tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757276659535472432024-03-13T07:13:24.155-05:00crazy little thing called life.......how God works through a Vera Bradley wearing, pearl loving Southern Belleellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-986882541962446482013-05-17T17:15:00.001-05:002013-05-17T17:15:05.979-05:00Hoard sale this Saturday<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nine West sling purse</td></tr>
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For anyone in the Houston area: we are having an 8-girl, Texas-sized Hoard Sale tomorrow (5/18/13) from 8-12. This is a sale you DO NOT WANT TO MISS! Part boutique part junk; something for everyone! These are just a few things that will be featured at the sale. Click <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102174492090146085515/albums/5871565060787707921?authkey=CO3Zg_qsn6T4bQ">here</a> to see more sneak preview items. Check out my Facebook page for details.</div>
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Remember: One man's junk is another man's treasure! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Designs Jewelry</td></tr>
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Pink Gerber Daisy bathroom set
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<br />ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-3426766511491773852013-05-09T18:19:00.003-05:002013-05-09T18:19:59.937-05:00odoriferousDo you see that there refrigerator? That pretty little thing has had a good life since Emily and I moved in to this apartment. We neither one cook much, so we don't keep him stocked full of foods that have the potential to lend their smells to the outside world. We neither one eat a whole lot of variety, so very little of the few foods we <i>do </i>keep do not stay inside long enough to age accordingly.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70TgT9HO0eg/UYwuxHA7cwI/AAAAAAAADfc/TxzOSUVDzic/s1600/2013-05-08+20.36.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70TgT9HO0eg/UYwuxHA7cwI/AAAAAAAADfc/TxzOSUVDzic/s400/2013-05-08+20.36.34.jpg" width="300" /></a>Now let's move to the exterior of the beast. He stands there in the kitchen adorned with the loveliest collection of Irish & Scottish magnets, wedding invitations, birth announcements, sand from the dunes of Dubai, an ARE 'Pass' letter, and glittery rainbow octopi. What more could a fridge want? He certainly boasts a more decorative lifestyle than Mom's fridge ever did when we were growing up. I used to get embarrassed for it myself; nakedly greeting us each and every morning while it's neighbors all donned Sunday's best. But seriously, what better way to lead a life than highly decorated?! He may not like that we accessorize so much; I guess most guys don't get into that.<i> 'How do you know that your fridge isn't a girl?' </i>you're probably asking. We will get to that but just trust me for now.<br />
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So what we live with is a refrigerator who's insides are relatively sparse and outsides are beaming with great news and happy memories. But don't let appearances fool you. I know you've been warned by one mother or another. '<i>You can't judge a book by it's cover</i>', '<i>Things aren't always what they seem'</i>, and '<i>It's the prettiest ones that hurt you</i>'. Okay, that last one is from Dating 101 but it seems relevant here, too.<br />
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And our fridge is not exempt from this rule. That pretty little thing that is decorated so nicely is emitting one of the worst smells I have ever encountered. Worse than a locker rooms' B.O. Worse than greens cooking on the stove (I never dreamed I would find something worse than that!) And it's taking over the apartment. <i>But we don't know what <b>IT </b>is. </i>Each day we go through the same routine: open the fridge to find some breakfast, <i>Euuuuwww</i>, it still stinks! We then comb through the shelves and throw out anything, <i>anything</i> that might look questionable and then move our computers a few steps further back from the source because the stench radii is growing quite large. Pretty soon we will be computing while swinging from the balcony.<br />
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I always thought '<i>odoriferous'</i> was a fun word. Funny looking, fun to say. But not anymore. It is a bad, bad word with an even worse connotation. I know this makes us sound like the worst housekeepers and most disgusting people ever. But--well, we aren't <i>awesome</i> housekeepers--but we are not <i>GROSS!!!</i> Hopefully I hear some nods of agreement right now. <br />
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So for now we only know three things: 1) the smell did not originate from the cantaloupe, Ego waffles, frozen ground beef, three week old bell pepper, ice cubes, or string cheese, 2) the smell is not coming from something dead <i>under</i> the fridge, and 3) our fridge is <i>definitely </i>male because no smell like that could ever, <i>ever</i> come from a female.<br />
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Hopefully we can figure this out soon. And I hope that your fridge is smelling just dandy.ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-51926484752564446752013-04-30T16:24:00.000-05:002013-05-02T16:26:21.994-05:00third time's a charm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been said that good things come in THREES. Well, maybe I made that up but I happen to believe it's true. THREES are everywhere.</div>
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There were THREE pigs and THREE bears.<br />
THREE stooges and THREE musketeers.</div>
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THREE's Company.<br />
THREE men [and a Baby].</div>
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THREE answer options [Yes, Maybe, No].</div>
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THREE strikes.<br />
THREE bulbs on a traffic light [American].<br />
And so forth.</div>
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I have done some research-aka Googled-and have learned that there are a lot of rules regarding THREES. According to Wikipedia a '<i><b>Rule of Three</b></i>' may refer to:</div>
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<li>Rule of THREE (aviation), a rule of descent in aviation</li>
<li>Rule of THREE (C++ programming), a rule of thumb about class method definitions [Emily]</li>
<li>Rule of THREE (statistics), for calculating a confidence limit when no events have been observed</li>
<li>Rule of THIRDS, a compositional rule of thumb in photography</li>
<li>Rule of THIRDS (diving), a rule of thumb for scuba divers</li>
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With all of these rules is does not surprise me to any degree that my parents had THREE kids; they are never ones to break <i>any </i>rules. And, following in their footsteps, we THREE little angels do our best to follow suit.</div>
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Let's see what I can scrounge up...</div>
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<li>Let's see, each one of us busted our chins in various pool accidents at the age of 3.5.</li>
<li>The second letters of our first names are the first THREE letters of the alphabet group 'L-M-N-O-P' eLlen, eMily, aNdrew. You just never know what you might learn here :)</li>
<li>We were all three born in Louisiana.</li>
<li>We have all [or will soon] subjected our family to THREE graduation ceremonies <i>each</i>.</li>
<li>We all THREE graduated in 2009 from Grad School, College, and High School. (I wanted to put a link to my blog post about that but I see that I wasn't blogging then :/)</li>
<li>And now, in the year 2013, we have all THREE received fairly significant bands of precious metals: <a href="http://ellenmkiel.blogspot.com/2013_02_01_archive.html">Engagement ring</a>, Engagement ring, & Aggie ring. As I'm writing this I just realized that our rings fit our familiar alpha-rhythm of EEA or Ellen, Emily, & Andrew. I would call that coincidence but knowing our parents they probably planned that too. Trust me, it is entirely possible with those two.</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIIMd_gEG_A/UYLJTxxTf1I/AAAAAAAADes/s-q1QX1R5Sw/s1600/IMG_6146.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIIMd_gEG_A/UYLJTxxTf1I/AAAAAAAADes/s-q1QX1R5Sw/s320/IMG_6146.png" width="320" /></a>Jeff, Emily, and I all drove to College Station to go with Andrew to pick up his Aggie Ring. This is a big deal at TAMU; a deal so big that I still don't quite understand. People tell me it's because I didn't do my undergrad there and I missed out. I've never really argued this point as it is quite obvious that I did miss out [please detect some sarcasm here!!!!!]</div>
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I should also note that I am so proud of Jeff for making the trip to the forbidden land and did so with very little grumbling but he still tries to hide in pictures. My beloved Texas Tech Univ. graduate is still trying to grasp the fact that he is marrying into a fairly well-rooted family of TAMU-ers. It's a tough pill to swallow but he's a big boy. And if not that's what counseling is for ;) Sigh, love makes you do some crazy things.</div>
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Anyhow, we had a great time pretending to be like we are still in college. And do you know what I found out?! I can't do it anymore. You know, the moment your 2X year old body wakes up and realizes it's not 22 anymore?! You have no idea how hard that is for me to admit but it's so true I couldn't lie about it if I had to. And I know it's only going to get worse...</div>
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Regardless, we had a good time and am thankful for to Brother Andrew for opening up his sofas to us for another night's sleep. Even though there are few things in the world that I would enjoy laying my head on less than that of sofas belonging to college guys.<br />
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I have to be honest in the next picture. I am not quite sure who's arm is who's and actually find it quite disturbing. But I like our smiles. Andrew looks like he's loving every minute, doesn't he?! My, how he loves his two sisters :)<br />
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And there's Jeff! The camera man. We were racing the sun and I'm thankful to Jeff that he volunteered to be <i>behind</i> the camera :)<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><i><b>Congratulations, ANDREW!!!!</b></i></span></div>
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I love you and am so proud!</div>
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Now go study ;)</div>
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<br />ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-49622201883266154492013-04-04T00:32:00.001-05:002013-04-04T00:33:44.808-05:00I came to PARTY!This past weekend was one of many celebrations for our family & friends. All we did was party. Party. And yes, more Party!<br />
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We woke the weekend up with a great big PINK party [the only color a party should ever be in my opinion]. It is not lost on us that our first party was a baby shower; a celebration of a soon-to-be-here new life! Amanda and her family have been our family's friends since before my time. I know I have pictures and stories about her in various other posts. But anyway, she represents one of the four families of whom we share very unique family ties. We have all grown up together, most of us having started life in Louisiana and all of us ending up in the same church family once again in Houston. If you were to only <i>hear</i> our interactions and conversations and not <i>see</i> that we look NOTHING alike you would definitely think that we were all related. It's a neat thing. We are the 10.<br />
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Amanda and Trey are in the process of moving to Canada :/ so it was a good thing we were able to work the shower in before they were gone for good! Amanda is this first to go Preggo on us and we are all so excited!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le5fHlEYuyo/UVx7DqcHzJI/AAAAAAAADaY/z8liUeAf7gs/s1600/amandaBabyS_0002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le5fHlEYuyo/UVx7DqcHzJI/AAAAAAAADaY/z8liUeAf7gs/s320/amandaBabyS_0002.png" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hostess': Dee, Me, <a href="http://www.emilykiel.com/">Emily</a>, Amanda, Sandy, Charlotte, & Lynda</td></tr>
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As I often do, I jumped at the chance to volunteer as a hostess; the fact that I am an unemployed vagabond-and showers are <i>expensive-</i>never even crossed my mind. That is until the planning meeting where I quickly started bartering for all physical labor and legwork duties. It worked out great for me and I got to do what I love to do: Decorations! Atmosphere! Sunny Disposition!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Knec5kamJOM/UVx7KFKBLTI/AAAAAAAADa0/2NUMPpHx8zg/s1600/amandaBabyS_0006.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Knec5kamJOM/UVx7KFKBLTI/AAAAAAAADa0/2NUMPpHx8zg/s320/amandaBabyS_0006.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper corsages for the Mommy-To-Be and Grand-Mommies-To-Be</td></tr>
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Emily chose the overall theme of the shower: polka dots! And man, oh man, do I love me a good dot party! Thus the search for dots and nothing but boldly bright dots commenced. The food table turned out so cute and perfectly balanced in my humblest of opinions. Internally painted clear Christmas Ornaments made exquisitely shaped, 2-dimensional dots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuizWU1SQ94/UVx7IcTOhlI/AAAAAAAADag/2XMD_itheUU/s1600/amandaBabyS_0009.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuizWU1SQ94/UVx7IcTOhlI/AAAAAAAADag/2XMD_itheUU/s320/amandaBabyS_0009.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted ornaments took their places in my cupcake tree stand.<br />
It looks like one or two didn't survive the trip :/</td></tr>
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Amanda asked that we bring an autographed children's book in place of a card. Every time they open that book in the years to come they will be reminded of their friends and family back home and the plethora of prayers that have blanketed her child.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMaDpmtnbTA/UVx7KRlbidI/AAAAAAAADa4/5RIM1iCi4FY/s1600/amandaBabyS_0031.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMaDpmtnbTA/UVx7KRlbidI/AAAAAAAADa4/5RIM1iCi4FY/s320/amandaBabyS_0031.png" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I Am a Princess</i> from 'Miss' Lynda and <i>Five Little Monkeys </i>from my mom;<br />
because even the princesses that live in Fairy Tale Princess Dream Land must know how to count.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OKE1oYj4x9k/UVx7SHVCE-I/AAAAAAAADbQ/hm4ajy6K_y4/s1600/amandaBabyS_0032_dyp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OKE1oYj4x9k/UVx7SHVCE-I/AAAAAAAADbQ/hm4ajy6K_y4/s320/amandaBabyS_0032_dyp.png" height="146" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disguising a Sunday School room as a Fairy Princess World is no easy feat.<br />
You must use your imagination in parts of the room :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htsMxthXXiM/UVx7XiHPOFI/AAAAAAAADbg/zSN82wgOyf8/s1600/amandaBabyS_0066.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htsMxthXXiM/UVx7XiHPOFI/AAAAAAAADbg/zSN82wgOyf8/s320/amandaBabyS_0066.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If You Give a Moose a Muffin</i> is the perfect book for a<br />
little girl who's first pet will in fact be a moose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fReVv9RGPl4/UVx7XCMJ3fI/AAAAAAAADbc/BWLcuEm97-Y/s1600/amandaBabyS_0100.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fReVv9RGPl4/UVx7XCMJ3fI/AAAAAAAADbc/BWLcuEm97-Y/s320/amandaBabyS_0100.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a particularly favorite moment of mine: all of the<br />
Grandmothers examining a hand sewn receiving blanket.<br />
The Grandmother in blue is mine!</td></tr>
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After all the gifts had been opened and packed back up and the Sunday School room rared it's plain head again we scurried home to change clothes and get ready for the next event.<br />
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So here we go on to the next party. This was also a sort of colored dots party: the Easter Party! There were eggs of all shapes, colors, sizes, and ages: oval, pigs, sheep; green, pink, sunburned white; some half eggs but mostly whole eggs; ones that have been used and reused year after year each donning a different year's name/color/number code for what ever the games might have been, some brand spankin' new.<br />
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There is an unwritten rule that the Start line for the egg hunt is the very tippy side of the driveway. I'm not sure when or how that came to be but every year we line up with everyone's toes grazing the nearest grass blade and one or two who break the rule all together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u-NpgHVr6Ng/UVx7dclutRI/AAAAAAAADbw/LX3esWbAFXw/s1600/IMG_6023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u-NpgHVr6Ng/UVx7dclutRI/AAAAAAAADbw/LX3esWbAFXw/s320/IMG_6023.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>On your marks...</i></b>I'm not sure what Jeff said here but Emily looks like she's up to no good<br />
while I'm wearing the 'U Crazy' face.</td></tr>
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See what mean? Little Andrew is pulling the '<i>I'm the youngest and I don't really know what you meant when you said whatever it is you said</i>.' Ok, that might have worked in years past [and it did] but that can be your excuse no more now that you are 15 years old and-as of Easter weekend-you have grown to be #5 in the tallest to shortest lineup. And that was 4 days ago. He's probably already grown 3.5' since then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaWoayPVGDs/UVx7d9NBEDI/AAAAAAAADbs/mPndu-84SQs/s1600/IMG_6024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaWoayPVGDs/UVx7d9NBEDI/AAAAAAAADbs/mPndu-84SQs/s320/IMG_6024.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>.<b>..get set...</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbSVnsFIdyU/UVx7e6r6jmI/AAAAAAAADb4/PAbd55g7PzQ/s1600/IMG_6025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbSVnsFIdyU/UVx7e6r6jmI/AAAAAAAADb4/PAbd55g7PzQ/s320/IMG_6025.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>...GO!</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qXpoS1ggzY/UVx7hW8znTI/AAAAAAAADcI/2N3VBsoHrfk/s1600/IMG_6027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qXpoS1ggzY/UVx7hW8znTI/AAAAAAAADcI/2N3VBsoHrfk/s320/IMG_6027.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff's Yoda basket came back out this year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5azd5WIixWo/UVx7hJXd5iI/AAAAAAAADcA/r-vZWiaIeFE/s1600/IMG_6030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5azd5WIixWo/UVx7hJXd5iI/AAAAAAAADcA/r-vZWiaIeFE/s320/IMG_6030.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the Finish Line; I had to enlist helpers and hands to count all of my eggs :)</td></tr>
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Much to everyone's surprise and my enthusiastic enjoyment I won the hunt with <b>29 </b>eggs! I was in it to win it for sure. This has never happened to me before in this group. I have come in first place only one other time as best I can remember; but my arrival into this world first only means I am going to have knee replacements sooner. You can't win an egg hunt with false knees.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBXliTkKn9k/UVx7oUfP5oI/AAAAAAAADcg/fTIADGvUMQo/s1600/IMG_6043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBXliTkKn9k/UVx7oUfP5oI/AAAAAAAADcg/fTIADGvUMQo/s320/IMG_6043.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think most of us made this picture. I can detect a few missing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLdjLGKJkvE/UVx7n0NmQXI/AAAAAAAADcU/hgy5l9q6mAg/s1600/IMG_6047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLdjLGKJkvE/UVx7n0NmQXI/AAAAAAAADcU/hgy5l9q6mAg/s320/IMG_6047.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before I get any frantic phone calls or emails let me just say<br />
that Amanda is the <i>only </i>pregnant person in this picture :)</td></tr>
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And that brings us to the next party in the line-up: mine and Jeff's engagement party! I've waited a long time for my own engagement party to be catered by Mr. Randy's fine fajita grilling and I finally go it. I had no idea we would receive any gifts but it was an exciting surprise. I loved them all and we got a few things from our registry! Looks like I need to jump back on that real soon or we may end up with 3 different styles of flatware and only hand towels for bath linens.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrUiwc6X-5k/UVx7vF1ZXeI/AAAAAAAADc8/krnryT_ktek/s1600/IMG_6050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrUiwc6X-5k/UVx7vF1ZXeI/AAAAAAAADc8/krnryT_ktek/s320/IMG_6050.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MQ5J67tvnA/UVx7vgX0UlI/AAAAAAAADdA/QUHL9-ghWz8/s1600/IMG_6054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MQ5J67tvnA/UVx7vgX0UlI/AAAAAAAADdA/QUHL9-ghWz8/s320/IMG_6054.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNBFTQXNbbc/UVx7w2ylQ6I/AAAAAAAADdI/OaVSRoxlQz8/s1600/IMG_6056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNBFTQXNbbc/UVx7w2ylQ6I/AAAAAAAADdI/OaVSRoxlQz8/s320/IMG_6056.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judging by this picture it looks like I still need to work on my Ever-Ready-for-the-Camera faces</td></tr>
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We were able to get Tom & Sue down here for the big event and I'm so glad! We had such a good time and I'm thankful that they had the opportunity to meet the members of the Mad Mafia I think they drove away thinking either '<i>Well, that explains <strike>it</strike> her</i>' or '<i>Quick! We don't have much time but we can still save Jeff!</i>' :) We're not that bad. I happen to think we are a lovely group of people with only the normal amount of quirks. My Mom's parents were also able to make the afternoon/evening! Though I guess now that they live with them I shouldn't act so surprised. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAU8O7lGYJA/UVx7xrdhARI/AAAAAAAADdQ/lw3kggwDuLI/s1600/IMG_6062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAU8O7lGYJA/UVx7xrdhARI/AAAAAAAADdQ/lw3kggwDuLI/s320/IMG_6062.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And...the 'Grown-Ups'. That is everyone over 30 years old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfSJNRmdceY/UVx71jK8y3I/AAAAAAAADdY/JlkzdyuEmME/s1600/IMG_6065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfSJNRmdceY/UVx71jK8y3I/AAAAAAAADdY/JlkzdyuEmME/s320/IMG_6065.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then there were...a lot of them [ minus Jake, Tim & Faith :( but we left<br />
a spot for them on the end!]</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHCM6GO8Ud4/UVx73CkbzTI/AAAAAAAADdo/fWSc5Pm5g0E/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHCM6GO8Ud4/UVx73CkbzTI/AAAAAAAADdo/fWSc5Pm5g0E/s320/IMG_6067.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now let's play 'Who has the baby?'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rROmkAfksVg/UVx72mIq64I/AAAAAAAADdg/vnMtAnysMbU/s1600/IMG_6068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rROmkAfksVg/UVx72mIq64I/AAAAAAAADdg/vnMtAnysMbU/s320/IMG_6068.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to normal</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjYZGB2MVJ0/UVx73lCPHlI/AAAAAAAADdw/yZh3OM2NbOo/s1600/IMG_6073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjYZGB2MVJ0/UVx73lCPHlI/AAAAAAAADdw/yZh3OM2NbOo/s320/IMG_6073.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2BEwgNWypk/UVx74sLk6wI/AAAAAAAADd4/pB8frPddfok/s1600/IMG_6075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2BEwgNWypk/UVx74sLk6wI/AAAAAAAADd4/pB8frPddfok/s320/IMG_6075.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm gonna miss this girl!!!</td></tr>
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Lastly, and definitely most importantly, we get to our last party: Easter Sunday!!! Every one of us donned our Sunday best and went to church to worship and praise our Saviour who, after being crucified, dead and buried for three days, arose from the grave to save you and me from our sins. We sang all the appropriate hymns including '<i>The Solid Rock</i>', '<i>Christ the Lord is Risen Today</i>', and '<i>Crown Him with Many Crowns</i>'. I got tingly goosebumps when we sang '<i>In Christ Alone</i>', one of my absolute favorites. Oh, it was a glorious day indeed. But nothing-NOTHING-compared to the actual day that He did arise. Can you imagine?! It sounds too good to be true. But it's not; this I know.</div>
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After church we all headed over to Mom & Dad's where Mom had prepared a wonderful Easter Feast. I don't have any pictures of the day but I'm sure you can use your imagination. And I dare say that every one of you had to lay down and take a nap after eating your own Easter dinner. I know <i>everyone</i> in our house did just that. I would also be willing to bet that there were at least three other houses in the area looked just the same: tired and worn out bodies draped across every open and soft horizontal surface. These 5 families had an excitingly fast paced weekend of partying!</div>
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Do you know Jesus? Do you study His Word? If you don't I think you should give Him a shot and just try it out. What have you got to lose? It is all simply fascinating. Simple. And fascinating.</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>He Has Risen</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>He Has Risen Indeed!</b></i></span></div>
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ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-27286132058637602772013-03-21T19:01:00.002-05:002013-03-21T19:01:38.920-05:00Happy Spring!I'm starting to wonder how in the world I ever had time for a full-time job. I've been unemployed for 2 months now and I have packed--literally--the days to their maximum capacity. I am the type of person who ALWAYS has To-Do Lists. Lists. Big lists. Small lists. Unnecessary lists. Lists of books to read. Lists of topics to blog about. Lists of people to call. Lists of things I need to buy--often paired with the list of things to return. Lists of my lists. And why does it seem that the longer your lists, the longer it takes to get to them? Let alone do them. Things are always popping up--the entire house needs CLEANING OUT, engagements, allergies, they found your size but it's in the store that is 150+ miles from where you live. You know how it goes. But there really isn't anything you can do about it.<br />
<br />
So, you proceed to help your Mom clean out the house, finding and reminiscing over the stove top ceramic eye-covers that you used back in 1992 and the American Girl doll that the American Girl Store does not make anymore.<br />
<br />
You accept the ring...and the guy ;) and the planning...and the pictures...and the flowers...and the oh, dear, it looks like one list just gave birth to another list.<br />
<br />
You go to Sam's and buy the largest bottle of Zyrtec they have to offer. From now until May you'll be popping them daily and it's always a good idea to carry extras for your friends.<br />
<br />
You go home and search the stores's inventory from you own computer because who would believe that your size does not exist in ANY of the <i>seven </i>stores that are located within 20 miles of your home. This is really frustrating if you live a stone's throw away from a great mall like Emily and I do. But it happens. And more often than you would think. For instance: just this week we stopped in the nearest Fossil store to have a new battery put in Jeff's watch. When we went back to pick it up the clerk informed me that unfortunately they did not have the required size in stock but another store might have it. When she asked me if there wasn't a store any closer to my house I replied with, '<i>I live behind the grocery store</i>' (literally across the street). And then I wanted to ask '<i>Why would you ask me that anyway</i>?' Like I just up and decided that it would be fun to drive all the way across the city to come visit your store. Gas is expensive, people.<br />
<br />
All the while you are supposed to actively seeking employment, going through old work files, finishing up projects that you started in 2010, and the like.<br />
<br />
Anyway, Spring is almost here! Well, <i>technically </i>it's almost here. Spring arrived a few days before Christmas for those of us who hug the I-10 service roads.<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><i>Happy Spring!</i></span></b></div>
ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-14151195028961503022013-03-04T11:55:00.001-06:002013-03-04T11:55:22.539-06:002013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 5!If you haven't done so already, here is the link to this week's Living Proof's Siesta Scripture Memory Team post.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/03/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-5.html">2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 5!</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>'Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?' </i>Romans 11:35 [NIV] </blockquote>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-68814421237579653692013-02-25T14:59:00.003-06:002013-05-01T13:06:08.523-05:00how the proposal was won: the tale of a handsome white knight who rescued his beautiful damsel in distressOk. So I'm finally here to tell you about our engagement! Hopefully I will be able to explain how the whole thing went down <i>without my knowing </i>as well as fill in any holes for those of you who do not know the whole story. I'm not sure where to start, though. Do I tell you how Jeff secretly planned a proposal but had me do all of the work? Or how I was planning this perfect photo shoot while feeling some resistance from him causing me to almost cancel the whole thing? Or do I take you through the following images and explain what each one of them symbolizes? Take you through a timeline of events as my explanations in paragraph <strike>tend to be</strike> are extremely wordy?<br />
<br />
I don't suppose that there is a correct way, nor do I think one way is better than the other. So how about a little smash up?!<br />
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Sometime around January 24-26: I spotted a magazine clipping on Emily's desk one day while using her computer. It was an advertisement for a photography competition; it sparked my interest immediately. I figured if I'm not employed full-time right now then I have time to collaborate with Emily and enter this competition. Entries were due on February 15 and the theme was true to the 'Month of Love': <b>What is love to you? Show us in pictures.</b><br />
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'<i>Emily!</i>' I exclaimed, '<i>We should totally do this. This would be so much fun to do; I've been wanting to help you on a photo shoot. Why not now?!</i>'<br />
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She kind of shrugged and said that we could think about it.<br />
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Later that evening she asked me if Jeff and I would be interested in being models for said photo competition. '<i>Sure!</i>' I said with much enthusiasm. '<i>Well, at least I am. I don't know about Jeff. You know how keen he is on creative ventures like this. But I will ask him; I will do my best to talk him in to it.</i>'<br />
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I mentioned it to him later that night while talking to him on the phone. His response went something like: '<i>She wants us to be MODELS? ME?! Well, she will have to help keep me grounded and not let it all get to my head.' </i>I didn't say much more at that point; I said we could talk about it later. You see, I knew that if I had any hopes of talking him in this sort of fiasco we would need to feed him first.<br />
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And Sunday at Red Robin was the place to do just that. He was actually the one who brought it up by asking what exactly was the crazy, hair-brained idea that Emily had cooked up. I was very quick to point out the most positive of positives: it was a <i>free</i> photo session; it would tell <i>our </i>story; and we would have these pictures forever! After only a little more coercion he said he was on board as long as he didn't have to where a dress or anything like that. Noted.<br />
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With his blessing I began to think of how exactly would we execute this task. I was not about to do a poor job and lose the competition. But I was having trouble getting into it. That is until Jeff surprised me with the poem that eventually drove the whole thing. He text me on Tuesday night while I was at Bible study and said that he had written a poem for the signs that he figured we were going to use. I was blown away. He too was shocked. Later that night he text me one line at a time. Each line I read out loud to Emily and with each one came a louder,<i> 'Awwwww....how cute is he?!</i>' The last line he said we could come up with and write it together as it was <i>our</i> future that we were talking about.<br />
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So for the next couple of days I proceeded with his poem and <strike>fought,</strike> ahem, learned how to use my new Cricut that I had gotten for Christmas. And I worked so hard! Emily was helping so much, too, that I felt bad because she wasn't getting any of her stuff done. '<i>She's doing this for her business,</i>' I kept telling myself. On Wednesday we went and scouted out locations. This was also helpful to her business as we went and looked at two places around the city that she had never seen before.</div>
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Saturday came and it was all hands on board. All hands, that is, except for Emily, Jeff, and Jake. Hehe, actually they were all helping a great deal. I was just feeling the heat as we were racing the sun. But we were successful and made it to the park before the sun went down. This is how the photo shoot went:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'Through a red velvet cupcake<br />Good friends they did make'</span></b></td></tr>
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In the beginning, I thought Jeff was kind of rude. We worked at a company with only 4 full-time employees under the age of 30. I thought it made sense for us to be friends. He did not, apparently. For my first 2-3 months we gave each other awkward smiles/looks when we passed in the hallways. This really frustrated me as <i>everyone</i> else had come and introduced themselves within my first 2-3 <i>days</i> of employment. His version is something like 'I knew we were going to be friends; I was waiting on you to realize it.' Or something like that. Whatever it was it never made much sense to me ;) Anyhow, around Month 4 we were both at a cook-off; it was here that Jeff decided that I was a fun, normal person. Ha! We got to talking and by the end of the night I had promised him a red velvet cupcake the next morning and had given him my phone number because I told him that he needed it :)<br />
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When I showed up with said cupcake the next morning he just kind of stared at me like I was crazy. It turns out that he walked away from the cook-off thinking that I would not bring him a cupcake the following day. WANTED: A girl who keeps promises. Check!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCXiDZOjLFc/USZUPDsxUhI/AAAAAAAADVk/p8fzhJgnt9w/s1600/1IMG_5380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCXiDZOjLFc/USZUPDsxUhI/AAAAAAAADVk/p8fzhJgnt9w/s640/1IMG_5380.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'They met at their work<br />Where their feelings did lurk'</span></b></td></tr>
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The cupcake opened up doors and Jeff finally decided that I was okay to talk to. He had to work at it, though. While he was playing dumb for those first few months I was becoming very good friends with the other girl who was under the age of 30. Now we all know that I like to talk and will do so until the cows come home. Christy will talk until the un-sheparded sheep come home. I'm not kidding :) Needless to say Jeff had his work cut out for him. He started to come with us to 'Fiesta Friday' [mexican food for Friday lunch] and would lick his plate clean while Christy and I fought for talk time. I'm really not sure why he kept coming with us; he couldn't have enjoyed it very much. We knew nothing about him and he knew little to nothing about us because he tuned us out. But something got us talking outside of Fiesta Friday--could have been my cell phone number that I had given him--and we hit it off really well. We have many colorful emails [literally colorful--color coded by who said what] that prove it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'Sparks began to fly<br />On the 4th of July'</span></b></td></tr>
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We have yet to determine on what day to celebrate our dating relationship. Somewhere in our email flirting we began to hang out together some outside of work; usually with other coworkers present. We did semi-date-like hang out on Cinco de Mayo but Jeff doesn't really like to call that a date. We went to one of my favorite band's concerts one night in June. He sat outside and talked with friends while I danced inside the <i>entire</i> night away to the Irish music. Still not really a date. Then on the 4th of July something happened and I knew we had crossed over into the 'dating exclusively' or 'exclusively dating' zone. I can't really tell you why or how I knew but I did. We both did. Thus we now celebrate an 'Anniversary Season', the last two weeks of May through the first two weeks of June. Ha!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'She then was let go;<br />Still their feelings did grow'</span></b></td></tr>
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On August 2, 2011 I was let go from my job at the company that we were both working at. Since we had not told anyone at the company that we were dating he had to act calm when he found out the bad news. He called me right away and told me that everything would be okay. I was living with my parents at the time but still had little to no spending money. If Jeff wanted to see me he had to put gas in my car so I could even get to his house and pool [I did spend a lot of time there] and he continued to do so just as he continued supporting me in my job search. Looking back I realize how crazy that might have seemed to others looking in from the outside. Here we were, having only dated for about 3 months, but he treated and cared for me as if we had been engaged for 12. I'm so glad he decided to keep me around!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;"><b>'New work and great joy<br />With love from her boy'</b></span></td></tr>
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In early November I got the call that we had all been waiting for for about the previous 2.5 years: a job offer at a local architecture & design firm. My first day was November 15 and between my parents, Jeff, and myself I'm not sure who was the most excited. I guess it was all pretty close to a tie!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-504cH4ubrrI/USZUTgcvIEI/AAAAAAAADWI/bsCGeInWqwk/s1600/6IMG_5469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-504cH4ubrrI/USZUTgcvIEI/AAAAAAAADWI/bsCGeInWqwk/s640/6IMG_5469.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'Through thick and through thin,<br />One year it had been'</span></b></td></tr>
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We celebrated our anniversary season in May-June 2012 with dinner, a Dave Matthews concert, and a flower bouquet charm from James Avery. How fast time flies!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-owNRY96dPdo/USZUVp2QKpI/AAAAAAAADWU/NyF8vPjtvO0/s1600/7IMG_5459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-owNRY96dPdo/USZUVp2QKpI/AAAAAAAADWU/NyF8vPjtvO0/s640/7IMG_5459.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'And just as before<br />Her job was no more'</span></b></td></tr>
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Things continued on at a rapid pace; Jeff had already learned that things at my family's house are almost always crazy and never, ever dull. That point was driven home after an eventful Thanksgiving and Christmas season that was punctuated with the determination that my grandparents would be coming to live with my parents for a while. Planning and cleaning out proceeded as you might imagine to prepare for their arrival. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5elVDU0TWE/USZUWMHQlxI/AAAAAAAADWY/sZ9ZCxs6S8Y/s1600/8IMG_5370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5elVDU0TWE/USZUWMHQlxI/AAAAAAAADWY/sZ9ZCxs6S8Y/s640/8IMG_5370.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'With troubles in sight<br />In rode her white knight'</span></b></td></tr>
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No one was prepared for January 14, however. About 25% of my company was laid off that day and I was one of the lucky 7. Not knowing where to turn after leaving the office I went straight to Jeff's house and waited for him to come home from work. When he got there he held me and let me cry it out, telling me that everything would okay and reminding me that we had gotten through this one before already.</div>
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Side note: When Jeff sent me the lines in this part of the poem I literally cracked up and 'LOL'ed. Not funny but so true!</div>
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This is the part of the photo shoot that I was not looking forward to: the last and final sign. We weren't able to come up with anything cute and rhyme-y for the last sign. Both Jeff and Emily had suggested '<i>To be continued...</i>' as the best alternative given our time crunch. This DID NOT make me happy and I literally sat in the corner and pouted for a little while on Saturday morning as they continued working on the remaining signs. '<i>Nothing is cute about '</i>To be continued...' <i>in this application. I like it for anything else but unless you can come up with something that rhymes with 'Continued' I don't want it.</i>' I lost that battle and a '<i>To be continued...' </i>was hastily adhered to the last and final sign.<br />
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But alas it didn't matter. Everyone and their mom [aside from myself] knew that it didn't matter at all what I came up with to put on that sign as it would not even make the trip to the park with us. With every photo that we took Emily would take me to a new spot and try out different angles and lighting positions. I ended up with a fabulous portfolio of portraits and model shots as she tried her best to keep my busy and from looking around at what was actually about to happen. And she pulled out all the stops for this last shot. I was flipping my hair, signing, blowing kisses, taking pictures with her, and the works while the guys got everything ready. This is a little of it shown here. Jeff said he literally just stood their laughing at me for several minutes, waiting for me to stop posing for the camera.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1lpLKfmtXw/USZUZoukVTI/AAAAAAAADWo/0Qer3KHJBFA/s1600/IMG_5488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1lpLKfmtXw/USZUZoukVTI/AAAAAAAADWo/0Qer3KHJBFA/s400/IMG_5488.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkks73xHE8A/USZUb1OFS-I/AAAAAAAADW4/8FV1_0wkgMw/s1600/IMG_5483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkks73xHE8A/USZUb1OFS-I/AAAAAAAADW4/8FV1_0wkgMw/s400/IMG_5483.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I didn't even look down when Jeff walked up and handed me my end of the sign. I just yelled at Emily and asked her what she thought we should do as far as posing for the shot. When Jeff told me that I should read the sign I told him that I knew what the sign was and reminded him that this was the one that I was not happy about. He patiently asked me again so I did. I realized that it had too many words on it to say '<i>To be continued...</i>' just as my eyes caught sight of a bright flashing object in his hands. He kept asking me to read the sign and I kept asking, '<i>What is that?!'</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYYP5JWeIwA/USZUbYjEWGI/AAAAAAAADWw/TtF4xwdPf8k/s1600/IMG_5490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYYP5JWeIwA/USZUbYjEWGI/AAAAAAAADWw/TtF4xwdPf8k/s400/IMG_5490.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><strike>'To be continued...'</strike><br />'Now all but her knows<br />That her knight will propose'</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyVqujyK4NU/USZUc6QrX0I/AAAAAAAADW8/QPbk-x1hASU/s1600/IMG_5492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyVqujyK4NU/USZUc6QrX0I/AAAAAAAADW8/QPbk-x1hASU/s400/IMG_5492.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tERPq7ATQBk/USZUhbRivSI/AAAAAAAADXU/m4gi2h1ZboQ/s1600/IMG_5494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tERPq7ATQBk/USZUhbRivSI/AAAAAAAADXU/m4gi2h1ZboQ/s400/IMG_5494.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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At this point I still had no idea what the sign actually said even though I had 'read' it twice now. I only knew that Jeff was down on one knee and saying something. I assumed he was asking me to marry him and I hope that I said 'Yes'. [I did check and I did in fact say Yes!] I think my actions that followed enforced that decision, though :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excitement.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFbxnyu7Jn8/USZUjqkaHJI/AAAAAAAADXo/k2yMcFGB0P0/s1600/IMG_5503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFbxnyu7Jn8/USZUjqkaHJI/AAAAAAAADXo/k2yMcFGB0P0/s640/IMG_5503.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throw the sign down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6UQAB2I3UQ/USZUnt0aftI/AAAAAAAADXw/ViPvOM49AjM/s1600/IMG_5511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6UQAB2I3UQ/USZUnt0aftI/AAAAAAAADXw/ViPvOM49AjM/s400/IMG_5511.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embrace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Emily!<br />
<a href="http://www.emilykiel.com/">www.emilykiel.com</a></td></tr>
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In the end I found out that Jeff was the one who had asked Emily to do a photo shoot. He called her and said that he needed her help in proposing. He had three criteria: it had to be a surprise, it needed to be photographed and documented [these first two were my criteria :)], and he wanted to tell our story using some sort of signage. He said that he could not have planned it any better and that if they ever made an 'Inception 2' we would be the story line. Our Sunday School teacher's wife said, '<i>You planned the whole thing and had her do all the work?! GENIUS</i>' !!! I'd say so myself :) Thanks for reading!<br />
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<b>Producer & Director:</b> Jeff P.<br />
<b>Set Design & Wardrobe Consultant:</b> Ellen K.<br />
<b>Camera 1, Film, & Editor:</b> Emily K.<br />
<b>Assistant to Director & Camera 1:</b> Jake R.ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-86971533781047053612013-01-30T18:23:00.004-06:002013-01-30T18:24:52.307-06:00DayCation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jeff and I took a little Day-Cation last weekend down to Galveston. Jeff had MLK Day and I, well, I happened to have a day of vacation as well. First stop, though, was at his kitchen counter where he dished out some waffles, strawberries, and homemade cream. It was delicious!!!<br />
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I bought him this <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/black-decker-wm1404-rotary-belgian-waffle-maker?ID=574023&cm_mmc=Google_DMA_Home_Electrics-_-PLA+Home+Brands+-+Electrics_PLA+-+Electrics+-+Black+%26+Decker-_-26576890153-_-mkwid_bmrKV6U5">Black & Decker Rotary Belgian Waffle Maker</a> for Christmas. Upon opening it he looked at me with one eyebrow raised and said, 'Is this for me or for you?' Ha! It is for both of us, of course!<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">And let me tell you, they were SCRUMPTIOUS! I knew he needed one of these in his kitchen!</span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmimfBWOoGI/UQjIJ6YWZBI/AAAAAAAADVU/mR0oDAorA88/s1600/IMG_20130121_141559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmimfBWOoGI/UQjIJ6YWZBI/AAAAAAAADVU/mR0oDAorA88/s320/IMG_20130121_141559.jpg" width="240" /></a>All the way to Galveston I <strike>hinted</strike> told him that I wanted to go to <a href="http://mobile.islandfamous.com/spot.php">The Spot</a> on Seawall. It happens to be a local favorite and going there makes me feel like I know what I'm doing and I know something about the place. Emily and I have been here quite a few times. Sometimes daily if and when we are down there for a little retreat. Our favorite beyond favorite dish thre was the chicken finger salad in a tortilla bowl. Sounds like something you can get anywhere, right? Wrong. I can't explain it but it was the perfect blend of light and health with salad dressing and crispy tortilla. Perfect for a break away from the sun. BUT they did away with that dish a while back and Emily and I just want to know why? Everytime I visit there's this little inkling in me that thinks, 'This is the day that I will wake up and realize it has all been a bad dream!' I'm still sleeping, I guess. We did stop and eat a snack, though, and shared a plate of fish and shrimp. <br />
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After stopping at The Spot we drove around and did a little site seeing. This included driving down to the very end of the seawall to see the spot where a fort was built for the use in WWII. San Jacinto Fort, I think? You can also sit and watch the ships coming and going to the port. There were a lot of people fishing out there as well as two or three groups of older, retired gentlemen who were all gathered around, '<i>Shootin' the breeze</i>' so to speak and reminiscing of times past.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTyx8KPvzCY/UQjHyMVWLeI/AAAAAAAADUk/rEEC5SpWPJk/s1600/20130121_153258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTyx8KPvzCY/UQjHyMVWLeI/AAAAAAAADUk/rEEC5SpWPJk/s320/20130121_153258.jpg" width="320" /></a>I <i>had </i>to go down to the water's edge to take this <strike>epic</strike> cliche picture of our names in the sand. I've never done that! Besides, I'm still 14 years old at heart :) Jeff was very gracious and went along with it. But isn't it such a cute picture? With the foamy water threatening at the heart's edge and everything?!</div>
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I don't know when the Pleasure Pier was built [below] but it did look like a lot of fun! Maybe next time. It was January, after all, and just a little chilly.<br />
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After walking around on the Seawall we headed over to downtown Galveston. Other than Dickens on the Strand I have never walked around there. It was the perfect weather for a day like this and we enjoyed walking around and looking in all of the little shops. For dinner we tried something new and went to <a href="http://www.galveston.com/nonnotony/">Nonno Tony's</a>. It was really good! We were the only ones in the restaurant for a little while and got really good service. Not a bad way to dine!</div>
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ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-85929029377488167332013-01-20T23:10:00.003-06:002013-01-20T23:10:34.087-06:00Neglected, no moreWell, I fell like singing '<i>...same song, second verse; a little bit louder and a little bit worse!'</i> But I won't. It would be appropriate, though. I went into work this past Monday morning--and not as grudgingly as I usually am on a Monday morning--and left at 3:34 p.m. with a severance package in hand. Ugh. Not the best way to end my already least-favorite day of the week.<br />
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Has this ever happened to you? It's one of the worst feelings in the world and, though it has happened before--albeit much more harshly--it is not something that you get used to. '<i>The First Cut is the Deepest</i>' is not applicable here. If anything this cut hurts much, much worse as it goes much deeper than the last, cutting all the way to the core of everything I've trained to do and all that I want to do.<br />
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I cannot even begin to describe to you the roller coaster of emotions, thoughts, and feelings that this past week has been but I can tell you that I have been surrounded by the love and support of those that I love the most during this sudden change of events. Jeff--who was quick to remind me that we made it through this the last time <i>and</i> <i>only</i> about 4 months into our dating relationship--has been more than amazing by offering his best support and encouragement. He even attended an IIDA [Interior Designer's Assoc.] networking event with me; although I'm not sure that the chili cook-off didn't have anything to do with his willingness to attend ;) My parents have also been extremely supportive, calling and checking in on me daily to offer encouragement and advice. Emily/Roomie helped me design and create some really cute contact cards for me to pass out at said networking event.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-water works; waiting for Bible study to start!</td></tr>
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Emily also went with me to Beth Moore's first night of her new Bible study on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. 26 hours after being laid off from my job, there was no other place that I would have rather been. Before getting started, Beth encouraged us to worship in any way that we felt comfortable; anything, that is, short of distracting others from worship. I thought I would be okay in this until the very second that the band started up on '<i>Desert Song'</i> and <i>'Waiting Here for You'. </i>Oh. My. <i>Goodness</i>. Thankfully I wasn't escorted out by security for causing a distraction but it's safe to say that my emotions put me very close to the edge of the No-Distraction-Zone warnings. But, I know that there was nothing sweeter to me than standing there, my sister's arms around me, and stripped raw before My God. Wow. I really had not had such a powerful, worshipful moment since, well, maybe since the last time I was knocked down into this boat.<br />
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Ok, before this lump forming in my throat turns into more sobbing I will leave you with my memory verse that I will be dwelling on these next two weeks.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19</i></blockquote>
ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-62961102578556616062013-01-20T21:51:00.001-06:002013-01-20T21:51:35.915-06:002013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 2!<a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/01/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-2.html">2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 2!</a><br />
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If you haven't done so already, go and submit your verse! I am 5 days late myself :0; it's not too late for you!<br />
<br />
My memory verse for the next two weeks is from Phillipians:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"<i>And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19</i></blockquote><br />
ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-41415500171974169932013-01-06T20:05:00.001-06:002013-01-06T20:05:51.258-06:002013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 1!If you haven't already, go check out Beth Moore's scripture memory challenge over on the Living Proof Ministries blog. I learned about this 2 months too late two years ago and, after looking forward to joining in for 2012, was disappointed when they announced that they would not be hosting one for that year. BUT they are back and ready for 2013! I hope that you will join me; I know it will be very rewarding!<br />
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My verse for this week is from Psalms 65:11:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">'You crown the year with Your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.' </blockquote><br />
Now it's your turn; GO!<br />
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<a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/01/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-1.html">2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 1!</a>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-81396533545216179602012-11-06T12:26:00.000-06:002012-11-06T12:26:07.495-06:00memory verse 11: Isaiah 40:28-31<br />
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Jeff & I were talking about the following verses earlier this week and I figured they would be perfect for my next set of scriptures.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40&version=NIV">Isaiah 40:28-31</a></span></div>
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<span class="text John-10-1" id="en-NIRV-26472">Comfort for God's People</span></h3>
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<span class="text John-10-1" id="en-NIRV-26472"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-40-28" id="en-NIV-18449" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>Do you not know?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-28" style="position: relative;">Have you not heard?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18449CG" title="See cross-reference CG">CG</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-28" style="position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the everlasting<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18449CH" title="See cross-reference CH">CH</a>)"></sup> God,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-28" style="position: relative;">the Creator<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18449CI" title="See cross-reference CI">CI</a>)"></sup> of the ends of the earth.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18449CJ" title="See cross-reference CJ">CJ</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-28" style="position: relative;">He will not grow tired or weary,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18449CK" title="See cross-reference CK">CK</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-28" style="position: relative;">and his understanding no one can fathom.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18449CL" title="See cross-reference CL">CL</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-29" id="en-NIV-18450" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>He gives strength<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18450CM" title="See cross-reference CM">CM</a>)"></sup> to the weary<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18450CN" title="See cross-reference CN">CN</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-29" style="position: relative;">and increases the power of the weak.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-30" id="en-NIV-18451" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>Even youths grow tired and weary,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-30" style="position: relative;">and young men<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18451CO" title="See cross-reference CO">CO</a>)"></sup> stumble and fall;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18451CP" title="See cross-reference CP">CP</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NIV-18452" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>but those who hope<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18452CQ" title="See cross-reference CQ">CQ</a>)"></sup> in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">will renew their strength.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18452CR" title="See cross-reference CR">CR</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">They will soar on wings like eagles;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18452CS" title="See cross-reference CS">CS</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">they will run and not grow weary,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">they will walk and not be faint.</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-80907990894903847082012-10-10T18:08:00.004-05:002012-10-10T18:08:38.276-05:00building systems<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"<i>...chloro-fluoro-carbons...somewhat problematic...</i>"</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"<i>...compression expansion process. How is that making sense?</i>"</span><br /><div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>...spraying water in the form of mist, tiny droplets...</i>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">"<i>...swamp cooler...</i>"</span></b></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Picture this:<br />
<br />
25 of my colleagues and I, all<br />
laden with<br />
notebooks, iPads, pens, Red Bull, & the like<br />
crammed around<br />
8 rectangular tables<br />
listening to<br />
1 Italian man and<br />
soaking in<br />
as much of the information that we could while<br />
going over<br />
his powerpoint presentations that seemed to go on for days,<br />
covering any & all<br />
aspects of building systems.<br />
<br />
For 15 hours.<br />
On Friday & Saturday.<br />
For a very pretty penny that we <i>each</i> had to pay.<br />
<br />
I know you're wondering why you yourself did not receive an invitation to such a wonderful and exhilerating event such as this. Please except my deepest apologies if you are feeling left out.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>...transformers are one of the toughest topics on the test...it's just how they're connected...</i></span>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"<i><b>...the same device for multiple uses...</b></i>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...the most difficult in this section...</span></i>"</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
The road to becoming a licensed Architect is no cake walk. Not that I think that any other degree plan or professional path is just a walk in the park; it's just that architecture & interiors is all that I know. In a nutshell I have to complete the equivalent of about 3 years worth of specified hours [program regulated] and pass 7 exams [state administered] in order for my Master's degree to count for anything. All three of these entities have to be paid at regular intervals in order to talk to one another and to hold/store electronic records required by each of them. It often feels like one of those claw machines where you keep trying to rescue a stuffed animal or iPhone with 'The Claw'. 'Quick! I need more money! I'm almost there!!!' It gives me something work toward, though.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I took and passed my first exam back in May [#1 reason for my prolonged absence] and have recently started studying for the next two. The seminar that I took this past weekend was a prep/study class that is supposed to have an excellent pass rate. We'll see about that. So far, though, I think it was well worth it.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"...we will represent with diagrams that physically will not have anything to do with the way they are actually configured..."</span></i></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"...voltage..."</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>"...names do not physically follow the physical characteristics of the object..."</b></span></i></blockquote>
<br />
At many points during the most exciting 15 hours of my life I reminded myself that I have <i>three</i> special men in my life that should be able to help me to grasp most of the concepts and material covered on this next exam. Allow me to introduce them to you:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yF7TxjfrYs/UHX7Z83-dJI/AAAAAAAADRo/PyQEZeWLjnc/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yF7TxjfrYs/UHX7Z83-dJI/AAAAAAAADRo/PyQEZeWLjnc/s200/dad.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Daddy...</span></b><br />
<b>Biography:</b> B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Great University of Alabama<br />
<b>Experience:</b> 30+ years as an Oil & Gas Production Engineer and various other roles; ask Daddy :)<br />
<b>Qualifications:</b> Having known me since the day I was born it is safe to say that he knows me pretty well. It proves very beneficial that he can differentiate between the many faces of me: the 'I get it' face, the 'I'm nodding yes because I don't want to say no' face, the 'What?!?!?!' face, and the 'Brain overload' face<br />
<b>@ Stake:</b> Due to the nature of our relationship, absolutely no bribing will be necessary as Daddy does not want me to be a financial burden to him for the rest of my life...especially when he can no longer claim me on his tax return :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcGQuENDDGs/UHX7fsxDiSI/AAAAAAAADR4/IWG8yX2a-sA/s1600/jeff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcGQuENDDGs/UHX7fsxDiSI/AAAAAAAADR4/IWG8yX2a-sA/s200/jeff.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Jeff...</span></b><br />
<b>Biography:</b> B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University<br />
<b>Experience:</b> Designs things and works with valves. I probably know even less about what Jeff does/has done than Daddy.<br />
<b>Qualifications:</b> While we have only known each other for a little under 2 years now, we have dated for 1+ and let's just say he's had a crash course in learning The Faces. :)<br />
<b>@ Stake:</b> Due to the nature of our relationship, a tiny bit of bribing in the form of homemade ice cream sandwiches and back scratches may be required. But ultimately, my success will eventually pay off for him when he no longer has to give me money to buy <i>his</i> birthday and Christmas presents :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpc6HMUKm1U/UHX7e63GSPI/AAAAAAAADRw/YmbKaKb5Gr0/s1600/andrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpc6HMUKm1U/UHX7e63GSPI/AAAAAAAADRw/YmbKaKb5Gr0/s200/andrew.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Andrew...</span></b><br />
<b>Biography:</b> currently pursuing his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University<br />
Experience: Responsible for the care and testing of rats one summer.<br />
<b>Qualifications:</b> Material and equations <i>should</i> be the freshest in his young brain <i>and</i> he has the most current text books. As far as The Faces go, well, he is my brother and faces don't seem to phase him.<br />
<b>@ Stake:</b> Due to the nature of our relationship, bribing would <i>normally</i> be necessary. But in this <i>one</i> case here he will get to one-up his older sister :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>"...logic is sometimes hard to find..."</b></span></i></div>
<br />
There is constant debate and struggle within the courts as to whether an Architect is actually needed; many engineers think they can do it all themselves. And, according to the list above, it would seem that they definitely do have the knowledge and education needed to pass these exams. And maybe they do. But I would like to point out the fact that I [that is, <i>one person</i>] will have to draw from <i>three</i> [more in some cases] different sources and backgrounds to learn <i>all</i> that needs to be learned and understood in preparation for my exam. And this is only the second of seven :) hehe I only kid, mostly ;)ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-83858141277299973282012-10-02T08:35:00.003-05:002012-10-02T08:35:25.848-05:00memory verse 10: John 10:7-10Wow! More than a month has gone by without even a peep from me :/ Trust me, though, I have <i>plenty</i> to say just little time to say it! Still trying to get back into the routine but until then read and cherish the following verses.<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
John 10:7-10</h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)</div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NIRV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h3 style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text John-10-1" id="en-NIRV-26472">The Shepherd and the Flock</span></h3>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text John-10-7" id="en-NIRV-26478"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>So Jesus said again, “What I’m about to tell you is true. I am like a gate for the sheep.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text John-10-8" id="en-NIRV-26479"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>All those who ever came before me were thieves and robbers. But the sheep did not listen to them.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text John-10-9" id="en-NIRV-26480"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>I’m like a gate. Anyone who enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out. And he will find plenty of food.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text John-10-10" id="en-NIRV-26481"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so they can have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way.</span></span> </blockquote>
ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-35607531817491636162012-08-14T23:01:00.003-05:002012-08-14T23:01:24.073-05:002016 Olympic bound!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I LOVE the Olympics! I look forward to the opening ceremonies from the moment of the finale of the closing ceremonies. I just wish it came more than once every leap year.</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My world pretty much stops from the moment that the Olympic torch is lit. And thank goodness for DVR, right?! I mean what did we do <i>before </i>we could watch, pause, replay, & store each amazing feat for later's enjoyment?!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our apartment also gets pretty intense during the Olyimpic games--much like yours I would imagine--and not because of the crazy conversations that is our usual norm. In fact, it's quite the opposite as breathing even becomes scarce. From anywhere within a 10 minute radius of our apartment exlamations of every emotion can be heard:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What?! Wha-</i>huh<i>?!!??!</i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>DID you just SEE that?!</i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hold up, You </i><b><u style="font-style: italic;">have</u></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> to SEE THAT.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REwind that... </b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: x-large;">I don't even understand..<b>.</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><u><i>...is that even </i><b>POSS-<i>ABLE?!</i></b></u></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: small;">That. IS. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>NOT. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">NORMAL.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i>Awww...I LOVE her...she is too cute and </i>SOOO <i>sweet...</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i>...he had to <b>OVERCOME </b>so much to be here at the games with us...</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i>...YES,</i><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>US...</b>we are a team.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Team </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>USA</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>...and they need me...they said so...it's like I'm standing there beside them saying '</i>Trust Your Training' </b>as they go on to compete...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">....awwwww....<i>Missy Franklin and I would <b>SO </b>be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><u>BFFs!</u></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">And so forth...and don't act like you have no idea what I'm talking about. You know good and well that 50% of those exclamations came out of your mouth while watching Gabby fly around the uneven bars or Oscar running around the track while balancing on two hockey sticks.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I got so inspired by the Olympics this year that I went out yesterday and walked/ran 5.42 miles. I thought for sure I would see one of my new Olympic buddies at the park. They had come to cheer me on, of course, just as I have done for the past two weeks. I found out though that Olympians are also talented in the sport of hiding. They hid </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so well that I never even saw them in any of my 5.42 miles! But I could feel their encouragement :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I guess that's what I will be doing now in my spare time since the Olympics are no longer on TV. Regular TV bores me. Case in point: Emily had to wake me up last night after I had fallen asleep SITTING UP on the sofa while watching 'regular' TV. No way that would have happened if Missy had been leading her lane to the gold medal! I'm sure it had nothing to do with the shock my body expereienced on the dusty 5.42 trail just hours before ;)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I've been trying to figure out what sport I want to compete in in the Brazil Games.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Gymnastics? I've always been too tall. Although I can do a mean LEFT-Handed kartwheel.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Swimming? I've always said if I could come back in another life I would definitely be a swimmer. But do you know how early those swim kids get up for practice BEFORE school?! No thank you.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Basketball? I DID play basketball for a few years but have you SEEN how big those girls are?!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Diving? I jumped off of the middle platform [6ish meters?!?!] ONE time and that hurt. And that was jumping 'pencil' style.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Speed Walking? While I AM blessed in the hip category these hips DO lie as they DO NOT work that way.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Volleyball? That seems somewhat feasable. I would have to take a 4 hour course to understand the rules and scoring, though.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Runner? I can barely move today after my stint at the park yesterday. I'm sure it would get easier...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Or I could be like my uber-cool sister. Everytime we watched the runners line up she would say, 'UGH; I want a runner's body.' But when I would remind her that there is literally a track across the street she would say, 'Well I want the body of a runner without the training of a runner.' Every time. Don't worry, I let her down easy.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Well...it's looking like the only ticket I'm going to get to the 2016 Olympics is the one that I buy myself. But I'll keep working on it. A girl can dream!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></span></div>
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ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-12480214154455303472012-07-30T22:34:00.001-05:002012-07-30T22:35:50.173-05:00that can't be you, July, can it?!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 22px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 22px;">Seriously?! Seriously?!?!?! Who turned the calendar to July? I recommend that whoever did so stay in hiding at least until August when I will be on the lookout for whomever is responsible for rolling us over to August.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: MarkerFelt-Thin; font-size: 22px;">
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Wow.</div>
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I think this will now officially be my third attempt at coming back from my hiatus. This relationship is startimg to resemble a breakup that just won't happen and stay 'happened'; time after time trying to come back together and force some sort of peaceful happiness out of obvious misery. I DON'T WANT TO END UP LIKE ONE OF 'THOSE COUPLES' (Bloggettes & their PDTLS--Public Display of Their Life's Story). Nope, I won't let that happen. I do not want that to happen. I LOVE blogging and by golly it's the only way I can remember all of my life's comings & goings, struggles & victories, dark days & streams of sunshine, much less how many pairs of scissors I own (9: 1-orange handled, 2- black handled, 1-hair cutters, 1-pink bedazzled handled, 1-blue handled, 1-magenta handled, 1-black & red handled, 1-athletic tape cutters. Plus a handful of scallopped scrapbook ones but we will stick with the original nine.). I do not normally sit around and count my scissors; although this past week's findings might give me reason to reconsider.</div>
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You see, I have been really very busy. Really. Truly. Very. Busy. Like most of you if I had to guess. In my pastor's sermon yesterday, he pointed our need to stop, rest, & relax for one-third of every day. Wow! Don't know that I ever have done that consistently. Maybe when I was six; but then again, I did, after all, have a new baby brother to be getting prepared for at the ripe ole age of six. That's it! It's all Andrew's fault!!! Well, probably not so but, hey, it did start somewhere.</div>
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Anyhow...will leave with a picture from this weekend. We went to visit J's family. Both brothers, SIL, and nephew were all at his parents' this weekend. It was great getting to see everyone and to celebrate Tom's birthday. Happy Birthday!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Cowboy Cam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Grandpa....who looks like they're having the most fun?!</td></tr>
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</span>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-46518020735840389152012-07-16T14:33:00.002-05:002012-07-16T14:33:33.614-05:00memory verse 8: Colossians 1:9-12I officially fell off the bandwagon :( But today is a new day; Praise the Lord! Here are the verses that I am committed to memorizing for the next 2 weeks:<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
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Colossians 1:9-12</h3>
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New International Version (NIV)</div>
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<span class="text Col-1-3" id="en-NIV-29469">Thanksgiving and Prayer</span></h3>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Col-1-9" id="en-NIV-29475"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup></span>For this reason, since the day we heard about you, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29475Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>we have not stopped praying for you. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29475R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29475S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29475e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29475e" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup> <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29475T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup><span class="text Col-1-10" id="en-NIV-29476"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>so that you may live a life worthy<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29476U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>of the Lord and please him <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29476V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29476W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Col-1-11" id="en-NIV-29477"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>being strengthened with all power <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29477X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29477Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Col-1-12" id="en-NIV-29478"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>and giving joyful thanks to the Father, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29478Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>who has qualified you<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29478f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29478f" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup> to share in the inheritance <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29478AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>of his holy people in the kingdom of light.</span></blockquote>
</div>
</div>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-78605903650888732392012-05-24T13:32:00.000-05:002012-05-24T13:32:12.529-05:00playing catch-upWhat does one do when the absence from her blog—with the exception of Bible memory verses—is greater than that of 2 months?! Many things, I suppose: gather all scribbles & journal blurbs found in, around, and under any and all purses, beds, boxes, car seats, and magazines, organize them in some type of logical manner, and start writing from the beginning. While this is the most comprehensive and informative method it also yields the greatest frustration and inevitably the most inaccurate. Just think if the scribbled notes got out of order?!<br />
<br />
An overall summary of the past 10 weeks could potentially suffice but I'm not sure if blog posts can be that long. Plus, I run the risk of losing both your interests and mine.<br />
<br />
A well thought out and visual timeline could also be nice. But this leaves me to determine what events are significant and interesting to you as I'm pretty certain you don't care one bit when & for how long I studied every day of my absence. And yes, I did keep track of that.<br />
<br />
I could just go ahead and omit the past 10 weeks of my life, start with today and move on with life as a blogger. This could cause some confusion; I can only imagine the number of emails I would receive when I start talking about studying for Test #2: <i>What happened to Test #1? Did you pass? What was the test even for?! Do you know that studying and taking tests takes years off your life?!</i> So you see, this route will simply not work.<br />
<br />
There are several other ways I could tackle this task but I think for me personally, my best bet is to do a little mash-up, if you will. Collect my calendar, iPhone pictures, emails, thoughts, <strike>washclothes</strike> (oops, that's the laundry list), and the many pink sticky notes that cover most of my surrounding surfaces and do what I can to organize it all. A whole lot has happened since my last entry; we have lots to talk about. So, if squirrels start studying for the A.R.E., Zac Brown's Band is uncovered in the depths of my storage unit, or I lasso an apartment, please understand and hold your comments until the end.<br />
<br />
And with that, I will leave you until tomorrow...think of this as the Prologue to a really good novel or at least a mediocre one :)<br />
<br />
Ciao!ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-42407331796791569262012-05-15T12:57:00.000-05:002012-05-15T12:57:23.420-05:00memory verse 7: Romans 1:18-20Time is flying by! Can you believe that it's already time for the seventh verse of the year?!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1&version=NIV">Romans 1:18-20</a></h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
New International Version (NIV)</div>
</div>
<div class="result-text-style-normal text-html " style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div class="chapter-1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold;">God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Rom-1-18"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>The wrath of God <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27949AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup>is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,</span> <span class="text Rom-1-19" id="en-NIV-27950"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27950AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Rom-1-20" id="en-NIV-27951"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27951AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup>so that people are without excuse.</span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-25840599933380887542012-05-02T20:07:00.000-05:002012-05-05T20:07:48.075-05:00memory verse 6: Matthew 6:25-34<br />
I was either feeling a little ambitious or needed the reminder when I chose this weeks' memory verse! Verse 26 is one of my favorite verses and wanted to learn those around it...and then had trouble picking a stopping place. <i>Why not the end of the chapter?!</i> It's a big challenge but I'm up for it!<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206:25-34&version=NIV">Matthew 6:25-34</a></h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
New International Version (NIV)<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Matt-6-25" id="en-NIV-23308">Do Not Worry<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.9em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23308AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Matt-6-25"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>“Therefore I tell you, do not worry <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23308AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?</span> <span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-NIV-23309"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23309AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup>Are you not much more valuable than they? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23309AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Matt-6-27" id="en-NIV-23310"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23310AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Matt-6-28" id="en-NIV-23311"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.</span> <span class="text Matt-6-29" id="en-NIV-23312"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23312AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>was dressed like one of these.</span> <span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-NIV-23313"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23313AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NIV-23314"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span> <span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-NIV-23315"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </sup>For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23315AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-NIV-23316"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">33 </sup>But seek first his kingdom <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23316AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup>and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23316AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </sup>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</span></div>
</blockquote>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-70081792370722124752012-04-24T16:54:00.000-05:002012-04-24T16:59:52.816-05:00oh where, oh where has our friend, Ellen gone?<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">...oh where, oh where could she be?!</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>I have no idea!?!? </i><br />
<br />
Well, I do have some idea, albeit a bit hazy and uncertain. Nevertheless, I thought I would check in with those of you who anxiously wait to hear what’s going on in Ellen’s World and put your minds at ease. I also need to record my whereabouts for my own sake. 10 years from now, I predict that I will have little-to-no short-term memory and am taking all of the necessary precautions. I wish I were joking.<br />
<br />
But I am still here, alive and very rarely am I not kicking. Between working, apartment/house shopping with a realtor, and studying for my first of seven exams I have had little time for anything else much less the desire to do anything else.<br />
<br />
So, I thought I would take an eight-minute break and share some thoughts…please note that these have not been predetermined nor do I have an outline for this post [not that I ever do!]. I’m just going to share the next 8 minutes of my mental ticker board. Proceed with caution.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The weather has been absolutely amazing for the past three days. It has been the kind of weather that would make any Saturday jealous.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>On the other hand, allergens must go away. NOW!?!? Please, thank you. According to the National Allergen Board that updates me daily, there is a HIGH CONCENTRATION of TREES, WEEDS, & GRASSES as well as a LOW CONCENTRATION of MOLD. I temporarily entertained the idea of seasonally relocating to Phoenix or Portland [at my coworker’s suggestion] but after weighing the job/paycheck/benefits that took me 2.5 years to get against the annoying 3.5+ months/year of sleepless nights due to stuffy nose, itchy eyes, burning & itchy throat, & overall tiredness I decided it best I stay. I just need to get my <b>BENEFITS</b> to cover my <b>ALLERGY MEDICINE</b> and then I’ll be set.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I’m still loving my job! Even though I spent the greater part of the day today wrapped up in a fleece blanket, pashmina scarf, and our HR Manager’s jacket I am happy to go to work [most days]. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Like I said, I’ve been studying for the first of seven exams that I have to take in order to become a licensed architect. I’m here to tell you that it’s no fun, no fun at all. But, it has to be done. If I had known what I was getting myself into 5 years ago I might have reconsidered. But then again, what would I be doing?! Nothing else really sounds like fun. I’ve been studying like crazy and have reached the point of being so-ho over it that I cannot wait to take the thing. My plans are to do so this Saturday. Prayers and caffeine are welcomed and appreciated. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
And with that, my eight minutes is up! And, to be honest, that string of thoughts wasn’t as exciting as is normal. Maybe next time. <i>Next time</i> might not happen tomorrow, but it will real soon. And when real soon does come, get ready. That's all I can say. I have a lot to catch up on...<br />
<br />
I do want to add the lyrics to two of the praise and worship songs that are hot on the radio and in church right now. We sang them both at church this weekend and it has kept me going all week. Read and enjoy ☺<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/songdetail.aspx?iid=1836137">Waiting Here For You</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span><span class="sub" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-size: 0.5em; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://www.worshiptogether.com/worship-leaders/?iid=1053665" style="color: #afd14c; cursor: pointer; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">CHRISTY NOCKELS</a></span></h2>
<h1 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong style="color: #666666; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Writers:</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">Chris Tomlin , Jesse Reeves , Martin Smith</span></span></h1>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Verse 1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">If faith can move the mountains</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Let the mountains move</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">We come with expectation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Waiting here for You, waiting here for You</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Verse 2</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">You're the Lord of all creation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">And still You know my heart</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The Author of Salvation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">You've loved us from the start</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Chorus</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Waiting here for You</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">With our hands lifted high in praise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">And it's You we adore</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Singing Alleluia</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Verse 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">You are everything You've promised</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Your faithfulness is true</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">And we're desperate for Your presence</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">All we need is You</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Bridge</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Singing Alleluia</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/chris-tomlin-lyrics/our-god-lyrics.html">Our God</a></u> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://www.worshiptogether.com/worship-leaders/?iid=1053665" style="color: #afd14c; cursor: pointer; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Chris tomlin</a></span></h2>
<h1 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong style="color: #666666; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Writers:</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"> Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;">Chris Tomlin</span></span></h1>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Verse 1</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">
Water, You turned into wine</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Opened the eyes of the blind</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">There's no one like You</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">None like You</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Verse 2</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Into the darkness, You shine</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Out of the ashes we rise</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">There's no one like You</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">None like You</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Chorus</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God is greater</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God is stronger</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">God, You are higher than any other</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God is healer</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Awesome in power</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God, our God</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Verse</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Into the darkness, You shine</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Out of the ashes, we rise</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">There's no one like You</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">None like You</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Bridge</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">And if our God is for us</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Then who could ever stop us</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">And if our God is with us</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Then what could stand against</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">And if our God is for us</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Then who could ever stop us</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">And if our God is with us</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Then what could stand against</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Then what could stand against</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God is greater</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God is stronger</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">God, You are higher than any other</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God is healer</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Awesome in power</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Our God, our God</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-60027612336244563322012-04-17T00:09:00.003-05:002012-04-17T00:25:30.711-05:00memory verse 5. James 1:2-6I have been so busy lately; not in the running-around-like-a-chicken-with-her-head-cut-off kind of busy but in a study-for-exams-while-looking-for-housing-and-continuing-on-with-daily-life kind of busy. I reach a point of information-overload everyday around 7:00 p.m. but with the boost of energy that only food-both physical <i>and</i> spiritual-can bring to a person I am usually able to push through for a few more hours of Super Study Power Hour. That being said, I couldn't think of a better passage than <i>James 1:2-6</i> to dwell on and memorize this week:<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:2-6&version=NIV;">James 1:2-6</a></h3><div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px;">New International Version (NIV)</div></div><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html " style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><h5 class="passage-header">Trials and Temptations</h5></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><sup 'charis="" 0.75em;="" arial,="" bold;="" charis,="" class="versenum" font-family:="" font-size:="" font-weight:="" helvetica,="" id="en-NIV-30269" sans-serif;="" sil',="" top;"="" verdana,="" vertical-align:="">2</sup><span font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,</span><sup class="footnote" font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30269a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:2-6&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30269a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><span font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> whenever you face trials of many kinds, </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30270" font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3</sup><span font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30271" font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4</sup><span font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30272" font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5</sup><span font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30273" font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6</sup><span font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.</span> </blockquote>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-78891499859902620232012-04-02T20:30:00.000-05:002012-04-02T20:30:32.525-05:00memory verse 4. Matthew 28:2-6In honor of the season I decided to take a break from the Roman Road and complete some memory work from the story of Jesus' resurrection. If you are unfamiliar with the life of Christ and how He was crucified, buried, and raised again for your sins and mine, please, <i>please</i> take time in reading these verses and click on the link below for further reading & teachings. You'll be so glad you did; this I know.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><h3 style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028&version=NIV">Matthew 28:2-6</a></h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">New International Version (NIV)</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24198" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2</sup> There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24199" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3</sup> His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24200" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4</sup> The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.</div><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28088" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24201" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">5</sup><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24202" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">6</sup><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.</span></sup></blockquote>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-9365318618256737112012-03-26T17:13:00.002-05:002012-03-26T17:13:00.411-05:00and then there were none<div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Snaps & snails, & puppy-dogs' tails;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And that's what little boys are made of.'</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">—Mother Goose</div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Obg7PRIVCco/T3CfkaH-YLI/AAAAAAAADPo/dRVPYlELMww/s1600/Events+-+189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Obg7PRIVCco/T3CfkaH-YLI/AAAAAAAADPo/dRVPYlELMww/s320/Events+-+189.jpg" width="320" /></a>I don't remember actually finding out that Andrew was going to be a 'boy'. I do remember, though, not knowing—Mom & Dad would talk about '<i>If it's a Girl</i>' names & '<i>If it's a Boy</i>' names. But as fas as where I was & what my reaction was to, '<i>Girls, you're going to have a little brother in five months!</i>', I have nothing.<br />
<br />
I do remember a few things around his birth. Like the Bike-A-Thon that I was participating in on the Saturday that he was born. I fell and skinned my knee; Dad, who had dropped me off and gone back to the hospital to be with the <i>baby</i> was not there to kiss it. I'm not bitter at all.<br />
<br />
There was also the first time that Dad changed Andrew's diaper—Dad's <i>diaper-switch-and-cover</i> was not executed in a boy-appropriate timely fashion. For those of you with sons you need no further explanation. For those of you who are now thinking, <i>'I should have had a son</i>', I have provided you with a nice, stick-figure diagram:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBPnezi1CWs/T3CfJZT2vrI/AAAAAAAADPY/se2Yv6C-5Y4/s1600/changing+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBPnezi1CWs/T3CfJZT2vrI/AAAAAAAADPY/se2Yv6C-5Y4/s320/changing+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then there was the time that Emily decided to form tackle me in the hallway <i>while</i> I was carrying three-month-old Andrew. This did not end too well. I was hurt from the fall, Emily was hurt from the spankings she received for causing the fall, and Andrew—thanks to my wolf-mom-like instincts—made it through the fall without a scratch.<br />
<br />
I don't think any more examples are necessary for you to clearly see that I was always the victim and/or hero growing up in my family. But trust me, I could go on. For days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U73ybCBhoP4/T3CfP70eWzI/AAAAAAAADPg/QJuRZjomS9o/s1600/halo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U73ybCBhoP4/T3CfP70eWzI/AAAAAAAADPg/QJuRZjomS9o/s320/halo.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="319" /></a></div><br />
But even though he put me through all of that I still love him to pieces. I really have enjoyed having a brother to learn from & disgust me. I really have learned a lot from him through the years and I know it has helped prepare me for future relationships, marriage, & life in general. Some things I've learned:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Boy's really are made of puppy-dogs' tails; they can & will smell bad.</li>
</ul><ul><li>They have good intentions but they can & will disappoint. For my birthday last year the family met and ate at a restaurant in Houston. This meant that Emily & Andrew—both of whom were in school—had to drive to Houston at some point. Everyone was able to be there and it was a lovely time. BUT, the dinner was not actually held <i>on </i>my birthday; it was two days before. On my actual birthday I received phone calls, texts, & emails from all of my family <i>except </i>for my brother. I didn't say anything to him but it still hurt my feelings <strike>a little</strike> a lot; Emily was none too happy either. On Emily's birthday three weeks later Andrew approached her and wished her a <i>Happy Birthday </i>to which she replied, '<i>Thanks; but you forgot Ellen's birthday. When were you going to wish </i>her<i> a happy year? Hmm?!</i>' [You go, girl!] I wasn't there to witness it but when Emily relayed the exchange to me she told me that he looked very confused and reminded her that, Yes, he too was present at my birthday dinner. <i>But that wasn't her actual birthday</i>. And would you know that he actually had to ask her <i>when</i> my birthday actually was?! <b>Bottom Line:</b> He made the effort to be there [all while he was sick AND he really didn't have time to take off from work] and he didn't complain. He <i>thought</i> he had done good. And he did; it did mean a lot that he was there. Honestly, I'm really glad that it all happened as I know that I learned from the situation.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Any ball of the basket, soccer, base, hackie-sack, soft, Nerf, or wiffle variety can & will keep them entertained for hours. Days even. Weeks...</li>
</ul><ul><li>They will never truly 'grow up'; they <i>will</i> grow in stature but they can & will be a boy at heart until the day they die. But this is why we love them, right?</li>
</ul><ul><li>And, if you're lucky like myself, he is a spiritual leader. And this is simply the best; to be able to go to and talk 'real-life' in the Biblical context with your brother. A true blessing.</li>
</ul><br />
I have learned much, much more [<i>they steal your toilet paper and other bathroom supplies when they don't want to walk downstairs themselves</i>] but I have enjoyed every minute of it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_8a7q6i_qo/T3CfFjWwjZI/AAAAAAAADPQ/c2kQQ9FSUwM/s1600/IMG_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_8a7q6i_qo/T3CfFjWwjZI/AAAAAAAADPQ/c2kQQ9FSUwM/s320/IMG_0445.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing the 'Alabama' baseball tee that I gave him!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yesterday we all met up to celebrate Andrew's 21st Birthday!?!?!?!?!? This does not seem right; not right at all. But according to his birth certificate, passport, driver's license, and cross-stitched birth announcement on his wall it is true. Trust me, I've checked. So now, we are officially a family of adults; there are no more underage, minors, teens, or Barney reruns at our house. It makes me sad but I know that this is just a turning point and we are all ready for the next stages—whatever that may be—in life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdiKfd6NfAI/T3CfExMX7bI/AAAAAAAADPI/J8GH4d8NeHI/s1600/IMG_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdiKfd6NfAI/T3CfExMX7bI/AAAAAAAADPI/J8GH4d8NeHI/s320/IMG_0444.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom & Dad and their not-so-baby Baby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday, REIUX!!! </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that you're 21, don't do anything that I wouldn't do ;)</div>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675727665953547243.post-68715231054183657242012-03-19T20:31:00.001-05:002012-03-19T20:37:06.636-05:00laura loo's six month anniversary<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptdAtWJ25rs/T2d0LV6ogyI/AAAAAAAADMc/Qv2SzisTsHs/s1600/5+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptdAtWJ25rs/T2d0LV6ogyI/AAAAAAAADMc/Qv2SzisTsHs/s400/5+girls.jpg" width="400" /></a>My sister is a <a href="http://www.emilykiel.com/">photographer</a>. Most people envy this about me and I must say that, '<i>Yes</i>', it's pretty cool-all of our family pictures are amazing [Dad always did a good job before]; we have the capability to zoom in on anything across the lake [any lake]; and if I ever need a 'profesh' picture of anything-<i>anything</i>-it is as good as done.<br />
<br />
BUT; ahh . . . there is always a '<i>But</i>'.<br />
<br />
There are rules when your sister is the photographer. For instance, any and all images are at her mercy and she will deliver them to you as she pleases. She purposefully shoots in raw so that any computer that you might have laying around will most likely <i>not</i> have a program capable of opening the files-this is so she can look, edit, & crop before converting them to files viewable by you and I, the little people.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEuTzFABq6U/T2d0Ma32oNI/AAAAAAAADMs/b822A90bUEI/s1600/amy+nathan+%2526+ellen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEuTzFABq6U/T2d0Ma32oNI/AAAAAAAADMs/b822A90bUEI/s320/amy+nathan+%2526+ellen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr1SGUnKvn4/T2d2ptwOXFI/AAAAAAAADOw/PNraYtTNKas/s1600/laura+&+spence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr1SGUnKvn4/T2d2ptwOXFI/AAAAAAAADOw/PNraYtTNKas/s320/laura+&+spence.jpg" width="213" /></a>Another rule, or 'Photographer Etiquette', is 'Thou shalt wait to share/post pictures until the subject herself/himself has at least seen them. Take a bride, for example. The bride and her mother are <i>the first</i> people who get to see final pictures from the Big Day. It is not a pretty picture [pun intended] if any files or images get leaked and the bride finds out.<br />
<br />
Normally this last one is not a problem as I rarely have a personal interest in the weddings that she shoots. But every once and a while when say, oh, I don't know, your <i>COUSIN </i>gets married, well, that changes things a little bit.<br />
<br />
My cousin, Laura Loo, got married <i>last </i>September 17. At one time she was a very committed reader of my blog and would comment on it regularly. However, because <i>six months </i>have gone by and <i>ZERO</i> blog post has appeared to feature the wedding I cannot imagine that she is still in my audience. She probably thinks I don't love her anymore. I wouldn't blame her if she did. <i>BUT this isn't the case!!!</i> Loo, if you are reading this, I have PROOF that I tried-<i>REALLY HARD-</i>to do this at an appropriate time.<br />
<br />
EXHIBIT A: ***my comments in regard to the pictures are <b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">BOLD & HI-LIGHTED</b><br />
<div class="nH" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div class="nH"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="hP" id=":1ga" style="padding-right: 10px;">email pics?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="J-J5-Ji" id=":1eu" style="display: inline-block; position: relative;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><table cellpadding="0" class="cf hX" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: pointer; display: inline-table; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 2px; vertical-align: top;"><tbody>
<tr class="hR"><td class="hU hM" style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px;"><div class="hN" name="^i" role="button" style="padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 6px;" tabindex="0" title="Search for all messages with label Inbox"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Inbox</div></div></td><td class="hV hM" style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="hO" name="^i" role="button" style="padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 1px;" tabindex="0" title="Remove label Inbox from this conversation">x</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<img aria-label=" " class="ajn" id=":0_6-e" jid="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" name=":0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/c/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCKyM7Nuc2JHxSyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDQxN2YxN2FlZGQzNDgxNGExZWNjYmVhMjhiMWVkNDY5ZmFmM2I3YmUwAcnuxrTixHTzNTiA17bGAzsy5lUW?sz=32" style="cursor: move; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr class="acZ" style="height: 16px;"><td class="gF gK" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 368px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="iw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="gD" email="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">Emily</span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span alt="Mon, Oct 17, 2011 at 1:56 PM" class="g3" id=":1gc" style="font-size: large; margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Mon, Oct 17, 2011 at 1:56 PM">10/17/11</span></div><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="lHQn1d" role="checkbox" style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="T-KT" style="display: inline-block; font-size: large; height: 19px; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center; width: 19px;"><img alt="" class="f T-KT-JX" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" /></span></div></div></div></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="gH acX" rowspan="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: nowrap;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr class="acZ SxTmFb" style="height: 16px;"><td colspan="3" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf adz" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; white-space: nowrap; width: 454px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ady" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="iw ajw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="hb" style="color: #777777; vertical-align: top;">to <span class="g2" email="emkiel@gmail.com" style="vertical-align: top;">me</span></span></div></div><div aria-haspopup="true" class="ajy" style="display: inline-block; padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">could you please email me any and all pics you took at my defense? i already have the one of me and jake. :) </span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: large;"><img aria-label=" " class="ajn" id=":0_8-e" jid="emkiel@gmail.com" name=":0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/c/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCOr2qrSLnoqgeyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDRmNWY2ZjQyY2MwMTliMTFlNWRjNDk4OTkzNjk3ZTYxN2YzNDU1ZTcwARMyF_-UuHaLF_swfiVB0ZUr5kUF?sz=32" style="cursor: move; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr class="acZ" style="height: 16px;"><td class="gF gK" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 368px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="iw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="gD" email="emkiel@gmail.com" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">Ellen</span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span alt="Mon, Oct 17, 2011 at 1:57 PM" class="g3" id=":1fn" style="font-size: large; margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Mon, Oct 17, 2011 at 1:57 PM">10/17/11</span></div><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="lHQn1d" role="checkbox" style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="T-KT" style="display: inline-block; font-size: large; height: 19px; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center; width: 19px;"><img alt="" class="f T-KT-JX" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" /></span></div></div></div></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="gH acX" rowspan="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: nowrap;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr class="acZ SxTmFb" style="height: 16px;"><td colspan="3" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf adz" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; white-space: nowrap; width: 454px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ady" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="iw ajw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="hb" style="color: #777777; vertical-align: top;">to <span class="g2" email="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" style="vertical-align: top;">Emily</span></span></div></div><div aria-haspopup="true" class="ajy" style="display: inline-block; padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Can you send me some from Lauras wedding? I already don't have any</b><br />
<br />
<img aria-label=" " class="ajn" id=":0_10-e" jid="emkiel@gmail.com" name=":0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/c/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCOr2qrSLnoqgeyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDRmNWY2ZjQyY2MwMTliMTFlNWRjNDk4OTkzNjk3ZTYxN2YzNDU1ZTcwARMyF_-UuHaLF_swfiVB0ZUr5kUF?sz=32" style="cursor: move; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr class="acZ" style="height: 16px;"><td class="gF gK" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 368px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="iw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="gD" email="emkiel@gmail.com" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">Ellen</span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span alt="Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 12:24 PM" class="g3" id=":1ax" style="font-size: large; margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 12:24 PM">10/18/11</span></div><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="lHQn1d" role="checkbox" style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="T-KT" style="display: inline-block; font-size: large; height: 19px; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center; width: 19px;"><img alt="" class="f T-KT-JX" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" /></span></div></div></div></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="gH acX" rowspan="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr class="acZ SxTmFb" style="height: 16px;"><td colspan="3" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf adz" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; white-space: nowrap; width: 454px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ady" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="iw ajw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="hb" style="color: #777777; vertical-align: top;">to <span class="g2" email="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" style="vertical-align: top;">Emily</span></span></div></div><div aria-haspopup="true" class="ajy" style="display: inline-block; padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.dropbox.com<br />
I think this is how you use dropbox? I'm not sure.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">c<b>an you send me some from laura's wedding PUH-LEASE!!!!!!</b></span><br />
<br />
<img aria-label=" " class="ajn" id=":0_12-e" jid="emkiel@gmail.com" name=":0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/c/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCOr2qrSLnoqgeyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDRmNWY2ZjQyY2MwMTliMTFlNWRjNDk4OTkzNjk3ZTYxN2YzNDU1ZTcwARMyF_-UuHaLF_swfiVB0ZUr5kUF?sz=32" style="cursor: move; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr class="acZ" style="height: 16px;"><td class="gF gK" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 368px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="iw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="gD" email="emkiel@gmail.com" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">Ellen</span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span alt="Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 12:24 PM" class="g3" id=":1dw" style="font-size: large; margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 12:24 PM">10/18/11</span></div><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="lHQn1d" role="checkbox" style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="T-KT" style="display: inline-block; font-size: large; height: 19px; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center; width: 19px;"><img alt="" class="f T-KT-JX" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" /></span></div></div></div></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="gH acX" rowspan="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr class="acZ SxTmFb" style="height: 16px;"><td colspan="3" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf adz" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; white-space: nowrap; width: 454px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ady" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="iw ajw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="hb" style="color: #777777; vertical-align: top;">to <span class="g2" email="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" style="vertical-align: top;">Emily</span></span></div></div><div aria-haspopup="true" class="ajy" style="display: inline-block; padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">ASLO, can i ahve a few of the good ones that Glen took?<br />
<br />
<img aria-label=" " class="ajn" id=":0_14-e" jid="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" name=":0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/c/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCKyM7Nuc2JHxSyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDQxN2YxN2FlZGQzNDgxNGExZWNjYmVhMjhiMWVkNDY5ZmFmM2I3YmUwAcnuxrTixHTzNTiA17bGAzsy5lUW?sz=32" style="cursor: move; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr class="acZ" style="height: 16px;"><td class="gF gK" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 368px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="iw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="gD" email="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">Emily</span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span alt="Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 5:22 PM" class="g3" id=":1df" style="font-size: large; margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 5:22 PM">10/19/11</span></div><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="lHQn1d" role="checkbox" style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="T-KT" style="display: inline-block; font-size: large; height: 19px; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center; width: 19px;"><img alt="" class="f T-KT-JX" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" /></span></div></div></div></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="gH acX" rowspan="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr class="acZ SxTmFb" style="height: 16px;"><td colspan="3" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf adz" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; white-space: nowrap; width: 454px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ady" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="iw ajw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="hb" style="color: #777777; vertical-align: top;">to <span class="g2" email="emkiel@gmail.com" style="vertical-align: top;">me</span></span></div></div><div aria-haspopup="true" class="ajy" style="display: inline-block; padding-left: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">oh ps this is ONE way you can use dropbox. what is great about it is that you can access all of your files without getting on the internet. dropbox created a folder somewhere on your computer. you can create a new folder and then right click and say "share folder" or something like that. some menu should pop up with a spot to enter an email address. when you put in my email address i get an email notice that i have a new folder and you want to share with me. when i say "yay show me!" it opens up the folder on my desktop and i can see all the pics. that way i don't have to go through each picture and say "save" for each one. just so you know.<br />
<br />
<img aria-label=" " class="ajn" id=":0_16-e" jid="emkiel@gmail.com" name=":0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/c/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCOr2qrSLnoqgeyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDRmNWY2ZjQyY2MwMTliMTFlNWRjNDk4OTkzNjk3ZTYxN2YzNDU1ZTcwARMyF_-UuHaLF_swfiVB0ZUr5kUF?sz=32" style="cursor: move; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr class="acZ" style="height: 16px;"><td class="gF gK" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 368px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="iw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="gD" email="emkiel@gmail.com" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">Ellen</span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span alt="Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 10:37 PM" class="g3" id=":1bf" style="font-size: large; margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 10:37 PM">10/19/11</span></div><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="lHQn1d" role="checkbox" style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="T-KT" style="display: inline-block; font-size: large; height: 19px; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center; width: 19px;"><img alt="" class="f T-KT-JX" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" /></span></div></div></div></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="gH acX" rowspan="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr class="acZ SxTmFb" style="height: 16px;"><td colspan="3" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf adz" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; white-space: nowrap; width: 454px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ady" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><br />
<div class="iw ajw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="hb" style="color: #777777; font-size: large; vertical-align: top;">to <span class="g2" email="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" style="vertical-align: top;">Emily</span></span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">ohhhhhhhhhkay. thank you. i think i did that before but forgot how since it's been over a month since i used it. <b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">so, did you share any photos with me? like loo's wedding?</b> or your defense?<br />
<br />
<img aria-label=" " class="ajn" id=":0_18-e" jid="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" name=":0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/c/photos/private/AIbEiAIAAABDCKyM7Nuc2JHxSyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDQxN2YxN2FlZGQzNDgxNGExZWNjYmVhMjhiMWVkNDY5ZmFmM2I3YmUwAcnuxrTixHTzNTiA17bGAzsy5lUW?sz=32" style="cursor: move; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr class="acZ" style="height: 16px;"><td class="gF gK" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 368px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 368px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="iw" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 92%; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="gD" email="dreamyelk24@gmail.com" style="color: #222222; display: inline; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">Emily</span></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span alt="Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 11:27 PM" class="g3" id=":1at" style="font-size: large; margin-right: 3px; vertical-align: top;" title="Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 11:27 PM">10/19/11</span></div><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Starred" class="lHQn1d" role="checkbox" style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="T-KT" style="display: inline-block; font-size: large; height: 19px; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center; width: 19px;"><img alt="" class="f T-KT-JX" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" /></span></div></div></div></td><td class="gH" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="gH acX" rowspan="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: nowrap;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Ellen i love you but youre going to have to wait on the pics from lauras wedding. my paper is due in less than 48 hours and i still have to a lot to do. Please know im saying this with a smile. :) i did put pics on fb from the defense if you want to grab those. I will get them to you i promise. Your email is starred. I wont forget!</span></blockquote><div class="dJ" style="clear: both; height: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden;"></div></div></div><div class="nH" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div class="nH hx" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="nH"></div><div class="nH"><div class="h7 " style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; position: relative; width: 579px;"><div class="G3 G2" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div><div id=":1e5"><div class="adn ads" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 8px;"><div class="gs" style="margin-left: 44px;"><div class="utdU2e"></div><div class="QqXVeb"></div><div id=":1fp" tabindex="-1"></div><div class="ii gt adP adO" id=":1ge" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; position: relative; z-index: 2;"><div class="yj6qo"></div></div><div class="hi" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f2f2f2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"></div></div><div class="ajx" style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="gA gt acV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><div class="gB"><div class="ip iq" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="h7" style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; position: relative; width: 579px;"><div class="G3 G2 afm" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div><div id=":1ek"><div class="adn ads" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px;"><div class="gs" style="margin-left: 44px;"><div class="utdU2e"></div><div class="QqXVeb"></div><div id=":1e3" tabindex="-1"></div><div class="hi" style="background-attachment: initial; 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border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div><div id=":1eo"><div class="adn ads" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px;"><div class="gs" style="margin-left: 44px;"><div class="utdU2e"></div><div class="QqXVeb"></div><div id=":1gh" tabindex="-1"></div><div class="hi" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f2f2f2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; 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padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; position: relative; width: 579px;"><div class="G3 G2 afm" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div><div id=":1ea"><div class="adn ads" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px;"><div class="gs" style="margin-left: 44px;"><div class="utdU2e"></div><div class="QqXVeb"></div><div id=":1dm" tabindex="-1"></div><div class="hi" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f2f2f2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"></div></div><div class="ajx" style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="gA gt acV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><div class="gB"><div class="ip iq" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="h7 " style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; position: relative; width: 579px;"><div class="G3 G2 afm" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div><div id=":1dj"><div class="adn ads" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px;"><div class="gs" style="margin-left: 44px;"><div class="utdU2e"></div><div class="QqXVeb"></div><div id=":1d5" tabindex="-1"></div><div class="hi" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f2f2f2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"></div></div><div class="ajx" style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="gA gt acV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><div class="gB"><div class="ip iq" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="h7 " style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; 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background-clip: initial; background-color: #f2f2f2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"></div></div><div class="ajx" style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="gA gt acV" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;"><div class="gB"><div class="ip iq" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="h7 ie nH oy8Mbf" style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; position: relative; width: 579px;"><div class="G3 G2 afm" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div><div id=":1b1"><div class="adn ads" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px;"><div class="gs" style="margin-left: 44px;"><div class="utdU2e"></div><div class="QqXVeb"></div><div id=":1ak" tabindex="-1"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />
AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT?!?!?! I <b>STILL</b> DO NOT HAVE PICTURES FROM HER. At least I think I don't. So, I am being forced to <b>COPY</b> & <b>PASTE </b>images from the internet, something that makes Emily CRINGE. Hehe. Maybe this will light a small fire.<br />
<br />
So, here you go; pictures from the <i>BEAUTIFUL</i> occasion:<br />
<div><br />
The venue was Uh-May-Zing! There was a creek running through where the ceremony took place and an old, abandoned Gristmill. I love ruins! And we didn't even have to go abroad :)<br />
<br />
</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLwl7KVC4d8/T2d2TJoUfmI/AAAAAAAADOM/ixpt28KR5l4/s1600/venue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLwl7KVC4d8/T2d2TJoUfmI/AAAAAAAADOM/ixpt28KR5l4/s640/venue.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Emily had a great idea to include a picture of <i>all</i> of the wedding rings in the family. As shown here, Sherry [MOB] is decked out in Laura, Rhonda, & Amy's engagement rings as well as Sherry's own, original wedding set and her new and improved 40-year set!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9v3WznFVtpc/T2d0L31DoII/AAAAAAAADMk/WowJrR3IYdE/s1600/Sherry+%2526+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9v3WznFVtpc/T2d0L31DoII/AAAAAAAADMk/WowJrR3IYdE/s320/Sherry+%2526+rings.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div>When I wasn't arranging centerpieces, hair, or smiles you could find me entertaining this little guy. Or, rather, he entertained me. Nathan is Cousin Rhonda's youngest child. So Adorable :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mGBen4Brp8/T2d0NRdsyfI/AAAAAAAADNE/CMjeUR2yAHQ/s1600/ellen+%2526+nathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mGBen4Brp8/T2d0NRdsyfI/AAAAAAAADNE/CMjeUR2yAHQ/s320/ellen+%2526+nathan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My other duty: the other 4 kids! They are so precious & CRAZY!!!! But, if you knew their parents-especially their fathers [married <i>into</i> the family]-you would understand 110%. I love them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZYjJyoUU40/T2d2qJw86GI/AAAAAAAADO4/krYsPTXfOZw/s1600/me+&+five+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZYjJyoUU40/T2d2qJw86GI/AAAAAAAADO4/krYsPTXfOZw/s320/me+&+five+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The studly men. I don't remember/know all of their names but the one in front is Groom Spence, fourth from the right is Cousin Jonathan, and far right is Cousin Greg. These guys are nuts but we love them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmffGzC-IhU/T2d2S5CBH3I/AAAAAAAADOE/az_65EhwdR8/s1600/spence+&+guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmffGzC-IhU/T2d2S5CBH3I/AAAAAAAADOE/az_65EhwdR8/s320/spence+&+guys.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
I LOVED the turquoise; Laura found the matching shoes on sale at a Nine West outlet [I<i> think</i> they were Nine West!]. I would attempt at telling you which ones are my cousins but I don't want to offend anyone. I <i>think</i> Amy and Rhonda are on the far left and I'm almost certain Bride Laura is in the white ;)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cEMvnTTTs8/T2d0NKuONsI/AAAAAAAADM8/07nWlCEyoSk/s1600/bridesmaids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cEMvnTTTs8/T2d0NKuONsI/AAAAAAAADM8/07nWlCEyoSk/s320/bridesmaids.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><br />
The wedding party. The day could not have been prettier!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGfDZlSU0I/T2d0MuYUHpI/AAAAAAAADM0/e6lpVsmv3o8/s1600/bridal+party+crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGfDZlSU0I/T2d0MuYUHpI/AAAAAAAADM0/e6lpVsmv3o8/s320/bridal+party+crazy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The nieces & nephews. Don't you want to just eat them up?! Such a beautiful picture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hD_X6CnQvr8/T2d2q_GmkWI/AAAAAAAADPA/ZXBy7vlNec4/s1600/necies+&+nephews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hD_X6CnQvr8/T2d2q_GmkWI/AAAAAAAADPA/ZXBy7vlNec4/s320/necies+&+nephews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br />
If I know Rhonda-and I'm pretty sure that I do-she's going to <i>kill </i>me for putting this picture up of her. But if I know her older sister Amy-and I know that I do-she has done much worse than post a silly & cute picture of her dancing her heart out online :)<br />
<div class="nH" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><div class="nH"><h1 class="ha" style="background: inherit; border-right: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3KZDckpZ98/T2d2pMzL56I/AAAAAAAADOg/-Ezh_j4xbg8/s1600/ellen+&+rhonda+dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3KZDckpZ98/T2d2pMzL56I/AAAAAAAADOg/-Ezh_j4xbg8/s640/ellen+&+rhonda+dancing.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
</h1><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reagan & Riley. Two peas in a pod. Two crazy girls who LOVE the Lord Jesus with all of their precious hearts!</span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love this one! Sherry & Laura just as she is about to put her beautiful dress on.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-072LPAJ6upQ/T2d2SkrzdrI/AAAAAAAADN8/RiNCROt-N7U/s1600/sherry+&+laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-072LPAJ6upQ/T2d2SkrzdrI/AAAAAAAADN8/RiNCROt-N7U/s320/sherry+&+laura.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times;"></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black;">Happy 6 months, Laura and Spence!!!</span> And thank you for letting us share your special day with you. I love you both!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUkToxPIXzs/T2d2pU4AW9I/AAAAAAAADOo/lOeNl8h-_AA/s1600/laura+&+spence+prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUkToxPIXzs/T2d2pU4AW9I/AAAAAAAADOo/lOeNl8h-_AA/s320/laura+&+spence+prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">***For more information on Emily the Excellent E-mage Maker [corny, I know but it's Monday evening after a long day at work!] please go visit her <a href="http://www.emilykiel.com/">webpage</a> and tell her I sent you. This probably will not help you out in any way but it is sure to get me some 'Good Sister' points :)</div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times;"></span></div></div></div></div></div>ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03801769372036617898noreply@blogger.com1