tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56937460858308098042024-02-19T04:28:42.049-07:00The Tomlin'sJessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.comBlogger374125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-64466625444758743082013-04-18T12:02:00.000-06:002013-04-18T12:02:32.712-06:00Dance Competition Season... 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">First experiences ever being a "real" dance Mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sure, Brenna's been dancing a couple years now, but this is the first year it has gotten serious for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Competition season is in full swing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last weekend Brenna had her second of four competitions and I must say #2 was much easier on my nerves than the first, BUT for some reason things didn't play off quite as smoothly as the first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Prior to the first competition I was a wreck. Anxiety THROUGH THE ROOF. As a control freak myself, not knowing what to expect on comp. day was not sitting well with me. I felt very un-prepared and we were still two weeks out from competition. As comp. day drew closer my nerves continued to spiral out of control. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can read more about this <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2013/03/dreams-of-dance-mom.html">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was put as ease about this competition stuff very quickly. Brenna's first competition was FUN! I learned very quickly that my fellow dance Mom's were all just AMAZING. If there was the slightest struggle with anything or any of the dancers, the Mom's were quick to pull together and settle the issue quick. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brenna and Jocelyn heading out for their first competition together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles after their second dance and our first competition.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing for their 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Taylor, who came to watch them perform.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trophy time.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I admit, I've watched that dumb Dance Mom's show on T.V. and I was really stressed about the possibility of experiencing that sort of cattiness. Though I knew better, those crazy dance mom moments that play out on T.V were still in the back of my mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our group of dancers, Mom's, and teacher's couldn't be any more opposite than that Dance Mom's show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I learned that we are a family, and that first competition I felt I finally found my place among them all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can I just say, I LOVE OUR STUDIO and all the people involved in it. Maybe it's the small town effect, but I must say that every single person is sincerely there for all the right reasons. It doesn't matter which girl shines bright in the spotlight at any given moment... every parent, student, and teacher's heart just swells with pride watching every dancer do their very best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's very heart warming. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, back to the competitions. Last weekend was our second competition. Our studio did AMAZING! Though I had quite the hair fiasco that morning that may have pushed me to tears... the rest of the day went smooth and Just Dance Studio walked away with many first place trophies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our little Gems (Brenna's team) walked away with first place trophies for BOTH of their dances AND they both took a platinum ranking. I'm still learning about what all this means myself, but I'm catching on. In case you don't know every dance is scored on a point system. Where your total points fall determines your ranking. The ranks range from Silver to Platinum. Silver being lowest, Platinum being highest. Needless to say, to have both dances rank Platinum was AWESOME! Not only did they take First in their age bracket, they even walked away with a first place overall (which means they scored highest of all dances in that catagory).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DOUBLE AWESOME!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this girl SO MUCH!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for dance two...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Mom, Tired Mom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly girls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance party on stage.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so very proud of our girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Their team spirit is like none other I have experienced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These girls truly love each other and LOVE dancing together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They mesh well, and it shows out their in the spotlight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This weekend is our third competition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so excited I can't stand it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And to think this once made me nervous....</span></div>
Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-60875861529685650292013-04-15T11:19:00.000-06:002013-04-15T11:19:24.750-06:002013 Baseball Season Begins....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Baseball season is now in full swing. Last year I made the mistake of not watching for registration information in January. I didn't anticipate that baseball registration would happen beginning of February when it doesn't start until April. My bad. Sam ended up having to play rec center t-ball last year, which was okay. He liked it, which is what mattered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can read a bit more about that <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/04/sams-1st-baseball-game.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/05/sams-last-game-2012.html">HERE</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was fun to watch him learn some of the basics of baseball and improve upon his hitting/catching. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I grew up watching my baby brothers play baseball for a league and I can honestly say those are some of my favorite memories of them. There is just something about little league baseball that gets my adrenaline going. I love it. I love the smell of the snack bar hot dogs grilling in the distance and indulging in far too many sunflower seeds. I love the eruptions of cheer when a good play is made and I love to watch those huff and puff moments when a bad call is made. I was totally consumed when my brother's played baseball. I may have even been one of those individuals who allowed a bad call get the best of me...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lets face it, it's simply hard to not get emotionally riled up while watching this game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hate to say this, but rec center ball just didn't do it for me. The feeling wasn't the same. Maybe it's something to do with the fact you are playing in a large, open, grassy field among several other games at the same time. There were no bleachers, snack bar, dirt... You have to have the dirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A slide into home just isn't the same without that red dirt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I made certain that I didn't miss league ball registration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't wait to have that ball park feel again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been so long since my brother's played I didn't realize until I was there, opening ceremonies, this year just how baseball deprived I have been. It was a cold morning... bitter wind, uncomfortable... but I didn't care. I was there, soaking in every single moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so excited to finally be able to watch my own boy play. I'm so excited to sink my teeth into another ball park hot dog. I'm so excited to spend my evenings soaking in too much sun while my boy plays a game that we both love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'M JUST SO EXCITED! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year Sam plays for the NY Mets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam's first game was on the 6th of April. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had to be to the park early for pictures, which were immediately followed by opening ceremonies, which was immediately followed by his first game of the season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This game isn't serious for him yet. He is still just expected to learn the basics... and the ultimate goals this year are that these kids learn to hit the ball without a tee, run the bases in the right direction, and learn to get in front of the ball while in the outfield. I was so proud watching these little boys and girls in their first game. They all hit without the tee, they all ran in the right direction, AND they all did pretty well making some plays. Every time a ball was picked up in the outfield... they always threw it to first base in an attempt to get that runner out. Granted there is no score keeping at this age and everyone gets a turn at bat each inning, but these boys and girls get </span><span style="font-size: large;">it. They did so well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam got a couple really good hits in too. He did really well in the outfield. He didn't run clear across the field to try to get to a ball before a team mate. He was content waiting for the balls to come in his direction before he went after them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Game two happened that following Thursday and they did just as well as the first. In game two our team even made a play that would have resulted in the first baseman getting the runner out had we been keeping score. It was great. I was all smiles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait for this season to continue and for our days to become a little warmer. The heat of the sun will be the icing on the cake to a wonderful first year of League Baseball. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">GO METS!</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-59751107286464103512013-04-09T22:50:00.000-06:002013-04-09T22:50:11.995-06:00Sun, Water Fun, and Shaved Ice... Just what our Easter needed! Part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So what if I'm a little behind...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's how I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lets just jump right in. The kids woke up Sunday VERY excited to see the goods the Easter Bunny left for them overnight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brenna quickly piped up with, "MOM! I heard the bunny. I swear I did... I heard him hopping on the floor!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would normally chalk this up as her telling stories... You know the kind that if you tell yourself enough times then you start to believe it kind. BUT I have to give her some flexibility here Mom may or <strike>may not</strike> have been up quite a few times that night. At all hours. I'm certain Brenna heard something, just wasn't the bunny. I was okay with Mom getting up though cause it gave me a good excuse to get up myself and grab just one more piece of licorice. Damn that yummy little red treat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brenna first noticed the shoes. She's been begging me for shoes with a big flower on them. I don't think it mattered the color or even the fit... just that it had a flower. Good thing I was still able to find <i>something </i> with a flower on it. Apparently those sandals are the big trend right now cause the were VERY difficult to find, let alone in the right size. Sam on the other hand first noticed the single metallic egg sitting front and center in his basket. I've mentioned before this kids obsessions in life... Money being one of them. This kid must have a nose for it because that is exactly what that one single egg contained. Never mind the rest of the stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, the real excitement hit when the kids noticed that COMPLETELY crazy Easter bunny brought them wrist rockets (or sling shots??? Is there a difference?). Not sure that the Easter bunny was fully with it when that decision was made. Actually, I take that back...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Easter bunny most certainly had "checked out" when deciding to put that in their baskets. Mr. Easter bunny is to blame. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I take no responsibility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took awhile after the wrist rockets were discovered for the kids to take notice to anything else... including the empty carton sitting right in front of them or the slew of eggs laying just outside the doors waiting to be gobbled up by their perfect little hands. Eventually, we did make it to taking notice to those hidden eggs and their excitement shifted. The kids were quickly at the back door, plastic sacks in hand, ready to take on that hunt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They were then forced to wait for dad to get out of the shower...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, who gets in the shower first thing on a morning like this? He must not have any recollection of the excitement of these moments as a kid. How dare he make them wait! LOL</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, there they waited... anticipation growing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dad finally joined us and off they went.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hunt ended quickly. They were good little egg hunters those two. Surprisingly we even made it through that egg hunt without a fight. That rarely happens. It was already turning out to be a good day. When we wrapped up outside, Sam was quick to request that Grandma and Grandpa make Swedish pancakes. We just can't go to G&G Eldredge's for a visit and leave without having them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's tradition. Can't brake tradition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They were also just as quick to comply. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We scarfed down our food and the kids got dressed up in their new Easter clothes....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Only to be rushed out the door to once again pile in the car for a long ride home. The ride home was definately much longer than the ride down. Why is that? Why is it that when you have a fun and enjoyable trip, but are ready to be home... home just seems SO much further away? It's a rude trick I tell ya.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We finally made it home, unloaded the car, then the kids and I piled back in the car and headed over to my mom's boyfriends house for an Easter dinner. It was perfect as he lives in a pretty secluded place with plenty of rocks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perfect for some wrist rocket action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids were well occupied and ran a muck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They needed that open space to wind down and let loose some energy after having spent the time we did in the car. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Food was good. Thanks to Terk for his hard work and hospitality. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were even graced by four darling deer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They came right down the mountain and took comfort right in Terk's (Mom's boyfriend) backyard. The kids really enjoyed watching them. They were even able to go stand outside, just 10 feet from them without startling them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This little girl walked right up to the window they were first gazing at them through... She was clearly curious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a great ending to a GREAT weekend. </span></div>
Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-74625627201034191882013-04-03T16:33:00.001-06:002013-04-09T22:19:47.111-06:00Sun, Water Fun, and Shaved Ice... Just what our Easter needed! Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know I didn't give much detail to the whole nephew buried in quicksand story on day one of our trip. The reason being was because Sister Steph really did save the day earning her bragging rights in all places, not just as "favorite" Aunt to the young one who's life she saved. She's the better story teller anyway, I knew my role on this day and stood behind the lens documenting this great story for her. I don't mean to be unsympathetic, but when everything was all said and done... one couldn't help but laugh at the situation poor Ayden (as appose to how I've been spelling it... it's NOT Aiden) found himself in. As Sister Steph makes reference to... who would ever think you would find yourself in a pirate like situation where having watched mythbusters would come in handy when saving a boy's life? Without further ado, I suggest you just go read for yourself at Sister Steph's Blog <i>The Circus </i><a href="http://circusofmine.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-one-where-i-save-my-nephew-from.html">HERE</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's all in the wiggle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, on to day two. We woke far too early than I would have liked after the night we had with poor Sam and his swimmer's ear. Mom and Dad were in a rush to get out the door as Dad had a singing gig he had to do at a local rest home. Apparently they (him and his brother's) are a BIG DEAL around that place. They go play there weekly. The elderly folk love them, and they too must love the elderly folk as they do all this out of the kindness of their hearts. These brother's (The Eldredge Brother's) are quite talented. Prior to Mom and Dad heading out the door, Dad spent a good half hour or so warming up. Brenna was quick to find her place right beside her Grandpa as he sang some fun songs for her. She loves to listen to him play guitar and sing. She could sit and listen for hours and I as a mom love to watch her just gaze upon him while he sings. The love she has for that man is so apparent in those moments. You can see it in her eyes, those are the moments she will one day grow to cherish. I love that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After Mom and Dad left, we got some breakfast in us and got ready for the day. We didn't have any set plans aside from me heading out for some much needed shopping. We had traveled down to St. George without having done any Easter shopping and here it was day before Easter and we had nothing to give the kids. I knew what was on the agenda for my day, which meant that Bill had to occupy the kids while I went shopping. Bill decided to take the kids up to a little reservoir not far from the parents place so Sam could try out his fly fishing pole that he has yet to use since he got it for his birthday nearly a year ago. Both kids were excited to go fishing, which is good cause fishing is not my strong suit and didn't mind missing out on that "fun". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dad requested that I make ribs for dinner so I threw them in the oven then met up with Mom in town to do some shopping. We were quick. I hate Walmart and the crowds in St. George were insane. I don't like crowds either. I didn't want to be shopping so I rushed through Walmart, poor mom having to remind me to slow down. I forget one doesn't always function like a 30 year old. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were back home in a little over an hour and was surprised to see Bill back with the kids already. Apparently the biting wasn't all that great and the kids got board fast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom suggested that we head out to a park that was all the rave in St. George at the moment. We showed up only to find it extremely crowded due to an Art Festival taking place. That didn't matter we got out, listened to the live music, and walked around admiring some of the local art. There is quite the water set up there too. The kids couldn't wait to submerge themselves in that ice cold water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we were headed to the park, we notice that the shaved ice shack was already up and running. Dad has a weakness for black cherry shaved ice so we knew if we mentioned that the joint was already open he would insist on stopping by for a cool down. We weren't disappointed. Dad did suggest we stop on our way back to the house for some delicious shaved ice. Why don't these places just stay open year round? I would so pick one</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> up in the dead of winter. They are so good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've decided that someone needs to open one in Magna that stays open all winter. I won't be doing that though cause that would mean I would have to run it in the dead of winter and I'm just now willing to sit out in the cold. Someone else can do it though. I'll let them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a bit of a late dinner, which resulted in having to dye Easter eggs late and an even later bedtime than I had hoped for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids crashed fast once they made it to bed and I was able to play Easter bunny and make it to bed before midnight myself. </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-87984321523444130182013-04-01T13:05:00.000-06:002013-04-01T13:41:20.405-06:00Sun, Water Fun, and Shaved Ice... Just what our Easter needed! Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's no secret that spring has sprung and with it the spring fever slowly begins to fade as we are teased with those few warm, sun soaking, days that come scattered among those cloudy, thundering, raining, days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm okay with rain... So long is it doesn't freeze into that white stuff. </span></div>
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(not even going to say it's name... It's like a curse word in my house)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, those few (and I mean very few) warm days have not been enough to ease my irritability caused by lack of sunshine and being cooped up in-doors since OCTOBER!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Six months is just TOO much! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided, though we spent Easter with Bill's family last year meaning this year was reserved for my family, we needed to get away. Sorry to my dear family, but my sanity depended on it. So for the second year in a row we headed south. Last year we camped out with Sister Steph and her Circus at Sand Hollow (<a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/04/easter-weekend-day-1.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/04/easter-weekend-day-1.html">HERE</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was great fun, but lets just face it... I'm just not a good camper. Granted if we had the set up Sister Steph has, camping might not be all too bad, but we don't so we have to tent it. Me and tents aren't friends. Rather than tenting it out at Sand Hollow, we decided to stay in the comfort of my in-laws house instead which is close enough to still enjoy the beach, water, and sand with the family who spent their Easter camping out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We headed down early Friday morning and hit the parents house just before noon. We quickly scarfed down some lunch and headed back to the road to visit our family at Sand Hollow. Sister Steph didn't have her whole Circus with her this time around, but Sister McKell was up there with her beau and two of her youngsters along with some friends who had a couple kids. My kids were content in playing with them and excited to hit the beach running. They immediately stripped down to their suits and soaked in the sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My girly girl quickly transformed to not so girly as she dug in the mud with a slew of boys. It was her and a bunch of boys... that didn't even phase her. She fit right it... muddy face and all. In all honesty I think she may have been enjoying getting dirty far more than any of those boys. Sam enjoyed digging in the mud with them for a great while too, but eventually just wandered off on his own really soaking in the heat. We were in Heaven. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, not heaven... I hope that in heaven we don't have to deal with sand in not so desirable places, but you get the idea. We were where we SO DESPERATELY needed to be at that moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sanity, semi-restored.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sat for a few hours and enjoyed the company of some wonderful people... Bill and our nephew Bryce went for a ride in the dunes in West's four wheeler, not the most successful trip out, but at the very least Bryce was left with smiles and I believe the words "Lets do that again!" did come from his mouth. The rest I will leave up to the others to spill. I'm still just clinging to the good (that there was enjoyment) of that ride... the rest I will not speak of. Simply because may husband my not forgive me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sister Steph however... is free to speak. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While we all sat and enjoyed conversation... the kids were a short distance away enjoying all the wonderful things the beach and water had to offer. This included burying each other in the sand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This burying each other in the sand business also took a not so good turn like the four wheeling had, only us parents were completely oblivious to the <i>severity </i>of the sand burying situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first problem was relying on the information from a not so urgent five year old (Sam) who walked up to us and simply said...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Aiden is stuck."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To which Sister McKell quickly replied "Oh, yeah he loves getting buried!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To this Sam gave a simple shrug and walked away continuing to enjoy his time there at the beach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was later discovered that Sam's little announcement of Aiden being stuck was truly meant to be urgent. As in, maybe an adult should go help him get unstuck. Turns out the kids had buried Aiden a bit to close to the water which meant that the hole he was buried in acted much like quick sand. The more he moved... the more he sunk. My little Brenna and another kid stuck by his side the entire time committed to digging him out without having to impose upon the adults fun and coming in between the conversation time we were having. Once it was realized that Aiden truly needed help... the adults pulled together in getting him out. While I on the other hand, grabbed my camera and started to photograph it. I'll allow Sister Steph to tell the story of how she became the heroin and saved this boy's life. After all she is the master story teller... I will offer up these few pictures of the moment though...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfi7D-cf87I-zPnUsvcCxaytk_-GA0oX7CXWTQfCZu3u-jxk_IjVkcT6c7KVP50BBIO9In24lMymEJYXi07n8t9X5keMrGdtKbmmy_ppJK950VLAzJ-xdBb6Jy-vaoGblSoTEcbjRr2Mr/s1600/DSCN6864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfi7D-cf87I-zPnUsvcCxaytk_-GA0oX7CXWTQfCZu3u-jxk_IjVkcT6c7KVP50BBIO9In24lMymEJYXi07n8t9X5keMrGdtKbmmy_ppJK950VLAzJ-xdBb6Jy-vaoGblSoTEcbjRr2Mr/s400/DSCN6864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This boy is REALLY stuck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor boy defeated by the sand...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Steph saved the day!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Needless to say it was a very eventful day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two guys were left feeling a little defeated, but that's ok cause Sister Steph made it all better with a card game with those two defeated guys...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And in all reality, we truly enjoyed being out there in the sun and with our family. Our family is just one of a kind and I wouldn't trade them for anything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left there shortly after this card game ended and headed back to the parents house for some much needed rest. Mom made us a DELICIOUS Chili Verde for dinner and after the kids piled into the hot tub cause apparently they hadn't had enough water yet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day One of our little mini-vacation was a success... though the first night was a little rough. Sam woke up screaming from a dead sleep at about 11pm. He had apparently acquired swimmers ear and was in dire pain for a good couple hours. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I tried to console him back to sleep, rocking him, rubbing his head, but the second he would fall back asleep he was awake within seconds crying again from the pain. I was left to</span><span style="font-size: large;"> head out into town at 1am to get some ear drops and pain medicine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was pooped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Friday started just before 5am and I didn't get settled into bed for sleep until 2am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It didn't matter though cause I knew I got to wake up to another day full of sun, warmth, and family.</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-4636588628763087052013-03-10T11:05:00.000-06:002013-03-10T11:09:59.833-06:00Dreams of a Dance Mom<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Brenna's first dance competition is fast approaching and I am feeling the stress of it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last night I dreamed over and over and over again that no matter how hard we tried we just couldn't make it to the competition prepared. With each disaster I would wake up, shake it off, and fall back asleep only to be welcomed by the same type of dream, different scenario, but same outcome. I would wake up and repeat. Over and Over and OVER this would happen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Needless to say I didn't sleep well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I woke up I told Brenna, "Mommy is a nervous wreck about this competition stuff!" I began to tell her about the various disasters that would get in our way of her very first dance competition. Like the heavy traffic that didn't seem to have an end in sight... for as far as the eyes could see were red tail lights with no other route to get where we needed to be. Like how I forgot to bring the hair and make-up supplies necessary to pull off the required hair and make-up. Like how when we pulled her costume out of the bag is was the wrong costume entirely. Like how we went to put on her tights and ALL THREE PAIR were covered in holes and resembled Swiss cheese. Like how I overslept and we didn't have time to get her to the competition in full hair and make-up ready to perform. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In each scenario the outcome was the same. We let her team down, they lost, all because we weren't ready.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's a lot weighing on your shoulders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a "competition dance mom virgin" I am sure that I am WAY over thinking things. I'm sure that this competition stuff isn't nearly as intimidating or stressful as I am assuming it is. I'm sure that all will be fine, BUT still <i>what if??</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Come Friday night/Saturday morning I may need someone to bring me a brown paper sack and remind me to breathe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are one week away from Brenna's first competition. For the most part I am VERY excited and anxious to watch these girls' hard work pay off. I know I'll be a blubbering idiot in the stands, but that's okay. Us moms are entitled to those moments when it comes to our kids. Brenna has worked SO very hard this year and I know sitting there watching her shine in the spotlight she so deserves will be a moment I will never forget. I'm so proud of her and all her hard work and dedication. She has far surpassed my expectations of what kind of dancer she could be at such a young age. Much of that she is responsible for through being so committed, but the amazing teachers at her studio hold a great deal of credit as well. I'm grateful they have been able to challenge her and push her to limits that she is completely capable of reaching. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I had that conversation with Brenna about how nervous I was she looked at me in a way that she just couldn't believe that <i>I </i>was making such a fuss. She politely says, "Mom, you think <i>YOU </i>are nervous... I seriously think I might go out there and throw up." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh dear.... <i>what if???</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No. I can't even go there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any guesses what I will dream about tonight? </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-83219493445736801682013-02-10T22:26:00.000-07:002013-02-10T22:34:07.567-07:00Owls and Mustaches... Totally acceptable ways to show the love...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been working SO hard to make the kids valentines this year ones worth remembering. I incorporated a few different ideas I saw online, my kids personalities, and of course added my own little personal unique touch. I'm SO PROUD of the end results and have been SO anxious to share them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't love those fun photo booth pics? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had forgotten just what a fun little reminder of those good times with friends they were until I had some done with the kids and their friends a couple months ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My kids are always pulling those little photo strips out and laughing at them. So much personality in them too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought that it would be the perfect way to showcase my kids personalities on their valentines. I also wanted the ever so popular chalkboard look along with them so I headed over to my dad's place where my little sister has a very large chalkboard painted on the wall, camera in hand, and took some shots of my kids. First I had intended on writing the little messages on the chalkboard, but quickly realized I wasn't all that great at making it look good. I decided I would later attempt to create the chalkboard look in photoshop. I'm WAY more comfortable with that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brenna is a huge Beatle's fan and I wanted to incorporate one of her favorite songs they sing into her valentines. All things considered, especially on Valentine's Day, "'Owl' You Need Is Love".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brenna will be handing out some cute little owl suckers along with these cute little photo strips. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam on the other hand is such a goof ball and having seen online a valentine that read "I "mustache" you a question, will you be my valentine?" I decided to go along with that same theme, but used a little different phrase I also found online that I felt suited him better. Such a perfect fit for this little guy! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBx7aBVaJ83KjU_9lkOaEzcX8vpV-lyahohblznHhRO0f3B-MkWKidcBYZnoMKoZ3Al8gAGfol97h-ynsv4jhESKZM3gS4NfGPgbUlWDrZwCFyZ9utsZhoQxaNeDmoi38T_GoU6A-Rp-J/s1600/Sam+Valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBx7aBVaJ83KjU_9lkOaEzcX8vpV-lyahohblznHhRO0f3B-MkWKidcBYZnoMKoZ3Al8gAGfol97h-ynsv4jhESKZM3gS4NfGPgbUlWDrZwCFyZ9utsZhoQxaNeDmoi38T_GoU6A-Rp-J/s640/Sam+Valentine.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately I couldn't find some pre-made mustache suckers to go along with his valentines so I made some foam mustaches, which I then slid onto the sucker stick so when the are eating it it looks like they have a lil' mustache. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had both the kids valentines printed this weekend and I am getting anxious for them to hand them out to their friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I already gave a peek of these on facebook, but these beauties below are what is being mailed to other close friends and family. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7n96y8VfmwXOBG4IDZLXSj7FJM00theMn-MO2Mn2QcQMv0iHh-l7iB5IMyCf8ZxXI_ypbVhYKkUg6YaE8QJ13GAwEqn6pAkG_eYWBFGREU1vtO_WXTO8MnyYEjXwuovgAdK-8SSIOMMd/s1600/BandS+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7n96y8VfmwXOBG4IDZLXSj7FJM00theMn-MO2Mn2QcQMv0iHh-l7iB5IMyCf8ZxXI_ypbVhYKkUg6YaE8QJ13GAwEqn6pAkG_eYWBFGREU1vtO_WXTO8MnyYEjXwuovgAdK-8SSIOMMd/s640/BandS+Card.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you doing anything fun and creative for your kids to hand out to their friends? I'd love to see!</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-13468799074757995072013-02-07T22:35:00.000-07:002013-02-07T22:35:00.050-07:00I Hate January. (Officially) <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here we are seven days into February and I can already tell that the month is going to be far more kind to our family than January. I can say for certain that I got a real test of just how hard it is being a working mother. I had the ability to stay home with my children for seven years, so I have never had to experience just how hard it really is. I can say right now that I have the utmost respect for those mothers that have known nothing different than being a working mother. <b>It is NOT easy.</b> Not even a little bit. I had it pretty easy being a working mom for the first four months on my new career path, but January showed no mercy to me in this area. With January comes snow, cold, inversions, and above all... ILLNESS! If its going around, you can bet that my family was hit with it in January. Poor Sam receiving the brunt of it. Being a working mom, accompanied by sick kids, and a job that has a lot of responsibility hanging overhead daily made for a very high stress month. So high stress that I'll admit I had a meltdown. Not just a minor scream and quickly pull it together meltdown, but rather a sink into a kitchen chair, look around at my house in shambles, glance and my super sick boy, and sob uncontrollably. A meltdown caused by feeling so helpless and overwhelmed. The lack of sun didn't make it any easier. Bill and the kids sat back and watched this meltdown unfold and quickly came to my rescue. Dishes got done, floor got vacuumed, and I relaxed a little. Bill shared in the stay at home with sick kids duties, along with help from some awesome family. I seriously wouldn't have made it through this month had it not been for those so willing to tend to my responsibilities while I was unable to. My kids come first, Always, but when you have an additional 40+ kids who count on you everyday its really hard to juggle. The mommy in me just wanted to be home with my boy, but the responsible teacher me knew that I had to make that sacrifice of leaving him with someone else in order to pull through for those students and paying parents. What hit me the hardest this month was those times that I couldn't be home caring for my boy. I felt anxious and antsy every second I had to spend away from him and not because I didn't trust those who were doing the tending, but because I know that it's just not the same as when Mom is there offing the snuggles and administering the meds. I felt guilty with every passing minute. I knew that these sick kids moments would happen, I just didn't anticipate it to the extent that it hit us in January. Really, what kid gets Influenza, Strep, and Scarlet Fever in under a two week span? It just wasn't fair. All this now past us and everyone in the household on the mend, I have yet to reach the point of "look back and laugh about it." Not sure I ever will. January did not treat us well and now that I look back on all the January's I can recall I don't think they have ever treated me well. I am sure many can agree that January is hands down the hardest month to get through, but I have never until now had that overwhelming hatred for a four week span of time. I hate January, and I now think I ALWAYS will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On another note... It's now February. Valentines day is creeping up VERY quickly. What do you have planned for the loves in your life? I've been pulling together several festive things in my world. 14 days of gifting for the kids and then their valentines for school. They are coming together well and I CAN'T WAIT to unveil the finished products. </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-18543902191219629272013-01-25T17:02:00.000-07:002013-01-25T17:05:51.925-07:00A Week of Winter Woes and Influenza... and a little bit of talk about a giveaway.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How was your Holiday weekend?</span></div>
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(If you're wondering I'm referring to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday... I'm just really slow at this)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's always nice to have those long weekends, especially if they follow a week that you were so eager to have end for whatever the reason... My reason, none other than looking forward to having time to catch up on house work that piled up when I was sick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, that didn't happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam came down with something that hit full force Saturday night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By full force I mean woke up in a hallucination panic as a result of a 104 point something fever that had shown no signs prior to putting him to bed that night. He remained miserable with a very stubbornly high fever for several days following. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My weekend off turned into a weekend full of fulfilling my nursing duties as a mother. Administering medications every three hours around the clock, and of course left with clean up duty from those cough so hard you puke moments. Yes, momentS... several of them. All the while feeling helpless because I just couldn't make him feel better and I just couldn't get that darn fever under control.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We hit the doctors come Monday after he had no signs of improvement. </span><span style="font-size: large;">They swabbed him for influenza and though we have yet to receive test results back I'm willing to bet he was positive. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Of course the doctors these days can't really tell you exactly what is going on, it's more of a guessing game. This time around our guessing game consisted of multiple antibiotics and upwards of $60 in hard earned cash. At the very least one thing was made certain....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam had "an unknown object" lodged deep into his left ear that would require removal from an ENT (specialist) on a later date. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Great... JUST GREAT! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the up side... I did fit in a little bit of fun time too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday morning I ventured out with Brenna, as Bill and Sam took off for the motorcycle store (pre-illness mind you), for a little girl bonding and shopping. We pick up my lil' sis Skylar on our way too. It was a good day, though I failed to find what I was looking for. In case you're wondering that would be pants that fit my chicken legs, flat butt, and wide hips without leaving me walking around with a very obvious camel toe. What's the deal with pants these days? Don't those designers know that we all don't maintain that high school figure for our entire life? I mean I have reached the point in life that comfort hold priority over vanity. I'm just not willing to walk around with my pants snug in all the wrong places, just so some unknown persons can get a nice look at what's meant to be hiding beneath the clothes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">PANTS WEREN'T MEANT TO BE MUNCHED!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously though... am I the only one with this problem? I sure hope not otherwise I may be forced to seek professional help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, though I failed miserably in the shopping department, it was an over all good day because it was time spent with some awesome littles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday offered up some more good weekend times as well with time spent with my Mom and siblings in celebration of her Birthday. She is the most amazing 33 year old I know. HA! No joke though, she is an amazing woman and I think she deserves to be celebrated everyday, not just her birthday. I'm blessed with a beautiful mother and I'm grateful for the sacrifices she has made for my personal happiness. I know from experience that as a mother nothing means more than knowing that your children love you and appreciate you. So Mom, I want you to know just that. I want you feel that wonderful feeling a mother feels when her child tells her she is loved and appreciated. You know that feeling when you heart feels like it might burst out of your chest, your cheeks warm, and those happy tears start welling in your eyes...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love you Mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I appreciate you Mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful you chose to give me life...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I'm so grateful for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy 33rd Birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(You have that feeling yet? K. Good.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam and Bill unfortunately missed out on this celebration because of Sam's being sick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That was pretty much the extent of my long holiday weekend...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pretty exciting huh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday Bill took the day off to stay home with Sam and play Mommy nurse as best he could with Sam while I went to work. I had to take Wednesday duty with Sam (yet another doctors appointment to attend to) so we both had to take a day. We all know how hard it is to go back to school and work after a long weekend. Preschoolers are no exception. They were antsy as was I. It wasn't a terribly rough day, but it was obvious that not a single person who walked through our classroom door was happy to be there. Those days are just always rough even if there isn't any stand out moments to blame the roughness on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday Sam and I were off to the doctors again...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time to the ENT to have that unknown object removed from his ear. Upon arrival it was made known that that unknown object wasn't just secluded to one ear... rather there were now unknown objects to talk about. One in each ear. Both deep inside, sitting on his ear drums. This was NOT a fun experience. It hurt. He cried. I had to be strong and sit back as the doctor hurt my baby. Again, NOT FUN! The ordeal was over quickly and we walked out that door in very minimal time, but not after forking out another $60+ in co-pays and prescriptions along with a scheduled hearing test and follow up visit for next week. Ugh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday brought with it freezing rain. It was very unwelcome and much unappreciated. I'm so over winter. In case you missed it, refer back to my last post <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2013/01/utah-new-alaska.html">HERE</a>. At this point, I just think it is all a very cruel joke. Ice skating is meant for a rink... NOT the streets, parking lots, and sidewalks thank you very much. Thursday at work didn't prove to be any easier than Tuesday. I think this is a result of the unforgiving weather we have had here. Everyone is anxious and board with having to be indoors ALL the time. The lack of Vitamin D isn't helping things either. I'm almost certain that every person living in this state is not far from being admitted to psych wards. We are all going absolutely crazy. Wonder if we can get discounts on straight jackets if we order in bulk? It's a thought. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before I go on another long rant about how miserable I am with our Alaskan like weather I'll stop here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday also brought with it report cards...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm proud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">VERY PROUD. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Both kids are excelling in school and I am so very pleased. Sam has begun to read. Though I'm proud this does make me a little sad to see my baby pick up a book and read it. Brenna just flies through her work without much effort. I'm have still yet to see the day that one of my children are faced with a bit of an academic struggle, and I'm okay with that. I'd be completely content if I never have to witness that struggle. I personally had a love/hate relationship with school and Bill just flat out hated it so I am happy to see that my kids love it. They love to learn and enjoy every moment doing so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Friday. Thank GOD for Friday. I went and got coffee alone today. Had a conversation with a friend that I haven't had much time to chat with. Then went and helped with reading in Sam's class. Yes, I love teaching so much that I volunteer my time on my day's off. Nice thing about volunteering my time is that I get to leave when I decide. Today's volunteer work was short and sweet. An hour is all, but Sam was happy. That's what mattered. We even managed to reach temperatures above freezing today. Though that 35 degrees didn't last long... I was VERY grateful for that heat wave. I almost busted out the flip flops!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This weekend we have BIG plans. Because the kids did so well on their report cards they are being rewarded for their hard efforts at school. Sam and Bill are headed off to the Monster Trucks tomorrow night and Brenna and I are going to go get our creativity on at <a href="http://www.colormemine.com/">ColorMeMine</a>. I am SO excited for the day I have planned for Brenna and I. A friend of mine did this with her girls and I have been wanting to experience this with Brenna ever since I saw how much fun they had. I was just waiting for the right time. No better time than now! An added benefit of doing this with her tomorrow is that they are hosting a pajama night so now Brenna and I get to go out and buy some matching jammies to wear. FUN! </span></div>
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(It also helps that if we come in jammies we get in for a VERY discounted rate... BONUS!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What will your weekend bring? Sure hope it's good...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before I go I must say this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My sister is having a giveaway over at her blog. If you love blogging and reading blogs as much as I do this is a giveaway that I'm sure you'll want to get in on. AND this giveaway will give you something to do while we all continue to hide away from the nasty winter that lingers outside... What better past time than reading? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is giving away a book over at her blog this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This book is about blogging... not HOW TO blog, but rather funny stories from the blogging world. Learn more about these books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Laughing-Allowed-Life-Blogged-ebook/dp/B00AIBC6IU">HERE</a>. Then head on over to my sister's blog </span><a href="http://circusofmine.blogspot.com/2013/01/giving-away-book-from-life-well-blogged.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+circusofmine+%28The+Circus%29" style="font-size: x-large;">HERE</a> <span style="font-size: large;">to enter to win! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Weekend everyone!</span></div>
Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-81585343265800443312013-01-14T18:45:00.001-07:002013-01-14T18:48:29.289-07:00Utah, The new Alaska....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, some may think that comment is a bit of an exaggeration, but in all seriousness it's SO NOT.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my nearest and dearest girlfriends lives in Alaska and their temperatures have been "quite pleasant." For a now acclimated Alaskan pleasant means like mid 40's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's not my definition of pleasant, but right now with what we have been given I'll gladly take mid 40's.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hell, I'd gladly take mid 30's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Without fail, for weeks now, one or more of my car doors have been frozen shut (more often all of the doors too). And not just frozen shut in the morning... they are frozen shut within minutes of shutting the car off. So you know that quick 10 minute grocery store stop... Yep, come back out to doors frozen shut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's just plain old miserably cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't handle the cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have crossed my path in the recent weeks you will know that my entire moods have shifted. Mind you they have shift to a not so pleasant me, and to those who have been so unfortunate to cross my path... I truly am sorry. HA! You would think I would have smartened up by now and move on to an environment where I don't have to deal with the cold. In all fairness however, it's not very often that we are dealing with sub-freezing temps for weeks on end here in Utah. Granted we do get those few days of super cold temps, that quickly turn back around. Normally we spend the winter in the mid 30's, NOT consistent single digits often turning to the negatives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's just plain cruel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Including the unwelcome amount of snow that is sitting in my yard. That foot of snow that fell a couple weeks ago had yet to show signs of melting (okay, maybe it did a little) before we got this added 13-14 inches over the weekend. What's even more unfortunate is that the kids are all so excited to see all the new white stuff, but it's too dang cold to even enjoy it for more than 5 minutes. Who can make a decent snowman in 5 minutes? Oh, and just so you know... My dear friend in Alaska (Anchorage to be exact) has had a WHOPPING total of 9 inches of snow this winter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell I'm just over it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wanna know what sent me over the edge and on this rant about how gosh dang cold it is?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This morning we were frozen IN our house. Yes, no lie. Our doors were frozen shut. Not just one of them... ALL of them. Thankfully I have a strong husband that was able to strong arm those doors open.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wanna know what else? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh yeah, you know what else... I didn't get my garbage out to the road this morning either...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why you ask?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My gate is frozen shut too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I swear to you all, mark my word, if I hear the word drought spoken this summer here in Utah I WILL spit nails. In NO WAY should those words be thought let alone spoken this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm seriously considering a vacation to some place warmer...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe Alaska?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or maybe even to Western New York to see my family?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is after all in the 60's there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, rant over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time anyway...</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-24583508559820951732013-01-06T13:09:00.001-07:002013-01-06T13:11:28.477-07:00Tomlin's Go Ice Skating...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">New years eve we had passes for the SLCeve event downtown. This event is basically a huge party with a variety of activities for all ages at various locations downtown. All within a few blocks of one another. Tracks runs free downtown that night (may even be every weekend night actually) so you basically hop on and ride from location to location to check it all out. We stayed close to the Gateway mall the majority of the time as this is where all the kid friendly stuff was taking place. Unfortunately for us, we weren't really aware that the kid new years countdown ended at 7pm and that the insane amount of people would really limit what the kids could participate in. Face painting line was a minimum of an hour long... just for some amateurs to paint a firework on their face? Crazy. The room with the light bright and glowing mega blocks was so small that the kids (and adults) were feeling very crowded and anxious to get out of there. We did spend a fair amount of time at Discovery Gateway, but even that place was a crazy disaster. What it boils down to is that by the time 7pm rolled around and the kid stuff fizzled out we were left with two very antsy kids who had yet had their fill of fun for the night. We decided to check out the movies playing at Clark Planetarium as they were playing about every half hour to 45 min, and they went late into the night. These movies just so happened to be included in our passes. Unfortunately for us again, it wasn't made known at the time of purchase that these tickets were limited and that you had to reserve your movie ahead of time. This meant we didn't get to see a movie either. My mom purchased the tickets and at this point she was very frustrated at the waste of money they were. All they did for us really was get us into discovery gateway for the kids to drop one plastic ball into the air lifting thing, play in the water with some broken boats, color on a color wheel with some already used paper, and make a party hat with minimal supplies. Eventually we did venture down to temple square. We enjoyed an exciting first time ride on the trax train and wandered around enjoying the Christmas light display. We even were able to catch a little mini-concert as we were warming our toes in one of the buildings there at temple square. New Years eve really wasn't a total bust. We enjoyed one another's company very much and in the end it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable experience. Wasted money aside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That night though, what my kids really wanted to do was to go to the Galivan Center and ice skate out on their outdoor rink. I knew after already having been allowed to do very little with our tickets due to crowd that if we were to attempt the ice skating the kids would just be let down again. It wasn't worth it to fight the cold (15 degrees mind you) any longer to show up and the rink be at full capacity as I knew it would be. So instead we wrapped up the night early, headed back to our car on trax, and arrived home just before 11pm with two kids that were already zonked out for the night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because they had to miss out on the ice skating that night I decided that this weekend I would take them to an indoor rink not to far from our house. I unfortunately woke that morning feeling under the weather, but pushed through and took them anyway. They didn't know what we were doing, I only informed them I had a surprise. They spent the morning Saturday trying to guess what their surprise was. At different points in the morning both kids expressed that they hoped we were going ice skating. Little did they know they guessed right, but they didn't really think that a mom with a cough would take them to the cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We headed out to the ice skating rink, where Grammy and Uncle Bronson were going to meet us. The kids didn't know they were coming either. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Upon arriving we were greeted by a huge billboard of a speed skater. Immediately they knew that we were indeed going ice skating. While Brenna was jumping up and down in the back seat screaming "THANK YOU MOMMY!" over and over agian, Sam thanked me with a big kiss!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's good to know your kids appreciate your efforts and there is no better way to express that than with some loves for Mommy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids had so much fun. Brenna just hopped right on that ice and took off on her own, circling that rink over and over and over again. Sam remained a bit timid and just couldn't get his balance so I rented him a little walker to assist him and after that he took off just like his sissy. Eventually he got brave enough, with a little boosted confidence, and ventured out without the walker and did remarkably well. They both thought that their pre-fall twist, turns, and tumbles were real ice skating tricks and that it was pretty cool they could do tricks without even trying. HA! We spent a good couple hours skating. Neither of the kids wanted to leave and both suggested that we come back again the next day. This is definitely a repeat activity for our family, only next time I will insist that Dad join us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who else wants to join us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a great weekend. Today Bill took the kids to the gun show with his Dad (Grandpa T.), while I am stuck in bed with a miserable cough, headache, and itching ears. The invisible heavyweight that is sitting on my chest is welcome to leave anytime (preferably NOW!)</span></div>
Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-86645421486891928952013-01-03T20:44:00.002-07:002013-01-03T20:44:59.011-07:00The start of a new year brings with it the start of some new traditions...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you missed my post about resolutions...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/12/welcoming-new-year-dream-big-in-2013.html">GO HEAR</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because you will see that these new traditions ARE NOT resolutions. They are simply my first steps at attempting to achieve some of my goals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goals 4 and 15 to be exact.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really need to get better with this blogging thing. I know I've said that a million times over, but I swear I mean it whole heartily every time I have said it. I don't need to get better at it because I think I have a ton of readers or because I think that the potential for a ton of readers is even there, but rather for myself and my family. Blogging is a great way of documenting life. It is so easy to just bypass life's little moments without a second thought, which then results in forgotten memories all together. In light of all the loss that last year brought to our family (you can read about that <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/11/loss-tragedy-and-life-lessons.html">here</a> if you missed that post too) I have come to realize that I am SO GUILTY of allowing those special moments and memories pass me by without properly embedding them in my mind. I don't want to allow any more of those moments pass me by, I don't want to forget another moment of the life I have have been so graciously given, nor do I want my children to even have to forget. It is my job as their parent to ensure that they have beautiful moments worth remembering and that they have the proper documentation to share those memories with their children and children's children. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not good at scrap-booking. I've tried and failed miserably. Not only that, but it is just a far too tedious way of documenting for my personality. I don't do well with time consuming, and scrap-booking is EXACTLY that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though it is a great way of beautifully documenting life, It's just not the way for me. Believe me, sometimes I wish it was because the things you can do with scrap-booking these days is AMAZING. Don't get me wrong, I do want to have some hard copies of pictures, in books, that we can pull out anytime we want, but I those just need to be quick and easy. There is a way of doing that now with instagram and all the cool photo printing options that are available now. I just haven't decided exactly what I want to do quite yet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do love writing. It is has always been an area of great interest and enjoyment for me. From a young age I got a high out of writing and the ability to be creative with it. I may not be all that good at it, but I sure do love it. This is why blogging has such importance to me. I feel that I am more capable of painting a good picture of those beautiful moments through writing than I am through scrap-booking. Some may think that writing is a far more time consuming way of documenting than scrap-booking, but believe me if you have ever spent a day with me attempting to be a creative, original, fun, and impressive scrap-booker then you'll know that it's not my forte. I'm not horrible at it, but it literally takes me like 8 hours to create like 4 pages. I just don't have that kind of time. HA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not sure how this post turned into a whole book on trying to justify why I want to get better at blogging, but I'll get back on track now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This post touches on two goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Documenting/Blogging and recording more home videos. This also kind of touches a bit on my desire to create some form of memory books as well. This year I decided that I wanted to start recording my kids at the beginning of each new year. Interview style. Me behind the camera asking them questions. Things about themselves that are likely to change throughout the years. Questions that will highlight their personalities at that particular time. After recording that first video I decided it would be a good idea to add a few pictures to the video that highlight some important moments of the past year. Granted there isn't the ability to tell the story behind every picture, but at the very least you can see the changes that occur in them over those 12 months. These videos can then be shared via social networking with family and friends and can also be put on DVD and slipped inside a memory book for myself and the kids to enjoy for years to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please forgive me for the poor quality of these videos. First off my camera really isn't made for video making and secondly it's my first attempt at ever using video editing software. Maybe I ought to add a video making/editing class to my 2013 Goals? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, without further ado, I present to you</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Remembering 2012~Brenna and Sam"</span><br />
(warning: they are kind of lengthy, sorry)</div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-14568505279092244552012-12-31T14:54:00.001-07:002012-12-31T15:10:09.408-07:00Welcoming a New Year... DREAM BIG IN 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not one to really celebrate the coming of a new year, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nor am I one to set new years resolutions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel that with every resolution comes a failure... I mean really how many people out there make a resolution and actually stick to it? I can only speak for myself, but in the years that I did attempt to make a new years resolution I NEVER STUCK WITH IT! Alas, I opted to not make them ever again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The coming of </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">is different for me. I'm not going against my original plan to not make resolutions, but I feel that this year brings with it SO much opportunity for great things to happen in my world so I have decided to set some goals instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goals I can handle, it's not a resolution, it's simply something to work toward without the HAVE TO ACHIEVE attached to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Get what I'm saying?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My goals are as follows:</span></div>
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and in no particular order </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(it looks a bit overwhelming to me, but I know it's possible)</span></div>
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1. Exercise/Get Fit/Get Healthy</div>
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2. Continue on my spiritual journey</div>
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3. Photo-A-Day for the ENTIRE YEAR</div>
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4. Get better at blogging/documenting our life</div>
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5. Start photo books/memory books</div>
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6. Start a personal journal</div>
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7. Start Mama and Me journals (writing letters back and forth between the kids and I)</div>
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8. Buy a new camera</div>
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9. Take my little family to NY to meet my family</div>
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10. Disneyland</div>
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11. Get back in school (my break is long over)</div>
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12. Paint/re-decorate my bedroom.</div>
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13. Buy a DSLR</div>
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14. Take a photography class</div>
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15. Take more home videos</div>
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16. Post a life as I remember posts to my blog twice a month</div>
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17. Visit Shauna in Island Park (see Yellowstone while there)</div>
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18. Volunteer as a family for a good cause</div>
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19. Go on dates with my husband</div>
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20. Get up to 10,000 all time views on my blog<br />
21. Get over my fear of guns<br />
22. Obtain a concealed weapons permit<br />
23. Put together a designated "work" area for myself in my house instead of just my bedside.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This list, because it is just <i>goals, </i>is subject to change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't feel that I necessarily have to achieve all these goals in this next year, but I want to commit to at least take necessary steps to get closer to achieving them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Am I going to beat myself up if I don't cross all these off my list in 2013? No. It really is a lot to achieve and one person can only do so much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think I'll hold off on the exercise thing for another couple months until all those resolution people fall off the get fit bandwagon making more room for myself to use the equipment at the local Rec Center.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm mean I know, but I just don't like crowds too much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> On another note, 2013 is also the year that I say goodbye to my 20's. I am officially pushing 30, but I am happy to say that I'm not trying to push it away. It's happening, whether I like it or not so rather than dread it, I will embrace it. My 20's have been full of some of the highest highs and lowest lows... I'm looking forward to the balance that 30 brings. I'm more secure in my own skin, My marriage has worked out majority of the major kinks, My kids are becoming more independent, and we have worked really hard to become more financially secure. This said, my 30's look very bright and inviting. I'm excited to welcome this new chapter of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You know what they say, "Thirty and Thriving..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's exactly how I see it too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight my little family will head downtown SLC for the EVE celebration to experience something new, to celebrate the exciting things to come, and welcome a new year full of love, fun, excitement, and success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What will your new year bring? How are you celebrating? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I encourage everyone to set some goals for yourself and work hard in the coming year to achieve them. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“The future belongs to those who believe in</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> the beauty of their dreams.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><i>~Eleanor Roosevelt</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">DREAM BIG IN 2013!</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-72463644300802454672012-11-27T22:43:00.000-07:002012-11-27T22:48:15.520-07:00Loss, Tragedy and Life Lessons... <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It seems that with every tragedy a valuable life lesson is soon revealed.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For some reason death has been lurking around every single corner I seem to turn these past two months. Just as I begin to think, "this has to be it...." I am proven wrong with yet another heartbreaking loss. Some of the loss is not so directly related to us, such as the recent death of my younger brother's grandfather (on his dad's side) and the most recent loss (as of Wednesday) of a dear friend to my mother, but even that kind of loss makes your heart ache just a little because you have to witness the hurt and sadness of people you love dearly. Your heart hurts for those hurting. Then there is the loss of those that age has finally taken it's toll and the circle of life here on earth comes to an end. Such as with the recent passing of my Great-Grandmother and Great Aunt (both within less than two weeks of one another). Though they lived a long, wonderful life your heart aches just a little because their presence will be no more, they will no longer be where you are so used to them being. Then there are those losses that you have been able to prepare yourself for. Such as in the recent passing of our dear friend John (read about that <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/09/in-loving-memory-of-our-friend-john.html">here</a> in case you missed it). Loss like this, though it was expected and there was time to prepare, the ache in your heart is a little bit more painful and requires some time for healing. There was still life left to be lived, memories to be made, but our maker had different plans. The time that was given to prepare was greatly appreciated, but in all honesty how much can one really prepare for a loss? For a loss of a friend that has touched your life as much as he did in the short time you knew him? It's hard and it hurts, but you press forward. I can say that through all of these losses this past couple months I have been waiting for that one thing I am suppose to learn through it all... in hopes that with that lesson the death will lay off for a little while. With each of these losses I gained a greater appreciation for my family, my friends, my life, and every single person in it. I have gained a greater appreciation for the moments that so quickly pass us by, trying very hard to take in each of those moments with greater care. Trying very hard not to take life and those in it for granted. I thought these were the things I was meant to take with me through life by way of such a quantity in loss... I'm grateful for this heightened sense of appreciation in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BUT THEN....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tragedy strikes. What I mean by tragedy is the loss of not one, but two individuals that are far to young and that came so very unexpectedly. Not only is the fact that lives were lost so young a tragedy in and of itself, but add a beautiful wife and two adorable children to the mix... a young new family left behind by the one they call a husband and a father. It's tragic. One that makes the hearts of even strangers ache. I'm sure that many have heard about and read about the two duck hunters gone missing in the Great Salt Lake that unfortunately didn't make it home to their families alive. In case you haven't, google it. There are stories everywhere regarding this tragedy (<a href="http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Family-and-friends-honor-men-killed-in-boating/bR62vXrPFkGz5WM1gDKrlQ.cspx">Here</a>, <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=23018658">Here</a>, <a href="http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Family-and-friends-honor-men-killed-in-boating/bR62vXrPFkGz5WM1gDKrlQ.cspx">Here</a>, <a href="http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile2/55302850-218/boat-hardman-lake-salt.html.csp">Here</a>,<a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=logan-deloy-hardman&pid=161168130#fbLoggedOut"> Here</a>, and <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=chad-masanori-tohinaka&pid=161176302">Here</a> just to name a few). Now this particular tragedy hits far too close to home with us. You know those people in your life that though they aren't exactly family, you have grown to love them as such anyway. Those people that aren't exactly family, but they have been around long enough to see you through several mile stones, to see you through good times and even bad times making the bond with those people even greater and tighter. Those people in your life that were there to witness more than just a few of life's greatest and most dear moments. Well the Hardman family has been those people for Bill for nearly all his life and have been those people for me for the past 13 years. Not only were they around to be a great support to me through Bill's deployment, they were there in support of one of our greatest commitments in life; our wedding. Not just there to support us, but participate in the event as well. One Hardman as the best man and another performing the ceremony, along with others in the family cheering us on from their seats. They were there with welcoming arms as we brought our little ones into the world, taking them on as their own grandchildren, nieces/nephews, cousins. They have been there through some of the roughest patches in our lives cheering us on every step of the way. Not only have they watched us grow and change, we have been able to witness these same milestones in their lives as well. Weddings, babies, graduations, missions... you name it, we've been lucky enough to be a part of their world as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> They have been great friends and even better family. We love them to our core and to have this tragedy strike their family was a huge loss for our family as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are a few memories of Logan that I wanted to share. I can pretty much sum up these memories in a few short words and everyone who knows him will know exactly what I am talking about... Quiet, Afro, Hammock, MRE's, and Smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who knows what I am referring to in these words? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you don't, let me explain. When I entered into the family Bill had to reassure me more than once that Logan didn't not like me... he was just quiet. Something I learned to enjoy about Logan because his quiet nature meant that when he did speak, what he had to say was worth hearing. I got to bear witness to the afro phase in Logan's life. I can attest to the fact that I have never seen, nor do I think I will ever again see a white kid with such a kick ass afro. I personally liked his afro hair... It had character, personality. It was awesome, though some may disagree. I recall a time having walked into Logan's bedroom for some reason or another and seeing his hammock, which replaced his bed. Funny thing is this didn't strike me as odd as it would others, it was just Logan. That doesn't mean that it didn't make me laugh... Only Logan. I'm not quite certain how long that hammock remained in place of his bed, but I think it was awhile. I remember the first time Bill gathered up some MRE's (Meal Ready to Eat) to take over to Logan. Now that I thought was odd... who would eat an MRE because the <i>WANT </i>to, not because the <i>have </i>to? I'll tell you who, Logan. Has anyone ever eaten one of those? My personal opinion is they are quite.... <i>interesting??? </i>(for lack of a better word). Just add water to everything... including meat. Yeah, no thanks. Logan enjoyed them though and Bill was more than willing to share them with him. Last, but not least, Logan had one of the MOST contagious smiles I have ever seen. One that I know for fact got him out of trouble more than once. Probably more than a few dozen times actually. With a smile like his you could get away with most anything. That smile won over the hearts of many I'm sure. These are just some of the things I learned about Logan in the years I have known the Hardman family. Things that stand out in the last 13 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, back to where I was headed with this post... Life lessons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This tragic loss of Logan and his friend Chad was not just a loss for their families and friends, these losses were felt by an entire community. The impact these losses have had on the community I live in has been very overwhelming to see. Everywhere you turn someone is somehow connected to one of the two families and everyone wants to know how, why. Everyone is struggling with the why.... It's overwhelming. One thing is for certain, only God knows why. This is where my great life lesson comes in. GOD. As I have sat back and watched the aftermath of these tragedies unfold there has been one major stand out thing surrounding it all, the strength in the Hardman family. In all the years I have known them I have never really paid much attention to the tight bonds and the power behind this family. I knew that they had touched many lives, mine being one of them, but I never realized the magnitude of those who also loved this family as I do, as we do. The outpouring of love, kindness, and concern for this amazing family is nothing short of amazing. I couldn't think of a family more deserving either. For days after the tragedy occured I sat back in awe of just how amazing the Hardman family was handling their loss and of just how strong they all were. I found myself envying the family they have and the bonds they share. I found myself wondering what it is that they have done in their lives to create such a tight nit family unit, one that doesn't break even in the most darkest of days. Don't get me wrong, I have an amazing family, family I wouldn't trade for the world. Between both Bill and myself, we are blessed with some amazing people as family, but I have never (not even in our families) seen a family with such bonds as the Hardman's have. I began to not be just in wonder of what it is that makes them so tight of a family, but rather needing to know. I want this same bond in my life with my family. I want my children to love one another with the same depth as this family loves one another. I want to be as close with my mom, dad, brothers, and sisters as the Hardman's are with each other. I want the same in Bill's family. As I sat there in the funeral service for Logan it hit me like a ton of bricks. The bond that holds this family together is God. This family has been given a solid spiritual foundation to build their lives upon. Whether their faith be one that I or anyone else agrees or disagrees with, that doesn't matter. What matters is they have been given that foundation. Through their spiritual beliefs they have bonded. They know what it means to be a family. They rely on one another. They love unconditionally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do I think that every family needs to have some kind of faith or spirituality to be as this family is? No. To each their own. What I do know is that I have learned that for my little family this is what is lacking. This tragedy enlightened me on my personal need to teach my children some sort of spirituality. Do we pray? Yes. Do we believe in God? Yes. Do we believe in life after death? Yes. This is the most we have ever taught our children. I know that this alone will not be enough to sustain a solid foundation though. I need more than this and so do my children. In the few days following the funeral, faith and spirituality have really been weighing heavy on my mind. I am not yet confident in teaching my children how to be spiritual or to show them the way to finding their own faith because I am still so unsure in what I believe, but there is only one place to start... I need to explore this side of myself. Not too long ago I felt that I was making headway in my beliefs through reading the bible and studying different beliefs, but all that came to a halt when that ever so dreaded confusion set it. So I stopped searching for answers and knowledge. I have learned that I can't do that anymore because my kids deserve to have the most solid foundation for life that Bill and I can provide them... spirituality and faith needs to be a part of that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seems that with every tragedy a valuable life lesson is soon revealed... What is mine you ask?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need to find God. I need to find faith. I need to find spirituality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have Logan and the Hardman's to thank for this.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg497z_L81r4USBATV3eH_mGeWA08i_9GOc8FCk5UqCAl0uZpEE1UhZjbZVh3dpx4mmBpxjG_X_xfziKlmZztzcFF5aKflxdEZ1aInWPzAlbZ5jjhyXzvGWWNuKGJnpWrKXWq-JBC3y47nj/s1600/Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg497z_L81r4USBATV3eH_mGeWA08i_9GOc8FCk5UqCAl0uZpEE1UhZjbZVh3dpx4mmBpxjG_X_xfziKlmZztzcFF5aKflxdEZ1aInWPzAlbZ5jjhyXzvGWWNuKGJnpWrKXWq-JBC3y47nj/s400/Bible.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dust is proof enough of how long it's been since I picked this book up.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight I dug out my bible... wiped off the dust and opened it to where I last placed my book mark. In my whole bible there is only one verse highlighted and it read....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the other, so that you do not do what you want."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Funny this is all that is highlighted in my bible... seems I have been been stuck in this battle of the contrary for quite some time now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The verse on the front of my bible reads...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Trust the Lord with all your Heart..." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I've been stuck in the contrary because I haven't found out how to come by that trust it speaks of right on the front. Here's to letting go of fear and committing to figuring this all out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To the Hardman Family:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want you guys to know that though I know that my personal lessons through all this really isn't likely to be much comfort to you, through your love and example in this tragic time I have learned so much about what I need in my own life. I have been made more aware of changes I need to make in myself in order to sustain a life with meaning, a life in which my children will thrive. I have been given a great example of the family I hope to raise. I look up to you all and hope that my family can one day set the example for others as you have set for us. I am grateful for the continued presence you have all had in my life. I am grateful to have grown to know you all and love you all. Thank you for letting me and my family be a part of yours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To Everyone Else:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are wondering how you can go about helping this amazing family, donations can be made in Logan Hardman's name at any Zions Bank location. His wife, children, and family have a long road of emotional healing ahead of them and it is unfortunate that they will be left with some financial burdens as well. Every little bit helps, so if you can, I encourage you to donate. Knowing this family personally I can assure you that no amount will go unappreciated. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRKrHj_ZmBR_ddNyTCW63ok2bBlCKxRM3RQ3YIy-Siu2E7SCCWSUD7VfgnlOj8S_dHTX0cj953-5dZbA01FpCOcTZz3Dm8vO3lllpPhs3VaLDw8bcRdymf8aJlUE4HWH5RsWDb7cScMjT/s1600/Hardmans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRKrHj_ZmBR_ddNyTCW63ok2bBlCKxRM3RQ3YIy-Siu2E7SCCWSUD7VfgnlOj8S_dHTX0cj953-5dZbA01FpCOcTZz3Dm8vO3lllpPhs3VaLDw8bcRdymf8aJlUE4HWH5RsWDb7cScMjT/s400/Hardmans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logan and his Sweet Family.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also there is a fundraiser being held for Logan's family this coming Saturday, Dec. 1st. Details below. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q4aQlykz7oSm6FkL-eC56J-Df9_OKgmW9sgtiTQxJFwB0tGjNmlSqw1iy1LbNtYgI_9bZVwThPFAEo-yqjfH-qh_P8BDfzQxF1w7t1eW7H95lpFzaIhAwAZ4bjOhBnsmkfK0dHDSAlXX/s1600/Fundraiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q4aQlykz7oSm6FkL-eC56J-Df9_OKgmW9sgtiTQxJFwB0tGjNmlSqw1iy1LbNtYgI_9bZVwThPFAEo-yqjfH-qh_P8BDfzQxF1w7t1eW7H95lpFzaIhAwAZ4bjOhBnsmkfK0dHDSAlXX/s640/Fundraiser.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A sincere Thank You to you all.</span><br />
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-80158760792145437322012-11-25T23:28:00.002-07:002012-11-25T23:28:58.371-07:00First Winter Snow<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This month has really been a pretty mild one. Temperatures have been consistently high for this time of year. We did manage to get one good snow storm as of current. It hit us a couple of weeks ago. It literally snowed for over 24 hours straight. Much of the valley got well over 6 inches, but some parts got even more. It was a very wet and dense snow, which made it very difficult to shovel. However, this is the BEST snow for snowman making. I'm really a poor sport when it comes to this wet, white stuff. I'm not a big fan of winter or the snow so I encouraged the kids to make a snowman alone. It was a bust. Neither of the kids could get a snowball started well enough to begin rolling it into larger balls for a snowman. They sure did enjoy playing in it though. We quickly learned that they had both outgrown their winter gear so we had to head out afterward and find some attire suitable for them now. TALK ABOUT EXPENSIVE! I was SO not happy about how much $$$ we had to drop on new snow gear. Lets hope they can get some good use out of it. Last winter was pretty mild with very little snow... I'm hoping that we at least have a white winter. I will be content with that much snow. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UEumKI5zBg81UoCIvcN8rh0vqJVmvhQY5XVQaTLnIxRDazX6cvKrJmmLGBoG7mmhjQcK00WLphab5_t7in3TAwzX1q9ZkA74DSxKLKTjDL1fO3mscSwQnB9KhdUPKpKvVHxkKQqhVpPV/s1600/Catching+Snowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UEumKI5zBg81UoCIvcN8rh0vqJVmvhQY5XVQaTLnIxRDazX6cvKrJmmLGBoG7mmhjQcK00WLphab5_t7in3TAwzX1q9ZkA74DSxKLKTjDL1fO3mscSwQnB9KhdUPKpKvVHxkKQqhVpPV/s640/Catching+Snowflakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching Snowflakes....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMXHsnBQPI75KSoHAgY1YRhQgwtCaqcK-8inptTw5LkTgG2diAxmr0MHSATIFhPQ3HcbUx9ZXscq0-55YUDsbbKqwimSRYE7mqWJIgMxn6Qt3lhSYh2K-6-VpLo7z36zwBEOYYIRJaaEh/s1600/First+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMXHsnBQPI75KSoHAgY1YRhQgwtCaqcK-8inptTw5LkTgG2diAxmr0MHSATIFhPQ3HcbUx9ZXscq0-55YUDsbbKqwimSRYE7mqWJIgMxn6Qt3lhSYh2K-6-VpLo7z36zwBEOYYIRJaaEh/s640/First+Snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempting to make a Snowman (Brenna is clearly unhappy with the lack of progress)</td></tr>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-71342784021934475992012-11-25T22:35:00.000-07:002012-11-25T22:35:58.482-07:00Tomlin Halloween 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone let's talk about what we did on Halloween shall we? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(I've got to get myself caught up!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our morning started WAY too early, as most mornings do. I was rushing as usual to get myself and both kids pulled together for the festivities at school. Fortunately for me (and unfortunately for Bill) Bill took the day off work so he could come and watch the kids in the Halloween parade at school (because now that I work at the school, I don't get to do that anymore). This meant that he was home to help me get the kids ready. As the minutes quickly passed and I was struggling to get us all ready and out the door, I summoned Bill to come help pull Sam's make-up together. It's a good thing to because I'm not good at that monster stuff. Cute I can do, but Scary..... Not so much. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mummy Sam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Off to school we went, even I was dressed up. Good thing about being a teacher is it gives you a good excuse to be young again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam was first in line at the parade, right behind a teacher of course. Bill nearly missed getting his picture because he wouldn't have thought that our boy would start out the show. His homemade costume was quite a hit though, so I think he was a very good choice to get the fun rolling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lesson learned and he was ready for Brenna. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like I said, I got to join in the fun too... My little preschoolers were all so cute. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Halloween night was pretty mellow and low key. We went to a nearby church for a trunk or treat then headed out in our neighborhood. The kids tired quickly so we didn't go far. I'm okay with that. Our neighborhood was hoppin' and I felt really bad because we had this cool decorated house with no one home to hand out the goodies. Next year we will have to do better with our planning. Maybe I will just have Bill take the kids trick or treating and I'll sit home and enjoy the quiet. HA!</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-73123535940973396892012-11-14T21:37:00.000-07:002012-11-14T21:37:32.012-07:00Our little Karate Kid...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am SO behind on my blogging. So far behind that I have actually had a bit of anxiety about it. Crazy I know for something that I do because I love to do it, not because I <i>have </i>to do it. Really though, even though I love to blog when I get behind I feel like I am losing the moment in it's entirety. I'm sure all bloggers understand this RIGHT???</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's no secret by now that Sam is in Karate. He's been going to Karate for about 3 Months (give or take) now and was able to participate in his first belt test. I have not sat and watched him in class because I know my being there would be more of a distraction than he needs so I have opted to stay away during class time. He tells me frequently about breaking wood with his hands and weapon practice, but unfortunately I still can't attest to this even after his testing. Those areas weren't anything he was tested on. Darn! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, his testing took place on Oct. 27th. We had to go to new territory so this set the anxiety in for Sam. He was out of his element and nervous to be testing in front of someone he hasn't ever seen, in a place he had never stepped foot in. The place was SUPER small and OVERLY crowded. I'm hoping that not all tests take place there because it was quite stuffy, even I was feeling claustrophobic. Totally unlike me. Those who know Bill can only begin to imagine how he was feeling in such closed quarters, not good. The temperature in that place is a whole other topic... you can only begin to imagine the heat in a room packed with excited parents and nervous students. BRUTAL! Not to mention the sweaty smell that quickly consumed the tiny room. Ugh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, okay back to the Karate...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still so unfamiliar with this Karate stuff, but I do know that he was tested on several different 'techniques' (for lack of a better word). The Master went through a whole series of different blocks, punches, kicks... A language I just don't understand. Poor Sam was holding back so much. He was so small standing there in that room... I wasn't 100% of how well he was doing either because it was such unfamiliar territory for me. One thing he was though is CUTE! I loved watching him do his thing. Whether he was doing it right or wrong he made it worth watching. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxLwlmGsy3S1n05l8NuEEvEF4V0DVeeiuyo1Wd2tNWX6hjnG9Kz8cCrTas4iP4DLzLOvbWAHyugzIuyLOaIzA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, he had gum in his mouth and NO, it's not allowed in the Dojo...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oops. Lesson learned. The Master let him know and made him spit it out eventually. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All in all he did well. He earned his yellow belt and was so proud of himself. We are proud of him too. I hope in the future I can learn more about Karate and understand what it is that he is working so hard to achieve. He loves it and I will love it because he does. However, I do think I need to watch Karate Kid a time or two to understand it all. LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After he tested, we took him out for lunch at our favorite ice cream joint... Leatherby's. Can't get any better than that can it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and know what else is cool???</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam even got his name embroidered on his new yellow belt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Guess what name he chose.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">None other than SAM I AM! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Such a good sport that kid. </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-50734771966746138342012-10-24T19:57:00.000-06:002013-04-04T21:55:22.075-06:00Bullying, Farting, and Young Love...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today the school held an assembly about Bullying,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I have now heard my children call one another a bully countless times... Imagine that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't that usually how it is? Teach a child some useful information and they turn it around and use the information in the very way it was NOT intended to be used?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's how it is with my kids....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They are now bullying one another by use of the word Bully. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today Sam accidentally kicked Brenna and didn't say sorry. According to Brenna, he is now a Bully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today Brenna took Sam's spot next to me on my bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to Sam, she is now a Bully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today both kids recited some VERY important information they learned in this assembly...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Don't stand by, Be an Alibi!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Really this is suppose to be "Don't stand by, Be an Ally!")</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought that to be quite the funny interpretation of what they <i>thought</i> they learned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not sure my kids gained a whole lot from this bullying assembly... Wonder how many more times I can count them calling one another a Bully before bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any guesses?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, +1 happened JUST NOW!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I had to share this little bit of information shared with me by Sam's little girlfriends mom...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aubrielle turned five today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can read about that <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2012/10/life-updates-aubrielle-turns-5.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thehouseofsmiths%2FulLc+%28House+of+Smith%27s%29">HERE</a></span></div>
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(Have I ever told ya'll how much I LOVE her little family? In case I haven't... I LOVE THAT SMITH FAMILY!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam worked very hard on this card for her...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not sure how well you can see it, but the card reads "Happy Birthday to... My Aubrielle." It's what he asked for me to help him write, then I left him to decorate the card by himself. I came back to find a picture of him and her, which he was quick to point out that his legs are longer than hers because he IS a little bit taller than her..."<i>RIGHT MOM?</i>" (apparently his manhood rides upon being a <i>little bit </i>taller than her). They are walking hand in hand, surrounded by a ton of hearts and flowers. He wrote I love you 3 different times on the card. I guess one time just isn't enough...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He very shyly gave this card to Aubrielle this morning, to which she so graciously accepted the card with a hug and a smile. Apparently she sat with this card in her lab, admiring it through the first part of class today, and apparently those 3 I love you's did the trick...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She told her mom, "Sam really does love me Mom!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cute right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, it gets better. Shelley (Aubrie's mom) came to tell me about how Aubrielle's party plans were coming. Sweet Aubrie has been SO concerned with making sure that Sam has fun at her party so she has made all her birthday party choices based upon whether it can be for both boys and girls. They are having a late night movie party and will be watching <i>Little Rascals </i>(because Sam will like it too). Party favors even include mustaches and WHOOPEE cushions because "Sam will LOVE that, Boys like farting!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now if you knew Aubrielle, you would totally understand just how much this shows her love for our little Sam. She is a TOTAL girly girl and farting is just not something to be expected of a princess like her. Yet here she is incorporating farting into her party just for her Sam. Sounds to me like our Sam has found himself a keeper. Already offering compromise to ensure the happiness of the one she loves... and he does the same for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Young Love, It's the BEST! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of farting... How is a teacher suppose hold her composure in class when a student rips a big one at circle time? THAT happened yesterday and let me tell you... Holding a straight face was much more difficult than I had anticipated. </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-52749821113913600862012-10-22T07:00:00.000-06:002012-10-22T07:00:08.311-06:00Crazy Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, and Pumpkin Carving...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What did you do with your weekend?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, we had a long one so we were able to squeeze a TON of fun into ours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've never really looked at corn stalks and thought "Wow this sure is pretty," but when we decided to go to the <a href="http://www.utahmaze.com/">Crazy Corn Maze</a> that is exactly what I began to think as I watched my cute family make their way through the maze. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See what I mean....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pretty right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, we could hardly keep the kids contained when we arrived. They were beyond excited to get started and get lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a really good time, but I was scared the entire time that we were going to lose one of the kids because they kept running ahead of us. Children of the corn kept running through my head and I couldn't help but thing "What if someone comes and grabs one of the kids and pulls them into the rows of corn and we never see them again?" I know I am a HUGE worry wart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then of course the kids thought it would be funny to play upon Mom's worrisome ways and would hunker down in the corn and see if they could worry me even more because I couldn't see them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I of course would always find them. HA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bill even opted to get in on the <i>hide from Mom </i>fun, but he too failed miserably, but in his defense he had no hope in success with the kids by his side. Just as I came around the corner I could hear Sam whisper (very loudly I might add), "Shhhh guys, I see Mom!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't matter that his plan didn't work. As you can tell from the picture above he still thought that he was super funny and clever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a different note, I must say that having a husband like Bill makes it very difficult to enjoy the fun of getting lost because with a map in hand he knew exactly where we were and exactly where we needed to go to get to our next checkpoint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In case you have never been to the Crazy Corn Maze, they have 10 questions that you are suppose to answer and then ten different check points within the maze with different shaped hole punches at each check point to ensure that you found each of them. If you find them all then you get a prize at the end. Though we didn't get lost, you had better believe that we found ALL ten of those check points. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, no Tomlin Family outing would be complete without two things. One, dancing Brenna and two, some kind of potty drama. Without fail, everywhere we take our kids we have to visit a restroom at least 2-3 times. AND without fail Brenna is busting out some type of dance related moves. The dancing poses no problem at the corn maze...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BUT you can imagine what kind of problems come along with the potty thing, especially when you are dead center of the maze with no easy access to a potty. I must say I am SO proud of Brenna for making it all the way through the maze without having to pee... </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE BOYS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand were a different story. Yes this includes Bill. Both were hit with an immediate NEED to go pee, but as I mentioned we had no easy way out to get them that much needed relief. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(Note to EVERYONE, visit the pot before you enter the maze)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately for boys, they have the option of just being very discrete in the act. Yes, they BOTH tucked themselves away in the corn stalks and did their business...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bill MAY or <strike>may not</strike> kill me for these pictures. He should know better though... HA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We finally made our way out of the corn maze, though I am sure we made it out much faster than many do it did seem to go on for quite awhile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">An added benefit to having gone to the Corn Maze is that it doubles as a pumpkin patch. We were, however, very disappointed with the pumpkin options. It seemed that the majority of the pumpkins were beginning to or in the major phases of rotting. We were pretty limited. This may be a result of being late into the month along with the warmth and dryness of our summer? I'm just guessing here, but it seems like those combined could be likely causes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We finally decided on the pumpkins we felt right for each of us and headed out. We hit up Jordan Landing for some dinner and of course we can't go there without making a stop at Barnes and Noble. We didn't get home until late so the Pumpkin carving had to wait until Sunday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Amazingly enough we managed to keep the table fairly clean during the carving process. YAY for easy clean up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brenna decided on a vampiress pumpkin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam and Bill of course had to have the scary element to their pumpkins. Sam wanted his JUST LIKE Dad's, but Bill talked him out of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I of course have to have a girly/cute pumpkin. She even has eyelashes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our little Tomlin Pumpkin Family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think each of our pumpkins represent each of us very well. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I sure hope each of your weekend was as fun filled and awesome as ours was...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a HAPPY MONDAY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(A little over a week till Halloween, are you as excited as I am?) </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-59368952328680056472012-10-18T20:35:00.002-06:002012-10-18T20:35:31.088-06:00Life as I Remember It: My Wedding Ring<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jumping ahead quite a bit in my life I know, but this is a story that recently became fresh in my mind as one of the ladies I work with had quite the traumatic moment regarding her wedding ring this week in class. This event made me recall the story of my ring and just how heartbroken I truly would be if anything bad happened to it. Yes I know that everyone out there has a special bond with the ring that symbolizes the vows made on that special day to the one you love, BUT mine has a greater meaning to me and Bill than just what it represents. Let me tell you why...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bill was fresh home from war when we (really I gave him an ultimatum, I had waited a year for him after all... the least he could do is marry me) decided to plan a quick wedding. We had already committed to purchasing a home together so really getting married was only appropriate (in my mind anyway). Due to our quick decision (and my demanding ways) to marry, I didn't get a proposal. I was okay with that. As a result to not getting a proposal, Bill decided that I would not see my ring until we said our I Do's. I was okay with that too. Bill and I were married within 5 weeks of his return so the wedding itself was very small. Talk about those 5 weeks will have to wait for another post... Back to the ring story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bill and his Dad headed off to the Mall one afternoon (I want to say within the first week Bill was home) to scope out rings. Bill had a general idea of the style of ring I wanted, but also had some ideas in mind that he liked himself. He was very particular in what he was looking for really because he wanted to find something that incorporated both of our ideas. I'm not certain where all they looked, or how long they looked for I just know that he found what he was looking for. As he and his dad sat discussing rings, of course the topic of "how are you going to propose" came up. Bill's response was I'm not. He told the ladies in the jewelry store that he had just returned from overseas and that how our marriage plans came to be. That conversation then led to one about war, his experiences, and of course their appreciation for his sacrifices for our freedoms. All the while there was an older gentleman in the store along with Bill and his Dad that was discussing watch repairs with one of the other workers. This store is quite small and everyone's conversations with one another really are easily overheard. Conversations of military and war relations continued throughout the entire purchasing process. Bill completed the basic paperwork and put a down payment down on my ring. In an attempt to surprise, but opted to only put a down payment down rather than making the complete purchase to ensure that the element of surprise with me still existed (we did share a bank account after all and he didn't want me to know quite yet what the cost was going to be). Once the sale was completed Bill and his Dad walked down to the little coffee joint that sat next to the Nordstrom's entrance at the time, grabbed a coffee, and sat to talk awhile. After having sat there chatting for about 15 minutes Bill's phone rang. The call came in from the jewelry store and the sales lady was crying. She explained to Bill that he needed to come back to the store to complete the final purchase work on the ring. Confused, Bill complied and headed back to the the jewelry store. Upon arrival, he noticed that all the ladies in the store were in tears. They told Bill that they needed to finalize all the paperwork because someone had paid off the remaining balance on my ring. As it turns out, this someone was that gentleman who was having his watch repaired. He overheard Bill's conversation of war and how he had just returned. He overheard our story and the difficulties that war brought to our life and how Bill's time away brought us to the realization that marriage was our next step. This gentleman asked the jewelry store to keep his name anonymous as he wasn't giving us this gift as a way to be in the spotlight. He just wanted to offer a simple Thank You to Bill for his service for our country. This gentleman explained to these ladies that he too had gone to war, Vietnam, and no one ever thanked him for his sacrifices and he wanted to make sure that Bill knew that there was at least one person out there grateful for him putting his life on the line for our freedoms. He wanted to make sure that I knew that there was someone out there thankful for being the person worrying from home as the love of my life was thousands of miles away in harms way every single day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon after leaving the jewelry store Bill called me and told me about what happened. I cried and he cried. I can't even begin to describe how much a simple thank you means to Bill when he gets them, but this act of gratitude was far more than we had ever anticipated. There are no words to describe how thankful we are for this man and the kindness he showed us. I know that those who came home from Vietnam weren't as fortunate to be offered even a handshake as a thank you for what they went through. If I could, I would wrap my arms around this man and thank him for his sacrifices as well, and thank him for giving us the most wonderful and memorable thank you of our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I proudly wear my ring, my symbol of the vows made on my wedding, and the constant reminder of one man's appreciation for my husbands sacrifices. My ring holds great meaning for Bill and I... It symbolizes far more than what most wedding rings symbolize. I am grateful for it and look forward to passing this story and my ring onto my children. </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-81897486887137244822012-10-18T10:44:00.000-06:002012-10-18T10:44:37.303-06:00Know What I love about October... and Brenna's Monster Ball<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I used to <i>HATE </i>Fall...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It meant that the snow was coming and summer was officially a thing of the past. I totally dreaded this season... In my younger years anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my adult years I have really come to love Fall, more specifically October. My first born entered our lives on a beautiful October day. This is when my feelings about Fall began to change. I now look forward to October. We still have a few lingering warm days accompanied by some crisp cool/cold days that we get to bundle up in blankets on the couch or in bed with a cup of hot something to drink. I love that. In October I get to bust out all the spice candles/air fresheners, which in case you didn't know are my FAVORITE scents. In October we are given a little bit of the best of both warm and cold seasons. October really is that happy medium. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my adult years Halloween has become one of my top favorite holidays as well. </span><span style="font-size: large;">On October 1st you had better believe I am busting out my Halloween decor.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE decorating for Halloween and I love busting out my creative juices to come up with fun original costumes for my kids. I have found that I get really bummed out when my kids choose costumes that come in a bag ready for wear. They are boring to me and look cheap, no matter how much money you spend on them. AND in all reality it takes away from my own personal enjoyment. Last year was one of those years... Brenna was Alice and Sam was Super Mario. I didn't get to make anything. This year October has been wonderful and my kids didn't let me down in the costume department. I am feeling very festive and my cup is overflowing. Brenna decided she wanted to be a Monster High Doll. She didn't really care which one, so when I happened upon a Monster High skirt at Ross for 5 bucks it was decided that she was going to be Claudine Wolf (the werewolf). I made her ears out of sticky back felt and just wrapped them around a headband then glued a bow to one ear. I used an old see through stretchy black shirt I had and cut it to shreds and placed it over a solid brown long sleeve shirt. I found some cute purple leg warmers for a buck somewhere (sorry can't remember if it was target or the dollar store) and put them over some cute black spiderweb tights. Easy and inexpensive costume that looks just as good as those $30 ones you can buy at the store. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We still may add some accessories to the costume before Halloween, but all in all it cost me less than $10 for the entire costume. SWEET!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam chose a Mummy for his costume this year. I was really excited about this because I knew that it would be another inexpensive costume to pull off, but I would still be able to enjoy making it. I got a sweatsuit from Walmart (shhhh don't tell Sam, but he is wearing girl bottoms because they were out of the heather gray in boys) and 2 yards of plain fabric that cost less than $2 a yard. I tore that fabric into strips and just hot glued it to the sweat suit. Below is a pic of Sam at Brenna's party and his costume wasn't 100% complete yet, but even still I think it turned out well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see there is still more sweatsuit that needs covered and come Halloween we will have his hair sprayed white and spiked up all over out of the head wraps. He wants a little bit of dirt and blood splatters as well. Not only was this costume cheap to make, BUT it will also be WARM on Halloween night. Double bonus right?!?! Though his girly friend would much rather him be her Prince Charming, I think she was okay with a "<i>Mummy Prince</i>" instead...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yet another year of costumes to be proud of if I do say so myself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All these above pictures come courtesy of Brenna's 7th Birthday Bash. Brenna's birthday party theme selection was a PERFECT choice to put me in the Fall spirit. I got to create a Monster Ball for my princess. Surprisingly, I didn't break the bank with this party either... though I personally think it looks like I did. The best part of homemade stuff is that in most cases it costs far less than what you can buy in a store. Homemade also looks better (in my opinion anyway). I have discovered that the dollar store really is the BEST place to get the bulk of stuff for parties (plates, cups, table cloths, spiderweb, goody bag fillers). My number one tip for birthday parties it DO NOT buy the cups and plates with characters on them to match the theme. They are rediculously priced and really unnecessary. After about five minutes of food on them they end up in the trash anyway, so go to the dollar store and just pick a color that coordinates with the theme. The dollar store really does carry the majority of must haves for parties, and it saves a GRUNDLE of Moolah! I can't tell you how many bags of spider web I used this year, but I can tell you that I was grateful for the dollar store for this one decor choice alone. I have spiderweb spread indoors and outdoors. My black, white, and red living room really is the PERFECT place to create that creepy, but classy, Halloween environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Perfect place to host a Monster Ball...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now Brenna's Monster Ball was no simple event. It wouldn't have been complete without all the homemade Halloween treats I made... We really had it all....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And you had better believe that the majority of this food was devoured by all the little ones that attended...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We painted little pumpkins too...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Which may not have been one of my better ideas because paint ended up in far more places than just the pumpkins)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I should have known better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All in all though, I hosted a pretty good Monster Ball and Brenna was very happy with the event as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Brenna has been blessed with some pretty awesome friends. She had a great turn out (above pic isn't even everyone who showed) and made out like the little princess she is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">October is in full swing and this is just a small amount of the fun I have been able to have this year. Being a teacher opens up a whole other world of fun and creativity. Up next in our month is all the Halloween celebrations themselves. I have two days of Halloween festivities at school with my own kids and my preschool kids, then of course there is HALLOWEEN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sure hope everyone is enjoying the Fall and October as much as I have been... It really is a time of year that brings joy to my house. </span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-44326108674114708672012-10-11T08:12:00.000-06:002012-10-11T08:12:56.146-06:00Happy 7th Birthday to my Lou<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WHAT?!?!?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That can't be right...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">7???</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yup, it's true...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My first born, my princess, my mini-me, my little raven, my baby girl, my Brenna Lou is 7 years old today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I could make that so often used statement of "this makes me REALLY old," BUT when I said this to Brenna last night while tucking her into bed her response was...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"No you're not mom. You are young, and you are BEAUTIFUL... But Dad, he's really old!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So rather than making this post about just how OLD my baby girl turning seven makes me feel I am going to make it about just how WISE my 7 year old is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Above statement proves that she is wise beyond her seven years... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her Dad is REALLY old. <br />I'm still rockin' my 20's</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(for another seven months that is...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, okay... now lets get serious here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brenna seriously blows me away daily. I really catch myself thinking "How did I get so lucky to be blessed with such amazing kids?" on a regular basis. I have never met a seven year old with the maturity level of Brenna's. She is such an old soul in a young little body. We were told a time or twenty by Bill's Grandpa Tomlin that he believed a little piece of Maurine (Bill's Grandma Tomlin) was sent back to this earth in Brenna. The more time goes by and the more of Brenna's little personality comes shining through I too have begun to believe that Bill's Grandpa could have been right. Brenna has a very subtle way about her. She is very observant and cautious. She is very good at reading people and knows very quickly who she does and does not want to invest her time and energy into building relationships with. Now I didn't get to spend much time with Bill's Grandma Tomlin, but there are things I see in Brenna that remind me so much of the woman I was able to get to know. Brenna has this way of carrying herself. She is very modest, poised, proper.... Elegant. Watching Brenna walk and dance really can be mesmerizing. She carries herself so well it almost seems as though she is floating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(I probably sound crazy... forgive me)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I saw Bill's Grandma Tomlin much in this same light. Had I not known better I would have sworn that Bill's Grandma Tomlin would have been some kind of royalty because she really did have that same elegance that Brenna exudes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This elegance doesn't just apply to Brenna's outward appearance, but is also present in her inward person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She has been faced with a bit more tests this past year in her social life (having started school and all). Situations that in many cases would result in a child her age having melt downs, a lack of self worth, really struggling to find their place. Brenna, however, is not affected in the same way you would assume a child her age would be. In fact she allows very little to change who she is, how she feels about herself, or how she feels about others. Brenna holds strong to forming her own opinions about most everything in life based upon her own experiences and/or findings. Just because Bob doesn't like Fred, and Fred is her best friend, doesn't mean Brenna won't be Bob's friend as it would in many cases with children of this age. Brenna is very much the opposite. She has stumbled upon a few situations in fact where this same type of mind set has been present. I must say that I am VERY proud with the way my little girl dealt with these situations. Like I said... she is a wise little one and I am certain it was gifted from someone above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the last year Brenna has transformed so much. She went from being seen still as my baby to this young lady. Though she will forever remain my baby girl, most all of her baby like features have vanished and she is so NOT little. One day (sooner than later I'm sure) she will tower over me. She is smart! She is currently well above average in all areas academically and continues to just breeze by with what seems to require very little effort on her part. She just gets it... ALL OF IT! One of my FAVORITE parts of the changes and growth that Brenna has made this past year is that she is more interested in talking to me about serious stuff. She confides in me about boys, friends, things that make her happy and sad, school... all those things that mom's love to talk to their kids about. One of my most recent favorite topic choices between she and I has to be one we had about how it's okay be different and unique. Along with how important it is to be accepting of differences in others as well. This conversation was sparked by the recent charity event the kids and I attended for children with Down Syndrome. I should have known better than to assume that my kids would be a bit thrown off or caught off guard by the children they would encounter at this event. My kids really are some of the most accepting children I know. The questions they had really had nothing to do with why these kids were different or why they had physical differences. The most my kids wanted to know about these kids was why we were helping them because they saw them as equals to them. They looked past these differences and saw kids, just like them. Kids that liked the same things they did and kids that really were fun to be around. This event struck a soft spot with me to begin with. I loved every moment spent at this event, but what really tugged on my heart strings was what I witnessed with my own kids. Many kids would be frightened by such differences in people, but mine weren't even phased by different. I am so proud knowing that different doesn't phase them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I see a very bright and successful year to come for my little girl. I know that she will continue to surprise me and make me proud. I know that seven really isn't that old, but I feel that this little girl and I have really begun to develop a mother/daughter relationship that far exceeds anything I ever imagined. She really is a brilliant child, with a heart larger than life. I look forward to continuing to watch her transform into what I am sure will be nothing short of pure perfection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would have never believed that ones heart could hold the capacity of love that mine holds for my children. In the 7 years that I have been a mom, I have gained a great knowledge and appreciation for the term "A mother's love runs deep." Every ounce of me lives for these children of mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, my Little Lou.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mommy loves you more than most...</span><br />
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-43070419325599312662012-09-19T22:00:00.002-06:002012-09-19T22:02:14.376-06:00What I've been up to...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">**<i style="text-decoration: underline;">CHAOS</i>**</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't even begin to describe what my life has become.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have found myself asking <i>"What did I get myself into?", </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But then on days like today (we had a school fund raising carnival) when I am casually walking the school grounds watching my own kids play I am humbly reminded why I got myself into what I have. Why I chose this career path for myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was reminded that I don't just have 2 kids anymore...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a whole ton of them, all under the age of 5.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I enjoyed this time with my own kids, I was frequently approached by my preschool kids with big hugs and big smiles. I loved just how excited they were to see <i>ME!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(as if I am someone special)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll tell you what, they sure did make me feel special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Days like today put a whole new perspective on my job, my title, the role I play in these little ones lives... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And it intensifies my purpose in their world, my world....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thoroughly enjoy being a teacher and interacting with such adorable, fun, crazy, little ones everyday. I am learning a great deal about myself, along with my own children through this process as well. Lessons that I don't feel I would have ever learned, nor appreciated as much as I do now. I am learning what it really means to be patient and I am learning that I am totally capable of being patient. I have gained a new appreciation for what amazing children I have and for the minimal time I now get to spend with them everyday. The time away from one another has been good because we enjoy our time together SO MUCH MORE! I enjoy being with my kids everyday, but not really being <i>with </i> them. We are at school together and it is relieving to know that though they have both embarked upon their own little journey's and gaining independence, I am still very close </span><span style="font-size: large;">(Brenna's classroom is right next door to mine actually). It's given us just the amount of space we needed without really having to be that far away from one another. They find comfort in knowing that I am there in that school somewhere, and I the same. It is also fun to have those moments when we do pass by one another in the hallways and we get so excited to see one another. I know that this excitement won't last forever, so I am soaking it in as much as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">People told me that being a teacher required a great deal of commitment, this I thought I understood. I didn't really. I wasn't quite prepared for just how much time, money, and effort teachers put in daily just to ensure that their students are getting the very best education they can give. I was given my first assignment to lesson plan for two days. I wasn't prepared for the fact that it would take me 5 HOURS to plan for just these two days. Providing fun, engaging, cost effective, new, and exciting lessons really is difficult to do. I wasn't prepared for that. I'm sure that this is something that I will get better with in time, but this was 5 hours of unpaid time that I devoted to these children. As I was planning these couple of lessons, I realized that I wasn't doing it because I <i>had </i>to, but because I wanted to. It was fun and important to me. Last night I was up until 1am because time got away from me as I searched the web for more lesson ideas. I quickly became consumed by all the fun ideas I had flowing through my brain... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am SO EXCITED to be doing this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I haven't really ever felt "at home" in a job until now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though I miss my free time, as limited as it was, I'm not quite certain I would want to go back to just being at home. I've needed something different for awhile, I just didn't realize it until now. Not that I don't love, or appreciate the time I did have as a stay at home mom... it was just time for a change and this is a change I think that we all can handle and benefit from. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Due to the new demands that my job requires, my family has had to really commit to a pretty strict schedule. The kids are very active in after school extra curricular activities, which requires that we all play a role in life at home. The kids haven't really been too keen on the "helping out" thing, but I have really put my foot down on their cleanliness issues. Before it was easy for me to just pick up after them, but now I simply don't have the time. It's been hard to hold them accountable for their own messes, but thus far I have stuck to my guns and they have had no other option but to comply. Their rooms have stayed clean and I have kept on them about having friends help clean up messes made prior to going home. They are beginning to understand it's easier to encourage their friends help them clean the messes they help make rather than have to clean it up alone. I have also held them to the rule that NOTHING happens after school until homework is done. This they haven't argued one bit. We walk in the door and the first thing we do is sit at the table and do homework. This does become difficult though simply because all that extra curricular stuff we have going on. Brenna goes to dance three days a week (Mon., Tues., and Thurs.). School gets out at 3:45 and we don't leave until 4pm because I have to clean up the classroom and get ready for the next day. Brenna's dance classes start as early as 4:30, but we have managed to stick to this homework rule even with the crazy dance schedule. Tuesday nights she dances for two hours, but on Mon. and Thurs. she is only at dance for 1 hour. It keeps her busy, but not <i>too </i>busy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND she loves it. Sam is in Karate 2 days a week as well. He goes Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. He also has the option of going Mon. evenings, but thus far I feel we just have way too much going on to commit to another night. Though he hasn't been in karate long, thus far he seems to really enjoy it. We are hoping that through this activity choice he will learn self control and respect more than what we have been able to teach him. Our little Sam has quite the temper, one that gets away from him far too often. I hope that he learns to better control that temper before it becomes a bigger problem for him and us. I'm quite confident that he will gain this and much more from karate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On top of all our daily commitments we have had a whole lot of <i>other </i>stuff on as well. My mom sold her house and had to move. We spent all of last week helping her pack and then a crazy busy weekend getting her big house moved into a smaller, cozier house. The weekend prior I also had the opportunity to photograph the 2012 Utah Buddy Walk. I have still not yet found the time to edit and get these photographs posted, but in my defense we have a WHOLE LOT of new stuff going on in life AND there are nearly 500 pictures to go through and edit... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will however BE SURE to get this done this weekend and get a post done. I can't wait to blog about this experience, it was truly amazing and life changing. This is an event I intend to support in whatever way possible in years to come. These children and their families are seriously inspirational and FUN! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, there is a very short run down of what I have been up to...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A whole lot going on and a whole lot to get used to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gotta keep reminding myself, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">CHANGE IS GOOD...</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-65158371217047168792012-09-08T00:00:00.000-06:002012-09-08T00:01:15.950-06:00In Loving Memory of Our Friend John<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What a somber couple of weeks it has been in our house...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we learned of the most current downfall in the health of our friend John, our family was really forced to come to terms with the reality of the situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well over a year ago John was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. We were extremely saddened by this news as our boy Sam had really grown to love his "best buddy" John and we had been forced out of our home that neighbored theirs not long before this sad news came. Our family had experienced a great loss by having to leave these neighbors we so dearly loved and now we knew that John's life would be cut far too short. John was given only an expected short 6 months to live. Very heartbreaking for his family and all those who had grown to love and adore this man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Sam I Am, along with our family, being among those. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not quite certain why, but John quickly took to our son Sam. Soon after Sam was born, you could quickly notice a spark in John's eyes. He seemed excited that my son was a part of his world. Even as minimal as it was, John was still moved by the fact that there was this little boy now living right next door. As the few years began rushing by Sam grew up and this immediate bond between Sam and John grew as well. Sam spent many, many, many hours with John. They would throw the balls too John's dogs nearly every evening when John got home from work. They would pick John's vegetables from the garden. They would sit together and pick and eat the raspberries that lined John's back fence. John and Lynn (his wonderful wife) would spoil my kids regularly with frozen goodies from their freezer. Creamies were always better when they came from Lynn and John. Sam and Brenna would invade their house every time Lynn and John had their granddaughters over for swimming fun. Sam and John would sit and talk about rocks that John had collected, so of course Sam had to start collecting them too. We had many summer evenings spent talking and laughing on their front porch, enjoying a casual drink together. Our last holiday spent in our old house before moving was spent with John, Lynn, and their family. They had become our family of sorts, our happy little "Mindy Circle" family. Great memories were being made daily with Lynn and John in the years that we lived next door to them, years that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam naturally began to refer to John as his "Best Buddy" and John would refer to Sam as the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had never really seen such a bond between a grown man and a small boy, but these two really had something special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They were the best of friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many times I would sit back in awe as my son walked hand in hand with his Best Buddy John. My heart would swell with joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not very often in life that you find people that leave such a mark in your life, but here my son was just a toddler and had already built an amazing friendship... One that would never fade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were very saddened when we had to move away. Sam asked to go see John daily, which in time became less frequent. I, as the mother to this sweet boy, have a great deal of guilt in my heart because I could have done better. I could have committed to regular routine visits with Lynn and John, but as so often happens... Life just got in the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We would talk about getting together, planning a barbecue with our families, going out to the west desert and looking for rocks, or a day trip out to the geode beds... But it never happened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We would visit randomly and of course send holiday greetings. We would touch base with the family through facebook, but looking back I really didn't do enough. I could have done better, I should have done better. My Sam deserved to maintain that bond that he formed with John, but I so selfishly made that difficult for them both. To be truthful after having been given the news of John's illness I was scared for my boy. Scared for the heartbreak I knew that he was going to endure when John passed away. I am pretty sure I was subconsciously trying to protect my boy, my family, myself. Having experienced what losing someone to cancer was like, I was not looking forward to experiencing that again nor did I want my Sweet Sam to have to endure that heartbreak at such a young age. My protective nature as a mother didn't work. That bond between John and Sam never did fade, it wasn't forgotten, nor was it ever replaced. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">During our last visit with John, I knew in my heart that would be the last. I took in every moment of that visit. The look in his eyes when we walked in the door, when he saw Sam, is one I will never forget. He was beyond happy and grateful to see that little guy. His eyes immediately filled with tears, which he would quickly pull back. Those tears however filled his eyes often during that visit. Sam brought John a rock during that visit. It was a "special" rock that Sam knew John would just love. He was right, it brought a smile to John's eyes. I know that this smile wasn't because the rock was really something spectacular to look at, but because he knew that Sam thought of him and hadn't forgotten one bit about all the time they have spent together. It didn't matter to Sam that John didn't look the same. He wasn't phased one bit by how his illness had changed him. Sam climbed right up by him and told him about his new house, school, his friends, and all his rocks he had collected at home. They talked about the raspberries and about the dogs. They were still "Best Buddies."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Saying goodbye that day was very difficult. Sam wanted to go back as soon as we left and quite frankly I did too. I knew that would be the last time we would see John's smiling face. That was really hard to take in. We have had a lot of tears over the past couple months as John became extremely ill. Part of me was still wanting to protect my boy, but part of me wanted to be that super annoying person and invade those last weeks so we could get all the time in we could in the short time he had left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam loves John, we all love John, and our heart is left broken...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Thursday, September 6th, 2012, our dear friend John lost his battle with cancer. He fought long and he fought hard. With much determination, along with a whole lot of stubbornness, he proved those doctors wrong. He far surpassed that 6 month life expectancy and was proud of that. He was grateful for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">John's friendship is one that will never be forgotten nor taken for granted. We are grateful for the time we did have and we are grateful for the extra time he was given to enjoy his family, watch his granddaughters grow, and marry the love of his life Lynn.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Although this loss has been rough on Sam, he is wise beyond his years and is certain that John is watching over him and can see him everyday. He found is peace in that. Today Sam took Johns picture to school in his backpack where it was intended to stay, but instead he decided he wanted to share his picture with his class and tell of all the wonderful memories he has of John. I am sure that talking about it helps Sam with the closure process and allows him to feel close to John even though he isn't here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The world lost an amazing man, we lost a friend, and Sam lost his "Best Buddy" but what we didn't lose are all the fond memories we made with him. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'll make certain that my boy never forgets this great man and that their bond, even in death, never fades. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">RIP JOHN</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Until we meet again...</span><br />
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693746085830809804.post-57357045985074635532012-08-30T21:48:00.001-06:002012-08-30T21:49:09.558-06:00Kindergarten Sam<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Boy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Baby...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My little Sam I am...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How did this day creep up so quickly? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm seriously at a loss of how to explain my emotions today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really am <i>mostly </i>excited and happy to start this chapter in our lives, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't even the slightest bit sad and overwhelmed by it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THIS ^^^^^</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is how I still see my baby boy when I look at him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sweet, innocent, always smiling, happy, precious, fun, flirty, energetic, perfect baby boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I think about how this baby boy of mine has now embarked upon his school days, it really begins to tug at my heart strings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Granted, I am super excited for the added ME time and new beginnings that have come my way...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BUT part of me still wants to be that stay-at-home mom I have been for the last 7 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's what I know and who I am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I mentioned before, <a href="http://adayinthelifeofatomlin.blogspot.com/2012/08/brennas-first-day-of-1st-grade.html">HERE</a>, I often find myself wishing I had a pause button or rewind button for our life. What I would give to go back to moments like this w</span><span style="font-size: large;">ith my little ones... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Note: Please ignore my totally obnoxious baby talk. We are all guilty of this right? Totally lame of me I know.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I miss those sweet baby grins, coos, and giggles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I miss the sweet smell of their baby skin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I miss their cute kissable little toes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I miss them being entirely dependent upon me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Selfish right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who cares, EVERY mother out there totally gets what I am saying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We want our children to need us forever, but slowly their need for us begins to fade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My baby boy just spent an entire day at school, without me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THAT, I think, is what is most difficult for me to take in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With every year and every milestone that passes us by, my babies need me a little less and less. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">IT'S SO HARD TO LET THEM GO!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today we walked up to the school and without hesitation Sam walked right up to his classroom door, put his backpack at the front of the line, and took off to the playground. There was absolutely NO hesitation in his step. He was ready for this day. He really acted like an old pro...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cause ya know, he had watched sissy all year last year so he knew the drill and didn't even need my help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's slightly heartbreaking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I was totally that obnoxious picture taking mom this morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Totally obsessive and slightly over-board.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Snapping pictures of every little step Sam took. Every possible emotion I could capture. I needed to remember this day. It was important to me and to him. I got some awesome pictures too...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then my stupid computer decided it would so graciously delete every picture that I took today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Weird thing is, it was only the pictures I took today... the couple hundred that I had taken prior to today were still there. It just decided that this moment in time, this milestone of our life, is one that I didn't need to have documented. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cried.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like a wee little baby I cried.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No, worse than that... I uncontrollably cried that really pathetic and embarrassing cry where you can't catch your breath and boogers are pouring out your nose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yep, That's the one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My baby's first day of </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">KINDERGARTEN</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and all the pictures were gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you ask me, that just plain old SUCKS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I called up my sweet, beautiful, talented friend Shelley</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(check out her blog <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/">HERE</a>... Really, she's amazing)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to see if she knew how to get them back and she so graciously offered to bring her camera to the school for me when I picked him up to ensure that I was able to get at least SOME pictures from his first day. I took my camera along too, but considering the events of the day I wasn't too trusting of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm SO GLAD that she did too cause she captured this VERY awesome, TOTALLY priceless, MOMENT OF A LIFETIME...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6Zus7TmCSbJYCUb9WIq305fn3EuFxXP1u8x0oa2Gr9EO6wsVpWJDyvZI1ZwurSZJtYziMmqyX2TBs7s4ck-r_UE783A790OAtxIVQpcIU6FIcaDF-rkmPWyADYizuBmWJHYaoTe2aHOg/s1600/Busy+Teacher" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6Zus7TmCSbJYCUb9WIq305fn3EuFxXP1u8x0oa2Gr9EO6wsVpWJDyvZI1ZwurSZJtYziMmqyX2TBs7s4ck-r_UE783A790OAtxIVQpcIU6FIcaDF-rkmPWyADYizuBmWJHYaoTe2aHOg/s400/Busy+Teacher" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brought to you courtesy of Shelley @ <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/">House of Smiths</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yep, that's right! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm just SO busy and really <i>important.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I'm kind of a big deal right now!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See what I mean about talent? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And she was even able to capture my "good" side...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By that I mean my right, NOT my rear I swear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, okay... Back to my boy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwde0X6_gnpAFvuOR9xrYbafHznwgvVBEqTCfPHi6lgJfgy4pqDeVmWxb63kNsi93UrU65IIeXrJ1RUtWzuAafdzKCBWpgdjnAIAONZp8CDeHjGn-CN0Kmg_xkcfBoFwUAnppyx5DGE0O/s1600/Sam+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwde0X6_gnpAFvuOR9xrYbafHznwgvVBEqTCfPHi6lgJfgy4pqDeVmWxb63kNsi93UrU65IIeXrJ1RUtWzuAafdzKCBWpgdjnAIAONZp8CDeHjGn-CN0Kmg_xkcfBoFwUAnppyx5DGE0O/s640/Sam+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was able to get some pictures when I went to pick him up from school. I made my way into the classroom in those last ten minutes and snapped a few shots of him enjoying his class and friends,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">both old and new. We lucked out and got Mrs. Wilkin for a teacher this year. She was Brenna's teacher last year and we all just LOVE her. Sam also has a couple of people he already knows in class with him as well. His buddy Jake was in his preschool class and also takes karate with him. Sweet little Lexi is the daughter of a long time family friend of Bill's and now myself. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRfjzuhDlU9WwVS9MvHLO-wEF-P_DxQQ9zkXqMAZ0AuMh68K_CHiAhCNSsKWpIEe-sLGQ0VkHnxEqGBucQgZwPQZfyyBKKQpu_mJeeEoZJ70QMkHwZl70Hh_0leIvFc1lcxxFqnad7H8m/s1600/SAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRfjzuhDlU9WwVS9MvHLO-wEF-P_DxQQ9zkXqMAZ0AuMh68K_CHiAhCNSsKWpIEe-sLGQ0VkHnxEqGBucQgZwPQZfyyBKKQpu_mJeeEoZJ70QMkHwZl70Hh_0leIvFc1lcxxFqnad7H8m/s400/SAM.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Shelley @ <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/">House of Smiths</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam came home FULL of excitement. He let me know that they get 3 recesses in Kindergarten (which was his favorite part) and that he got to eat breakfast for lunch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"</span><span style="font-size: large;">Mom, y</span><span style="font-size: large;">ou know those things that are like waffles, but they're NOT waffles and you dip them in syrup?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's what he had for lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HE LOVES KINDERGARTEN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did however learn that he had a bit of a melt down at lunch. Not really melt down I guess, but rather a bit of confusion... accompanied by his stubbornness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sam insisted that I was coming to eat lunch with him. He wouldn't sit with his class because he was going to sit with me. It took the teachers a bit to convince him it was okay to sit with his class and that I could sit with him when I showed up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, I never showed up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I never intended to eat lunch with him today... </span><span style="font-size: large;">I was working.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At one point in the weeks leading up to school starting I had told Sam that it was cool that I would be working at his school because that meant that I would be able to come and eat lunch with him sometimes. I didn't mean today AND I didn't mean everyday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He, however, thought that is exactly what I meant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have since worked that little bit of misinformed information out and he seems to be understanding of the fact that I won't be eating with him on a daily basis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's hope that tomorrow goes a bit more smooth for his teachers.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHOsME7t2TvY-P5klGt_-TlcmrvTvMAB0aWCDTZJI8HRBnbbDiKengrDzSBU4La5emdwVzgqOFf6T6utiVXlafrEoREhEHu0I2OA7sLku-qsHwdUvWX4gPaXrms2CWkkvup68wNXKAyC0/s1600/SamNMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHOsME7t2TvY-P5klGt_-TlcmrvTvMAB0aWCDTZJI8HRBnbbDiKengrDzSBU4La5emdwVzgqOFf6T6utiVXlafrEoREhEHu0I2OA7sLku-qsHwdUvWX4gPaXrms2CWkkvup68wNXKAyC0/s640/SamNMom.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Shelley @ <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/">House of Smiths</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this boy more than words can express. I'm proud of the little man he is becoming. I am excited to continue to watch him grow, advance, and succeed in life. I am HONORED to be his Mommy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love you son, To the moon and back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Xoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's to Kindergarten and many more milestones to come.</span></div>
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Jessica T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05884783281364275105noreply@blogger.com1