce9Pa6rwqn6Q-/s320/blogger-image-115662115.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My neighbor, who owns a hair salon with his wife, came to look at it. In his professional-hair-salon opinion, he had no clue. HA! Bless his heart!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We did figure out that it was not oil or power steering, very happy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am completely at a loss at this point and missing my military world a bit more. It's beginning to feel like a deployment without the hazardous duty pay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQvClrLwmvfeU2FjhtsMGIRY1wth_IvMY3vtLcH01js-6Fv0soiwY1_DZHAcvP9dvdRqHytavZUQXdXvEL2UVZBydHQl_tg15jm_GB4U4KNZbUfs7Mw4lUFssjnFfP4SxZ4JE9DMSd0hI/s640/blogger-image--1041899922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQvClrLwmvfeU2FjhtsMGIRY1wth_IvMY3vtLcH01js-6Fv0soiwY1_DZHAcvP9dvdRqHytavZUQXdXvEL2UVZBydHQl_tg15jm_GB4U4KNZbUfs7Mw4lUFssjnFfP4SxZ4JE9DMSd0hI/s320/blogger-image--1041899922.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan and I finally figured out that it is coolant leaking from a hose under the car. It is dripping and running down the oil pan and onto a support bracket and then dripping from the car. I had the camera under the car with me and was text messaging him pictures. God love us! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Easy fix if Ryan was here. Hopefully, Ryan will have some time when he is here in a couple of weeks. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-51644694999054301542012-04-19T22:09:00.001-05:002012-04-19T22:09:13.024-05:00Sleeping Through The Night<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not for everyone! Scarlett does not sleep through the night. </div>
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Tomorrow she turns 14 months old and has NEVER slept through the night.</div>
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She regularly wakes 2 times every night. Occasionally, we will only wake once. </div>
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I'm not sure that I can adequately explain what a full night of sleep would mean to me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KIc6sDRc1kaXpfhKjuwnwtUjCHVFtbfGbG6DXhvtdm2lZA1HpoJGWHX54l2QgbhtWmyGv7eGqh98vBBZlJ2z0TD5HkIQJ0-7PYfXHzDcUMzqQHmLVtbaq6_w-Y4wWgA2_Hjtn5sWNkwv/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KIc6sDRc1kaXpfhKjuwnwtUjCHVFtbfGbG6DXhvtdm2lZA1HpoJGWHX54l2QgbhtWmyGv7eGqh98vBBZlJ2z0TD5HkIQJ0-7PYfXHzDcUMzqQHmLVtbaq6_w-Y4wWgA2_Hjtn5sWNkwv/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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The picture is dark, but I have to have some proof that she does sleep. </div>
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I know that I will look back one day and this will be a very so very unimportant. </div>
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Now that she is drinking cold old-fashioned milk, she's about to go spend a weekend with Grammie.</div>
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No one will be allowed to wake me up!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoqqHQKGGDWAznWy0dCtmRc4gJq3wCzyA9ruHgM3sU2JrBvZ8aaFAjx_2aHBWcToj8zKvzcLGggyXD7fcesbYsJ_VhbaWgyWxv-f1Ov35VzyjZXiDDnAQbuntrfHeCrfFVZBWrYZrDGhj/s1600/576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoqqHQKGGDWAznWy0dCtmRc4gJq3wCzyA9ruHgM3sU2JrBvZ8aaFAjx_2aHBWcToj8zKvzcLGggyXD7fcesbYsJ_VhbaWgyWxv-f1Ov35VzyjZXiDDnAQbuntrfHeCrfFVZBWrYZrDGhj/s320/576.JPG" width="239" /> </a></div>
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She does wear herself out with appliance climbing and other shenanigans.</div>
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Scarlett also likes to lock herself in other rooms. Not really locking herself in because she can't reach the doorknobs, but she closes the door and then yells at me from the other side. We are having a ball. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575364339804908232.post-53490739254421623372012-04-11T14:03:00.001-05:002012-04-11T14:03:46.972-05:00Fire Ants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My poor baby got into a fire ant bed. I was checking the mail, turned around, and they were all over her feet because she was standing right in the middle of their bed. I scooped her up and dashed for the house. She cried and cried. I felt terrible. I took some pictures from the last few days and she is doing so good. </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjmJJINMVKDskf4MMkQ35teqoZMikJATd1C1v-WvboqEMQZlLUaHkxlUU_Jjs6U8sv9_o7kgLZXRDTsWAejb_fr7YN7LTljqcSt4rJrXa0s0IlO0D8DX3vOz11ALJI37gDBRFlEfjn3ap/s320/blogger-image--1984481710.jpg" width="239" /> </div>
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About 5 hours after the ant attack of 2012. She had been napping in the car and we had just sat down during Jackson's soccer practice. I found out later I could give her Benadryl, but she had some Tylenol to help with the pain. Miserable!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1hIUWWAxytx1lzax2ODTvNpk0nQIZ72Yvfsf9mfjaD9CzDr5DrZoAsbQzRfbsb3mtS28LOEtNwjc7Cb10DPWNpQDbY_cUBMrLe-Fdi4cH49qiUVQ_LmhqO9QMy6clBEF_habBeFmvDB8/s640/blogger-image-2050709854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1hIUWWAxytx1lzax2ODTvNpk0nQIZ72Yvfsf9mfjaD9CzDr5DrZoAsbQzRfbsb3mtS28LOEtNwjc7Cb10DPWNpQDbY_cUBMrLe-Fdi4cH49qiUVQ_LmhqO9QMy6clBEF_habBeFmvDB8/s320/blogger-image-2050709854.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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This was the next morning. Her ankles had disappeared :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnxxWALV2sXAoUkgpkxlwaQWn1VwadTDhzKVbRPFXsRESNjWinYHXi3sK7HDCwNmEHPOi__hfr2IDCM-iTkgXIXMGF_C4WAHQDnBTexv2RCj7l-h8FTw2fquIHh0j50RFV_9oktP19ONA/s640/blogger-image--1112331071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnxxWALV2sXAoUkgpkxlwaQWn1VwadTDhzKVbRPFXsRESNjWinYHXi3sK7HDCwNmEHPOi__hfr2IDCM-iTkgXIXMGF_C4WAHQDnBTexv2RCj7l-h8FTw2fquIHh0j50RFV_9oktP19ONA/s320/blogger-image--1112331071.jpg" width="239" /> </a></div>
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This was 30 hours later. You can see the blisters forming. She had some Benadryl in her a couple of times by the time this picture was taken. Daddy was home by then and those ants were on their way to the grave. </div>
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Her feet started bleeding after this. She would rub against something and the blister would pop and bleed. It</div>
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was pitiful, but she never scratched at them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VxxcxzKESIiFAgZytUZ_C4io8skVvgdwFm-G-_AQG_5CIuCWM6ZZkGTHcRhDITkSxmDGYBKBZi0jIe0Pw0myXzTg7YWJ_sAJbFUan2I33ftmzw6-c6RlKxpdOYnLH5AJkAvl2pLWQECR/s640/blogger-image--1619702788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VxxcxzKESIiFAgZytUZ_C4io8skVvgdwFm-G-_AQG_5CIuCWM6ZZkGTHcRhDITkSxmDGYBKBZi0jIe0Pw0myXzTg7YWJ_sAJbFUan2I33ftmzw6-c6RlKxpdOYnLH5AJkAvl2pLWQECR/s320/blogger-image--1619702788.jpg" width="239" /> </a></div>
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This is today. 6 days later. All the blisters have popped. She has a few scabs and is healing so well. The picture is blurry, but that just goes to show that she's on the move. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17767115291076082756noreply@blogger.com0