tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313027292024-03-07T13:37:28.547-05:00Are We There Yet?I am not really sure where this will go , BUT I promise to TRY to make it as fun as possible! Do you ever feel like your in a car with your kids while they're screaming ARE WE THERE YET? I do everyday, and I don't even have to be in the car. It is like my children and daily chores of being a SAHM are ALWAYS ready to be there, done and finished:)Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-7327094391690128452009-11-11T17:20:00.003-05:002009-11-11T19:48:26.932-05:00One Minute, Part 1<div align="center">How come we can always seem to remember a time in our lives; down to the colors of our own clothing, or maybe the season by the way things feel around us... BUT we cant seem to remember a great friends name that we hadn't seen in a couple of years?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">THIS IS ONE TIME I WISH I COULD FORGET~</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">As November 24th is approaching I am getting very anxious. For TWO reasons..</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">1 reason is I will have spent three whole days with my husband again in Maryland, and will have watched him graduate and "officially" become CW3 Miles. I am so proud, so thankful and in love...I am SO excited! We will probably have had a nice lunch and will be driving back home. Yes... He will be coming home! The kids think Mommy is going to go after him and make him come back! Its so sad that they just don't understand.</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The second reason, is what I wish I could forget</span>~</div><div align="center">The same exact day a year ago, yes, Monday Nov. 24, 2008 I <em>was</em> told that through evasive testing that Breast cancer was detected in the early stage. After seemingly to be listening to my girlie doc give me info and recommendations, I was sat in a room with a nurse who politely helped me set appointments up with a oncologist. The next thing I remember, </div><div align="center">{since I felt like my world was spinning}</div><div align="center"> <span style="color:#ff0000;">was <em>very</em> <em>quietly, somberly</em></span> </div><div align="center">walking out through the waiting room to return home.</div><div align="center">I <em>didn't cry</em>, <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">I wasn't scared</span></em>, and I<em> felt NOTHING</em>.<span style="color:#cc33cc;"> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>yet.....</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">You know, I felt uneasy going in, My girlie doctors nurse had called me to schedule an appointment for me to come in for my testing result, I had had blood work done, a mammogram, an MRI with and without contrast, as well as a Test called BRACA1 and BRACA 2 both are also test that many woman have probably started hearing about on TV commercials, or through pamphlets at your doctors offices.The test is for women that have strong histories of maternally and paternally or both of certain types of cancers. Since I had a hysterectomy in August and them finding cancer on my left ovary I was even more at risk. I opted for more tests. I had to know.... The nurse had<strong> never</strong> asked me to come in... It was always.... Hey, Mrs. Miles.... Your labs, test... etc were normal.<em> Have a great day!</em></span> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Instead~ there was an uneasiness in her voice, I of coarse started asking questions. She wanted me to wait until <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">after</span></strong> Thanksgiving.... ITS MONDAY....I thought to myself... How dare you avoid my questions, and want me to wait. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><em>I was scared</em></strong> </span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">at that moment.</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Now, I could hear my mouth speaking my thoughts,</strong></span> </span><span style="color:#6600cc;">"</span><span style="color:#6600cc;">How dare you<em> expect </em>me to wait until after Thanksgiving? You have bad news in front of you, and you want me to have a nice holiday and you'd see me {blank?} <em><strong>we never got to a date</strong>. Please? wait, don't hang up... don't make me wait, (I am sure I was begging) Please, can you work me in?" I remember so vividly those minutes, and remember my 15 year old "man of the house" since dad was still in Iraq walking in because he heard me raising my voice, and knowing something was wrong. I remember him saying <span style="color:#ff0000;">" Nurse don't make her wait... my dad is coming home on thanksgiving and she is stressed enough"</span><span style="color:#000000;"> She heard him...</span> </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>A </em>couple of hours later I walked out of the doctors office that was in the hospital.... upstairs... to my car that was parked very far away.....The air was crisp and cool, the sun was shining, I remember thinking, Tom is coming home... Its beautiful out, I hope it is nice like this when he gets home. The breeze felt too good, I took a deep breath, Ahh...</span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em> </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>I thought I felt OK, I thought I was fine... I thought I felt NOTHING as in, the day was great, nothing went wrong....</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>I </em>finally got to my car, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>I felt my face stinging, and my eyes burning..... I realized I was crying...</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">A couple getting into the car next to mine smiled, I was embarrassed I guess, it became a little foggy to me.</span><span style="color:#6600cc;"> I pretended to be happy, smiled and muttered, " Oh the breeze feels so nice huh? It made my eyes water , that or something blew in my eyes." That was it~ I mentally shut down and there were no more tears. NONE... </span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">for a while~</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><span style="color:#000000;">Tom called me that evening, he said, "I'm waiting on my plane, I cant wait to get home!" Told me he missed us all so much and that he would be in late thanksgiving night. We were going to miss another holiday together. He sounded so happy and excited! </span></span><span style="color:#6600cc;">Tom had known that I had test done and was waiting to find the results out. I was hoping, as well as praying that he wouldn't ask. Then I felt the sting in my heart when he asked, </span><span style="color:#000000;">"Have you heard any news from the doctor?"</span><span style="color:#6600cc;">I couldn't believe myself~ the words coming out of my mouth...I said, "what? Oh... No, I must be okay!" ~ changed subject~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">How could I tell him your not leaving Iraq to come home to a "normal life without as much stress" Yes, there would be no guns attached to his leg and hip at all times, and he wouldn't have to sleep with the help of a sleep aide, or worry about his family and friends at home, and he would be happy....</span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Instead, I felt like he would be coming home to another "war zone"</span></em> <span style="color:#ff0000;">this time~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">watching his wife cry</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">watching me fight to survive</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Not knowing the war zone we would endure.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">How would <em>our </em>family change?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">How my moods, fears, anger and then depression would hammer away at our lives, our family...</span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">our marriage~</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">what would happen..</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">How my little boys would learn to ask " Are you going to the hospital again?" Just because I got a certain bag out~ What was happening? </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">what? </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">what?</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">what <span style="font-size:130%;">would </span>happen?</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>What if?</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">The journey has been long, it isn't over, or close it seems.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I'm just now finding the words to go with the feelings, resentments, emotions and anger....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">One minute at a time.</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-24041533882477582132009-11-11T11:17:00.002-05:002009-11-11T12:10:53.574-05:00Veterns Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuV93Gfazss5PdvXH8OpgfgAiHAiZJNEoFBt3UzLS4D64TT4a8DRCGs8Qasqoa9OLnckKfKYgWo0TKzqrznPV1EsgPmr2fdKF6dVxjwtbtsKIFZRHHaA-kPK2Qw48alCTTehi/s1600-h/DSC01950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuV93Gfazss5PdvXH8OpgfgAiHAiZJNEoFBt3UzLS4D64TT4a8DRCGs8Qasqoa9OLnckKfKYgWo0TKzqrznPV1EsgPmr2fdKF6dVxjwtbtsKIFZRHHaA-kPK2Qw48alCTTehi/s320/DSC01950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402894007297932354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFwyjJuNVQF1vWOCR5F0kOjkdjtHTNPXujEcVh5_30f5fqMJoEACu-pNHsvDCCksO0MrFO4KcSTD5ETfKrokEkg54MbFga0QHDCuYo-j14L6rjVmuFUJeaNIDn8eD-8063Ge2/s1600-h/DSC01932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFwyjJuNVQF1vWOCR5F0kOjkdjtHTNPXujEcVh5_30f5fqMJoEACu-pNHsvDCCksO0MrFO4KcSTD5ETfKrokEkg54MbFga0QHDCuYo-j14L6rjVmuFUJeaNIDn8eD-8063Ge2/s320/DSC01932.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402894004903356322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGHbDG1Hh2I1n3-aE0XjFrWK7mgHqfk6WcQFkMHZ4PxEhaEU53li6L94Nz5eof8lUJPQQ2iaIzmEpcnlcz_EKYR8FYYS5TDTUWQ7Vzq7Vf_1ToM0TufUh9U_RR7Dv24qq4QJ1/s1600-h/DSC01959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGHbDG1Hh2I1n3-aE0XjFrWK7mgHqfk6WcQFkMHZ4PxEhaEU53li6L94Nz5eof8lUJPQQ2iaIzmEpcnlcz_EKYR8FYYS5TDTUWQ7Vzq7Vf_1ToM0TufUh9U_RR7Dv24qq4QJ1/s320/DSC01959.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402893999541255186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckDo7FxKNWsiT0B4sxOr2veD7KQtBU3bq8UI3cbPtrMqC28d0mFj5Aj_393ZIB17XZtJWEZ_Ti_uN7LOXFBA9TY5XM9QA9MlubJxIUPNZFBN_Ecgugp9ffI-JODLbcRKqxep4/s1600-h/DSC01979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckDo7FxKNWsiT0B4sxOr2veD7KQtBU3bq8UI3cbPtrMqC28d0mFj5Aj_393ZIB17XZtJWEZ_Ti_uN7LOXFBA9TY5XM9QA9MlubJxIUPNZFBN_Ecgugp9ffI-JODLbcRKqxep4/s320/DSC01979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402893989323000018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs28fxZk2-5ie65wgWzuY-tetjSTP1nGUtUJGS2t4hS71i98ZFTRtSMkPfHljANqaKezkt10QZGqdEfMW2B1SarNfgU65WGa0vfTZe89GpC-Fwm1rGng45ok5_Bic8oURhbV8A/s1600-h/DSC01982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs28fxZk2-5ie65wgWzuY-tetjSTP1nGUtUJGS2t4hS71i98ZFTRtSMkPfHljANqaKezkt10QZGqdEfMW2B1SarNfgU65WGa0vfTZe89GpC-Fwm1rGng45ok5_Bic8oURhbV8A/s320/DSC01982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402893985101560818" /></a><br />I am so greatful for the things my husband does for our country, as well as the other men and women that give so much of their lives for us! <br /><br />Our flag string broke the other day in the wind, and forgetting about it I started crying while talking to my sister on the phone this morning~ Luckily, a street repair man named "Frank" helped me out. As well as say thank you to a veterans wife!<br />Thank you Frank!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-30855794537122526132009-10-19T09:22:00.003-04:002009-10-19T10:04:56.602-04:00NOT Me .. Nope I didnt<center><a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"><img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/NotMeMondayButtonV6copy.jpg" /> </a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I didnt want to sleep in my room with out my hubby last night, so I "didnt sleep on the couch".<br />I didnt have starbucks after startinf my diet again....<br />I didnt sleep in too long and get my kids up and wisk them out the door.<br />I didnt catch my teenage son making out with his girlfriend... Only for him to deny it...<br />NOPE not me... I didnt do any of it!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-1118247987063739162009-10-19T09:21:00.001-04:002009-10-19T09:21:22.544-04:00<center> <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/NotMeMondayButtonV6copy.jpg"/> </a></center>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-55466448701923085032009-09-30T14:22:00.003-04:002009-09-30T14:35:35.552-04:00Here I Go Again On My own~Im at I.U. Med center again... Surgery is packed and Im being worked in... I am starving! Working out and drinking water, training for the Breast Cancer 5K... My body has been getting used to eating 5 times a day. Three meals and 2 snacks! I did have to WAIT THREE whole hours for my room to get ready... So I trekked to Riley and had McDonald's.....The salad was YUMMMOOO!!!!<br /> I wont go into the Gorey details but my implant from breast reconstruction is trying to make an appearance on the outside of my body! Totally not a good thing.,, I am UNSURE what I will wake up to? Will I loose the implant and have heal for 6 months to a year or will surgeon save it, or replace it??? God only knows! I just know this is a very hard time... Cancer SUCKS... and so does putting the pieces of your body back together! My heart hurts, my head hurts from crying and stress, and the UNKNOWN! I was supposed to be done with everything on the 22ND of OCT. But now, I don't know if I will be "biggy small" and have to start all over.... I am just speechless now... just thinking of what the results will be when I awake! I know I will be reaching to feel if "it" is still there... and cry if its not! I'm just tired, this has been such a LONG YEAR!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-39818927177375469522009-08-06T15:48:00.003-04:002009-08-06T15:52:05.044-04:00AgainAgain,?<br />here i am once again in the hospital...<br />wearing a yellow gown...<br />taking morphine to dull the pain...<br />waiting for answers..<br />the doctors just dont have....<br /><br />Again,?<br />missing my babies...<br />my own bed...<br />a normalcy kind of life...<br />Again, whats normal????????Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-63399248685340376202009-07-27T14:24:00.001-04:002009-07-27T14:25:11.995-04:00Praying for Stellan~<script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=2016" type="text/javascript"></script>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-84944409257412241312009-05-18T09:18:00.007-04:002009-05-18T10:16:51.249-04:00Six, one more day!?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatoWsECtpMg0j-Gr11nf1Oxw1SI0bBvhqkVzxqmjJleGyGdx_hbxEu9Wl_SpY6JKwMvdTIq70osbJ3xbIYc9VZu1TeeJmPRvhMCB6Of8sxe2iVvmpriiCEKXlFRv-Wn2Yj6Rm/s1600-h/trent+6.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337156519521750322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatoWsECtpMg0j-Gr11nf1Oxw1SI0bBvhqkVzxqmjJleGyGdx_hbxEu9Wl_SpY6JKwMvdTIq70osbJ3xbIYc9VZu1TeeJmPRvhMCB6Of8sxe2iVvmpriiCEKXlFRv-Wn2Yj6Rm/s320/trent+6.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="0" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNDI2NTU5Nzk2MjEmcHQ9MTI*MjY1NTk5NzM4NSZwPTM5MDEmZD1mbGFzaHRveXMmZz*xJnQ9Jm89N2I5ZGZiY2M3ZDQ4NDBmMThmNjM1MGRiYWYyMTk1OWU=.gif" /><span id="pyzam-fonteditor-start" style="display:none"></span><div style="color: #00A019;font: normal 16pt 'Jokerman';text-align: left;">I can hardly believe that six whole years have went by...<br />Trent will be seven tommorow, Already??<br />Trenton came into our lives at the age of around 8 months, he came from a bad situation. He remained with us until he was 14 months old. He had learned to crawl,walk, babble, play, and smile again..to make eye contact..... He had grown in weight and in spirit. He had is first teeth come in, and ate his first birthday cake... Well it was a cupcake... it was everywhere. I just feel bad that even though I loved him so much, I took very little pictures of that time. I coped by keeping that part at distance. Even when I craddled him in my arms, I felt like I knew I had to give him back to bio parents eventually. So, I loved him, and kept him safe... but for me taking little to none in the way of pictures helped me... I didnt want the tears and pain looking at them later in time. As I thought and expected the court system from MI, let the parents have him back. I was angery that the system could do that to him... He was thriving. he was happy, and had gotten his shots all up to date which he had never had with them. He was turning into a chunk with adorable dimples and a sweet spirit.<br />Needless to say, He was abused when he was returned to his bio parents, and we found out he had Fetal Alcohol Syndrom, and was mildly autistic. They still failed him, so we got another phone call, for a gaurdianship, this time there was more.... he had lost 7 lbs, and momma had another baby. My prayers for Trenton to come back were answered, and with a brand new 4 week old baby brother. Can you believe the courts worked so hard to help the parents and yet they just signed their parental rights away? They didnt want them? Seven years tommorow, I had a life changing event happen... I fell in love and had my heart broke all at once! With Trenton... I know it doesnt make since to some of you, but I felt like I died when left and was treated so horribly. I feel like part of him is dead sometimes. Hes went through so much...<br />When all he deserved was to be loved, to be happy and healthy... Now he is... Forever! If I didnt mention it; we adopted both him and his baby brother, ( whom turned 5 Valentines day!!!) Wow! Happy Birthday Trenton... We are so glad we have had you for all 7 Birthdays! <br />Pictures speak volumes... I wish I could turn the clock back and snap everyday of his life sometimes....<br />I Love you Trenton... My lil Bug!<br /></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="0" height="0" src="http://stuff.pyzam.com/misc/CXNID=1000015.0NXC.gif" /><span id="pyzam-fonteditor-end" style="display:none"></span><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-16047910229600854802009-04-07T11:51:00.003-04:002009-04-07T12:03:10.952-04:00Long awaited updateI can hardly believe that I have went this long with friends and family afar wondering how I am.... I am SO Sorry!<br /><br />I had my Bi Lat Mastectomy January 29th, went very well, and started reconstruction the same day. <br />It made me feel better to know that I was waking to a Lil something than nothing. Just the same it was heart wrenching. <br />I cant describe the loss a woman feels.....<br />How the way you don't want anyone to see you look so bad....<br /><br />My Birthday was Feb 1st and while I don't remember most of it from sleeping and pain meds I am sure that from the pictures I enjoyed the cake! <br /><br />I felt constantly tired and could seem to stay awake around the 8th or so of February<br />I felt so weak and exhausted.... My boys and husband had been sick so everyone "assumed" I was getting ill too. Sick Yes, Just not what we hoped for!<br /><br />I was admitted back into to hospital for emergency surgery, the right breast implant and all the beginning reconstruction had to be removed, I developed a serious infection, as well as a delirious state of mind due to a fever of almost 106....<br />I was heavily medicated with STRONG antibiotics, spent a week in bed in the hospital and returned home... I have been on the mend since. I am just so ready for life to return to normal... C..... Cancer SUCKS!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-9342836266288152052009-01-14T12:50:00.003-05:002009-01-14T12:58:30.417-05:00I am so aggravated, I don't know why doctors cant seem to plan everything together!? <br />Why they don't know how to plan things out!!! <br />I guess I should say the nurses...<br />I was set to have surgery the 15th... <br />which wasn't confirmed but that is what they wanted, then it wouldn't work for them AGAIN...<br />So then it was the 22nd!<br />Now it wont be until the 29th.<br />2 days before my 35th birthday... and right before Tom goes back to work.....Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-45398717930941012132009-01-11T07:24:00.005-05:002009-01-12T10:57:25.329-05:00For Tom!<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=73392209ef86d135611593" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=73392209ef86d135611593&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=73392209ef86d135611593&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/73392209ef86d135611593/701.gif" style="border:0px;" width="408" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt3" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make video montages at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br />Tom returned from Iraq Thanksgiving evening...<br />I am so glad he is home, It was a LONG Year!<br />Welcome home, we missed you... All of us!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-74697788686288755662009-01-06T11:53:00.001-05:002009-01-06T11:53:03.271-05:00"Nesting?"<span id="pyzam-fonteditor-start" style="display:none"></span>
<br /><div style="color: #FF52EA;font: normal 13pt 'Lucida Handwriting';text-align: left;">We have freezing rain outdoors..... Yet, I have an urgency to clean... I feel like it should be a sunny spring day. I feel like I did when I was pregnant, when I went through the last few days "nesting".<br />
<br /> I dont know why I feel like this? I do know I have been told I am a bit obsessivlily compulisive. Me? Never! <br />
<br />I just emptied the closet under the stair well Sunday afternoon, and organized it. Cleaned the attic out a week or so ago, and cleaned, decluttered and threw away all the papers that were un~needed in the office and shredded enough to empty the shredder TWICE! I organized my inventory for my home busness, and then we went and had our taxes prepared yesterday. Not to mention the new flooring in the restroom, or toliet, or my new dishwasher that I waited a year on, but didnt see hope of getting until Tom knew that he would be on his own with the household chores while I am recupperating.<br />
<br />I also was told to find a maid to come once a week to help with the Nitty Gritty cleaning. UGH!!!<br />
<br />Did I mention that I also organized all the nails and screws in the garage for Tom and put them in a organizer.. I put them all away by size and everything... I can find where they all are So fast! So can he, and<br />
<br /> you all know how a man will look right at something and yet still NOT know where a thing is!<br />
<br />Keeping busy helps the time pass.<br />
<br /> I'm feeling uneasy as the date gets closer, even though the nurse called yesterday to tell me that the date will most likley change to the 22nd.... Which I in turn snapped at her, even though it was NOT her fault. Before anyone critizes.... I DID apologize. I just mentally prepare way in advance and when dates change for something like this I panic ( so to speak) I feel a strange feeling and like I am out of control. I cant explain it. I just am a prompt on time person and dont like when dates or times change. I feel a need to be in control of time when it comes to my health or my famlies. I have to remember that time does change and things happen... I cant control that! In the meantime I will continue to "nest"........<br />
<br /></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://stuff.pyzam.com/misc/CXNID=1000015.0NXC.gif" />
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<br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIzMTI2MDY5Njg2NCZwdD*xMjMxMjYwNzQwMjg1JnA9MzkwMSZkPWZsYXNodG95cyZuPWJsb2dnZXImZz*xJnQ9Jm89MzU1YmRhZTU3MTdlNDYxNGE1MDc5MTQwOGI*NGY*MjE=.gif" />Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-20717166119235067572009-01-03T11:33:00.004-05:002009-01-03T14:46:20.634-05:00Cancer, An Ugly word...<span id="pyzam-fonteditor-start" style="DISPLAY: none"></span><br /><div style="FONT: 31pt 'Freestyle Script'; TEXT-ALIGN: leftcolor:#ff9fdc;" ><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc66cc;">hi there.... Now that Tom is home, things are settling down a bit. We still have to get used to being together, as we are BOTH used to being so independent.<br /><br />He is still adjusting to my moods as my hormones are still crazy as he says. This due to my hysterctomy in August and the inablity to take HRT. We are surviving though. It hasnt been too bad. Atleast NOT FOR HIM!<br /><br />I am dealing with the ever pressing date of the 15th of January. That day i am sure will be a day that will forever be etched in my mind. I will be undergoing a double mascetomy. I havent posted in a long time as this was something that has been very upsetting to me. I dont think I will ever understand why things are the way they areor why I am about to go through this.<br /><br />I am angery at times, sad, and yet relieved. Cancer is a very, very UGLY word, and yet it is humbling too.<br /><br />I worry so much about that day, what the out come will be, how I will look, feel, what the pain will be..... and and so much more. I will have reconstruction the same day, however there will be two more surgerys to follow before this is all complete. I have the Nations Number One Breast Oncologist, and an Awesome Plastic Surgeon. (Who is also very attractive ;) so those two wonderful men will be helping me through this.<br /><br />My children are not really sure what to think, they are still young though. My oldest, whom is almost 16 is a bit more concerned. Josh knows and understands the risks, and that makes him and little bit sympathetic, as well as ask alot of questions. I try to answer them the best I can, and I try NOT to "sugarcoat" them. I would hate for him to think I lied to him.<br /><br />I have been asked if i am scared.... Yes! Very.....</span></div><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://stuff.pyzam.com/misc/CXNID=1000015.0NXC.gif" width="0" border="0" /><br /><span id="pyzam-fonteditor-end" style="DISPLAY: none"></span><br /><img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIzMTAwMDIwMzA2MiZwdD*xMjMxMDAwMzgzNzA4JnA9MzkwMSZkPWZsYXNodG95cyZuPWJsb2dnZXImZz*xJnQ9Jm89MzU1YmRhZTU3MTdlNDYxNGE1MDc5MTQwOGI*NGY*MjE=.gif" width="0" border="0" /></span>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-1712993100158772782009-01-03T10:51:00.002-05:002009-01-03T11:39:57.365-05:00This Year...<span id="pyzam-glittertext-start" style="DISPLAY: none"></span><br /><p><a href="http://www.pyzam.com/toys/view/glittertext"><img alt="Pyzam Glitter Text Maker" src="http://www.pyzamstuff.com/blingfetti/1/11/7e201ddf4457a0bef1f87a80f22c93.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.pyzam.com/toys/view/glittertext">Glitter Graphics Maker</a> & <a href="http://www.pyzam.com/myspacelayouts">MySpace Layouts</a></p><br /><img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://stuff.pyzam.com/misc/CXNID=1000015.9NXC.gif" width="0" border="0" /><br /><span id="pyzam-glittertext-end" style="DISPLAY: none"></span><br /><img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIzMDk5Nzc5ODI1MyZwdD*xMjMwOTk3ODUyMjY2JnA9MzkwMSZkPWZsYXNodG95cyZuPWJsb2dnZXImZz*xJnQ9Jm89MzU1YmRhZTU3MTdlNDYxNGE1MDc5MTQwOGI*NGY*MjE=.gif" width="0" border="0" />Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-42666754200269656162008-11-10T07:20:00.008-05:002008-11-10T23:05:39.824-05:00Veterans Day<span style="color:#ffff00;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZGt7bCIaMMSUTJvnNt8NPLRj7BL4H9sE6D6gQ_LELoY2EExFh15nbdHXMpq58UWpYqaxzGiqQplRodocxnLY2FcS8orJ0Ar0gxQY8TVoPFHtWdoYpKzCPYuu7IkLViNjMK-z/s1600-h/100_0757.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267095080530705010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZGt7bCIaMMSUTJvnNt8NPLRj7BL4H9sE6D6gQ_LELoY2EExFh15nbdHXMpq58UWpYqaxzGiqQplRodocxnLY2FcS8orJ0Ar0gxQY8TVoPFHtWdoYpKzCPYuu7IkLViNjMK-z/s320/100_0757.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><div><div>What is a "veteran?" Taken to the net, I found this at , <a href="http://usmilitary.about.com/b/">ROD'S US MILITARY BLOG</a> <div><br /><br /><div>A Man that really hit it hard!</div><br /><div>I thought long and hard last night about this specific topic, as tomorrow is Veterans day.</div><br /><div>A lot of people observe it on Mondays, yet it is truly Tuesday.</div><br /><div>One would think that would be an easy question to answer. In the millions of laws passed over two centuries by Congress, you would think that at least one of them would define the term "military veteran." In actuality, there is no standardized legal definition of "military veteran" in the United States. You see, veteran benefits weren't created all at one time. They've been added one-by-one for over 200 years by Congress. Each time Congress passed a new law authorizing and creating a new veteran benefit, they included eligibility requirements for that particular benefit. Whether or not one is considered a "veteran" by the federal government depends entirely upon which veteran program or benefit one is applying for.<br /></div><div><em>Defined by me</em>, A Military Veteran is a man or woman that has served our country!</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267012905223167586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYljWr_e_AJxjzJrUCNeBua047Hkk5xA5qS-rTf9DQKaMFRlfkuiY3z5EZCbxQuunS6URPXvuy_tngZovqK6hUd_KZHYJwEeptB0BHZ3pGyhEQpCspsEO0UEa2CtQlG5c1VNDS/s320/Tom+in+GA.bmp" border="0" /><br /><div>With today's country in the serious turmoil it is in... We <strong><em>NEED</em></strong> more Men and Woman to become able bodies and join the military,to become veterans, become Hero's! I have a few in my family...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267095068725289346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqwvbAfOr3Skci2HAcJbgm5UwhXtcI7EmOTdqo8Nq2b_xKMP4W9dGKtmF0OZdijZLXBLZUgrnah0hIqtEbZYQskKOUKrKJIBxUi02HTzjJvSHRg4P04D8hUa6RWnZW4FILmaP/s320/100_0741.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>My grandfather was a WWII Vet, Thank you Grandpa Lee, and Grandpa Bill,who served in Korea, and WWII....</div><div></div><div>Also to my husband, O.E.F, and now currently in Iraq.</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267012902217913554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqcYMOAumtM1Joscrq2qwpNM59SkqXwmHtRe0FrdWutZUfte7gJfg0webk2iMLk1kds9s0vEgyxB7R-j2SXeyJsJLT24LUwIEi0qMrU5V4M10BIdW7UE08DJBPOlbn1UdqUVK/s320/Tom.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Regardless of your definition, or what rights that you think they all deserve....They DON'T get enough in my opinion...Yes, I did marry a soldier, I knew what I could be "getting into."</div><div>No, I don't enjoy the war, I wish the soldiers were home just like MANY others! Something was started over there, and NOW it HAS to be finished!</div><div>YES, it was HIS choice to join the military, BUT <em>could and would you</em> loose a limb, get severely burned, tortured, captured, miss your home, family, a child's birth, the last days of a loved one, OR even die for a <em>COMPLETE </em>stranger? They make those sacrifices for us ... Not because we asked them, not by force, <em><strong>BUT BY CHOICE</strong></em>.</div><div>They do it every day, they made a choice to do that for US ALL! <em><strong>ALL</strong></em> of us <strong><em>complete strangers</em></strong> to them.... <span style="font-size:180%;">They would give it all....</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Have you thanked them? </span><span style="font-size:180%;">I mean <em><strong>REALLY</strong></em> thanked them?</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267012918937096642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKoOXOA6qTgyZzNHycFwlIgP54RkFPfmYGU8Z4IwDL-4XKVxpD-xHnsARFMKv_CJZoEUGqeHq6VxTn4c_MP4rRz0T7mXx4ASr_grOAmVkm7PyLYaftiJ9i5sQcHGktJMIpk-e/s320/DSC00731.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-79815931022970991962008-11-10T06:49:00.004-05:002008-11-10T06:58:24.945-05:00Not Me, Not MondayI did NOT fall asleep in the recliner <em>again</em> last night.<br />I did NOT wake up at 4:30 AM and decide that since it was SUNDAY, I could go lay down for about 4-5 more hours. Knowing it was really MONDAY!<br />I did NOT take my kids to the mall, after they were horrible Saturday, even though I needed to shop.<br />I did NOT <em>ALMOST</em> put up the Christmas tree.<br />I did NOT sit on Santa's lap for the 1st time since <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">High school</span> over the weekend.<br />I did NOT get lazy and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">aggravated</span> looking for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">piece</span> of paper, and gingerly allow the ones I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn't</span> want to "fall" carelessly onto the floor.<br />I did NOT leave them there either!Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-27324293248227233272008-09-26T14:04:00.004-04:002008-09-26T23:24:30.339-04:00What we have been up to~<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The summer started off great, until June..... This is what proceeded everything our friends, our community, and our family have endured since early June. Just like the song when the lightning strikes the thunder ROLLS~~~~ </span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250396953192203778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CX5-6WN0WKyHJEwsL54blKSpwrKUshNFucyeGZJe3l6JAh0foMGtJoLUf8A19SxJN81UV-8Wep88MSEOda6ASeD5cb9Pob7qED71NBDQQfRd_WUM9flOM8qDumxd7pXCcVld/s320/100_0937.JPG" border="0" /><br />June brought heavy rain to our town, I think almost 10 inches to be exact, It sure was a sight to wake to ....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueP4YVfaBhjYf5uYZLSb-gXY3OzsMdTyfMYg0Cax_2DI6NDh1CKPUwAlzhaJU4Oar1w2N8xqmPbew9BUQjiMIdmptzF8rWxNAoLj02xlSTw77Ip7m-qD0aO8jSAIxigPfkrjk/s1600-h/100_1044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250477345420341442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueP4YVfaBhjYf5uYZLSb-gXY3OzsMdTyfMYg0Cax_2DI6NDh1CKPUwAlzhaJU4Oar1w2N8xqmPbew9BUQjiMIdmptzF8rWxNAoLj02xlSTw77Ip7m-qD0aO8jSAIxigPfkrjk/s320/100_1044.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the playground surrounding my sons school, not to mention the white building you see peeking through the trees is the Kroger's grocery.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250396953234811890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMONkrJVNN0NURqM4XdVgoOYO9LNA36JjYcPfRG1lY3jihQpE2BZa_JKiizbLa3Vqn3ZZ_IAQJKu0qSRPLR_aj-B_tdz-xCtA3IWyLWU0K0UhYhiglPSl9KcLTdxPCdLrCK0Z/s320/100_1038.JPG" border="0" /><br />This is Marsh, they obviously were out of everything as anyone that could get to them loaded up.... It was kinda like our town was a big camp ground. Since we were all with out power for a minimum of three days Neighbors all got together with food, grills and lawn chairs and joined in TOGETHER.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250477352297940162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJZFcH00va0adMbTmhJmqWFkGdDyHVUBq3viynEb4hCBshJ8wgBh5m9-EhMarkZRFAfVnn3YgzQwu61uFdxvYWdEpaFS7ckvd8h_QrHQo6MPaxqmIj4nFwQj0ou-pLOkxZzx8/s320/DSC00081.JPG" border="0" /><br />Then there was the tornado that whipped through the military base.....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250396959836090930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35trd_VCE-NAO7MCgjkgENnOzaBwLwvNbFoQP5Iq70v5uSUp0xWFE5HpYo6BDR3C6aE66lc5eq1mIODOY3GsT5IFNzdW_n1sg8a_7bmUwUqhuZQcxXfvoJPLgwXSDzIz1xPAP/s320/100_1062.JPG" border="0" />The military fellows helping us all out .....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkJiqKkzBLhHZRosgqyKAHLjKrn_v6fsx332sARBERR_hPvfL1wKxf5pXv4XmMXoDIgfPEoWL0ckbEA6IT5_bt4Gli0vqzV_4k78J_mQpCI1jATIIDlF3Jus6YTG5hOUK5udG/s1600-h/DSC00139.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250477344394008706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkJiqKkzBLhHZRosgqyKAHLjKrn_v6fsx332sARBERR_hPvfL1wKxf5pXv4XmMXoDIgfPEoWL0ckbEA6IT5_bt4Gli0vqzV_4k78J_mQpCI1jATIIDlF3Jus6YTG5hOUK5udG/s320/DSC00139.JPG" border="0" /></a> Loosing a first tooth<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZyfsQAHrmth_nTnuuoXGdmEUPFg59xNsTD2-KCJt8K1U50qs7KDnOxaeIpGiBsW7LRdA6yDSoBES4lIG2CXxwdtlHeunmUMQdkOByxtCniLpJeaIyH1GF1cN952-W-iimHZs/s1600-h/DSC00180.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250477349261328130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZyfsQAHrmth_nTnuuoXGdmEUPFg59xNsTD2-KCJt8K1U50qs7KDnOxaeIpGiBsW7LRdA6yDSoBES4lIG2CXxwdtlHeunmUMQdkOByxtCniLpJeaIyH1GF1cN952-W-iimHZs/s320/DSC00180.JPG" border="0" /></a> Getting lots of freckles, and naming each and everyone.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHi-P8Wcf4_cOpz8W0bDwIdJzMGxa2PHyY8jekLdI673uj0P00v2VtZI689bQdwGShNclKAx7vRsIywWZVevuXNTBggJQu-pQDu0mCJrLf50RYWAwv1LNMM8nHiq-9CDnZmqw/s1600-h/DSC00238.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250477349048611826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHi-P8Wcf4_cOpz8W0bDwIdJzMGxa2PHyY8jekLdI673uj0P00v2VtZI689bQdwGShNclKAx7vRsIywWZVevuXNTBggJQu-pQDu0mCJrLf50RYWAwv1LNMM8nHiq-9CDnZmqw/s320/DSC00238.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mastering Potty training! Wow! That was a big one!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5dz4oXuKmenxyMB1p7mSno0YzSny0GMLCpCj3couBlQglQLnLT5w2FijbCdKL3aV-EdiH1t0n-vbaaL1Yuu2VW5NVHXc7paDvWgF5BD4RoXl28gUtt9Txzu2X7fVtCnsMuJG/s1600-h/100_0752.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250396950348518610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5dz4oXuKmenxyMB1p7mSno0YzSny0GMLCpCj3couBlQglQLnLT5w2FijbCdKL3aV-EdiH1t0n-vbaaL1Yuu2VW5NVHXc7paDvWgF5BD4RoXl28gUtt9Txzu2X7fVtCnsMuJG/s320/100_0752.JPG" border="0" /></a> Remember the fallen soldiers, and placing a flag for my grandfather who served in WW1<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250396944438024338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTi717GzcmxMrAlp6sr4tn5wN_01t4uNOwJM9oNitIzfn4oHBRC8fhQ4mxX3LZ_gBISolsapW3m5SEmJR58Nw0zPVzQAynpsNrgh4T1yBJQOCahJLQ2mpfNgxtH9QDNs18m-8/s320/100_0740.JPG" border="0" />Starting school again!<br /><br /><br /><br />To me what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">really</span> matters, is that God kept is all safe, he looked out for us, My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">husband</span> is still gone but God keeps <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">him</span> covered too! Our friend that lost everything have found a new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">appreciation</span> for their homes, and figured out it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">isn't</span> what you have, it is what matters most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">In</span> your heart... Family, being safe and together. I thank God he was there for us all!<br /><div></div></div>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-82349799503483957932008-05-03T10:22:00.004-04:002008-12-11T01:00:15.344-05:00It's Happening<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs5U97vHR1KibPqQ8PwUMWihyukcecB3Gj4Q9TjXFh2HRR5ovSaSYKFoJi1K6DUg_jbHzpZ5FiKgCO8Y7sZkR4iLJRv5FUY1t85PLGQi0HzHTQq78iJVM7O9uaPghAYykpVu5/s1600-h/101_0044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196159003558201074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs5U97vHR1KibPqQ8PwUMWihyukcecB3Gj4Q9TjXFh2HRR5ovSaSYKFoJi1K6DUg_jbHzpZ5FiKgCO8Y7sZkR4iLJRv5FUY1t85PLGQi0HzHTQq78iJVM7O9uaPghAYykpVu5/s320/101_0044.JPG" border="0" /></a> Day after Thanksgiving 2007<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi428tzV4yNt0FuWpYdoxLdHYb1b0LJfXmHHpNTK4lc91QNP4-ycq8fiDGefUuhCfAner9ZwtB6AK2cgmK-ntId8BLRqr5AH9_GOiUcXaxOqXvw0S37pcuQSy8W91HfFx5E80rM/s1600-h/101_0226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196159020738070274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi428tzV4yNt0FuWpYdoxLdHYb1b0LJfXmHHpNTK4lc91QNP4-ycq8fiDGefUuhCfAner9ZwtB6AK2cgmK-ntId8BLRqr5AH9_GOiUcXaxOqXvw0S37pcuQSy8W91HfFx5E80rM/s320/101_0226.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christmas Eve 2007<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqGmyigCCGJO5uug90thIxI9rc9Z1ZXBzr1NTVRNcrjo5kzV4XWnN6nY-52YR4EYF2gcnqnMhjIYPIZ2QDMpUtqTZALRspO_o7siBOir-bsDCTy8uq71oj435IyY595J3oHxM/s1600-h/100_0026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196159033622972178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqGmyigCCGJO5uug90thIxI9rc9Z1ZXBzr1NTVRNcrjo5kzV4XWnN6nY-52YR4EYF2gcnqnMhjIYPIZ2QDMpUtqTZALRspO_o7siBOir-bsDCTy8uq71oj435IyY595J3oHxM/s320/100_0026.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christmas Day 2007 ( Pouting my chin up to hide it)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmer47R5AvACWsPH2_B-T5JPX73k-DM5BVtIcx7IckifC3r_jn48qy3NnbMPp9NR7h_6xZiTs3ybXK613NmHDWLLLu6isYiQaRfE5fLS2Z_BgAn9ToMbiFGhZxU08O1_1mecx/s1600-h/100_0056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196159046507874098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmer47R5AvACWsPH2_B-T5JPX73k-DM5BVtIcx7IckifC3r_jn48qy3NnbMPp9NR7h_6xZiTs3ybXK613NmHDWLLLu6isYiQaRfE5fLS2Z_BgAn9ToMbiFGhZxU08O1_1mecx/s320/100_0056.JPG" border="0" /></a> January 2008</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>I have waited SO long to actually feel good about buying clothes, I dont yet... since now I am in between sizes. </div></div>I have waited for somone to say Oh wow, and pat me on the back and actually notice the hard work I have been putting forth since I started this change of lifestyle, (change of diet.) I have went for months getting excited as I would see the Dr. for Blood pressure checks, and just last week a glucose test. My sugar and BP had been high off and on but The Dr. asured me that getting the weight off would bring me back. Well I am no longer pre~diabetic, and while my BP spikes at times, the Dr. as have I have noticed now it is usually stress induced. I am not where I need to be or where I want to be, but I do have more energy, and dont get worn out as easily chasing after the boys. I am liking who I see in the mirror again though and that is IMPORTANT! For sixteen years this has been a challenge, and I am FINALLY motivated to do something about it! Espescially since someone yesterday really didnt recognize me, and I told here who I was... she just didnt put it all together UNTIL I showed her my Drivers Licence picture. She thought I looked so different. I am proud the work is showing, but will NEVER forget what I looked like, or HOW it feels to be starred at like you are a pig, when at resturants I always felt like someone was starring like are you going to eat ALL of that! It was so degrading, humiliating...but humbling too. For now I see what others struggle with and will never put an overweight person down. It hurts.... and they too can acheive success, it is hard and alot of work but it isw SO SO worth it! It matters to me that I am healthy and able to let go of it all and be there for my kids and enjoy them... They matter to me, and the weight has made it hard to have fun with them. I am thankful to see that, and to be heading down the right path!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196163985720264562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrscgCxqdN5u-AuXzagq9PBZgiayxl-kuhKTdxrW7TW1HafQQB1vNZlqStsJf0sNRzTZ6fN3p2HHooJh55NqkwJZDRiHDz8Uy8vwVcPt1j5ZzDijcNK2nRBgDF9mjHSIJ4Uyq/s320/me+at+park.bmp" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196163981425297234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5FPq34902_LzOc-UYnHBahF_mT7H-2iXwUoYAuftQZqAaneIZ6F94fl1XnLDNDoQQjDDCqsIGWpQt8cDSq-XF_wavMnYQ8VYE95PtbMgNourEvHENvOVgj5Ir6rdmnLYTQF9/s320/side+view.bmp" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196163981425297250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAMOjHbuposiV_5WlgQ0qXCilseaJR-yAXqRy0-95qnz-ZwQyeZB5Rf08KVAJ-erOmKbSuGpnKgGZhRqZ3QZbztmmFcLNVAgrL3iH9Bvtq38Cv-C4AOW2XwrksbHnGVDJp1fC/s320/swinging.bmp" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196163985720264578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl-ASYGYCNp9NjnLPENeOVc-rTDDxkcy-ztQ_G-6ODnly5tnS9sgbwGnvPSDBz5-37M_KX2V3Zv51tgDqynAVxslFphl7DcVeBDXSoMObnZrnpNeaZKKeUDQ7A4bmwFx3rjfM/s320/Mary+kay+APR+24.bmp" border="0" /> April 24th 2008 ( Previous Pictures were Mid April at the park with the boy's. I havent been able to fit on one in years....</p><p> </p><p> </p>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-59727698031404985972008-05-03T10:14:00.001-04:002008-05-03T10:20:02.138-04:00Just a glimpse<p align="center"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>Sounds of the 76th IBCT<br /></em></span>In the summer of 2007 after learning of an impending deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Indiana National Guard sought the support of the 38th Infantry Division Band. The band had recently debuted a new auxiliary rock band, <em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Rapid Fire</span></em>. <br />Rapid Fire received rave reviews for performances in and out of Indiana, including a live performance at the Indianapolis 500. The brigade asked Rapid Fire to arrange, perform and record two songs in support of the deployment. The Soldiers of Rapid Fire, along with many other members of the band, enthusiastically took up the mission and under a short suspense and more than a little anticipation delivered the recordings in time for the Nighthawks' departure ceremony.<br /><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">When I Chose to be a Soldier captures a rare glimpse of the relationship between deploying Soldiers and their children, the beloved Army Brats.<br />Nighthawk is a rousing and uplifting salute to the citizen Soldiers of the brigade.<br />Both songs are available here for free download in MP3 format compliments of Rapid Fire, the 38th Infantry Division Band and the</span></em> <a href="http://www.inarng.org/">Indiana National Guard</a>.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.76bct.org/multimedia/songs/02%20Nighthawk%20(studio).mp3">Nighthawk</a> <a href="http://www.76bct.org/multimedia/songs/01%20When%20I%20Chose%20(To%20Be%20A%20Soldier)%20(s.mp3"> When I Chose to be a Soldier</a><br /><a href="http://www.76bct.org/multimedia/rapidfire/rapidfire.htm">Rapid Fire Photo Gallery By Sgt. Mike Krieg</a><br /><br /><a style="COLOR: #000000; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.76bct.org/index.htm"> </a></p>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-5210665703495116762008-04-15T23:55:00.004-04:002008-04-16T00:43:22.848-04:00When your low..I met a new friend when my son started kindergarten this year. She had something I wanted, and <span style="color:#ff99ff;">she had something "<em>Exciting"</em> she wanted to share as well.</span> <em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;">Brandy</span></em>, if you read this, I really don't know if what I was seeking was TRULY what you have given me. I, yes <em>me</em>...<strong> approached </strong><em><strong>you. </strong>I sought you out, not knowing why "Except for PERFUME"... but someone had a plan much MUCH bigger than I could have ever imagined. My life Is not a open book, I am intimidated very easily and wish to make people happy, to have friends and be liked. I am afraid of rejection, being disliked, and often either OVER compensate things so people like me, or I am quiet and cower in a corner.<span style="color:#009900;"> I don't always know how to act. I am myself with my children, and my husband, I am comfortable with them, as well as my best friends ( more like family) Mr. and Mrs. Heinzmann. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">I have struggled with somethings for a VERY long time. I have made excuses for things that have went "wrong in my life". I just haven't been doing what I was supposed to. I am constantly reminded of true love and faith through The Heinzmanns, but for some reason something just clicked today. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;">Brandy... You reminded me to call out to God, and lean on him, to trust him. <span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;color:#3333ff;">with tear soaked eyes, and still a ill stomach.. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I am at peace</span></strong>, I am tired, my face hurts, my head hurts, my eyes hurt, all from crying and releasing everything to Him. </span></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#339999;">I honestly can not say where our adventure Brandy will take us, or that I will succeed, And right now<span style="font-size:130%;"> I DON'T care</span>, because you gave me more then an opportunity... I hope that Does NOT offend you that I speak it this way... Like I don't care if I do well in our adventure,<strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></strong></span><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">( my</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">adventure)</span></strong> ...</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">You reminded me that I have Jesus, and he is there and cares for me, and that is bigger then ANYTHING, EVEN a business transaction. </span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;">That is bigger then and more of an adventure then what you offered me... I just didn't know it at the time. Neither did you~ <span style="color:#ff99ff;">All of this from a bottle of perfume! </span><span style="color:#339999;">Thanks so much Brandy, </span><span style="color:#00cccc;">you have NO idea what you have done..... Here is a link that Brandy sent to me, I encourage you to view it. Watch it carefully, it is A very powerful message! <span style="font-size:100%;color:#3333ff;">When you are low, and down, lonely, scared, anxious, He, Jesus</span> </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">is all you need!</span></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"> <a href="http://www.godtube.com/view_video?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5">Click</a> here to be Moved, <span style="font-size:130%;">I sure was~</span></span></span></em>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-78713375917529513512008-04-01T00:07:00.012-04:002008-12-11T01:00:18.511-05:00This and That~<div><div>THANK YOU TOM, for being such a wonferul husband and taking care of us, even when your not home, thinking of us and making us feel your love when you are SO FAR away! </div><div>You sacerfice so much for us all, not just your family but so many other Americans as well! You give so much up for us... I know that I could never do what you do, or repay you for what you have done for this country, even though you are just, but <strong><em>one </em></strong>person <strong><em>YOU</em></strong> <em>make a</em> team of others to do the job~ I love you and I am so proud to be your wife, and have you as my Best Friend!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184152344783714290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9whwTuUGpg__nRyDPoWwOVZ9trT_2MoS-41OuCrwoMhZaZ1GNHlPFuSdWGgJ-3cSdLGu7Jacm4GHJ4-bDIrhY4YF57tu6wScaTE8jRdMGNMepRybb9NvCcdxf6Ehz9nmOqIhT/s320/11+mar+mixxed+001.jpg" border="0" /><br />It has been a long time since my husband has gotten to tell me "Goodnight"! Normally he is being told Goodnight from me as the time difference is SEVEN hours. Well, it is 12:08 am and He called me a few minutes ago. He was off to breakfast, and then to work! I love that his voice will be the last one I hear before I crawl into bed tonight, or morning LOL! I miss him so much right now. I can hardly believe that sometimes I CAN and DO survive without him being here. It is SO hard at times. I know that God is using him and every single soldier there. Just refer to my previous thoughts on this, here is a link! <a href="http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:WVj-T_oBckwJ:christalmiles.blogspot.com/2007/05/hands-and-feet-and-moms-day.html+hands+and+feet+and+moms+day&hl=en">God's hands and Feet</a> I hope that many of you will reflect back on this and really think about what it says and know that Yes while I KNOW many don't agree with the war and soldiers being away from home, missing their loved ones; That They<strong> THE SOLDIERS</strong> chose this lifestyle and myself as a wife knew it was a possibilities that I would see my husband leave for war. I knew this just as him as a soldier. That DOESN'T make it easier. I know that you Tom, will eventually read this.... I miss you Babe, be safe and know we all love you ~<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184152349078681602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKPzMMwgPCHqolVdXT8SDMGfjdNSAsLfsQPVKtG_xsa8D9ZGHFqRILB84uXbuBCXHSYuHkNe0stOkyfyR9K0-0QhGxAkd4AovHzvy7tBi7xIVoiigXW69D154NpC7dY6YHCv8/s320/tom+with+gun.jpg" border="0" /> Tom acting just a BIT Silly... Got to do something over there!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Anyway for a subject change! Things have remained busy as usual, which is good at times. The house is done and everything is PERFECTLY organized. FOR NOW!</div><div>I don't know why when everything is all put away in a new home (Or in our case a 1930's home) that things look so good and perfect and has a special place UNTIL we all get lazy and just put it where ever. Anyone else do that? I keep finding myself in a hurry and starting to just shove something in the drawer or in a cabinet and find myself scolded by my inner voice... Now, is this where that goes? At least I don't say it out loud or answer myself.. I just put it where it goes! Which So far has not been in the dining room piling up the table! I think it looks too nice when it isn't cluttered!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184143583050430290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj652CKoGJo1me9_hodmfmFdj3WaXD06A0FHQeqC9tGFdxsq2u1sgfrNcYhtkKnOfVYgqdI1xIHQ2YPPpm6Lt8sf-gdFbDIichWmQ0a2qYnu1cnoAYtcP_vOO0xnzJRAy7BGZVS/s320/100_0539.JPG" border="0" /> Told ya it wasn't cluttered!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184146340419434434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U0vTiEXbYwXJCFiX27lYlVh4F-j1AfQNnp-l9yQvIhUFaOj7vGJsQehwcOEDSVeyhKAbfWCFX3TNhyphenhyphenOEhu5Fz_K-9IszFjji3p4CPhmeN-rcBSHsnzb3iXotHQNdQ4P_MYLM/s320/100_0543.JPG" border="0" /> Very simple light over dining room table... Love it~~<br /><br /><div>The boys had a nice Easter despite their Daddy being gone. We went to some friends house and had a pitch in, had a Easter egg hunt indoors, since it was snowing on Easter! Yes, EASTER! It is Indiana afterall~<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184143570165528370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVqn_8gLvGMUonO2A_pwAhE_Mo8XbqIRdxcBRNKeGWLN4sCqRDd54AKHN96fZy3wrCPPyX9v07WsDAO7xdPXIDxTPTJl6aM_QVLsVzASJFwRUV9Viqz2fxlj-qdicii1nw9IO/s320/100_0443.JPG" border="0" /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184143595935332210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDI7roDx_pJ-bHzB-urH9_RF3Rm_jr3SejP3ygeQnCRl_7QgAwBhwcU2sIDNTht4hyphenhyphen0xxbX6kPTpl5TydXXWThVOvjwABKM1FsCbfsMFCWGbvkM1jpaoqyFV78i3kpdkNm_7t/s320/100_0522.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184146327534532514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTDxqHkn7gMYWiwvhj5kHwfpVwaifznxGRB-o8ybaiimVRRa6Nw99DhYdrkTTjrK84RhSJ0HJlh8O6jNqQe8WwEHFdwv2ZtuC4_vbmcycQMmy2GVY14dbsU4SkhEtBy6AHmgi/s320/100_0500.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Christian is talking ALOT more and going to the potty all by himself. He isn't totally trained but ALMOST! YEAH RAH!!! Some days I cant believe how much the boys are changing, and wonder where they would be if we had taken them into our hearts and our home!</div><br /><br /><div>The boy's headed back to school, Spring break was over for them. I am the one that has spring fever now! I can NOT wait to finish "decorating the yard" . First things first though... It has to be CLEANED up! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184152357668616210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3eXx3YOnJld_0S4y5KkprBt5cI-FcOkapP3PfAtsh98Kt1LqRDWtvD0r7mZinKeqbBz8UIIrrcxfqx_ravocfxpvEZzSKgv72Q3sNDsIHkiBuj1QYTG9x62riZbfL7y_Ln9a/s320/100_0573.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>I love the way the kitchen came out considering the age and what it looked like to start with, remember the before? Just in case you have forgotten... It was DREADFUL! It was enough to make a crazy person sane! Even my MIL thought is was awful... and to say the least she likes alot of things.... I love ya Momma~ BTW. That is my new name for her. It took me 16 years to call her that! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184146318944597906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50Fz-52OQNJn1yfC1fIYk_hFHKokMZQgs2D2Pf6s104lZarGKbVgrYbeNJYHAUdj3SDoCGQY2U0pFAq1qyYL_bAmXADWRvNwwmWtKIZGcREAp-Ff8s35MIlgsOFZVgOWM8hEe/s320/100_0002.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p> Before>>><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184146331829499826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_bc97KeCv3UHVK4Gh4TnG2kyY9Bl2f7s9BgjJKX_S_NVFD8ULmW-iNuIsq6tEdzA4VXUqBQ6j8fhKLcbh_q_d-bMQaP7b-1DUY4wghg3tHBswduHHhLwxpf8Oj6joXoONkLN/s320/100_0531.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p> Same wall, AFTER~<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184143578755462978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouXKwHc7BeBAmz78bC1-t6LFpss_E0vjAymdECbW8b5qpr777RInt7FSCh28hrPOxzXixYvrhnKxPitDv7E-cDNMSZchatCLyHQy8ao0guTS_aQJ9PZ5ErHptGNkGWzagkijj/s320/100_0538.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p> Kitchen table, remaining UNCLUTTERED! <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>For now</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184143587345397602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYVCD0xp3Riip6USemO99fpwdBFyWOFM7JIzzcRlBCsF-O121U1Ei1G2vBPjGGvVWy5Es5a7xLl9swexGCQfTs9lxeSXk0PhjG2YKXykmBGX045EKRoxf1GDSNBz2Wb-uptnl/s320/100_0532.JPG" border="0" /></p> Favorite wall, Kitchen of coarse!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184146310354663298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E8PM6mFjQPAWOOwtEwdn-i7ZrlSdKAnBQkyCuLbLUvWDu8DF5Ao_2nCrGK-sBC1359UqY7OetJ6KskAVAxCQUXnSJyG38_CDGbnMjq6Yvml_-GnqBCE32g4dasi0zthbPKYU/s320/100_0545.JPG" border="0" /> AND....of coarse the Living Room~<br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184152344783714258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCftf8axAu4uz0wJFjnVl8G5lcmlnotKgRUpaxrlbUqtwhCpsIwC1oP_k9aVixaf3SaFJFuRQGOd_0JpUgD86vGBeENSYRPY9Tfxh5xBHDwMKg3OHSac8OLh2az2BriwwzyDIb/s320/100_0411.JPG" border="0" />Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-53464816857178229472008-02-17T11:42:00.009-05:002008-12-11T01:00:25.016-05:00Being lost in an Unknown world~<div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG5TLtVwV8SkR2qmA0QsWQ1AE2jl9OEqMoivTbrB2COlZRJd0W0JEvuvdhX0dmYHuOQDuRTxPN-r6g-cjxtCpfHfwk8msXXtStJj7gwCsW-ciRPhx1ugFMuVlcKu2KVRG_RoF/s1600-h/100_0267.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173489932994039618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG5TLtVwV8SkR2qmA0QsWQ1AE2jl9OEqMoivTbrB2COlZRJd0W0JEvuvdhX0dmYHuOQDuRTxPN-r6g-cjxtCpfHfwk8msXXtStJj7gwCsW-ciRPhx1ugFMuVlcKu2KVRG_RoF/s320/100_0267.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Family in Hilton Head South Carolina!</span><br /></strong></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173487841344966434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmDXsLUT3Ql7tugaqFCMghBrF3izOzUGlDb5OOf8Be_-CbWaqSfgjHdjVqvvnaYaX7RSOPHaYNEFTZsPy9e64aCcrNrwiIry6wFLthhc8sAsW4NX0NrXw10SpRURDH9_fOaO3/s320/100_0193.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div> Tom and I... Love this picture!<br /><br />I know so many have been wondering where I have been and what I have been up to.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>The long version would take days to type out. So In a "nutshell! The kids have all been overwhelmed and miserable missing Dad, and bust running between 2 homes! Dieting at the same time! WHEWW!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173484873522564818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvGU_djoWLdBsaDK4BGjiszZSyXEWoyWjfYgR6kMkWiKy9PYRQtboHFhzYP-hgNJgfCZd5dt3FvB6yUggAZn_tcq_-soO6UZnXWCCpEwImPUnpXcmMF4YBCCaZFK0cFnCOotq/s320/IMAG0057.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173484882112499426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HWWSzrytn-Vy2T3gaooKuXp006iFmCetVbAxMJ4q_2itDOVHe8LNP6FvU6J0k_8atx0-6B0fXbYZiVvf5b-3Dn0-NmAe75MsdrtY20n9HGaiP8Vvv28xIBZ963oIBTSeogvD/s320/IMAG0059.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>1. Tom left Jan 2, 46 days since I have seen him :(</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173487819870129922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErsdczvGD2zqhJleGN7nr8dltIBFXSAKO6zdoEptSJ7JGiHmDeShiOPWc0s8y2_jsbt7CCj52PtJNE-IL1G2Z1r3RvKjw-Jjmu6Qhl9l5p3-ZtlKioYPFktH8-H7Y0OcHPTIK/s320/Tom+in+GA.bmp" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>2. Bought a house right before he left.Even though I initially wanted to wait. Have loved this house for years, and we knew the previous owners, so we know it's history as well.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>3. Jan 6Th Had an accident Hit a deer and ran off the road and tore up my van by hitting a farmers fence and dragging it for a bit so deep scratches all the way from the front to the back, on the passenger side, as well as the front window. Deers hoofs were in the windshield right in my sons face! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Good news is that NO one was injured. Deer ran away but may have been hurt and died?? I just don't know. It made me sad and we were ALL shaken up.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>4. Have had crappy weather and the adjuster couldn't get to look at damages until the 17Th of January. I could deal with that, I could one, Drive my van and look at how ugly it was but be reminded of how lucky we all were,: or 2 Drive hubby's gas sucking SUV. I choose the van. LOL!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173489954468876130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6LHpU6c8DTZToUJtDm9Rj1XbOi_iFp67dejuqT5zkICM6_CV41qL6VHg1hNQf3cAupHxB05yjmN9rSQSo9kNqYqMsVY-RlP6r3Y_iLgQMWcao_PpccSHFdIjxd43_7vIL4Ze/s320/100_0003.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173489941583974226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc6WmwA9bs-l56NYD3ad-j_1L1mWSfjta-Wp1yb2bLqot87I8ypASR5WgwJewTH3beUkXREipsf5ZClmkLnZIXZ5ZduY3Gr0aouompcTa5N0JoxgwrMcn3u3Kw89Mkw2YGzCX/s320/100_0002.JPG" border="0" /><br />I hated the wallpaper in the kitchen so it is currently being transformed~<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173489971648745346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrj090pGreBL_8BvxP1AFDy5oQJso2MOlxy6_NF82sruOH5IgRQS9Opj0iuUPQcOay-dgzuiwj-lRuqtBj848yCpDbLDmoeBAnaWr4RD0GG81r9m8F8UUBg6S39KBxSJFlZ72/s320/100_0040.JPG" border="0" /> The boy's hanging out in the living room, wanting everything over with! Ofcoarse I was having a bit of fun saying Hi to Tom~ Via email and pictures... Looking at the pic's though I see some weight disappering WOOOOOO HOOOOO!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173511987651104770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTu6tLT7eqNFZbfIc2-mz1KmVSMTzABiSv6WJ97N8QRxPyZFmTVJ0e6d-R4jmWmxAMzLXJv0ZQVaGK8qqOTYp2Y9rR7AWPu5gtkdHNZFnrGNT_16sTCfkkBaP2tIk5aS68dxz/s320/IMAG0040.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173487815575162610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2_IuXycR_eERc2em_iVX3CaYsYRaJNZLg93U4KIddFt1leSjNQiLtMj0OmR-v6d1Gvsw1Ej7W9zsmp5OA1mRB6qeRyapyOpQsM37nV10-ei3ptDBoXU3tUEVefVZRJoOygbT/s320/dining+room+stairs+before+Border.bmp" border="0" />The dining room before it was finished!<br /><br /><br /><div>5. Hired a painter for the dining room, and brother in law to gut the bathroom! ( which was AWFUL! .. The bathroom was that is!)</div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173484843457793698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk1rDF-uYmG7wtpRANIGDksHZXpP2HhVixMjs9Xu6jyP8WEsFaYjyY1vleDp1Kq4Fwz4VrZRNJnY9L69u-9ckbnmQxE_ib7f2fwRDcoK12wL1-e8Wz1vr1TIj94jxV5nrFvS5/s320/IMAG0048.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>6. January 21st MLK Day... A 3 days before getting my van fixed from deer damage, I was hit on by a woman hitting me head on. There were witnesses, they all stated she was talking on her cell phone and not watching were she was going and swerved into my lane, which was a turn lane to turn left. She was also speeding and I was completely STOPPED!~ This time we were not as lucky. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173484852047728306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwnhe61I21kff4Ye9l_5dR286wdmWhpVdMDAVhW3wENqxFMdL4ca0l8XbKN41U_tx05jGB9SzasjUgawkUBjpxiq_x6cogsC6iDL9p5ORuXzbPwjrE1efHytjDEfwmo2Zqsnt/s320/IMAG0026.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>7. Burns from the seat belt, and back pain! Kids are all OK! Ride in the ambulance wasn't fun, but things could have been MUCH worse and I am thankful they were not!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>8. Trying to remodel a bathroom... SUCKS! Thank God My BIL is a dry~waller.</div><br /><div>He gutted the whole thing went and got what we needed and redid it all, INCLUDING paint!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173484869227597506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRrx1KTJPtsdx5uTdil_5AtK9lGnumYF96MroilR7hB7H7lL4owa42bygBm9CX4lltjEMaDJPKjVMipO6Viq1faMn3Dz7NR_vkR1KPZOGJPjhULVAdQXh3SDuE-0pwQdKSA1G/s320/IMAG0032.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>9. While van was in route to storage for Insurance adjusters, the tow guy destroyed the back end! EWWW! I have had enough! Not to mention that they are denying it, and also took it to be auctioned~ Still waiting on outcome but my van Is fixed!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173487854229868338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3ZakqlGlzZLKGUnqwnO9vs4Ghyphenhyphenl2zPiJqRfNG8CCuGY6fvKvPlspIyRbvMXc77SPYoOSdohJu-f98CDmBgdgB9Tbcg8IqK2qTXFt9_zCVtY57OnS0sNzmhBG4XrkrD9sJ4K9/s320/100_0084.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>10. Moved on the 23rd, had a small birthday throw together since everyone was here, showered, packed; left the next morning for Hilton Head South Carolina! Drove straight through... What was I thinking? Arrived at Approx 2:30 am and the boys wanted to take a "bath" in the jacuzzi! Spent the rest of the time with Tom who had a pass from Ft Stewart, GA before leaving to Iraq</div><br /><div>:( Spent time site seeing and lots of time at the ocean! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173499875843329938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0tZHFSOhuzDuu-amCUtXtJPydVvKLSt2Hyq-7auClXwyVWkDTELe22z9lcSjlQdo-P9BV4nYcf2gXxQyw8itPV93n8A8TmG9Q74u7Onfum6m8e82tIYXr141Tvikp4Ya16Jo/s320/100_0120.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173499880138297250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09hlFCwaJ4veiBVrOPTgVZCQe8OjaoBJ0Lir4EscxLbeB-_xpk9QuER5rHaTRhBrBw69Z6AdDzt1sP0rSwIs3q3LruLiTcAYf3gf2MCxo6d0d8qhIaGSajZQ_YThst9k87Osc/s320/100_0210.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173499888728231858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wWLfuAcVPrgmhnl0dRCsTDSGwDcGUG9G8KUlGsWgzRf_0earnt-OSLbmOXz37jkqJZZEzOI8hn5pBq3T8wtyEs6Sge6PeqdzFgILbi5QRrd1MYAp4YTdWHQq58oes4DCKiWM/s320/100_0199.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173489958763843442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfODe6Lu5RfRWBFWIEZ56ebarodg5pluFeNOpH-tQZnPAYlM_201aEyXiEcpStlLsoC0EBnhC_DKcgzB0mVkHI0AzUbfAFQZ0qxWiRrm1kf2ROQ38yQxGTwMMtIIM6bHt-aT9N/s320/100_0313.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173499893023199170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLFEjzBwxq9k34XiC8g5qO6j-dUJQ-TYBhiUPV-4MpqaA2csJ3Aj2z77BvFymkAwfAR-ErXcCjiYztc-lfRPb81NMLM9KzsCXJwyle_ijkrI5oNSdGYh3Ms0N9416z4nwW4br/s320/100_0281.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173511974766202866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyZGThCtgNT7lPIZe2CZ9itg008Jm6O5sHVWBlSwQNw74_lGZlFjApLJAQMWpivBxMQf5-VCSpLiwYmIx5boJQ8sUxNlHsRoFTSturgJwhGYQ8Nsw3ATSkIDtgIRS3a8hrjR_/s320/100_0161.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173499905908101074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTFvwhBSBsjenVqFa_Q3pegekKwRrISNgxZOXV6JOlgwRarRy7oma4ELQK1rRpW7WLpgg6uXE9H8dtahmb9DbnsF9FSrRfhHCUf5RM33m1lTIRTIV-W8NVygCCf6K9dG5kkPQ/s320/100_0253.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173487828460064530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNQGvRIrH4jJvlJepR0JQzCFS1gcc8LQOAhsWI4rC1-dUN8V-rWpujQUR8ANyY0GDWjysH1qfGSS-YwgBlCh81oFydhZmn8c39yKvG34Epr5DpuzGZ38U8zif1pAi7bmV1aR0/s320/100_0157.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173511966176268258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnXFEv7XXZwueB0BAj7AJJ4u98pLuOxtGTsVYXpoKh65lS1Lr92SHlhQI1cFRVEvAljNN7wCtkbCpwsgdTi-YVUL5tG0JpTL2Juf7E_VNo1aA_wl41B2rOpBv-Lcjse4XXsoP/s320/100_0290.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Now, I have to UNPACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Help?!</span> This really doesnt do the house justice, we just have path's carved through the rooms!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173512000536006674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV79yFWnliGQ2FAMasq34o3HmHf9POlggpocgEYFDTv1WIaSpJsn6xdvPT79BI4IxAoGtJYDsCL9tJdPV8wTI4dX2EUpmTuQzaSrYpvn_iQLUyrdm11pxQtf8DEHPn0oeWxEU/s320/IMAG0045.JPG" border="0" /></p>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-54975430501217763072008-01-14T07:39:00.000-05:002008-12-11T01:00:26.986-05:00Lost in Outer space!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VQgpYEHNYTfepRjgG208_2yfrRqGZY5cZcYn8g7Ov2rvTsbkiz81SL0a63nl-_GzQCAIRrvGCpKVNCojL490OlCz_vl-hcbWeZIRkXd087k7EduLhIll68N1KIHNrGr_OK6I/s1600-h/100_0063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155374678362915042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VQgpYEHNYTfepRjgG208_2yfrRqGZY5cZcYn8g7Ov2rvTsbkiz81SL0a63nl-_GzQCAIRrvGCpKVNCojL490OlCz_vl-hcbWeZIRkXd087k7EduLhIll68N1KIHNrGr_OK6I/s320/100_0063.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our really good friends (More like family) whom we love dearly.... Came out in the freezing cold to see Thomas off! Thanks a million guys, Tom was so glad to have those moments with you and breakfast before heading out!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvSBKA7Tp4EkM1pNpr1LMgKIAAPPcQoEs2YbOvIvDdhJtBX0IfH_b9qTsqOw-M1EBSrWUkvFctpTai65MZRVwqwtJz45L0QHKQHyWNyfAwtfGIqywl5RRC4eeELni161YvfrQ/s1600-h/100_0060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155374686952849650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvSBKA7Tp4EkM1pNpr1LMgKIAAPPcQoEs2YbOvIvDdhJtBX0IfH_b9qTsqOw-M1EBSrWUkvFctpTai65MZRVwqwtJz45L0QHKQHyWNyfAwtfGIqywl5RRC4eeELni161YvfrQ/s320/100_0060.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tom and his mother Anna, and his baby sis Amy! Believe it or not I am close to both of them!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLWfgs3TtrFjLglwuJH5xx5XS6AqJYhcvgavIA2MsusxSTGEvYSxeSI0Ty5BLPCRKUinsgFq2qYhmemTtxlh24HstveyvWIRKyTslRV6Br8s21sCnDajM-7sQUyszM_2BWmbO/s1600-h/100_0058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155364589484736690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLWfgs3TtrFjLglwuJH5xx5XS6AqJYhcvgavIA2MsusxSTGEvYSxeSI0Ty5BLPCRKUinsgFq2qYhmemTtxlh24HstveyvWIRKyTslRV6Br8s21sCnDajM-7sQUyszM_2BWmbO/s320/100_0058.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a horrifying picture, a woman wanted to call security because we were saying goodbye to Tom... Very silly, as well as aggravating so we rushed to get a few more pic's in!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sVXPOf0m-qreRMu-F389TuQ86-xqwxMko2b18WZ6KOuqZKepJo2lyu0X_rVI57N5ld1gmKYEIsbgwVbSnDgh2Uyuh-86bj0jGyHIQvVco996dnDqQG7r-tJPxdVl8-L5uVl3/s1600-h/100_0084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155364602369638594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sVXPOf0m-qreRMu-F389TuQ86-xqwxMko2b18WZ6KOuqZKepJo2lyu0X_rVI57N5ld1gmKYEIsbgwVbSnDgh2Uyuh-86bj0jGyHIQvVco996dnDqQG7r-tJPxdVl8-L5uVl3/s320/100_0084.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was the sign that was lit up in the Indianapolis Hoosier Dome for for all the attending and soldiers!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BIk9HhYLIFL61fB7sxIU7dAuFDe-5NU0VdnCXMi0BCVFREARnjwlzvJQCGV6zkYlRfv5VD2tKBuyhu8wrzYA9VzOMSflt_SqUHtNup48JysnhB2qMgrQV8V8qDGg2o4WscnX/s1600-h/100_0089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155364610959573202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BIk9HhYLIFL61fB7sxIU7dAuFDe-5NU0VdnCXMi0BCVFREARnjwlzvJQCGV6zkYlRfv5VD2tKBuyhu8wrzYA9VzOMSflt_SqUHtNup48JysnhB2qMgrQV8V8qDGg2o4WscnX/s320/100_0089.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here come the 3,400 soldiers, all waving and cheering, even though they knew they would sit through a 2 hour ceremony and this would be the last time they would be in the room with their loved ones!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gNM4PdGmuzuASzAQ74DBXDYsJmIpottU2_NIbV6EkclI-WN80uHU-4-tr-17SU4rIQoWHGquiLxspLXUYBTAI9JM62h2eB_P_rIDYrgK7oCRYA3n6FTaCJ7m2lviX0GjrSgB/s1600-h/100_0061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155345262131904642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gNM4PdGmuzuASzAQ74DBXDYsJmIpottU2_NIbV6EkclI-WN80uHU-4-tr-17SU4rIQoWHGquiLxspLXUYBTAI9JM62h2eB_P_rIDYrgK7oCRYA3n6FTaCJ7m2lviX0GjrSgB/s320/100_0061.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dad and the boy's<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH8V35ZEvt4DG9Hr89XxSNJMETXA62dVssR6MfS5T5iuUi-E_sl7_K2okqhr2d0gD51dKDrc-vOx0EtITgNcY-0X_tJBwIcXeNTCJCWxN_vjxYPSxFBXogOK16d2Mzhl3OOBF/s1600-h/100_0062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155345270721839250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH8V35ZEvt4DG9Hr89XxSNJMETXA62dVssR6MfS5T5iuUi-E_sl7_K2okqhr2d0gD51dKDrc-vOx0EtITgNcY-0X_tJBwIcXeNTCJCWxN_vjxYPSxFBXogOK16d2Mzhl3OOBF/s320/100_0062.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tom and I, I had just been BALLING!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAF09YuTOxA2Y1yTHHd9f4oAoeQrZ4I7XU_s7gpx5S9J_bPg5KM7aUBToCJJANyVmx2KcyDn1Ci3wxUVzumBeKtlQH5Nap8mceOzfb8LbT5JFAhMYWUvgB7-Wu_h4PEH_EIHX/s1600-h/100_0110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155345283606741154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAF09YuTOxA2Y1yTHHd9f4oAoeQrZ4I7XU_s7gpx5S9J_bPg5KM7aUBToCJJANyVmx2KcyDn1Ci3wxUVzumBeKtlQH5Nap8mceOzfb8LbT5JFAhMYWUvgB7-Wu_h4PEH_EIHX/s320/100_0110.JPG" border="0" /></a> The 3,400 Soldiers ALL deploying to Iraq, I couldn't get them all in one picture, but I am sure you get the idea! There were over 20,000 people that attended that day! It was very emotional!</div><br /><br /><div></div><div><div>I know that I haven't updated in a bit...There has been <strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">so much</span></em></strong> going on~It has be very crazy here in my "land of outer space" I can't even think of where to start! Tom came home and spent 10 days with us for Christmas, and we were so busy seeing family, and friends that the time just seemed to <em>fly</em> by. </div><br /><div><em><span style="color:#ff6600;">One thing that really bothers me is that I overheard him talking to a friend that I was distancing myself from him and staying in other rooms of the house. ( Just to clarify... I was doing laundry and keeping busy in other rooms, instead of watching a movie or spending time with him in the same room).. He said, "why don't you fold the laundry in the living room"... I didn't and it bothers me now. </span></em>We were told that this was normal and some people do this as a way of making it easier to say goodbye. I cant describe to you the agony that I have felt over this. I know that he knows that I love him and that I am going to miss him with all my heart and I know how he feels about me. <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>I JUST HATE THAT HE IS GONE! </strong><span style="color:#993399;"><strong></strong><span style="font-size:100%;">After this was heard, I waited until we were alone and told him that I had heard what he had said and that I was sorry that it bothered him. I did NOT do it on purpose, nor did I mean to hurt him by not spending time with him so I made sure I did the rest of the time he was home. The last night is forever etched in my heart, a very simple evening.. watching Shrek the 3rd, and Pirates of the Caribbean with the boys, Tom told me lay my head on his lap and just relax, I did my best to remember this was our last night for a very long time, and savor every moment! Our family time was very special and I will remember those moments forever. Those are what matter to me, and the boys will remember, ( even if they all fell asleep before Shrek was even over) LOL!</span></span></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">I knew that if I blogged and let my feelings out I would start to cry and I thought that enough time had passed just to get to this, but when I sit at a keyboard to blog the words and feelings sometimes just overcome me. I remember all too well what it was like and comments people would make about <strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">THEIR</span></em></strong> loved ones being gone( For business) and I would get so upset at the comparison. You can go here for an archive of the post about those feelings. Darn it !!! <em><span style="color:#009900;">The post was titled Top 10 things NOT to ask...and the answers... Since I cant figure out how to directly link this former post... The date was 4/5/07 So just look at the archives</span></em>. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#993399;">Now, that I am crying again.... On to better things! We bought a house! I have been keeping VERY busy cleaning, packing and unpacking at the new house. Painting, shampooing carpets, hiring a Dry ~Waller to re~do the bathroom, and trying to decide what wallpaper to hang in the kitchen.</span></div></div> </div><div>The boys are all VERY excited about the move and ask each time we make a trip in the new house's direction if we can take this and that to the new house. I just wish that Christian could understand that I am not putting the Christmas tree back up til NEXT year!!!!</div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">The boys all go to different schools, Christian goes to a school for speech and language since he hardly talks. ( He is 3, soon to be 4 .. on Valentines day!) and still doest talk much and most is gibberish! He will get there. I have faith in that!</span><span style="color:#000000;"> Having 3 boys attending 3 different schools<br />is a NIGHTMARE! I wont even start on that!</span></div><div> </div><div>So with Faith, God and prayers, Starbucks caffeine and Friends to call on I am in good hands!</div><div> </div><div>F.Y.I. Tom says hello to all, and that when he gets settled he will guest blog from time to time so everyone knows how he is doing! XOXO</div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-80016416510473924342007-12-16T15:42:00.000-05:002008-12-11T01:00:27.698-05:00Fun Tree TopperI have <span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>ALWAYS </em></span>wanted a snowman tree topper, I didn't want a Angel, a Star or a Santa....<br /> Do you know that I have <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em>NEVER EVAH</em></span> seen one though! I am sure that my fellow <span style="color:#3333ff;">Snowmen</span> lovers out there can agree!<br /> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;"><em> Alas, until now!!!!! </em></span><br /><br /> I give you Mr. Snowman, that is what the kids are calling him!<span style="color:#ff6600;"> Sorry this first picture is a little fuzzy but, keep looking! :)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDPnFEDYUSY99eWNkkp4zdojr-C52g2ZCAHTWSQ0MemdmM6xIBjjxM3E7H4qB1cYMHRCmAI0eXm34YfYMRF6GCeBNPFr5h8MiKeqKWWj5wy3sQ1BAR2qpwT1cgqbKFQQbqfP9/s1600-h/101_0137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144681545530703954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDPnFEDYUSY99eWNkkp4zdojr-C52g2ZCAHTWSQ0MemdmM6xIBjjxM3E7H4qB1cYMHRCmAI0eXm34YfYMRF6GCeBNPFr5h8MiKeqKWWj5wy3sQ1BAR2qpwT1cgqbKFQQbqfP9/s320/101_0137.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3333ff;">I made him all by myself.... Which makes me very happy and proud! I can hardly wait to turn the tree on and see his body glisten.... ( Used clear sparkly glitter spray paint to get that effect), Looks just like fresh fallen snow~However I know that you can see it in the pictures!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibszd4bAeQwc198umRx2SNS7b5kfacRbulFECirG5ex0ed1dQCAabPFGNPbguk9MvNiOJ8nyzqe_W1DuYMu8C0_EwAlf9DBWI4R9LesIhbZn928aRWIqGFv5je1rip93WbvimD/s1600-h/101_0136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144681558415605858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibszd4bAeQwc198umRx2SNS7b5kfacRbulFECirG5ex0ed1dQCAabPFGNPbguk9MvNiOJ8nyzqe_W1DuYMu8C0_EwAlf9DBWI4R9LesIhbZn928aRWIqGFv5je1rip93WbvimD/s320/101_0136.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">The HARDEST part was waiting on the gorilla glue to dry and hold all the dowel rods firm! Oh the anticipation was BRUTAL! All and all it was a lot of fun and I am very thankful that he turned out so Darn cute! </span><em><span style="color:#993399;">BTW.... EAT YOUR SNOW HEART OUT LIZZA! ;) LOL! You know I love ya!</span><br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbfSfrXJe1Jf1S1doAFOusGso2MbR-hTIqKQp7DT4BsLZQA96cTpg-A6py9GOnVoPaUjV1QEYH2CA8G1NCaQQyn95odXFmdEcYlJIyLBds0LcgSkoQLyTarO3wuOCkuvMDXph/s1600-h/101_0135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144681571300507762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbfSfrXJe1Jf1S1doAFOusGso2MbR-hTIqKQp7DT4BsLZQA96cTpg-A6py9GOnVoPaUjV1QEYH2CA8G1NCaQQyn95odXFmdEcYlJIyLBds0LcgSkoQLyTarO3wuOCkuvMDXph/s320/101_0135.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31302729.post-10163984844362199722007-12-14T08:51:00.000-05:002008-12-11T01:00:28.217-05:00A Peice of Me<span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYnLWfX21Lhoql-e6NbEm0NpqdaaHXVs0x46KC29hVnHcNq2vJnyChzeJjcP3JzTrX5GXXI1dTlhH0c92S9tNim54GiDU0mUiSM-SzTMJNUZ_9YX_RP1b7cRibjeprwjQawvn/s1600-h/101_0134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143835617362018338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYnLWfX21Lhoql-e6NbEm0NpqdaaHXVs0x46KC29hVnHcNq2vJnyChzeJjcP3JzTrX5GXXI1dTlhH0c92S9tNim54GiDU0mUiSM-SzTMJNUZ_9YX_RP1b7cRibjeprwjQawvn/s320/101_0134.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkRJ-NOk-y0iKmhy6qvwV8GNbKVcaMcBxbrZHDi6_5QjNSnV9JWJs-hhyphenhyphentCXic41YZqLjOVtomExN1HwLC3mAx1exu7DzLZqscgqOK-IbQUhujmSmPNJLHosnCnZH4tnS7XiL/s1600-h/101_0130.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143835621656985650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkRJ-NOk-y0iKmhy6qvwV8GNbKVcaMcBxbrZHDi6_5QjNSnV9JWJs-hhyphenhyphentCXic41YZqLjOVtomExN1HwLC3mAx1exu7DzLZqscgqOK-IbQUhujmSmPNJLHosnCnZH4tnS7XiL/s320/101_0130.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKVUUpc20rj6RqXb5u3lSZlK8g0wUuVoF8ubwvSxY_DqxtsoyMfBlnyBQ4bs0X1vdiQ9zPTPYXddi4XSjSckRNm3UJ1eXl2bKLZB-P2rlfABiYZzySOA6XGE4-etJ2tsS0Zvi/s1600-h/101_0132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143835634541887554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKVUUpc20rj6RqXb5u3lSZlK8g0wUuVoF8ubwvSxY_DqxtsoyMfBlnyBQ4bs0X1vdiQ9zPTPYXddi4XSjSckRNm3UJ1eXl2bKLZB-P2rlfABiYZzySOA6XGE4-etJ2tsS0Zvi/s320/101_0132.JPG" border="0" /></a> By the way, I love <span style="color:#ff0000;">SNOWMEN</span>.... Notice the cute snowman garland? I totally took the tree apart last night and redid the whole entire thing! LOL :) The things that you do when the kids are in bed sound asleep and you are lonely and have a big empty bed to fall into! <span style="color:#3333ff;">Oh, I miss Tom!</span><br /><br />As a child I grew up as a preachers ( PK for short) daughter, things were hard. My father was assistant pastor of our small hometown church and he always wanted to stress the importance of the meaning of <span style="color:#cc0000;">Christmas</span>. My mother and father disagreed alot on whether to give us girls presents. Dad thought that something small and simple and inexpensive was the way to go... He didn't want to feed into a mass frenzy of loosing the TRUE meaning of <span style="color:#006600;">Christmas.</span><br />Mom always wanted to decorate elaborately, and give us lots of gifts. In turn she did what she wanted and this caused ALOT of fighting between them at <span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas</span>. Which has caused problems for me that have lasted since childhood. I dreaded Christmas as a child because there would always be yelling and fighting for ones beliefs. I can NOT say that either of them were wrong but there should have been some compromise. There was also the fact that there was not alot of money because my mom is a shopper... ALL year round! So at <span style="color:#009900;">Christmas </span>she maxed out credit cards and then more fighting about bills coming in. However the truth is that she never bought us much..She spent it on other things... FOR the HOUSE!. IT was the decorations, the place mats,tablecloths, the garland, the wreaths the ELABORATE dinner complete with Fine China. Which I may add she bought a new set EVERY year. Inviting friends over and shooing us kids away, but NOT with out hearing her say... Oh look at what I bought~ She always has been about showing off. Spending well beyond the means of Dad's income. Don't get me wrong I love both of my parents but to say the least I do not have the best relationship with my mom.<br /><br />To me every year I walk through the stores and feel anxiety sweep over me like I know the past will repeat. It DOESN'T! ( The past). It is completely opposite. My husband LOVES the holidays and likes to pick fun things out to decorate with... WITHIN reason. Not to mention we buy alot of things the day after <span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas</span> for the following year. I guess what I am saying is that the holidays have always been hard for me. I remember <span style="color:#ff9900;"><em><strong>too much</strong></em></span> from a child. So, in turn when I hear <span style="color:#009900;">Christmas</span> music on the radio, and start seeing the decorations come out at the store I kinda shut down. That is totally unfair and something I have worked on for the last several years. I have gotten alot better at not getting sad or anxious about the holidays and now I even laugh at the <span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Charlie Brown Specials</strong></span> , and <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rudolph</span></strong> and <span style="color:#3333ff;">Frosty.....</span> We couldn't even watch those as a child, because it was not what the meaning of <span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas </span>was.<br /><br />I am constantly reminding myself that I do NOT have to repeat what my parents did through the holidays and make my children suffer and not have fun. I force myself at times to get into the spirit, and have fun. It <span style="color:#993399;"><strong><em>IS </em></strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">becoming more natural. Which makes me <span style="color:#993399;">VERY</span> happy.</span><br />I love to see the boy's faces light up when the tree is complete and we decorate with snowmen and holiday globes and even Rudolph and the Snow Miser and Heat Miser... ( <span style="color:#3333ff;">TOM'S FAVORITES</span>). I love it when the kids and Tom walk around singing <span style="color:#ff0000;">"</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Put one foot in front over the other".... Or "Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose"......</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#336666;">We have some of our own traditions now, like making monkey bread on </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas Eve</span><span style="color:#336666;"> morning, making <span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas</span> cookies, and watching A <span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas </span>Story, and Its a Wonderful life... WHICH I LOVE BUT TEND TO USUALLY FALL ASLEEP THROUGH! Most of all were a family, that is what matters, and that it is a happy time for the children. </span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I CAN NOT always live in the past holidays from my childhood, and I refuse to let that consume me. It is NOT easy but IT IS WORTH IT.... Watching the kids faces opening gifts, Reading <span style="color:#cc0000;">The </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">Night Before Christmas</span> and even about </span><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>T</em></span><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">he birth of Baby Jesus. <span style="color:#009900;">They even get excited about our simple nativity display.</span> <span style="color:#993399;">They get very excited and we ALWAYS tell him "Happy birthday" on </span><span style="color:#006600;">Christmas!</span></span></em><br /><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#006600;"><em> </em></span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>They get the best of both worlds,</em> <span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc33cc;">and parents that don't fight about the holidays....<span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> </strong>After all, isn't this supposed to be a happy, and FUN time of year????????????</span>Christalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01162377745532434601noreply@blogger.com4