tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79080876175919429702024-02-20T19:52:05.645-06:00Carter's CrewJill, Evan and DylanJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-7171730539621330342010-07-04T16:13:00.015-05:002010-07-04T19:00:44.691-05:00July Fun in NebraskaI took the boys to Nebraska for their annual summer outing in Nebraska with Grandma and Grandpa. We stopped in Lincoln and picked up Madison on Friday so that the boys could hang out with their cousin for a night. We'd picked up fireworks on our way to Schuyler, so, as you can see, they had a blast!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM8lpG9JyB9_ubZKRF-yELntR_BQI7xxUhARh1lXwiZ8dUnK5ze_KnfEL2K9x24HaOvV8cjfbcPQ0oufQjdNUxh-1F_A_BQgmYxmqczjJDWBbyFKvYYYJ3cULXY7inna-e4gTwL0D3c8/s1600/zoo4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490202511245937490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM8lpG9JyB9_ubZKRF-yELntR_BQI7xxUhARh1lXwiZ8dUnK5ze_KnfEL2K9x24HaOvV8cjfbcPQ0oufQjdNUxh-1F_A_BQgmYxmqczjJDWBbyFKvYYYJ3cULXY7inna-e4gTwL0D3c8/s400/zoo4.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdUb-qgn2UuVeUD-QgKiT7dwluTunA-KSTFtRHx2b3sK3MRSXd_cv4_cEqyErbvPf7g7VUVomhPd-0AvXU9WaZcaHPriZTYohavvijonVZ_93Pjjg40tQ7ZUPKJpMENK4mXvQR3MaGJc/s1600/zoo3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490200243207169378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdUb-qgn2UuVeUD-QgKiT7dwluTunA-KSTFtRHx2b3sK3MRSXd_cv4_cEqyErbvPf7g7VUVomhPd-0AvXU9WaZcaHPriZTYohavvijonVZ_93Pjjg40tQ7ZUPKJpMENK4mXvQR3MaGJc/s400/zoo3.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIqtphWphqpQataa38ok1pgicSI10EKuzy5A9vMKxrvNUTaDJoBUrd71Fa3dEzl_YpT7iAVVGATnqGBx2n4i4IqyXgZr740v3gwHQ0NqIBWBHlgZUAiQmaWZxlddjIxO1MCre66nfts8/s1600/omaha+zoo+050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490195088804464162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIqtphWphqpQataa38ok1pgicSI10EKuzy5A9vMKxrvNUTaDJoBUrd71Fa3dEzl_YpT7iAVVGATnqGBx2n4i4IqyXgZr740v3gwHQ0NqIBWBHlgZUAiQmaWZxlddjIxO1MCre66nfts8/s400/omaha+zoo+050.JPG" /></a> On Saturday, the Broekers met us in Omaha for a visit to the Omaha zoo. As busy as the parking lot appeared, the zoo itself wasn't too bad for the Saturday before the 4th.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmthgZUAZ19dLEEkYf_36lQaBBeSgVJOiIn4JwWQebuspTWmeDz57ltir0ye4bGlsIjsM9NNd3QpF0c25bVCSLa7n315FxBCW-LmXkTAoYaQPTuZ5W-Lx_XDBv32vWNCt22g3N1rtPsA8/s1600/zoo2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490193100060598610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmthgZUAZ19dLEEkYf_36lQaBBeSgVJOiIn4JwWQebuspTWmeDz57ltir0ye4bGlsIjsM9NNd3QpF0c25bVCSLa7n315FxBCW-LmXkTAoYaQPTuZ5W-Lx_XDBv32vWNCt22g3N1rtPsA8/s400/zoo2.JPG" /></a> Clockwise: Madison, Tyler, Evan, Dylan and Grant (in the stroller)</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_VAM0rlOz7aEQtJNC0-ULEoTMiLw5P9GCzG44gqATKRhjQq8EcxMWjE1LY6Gi10Ix1HYAyV9YuDacKQ-dCoYzFUuIWBnIs0aV5PcaVTY296059-QFjFlCNV2ly5KJTTeuQgYHhzrJLM/s1600/zoo1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490191302271570882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_VAM0rlOz7aEQtJNC0-ULEoTMiLw5P9GCzG44gqATKRhjQq8EcxMWjE1LY6Gi10Ix1HYAyV9YuDacKQ-dCoYzFUuIWBnIs0aV5PcaVTY296059-QFjFlCNV2ly5KJTTeuQgYHhzrJLM/s400/zoo1.JPG" /></a> Dylan and Madison, trying to figure out where to go next<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N0gxV6ckCmRF6AjACDhRsgFkAMBWo8tbSDJKuzeDO6mpgnYIqrD4vIDBvWoV0qlxOASqZ4_Isjt72qGaiDtohkDfLZQWYcyjDjevwvCqR0wyEcZ_5TIjSjcKgwUFUuXweiNJ0GoYsP8/s1600/omaha+zoo+102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490183454528481906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N0gxV6ckCmRF6AjACDhRsgFkAMBWo8tbSDJKuzeDO6mpgnYIqrD4vIDBvWoV0qlxOASqZ4_Isjt72qGaiDtohkDfLZQWYcyjDjevwvCqR0wyEcZ_5TIjSjcKgwUFUuXweiNJ0GoYsP8/s400/omaha+zoo+102.JPG" /></a> Dylan, Grandpa and Madison: They were ahead of Evan and me on the sky lifts. This was our first time on the lifts, and it was pretty amazing. I'm just glad I didn't lose a shoe or drop my camera above the rhinos!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBBiZx7YdJfPByXtpxhdyFptMhWq7xnT3_30zjhBZ1OXPA7sW0pazzC7B9dLumMEbqgv31pziCts271X4mN0txaeHWiRFjSlxETIqMr9sDL_vOnsSFQlI29az1VPtibk6j8aVjEMevcY/s1600/omaha+zoo+107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490179224124385250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBBiZx7YdJfPByXtpxhdyFptMhWq7xnT3_30zjhBZ1OXPA7sW0pazzC7B9dLumMEbqgv31pziCts271X4mN0txaeHWiRFjSlxETIqMr9sDL_vOnsSFQlI29az1VPtibk6j8aVjEMevcY/s400/omaha+zoo+107.JPG" /></a> Evan next to me on the sky lift<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9fyN6fmWrLxgkchkVASaupFOOfKb-bUWR-pTe_78tDfoIm2e5fYOZKgE6JpUv93Y1eGYIm-8YPh5ZIXci-Penf8hOQ9gCfE5sM4GhMRO5LL909gLDOnyTPRvZmYQppdB6BxPbgWV89E/s1600/omaha+zoo+175.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490171517589259778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9fyN6fmWrLxgkchkVASaupFOOfKb-bUWR-pTe_78tDfoIm2e5fYOZKgE6JpUv93Y1eGYIm-8YPh5ZIXci-Penf8hOQ9gCfE5sM4GhMRO5LL909gLDOnyTPRvZmYQppdB6BxPbgWV89E/s400/omaha+zoo+175.JPG" /></a> Amy said this exhibit is Tyler's favorite, so we had to go check it out. Dylan found a bird to feed, which was pretty rare because Tyler (our zoo expert) told us it wasn't feeding time and it was mating time. (Yes, Amy, that is what your son told me. Apparently his volunteer time at the Lincoln zoo is paying off.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HKnuIdb1Lxz1M7J_ge9Ngt3t1z1KSLFOsnGjjiMuHyZ5onpc0_mqdMo1dzdcRIsDRkfC4ptF_rAuf7nfJxJPlyOQXXz_iJ14aqgMoehN4I9QZO9-KB_e3lvq4YfhcLZEDOyFsQrm9x8/s1600/omaha+zoo+155.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490164213360683346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HKnuIdb1Lxz1M7J_ge9Ngt3t1z1KSLFOsnGjjiMuHyZ5onpc0_mqdMo1dzdcRIsDRkfC4ptF_rAuf7nfJxJPlyOQXXz_iJ14aqgMoehN4I9QZO9-KB_e3lvq4YfhcLZEDOyFsQrm9x8/s400/omaha+zoo+155.JPG" /></a> Hmmm...since I visited a zoo, perhaps I should include at least ONE picture of some animals. It looks like the flamingos are posed just for me!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-68346096325570633712010-06-27T19:44:00.004-05:002010-06-27T19:56:30.481-05:00Awarding not very rewardingHickman Mills High School no longer exists. I may have shed a tear or two over this closing, but I get to be part of its history. I was awarded the "2009 Teacher of the Year" for Hickman Mills High School, the last one. (It sounds like a great trivia question, don't you think? --<em>Who was the last Teacher of the Year of Hickman Mills High School?)</em><br /><br />I got a letter in the mail this week from the district. It said, "Congratuations on being named the Teacher of the Year for your school building! Now that you have been awarded this honor, you also have the chance to become the Hickman Mills District Teacher of the Year! Enclosed you will find the application."<br /><br />An application? For an award? Okay, so I read on...<br /><br />The District Teacher of the Year Award Application Cover Sheet reads:<br /><br />1. Basic School/Personal Information<br /><br />2. Please attach the following:<br /><br />a. <strong>Professional Biography</strong>: What were the factors that influenced you to become a teacher? (one page)<br /><br />b. <strong>Community Involvement</strong>: Describe your commitment to your community through service-oriented activities such as volunteer work, civic activities, etc<br /><br />c. <strong>Philosophy of Teaching</strong>: Describe your personal feelings and beliefs about teaching, including your own ideas of what makes you an outstanding teacher. Describe the rewards you find in teaching. How are your beliefs about teaching demonstrated in your personal teaching style? (one page)<br /><br />d. <strong>Education Issues and Trends</strong>: What do you consider to be the major public education issues today? Address one, outlining possible causes, effects and resolutions. (one page)<br /><br />e. <strong>Letters of Support</strong>: Attach three letters of support from any of the following: administrator, fellow educator, student/former student, parent or civic leader<br /><br />This is all due within two weeks from receiving the letter. Anyone crazy enough to get all this done in two weeks deserves District Teacher of the Year. I promise you, it won't be me.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-66286557667171491852010-06-14T23:33:00.002-05:002010-06-14T23:54:36.169-05:00T-Bones Baseball<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityI7dfqr-up06W2tJOS_Tu_0-JUingHYaqLiinVzedtCoD60BdE6QxJwRbWeCk__ZHV6Fvt2q88EB9fFXiyJKLYCEeGXiuFpfca4Xj0qY4bmdhMJKGy8qyfz9hGxlN3qfDwJyjPvq22Q/s1600/TBones+Game+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482855807525854050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityI7dfqr-up06W2tJOS_Tu_0-JUingHYaqLiinVzedtCoD60BdE6QxJwRbWeCk__ZHV6Fvt2q88EB9fFXiyJKLYCEeGXiuFpfca4Xj0qY4bmdhMJKGy8qyfz9hGxlN3qfDwJyjPvq22Q/s400/TBones+Game+012.JPG" /></a> The boys and I went to see a T-Bones baseball game for the first time. Tonight's game was Teacher Appreciation Night so we had discounted tickets. Plus, it as Kids Eat Free night, so the boys each received a free hot dog, chips and drink. I was a little nervous for the weather, but it turned out to be a great night for the game. Dylan brought his baseball glove, prepared to catch a ball. He didn't get the chance to catch one, but a nice guy sitting a few seats away rescued a foul ball from the vistor's dugout (next to our seats) and gave Dylan the ball. He was on cloud nine!<br /><div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-64658720058908303032010-06-13T20:00:00.010-05:002010-06-13T21:37:34.086-05:00Powell Gardens: Bugs and Real Bugs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWpOSBuRm4OwdlsHSZgy0cpBLJN54wG_ilCtPciMYLoDI6obbwFe-uBTkeNX-GjHmdq9DZ1oa-NGElQVIocuMqYXcFFOiiexqSag1MubYRuUSIGCOE8YB4puQfu2lmZyiC9rtX-13zyo/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482451460331352194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWpOSBuRm4OwdlsHSZgy0cpBLJN54wG_ilCtPciMYLoDI6obbwFe-uBTkeNX-GjHmdq9DZ1oa-NGElQVIocuMqYXcFFOiiexqSag1MubYRuUSIGCOE8YB4puQfu2lmZyiC9rtX-13zyo/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+059.JPG" /></a> The boys and I went to Powell Gardens today to check out their new Big Bugs Exhibit. While the flowers were as beautiful as ever, the bug exhibit wasn't quite up to par. I think there were maybe five statues this year, versus previous exhibits that littered the garden. We still had a good time, and some of the flowers and statues are below.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLsdVg8gxqWKXi-M2xNgoBcsmZKGMVvTX1XDbOalFTeRWnyQE7crNIg5vBUp1SA8Rt4VcC_Q66etLPWTFbaXNLQBj6MWo8KIddNw2Qrwk2QnrnyMUtmZwM7X-Y-NO3nbvALlfjoWeKo8/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+109.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482447940506704674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLsdVg8gxqWKXi-M2xNgoBcsmZKGMVvTX1XDbOalFTeRWnyQE7crNIg5vBUp1SA8Rt4VcC_Q66etLPWTFbaXNLQBj6MWo8KIddNw2Qrwk2QnrnyMUtmZwM7X-Y-NO3nbvALlfjoWeKo8/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+109.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcy8G9bMN3aVgol6uov037KIGwE6Pcf_f7b2QiS492MJrZ-cKI0kvuPn_5UpycTThWoDIngxp3Nts09THLkEi9QiSbv-WtJ7c-LfO_WDNEHsxG-pur8S_TLBuQENbKJ1WV51xfEy5ql8/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482446229805582194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcy8G9bMN3aVgol6uov037KIGwE6Pcf_f7b2QiS492MJrZ-cKI0kvuPn_5UpycTThWoDIngxp3Nts09THLkEi9QiSbv-WtJ7c-LfO_WDNEHsxG-pur8S_TLBuQENbKJ1WV51xfEy5ql8/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+141.JPG" /></a>This wasn't one of the statues, but rather one of the more exciting things we saw today. We came out to Powell Gardens after a heavy rain this morning, so I think some of the little critters were out to get dried out. This one in particular was quite entertaining!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyfIYkg7McDuqlB0i-8QOa_8ER0JZ003lkdlVGMrFlbTcfguW4-6iu5gVC6B7cvZo-4KSlbfGHf4jO1uIycRCv1o2ahT7D7-gl628YaRuoBxtjiyIHKxAE8xbWCzFXOkLWJX30iaRpv0/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+178.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482444743950198530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyfIYkg7McDuqlB0i-8QOa_8ER0JZ003lkdlVGMrFlbTcfguW4-6iu5gVC6B7cvZo-4KSlbfGHf4jO1uIycRCv1o2ahT7D7-gl628YaRuoBxtjiyIHKxAE8xbWCzFXOkLWJX30iaRpv0/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+178.JPG" /></a> This was my favorite of the giant bug exhibits. I think this was number three of five or six that were out this year.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCFL8nDsfupKJhzgsN6hLxTWwy_YSBbys4FXXmjuMfosIipFI6cqci7MF5_1Oscy79CkJpZbRH8kyKvNtDYLIGp6ma2MRuMNyBs49VGEQTwHBhrQZtBvDCRldoML44pMdzW1MXZ-qDg4/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482440710156801570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCFL8nDsfupKJhzgsN6hLxTWwy_YSBbys4FXXmjuMfosIipFI6cqci7MF5_1Oscy79CkJpZbRH8kyKvNtDYLIGp6ma2MRuMNyBs49VGEQTwHBhrQZtBvDCRldoML44pMdzW1MXZ-qDg4/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+044.JPG" /></a>This is the best I could do with my bee pictures. Dylan and Evan helped me spot them in the flowers so I could get a good picture of one.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BzXiP3iawujDcFV6n3-QVajIutDgKdcQvf3Qz9E7Ymd3PXdDyNyyJZmpLm5NRQzB9TuP5_kMNiJBb1wMmZZLy96VRU6Dl1_XhhuSpo4hKGL-rgtA68ppsnd08eYR30OmXWiirI-Lh2Q/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482435997554784546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BzXiP3iawujDcFV6n3-QVajIutDgKdcQvf3Qz9E7Ymd3PXdDyNyyJZmpLm5NRQzB9TuP5_kMNiJBb1wMmZZLy96VRU6Dl1_XhhuSpo4hKGL-rgtA68ppsnd08eYR30OmXWiirI-Lh2Q/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+073.JPG" /></a> Giant Ants: There were three of them on top of the hill.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq8DBv9SOW2J3yNFZWAcU9gFDDrizMSRHrB9MkIT9JNzoszGAfX5pid_3Gw1lCYTJdeYAMGMHuLDWmjESjaU2Zbll6OWAav_Pvi6VEINjrwEEmUhU6a2tx74JrWFpzCwWMCdZY088AwU/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482431082274530290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq8DBv9SOW2J3yNFZWAcU9gFDDrizMSRHrB9MkIT9JNzoszGAfX5pid_3Gw1lCYTJdeYAMGMHuLDWmjESjaU2Zbll6OWAav_Pvi6VEINjrwEEmUhU6a2tx74JrWFpzCwWMCdZY088AwU/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+028.JPG" /></a> You can still see the rain on the flowers from this morning.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruaXOch7UNaIbRW7vjHsJITVSXZRez86iuBKPbZCgNHYSnpuqNraPA9sT100bGo27e5VGtMhcM9Dahds0xoce0rvr2egLb-WCsybJTflHHyicv1MudrWlzAWYkKnTnWm8VEUoayAFcZc/s1600/Powell+Gardens+2010+159.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482429485522256738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruaXOch7UNaIbRW7vjHsJITVSXZRez86iuBKPbZCgNHYSnpuqNraPA9sT100bGo27e5VGtMhcM9Dahds0xoce0rvr2egLb-WCsybJTflHHyicv1MudrWlzAWYkKnTnWm8VEUoayAFcZc/s400/Powell+Gardens+2010+159.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-10442260564244439602010-05-10T19:53:00.003-05:002010-05-10T20:04:08.869-05:001st Grade LoveSo, I found this note on the hallway floor tonight. Dylan was pretty anxious to get it out of my hands. It reads, "I relly relly like you. If you want to sit by me it is ok. Your friend Dylan. Can you write a leter back plase." He even did some self correcting with sat vs. sit and wert vs. write.<br /><br />What's particularly funny about this note, addressed on the other side to "JW" is that Evan has been telling me that this girl "Jordan" is in love with Dylan. He made sure I was clear that it was JORDAN in love with Dylan, not the other way around. Well, now, I think this note suggests love is a two way street between these two. Maybe not "love" but "relly relly like".<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVh26dOcE0Buw__-JpiMdlWSXl3x1nTGq693BKSbQ9LaLY4QqsnuezW4cyoG3SUyxJDbhP3OPEuH3ILn1aO89lPrB5XpXoiyMfOikyHTNGL074FNziYGL_DBRDjE6KiA3OkiThyphenhyphenQNhYg/s1600/May+2010+019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469810681900416194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVh26dOcE0Buw__-JpiMdlWSXl3x1nTGq693BKSbQ9LaLY4QqsnuezW4cyoG3SUyxJDbhP3OPEuH3ILn1aO89lPrB5XpXoiyMfOikyHTNGL074FNziYGL_DBRDjE6KiA3OkiThyphenhyphenQNhYg/s400/May+2010+019.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-47182723370809925762010-05-10T19:25:00.006-05:002010-05-10T19:53:09.613-05:00Busy May WeekendThe weekend of May 6 (Thurs) - May 9 (Sun) was a busy one for the Carter household. Grandma and Grandpa Vest came for a visit so they could see Dylan's 1st grade program and visit the boys on VIP at Meadowmere. Grandma did a much better job at taking pictures of all the events, and, unfortunately, I didn't have electronic copies to publish here, so these few will just have to make do.<br /><br />Let's see...Thursday (Grandma and Grandpa arrived; Dylan's program; out to Applebee's for my birthday), Friday (VIP day at Meadowmere; the boys and I went to T-Rex Restaurant at the Legends for my birthday), Saturday (My birthday), Sunday (Mother's Day)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxxdlaD_q1j2FtAJpCPVSFbV_UNg586gfXlpTeS93QB5rDE1cy6ttpDbCJBy-FuwSJasyGl_6E9puvTa2S2-4Mbs8unfOMPanY1iHPnW-hcPoa845wIODK5XDEjpiaCsrohWxkvMqQj0/s1600/May+2010+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469807808735364178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxxdlaD_q1j2FtAJpCPVSFbV_UNg586gfXlpTeS93QB5rDE1cy6ttpDbCJBy-FuwSJasyGl_6E9puvTa2S2-4Mbs8unfOMPanY1iHPnW-hcPoa845wIODK5XDEjpiaCsrohWxkvMqQj0/s400/May+2010+001.JPG" /></a> Dylan is hiding behind the mask (wearing the blue shirt). This is a rare picture, though, because Dylan broke his mask before the program began. It was nice, though, because we got to see his face and facial expressions throughout the program.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin4PNaDJdgx9YZCZzobIl9Vd6_x6UV21DHx-N1eJlsNZg09c2tgx4lEivdO7I7CgUlm7U1UY79IkiT975mGaWpH11vji8rnxCFHUJoyW6Jii8oeXu7TXmwIvqr65PE6nSXZaL7hKw7Qs/s1600/May+2010+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469806931692040258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin4PNaDJdgx9YZCZzobIl9Vd6_x6UV21DHx-N1eJlsNZg09c2tgx4lEivdO7I7CgUlm7U1UY79IkiT975mGaWpH11vji8rnxCFHUJoyW6Jii8oeXu7TXmwIvqr65PE6nSXZaL7hKw7Qs/s400/May+2010+016.JPG" /></a>T-Rex Restaurant: I didn't want to take too many pictures at this place because the flash is so obvious in a dark restaurant. However, this was the view above our heads.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4ZZxfXsVWDux3zPbLfKpMXOY33a44wLv3iAKTvtvmn-Fdko7x5u81Fx5jklQtSMZrTpdilqiLsDnJo5qvSvVS9qY41zh_svBuBF0MP81bwvWGtDEHevFstpbLG06si7s-FFBNWkiTyI/s1600/May+2010+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469805524416986530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4ZZxfXsVWDux3zPbLfKpMXOY33a44wLv3iAKTvtvmn-Fdko7x5u81Fx5jklQtSMZrTpdilqiLsDnJo5qvSvVS9qY41zh_svBuBF0MP81bwvWGtDEHevFstpbLG06si7s-FFBNWkiTyI/s400/May+2010+013.JPG" /></a> Evan wanted me to take his picture while he was coloring. He look so serious!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOSBdm3ZCKGnXsB18nPPCDQhRkBqdAV4zVlCHnYIkIn42CeAoKGJL42fpBlZRo5aF9BmpDAtsp8n49PYrL2w2_RTYDKfB93LJ7-OaHBPEq6gy7Pcv1uar8lVjrr9HAQB6xld1edCbXyg/s1600/May+2010+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469803919194201810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOSBdm3ZCKGnXsB18nPPCDQhRkBqdAV4zVlCHnYIkIn42CeAoKGJL42fpBlZRo5aF9BmpDAtsp8n49PYrL2w2_RTYDKfB93LJ7-OaHBPEq6gy7Pcv1uar8lVjrr9HAQB6xld1edCbXyg/s400/May+2010+017.JPG" /></a> Dylan stuck his head inside one of the dino's. Do you have any wonder who chose this restaurant, the boys or me?<br /><div> </div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-40803917643991982992010-05-01T11:29:00.020-05:002010-05-01T13:35:27.309-05:00April Photo ContestApril 2010 Photo Contest - Photo Hunt Challenges <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFN0PROz-rL-KJyN8xuCxKDzBO4SQTYwaho_No3VckS2c2IbqSuT1njws-gjjScVJVO6LfQBXXdOFHeDyZCrG-QjQ_-UHDmhraYTlMYSI9v-cwyb3QCoGvLFkOBx-l9Ag1ANW7tBI3X0/s1600/Jill-Different+Point+of+View.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466371226249330530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFN0PROz-rL-KJyN8xuCxKDzBO4SQTYwaho_No3VckS2c2IbqSuT1njws-gjjScVJVO6LfQBXXdOFHeDyZCrG-QjQ_-UHDmhraYTlMYSI9v-cwyb3QCoGvLFkOBx-l9Ag1ANW7tBI3X0/s400/Jill-Different+Point+of+View.JPG" /></a> <strong>Different Point of View</strong>: Kansas City, Missouri (the zoo) So, I'm wondering what this chimp is thinking?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQmvZWErhhOnpWQiBeFKf6-FxIHuZZB-Kg_ZslvFPAuLDM-rM2CorSL-U1a2tV8bIQuPibp0k6wbcsUw1dEQhiDGg0AHoYXrDfeM8X0wbl6jTn2UBGGtYtVtLd4PFov1VPJZMJn4r5LA/s1600/Jill-perspective+shot.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466369489222778034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQmvZWErhhOnpWQiBeFKf6-FxIHuZZB-Kg_ZslvFPAuLDM-rM2CorSL-U1a2tV8bIQuPibp0k6wbcsUw1dEQhiDGg0AHoYXrDfeM8X0wbl6jTn2UBGGtYtVtLd4PFov1VPJZMJn4r5LA/s400/Jill-perspective+shot.JPG" /></a> <strong>Perspective Shot</strong>: Kansas City, Missouri (the zoo) I'm not sure if the boys are entertained by the gator or if the gator is "entertained" by the boys.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdosb5TfyZt3UJfLzvuUGxidCPFwigTRJ6B0c5J1kifZJD65YrDd1EHGrQXrAjUrVr4Ox69DsS1VH4FHHsvZDWmI4vhPimAIbFLJSyOujk0YhsDYzNO7lc4JTELFW0kzVlAaCcvk_olcY/s1600/Jill-touch.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466367461555279442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdosb5TfyZt3UJfLzvuUGxidCPFwigTRJ6B0c5J1kifZJD65YrDd1EHGrQXrAjUrVr4Ox69DsS1VH4FHHsvZDWmI4vhPimAIbFLJSyOujk0YhsDYzNO7lc4JTELFW0kzVlAaCcvk_olcY/s400/Jill-touch.JPG" /></a> <strong>Touch</strong>: Evan at the Legends (Kansas City, Kansas)<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUhqm0J95lYyVqPA4OL5ghtAgpBkm-HUcEcTKNhdIAZvKcRcaL-aAe6EdUUhDeWPhYY4FpBtF70kSMYTNDLLheUXjYNhDW5rifaLdDYPsaXQn-MjqmISX3y7waglpUid0VaCzyqQZ7DY/s1600/Jill-taste.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466365379322628322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUhqm0J95lYyVqPA4OL5ghtAgpBkm-HUcEcTKNhdIAZvKcRcaL-aAe6EdUUhDeWPhYY4FpBtF70kSMYTNDLLheUXjYNhDW5rifaLdDYPsaXQn-MjqmISX3y7waglpUid0VaCzyqQZ7DY/s400/Jill-taste.JPG" /></a> <strong>Taste</strong>: Dylan eating Chipotle<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh225dm3BF-LQ758Kj71YcHhyphenhyphenGgkjG7Vc7M74zFIfV0kvIDEFT-REmiA_WiyHls2FSkxAO1ugh2-3ZFbACZUMREKblmcEypt2Iz6RXFTS_GnpHtZNOb4vVWwrKdoR_RjlhlIOhMjvx9fGw/s1600/Jill-sight.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466363926543286370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh225dm3BF-LQ758Kj71YcHhyphenhyphenGgkjG7Vc7M74zFIfV0kvIDEFT-REmiA_WiyHls2FSkxAO1ugh2-3ZFbACZUMREKblmcEypt2Iz6RXFTS_GnpHtZNOb4vVWwrKdoR_RjlhlIOhMjvx9fGw/s400/Jill-sight.JPG" /></a> <strong>Sight</strong>: A book<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a7CHL84cBx91akjTacd9ToXXlvv31WXvQhi9vxCAkI9jvTw7sSqMjPLJRduILp4V-7gMplgfdltOlwkt5hmodXGlF3EqPJm44sd7_rfdXr70krdt3YhuFqhj6r13xVGgI_EdnBwJMrA/s1600/Jill-sound.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466362529708584754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a7CHL84cBx91akjTacd9ToXXlvv31WXvQhi9vxCAkI9jvTw7sSqMjPLJRduILp4V-7gMplgfdltOlwkt5hmodXGlF3EqPJm44sd7_rfdXr70krdt3YhuFqhj6r13xVGgI_EdnBwJMrA/s400/Jill-sound.JPG" /></a> <strong>Sound</strong>: The Kansas City zoo (We were able to hear his roar from quite a distance!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdUd0qWtpenTyuW0An1hCgSlicVCoU2wI0HAqwfYWUWzTXjTkIWnHT-kndxSQgMYgE9N812tltNNEKJouC15MDMR6qtJF_2fGDzQIiwKlae3uWsqILBbTO6lcc-wgLnKk5m3J-R5DiR0/s1600/Jill-smell.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466360797592182706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdUd0qWtpenTyuW0An1hCgSlicVCoU2wI0HAqwfYWUWzTXjTkIWnHT-kndxSQgMYgE9N812tltNNEKJouC15MDMR6qtJF_2fGDzQIiwKlae3uWsqILBbTO6lcc-wgLnKk5m3J-R5DiR0/s400/Jill-smell.JPG" /></a> <strong>Smell</strong>: I've spent the last eight Saturdays at The View in Grandview, Missouri. There's nothing quite like spending two hours in an indoor swimming pool for swim lessons. The smell of Chlorine is so strong that I leave with burning eyes, and I'm not the one taking swim lessons!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-twai7JjW32gbpNdnbL4OVuJkLarn2mnQ5mFhii9TcZ6y_iFVw4qTEolSFUKXUSSvGIXRpVRHB8ecG2_8l5LGn4_c0aoi8-PvKKJvC38VOR-HvKmoQgmmAb_YTz-IU5NjsALQP8baR0/s1600/Jill-sign+of+spring.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466359426444086946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-twai7JjW32gbpNdnbL4OVuJkLarn2mnQ5mFhii9TcZ6y_iFVw4qTEolSFUKXUSSvGIXRpVRHB8ecG2_8l5LGn4_c0aoi8-PvKKJvC38VOR-HvKmoQgmmAb_YTz-IU5NjsALQP8baR0/s400/Jill-sign+of+spring.JPG" /></a> <strong>Sign of Spring</strong>: Bike trail in Grandview, Missouri<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv7d3oQuv-LlGwBiWwoNfIVVbbTN1yHLL9IP-HMZqA6ZaA7oO96YMpU7mNv41AYGuipS0hraVOtkUM-B6TO4snTEudeQFmiboqXcbpjYE6bfwpA5PdI_5wT3WdGQRsUws7OQKcWTWs8s/s1600/Jill-flowers.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466356603329621218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv7d3oQuv-LlGwBiWwoNfIVVbbTN1yHLL9IP-HMZqA6ZaA7oO96YMpU7mNv41AYGuipS0hraVOtkUM-B6TO4snTEudeQFmiboqXcbpjYE6bfwpA5PdI_5wT3WdGQRsUws7OQKcWTWs8s/s400/Jill-flowers.JPG" /></a> <strong>Flowers</strong>: Kansas City, Kansas (The Legends)</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjc0Jj2kF_xAOVNwXCxPPWZsVCQWoHNQbzI7wGa6k8LS3rK4xg-1ytsE4fjW-3R6C0_9CwVKz7deTGQv1eG1cY9WUEm2HkYOrjq9ceik14TGEvau20XjrjV-cz6BPc00q1dHkTXGAefU/s1600/Jill-Letter+in+Nature.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466355640943829250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjc0Jj2kF_xAOVNwXCxPPWZsVCQWoHNQbzI7wGa6k8LS3rK4xg-1ytsE4fjW-3R6C0_9CwVKz7deTGQv1eG1cY9WUEm2HkYOrjq9ceik14TGEvau20XjrjV-cz6BPc00q1dHkTXGAefU/s400/Jill-Letter+in+Nature.JPG" /></a> <strong>Letter in Nature</strong>: Kansas City, Missouri (Kansas City Zoo) Do you know how hard it is to get two hippos to pose for a "V"? :)<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbvoQmJhOnJeECa6Yl0LjQILlDKyTbFg11XLeUHw33_RvSo04SoaJ46kmUv_jhVtQKcaHoyPmnP-jIV36KaUi7dop_IYCmEDS_e-ENHdVxSgp_4VlNLYmVv3AkT4evMtDAzJNxg_21zY/s1600/Jill-trio.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466353272023090482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbvoQmJhOnJeECa6Yl0LjQILlDKyTbFg11XLeUHw33_RvSo04SoaJ46kmUv_jhVtQKcaHoyPmnP-jIV36KaUi7dop_IYCmEDS_e-ENHdVxSgp_4VlNLYmVv3AkT4evMtDAzJNxg_21zY/s400/Jill-trio.JPG" /></a> <strong>Trio</strong>: Cabella's in Kansas City, Kansas<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZuyA-mNuFXypOWGvVwWOozpdO4AQQGc7ZVZq-cWjHgNNy5bgqucvEdyq6KnDUvtd7yOLxMr1gJA1xCOK06oGnfF4AqksowQiF5W17lMxU7r-xnXEykiDGUjF1N0pEYJy9C-YwGyPhsE/s1600/Jill-fish.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466351649044902690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZuyA-mNuFXypOWGvVwWOozpdO4AQQGc7ZVZq-cWjHgNNy5bgqucvEdyq6KnDUvtd7yOLxMr1gJA1xCOK06oGnfF4AqksowQiF5W17lMxU7r-xnXEykiDGUjF1N0pEYJy9C-YwGyPhsE/s400/Jill-fish.JPG" /></a> <strong>Fish</strong>: Cabella's in Kansas City, Kansas<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-MAl8YzGQVq0it4T-6nJ4SCRfTnvh7Wy9aWuqnmDzN4bgvoKUpNVT1LlBkrqy7eiRnIqmfOL2E_dgFwAP3i0KUt369vu_CYI_AF42viXMGEGHjf8OlB84lTTYdpb5LSk_8oExosPwkc/s1600/Jill-skyward.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466349987687023618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-MAl8YzGQVq0it4T-6nJ4SCRfTnvh7Wy9aWuqnmDzN4bgvoKUpNVT1LlBkrqy7eiRnIqmfOL2E_dgFwAP3i0KUt369vu_CYI_AF42viXMGEGHjf8OlB84lTTYdpb5LSk_8oExosPwkc/s400/Jill-skyward.JPG" /></a> <strong>Skyward</strong>: Kansas City, Missouri</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOCYMRiTpLDFdCELs9nYCNUROzCqXK5uL96jTreIWSz57-nrSSDt_aja1b6AA20Hbn97U8ILh28D7ot_U0n6BLTZJWY-eZ5cB7t_PSosM0VvP2at_e85PTYQhTCcKNNphAsouamG-vfk/s1600/Jill-Mother+Earth.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466348896194760594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOCYMRiTpLDFdCELs9nYCNUROzCqXK5uL96jTreIWSz57-nrSSDt_aja1b6AA20Hbn97U8ILh28D7ot_U0n6BLTZJWY-eZ5cB7t_PSosM0VvP2at_e85PTYQhTCcKNNphAsouamG-vfk/s400/Jill-Mother+Earth.JPG" /></a><strong>Mother Earth</strong>: Kansas City, Missouri (Kansas City Zoo) I'm an English teacher, and when I teach American Literature we always read Native American Creation Stories. "The World on the Turtle's Back" was the first thing that came to mind for me when I thought "Mother Earth".<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekICwv2SbGBdVDIB1ancpOlOhbMkYumhhRE86-lyQsUw1PeV3FYBKgU8vCSwjUhgKicfGfHIKDsccWiXWDMODot0tHPogJv8J6pYy3nzy9KfOGw4qt-kCHs6RIoiNidib-40tfQdVjVM/s1600/Jill-something+rare.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466347504681184594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekICwv2SbGBdVDIB1ancpOlOhbMkYumhhRE86-lyQsUw1PeV3FYBKgU8vCSwjUhgKicfGfHIKDsccWiXWDMODot0tHPogJv8J6pYy3nzy9KfOGw4qt-kCHs6RIoiNidib-40tfQdVjVM/s400/Jill-something+rare.JPG" /></a> <strong>Something Rare</strong>: My kids vacuuming? Yeah. That's rare. Very rare!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ5dfe2nBL-HlhXZluSWFtcgY6RNpKcSJFcxdq_IrWYlt99mx0Z0r1lSB7ieHe7uTEKajBTe7PGvanmiIFV8RPraUg59Homfsp0JuxMGYyLn-Ehyphenhyphen48evEJ7Kr1jim7tI0Rz6JUs-shoE/s1600/Jill-something+healthy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466345818365471010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ5dfe2nBL-HlhXZluSWFtcgY6RNpKcSJFcxdq_IrWYlt99mx0Z0r1lSB7ieHe7uTEKajBTe7PGvanmiIFV8RPraUg59Homfsp0JuxMGYyLn-Ehyphenhyphen48evEJ7Kr1jim7tI0Rz6JUs-shoE/s400/Jill-something+healthy.JPG" /></a> <strong>Something Healthy</strong>: Can I put a plug in for Chipotle? It's my FAVORITE "fast food". I think you could eat this stuff every day and not gain weight. (Okay, you might have to avoid the chips, the sour cream, the taco shells, etc. to "not gain weight", but the burrito bowl above is healthy!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVok6fCGDnSm2c1CRubXFHgnDw7WuUDoH__554g5rU51HMI_uaZYil_W4zstlNlGWloL4uY9KcXsA-DPuq48NRv4x7pC82YCnv-eJFU8bYi7Nw4GTkpN_E-Jun14reLSwWdGRFpm7Ip8/s1600/jill-something+colorful.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466343924832611810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVok6fCGDnSm2c1CRubXFHgnDw7WuUDoH__554g5rU51HMI_uaZYil_W4zstlNlGWloL4uY9KcXsA-DPuq48NRv4x7pC82YCnv-eJFU8bYi7Nw4GTkpN_E-Jun14reLSwWdGRFpm7Ip8/s400/jill-something+colorful.JPG" /></a> <strong>Something Colorful:</strong> Kansas City Zoo (I never knew there were BLUE frogs. It looks fake, but I promise it's real!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT9ai-gF23x1h5Gr55kVKyajCfV_XE5kpEaYyD69wX73hB8WTyn4kJ3DaA1DRhaOdIFcbSEk4rdHHZMz7iyZwuowYABxmtDhQaxiUxbCTYEgwizanELrHUHyEPrvnQ5iwXlkdjRxrN0w/s1600/jill-something+spicy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466342823154335570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT9ai-gF23x1h5Gr55kVKyajCfV_XE5kpEaYyD69wX73hB8WTyn4kJ3DaA1DRhaOdIFcbSEk4rdHHZMz7iyZwuowYABxmtDhQaxiUxbCTYEgwizanELrHUHyEPrvnQ5iwXlkdjRxrN0w/s400/jill-something+spicy.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>Something Spicy</strong>: Indian Food<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUPypdcsRvGSf3y_V7aOqheYnAzk5bShIbj7RDWYYgANcNAUpcc5TNYcl1wbwTFjLbqEhpRhHvlbXnc1B47PPVGJLq9NJwR9lb4qk6fcTsZQIJsnGBZwtG5ZaXjKv9xVS-cTLtoL96us/s1600/jill-something+triangular.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466341039990304898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUPypdcsRvGSf3y_V7aOqheYnAzk5bShIbj7RDWYYgANcNAUpcc5TNYcl1wbwTFjLbqEhpRhHvlbXnc1B47PPVGJLq9NJwR9lb4qk6fcTsZQIJsnGBZwtG5ZaXjKv9xVS-cTLtoL96us/s400/jill-something+triangular.JPG" /></a> <strong>Something Triangular</strong>: Overland Park, Kansas </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-45525546418902791942010-04-12T21:25:00.004-05:002010-04-12T21:54:57.535-05:00We Love April Weather<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UZImso0gSbGfCeCBjddtYqrxk0JDZZsRXVTNZirYqeSoD7r7zL7v0FhJCSraOrXlE_-ZisBXjc89mvAp2fqvsbDDd0k59WKitsyp82sBbOlRi0KeczJa5nmmp3hhWyzJWv-3akBYOis/s1600/April+2010b+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459448790863230882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UZImso0gSbGfCeCBjddtYqrxk0JDZZsRXVTNZirYqeSoD7r7zL7v0FhJCSraOrXlE_-ZisBXjc89mvAp2fqvsbDDd0k59WKitsyp82sBbOlRi0KeczJa5nmmp3hhWyzJWv-3akBYOis/s400/April+2010b+002.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Oh, wow! It seems like we've been waiting years for this kind of weather! Please point out any whining I do this summer, if I dare say anything like...It's too hot outside! </div><div> </div><div></div><div>The above picture was taken when we went on a bike ride on Sunday. I have no idea how far we rode, but I had a sore butt and Evan was pooped when we were done! It was a great ride!</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-55026632929871448612010-03-28T18:51:00.007-05:002010-03-28T19:36:31.263-05:00A little late, but finally bloggingI know I said in my last blog that I would be posting pictures from last weekend, but time just got away from me, so here they are. I've also added pictures from this weekend's zoo outing, too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg982IsiPmEcsNyZ1Nx2GFsYNsl3RDYzen7Q2cYmtNbGv9y2er2DCmeKf3sp9YQMbW79ZJcezwWCD6DfAxFjzVdUYvpBGNikDByc5a6Zic0TPXd_DhMUac2QeM6k1AIkps_KTg_mGQxNtA/s1600/march+2010+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453846774601533378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg982IsiPmEcsNyZ1Nx2GFsYNsl3RDYzen7Q2cYmtNbGv9y2er2DCmeKf3sp9YQMbW79ZJcezwWCD6DfAxFjzVdUYvpBGNikDByc5a6Zic0TPXd_DhMUac2QeM6k1AIkps_KTg_mGQxNtA/s400/march+2010+026.JPG" /></a> Last Thursday during Spring Break, Louann and I met at the zoo. It'd been about a year since the boys and I had been there, as we didn't renew our membership last year. (The season pass to Worlds of Fun seemed to be the only season pass we needed last year.) Anyway, the above picture is of the boys with Louann's grandkids. It was a great day to be at the zoo!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQ5cXIhUNi-hzJCTe-o5YFFbxRCEhJhss3h09xksOEujQbNXTfKVLK3J0TwqDsM8Ku91gLe1RHRMpUrVZXKuo_LibYwQHJRzZ_TfrrVNWtmvZNUmWKPgs07I97pJKHI8oXvsea8BaiS0/s1600/march+2010+027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453844725487238962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQ5cXIhUNi-hzJCTe-o5YFFbxRCEhJhss3h09xksOEujQbNXTfKVLK3J0TwqDsM8Ku91gLe1RHRMpUrVZXKuo_LibYwQHJRzZ_TfrrVNWtmvZNUmWKPgs07I97pJKHI8oXvsea8BaiS0/s400/march+2010+027.JPG" /></a> Kelly Pittard's wedding was on Saturday. Here's a picture of the ol' team, minus Louann. I haven't seen Heather and Christy in quite some time, so it was nice to catch up with them.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFSEfzjLjmxoDLQFhzw7-JHLgPEyfLJuDaPl92BVjkhasGPKxJ9CLN-O3qK4TymsrciRflq_L852xLV4H6fr8kgC6E_WNE36HxpIswN30H6AN9a-4-dCtelK7sTOaZyQE9I5KQ9QKQXg/s1600/march+2010+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453843335344143490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFSEfzjLjmxoDLQFhzw7-JHLgPEyfLJuDaPl92BVjkhasGPKxJ9CLN-O3qK4TymsrciRflq_L852xLV4H6fr8kgC6E_WNE36HxpIswN30H6AN9a-4-dCtelK7sTOaZyQE9I5KQ9QKQXg/s400/march+2010+029.JPG" /></a>These pictures are from this weekend. The boys and I went out on Saturday when the weather was about 50 degrees. It rained off and on all day, so there were hardly any people there. However, it was a great day for the animals to be out and moving about, so it was a good day to visit the zoo. (And we managed to be there during the two hours when it DIDN'T rain, so all was good.)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWyquOkSWtie_e1Z5Xlkxi49hdKFIivoP_jRk4Ke42ZJfrNwX-400yDeCPb2ALiYmjnNsnMWKJ-LbR2OAXSKhWjrYOk_OFnqPX8Q3usw5gZhMn5NLv75_Zqw7uP958kRhQM1M7JB4AEs/s1600/march+2010+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453841138856393762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWyquOkSWtie_e1Z5Xlkxi49hdKFIivoP_jRk4Ke42ZJfrNwX-400yDeCPb2ALiYmjnNsnMWKJ-LbR2OAXSKhWjrYOk_OFnqPX8Q3usw5gZhMn5NLv75_Zqw7uP958kRhQM1M7JB4AEs/s400/march+2010+030.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeXiDLrMMBpsH_nRwboVjQT_xTFZ85hbJkKzirNhHW0k5E33zd5VrUohsf_Ki12Quwzfs1OXHagRmzG5yaiNuxmk6fV51aXYMQrwV_Ny8VBBzs_ZF_55txeYxbaxkhP33qvZsohWCOJc/s1600/march+2010+039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453838675781397138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeXiDLrMMBpsH_nRwboVjQT_xTFZ85hbJkKzirNhHW0k5E33zd5VrUohsf_Ki12Quwzfs1OXHagRmzG5yaiNuxmk6fV51aXYMQrwV_Ny8VBBzs_ZF_55txeYxbaxkhP33qvZsohWCOJc/s400/march+2010+039.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-87628147570278538232010-03-18T18:49:00.001-05:002010-03-18T18:49:23.759-05:00“Stay-cations” Sound Pretty Fun to Me<p>This week is Spring Break for both the boys and me. After trying to make plans this week with ideas from everything like a day trip to the Omaha zoo to a day trip to Branson, we decided to stay home. However, staying “home” didn’t mean we have to STAY home. Even though the sun didn’t cooperate a lot this week, here are some pictures of the activities we did do while on break. (Today’s KC zoo outing will be my next blog with pictures.) </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDNq5_nfb1Jkuc0TDLzzzA5pdlOg8E6hYg_8c3X4ER7uAm4qn7bo1G6wUHvJTc4sfdJ8F7WUUE8dUHh28RYh2mdw-PO7DnXAjNk3ZhSlCJ4jIg1pERyfq-kXvQDPv2losxnRhmFmebRw/s1600-h/march1713%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="march1713" border="0" alt="march1713" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Mc_i0rCitLlucqzpX7ttHWpZdXK8sl4DE7EIWTa9-TLPFgS7hXA7r5YtomT2l1ZM49bZf7TOqj83I_p1XsOA1t6khfiOXUQrhPHESvP3CKRwck1j7ronUjIpoZvo2V6KY8yL9H0TQ4I/?imgmax=800" width="408" height="310"></a> </p> <p>Dylan got a new bike this week. His little “training” bike from last year just wasn’t getting the job done anymore. Despite the chilly weather, we took our first bike ride of the season on Tuesday. Dylan picked out this particular bike because his favorite color is blue, which was also the color of my hands when we were finished with this ride.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYrmvpHPRfjSpL_TTqjRxdHcph5pDLBtOUTvb1wDK-8DE6HECuJKTcse_tF-mSGy8kZTjIsfDG2GfTxywfi15uufZPjeW1wwqG5Gd4UNHMs-L-Mq_VHlxVjufu9Mqm3ukjBwe3UV1qdA/s1600-h/march1712%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="march1712" border="0" alt="march1712" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN_yhR2zI3QZr9WZRb8CNepT_YClOLKGYhmOlnCut4SlD9q2OvhxgsaEgnhRhUHWhP7ZCW8oSMBytTUOYWYC9k68_5ALLq48eYxvLxRhFqw-gVUTpgI8qpQYFRECukrUzgFk_Grp-Qqc/?imgmax=800" width="385" height="293"></a> </p> <p>Yesterday we went to CoCo Key. The boys had a blast at this water resort, although we weren’t the only one’s with this “great” idea. We spent a few hours there, but it got to the point of being just too busy. It’s a great little water park, although it doesn’t compare to the Great Wolf Lodge. CoCo Key does day passes, though, while the Great Wolf Lodge requires a room rental.</p> <p>Today we went to the KC zoo, but I haven’t downloaded pictures yet. They’re on my camera while the above pictures are from my phone. I’ll post the zoo pictures with Kelly Pittard’s wedding, once I get those pictures taken on Saturday.</p> <p>Happy Spring Break!</p> Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-8640085388802430532010-02-20T21:32:00.008-06:002010-02-20T22:19:02.190-06:00Dylan's Birthday WeekendThis weekend we celebrated Dylan's 7th birthday. Grandma and Grandpa Vest visited us, despite the horrible road conditions. Grandma said, "Dylan owes us BIG TIME", as they traveled 35 miles down the interstate in sleet, snow, slush...you name it! Fortunately, they made it to Grandview safely!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vL_JrqFNxErJW3_KAtFRTsdKsnv9ep_dCoRr64YKcP4BabJUTZNPVn_8ZQdK-9-bvMekbod6ziAOwbi1m-ll-lTjGw3xjd6k3BHkjh_hGvRvRQe2K8_R_Zbk_JngQX7d8E9YS4JuQ3c/s1600-h/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440543762267155058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vL_JrqFNxErJW3_KAtFRTsdKsnv9ep_dCoRr64YKcP4BabJUTZNPVn_8ZQdK-9-bvMekbod6ziAOwbi1m-ll-lTjGw3xjd6k3BHkjh_hGvRvRQe2K8_R_Zbk_JngQX7d8E9YS4JuQ3c/s400/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+014.JPG" /></a> Dylan chose the restaurant to eat at Friday night, and it certainly seemed like a repeat of last year's birthday. We ate at Bob Evan's, the same place as last year. We were even seated at the EXACT same table as last year. I told Grandma that she didn't really need to take pictures; she could just recycle the ones from his 6th birthday.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDokSnPJUKYGAFb-7evU8H6GBDFc_baWSOfbibJL-riLbF7IE1Hg-2LsP2qImjLcMML81oCntTENO615o6qlewXnaYX9p_pPEl_kDUKholGjQbzRJ8Oi2I20UWBDvL4AIPBnXPD3IPrY/s1600-h/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440542416989184930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDokSnPJUKYGAFb-7evU8H6GBDFc_baWSOfbibJL-riLbF7IE1Hg-2LsP2qImjLcMML81oCntTENO615o6qlewXnaYX9p_pPEl_kDUKholGjQbzRJ8Oi2I20UWBDvL4AIPBnXPD3IPrY/s400/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+015.JPG" /></a> We even sat in the exact same chairs, too!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bo5yH2A2J7GxMhIk2zgYT5npza-oIJwUC2F7gt0qsnr_JZxjhwIfoPQWAsrdStfFqqt6qeA6O-OTYyLmAfTqeksq4zTKbwpZhNV_i0Hz10Y3vkXUGgqRP7R1FX35v3nL-ZXmP7_zHKM/s1600-h/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440541126585456722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bo5yH2A2J7GxMhIk2zgYT5npza-oIJwUC2F7gt0qsnr_JZxjhwIfoPQWAsrdStfFqqt6qeA6O-OTYyLmAfTqeksq4zTKbwpZhNV_i0Hz10Y3vkXUGgqRP7R1FX35v3nL-ZXmP7_zHKM/s400/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+022.JPG" /></a> And after the meal at Bob Evan's, we stopped by Dairy Queen to pick up a birthday cake. Hmmm, that certainly rings a bell from last year, too! Happy Birthday, Dylan!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNguIp0HuoVo00rPppgOnkwOSak8juHBkV-W_Bz1MY183_oL53TRtZCXNd77BGjz9tumfNpFxJemahsVdCdAkr46MnsVKxbc6BVqDdkwKgEByW-kDuw4eDo15aJ9xbiPjrO2NPLfOQ-Gs/s1600-h/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+054.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440539618544216690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNguIp0HuoVo00rPppgOnkwOSak8juHBkV-W_Bz1MY183_oL53TRtZCXNd77BGjz9tumfNpFxJemahsVdCdAkr46MnsVKxbc6BVqDdkwKgEByW-kDuw4eDo15aJ9xbiPjrO2NPLfOQ-Gs/s400/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+054.JPG" /></a> Since the weather conditions were so horrible, Grandma and Grandpa left early Saturday morning so they could get back to Nebraska before the next batch of bad weather came through. So, Saturday was spent with Mom, Dylan, Evan and Dylan's friend, Simon. We picked Simon up and took him to Crown Center to eat at Fritz's. Then, the boys created some fun art projects at Hallmark's Kaleidescope. They really had a good time!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HSLosiU3nwAg9-ZfCfXUY1mIf9kqqD-HF2qOdJAaQH1UeKUPhBvXKv9PWpLEop2pSQBrUYNuFPfT_2hM4f0zEqBYrLs7hdtpvuB4BsCyB5ho4KyROS08hK6UP2gQ9g20S2mNxP2xiLk/s1600-h/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440537793057720594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HSLosiU3nwAg9-ZfCfXUY1mIf9kqqD-HF2qOdJAaQH1UeKUPhBvXKv9PWpLEop2pSQBrUYNuFPfT_2hM4f0zEqBYrLs7hdtpvuB4BsCyB5ho4KyROS08hK6UP2gQ9g20S2mNxP2xiLk/s400/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+050.JPG" /></a> This picture is out of order, but here are the boys at Crown Center.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR18-9HkLelkNrQ2U3_9cS3Q4NAwOsugP_ZnEWWRBDY1jZK-sSSEfn7m8aVuxIk4xOjxdkLBwkdmfMxT0IYIl_ZISO5FbJ8jkBhB_-I-Tmwvy9SJODaiX4uhNlYLQpnruxw9lRr_S9FEk/s1600-h/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440536566160668386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR18-9HkLelkNrQ2U3_9cS3Q4NAwOsugP_ZnEWWRBDY1jZK-sSSEfn7m8aVuxIk4xOjxdkLBwkdmfMxT0IYIl_ZISO5FbJ8jkBhB_-I-Tmwvy9SJODaiX4uhNlYLQpnruxw9lRr_S9FEk/s400/Dylan's+Birthday+Feb+2010+055.JPG" /></a> This picture is one of my favorites from the outing. Dylan and Simon are waiting for their artwork to come out of the dryer (water paintings). It was very cute to see two 1st graders arm-and-arm throughout the day. Again, happy birthday to Dylan! </div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-81476091601495520582010-02-06T13:58:00.001-06:002010-02-06T14:02:19.478-06:00Fee Fi Fo Fum<p>The boys and I went to Crown Center today to eat at Fritz’s Restaurant and see the Fairy Tale Village, which is a free exhibit going on through April 25th.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqBpZ28XgdmsSMSGuW8X2LU_sUqi1StbRVNpZ34ICyWtlFpMfK8bMHaykrIn_3Kq55UsMwU2-7cn4bsEYapzE4_dNoZRzpf2-UubHBOMqy-MrPye1PJixALocPNMvaTTBKmCftMWU7uI/s1600-h/crown%20center%201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="crown center 1" border="0" alt="crown center 1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf47zdfdR0ls621zxkyP_wAD8belU7kQBGBPsy1RnGh_F4SfQWz923fzKTqItfUAO73YZzZgSTuBuarGly8P-Vhlmg6tjjNP-vyZB83tbbcDWN0wEMzGpB9EvOiWHgSHYTmpdusxrdzM/?imgmax=800" width="343" height="261"></a> </p> <p>Here are the boys sporting the train hats they wear while at the restaurant. It’s a great place to go for kids because little mini trains deliver your food to your table. (Amy, Grant would LOVE this place!)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Wf0DbVDmTCA-JYySrz0NOhPtFZ_woPkjwM5-KgtZ0FNMnvMOQOIcWBADcBn5obX-i8nGJbYPkbYmQMvSwiMkaArWo5KC9dp9NVe5KutPoVI2-VzMhMMjypNmV47uJX9JVQuxjggGLVM/s1600-h/crown%20center2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="crown center2" border="0" alt="crown center2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9kctR2VBXQP0fzWBlNs5Z0N7uoIRSseuSuQDt_XMORPvHQwehm7YMhjDocqY_dm8vZRJaW_69BGGw7YDh1TYlbZssXKqHjJxnq8gN05vRxoDykMDFLskt0Z5aqI0HiN-_lmqkp7XHg4/?imgmax=800" width="361" height="275"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35vbHM4twPR7PvRsIbge9vnrEFtlj2_od5mqJrtzxMBCiwRfKHYUAc93MP7hOvtwBjTJupwfnFPw6Os1Vfv5-_N-amYXD9riVfE1ufJFVHfDI92ZVzamFdgpjV4ijm-CgBJx3JjV46BM/s1600-h/crown%20center%203%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="crown center 3" border="0" alt="crown center 3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb5DUGgaCFEmv0i3ohjAI3gAu2jSFjRqntW9veut12kofJzinvB8ZBciDIbeI9tXKvUnDunoqLoNGnhN9mr5U9t58afQH9X5KG9ez6P6_7FmySD9PNGCqKxbT5vVi8DIfhnZRWPdobuY/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="277"></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic40uJnxevNF_m9Kl61n8GBBoCaB3hsRkDfuezVCdqyqs5NlnDgs7JhvhjQcuKEJWItahSfygTk0-QJtIn7Wakg7HDDpeKVXhFMbafsi3uVWgn-C4xj77vR4VSVayqyEZesqo9xog6yjQ/s1600-h/crown%20center%205%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="crown center 5" border="0" alt="crown center 5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMS3Am-Z5bfyRyuOpvz6nzXVPCObfX1FQQ0VRbM_xcRpZ_jowL0-Fa0wcY7nnbDWsKqB-M_APXb5Lf-19GNztuAnFcGOrAoz7qXfVxCaY5d3LjJE7b0WeD5t3lcVjgjwTFObiNMAFaec/?imgmax=800" width="372" height="283"></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAx983HEIhNkVn8gbOAkKD0jorrnI0K9AT04LGabM69VgMZU85owpUVXiIwQxuIYMNNXA5tr9IxG40i1US4sD-PkjlXCKDOtHhqRxy5N2LP8K8W_9K6diF3znzb6oGzra6FXpDYngEbY/s1600-h/crown%20center%204%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="crown center 4" border="0" alt="crown center 4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-z9eLxVm4XmMtg55H0xipXIFacZDE05sZJRdb9pmEs0Hr-A3t5UDtyHhb3m8Nir25B216waaYsnuhcmnS_bTRiWzWVBwPyxq5YXynZJksDHaSP6vu9ksMOHqYfWz6kFdtsnzqPZz3XU/?imgmax=800" width="383" height="291"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Here are a few pictures from the exhibit. I had every intention of using my good camera to take these pictures, but when I arrived and tried to take my first picture, I realized my camera was broken. Boo Hizzle! I took these pictures with my camera phone, which are not great pictures, but it’s what I’ll have to use until I get the camera fixed or buy a new one.</p> Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-49359168353205284302010-01-06T14:26:00.003-06:002010-01-06T14:42:57.879-06:00Stuck in "Groundhog Day"It's snowing again. As much as I love "snow days", I could do without so much snow. The temp's have been so cold here that I haven't let the boys go outside and play in it...until today. I think we hit a balmy 20 degrees today, and there isn't any wind yet, so they were anxious to get outside in it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnrJ64tJWKSS79yyHb8U74jELPbojXBuFiP4ti03hxNs_g5Ri2LYQ2VU7cyZ_wrHRZRp4JGiH6lK33j0Z-yo4OP1jw6bbbqEDBKxrVEtigXuoAxtcs3Kz5eBTxg5Tz6kvsgvamo-hNcc/s1600-h/jan+2010+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423729259307113810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnrJ64tJWKSS79yyHb8U74jELPbojXBuFiP4ti03hxNs_g5Ri2LYQ2VU7cyZ_wrHRZRp4JGiH6lK33j0Z-yo4OP1jw6bbbqEDBKxrVEtigXuoAxtcs3Kz5eBTxg5Tz6kvsgvamo-hNcc/s400/jan+2010+001.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-E7i7M4DAjinR1TEH8G_AlFPP39708kcRH65FMxvGnFihRwExvCaz-nEapZVYmtRFTVZAvDFxETw0bTl9ySvTzAw0TbH5HlNlt04qpT7XHfumweLxhN2t_7m0EuuQRTb1ROj6GO2VRY/s1600-h/jan+2010+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423728481813828658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-E7i7M4DAjinR1TEH8G_AlFPP39708kcRH65FMxvGnFihRwExvCaz-nEapZVYmtRFTVZAvDFxETw0bTl9ySvTzAw0TbH5HlNlt04qpT7XHfumweLxhN2t_7m0EuuQRTb1ROj6GO2VRY/s400/jan+2010+003.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxoD5qQRfiZmJ8UO3Y2603f2K85O-svHbHnht_rMCodySXIAb-PuMu3RW3mlgJHvpX-wztVKWPr85sqh6oRHc1UKtjl1ygTbstGAN5OvuX1WDl2dCwMznGyQ_AvdklIc-LSrUcak2yxw/s1600-h/jan+2010+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423727142980608146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxoD5qQRfiZmJ8UO3Y2603f2K85O-svHbHnht_rMCodySXIAb-PuMu3RW3mlgJHvpX-wztVKWPr85sqh6oRHc1UKtjl1ygTbstGAN5OvuX1WDl2dCwMznGyQ_AvdklIc-LSrUcak2yxw/s400/jan+2010+004.JPG" /></a> </div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-89768851713885323912010-01-02T19:03:00.001-06:002010-01-06T10:44:24.503-06:00Two Week Vacation<p>One of the great advantages of being a teacher is vacation time. (Snow days are the other great advantage, but that topic is for another post.) Semester break usually gives us a two-week vacation, as it did this year. I had great plans to accomplish all sorts of things (as I do every semester break). Here are my Top 5 Big Accomplishments and my Top 5 Should’ve-Gotten-Done.</p> <p><u>Top Five Accomplishments </u></p> <p>5. Two trips to Nebraska. (This was quite an accomplishment, thanks to the fantastic weather. The blizzard wasn’t as much fun as it would be if you’re stuck in your own home.)</p> <p>4. Semester Finals. (I graded all my Senior finals and hope to finish grading the 10th grade finals tonight and tomorrow. We still have our teacher workday on Monday, but it’s always filled with meetings and training, and I really need to do some serious planning.)</p> <p>3. Reading. (I got to read two books and start a third. It’s really hard to find reading time for pleasure. However, I had a little bit of extra time…see #5 on list as to why.)</p> <p>2. Holiday Decorating. (I got the tree up. This is something I dread every year, but I know it’s something the boys would really miss if we didn’t put it up. I even got a few other things put out this year, including a wreath on my front door!)</p> <p>1. Cleaning. (This is on both lists because I got more done than I normally would while working, but I didn’t get as much done as I’d like to have accomplished. It sure helped that Mom and Dad got me a new vacuum for Christmas. Thanks!)</p> <p><u>Top 5 Should’ve-Gotten-Done</u></p> <p>5. Cleaning. (I might as well start with this one since I’ve already mentioned it. As much as I feel a sense of accomplishment with SOME of the cleaning, I still look around to a messy house which needs some deep cleaning.)</p> <p>4. Taking Down Holiday Decorations. (Yep. They’re still up, and they’re probably going to remain up until March. The tree is especially difficult to take down, as it’s too heavy, and it’s hard to find a good storage place for it.)</p> <p>3. Planning for School. (I just dread this. I should’ve taken care of planning for the first part of second semester while on break, but I just couldn’t get myself to do it. I have a teacher workday on Monday, but I know it’s not going to be enough time. Planning for the seniors is especially challenging, mainly because there aren’t any resources for them.)</p> <p>2. Laundry. (It’s so cold right now and I don’t want to go into the even colder garage. My laundry room is in my garage, so if I want to get this accomplished, I have to be willing to go in and out of the garage. I’ll do what I can tomorrow, but it’s just too COLD.)</p> <p>1. Sleep. (Breaks are for sleeping in and taking naps. I don’t feel very rested. Due to travelling, boys getting up early, me staying up late, watching scary movies…etc, etc…I’m feeling a little sleep deprived right now. Maybe I can get more sleep when I’m back to work, getting up at 4:45 a.m.)</p> Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-4899501698825434692009-12-31T18:32:00.004-06:002009-12-31T18:50:31.300-06:00One Frozen Bunny<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSComIrzQc0D1IcUA3PW7h3E4ww057Ak_mdaCfpMh_ENnvd4Cvmn5gMwjmbPL23sIwEfR52eQbfxiNBRTakmIaKURPcs0Kf94lNF3Bdhxz0niNW6BB6FDOEt4dY925nH8SeR4Jqnf-7g/s1600-h/Frozen+Bunny+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421566225158845778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSComIrzQc0D1IcUA3PW7h3E4ww057Ak_mdaCfpMh_ENnvd4Cvmn5gMwjmbPL23sIwEfR52eQbfxiNBRTakmIaKURPcs0Kf94lNF3Bdhxz0niNW6BB6FDOEt4dY925nH8SeR4Jqnf-7g/s400/Frozen+Bunny+001.JPG" /></a> I traveled to Nebraska on Wednesday to pick the boys up from Grandma and Grandpa's house. They stayed a couple of days so Mom could get a few things done without them hanging around. While driving to Schuyler, I snapped this picture of the sunset. I was at a stop sign, so it was easy to take this picture, but what I really wanted was pictures of the giant snow drifts. Unfortunately, every place that had the giant drifts also had no place to pull over and take pictures. So, I decided this picture would be my one and only for the trip back to Schuyler.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Vv1MCk59EAR2PRnbBqWkzSBlHR_Haa_uya8ehy240wsOhUtwPGZ6hbWYr5p6zwT971AShOG7wddZh0kTyrFZP6rDpRNnuBYp-XFa0WFwbTDuaQJnqxFhCW2FrcbrtAG0hH3BWZuFLM/s1600-h/Frozen+Bunny+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421565238055837010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Vv1MCk59EAR2PRnbBqWkzSBlHR_Haa_uya8ehy240wsOhUtwPGZ6hbWYr5p6zwT971AShOG7wddZh0kTyrFZP6rDpRNnuBYp-XFa0WFwbTDuaQJnqxFhCW2FrcbrtAG0hH3BWZuFLM/s400/Frozen+Bunny+009.JPG" /></a>While we were leaving, Grandpa noticed something strange at the bottom of the steps. As you can see from the pictures, a bunny tried to climb its way into the bottom of the panneling. Poor bunny. It didn't make it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFeL11jEzxWr6BjsFtCUMIwUzL6pKDvqTkzlON5XMZ9SkPl01lEe6IR7HXQ9ATd-0bNpBrGc2gAo863cgx0X57oVg4BlEdfoExRubPDKH_ZAcJejD7oBfUxiR53Y-RHHDpzUufoyF8Wo/s1600-h/Frozen+Bunny+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421564161232430098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFeL11jEzxWr6BjsFtCUMIwUzL6pKDvqTkzlON5XMZ9SkPl01lEe6IR7HXQ9ATd-0bNpBrGc2gAo863cgx0X57oVg4BlEdfoExRubPDKH_ZAcJejD7oBfUxiR53Y-RHHDpzUufoyF8Wo/s400/Frozen+Bunny+010.JPG" /></a> I sure hope that wasn't the Easter bunny!</div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-77137376954604778292009-12-29T10:54:00.001-06:002009-12-29T10:54:39.922-06:00When You’re Snowed In…<p>Here are a couple of pictures from our snowed-in days at the Broekers’ house. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpG9QVviEMvPpWexfcYqCbJ_kiGdxeaGBwsEWs2Cq6ZcUDEVnLsKS6phy__Biuq2BEFKYBuZui8OEv7wMY2S0kgmjey6y77CcWH-_TP7IvpblztqD0fSh7g4qW4QhN6fpOpyA0D-He1c/s1600-h/Evan%20Dog%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Evan Dog" border="0" alt="Evan Dog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZZSvkgSScvFtrNU5mOMHHt9E162XY9EV9_I9IMAcjhj-Elq4LdVkI-G5dDZV6lbHp8Ra5mYnZwHgpmngaYHeMl4UA0iN-VPStUpW9nZJEdO4xGZPhFOgaV3Y8YjT5zRt2yFjVL0TvyA/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>Evan decided he’d like to learn Origami while at Amy’s house. We actually made it out to the public library one night and this is an origami dog. With Madison’s help, Evan made this origami dog for Mom.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArseh6mUTSUqYc4uS2KOXICloUpLktcJFkce5ynwO74_S7JpHELTzzEUVCR8HX2KqsOMalTouaHu4M1V021Rs2qre-SBiSj0Uto2kxHaOvYVX4B2blp5rsa6XdEga5jOodjsFoGJpKIk/s1600-h/Boys%20at%20Broekers%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Boys at Broekers" border="0" alt="Boys at Broekers" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl3qug1gMbyl5jZb2LuCBes2UPEsjyYT7a7FzhQ1fd9V-l8MlF75p4kTUyKhk5c57PYDHOuPuQmd2eRfHAnHWXiLNeVryCPVN8vyz2CAy-4M-AQwepS3Ldwm65I9KaB8d2DoUYXwFRHU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>I think this picture speaks for itself. Hmmmm…I know a few boys who need to get out of the house!</p> Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-29787195570619733062009-12-28T12:38:00.012-06:002009-12-28T13:47:53.973-06:00A Very Snowy Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK5g-YEaqUfiTBPr9sipnsGm0oyc9FGSGuyFicXDoXp4Gan_pgtVbX2H1n6oTV5eQaniwcN22FeBzcR0vOh8KTNGV6pTKFhENvr_Bi-z63aybCafgGyCjeohmEUeAx9x0hNg5ZkdGsQ8/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+087.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420372668152156322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK5g-YEaqUfiTBPr9sipnsGm0oyc9FGSGuyFicXDoXp4Gan_pgtVbX2H1n6oTV5eQaniwcN22FeBzcR0vOh8KTNGV6pTKFhENvr_Bi-z63aybCafgGyCjeohmEUeAx9x0hNg5ZkdGsQ8/s400/Christmas+2009+087.JPG" /></a>Happy Snowy Christmas! Wow! Christmas 2009 is one to remember! The boys and I went to Lincoln, Nebraska to spend Christmas with the family. We left a couple of days early because of all the projected bad weather. Well, this was one winter storm that the weathermen didn't exaggerate. The Blizzard of 2009 (as I'm sure it'll be remembered) kept us stranded at Amy's house for a couple of extra days. After the roads opened up a bit, the boys went to visit with Grandma and Grandpa while I came back to KC for some kid-free time. The above picture is what I came home to. More snow. Hrrummph! <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcqWhSws67ABmdfoZTGTJs1bkf4D0Zd3T-Of32pn6eMI73LIPdOFJmYyoaHp026wAFGouLDq6zC3Jrqde2HYzpFz1GOXWZIQfFVMZQ7TmPyHhmopfIbGxv_Tqf5HZAFN41BHlsuMAjT0/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420371401787220818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcqWhSws67ABmdfoZTGTJs1bkf4D0Zd3T-Of32pn6eMI73LIPdOFJmYyoaHp026wAFGouLDq6zC3Jrqde2HYzpFz1GOXWZIQfFVMZQ7TmPyHhmopfIbGxv_Tqf5HZAFN41BHlsuMAjT0/s400/Christmas+2009+068.JPG" /></a> I thought this was a cute picture of Xander with the presents. The bow on top of his head makes him all the more adorable!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1MhSrn6I79Ci7BhomYG6NL3f2ukihMYp-AHqPRZOF-WVtvEABwdm2Av6tPCGKIpyI1rr0vU176aeSgPV3jv05r-6ssH2IdHAxUoe3fVTqqorTLyWgCL44gDu3ei_7_BQNcv-puMDsFU/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420369918368140626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1MhSrn6I79Ci7BhomYG6NL3f2ukihMYp-AHqPRZOF-WVtvEABwdm2Av6tPCGKIpyI1rr0vU176aeSgPV3jv05r-6ssH2IdHAxUoe3fVTqqorTLyWgCL44gDu3ei_7_BQNcv-puMDsFU/s400/Christmas+2009+025.JPG" /></a> Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Dad's prime rib. It was yummy. And despite the near-coronary attack I give Dad every year, I still put ketchup on it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAFC2a4oV42tvc_s67j7L8af7D1vt44ioyThNJx4lAFdUpSPuJe7vIBzJTWp0eOyDCMsn0iKaR1i5Ie6mKa32q8e_DLYFRTQ_nibX5mK0Hg8grc7M_qiIDjkOAA9alpLBqSNGtb5GPaE/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420368735434920066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAFC2a4oV42tvc_s67j7L8af7D1vt44ioyThNJx4lAFdUpSPuJe7vIBzJTWp0eOyDCMsn0iKaR1i5Ie6mKa32q8e_DLYFRTQ_nibX5mK0Hg8grc7M_qiIDjkOAA9alpLBqSNGtb5GPaE/s400/Christmas+2009+050.JPG" /></a>Santa brought Dylan a Nintendo DS Bakugan game. (Evan got the same. Santa sure knows how to avoid brotherly fighting in my house!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-abkJmVpWljga6JVhC7UqIa6LexWr-40tYu_C5PFQu7qN3ADniceD3XFxYQD0WBdSH8sdUGL0_FaWQeo80q0Am34dlCvn38bKSXEkWtXcuUrKYbBjC8owMPtVY9jFtfb8oD_-gMY8tFg/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420367419101851186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-abkJmVpWljga6JVhC7UqIa6LexWr-40tYu_C5PFQu7qN3ADniceD3XFxYQD0WBdSH8sdUGL0_FaWQeo80q0Am34dlCvn38bKSXEkWtXcuUrKYbBjC8owMPtVY9jFtfb8oD_-gMY8tFg/s400/Christmas+2009+053.JPG" /></a> Grant was very good at helping everyone open presents this year. :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDnoWd9SecvIsvE0xNrKkcQ8_bKKfCqSjhpnaDvs8UZDoWxzcXdVCBrWDtwEFHCWf3yUtTENpspoWRMLst2wjjOWofYItQomuLvAymO1ARoFq9Y7neOZuqgYjm6NGcOrJQr7em6cB7J4/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420365790036923490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDnoWd9SecvIsvE0xNrKkcQ8_bKKfCqSjhpnaDvs8UZDoWxzcXdVCBrWDtwEFHCWf3yUtTENpspoWRMLst2wjjOWofYItQomuLvAymO1ARoFq9Y7neOZuqgYjm6NGcOrJQr7em6cB7J4/s400/Christmas+2009+008.JPG" /></a> Despite the yucky weather, we went to the Broekers' church for Christmas Eve. These family pictures were taken after church services at St. Mark's. (The Broekers - Grant, Andy, Madison, Tyler and Amy)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkjD1WV_BSGg-5m0Smzy3CbN6CYlla6zwTKEU9GzxL60MKmhxI52oDESDB0v40SfF6hwnOX7nayQ4Uv49itv3DQGpagjKBsAqwGYNT_lYVsC1IO-5Ad8pWz5FqRbnnThIPdYDg2hrOCI/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420364658601226386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkjD1WV_BSGg-5m0Smzy3CbN6CYlla6zwTKEU9GzxL60MKmhxI52oDESDB0v40SfF6hwnOX7nayQ4Uv49itv3DQGpagjKBsAqwGYNT_lYVsC1IO-5Ad8pWz5FqRbnnThIPdYDg2hrOCI/s400/Christmas+2009+007.JPG" /></a>The Carters (Evan, Jill, and Dylan) </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5b5NHNte-GTzXlKxQMMSQz6e74Y7ZysIys85sz0Sbpix8hgGEasx6R2q64jVGxdbbLGDHJ2YQcLZTrnxxDF0NoPNeYW8tJWyfezMKHeJmdc3tv73pvKiVuaoO-5Pab4i8G-3CEYyaJc/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420363484646679698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5b5NHNte-GTzXlKxQMMSQz6e74Y7ZysIys85sz0Sbpix8hgGEasx6R2q64jVGxdbbLGDHJ2YQcLZTrnxxDF0NoPNeYW8tJWyfezMKHeJmdc3tv73pvKiVuaoO-5Pab4i8G-3CEYyaJc/s400/Christmas+2009+006.JPG" /></a> The Vests (Xander, Sarah, and Todd)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoW4EVhg59wvlH5ftjOOZcl09gxIOTbckgTIxrjbQo1Ig29huYJEVCD7ep1SE88741F4Mnqpel9EUsXKeHlV_e4dBDOJaVyQ7SXnicnrulD5VdLDz3Ismnmga5Mq-NULM-a4SDQD72rc/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420359467478948786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoW4EVhg59wvlH5ftjOOZcl09gxIOTbckgTIxrjbQo1Ig29huYJEVCD7ep1SE88741F4Mnqpel9EUsXKeHlV_e4dBDOJaVyQ7SXnicnrulD5VdLDz3Ismnmga5Mq-NULM-a4SDQD72rc/s400/Christmas+2009+009.JPG" /></a> The Vests (Betty and Doug)</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Merry Christmas Everyone! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-66143411338988610352009-12-09T12:10:00.010-06:002009-12-09T12:19:11.861-06:00Harvesters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9IZhF_bY1sYbhJ7M0f1ZJMkpEuggwdsfgFpLzO_I9hkVC8j0eVm_ozH6vSQfNuw4R61I5YM6OF3Uhbk5PBnA4EnHeY3u-iEJEMWxyPY_MznDutLr72_6xMWe6IhgIgMhHBhp3qLwzsk/s1600-h/harvesters8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413302336761633602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9IZhF_bY1sYbhJ7M0f1ZJMkpEuggwdsfgFpLzO_I9hkVC8j0eVm_ozH6vSQfNuw4R61I5YM6OF3Uhbk5PBnA4EnHeY3u-iEJEMWxyPY_MznDutLr72_6xMWe6IhgIgMhHBhp3qLwzsk/s400/harvesters8.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZj_vNUmUZJwAVkE70KwGr_ZZJlOR8a7j6gey_hG7Moz-l5vzyDCCl7pXxGM8DQmU9N-h2pMGL8415uQ3i5n5mt_IvYU0H_r-vjSgvjcB_BLvUvNAq-jaxGSayJFzUF0UYP5OzR0npfM/s1600-h/harvesters5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413302207268769298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZj_vNUmUZJwAVkE70KwGr_ZZJlOR8a7j6gey_hG7Moz-l5vzyDCCl7pXxGM8DQmU9N-h2pMGL8415uQ3i5n5mt_IvYU0H_r-vjSgvjcB_BLvUvNAq-jaxGSayJFzUF0UYP5OzR0npfM/s400/harvesters5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_boxdlx-v6J5Z3RwlrGI7f3FnHCODWzO8Ib4QruK5uyZL0oxF8plpRFmJvX_pjhqSdI04_500P9sxxVoYa_Yp63K7BVdQMNTRPiSB7FsPXlhbVegW7BnRRuOLau1IpaJDzxM2XhyFJ0/s1600-h/harvesters4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413302082230714226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_boxdlx-v6J5Z3RwlrGI7f3FnHCODWzO8Ib4QruK5uyZL0oxF8plpRFmJvX_pjhqSdI04_500P9sxxVoYa_Yp63K7BVdQMNTRPiSB7FsPXlhbVegW7BnRRuOLau1IpaJDzxM2XhyFJ0/s400/harvesters4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK5lIPn8WLskEjUs1EZHmk5a4a8mcWVlajk4PpPjmh4-fpnmcqpNqAyuSbDGruvsW-wBHhb0MhcR2hOwz26feZ6LjK8aomK_OcylV0YsZrp5-455U5DHowmQw4EM2kZqCMj_AVbUjmE8/s1600-h/harvesters9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413301918615860450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK5lIPn8WLskEjUs1EZHmk5a4a8mcWVlajk4PpPjmh4-fpnmcqpNqAyuSbDGruvsW-wBHhb0MhcR2hOwz26feZ6LjK8aomK_OcylV0YsZrp5-455U5DHowmQw4EM2kZqCMj_AVbUjmE8/s400/harvesters9.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08xCmiB9JHbTwjcFAUM6uTR_gYStqyQOPYBa92DLrrkU-QD95uJUPd8mJ3NiMsD5x0NGRF8L-dV9Img6INfaP_874q2EALyEoYZdf7O41RmyCidjlr-o64eTh5F9d-e8Zs3DEZk7cZe0/s1600-h/harvesters7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413301730734849682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08xCmiB9JHbTwjcFAUM6uTR_gYStqyQOPYBa92DLrrkU-QD95uJUPd8mJ3NiMsD5x0NGRF8L-dV9Img6INfaP_874q2EALyEoYZdf7O41RmyCidjlr-o64eTh5F9d-e8Zs3DEZk7cZe0/s400/harvesters7.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Recently, a group of students approached me with the idea for starting a book club. As an English teacher, I was so excited to get this started. (Who wouldn't want to work with a bunch of motivated teenagers?) Anyway, the group (23 students) decided to read one book a month, but they wanted to do more than just reading; when the opportunity is there, they also want to give back to our community. So, our book club is also about volunteering and contributions. Our first book <em>Pay It Forward</em> was donated by the Pay It Forward Foundation; they sent us signed copies of the book. It was a very fitting book to get us started, as we decided to start our community contributions right away, too. </div><br /><div>My group, along with the Read 180 and ELL classes, went to Harvesters last week to take a tour and volunteer our time. Our group spent the day sorting donated goods. They had a lot of fun in the process, and they definitely want to go back. </div><br /><div>I'm very fortunate to work with such a great group of teenagers! (The pictures aren't great because I took them with my camera. By the way, I don't think BlackBerrys have very good camera phones.)</div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-46983237016237801052009-12-09T11:53:00.007-06:002009-12-09T12:08:51.337-06:00A Winter Program<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaGTr1v3j4WV7BhCLtb3k_Nv5QrnBEPm1IbNLWZV8QgZ2W2mzPJFfA5TbppJ4wZCmZf9gV521aDsOxaBV9qaey_HPdUzIiPEMfNd9X_vRJ2lTp3AAFRBexRZf08E0yApnND8XT3ydmYo/s1600-h/Evan's+Winter+Program+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413299821286931506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaGTr1v3j4WV7BhCLtb3k_Nv5QrnBEPm1IbNLWZV8QgZ2W2mzPJFfA5TbppJ4wZCmZf9gV521aDsOxaBV9qaey_HPdUzIiPEMfNd9X_vRJ2lTp3AAFRBexRZf08E0yApnND8XT3ydmYo/s400/Evan's+Winter+Program+002.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OOmlPdli3bosFBvC1Y_Vm-eaZOFA-yvZnLYLZlwisJplJNQUwfsajF93sNSdwn6V_k1cqrBEBPrPGKOdtc-9rknlZET9je-iw1PCWVA0pVgLKMSWxdIvsCRnTXkHRs8cqFBKX7lAtyA/s1600-h/Evan's+Winter+Program+035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413298538393184514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OOmlPdli3bosFBvC1Y_Vm-eaZOFA-yvZnLYLZlwisJplJNQUwfsajF93sNSdwn6V_k1cqrBEBPrPGKOdtc-9rknlZET9je-iw1PCWVA0pVgLKMSWxdIvsCRnTXkHRs8cqFBKX7lAtyA/s400/Evan's+Winter+Program+035.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqArocQoiyx_sSvoa1tJTqFLKcl0MFLl5YEFWnvaCN96JWctNsKh60ZDZqv5n1ZOXCWEa4eUYPHlooCStdqITC0ABPn5fES5tGihmgRfkdW2bsy0qCAsqb_uAIJyoHXIQy41Qo6wB2rG4/s1600-h/Evan's+Winter+Program+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413298187932523426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqArocQoiyx_sSvoa1tJTqFLKcl0MFLl5YEFWnvaCN96JWctNsKh60ZDZqv5n1ZOXCWEa4eUYPHlooCStdqITC0ABPn5fES5tGihmgRfkdW2bsy0qCAsqb_uAIJyoHXIQy41Qo6wB2rG4/s400/Evan's+Winter+Program+026.JPG" /></a><br /><div>These last few weeks sure have been busy ones! I'm glad we're home today (snow day) so I can catch up on a few things. While I have a minute, I thought I'd post a couple of pictures from Evan's winter program last night. </div><br /><div>"Christmas at the Okay Corral" was last night, despite the incoming yucky weather. They still had a good turnout for the program. Evan's favorite song was "Sticky Situation" because of the "sticky strings" they attached to their pockets and pulled on during the program. (Amy - That reminds me of the kid I had in class a few years ago who sang 'Sticky Notes' all throughout my class.)</div><br /><div>Anyway, it was very cute! They all had a great time.</div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-35350686250453123512009-11-14T13:31:00.002-06:002009-11-14T13:40:32.291-06:00Shhh! Don't Tell!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF1cs5GNiuHeroMCOF2FLrMXbcbkp-KHVb25xYdol0mshN9D4usJUDcQzSP6qNZknUikpg3fRzjQ9GOIDy0hZsrSEQLQC5BrIPft_bPeZqH-cLUNPhTGPOheedpTLNsBA7mxQteO1FIA/s1600-h/chocolate+cake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404046498891912418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF1cs5GNiuHeroMCOF2FLrMXbcbkp-KHVb25xYdol0mshN9D4usJUDcQzSP6qNZknUikpg3fRzjQ9GOIDy0hZsrSEQLQC5BrIPft_bPeZqH-cLUNPhTGPOheedpTLNsBA7mxQteO1FIA/s400/chocolate+cake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Okay, so there are a few things I lie to my kids about. My longest lasting "lie" is about Chuck E. Cheese. My boys (ages 6 and 8) think you can ONLY go to Chuck E. Cheese if its someone's birthday. I'm going to keep that lie going as long as possible, as I think the food there is awful.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Speaking of food...I'm all about the lies for healthy choices. Thanks to Hungry Girl (the book and the website), I've found recipes that allow me to substitute items for high calorie ones. For example, the boys never knew the French fries I made were actually butternut squash. (They noticed something was different, but couldn't really tell.) I also switched to turkey burgers without them batting an eye. Lying about what they are eating has been something I've done more than just a few times. It's how I got them to eat shrimp and seafood. ("Mom, what is this?" "Chicken." That is the standard answer at my house.)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, here's a picture of my favorite, most delicious switch of all. Hungry Girl's daily email sent this one to me. It's cake. Chocolate cake! Yum! It's what's in it, though, that might surprise you. This cake was made with only two ingredients...Chocolate Cake Mix and PUMPKIN. Yes, pumpkin. Mix the cake mix and one can of pumpkin together, and you've got a low-calorie cake. One slice of cake is only 170 calories vs. 300+ with all the egg and oil mixed in. The pumpkin works like the oil and the egg, but it cuts out all those calories and fats. I promise you, if you make this, you will not taste the pumpkin. I made my first "pumpkin" chocolate cake the other day, and the boys finished it off by the end of the night. I made my second one today, at the request of my kids. Dylan couldn't wait for it to come out of the oven. And, yes, they have no idea that pumpkin is hiding inside it! </div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-91609011426054673912009-11-14T13:27:00.002-06:002009-11-14T13:31:07.318-06:00Family Literacy Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSVoRKe2Wq-ZdSocCC0s_tUHtf3vdjSSK6xU2_WWxa89mN1lMsMi2FU4CcFMFJvKEMggh66m5dFMolPrXnQgkw-_UAj2le6m64mjXGlzwse27IlTnEJtkYooPvB5Gvj67osscXkyOlOg/s1600-h/dylan+scarecrow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404044071898595554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSVoRKe2Wq-ZdSocCC0s_tUHtf3vdjSSK6xU2_WWxa89mN1lMsMi2FU4CcFMFJvKEMggh66m5dFMolPrXnQgkw-_UAj2le6m64mjXGlzwse27IlTnEJtkYooPvB5Gvj67osscXkyOlOg/s400/dylan+scarecrow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>On Thursday, November 11th, the boys and I attended Meadowmere Elementary's Family Literacy Night. We've participated in this fun evening each year, but during the last couple of years I've had "writers" reading their original stories. Last year, Evan and Dylan wrote a story together; it was about being brothers. This year, Dylan (1st Grade) read his Scarecrow story.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's his story:</div><br /><div>"His name is Darth Dyl. He has a pumpkin face and a light blue shirt. I like him because he has a red hat and green pants. His hed is orange and black. He has a star on his light blue shirt. I like my scarecrow." -Dylan</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-25414607899599146912009-10-31T22:09:00.024-05:002009-10-31T23:54:50.265-05:00October Photo Hunt ChallengeThis photo hunt was a little harder for me than the last one, but here they are...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4D07by0DoxdmTVPxwbR7uBl_a2RPPkRqS2tETmZdSe_bwQBUo-m_MTD1MeoMKEh2hR96YbJoPUmKFGSHb83rDN_aNNQrA1dMmFxETP7wdxxJX0TUsVbzEAordZLKaYsr4E4uoylmTbU/s1600-h/A+Fall+Activity.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398990487642487970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4D07by0DoxdmTVPxwbR7uBl_a2RPPkRqS2tETmZdSe_bwQBUo-m_MTD1MeoMKEh2hR96YbJoPUmKFGSHb83rDN_aNNQrA1dMmFxETP7wdxxJX0TUsVbzEAordZLKaYsr4E4uoylmTbU/s400/A+Fall+Activity.JPG" border="0" /></a>1. <strong>A Fall Activity: </strong>High School Football (Hickman Mills vs. Center)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusafeFwacnzu6ydAvVS21pYCnaNbfXzE1PscPIPiNmEvB2Cn5zV6bR1QUi4KhsfcNovYD0mu-HFbJaw4SrQ25GxJ7iZVCPyGDSfPbSqFt5_fkSPu1qT_KbnXAvhQtoyz9abKpIpW8kHM/s1600-h/A+Fall+Treat.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398989299256113442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusafeFwacnzu6ydAvVS21pYCnaNbfXzE1PscPIPiNmEvB2Cn5zV6bR1QUi4KhsfcNovYD0mu-HFbJaw4SrQ25GxJ7iZVCPyGDSfPbSqFt5_fkSPu1qT_KbnXAvhQtoyz9abKpIpW8kHM/s400/A+Fall+Treat.JPG" border="0" /></a>2. <strong>A Fall Treat</strong>: Pumpkin Bars (My favorite dessert - and low calorie, too!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_ZcT2XMXMGtI4kDIPldQKd9EMq7_cANvsf-Vux5YRpgXWAjGam4Q2bWObduXysMOApa8cAMTbQEzjz-c6DHkoWYJN4F5KdLiNdr41sqHmSQnaSrjGTQs4y7ebxEgRR-9lvIYZTr5G-E/s1600-h/A+Harvest.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398988193034284722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_ZcT2XMXMGtI4kDIPldQKd9EMq7_cANvsf-Vux5YRpgXWAjGam4Q2bWObduXysMOApa8cAMTbQEzjz-c6DHkoWYJN4F5KdLiNdr41sqHmSQnaSrjGTQs4y7ebxEgRR-9lvIYZTr5G-E/s400/A+Harvest.JPG" border="0" /></a>3. <strong>A Harvest</strong>: My boys buying a pumpkin<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGstYbwyGOjnpcqsxtsRZRO8tQD92lV4hP-H3kqJ-P7OjdKuQMTvNmtmMEBHn6u0Z44Gzjio4iEPnYeqFsuOUMUKTODWuDHpPHG6hewQADUJrDrkPubTPj2-6wHEfUj3neMQFIb3ym6A/s1600-h/Leaves.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398986935298190210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGstYbwyGOjnpcqsxtsRZRO8tQD92lV4hP-H3kqJ-P7OjdKuQMTvNmtmMEBHn6u0Z44Gzjio4iEPnYeqFsuOUMUKTODWuDHpPHG6hewQADUJrDrkPubTPj2-6wHEfUj3neMQFIb3ym6A/s400/Leaves.JPG" border="0" /></a>4. <strong>Leaves</strong><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL5e2l-ZrzWTPKbp5Od6K74MAgmMdTuXwlMCP5D-tL9qpJw4yKucRwfkQ4jWIRtfdUS2iQ5USVXvz2ZL_bZPyNm8OSLI75p7ZIOaGVcGs1bS1HY-tFM6iotDrVlieA6GzlY-F2_NBjh0/s1600-h/Fall+Colors.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398985610687538242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL5e2l-ZrzWTPKbp5Od6K74MAgmMdTuXwlMCP5D-tL9qpJw4yKucRwfkQ4jWIRtfdUS2iQ5USVXvz2ZL_bZPyNm8OSLI75p7ZIOaGVcGs1bS1HY-tFM6iotDrVlieA6GzlY-F2_NBjh0/s400/Fall+Colors.JPG" border="0" /></a> 5. <strong>Fall Colors</strong></div><div><strong></strong><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwsZSyAf4Lu_XMOziiNO_7e2aeUv9oxVOjPpEeBPRuGx5MeUONQIunPytkGerxW4KCX4pn9xugRidtldSoTzzG2M9jyMWk-c7cHcAy4R2eDY3YruTvOeVne1wOKRWASXK2KU-HxuO4A4/s1600-h/Something+Orange.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398984291877164114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwsZSyAf4Lu_XMOziiNO_7e2aeUv9oxVOjPpEeBPRuGx5MeUONQIunPytkGerxW4KCX4pn9xugRidtldSoTzzG2M9jyMWk-c7cHcAy4R2eDY3YruTvOeVne1wOKRWASXK2KU-HxuO4A4/s400/Something+Orange.JPG" border="0" /></a> 6. <strong>Something Orange</strong>: Fountain in front of Grandview's Court House<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzIzA9e757zHVojGsOGGUhgQvPUA1n9mS9sWf9kGOrfzC0GnyfkLr2G97Xqa6JVeXCv7pU-cN8IZPjb5N09_kmkPPrdI1OaUxB3pWTN2xECa6oq40gzFetYeKAedTBz7U_q0eWwUSeNQ/s1600-h/Something+Spooky.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398983151311136514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzIzA9e757zHVojGsOGGUhgQvPUA1n9mS9sWf9kGOrfzC0GnyfkLr2G97Xqa6JVeXCv7pU-cN8IZPjb5N09_kmkPPrdI1OaUxB3pWTN2xECa6oq40gzFetYeKAedTBz7U_q0eWwUSeNQ/s400/Something+Spooky.JPG" border="0" /></a> 7. <strong>Something Spooky</strong>: Kansas City, Worlds of Fun<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneCvWZCB4OqV0WVX9r8LMHT_C8luMejhEK2rJ0j_6Mm1kt3BfRdjDAOSmZycYLkFPy4kJ8Ndfk4GGHU0HMUR7ut5wjUo34sTm2GDZxYnzpYi2u2QWkp_jgaiRLPBVt-sKwvehV_lF3gE/s1600-h/A+cemetary.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398982045821967906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneCvWZCB4OqV0WVX9r8LMHT_C8luMejhEK2rJ0j_6Mm1kt3BfRdjDAOSmZycYLkFPy4kJ8Ndfk4GGHU0HMUR7ut5wjUo34sTm2GDZxYnzpYi2u2QWkp_jgaiRLPBVt-sKwvehV_lF3gE/s400/A+cemetary.JPG" border="0" /></a> 8. <strong>A Cemetery</strong>: Kansas City, Worlds of Fun<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbpHnefXTchIQnNweNF32K7VC4x0OHVxLKbLPTVph9zv_n0OSEPjLt0QzV8IQHEZCaue9wX5PZo9jIj7RXzIEkdOL7a9LCbipytjyZrdkxdm35hGd19yY8-sgZNwNAgFkJn8EmML-uqo/s1600-h/A+Costume.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398980790143943522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbpHnefXTchIQnNweNF32K7VC4x0OHVxLKbLPTVph9zv_n0OSEPjLt0QzV8IQHEZCaue9wX5PZo9jIj7RXzIEkdOL7a9LCbipytjyZrdkxdm35hGd19yY8-sgZNwNAgFkJn8EmML-uqo/s400/A+Costume.JPG" border="0" /></a>9. <strong>A Costume</strong>: Center's Band celebrating Halloween in costume<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshyQhsdk3ONcfTN3G1bOpFMU5zE3fGz6NdJrM19N4hs_El9C77RZURlT8BhYLUYExtaAkJcWVEYi_whWltnsXSwpN-5NouaM5Y-9hVRc-xLZXq_dRS2S66jPWHBlMeH5elpEFxHMrdI0/s1600-h/A+Black+and+White+Photo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398979655155736930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshyQhsdk3ONcfTN3G1bOpFMU5zE3fGz6NdJrM19N4hs_El9C77RZURlT8BhYLUYExtaAkJcWVEYi_whWltnsXSwpN-5NouaM5Y-9hVRc-xLZXq_dRS2S66jPWHBlMeH5elpEFxHMrdI0/s400/A+Black+and+White+Photo.JPG" border="0" /></a> 10. <strong>A Black and White Photo:</strong> My friends, Jill and Cristin (Thanks for the photo idea, Cristin!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIskcwIq0MsEF-Y6-uCZKC8aztTUK1jF-B1ImNmOBLAHHT9jizPQ82eSq_2Csw2U9S3NgC2PAN3FSQOA0BU7pJvJRPfg8OYyb91H7oXH9cgd1MMbyAZOVYdqsy4jERBP6WlSXwJPXLYA/s1600-h/A+Critter.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398978327186225586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIskcwIq0MsEF-Y6-uCZKC8aztTUK1jF-B1ImNmOBLAHHT9jizPQ82eSq_2Csw2U9S3NgC2PAN3FSQOA0BU7pJvJRPfg8OYyb91H7oXH9cgd1MMbyAZOVYdqsy4jERBP6WlSXwJPXLYA/s400/A+Critter.JPG" border="0" /></a> 11. <strong>A Critter</strong>: A jellyfish<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3yMd2EkXaSq1PWwVXNXxptkI21gsio2LTOABdgHQmONPfP9aFoQgoBj7DuyLNkgdV0No01ehLKpogGSMAjzvZJCAT-pilcqJ3W63GiAeDi2JnefqtFGU2AHpQBPlL2hCnvr8K3szF9U/s1600-h/Symmetry.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398977060990139554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3yMd2EkXaSq1PWwVXNXxptkI21gsio2LTOABdgHQmONPfP9aFoQgoBj7DuyLNkgdV0No01ehLKpogGSMAjzvZJCAT-pilcqJ3W63GiAeDi2JnefqtFGU2AHpQBPlL2hCnvr8K3szF9U/s400/Symmetry.JPG" border="0" /></a> 12. <strong>Symmetry</strong>: My boys<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXClOBQXStGCyBPElEQzl15MHYNp-Qx0NiWf36tjjlIBJUEgSQv59B9axDiz7ScZIpN98HrOZRGdv-0U7z5AvwZu4Ie12jmCRFiqTvMonWS1ouNOWrqx02wmzJt4s29aKRyIbImDcRpnI/s1600-h/Contrast.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398975875021989570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXClOBQXStGCyBPElEQzl15MHYNp-Qx0NiWf36tjjlIBJUEgSQv59B9axDiz7ScZIpN98HrOZRGdv-0U7z5AvwZu4Ie12jmCRFiqTvMonWS1ouNOWrqx02wmzJt4s29aKRyIbImDcRpnI/s400/Contrast.JPG" border="0" /></a> 13. <strong>Contrast</strong>: The View in Grandview, Missouri<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSChdiSWwiW_0GLrHeFcI4XDjM-GhGpnKyb3nK0JPTculFvi0dimDQdOUT8JDyG1WBVgfkmsNDr26Trt4EmPbnAMR20ckQkdN6npzDLy6f-cd4TMWDD7jrRvrCx-WFyZaXTRkibObnTM8/s1600-h/Texture.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398974780915227586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSChdiSWwiW_0GLrHeFcI4XDjM-GhGpnKyb3nK0JPTculFvi0dimDQdOUT8JDyG1WBVgfkmsNDr26Trt4EmPbnAMR20ckQkdN6npzDLy6f-cd4TMWDD7jrRvrCx-WFyZaXTRkibObnTM8/s400/Texture.JPG" border="0" /></a> 14. <strong>Texture:</strong> The blanket that kept me warm at the football game<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUM2BYYNPij90qFXLAidAdB9KUgKuzP47ZfxBZk_3mLQ27G2Qd79RQ_cr5cvkG0GYP5SVMq5uaMBDeLwZRkaRrjBjjUCtK1KDGMqlQqBAHCp1bnLkc24Y9ByCF4xocHO2edwVq_BgQRI/s1600-h/A+Logo-Mascot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398973430652363506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUM2BYYNPij90qFXLAidAdB9KUgKuzP47ZfxBZk_3mLQ27G2Qd79RQ_cr5cvkG0GYP5SVMq5uaMBDeLwZRkaRrjBjjUCtK1KDGMqlQqBAHCp1bnLkc24Y9ByCF4xocHO2edwVq_BgQRI/s400/A+Logo-Mascot.JPG" border="0" /></a>15. <strong>A Logo/A Mascot</strong>: Hickman Mills High School's Cougar<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HIR_mQsGQnem8rHnlzq5RdI0q4s0b1QB0eL8nJh7Sr4EADG5PLqmbJbUJNG-RXbMi8j4Z6O4OTafWwbLW-2_5NsxIgORhgILRxRvRNYpGpUBpqNmGMno_V6HMhY28pC_qoPvJTcKNbg/s1600-h/Something+Neon.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398972260617315346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HIR_mQsGQnem8rHnlzq5RdI0q4s0b1QB0eL8nJh7Sr4EADG5PLqmbJbUJNG-RXbMi8j4Z6O4OTafWwbLW-2_5NsxIgORhgILRxRvRNYpGpUBpqNmGMno_V6HMhY28pC_qoPvJTcKNbg/s400/Something+Neon.JPG" border="0" /></a> 16. <strong>Something Neon</strong>: Kansas City, Worlds of Fun<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMxj7Rn6tyjiHlRI3Ce-e_hRsgOSy13MCimg-3T9EvlBxKlfZjHoi2jDwegRa9WMY0TkSKSq7XsGtxPAVHzza9nlWWzr1R0dW5-7tZpk3ixsfsZWmeUrWqQqt1TLJmZhbzGRZJIOGNRw/s1600-h/Something+Inspirational.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398971092069603378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMxj7Rn6tyjiHlRI3Ce-e_hRsgOSy13MCimg-3T9EvlBxKlfZjHoi2jDwegRa9WMY0TkSKSq7XsGtxPAVHzza9nlWWzr1R0dW5-7tZpk3ixsfsZWmeUrWqQqt1TLJmZhbzGRZJIOGNRw/s400/Something+Inspirational.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />17. <strong>Something Inspiring</strong>: Women's Health Magazine</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY37vAamO2eFTXuHCYsNgY8zQLOl-5ulA-Z_OoNCN5APlrWkfjz-e9CmZ8bkiI1FEPVNDM0ahXLaQV7sUMJvaTMXzGzXZ0ruTEwQ5w4AwJPItSrAq08nzdkuhhikHtSD9rNKX0rN2JhAs/s1600-h/Something+Entertaining.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398969887721235106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY37vAamO2eFTXuHCYsNgY8zQLOl-5ulA-Z_OoNCN5APlrWkfjz-e9CmZ8bkiI1FEPVNDM0ahXLaQV7sUMJvaTMXzGzXZ0ruTEwQ5w4AwJPItSrAq08nzdkuhhikHtSD9rNKX0rN2JhAs/s400/Something+Entertaining.JPG" border="0" /></a> 18. <strong>Something Entertaining</strong>: Kansas City, Worlds of Fun<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFSwyz3G6UCe3dWTz-q-_UxPS2Gue_iLfMK4w_KMgaNML0yxdb5PoXdA9255V-9YSe_CSKWktNyxO5GULyISKWhGCkK8W0hX_LcbwGlaXVYHQdJjTPDtm9tjRT8QAg77d8zR-Ci9J5tM/s1600-h/Something+Fast.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398968919743655474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFSwyz3G6UCe3dWTz-q-_UxPS2Gue_iLfMK4w_KMgaNML0yxdb5PoXdA9255V-9YSe_CSKWktNyxO5GULyISKWhGCkK8W0hX_LcbwGlaXVYHQdJjTPDtm9tjRT8QAg77d8zR-Ci9J5tM/s400/Something+Fast.JPG" border="0" /></a> 19. <strong>Something Fast</strong>: KCTV 5's Helicopter<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSimH5HaYg3t0uqaj4_T-jm_hZ7jzkJ-phP5fbTWNxclnj6dSISa0Tq_sMV0BtemdCUYnL_9PJsvG6WgrNjksxu-lODFB39thp-yxFbAIxZfk6uPnT51MOcTNVNynBDuf-bpMx7IB-fwU/s1600-h/Something+Slow.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398968552195247906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSimH5HaYg3t0uqaj4_T-jm_hZ7jzkJ-phP5fbTWNxclnj6dSISa0Tq_sMV0BtemdCUYnL_9PJsvG6WgrNjksxu-lODFB39thp-yxFbAIxZfk6uPnT51MOcTNVNynBDuf-bpMx7IB-fwU/s400/Something+Slow.JPG" border="0" /></a> 20. <strong>Something Slow</strong>: The clock in my classroom (It goes so slow on Fridays!)<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-90968854244892292552009-10-31T21:54:00.005-05:002009-11-01T00:07:19.877-05:00Just Say Cheese!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUSSHh8oQwR0I0omMSxN5dJWdZac3vhG8t048G0GzrieE0D7XjYlXYN2mkfZK-OaAOlcV7SyKKS_os4jb3T8JPvcDnYCSBxhTfi6cxCS2JvLSLxEQXsXcLa8akDDJXruw2AQZzq8Wyio/s1600-h/oct+2009+070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398966203624041314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUSSHh8oQwR0I0omMSxN5dJWdZac3vhG8t048G0GzrieE0D7XjYlXYN2mkfZK-OaAOlcV7SyKKS_os4jb3T8JPvcDnYCSBxhTfi6cxCS2JvLSLxEQXsXcLa8akDDJXruw2AQZzq8Wyio/s400/oct+2009+070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The boys and I took a little road trip to Osceola, Missouri today. I made the short drive with the intention of stopping along the way to take pictures for this month's photo contest. Well, with a destination in mind, we went to the Osceola Cheese store. This store has over 80 different types of cheeses. (They have items beyond cheese, but cheese is definitely the featured item.) The boys enjoyed sampling the various cheeses, but when it came down to it, they still liked their favorite kind of cheese the most...string cheese. The below items are what we purchased while there. Dylan fell in love with the beef sticks, and as he was eating them tonight, he asked if we could go back and buy some more when we run out. Well, Dylan, we're not going back tomorrow, but the next time we do go, we'll be sure to stock up on beef sticks and string cheese!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBk8c15lEo7Luw1Xgu6p1JxTOU81ym1sz4TEG4STpJUKCNzFvjCEoUReFFPfztaftd_8PhjVJEaO1qV0yWY8-Iz4BvjCfyvAt2v3pz96C8fH5-0ef1M-AsiCf3B3_WeSTKgvnf3qCzzkM/s1600-h/oct+2009+094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398965032708938178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBk8c15lEo7Luw1Xgu6p1JxTOU81ym1sz4TEG4STpJUKCNzFvjCEoUReFFPfztaftd_8PhjVJEaO1qV0yWY8-Iz4BvjCfyvAt2v3pz96C8fH5-0ef1M-AsiCf3B3_WeSTKgvnf3qCzzkM/s400/oct+2009+094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-36158301277057026262009-10-25T13:45:00.002-05:002009-10-25T14:27:11.074-05:00Top Five Reasons Why It's Rough to Lose Your Power On A Sunday MorningFor the last two Sundays in a row, I've lost my power around 7:30 a.m. I'd like to be able to tell you why or how, but all I know is that I hear a really loud *POP* and then everything turns off. Transmitter? Downed power lines? God's personal alarm clock for Jill Carter?<br /><br />Whatever it was...last Sunday's power came back on around 9 a.m. Today's power...I got a little worried...It eventually made it back on at 10:30 a.m. Normally, a weekend morning wouldn't be that big of a deal if you don't have power, but it's just at the time when I'm trying to get ready for church.<br /><br />So, here is my top FIVE list why it's rough to lose your power on a Sunday morning...<br /><br />5. The boys can't turn on tv, which means that they're fighting downstairs while I'm still trying to sleep.<br /><br />4. Taking a shower can be tough. Even though it's a great thing that you can't see very well while you're in the shower, it becomes problematic when you accidently mix up the shampoo bottle and body soap.<br /><br />3. The blow dryer. It doesn't work without power. 'nough Said.<br /><br />2. When the power has been out for over two hours, THAT's the exact time both boys want to get multiple items out of the fridge. Without knowing how long the power will be out, I had to veto the opening of the fridge several times.<br /><br />1. Electric garage door opener. Homebound it is!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908087617591942970.post-62056788412261813482009-10-25T13:38:00.002-05:002009-10-25T13:45:18.121-05:00Pokemon It Is<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiP1UNX8_b1IWhgEu5nJK3VDNvAbg26YRcCJsME8x_w3KtCMXp-EmgGSlmKUx9u2DBB7p1T9u8fe9NNJuu_Uv5xdDZEN2mJ9faoO7YnVgpyeP2VHNhdA_tnSDoh3yxFa8E-U0Bdsky90/s1600-h/halloween+pumpkin+pokemon.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396610507161891506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiP1UNX8_b1IWhgEu5nJK3VDNvAbg26YRcCJsME8x_w3KtCMXp-EmgGSlmKUx9u2DBB7p1T9u8fe9NNJuu_Uv5xdDZEN2mJ9faoO7YnVgpyeP2VHNhdA_tnSDoh3yxFa8E-U0Bdsky90/s400/halloween+pumpkin+pokemon.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The boys' elementary school has a pumpkin coloring contest every fall. The contest allows one entry per family, so it seemed rather fitting when Evan and Dylan decided to create a Poke' Ball for their pumpkin. It was a great choice, as it was very easy for both of them to color and work together.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks to the rain, we had to color the pumpkin inside, but, as you can see from the picture, they did a pretty good job.</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04550634611789706068noreply@blogger.com0