tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55274982189197995702024-02-06T23:47:14.525-08:00Braving TransitionJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-45605946158977531702016-09-01T11:52:00.000-07:002016-09-01T11:52:17.035-07:00This is the end. Goodbye. Welp, this is my last blog post. After much thought I have decided to end my blog. I can't say I will never do a blog again, but the next one I do will probably be subject specific such as photography or genealogy. I have decided to end this blog for many reasons. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this rock in my parents yard. Sums up my mood about this. </td></tr>
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For starters,<i> Braving Transition</i> isn't so much synonymous with my life anymore. Before, I was in this constant state of change whether it be looking for job, moving, dealing with PCOS, or living through infertility. We have accepted that God blessed us with only one child and no more. God wanted us to put all our energy and focus on one precious gift--and that we will do. The next chapter of our lives has begun and I truly feel like 'braving transition' doesn't describe my life anymore.<br />
I have also met some wonderful women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) online and I now feel there are other ways for me to spread awareness of PCOS and continue to support my 'cysters'. <br />
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We are also in the process of beginning our house hunt again and I am totally excited about this. We have found our happy place, our final place, our home within this town. This is where our new roots finally begin and we couldn't be happier. Even our daughter is fully adjusted to our new town and absolutely loves it. She talks about being a cheerleader for the high school in the future and walks around sporting our towns sports gear. Go Bulldogs!! The warm welcome we have received from this town brings tears to my eyes. Home.<br />
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Another reason for ending my blog is my desire to take a step back from the internet and social media. I am finally taking control of my anxiety and as anyone knows the internet and social media can play games with your mind. <i>Distractions are the devil's way of taking focus off of God's purpose for you.(My own little quote I thought of today). </i><br />
If I do start up another blog it will focus solely on a hobby of mine and simply be an extension of something I enjoy doing already. It will not stray from a specific topic. I need to do that to protect myself and my mental well being.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of this month we will also close another chapter...we say goodbye to the lakehouse. So many memories there over the years. It will be so so missed, but the time has come to hand it off to someone else.<br />
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A third reason for ending this blog is my daughter. She is older now and getting into those sticky, unpredictable preteen years. I don't feel I can talk about her as much anymore because it shouldn't be my decision to put her out there to the world on a blog that is totally public. She is becoming her own person with her own issues and wants and I need to respect her privacy.<br />
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Lastly, I am ending this blog because relationships I have are not a two way street anymore. I am a Communications major. It is my nature to be an open book. I have shared my PCOS, my infertility, and my basic private life on this blog. In doing so, most everyone I know is quite familiar with what goes on in my life. I also recognize and respect the fact that most other people are not as open as I am with their life. That is ok. Nothing wrong with that. However, there also comes a point when your book is wide open and yet everyone around you has a book that is glued and nailed shut. You realize that you know nothing about those around you. You come to see those relationships as a one way street. It is then that you need to pull away, ironically, to strengthen relationships.<br />
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I have enjoyed having a blog to release my creative side and share my experiences with PCOS, infertility, motherhood, and basic transitions in life. I hope to use my creativity through other avenues like photography and writing. I hope to work more with some other wonderful women on spreading PCOS awareness. I also hope to help others going through infertility as my husband and I put that chapter behind us.<br />
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Life is messy, unpredictable, transitional, and a roller coaster filled with love, hope, and triumph. To each his own but live everyday like it is your last.<br />
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Goodbye. <br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-18750920849175248232016-08-06T11:30:00.001-07:002016-08-06T11:30:41.818-07:00Another DIY refinishing project in the books!I have finally completed another furniture refinishing project. Back in the spring my mom found a little old desk at an antique shop (although it is hardly an antique). She bought it with the thought that I could do something with it since I had been wanting a desk for my daughter for awhile. The desk was a little beat up and painted with what appeared to be an attempt at making it look aged and naturally worn but it just wasn't working. The main paint color was an awful brown/gray as you can see in the picture below. There were also very dated pull handles on it which I didn't take a picture of--sorry. <br />
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I began by stripping off the old paint. I used Zinsser Magic Strip Citrus-Action Gel because over the course of my projects I have found this to be the best solution to use. Since this is a gel it stays where you apply it and requires the least amount of effort with little smell. The longer you leave it on the better removal of old paint will be. I apply a generous coat and waited at least an hour or more before beginning to scrape it off. I used a metal putty knife to scrape off what paint I could. Some small areas were harder and I did what I could and used sand paper to get the rest. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started stripping paint on the drawers first and you can see the difference. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More scraping of paint. </td></tr>
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After stripping off what paint I could, I began sanding the entire surface. I hand sanded the smaller areas (mainly the edges and around the drawer areas). I used an electric palm sander for the bigger, flat areas such as the top and sides. I started off with a 220 grit and finished with a 320 grit. I wiped down the entire surface with water before I started painting. </div>
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After sanding I had some deeper gashes and places where some wood was missing so I used wood putty to fill in some of those gaps. I only used this if the scratches or gashes were somewhat shallow and/or small. After the putty dried, I sanded down the touch up areas with a 220 grit followed by a 320 grit. </div>
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Once the stripping, sanding and patching were complete it was time to paint. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalk paint used on the desk (not the drawers) and the wax applied to all chalk paint areas. Purchased at Lowe's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDGsJYIeHoTWHR14JZBhjv0sKNTo8eghXsC3jW6gHraB70Q2lnb4gMNwsdKod_Ae-GEJ12WkaprI61bMgkI6yBzw7fteMLvLefrHO30tplFZK4v0T4qCnnh6DwRzfHfVKxpemKEDmXck/s1600/20160730_164850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDGsJYIeHoTWHR14JZBhjv0sKNTo8eghXsC3jW6gHraB70Q2lnb4gMNwsdKod_Ae-GEJ12WkaprI61bMgkI6yBzw7fteMLvLefrHO30tplFZK4v0T4qCnnh6DwRzfHfVKxpemKEDmXck/s640/20160730_164850.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalk paint used on the front of the drawers- small bottle due to smaller area (bought this at Walmart for around $4.00).</td></tr>
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I used Valspar chalk paint. I like chalk paint because it has a tendency to hide flaws in the wood. Considering this piece of furniture is older and beat up a little, I feel chalk paint works best. I got it tinted to a white called "Kid Gloves". I also picked up sealing wax. After I applied two coats of the chalk paint with a 4 hour wait between coats, I applied a coat of the wax with a brush and let it sit for a minute or two and then buffed it out with a lint free cloth.<br />
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The wood on the top surface of the desk was beautiful and I didn't want to cover it up with paint so I decided to do a stain. I opted for a dark stain to contrast the white and to help cover up some stains that sanding could not remove. <br />
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After staining the top, painting the drawers and rest of the desk, and applying the wax to the chalk paint areas, I used polyurethane on the top stained area. This provides great protection for the top. We applied about 7 generous coats to the top...yes, seven!! We let it 'flash over' for about 5 minutes between coats. On the last coat we let it dry for a week and then sanded down the top a lot to get it smooth. We then applied a thinner final coat for a smoother finish. It took some tweaking to get it right and you may have to sand some more and apply more. <br />
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Lastly, I attached new hardware to the drawers and let the whole desk sit almost a week until the top was dry enough that a fingernail pushed into the top did not leave a mark. I am sure my almost 10 year old will beat this thing up in no time, but at least I have pictures to prove what it <i>did</i> look like at one point in time. LOL!<br />
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Annndddd....onto the next project. Thinking of building a nightstand for our spare bedroom from scratch. My first new build! Power tools! However, now that school is back in session (I have a 4th grader now...what?!) a new project may take awhile. Softball, dance, Girl Scouts....busy time of the year. I will throw in a picture of my daughter on her first day of school for the heck of it:<br />
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Until next time.....Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-44782274892073469562016-07-21T14:00:00.000-07:002016-07-21T14:38:45.051-07:00Summer wind down 6 days. My daughter starts 4th grade in six short days. This summer went by way too fast. Time runs out for more summer activities. However, we were lucky to be able to keep busy and still fill this summer with great memories.<br />
I have been busy going through my 500+ pictures from the last month and working in Photoshop with what little time I have lately. Yep, 500+. That is what happens when you are an amateur photographer and just snap away at anything that inspires you. I took over 150 pictures at the beach/lighthouse in my hometown. I can't remember when I was there last at sunset so I took advantage of the beautiful sky and clicked away.<br />
We also got a good downpour of rain at my parents house and as soon as it stopped I took a walk around the yard snapping away at my mother's gorgeous landscaping. I am always in awe that she takes care of it all herself (with some mowing done on my dad's part).<br />
I am also getting used to utilizing a tripod--as I did with the moon picture. Still need some practice with that <i>and</i> with shooting a night. <br />
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So, as I enjoy this last week with my daughter, here are some pictures I weeded out of those 500+. <br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-43839165121996357302016-07-01T15:02:00.002-07:002016-07-01T15:02:42.425-07:00Toddlers and summer are a better mixSummer vacation is a little more than half over already for my daughter. I feel blessed to get to spend these days with her. I cherish them. However, can I just say this? Toddlers are much easier in the summers than 9 year olds. <i>Seriously</i>. I remember being able to do anything with her or throw anything her way to play with and she would be entertained all day. In those toddler years everything was fun and exciting. We would go in the little baby pool, play with toys, do art projects, play with play-doh, go to the park, cuddle and watch a movie, go to play groups, etc. Now, all I hear is "I'm bored". I ask if she wants to play a game with me...No! I ask if she wants to do an art project...No! If we are not going to the pool or going somewhere 'awesome' like the zoo or children's museum then summer just sucks (her words, not mine). 9 year olds. Ugh. The transition into those pre-teen years is frustrating and takes a lot of change on my end as well. <br />
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We have been keeping as busy as we can with the pool, a trip to the zoo and plenty of time at grandma and grandpa's house. I haven't had a chance to work on Photoshop or write a decent blog post all summer but next week I am alone. Time to get stuff done and do some photography for a local contest and write a better blog post. <br />
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In the meantime, here are recent good times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_YBuHczRrWE3kOEYbyYp8M7qtOlTKbdDKzS4hP7ViU4jgUdsIf0I2-wKtEj0D4tw_92Eu5HcGHWdEQrlA-Lt6cywI3DBV_1R4oXxxJ8Zq1bGNmM7YUppFoCmJJdFP59wbZH9bR0zfUY/s1600/DSC_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_YBuHczRrWE3kOEYbyYp8M7qtOlTKbdDKzS4hP7ViU4jgUdsIf0I2-wKtEj0D4tw_92Eu5HcGHWdEQrlA-Lt6cywI3DBV_1R4oXxxJ8Zq1bGNmM7YUppFoCmJJdFP59wbZH9bR0zfUY/s640/DSC_1124.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsets are beautiful behind our house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j9G_6TNqxgJ8f9Vx3Zz_bFJng1alzi_kvtXVnA5FI-OZDulxAQ6SEWRzdvOziNVhBp9DWzU3IwqxHQJRg7fcwIUWPJHAzDazGHFYKhVenf0cH8n7pAfp_UxppeV_28Y-6YdWNGNDi2s/s1600/DSC_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j9G_6TNqxgJ8f9Vx3Zz_bFJng1alzi_kvtXVnA5FI-OZDulxAQ6SEWRzdvOziNVhBp9DWzU3IwqxHQJRg7fcwIUWPJHAzDazGHFYKhVenf0cH8n7pAfp_UxppeV_28Y-6YdWNGNDi2s/s640/DSC_1391.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times at grandma and grandpa's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS43a1Ku1Eys8jW-IhpravVQa-SbNbbjBAQp2w6qlg_T-EAFaefTBqqKwSn5ishV49u9u4SydS3B1XjTz2CX62_bF_r-BlHe_cxLcXy-BryB44Tz_VMuU0Rv0HxLu8VnMziUUti77VhnI/s1600/DSC_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS43a1Ku1Eys8jW-IhpravVQa-SbNbbjBAQp2w6qlg_T-EAFaefTBqqKwSn5ishV49u9u4SydS3B1XjTz2CX62_bF_r-BlHe_cxLcXy-BryB44Tz_VMuU0Rv0HxLu8VnMziUUti77VhnI/s640/DSC_1468.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold the day we ventured to Lake Michigan, but saw these crazy guys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCdTA3zNzlxs29thdS995JABNtEnMvgVnVerjUmMZLljAvFBpsqyGAwLfIbdMSXBg-eASBL8U7M10hEVu9hjDGwIsnQY7uYVEi4BU0_SiAb3BGyZaFQiAJ67N15XKmQJ4etk4NKKOk9E/s1600/DSC_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCdTA3zNzlxs29thdS995JABNtEnMvgVnVerjUmMZLljAvFBpsqyGAwLfIbdMSXBg-eASBL8U7M10hEVu9hjDGwIsnQY7uYVEi4BU0_SiAb3BGyZaFQiAJ67N15XKmQJ4etk4NKKOk9E/s640/DSC_1513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough Lake Michigan waters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy3_4RSz1wuFou34waZJxHA-ozN4A8IB06siebqXJzCMm4n4W_wAd7a1rxYTxj6wsyNoXyPVhdzOaPiLMj77gUC4oTyagH1WwRhOC3B8e2peOQm8osNil5If9d5DpCxT24VaO9yQgI54/s1600/DSC_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy3_4RSz1wuFou34waZJxHA-ozN4A8IB06siebqXJzCMm4n4W_wAd7a1rxYTxj6wsyNoXyPVhdzOaPiLMj77gUC4oTyagH1WwRhOC3B8e2peOQm8osNil5If9d5DpCxT24VaO9yQgI54/s640/DSC_1525.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mess with Lake Michigan when she is angry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBDIo4vEchZxgLbVU-ANLLTTDDiM-61MPY_0SFTHZ9oizWhiM2-2mUJ5C1KUGGSm9i52Du_1JCEILIMMRy5hfqVXPgxq4zHNHwfkz4VOE53tDMtQETKoKwI9b3-auOqdoYRcHcUbnWio/s1600/DSC_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBDIo4vEchZxgLbVU-ANLLTTDDiM-61MPY_0SFTHZ9oizWhiM2-2mUJ5C1KUGGSm9i52Du_1JCEILIMMRy5hfqVXPgxq4zHNHwfkz4VOE53tDMtQETKoKwI9b3-auOqdoYRcHcUbnWio/s640/DSC_1617.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parent's garden always brings inspiration</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q-PELMoM-eb6FNs8fpFCLQPL9IxOtfXkkTZVD1nQCAuGZ3KddRfkl48FBVNE77DTZQ2DqjzkMoDqFf1MRok8iDvDK2Ok4934cV1Q4_GWm6k_OD9TFLWgbKVjqCYdFBR6_llPXODL2_k/s1600/DSC_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q-PELMoM-eb6FNs8fpFCLQPL9IxOtfXkkTZVD1nQCAuGZ3KddRfkl48FBVNE77DTZQ2DqjzkMoDqFf1MRok8iDvDK2Ok4934cV1Q4_GWm6k_OD9TFLWgbKVjqCYdFBR6_llPXODL2_k/s640/DSC_1545.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lake is beautiful even on a cold and gloomy day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoo Day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hjcf8O-sqzVpw9oQpNXaKBJcqg7C1I8kmA8qCiSX5Jv_84gWmv_zkHKP3wUwY6Kzm4BJKPi_GHyNu9OQZdJB3bq6dOPc9DNnoZ74wHMSV6M05Dmj_oaruRt0DVU-u8Itpx105DHDgfY/s1600/DSC_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hjcf8O-sqzVpw9oQpNXaKBJcqg7C1I8kmA8qCiSX5Jv_84gWmv_zkHKP3wUwY6Kzm4BJKPi_GHyNu9OQZdJB3bq6dOPc9DNnoZ74wHMSV6M05Dmj_oaruRt0DVU-u8Itpx105DHDgfY/s640/DSC_1709.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run like a cheetah!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zd_8F9omLTw6bsnF0wT4fXsYuHKW1YLxvu1OcabOpj64oqwEvrSmepZSBE5izdpihx6i_6dPueH4_yDCfR9fbjvUS5A0bKC_o7R8xKdltH3dtJbWyaWx8xoMLblHpVpufDUppBnlBw8/s1600/DSC_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zd_8F9omLTw6bsnF0wT4fXsYuHKW1YLxvu1OcabOpj64oqwEvrSmepZSBE5izdpihx6i_6dPueH4_yDCfR9fbjvUS5A0bKC_o7R8xKdltH3dtJbWyaWx8xoMLblHpVpufDUppBnlBw8/s640/DSC_1386.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parent's house is my own little retreat<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZRk31IdX4u9Tav9CIuAxKatTZQ8A1U2i9ln-vd62XVkC6ilPWDLqdI0Ge9aTS2Cf5XjUcadd5F4VvqcJxJWvocpmr3I-FnTO9LJBlbs6_cXHgp5AW9ga07FbZV3h5KW8xiRW96alu5M/s1600/DSC_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZRk31IdX4u9Tav9CIuAxKatTZQ8A1U2i9ln-vd62XVkC6ilPWDLqdI0Ge9aTS2Cf5XjUcadd5F4VvqcJxJWvocpmr3I-FnTO9LJBlbs6_cXHgp5AW9ga07FbZV3h5KW8xiRW96alu5M/s640/DSC_1530.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold beach day</td></tr>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-63343013667035304072016-06-09T15:22:00.001-07:002016-06-09T15:22:54.291-07:00Simply Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's summer! It is a short summer for us..only 8 weeks. We are packing in a lot of pool time and family time in those two short months. My daughter starts 4th grade at the end of next month and that is still hard for me accept. She is in those full blown 'tween' years. Ugh. Can we say<i> diva</i>?<br />
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I am also working hard on getting to know my camera better and working with different settings. I haven't had time to work in Photoshop lately so my pictures are true to form right now. I am not a big fan of altering pictures anyway. <br />
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Hopefully my next blog post can have a little more meat to it, but with a 9 year old around whose favorite summertime phrase is, "I'm bored!", I am keeping busy.<br />
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Until next time.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e-LzyXIVhQIK5aKHZ30PPwasdxGpv4g-1A8alzmTbnzHmeILCA6aT7_iVecOKxYCu6u7xL3Vsp23iia1gX2-DmdNcv5yzClbLWh6gy8_3PfpL6hNNOqdsH8NmIxr_5nnNm_ed7fOzus/s1600/DSC_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e-LzyXIVhQIK5aKHZ30PPwasdxGpv4g-1A8alzmTbnzHmeILCA6aT7_iVecOKxYCu6u7xL3Vsp23iia1gX2-DmdNcv5yzClbLWh6gy8_3PfpL6hNNOqdsH8NmIxr_5nnNm_ed7fOzus/s640/DSC_1255.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Day of 3rd grade!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WyJniy0b6BXuwUZ9Q43TUmp3FCZftuFASrdBAIJpr8OQR2tG5LlyTxFaWgDhWnAx8T5hzJkbeoIeLPACPR8DIlm1dEeN34G_Md5TxdlL4LcMQLhnPlhQyhk-OEWDPfJyzauB7_amG0I/s1600/DSC_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WyJniy0b6BXuwUZ9Q43TUmp3FCZftuFASrdBAIJpr8OQR2tG5LlyTxFaWgDhWnAx8T5hzJkbeoIeLPACPR8DIlm1dEeN34G_Md5TxdlL4LcMQLhnPlhQyhk-OEWDPfJyzauB7_amG0I/s640/DSC_1234.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky was beautiful. So I took a picture. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W6PTNPJAxA9OoX2kjW0WjsHgaMMoPkXoGO4rG2MAQT_LJGMt2FeYcbK99VxAh-C3Oqne7wAcdyUfxGiInLyCRAQrJD6Aad1vScVtlI638luPueMx9NRyYKUGEreg0eSSqwIYvSBUIj8/s1600/DSC_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W6PTNPJAxA9OoX2kjW0WjsHgaMMoPkXoGO4rG2MAQT_LJGMt2FeYcbK99VxAh-C3Oqne7wAcdyUfxGiInLyCRAQrJD6Aad1vScVtlI638luPueMx9NRyYKUGEreg0eSSqwIYvSBUIj8/s640/DSC_1284.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our female duck that hangs around the yard. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCu0i61zBZDyMx_UjUrW6So_FDGBc6trNmw8N48rqFgmJMU9MxYa2dYZvQv0faMMJj8zC75B03SyD9QuE53MHal5EMYTR7voacwFtRDM6RERGSlePCgv5UEX1aOLOvAPchtWfRcaAd5Y/s1600/DSC_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCu0i61zBZDyMx_UjUrW6So_FDGBc6trNmw8N48rqFgmJMU9MxYa2dYZvQv0faMMJj8zC75B03SyD9QuE53MHal5EMYTR7voacwFtRDM6RERGSlePCgv5UEX1aOLOvAPchtWfRcaAd5Y/s640/DSC_1285.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got some good shots of our female duck that hangs around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K9Ke7bmBFXC85gV5tCHaTEzM1UVcsJFN5zMDLh8yJTghMjYhnVGspx0R30ty46jUdukwuALl6Pev1Ch4TUwiBCfkrFn119pGcvPKTVdlHOWBUcR7rccc4pyXxK7qo_0tLIAXkXPgC5Y/s1600/DSC_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K9Ke7bmBFXC85gV5tCHaTEzM1UVcsJFN5zMDLh8yJTghMjYhnVGspx0R30ty46jUdukwuALl6Pev1Ch4TUwiBCfkrFn119pGcvPKTVdlHOWBUcR7rccc4pyXxK7qo_0tLIAXkXPgC5Y/s640/DSC_1301.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't have much of a green thumb...I kill plants. I had to snap a picture before they die. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnI8rHydoX-Wa48j1tSVKglcWAkZ9zVPIpfOQETngSr4OK8bq_nNz6TOCdflZBg3jieS5Zjg-NZ5T1oUUZbkpAgJC8K_a5nsAmxLp4XScLTcTCzkhYzBZh-xfiRNVeklqT4zd0AcQaPQ/s1600/DSC_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnI8rHydoX-Wa48j1tSVKglcWAkZ9zVPIpfOQETngSr4OK8bq_nNz6TOCdflZBg3jieS5Zjg-NZ5T1oUUZbkpAgJC8K_a5nsAmxLp4XScLTcTCzkhYzBZh-xfiRNVeklqT4zd0AcQaPQ/s640/DSC_1318.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another plant I will probably end up killing. LOL. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv_-i4Po4PjdYTnhrmu_90Zjzogr3z1Z1rHlY-_5xulMTRiRpkRbw0zSda_E5juWxtV6EFAvGrGrdPiUto_kpTya4s96FxGnYYhWqtp13iHcgrJ1_qp4WB0sJDApFiv83ggho9Cdd8dA/s1600/DSC_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv_-i4Po4PjdYTnhrmu_90Zjzogr3z1Z1rHlY-_5xulMTRiRpkRbw0zSda_E5juWxtV6EFAvGrGrdPiUto_kpTya4s96FxGnYYhWqtp13iHcgrJ1_qp4WB0sJDApFiv83ggho9Cdd8dA/s640/DSC_1328.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two ducks that come every morning and evening to eat the bird seed that falls on the ground in our yard. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWpPw6dPkmwlnEv_TQLTVqIEKSvGp_ap8yk26pV6zla0COTseWVvXmVIoN-LH8ffXyuUnduSEH39Pggp3NONaFdBSNlOhwQwLFcI3KDpr9pPHPOxAtMy0OEqvMHw4QvKe8WGu-WGpiOs/s1600/DSC_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWpPw6dPkmwlnEv_TQLTVqIEKSvGp_ap8yk26pV6zla0COTseWVvXmVIoN-LH8ffXyuUnduSEH39Pggp3NONaFdBSNlOhwQwLFcI3KDpr9pPHPOxAtMy0OEqvMHw4QvKe8WGu-WGpiOs/s640/DSC_1341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birds get crazy around our feeder. They go through it all in less than a day. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEKNmufIhJUDp2-Y6sgM_UdrBtPs0rN43q_8sXMkof9de4lMRLaOnYxcrftTJpJhtEQpSz-X-yVPRvgorlcLdD1NdbdLda5sJZouOnAdWtPRhOiEiaOYdpaM6mEt8HQ3BsCWLhX8cpSc/s1600/DSC_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEKNmufIhJUDp2-Y6sgM_UdrBtPs0rN43q_8sXMkof9de4lMRLaOnYxcrftTJpJhtEQpSz-X-yVPRvgorlcLdD1NdbdLda5sJZouOnAdWtPRhOiEiaOYdpaM6mEt8HQ3BsCWLhX8cpSc/s640/DSC_1359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful bird that comes around a lot. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4q4NYDGrmgTzgWepNisDBcZ4h_p-8ezDZ2Y7lRxH1UpQNUgDNOMPdanlNxZ7_89GD3N_dWjIFJbsHMFbAioJsRRZfgtCFbRo39Y372rr8JeBSyGAa1_E5AQ1Xz220IymBt9hNFMvuTp4/s1600/DSC_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4q4NYDGrmgTzgWepNisDBcZ4h_p-8ezDZ2Y7lRxH1UpQNUgDNOMPdanlNxZ7_89GD3N_dWjIFJbsHMFbAioJsRRZfgtCFbRo39Y372rr8JeBSyGAa1_E5AQ1Xz220IymBt9hNFMvuTp4/s640/DSC_1364.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOR96hHnXQtwmZDuFkk7aMHd3S6DElBcJltcZgzysKvmJBGZxXPW0oeGWCm1A6hK-jh39k8F4J7QywbYRe6MONIzeflDF3f9C3h6PyYyp43UEGhbE4R9b-1hKkXx104Cnhu8GOx8RhHw/s1600/DSC_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOR96hHnXQtwmZDuFkk7aMHd3S6DElBcJltcZgzysKvmJBGZxXPW0oeGWCm1A6hK-jh39k8F4J7QywbYRe6MONIzeflDF3f9C3h6PyYyp43UEGhbE4R9b-1hKkXx104Cnhu8GOx8RhHw/s640/DSC_1367.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the beautiful weather during summer break. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZEShJUC5fGqlZLjGasewooDcNFy3KYxQS8FF12eoQkESIBvLQvnrpZO9xaLUbh_mBbTBH7SrR8RmCyHgI4khLc-2FpGncUKCJ7bGGe4dR-RzL1WiI4Iv7cqvJU2bFOC3e99hGsRn184/s1600/DSC_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZEShJUC5fGqlZLjGasewooDcNFy3KYxQS8FF12eoQkESIBvLQvnrpZO9xaLUbh_mBbTBH7SrR8RmCyHgI4khLc-2FpGncUKCJ7bGGe4dR-RzL1WiI4Iv7cqvJU2bFOC3e99hGsRn184/s640/DSC_1369.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the outdoors...now if I could just pry the electronics out of her hand.....</td></tr>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-75185214206152012572016-04-20T08:46:00.000-07:002016-04-20T08:46:14.492-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-36127955819542000172016-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:002016-03-16T09:28:24.621-07:00Joey Feek's journey is my inspirationI have been sitting on this post for a week now. I wrote it last Wednesday. I know some people close to me who are very private, extremely private. I have had people ask me how I can talk about PCOS and my life so openly. Why not? I have nothing to hide. I am not ashamed of anything. I have been through a lot...from a heart condition as a teenager (which has corrected itself) to PCOS and to what I wrote about in this post. I have received strength from others with PCOS. We all received a little strength from Joey Feek's story. She didn't hide it. If one person out there takes anything away from what I have to say then that makes putting my life out there worth it. 100%. So here is the post as I wrote it a week ago. <br />
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Joey Feek passed away on Friday. I didn't even know who she was until she got sick. I then found myself immersed in her difficult journey as well as her inspirational music. If you don't know, Joey Feek was part of the country music duo Joey + Rory. She bravely battled cervical cancer for almost two years, but lost the battle last week. She (and her husband, Rory) handled it with grace and a strong faith. I like to think she showed us all what life is really about and it certainly isn't the superficial crap we tend to prioritize. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtebMUCgp0RlJ_4jlDFQAxw1aT4EteAqWN3FU5837WkvZM1317QwAsLRCoVvefSsVKVhc9aBkBO2mdCNXQMQ80-AfkjCpP8Mkfb8EBCUdrv0bcRNVE5cGSl6MgHKU8oM43QT4q2THlx4/s1600/5021347623_f0d27ef190_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtebMUCgp0RlJ_4jlDFQAxw1aT4EteAqWN3FU5837WkvZM1317QwAsLRCoVvefSsVKVhc9aBkBO2mdCNXQMQ80-AfkjCpP8Mkfb8EBCUdrv0bcRNVE5cGSl6MgHKU8oM43QT4q2THlx4/s400/5021347623_f0d27ef190_o.jpg" width="400" /></a>There is a reason why I personally took to her story. When I was 19, I was diagnosed with severe cervical dysplasia- precancerous cells one step down from cervical cancer. Immediately, I had a procedure done using an electrical wire loop to remove the bad cells. At that point in time I thought it was over. It would all be fine. I had to see my doctor every few months for the first year to see if the procedure had worked. Almost a year later my doctor told me the precancerous were still hanging around. Here I went..back in for another procedure. This time they would try and freeze off the bad cells. I was only 20 years old. This had to work. I always thought, "I am too young for this. I am young...I can easily fight this off." Again, I had to go in every 3-6 months for check ups. I did well....for the next two years. <i>I beat this. I did it! </i>Wrong.<br />
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When I was 22 another test came back again with severe dysplasia. This time I had to go in for surgery. They had to remove a larger section to fully remove the cells and do a biopsy on them. I had the surgery exactly one year before my husband and I were to get married. We were also told on that day that due to the number of procedures I had already had done that scar tissue may mean we could never have children. Exactly one year before our wedding. To the day. Talk about a punch in the gut.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioM_rjiBdT3hVWvWIw2Lyw1DV3DIYmmW2xgObSQv5yPjUrLfNdBjjSJ2my3P9poFKGz6kugRYc5GAGFfvDn8_CZpyvQWMdUIzfhBQMp8MPijEHthQvkwWAbmO6LhlkWIdzT0c3QFvZLwU/s1600/Spring+and+Summer+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioM_rjiBdT3hVWvWIw2Lyw1DV3DIYmmW2xgObSQv5yPjUrLfNdBjjSJ2my3P9poFKGz6kugRYc5GAGFfvDn8_CZpyvQWMdUIzfhBQMp8MPijEHthQvkwWAbmO6LhlkWIdzT0c3QFvZLwU/s400/Spring+and+Summer+026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stone in my parents yard makes me smile every time I see it. </td></tr>
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I can tell you that I started to believe that I would not be around to see my 30th birthday. All these procedures were not working. My hope was strong, but began to waver when the surgery rolled around. I was newly engaged and had a whole life planned out. This was not something that is part of anyone's plans.<br />
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The surgery was a success. I went back every six months for check ups and every test started coming back clear. They came back great for five years. Five years of putting our future into motion...graduating from college, getting married, moving to a new city, building a house. I got diagnosed with PCOS in those five years, but learned that I could manage those symptoms (most of the time). We still had the hope that despite everything we could still somehow, someway, have children. Years of trying for children passed by. I then had another appointment for a check up on my cervical cells five years after the surgery. The severe dysplasia was back. <i>Shit. </i><br />
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I had to go in for a procedure to remove the bad cells....yet again. This time everything was different. I got to the office and they immediately did a pregnancy test. Negative. Ok. It had been years. That was not exactly shocking. The doctor came in to the room. She paused and just looked at me with a look of concern on her face. She said she had a bad feeling. She knew we wanted children and she knew another procedure would hinder that even more. She just said straight to me, "I have a bad feeling. I think we need to leave this alone for now." She told us to come back in 3 months and we could discuss what to do. Yep...I won't live to see 30. That is what I had in my head even though I try to be a positive person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5KtTJyTNdDCVa8b58MnX8iJRD4WYt6sJ8-l8xwYYl5hdRXyGDhbDwVhgjGaY25i_WM3sNi_dohX66ghyaIMhUpwb9hpw-4VkmI1O5aenPKFR_x4J42oZ3l5oE6EXyMk62Pl8U_3UXeA/s1600/DSC_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5KtTJyTNdDCVa8b58MnX8iJRD4WYt6sJ8-l8xwYYl5hdRXyGDhbDwVhgjGaY25i_WM3sNi_dohX66ghyaIMhUpwb9hpw-4VkmI1O5aenPKFR_x4J42oZ3l5oE6EXyMk62Pl8U_3UXeA/s400/DSC_0747.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why I am here. </td></tr>
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We went home deflated. We didn't know what to do...or what to think. Three days later after not feeling the greatest I took another pregnancy test on a whim. IT WAS POSITIVE! After all we had been through we were going to have a baby.<br />
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When I went back to the doctor for my first check up she told us it was a blessing we did not do another procedure for the bad cells because I probably would have lost the pregnancy (it was too early for the test in the office to come back positive the day of the scheduled procedure). After an ultrasound, the heartbeat was great and although I had a cyst on my ovary, my doctor believed everything would be fine. She was right...I had a great pregnancy. We have our only child...our little girl. I am so grateful my doctor had that "bad feeling" that day or else we would not have her. God works in mysterious ways. I knew for sure he was with me and my doctor that day.<br />
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Even more mysterious is that ever since our daughter was born every pap smear has come back clean. 10 years. 10 blessed years. I hold my breath at my yearly check up, but my hope is a raging inferno. I may not have my dream job, I may not have the three kids I wanted, I may need to lose weight, I may have my imperfections but you know what? I am here. I just wish Joey Feek could still be here to see her child grow up, but what I take away from her is that every day is precious. Every day truly is a gift from God. Joey knew that and lived her last days with courage that I can only dream to possess. I can only strive to live a life like hers...with faith and humility. Why I am still here is part of his plan. I will make the most of these days that at age 22 I thought I would <i>never</i> have. <br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-14035979333300252652016-02-08T11:26:00.000-08:002016-02-08T11:26:07.903-08:00Unexpected Transitions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblsFuL2etuOWeq9BC_vMYcxVL9SdM1tA_F99KjQpVvxUhRB3pvdVT-ShLL_fzIdFg2ysFcOuHIBGql8ImucObTcSI6XSznh6e2dUI_GLz_UqKB8uRSkkoXBlcX6JXruopHteqpkZqvRo/s1600/Dad+and+me0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblsFuL2etuOWeq9BC_vMYcxVL9SdM1tA_F99KjQpVvxUhRB3pvdVT-ShLL_fzIdFg2ysFcOuHIBGql8ImucObTcSI6XSznh6e2dUI_GLz_UqKB8uRSkkoXBlcX6JXruopHteqpkZqvRo/s400/Dad+and+me0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my dad hanging out in the backyard of my first childhood home.</td></tr>
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When I changed the name of my blog last year the meaning behind "Braving Transition" came about while reflecting on my life as I grasp the realization of infertility and accept life with only one child. However, January 2016 has brought about a new definition of "Braving Transition" that has nothing to do with infertility. <br />
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After a recent loss in my family I commented to my husband that life had changed. Life has slipped into a new reality without any warning. Transition of generations, passing on traditions that may not be upheld. As I sat in my childhood church for the funeral and later in the church hall where so many family wedding receptions took place and where I ate lunch everyday while at the Catholic school, I think about those traditions and rich Polish heritage. I wonder if it will all be forgotten with my generation. <br />
Will it all fade away? <br />
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I call my parents more than they call me now just to see how they are doing. On my trip to my hometown last month my mom felt it necessary to explain what all of her last wishes are and what arrangements she and my father would want. I just kept saying, "okay okay, whatever mom. Let's talk about something else". Yep. It's here. The next stage of my life. By the way...I don't like it. Not one bit. I had this overwhelming feeling that I was no longer just a child in the
family being dragged along or told where to go or what to do. I am an
adult. We are no longer the ones being taken care of, but rather the
ones who have to step up and take care of family around us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh7C7r03wgDmKlbeRicSGo8KxYPqmYu9IHJQ3pBYvAAcBWMbPjX1r6GB-hyUcWN57K8XvaLtiSdLd9J9bOOMLYXQWsavnWbs988daAU0owxGNX1vr-XVA2YFqz01ItNfVd_UBJaf0D0g/s1600/Emma+late+spring4+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh7C7r03wgDmKlbeRicSGo8KxYPqmYu9IHJQ3pBYvAAcBWMbPjX1r6GB-hyUcWN57K8XvaLtiSdLd9J9bOOMLYXQWsavnWbs988daAU0owxGNX1vr-XVA2YFqz01ItNfVd_UBJaf0D0g/s400/Emma+late+spring4+07.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our daughter is my biggest reflection of life transitions.</td></tr>
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I have never been good at change which is ironic considering how much we have moved around. Seeing myself in this new role in life is just as much "Braving Transition" as the realities of infertility. Trying to find your place in this point in time can be a challenge. <br />
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Transitions are everywhere, everyday. Nothing stays the same. I know this. I don't expect life to remain static. Even life with our daughter is in transition. This week we have to go shopping because somehow in two weeks none of her clothes fit. What?! We also opened a college fund for her recently. We test drove new cars this past weekend and I commented that by the time she gets her license she can have the car we buy this year. Wait...what?!? I am not good with change..can you tell?<br />
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I can be cliche and say, "Life goes by fast, enjoy every minute". We all know that to be true. What I take from this transition is "what can we learn from the generation before us?", "what can we pass on to our children", and "how can we keep the essence of our family, heritage, and culture alive?" <br />
Those are the questions that come to mind when thinking of this new idea of "Braving Transition". <br />
What can you learn from your family and your traditions? Think about it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycdaMTD3X04bm2Lkky5-Ou4_jn8UiXwB_oorg9rv3EMS2nVxBDGl2yJCz0Zv2t95a2YBUIC187zXOx8s-pgTa9dkyLLJca3I-l-2g9PxUaCOY_woVcPNsYiNe0hdepH6O0yDRlVadMmw/s1600/williamsburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycdaMTD3X04bm2Lkky5-Ou4_jn8UiXwB_oorg9rv3EMS2nVxBDGl2yJCz0Zv2t95a2YBUIC187zXOx8s-pgTa9dkyLLJca3I-l-2g9PxUaCOY_woVcPNsYiNe0hdepH6O0yDRlVadMmw/s640/williamsburg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom, me, and my sister in Williamsburg, Virginia sometime in the 80's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKcTBCyHNAWMla12IatT1aNpqr5M-JolM3oCWS7RUnV0u3npsrkMUpBBmRwCePr6SMv02LcViiE0bO3RIvFWhyphenhyphen4k9DyivZ9I5TBrVVg1zr5hWDgPT2EPV02poKJKgoUzhJn1rw7b-1wU/s1600/Jen+age+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKcTBCyHNAWMla12IatT1aNpqr5M-JolM3oCWS7RUnV0u3npsrkMUpBBmRwCePr6SMv02LcViiE0bO3RIvFWhyphenhyphen4k9DyivZ9I5TBrVVg1zr5hWDgPT2EPV02poKJKgoUzhJn1rw7b-1wU/s640/Jen+age+3.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and a Cookie Monster shirt. My dad was an amateur photographer and now I am...transitions at work. </td></tr>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-17635885018204807752016-01-04T12:58:00.000-08:002016-01-04T12:58:04.376-08:00New Year, New Check Marks<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdhsnCk9dRUsyGayXB0JEZ9M0abFHCEPSb-DleXO2lNvSNTNk91LxVElegxTgBAcSh8_-VARxQJIQ14-mdfGFNqjYfm3h2sqvrhulnoeKVDr6qb4WIwMuyh4ASnAUqbfevxeSDZl69Mw/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdhsnCk9dRUsyGayXB0JEZ9M0abFHCEPSb-DleXO2lNvSNTNk91LxVElegxTgBAcSh8_-VARxQJIQ14-mdfGFNqjYfm3h2sqvrhulnoeKVDr6qb4WIwMuyh4ASnAUqbfevxeSDZl69Mw/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" width="400" /></a>2016. I am always shocked by how fast time flies by. My daughter will be 10 this year. I can't wrap my head around that at all. I know a lot of you out there probably have at least one resolution this new year. Not me. I have found that when making these grand statements around the new year they are simply done out of tradition, habit. Those resolutions are more than likely dust in the wind by Valentine's Day.<br />
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I prefer to envision what I want this year to look like come December 31st. Last year on New Year's Day I saw 2015 as a year of growth and a year that would end with very little waves made throughout the year. In simple speak--I wanted 2015 to be quiet and somewhat boring. I got my wish. Maybe not all of you wish for a boring year. Who wants boring? Well....me. We have moved around a lot (selling houses sucks by the way), gone through job changes, had recent years with poor health of close relatives, and in 2015 all I wanted was calm. We got exactly what we envisioned.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0_am_ZiP9F2tZeW02MD-aWKh_Aq8hdfg6HH55FNxGDV6tf9nsH0llMLIeJgWx4hi5hO0dF2d-hU_QoA6GbHuFzcXS4Q9t4kwkO7ZtnVY7vj4sOIjjmnXIQ4rmSbtpEFWm2a7D-Nk_7c/s1600/New+camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0_am_ZiP9F2tZeW02MD-aWKh_Aq8hdfg6HH55FNxGDV6tf9nsH0llMLIeJgWx4hi5hO0dF2d-hU_QoA6GbHuFzcXS4Q9t4kwkO7ZtnVY7vj4sOIjjmnXIQ4rmSbtpEFWm2a7D-Nk_7c/s400/New+camera.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Christmas present ever! </td></tr>
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In 2016 I want to see check marks. Uh? What? Well, I want to knock stuff off a to do list. I want to make progress and grow by leaps and bounds this year. I already have my first check mark and it is January 4th. I paid off a student loan...my largest student loan. This is huge for me. I went to a private college for 3 of my 5 years of schooling and was solely responsible for paying for it myself. Maybe loans were not the way to go but I got my degree and that is what matters most. Check!<br />
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There so many other items on our check list this year such as beginning the process of saving and looking for a house, getting rid of a couple of other bills, get healthy and eat better, get a job, spend more time with my parents, get out and enjoy the outdoors more, and take my passion further.<br />
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For Christmas my husband surprised me with a new camera. For the last year I have not even had the desire to take photos. My camera had failed me. My passion took a back seat and it really effected me. Now, with this new camera, I can once again pursue my passion and maybe take it to the next level and try to sell some of my photos. My husband knows me too well and knew what would get to my heart. He brought my passion back and for that I am grateful. <br />
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So here is to a year full of check marks. No grand statements about something big I am going to do or be better at, etc. Just a year of knocking seemingly simple items off my list. <br />
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Happy New Year! What are your check marks for the year?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuWcULAIZ2QiQ2_PfXAbhRm2qC53oywL5JKI84n1A4i7FZ6DrN08pxcKRibLAYnZV5WSOk_qyKROOdZ_5LdbdUulPW_QRqqUWFSWALC4mIEb5vDLAH-ffVskmYjnfO91SZQuw2RNJx4E/s1600/new+camera2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuWcULAIZ2QiQ2_PfXAbhRm2qC53oywL5JKI84n1A4i7FZ6DrN08pxcKRibLAYnZV5WSOk_qyKROOdZ_5LdbdUulPW_QRqqUWFSWALC4mIEb5vDLAH-ffVskmYjnfO91SZQuw2RNJx4E/s640/new+camera2.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new baby. Nikon D7100 pictured here with the 300mm lens with lens hood. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowiiz_bKPuBWMs6k8_TteFlit4IYcTya1b0E0AjnLdnIp1ukjIsx2qhXaBEvw2NSg29dNqMZ0jC9D4jHH3R9VQ6vPlzfyYTSWrWRjli5qyNr965MFTgSeeFLtSxc1P01Y3ZJXJttuPpo/s1600/DSC_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowiiz_bKPuBWMs6k8_TteFlit4IYcTya1b0E0AjnLdnIp1ukjIsx2qhXaBEvw2NSg29dNqMZ0jC9D4jHH3R9VQ6vPlzfyYTSWrWRjli5qyNr965MFTgSeeFLtSxc1P01Y3ZJXJttuPpo/s640/DSC_0335.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing around with my new camera and my daughter now claims my old Canon as hers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiF0qtrzNCsIwvjyNZVis4AHyfzSls7nGcn5-J-0tzrIBSH0nyI4s1lTlqOZFRJF1hIcr-EXC50kYI8ci4Jw4eZHF2LsRGnQOA7xeALcJwbD24MxzbXBLN-vUYWXAdV3s7NMerm3jRHwM/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiF0qtrzNCsIwvjyNZVis4AHyfzSls7nGcn5-J-0tzrIBSH0nyI4s1lTlqOZFRJF1hIcr-EXC50kYI8ci4Jw4eZHF2LsRGnQOA7xeALcJwbD24MxzbXBLN-vUYWXAdV3s7NMerm3jRHwM/s640/DSC_0147.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More playing around with the new camera- color selection setting. Picture of our new favorite ornament.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WxDcDE7IrxsU2sOWdyCaYbsYHrC-Qtq8Nx1p3qR-pInKRrof3HTG7ReqbvzGO4wTkw5nlhPMaS0njjqAnfWJPZ0ZubFqe6Bgvn9rpWtuEULCGePVUOP-T7jBxTtKzx-6Wth2PJ84UgI/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WxDcDE7IrxsU2sOWdyCaYbsYHrC-Qtq8Nx1p3qR-pInKRrof3HTG7ReqbvzGO4wTkw5nlhPMaS0njjqAnfWJPZ0ZubFqe6Bgvn9rpWtuEULCGePVUOP-T7jBxTtKzx-6Wth2PJ84UgI/s640/DSC_0122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Day and playing with the new camera</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybSeQg9upOH0b-vjK3OVPxjHmtT_pOfLuxt0ERYWOsy4dfg19QT4XqRApIBnBi0_7QHCy72xihBkP1UY0-lYRWU69cuz5SuYEy2-VDSMYLX_feqRgxElHRaqW158msDLdvH3lYWOrJBQ/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybSeQg9upOH0b-vjK3OVPxjHmtT_pOfLuxt0ERYWOsy4dfg19QT4XqRApIBnBi0_7QHCy72xihBkP1UY0-lYRWU69cuz5SuYEy2-VDSMYLX_feqRgxElHRaqW158msDLdvH3lYWOrJBQ/s640/DSC_0077.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the settings on the Nikon. </td></tr>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-18473328742211051472015-11-23T14:20:00.000-08:002015-11-23T14:20:09.018-08:00I Am My Own Teacher<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>or the past few months I have been my own professor. I am teaching myself Photoshop and InDesign. Photoshop was a challenge, but I feel I have a grip on the basic essentials of the program. I can't believe I have been doing photography without Photoshop. However, what you usually see of my photos are natural considering I didn't have the software to enhance. Photoshop is great for when you need to add things or change a background for print (meaning magazines and such), but for everyday photography I think its best to stay natural and true to the elements in which you took the photograph. Photoshop has so many uses besides making someone's complexion look perfect or slimming them down. <br />
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InDesign is more up my alley. I have always been in love with design....whether it is print layout design or interior design. I have been doing design since my days on my high school newspaper staff. Technology has changed so much since I was in college that I was afraid I would struggle with InDesign. I was pleasantly surprised that InDesign is not much different from my days of QuarkXpress on the Mac computers in college. After a day of familiarizing myself with the essentials, I was breezing through a creation of a brochure, business card, and magazine cover layout. Now onto adding it all into my portfolio and continuing to learn. <br />
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As I have gone through these programs I have used a lot of my own photography. I forgot I had taken some pictures at my parents awhile back and wanted to share. Not my greatest work, but my camera is crapping out on me and I am hoping a new one is in my future (along with a sweet 300 mm lens!). These pictures are untouched by Photoshop as you can probably tell. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2hGBKi54wKHMEs2WmA5E3OGKsTnMtBJJBqlNgN9ZORPP2466gJfZ0w1UEs5-DYCPgAcQL9kqMpB8iC13NLYMzYIy4wVOceM3K5nnaFVefU2XR2cYNgdJKiwSoTREeQkZbblf4D9kP28/s1600/IMG_0106+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2hGBKi54wKHMEs2WmA5E3OGKsTnMtBJJBqlNgN9ZORPP2466gJfZ0w1UEs5-DYCPgAcQL9kqMpB8iC13NLYMzYIy4wVOceM3K5nnaFVefU2XR2cYNgdJKiwSoTREeQkZbblf4D9kP28/s640/IMG_0106+%25281%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bench in my parent's front yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a park close to my parent's house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L8m6XfwNUyNryDmL5GEO8HZgyOrM2gSAd71GTZLBqTbKkboBYwZrHV09rV5_X36HN_SN7xhKH57kBj4g855DYLctflLI1DVnGEBEtQyVzbXuCMbSiUeMpZsLcNa8yrBF56AF_AxLglo/s1600/October-+Pumpkins+at+Garwood+Orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L8m6XfwNUyNryDmL5GEO8HZgyOrM2gSAd71GTZLBqTbKkboBYwZrHV09rV5_X36HN_SN7xhKH57kBj4g855DYLctflLI1DVnGEBEtQyVzbXuCMbSiUeMpZsLcNa8yrBF56AF_AxLglo/s640/October-+Pumpkins+at+Garwood+Orchard.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting pumpkins at my favorite orchard- Garwood's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsHMb11gtQj26hfSIAxM0WGMSiFqXHfCCnUssXebPDmtDIyosSjIHcTgGCO2gHhDQE288RVM-QvjamsHjx3A_Z591TSZ0yaVnn_nAnHWdgU6Hk2bXHlP4_0n_QnwFIlhQzvpI5VWjg8k/s1600/October-getting+pumpkins+at+Garwood+Orchards+in+LaPorte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsHMb11gtQj26hfSIAxM0WGMSiFqXHfCCnUssXebPDmtDIyosSjIHcTgGCO2gHhDQE288RVM-QvjamsHjx3A_Z591TSZ0yaVnn_nAnHWdgU6Hk2bXHlP4_0n_QnwFIlhQzvpI5VWjg8k/s640/October-getting+pumpkins+at+Garwood+Orchards+in+LaPorte.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My my favorite orchard- Garwood's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWpJ0MrwQAPY_ZxtPZD9aKSEiOhFH1xtmp5vWFyJEiM1F90jRNcJmA3nvZW2QySwLzPK48LW3KVolU17QTKBAsaYWh2SVt2l_rbdxGfnPt3N_CdMLiphHByjG8KfL84H9qxBHeycL2M8/s1600/IMG_0119+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWpJ0MrwQAPY_ZxtPZD9aKSEiOhFH1xtmp5vWFyJEiM1F90jRNcJmA3nvZW2QySwLzPK48LW3KVolU17QTKBAsaYWh2SVt2l_rbdxGfnPt3N_CdMLiphHByjG8KfL84H9qxBHeycL2M8/s640/IMG_0119+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parent's backyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nt2hFYePzpRYO0hUJaoItinzXcvFSM7UA6rB07sMRGx7K8q9ftVWDUCtNz99ROtMSu9NsqgONbX7hQniJiUXeuSrDud3w_wvKfxz1rxKIl2dsDMOROyiIF9t1w_Fgdbp7kCOn__YA4M/s1600/IMG_0115+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nt2hFYePzpRYO0hUJaoItinzXcvFSM7UA6rB07sMRGx7K8q9ftVWDUCtNz99ROtMSu9NsqgONbX7hQniJiUXeuSrDud3w_wvKfxz1rxKIl2dsDMOROyiIF9t1w_Fgdbp7kCOn__YA4M/s640/IMG_0115+%25281%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fence along my mom's garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3FvM4_9PuRCbNsG3MD5eHgx79HLAeIK-bkv4peJIDuGnZOWWPpipvT9MGqszq5MC6HOWr8aZyJZQI51lgLSFkoTubKGGG75rlh2E4n3RBZscbPL68lFrdLiMFS93olkf0W7XAdfHmqw/s1600/IMG_0122+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3FvM4_9PuRCbNsG3MD5eHgx79HLAeIK-bkv4peJIDuGnZOWWPpipvT9MGqszq5MC6HOWr8aZyJZQI51lgLSFkoTubKGGG75rlh2E4n3RBZscbPL68lFrdLiMFS93olkf0W7XAdfHmqw/s640/IMG_0122+%25281%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parent's backyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parent's backyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught this after my mom watered her garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wind chimes nestled up against the woods </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-27650207218532343142015-10-30T11:04:00.000-07:002015-10-30T11:04:51.072-07:00Always time for a break from life--in the Smoky Mountains<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPezXNElsrV6rP7rEyVmK8NDHGVKP8PGP7uJP-ttcjDWiI18Lj-iL596luiYPXlg6RTcwojloymfY9fzLpH_93wTyS7899JXXdCpLxkA6_i70NHnxW0k4_LDxY6v7ydIJmZ1RqSyESkfk/s1600/IMG_0124+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPezXNElsrV6rP7rEyVmK8NDHGVKP8PGP7uJP-ttcjDWiI18Lj-iL596luiYPXlg6RTcwojloymfY9fzLpH_93wTyS7899JXXdCpLxkA6_i70NHnxW0k4_LDxY6v7ydIJmZ1RqSyESkfk/s400/IMG_0124+%25282%2529.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains</td></tr>
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My absolute favorite time of the year. Autumn. I am simply a happier person in the fall. My daughter has two weeks of fall break. It is usually a bear to keep her busy for two weeks, but this year we kept insanely busy. Week one, my daughter and I went to see my parents. No big plans. No frills. Just us and my parents and I loved every second. Visiting my parents is a vacation for me. I am in love with their house and the land that surrounds it. I get to see my hometown and visit with my sister, niece, and nephew. Nothing is any sweeter.<br />
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Week two my husband, my daughter and I went to the Smoky Mountains. My husband and I went there for our honeymoon 13.5 years ago and I have been wanting to go back ever since. We rented a cabin between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. It was totally secluded and out of the way on some crazy back roads. The tree colors were barely changing when we arrived, but by the end of the week they were really popping. I am glad we got to experience the Smokies during the fall, but I have to say that I doubt I will ever go back this time of year. The crowds were insane and the traffic to get into the park and Gatlinburg were at slow crawls most of the day. After day one we learned our lesson and got up pretty early to beat the traffic and crowds. Totally worth not sleeping in. <br />
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We did the typical Cades Cove and Clingman's Dome, but we also did a hike to Laural Falls which was beautiful. I did some investigating and found a little entrance to the park called 'Greenbrier' about 7 miles east outside of Gatlinburg that is a mostly gravel road about 6 miles long leading to two trail heads. It runs along a little river and the photo opportunities are spectacular. We were able to walk out onto the river via many rocks and boulders. It was a wonderful way to spend part of my husband's birthday. If I had a heaven on earth it would be Greenbrier.<br />
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My highlights including sitting on a rock next to a river and having a chipmunk try to climb up my back. I have never jumped so high in my life. Being the photographer that I am, I ventured out onto some shady rocks in the middle of a river and ended up with one leg completely drenched and laughing at myself so hard that my other foot fell in. I loved every minute.<br />
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We had a raccoon visit the deck of our cabin every night. He would just stare up at us as we looked at him through the window. On our drive through Cades Cove we were lucky enough to see a momma bear and two cubs right next to the road as they munched on food. I got a lousy picture because a ranger stood nearby telling us not to stop and keep moving. Still...it was a great experience for our daughter. <br />
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I loved every minute of our vacation. Actually, having reservations and going someplace is the only way I can get my husband to take a vacation. He even admitted that if we had not had this planned he would have cancelled his vacation. He is a total workaholic, but after 17 years together I am a little too used to it. Even though his bosses insisted he take a vacation, I know I have to plan something or else he would never take vacations. <i>Sigh</i>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cades Coves- Smoky Mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter and I in Cades Cove<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cades Cove--we took an off the beaten path road because believe me, traffic was backed up here. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurel Falls just outside of Gatlinburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way back to Gatlinburg after day one </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter and husband at the main entrance to the park</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad phone picture--but our daughter ice skated for the first time at Ober Gatlinburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utterly beautiful week</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We played miniature golf on a hillside course called 'Hillbilly Golf' </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ21uEz0e0VnC2Wq2XbFwXGW5zuEgytMAJX20IZWIenS-o67fryL89hSUa4mf0JwdEi0V8RxXqPNAiY2cvqkdWLBtSY826YJnrU2LOt7HbeqELi7pzjHvttyLBSqPCS0f_suGjPcMXlQ8/s1600/Smoky+Mountains-+Nick+and+Jen+enjoying+beer+and+pretzal+at+Oktoberfest+Ober+Gatlinburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ21uEz0e0VnC2Wq2XbFwXGW5zuEgytMAJX20IZWIenS-o67fryL89hSUa4mf0JwdEi0V8RxXqPNAiY2cvqkdWLBtSY826YJnrU2LOt7HbeqELi7pzjHvttyLBSqPCS0f_suGjPcMXlQ8/s640/Smoky+Mountains-+Nick+and+Jen+enjoying+beer+and+pretzal+at+Oktoberfest+Ober+Gatlinburg.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg meant my husband and I enjoying our favorite beer- 'Spatan' from Germany</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNS_Uf8GCk1KZkB0WROZmSuBDRINkhyB0dZZ0LZL2UTWj-dqV4-vE6gcORmXyzdp-hSZB-nDwyBT88jAe8986XZ5PBfxf2SpDWwZEUFXjenlk3k4hw1ni1-7dL7ixCq5pvbYGZZKCwc4/s1600/Smoky+Mountains-+Nick%252C+Jen+and+Emmaliza+at+Hillbilly+Golf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNS_Uf8GCk1KZkB0WROZmSuBDRINkhyB0dZZ0LZL2UTWj-dqV4-vE6gcORmXyzdp-hSZB-nDwyBT88jAe8986XZ5PBfxf2SpDWwZEUFXjenlk3k4hw1ni1-7dL7ixCq5pvbYGZZKCwc4/s640/Smoky+Mountains-+Nick%252C+Jen+and+Emmaliza+at+Hillbilly+Golf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing up our Hillbilly Golf adventure</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJixrKw_NuvJnDPdW4TWfP62QfIoGMwMZtlNUaGB9G0ubnfCwsyiKSDunOWl6jDgIziv6mT8eXe-WClWRHVglAXy5nFIwKjEHPW5FClaHtckXZzhE-V5qP_hBFPtO00qTX5yTGWNJUz4/s1600/Smoky+Mountains-+Ripley%2527s+Aquarium-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJixrKw_NuvJnDPdW4TWfP62QfIoGMwMZtlNUaGB9G0ubnfCwsyiKSDunOWl6jDgIziv6mT8eXe-WClWRHVglAXy5nFIwKjEHPW5FClaHtckXZzhE-V5qP_hBFPtO00qTX5yTGWNJUz4/s640/Smoky+Mountains-+Ripley%2527s+Aquarium-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful jellyfish at Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXw5gkdXx_TvwqwL3N51HfqICqnCFnZLdS1XyyzKxehU3O4uTW_P7VenlutESLJC0YXo-ptT9dB_e6zBlW9gG54VvXkyx4v7_UjKEhYRczgeBUOq1nSvaXem2B2u1NTkSX6voNulbcGg/s1600/Gatlinburg+vacation-October+2015-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXw5gkdXx_TvwqwL3N51HfqICqnCFnZLdS1XyyzKxehU3O4uTW_P7VenlutESLJC0YXo-ptT9dB_e6zBlW9gG54VvXkyx4v7_UjKEhYRczgeBUOq1nSvaXem2B2u1NTkSX6voNulbcGg/s640/Gatlinburg+vacation-October+2015-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our daughter in 'The Village' in Gatlinburg after breakfast at the 'Pancake Pantry'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xd4k_XD5QQTgoOefdZo2fp1ZL_OziaZQdlmjVjMQnSGMgXfXy4zUbyUePJhFOXMsOezRwmVOD9aYo_sVyb_Pxd15b7Xv-UY2lVdB2zHvvbF0SbIjjkFhisu-sXhyvzkmmy8X-TJP-kk/s1600/Gatlinburg+vacation-October+2015-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xd4k_XD5QQTgoOefdZo2fp1ZL_OziaZQdlmjVjMQnSGMgXfXy4zUbyUePJhFOXMsOezRwmVOD9aYo_sVyb_Pxd15b7Xv-UY2lVdB2zHvvbF0SbIjjkFhisu-sXhyvzkmmy8X-TJP-kk/s640/Gatlinburg+vacation-October+2015-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gatlinburg in the early morning was so peaceful </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMddmeFq2GSt4GcxQKjOvXDsBp-MzQboDJLYvxJkd2aPFEILL8USlrFK46li8X5sTFJTnRmXxsVx_BsP5P0f3eNVkjHBtwTQd-5i2nEGzptvPDWiT5QtLH28tpdXCel4DnJozT4uRgKxI/s1600/Greenbriar+Cove+in+Smoky+Mountains2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMddmeFq2GSt4GcxQKjOvXDsBp-MzQboDJLYvxJkd2aPFEILL8USlrFK46li8X5sTFJTnRmXxsVx_BsP5P0f3eNVkjHBtwTQd-5i2nEGzptvPDWiT5QtLH28tpdXCel4DnJozT4uRgKxI/s640/Greenbriar+Cove+in+Smoky+Mountains2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An off the beaten path gem in the Smokies- Greenbrier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpERmg7uqnYhH5BoyGGZPAAvBWa-Es4T4-Vtb2XlziiU2HlAtckDq4iBvcofuvmvyZLovrBSDA0z_PXkgsurRF70LttjDycDxlEkEMFFh0slrhT-J9LfZRKMRu1L_EoGW4Bger4GqLNQ0/s1600/Greenbriar+Cove+in+Smoky+Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpERmg7uqnYhH5BoyGGZPAAvBWa-Es4T4-Vtb2XlziiU2HlAtckDq4iBvcofuvmvyZLovrBSDA0z_PXkgsurRF70LttjDycDxlEkEMFFh0slrhT-J9LfZRKMRu1L_EoGW4Bger4GqLNQ0/s640/Greenbriar+Cove+in+Smoky+Mountains.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad I pushed my husband and daughter to try out this off the beaten path road in the Smokies- Greenbrier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWH0IB5JxWHqelRfH2R6PCtsH70vPi-D_jWFpBv2nubYHw6Ekwti9_HryK3GSIzNXCLdbxY2IujLN5-VswZH7sDWz_AcKUjeKVJYhyphenhypheng6ZzmKjT4vcKiBv5b6bxOaARhD7hRv87BbuX1I/s1600/Clingman%2527s+Dome-Smoky+Mountains-October+2015-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWH0IB5JxWHqelRfH2R6PCtsH70vPi-D_jWFpBv2nubYHw6Ekwti9_HryK3GSIzNXCLdbxY2IujLN5-VswZH7sDWz_AcKUjeKVJYhyphenhypheng6ZzmKjT4vcKiBv5b6bxOaARhD7hRv87BbuX1I/s640/Clingman%2527s+Dome-Smoky+Mountains-October+2015-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our hike up to Clingman's Dome- sunny and 73 degrees that day. Simply stunning day. </td></tr>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-60590075735155086272015-09-22T09:51:00.001-07:002015-09-22T09:51:38.988-07:00Power in the number 1 <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rav3nVnmaTfbhICV_wLd9-JOYu_bow4GYa37N3Jh01Ws56opt6wkVi_WGYwxMXrER6tYJe4twetNIx48_wD1UB8Djm3mckXs3M8_SYCVoYx_r8U6kEacx8QInkzGyGdZqA9fJHrMUYU/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rav3nVnmaTfbhICV_wLd9-JOYu_bow4GYa37N3Jh01Ws56opt6wkVi_WGYwxMXrER6tYJe4twetNIx48_wD1UB8Djm3mckXs3M8_SYCVoYx_r8U6kEacx8QInkzGyGdZqA9fJHrMUYU/s400/IMG_0122.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The power of 1 is this beauty</td></tr>
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There is power in the number 1. This exceptionally long transition into the next phase of our family has made me embrace the joy of the glass being half full- not half empty. I have come to see that having an only child is a blessing (most of the time). At times my daughter even comments on the positives of being an only child. Focusing on the future and the unanswered prayers has made me see what God wants me to see.....the power of one.<br />
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The following are a few of the reasons why life with an only child makes my glass half full (these are my personal views as I try to look on the bright side of infertility and just the way I see it as it pertains to my life and personality):<br />
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1.<b> Less Stress</b>. Plain and simple. When you have less on your plate you can be more relaxed. One parent-teacher conference. One dance class. One set of notes coming home from school. One birthday party a year. You get the point.<br />
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2.<b> Homework</b>. Need I say more? Some days are better than others, but on the days where homework takes us 45-60 minutes I say a 'thank you' that I only have one child. Any parent who has the homework struggle knows the pain.<br />
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3. <b>Spontaneity</b>. Doing activities on the fly is so much easier with one child. A few weeks ago it was too hot to go up to my parents lake house so instead we rented a u-haul at the last minute and drove up to my parents house and finally took my piano off their hands. It just felt so easy to do with one child. As soon as we got back we went shopping for mattresses which took 4 hours and never did we have to worry about kids running all over the store.<br />
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4. <b>Marriage</b>. Our daughter is almost 9 and pretty independent. We know she will sleep through the night. She runs off and plays with friends. Grandma will take her for a weekend. More time with my husband (even if it is just watching football together in peace or working on projects side by side in the garage) is priceless.<br />
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5.<b> Morning Coffee</b>. Enjoying the early mornings on the weekends with my husband and good cup of coffee on the back patio before our daughter gets up- wonderful! She then joins us for breakfast and I am fully awake with my coffee already in full effect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPJgAVO4xbFGTgo8K2Up_GGMz90_xAtgDcCRxwdYuz6waczta8JCU8BgnPshtr7hzJ23jqt_Ku2m5Sg_nctZWXWOMQPBBtalvL6RvUZBCU04q9JAoR10GYJfhLpn77qDmjTdL_gH0vzQ/s1600/4th+of+July+weekend+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPJgAVO4xbFGTgo8K2Up_GGMz90_xAtgDcCRxwdYuz6waczta8JCU8BgnPshtr7hzJ23jqt_Ku2m5Sg_nctZWXWOMQPBBtalvL6RvUZBCU04q9JAoR10GYJfhLpn77qDmjTdL_gH0vzQ/s320/4th+of+July+weekend+2015.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning coffee at the lake house</td></tr>
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6.<b> Money</b>. Obviously. Less Kids= more money saved.<br />
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7.<b> No Minivan</b>. If there was one thing I promised myself in college it was that I would never drive a minivan. Sorry to all my friends and family that do--it just isn't me. I am actually back to driving a car and not an SUV and I love it!! (Unless someone wants to buy me a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee, I would gladly switch back!).<br />
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8.<b> Child Personality</b>. One diva is enough for me. I see puberty in my future and you will find me in the fetal position somewhere. All parents deserve awards for making it through the teenage years. LOL!<br />
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9. <b>No Sibling Rivalry</b>. I remember the days of my sister and I yelling at each other. She once put me in a headlock to get the remote control. We used<br />
tape to mark our territory in the backseat of the car. Oh, we get along now and I love having her, but childhood wasn't pretty. No wonder we got grounded a lot. No fighting in this house!<br />
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10. <b>Focused attention</b>. She is our world. Everyday is about her and only her. I lay quietly in her bed with her at night and she reads to me. I can take the time to do her hair in the mornings and many other things I, personally, do not think I could do or get accomplished with more kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLVLIP_E53RXJMiL06IIIvJxz5odr9M7chSO7G56RkaP6UV880P4Gd1NYv_7Ca5d5pDQlii3mrHjNImPe9Fxo647CZrAJ-UmgYoprX34PXZ30-_AQdfdXtkGvJSjMjvLu0j877RGj4Vw/s1600/Emmaliza+on+the+lake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLVLIP_E53RXJMiL06IIIvJxz5odr9M7chSO7G56RkaP6UV880P4Gd1NYv_7Ca5d5pDQlii3mrHjNImPe9Fxo647CZrAJ-UmgYoprX34PXZ30-_AQdfdXtkGvJSjMjvLu0j877RGj4Vw/s400/Emmaliza+on+the+lake2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our daughter fishing at dawn at the lake house</td></tr>
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When life throws you curve balls you have to stand tall and see things for what they are and realize what is right in front of you. I am in no way saying that having more than one kid is crazy. We would love to have 2-3 kids, but this is the path that was chosen for us. Accepting that has not been easy at all. Looking at my daily life and what <i>is</i> easier makes the transition less painful.<br />
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<i><b>May you all look at the glass half full today.</b></i> <br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-51095111664654742782015-08-06T10:24:00.000-07:002015-08-06T10:24:39.623-07:00A Chalkpaint VirginLast year my mom gave me a little side table she had found. It was a rough piece with deep scratches and cracks. but I could see the potential. I wasn't sure quite what to do with it at first so it sat around in our garage. Back in March my mom and I visited an antique mall where she spotted chalkpaint for sale. I immediately thought of chalkBOARD paint and was about to dismiss it. My mom proceeded to tell me that it was basically a new type of paint and NOT a chalkboard paint. She told me she had heard how easy it was to use chalkpaint on surfaces without sanding. I was suddenly intrigued by the idea of not have having to sand and prep. <br />
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A few weeks later I remembered I had this little side table my mom gave to me and decided to give chalkpaint a try. Although, with a few different steps I was leery at first.<br />
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My first stop was Pinterest. I started learning everything I could about the process. At first it seemed overwhelming and I wondered if I should just stick with what I know. I have refinished furniture in the past including a dresser, night stands, and my daughter's 'Jenny Lind' bed. Those projects were the typical stripping of paint and countless hours of sanding. The results were great and enabled me to simply put on a clear coat or stain and keep the look of the beautiful wood. However, this side table was rough and I knew that even stripping and sanding it would not really bring out the natural look of the wood. This became the perfect opportunity to try the chalkpaint.<br />
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Now, they say you do not have to really prep the piece by sanding, but this side table was rough and in the early stages of working on this piece I was still unsure about whether or not I was going to do the chalkpaint or not so I started sanding it. The only prep that is suggested is to fill in deep scratches with wood filler. After sanding I had some people tell me they thought it would look good with just a clear coat on it. The more I looked at it I did see how the legs <i>could</i> look charming with just a clear coat in order to keep the look of natural wood. I still had an itch to use the chalkpaint so I thought, "why not use both!". The top had some discoloration so I decided to use the chalkpaint on the table top and put a clear coat on the legs-no stain. I am excited to get started on another piece and see how the chalkpaint handles without any sanding. There are other techniques to make it look more aged, add crackling, or achieve a two tone look. I hope to try these in the future when I get more daring. <br />
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These two pictures are after a light sanding. There was a purplish color on the top of the table that would not come out which made it the perfect candidate for the chalk paint. The legs were unstable which I fixed by using new brackets on the underside of the table top. </div>
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People rave about 'Annie Sloan' chalkpaint, however, I found these smaller ones at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I did not want the bigger 'Annie Sloan' paints- at least on my first attempt at this. I picked up the color I wanted and also wax to be applied after a couple of coats of the paint. I also picked up this brush at Jo-Ann Fabrics, but next time I will get a better quality brush or use one specifically for the chalkpaint as I think this will make a difference in the smoothness of the finish. Chalkpaint has a low odor and is eco-friendly. </div>
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After deciding I would do a clear coat on the legs, I sanded them with a low grit sandpaper and then finished it off with a high grit. I then wiped it down well with a wet towel and applied a coat of polyurethane. Once the first coat dried I did a very light sanding again, wiped it down and put on a second coat of polyurethane. Once that all dried I was ready for the chalkpaint on the table top. </div>
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The paint is not much different from regular paint. I just found it a bit thicker. Use long strokes as you cover the piece. If bristles get into the painted surface just wait for it to dry and brush them off with your hand (which is easy to do with chalkpaint). </div>
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After I put on two coats of the chalkpaint (allowing about 1-2 hours between coats) I decided to give this piece a distressed look. This table was already very rough with a crack near the bottom so I knew the distressed look would be great for this project. I used medium grit sandpaper and rubbed where it would naturally get scuffed up- like around the edges or raised surfaces. After distressing it, I wiped it down and applied the wax with clean, lint free cloth. You can also use a brush and then wipe off excess wax with a clean cloth. Dip the cloth in the wax and apply in strokes to the surface making sure to work it into the wood and get all crevices, rubbing well as you go. Let it sit for a day and then use another clean, lint free cloth to buff it and bring out a slight sheen. It is recommended to apply a layer of the wax every 6-12 months. Do not clean with furniture polish or abrasives. </div>
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My first chalkpaint project is in the books. I am hoping to find a new piece of furniture soon and use chalkpaint again. It is so much easier than I had anticipated. The top had some imperfections that are not noticeable with the chalkpaint. </div>
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I finished it off with a new lamp, candle, and a picture of my grandpa. </div>
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The table now sits next to the couch in our bedroom and makes for a nice, quiet place to read a book. </div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-9372109642529341132015-07-17T16:04:00.001-07:002015-07-17T16:04:11.637-07:00Goodbye Ned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV2Lu_pfBk9PDzUcYbUM-wBzTZR__jTDFjkEHD0pOHoGFPg5_1l7JrJMW4iQyfBNkHLI4Qw76lwFJxEYZZRfgijuI7_xlcCj3_q5mDUyU6WpCcz7g33yWbTrkyKYD59Ga43kGM2Brkcg/s1600/Ned-+May+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV2Lu_pfBk9PDzUcYbUM-wBzTZR__jTDFjkEHD0pOHoGFPg5_1l7JrJMW4iQyfBNkHLI4Qw76lwFJxEYZZRfgijuI7_xlcCj3_q5mDUyU6WpCcz7g33yWbTrkyKYD59Ga43kGM2Brkcg/s400/Ned-+May+2015.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this a couple of month before he died..his typical back rub. </td></tr>
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Last week we lost our Ned. Our beloved American Foxhound-Lab mix got hit by a vehicle. He had been living with my in-laws since April of last year when we moved and could not have either of our dogs with us in our temporary house. However, they loved living on the farm. What dog wouldn't love the freedom to roam around so much land, take walks in the woods, jump over creeks, and occasionally get dirty by jumping in the swampy pond? They loved it so much that our other dog, Memphis, would run away from us when we would visit--thinking we were taking him back to where he would have to be in a small yard or in the house. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K7YC5Xcm8pQBOJ3rb0yqWbhkSM8auYOV50U_2J93K8EKSvCRHhe4pB7CsRLmMwj_UJVPwc4t7sXy8gdp1S59mGOs4vvKFfEyAQviVgLG6rl6fgLfwxXaBs7cOW1xC21WiF8ClI-S1f4/s1600/Ned+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K7YC5Xcm8pQBOJ3rb0yqWbhkSM8auYOV50U_2J93K8EKSvCRHhe4pB7CsRLmMwj_UJVPwc4t7sXy8gdp1S59mGOs4vvKFfEyAQviVgLG6rl6fgLfwxXaBs7cOW1xC21WiF8ClI-S1f4/s400/Ned+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His usual sleeping spot under our desk. </td></tr>
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Ned was the most lovable dog I have met despite being a whopping 85 pounds. When I would read my daughter her books at night I would kneel next to her bed. Ned would come upstairs and push his head under my arm and look at the book while I read to her. Often, he would snuggle up to our daughter when she would lay on the floor and then proceed to roll on his back and insist on a belly rub. His favorite place to sleep was under our desk. We tried to buy him a bed several times and always within a week he would chew it up. He always seemed OK without one. He would get a huge grin on his face when he was happy and we would say, "Ned's a HAPPY DOG!". He hated having wet paws so going outside in snow or rain was horrible for him. His worst moment? Grabbing a plate full of steaks off the counter before we put them on the grill and had stepped out of the kitchen for about 2 minutes. However, I will remember only the good. He was our Neddy and when I got the news my first thought was, "Oh no, this is going to devastate our daughter". <br />
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Our daughter spent 10 days with my parents so I had a few days to figure out how to break it to her. I put a picture of her and Ned in a frame for her room and put a picture of Ned up on the refrigerator. When she got home she immediately saw the picture on the refrigerator and simply said, "did he die?". She is so perceptive. It was a rough evening but thankfully since my mom, niece, and nephew had brought her home and were staying for awhile she was kept very busy for the next couple of days. Losing your first pet is never easy. She worries now that Memphis will be sad. We adopted them both in 2004 when they were already both about 2 years old. He lived a good long happy dog life and will be truly missed.<br />
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Our summer is quickly coming to a close. Our daughter starts third grade in 12 days. We kept very busy this summer including a trip to my parents lake house for our annual 4th of July weekend extravaganza. The weather was great and although my dad's boat is still causing us all fits we enjoyed a lot of fishing and going out on the paddle boat.<br />
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The one thing I will love about school being back in session is my routine coming back. I have missed my routine. Having my exercise time, my job search time, my errand/housework time, and my photography time will be welcomed with open arms. Although I did not get the job from my last interview, I learned a lot from it and am now lightly considering going back to school. We shall see! Can't keep me down. <br />
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I have also been working on a project that is just about done and I will share it as soon as I add the finishing touch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice scene from my hometown that I captured back in June.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our daughter enjoying the cold waters of Lake Michigan.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a little run on the beaches of Lake Michigan. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom sitting on the dock enjoying the city's fireworks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 4th of July!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggest fish we have ever caught off the dock...a 16 inch catfish. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOGP-lTOS-R26Ky-CUhYBzEq5N3zsv_w0ljqr9dBuml3lztWZrngNm2Xng4NMG1rsNEjF6NXujFG5PQBUdepWG0pBYGkmLyM0yyAGs1KdE6KfaQT69VuYQe16qJI8nDu1JcwdhnPSJrk/s1600/Emmaliza+on+the+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOGP-lTOS-R26Ky-CUhYBzEq5N3zsv_w0ljqr9dBuml3lztWZrngNm2Xng4NMG1rsNEjF6NXujFG5PQBUdepWG0pBYGkmLyM0yyAGs1KdE6KfaQT69VuYQe16qJI8nDu1JcwdhnPSJrk/s640/Emmaliza+on+the+lake.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our daughter fishing off the dock in the early morning hours at the lakehouse. </td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-36280613188133466962015-06-17T09:40:00.000-07:002015-06-17T09:40:59.868-07:00"Mommy, my bathroom is all wet" Waking up at 1 am to hear, "Mommy, my bathroom is all wet. Can I use your bathroom?" is not at all what you want to hear. The only other thing that could make me jump out of bed so fast would be a fire alarm. As soon as I stepped into the hallway I could hear the gushing sound of water as my feet starting splashing through water. Lots of water. The hallway was flooded. The bathroom was flooded. The laundry room was flooded. My daughter's room? Half flooded. Yelling ensued as I ran into the bathroom to turn the valve off. I realized as I did that that the hose going from the valve to the toilet had cracked. I gathered as many towels as I could while curse words flew in the darkness. Guess you can't sleep through that because my husband finally got up.<br />
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As I clean up the water upstairs, my daughter and my husband go downstairs to get more towels. Next thing I hear is, "MOM! You definitely do NOT want to come down here!" When someone tells you that...come on...you know you have to go check it out. Water in the living room. Water coming out of various points in the ceiling. Water hanging from the fan blades (which had been turned on all night and had proceeded to fling water in every direction). We have wood laminate floors downstairs and needless to say they are ruined. </div>
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Two hours later we have most of the water cleaned up and buckets set out to collect the last remaining drips. We put fans out and wait until morning to deal with the damage. </div>
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Three things I am thankful for: </div>
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1. Our daughter woke up when she did. If the water had kept going all night the damage would have destroyed so much more and I am sure we would have had to move out for awhile. </div>
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2. The only thing of ours that the water got to was our wedding album. However, it still only got the album wet and our photos are still good! Whew! </div>
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3. This is a <i>rental</i> house. We are living here for awhile until we decide whether to buy a house or find land and build. Thankfully, none of this is on us and was not our fault. </div>
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Now, on to weeks of repair. The drywall is getting repaired this week downstairs. My daughter was displaced from her bedroom for a couple of days so her carpet could dry with an industrial fan. Soon we will probably be getting new carpet for the house instead of wood laminate. </div>
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Lesson learned? Check your toilets to make sure they function properly and that the hoses are in good shape. Makes me want to check our washing machine and make sure there are no issues there either. </div>
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On a bright note... my husband and I had a weekend getaway in downtown Indianapolis. It was a much needed weekend away from the house and without a kid. Now, we look forward to our week long family vacation to the Smoky Mountains in October. Can't wait!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crack that formed after we got the water shut off and the crack got bigger before morning. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water everywhere, floors ruined and yet none of our possessions were hard hit. The water even missed the couches. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our daughter's room took a couple of days to dry out. Glad the contractors came out immediately. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damage repair...ugh! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafvGbC_8wEYCP33C6YqHZGxUWl2bfWIjTzatBowBX2PGPGuJR_GeZzheBa71ETXobVFzv6QzRmX-ejtDqGyPSKSrVtFV7TQL0enPouSi_V3kRXh56gCwLGnf1FkoTyabxfMEBkwm3BFw/s1600/flooding+damage+repair+Brookview+house2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafvGbC_8wEYCP33C6YqHZGxUWl2bfWIjTzatBowBX2PGPGuJR_GeZzheBa71ETXobVFzv6QzRmX-ejtDqGyPSKSrVtFV7TQL0enPouSi_V3kRXh56gCwLGnf1FkoTyabxfMEBkwm3BFw/s640/flooding+damage+repair+Brookview+house2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is starting to look normal again! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrZji8mt_63vOtMhwlIOCSOubAwj1MFHssl-3SSAd6RBQ6o-QiEeVBD61n3wR62litNKqDKeO0D-iHkQ3YGvTXmtWcpzeFmw14nTRvUHDCjeh6FR7viU7VzbhxuL5bfmZqkRAH8Hxenw/s1600/Downtown+Indianapolis+getaway+2015-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrZji8mt_63vOtMhwlIOCSOubAwj1MFHssl-3SSAd6RBQ6o-QiEeVBD61n3wR62litNKqDKeO0D-iHkQ3YGvTXmtWcpzeFmw14nTRvUHDCjeh6FR7viU7VzbhxuL5bfmZqkRAH8Hxenw/s640/Downtown+Indianapolis+getaway+2015-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking around downtown Indianapolis. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PYDkxKqQv6MlQ4SOYbGhnDCMqAS4oTOZTiFkqEsg2wftBp8EnnQOTCXfaUaOuMSr0OqnIa2PZa6hfl2fhXfk658yanODCfx55THxnMaKl8TuaEVE85my4tj5uZNslYHfgKl4R-38uJM/s1600/Fountain+on+Monument+Circle+in+Indianapolis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PYDkxKqQv6MlQ4SOYbGhnDCMqAS4oTOZTiFkqEsg2wftBp8EnnQOTCXfaUaOuMSr0OqnIa2PZa6hfl2fhXfk658yanODCfx55THxnMaKl8TuaEVE85my4tj5uZNslYHfgKl4R-38uJM/s640/Fountain+on+Monument+Circle+in+Indianapolis.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument Circle...repairs are taking place but it is still beautiful. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4OE5OmUyBg5XRxK20dYx2bJGUNo02UBkf2YOI5-UdRXd-UatmdgOJp-XM3peA0J65UeIylH3IJZicVd5nSERdPjVx05-5EQFzArPVfcVA2qfHGeqa1KJsBYjUw5FhUVQ71Qi6RHmp64/s1600/Indianapolis+getaway+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4OE5OmUyBg5XRxK20dYx2bJGUNo02UBkf2YOI5-UdRXd-UatmdgOJp-XM3peA0J65UeIylH3IJZicVd5nSERdPjVx05-5EQFzArPVfcVA2qfHGeqa1KJsBYjUw5FhUVQ71Qi6RHmp64/s640/Indianapolis+getaway+2015.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Arts Garden connected to the hotel. </td></tr>
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Two weeks into summer vacation and it has been a crazy ride! Add to that a job interview and needless to say there is no boredom around here. </div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-82460081829964690072015-05-20T14:28:00.001-07:002015-05-20T14:28:15.374-07:00Fresh Blog and Beautiful ButterfliesSix days left of the school year. I can't tell you where this past year went. Even harder is that my little girl will be a third grader. And to think...I told that girl to stop growing up! She never listens.<br />
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If you have not noticed already---I changed my blog! Maybe not a huge change but I changed the name of my blog to 'Braving Transition' which means I also changed my web address. It may mess up those who just checked in on my blog by using the web address, but hopefully I can notify some of my followers of the change. I also tweaked the look of my blog and created a new banner. It needed to be freshened up a bit. I considered switching web hosts but blogger will do for now. I am not looking to make money off of a blog. This is simply a creative outlet for me. I love photography, writing, editing, and designing so this allows me a way in which to combine all of my passions. So thank you if you still check in on the blog.<br />
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We recently finished up our butterfly house. We usually do this every year but for some reason we forgot last year. We bought our butterfly house several years ago so now I just order the caterpillars through <a href="http://www.insectlore.com/" target="_blank">Insect Lore</a>. The caterpillars arrive in a little container which also has food for them while they grow. After watching them feed and grow for about 7-10, they hang from the top of the container and form Chrysalides. We then transfer the paper they are hanging from to the butterfly house and attach the paper to the inside top of the house with a safety pin. After another 7-10 days they emerge as beautiful butterflies. We watch them for a few days while putting sugar water on flowers for them to feed. The best part for my daughter is releasing them. She stuck her hand in the house and got them to crawl on her finger so she could take them out and let them fly off.<br />
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A couple of years ago I did a bucket list for summer activities with kids. I am thinking I may need to do another one for this summer. My daughter only has eight weeks of summer and one week will be spent at my parents so that leaves seven long weeks to fill with activities. However, the neighborhood pool is behind our house and I can tell you where we will be 90% of the time. Any summer fun ideas you have done or plan to do?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep caterpillars in the container they come in until they are chrysalides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzdZY9nwul2W4EWv-_99HILT-Sktru6ynLj5iT1oGipp5QDITPLCB-YqH6QXF5x1CcHDi73phztuYKcZi65ImaCEw_R3gL2G_QrTKGqE-8zH71Omu81fu-HhMYYqJSbZ9FHXr-Yk368o/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzdZY9nwul2W4EWv-_99HILT-Sktru6ynLj5iT1oGipp5QDITPLCB-YqH6QXF5x1CcHDi73phztuYKcZi65ImaCEw_R3gL2G_QrTKGqE-8zH71Omu81fu-HhMYYqJSbZ9FHXr-Yk368o/s640/IMG_0004.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the original kit that we bought</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reusable butterfly house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can drizzle sugar water on flowers or add fresh fruit to the house</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-53313673613306772282015-05-06T11:27:00.000-07:002015-05-06T11:27:14.738-07:00The 'Transition'I was in the grocery store the other day on what was probably my third trip that week. Life of a mom. Anyway, I was ready to check out and got behind a mom and her daughter that looked to be about 2-3 years old. The little girl was in tantrum mode- crying and screaming about something she wanted to get. The mom looked exhausted and something told me that this was not her only child but rather more than likely one of at least three or more. Instantly I cringed and blessed my lucky stars I did not have to deal with that anymore. I have been there. I know what this mom was going through and I felt for her, but it still made me cringe for my own situation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our miracle</td></tr>
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In that moment in the store I realized I was totally, full blown, in the middle of <i>the transition</i>. Transition? Let me explain. Last September my doctor told me that since I was approaching 36 I probably needed to start getting over wanting another child. UGH! I felt like he punched me in the gut. I know plenty of women my age just now getting married and having their first kids. Why is my doctor so pessimistic? In my heart I know he has every obligation to tell me this. It is fact. He also asked me how long we have been trying for baby number two. Eight years. Yes, eight years. He knows full well that if it has not happened yet, it most likely won't happen. <br />
I have always believed in faith and hope but more recent health issues somewhat related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are probably about to put a nail in the coffin. This transition is real, present, and long. <br />
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I can say that over that last four years I have been in the transition going through various stages. In the beginning I could not handle any pregnancy announcements (which no one seemed to understand but that is rant I will not go into here). I'd call this the "Leave Me The Hell Alone" stage. In those early years I found it so hard to even look at a baby. I kept all of our daughter's baby items and refused...REFUSED...to get rid of anything. Last year I finally condensed everything down and kept a tiny little box of memorabilia. <br />
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Last week, after seeing that screaming child in the store I realized I am in the last stages of this transition. That was confirmed when my daughter and I went to the library and parked behind a minivan. A mom was getting her four kids out of the car and prepared to go into the library. Yes, prepared. It was quite a task. She was getting the baby set into the stroller, a girl around age two was running away from the car, and two boys between four and six years old were crying hysterically. The mom seriously looked like she was going to lose it. Again, good for her in this stage in life and I know her kids are not always crying but I mumbled to myself, "No way...no thank...goodbye....and goodnight." Simply put--I am loving our little family the way it is right now. My daughter is at the age where she can help out around the house, do things for herself, and have a real conversation with me. It is beautiful and serene. My husband and I have more time for us and I can now focus on what I want to do with my career and future. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will cherish that I have taken probably thousands of pictures of our one and only</td></tr>
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Now don't get me wrong. I am not done with this transition. I wish I was like my husband who seemed to make the transition overnight....several years ago! He understands, however, that it is a long process for me and I am so thankful for his support. I still have moments when thoughts go through my head like, "I don't want to be done with finger paints and Mickey Mouse Club" or "Our daughter will be alone someday". Those are the moments when I wish I could snap my fingers and have it be done and out of my mind. Someday.<br />
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The unexpected side of this transition is that it includes my daughter. She, too, has to make the transition. For years she has drawn pictures of me with a baby in my belly, told me she asks God for a brother or sister, and has even refused to let me get rid of a few things because she says they are for her sibling. This is as much a long process for her as it is for me.<br />
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My intention is not to be Debbie Downer. No. This transition is actually a really hopeful and happy path. Our lives are going in a great direction right now despite this emotional roller coaster. This post also proves that tomorrow is a new day and you never know what will happen or what will change. Live for the day. <br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-55014569473078424142015-04-15T14:00:00.002-07:002015-04-15T14:00:17.993-07:00Faith, Eggs, Animals, and Windows 8.1 Finally things are winding down for the school year. I feel as though I have lost the last month or so. My daughter made her First Communion this past Sunday. The day was utterly beautiful. We were lucky enough to have family come in from both ends of the state. We also were surprised to see an old friend from the town we used to live in at church there to celebrate her niece. Even though we have no close family that live in our town, I do have a second cousin that lives here in our town and it was wonderful that our daughters were making their First Communion together. Despite being new to this town we were happy to have family with us. But...whew!...that is done. Sunday school, meetings, a retreat, pictures, and rehearsal and all over in one hour and 15 minutes. Now we prepare for the end of the year dance recital and last meetings for Girl Scouts. I don't usually like summer but I am looking forward to the break- unless I find a job by then. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEIp9Un3tEnuBHK5o0gKI9iF9gqBmDg0ccv5s2te2JLffrvhfrXJL8-TlOPGFFkofu01I0A32ovSN9LGza0HbK38R91gUrtoDgFQoXwKeOVIkMG9E_VGOpzFAhyphenhyphenrPF-GvuYps8ota05Q/s1600/Emmaliza+coloring+Easter+Eggs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEIp9Un3tEnuBHK5o0gKI9iF9gqBmDg0ccv5s2te2JLffrvhfrXJL8-TlOPGFFkofu01I0A32ovSN9LGza0HbK38R91gUrtoDgFQoXwKeOVIkMG9E_VGOpzFAhyphenhyphenrPF-GvuYps8ota05Q/s1600/Emmaliza+coloring+Easter+Eggs2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coloring Easter eggs</td></tr>
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Spring break also kept us busy, thankfully. I always worry about two weeks off with my daughter. These days I hear, "I'm bored!" way too often. Week number one we visited my parents. My mom can really keep us busy. She comes up with all sorts of things to do or will go along with whatever I plan. We went shopping, had dinner at my favorite hometown restaurant, invited my niece and nephew to a sleepover, got to see some of my aunts, and even squeezed in some genealogy research at the library. The second week it was just me and my daughter (my husband was still on 14-15 hour days). Her two neighborhood friends were gone and the first day I heard, "I'm bored!". So we filled the week by seeing the movie "Home", taking a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo, doing more shopping, creating some arts and crafts, coloring Easter eggs, and making Easter sugar cookies. Now that she is older it is much easier to keep her occupied and we have more options for fun. </div>
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I am overjoyed to finally have a new computer. I can't describe the feeling of being able to do more than one thing at a time! Our old computer was about 9 years old and would freak out on me if I required to much...like opening a webpage! Ha ha. Now I can start on a redesign of my blog. I am not sure yet if I will simply redesign or switch to WordPress altogether. I am teaching myself Windows 8.1 as well as new design techniques so bear with me. I used to do well navigating around computers but technology changes fast and I am trying to keep up. Some days I feel my daughter knows more than me about computers. Then again, I think my parents probably felt the same way when home computers came around. Ooops...did I just show my age? My birthday is in 2 1/2 weeks and as my daughter says to me, "why are you so old?". <i>Sigh.</i> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the end result of buying an 8 year old face paint. She did it herself! Unfortunately, she could not get my dad to let her do <i>his</i> face. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our speckled Easter eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the carousel at the zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly exhibit at the conservatory next to the zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing the polar bear- although he wasn't too active that day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Communion day finally upon us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl isn't so little anymore and it is incredibly bittersweet</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-78108274893168591242015-03-21T07:31:00.002-07:002015-03-21T07:31:35.950-07:00Cutting off the head of the PCOS snakeSpring brings changes. My life is no exception. PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is rearing its ugly head again. As another ultrasound looms I am reassessing what I can do to make more changes in my lifestyle. Little steps are obviously not working so I have to step it up. I admit I am not a cook. I love to bake but not cook which gets me into trouble sometimes. I am, for the most part, a pretty picky eater. In the past few years I have ventured out of my comfort zone and tried new things like asparagus and could not believe that I actually like it. Cutting out sugar and some carbohydrates is the hardest. Sugar is everywhere! <div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieecyYEsLp6JDMeEA69CxxvRUIXb7v-KPwiQacnXir4wCg5zNpwGxFgutW-FvLFcp3LZzvNxj4lZds0-dzIJMQKdTyYg-0VytIYK6HlOJjIDMvJgRiw3_mmnUSABKm7eJfpa6nepxEEV4/s1600/fruit+pic+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieecyYEsLp6JDMeEA69CxxvRUIXb7v-KPwiQacnXir4wCg5zNpwGxFgutW-FvLFcp3LZzvNxj4lZds0-dzIJMQKdTyYg-0VytIYK6HlOJjIDMvJgRiw3_mmnUSABKm7eJfpa6nepxEEV4/s1600/fruit+pic+for+blog.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I started drinking warm water with lemon in the mornings and have to say that it does wake me up and makes me feel great. I have also cut back on carbonated drinks which has helped tremendously. A new 'go to' for me is almond milk. I was hesitant at first but find I now love the flavor and thickness. Yogi teas are also great. Just like the almond milk- once you get used to something you come to like it. You have to train your taste buds. </div>
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Apps on my phone like FitnessPal and Runkeeper have been great motivators and help in keeping track of both calories, carbs, and exercise routines. I also have a dry erase calendar in which I can write notes and keep track of daily exercise. Having this on the wall in my kitchen keeps the lifestyle a daily reminder and not tucked away in your head. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm...love me some peppers! I also love adding some flaxseeds or chia seeds to certain foods. </td></tr>
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<br />I was so happy that yesterday was the first day of Spring. Getting outside and walking is what I love most. All winter I hated the elliptical and too many times avoided going in our exercise room. I would much rather enjoy the fresh air. <div>
Happy Spring! </div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-43561413826295879442015-02-27T11:25:00.001-08:002015-02-27T11:25:49.407-08:00Snow, A Missing Husband, and Genealogy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJpRbLaQldmTJW792x_T8r-1iLM20c301ca1w6tGs-oBlcjF916wUFWw6zM3b1jYl8cQ_Oq2SSMbITbcwgtMzW8qG5F5CNkaPuHsch_oX5RUq8XO5qx1PKqVODXOQUhvI2hcUC-43D8Y/s1600/Emmaliza+and+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJpRbLaQldmTJW792x_T8r-1iLM20c301ca1w6tGs-oBlcjF916wUFWw6zM3b1jYl8cQ_Oq2SSMbITbcwgtMzW8qG5F5CNkaPuHsch_oX5RUq8XO5qx1PKqVODXOQUhvI2hcUC-43D8Y/s1600/Emmaliza+and+snow.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>Is it Spring yet? I usually am not the type of person to rush out of winter but for some reason this winter is truly giving me cabin fever. Although I am bummed that we have not had a snow storm like the kind I had growing up. I guess I can't expect that anymore now that I do not live near infamous lake effect snow bands. Oh how I miss those 12-16 inch snow 'events'. My daughter is a little sad that we do have our hill in our yard anymore (ssshhh...I kind of miss sledding down our hill too!). The snow does not bother me. I learned how to drive at age 16 in snow storms. What gets to me is the bitter cold. I can't remember when we last saw temps in the 30's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnoDehQA-QY24tzKf_vw2f8jXvBRpoIe9fVX3dM6I9aFmIgm-e8-ETITRzI71KUz0_f93YvoDIiV7B3nctM6xzs15sSPV7SN-uZtM4PRwGSkaIIMrhDw8T-6GMWU9rOcVk5hlABPYKpw/s1600/Emmaliza+at+Build+a+Bear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnoDehQA-QY24tzKf_vw2f8jXvBRpoIe9fVX3dM6I9aFmIgm-e8-ETITRzI71KUz0_f93YvoDIiV7B3nctM6xzs15sSPV7SN-uZtM4PRwGSkaIIMrhDw8T-6GMWU9rOcVk5hlABPYKpw/s1600/Emmaliza+at+Build+a+Bear2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>Genealogy has kept me busy on these cold days (when I am not looking for a job). I always have spurts of the research bug. I can go a solid 6-9 months without even looking at my research and then have a spell where I can't get enough and get engrossed in it. This spell is bad...in a good way. The where, when, why, and how questions take over my brain. I have dead-ends that aggravate me and keep my mind running trying to figure out the next step to take. I have an Ancestry.com account again but feel it does me no good because I have already gained almost all of the information I can from it in years past. Plus, I am completely annoyed with people who have put their research on the website and there are errors left and right. Example: How can a mother bear children who are born before she is?! Check your facts and dates people! I am also to the point where I have to travel to gain research and insight or pay for records. We have close to 10,000 relatives in my database so you can imagine that keeping tabs on all of it can drive me crazy but I absolutely love it.<br />
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My daughter and I have also had a lot of time alone together. My husband has been MIA. Work. Deadlines. Projects. 80+ hour weeks. Ugh! The life of a civil engineer. For several months it can be 40 hour weeks and struggling to find stuff to fill days to all of a sudden...BAM! Three weeks or more of chaos. After 13 years I am used to it. We have had mommy/daughter shopping days, dinners out, and playing teacher or board games. We also keep very busy with my daughter's Girl Scouts, dance, and religious education classes and retreats to prepare for her First Communion in April.<br />
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Despite keeping very busy I am done with winter! <br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-34472824613138688162015-01-19T12:41:00.001-08:002015-01-19T12:41:22.744-08:00ProjectsBefore Christmas I had an itch to do something creative for gifts. I have done small little projects in the past but wanted to go bigger and work with wood this time around. I immediately went to my favorite place for inspiration- Pinterest. Love it. If you are on Pinterest you may have seen projects and home decor ideas from <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/" target="_blank">Shanty 2 Chic</a>. They have a wealth of projects to do from simple for the first-timers up to complex for the advanced DIYer. I found two projects more on the easy side since I am no where near being advanced in craft projects. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Project #1- Large hanging "Thankful" sign</span></b><br />
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You can find the project and printables for the letters here: <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/09/thankful-photo-board.html" target="_blank">DIY Thankful Photo Board</a> <br />
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I used a 1X8 piece of wood 36" long and stained it a darker color. I also picked up some strong twine, decorative nail heads (or thumb tacks), and some clips at Hobby Lobby. These supplies at Hobby Lobby cost me around $9.00 (some items were 50% off). The twine and tacks were plenty to make multiple signs. The clips allowed me to make two signs with 6 clips on each sign to hold pictures. <br />
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After staining the wood and allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours, I printed out the letters on my computer and cut them out. I then attached them to the piece of wood with a tack in each corner of each letter. </div>
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After I had all the letters placed I worked on attaching the clips. Shanty-2-Chic used gel Gorilla glue to the hold the clips in place. However, I wanted to make sure they stayed in place. Since my clips had little holes in them I used a nail and a punch to hammer them into the wood. I placed the clips evenly underneath or between the letters. </div>
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I then drilled a hole above the letter "H" and the letter "U". I strung the twine through the hole and tied a knot. Hang on the wall and attach pictures with the clips! It really was not that difficult and inexpensive. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Project #2- Photo block</span></b></div>
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You can find the project details here: <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/12/photo-display-gift-free-printables.html" target="_blank">Photo display block</a> Printables are included. </div>
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I used a 2X6X8 piece of board and cut it down to 12". I ended up making three of these. I stained the blocks a dark color. I bought swirly ornament hooks at Hobby Lobby. They were 50% off so they only cost $2.00.</div>
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Let the stain completely dry on the block (about 24 hours). If you don't let it dry all the way it will warp the paper once you attach it. I printed out the sayings I wanted from the website and attached them tacks in each corner</div>
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. I used the same tacks from the previous project. After attaching the saying to the block I drilled four very small holes in the top of the block. I them straightened out the end of four hooks. I used gel Gorilla glue on the end of the hook and stuck it in the holes I drilled. I let the glue dry and then stuck pictures on the hooks.<br />
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A cute project for under $5! </div>
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I also made a few hand scrubs. I love to do these and even make them often for myself. They are called <b>"Pomegranate Hand Scrubs"</b> </div>
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I use a small mason jar with 3/4 full of sugar and 1/4 filled with Dawn Olay Hand Renewal Pomegranate dish soap. Mix well and enjoy the beautiful smell the next time you scrub your hands. It also leaves them soft and smooth. I bought lids for the jars at Hobby Lobby so I could write out the name on the top. I also used twine from my first project to tie a bow around the jar. Since I already had a stockpile of jars and sugar at home I only bought the dish soap and labels for a total of around $6.00. </div>
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Now, I think I have to start thinking of more projects to take on. I had a lot of fun with these DIY projects. I am also working on refinishing an old wood side table my mom gave me to put in our master bedroom next to our couch so that I have a reading area- just for me. More on that when it is complete! </div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-13728618020284055382014-12-11T14:40:00.002-08:002014-12-11T14:40:54.753-08:00It's December already? <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYJ0JQ5dfHjUL9DEk46BIAO3JJV9NNXZVBG-PPgcCbiiWPPQctjqeg7lV9iVoJPjJ8ZU2EA6mJ0-Lm7WQ3gNgfW3-6ng2sXVUdP3RtR8MJVtuUC1MUjXdJ4fCJiNQNr1TAw1Y17Rh4Ws/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYJ0JQ5dfHjUL9DEk46BIAO3JJV9NNXZVBG-PPgcCbiiWPPQctjqeg7lV9iVoJPjJ8ZU2EA6mJ0-Lm7WQ3gNgfW3-6ng2sXVUdP3RtR8MJVtuUC1MUjXdJ4fCJiNQNr1TAw1Y17Rh4Ws/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree! </td></tr>
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Distractions run a muck this time of year. Thanksgiving kicks it off. We had plans to travel like every holiday since we have no family close by. This year? Bob Evans. Yum. Not that we planned it that way. We were set to drive two hours to my in-laws for the day but my daughter got sick. Rather than torture her with a total of four hours in the car that day we ate Bob Evans and put up our Christmas tree. We basically replayed the year I was pregnant with our daughter. We could not go anywhere that year either because I was ready to pop any day and we had to stay close to the hospital. Traditions go out the door those years but sometimes that can be a breath of fresh air. <br />
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A few days after Thanksgiving we celebrated my daughter's 8th birthday with a 'Frozen' themed party for relatives. Can I just say this....and I know others will agree with me....I am getting sick of 'Frozen'. It is everywhere.....EVERYWHERE! Being a communications/public relations major I do give them props though for monster marketing that is successful beyond measure. <br />
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Then comes Christmas shopping, decorating, baking, and more travel. I get a reprieve in that my husband's company decided to have their office party after the new year...whew. One less item to deal with before Christmas. This year Christmas is with my family about 2 1/2 hours north of where we live. Santa Claus is still prevalent in our house so gift planning and logistics of moving the merchandise north is tricky. She is not as naive as she used to be. I become the gift ninja.<br />
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Between holiday and birthday festivities I am job hunting. Ok, well maybe I have abandoned that a lot until after the new year. Mostly right now job hunting means beefing up my portfolio, hunting for a great interview outfit and reading books to help me 'reinvent myself'. Yes, apparently some of these books think I am verging on 'old' and have to keep up with hip twenty-somethings by watching 'Keeping up with the Kardashians', hanging out at Starbucks, and finding some 20 year-old to dress me. Okay, okay-the book did not say it in those exact terms but I can read between the lines. So I went to Starbucks today. Check that off my to-do list. However, someone will have to point a gun to my head in order to get me to watch the Kardashians. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6BDmn5Iy4S2i54KEn02Bwb-lgTuz-Zj1f8B9jLCaue5Qm5s1Tb5cDL7AUB6X5q1s4_ntuAe0-w9MKb5udyaiCrACpt3N1o1Yac6ljHyU_C09QfQKyzokzm_vVauYfw3QRYiXoQ6OyLI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6BDmn5Iy4S2i54KEn02Bwb-lgTuz-Zj1f8B9jLCaue5Qm5s1Tb5cDL7AUB6X5q1s4_ntuAe0-w9MKb5udyaiCrACpt3N1o1Yac6ljHyU_C09QfQKyzokzm_vVauYfw3QRYiXoQ6OyLI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'ole girl is getting old but still serves me well</td></tr>
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In the last week I have also heard my camera crying, "come play with me Jennifer. It has been so long!". However, I hate this dreary time of the year so I have been snapping pictures of weird stuff around the house working on my love-hate relationship with light. People always ask why I don't start photographing people. I hate people. No, not people in general- just photographing them. They move around too much and a good majority are not a fan of getting their picture taken. I much prefer nature and still life. Calm and quiet. <br />
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I have also been working on some projects. I cannot talk about them or show photographs until after Christmas. I am excited to show you my crafty side which is still in bloom.<br />
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I hope the holiday spirit is washing over all of you! Breathe deep and enjoy family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Pinterest for birthday decor ideas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTRtw9kDVUxGC-X4GtlB_Oe2dYrE0yy32ZJWUZDVsDwPBBDaJyDu549GB60MSsmqIJ9p1vqiya_ZOvIgjB_w3xr5DmNpTos89kdjI3GzEwaZH1Al9bnLsfrDuXh8gDzg-dxeLg6c6gz8/s1600/Emmaliza's%2B8th%2Bbirthday%2B039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTRtw9kDVUxGC-X4GtlB_Oe2dYrE0yy32ZJWUZDVsDwPBBDaJyDu549GB60MSsmqIJ9p1vqiya_ZOvIgjB_w3xr5DmNpTos89kdjI3GzEwaZH1Al9bnLsfrDuXh8gDzg-dxeLg6c6gz8/s1600/Emmaliza's%2B8th%2Bbirthday%2B039.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the cake with specific direction and detail from my daughter...don't judge! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It cannot be a party without M&M's, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpUAerH7rrHuuBNOCIRcH267Md0jg9VHUSwefEH_R4Z0zMSdTyiYhxDkSNeiVaK4dcshr0A59dGFIYeTj2ipYJYL8TM-oVt27nSyhj-jsWoiBfNJEBZG0cYDTjB8_02SdSyPmmmvzNyY/s1600/Emmaliza's%2B8th%2Bbirthday%2B009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpUAerH7rrHuuBNOCIRcH267Md0jg9VHUSwefEH_R4Z0zMSdTyiYhxDkSNeiVaK4dcshr0A59dGFIYeTj2ipYJYL8TM-oVt27nSyhj-jsWoiBfNJEBZG0cYDTjB8_02SdSyPmmmvzNyY/s1600/Emmaliza's%2B8th%2Bbirthday%2B009.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mom, I want a regular cake AND cupcakes!" </td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-72940130214480142882014-10-21T11:53:00.000-07:002014-10-21T11:53:07.630-07:00"I am soooo bored!".....not this week!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2WQahTBfFJfAJhC5t2gT-928vjljIZ1kKmEH-6tjblFLfntsiMfPWm3aqoaygul6GtEbQd7eSS-91FZPIRleFAd8h5Zdu4MCo2Sefu1dVQJrTvoBuc1enAhD1HpiYtSMUFohEWS8Nbo/s1600/Boyd+and+Pat+Kunze+house+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2WQahTBfFJfAJhC5t2gT-928vjljIZ1kKmEH-6tjblFLfntsiMfPWm3aqoaygul6GtEbQd7eSS-91FZPIRleFAd8h5Zdu4MCo2Sefu1dVQJrTvoBuc1enAhD1HpiYtSMUFohEWS8Nbo/s1600/Boyd+and+Pat+Kunze+house+2014.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents beautiful property</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ62I1fVg4oRtWuVU7FZ6hbv22HESCNNqHwJ14a6-Dt2aMegfgoaTWE86xG8JgvXsCf8p_5cdIvk2iOPDmJpNjbe4XGi0j0D1pWbamjLI700DtJQEdwEvyXd8Vv0G8zkO2NT_T6SwHo1c/s1600/Bridge+into+Washington+Park,+Michigan+City,+IN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ62I1fVg4oRtWuVU7FZ6hbv22HESCNNqHwJ14a6-Dt2aMegfgoaTWE86xG8JgvXsCf8p_5cdIvk2iOPDmJpNjbe4XGi0j0D1pWbamjLI700DtJQEdwEvyXd8Vv0G8zkO2NT_T6SwHo1c/s1600/Bridge+into+Washington+Park,+Michigan+City,+IN.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Lake Michigan</td></tr>
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My daughter is on fall break...for two weeks...ugh! Breaks give me anxiety. My daughter's favorite phrase lately is "I am sooooo bored!" -despite a room full of toys, a laundry room stuffed with crafts, a spare bedroom littered with legos, a kindle, a DS, games, a bike, movies, and too much more for her to keep busy. Rather than stay home the entire two weeks we packed up and headed to my parents for the first week. I love my parents house. So in love with it. First of all, it is returning to my hometown--hitting up my favorite restaurants and shops. Secondly, my parents house is so beautiful. I can only wish to have a home like theirs someday. They built it almost 5 years ago so it is not the home I grew up in, but that does not matter in the least. I don't need to spend money on little vacation getaways when I have my parents little retreat. Cozy, comfortable, my second home. The landscaping is gorgeous and I still wonder how my mom and dad take care of it all.<br />
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After arriving we swung by Lake Michigan to walk along the pier and see the beach and ate lunch at one of my favorite hometown restaurants over looking a 'creek' that opens up to Lake Michigan. During our visit we also visited a lighthouse museum, took a short drive to visit my college alma mater, enjoyed a wagon ride out to an apple orchard and pumpkin patch, went bowling, and shopped at my favorite outlet mall.<br />
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Now that we are back home I was afraid the "I am sooooo bored" whining would return. Nope....thank goodness for twin neighbor girls who keep our daughter laughing and playing!<br />
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I do savor every minute of her breaks...I really do. I know that once I find a job I won't have these breaks with her anymore.... or as much time to visit my parents. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking all the way out to the lighthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom knows how to decorate her yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No shortage of places to enjoy a good book on my parents porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up by Lake Michigan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter doing a little dance near the lighthouse museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I miss this view from my parents porch already</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving the county roads was so beautiful last week</td></tr>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-87627462897728242292014-10-07T09:48:00.001-07:002014-10-07T09:48:31.420-07:00Finally....it's Fall! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbml9gd62BMgXISOPnBSgNlzT9BOmyy5t_wwt9PSmjOxD5OrWOMczaRZLFt1kFGcinnlThRCxjkdmKVgIsp_F9iTw-N_0Lyh_yo3Q1GWW6voUX_TpdFgJcWuDPJOn7WYe0qFudsmSmac/s1600/Fall+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbml9gd62BMgXISOPnBSgNlzT9BOmyy5t_wwt9PSmjOxD5OrWOMczaRZLFt1kFGcinnlThRCxjkdmKVgIsp_F9iTw-N_0Lyh_yo3Q1GWW6voUX_TpdFgJcWuDPJOn7WYe0qFudsmSmac/s1600/Fall+037.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>Finally it is fall. My absolute favorite time of year. The crisp air, the colorful leaves, spicy chili, pumpkins, football, and hot apple pie equal heaven. I love to take pictures this time of year but I only wish I had a better camera. Many professional photographers (I consider myself a mere hobby photographer) say that it is not the camera that takes great pictures, but rather the person taking the photos that matters. I beg to differ when my camera is slightly scratched up on the lens, has a temper mental flash, and is almost 10 years old. I also cannot tell you how much it sucks only having a 50mm lens.<br />
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We went on a day trip to see covered bridges about an hour from our house this past weekend. I took several photos with my digital camera (Cannon EOS Rebel XT with 50 mm lens) before the battery died. I was so unprepared for this day trip. I switched over to my phone camera which was at 10% battery life...ugh...so unprepared. I got better pictures on my phone than on my digital camera. The scratches on my digital are killing me!<br />
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Maybe you can tell which ones are from which camera...maybe not. I can and it pushes me to start my camera savings bucket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sWTv2ybCZbbgySO8HS8zA2bG4YAEsjkV13Br6a-ekvdSKQobMY2Y4fNSkelgfFOUzdETIjF0F_RBMEOetltnjbOS1yjhUb9-S8qsIeRcKDq0cAZ9nP2CuXT-3lfhEFMsUj_hOjC5E48/s1600/Parke+County+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sWTv2ybCZbbgySO8HS8zA2bG4YAEsjkV13Br6a-ekvdSKQobMY2Y4fNSkelgfFOUzdETIjF0F_RBMEOetltnjbOS1yjhUb9-S8qsIeRcKDq0cAZ9nP2CuXT-3lfhEFMsUj_hOjC5E48/s1600/Parke+County+10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>I am still in the process of deciding how to change my blog and whether I will switch hosts or not. I am craving change. Along with my renewed love for photography, I am also diving back into my genealogy. Under the surface of my hobbies I continue to look for a job. More accurately put- a career and not just a 'job'. This is proving difficult after being home for 8 years and trying to convince potential employers that I have not sat around watching soap operas and eating bonbons. I am not a great salesman and I have to sell myself.<br />
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A few more days of job search and then my daughter has two weeks of fall break and we will venture around to find great photo opportunities and fall activities.<br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527498218919799570.post-85681414175229467392014-09-23T13:43:00.001-07:002014-09-23T13:43:45.621-07:00Karate chops and pictures....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pictures make me happy. Taking pictures makes me even more happy. I hate my camera and will be saving for a new one soon (including a sweet 300-800mm lens--I hope) so these pictures are from my phone. Plus, I forgot my camera when I visited my parents a few weeks ago. That always bums me out because their property makes for some beautiful photos. </div>
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After my lousy day I felt the need to post some pretty pictures. Whether you think they are pretty or not is beside the point. The shots I took are from my place of serenity. They make me forget that I wanted to karate chop my doctor this morning when he told me I was getting older and probably needed to transition out of this 7 year 'trying to have another baby' stage. Of all the things on this earth...THAT made me feel old. </div>
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I am also in a photography and blogging rut. I need new ideas and fresh perspectives. I am thinking of a redesign of my blog and maybe switching to WordPress so bear with me if I decide to do this. Or maybe I am procrastinating my job search. Who knows?!</div>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07402312314812821538noreply@blogger.com0