tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87948757957853008322024-02-21T01:20:05.509-05:00Dixie Gator Galliving and loving life in the Sunshine StateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.comBlogger407125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-65982111297510491232014-05-26T12:00:00.000-04:002014-05-26T12:00:04.352-04:00Refelctions on Memorial Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We've had such a sweet and special Memorial Day Weekend, and are so grateful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. <br />
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I'm a proud patriot of our country and feel a great deal of honor knowing my ancestors have fought in every battle our nation has faced from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism still being fought today.<br />
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We fly an American Flag outside our home everyday of the year and The United States Service Flag at least six months out of the year.<br />
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The happiest day, when I get to take it down upon my brothers safe arrival state-side!<br />
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As James examined the flags lining his grandparents driveway today, counting and pointing out the star and stripes, Josh and I took it as a learning opportunity to talk about our flag and our freedom. Did it sink in? Probably not... Did we sing "She's a Grand Old Flag" and "The Star Spangled Banner" a few times? Yes!<br />
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I hope to pass on pride in our country and respect for our military service men and women to him, and don't mind singing a few patriotic songs along the way. <br />
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God Bless America and God Bless the men, women and their families who gave us the greatest gift of freedom.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-51116819861120306792014-05-25T22:15:00.000-04:002014-05-25T22:15:13.906-04:00Take me out to the ball game<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We took James to his first baseball game today. We currently read about Curious George going to a baseball game a few times a day, so we were due for a trip to the ball park. <br />
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We missed a trip to see the gators play this spring, but were very happy to get tickets to the Rays game from Josh's company. <br />
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We hit some beach traffic while James screamed to see Raymond the mascot- not the most pleasant hour of our lives, but we sang (well mostly josh due to James' request/demands) just about every song in the book. Our plan for a nap in the car didn't quit workout. <br />
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At the game James scarfed a footlong and got a game all all during the first inning. <br />
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Ice cream and popcorn soon followed. <br />
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He is totally enthralled with Raymond the mascot, but then terrified close up. Isn't that how it always goes?<br />
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We had a great time in the kid zone, but were all tired and ready to head home a little early. <br />
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Josh caught us on TV when we watched games highlights once we got home. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-46194522624237780342014-03-28T15:29:00.001-04:002014-03-28T15:29:12.979-04:00Sweet little moment to catch up<p> I keep taking much longer than anticipated blogging breaks. Hoping to get back into a rhythm soon. </p><p><em>Started this post a few weeks ago, now seems like a good enough time to finish. </em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWd62aqw03bXt4OOqtASOQDpyBtXCX0tlZmtFSxcARFC8gN_PFdSqryM_BKvs7_j9xMeoFDDTu7C_yvF-WjoAgWtVJLQr9MAqrE37u0h854nArHQyT7jh01Mo3_eZhtsWCN3B_akG-gI/s2048/Photo%252520Mar%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWd62aqw03bXt4OOqtASOQDpyBtXCX0tlZmtFSxcARFC8gN_PFdSqryM_BKvs7_j9xMeoFDDTu7C_yvF-WjoAgWtVJLQr9MAqrE37u0h854nArHQyT7jh01Mo3_eZhtsWCN3B_akG-gI/s500/Photo%252520Mar%25252028%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1396034951755.3777" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p><em>This rarely happens, so I'm enjoying every sweet second of a nap on my lap. Always creative in napping as James won't transfer, yesterday I set up one of the baby monitor cameras in the garage when he fell asleep on our drive home from the store. Not just any store, Trader Joes, which is another happy post for another happy time. </em></p><p>James' two year update needs to be wrapped up and published, as well as a recap of his awesome two two choo choo birthday party. I put myself on blogging probation when there are outstanding thank you notes to be written. <em>Thankfully </em>they are now written <em>(and sent weeks ago, unlike this post being completed). </em></p><p>So February <em>(and March)</em> flew by. We had such a lovely time together with our little family. </p><p>These two...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9yYxuEXWLW8/UzXNcXLjDOI/AAAAAAAANXw/pjhqK84k1rE/s1648/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525207%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9yYxuEXWLW8/UzXNcXLjDOI/AAAAAAAANXw/pjhqK84k1rE/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525207%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1396034951732.789" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="371"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">My whole heart. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">James (and Josh) was a ring bearer in a wedding. It was such a fun fun weekend with friends and family. James turned two the very same day as the wedding and was just as sweet as any little boy could be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBh8PYDzDZL7C3nDiyVQ6SEDhcRl5ZzP1Cd4T5D_yuXxNZtj9qj50f8TLQ6zS7ZjHqG8kUmLBSm0LROFDADB-PKTUbnIYIKYisLweQVOWW4D6Ju3dQO0KzKlh-TdEa53VaVNq-IxT4as/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBh8PYDzDZL7C3nDiyVQ6SEDhcRl5ZzP1Cd4T5D_yuXxNZtj9qj50f8TLQ6zS7ZjHqG8kUmLBSm0LROFDADB-PKTUbnIYIKYisLweQVOWW4D6Ju3dQO0KzKlh-TdEa53VaVNq-IxT4as/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1396034951712.9563" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3lbDjfPhcFY/UzXNf9Z9qgI/AAAAAAAANYA/pn4a0u65XeA/s1828/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3lbDjfPhcFY/UzXNf9Z9qgI/AAAAAAAANYA/pn4a0u65XeA/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1396034951683.3254" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We've really enjoyed this past year in the sunshine. I can hardly believe it's been a year! Looking forward to sharing what all we've been up to! :)</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMER5I3AWW6hKV7bSLj1sC6PccIGvDNfyzlRJ0NqvPIxOYBaV8GwMaIuHpZxHKboLeTe5m3N0iWbTiY8ufwzP0hoQulpMDA7JEL3Iyh8RgOF9RdoBHaueHSHR6SEcIbydG_HG-2R2QNKo/s1280/Photo%252520Feb%25252023%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A55%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMER5I3AWW6hKV7bSLj1sC6PccIGvDNfyzlRJ0NqvPIxOYBaV8GwMaIuHpZxHKboLeTe5m3N0iWbTiY8ufwzP0hoQulpMDA7JEL3Iyh8RgOF9RdoBHaueHSHR6SEcIbydG_HG-2R2QNKo/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252023%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A55%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1396034951761.2322" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="assets-library://asset/asset.JPG?id=AC43EB2B-5D1B-47A6-AFA3-8AE3CB846EE8&ext=JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="file://localhost/var/mobile/Applications/D06E7ED7-226B-4C91-9619-4925F0DF394C/Documents/temp/offline_image_2014-03-03%2003:13:14%20+0000.jpg" id="blogsy-1396034951777.8325" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-49497476717729441962014-02-07T09:19:00.001-05:002014-02-07T09:19:04.857-05:00LoveJames said 'I wove you' for the first time last night. He melts my heart about 100 times a day. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5977661362678260034'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZmKGbzzRn3i1EwE-RgiQLQ2R9iFEH1L6pP3hyphenhyphenDt7p4VTHoJ4y2QMLMmuW54t3qNJ_XP1CXoydU7MxLKFHKTYv1j4qbb8J6gC_C6WAF5Egbxd9qhkkp-TTfrzlMMan7UyQ5lFAAo6M4Fp/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='195' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-67612611362274885652014-02-05T21:31:00.001-05:002014-02-05T21:31:41.352-05:00Little Tiger<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5977107986203842722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF3kakGh_SVwSl1gQRUk5N1HkS3ETfFsyqxpF0UsYRlOgCYhvJXrX2ON4vUXazwyE-AWCzGshptq_HQh94uvBVxmqhft2mno8bLxL1GokalJxjECRlKnOcfcZeWmSylcD3NZmIxP50tSc/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />James was so excited to read his tiger book we checked out of the library to me in the car. He just lights up my life!!<br /><br />Hoping reading about the little Tiger who doesn't want to go to bed, helps our little Tiger go to bed. On the advice of a child development specialist, he went to bed a little later tonight (8:30). We are hoping the later bed time leads to a later awake time. I'm not a fan of 5:30, although sweet cuddles are awesome, anytime of the day. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-63225468071705918772014-02-04T14:44:00.001-05:002014-02-04T14:44:29.823-05:00Is it really February?Well, hey there friends!<br /><br />Hope everyone that may still read this blog is doing great and enjoying the new year! <br /><br />We are doing great and enjoying the 80 degree days in February (but not the swarms of Mosquitos). <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5976631890819706562'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf7mSDsjfQ6m7AUW7uJxw86MqYGoR6MAY32eaw8iqPuHvOdks-iTG2RI0rQNDq1KUUarMA_nX5OBx5C6amj7hn_k6pkKcrQhZ-Y43wHNS3Ris2h2iWss-Ry0Z7LDFjsOkujh-rQwZmNTA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I did a cool thing this year and instead of resolutions, decided on my priorities and from that derived goals to help me live my priorities. It's been such a great way to cut the riffraff and easily realize how I should be spending my time, however Facebook still gets just a little too much of it. That's a work in progress. <br /><br />Life is good, finding lots of joy and fulfillment in everyday and thanks to this little post feel that I am living the life God planned for me undoubtably. <br /> <br />So blogging is on my priority/goal list but obviously not the highest. I think as I continue to work things out it will get easier to find and make the time to write down my thoughts here. <br /><br />James turns two this weekend, I can't even comprehend that! He will be a ring bearer in a wedding on his actual birthday, so I keep mentally delaying him turning two to be the following weekend when we have his party-ha!<br /><br />I'm also filling out his preschool application for next year and am filled with lots of emotions. I know he will do so great in school, and it will be really great for us both. Before becoming a mommy, I honestly looked at preschool as a little bit of a cop-out for stay-at-home-moms. Like hello isn't that what your supposed to be spending your time on? Well now that I'm walking the walk, I see that is totally not the case, or at least the full picture. He will get more attention and learning opportunities from his teachers and from me because I won't be as distracted with errands and chores during the time I'm with him. Our time together will be our time together. Honestly I'm just talking a few mornings a week, but it's just hard to realize that it's happening (in 6 months). <br /><br />Also, teaching does not come naturally to me. I am trying to work on this skill set. I've got the loving, nurturing, fun and playing part down. Aside from reading a lot of books everyday I'm just not a natural at finding learning opportunities. <br /><br />I am realizing more and more teaching moments daily, and thanks to some great mommy teacher friends learning some really great ways to teach my little guy. Now that I'm looking to fit more of these moments in, he learned his ABC's in two days this weekend. Makes me wonder if I should have encouraged that a little earlier...<br />Well now I know to find more ways for us to learn together each and every day. <br /><br />This week we are making <a target="_blank" href="http://the-wilson-world.blogspot.com/2012/01/play-doh-valentines-with-printable.html">play-doh valentines</a> for our friends. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5976631930290165154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH9yCWrC9vGNlF7HdpPtteN8R6-RJz52wMEikrmWSV_YMRx2wa5oj8wtVctROzQUj2GZRg1rGPDijboDjGSq1UafxCb1QDBVUOzQT8A15PLz5AJSpQ8fdUvKu2ffRQIeQw-QIeLIjk5fn/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='181' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I bought some party packs of play doh for his birthday gift bags, but Pinterest helped me come up with a cuter idea for his Choo Choo birthday. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5976631963818776882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGblwhKAFtkHSHjXKZwvb91D7V0wUPc9sSVXr8cA0GYlcskFUZH1L5cX3iSgtAmSmowmmMb_FJmWbMYq3LB-t4bxz41vbiJpHBfUQG2vqcywYO075FUVWRFhFQO2hFMHAoKFviCw0yllh/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So now I already have a sugar-free treat ready for all of his little friends. Well with the help of a printable, 2" punch and some glue anyway. <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-60474852931775557152014-01-24T08:15:00.000-05:002014-01-24T08:23:38.949-05:00SUYS - Mary Margaret<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’m linking up with <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2014/01/singles-day-2014.html" target="_blank">Kelly’s Korner</a> for Show Us Your Singles today!<br />
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Let me introduce Mary Margaret to you. We call each other double first step cousins, but it's a little more complicated and a lot more southern than that.<br />
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Mary Margaret is the sweetest, most encouraging and Godly women I have the pleasure to know. Her beautiful smile is contagious, and calm presence is both reassuring and refreshing. She’s just a delight to be around.<br />
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Gee I'm related to her, how lucky am I?<br />
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Let's see, she grew up in Florida and is a Florida Gator fan, obviously I think that should go first in her list of characteristics (Go Gators)! College took her to Texas where she attended Dallas Baptist and then Louisiana, where she attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.<br />
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She currently calls Nashville home, although she travels all over the country for her job with women's ministry for a large Christian organization based there.<br />
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She is the oldest of three and has a fantastic family. She's 29 years old.<br />
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She's into running, Tex-Mex and SEC football.<br />
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When you spend time with her be ready to laugh because boy she is funny!<br />
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But you'll also feel special, even in a room of thousands (all of whom probably stop to say hi or ask how her momma is) she'll make you feel like you're the most important person there, that’s just how she is.<br />
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She's encouraging, compassionate, honest, focused and devoted to serving the Lord in everything she is and does. She’s been on mission trips around the world. Here she is with her <a href="http://blog.lifeway.com/womenallaccess/2013/08/28/hope-and-a-little-girl-named-cindy/#.UuGAyHI8LCR" target="_blank">Compassion child, Cindy</a> in Guatemala.<br />
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She manages to help Gods light shine a brighter in the lives of everyone she knows. I’m so blessed to have her as a friend and double-first-step-cousin ;) She’s such a beauty both inside and out.<br />
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If you or someone you know is interested in getting to know her a little better, drop me a line at sarahmorganthompson at gmail dot com and/or leave a comment.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-39490994625310616072014-01-06T14:11:00.001-05:002014-01-06T14:11:41.634-05:00It's fantastic!<p> We took James to his first Gator Basketball this past weekend and he loved it!</p>
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<p>What a treat to spend time with my parents and James, it was more fun than I even thought it would be! </p>
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<p> I was a gator greeter in college, so I went to every home basketball game, and also went to many concerts and events in the O'dome. </p>
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<p>It was so neat to share something I loved with my little guy!</p>
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<p> He just had the most fun watching the game, dancing to the music from the band and spotting Albert!</p>
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<p> <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">After the game there was a shoot around for kids on the court, although we love shooting hoops at home in his fisher price basketball hoop, I didn't think he could grasp 1. Waiting in line by himself with 100 or so ther kids 2. Shooting a layup-ha!</span></p>
<p> They were sweet enough to let me bring him down on the court for a few minutes though!</p>
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<p> </p>
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<p> We had such a great time with Nannie and PaPa!!</p>
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<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-33327950996645775872013-12-24T16:04:00.001-05:002013-12-24T16:04:58.570-05:00Merry Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
December has been full of merriment, lots of unexpected joy, the thrill of hope, more Christmas songs, smells and experiences than we thought possible.<br />
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Tonight on Christmas Eve we prepare to celebrate the gift of salvation and grace. <br />
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I had plans of actually sharing things in a timely manner like our Christmas card, the passage I wrote for my church's advent guide, and all the fun we've had with family and friends during this special season. Maybe the new year will bring me a little more time to do that, but I'll try and jam in all in at the last minute, just like I did this morning when I took James to see Santa :) <br />
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He obviously loved it... </div>
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Our card's top ten list made a comeback in 2013, I know everyone was eagerly anticipating that!<br />
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I must make Christmas Eve dinner before we celebrate a little more tonight with friends and family. Lots of love from our family to yours!!<br />
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Here's what we had to share about the Christmas Conspiracy back on the 15th, sorry the formatting is horrible, but my ham isn't going to glaze itself, so I've got to go to bring peace, love, joy and glazed ham to my family.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sharing Joy in the Grocery Store<br /><br />Mark 5: 1-20</span></div>
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<span class="text Mark-5-1"><span class="chapternum">5 </span>They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24366a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%205%3A1-20#fen-NIV-24366a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span> <span class="text Mark-5-2" id="en-NIV-24367"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-3" id="en-NIV-24368"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-4" id="en-NIV-24369"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>For
he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart
and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-5" id="en-NIV-24370"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.</span></div>
<span class="text Mark-5-6" id="en-NIV-24371"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-7" id="en-NIV-24372"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!”</span> <span class="text Mark-5-8" id="en-NIV-24373"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>For Jesus had said to him, <span class="woj">“Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-5-9" id="en-NIV-24374"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Then Jesus asked him, <span class="woj">“What is your name?”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-5-9">“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”</span> <span class="text Mark-5-10" id="en-NIV-24375"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.</span><br />
<span class="text Mark-5-11" id="en-NIV-24376"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-12" id="en-NIV-24377"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.”</span> <span class="text Mark-5-13" id="en-NIV-24378"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>He
gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the
pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep
bank into the lake and were drowned.</span><br />
<span class="text Mark-5-14" id="en-NIV-24379"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-15" id="en-NIV-24380"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-16" id="en-NIV-24381"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-17" id="en-NIV-24382"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.</span><br />
<span class="text Mark-5-18" id="en-NIV-24383"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.</span> <span class="text Mark-5-19" id="en-NIV-24384"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>Jesus did not let him, but said, <span class="woj">“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”</span></span> <span class="text Mark-5-20" id="en-NIV-24385"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24385b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%205%3A1-20#fen-NIV-24385b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />“Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has mercy on <br /><br />you.”<br /><br />It’s not uncommon for a stranger to come up to me in the grocery store and tell me what a happy baby <br /><br />I have. I always say a quick thank you and usually joke that he’s just excited to be digging into a carton <br /><br />of blueberries before lunchtime. The truth is I’m thrilled of the joy and happiness they see him express <br /><br />while we walk up and down the aisles. <br /><br />Deep down I hope the joy they see in his eyes is the reflection of the love his father and I have for him. <br /><br />We both try to show our family the love we have for each other in small and large ways every day. From <br /><br />cooking healthy dinners, showing compassion, spending special one-on-one time together, encouraging <br /><br />each other to follow our passions, saying thank you, lots of hugs and kisses, apologizing when I’ve done <br /><br />something wrong and offering my forgiveness when they have. I know the reason why I’m able to show <br /><br />this love is a direct result of the mercy God has shown me. <br /><br />Just like the man in the passage above, God has cast my demons away. Now instead of anxiety, I’m <br /><br />filled with peace knowing the Lord will always provide for our needs. Instead of insecurity, I feel <br /><br />confidence and joy that can only come from one source. I have hope because Christ gave me salvation, <br /><br />and that is how I’m able to share His love with my family. During this season of excitement and <br /><br />anticipation, how will you tell your family how much the Lord has done for you?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-35277970118887955612013-11-24T21:59:00.000-05:002013-11-24T21:59:52.996-05:00Fall Round Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been doing my very best to focus on James, which means <strike>some</strike> all of my extracurriculars (aka blogging) have suffered. Sorry Junior League and my mom's club and any/everything I volunteer for. Naptime and bedtime are cleaning and meal prep time, and I try to spend as little time as possible on my iphone/ipad during the day, except of course for calling Jame's grandparents and Elmo. <i>Adding the call Elmo App to my phone was probably the worst parenting decision I've made so far.</i> <i> Elmo has been "taking a nap" for the past few days and I'm getting better and better at just saying no. After all, I am the one in charge...</i><br />
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Needless to say I've spent more time in communication with Elmo than blogging. But I like to do it and look back on our lives and events, so hopefully I'll be able to carve out time for it a little more in the future.<br />
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So this fall, we watched the Gators loose a lot. I still love them and a loosing record makes it a little easier for me during this season of my life where it would be near impossible to be a die-hard fan. Plus coming off a season like this will make it so much easier to buy good season tickets next year. That's what I keep telling myself anyway. Because, you know, I plan to have lots more free time for football games and tailgating activities next year.<br />
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In addition to football, James and I had lots of fun going to fall festivals, farms and pumpkin patches over the past few weeks. <br />
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He loves riding horses (no pony's for this guy) and hay rides.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because nothing's better than a hay ride with best buddies</td></tr>
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With his favorite 'big boy' </div>
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Then we toured a farm, where we caught some chickens<br />
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Watch out chicken your about to get a smack-down one-year-old style</div>
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Milked a cow</div>
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Rode another horse</div>
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and got to pet lots of animals including 'dabbats'</div>
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We also had a few more pumpkin patches to stop by<br />
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And if someone would be kind enough to explain how the heck this happened, I would appreciate it.<br />
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This pumpkin patch picture from last year has graced the bakground of
my phone for the past 12 months and I don't think I will ever be able to
change it. I just can't believe how much he has grown, it doesn't seem possible.Time marches on, which I guess is why at the end of November I'm finally sharing the pictures I took in October. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-13861823294861652552013-11-11T14:50:00.001-05:002013-11-11T14:50:26.422-05:00Thankful for their serviceHow indebted are we to the servicemen, women and their families for our freedom?<br /><br />So very glad that we are able to thank them all today. <br /><br />We don't have too much to choose from in our fridge after a very full weekend that did not include grocery shopping. So I decided to stop for lunch on our way home from music class today. So glad Tijuana Flats was honoring our veterans with a free meal and that we were able to stop at their table to express our gratitude as well. <br /><br />Thankful to my father for his service in the National Guard and my brother who is currently deployed with the Air force. <br /><br />Hope we can find a few more ways to thank those who served today. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-19235374462000301112013-11-01T15:26:00.001-04:002013-11-01T15:26:55.136-04:00Sixteenth Football-a-versaryThis weekend marks my 16th Florida Georgia game. I had been fairly consistent with Tennessee and LSU, until James came along. But I've never missed a Florida Georgia game (or at least tailgate) since my freshman year in college. When I was pregnant I stayed back at the RV and watched the game with Riley Cooper. Josh of course ended up tebowing with the tebows that game-ha!<br /><br />But that's just the thing you never know what's going to happen at Florida Georgia and that's what makes it so much fun. <br /><br />I've slept with 17 of my closest friends in one hotel room, in fancy hotels that require wristbands for everyone who is staying there, lots of slumber parties at my friends parents houses, in the back of Joshes car even. We've stayed at the same Marriott for the past few years and it feels like home when they welcome us back. <br /><br />They were keeping a tally of gator and Georgia fans and when we arrived at one am last night we were the first to represent the Gator nation. Last night was also the third night I've spent away from James. And 6:45 the latest I've woken up in months. I feel very well rested with five and a half hours of sleep!<br /><br />It's great to be here with my sweetie and hope to see lots of our friends soon. Not sure what tomorrow will bring, other than a good time and I'm sure some prayers to the football gods. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5941374287095550274'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm3ge5P-gfjeS2LJXlOMJhtBKKQ_eULNGrVLWRpv5vrXI39gkHnrfPnWXYvpg4slCXSZSD1SFyrsy-oGln_UCFGdE6AUaM7rpDPaOueYWhU3k0_TV93Qs05zEjRF3xPumOfSq916bj-Qe/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I traded my Maxie dress for Joshes soft ball jersey and Starbucks for a Goonbay Smash. It's 3 in the afternoon and we've got the tailgating started, can't wait for a fun weekend ahead. <br /><br />As always Go Gators!<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5941374342862912002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Zkgb_hPR_E7wzJkR6d_9xCmG3NQxNPmJwplSWEoy8ra8Ch2fLwgyQBCaalzh8BWvDCXlWZUUwMqKY0vy6lghWI1GZgZZmS639OahfXBBQUoWWSnBxwDfxXfRksftb_vgCQkslJc9voZD/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-31372109469102722972013-10-31T16:06:00.001-04:002013-10-31T16:06:19.434-04:00Happy Halloween!Love my little ducks!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5941013217277969954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N7-dYdXPffBvploM9vt6Xd-Fd8CBLbPyeGXexp5XwiqU9M2Z6jVqdN63glfrSKSlLC7dBMI2jlsUN8HuS_qgxF3hyphenhyphenpigR7c-F4dUzSmQ8eno8ZmGrz95oeSVaEUY3YjeaJuvyG9kAOEL/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='195' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Painting pumpkins with dada at his preschool fall festival. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5941013293042447842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEon48V4s0xW8CAgtBKeqJGZszlTg9aQXNH953hQyOXC2AKFK0TlFPtX6zk15heriopwpVpGmLbDZgpY9JVR6zvT8sL6Fq453RLn6O8r7XkzIaQLOyt3jkcV7buCAkMvIEgGhXBLLODVq/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Treats for some of our friends. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5941013349926996722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4tWr6DMEt5mhHhb8hWNSL7X1MRiHtzaUeNwLfU8aBJyi52N5i0khUl36kfxyA_JUqX1he8gGDoZC_gXBqCT1ozuuxYuuO8Kji9-QLnyWxor2fv0PFBXN-yJ_xqumui9AD14V93IG_V2n/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Halloween Platter I made with James' foot print. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5941013413263256850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMA4UgGH8l-38fSnCRn6LlYnjuvPJxYLml98Cqr_73KEpOK2eivwUP0HTwXxFpPsKE3RXliCDnYDhWT0J5lZONv60NSywr_3p4SApVGHSC4agwOhbpqqirRO0583vX9sQkj8VhLbuabxk/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-14798928215089639162013-10-28T14:16:00.001-04:002013-10-28T14:16:39.223-04:00Loving this time of yearWe are having so much fun with all that October has to offer. <br /><br />Yesterday after church we met one of my besties for brunch, while daddy played golf. Doesn't James look cute afterwards?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871452257296498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq2UJc_3fw7AhGr9sFf_yzvzofd7TFpuygKipFkKwgzxq98flVxMjxfSuLZLBPiHo2ThaiqfnHA3b3Lytzk_3zWgxr-137o4PcN5tcg23xaZhG9nu7DW7G2Vrd6LBWJzHSXwnDpmEhws7/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871515432218050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkxPu7J8GsV6slHpYO8boVi8_nbFAB7MQRDOeCuMzJmxlRID4ud3x-wVGeiC1LD1AGu_31z205mXlb6Rq5IKp1qyOSAgglnXzwoB3gjgOvEVzWLXvstBynUgXLLS-_3Z-I9tXsZogiCiw/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871585673067714'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl43ixOLdfTa_PZL5fZLJqZDnXphQreGoA4vAOznq13BQs5BNC2LbflJ32JvGXe1l70CUTdOFjEz08uPJ9BNPc5Kfim5bAoH2FTnks3JPtpIy3rd73zqGxX8bVlDdRxOLQV8JVsC4h7Ul/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871631249100434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFLf6DkOKwC3ykd15spjdrfcfMPu7B163IYNh7nnJgv9RmWy5Yeszh3_DRaJWBtOnulT6lJ78ZBo9-SjzGjk8puu0IARRr0agG7Kq0eRZFG40HR703z3NfbYWPcHOqG6WW6ytbzoJ_W0v/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also carved pumpkins last night and had so much fun, it's almost indescribable. I'm finally 'starting' to feel like I'm at home in our home. Having these special family moments sure does help! I love my guys so much my heart can hardly handle it. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871686445744610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm9xBxEnGF44v6kLzQsw5HR5_gUbVlH8MGwcg3S-2DJrHoVKZOlzQtYrSwuxqlaV8HK9znU5hZQdH7QwdD4rX7T2Xl3Xqq6d7NiKGKfaW6c9eEbi4JZLH2PorWiyxQ83k3167-H1Dzpd0/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We were also lucky enough to be invited to a sweet friends Halloween party on Saturday, and boy did they pull out all the stops. It was so fun! I loved all the activities and Pinterest coming to life. James loved playing with all the pink versions of his own toys, and sneaking a few sweet chocolaty treats. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871747022362034'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMSWrbYUu7bikV1UCHVUUYEKX_-O6PabPS1PeFp_llB7l4xO0aHJWzbUtUQQMn3gVurSNrPDLrdtuh5hkXBBCTo1opAmpSCmZlPpCIUDcsgA6khKqZU_yoOoIXtA_0EP59_amouoQnN2G/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871791227030322'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIk9ImkL-yr44mpymPj1VagnCRxMhUb87XqElPIc-ufOoQsRSUFTvIUPsM29MGefhdSf_JHaOfViZ7BzDKVv0xEmcRH6UmI03LQ4xDC8LkIDb8ul4etDDM3u4Juh3zEX14-oVsQ04iypl/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871840802397346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxS0b8NBGBd6iRVKioSovNI1TFcSCLbko9FftxJtZLeQ7IT0WPeShQzlLRZObJYEjFtmrj2aw9HFcstMcMZUltg8QzKpg064SZJ9wOMruYZ1b750bchZIv8wT8VwVAc6zSvgxpWz5d-LK/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A little preview of his Halloween costume, which is currently being treated for pre-Halloween chocolate stains. You know it's a good year when that happens. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5939871900072532786'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyy2K-k0bj16XSb3BYpFtSjhqBSfzFaNDPVKuWIU20bcjCNJTeRNiPK6n3QAyJ7znrQIlDZpvUSY-ovCAX-QH-ZeQB98QOPPcBjHLu_mg4bvpLRg4bhYKv4lk-J9AUfAUl-IOgeFwhGiR/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-41987625009181698262013-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-18T08:00:10.603-04:00Where I've Been<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, October has a brought a pretty full month for our little family. James and I are doing a program at the library on Wednesday mornings where activity stations abound and specialists come and speak to us about child development - obviously <strike>I </strike>we love it! I'm fairly certain that in addition to learning lots of great new things, we picked up lots of not so great new germs. We had runny noses and congestion around here for the past two weeks, which just kind of throws things off kilter.<br />
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In other new developments Josh and I started eating clean, a take on Whole 30/Paleo lifestyle. So I've spent hours upon hours meal planning, and cooking healthy meals for us. Most of what used to be a spare moment have been spent chopping vegetables, like hours upon hours of veggie chopping. Actually my knife skills have come a long way these past two weeks. It's been great for us both and with all the working out I've been doing (lots and lots), I can't tell you how nice it is to see the scale finally move. I'm also happy because this is truly the way <strike>we </strike>I want to eat. I asked Josh to join me in this adventure for the month of October and I see sticking to this 80/20 through the holidays. Then back at it (and hopefully all organic too) come January.<br />
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It's much easier to avoid gluten/soy/processed everything than sugar. I've had to make an exception for cough drops and even with those I bought ricola (the closest thing to crunchy without driving 30 minutes to Whole Foods). I'm also the proud owner of a mason jar of Organic Coconut Oil, which I think may officially make me a hippy (just one of the crazy ways becoming a parent has changed me).<br />
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So I made some major priorities for our family this month and even though I wish writing a blog post everyday was one of them (like way more than loading the dishwasher and folding cloths), it hasn't been. <br />
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I'm also at a crossroads of wanting to simplify things in my life and do what I do well vs trying to squeeze in too much and not be good at anything. I'm never going to be a "business blogger" or even see my blog demographic growing much larger than the core group of my parents, in-laws and their friends who read this (which I love). Also a lot of my favorite blogs have gone private recently, which made me take a step back to think, why am I doing this? So even though I've probably gone longer periods without writing than the past few weeks. I purposely didn't devote anytime to blogging and recording our life. And I missed it. I think I'm going to try to carve out a few moments here and there to write, because I like it. I like connecting with my friends and family, and just keeping a record of the wonderful life God has blessed us with. <br />
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Cherishing each and every moment with James is the main priority of my days, but I do want to spend a little more time over here <strike>talking</strike> typing about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSYiRjizXW2NZ8tSQhMkr_ycSeaXRrscrrkMgA1sHoKw_pmAdUllwMVS4tNy125TK_MhKj6FqROgL7eOD6ehxZdCx7Up2L66g2fBaXkkwPGiZMlPaJt3zs9jeyojSOq6zs4Nk_hOa-nI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSYiRjizXW2NZ8tSQhMkr_ycSeaXRrscrrkMgA1sHoKw_pmAdUllwMVS4tNy125TK_MhKj6FqROgL7eOD6ehxZdCx7Up2L66g2fBaXkkwPGiZMlPaJt3zs9jeyojSOq6zs4Nk_hOa-nI/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is so awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtqkYE_NPaup88o5Oz_7kegOIQWadG4AR49RVgdpuluh0817bAeJ3ub150Pn9OLQydZul4vEGOAHMxB5x3XjR48fyl8XeZWI9-Jb7iKd0oRAvM5kikwcOLvpmY00ZYY-E7YTWKGYqAXI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtqkYE_NPaup88o5Oz_7kegOIQWadG4AR49RVgdpuluh0817bAeJ3ub150Pn9OLQydZul4vEGOAHMxB5x3XjR48fyl8XeZWI9-Jb7iKd0oRAvM5kikwcOLvpmY00ZYY-E7YTWKGYqAXI/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding on a train at his buddies birthday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m7hupa1DbWZhTMBtTYi-bdAVu5Dv5nLVwexT4G5iGF7UWmFDaK6Lvf1l2VPt79eIUuZUVDx92hRjqU4EUTdi_vJ0YT4ws6ZTD4VGrqmPTvg4bgSU8TcE_PMuo98ndUemEoNoIhsYOXk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m7hupa1DbWZhTMBtTYi-bdAVu5Dv5nLVwexT4G5iGF7UWmFDaK6Lvf1l2VPt79eIUuZUVDx92hRjqU4EUTdi_vJ0YT4ws6ZTD4VGrqmPTvg4bgSU8TcE_PMuo98ndUemEoNoIhsYOXk/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, when are you planning to potty train me already?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveJDCAPWxKV9s83H4zRlLNqbZxJvwMmw-ckFBBsFn1iB_3nBTFRL7fkhGx-cp4yTXiYLwlfqygul9ZiDURTQD7eceAxgZY9dkL04W11sHEBGmnWWgccNy19hgNvmSMLivKpF7JcrWbnk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveJDCAPWxKV9s83H4zRlLNqbZxJvwMmw-ckFBBsFn1iB_3nBTFRL7fkhGx-cp4yTXiYLwlfqygul9ZiDURTQD7eceAxgZY9dkL04W11sHEBGmnWWgccNy19hgNvmSMLivKpF7JcrWbnk/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't believe he climbed this all by himself - he fell off as I was taking this picture - MOM FAIL!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9EV-9t-zsebQLoVYIfru9YM8gK1fBmpTbprXbMlcE21Kw_ellZSM3_JRwycGrVsRqtm7_3taWJGyuuDFo6u8HKUZFPR4E-axIE1ewvlSNWWbLuv4k-3yrWIe43RgFdiBcyzh5wrYf10/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9EV-9t-zsebQLoVYIfru9YM8gK1fBmpTbprXbMlcE21Kw_ellZSM3_JRwycGrVsRqtm7_3taWJGyuuDFo6u8HKUZFPR4E-axIE1ewvlSNWWbLuv4k-3yrWIe43RgFdiBcyzh5wrYf10/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our afternoon walks now include 2 Elmos, Mickey, Goofy and a Teddy Bear (not pictured)</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-86201499750486408892013-10-10T15:51:00.001-04:002013-10-10T15:51:46.973-04:00Beautiful DayHaven't spent much time computing - just focusing on living life to its fullest. <br /><br />And we are, loving every moment!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5933216870299810498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf8H-R4CNhe9eAQIaPrIRfT9yUpFLCYJ8E72nkH9KkeFb7mR0hobwt6Y5NtyYrWIK979fFcYtOQsWl-Ow3HeNj3_yqcEk7uPA5o7BvDmw9J7xZQwGk4aPWCH8OF2DLlfdyY94TNcRkqb6/s288/1381434574.451658.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wagon rides with best friends and watching airplanes fly by overhead. <br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-69858094120035603762013-09-23T21:52:00.001-04:002013-09-23T21:52:27.406-04:00Tailgating ToddlerWe made our first family trip to Gainesville on Saturday for the Tennessee Game. It was so much fun!<br /><br />It took me a few days to recover from trekking all over campus and keeping up with a one and a half year old all day-wow that's a lot. <br /><br />Josh loves tailgating and just has so much fun cooking up a storm. Although we would typically head up on Friday night, the past few weeks have been hectic for our little family, so we decided to head up on Saturday. <br /><br />Breakfast is usually Josh's domain and this time was no different. We packed coolers on Friday night and set the alarm for 5 am (humm maybe another reason I was tired). We headed out just as the sun was rising for the two and a half hour drive. James was sweet and quiet in his car seat until the last 30 minutes or so. It was a fun little family road trip that involved very creative renditions of the Wheels on the Bus. <br /><br />When we arrived we zipped into a parking spot and met up with our crew. Josh got to cooking and I got to teaching James about corn hole. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927000586023023186'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2doy5Ll-alZfrhMQmtz0zqEgaaivRu_wv8XGE2d454jf9kqiNdkQ0687fTzJ6pLoMlmgVSoEOO9gFAovjBcMqHx1MDxmamh5hvfJy2KU1XnvxuvAtpc-eJvTzvLJzfjawU2s9LrmK3Wq/s288/1379985999.649016.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927000658964856898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hdtCS3x0uIutzdcSk_OU-YcensvITpaBA6BBg8_t5Pwg2CIsPIHV3_f6GRGZqfPFRjhfMPHCiVb3sREg8q0xbMAyPEKV2tjToXrYVJ0jSXogqpfHUaUm4CUnRVU8gVk6jZnidwWh5Wzs/s288/1379986006.487266.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927000707481321602'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k0zBBvkhKq2Ddg7PqF3FjVoWbBVmwaAPdMbSSN3yQyKyuOIaOcljnhhyphenhyphenAwQoKb6PwsbHWdLV-8g59UApwhpK33dJyNV6ink4H51-Ol_QmJvgV_9VS4qU5pz2uFeI7OzpVXPOFlWE1jXu/s288/1379986008.299450.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Love my boys!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927000747997220290'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61bfGMwYEZTyf3vvF2MukhjoMBO7qE8Cvf-VjaApVJC7ruX4PXyub3wYESHKTdRM1N9AZLZYSo_2yeA-54WI044tK77umEVwR4b3PlqgXFMFzQH2Wc-ZOk17IznfIGd9ZrHmt5JXnYDUA/s288/1379986012.975215.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927001176030808402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJG-hZC8Ul74n02B7OktHmVg3n5K-uValQ_WIxI0oGgRm2XpWRAJpWFzQISACiplZkBbdmUJeGN772zRE7fOTozLVyVxzdjdtIuVlirvJ-ElsEzaIcUQpoSD2rjeZcKx45mNP7TmmWLqM/s288/1379986016.494773.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also did lots of puzzles and ran ALL OVER the field. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927001211839713106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJ7VeIbZWx0fRVoO5p89P9mu1maoFs2RRvjFPWkt-faj5UYChidfe1Jpd6Or7do7UQZoZOO3cXxq_gU00nzkpq-MQE63HnJVYBr2TiQWft7npOqnW5su63jjVszVFLx5urYsp5Zc-YjYn/s288/1379986093.702947.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh that cowlick...<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927001254549954818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5ZmZxYSEzyFoAMW9Rcpr3XolenmBOen6Ee_I562H-pTcnVA_CI1NpHg8CwnEVGo4Qnjqky6FLGjt4gkPUzLm8tEGzceciy4-D-cxNWKkr1aj48sxuzLgewR1TEiR1Xw65jUVyF4Le5UL/s288/1379986103.497253.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cheese grits and hash browns. My kind of tailgate!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927001294625505170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL2Ll_IU8TXwTxjfuSES31WDA3IyCQP6eY1Ag57ty7ehoAkIhF1HX4NSkJ57fxR5G4pVbL2SrzdzMRTjFibjwf2j3O0qhCTBzMQ2m2AI_PBazgiCX6ivyshFrlDbz3l29wQxZOW5AoKwa/s288/1379986105.201509.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After breakfast we headed to the Florida bookstore, where James got his first Gator baseball hat and more books about Albert the Alligator (one of our favorite reading topics). <br /><br />We continued on down to the Phi Mu house, it was so neat to see the beautiful addition, and one of my college roomies was inducted to the hall of fame. She pretty darn fantastic! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927001332720356322'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYAh2X09GU0b8MV5pziFWzkLP7Dsw1wIxyx9uqiLejoZxtxwJKeisaU1YBNdFHfF2NMhh-toXnBPYBjiOsaqPxdTKndf32c5sfXtB-K8ZAErw9KddFYoqx5e6WPqbC4-A4GYtk0IM7nQA/s288/1379986494.658866.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I couldn't believe how many ladies were there, it was really a special treat and I hope to run into more sisters soon!!<br /><br />A lot of our friend were waiting for us back at the tailgate so we walked back over, and explored campus more. I love to see all the game day outfits. I never got a picture in my dress, but I'm sure I'll wear it to any other games I go to. Although I switched in and out of my orange and blue jacks with more comfy croc loafers for walking. My back hurts too much from toting James around to even think of wearing flip flops all day anymore-ha!<br /><br />We went to Alumni Hall, but just missed Albert and Alberta-darn. James posed with this statue instead. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5927001378315787858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGiBwyAs39xSGvODVtlHM7gZjpvrYeYpG3fi0GH10QPw9NfbKVtuVrdXNVUAv5uKoidHtLvz0Uai76JgSIBav0w4dukX_NrXe4PlztsgUUc5OX3SmozUhf_hDFj2nORG7pbrll8OIaRGR/s288/1379986942.445742.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Before we knew it, it was game time. I had decided to stay back at the RV with James all along because I didn't think either of us would have the energy to go to the game. He may have, but I didn't!<br />He never stopped going all day, I was sure glad when everyone started trickling back from the game. It's always a great thing to beat Tennessee. <br /><br />We won't be going to every game this season, but I'm looking forward to a few more with my fellas. As always, it's Great to be a Florida Gator!!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-3214704959034165622013-09-20T14:40:00.001-04:002013-09-23T14:12:29.376-04:00Five on Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Five on Friday, <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">linking</a> up to share all the things I'm loving this week<br />
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-1-<br />
Our roof is done! Looking a little red after the evening storms last night. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5925776570865733522"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNg5xDJDP2xIeJWlKVx0QODjhZvyL5Pd7ZZXi3Lb6PZPBamso-RpCFhkpoDzw3giQGdrdVLRvQxNofjAmaaAb3nWSREiEyDW9xBYDV4Bu3Jd76QFzio4y3IzvftQRR2Fs2Usix5xyho8k/s288/1379701463.515309.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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-2-<br />
That James loves to help clean, he can even turn the central vac on all by himself. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5925776609963786882"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIxVFhD7WX9x5yP1jkmQRoUXhDN3zytUymafgqcIi5MV0oTkSYbHnI0zu_rvNRVDzhOX58-fxkfcmJSkl_84pxrcEgpoQDnXxg0K6U9t0cE7N8F55mdHMsRylDO2Wp95w1Lssuz-58wF0/s288/1379701475.769564.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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-3- Fresh Flowers and Fall Candles - what's your favorite scent? I love Farmers Market from Yankee Candle. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5925776655359125026"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHe3XImjVCWhRS-8G9PduXK76z3jJQHiTZgh2YR2rOsh82FBVOtfvAJUddpmhBKaAdJGaOVMlTvxG7Eh80MBPZMWpHOlc34omtK7X1jTgxgzYHSfzdWsJPxhppzPfzPJdlk-hMK8IaHMU/s288/1379701480.564223.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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-4- My little coffee & tea station for playgroup this morning<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5925776703131604146"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mXCRPBwaR87029NZDHN3MhCpRr5cI6iRoEUSXV9MQYXUO1aRJWDjAxLOmW2F3XGvKyg5bpeMpr4D-cbX8_jQMQcEF5uZJj0p_BmZyx-bad3Cy8fwdt42vopP64ADFCaOPCQNorVX4GYP/s288/1379701485.596946.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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-5- That we are Gainesville bound tomorrow. Can't wait to tailgate with James, go to the reception at my sorority house, and let my kiddo go into Albert overload. He literally screams, "ALBERT ALBERT" everytime he sees the gator logo (both standup Albert and the standard gator head). It's gonna be a fun day. One of the pictures I sent for the alumnae reception at Phi Mu...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5925776747542531042"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUPDRadI_JeYbPbONvOEDmKDNHUvqhk7PHVkUreU69lMFaSCoJpQD4tIS5KnpRtJes2b-564-DAK-nm-SjwOW_2QUP6-8LXZquQhlji2fw6Jc4n5m_kvkC_SYZ7DcGPhjS0udsSd8OrqD/s288/1379701969.873799.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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Ole Miss Game 2002<br />
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-87644832170963712013-09-17T14:37:00.001-04:002013-09-23T14:13:45.044-04:00Well...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm still working on managing my time with a toddler, haven't gotten things to a point where I feel I have enough 'spare' time to blog. But sure wish I did!<br />
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We just returned from a week in Virginia and DC, which couldn't have been better. And are visiting my parents for a while since Josh had to return to Charlotte this week, as well.<br />
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I'm not missing my house or the unending chores it holds for me! Just the few hours I spent there on Sunday/Monday stressed me out. It did get a pretty new roof while we were away, I'm not sure if any of us could have handled week three of pounding and nails in our tires.<br />
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Even though no one <i>should </i>be pounding on our roof this week, we did have. to get Molly and are enjoying this time with my parents so very much.<br />
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James just adores ducks, and had the best time running around with his Poppa yesterday. It's too sweet not to share. <br />
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I'm planning for James to be a cute little duck for Halloween, and am having a fun time looking for his costume!<br />
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James added <b>many</b> new words to his vocabulary last night during a midnight snack. He woke up at ten and wouldn't go back down, so around 11 I asked if he was hungry, "yes," he cried and jumped off the bed.<br />
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After eating half a pan of spinach casserole, we started naming things in the kitchen and added orange, apple, bowl, avocado, plum, and spoon to his vocabulary. We couldn't believe it!<br />
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Alright, back to my toddler behavior book. My son became a biter, pusher and pincher by day three of Mothers Morning Out. So I'm working to nip it in the bud before bringing him back. Sometimes I can see anger flash across his face before an incident and others its seems he likes his little friend so much he just wants a little bite of them. He's also been biting the dining table and lazy boy at my parents house, so I'm awfully confused by the whole thing. Discipline is coming into parenting now and I know how important it is, but gosh, it's hard!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-80533285104736567222013-08-28T14:36:00.001-04:002013-09-23T14:14:27.240-04:00First Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday was James' first day of Mother's Morning Out. I was looking forward to him having the chance to learn and grow this year, taking a few baby steps away from me in the process. We have planned to do the program with one of his sweet little friends from playgroup although finishing up swim lessons had us starting the program a day earlier than initially planned and without our little friend. <br />
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I wasn't totally prepared (with things or emotionally) for what yesterday would bring. His tiny little backpack was not back from the embroidery shop yet and I had to label his sippy cup with painters tape and a black marker because I waited a little too long to order his labels. Lesson learned for real back to schools in the future, have everything ordered in June! Honestly it's my personality to shop around or think about it a little too long. No surprise there, but I don't want to feel unprepared in the future. <br />
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Of course, I took what ended up being the longer route out of my neighborhood. Since I don't plan on having roofers blocking my driveway or doing mini photo shoots before I leave in the future hopefully time will be on our side. We weren't late, but there in time for drop off. He started playing right away, and I ducked out. <br />
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Out in the hall, I was asking the director about coming in a little late due to swim lessons the next few weeks, when I heard James start to cry and ask for me. I know from the gym and church nursery this only lasts as long as it takes him to see a truck or car to divert his attention so I was fine leaving my little buddy behind. <br />
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It wasn't until I got to my car that the flood gates opened. One of my (single and childless) friends recently posted on Facebook how she didn't understand why parents cry when sending their kids off to another year of school. Her mom was always happy to see her and her siblings go. In fact I don't think I cried one tear because I was sad, they were all tears of joy. <br />
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I cried because my son is growing up to be a sweet, curious little boy. I cried because I've poured every ounce of myself there is to give into him each and everyday of his life, and now I'm letting someone else pour a part of themselves into him. I cried because I love him more than I ever knew I could love anyone. I cried because time is flying by faster than I'd like. I cried because I was finally getting a moment to think a full thought and complete a task uninterrupted. I cried because Josh, his grandparents and I have taught him just about everything he knows. It's so amazing all he's learned, and now he will be learning even more. I cried because I felt a little lost with out my sidekick and partner in crime. I cried because my husband finally picked up his line so I could tell him how wonderful our little boy was. I cried because he's growing up faster than I want him to. I cried because he's delightful to be around 97% of the time and I was going to miss him the next two hours. I cried because he is a little piece of me and a little piece of Josh that God created, and I think he's just pure perfection. <br />
<br />
After I finished my Starbucks and got off my emotional roller coaster. I used those two (and a half) hours like I've never used two and a half hours before. Not only did I clean, fold laundry, unload the dishwasher, make lunch, I got out power tools, completely reworked the shelving in my closet moved three dressers around, made a charging drawer in my night stand table and organized the heck out of our master bedroom. It felt so so good to accomplish and finish things, I felt just as proud of myself as I did of James a few hours earlier. Productivity is a possibility for just a few hours a day. <br />
<br />
When I picked him up he was so excited to see me and kept asking for more, more, more the whole ride home. He loved it, and I'm so very glad he did. <br />
<br />
The roofers woke him up from his nap a little too soon after such a big day. He wasn't ready to go down to play after his nap. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5917240744255770850"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBZdc6Go-UfIObYHLGm_gD54duDdMgYVKYayoamD9TBEPJaDsM30yUjASOcDNgURA1q82slSFPa-A_49QWpi1AAkSqjJK18vXmvPgLG4V0ByY_FFLCdbTjiym1FoGgthTScp-34l-dT56/s288/1377714784.650960.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-70023682852030211312013-08-14T11:14:00.001-04:002013-09-23T14:15:26.138-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a while, not that we don't have a lot going on, we do. I just haven't had many free moments to write about it. <i>I'm actually writing this while doing cardio/legs at the gym-hello multitasking/not being good at anything I do anymore. </i><br />
<br />
In a very sad development Splenda has been moved to the <a href="http://news.msn.com/us/splenda-goes-from-safe-to-caution-after-leukemia-found-in-mice" target="_blank">caution</a> list by the CSPI and Truvia isn't the same. I kicked coffee while pregnant and have even bid a fond farewell to Coke and all sodas, but staying home with a toddler requires more energy than my body is currently producing. I need caffeine and I'd like it to taste good (with as few calories as possible). <br />
<br />
I am looking forward to picking up an occasional Starbucks conveniently located next to James' mothers morning out program to fuel whatever house project/cleaning I'll be doing in those two (and a half) 'free' hours each week.<br />
<br />
Wonder how long it will take me to paint every room in our house two hours at a time...<br />
<br />
We'll have to pick paint colors first, which has been an obstacle thus far. Every wall in this house is painted a hue so far from our comfort level that we can't even think of colors that would work while in the room (insert red dining room). <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5912352955567881090"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQSsoPhCtrXuLtbIwYzicJwEPnlc96woBi-E9wmk7U3jKJ61opnaeLWkYiuFNCbFSfdCbGOZWQtobmr3DWU9YJgvXm5Wlb_fX-w_LBerBOCiDeUYq19c-PkpcDIKUBXVMECdqyB_69F4U/s288/12.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
<br />
James escaping my playing him Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle Twinkle on the keyboard in his playroom. Hanging from the chandelier seemed much more fun!<br />
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I'm doing my best to keep him OFF tables, so we read lots of books, 'Twas the Night Before Kickoff is his current favorite and working on our Gator chomp to get ready for football season!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5912353015814682978"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE5AhNu-6XoBRLxQBDRXT1YOfB5bak9_YF-pFuWMIIpT0s_fmbU5qv28J_r96580RW33fvmgByldDQN8ZF3sWzW35cMR-WcdBcZWgNibHlKyVbPSizdXojhA6D1ovInHdlAKEw1n_BUhB/s288/13.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-75705889041520130122013-08-08T14:16:00.000-04:002013-09-23T15:52:10.667-04:00One-and-a-Half Years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914259864034472274"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg72Ed09YnHaApzedMwvZ34rBueFR4ylyzUuau2S7HvEflluaNix2nFz37Sj46WBi5iTxUGb3tvQLTS3cjNS6uV8tD1TVBoJ4i1l0W-GQaegpN2R8c6jzXlYojWJWnpHBo00u578Jacgi/s288/17.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="224" /></a></center>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
How could it be that that a year and a half has passed since you were born? Your daddy and I agree that it's hard to remember a time that you weren't a part of our lives. I guess everything pales in comparison to you.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914259921001721458"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeVAl_REyGOfXNjhq2z60YQYhg5P18Z1FrbPEdVj3rUu_2pNTJXOHr-zhadgGJDueCLzSG00_kaMQTdt0O48xw-f9NZMLW3bTH_7i7DphA7xoIh4mqz47eck9IIwIuc0iQocJg0Lv63yg/s288/12.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="225" /></a></center>
<br />
Vibrant is possibly one of the best words to describe you in fact.<br />
Every range of emotion you express with gusto from pride in a new skill learned, excitement and joy to be starting each and every day, anger from not being able to do what you want- you clearly let us (and everyone else around) know how you feel.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914259976649925010"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQGJ2Zcw8Aace9UYBIVO8PvvTwFTB1RWW3oOd84jWPGtMWNJ4O_Mr3EGwR0uRvNTeQxZMkM0FbvMwSpkmQBGis_CLD2yZgNsqEsuJY0r6_shXowkR2mIwps337vvX0s2odD8EkQ8Qfgxe/s288/13.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="221" /></a></center>
<br />
You are 33" tall which puts you in the 72nd percentile and weight 24 pounds 10oz, 34%. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260038051523554"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8Q5IeUxSh2PnRS7izllYcPOvKbdsQUHlPHqvxADfJcvGAHcFBBlWK0FnTNfm5XMw1r3MgLw3w1KxY7P44Rbtpb5CrVwI37YfjI6Sv_BCLdx_4szXLl7HM8-0AojZ8sYq8Xj-sEqRk3eG/s288/18.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="214" /></a></center>
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At 18 months old, you have lots of interests and activities, here are a few:<br />
Puzzles, trains, cars, trucks ("vrmm vrmm vrmm"), stacking (and knocking down blocks), walking Molly, playing with friends, swimming, and ducks-oh your LOVE of ducks.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260148211925474"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VEnoVpHg8BiL2KV17dKFaICTc9jEOO2PUfSYf-AVI4wiSVdh7Qhw2uWO1T257WNm84ccgOVQlK-LPY8IKRloRPATLlC27XnogOUlDblVP8XgzGRIsyd0km-PVLFKzrBfLCUAdv-nEGAH/s288/16.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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You love to eat: Spinach, grapefruit and ice cream are your favorite foods. You are willing to try most things and I am very proud of your palate and fruit and veggie intake. The other night you had a spear of asparagus in each hand alternating bites and smiling in between saying, "mmmmm." <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260215355991778"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZOO3X9I7vFS4ptYr0m4q2mx9oDuZqbFpw24IROX1HyePHv8SyGsGT72WB4ombS-kR2d-uUPJF-j2lOmyRiBeDx-2TfWqVXD089UselATdfTF2YcBsXYr_JtsxCYzEfDiU96T7fto_vgq/s288/20.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="276" /></a></center>
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You always give a squeal of delight when we bring you something "yummy, yummy, yummy" to eat, and have even tried sushi. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260276276698482"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjgBeOCgkIF2Pqe830w8Ox0HclVmbdlHkqJGX6hRGXBblcxW9rOwKiJBsxVeybMCByXhNDtY2fD6fXQ5_lbNyfA3mZsJl0c3jvzS9Z-CVZMX9IRoIqxnBJ7J6GFja6mhNYGBpoRFCifu9/s288/14.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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Adventurous within reason...<br />
You love to climb, on top of any table (which doesn't go too well at the library), up ladders and of course into your parents or grandparents laps. I'm grateful that you are more than willing to hold our hands while going for walks and when we get out of the car. Sometimes you are ready to go go go a little faster than me, I'm sure that will never change. You'll hold on tight in a new situation or when things get a little crazy. There is no doubt you are <i>all boy</i>, but I'm glad sometimes you are a tad cautious. As Grandpa says to you all day long - DANGER, DANGER.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260349511703442"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1C66vCPj9uNHGFJstrZ6J9oudZARV5LKuLisZjDezodNAQhGwf-FNTo6e-XUD5Dr0MuD8cyE2mDI_2VhGRuIkfQRri0HCGrGS4gAm4k1F7wbnQdsgFjfzo-lvsys6I4DhMYpQ5EmzC2l/s288/21.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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At your 18th month well visit, your doctor commented on how confident you are-which is really neat and probably an inherited trait from your momma and daddy. You're also very vocal-saying more than 30 words and phrases. Momma and duck are the most used and abused words in your vocabulary. I'm typically always by your side, and you like to have as much of my attention as possible, Mom, Momma, Mom Mom Mom - I have to say, it never gets old. It amazes me how you can find a duck in just about any book we read, any room we are in or just about anywhere we go.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260407814411122"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLp7h51ldWr9sz2R7YyW6hUXETtd_-GUDYeElPHnHQP5-PDjOE_qxKCPi_frgL_Ztxdk8jXSgnectvEfOwfi3dtMg6-s2RkfEjxCjiMwi3h6SUZMB7JyszoOHEuZZOI3v1v0NLx1B2OBf/s288/22.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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Just because I've kept track, here are some of your words: Mom, Momma, Dad, Dadda, Josh, Hi, Hi Josh, Hi__, bye, bye bye, Beau, Ball, Gaga (Grandma's go to name), Quack, Uh Oh, Hello, good bye, good night, Poppa, Goonpa (Grandpa), Nannie, Duck, No, Hat, Hot, Yummy, Bird, Llama, Yes, Blue, Leg, Ohoh Ahah (monkey sound), <br />
You can identify most spots on your body: I love that you lift up your shirt to show us your belly button when we ask where it is and sometimes get ears and eyes confused.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260501558025810"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsmPl1czybGYVN1RBbqXkojBmJXPZFGDuFlzxVTFzUnrKUL7_qaddkwMLBNxuNInU2WpFjqyB9xKP_F4oavCC415Ra0StjlnQXkw3JVonIzzqN1zWgDwxQz0bG6BAzd3KIBAxhDiocsfH/s288/26.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="255" /></a></center>
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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is your favorite song. Even if you are busy climbing on a table, rocking in the rocking chair or all the way across the room at storytime, Twinkle Twinkle gets your attention and you get on the floor and do all the sign language with the song.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260570482120658"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46NFgUFmMh7GCCyk4_r2YXnUIbRrQfui57lEGwg8T1XC6dX5FCaiJc7rCyySGHx8E1O1t1I2cH6RxDJrgBWzH2XHLDblCeCn7DOUzOU86Tm4yl1aza-AkltGnL8BLrIslOSdQA_l-1ltE/s288/24.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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Reading is back to being one of your favorite things to do (there was a 3 month book throwing phase that was resolved by the old standby "Where is Baby's Pumpkin" we read a lot about trick-or-treating this summer. 'Twas the Night before Kickoff is your favorite book now. We spend a lot of time reading lots of books everyday, and you've begun to occupy yourself by flipping through books on your own (happily spotting ducks amongst the pages). <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5914260641129095442"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdwdBljQ0AKtnWURj8KlLf6-0c5maCbuQFeeDgdyfsspaJYnZqwm2I0bTv5RgaEZPmiksgmjkuNzIZM4pebgTZlpd49cUlKwMpBH2WWaS5CQwGVOlh5Mqbx1fosLGx5r29CzaWQcZJDHf/s288/25.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="259" /></a></center>
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To this day I get stopped in the store and receive many comments about how happy you are. I'm so glad you are so happy and filled with such joy. A hug from you usually means both you and your little friend end up on the floor. I cherish every moment spent with you. Without a doubt my life has been changed for the better, been given more meaning and blessed beyond measure because you are in it. If this is how good the first year and a half is, I can't wait for the rest, you truly are THE BEST!<br />
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Love always, <br />
<br />
Your Mommy</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-59502845069709390772013-07-26T09:43:00.001-04:002013-09-23T14:16:58.679-04:00Friday Five: According to James<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What five things James is loving this Friday.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5904919136420810770"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBDowNSYa6DXnp_W24tNCmjxZ-SkjvXP20f8cy20ahp0PsmBRubIIdG717XXsZ3IVMYvxVVPsMTWJ-rztmYP_2YBzH2ZDNR_4-ejMRPcsMvdipTn_SHrKfbpbcJltdJjikd1OcixIXYcG/s288/20.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></center>
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-One-<br />
That mommy can't get off the floor as fast as I can climb on the table. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5904919186775363202"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr_WE83jFkTa0dl4QFfsbfOct4kdKf34_P1yMPShqBD-NQ00vdZH7b0v-w88ATFePe4ZvqG-zzYdBlmsQKbpJ8BYEjV8pHSuxumZEeSSyarynvQVCsii0v6YThafN8eAaCpRxPpU986Ih/s288/12.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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Also that Cheerios are a great substitution for confetti when you have something to celebrate and no tiny pieces of colored paper to throw in the air. <br />
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-Two- <br />
That I got to walk Molly all by myself this morning in my PJs. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5904919231904171170"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbzIIc7smlESobri19e6EJ_sSmkaqs9vBhA1wI_cyoFbFCvGzCEbly1byZ4iznwnSbRE-LLt4flLPz7gC7Tb197goAAooe-F9JsZa9rAsbg8NgaUuNxFx3C26tq-6DQpjTP8BpIbVuAow/s288/13.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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And jump in every puddle along the way. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5904919293190459714"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5gr2LKs8DN5AZGXzITyxGt1qLEfmYPIVixSerLNt5ZG4eUa935uD0kbmL03H9rPyg-mZHDoLDGzMWsuHplX2T1aYBx5E6y2ZZJp4Vd-wD4sLwSWF-Aop0-NpOGsfAhs4dirpUz0TpdQX/s288/14.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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<br />
-Three-<br />
Baby Boat Drinks. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5904919343735031858"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz5WGFVBvxjTJ9Il1cn3v1m7ONFgqrkmRHpZKwH9VrBu4RD8IY25wO4_dfJsge3jU9HaVSuBQf04QWxG9bgkntsrbtEQ5tsQfuoME_Td-y4ryvPtiRC-ok898hw3KDSUpXiLotQJnlC0T/s288/16.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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Miami Vice anyone?<br />
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-Four-<br />
My new book, Barnyard Bath!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5904919396840089090"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJk3jqY0u4Sr7YA2CGIuBQwLz-BjMv3Iy7xcorAKk7o_jdiLg9nNZLsr3jrGI8dEOSNrBtY6G3D5eGWt0OXMSEtXdKKAl1rOjRFOoXfOQEIGBKhsrxkhbs8TXeMdMC174YBCbE6cgC4fu/s288/17.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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Scrub, scrub, scrub little piggy. <br />
<br />
-Five-<br />
My new car. I got it by trading in my hair, great deal if you ask me. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102810037255194855912/DixieGatorGal?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-V-7mfgef4uQE#5904919436527671362"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFxCL23IyKSWJsJWhyphenhyphene9Dq7M39t8MY8lR4S2N2r6fve3VvcorhKBeMmiX6W7EKc5z8AvWOu7pVybPN8E-P-eDlm9PaA3RvVY5d5c9psQ8u27Mt1oCzkZ4elUS6leuEVpFY308gM4TK9uV/s288/18.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center>
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Just waiting for it to be delivered...<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-4721734854390708842013-07-23T10:02:00.001-04:002013-09-23T14:18:59.225-04:00To Grandmothers House We Go<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
James, Molly and I have spent the past few days with my parents house and it's been lovely. <br />
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All ready to go to Nannie and Popa Morgans house!<br />
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Josh is on a business trip and I had a bridal shower for a dear friend, so we decided to stay for a while. <br />
Kristin had a beautiful shower at the beach, it was so fun to catch up with old friends and literally see her showered with love. I'm so excited for her and her awesome fiancé. They make the perfect pair. I thought she looked very Kate Middleton, no?<br />
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I tried to edit the picture in iPhoto, but I have trouble with that app. Kind of neat, but not exactly what I was going for. <br />
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I had fun wrapping her present and tried to be a little shabby chic, while using a template I had pinned on Pinterest. <br />
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I've been going 'homemade' on wrapping and cards lately. Mostly because I don't want to bring James shopping with me. I have mental images of him yelling until I let him take every card off the rack. <i>I'm probably imagining the worst, but still he likes to be very hands on</i>. So I take out some scrapbook supplies and go to town. I'm really missing <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/" target="_blank">Paper Source</a> these days, but wouldn't dare bring James in there-ha!<br />
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We are enjoying our time with Nannie and Poppa Morgan. James and Molly just got back from their third walk of the morning. So I'm off to play trucks. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06986564685493883464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794875795785300832.post-57372743600990296432013-07-19T09:10:00.001-04:002013-09-23T14:20:54.857-04:00Five on Friday & SUYL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Is it wrong that I'm throwing my own personal "linking up to everyone else's link parties" party today? Is there blog etiquette for this? I do not know, but I just love the <a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Friday 5</a> and <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/" target="_blank">Kelly's Show Us Your Life</a>, so here are things I'm thinking about today.<br />
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-One-<br />
The Joys of Cooking (or not) <br />
I try to do most of the prep for our dinner while James naps, because <br />
it's very hard to cook with a little one holding onto my leg saying, <br />
"Mama, MaMaaa, MAMA," a few thousand times. No kitchen triangle can <br />
contend with a toddler who wants the chiefs attention! Cooking dinner <br />
causes me stress. I've learned to make all our breakfast and lunch's <br />
for the week on Sunday night so it's simple, healthy and there's hardly <br />
any mess to clean up earlier in the day. I could use that at the end of<br />
my day, too. Enter Freezer meals.I'm seriously considering a doing a month of freezer meals one of these days. I've heard great things about <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/" target="_blank">Once a Month Mom</a>. I made a <a href="http://dixiegatorgal.blogspot.com/2012/01/freezer-meals.html" target="_blank">bunch while pregnant</a> and was so very glad that I did. Our favorite were <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/01/asian-turkey-meatballs-with-lime-sesame.html" target="_blank">Skinny Taste Asian Turkey Meatballs</a> and still are a favorite now enjoyed by James as well! I even have a Pinterest Board dedicated to <a href="http://pinterest.com/dixiegatorgal/freezer-meals/" target="_blank">Freezer Meals</a>. One of these days I'm going to devote a weekend to cooking, so I don't have to for the rest of the month -doesn't that sound amazing?<br />
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-Two-<br />
Speaking of cooking, I checked out Jessica Seinfeld's, <a href="http://www.doitdelicious.com/cookbooks" target="_blank">Deceptively Delicious</a>, from the library this week.<i>I never thought I'd be one to check out cookbooks from the library, but our story-time circuit makes it pretty convenient, especially if I put it on hold before we go - that probably makes me an official, yet efficient, nerd!</i><br />
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Thanks to baby led weaning James really eats just about everything, and I just get so tickled to see him chow down on asparagus spears, broccoli and spinach. I do love the idea of sneaking in even more nutrients from fruits and veggies, but making puree's to put into recipes is a whole extra step that I don't know if I want to add to my meal prep drama-ha!<br />
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-Three-<br />
In a welcomed break from all the national news my home state is causing, <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/fishhawk-mermaid-asks-board-to-change-pool-rules-against-swim-fins/2131896" target="_blank">this lady who wants to just wear a mermaid tail at her community pool</a>, is quite the scandal here in Tampa Bay. She can come swim at our house anytime!<br />
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-Four-<br />
James is keeping me on my toes these days! He just gets into everything, and oh boy he is fun and adventurous! He loves to walk Molly, and now likes to make everything he finds into a leash...for himself. I'm not a fan of unwrapping electrical wires from his neck multiple times a day, not sure if this is an "ignore and go away phase" or something where I need to start honing my none existent disciplining skills. <i>He seriously wrapped a computer wire around his neck while I pulled this up to publish! </i>So I guess I'll be checking out discipline books from the library this week instead of cookbooks, any recommendations?<br />
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-Five-<br />
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My brother is deploying soon to "an undisclosed location in the middle east." I'm so grateful for his service and pray for his quick and safe return. </div>
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