tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70303956361895952712024-03-12T23:36:27.547-05:00Noodle NestJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.comBlogger438125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-48834726671025529462012-06-10T21:09:00.000-05:002012-06-10T21:09:10.985-05:006-10-12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCt7G-GR7-A/T9VIksU2pNI/AAAAAAAABkQ/LQWlpL-zY2A/s1600/IMG_7052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCt7G-GR7-A/T9VIksU2pNI/AAAAAAAABkQ/LQWlpL-zY2A/s200/IMG_7052.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
This week has been a busy one. We chose June 8th as our last day of school and I'm glad we are done. Officially. We will continue learning through the summer, "unofficially". Friday we finished up our standardized testing with the math portion. This was the first time the girls have ever taken them and I was sweating bullets. I mean, think about it, I'm their mother and their teacher so if they don't do well it's all on me. In my opinion, those tests aren't a good representation of what my kids know, but the law requires them so they took them. <br />
<br />
We've been camping a couple of times this year with plans to do it a few more this year. It's a great mini-getaway and we enjoy it so much.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WE--t35Yc7M/T9VIlxgtrpI/AAAAAAAABkY/qNA7gV4xzfA/s1600/IMG_7054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WE--t35Yc7M/T9VIlxgtrpI/AAAAAAAABkY/qNA7gV4xzfA/s200/IMG_7054.JPG" width="200" /></a>A major trip to Goodwill is scheduled for tomorrow because we have been cleaning out stuff like crazy. It feels so good to get rid of stuff that just clutters up our house and our lives. I like having closets that aren't busting at the seams and you can actually find what's in them.<br />
<br />
We skyped with Trev and Jess tonight and it's one my favorite things to do. If we can't be with them, Skype is the next best thing. I just hate it when we have to say goodbye. That's the worst part. Tonight Mike said it's beginning to be the worst part for him, too. We miss them so much.<br />
<br />
We have Rejoice from <a href="http://www.fwbbc.edu/">FWBBC</a> coming tomorrow to spend a couple of days with us and singing at our church Tuesday night. It'll be fun to have them here. Mike is planning an outreach activity for them so that should be interesting.<br />
<br />
This week is going to be crazy. It will include the students staying with us, a trip south, State Conference, cousins, fun, sweet fellowship, and some time of refreshment with just my husband.<br />
<br />
There were 35 people today at church. Mike preached a great sermon with the Gospel well presented. We're so thankful for all the prayers. It's only by God's power and grace that we can do what He's called us to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-91800596399259809732012-06-06T16:28:00.000-05:002012-06-06T19:57:57.769-05:006-6-12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtEa0uyasuE/T8_IUlSENOI/AAAAAAAABjg/HF85uheXErQ/s1600/trev+and+jess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtEa0uyasuE/T8_IUlSENOI/AAAAAAAABjg/HF85uheXErQ/s320/trev+and+jess.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
Wow!! It's been a long time! Look what happened since I've been away. I became a mil and Michael became a dil and the girls became sils. We like our new titles. But more importantly, Trevor and Jessie became husband and wife.<br />
<br />
Shelby had her 12th birthday while we were in Nashville and I had my 39th right after we got back.<br />
<br />
We're in the home stretch of finishing up school and it's exciting. There will be trips and exploring going on this summer with a little sprinkling of "let's do some flash cards or play a math game online" mixed in.<br />
<br />
I just have to say that I am looking forward to putting up our summer to do list and slowly checking off each thing. We have already done some camping and other fun things. The next few weeks will be packed with some overnight guests, a conference at the beach, camp for the girls and a little romantic overnight excursion for Michael and I.<br />
<br />
I keep going back and forth about whether to keep this blog up or not. Michael checks it almost every day to see if I've posted (Hi, honey!) Obviously, I'm keeping it for now.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-9699682000847129062012-03-27T09:15:00.001-05:002012-03-27T20:49:34.921-05:00OLD IS A THREE LETTER WORD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPIdcCNWCgk/T3HDBNFBgbI/AAAAAAAABjY/obd48tDOuo8/s1600/IMG_6618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPIdcCNWCgk/T3HDBNFBgbI/AAAAAAAABjY/obd48tDOuo8/s320/IMG_6618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As I sit here in a quiet house at 9:30 in the morning (don't hate me, my girls are late sleepers:) I am, of course, thinking of the wedding coming up in a few short days. It has been a little surreal at times because here in NoVa no one knows my son and Jessie so when I talk about it there is only surface talk. You know what I'm talking about~ "My son is getting married." "Oh, that's nice." and then we talk about the logistics.<br />
<br />
Inevitably, the statement is made~"You don't look old enough to have a son that is getting married." Some days if I'm having a moody day I want to say, "Well obviously I am since I just told you that my son is getting married." I don't ever say that but sometimes it's right on the tip of my tongue.<br />
<br />
Since I will turn 39 shortly after Trevor gets married I have been reflecting on a lot of different things and I have come to the conclusion that I am not afraid to embrace age and all that it entails. I have heard a couple of people recently bemoan getting older and even cursing the aging effect. I can see where aging has it's negative side but I also see so many positives in getting older.<br />
<br />
For one, I feel like I'm more comfortable in my skin. I was a young wife and mother and I often felt very self conscience. When we got married I was so unsure of myself. I was so miserable. Not with my marriage but with myself. I can remember just looking at myself and hating everything about me. Not just appearance but everything. The way I talked, the way I laughed, the way I kept house, the way I decorated the house. EVERYTHING. And guess what, it all played out in my relationships as well.<br />
<br />
There were so many times I felt pulled this way and that and none of what I was being pulled to was what I really liked or wanted. Things started changing very slowly when I started staying home with my kids. When I say slowly....I mean S..........L.........O, you get the picture. It took years and years to get where I am. I have setbacks sometimes but I feel more in love and comfortable with me now than I ever have before.<br />
<br />
Now that I am older, I feel more at peace, more relaxed in myself. I'm not afraid of gray hair (I have a lot and not going to dye it:) I'm not afraid of wrinkles, they come with the territory. Through love and growth in Christ and my relationship with Him I've learned to love the person He created me to be. Through the love of my husband I've learned how to trust, which is Christ teaching me in the flesh.<br />
<br />
So when people look at me and say I don't look old enough to have a son that's getting married I just smile and say thank you, knowing that every gray hair and wrinkle has brought me to a new place with my relationship with Christ and the people I love. I wouldn't change a thing.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-29547256964859236322012-03-25T20:39:00.000-05:002012-03-25T20:39:06.360-05:00STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3tkdXDMg7c/T2--9sReMoI/AAAAAAAABiY/PpQbHA8uuSo/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3tkdXDMg7c/T2--9sReMoI/AAAAAAAABiY/PpQbHA8uuSo/s320/IMG_6615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Abby at her birthday supper at Friendly's~the necklace she has on is her Birthday necklace I made her. Shelby has one also and they wear them every year on their day:)</span></div><br />
Since I posted here last we have celebrated 3 birthdays and made preparations for 1 wedding.<br />
<br />
We have had our first weekend guests that were not related. Can't wait for the next guests. Will it be you???<br />
<br />
I have lots of ideas for blog posts I just have to make it a point to actually type them out and hit publish.<br />
<br />
We took our Sunday afternoon walk to Trader Joe's this evening and sat at "our table" outside Barnes and Noble. I told Mike that it was funny that when we moved here last year everything seemed a long walk away and now when we take our usual walk it seems like no time at all. <br />
<br />
We have a new favorite Mexican place, <a href="http://www.districttaco.com/location_hours.html">District Taco</a>. It's so good and they serve Boylan soda that we love. <br />
<br />
There is 1 week til the wedding. ONE week!!!! I am not believing it!!!<br />
<br />
I baked three different kinds of goodies Friday, shared them with friends, and got some compliments. I love to bake and cook.<br />
<br />
The Cherry Blossoms have been at their peak and they're so beautiful. I think that it's a little redundant to travel every year to see them. I mean really they look the same every single year. It's kinda funny that people with these really expensive cameras taking TONS of pictures of these blossoms and the pictures will be the same next year and the year after that and the year after that.<br />
<br />
This week is packed with a lot of stuff and preparations for traveling. My list is long but my motivation is high. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-58903068856092300592012-02-28T20:53:00.003-06:002014-07-05T20:49:35.310-05:00STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247530_1791584075520_1417173684_31615131_675265_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247530_1791584075520_1417173684_31615131_675265_n.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 480px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I miss my son. A lot. That's all I have for tonight.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-18083148466381982802012-02-21T15:05:00.002-06:002012-02-21T15:28:43.172-06:00STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut0h9HQsOtY/T0QHhyJbc5I/AAAAAAAABh4/Za8t6IygE3w/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut0h9HQsOtY/T0QHhyJbc5I/AAAAAAAABh4/Za8t6IygE3w/s200/IMG_6335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711698504391029650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Do you see me? I'm in Julia Childs kitchen.<br />She invited me to come over and cook for her:)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">I've been meaning to get back on here for weeks. The motivation, it has eluded me. <br /><br />So much has happened since I was on here last. Let me just get this out there right now: my son's wedding is 39 days away~~~~HELLO????? Did you hear me?? 39 very short days away.<br /><br />I'm in stunned silence. You can't really tell that because I am typing instead of talking but believe me when I tell you. I am speechless.<br /><br />There have been field trips planned and executed. There have been craft projects planned and some of them executed. There have been great Skype sessions with son and soon to be daughter in law. <br /><br />We joined the Y again. We've missed our beloved Y in Nashville but we have found one here that is quite acceptable. Not the Arlington Y because that place was just a joke. A really bad joke. <br /><br />I've had some down times in the past month. Loneliness is a hateful companion and she doesn't leave even when she is totally unwanted. <br /><br />This will be confusing and make sense to no one but Mike and I but I had an alert on the phone go off on Saturday that threw me for a loop. I have no recollection of putting it on there but I certainly know it's on there now. Sometimes things that happen in life is just absolutely the pits.<br />I would say something much stronger but I'm afraid it might be too much for some of you:)<br /><br />Uhh~39 days. Unbelievable.<br /><br />My girls are so funny. They do something daily that just makes me smile and feel blessed that I'm their Mom. <br /><br />I've had a request for meatloaf so I'm off to make one.<br /><br />Til next time.<br /><br />Bye:)<br /></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-42863807469106497752012-01-07T20:21:00.007-06:002012-02-29T20:06:15.052-06:00FIELD TRIP FRIDAYThese are pictures of a field trip we took to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It has been a draft in my posts so I decided to go ahead and publish it. Enjoy:)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wY8yLziWF8/Twj_k4BABxI/AAAAAAAABhU/Tf3SX0muPYI/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wY8yLziWF8/Twj_k4BABxI/AAAAAAAABhU/Tf3SX0muPYI/s200/IMG_6370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082737786947346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGyE1YM1QIo/Twj_kchCU2I/AAAAAAAABhI/y1zgiJAnKbI/s1600/IMG_6314.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGyE1YM1QIo/Twj_kchCU2I/AAAAAAAABhI/y1zgiJAnKbI/s200/IMG_6314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082730405122914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBm5vCmRfRs/Twj_kCTRxVI/AAAAAAAABg8/4sAdufBcTYM/s1600/IMG_6298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBm5vCmRfRs/Twj_kCTRxVI/AAAAAAAABg8/4sAdufBcTYM/s200/IMG_6298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082723368093010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhOlS13zbaU/Twj_mONs7XI/AAAAAAAABho/XRmO-NdHdvE/s1600/IMG_6357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhOlS13zbaU/Twj_mONs7XI/AAAAAAAABho/XRmO-NdHdvE/s200/IMG_6357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082760925670770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99VdxlcZ0-Q/Twj-8iBhKmI/AAAAAAAABgk/ONbJ-xrP1Ec/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99VdxlcZ0-Q/Twj-8iBhKmI/AAAAAAAABgk/ONbJ-xrP1Ec/s200/IMG_6335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082044688771682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5A-WhcLjS8/Twj-7lBBpkI/AAAAAAAABgU/3ZxaouDlQSg/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5A-WhcLjS8/Twj-7lBBpkI/AAAAAAAABgU/3ZxaouDlQSg/s200/IMG_6277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082028312143426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ucukaxTSQ/Twj-7TkYRxI/AAAAAAAABgE/XwlpFNDwLDc/s1600/IMG_6275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ucukaxTSQ/Twj-7TkYRxI/AAAAAAAABgE/XwlpFNDwLDc/s200/IMG_6275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082023628588818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiKhcg64b2o/Twj-7NuwvjI/AAAAAAAABf8/IKRolR-PM-s/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiKhcg64b2o/Twj-7NuwvjI/AAAAAAAABf8/IKRolR-PM-s/s200/IMG_6274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082022061522482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnbTR_WAOo/Twj-9fZ7EkI/AAAAAAAABgs/DDyah8rdaHA/s1600/IMG_6297.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnbTR_WAOo/Twj-9fZ7EkI/AAAAAAAABgs/DDyah8rdaHA/s200/IMG_6297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695082061165695554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0l98dQ6XLq0/Twj9-CGiALI/AAAAAAAABfk/TNQ1nZT5RL4/s1600/IMG_6268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0l98dQ6XLq0/Twj9-CGiALI/AAAAAAAABfk/TNQ1nZT5RL4/s200/IMG_6268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695080970967974066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awYxVRFonsg/Twj99sSGfgI/AAAAAAAABfY/do9i13iXB6o/s1600/IMG_6267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awYxVRFonsg/Twj99sSGfgI/AAAAAAAABfY/do9i13iXB6o/s200/IMG_6267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695080965110922754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hoMc42qe1Q/Twj99MmI9AI/AAAAAAAABfM/yYn2-4Khz1E/s1600/IMG_6266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hoMc42qe1Q/Twj99MmI9AI/AAAAAAAABfM/yYn2-4Khz1E/s200/IMG_6266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695080956605035522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hJ9eSlxWQo/Twj986CrCcI/AAAAAAAABfA/oj1Vj-jyijc/s1600/IMG_6262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hJ9eSlxWQo/Twj986CrCcI/AAAAAAAABfA/oj1Vj-jyijc/s200/IMG_6262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695080951624436162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEubhG1Ynlc/Twj9-otmBNI/AAAAAAAABfw/tsAby9qfuNc/s1600/IMG_6272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEubhG1Ynlc/Twj9-otmBNI/AAAAAAAABfw/tsAby9qfuNc/s200/IMG_6272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695080981332362450" border="0" /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-51240983185606388232012-01-07T19:07:00.006-06:002012-01-07T20:20:21.100-06:00THE FIRST WEEK OF THE YEAR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGXItfFcIvc/TwjtQMYJCgI/AAAAAAAABd0/Ejl2aJMIX_U/s1600/IMG_6176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGXItfFcIvc/TwjtQMYJCgI/AAAAAAAABd0/Ejl2aJMIX_U/s200/IMG_6176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695062591266163202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-908wuw6fZkY/TwjtQY5BHWI/AAAAAAAABeA/euLTU8GZIFA/s1600/IMG_6172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-908wuw6fZkY/TwjtQY5BHWI/AAAAAAAABeA/euLTU8GZIFA/s200/IMG_6172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695062594625281378" border="0" /></a><br />Our Christmas was really nice. We had my parents, Mike's parents, Mary, and Noah here on Christmas Day. It was so fun and relaxing. We played games and ate and Skyped with Trevor and Jessie. Our church service was so good.<br /><br />I made some hor d'oeuvres to have after church so that we could eat a little later in the day. I enjoy cooking and fixing stuff ahead of time so things are ready to enjoy.<br /><br />We ate Christmas dinner about 4:00. I put the potatoes in the crockpot in the morning to cook al<span class="st"><em><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></em></span>l day. I love to "bake" potatoes like this because it frees up your oven and you really don't have to even think about them.<br /><br />Mike grilled 7-8 pounds of steak. They were so perfectly tender and juicy. They were seasoned just right so no steak sauce was needed. The other sides were green beans casserole, caesar salad, roasted San Marzano tomatoes, and dinner rolls. For dessert I made a pumpkin and pecan pie. Mike's mom made a pound cake and peanut butter hershey kiss cookies. My mom made 2 cheesecake pies.<br /><br />The week after Christmas was nice and relaxing. We didn't have anything on our agenda so we enjoyed all the down time. We didn't drive our van from Christmas Eve til Friday. We have been driving less and less. Most of our errands can be done on our afternoon walks. Our bank, post office, Trader Joe's/Whole Foods, Walgreens, Metro station, and library are within a 10-15 minute walk so there is always somewhere to walk.<br /><br />My sister wanted to go over to D.C. so on Thursday we caught the subway over to the <a href="http://www.nasm.si.edu/">Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVtHtj6dty8/Twj28RS6bbI/AAAAAAAABek/H0l8bnrVfBY/s1600/IMG_6252.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVtHtj6dty8/Twj28RS6bbI/AAAAAAAABek/H0l8bnrVfBY/s200/IMG_6252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695073244105305522" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-zmu-JjzMo/Twj263qJGCI/AAAAAAAABeY/n1o_lVNuZ0g/s1600/IMG_6243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-zmu-JjzMo/Twj263qJGCI/AAAAAAAABeY/n1o_lVNuZ0g/s200/IMG_6243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695073220043544610" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ougP4-4MKZs/Twj26nGGs3I/AAAAAAAABeM/A0OEPx8iUj4/s1600/IMG_6218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ougP4-4MKZs/Twj26nGGs3I/AAAAAAAABeM/A0OEPx8iUj4/s200/IMG_6218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695073215597425522" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8s9vJspSC4/Twj28i_ssgI/AAAAAAAABes/nZVT39m4SBc/s1600/IMG_6254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8s9vJspSC4/Twj28i_ssgI/AAAAAAAABes/nZVT39m4SBc/s200/IMG_6254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695073248856551938" border="0" /></a><br />We ended the day at the White House. It was cold out but it didn't keep us from enjoying being together. On the walk back home from the subway we stopped at Starbucks for a treat to warm us up. <br /><br />New Year's Eve was a nice, relaxing day. We ate subs and watched the ball drop. It was cool to be on Eastern Standard time again. Shelby and Abby tried to stay up but they had stayed up late the night before so they crashed around 11pm. Mike took a little nap while the news was on but woke up to watch the last 30 min of 2011 with me. <br /><br />Our New Year service was a time of reflection as well as looking forward to 2012. We invited our friends Krisstal and her son, Elias, over for lunch. I am looking forward to digging in and establishing relationships this year. <br /><br />We started our lessons on Monday and this week has been a very fruitful one. There has been lots of good discussions about explorers and Hippocrates. There were many games of Uno. Plain old Uno. Love it. Music classes and Choir started back this week. <br /><br />We have goals in place for 2012 and lots of grace to extend to ourselves and others. The most exciting thing for 2012 will be, by far, The Wedding. Gosh, we can hardly wait.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-84580604302677885242011-12-24T12:38:00.004-06:002012-03-26T18:25:10.397-05:00CHRISTMAS QUESTIONSI saw this over at <a href="http://starrfam.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-q.html">Starr Circus</a> and couldn't resist playing along. So, here goes...<br />
<br />
1. egg nog or hot chocolate?<br />
<br />
Hot chocolate. Specifically Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa<br />
<br />
2. does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?<br />
<br />
Wrapped in a different wrapping paper for each child<br />
<br />
3. colored lights on tree/house or white?<br />
<br />
We had white lights until a couple of years ago now we have colored LED and I love them<br />
<br />
4. do you hang mistletoe?<br />
<br />
We have a kissing ball made of mistletoe that we got from North Pole, Alaska. I love it.<br />
<br />
<br />
5. when do you put your decorations up?<br />
<br />
Weekend after Thanksgiving or the next week depending on what we have going on. <br />
<br />
<br />
6. what is your favorite holiday dish?<br />
<br />
All of it. I just love it all. <br />
<br />
<br />
7. favorite holiday memory as a child? <br />
<i></i><br />
So many...but I loved going to my Nanny and Granddaddy's with all my cousins. We had such a fun time. Also, going for a drive to see all the Christmas lights.<br />
<br />
8. when and how did you learn the truth about Santa?<br />
<br />
It really wasn't a big deal. We did Santa but Jesus was at the forefront with church and our Christmas play. Even at school there was a focus on Christ.<br />
<br />
9. do you open a gift on Christmas eve?<br />
<br />
When I was growing up we opened new pjs on Christmas Eve and we have carried that tradition on with our kids<br />
<br />
10. how do you decorate your Christmas tree?<br />
<br />
No theme. Almost every ornament on our tree has significance from our childhood, our children, or our marriage. We have another small tree for Jesse ornaments.<br />
<br />
11. snow! love it or dread it?<br />
<br />
LOVE IT!! I hope it snows here soon.<br />
<br />
12. can you ice skate?<br />
<br />
::snort:: Yeah, in my dreams.<br />
<br />
13. do you remember your favorite gift?<br />
<br />
I got a boom box in the 6th grade and thought I was hot stuff. I loved that thing to death...literally<i></i>. When I finally got rid of it there were buttons missing and it looked pretty ragged.<br />
<br />
14. what's the most important thing about the holidays for you?<br />
<br />
Jesus and family<br />
<br />
15. what is your favorite holiday dessert?<br />
<br />
Pretty much all of them:) My Mom makes a great cheesecake that I love.<br />
<br />
16. what is your favorite holiday tradition?<br />
<br />
Spending time with my family. We go to breakfast on Christmas Eve. Reading and talking about Jesus.<br />
<br />
17. what tops your tree?<br />
<br />
A star made of cardboard and aluminum foil that Mike made. You would think it was made of solid gold when we pull it out of the box every year and I wouldn't trade it for anything.<br />
<br />
18. which do you prefer: giving or receiving?<br />
<br />
I love to give gifts. It's so fun.<br />
<br />
19. candy canes: yuck or yum?<br />
<br />
Yum!!!<br />
<br />
20. favorite Christmas show?<br />
<br />
Do I have to pick one???? White Christmas, Christmas with the Kranks, Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, The Nativity....and more. I can't choose just one.<br />
<br />
21. saddest Christmas song?<br />
<br />
I'll be Home for Christmas by Josh Groban<br />
<br />
22. what is your favorite Christmas song?<br />
<br />
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing<br />
<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!!!!!!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-23199982345846546122011-12-17T19:04:00.008-06:002011-12-17T20:02:20.889-06:0012-17-11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3ZaelILEL8/Tu09D_a8N-I/AAAAAAAABc0/-x9mNvVkv5Y/s1600/IMG_6060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3ZaelILEL8/Tu09D_a8N-I/AAAAAAAABc0/-x9mNvVkv5Y/s200/IMG_6060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687269043212138466" border="0" /></a>We've had lots going on the past couple of weeks so I wanted to get a blog post done so that I wouldn't forget. Shelby was in a Christmas concert with the Arlington's Children's Choir. We had a silent auction and bake sale to raise money for the Choir. Mike and I volunteered so we were outside handing out programs and directing people before the show started.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtS0_jKo8oM/Tu09DgBjTPI/AAAAAAAABco/yZh4WlkveQg/s1600/IMG_6055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtS0_jKo8oM/Tu09DgBjTPI/AAAAAAAABco/yZh4WlkveQg/s200/IMG_6055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687269034784148722" border="0" /></a>The concert was so good. We had great seats because Abby and Mrs. Donna, a friend from our church, saved them for us.<br /><br /><br />We headed down south last Friday to be in a parade with Mike's parents. My parents came down to be with my brother's family on Sunday because my niece and nephew were baptized. I wish I had been able to stay and be there for their baptism but we had to be back at our church for Sunday service. I can't express what a blessing they are.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wKxXU2B0do/Tu1GznihHhI/AAAAAAAABdo/nX49j6XjasU/s1600/IMG_6082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wKxXU2B0do/Tu1GznihHhI/AAAAAAAABdo/nX49j6XjasU/s200/IMG_6082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687279757039836690" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIDnCzG8wsg/Tu1GzXtrUQI/AAAAAAAABdc/bRKiDVeqBQA/s1600/IMG_6081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIDnCzG8wsg/Tu1GzXtrUQI/AAAAAAAABdc/bRKiDVeqBQA/s200/IMG_6081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687279752791675138" border="0" /></a><br />We wanted to get our Christmas picture out of the way before leaving. These are some of the outtakes and they crack me up. The girls are making the funniest faces. Can you tell they were so over the picture taking. They were just ready to be done.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUpj2BZWKx8/Tu09Em77PEI/AAAAAAAABdA/_USQSaurqVI/s1600/IMG_6067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUpj2BZWKx8/Tu09Em77PEI/AAAAAAAABdA/_USQSaurqVI/s200/IMG_6067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687269053819468866" border="0" /></a>This one was funny because Mike was trying to get into the picture and he just couldn't get down in the floor fast enough.<br /><br />I am so in love with our tree this year. It is so full and pretty. It was funny that we got such a great tree considering that when we went to Home Depot to get it there was a ton of people there. The trees were still tied up with string because all the ones that were open were already picked over. I pulled my trusty fold-up scissors from Smoky Mtn Knife Works out of my purse and snipped those strings. We took one look at it and said, "Looks good." With that and standing it line to get it trimmed, a trip through the netting thingy, paying for it and strapping it to the top of the van, it came home with us.<br /><br />Tomorrow at 5pm will be my first Open House as a Pastor's wife. I thought I would be nervous but I'm not. I don't know if I'm naive or what but I'm so excited. I've done all my shopping, prep work, and pretty much all the cleaning. I hope to take pictures so I'll post about it this week. I just wish my Pastor's Wives Book Study friends could be here to enjoy it with me. They just don't know how much I miss them and our time together.<br /><br />Hope y'all have a great day of worship tomorrow.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-75182843884461770992011-12-07T19:35:00.003-06:002011-12-07T19:54:30.832-06:0012-07-11It has been just nasty here today. I had to run some errands this afternoon and the rain was terrible. The whole 2 hours I was out it never let up at all.<br /><br />Tonight while walking back from church the wind felt like it was cutting right through us. They're calling for some winter weather tonight and from how cold it's gotten we just may be in for some.<br /><br />And now that I have thoroughly bored you to tears with the weather report let me continue with other mundane things to complete this blog post.<br /><br />We have pretty much hunkered down this week~doing lessons, crafts, fighting with each other~ not Mike and I ~ the girls. Today I told them the next time they got physical with each other there was going to be some scripture writing for them. I read them:<br /><div class="passage-updatetranslation page-translation"> </div><div class="passage-share-buttons share-buttons"><span class="st_facebook"><span class="stButton" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); display: inline-block; cursor: pointer; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; width: 16px;"><span class="chicklets facebook"></span></span></span><span class="st_twitter"><span class="stButton" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); display: inline-block; cursor: pointer; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; width: 16px;"><span class="chicklets twitter"></span></span></span><span class="st_email"><span class="stButton" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); display: inline-block; cursor: pointer; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; width: 16px;"><span class="chicklets email"></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">James 4</div></div><h4 style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">Submit Yourselves to God</h4><h5 style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;" class="passage-header"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30339">1</sup> What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30340">2</sup> You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30341">3</sup> When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. </h5><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30342">4</sup> You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30343">5</sup> Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30344">6</sup> But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: </p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> “God opposes the proud<br /> but shows favor to the humble.” </p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30345">7</sup> Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30346">8</sup> Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30347">9</sup> Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30348">10</sup> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. </p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30349">11</sup> Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30350">12</sup> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? </p> Because, y'all, I was at my wits end with all the bickering and fighting. We also prayed that all of us would have better attitudes and be able to control ourselves. Honestly, I needed a better attitude and self control as much as they do, even more sometimes.<br /><br />We are were much better today. Thankfully.<br /><br />I may need a boat to take Shelby to piano tomorrow but we are going to do it with a good attitude if it kills us.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-31143341301473499942011-12-05T18:00:00.003-06:002011-12-05T18:28:17.066-06:00ANOTHER FIELD TRIP<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1nmeJBO8Ec/Tt1bzTSO83I/AAAAAAAABbQ/tun5raSiIek/s1600/IMG_6038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1nmeJBO8Ec/Tt1bzTSO83I/AAAAAAAABbQ/tun5raSiIek/s200/IMG_6038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799241719640946" border="0" /></a>On Friday we jumped on the Metro and rode over to <a href="http://www.unionstationdc.com/">Union Station</a>. We toured the <a href="http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1a_visiting.html">National Postal Museum. </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJvvrYt4aPg/Tt1cXchpd4I/AAAAAAAABbs/u6Ujs-LLG-g/s1600/IMG_6035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJvvrYt4aPg/Tt1cXchpd4I/AAAAAAAABbs/u6Ujs-LLG-g/s200/IMG_6035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799862675502978" border="0" /></a>Union Station is a big mall with a Metro Station and Amtrak Station. The food court is huge with some really cool places to eat. The chicken salad at <a href="http://www.unionstationdc.com/store/vittorio-s-gelato-bar/2137031194/2138814766">Vittorio's Gelato Bar </a>was so delicious. We ended up eating lunch at <a href="http://http://www.unionstationdc.com/store/potbelly-sandwich-works/2137019283/2138816157">Potbelly Sandwich Works </a>but we made notes of places we would like to try. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_1rgz5ylcg/Tt1cYfGWWiI/AAAAAAAABcE/9etihrr1J7M/s1600/IMG_6002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_1rgz5ylcg/Tt1cYfGWWiI/AAAAAAAABcE/9etihrr1J7M/s200/IMG_6002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799880546179618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrPSJIBwSXc/Tt1cXm4z2XI/AAAAAAAABb8/MX0WYJ2P560/s1600/IMG_6004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrPSJIBwSXc/Tt1cXm4z2XI/AAAAAAAABb8/MX0WYJ2P560/s200/IMG_6004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799865457006962" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Abby, Shelby, and Mike driving a big rig to deliver the mail.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-qTS6XHoLM/Tt1cZdpn_BI/AAAAAAAABcc/n7W_zqn8Bc8/s1600/IMG_5977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-qTS6XHoLM/Tt1cZdpn_BI/AAAAAAAABcc/n7W_zqn8Bc8/s200/IMG_5977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799897337134098" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mail railroad car that carried mail until the 1970's<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzzAF05xHkI/Tt1bzM4snSI/AAAAAAAABbE/wZo0iMSf6wU/s1600/IMG_5970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzzAF05xHkI/Tt1bzM4snSI/AAAAAAAABbE/wZo0iMSf6wU/s200/IMG_5970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799240001920290" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Weary from riding the stage coach for 20 days with a crying baby:)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LreW58xEYCY/Tt1byWOBnaI/AAAAAAAABa8/-jtt9XDCHWU/s1600/IMG_5963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LreW58xEYCY/Tt1byWOBnaI/AAAAAAAABa8/-jtt9XDCHWU/s200/IMG_5963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799225327426978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IloIJko_ypE/Tt1bx4LVMPI/AAAAAAAABas/fQdgqEyIiSE/s1600/IMG_5962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IloIJko_ypE/Tt1bx4LVMPI/AAAAAAAABas/fQdgqEyIiSE/s200/IMG_5962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799217263063282" border="0" /></a>It is neat to think about all the mail that has been picked up or mailed form this Post Office. It made me a little nostalgic to think of the people that received good or bad news from within these walls over the years.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKI0x15yxdA/Tt1b0AK0F9I/AAAAAAAABbY/6v-9893Y3rQ/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKI0x15yxdA/Tt1b0AK0F9I/AAAAAAAABbY/6v-9893Y3rQ/s200/IMG_6037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682799253768116178" border="0" /></a>We really enjoy our Field Trip Fridays. There is so much to do in our area. Riding the Metro makes it so convenient.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-88157976606686310492011-12-04T20:17:00.006-06:002011-12-04T20:44:30.389-06:00FIELD TRIP SURPRISE*<span style="font-size:78%;">Warning: Lots of pictures:)</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5ciuBVzGV8/Ttwqzx0wSyI/AAAAAAAABaY/8VKdvQF51-E/s1600/IMG_5902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5ciuBVzGV8/Ttwqzx0wSyI/AAAAAAAABaY/8VKdvQF51-E/s200/IMG_5902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463898871024418" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KrHi_UgbkI/TtwqyymwbyI/AAAAAAAABaA/KnhFbgP3oa4/s1600/IMG_5859.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KrHi_UgbkI/TtwqyymwbyI/AAAAAAAABaA/KnhFbgP3oa4/s200/IMG_5859.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463881900879650" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They have a cafe that we would have eaten at but we had already eaten at Pal's. We have made a note and will probably eat there next time. Of course they serve beans which I love:)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzppEeM-dfU/Ttwqygnc0nI/AAAAAAAABZw/IK9CHt99TJE/s1600/IMG_5895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzppEeM-dfU/Ttwqygnc0nI/AAAAAAAABZw/IK9CHt99TJE/s200/IMG_5895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463877071950450" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shelby and Abby trying to get the secret recipe.<br /></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span>We<span style="font-size:100%;"> made a wrong turn when we were heading to Ober Gaitlinburg which lead us to this little gem. It was such a nice Visitors Center for the Bush's factory. The movie we watched showed </span>us how they make their baked beans. We learned a lot about the process and how they cook the beans and make the sauce. Here us a little tidbit: the piece of bacon in the can IS real bacon. It's not the "fakin' bacon" we have mistakenly called it all these years. Also, they cook the beans and the sauce in the can so that they have more flavor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FQywCcMJCM/TtwqThar0zI/AAAAAAAABZU/Gj56HteOtWc/s1600/IMG_5891.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FQywCcMJCM/TtwqThar0zI/AAAAAAAABZU/Gj56HteOtWc/s200/IMG_5891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463344710898482" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFSG4vrCTbg/TtwrCAmIBqI/AAAAAAAABag/sH258O9zBWk/s1600/IMG_5889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFSG4vrCTbg/TtwrCAmIBqI/AAAAAAAABag/sH258O9zBWk/s200/IMG_5889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682464143354365602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cvg6kDg2A0I/TtwqTJuLs3I/AAAAAAAABZI/mjA8ZIQGUps/s1600/IMG_5885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cvg6kDg2A0I/TtwqTJuLs3I/AAAAAAAABZI/mjA8ZIQGUps/s200/IMG_5885.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463338350228338" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FABPOe7eTN8/TtwqSVeVu1I/AAAAAAAABY8/V_KHHrAbSP4/s1600/IMG_5873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FABPOe7eTN8/TtwqSVeVu1I/AAAAAAAABY8/V_KHHrAbSP4/s200/IMG_5873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463324325133138" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the sack that the beans come in. There's a lot of beans in that bag<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1npeLMQsR1k/TtwqSLHLqPI/AAAAAAAABYw/rE1hP1U-1rY/s1600/IMG_5861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1npeLMQsR1k/TtwqSLHLqPI/AAAAAAAABYw/rE1hP1U-1rY/s200/IMG_5861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463321543649522" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These girls love their Daddy so very much.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76p972OWaNs/TtwqUccVqnI/AAAAAAAABZg/5EYcZownjIM/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76p972OWaNs/TtwqUccVqnI/AAAAAAAABZg/5EYcZownjIM/s200/IMG_5900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682463360555526770" border="0" /></a>I love these faces!!!!<br /></div>Sidenote: The coat that we had to buy at Walmart is being worn in the picture above by the person who left their coat at home. I'll not name names but I will tell you that the coat has polka dots and a sweet little girl inside.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-55287343853251851102011-12-03T19:24:00.006-06:002011-12-03T20:07:44.576-06:0012-03-11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUZ3W4dEyk/TtrMpzdqZYI/AAAAAAAABYk/mbsnndwgiB8/s1600/IMG_5959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUZ3W4dEyk/TtrMpzdqZYI/AAAAAAAABYk/mbsnndwgiB8/s200/IMG_5959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682078898442626434" border="0" /></a><br />On the Sunday after Thanksgiving we went to Cofers Chapel. We were so excited to worship there again. It did not disappoint. Jacob does a wonderful job with the music and Pastor Mike brought a great message despite an abscess tooth.<br /><br />Jessie's parents and my sister came to church with us. We filled an entire pew:) We were able to see lots of our friends and that was so wonderful. Abby and Shelby went home with their friend, Jaden and spent the afternoon with his family.<br /><br />Trev, Jessie, John, Sue, and Mary went with Mike and I to the <a href="http://http//www.lovelesscafe.com/">Loveless Cafe.</a> It was great, as usual. It was so nice to be able to talk and just enjoy being together. It was cold and rainy outside but it was warm and toasty inside.<br /><br />Mike and I were suffering from a cold so we were ready to rest when we got back to the hotel. We laid down but didn't take a nap.<br /><br /> Trevor found an old barber chair next to a dumpster and wanted me to help him recover the cushions so we went and helped him. He and I were able to get the bottom covered but the back of the chair was going to need some work. We were going to go pick up the girls and head to Opryland Hotel to see the Christmas decorations but we ended up spending some time with the Davies. They had ordered pizzas and wanted us to share a meal with them.<br /><br />When we took Trev and Jessie back to her house we hung out with them and Zadie, Bandit, and Kung Meow. I honestly didn't want to leave but Trev had to go to work at 5:30 the next morning and everyone was tired. Including me, I just didn't want the visit to end.<br /><br />The next morning we were moving really slow. Mike felt worse and I didn't want to leave:) We finally got the van packed and headed to Chickfila for breakfast and to say goodbye to Trevor. I was a mess. I cried from the time Mike started the van til we pulled in the parking lot. Mike had to order our food because I couldn't do it. The lady that works there came over to bring our drinks, she took one look at me and ran away. <br /><br />Thankfully, Mr. Beem, William, and Edwin came in at that moment. They were the perfect distraction to help me get my mind off having to tell Trevor goodbye. I held it together when Trevor came out and I was so proud of myself. Those hugs are so much more meaningful now that I get so few of them. I just want to hold on tighter and longer.<br /><br />The trip back was rainy and cold. Thankfully, it was uneventful and no traffic. We didn't take any detours and made the trip in 11 hours. It was good to be home but I miss Nashville. The people there are my family and I love them. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. It makes this life so much richer.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-37477939182826208292011-12-01T12:27:00.005-06:002011-12-01T20:08:29.445-06:0012-01-11<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VXyOG2mCRA/TtfHhtN6y9I/AAAAAAAABX0/gdIAQKxqDmU/s1600/IMG_5874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VXyOG2mCRA/TtfHhtN6y9I/AAAAAAAABX0/gdIAQKxqDmU/s200/IMG_5874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681228836838755282" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was on our impromptu field trip to the<a href="http://www.bushbeans.com/en_US/about_us/visitor_center/index.jsp"> Bush's Visitor Center</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I'll write about this visit soon:)<br /></div>The Day After Thanksgiving<br /><br />We just lounged around the hotel and ate the free breakfast until Trevor and Jessie came so we could all take a dip in the pool. We ended up going to the hotel next door because they had a hot tub and hardly anyone was staying at it. We were able to enjoy some good family time.<br /><br />By early afternoon, Trevor had to go get ready for work and I had to get ready for my date with my friend, Casey. We went to lunch at<a href="http://http//www.cheddars.com/"> Cheddar's</a> and stayed there for a couple of hours. It was so nice to catch up and laugh with her. It was such a good time of catching up.<br /><br />My sister came and picked up the girls so that could spend the night with her and Noah. She had a fun time planned for them and they were so excited to see Noah.<br /><br />I spent Friday evening with Jessie. We ate supper at Chickfila and then we talked for a few hours. By the end of the day my throat hurt but I loved every second of my day. I can't wait for Jessie to join our family.<br /><br />On Saturday, Mike, Trevor, Jessie, and I ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. They sat us by the fire and it was so cozy and festive. We talked and laughed. I sat back and soaked up every second of us being together. I made note of their faces, these people I love with all my heart. I can't tell you how happy that breakfast made me.<br /><br />We went to my sister's apartment to pick up the girls and hang out with her and Noah for a little while. We really liked her new place and it was nice to be able to picture where she lives.<br /><br />Trevor had to go to work at 2pm so we dropped them off so he could get ready for work. We headed to Nashville to drive around and go by to see our old house. We were meeting Cindy and Mackenzie at a bowling alley at 3 so we were able to drive around our old stomping ground.<br /><br />The girls and Mike bowled while Cindy and I talked and ate our snacks from the snack bar.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tJMOenWP6M/TtgvUBTWJUI/AAAAAAAABYA/bUqE0Ro5VI0/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tJMOenWP6M/TtgvUBTWJUI/AAAAAAAABYA/bUqE0Ro5VI0/s200/IMG_5954.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681342950921348418" border="0" /></a>They had fun and we got to catch up on a lot that has been going on. Our family has missed them so much. <br /><br />After supper at a local favorite we went to see Sonia, Bailey, and Mason and we met a new friend, their dog, Sunny. I have missed them so much. I wish we could have seen Marvin, too but he is overseas doing his job for the military. We are so proud of him. They were our homeschool field trip buddies and there are so many places that we didn't get to experience. I am praying that they get to come see us soon so that we can do some awesome field tripping around here.<br /><br />When we got back to the hotel we all just fell into bed. I love days that are exhausting but full of love and friendship. It truly was a day to remember.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-2596129592354260042011-11-30T19:20:00.005-06:002011-12-01T12:37:51.646-06:0011-30-11Thanksgiving Day<br /><br />Our day started out with Mike having to go to Walgreens because somehow...ahem...I left my bag of toiletries at home. In fact, I had a major meltdown the night before when I realized I didn't have my trusty, fake blue leather Winnie the Pooh bag that I have carried out of town with us for many years.<br /><br />While he was out finding me a round brush, deodorant, and hair care products, my sister came to see us at the hotel. Then, we went to Jessie's house so I could make the Blueberry Delight that Trevor requested. We were able to spend some time with them and then we headed to Jessie's brother's house for Thanksgiving dinner.<br /><br />It was great. They had a wonderful spread of food. Everything was delicious. We were thrilled to spend another Thanksgiving with the Williamson family. After dinner, we headed out to a field for a game of touch football.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Bpa9NVAZA/TtbW6zhItXI/AAAAAAAABXE/xsu3RuNQwdg/s1600/IMG_5932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Bpa9NVAZA/TtbW6zhItXI/AAAAAAAABXE/xsu3RuNQwdg/s200/IMG_5932.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680964285724407154" border="0" /></a>John (Jessie's Dad), Matt (Jessie's brother), Daniel (Jessie's cousin), Trevor, and Jessie with Zadie<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This picture makes me laugh because Jessie is holding Zadie like she's the football:)<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmQMT6O3zpI/TtbW5VJolyI/AAAAAAAABWs/odxmaKpeInU/s1600/IMG_5928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmQMT6O3zpI/TtbW5VJolyI/AAAAAAAABWs/odxmaKpeInU/s200/IMG_5928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680964260392900386" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KogUNMSxRKk/Ttbbjen7AWI/AAAAAAAABXo/LZGqk2tMRLk/s1600/IMG_5930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KogUNMSxRKk/Ttbbjen7AWI/AAAAAAAABXo/LZGqk2tMRLk/s200/IMG_5930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680969382536872290" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fStqjfZw86c/TtbbjOFo4FI/AAAAAAAABXc/CYPlP52TxZg/s1600/IMG_5931.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fStqjfZw86c/TtbbjOFo4FI/AAAAAAAABXc/CYPlP52TxZg/s200/IMG_5931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680969378098110546" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shelby, Abby, Justin (Jessie's oldest brother), Stephanie (Justin's wife), and Luke (Jessie's brother)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After the big game we came inside to hear some good music. Jessie's family is very talented so they played some good stuff.<br /></div></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bHLbkqxWDY/TtbW5t2y1rI/AAAAAAAABW8/fzz6LU4BQcs/s1600/IMG_5936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bHLbkqxWDY/TtbW5t2y1rI/AAAAAAAABW8/fzz6LU4BQcs/s200/IMG_5936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680964267024766642" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NscZSho3218/TtbW7P6TntI/AAAAAAAABXQ/jDJEG4Te2sM/s1600/IMG_5941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NscZSho3218/TtbW7P6TntI/AAAAAAAABXQ/jDJEG4Te2sM/s200/IMG_5941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680964293346172626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_H8oudKdeDhNcZzptKI5rtZ8o4Pv3BFVvItiVGE82v9SjqyqdKLbyvA5uPkQNa95BtdXS68aIev17r4AYkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-48222775961257672062011-11-29T20:35:00.002-06:002011-11-29T20:46:28.563-06:0011-29-11This is going to be short and sweet because I am recovering from the day after traveling.<br /><br />I have done loads of laundry, went on a massive grocery shopping expedition,was the chauffeur to choir practice, and the whole day just felt pretty sluggish. <br /><br />I think the worst day after vacation is the very first day back in reality. I came home to a spotless house (thanks to Jessie and Mom:) and now it looks like a bomb exploded~a clothes, shoes, suitcases, toys bomb. <br /><br />It did feel good to sleep in my bed last night. It was so comfy and cozy. <br /><br />I'll be back tomorrow with more about our trip.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-10469330596387291752011-11-28T20:15:00.002-06:002011-11-28T21:11:03.385-06:0011-28-11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312217_2395294234067_1002276647_32247238_460857880_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 574px; height: 960px;" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312217_2395294234067_1002276647_32247238_460857880_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I didn't post for three days because there was just so much going on and I was trying to soak every last bit of it up.<br /><br />Wednesday~ we left around 5 am and stopped at Hardees for a fine southern biscuit for breakfast. We had only a slight deviation from the itinerary for a quick stop at Walmart near the Tennessee line for a coat because one of us left theirs at home. We had to stop for lunch at <a href="http://www.palsweb.com/menu.htm">Pal's for a Pal Burger and some Frenchie fries.</a> After we fortified ourselves we made the trek through the beautiful Smokey Mountains to Gaitlinburg and up Ski Mountain Road to <a href="http://http://www.obergatlinburg.com/activities/">Ober</a>. Ski Mountain Road is the kind of road that has a sign at the beginning saying, "In the winter months only cars with chains are allowed." Mike and I thought this would be a good way to break up the long trip and it was. <br /><br />We rode the ski lift up to the Alpine Slide. It was quite chilly on the side of that mountain so one of us was really glad we stopped and bought that coat. We picked up our sleds and got in line for our trip down the mountain. They let you go two by two so I rode on one slide with Shelby and Mike rode on the other with Abby. Abby was a little apprehensive because she had never done it before and you can go pretty fast. Well, somehow we weren't even in line so Abby went ahead of us. That wouldn't have been so bad but a guy lost his cell phone on the track and they wouldn't let anyone go until it was located and all the pieces cleaned off because it could've caused someone to wreck. Mike and I were getting a little panicked because Abby is going down this huge slide on the side of a mountain and we were stuck at the top waiting to go. We thought for sure she would be at the end and freaking out because she was all by herself. We shouldn't have worried. When they gave us the green light all three of us took off down that mountain to "rescue" Abby. She wasn't even to the end yet. We laughed and laughed because she was going so super slow that Mike caught up with her before she even realized she was alone.<br /><br />After that ride, we rode the ski lift again but this time we rode it all the way to the top of the mountain. I'll tell you one thing, that view NEVER gets old. I have mountain blood running through my veins and the sight of them just makes me feel at home. It was really, really cold on that mountain top. <br /><br />After that little detour, we got back on track just in time to get stuck in some holiday traffic. When that busted loose it was smooth sailing all the way to Jessie's house where we followed her and Trevor to our ridiculously cheap hotel room. Not cheap as in a bad room, cheap as in "we feel like we're stealing this is costing us so little". The room was perfect.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more detail rich posts about our trip because I want to document it for our family.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.palsweb.com/menu.htm"></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-3806137694759200542011-11-24T21:23:00.004-06:002011-11-24T21:30:37.804-06:0011-24-11Today I am thankful for:<br /><ul><li>the love of God</li><li>my husband</li><li>my children (all 4 of them, that means you, Jessie:)</li><li>my family</li><li>my friends</li></ul><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!<br />His faithful love endures forever.~Psalm 106:1</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-66586472559542999132011-11-23T22:57:00.002-06:002011-11-23T23:02:13.867-06:0011-23-11Today I am thankful for:<br /> * safety of travel to Nashville<br /> * a good day <br /> * riding a ski lift to the top of a mountainJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-42207965100838734572011-11-22T15:44:00.003-06:002011-11-22T15:51:30.898-06:0011-22-11Today I am thankful for:<br /><ul><li>homemade goodies ready to eat and share</li><li>random hugs from 2 certain tween girls</li><li>comfortable shoes</li><li>anticipation</li><li>hearing, "It smells like Christmas in here" when I am working in the kitchen</li><li>Thanksgiving poems read by aforementioned girls<br /></li></ul>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-11965618024572871852011-11-21T20:41:00.002-06:002011-11-21T20:53:48.020-06:0011-21-11Today I am thankful for:<br /><ul><li>one more day til Nashville</li><li>the soft glow of lamp light at night</li><li>an unexpected gift brought to the door by a sweet friend</li><li>my African violet is still alive</li><li>loofah sponges</li><li>snacks lined up waiting to be packed for our trip</li></ul>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-44897171134286529602011-11-20T18:21:00.005-06:002011-11-20T18:32:45.074-06:0011-20-11Today I am thankful for:<br /><ul><li>memories</li><li>a clean kitchen</li><li>a clean bathroom</li><li>suitcases ready for packing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqkR4yNBLhk/Tsmbp3KaLtI/AAAAAAAABWg/DqzVMwZtn9A/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqkR4yNBLhk/Tsmbp3KaLtI/AAAAAAAABWg/DqzVMwZtn9A/s200/IMAG0293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677239948761771730" border="0" /></a></li><li>my little family of pilgrims. They make me smile when I look at them.</li><li>engagement pictures of Trev and Jessie</li><li>my church family<br /></li></ul>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-42588234930244407102011-11-19T20:19:00.002-06:002011-11-19T20:27:07.409-06:0011-19-11Today I am thankful for:<br /><ul><li>a fresh haircut</li><li>meeting a new sister in Christ that just happened to cut my hair. We had a great conversation surrounding spiritual things. I want to remember to pray for her as she wants to be a witness to her friends and co-workers.</li><li>popcorn<br /></li><li>getting things ready for tomorrow</li><li>talking to my brother</li><li>nice, warm socks</li></ul>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7030395636189595271.post-37736853945358210572011-11-18T21:05:00.003-06:002011-11-18T21:18:39.938-06:0011-18-11Today I am thankful for:<br /><ul><li>working together to rake the leaves to the street so they will get sucked up tomorrow</li><li>an organized attic where we can actually find what we are looking for (a first in our 15 years of having an attic:)</li><li>crisp, cold air</li><li>bad days that make us appreciate the good days</li><li>rocking chairs</li><li>being able to walk 5 minutes to the local pizza place for some hot, fresh pizza</li><li>lazy Friday nights with 3 of my favorite people in the whole world (one in particular is my absolute favorite...forever:)</li><li>a phone call from my sister<br /></li></ul>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996022871828760361noreply@blogger.com0