tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14138139157751019622024-02-19T05:35:49.333-06:00Nonnie's Blessingsnonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-21048177324675490952012-08-20T17:48:00.000-05:002012-09-06T12:34:43.570-05:00What If <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the last few months several people close to me have lost loved ones. </div>
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Heartbreaking loss. </div>
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Any loss is hard. </div>
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It is especially hard when things are not settled between you and people you love.</div>
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I do not know if things were right between some of these friends. </div>
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I do know it causes me to want to make sure that those who I love</div>
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and have been part of my life,</div>
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that I love them.</div>
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Take time to convey to those you love words that will never end in regret.</div>
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<span class="text Col-3-12"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,</span><span class="text Col-3-13" id="en-HCSB-29529"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.</span><br />
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<span class="text Col-3-13" id="en-HCSB-29529">Colossians 3:12-13 (HCSB)</span></div>
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<br />nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-26017674368959481312012-08-10T21:57:00.000-05:002012-08-10T21:57:45.780-05:00Three and a half months, really?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I need to take a long hard look at this thing and decide if I will continue this journey of writing or not. It's a love/hate thing. Not really hate, but dread. When I am busy and many things are going on, I feel frustrated that I do not push myself to write. I do write 'in my head' but somehow it never gets to the computer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is lots to blog about- those grandbabies (they are not babies anymore, but I'll always call them that) are growing up. Paisley is two and a half and trying to run the show. :0) Ansley is just so grown up at eight, and the two middles, Millie and Addison start first grade! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">No earth shattering events, just life and what comes with it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Concerns for our nation, and our world. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Oppressive heat in the south this summer. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Friends with illness and diseases that make us realize how life is so fragile. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'Lympic watching, cheering, yellin', and covering of eyes :( (Please, wear more clothing over those bodies! ugh...) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Painting, painting, and projects. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bible studies, friend lunches, family visits and flower watering. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Puppy loving, coloring, sewing pillows and curtains. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pinterest browsing (oh, my!). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yep, busy times.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Look for me soon! I need to charge up my camera battery and download a few pics. Robin got some great shots on our beach vacation. My, the summer has flown!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Have a great weekend :)</span></div>
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nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-33708716485793848892012-04-26T16:48:00.000-05:002012-04-26T16:48:10.794-05:00Hard to breathe<i> I wrote this post last summer while at the beach. I have since finished Ann Voskamp's book. I remember I put it down several times needing to let it soak in and regain my lungs so I could plunge in again. I encourage you to read it. </i> <br />
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I have just read the first chapter of Ann Voskamp's <u>A Thousand Gifts</u>. It is moving. It is raw. And it is real. Real life. I find it hard to breathe right now. <br />
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Life is hard. It has pains and grief that most of us will question. Allowing my mind to wander into the dark places of hurt and grief only brings back the questions of why. It causes me to reach back and reflect on past tragedies and pains so deep that I rarely let myself think about. But, as I have said before, this side of heaven we'll more than likely not have answers. Life is just that way. Most of us have times in our lives we wish we could erase.<br />
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The rain is rolling in with the waves as I watch the clouds race to shore. It is soothing on a quite afternoon, lazy, relaxing, and quiet. I don't mind that I cannot be at the beach, sunning or watching toddlers play in the sand. It is nice to have nothing to do but lay on the sofa and not even think about dinner. <br />
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These days are rare, so I will soak them up like the rays of sun. Recoup. Revamp. Restore. <br />
Have a wonderful weekend!nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-30860407031867643712012-03-24T10:41:00.000-05:002012-03-24T12:00:03.019-05:00Bible Blocks Huh? Yes, I said, Bible Blocks.<br />
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I found the coolest toy blocks via Sixty-Six Clouds *way cool site <a href="http://identity33.com/blog/?p=531">Sixty-Six Clouds</a><br />
Anywho, these BIBLE BLOCKS are really toys, really blocks, but with the books of the Bible on them, and numbered in order, color coded, etc. You just have to take a looksie for yourself:<br />
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<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/id33/the-books-of-the-bible-block-set"> Books of the Bible Block Set</a><br />
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I could use them for moi. I learned the books of the Bible in Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School as a child (centuries ago), but somewhere after Amos in the Old Testament I can get kind of lost. Then somewhere around Colossians, my post middle age brain can turn to oatmeal or James steps out for a cup of coffee with the Peter and John and I can't find them. So, a good game of name the Books of the Bible could be a real memory lesson for me AND help teach the grandkids the order of the Great Books.<br />
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Take a look, and quick, this ball needs to get rollin'!<br />
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AND here's a look at the posters/screen prints from Sixty-Six Clouds. I have to have one. Deciding on which one is the problem. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from Sixty-six Clouds. You can order this poster/screen print. LOVE IT!<br />
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It's Saturday morning, I have to get some much needed chores done....Have a good one!<br />
my lilacs are in full bloom....<br />
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The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Pearls and Grace: Double Strand Event </span>was everything wonderful and more. It was a gathering of women (let's say girls) who came to hear the stories of some of their favorite bloggers. It was not for the faint of heart. Their stories were hard. Tragic. But God saw them through to the other side.</div>
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We piled in the car Friday--my girls were ready when I drove up to pick them up! I was amazed...</div>
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I am still not believing who I saw in the lobby of that great big huge resort. The other Nonny (of 'Love Being a Nonny" blog). I did not squeal. I did not run. Honest. (I surely did not want to embarrass my darling daughters). It was just delightful to meet her face to face! We planned to talk more at the Meet and Greet.</div>
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Holly, Robin and I spend some time walking around seeing all there is to see in the Cascades Conservatory, and the Delta. We had a great dinner, and then off to the Meet and Greet to hug some necks of some ladies I follow in blogland. (Just to let you know, I am wanting to squeal, but do not know how to type a squeal.)</div>
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Let me tell you, meeting these women was BIG for me. Not because they are superstars, or famous (but they are among their followers) but because they so unashamedly share their faith amidst trials with all who will read their blogs. They are honest and transparent. They are talented and real. I admire and love them and did before I ever met them. That is why this was a BIG deal for me to meet them, hug them, tell them how much I enjoy their blogs, and that I admire their courage to open up their lives so others can see Christ in them. </div>
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The Meet and Greet was great fun. I heard a few squeals. (I refrained. I did not want to embarrass you know who.) Nonny and I had a great visit. We have so much in common. Who knew?<br />
Our love for our families, Jesus, and making our homes a warm and inviting place<br />
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Here's Edie (Life in Grace) talking to two of her fellow bloggers and followeres.</div>
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I met Sibi, founder of Pearls and Grace, and told her how she is so loved and is truly a pearl! Girls, she is the sweetest thing!</div>
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Saturday, at the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Pearls and Grace Event</span>, we shed heartbreaking, laughing and joyful tears. Thank you, Jesus, that we could see and hear the happy side, too! Every woman in that beautiful room was blessed to hear, meet and embrace these women of God.</div>
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I encourage you to read the stories of these pearls who are willing to tell the good and the bad times. Each woman shared tenderly of their trials and triumphs and how the Lord has blessed them, redeemed them and brought them to a place of revelation-<i>Christ</i> is our joy. Amidst the sorrows of life, we can have true and clear joy. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Sibi</span>~ beautiful woman of God. What can I say? I wanted to just weep, and tell her she is beautiful, and she <i>is</i> loved. Here is part of her story:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Paige</span>~ her story will certainly bring tears-but you will love how it comes full circle. I happened upon her blog a couple of years ago. She has a heart for others, and supporting international crisis groups. What a joy it was to meet her and tell her in person how much I love her and pray for her and her family! I did get just a few minutes with Paige on Friday night, but not enough time as I would have liked! Here's her 'Simple Thoughts' blog address:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> http://paigeknudsen.blogspot.com/</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Edie</span>~ yes, she is the queen of blogland! I do not know how this girl does all she does and still looks totally unruffled and not sleep deprived. She is funny, talented, smart, and even home schools her darling little girls. I was just hankering to hugh her neck, and I did!</div>
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Edie, you make me smile! She blogs about spiritual things and makes you <i>think</i>. She blogged about building her beautiful new house, after her former beautiful home burned completely to the ground. Here is her famous blog: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Jane</span>~ Meeting Jane Friday night was a treat for all three of us. She so warmly greeted us and we were instant friends, and even realized we (especially Holly) had a close connections in friends. She is friends with the mom of Holly's best friend. Jane has a story to tell.....moving, sad, and uplifting-absent of bitterness! </div>
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We both confessed our techie challenges and confusion over Pinterest photo usage :) She was just so FUN. Here's her blog: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">http://www.designwgrace.blogspot.com/</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Sarah</span>~ I was fairly new to Sarah's blog, but had read her story via Sibi. Her recent loss is still so tender, so moving. During her tragic story, soft muffled sobs echoed off the walls of that beautiful room. Certainly, every woman in there longed to hold her and comfort her. She sweetly reminded us of her blessings, and her love for Jesus. Such an inspiration!</div>
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You can find her blog here: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">www.mercyliving.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> Brittany Nelson</span>-talented musician, mother of three. She led us in worship and lifted her beautiful voice to praise our Savior. Is there anything much sweeter than a group of two hundred women's raising their voices in worship? I just love it! Brittany has a new CD out. You can visit her here: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">www.melodiesofgrace.blogspot.com</span></div>
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If you need a blessing, hook up to these women and their blogs. You WON'T be disappointed!</div>
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<i>He collects every tear in a bottle.</i> Psalm 56:8</div>
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</div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-17140487631738911492012-03-09T08:47:00.000-06:002012-03-13T19:31:36.988-05:00Pearls and Grace<br />
It's happening this weekend! Can't wait........<br />
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I couldn't sleep last night for thinking about it. So I stayed on my Mac and read most of Sibi's posts, and reread Edie's and Paige's and now my eyes are all bloodshot...<br />
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I'll be the one wearing sunglasses tonight. :)<br />
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I am really wanting to meet the "other Nonny". http://www.lovebeinganonny.com/ (She and her hubby are Nonny and Poppy, and WE are Nonnie and Poppie.) She blogs-mostly about her precious grandchildren. Sound familiar? So, likely we will run into one another. Maybe we won't squeal. I would embarrass my darling daughters....<br />
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Happy Pearls and Grace event weekend!<br />
<br />nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-90501829206117033132012-02-06T19:58:00.000-06:002012-02-06T19:58:31.793-06:00EXTREMELY random news... Actually, no news. I seem to be slipping so bad in the blogging department that I just thought I would list a few... few...few what? I have no clue.<br />
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1. Paisley will be two this week! <br />
2. Why is that when you don't wash and style your hair you always see people out and about that you never see, and you wonder if they are thinking if I always go out like that? NO, is the answer. Rarely.<br />
3. The sun finally came out for ten minutes right before sunset this afternoon. Not complaining, just stating.<br />
4. My buttercups are blooming. They have been for over a week. That means they bloomed in January. This has never happened before, (here). Really. NEVER. I don't know whether to be happy or concerned.<br />
5. We have new neighbors from Switzerland. Yes, the European country. They even have an accent and are extremely friendly. Talk about culture shock.<br />
6. I am looking for a good book to read. Always looking, as a matter of fact. <br />
7. I drank a Sunkist Orange yesterday for dinner. I was awake until after two this morning. I think the cola plant mixed up the Sundrop and Sunkist caffiene ingredients.<br />
8. I rarely drink soft drinks. Really. I like water. I really do. Honest. Mr. G thinks I am crazy. He cannot stand water. Really. Honest. He really hates it.<br />
9. We have a natural stand of wild strawberries in the dog pen. In the WHOLE dog pen. If they were the good strawberries, we could put a "U-PICK" sign in the yard.<br />
10. Have you seen the talking dog on Youtube? You must. It is so funny that I laugh even when I just THINK about it. Here's the link: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> http://youtu.be/nGeKSiCQkPw</span></span><br />
11. I ran into Naomi Judd today. I really did. With my cart in the store. She is prettier in person than on t.v. Honest. She smiled at me and was friendly. <br />
12. Mr. G is watching the old movie 'The Longest Day'. I have renamed it. 'The Longest Movie.'<br />
13. Has anyone really had a LED light bulb last for seven years? I don't think they have been on the market that long. So, I guess the answer is no.<br />
14. Are you addicted to Pinterest? <br />
15. I don't know why we are buying the huge tvs, paying for multiple channels through cable or satellite, and there is nothing on tv or cable or satellite to watch.<br />
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Have a great week!nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-58849185857763050322012-01-18T15:50:00.001-06:002012-01-29T10:41:31.517-06:00Rejoice, for He knows your name!<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever been somewhere and others there knew each other, but you were not familiar with anyone? No one knew your name? How awkward that feeling is. While people are talking in their own groups, milling about, laughing, meanwhile you are alone and standing out like a sore thumb.</div>
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How comforting it is to know that our Savior knows our name. He knows everything about us; the good, the bad and the ugly! He created us, He formed us, He chose for us our appearance, where we would be born, and who would be our parents. He set a path for us from the beginning of time. He truly knows us and He knows our name. </div>
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Isaiah 49:1 states that the Lord called us from the womb, and He named our name. In context here, the Lord is referring to Israel. But, this verse is a great reminder of how intimately he knows us, counts our heartbeats, and listens to our thoughts.</div>
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Isaiah 49:16 tells us the Lord has engraved us on the palms of His hands. Taking some creative license here, think about it this way: How painful would it be to engrave something on the palms of our hands? I am reminded of the 'Home Alone' movie when the robber touched the hot doorknob and it left a burned engraving on his palm. Our sin, our neglect of our Lord, our betrayal and disobedience are the pains our Savior felt from the nails through His hands. Christ willingly did this for us as He suffered on the cross to save us. He knows us. He knows our names.</div>
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Just as sheep know their shepherds voice, Christ knows us and we know Him (John 10:14-15). </div>
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Rejoice!</div>
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For our Savior who created us, knows our name!</div>
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Isaiah 43:1-3</div>
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But now thus says the Lord,</div>
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he who created you, O Jacob,</div>
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he who formed you, O Israel:</div>
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Fear not, for I have redeemed you;</div>
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I have called you by name, and you are mine.</div>
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When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;</div>
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and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;</div>
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when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned,</div>
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and the flame shall not consume you.</div>
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While cleaning out some things this morning, I found the narrative above that I had written last year<br />
for a women's event leaflet. The verse from Isaiah 43 was one that a Bobkitten gave our group of high school friends to meditate on and keep in our hearts through our trials. It was a timely reminder to day to read this and see how God has brought this verse to my mind last January 2011, and again in August, and today as I read it. Thank you, Lord, for laying before us your wonders and comfort!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">*Sheep picture borrowed from Pinterest via flickr. manyfires (Danielle Hughson)</span><br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/manyfires/6324316271/<br />
<br />nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-60556972204072871062011-12-30T19:02:00.000-06:002012-01-03T19:13:27.689-06:00A new year begins.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The decorations are put away. The house seems lighter and brighter. Could be that the sun finally came out for a few hours this afternoon.<br />
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The fog I have been in seems to be lifting a bit. It has just over three weeks since Mama passed away.<br />
The days have been so busy with cooking, shopping, cleaning, Christmas gatherings, and doing things at my parents house. Yesterday I spent the day lounging around, and it helped me refocus. <br />
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As I put away my treasured Nativity scene, I thought about the shepherds in the field, the Wise Men from afar, and Mary-the blessed Mother of Christ. She had none of the conveniences we have as modern mothers, yet she birthed our Savior. I wonder how she cleaned the Christ babe, kept him dry and warm, in that dirty, smelly and dusty place. Do you think she and her mother packed a few soft cloths for swaddling clothes and maybe a sheep fleece for a blanket? <br />
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Maybe we will have a chance to ask those questions someday. But, maybe it will not be something we will care to know once we see Christ face to face. <br />
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I am grateful that He came to this sinful earth and saved us. How hard it must have been to leave the heavenly realm. Thank you Jesus for such a selfless act. <br />
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The world is moving on to a new year. May your days begin with some time in thankfulness to Him, who came to us. Let's start the new year off with continued praise and adoration to our King. Glory to God in the Highest, and Peace, Goodwill, toward men.nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-29367893883671252152011-12-14T08:01:00.000-06:002011-12-14T08:01:48.292-06:00Her journey here is over... Dear Friends,<br />
I have been absent here in blog world for a while. My focus and efforts have not been here, but with my mother who passed away last Friday.<br />
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Mama slipped out of this earthly world into the heavenly realm surrounded by her family. There was such mixed emotions as we knew she was beholding the face of her Savior, but we were losing her here in our tangible existence. <br />
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I have had so much comfort in knowing that she followed her Lord and is walking the streets of gold, and breathing easily and likely feasting on heavenly food. I know I will certainly see her again when my journey here is over.<br />
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I plan to write about her at a later time. For those of you who have been here to support and offer comfort to our family, we are so grateful. Keep us in your prayers as we adjust to this life without her presence. She will be so missed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypH6pP73Z9cZLfK1LIgJYww4HRL4qlzZBFx_k_rYShLt8L49gzs8qbDSKhNQDbhQ_-dtN_fPJstAFSPVqnho9vwGQRJhCMpb2_wJJE0jKr119mh9eAS09vCtFw5ohdt2-zeqQJdVy4ns/s1600/Paisley%2527s+visit+to+Great-grandparents+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypH6pP73Z9cZLfK1LIgJYww4HRL4qlzZBFx_k_rYShLt8L49gzs8qbDSKhNQDbhQ_-dtN_fPJstAFSPVqnho9vwGQRJhCMpb2_wJJE0jKr119mh9eAS09vCtFw5ohdt2-zeqQJdVy4ns/s320/Paisley%2527s+visit+to+Great-grandparents+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama and Daddy meeting Paisley, 3/2010</td></tr>
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nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-86767682126905710422011-10-28T09:21:00.000-05:002011-10-28T09:21:37.709-05:00October Past.....While browsing through pics this morning, I found a few from last year's fall collection that Robin made.<br />
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Pae in a pumpkin</div>
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(2010)</div>
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Addison, Millie, Ansley and Paisley, Oct. 2010</div>
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Little Nesters.........</div>
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(2010)</div>
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<br /></div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-39965365131539974132011-10-11T08:03:00.000-05:002011-10-11T08:03:04.259-05:00Sisterhood of the Traveling Prayers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Last year about this time, seven high school friends (some all the way back to grammar school) gathered together from all over the U.S. for a mini reunion. It was an extraordinary event that none of us will ever forget. It renewed friendships, bonded a sisterhood, and started a prayer group. Those"Girls in Grandmother Faces" are also the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Prayers". (Thank you, JM for that most appropriate title!).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bobkittens, 2011</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This year our destination was Denver, CO. The mile high city. Whoa, we could tell upon arrival that the air was thin! We descended on the Denver airport sporting our Bobkitten t-shirts that our host's husband surprised us with last year. The girlie squeals were heard as we met in the HUGE terminal. It was SO MUCH FUN!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bobkittens, 2010 'THE WAY WE ARE'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A lot has happened over the past year with family members and children. We had much catching up to do! Many sweet moments and memories were made. We talked, laughed, cried, reminisced and prayed. Our conversations were serious, silly, hilarious, genuine and certainly heartfelt. Once again, the voices haven't changed, the hearts feel somewhat young, but the bodies look different and are not as forgiving as in younger days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lu, our host, presented us with matching t-shirts featuring our high school senior portraits.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">That's THE WAY WE WERE. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Friendship does not look upon wrinkles, gray hair (or dyed to cover gray) rolls and sagging skin. We can laugh just as hard, cry just as long, and pray even more intensely with more years of experience behind us as we ever have. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Our host turned into a five star chef for the weekend, and treated us to some recipes I just might share, with her consent! (My recipe list on this blog never got off the ground, did it?) We ate GOOD, at her house and at a few restaurants.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> chicken fruit salad for lunch</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Blueberry French Toast Casserole for breakfast-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Can I say, "eye-watering FABULOUS?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Below, a hot turkey sandwich with yummy white sauce and melted cheese and almonds.......Drool, people. I did. This was at Adam's Cafe in Manitou Springs, Colorado, before the famous Cog Rail Ride up to Pikes Peak. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Below is G's salad. I could just go face down and feast feast feast....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyQGJu-2vNt5AyOu6-uLfTA38nc5ALA_sB-XmmJBzIZSWjpUbC7FZKrBbC8etyLA7YU55HygVKg9Z-0APcYpGf6qTgf9Q0sKxjtA8sSRbcoom4-FJLLxY2VVx1B_BhuPMomYU8D6Iqpg/s1600/IMG_6078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyQGJu-2vNt5AyOu6-uLfTA38nc5ALA_sB-XmmJBzIZSWjpUbC7FZKrBbC8etyLA7YU55HygVKg9Z-0APcYpGf6qTgf9Q0sKxjtA8sSRbcoom4-FJLLxY2VVx1B_BhuPMomYU8D6Iqpg/s640/IMG_6078.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Bobkitten gifts.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2nzp1jnzhZjznMXPLa6RuRYKO7m5cY0C4in_ICDTCftXOIZJ9qSV2g0vdc92xXvp-umKKDgcGsyjj94toozc0vYhqezDac3BssKOIktV4df2xVc-oBeAjj83VWNm-LwLOJWgaP3totw/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2nzp1jnzhZjznMXPLa6RuRYKO7m5cY0C4in_ICDTCftXOIZJ9qSV2g0vdc92xXvp-umKKDgcGsyjj94toozc0vYhqezDac3BssKOIktV4df2xVc-oBeAjj83VWNm-LwLOJWgaP3totw/s640/IMG_0022.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> It was so fun to carry on the black/red damask theme from last year's gathering. We would SO make our Home Ec teacher, Mrs. Mary Katherine Hammer, proud! (From the food, to the decorating, and on to the beautiful table accents, it was tastefully and artfully done!)<span id="goog_490575845"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> We visited many sites in the Denver, Colorado Springs area: Glen Eryie Conference Center, Garden of the Gods, Rocky Mountain National Park, Red Rock Amphitheatre and Pikes Peak. Colorado is a <i>beautiful</i> state. So clean, everything human built looks new; God built, looks ancient. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How majestic is your earth, Oh, God!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Taken from the summit of Pike's Peak</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Witnessing the Rocky Mountains up close and personal, the colors, the depth, the height and the broadness, gives you a feeling of humbleness. There's nothing cozy about the Rockies. They command a respect and presence of the Most High God. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This gathering was much like last years, but also very different, being in a city most of us had not visited. It brought excitement and wonder to the Girls in Grandmother Faces. As our weekend progressed we shared and prayed about events of the past year, and some of long years ago, and vowed that our prayers would be consistent for each other~thus, we are also the Sisterhood of Traveling Prayers. It doesn't get much better than that. I know I have six 'sisters' I can call or email that reach back to the past-some all the way back to grammar school-that know my story, have heard my triumphs and heartaches, and rejoice and weep with me over the pains life throws at us. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bobkittens, Sisters, Girls in Grandmother faces, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! You have uplifted me, made me smile, caused me to laugh, and brought me to tears. May we always stay close and in touch!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Until next years reunion, remember the verse Lu gave us as a reminder and comfort of our Heavenly Father:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Isaiah 43:2-3</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Pictures from Ginny, Janet, and myself! Thanks, girls!</span></div>
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<span id="goog_1749192449"></span><span id="goog_1749192450"></span>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-44664051576537982842011-09-06T20:01:00.000-05:002012-01-24T08:45:45.044-06:00Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got an email the other day reminding us to fly our American flags this week and weekend in remembrance of 9/11. I can hardly believe it has been almost ten years since that horrible day. We all agreed that life would not be the same ever again. It hasn't. <br />
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May God bless our nation. May He reign down grace upon us. I pray He will grant us mercy for how we have turned out backs on Him. <br />
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Please remember those who lost their lives that day. Lift up those who were left without loved ones.<br />
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This pic was sent to me in an forwarded email a few years ago. I do not know the source. It is a beautiful reminder of God's love for America.<br />
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<br />nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-37831077373658709932011-09-02T16:26:00.000-05:002011-09-07T07:22:14.269-05:00Random HappeningsMy blogging has taken a back seat to other happenings around here...<br />
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I have to say, it is not at the top of priorities. Plus, after the camera got eat up with milk from little Pae's bottle at the beach, I haven't taken any pics. But,,,,,,,,,, GUESS WHAT??? Poppie (Mr. G) bought me a new and improved version! Now, if I just had the time to get it out of the box!<br />
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I promise (well, I will TRY) to get it out this weekend and see if I can take some awesome pics for ya.<br />
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Life is busy. I do get surprised at how busy it can get. But, I am thankful that I have some busy, and that I am able to do the busy things. <br />
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Very soon the 'Bobkittens' will have our first annual reunion!!!! Can't wait. You will hear all about it........<br />
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On to other news: Have you read "The Help" yet? You must. Run, don't walk, people, to the nearest bookstore or yank your BF's book from her little hands and READ READ READ. I totally could not put it down. (I had to, though, to get some sleep!) I read it in three days flat, mostly between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. Ugh. But, it was worth it.<br />
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I have to say that it reflects a dark time in our nation's history--but thankfully we have moved on past that era, for the most part. It's a great read, a touching and tender story of love that transcends through race. Get your tissues out, girlies, and be ready to mess up your mascara. <br />
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I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE MOVIE!!!<br />
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Have any of you fellow bloggies read "Faux Fuchsia" ? You MUST. She is Australian with a wonderful sense of STYLE and HUMOR. I happened upon her blog about a year ago, and when I need a laugh or just a little of fun I read her blog. I have asked permission to use her hilariously funny phrases, but I must tell you I borrowed them from her! Examples: 'actioning' as in, "this morning I actioned up some biscuits for breakfast" or "look away Dr. Atkins" or "Run, don't walk people". She, her very clever self, coined the "actioning" phrase. I JUST LOVE IT. (FF would say "I just LUFF it!) ;)<br />
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FF very entertaining blog: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> http://fauxfuchsiastyle.blogspot.com/</span><br />
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Can you tell I am a word freak? I am currently working on some very creative phrases of my own....<br />
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Have an awesome Labor Day! All of you travelers, be safe!<br />
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<br />nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-73624362901948502012011-08-01T16:00:00.006-05:002011-08-02T20:06:58.775-05:00Millie Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Yesterday turned out to be a Millie Day. Mr. Gene (aka </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Poppie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">) and I were headed out to see his mother (at her retirement apartment) and I get a call learning that Miss Millie herself wants to ride along! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> It is no quick trip, mind you, out and over the big city to the far side and then some to see this great-grandmother of Millie's. So, after trading kiddos, as we had Paisley for the morning, we headed out with crayons, coloring books, a Barbie, and stuffed cow, and a five year old who has a smile that will melt your heart.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "I'm so glad I am going with you, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nonnie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">," she says from her car seat in the back. "It's fun to go places," she adds as she is studying the next page she will color.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> We listened to songs and conversation with her cow. Before long, I looked back, and Millie was sound to sleep while her head bobbing from side to side. Wish I had a camera.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> We swung by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Arby's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> for a roast beef sandwich just as we were getting close to Gigi's. Millie wanted a milkshake. So, a milkshake she got. She slurped every last drop of it! She danced all the way to the elevator. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Why don't we take the stairs?" she asked as we strolled by them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Well, my knees like the elevator better." I said to her as she pulled me along.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Push that button so we can go up!" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Poppie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> said.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Weee</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">! I like to ride in elevators." Millie said as she twirled in circles. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> We had not informed Gigi that Millie would be coming along for the visit. So when we approached her door, we told her to say "Surprise!" when Gigi opened the door.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Surprise, Gigi!!" Millie said, suddenly becoming shy as she walked into Gigi's apartment.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> It didn't take long until she warmed up to Gigi and was sitting in her lap showing her pictures on the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macbook</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. Then she played, twirled, danced and bounced on the bed. My, little ones can exert some energy!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sure do love our Millie girl! Sweet just oozes from her!</span>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-19520717030809097662011-07-15T12:13:00.002-05:002011-07-16T10:01:01.114-05:00texting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I am new to texting. Lest you gasp, I can do techie things, but I just fought the wave of texting over TALKING. Call me old fashioned, ancient, stick in the mud, I was proud to have stood up to the newest craze.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> But, a couple of months ago, it was time for new cell phones. Oh, to have to learn a NEW cell phone. My old palm was a good phone, and in its time, rather cool. But, it was no longer the techie or the posh thing to have. We needed to move on to a new thing and get our cell phones on the same bill. So, since I am so crazy about my macbook, there was no other one to choose but the iphone. I SO wanted a white one, but had to settle for the black. My daughters were thrilled to have me on board, and able to text them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Now we won't have to call, we can text". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Huh? That was suppose to make me happy? I wanted to hear their voice, not read a non verbal list of abbreviations. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Robin pointed out, "When I need to tell you something, I can just text." Oh, okay, but what if I don't have my phone right next to me???</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I am not a cell phone-a-holic. I keep my cell phone in my purse, and when I am out, I use it. I am old school. I am living in the nineties (well, maybe the turn of the century-meaning 2000). I do have friends my age who carry their trusty little communication device in their pocket, or attached to their hip. Not me. One daughter, well, maybe both is constantly SEARCHING for their cell phone. Maybe I need to get them those cell phone cases that attach to their clothes. Holly, my daughter with a degree in fashion design, would most likely burn it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Anyway, I do not keep my cell phone handy. When wearing my stretchy clothes, I usually have no pockets, so therefore, no place to keep it. But, on with my rant. Mr. G. and I fell with the masses and got each of us the famous iphone. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I must say it is fun. When at home and I can link without using my meager data usage, I can browse the internet on this teeny tiny screen. Yep, lots of fun. As long as I have my super-dooper magnifiers on! Why not just pull out the macbook and have a REAL COMPUTER screen???</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> So, down with the web browsing. I can also check the weather on this mini version of a computer called the iphone. That is nice. But if I am at home, I can look on wunderground on my macbook. OR turn on the tv. So, again, down with the weather app.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Another wonderful feature of the iphone is the ability to check email. Yeah, I can just check it while I am at the grocery. Wouldn't want to miss that junk mail from that millionaire who is leaving me millions in a bank account in North Korea. Any email checking I do is at home, on the macbook......</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I am not dogging my iphone, but here's my point. It has much that I just won't use. But maybe in time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I did learn to text. After several weeks of trying, that is. I sent several texts to the wrong people. My texting info is not the most user friendly. It always goes back to the last one you texted. I have sent some rather weird texts to Mr. G. about baby stuff......</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> The best of my doofus texts was to Mr. G to not forget to go to the dentist. I texted: "dont covet" instead of "dont forget". I got so tickled I mistakenly hit send. I couldn't get calmed down to retext the right message. Maybe God meant for that message to be sent! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Perhaps in time I will come around to this new communication wonder. By then, there will be something else totally new and brilliant. Until then, I must learn new letters that represent words, and figure out how to hit the right letters and abbreviate my messages. LOL</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I can think of a host of things that could stand for:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> lots of laughs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> like or love</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> last one living</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> loads of lard</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> lovely on ladies</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Take your pick. (TYP).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> By the way, I would have taken a picture of this new device (iphone) incase any one out there had never seen one, (yeah, right), but I put my camera in the same bag as Paisley's bottle while at the beach.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Humm......milk and cameras don't mix. Everyone in the techie world knows that.</span>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-22086636074855633872011-06-07T14:24:00.005-05:002011-06-08T11:29:20.830-05:00remote.....vacation destination<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Remote: a thing you have to have these days to watch t.v.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> a place FAR FAR away from anything that makes life fun, easy, and entertaining</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Recently, Mr. G and I headed out to our favorite place for vacation for a few days of R & R. While there, we took a side trip to a destination we had researched (a little) heard about (from several) and had very much wanted to visit and take the whole gang with us (kids and grandkids) to see some sea turtle eggs, and have fun on a beach without the crowds. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> It was rather adventurous with our maps, water bottles, snacks, sunglasses, flip flops and a tank full of gas. Off we go. and go. and go. and go some more. This place was REALLY remote. Much farther than it looked on the map. Much more REMOTE than I had pictured. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> My brother-in-law kindly told me the previous day when he learned we were vacationing there with our family this summer, that it was very </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">remote.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> VERY REMOTE. "I don't know if you will like it. There's nothing there to do, " he said.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Well, sounds kinda nice to me! No traffic, not red lights, no noise. Just the sound of the ocean waves and the kids playing. I can't wait!" I replied.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Did you know that place is know for sharks?" he very bluntly said.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Sharks? as in big teeth and 'du du du du, du du du du' " I said making the shark two note melody from "Jaws".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Yes, those kinds. In fact, some really big ones. Did you know the water was rough and it gets deep really quick there?" he added.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "No, no one mentioned that....." I was slowly beginning to wilt. Maybe this place wasn't so grand for a family of creature comfort folks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> But, on we went, headed to see this beautiful beach, sea turtles, and lots of ocean life. Now the meaning of 'ocean life' was coming into view.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> After one and a half hours of driving away from civilization, we came upon our vacation destination. Not much there. Two gas stations. Bait shop. Another bait shop. A gas station, bait shop and convenient store all in one. Not a restaurant in site. No McD's no BK, not even a Whataburger! Not a hint of a Bonefish Grill, Olive Garden, or any wonderful seafood place.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I didn't even see a hotel or motel...... Humm.....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiy1KF1xEWytfIdx2llK2myKSEx5PcayHDdz7tUJChLzQBBn4aGCh7i5ph7xUV9OXD6jM882UCJZw9SM_nW1As8k3KuOOyF__Pmng8JXCM2Ot2IC4_rQtu3hlfs8FHE3gEkOaokyBHoU/s1600/Bear-Crossing-Sign-Sign-K-6562.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiy1KF1xEWytfIdx2llK2myKSEx5PcayHDdz7tUJChLzQBBn4aGCh7i5ph7xUV9OXD6jM882UCJZw9SM_nW1As8k3KuOOyF__Pmng8JXCM2Ot2IC4_rQtu3hlfs8FHE3gEkOaokyBHoU/s320/Bear-Crossing-Sign-Sign-K-6562.gif" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I DID see a sign, 'Bear crossing' with a big bear, and a small bear on it. Sharks, now bears. Deep in the recesses of my mind, I recalled the talk of alligators in the swampy places of Florida, as well as those slithery, slinky things, I won't name. Sharks, bears, alligators, and s....</span>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3WXH3IQ3r-QTsufMyFlW-oQw2Ext_rJYs9mzRxx-Ftwo5XoGrKhds3QYzemT-6kKGinFoqm9YhmRsmM_SG9RrLtoVLGkhUZoF7mzwM44VTD83H9PQB71HgP_S8-nIlxPZuzjIXC_zDM/s1600/Crocodile-Symbol-Sign-K-7191.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3WXH3IQ3r-QTsufMyFlW-oQw2Ext_rJYs9mzRxx-Ftwo5XoGrKhds3QYzemT-6kKGinFoqm9YhmRsmM_SG9RrLtoVLGkhUZoF7mzwM44VTD83H9PQB71HgP_S8-nIlxPZuzjIXC_zDM/s320/Crocodile-Symbol-Sign-K-7191.gif" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> As we approached this 'most beautiful beach in Florida' the narrowness of the island is very apparent. One side of the road was the bay, the other side, large large rocks, and on the other side of those rocks the ocean loomed higher than the top of the car. My stomach lurched. I was almost to the point of hyperventilating. But, I put my happy face on, and looked at the map.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "We must be close, very close, watch those road signs." I said, trying to sound brave.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> We drove a little farther, and found the house we had looked at online. It was a bit worn looking--sand lot, with lots of sea grass, weeds, bugs, and other such things I tried hard not to think about. Some of the railings were off of the three story deck. Humm... with a one year old, that is a huge </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">red</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> flag. I walked up the steps to search out the 'beautiful view of the bay and the ocean', as stated on the info about the house. I could catch a glimpse of the ocean and lots of the bay. Not too bad. But, I am still wondering what we will do with four kids, no pool, and no ice cream shop in site. (Where's Walmart, for Pete's sake?)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2AdT2HdwNY2jPBeHpSP6Hhz-kq0XHX_DFsIJ1UK25R5nXzjAkVbMqc3jf3RpiWw10fxTxrAxiJaapYqWybeU7OewuX373hzqoGGKrLIRFUjljisN93iFYti03fvOBFs27G1FvdQshp0/s1600/IMG_4907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2AdT2HdwNY2jPBeHpSP6Hhz-kq0XHX_DFsIJ1UK25R5nXzjAkVbMqc3jf3RpiWw10fxTxrAxiJaapYqWybeU7OewuX373hzqoGGKrLIRFUjljisN93iFYti03fvOBFs27G1FvdQshp0/s400/IMG_4907.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3KbpqpzP-9cJAXPJ1SCTYmsZ-HQ_bdlFjJ7w7_mmjJtyY_0627ZQrTKCf1mU54GRd0DlaT6G8cb_QgSOo-XcH8qSau8YSh8C4bEUSjPQz5YhalDcS_1-O4xPR_eB3z8yZTnSGmmpVxc/s1600/IMG_6728_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3KbpqpzP-9cJAXPJ1SCTYmsZ-HQ_bdlFjJ7w7_mmjJtyY_0627ZQrTKCf1mU54GRd0DlaT6G8cb_QgSOo-XcH8qSau8YSh8C4bEUSjPQz5YhalDcS_1-O4xPR_eB3z8yZTnSGmmpVxc/s400/IMG_6728_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> We walked down to the beach, which was absolutely beautiful. Quiet. No one around. It would be a wonderful beach to lay on, watch the kiddies, and read a book~if I wasn't panicking over worrying that the kids would be swept away on the current to Cuba. Or eaten by a shark. Or chased by a big sea turtle. Or bitten by a s..... Or, or, or, hunted by an alligator.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJBUZex7t5e0B1cYHp1qCXI2XRgUqhtQIHhtoiNREJamh28_mLDrl8Q6GcZ_iTW6F8eyh9DLe6iW7BLzDnxDlIRvDiHPriHJS3TQGS3sWYQVJXZ8upvNRKy-SabHpGTt5uV8Bah72tyQ/s1600/arthropods-crab_w128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJBUZex7t5e0B1cYHp1qCXI2XRgUqhtQIHhtoiNREJamh28_mLDrl8Q6GcZ_iTW6F8eyh9DLe6iW7BLzDnxDlIRvDiHPriHJS3TQGS3sWYQVJXZ8upvNRKy-SabHpGTt5uV8Bah72tyQ/s400/arthropods-crab_w128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> We hopped back in the car and headed back to civilization-that long, long, long road with nothing on it. Mr. G. and I talked, discussed, bantered, argued a little, sighed a lot, and finally decided we would rather vacation where there were lots of places to eat, more than enough places to entertain four little ones, and where we saw NO SIGNS of bears, alligators, or other creepy wildlife, or sharks swimming near the shore. We needed the assurance that those red, yellow or green warning flags would go up each day to warn us of any thing we needed to know about the things going on in the ocean</span>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySiaGozlV9V-J6SpB_HdxKdGHKye-4ELUmUVKPuC0wcAhthI_aY6ladFw99OHAfnj_adVZ6-BejJXv7ECR8iFbsjyuUSnLNaMShyx3QBzwwgWz-C6BSMAkOGO0m5cQWDdVan5clc_3S0/s1600/IMG_4556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySiaGozlV9V-J6SpB_HdxKdGHKye-4ELUmUVKPuC0wcAhthI_aY6ladFw99OHAfnj_adVZ6-BejJXv7ECR8iFbsjyuUSnLNaMShyx3QBzwwgWz-C6BSMAkOGO0m5cQWDdVan5clc_3S0/s400/IMG_4556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vBK6dv-cTVPk78GmTK3fncJMRgn_rtiRHCCbMjuui9Oc6lod3Lk9_g9lqwB-eEtqFXRfe7YQIMDl5o5zQCTjayt2Z7KYipESPtxI-IxMtJoGiLXjc-4l44PYLzLVv8k7z30yV1CiLOI/s1600/sc002a51b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vBK6dv-cTVPk78GmTK3fncJMRgn_rtiRHCCbMjuui9Oc6lod3Lk9_g9lqwB-eEtqFXRfe7YQIMDl5o5zQCTjayt2Z7KYipESPtxI-IxMtJoGiLXjc-4l44PYLzLVv8k7z30yV1CiLOI/s400/sc002a51b0.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of fun and things to do!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIu6Omhc_WXBGPYE85uTql7EePdl2fC7NK44fNDs7F_da2hs0yrF9W1pFX-baTieQisBI2-rBkhdeqhYEfzw9BPWNly68NY1WiXmdHJTolKtPZqcSYLzAlzlAotUkl4PJMMH5R8eMRiM/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIu6Omhc_WXBGPYE85uTql7EePdl2fC7NK44fNDs7F_da2hs0yrF9W1pFX-baTieQisBI2-rBkhdeqhYEfzw9BPWNly68NY1WiXmdHJTolKtPZqcSYLzAlzlAotUkl4PJMMH5R8eMRiM/s400/IMG_4698.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWn-UDktJeinWQSS4EUXm3RncAUele0-ZHOYOCIomZ1zSGl8gEMeSLOZnjTi92cyngzv4C5LJJScEtnOQ3trOu-Y4mSC6A2wESNgT9VyMyOkycBXa5RbgqvDgNZ1r-l66H3CqglShLKo/s1600/IMG_4784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWn-UDktJeinWQSS4EUXm3RncAUele0-ZHOYOCIomZ1zSGl8gEMeSLOZnjTi92cyngzv4C5LJJScEtnOQ3trOu-Y4mSC6A2wESNgT9VyMyOkycBXa5RbgqvDgNZ1r-l66H3CqglShLKo/s400/IMG_4784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj7HtP0-2Mn01Jf_ZuOw5EJhixURMPkJgoo8sA5g7B9L2lS7YF3LSx1Xs4pEm761LGPNogPfL7kKmH0uSAhwy0521VN4YvSyucGPIwj6ncwU1ZF7xDQYHr3mgfW7XaqXgONMB8cwf67g/s1600/IMG_4932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj7HtP0-2Mn01Jf_ZuOw5EJhixURMPkJgoo8sA5g7B9L2lS7YF3LSx1Xs4pEm761LGPNogPfL7kKmH0uSAhwy0521VN4YvSyucGPIwj6ncwU1ZF7xDQYHr3mgfW7XaqXgONMB8cwf67g/s400/IMG_4932.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNgsUpzEgXIKtnfVS8R7E1uTh2ocuYHGdkCqlW04n5gbs_xFE7DTQuN6rXJR1tPUx1UgC8FfZtGeyepAaY8CNo67JwtGRLeb0xmOOldx8GQ_-EI7cMztPgJnZ-2C8mjv1QUu5PN5Rb6c/s1600/IMG_4928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNgsUpzEgXIKtnfVS8R7E1uTh2ocuYHGdkCqlW04n5gbs_xFE7DTQuN6rXJR1tPUx1UgC8FfZtGeyepAaY8CNo67JwtGRLeb0xmOOldx8GQ_-EI7cMztPgJnZ-2C8mjv1QUu5PN5Rb6c/s400/IMG_4928.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5DrsyjXg2GfhX2yOWrdx10uhIARFdEPB2sYikaSXXwhyphenhyphenzn-dEyCjGSHaud4rpTXzLn9BcBTu7qVZU4-JObaubhYFrfRfukooHhpAQQZhP5xTOHuIVEZENphSOAsXu24rJ7pwNJYWyqs/s1600/IMG_4933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5DrsyjXg2GfhX2yOWrdx10uhIARFdEPB2sYikaSXXwhyphenhyphenzn-dEyCjGSHaud4rpTXzLn9BcBTu7qVZU4-JObaubhYFrfRfukooHhpAQQZhP5xTOHuIVEZENphSOAsXu24rJ7pwNJYWyqs/s400/IMG_4933.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cousin fun</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I must add, that when I returned home, I was flipping channels on t.v. I happened upon a show on one of the nature channels about wild boars in FL that were eating the sea turtle eggs. The locals were hunting them down to save the turtles. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> WILD BOARS. I never saw that sign. They were probably hiding behind the bears.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVpAgXsxkaBu4x63tCCjOOfiHo-uhwnxBzha_a9QJ8CtpkY7AODMnu9liNWCTJh37Vp1aLrv82SVYkoiJIB4MhgnChwEqi_HhVgByZU0XuY0gwZB5MrLkq95zDeRhJNTesR_q65whkLc/s1600/wild-boar-piglet_w725_h544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVpAgXsxkaBu4x63tCCjOOfiHo-uhwnxBzha_a9QJ8CtpkY7AODMnu9liNWCTJh37Vp1aLrv82SVYkoiJIB4MhgnChwEqi_HhVgByZU0XuY0gwZB5MrLkq95zDeRhJNTesR_q65whkLc/s320/wild-boar-piglet_w725_h544.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-79474735410565934522011-05-02T08:32:00.000-05:002011-05-02T08:32:20.361-05:00The Royals and other royals<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Well, the wedding is in the morning. By the time I post this, it will be over. Sigh. All that planning, all that work. It's over in a few hours.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The word '</span></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">royal'</span></span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> brings to mind several different things:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> When I was a teenager and very much into soap operas, Port </span></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Royal </span></span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was a town on one of my favorite shows. I found out years later, Port Royal really was really a town, several towns, in fact.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> A very close friend of ours sports the name '</span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Royal'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the girls were younger, and this couple would come over for dinner, the girls called it a </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">royal </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dinner. Royal made the best angel biscuits you could slide down your southern throat, and thus we named them '</span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">royal' </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">biscuits.</span></span></span></b></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> There is a community and road named Port </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Royal </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">near here</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, but I am sorry to say, I don't have a clue as to where it ends: Port Royal or Buckingham Drive. Westminster Lane, maybe? </span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> UPDATE:</span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeh9-LO41YAECSwNuV4SOlDG_gTGq7QoYUx4Ok0RF177C6mb55q2eCV_GAMArS4MynbXOqOEO7Us2HCr2VvoyfLpzstWa_5RMhWwK1j34RteMkH8bbB3tpxUBg8-jvtnUw8Hkhrh25bo/s1600/ceremony29.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeh9-LO41YAECSwNuV4SOlDG_gTGq7QoYUx4Ok0RF177C6mb55q2eCV_GAMArS4MynbXOqOEO7Us2HCr2VvoyfLpzstWa_5RMhWwK1j34RteMkH8bbB3tpxUBg8-jvtnUw8Hkhrh25bo/s640/ceremony29.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" width="420" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I did not get up at three for the </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Royal Wedding, </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">but I did make it up by five-thirty, just in time for the bride to walk down the isle. Or was it the vows? I am not sure why I thought we had to jump out of a comfy bed this morning, when the visions I wanted to see were replayed all morning. So, I cooked up some </span></span></span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">royal </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> bacon and scrambled some princess eggs for Mr. G and myself. </span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </span></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHSL-AHSm0rAdf8QIJC2N26cmL-LkKlyTLlrjiKY6F9PDXCfcqNZdScyjSFB4IIbplEMveWiMLXj3H9Zvi8UgtD6_CnWKIr-4CycyxP5dAK9JyE972waRSAIFMfxlfz-IKexpFlE6WW8/s1600/ceremony41.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHSL-AHSm0rAdf8QIJC2N26cmL-LkKlyTLlrjiKY6F9PDXCfcqNZdScyjSFB4IIbplEMveWiMLXj3H9Zvi8UgtD6_CnWKIr-4CycyxP5dAK9JyE972waRSAIFMfxlfz-IKexpFlE6WW8/s400/ceremony41.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I must tell you, the gown was lovely, the veil was posh, and Kate, the princess herself, looked smashing! I had a jolly old good time watching the events as I cleaned house this morning. I was rather weary of all the waffle by the media, but all in all it was ace.</span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5g2hrmRahJDopwUCLW0Yh1cCgSbwVIs-dWvhuakOvKI0tuhq0CZHBBvcK5shO0rydWO-WFSUhTI8HCwCOIC6BT6ZCxTjVx3V25CtEgaXuAwTJ3kZdVma2xRhPMpOWmdZEapgJetDfMU/s1600/ceremony44.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5g2hrmRahJDopwUCLW0Yh1cCgSbwVIs-dWvhuakOvKI0tuhq0CZHBBvcK5shO0rydWO-WFSUhTI8HCwCOIC6BT6ZCxTjVx3V25CtEgaXuAwTJ3kZdVma2xRhPMpOWmdZEapgJetDfMU/s640/ceremony44.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" width="580" /></a></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </span></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I have NO clue if any of what was said above was in the right context of English slang talk! Just trying out a few words thrown around over the past few weeks...</span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Well, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cherrio</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, my dear </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bloggies</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5El1RLYX3r5PXtDTlaPXmCRIlYzYHmde1-nexD-2O62brB96u0vCeBRa97Fni3rcRKl0ohUqRokzLnyI6fTVwa31Z1dI3YPazoi-szMOCFPV0yzNQXiXygiIiRDtVPiwZ8c7vnl8RrA/s1600/procession72.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5El1RLYX3r5PXtDTlaPXmCRIlYzYHmde1-nexD-2O62brB96u0vCeBRa97Fni3rcRKl0ohUqRokzLnyI6fTVwa31Z1dI3YPazoi-szMOCFPV0yzNQXiXygiIiRDtVPiwZ8c7vnl8RrA/s400/procession72.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Photo credits: AP Photo/Martin Meissner; Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images; Chris Furlong/Getty Images </span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></b>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-72669751496175620162011-04-27T14:30:00.003-05:002011-04-27T16:36:29.491-05:00A First<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A Paisley Pink Birthday </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have tried to post this two times over the past month, but it keeps getting lost in cyberspace..... So, I'll try again.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8Xkqo0tIOSl7t5F5YhJtg09qbFYYI-mfjbX4qjNCOJgnT5mTO0wwZ7UL1V8kVTByccEhgQ9RYycb4FqebcphyphenhyphenjZ6jEAaDLIuxv3uLsY2_kXcVbCgkgH9-tDLdrbuLmdeR6G8W2-2VN8/s1600/IMG_6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8Xkqo0tIOSl7t5F5YhJtg09qbFYYI-mfjbX4qjNCOJgnT5mTO0wwZ7UL1V8kVTByccEhgQ9RYycb4FqebcphyphenhyphenjZ6jEAaDLIuxv3uLsY2_kXcVbCgkgH9-tDLdrbuLmdeR6G8W2-2VN8/s640/IMG_6075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Paisley turned one, not long ago. What a wonderful year it has been! She has been such a darling to all of us, and we ALL claim she looks just like us. Too FUNNY. But, she really does. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFGX8bJyrvAsTW_UvPguJ_1PcE7n4dHyGy2CINMCu1V-aCauztggXUY_sqyn19BfSuxa0S2wqrwdccVQMTwEVC1FpylHb70B8j7K25ofbBH5FckqCiDZqmC1ZZaoAVlfK6NPWrOmrISg/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFGX8bJyrvAsTW_UvPguJ_1PcE7n4dHyGy2CINMCu1V-aCauztggXUY_sqyn19BfSuxa0S2wqrwdccVQMTwEVC1FpylHb70B8j7K25ofbBH5FckqCiDZqmC1ZZaoAVlfK6NPWrOmrISg/s640/IMG_2669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Robin planned a wonderful birthday party, with lots of eye candy. Paisley wrapping paper made a runner down the table. A local lady made paisley and personalized decorated cookies that turned out so pretty.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaFe4tIru6yzOr9KSQWIk6qT48ghZXs82VjylRFr5ysoRxDsQ1VFAQrOsvOx7Z14Zz3Ze3L_64JJr8y38zE-NAdAkdrZ4Vbw4cfrlB5XyKRJ82AAyqpVnDyaJGtAB_6yrT-Q29RyOUOI/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaFe4tIru6yzOr9KSQWIk6qT48ghZXs82VjylRFr5ysoRxDsQ1VFAQrOsvOx7Z14Zz3Ze3L_64JJr8y38zE-NAdAkdrZ4Vbw4cfrlB5XyKRJ82AAyqpVnDyaJGtAB_6yrT-Q29RyOUOI/s640/16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CCkw6F_HY4ZLDmDcaN5xptP1ek01fpYtT5qthBAytIIhRQIacZ5gg_RIxPITJlOm3WWVu-xHvZsTDrKWk53IPsQGflMA0pjjKBgfL6FosjV7qcAPblFzLHsOp_ChrZwYkQDonFEbXfY/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CCkw6F_HY4ZLDmDcaN5xptP1ek01fpYtT5qthBAytIIhRQIacZ5gg_RIxPITJlOm3WWVu-xHvZsTDrKWk53IPsQGflMA0pjjKBgfL6FosjV7qcAPblFzLHsOp_ChrZwYkQDonFEbXfY/s640/IMG_2664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I made strawberry cupcakes using pink paisley cupcake sleeves Robin found on the internet. (What did we do before internet?) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Pasiley had been sick, and still wasn't feeling great. After the cake, the presents, and the fun she crawled under Holly's coffee table and went to sleep. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Awwww.........</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5YvtgczScjbUJOCvINT5v_dOyeAgAGZkg1Go0Pq9KQmVFILSz8qGb0_jXIUG7b6bYI16dCJPpBQR3qNxzFb-dtsGWUFPppt8TBx5dVGUH_14xYhF82MNoWOQPeHaOxqD0F39w5bonL4/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5YvtgczScjbUJOCvINT5v_dOyeAgAGZkg1Go0Pq9KQmVFILSz8qGb0_jXIUG7b6bYI16dCJPpBQR3qNxzFb-dtsGWUFPppt8TBx5dVGUH_14xYhF82MNoWOQPeHaOxqD0F39w5bonL4/s640/IMG_2736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-2384716868863688862011-03-13T14:10:00.002-05:002011-03-13T19:04:45.837-05:00That is enough<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bk-hrBQEWulDnUthaTecmRNyOfeRl88idEapeOlu1qds3GBSwa79ABeRbB4LfskuA_ORcdtYgM6yvR3ugT2Miak1DSUWPPBooGh4JDIrybnxyWQL4FCmyagnGlY7Jlq840KXrgj8hX0/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bk-hrBQEWulDnUthaTecmRNyOfeRl88idEapeOlu1qds3GBSwa79ABeRbB4LfskuA_ORcdtYgM6yvR3ugT2Miak1DSUWPPBooGh4JDIrybnxyWQL4FCmyagnGlY7Jlq840KXrgj8hX0/s320/IMG_2398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The past few months have been full of stress and trials. Life is that way. This afternoon I had some time to reflect on things for which I am truly grateful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Amazing grace and mercy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> A Savior who loves me and makes a path for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> A warm home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> A wonderful family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> A loving husband and two caring daughters.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicuLdtMyy86W1da2V4ado2FoboCknx6aiWTelFQPMN5uqfR5pApYfZfX7q7runW8GwP03rEhV8jw1Ok4LTTjjPmcgVybcnjxHbIQL9vCgJ-vulza5FU6CEJdRi_rmUSoOhe7JPfLRkJc/s1600/IMG_1311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicuLdtMyy86W1da2V4ado2FoboCknx6aiWTelFQPMN5uqfR5pApYfZfX7q7runW8GwP03rEhV8jw1Ok4LTTjjPmcgVybcnjxHbIQL9vCgJ-vulza5FU6CEJdRi_rmUSoOhe7JPfLRkJc/s320/IMG_1311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Four darling grandchildren.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Food on the table.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My mother is improving and having some good days!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
I could list a hundred more, but I will stop there. I remember once hearing someone say, even in the worst days, filled with sorrow, pain, regret, burdens, worry, anger, injustice, and heartache, those who know the Lord, and put their faith in Him, have the promise of eternity in heaven. <i><b>That is enough</b>.</i><br />
<br />
I ponder much over suffering. I do not understand it. I cannot wrap my brain around children who have pain, or are hungry, or who have lost their mothers. I can get mad when I hear of a small child abused and or murdered, or view the tragedy of war and the slaughter of young men and women who will never live a full life. I am grieving at the loss of thousands in Japan due to the earthquake and tsunami. I want to stand before the Most High and ask why can this happen?<br />
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This side of heaven we will not get a satisfactory answer. Our God is sovereign and His ways are not our ways. I know in my head that this is a fallen, sinful world. Suffering will take place here. Disasters will happen. Heartache will touch each and every one of us whose feet touch the soil of the earth. Pain, whether physical or emotional, will enter our lives at some time while our days are cast on this earth. No one, no not one, is spared from trials and sorrow. For many of those who have given their lives to Christ, through these circumstances our faith is strengthened as we learn to rely on God. For some others, they find Christ. And, others, they blame God or turn from Him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl18kS4qksAjOYktHtMiKy-jVyymFVJ1VmHeg-N_qiNzsEMViV0AqYzipi-JwTKa34f0yt7EPxqgzt5KdKmmt0MnZ48NxMfUROvDawXElozz86liOvX2dRB7XCbM9dnWw-vnQ_zPyJokA/s1600/IMG_1907_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl18kS4qksAjOYktHtMiKy-jVyymFVJ1VmHeg-N_qiNzsEMViV0AqYzipi-JwTKa34f0yt7EPxqgzt5KdKmmt0MnZ48NxMfUROvDawXElozz86liOvX2dRB7XCbM9dnWw-vnQ_zPyJokA/s320/IMG_1907_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But, at the end of our lives, we can, if we have chosen to follow the One and Only Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, spend eternity in a place that is far more wonderful and glorious than the here and now. It will last forever. FOREVER. <i>That</i>, my friends, <i>is enough</i>. I am more grateful for that, than all other things. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy7DzVfXmX28phQpZp4fO8qd_cWYYSUtIxaUeWu0pRX7b_eRpjUqs1x2ImpTTS0POqTPPiwaXzI5SFw8XYatOO5hamrSk4depgbpai5CcY_x3cS4WhCVBJqGV8f4kzrj1Kjn_9U3ccgE/s1600/IMG_2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy7DzVfXmX28phQpZp4fO8qd_cWYYSUtIxaUeWu0pRX7b_eRpjUqs1x2ImpTTS0POqTPPiwaXzI5SFw8XYatOO5hamrSk4depgbpai5CcY_x3cS4WhCVBJqGV8f4kzrj1Kjn_9U3ccgE/s320/IMG_2062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...When we've been here (heaven) ten thousand years</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Bright shining as the sun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> We've no less days to sing God's praise</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Than when we've first begun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <br />
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</div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-23666206984075590602011-03-09T21:58:00.001-06:002011-04-19T08:00:34.191-05:00Babies, babies, babies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRtMSGkHe8SNZdr4z65tq7hPUgp3S0FgPsbkA0V7gTSyDwjQZTL7jpWPRpE3l46X6NyPs_GGJT95fuDDR63y0OQf4Zj6yZ9biNYkWdQ_-i92rD-bBgisAIG0T5b8f2FKVE6HxLCUk1fY/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRtMSGkHe8SNZdr4z65tq7hPUgp3S0FgPsbkA0V7gTSyDwjQZTL7jpWPRpE3l46X6NyPs_GGJT95fuDDR63y0OQf4Zj6yZ9biNYkWdQ_-i92rD-bBgisAIG0T5b8f2FKVE6HxLCUk1fY/s320/20.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paisley </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This picture takes my breath away! Robin took this after our last pretty snowfall. Paisley has on a white fleece coat. Adorable. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Oh my goodness! Babies are just happening everywhere. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> ~ My nephew and his wife are the proud parents of a precious baby girl, Olivia Jane. She arrived on Saturday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~ My son-in-law's cousin is in Korea getting their adopted little girl, Ella Marie. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~AND, a special friend just learned the news that a baby is coming soon for her to adopt! I am thrilled.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> These events are blessings beyond measure. Thank you, Lord, for your pouring out on these families. May you keep them all in your care.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I have been absent from blogging for a while. Blogger's block, busy days, worries and concerns about my mother. It keeps me from writing. But, I plan to get back in the swing of things. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Paisley had her first birthday and her party, so I need to get some pics posted--SOON! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> SPEAKING OF BABIES...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Take a look at this old old picture...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Now take a look at Paisley's picture, above...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> This old picture just happens to be Nonnie as a bouncing babe of about seven to eight months. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The picture of Paisley was taken close to her first birthday. Honestly, I think she looks like moi, me! Not bragging, just facts....</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdmKRHeBczCTmrJa9I0TX4teuEMSRKAa_Y9YzZ0IuvLmXvxX54GqJbtWas42-f-NwdEFMIIN-EORXSSSidmGuIcmF9IVqyb4V8U0jPAm8WO_QVb1LgkhRUxePWWqDbYF3NirHfcaQngM/s1600/2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdmKRHeBczCTmrJa9I0TX4teuEMSRKAa_Y9YzZ0IuvLmXvxX54GqJbtWas42-f-NwdEFMIIN-EORXSSSidmGuIcmF9IVqyb4V8U0jPAm8WO_QVb1LgkhRUxePWWqDbYF3NirHfcaQngM/s400/2_2.jpg" width="340" /></span></a></div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-35318922444200007272011-02-14T08:40:00.000-06:002011-02-14T08:40:48.197-06:00Red<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Have a Happy Valentine's Day!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp2y3cRDS1V5pgsU6krydE6UY9wJVrBFcnGgehrMkyfCDuAKjforzwG288rwRFJ-R152ByMVGAbi1lKMSkcjrLoFcJLCDSo33zRN-SIQ_weigw8RLKfv4_FlTeO3UYYyQdFD1r6cia_U/s1600/IMG_2004_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp2y3cRDS1V5pgsU6krydE6UY9wJVrBFcnGgehrMkyfCDuAKjforzwG288rwRFJ-R152ByMVGAbi1lKMSkcjrLoFcJLCDSo33zRN-SIQ_weigw8RLKfv4_FlTeO3UYYyQdFD1r6cia_U/s320/IMG_2004_2.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">a touch of red around the house...</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8LwA3RZZJT0IhtNXaqogoP45JcJlh1N8FMHdmBJZCXENu49KXsvV9RBzfCcy4OW-rp4-iIJAAowLnGcUiOBr0F7ViMPfJ2O67HCFbzbRMh7w3NymSwMWaxsnLf9T3q7Nzb3g9dBiw3o/s1600/IMG_2473_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8LwA3RZZJT0IhtNXaqogoP45JcJlh1N8FMHdmBJZCXENu49KXsvV9RBzfCcy4OW-rp4-iIJAAowLnGcUiOBr0F7ViMPfJ2O67HCFbzbRMh7w3NymSwMWaxsnLf9T3q7Nzb3g9dBiw3o/s320/IMG_2473_2.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">hearts and home,</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Thank you, Lord</span>!</span></span></div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-17577883656148226622011-01-27T08:58:00.001-06:002011-01-27T09:36:50.435-06:00Big Bloomin' Case of BLOG BLOCK<div style="text-align: center;"> I admit it. I've got it. I've got a BIG case of it. It came on rather suddenly, and with gusto. Writers call it 'Writer's Block'. Bloggers call it 'Blogger's Block'. And I've come down with the viral kind where there is no cure but to let it wear itself out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have 'written' in my head, only to come to my laptop and stare at the screen. I have 'written' while trying to go to sleep (one of those wee hours of the morning when I am wide awake), but when I get up in the morning the thoughts are gone with the moon. I have 'written' boat loads of posts while driving along the interstate, but when sitting at the computer, I search my brain high and low wondering where in the universe my thoughts drifted to.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My mother has been very sick, and I have let that keep my mind occupied, so I am sure that is part of this block before me. I hope to get back on board here soon. Some days I just feel like I am moving in slow motion. Some long overdue sunshine will help! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> How many days until Spring??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZQhIH4Y1mQ5_3_eJac1zNRudEuJP3hKc8IHom1tAzSJLR1OLvQVzzxFbsgCy7t1cZYFNFnZ2rhw94nH0MzHiMsZjkggE-osvm_0uOCQ3aOTYr1GJB8svtH-RuyONf3wCPT-lEy88z_4/s1600/Tinker+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZQhIH4Y1mQ5_3_eJac1zNRudEuJP3hKc8IHom1tAzSJLR1OLvQVzzxFbsgCy7t1cZYFNFnZ2rhw94nH0MzHiMsZjkggE-osvm_0uOCQ3aOTYr1GJB8svtH-RuyONf3wCPT-lEy88z_4/s320/Tinker+House.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm dreaming of this.......(Spring weather)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcdIuFe5uLEhQI2udYfJ_GxqcM8RvqVtvOSBD4ZPtpQ33K0RYMsx_fuDk8cob3R76LrZTi4ogUIpeYN0hJZbaCVN8_t643B9u6SFh_HHUNZfZA6yqMHmf6lvD8zi5ie5-VZV1YxueaEQ/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcdIuFe5uLEhQI2udYfJ_GxqcM8RvqVtvOSBD4ZPtpQ33K0RYMsx_fuDk8cob3R76LrZTi4ogUIpeYN0hJZbaCVN8_t643B9u6SFh_HHUNZfZA6yqMHmf6lvD8zi5ie5-VZV1YxueaEQ/s320/IMG_1703.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">but, this is what we have....snow on the ground.<br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">These pics are from<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dreyne's</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Everyday </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eleganc</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">e</span></i> blog. This darling little building is called her</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tinker House. How wonderful is that? Her blog is inspiring. Her style is classy and French. If you love creative, well designed and organized closets, take a look at her <a href="http://www.dreyne.com/">blog</a>.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-87343133528146578302011-01-11T21:10:00.001-06:002012-01-13T09:30:15.158-06:00Birthday Wishes!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> January 12 is a very special day in our family. Mr. G and I became parents for the very first time thirty-five years ago on that day. It was cold and spitting snow when we ventured to the hospital. That afternoon Holly Kristin arrived changing our lives forever.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8obRmG9cXYcVrsadHO0kgPWbb2ZqwZ5urPslMe-G5-jn5u-c02qIHSOC_ZseEXFXhCkLqquxjFVV5vHOAKLahySV4Fh6-qRR5kGmAXIlzKjAIwybl06j3gNtkg8UOpKSYGEDDu0A9Ilc/s1600/IMG_9774_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8obRmG9cXYcVrsadHO0kgPWbb2ZqwZ5urPslMe-G5-jn5u-c02qIHSOC_ZseEXFXhCkLqquxjFVV5vHOAKLahySV4Fh6-qRR5kGmAXIlzKjAIwybl06j3gNtkg8UOpKSYGEDDu0A9Ilc/s400/IMG_9774_2.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Holly lights up the room wherever she is. She studies the Word, and teaches others about her faith in Christ. She is passionate about her beliefs and proclaims God's promises. It was she who taught me to seek after Christ with whole hearted devotion. Praise you, Lord, for her conviction and determination to share Jesus with others.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Holly is a wonderful mother to her two children, Ansley and Addison. She loves cooking and making her home beautiful. I am so proud of her and David as they grow their family up in the teachings of the Lord.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Happy Birthday to my first born! I love you so much!</span></div>
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<br /></div>nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1413813915775101962.post-83963949465234553972011-01-05T09:03:00.001-06:002011-01-05T13:22:33.603-06:00This one's all about Edie<div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Love you, Edie!!</span></span></div><br />
Tuesday before Christmas, a fellow blogger located not three hours from our home, lost her home and all worldly possessions in a house fire. Praises to our Heavenly Father that her family and furry friends escaped all physical harm. <br />
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My heart was torn, not only because she lost material things, but the time it took her to create her home, and do the many things she and her husband did with their own two hands. <br />
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I do not know Edie personally, but have communicated with her a couple of times through blogging. She is an inspiration, a deep lover of Christ, a studier of His Word, and continually seeking to learn Biblical truth and understanding of the Scriptures. She's loves to cook, bake, and create. She is a home school mom, dedicated to her family. She loves the things I love, including chocolate, coffee, and iced cookies.<br />
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She could be my BF. I love reading her blog and take much inspiration from her. She's an avid reader, and I write down some of the things she's reading like, Tapestry of Grace, to search for and read myself.<br />
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Edie, this is to you! I tip my glass of--well, my cup of coffee--to you! Please know I was heart sick for you when I heard of the loss of your home. I wanted to drive over and just bring you something of comfort. Instead, I prayed and I ask the Comforter to wrap His loving arms around your family and give you peace. <br />
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In the words of a precious one at five years old (in my kindergarten class) when talking about fire safety, he stepped forward and faced the class saying, "My mama taught me that if you are in a fire to get out, and don't try to get 'stuff' cause your can replace 'stuff' but you can't replace people." <br />
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I laughed and cried that day at his so profound words (about twenty years ago), because of the absolute truth in that statement. It hurts to lose things, but the most important things are our love ones. You have so beautifully expressed this in your posts. I thank you for that!<br />
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I was unable to figure out how to get a picture of Edie to put on this post. You can read her post by going <a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/">here</a>.nonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06686098012414906007noreply@blogger.com