tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19005604708320964752024-02-20T21:20:28.908-06:00Just A Moment With YouJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-66007165966362403862009-05-22T20:02:00.003-05:002009-05-22T20:25:26.010-05:00another milestone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSzIMPD1s5RhnpunmDgioJROFqK6NeXLeKwrxTUZ0_R06V_vuWLP1wbxv4zYFXyjMx2jqvKkSUhDhCsa_7l7pezF6GPUMKgLK9CIZth7RIQZwrr64e5SfKofRbr7zCrb7Mspo_TxqgVOM/s1600-h/100_0971.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSzIMPD1s5RhnpunmDgioJROFqK6NeXLeKwrxTUZ0_R06V_vuWLP1wbxv4zYFXyjMx2jqvKkSUhDhCsa_7l7pezF6GPUMKgLK9CIZth7RIQZwrr64e5SfKofRbr7zCrb7Mspo_TxqgVOM/s400/100_0971.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338820440091378514" /></a><br /><br />The above photo was taken exactly one week ago. Today those training wheels came off and Rosie effortlessly made the transition to bike riding on 2 wheels. Well, she might not say it was effortless, but it took a matter of minutes before she figured it out, had her first bike wreck, and then proceeded to wow her friends and family with her bike riding skills. She was assisted by her wonderful Dad who offered her helpful advice, held onto her bike until he knew she was ready for him to let go, and then ran along with her for support. Luke, some friends who happened to be walking around the track, and I witnessed the event. It may have been a kodak moment, but I don't need a photo to remember this sweet day when Rose learned to ride her bike with help from her Dad.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-10227963664525920842009-05-17T23:12:00.003-05:002009-05-17T23:25:44.761-05:00the birds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRC7Yy9yP_y4MKeVZed85qlasOmqEvSHvKOY-inHvj5_dE-LNYhWjUaE6jNbRrgDAmxGXFyXlL8XkALI05GS2kxBgU5XYtaZupFWZVsc8zXQEgXvP3IM7u6iqLc5G_aN_7fQY2l5UZMlry/s1600-h/100_0963.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRC7Yy9yP_y4MKeVZed85qlasOmqEvSHvKOY-inHvj5_dE-LNYhWjUaE6jNbRrgDAmxGXFyXlL8XkALI05GS2kxBgU5XYtaZupFWZVsc8zXQEgXvP3IM7u6iqLc5G_aN_7fQY2l5UZMlry/s400/100_0963.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337015326812001970" /></a><br /><br />We've been fortunate this year to have 3 nests of robins at our house. One of the nests is behind the backboard of our basketball goal. This nest was the last to hatch and I climbed up to take a picture of the babies a couple of days ago. Pretty soon the kids and I will be watching these four hopping around the yard.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-7778989796595105092009-05-14T12:42:00.008-05:002009-05-14T13:25:58.203-05:00Still trying to figure it all outLast night, as we were waiting for our food at <a href="http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20080518/LIFESTYLE05/805200373/0/LIFESTYLE/Belew+s+serves+up+best+burgers++shakes+at+the+lakes#" target="_blank">Belew's</a> (my favorite place to get a milkshake and cheeseburger), Luke asked, "How did God make me?" Then he asked, "Did he have a bag of eyes and a bag of other body parts?" As he asked, he did some hand gestures like he was reaching down in a bag to grab something. I guess Luke was imagining God digging around in a bag full of eyes for the ones that would be just right for Luke. Then God would turn to his bag of other body parts, pick out what he needed, and put Luke together. I think it is a reasonable theory for a 4 year old to concoct. <br /><br />Unrelated side note: Rose scored her first goal of this soccer season last night. I was so happy for her as she has so badly wanted this. Although, I do believe and I have told her that there are many other important things to do during the game than score a goal (like block the other team's goals, make assists, etc). It made my day, though, to see her pumping both arms in the air out of joy when she made the shot.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-22673053055757786722009-02-09T13:14:00.003-06:002009-02-09T13:34:20.281-06:00Tax SlayerIt is officially tax season and I have started, but not completed our paperwork. Although, I don't think that I should refer to it as paperwork since I am filling out forms online. No paper is involved until I print out a copy of my completed forms. <br /><br />Anyway, this is my sixth year to do our taxes online and each of these 6 years I have used <a href="http://www.taxslayer.com/default.aspx#" target="_blank">taxslayer.com</a> with much satisfaction. It only costs $9.95 to file both federal and state. It is simple to use and I have had no problems whatsoever using this site. I originally discovered Tax Slayer through the IRS website.<br /><br />I thought I would pass this info along to any who may be interested.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-68712047807577603532009-01-10T16:30:00.009-06:002009-01-12T18:05:17.008-06:00Happy feet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKsHqDEBc5ZrfxHXgWXzHXtqDlXRemn29SbVeTUFf4Ep0v2UIsqJUQPTLxdv1s0q6-0eoJJ56O82g5oBdt9WV6cekq20RfdTMVh1iC3P-fkFBhBrlWedcEEZK-fIV1GbBIUXkMEzYKydE/s1600-h/100_0195.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKsHqDEBc5ZrfxHXgWXzHXtqDlXRemn29SbVeTUFf4Ep0v2UIsqJUQPTLxdv1s0q6-0eoJJ56O82g5oBdt9WV6cekq20RfdTMVh1iC3P-fkFBhBrlWedcEEZK-fIV1GbBIUXkMEzYKydE/s320/100_0195.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289797192202956834" /></a><br /><br />I have a goal to make it to the beach every summer. Sometimes I reach that goal and sometimes I do not. What can it hurt, though, to make it a goal every year? <br /><br />The summer of 2008 we went to Orange Beach, Alabama. The summer of 2006 we went to Fort Morgan, Alabama. Not too shabby of a record considering that we've only been a family for a little over four years. <br /><br />Several years ago, before children and husband, I made a trip to <a href="http://www.ocracokevillage.com/" target="_blank">Ocracoke Island</a> for my aunt's wedding. I had never heard of Ocracoke before the occasion. It is an island off of the Outer Banks (which I was also unfamiliar with at the time) of North Carolina. <br /><br />Now, if you are wanting a commercialized, activity-filled, amusement park type of vacation, then Ocracoke is not for you. If you are looking for a low-key, laid-back, aesthetically pleasing getaway, then Ocracoke is the perfect destination or so I like to think. I would love to go back with my husband and kids in tow.<br /><br />Who knows? Maybe we'll make it there this summer. I don't think it would hurt to get a list together of possible travel arrangements and accomodations. Do you?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-73799855824417869712009-01-07T19:05:00.006-06:002009-01-12T14:29:37.974-06:004 and counting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYrYJKzbcdCA0G6BxeW2t-HTp76RRtrwDebAzpAUgMdQ_j5JTd4S3yV79D8Su0ldIVUUknvbo9oF47iahMSTSL8gWEr5Qo2Gt27cVVRMiwjLlk66mtEPu7XPmwsZaMDqjiDkmI3WzOECr/s1600-h/2390480-R1-025-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYrYJKzbcdCA0G6BxeW2t-HTp76RRtrwDebAzpAUgMdQ_j5JTd4S3yV79D8Su0ldIVUUknvbo9oF47iahMSTSL8gWEr5Qo2Gt27cVVRMiwjLlk66mtEPu7XPmwsZaMDqjiDkmI3WzOECr/s320/2390480-R1-025-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288735858288835986" /></a><br /><br />On the first of this month, New Year's Day, Rob and I celebrated our 4th anniversary. Here is a photo flashback to four years ago when we eloped. I highly recommend the <a href="http://www.berrysprings.com/" target="_blank">Bed and Breakfast</a> in Sevierville, TN where we got hitched.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-64145321358318990082009-01-06T16:42:00.007-06:002009-01-07T20:17:12.920-06:00the quiet before the storm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiE8dZvgl3hQHp1WWVYB7JWhftW9-hJ7HsGnc8SXQoECj7Kf7RH0dC84oz96EiOa1SpGqqSjLbbdpHpHK5bbs_SJDpeTabrThXcmAGHE8d1qSnJdqNRGMh_V2FHGCxDjIAaVaSbRh7etl/s1600-h/100_0454.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiE8dZvgl3hQHp1WWVYB7JWhftW9-hJ7HsGnc8SXQoECj7Kf7RH0dC84oz96EiOa1SpGqqSjLbbdpHpHK5bbs_SJDpeTabrThXcmAGHE8d1qSnJdqNRGMh_V2FHGCxDjIAaVaSbRh7etl/s320/100_0454.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288318381065522610" /></a><br /><br />The kids and I visited some friends in Louisville one weekend in October of last year. We visited the <a href="http://www.louisvillezoo.org/" target="_blank">zoo</a> while we were there. This serene photo taken at the zoo does the opposite of portray our experience there. Luke was a little wild man that day. It was one of those times when the parent to child ratio was taken advantage of. There were plenty of adults along for the zoo trip, but, unfortunately, not the daddy. We still managed to have a great time despite Luke's disregard of parental authority. I got to see an anaconda for the first time and that made the trip worthwhile as far as I'm concerned.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-57160478942576833892009-01-05T17:14:00.008-06:002009-01-06T16:41:19.364-06:00I'm tempted to say my all-time favorite<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC08k_pytGRqV1gbCRP-e449PmAtUNz4iTJtZm90cYeklD7ahUeMI9YfyQC4YAm4uVHsgbIRUStn1qdYCEjRIOkwpSyNScTTu43nY4bqtxkmOV1GOWiEAZ0A5dlgaBND9-svfUE_o_1G3/s1600-h/aa30eb6709a0fa8722921110__AA240__L.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC08k_pytGRqV1gbCRP-e449PmAtUNz4iTJtZm90cYeklD7ahUeMI9YfyQC4YAm4uVHsgbIRUStn1qdYCEjRIOkwpSyNScTTu43nY4bqtxkmOV1GOWiEAZ0A5dlgaBND9-svfUE_o_1G3/s320/aa30eb6709a0fa8722921110__AA240__L.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287953378347197234" /></a><br /><br />Creedence Clearwater Revival has been there for me for more than a decade. I grew to love them during my teenage years and I just can't quit listening. <br /><br />I think I first grew interested when a cover band was playing their music at BETA convention my sophomore year of high school. Of course I had heard some of their music before, but the live performances by the band who called themselves Soundproof Pants really got my attention. Since then, CCR has been a constant in my music life. For some reason, when I listen to their greatest hits cd <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicle-Vol-20-Greatest-Hits/dp/B000000XB9" target="_blank">Chronicle</a>, I enter a happy place where housework and daily minutiae seem not so bad.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-25465848417526173992009-01-04T11:42:00.010-06:002009-01-07T20:19:15.478-06:00The shoe tree as seen by Rose<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6OA1ANiencVgT7eV-8UKSYrKoscTsmdD58w8WPRuRF2H9Wy_5KpZaeFflv9dkx5A2dNrILKLkiR3SsJZG1fw0ZRvg6xTJPJfGDwulgga98r8D_TRkEslCjIe3-ossKSJkV5OXhv4UWlC/s1600-h/P1006055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6OA1ANiencVgT7eV-8UKSYrKoscTsmdD58w8WPRuRF2H9Wy_5KpZaeFflv9dkx5A2dNrILKLkiR3SsJZG1fw0ZRvg6xTJPJfGDwulgga98r8D_TRkEslCjIe3-ossKSJkV5OXhv4UWlC/s320/P1006055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287498823826935698" /></a><br /><br />Rose took this picture last summer of the shoe tree at <a href="http://www.murraystate.edu/" target="_blank">Murray State</a>. This is a tree that holds the shoes of those who met on campus and eventually married and evidently shoes of their children as well. I love this picture. I wish I could take pictures like this.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-20626385170110338352009-01-03T20:44:00.006-06:002009-01-03T21:42:55.887-06:00Cookies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc42jxZ4Udr-MdD_VL_yoLmR-Av1OMQUJWU5qR-Iih8SkXYcsQaQlb3oTtuBAjoVQanwum3M71ooENsNcJZJ4MpwHoQd-BjXrAiHHCrZ3Ipec2tPztEReb9t3qSOU728SykLCGtrILUueN/s1600-h/DCP_6065_0049_049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc42jxZ4Udr-MdD_VL_yoLmR-Av1OMQUJWU5qR-Iih8SkXYcsQaQlb3oTtuBAjoVQanwum3M71ooENsNcJZJ4MpwHoQd-BjXrAiHHCrZ3Ipec2tPztEReb9t3qSOU728SykLCGtrILUueN/s320/DCP_6065_0049_049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287278578205677890" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG0uBzs9U1nLeopQcxTgFUZ2RrNQHKaVCFYB1INbGdiJVHjSGm9OUJWMmUYBvXzmGCvg32_yR6cFQe5kO66mgfhmj57RYBDIWhAfW0QPU6vdjzL5iJXGrIWpeRpRwkbTAkYgCKR27kDHV/s1600-h/DCP_6070_0044_044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG0uBzs9U1nLeopQcxTgFUZ2RrNQHKaVCFYB1INbGdiJVHjSGm9OUJWMmUYBvXzmGCvg32_yR6cFQe5kO66mgfhmj57RYBDIWhAfW0QPU6vdjzL5iJXGrIWpeRpRwkbTAkYgCKR27kDHV/s320/DCP_6070_0044_044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287275908612241154" /></a><br /><br />The 2008 holiday season marked our first family attempt at making and decorating Christmas sugar cookies. I thought we did a decent job. They were edible and I believe that is all that really matters when it comes to cookies.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-43033409715197872922009-01-02T10:42:00.003-06:002009-01-02T11:06:34.604-06:00Cheap clips<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_wpSc_DhfZVzb5B1MILpi9OzTYX1Wkvo8wMASv3bY_f1g9YnMXSYg68j2LXCTHzmJbRJtkeiGA9JO_od53wP162VoUkY12Q8BlqJ4eNLB8Ik5_6qIdQgaNyZpXc07mFsr8tFtG78vw7p/s1600-h/Clothespins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_wpSc_DhfZVzb5B1MILpi9OzTYX1Wkvo8wMASv3bY_f1g9YnMXSYg68j2LXCTHzmJbRJtkeiGA9JO_od53wP162VoUkY12Q8BlqJ4eNLB8Ik5_6qIdQgaNyZpXc07mFsr8tFtG78vw7p/s320/Clothespins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286738609774067074" /></a><br /><br />At some point in my brief history as a house wife, I got fed up with never having enough bag clips to clip the chip bags on the counter, the spinach bags in the refrigerator, the opened bags of egg noodles in the cabinet, and the numerous other bags around the kitchen that needed to be clipped. Then, one day, an idea came to me from the past. My grandmother used to clip all her bags with wooden clothespins as I'm sure many others did and still do. <br /><br />I found that 50 clothespins can be purchased for about the same price as 3 or 4 bag clips. Whoever came up with the bag clip concept is a rich man or woman. I know clothespins don't have quite the same counter appeal, but I'm not throwing away any more money on cute bag clips.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-5519043502118512802009-01-01T20:28:00.003-06:002009-01-04T17:10:47.147-06:00Here goes nothingWell, it is a new year. It is time to convince myself to start some new habits that might just make my life happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. What's on my list for this year? I thought you'd never ask. Oh, there is the excercise, the eating healthier, and the getting regular sleep stuff. There is the get organized, stay organized, and follow some sort of house cleaning routine stuff. Then, there is the fun stuff like decorate the house (I can't say redecorate because we are completely lacking in the decor department here), sew clothes and items for my kids and others too, and blog about my everyday life more often (maybe every day???).<br /><br />What are your resolutions? Anything out of the ordinary?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-59164371026097850582008-11-29T21:17:00.004-06:002009-01-04T17:11:52.308-06:00Beyond the Gate at Grandma's HouseTonight, as I was sitting in the driveway at my grandma's house, the headlights of our car illuminated the gate on the chain link fence that is behind her house. As I sat there waiting for my husband to get in the car, I thought of the countless times I opened that gate and entered another world. It was a world where I could roam free in fields and in barns or on the back of a horse or in the row of a garden. And I realized once again how thankful I am for those experiences. I thought about my own children and how I want them to experience such things. I thought of how much I want to protect them, but also how much I want them to experience the freedom to explore.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-22508370307231709442008-09-05T00:22:00.005-05:002008-09-05T16:24:31.454-05:00Like father, like sonToday (well, it is after midnight now so I guess I mean yesterday) Luke decided that he is interested in writing the letters of the alphabet. I have watched him draw pictures with such control of the pen, pencil, marker, crayon, etc that I know he has the ability to write the letters. I have been asking him almost daily when Rose is practicing her printing if he is interested in learning to write some letters and, until today, he has not wanted to. So, today, he sat down and printed several letters with such ease like he had been printing for months. <br /><br />You know, he did something sort of similar to this when he started counting. It was right around his second birthday and he would always count, "one, two, one, two, one, two..." and I think sometimes he would throw in a "nine, ten." He had counted that way for a while and he showed no interest in counting any other way. Then, one day, out of the blue he counted to fifteen perfectly like it was no big deal. It was like he had known all along how to count correctly, but chose not to.<br /><br />Rob's grandmother talks about how when Rob was little that she didn't remember him saying much at all until one day he walked up to her and spoke to her using complete sentences. <br /><br />I can definitely see some similarities here.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-41838871572685699262008-09-01T16:06:00.005-05:002008-09-01T16:30:28.426-05:00Elmo's Green ThumbRose and Luke entered a coloring contest last week with the prize being dinner for 4 at Pagliai's (a local pizza and Italian restaurant with a play area for kids) and tickets for 4 to go see Elmo's Green Thumb at the RSEC. Well, Rose won for her age group and so yesterday we enjoyed her winnings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiwza2SgS0j1jArfUCC0wDNVi6mZizpOq6iEOBrHaGk3k3X6DGTX0lpz3Qy8WcVhnae7As3WPiwYikditufpRou1BU60RZViWqJteJmRGQRnETcyWtO3ItlHLcHR5d3Uu8dCC38RMOC8W/s1600-h/100_0317.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiwza2SgS0j1jArfUCC0wDNVi6mZizpOq6iEOBrHaGk3k3X6DGTX0lpz3Qy8WcVhnae7As3WPiwYikditufpRou1BU60RZViWqJteJmRGQRnETcyWtO3ItlHLcHR5d3Uu8dCC38RMOC8W/s320/100_0317.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241166742440263426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_m975I3pCZ8Fb_1CGeUcTMLbdflaVDWVo1Higo0dBRzkEXGktwjLd015PktYeTSWsQ0GcRFnQBSN5dxauWxNSy_EmmsB1BCXnDVsQtCm9DQj-Obux4MlIv8uH6s5hpsy-pcl_H5LstKn/s1600-h/100_0336.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_m975I3pCZ8Fb_1CGeUcTMLbdflaVDWVo1Higo0dBRzkEXGktwjLd015PktYeTSWsQ0GcRFnQBSN5dxauWxNSy_EmmsB1BCXnDVsQtCm9DQj-Obux4MlIv8uH6s5hpsy-pcl_H5LstKn/s320/100_0336.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241166109116027634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj4cyW0mRqBzyW3qpBhdeMm0cPoiOCkVQHvzv7yqP_zB_NFiIxkvmuwjk0OK0_x5vYawtD1pXRg5LhHSESlJSMW43tahUrP7CrpsGHvwd_p1HtV_gc2Rpakrkk3zvUx7OOOPrPnDn04Hy/s1600-h/100_0345.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj4cyW0mRqBzyW3qpBhdeMm0cPoiOCkVQHvzv7yqP_zB_NFiIxkvmuwjk0OK0_x5vYawtD1pXRg5LhHSESlJSMW43tahUrP7CrpsGHvwd_p1HtV_gc2Rpakrkk3zvUx7OOOPrPnDn04Hy/s320/100_0345.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241167297263162162" /></a>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-24561140673724832092008-08-28T14:14:00.006-05:002008-08-28T14:53:45.275-05:00A glimpse into the mind of a 3 year oldLuke is beginning to question how the world around him works. He is no longer taking it for granted that the things around him function every day. He now wants to know how and why they function. For example, the other day he asked where the hole in the toilet goes. <br /><br />This morning at breakfast Luke looked over at me and said, "Mom, how do you eat babies?" At first, I was a little shocked by the question. You know, because it sounded a little cannibalistic. And Rose was giggling because of the absurdity of his question. Then, it hit me. We always say that when a woman is pregnant that she has a baby in her belly. So, I asked him if he was wanting to know how women get babies in their bellies. And that is exactly what he wanted to know. Well, I made sure that he understood that we, in fact, do not eat them. Then, I told him that God puts the babies in our bellies to grow until they are ready to be born. <br /><br />Then, a few minutes after we cleared that up, Luke said, "Mom, when you die can I have your iron?" At the time, I was ironing some bead crafts that the kids had finished this morning. Then, before I could respond, he added, "and can I have your car too?" Now, is it just me, or is he a little young to be having these thoughts?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-54251642517856552722008-08-08T14:11:00.004-05:002008-08-08T14:44:51.870-05:00Just like that old time rock n roll<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYV_JoKr-41t84pJYxs76s46jfMr9fvV_2qht7vN9XI_HvRw-o1Kg5FsUw9grKMwFFIkcIQScHlnj1i8Fa9UKiBPIthNFWsqiAeiP9lEmsSA7fRkCKMS7j3Z4egaysI7OblMpxj9dQZbI/s1600-h/100_0128.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYV_JoKr-41t84pJYxs76s46jfMr9fvV_2qht7vN9XI_HvRw-o1Kg5FsUw9grKMwFFIkcIQScHlnj1i8Fa9UKiBPIthNFWsqiAeiP9lEmsSA7fRkCKMS7j3Z4egaysI7OblMpxj9dQZbI/s320/100_0128.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232229095691753730" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The beach soothes my soul. I'm glad the kids enjoy it too. Rob is not a big fan of too much sun exposure, but he digs playing in the waves. We went to Orange Beach, Alabama this summer and had a blast.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-46404693899369068352008-08-07T13:55:00.004-05:002008-08-07T14:36:04.723-05:00They might be good presentsWe recently purchased 2 CD/DVD combos by They Might Be Giants for the kids. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Here-Come-ABCs-DVD-Combo/dp/B000BEZPSC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1218135984&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Here Come the ABCs</a> & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Here-Come-123s-CD-DVD/dp/B000VDDCLK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1218136554&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Here Come the 123s</a> They are educational and fun which makes parents and kids happy.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-73992669568994014172008-07-06T12:47:00.005-05:002008-07-06T14:46:12.065-05:00Homeschooling HatersI was sitting at a table at a wedding reception yesterday when I was approached by a woman who is barely even an acquaintance of our family. I should note that she was not coming over to my table to say a friendly hello, but rather to grab a piece of pottery that was sitting directly in front of me. I didn't mind at all that she was taking it, but it was a bit immature for a woman of her age. You see, the groom made enough pieces for every family to take one home as a souvenir of the wedding (a very nice gift if you ask me). I have no idea how many hours he must have spent making the numerous pieces. But, I digress.<br /><br />Let us get back to my encounter with the not so charming lady. Well, what followed after her awkward intrusion was an even more unpleasant conversation. I reminded her of who I was since she said she recognized me but could not recall how she knew me. I reminded her that we had met at <em>her</em> house about a year ago at a retirement party that she hosted for the mother of the groom. I think the mutual friend is the only thing I have in common with this woman.<br /><br />Anyway, after reintroducing myself, my daughter, who had been playing with the other kids there, came over to the table. Rose entered the conversation for a minute or two. The woman asked Rose the usual questions that kids get asked by adults. How old are you? What grade are you in? Where do you go to school? Rose informed the woman that she is six and is homeschooled and she just finished kindergarten. Then, Rose ran off to say goodbye to her friends because it was almost time to leave.<br /><br />I was left with the woman who proceeded to tell me what <em>great</em> teachers the local elementary school has and how <em>great</em> the school system is. Then, she made sure to tell me that she is <em>not</em> an advocate of homeschooling. By Rose stating that she is homeschooled, had this woman concluded that we believe that the teachers and school system are subpar? We did not say it because we do not believe it. Also, did I ask her for her opinion about homeschooling? No, I did not. So, why did she feel the need to specify that she is <em>not</em> an advocate of homeschooling? Did she think that it mattered to me? It does not matter to me what her opinion is. In fact, I would not be homeschooling if I had any doubt about whether or not it is a good choice for my family. I don't mind others having a different opinion than me, but I do mind others being close-minded and rude.<br /><br />Am I an advocate of homeschooling? No. Am I an advocate of public schools? No. Am I an advocate of parents doing what is best for their families in their particular circumstances? Yes. It is not a question of which form of schooling is better, but rather which form of schooling is better for a particular family. <br /><br />I am tired of the negative reaction I get from others concerning our choice to homeschool. We are taking it one year at a time. We just started a year ago and for right now it is working well for our family. Do I think my kids will eventually go to public schools? Maybe. I simply don't know at this point. I am okay with this since I don't know what the future holds for us. Why must so many people be so uncomfortable with this?<br /><br />Are there studies that show homeschooled children grow up to be misfits? Are we ruining society? My husband, children, and I are active in the community. We aren't sheltering our children. We protect our children as parents should, but we are not closing ourselves off from the outside world. Is that what people think? When are people going to open their minds and drop the stigma of homeschooling?<br /><br />Seriously. If you are against homeschooling, then that is fine. Why not ask yourself a few questions, though, before you close the book on homeschooling. First, do you have children? How can you know what is best for your children before you know them? Second, are you opposed to homeschooling in general or are you opposed to homeschooling your children? There is a difference. One can recognize that homeschooling is not the best option for his/her family while acknowledging that it may be best for another's family. And, lastly, if you have considered all there is to consider about homeschooling and you still come to the conclusion that you are against it, then can you have a little respect for other parents and their rights to decide what is best for their families?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-19175580943354250392008-06-25T21:16:00.003-05:002008-06-25T22:30:14.112-05:00MotivationWhy is it so hard to convince myself to do something that I enjoy doing? I am out of the habit of regularly exercising and I am finding it quite difficult to start again. I do have an active lifestyle. I stay at home with my two kids which entails much activity, but simply being active is not enough. I am in my late twenties and my metabolism is slowing down and I cannot maintain my weight without regular exercise. Also, I know that in order to keep my heart healthy, I need to do more than just chase my kids around every day.<br /><br />Exercise is something my husband and I want to be a priority in our family. We want fitness to be one of our family values. We have had so many commitments in the last few years that have taken up too much of our time and energy. It is time to match our commitments up with our priorities. The pastor at the church I go to talked about this concept some time ago and it has been on my mind ever since. Why do we commit to doing things that are not priorities in our lives? How much happier would we be if we did things every day that are really important to us?<br /><br />I need to commit to exercising. It is a priority, therefore I should do it. This is easy to say, but not so easy to do. I know that once I'm in the habit of exercising that it will be much easier, but, at the moment, I am not. I need some motivation to get started. I have put on a few pounds which is motivating. I am going to the beach in a few weeks. That is motivating. I have a class reunion in a couple of months which is definitely motivating. Now, why am I not out jogging around the neighborhood??? I don't know. Maybe all those aforementioned reasons are not enough for me. What does it take to get me out the door? I'm struggling to come up with the answer to that question. <br /><br />I think one good answer to that queston is that I need to be more self-motivated. I don't need to do things because I feel outside pressure to do them (e.g. I don't need to lose weight to impress others). I need to accomplish things for myself. But it is hard for me to focus on doing things for myself. I think this is true for most moms. I want to be a happier, healthier mom, though, so I think it is time to start exercising more regularly. Tomorrow morning would be a great time to start.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-5991260201501332172008-06-22T21:23:00.001-05:002008-06-22T21:25:31.097-05:00Home Sweet HomeIf you had a conversation with my 17 or 18 year old self, then you would know that I had no intention of sticking around Murray, KY. Money talked, though, in the form of scholarships and I stayed. Although many close friends moved away before, during, and after college, I remained in what I considered to be a boring little town where it was always the same ol' same ol' thing.<br /><br />It wasn't until I had children that I began to appreciate Murray. I have never felt as safe as I do in Murray in any other city. It takes approximately 5 minutes to get anywhere I need to go. The cost of living is better than reasonable. We are in western Kentucky where a backward way of thinking is still present, but we do have a university to counter it. I would say the quality of life is rather good here. All in all, this is a great place to raise children. <br /><br />Now, I know that there are comparable cities out there. I haven't been to them, but I'm certain they must exist. I also know that there are cities out there that would rank higher on my list than Murray. For example, Murray would lose its spot on the top of the list to any city that has similar characteristics, but better location (namely, on the coast or near the mountains).<br /><br />I am content to live here for this moment, however long, in my life. And I am so thrilled that I have close friends moving back to Murray now. It will be just like old times, only better. I know they won't regret coming home.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-75587640017701599882008-06-20T22:03:00.004-05:002008-06-21T11:47:09.132-05:00MuzakMy husband explained to me at some point (during our brief history) that there is a company that compiles music for stores worldwide. It is called Muzak. When you're in the GAP, you hear GAP muzak or, rather, music that is appropriate for the GAP brand. Actually, I don't know for sure that the GAP uses muzak, but I'm willing to bet it does. <br /><br />According to Muzak's website, it "creates experiences for the world’s most admired brands." Wow. Don't you wish you had thought of it first? <br /><br />I like to think of what muzak would be playing in the background of my life.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-66284616230132546552008-06-18T11:29:00.008-05:002008-06-18T16:11:22.245-05:00Mastering StuffFor me, one of the most frustrating responsibilities as an adult is the management of the constant influx of things into our home. I think that, without children, adults do stand a chance of successfully controlling the massive quantity of bills, junk mail, receipts, etc that come in on a daily basis. With kids, the amount of stuff that flows in increases to an astounding magnitude considering all the clothes, toys, and, well, just plain old junk that they accumulate. <br /><br />I'll admit I have been losing the battle against stuff. I so badly want to be in the position of conqueror, but I am nowhere near winning the assaults of the numerous objects that have no right being in my home. I want to impose order and simplicity. I want to exile disarray and materialism.<br /><br />I know if I could afford a personal assistant that her job would consist solely of handling this conflict in my home. Qualifications for the position would include a Ph.D. in organization and no less than 5 years experience in a home with at least two children. I would have to pay her an outrageous salary. And, still, she most likely would resign from her position within days of beginning it because, no matter how qualified she is and how big her paycheck, the relentless struggle with our stuff would not be worth forfeiting her sanity. <br /><br />Some may think I exaggerate. That's okay. They do not have children. And, I hope I haven't dissuaded them from having them.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-89804677603180292742008-06-17T13:24:00.004-05:002008-06-17T14:16:00.639-05:00In the summertimeSummer officially begins at the end of this week and, as I watch my kids play outside, swim, and do summer-type activities, I am reminded of the summers when I was young and free. I thought I would do a bit of stream of consciousness here to make note of some memories floating around in my head.<br /><br />Picking strawberries at Grandma's house, shucking corn too, fishing in the pond, mosquito bites, watermelon with salt, riding and doing tricks on Ladybug the pony, braiding horse manes for parades, climbing around in the big barn, trying but failing to skip rocks in the pond (my brother and cousins could), my other Grandma's tomatoes and turnip greens (both of which I did not like to eat), her rose bushes and many other flowers, she always made us icecream cones sometimes little bitty ones using bugles, my grandparents' flip shades that went over their glasses (I thought they were kinda funny), picking wild flowers (weeds sometimes) for my mom, not wanting to wear a shirt because my brother didn't, running around barefoot even on gravel, popping the bubbles in the tar on the road with my toes, riding bikes around the block, many scraped knees treated with orange mecuricome, playing cops and robbers (I was always the cop because I had a blue banana seat bike), playing horse at our neighbors' house (I had an awesome baseline shot that I could count on), playing dodgeball (which was probably my least favorite game because my girl friend and I were playing with our older brothers), hanging upside down on our swing set on a trapeze-like swinging metal bar, mom making us tang and giving us flavor-ice popsicles<br /><br />Nota bene: the outdoors theme. That is where we spent all our time. And it was great.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1900560470832096475.post-13631948110595641462008-06-16T11:29:00.008-05:002008-06-16T16:32:35.899-05:00Technology vs The TangibleRob and I have been married for three and a half years now. I have learned so much during this relatively small amount of time. I understand men in general better. I understand my particular man better. Although, there are a few things that still puzzle me. Today, though, I have gained some insight into one of those things that pertains particularly to my husband.<br /><br />You see, Rob has a fondness for <em>The New Yorker</em> magazine. And by "fondness," I mean he has an extreme obsession with this weekly periodical. So much so, that he saves every issue and has for many years now. Now, this might not be the most unreasonable thing to collect if one were willing to, say, store these magazines in the attic. But, alas, only a climate controlled environment is good enough for the storge of such a treasure of literature according to my dear husband. Living in a modest home built in the late '60s with closet space that is significantly limited, the accumulation of these magazines has been overwhelming for me. My husband is a mathematician, but I don't think he has quite grasped that our house has a finite amount of space in which we can cram boxes of <em>New Yorkers</em>.<br /><br />This morning, though, I had a revelation. I was looking through a shoe box full of old letters, cards, notes, etc. (some of which dating as far back as my elementary school years) and the emotions that I felt and the memories that were brought back as I looked at these items were nothing short of amazing. The handwritten messages from friends and family stirred up so much inside of me. It was great to be holding these tokens of the past in my hands. I was briefly transported back to various times in my life. <br /><br />Maybe this is a little of what my husband will experience in years to come when he pulls out his stash of old magazines. Maybe he'll associate those articles with happenings at different times in his life, whether personal or universal. Or maybe he'll just find pleasure in revisiting the literature of some outstanding thinkers and writers. Either way, I have a new found peace about his ever growing collection.<br /><br />You see, I had suggested to Rob that he rid himself of the magazines and purchase <em>The New Yorker</em> dvd-roms that are now available. They are a complete archive of the last 80 years of the magazine (much, much more than he has in his collection anyway). I now realize that this would be similar to me looking back at emails from long ago on my computer and hoping to have the same experience as I had going through the shoe box. It is just not the same. I get it now. I really do.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03905964010408150146noreply@blogger.com0