tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35253191253851229012023-11-17T05:57:38.292-05:00JKLMnOThis blog has been setup to help our family connect with our family and friends which are far and near to us.jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-14821664649542823852011-11-21T00:51:00.001-05:002011-11-21T00:51:44.690-05:00Shut offAt the end of the day sometimes my mind doesn't shut off. I have things that need doing but I don't have the mental clarity to get any ONE thing done. I nibble a little at this and a little at that. Yet here I sit still unable to unplug and fall to sleep.<br />
<br />
Things on my mind... <br />
(in no particular order)<br />
<br />
Leah's party<br />
Christmas (multiple entries could be written here)<br />
Thanksgiving dinner<br />
Parent-Teacher conferences<br />
This weeks schedule<br />
Teacher appreciation luncheon<br />
Birthday present for Kevin<br />
Finances, how to be more efficient with what we earn <br />
Cleanliness of our home-laundry needs doing, dishes need cleaning, rooms need to be rearranged <br />
How can I help my kids know they are loved by their parents and by a loving father in heaven? <br />
What can I do right now to help them develop their relationship with Jesus Christ?<br />
How can we reinvigorate our Family Scripture Study and get everyone excited again?<br />
Mason<br />
Owen- ornery on Sundays<br />
Leah- tired but "too old to nap", "I'm not tired I'm resting my eyes"<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for...<br />
Beds<br />
Children, my own included ;)<br />
Hard Work<br />
My faith<br />
Jesus Christ<br />
Plan of Salvation<br />
Good Friends<br />
Good Food<br />
Good Schools <br />
Technology<br />
Talents<br />
Ability to learn, to try new things<br />
Joy in the Journey<br />
Prayer<br />
Good music<br />
Running water, clean<br />
<br />
<br />
Good nightjenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-35552910480571676742011-10-05T06:05:00.001-05:002011-10-05T10:26:40.150-05:00Growing up GrahamMy Maternal Grandparents are Grahams. My grandfather passed to the next life in January 1990, over 21 years ago! My grandmother returned to his loving embrace on Thursday, September 29th, at 9:09pm PST. She didn't wake Monday after suffering what they suspect was another stroke. She had her first in May 1996. She was treated with "Comfort Care" at the Kaiser South Hospital in Sacramento. All family members, in their own way, are saying good-bye to this amazing, talented, loving woman. I can’t help but reflect on both Grandparents, as they have always been my measure of a committed, covenant keeping, faithful couple.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Grandpa and Grandma Graham</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRncKyQJQT6ySARhmhwOCsGYtR_V4XtyDLnFCh30yOXVw1NXuuicn8Blok3pe2ydjcP-N7EDWr5vEw3DqWJ8ssLN6VY59YZI72Im2kRkAppJBOTeTjZwc_7saIRyFkv7Z_miLqOGeo76VR/s1600-h/296372_2288534526476_1042345391_3258%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="296372_2288534526476_1042345391_32587318_671855682_n" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05rfjDl1VY3Mg5HRSvwyx9X51kJUCgELoDrSdr0wGNyOPnMrbttWcTT2spa3Z8sa_eaFBT9Ayx0bpJ1f8zuKg73ccVXlVOkQyOy9HyppUlF8zPEgR0111Ks9sClU38awLD3bn6Dq6__Pq//?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="296372_2288534526476_1042345391_32587318_671855682_n" width="223" /></a><br />
Theirs is a story of love at first sight. It goes something like this... In the 1930s, my grandpa was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called to serve in the California mission. My grandmother was in her early 20s living at home with her parents and working for Breuner's Furniture store, home was Sacramento, California. My grandpa and his companion were being transferred from Roseville to...I'm not sure...but I do know that Pearl (my grandma's cousin) was the one to drive them into Sacramento to the home of my great-grandparents. When they arrived they visited in the front room where a picture of my grandma was sitting on the mantel. (She was not yet home from work.) While looking at the photo of my grandma my grandpa said, "Elder, that's the woman I'm going to marry." And he did!<br />
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My earliest childhood memory of my grandmother and grandfather was in the summer of 1985 when I was 3 turning 4. My mother was close to her due date with my sister, Heather, and my siblings and I were sent to stay with grandparents and an aunt and uncle, in rotation. I remember walking from the side door around to the back of the house and seeing Grandma and Grandpa sitting on the back patio. They always seemed so relaxed together.<br />
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Within a year and a half of that memory they were gone on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Ireland. We lived in their home while they were there. I remember receiving letters from them. My grandmother was always the one to write them. Sometimes there were pictures of them visiting ruins, sometimes with investigators or recent converts. I always loved to see what was going on with them. I know that it is because of their service as a Senior Missionary couple that I have the goal with my husband to serve, hopefully, multiple missions together.<br />
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About that time I caught on to a tradition that has since passed from our family. A Family Newsletter. Every family, and sometimes individual kids, would submit a letter to…someone. At the time of their mission it was either my mom or my Aunt Mary, can’t remember. The letters would be copied and then sent out to each family so that everyone would know the going on’s of everyone else. If there was a struggle that you needed fasting and prayers for that was how you let everyone know. [Facebook has now ‘kind of’ taken over that role for us.] My grandma always wrote a letter to everyone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSakZWUu-og3VFEKJyJW-WLQmcyjYgG0QtyMPKzJKZqXBLkmxu00XwX0OGLx6CX5A38_vGoNtIN67MBI-d9-rehYAe8PLF_fiWoh7pv8d23J6DdnGJSYSJ9lGEkTlpXm8_qmGw264QCBKS/s1600-h/claddagh-ring4.jpg"><img align="right" alt="claddagh-ring" border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHveMiCVanNzbyK0zotYqwFi2otHYZOf_LFvoEuKk4gpifbKeo0XXIak4egkgdlDp-b0lNQfak0pAXfeQWtjij92fj9e4J3SXY_tQgYkUyjJqQ5nzkMMC57kpC7pVS-gPRQbvbXAk1-kK//?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="claddagh-ring" width="97" /></a><br />
When they returned home from their mission we had a family get together at a LDS meetinghouse. [When we all get together we HAVE to use a meetinghouse. These two were prolific: 8 children, their spouses, 33 grandchildren, great-grandchildren all for over 130 descendants!] I remember my grandma sitting me down with me and sharing a claddagh ring with me. Many times have I wished I knew where that ring has disappeared to.<br />
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At a BBQ gathering at my Uncle Lynn’s in Elk Grove my grandpa offered to change my little brother’s diaper for my mom. My mom, siblings and grandma went inside ahead of us and I waited with him. The thing was he couldn’t do it! I remember getting all giggly and saying, “Grandpa, that’s not how you do it! You’ve got to turn the diaper around!” He looked at me and said, “It’s been a long time since I’ve done this and I’ve never used one of these things.” Shaking the diaper. I took the diaper from him and said, “I’ll show you…” And that is how I taught my grandpa to change a disposable diaper at age 7.<br />
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When I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 8, I remember my grandma gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. She gave the talk directed at me, to ME. She told me how I would feel it, like a warm blanket being wrapped around me. That some times I might hear a still small voice. She instructed me to keep the commandments I had been taught and to listen to my parents, that if I did those things the Holy Ghost could be with me and guide me to do what was right. After the talk I was placed on a chair in a circle of men holding the priesthood, my father, grandfathers, and uncles stood around me and placed a hand upon my head. The weight was great, but the emotions were stronger. I felt love like I had never felt before, like I was being wrapped in the biggest, warmest, comfiest blanket ever. When the blessing was complete I shook hands and hugged each man in the circle, then I went to my mother climbed into her lap and asked her, “What is this feeling?” My mom replied, “That is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, telling you that what you’ve done today is good and he loves you. Remember this feeling. Hold on to it.”<br />
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My grandpa’s hands were large to my child-sized hands, and oh so smooth. In the palm of his right hand (I think) he had a scar, it was about and inch in length and 1/4” in depth and diameter. I remember likening his scar to the wounds Jesus received while on the cross at Calvary. When I am thinking on my Savior and his death, so all of us could be redeemed from death, I think of how I would hold Grandpa’s hand in church on Sunday when we would visit. Gently stroking the scar up and down, up and down. Also, during Sunday services he wore a hearing aid attachment that helped him to hear the speakers, once he let me put it in my ear. I remember thinking how weird it was to have something in my ear, now I am spotted often with a bluetooth semi-permanently attached to my ear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qlWAbr3yqbS2NTRbTLRU5qpJHTtjkEB5wQWN7EGzgmrs3XI1ykd_W8U1cmrAhd4i-oPsf3pHlaQa1dU02x53Ebtp0eb7Yn_p_jChj7bNX0P48VSY-xJ5nva5gaMO3akMjzZgSUvNMOyh/s1600-h/Shopping_Cart5.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Shopping_Cart" border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPZd3Dz2WT94ZhbwUXYty4ymgfSegUR9_54oxLmBhSJMEB_yOZi2HpHkdlYuVqSXN7X2dXngFcoXvUmVb_cBJ5x3kP5dBy2aTMCrLGJDzrMYysV_ZzlaXJpx50WozM-G9Hm63crOXE2x3//?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Shopping_Cart" width="100" /></a><br />
My grandparents lived in the same small 3 bedroom Ranch-style home for the majority of their marriage. It was located 3 blocks Southeast of William Land Park in Sacramento and about 4 blocks Northeast of a Raley’s grocery store. We were over for dinner and we needed a few items. My father and grandpa were walking to the Raley’s and I asked to come along. While we were in the let me push the cart and more importantly to me, he let me sit on the bottom rack of the cart. I remember I was able to sit up straight and not touch the bottom of the top shopping basket. I also remember them swinging me between them.<br />
<br />
My grandfather loved a little sweet. :) When having breakfast with him and my grandmother I remember he poured himself a bowl of Cheerios, pour some milk over top, then sprinkled sugar over the top. I asked him, “Grandpa, why did you add the sugar?” “I just needed a little sweet to start my day.” For many years after that I too put a little sugar on my Cheerios <i>after </i>pouring on the milk, that is a very important step. <br />
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After my grandfather passed I remember helping my mom and aunts clean out my grandma’s house, and hidden away in various corners of the pantry were Hostess “Ho Ho’s” and “Twinkies”. I have since learned that my grandma was concerned about his health and tried to keep him away from sweets. This was one of his silent rebellions.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">A Woman of many Talents</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
My grandmother was a wife of a California State worker and a stay-at-home mother to 8 children (5 boys, 3 girls) in the 1940s-80s. Do you think she had many financial resources? No, I don’t think so. So what did she do? She followed the counsel of the prophets and increased her talents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjA908E2Q7q4AEP_EoAicdWuQD0ahaP0KeQ3xSOicVSZ6ZJ-U9pmvFPFbdxmhOC8iHBe0k_F3ozlE9M0JG7gMygRENRJoEqJoas44TPFTyTlDLEPXOVxDb3M17buH4hCEiBAbmw-6D8Uo/s1600-h/Dec-1984_scarves3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Dec 1984_scarves" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlne0FM7I_wAzFNfPaa5oGYzaIbfZAKZXbYGK5FStsTJpkL3dh_LwKxGYVZf9E5jwb1DSqIaJkCvmbnEoFMJZYfDM_VJ2QdvcePhwIdEDtyDbKRWsMbL97yzWCHVnVaIBn0QOiBj5n1ko//?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Dec 1984_scarves" width="244" /></a><br />
<b>KNITTING</b><br />
These beautiful knitted hats and scarves were created with a knitting machine by my Grandma. Kristen’s red and white set (on the right) is still around. So is Josh’s (in the middle), but my tan and white have been erased from memory except in this picture and the memory of lovingly using them as a child.<br />
I also still have my machine-knitted acrylic variegated-orange blanket created on this very machine. And 6 years ago my mom gave me her brown and blue machine quilted blanket. I remember sitting outside her workroom and listening to the “ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-……….whooooosh” rhythm repeat again and again. And who can forget the confusing intricacy of the threaded yarn, it looked like a GIANT serger with the threads looped through a long skinny metal wire before heading to the machine.Also, she was the one who taught me the basics to knitting. I never finished the blanket I started with her help, but because of that exposure at a young age I’ve been able to pick it up now. I’ve knitted a couple of humanitarian aid wraps, a sweater (which still needs finishing touches), and multiple washcloths.<br />
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<b>CROCHET</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebY6egESMzDFducaODSzhhuNOAidVXH5LXOOPILgD-YQKC0GtdKJk8ls2bcaj-YQ9qxzH1ycfpcjbK6inid-7ox0k06MOgtC6o-vY-Qh_SRZMpyoBL4S8r-O7DteKF4prQMCQBkE4PTre/s1600-h/supperlace4.jpg"><img align="right" alt="supperlace" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcg_1bkoPUr999MIUVyyE00mtWQCQ4lMmHCix0HxDhFVmW3bIJJQM39MvEM08X4HaMmoggrxzSNEfihZswmDNcq7-mWItrPkIKqVLJzZDQuDowaqQ-eH5kPXufGJVJcj3V8qMygxHg2ckK//?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="supperlace" width="206" /></a>She taught herself to crochet. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: washcloths, hot pads. You are sorely mistaken. She found an instruction sheet to recreate DaVinci’s “Last Supper.” (To the RIGHT, this is a machine rendered lace of the same design.) A coveted family treasure that has been debated over who gets it. I’m not even sure which child does have it. I do know that my mother is NOT the one who got it, which is just fine by her because she would much rather make it herself. Last year I found the instructions online from the same Berkeley company my grandmother originally ordered it from back in the 1960’s. I assembled the needles and thread she would need to complete the project and gave it to her for Christmas. I’ve already called dibs. ;)<br />
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<b>QUILTING</b><br />
In my experience, the majority of my grandma's quilting was quick and functional. Find a fabric with a pattern that repeats so you can quickly tie it together. Only sometimes for very special occasions would she actually use a "quilting" stitch on the blanket.<br />
For my 13th birthday, I got to pick out material from my grandma's stash. (Yes, she had a stash. A closet in one of the bedrooms was full from ceiling to floor with fabric. My mom has carried on the tradition and now has a room devoted to fabric crafting in her home.) We set it on a quilting frame and quilted it, not tied. It was my first experience "quilting" and I had friends and siblings come by throughout the day to help. I loved that day, it is one I still treasure. And the completed quilt? It is still around today, Leah thinks it should be in HER room. What!?! I guess it <i>does</i> fit her bed and not mine, okay.<br />
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I have several memories of quilting with my grandma and her girlfriends. A collection of cousins, life-long friends and Church members. I loved sitting with those women it was so great to talk to them, listen to them, and just hear them tell the stories of the past. It was during one of those quilting sessions that I heard Pearl tell her side of my grandparents love story.<br />
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The last memory I have of my grandmother as a vibrant, active woman was of her in her home climbing under and walking around a quilt frame. My cousin, Kenny, was getting married and she was quilting a wedding ring quilt for him and his new bride. I was down visiting my friend Sarah and we walked over to Grandma's to check in on her and see how the quilt was coming. She was sitting on the far side of her living room with the cable on tuned to AMC. She heard us at the door and was crawling out from under the quilt when we walked in. We had a quick conversation, a hug and a kiss, and we parted ways. The next day, a Sunday, while at my ward building for a practice of a choral number I found out that my Grandma had had a stroke. She was now in the hospital and they were trying to discover the level of her...change, damage...From that day forward she was changed--the same--but changed.<br />
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To be continued....I still need to cover music, food preservation, acting...there is SOOOOO much more!jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-8123505002504533912011-03-07T23:12:00.001-05:002011-03-07T23:12:17.997-05:00Gratitude 101<p>Today is Monday and time for a weekly tradition and practice, Family Home Evening. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are asked to gather with our families each Monday night for time together. Sometimes we have fun-filled activities, but usually we have lessons about principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.</p> <p>Today we started by singing “Count Your Blessings”, followed by a touching prayer given by Mason, then into a lesson on <em>Gratitude. </em>The idea came from the March 2011 issue of the Friend, a First Presidency message given by President Eyring. The article entitled <a href="http://lds.org/friend/2011/03/count-your-blessings?lang=eng">“Count Your Blessings”,</a> go ahead and read the article it’s short and to the point.</p> <p>I reviewed the story of Moses and the Israelites. The kids knew everything up until the crossing of the Red Sea then the facts got hazy for them. Leah kept trying to tell the story, but she was missing information---like the Lord feeding the Israelites with Manna from heaven. We had to remind her of the importance of listening. ;) She simmered down, thankfully.</p> <p>What I wanted them to take away from the story of the Israelites is how they were continually blessed by God but they often forgot and would have to repent before they would be blessed again.</p> <p>To help all of us remember how blessed we are by the Lord we have each started a “Gratitude Journal” that we will begin to write in each night. Here are the kids entries for tonight, verbatim:</p> <p>Leah: </p> <p>What has God given us? He gave us school and Parants. </p> <p>I am greatful that we have a school because I can learn new things evry day. I am also greatful for parants because they are loving & give us a lot of atenchen & they are the best blessing I’ve ever had.</p> <p>Mason:</p> <p>I am thankful that I love my Mom, Dad, brother and sister.</p> <p>Owen:</p> <p>I am thankful for…</p> <ul> <li>the story of Moses <li>bed <li>Church (playing with friends, teachers who teach me [Flakes]) <li>Jesus Christ <li>the run to school this afternoon <li>toys [blocks, dress-ups] <li>ghos-tez [the Holy Spirit] <li>dogs, like Stella [Friberg] and Ty [Cooper] <li>wiggly worms [putting them on my finger and watching them wiggle, wiggle wiggle like t-h-i-s…(image a quickly swaying Little Man)] <li>Leah & Mason coming home from school <li>Mommy & Daddy <li>Spencer Friberg---my bestest, super-duper friend!</li></ul> <p>Following President Eyring’s guidelines here are 2-3 good things that happened today:</p> <p>1. I was able to go back to bed from 8:45am-10:25am, while Owen watched shows on Netflix. [I woke with a migraine that was quite mind-numbing. I could barely see straight and it had banished the nice-Mommy to oblivion, leaving the mean-Mommy in control. My poor kids this morning before school. ***Blessing- I was restored to the point that I could function. I was still miserably, but the mean-Mommy was replaced by a reasonable-Mommy.]</p> <p>2. Mason’s prayer to go along with Family Home Evening. [Whenever he prayers I KNOW he is thinking about what he is saying. The Spirit is tangible and a smile is always left on my face.]</p> <p>I know that my Heavenly Father was watching out for me and my children today. Owen was safe with no parental supervision. Mason’s prayer helped to set the tone for our lesson tonight. All of my children sat and listened to me tell the story of the Israelites, A-MAZE-ING! I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of a loving Father in Heaven who watches over and loves me and knows me.</p> jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-30424455043299043522010-10-31T22:16:00.001-05:002010-10-31T22:19:50.113-05:00My 3 musketeers<p>No time to really write about the events of the last couple of weeks but everyone needs to see my 3 musketeers. My mom <a href="http://www.sewingwithmom.com/">sewed</a> the ‘hard’ part. ;) I put together the pants, shirts, HATS, sword-belts, and swords.</p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 504px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:5ba31d8a-a24d-49f0-b2e7-57a72a0e5f99" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!768&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View 3 Musketeers" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HJpf7sbcQzPGgv4VGq5QUbcKzyzAtoI2hv7zK9ogKIGoX99AN3a73zZlwEdi9C4Z3-TIQmHzHI3hEQ1PMiKFn46WDSu6HItNG1ICUL-GKBnIigczIlbqKWy2F5D68JB_Fs1nuffMZw32//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:488px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!768&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p> </p> <p>FYI-The pink musketeer was inspired by ‘Corinne’ from “Barbie and the 3 Musketeers”. Leah has to have her pink. :D</p> jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-23018290043625056872010-10-21T09:04:00.001-05:002010-10-21T09:04:54.907-05:00Owen at 4<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:7471e3cd-2d87-4dd3-86b3-af160e8b0ccb" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!664&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Owen" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjFTKJ4Gn5pZwOwdhmOinCktA3y31CrNehnVui7kLvdNKBj1_pKJNX1yoAXhKPdJFx9Xt1PTw6S9IqRhzZNiX6sWbdZwWr9hesc1HHDLmJLBg8IhdZ1rLMPqm8Gr1HJmgt0KT4nat0jib//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:504px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!664&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p><font size="4" face="BankGothic Md BT">An interview with the Birthday Boy:</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What is your favorite color?</font></p> <p>-ummm…red (i happen to disagree, it’s blue)</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What’s do you want for your birthday?</font></p> <p>-A Nutcracker and 2 blankets</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What is your favorite thing to do?</font></p> <p>-Do Scribble-scraps (drawing)</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What is your favorite treat?</font></p> <p>-My favorite treat is a red one.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">Do you like chocolate chip cookies or chocolate cobbler?</font></p> <p>-I like chocolate cobbler. But mom I like Chocolate COOKIES. (He likes them both)</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What is your favorite snack?</font></p> <p>-Animal Crackers</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What is your favorite TV show?</font></p> <p>-Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Diego WITH Dora</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What is you favorite song to sing?</font></p> <p>-The ABC song … A, B, C, D, E, F, G, …</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">What is your favorite Primary song?</font></p> <p>-God of the world (I have NO idea where this came from, can ANY one help me out?)</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" face="augie">Who is favorite person?</font></p> <p>-I don’t like persons. I like happy monsters.</p> <p><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">as the interviewer of this fine young man I have made some observations…</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">He loves to contradict you.</font> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">He loves to laugh. Give him a tickle he loves that.</font> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">He would rather sit next to his mom while she folds laundry or washes dishes than go off and play by himself. He IS a Momma’s Boy.</font> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">He loves to wrestle. (Anyone know of wrestling class for 4 year olds?)</font> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">Playing Dress-up and Make Believe is his favorite thing to do.</font> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">He is Mischievous. He gets a look in his eye that means trouble has happened or is coming…beware!</font> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">He loves to give kisses and hugs. But he only dishes them out on his terms. Night time kisses are few and far between.</font> <li><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES babies. He never wants to see them sad, hungry, dirty…JUST happy. He's a great big brother to many a baby…lillyth, miles…just to name a couple.</font></li></ul> <p><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">I love this boy. He makes me crazy many times a day, but he is mine and I am glad to have him. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="BankGothic Lt BT">I love you my Little Man.</font></p> jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-61634409884817467092010-10-19T00:53:00.001-05:002010-10-19T10:28:14.532-05:00Birthday Boys-Monster Bash<p>***WARNING: This post contains a plethora of images. Lots of pictures taken by many hands. There is not much writing but we’re heavy on the pictures. If you don’t have the time to devote to a good perusal I’d come back to the post later…There IS a lot to see.***</p> <p>DEDICATION- This post is dedicated to the Daddy working hard in the land of FAR FAR AWAY. We love you, miss you and wish you could’ve been here with us.</p> <p>This was an experience of ‘Monster’ proportions. The preparations were ‘monstrously’ daunting. Good thing we started planning early. ;)</p> <p>Owen & his friend, Spencer, have birthdays 16 days apart. They spend ‘monstrous’ amounts of time together each week, and they both LOVE to pretend to be monsters. So when we asked them if they wanted a ‘Monster Bash’ Birthday Party they were both on board. :D</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurBGh2hp98dScpUIgctab4GZ4MZjr1rdCmvIrJ2-JogW2DjvAWqGP7CEyA4lF4_0xOYVxycOFXwwLt1SbLYSvQR8SjmdwbOEy7m4EohzzP83w3DJXRrnXca1BM9Zdlk1_wcvOsvz8augr/s1600-h/IMG_2054%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2054" border="0" alt="IMG_2054" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSOSfLngkPGs3fhl7OU8iLkP5-dUVF0GwrJLOb7tTSnpqCG0lFMulPf9WPYBi0uS5mTdXIZTxAwqg0Z0f_2YNyGK03tnyE06jFdaxXtOllUktqQQgnJstFaZlB_3dsiScVqZirD0xfF8i//?imgmax=800" width="229" height="331"></a> (The sign says it all, doesn’t it?)</p> <p align="left">After some snacking on Pizzas, Carrots & Apples there were 3 stations for the Kids to rotate thru. </p> <p align="left">***Note- All signs below were designed by me and executed/colored by Leah (with some help from her bros on the “Monster Toss”).***</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg571ez34hU71Im37YkKFc7sCuHlE8tAwtICeLcYPFKwAiIFy73thuPwgSJhz5hmNHgRGHZSBFHa8U56vhq6CCi2rgqjUGOk1pkso-v8vCPkqIumYWSmAC_J-rsBndQJHmB3NciuO-T0xdd/s1600-h/IMG_2023%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2023" border="0" alt="IMG_2023" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafgqTO1vifIYYHLPSxn6ND2ABBwoNBNb28Gt_QQdlLwR4UWexzXu2MkrMaF52YnpRJq2WTs0OPyFfVAbfYDcjJUn9NRHyXspCxSLyTkO0XXil_PoyhCtJv24Dqi4HARUKNAziXoojGa4_//?imgmax=800" width="240" height="334"></a> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 435px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:6df2a3bd-f96b-4633-982b-24f19cc2e79e" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!200&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View MONSTER TOSS" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS1lvUEih1XqW7eD62yCqNxpp_PDHx8Ae_ew-S_QlvUQrfZ6W5SRIzZqOW5bYdp-KlegntBMY6baSk2KZxwE3RFhKnbwX9a8u4wFxfPutbkYdyVGHd2CFu-bTU9f7GO7W-LtyRLV7giFU//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:435px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!200&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The Bean Bags were designed by Leah & Mason and executed by the Mommy, me. ;) The Board was designed and painted by moi…the night before the main event. I swear I was NOT procrastinating…you try and find time to paint with a 3 year old Mama’s Boy 2 steps behind you all day long. ;0) I am pleased with the out come. It is something I’ve wanted to do for years and it feels so good to have it DONE! Total Man hours for Bags: 14. Total man hours for Board: 10.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aSDG724IUsrFebk1DPBukXcNq9b42wgQD4UvxtkBLbu8f7QoXWh_I1Dbq_QWA9JDbibCb0SwiQBJwcQucMQdyYmpIsi_aW38cJL4d1MWMb85ZRYlyWLaEATCjxOLoSptzQgduVctj5XM/s1600-h/IMG_2018%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2018" border="0" alt="IMG_2018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsd8wiXoGrGlmz7SGfjHn_qjY76nVb0W1uTCMZp_18Pas_rSTyBjrVMNMNaxw8ZlLzmRmvEuqZHSulZCjSNpQl7ev2apDnlwDhRKQzF_-5pu3yat6rWxupGh3XCRL81vmvajFA5JyF4elZ//?imgmax=800" width="301" height="208"></a> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 400px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:4c28341f-a4c2-41bf-ad7c-4d29464588ab" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!216&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View MONSTER Craft" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2K4rCeVyjFypzqzhejwlr-eIOSms31RhtqPSQyx-nKvDlU9MkCnSr9D996adzmBVUPD1XFr5RbG8bX6J1DkRjb1JlmdEpRCqsILEuny-BBM1_zYnA7SSCigfkUq9vVrhQlIT_NOczp3aZ//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!216&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>The Craft is the little 3-eyed Green Monster/Alien on the Board. The packaged craft is from the Halloween Craft aisle at Hobby Lobby. The kits makes 30. Needless to say, I have extras. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHwBDL51J-nZSiPnEcO5ajhB1bfawIASUZJtcu-ExeHn2TxKlWGdX87NJk5cBhYpdOwOE2O35V6Z8aTvAlib5uFeyshlVuKebBmj7hEScPDI2LFXInDBwXp0Dsd9yPUCLM19Yt6F0Y97s/s1600-h/IMG_2016%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2016" border="0" alt="IMG_2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuyF2YuyT8Q-CoyTF3kslbhjfTmheDLDjjw8boB2ZNWznF3sGQbvHkvWLlNIyX_vNiPpUphB6BBKHy4QDqxtySrtxLWnt7Kt_CXYASEJ7Q8ivD2zbG_-llYIr-0qRpV9yNDLB7eV9B0qN//?imgmax=800" width="301" height="427"></a> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 416px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:b5b6bc65-8e5e-461b-8c64-6f60b744ced3" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!224&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View MONSTER Hand & Snack" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAteA5PlkpHhYnr6RcSu0FIfBQA1h9vhlFbaa-JKffkBakLkx8P9QqQg0suUcPz0Lz7AzPR7MbEXKIv2KuL5qaXJ2q7hLfBu5axULFJc2f8XCrOZMApgk8KyXwmYPhS6lYS9e7ZDvUcVY//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!224&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p align="center">****BREAKING NEWS*** </p> <p align="center">We interrupt this broadcast with urgent news from our sponsors…</p> <p align="center">If you have balloons staked out in a large yard, perfect for running in, children will confiscate them and run. ;)</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 416px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:33875f8b-9985-4bb5-b44a-8f34a52e6019" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!230&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View RANDOM BALLOONS" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDps_9gevy6yxNp4PsJM69CGc_ngi3oGsUQdTp3vuwOdZ2chYD8DekGL7b3AQMcd9HKfGfjWrrr_L55W8PLsSWC3rHY7QYjzZVST8x91OhdwJx5OkPyEmcp9QOZmInmFiroN66G1o5tEoF//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!230&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>Then there was the Pinata… This was one tough “cookie” to crack.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN54RselF1QOQNzVtE5lkKIsTs7Iizm6KykX5_ZHcu6pR0Oan1OCa8hccYpS8Yyj38OpC_hwXThRKpJX6TOnO7u4BeDWD4UfINIfWDKnxIUH9H_XcBJfWV9IFHhbM8fbJw7i7Rbr2CFVP/s1600-h/IMG_1744%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1744" border="0" alt="IMG_1744" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynydz-cIxvfGu8Vgwf5mcrsbkWKVcKRc22QBJ4ahjoU29ApB1LdZQbyZVIpS03ypAmJOBI-r6vpv8l9gtSYOkCwOmsP2AgYSX3npOy1h829NJAKpsRMyJ4y4AJgkHRAftCB9IWxrdmvsD//?imgmax=800" width="340" height="235"></a></p>We killed the Friberg’s broom handle in the process… <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 400px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:e12db79a-bf3d-4c3b-b101-5f45a3ed1eba" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!548&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View PINATA 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd2HZg6GLkom3yBcyd4kxeokL71S5Exl4VYRCLNri1usfnDmY5N1AVPy20ppFsngBmyOpI54-CnUwpH0D3RRj83nTT3LJHnN0vY9h7Qvy5ZzvHnSxeQ9829lUsH6X6iiJxwNFEzmciVk7//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!548&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>And of course there were Monster Cupcakes, why wouldn’t there be? Carolyn Friberg and I got together on 2 separate occasions in the week to make fondant, roll out fondant, begin the cutting, planning, decorating bit AND, of course, complete it. Total man hours: 20 (we have to combine her hours <em>with</em> my hours compounding the hours of “interest”).</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 416px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:7218940d-ea1d-42f1-9cf2-33f34b1e1d38" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!347&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View CUPCAKES" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHUtuTepUPtAxtxyeriihr53XUiLD0woXHwcXcw5IGzIW2VSgyAoMKrWTfTVblbphfVPEBpXZOKtDDkP-jExZYLVpPxX9IbJMILOkj6Nlm00XZixhB6EbBUkvPVC3xuAagDrgLogA7VL0//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!347&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 400px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:96e9e917-5df0-4775-94be-b45b213ae6ab" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!584&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View CUPCAKES 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrBszogjRchrxownEuebiTqPZbtsfnJiDFcf9VKSn-gS0KRZDkGreSZADoqt5b0BxhcrX8Fn65NlxUlLwzClD83W9RJP0Yxa3zbVSGyHS-POtS5Rld7MqTzO6tEAnS1SzNVkmyLXX8iDk//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!584&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>Friends started leaving after the sugar rush of candy, cupcakes and Hawaiian Punch, but we stuck it out a bit longer to open presents inside the warmer house.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 416px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:a7c7fb75-0302-4616-a049-8423ab3a3eb5" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!398&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Presents" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYkFCUpsphTFisfV7szEXcqjp_XUGrIYej1TRwgLpIMrhOR3q-6Ek_m9k1_20eOnxneDbWmodptCmrRYnSLn9MSjrw_PMvjiyk9BSzMD7_MEFXOIqeqNbMRuHaRdbryiCDpdI4gnXpe_w//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!398&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>To round off the day we finished with ME having a little mini photo shoot with the “Birthday Boys”, siblings and cousin. These are just for us. But you’re welcome to see them too.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 400px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:7348212b-8a8c-4068-b425-ee88ba665c4f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!617&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View After Party 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEmBhir4jSC2fXAYfipcXcQLtGgDAzTrwsiO_CO0HDqopmsgexadsb8QAY__-RAfzm2oTn9d1bbOms4W0FE23A5MZxbFUu1e1gY6r5ZOKomoIijhbnChEnhRAf9tvXDsFwAIFNkYgjr61//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!617&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-68971021651599686742010-10-15T09:06:00.001-05:002010-10-15T09:20:48.596-05:00Madsen Cycles-“the Bucket Bike”<p>Have you ever heard of the “bucket bike”? I hadn’t till this morning, and I have to say I am intrigued. The idea that I could have a child plus ‘accessories’ all in one location sounds awesome. And it is so cute. Check it out.</p> <p><a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?src=lcf10"><img src="http://www.madsencycles.com/images/banners-2011/madsen-cycles-mom-kids-clr.gif"></a></p> <p>I can easily envision myself going on bike rides with the kids with this. Leah & Mason on their bikes, Owen in the back of this one and a trip to the library, or park, or grocery store would be a breeze. Currently Leah & Mason have to stop frequently waiting for Owen and me to catch up to them. </p> <p>If you’re in Utah, Monday they are having a rally in Provo, UT. A gathering of ‘Bucket Bike’ owners and will have a few bikes there to check out. Also, if you look at the bottom of the flier below you’ll see that you can enter a contest <strong><em>this weekend</em></strong>, just send an email to <a href="mailto:NieandMadsen@yahoo.com"><strong><em>NieandMadsen@yahoo.com</em></strong></a><strong><em> </em></strong>with your name & why you want a bike. If you win you have to be able to make it to the Rally to pick up the bike. Just another reason why I wish we were in Utah.</p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtZ2UGXboiUsHY53uHguE4B-sGtZ0nicUxW2sEow-FU8XkeyMUkG26icL4dSZXfnhNBV8DEhPlrU6Cfy2gCq2MN4CF7o8_6VfxPn-93xhl6dbfBe32WxWH_QcJQQZEoKtxuBKEs4yedU/s1600/Madsen+Bike+Rally+for+posting.png" width="488" height="615"></p> jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-46800093020547829532010-09-25T08:39:00.001-05:002010-09-25T08:39:27.762-05:00Groupon is cool<p>I’ve been using Groupon to get some cool deals check it out <a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu7013139">here</a>.</p> <p>I’ve treated Kevin & I to a delicious meal and today I purchased the Groupon for a Bucket Bag by SnapTotes. I’m ubber excited. :)</p> jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-30793065417433424372010-09-20T15:41:00.003-05:002010-09-20T16:30:48.116-05:00“You’re STILL here!?! WHAT!?!”<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Atevgw1IJO3BEHrSNEi-uigdlFY2-QyTGPJaCNKzB9mVjyhBbfSnE2CvbgAaubF4qaI_zPzWzDRHcFr7WvfsT39RGQpXR3eEsq9eqVvB6Qi0cZHZkBZUMaDejOmN9sW3dZkIL8dSD_6X/s1600-h/IMG_0467_p_083010%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0467_p_083010" border="0" alt="IMG_0467_p_083010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXxHO6Mivo070rFYOUfdUB1_tQ-hTMyz12UE4zwe1kejeR_Huozv4SUKPR1AUXwzQlSKnVMCSM-9siNf8y67ZNMmH12WGexTZfCmRRwQUnJXX7FEHa7vnlpU-SD6f-1iInUMfup853tEd//?imgmax=800" width="533" height="367" /></a> </p> <p>(This photo was entered in the <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">iHEARTfaces</a> weekly photo challenge “Smirk”)</p> <p>On Mason’s first day of Kindergarten we parents hung around to get some photos of the “BIG DAY”. He caught us hanging out at the edge of the blacktop and he rewarded us with <em>this</em> look. This kid cracks me up. He is totally saying, “You’re STILL here!?!? Why haven’t you left yet? GET OUT OF HERE!” Then he ignored us pretending we didn’t exist any longer.</p> <br /><br />Go here and check out some of the other photos submitted this week:<br /><center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com" mce_href="http://www.iheartfaces.com"><img src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/I_Heart_Faces_noborder_125x100.jpg" mce_src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/I_Heart_Faces_noborder_125x100.jpg"/></a></center>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-80142891196152459542010-08-30T22:54:00.001-05:002010-08-30T22:54:09.231-05:00The Big Sister<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqYkDpU-x0s0ilt_jW7PsM1I6wQ9vKyuKV2oQgb-3ezzMpcveDnO3ibnH8pyeXfdpJ1AXruK6100_jL62H9B2fwS_EZ7tgrDQWTvUVoH0oegYlSdT3kmtTQ6GNT8L5TuzPRko3gcNbf-D/s1600-h/IMG_0427_p_bw_083010%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0427_p_bw_083010" border="0" alt="IMG_0427_p_bw_083010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9cN966X7SgKb0Pkls-B4mSrRwY7HIwJWr9yTykyPGbQGN9QcCLF0E2EapZpNWxN6NIvMjqNOZQ6bmMJBVLpLXa39AuaWg1OAgbn-SEZEyF4eKzcNhuF_hT_wHhtnCLJ40JtPJzgGWm4I//?imgmax=800" width="480" height="318"></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><font face="Annoying Kettle">Dear Leah, </font></p> <p><font face="Annoying Kettle">I love that you are a big sister to your little brothers. You have always opened your arms and welcomed them into your classrooms at school, introducing them to all your friends. I know that you look forward to having Mason in school with you and you are happy to share your space with him. </font></p> <p><font face="Annoying Kettle">As your mother it makes me so happy, proud, teary and emotional to know that you have that love for Mason and Owen. Thank you for being a loving big sister to both of them. And just remember to use quieter voices with them when they irritate you and I'll work to do the same. </font></p> <p><font face="Annoying Kettle">You are a beautiful girl growing up to be an equally beautiful young lady, inside and out. </font></p> <p><font face="Annoying Kettle">You are loved...</font><font face="Annoying Kettle">Always and Forever. </font></p> <p><font face="Annoying Kettle">Hugs & Kisses,</font></p> <p><font face="Annoying Kettle">Mom </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWVjnO6XPbU2h8pAI08ZaFnKS0ZEL8nPZRui-PyYwZKM5lVRcGUABTatm_7-yUjiw-GNqwAlA7t-aV53RMK19MLAk31KWzorYtmENALylZXVFxwVMf9iDutNcUHOvP-D8Q6nCvuceuSID/s1600-h/IMG_0436_p_083010%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0436_p_083010" border="0" alt="IMG_0436_p_083010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsYk7ZAXgQ44iolircLCvUgHVEOB1siiz_92cVALYLxVL4QUmgy2YO2m0Z-YHvWvf-T1qKqI890FXe5peJ7A_LFW7AzRJlqBzzC_nsVXddLZS0JuTQGGRPYyRms3XjdKFOrI4FvUNTZvs//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="315"></a></p> jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-10187931862247925922010-07-20T21:56:00.002-05:002010-07-21T07:46:38.266-05:00Family Time---busy, busy<p><b>MONDAY</b> </p><p>-Clean house. </p><p>-Set up beds. </p><p>-Everyone (but Owen) staying up late to see Grandpa, Grandma, Ryan, Ethan, Anna & Garrett arrive. Then staying awake a little longer to visit before sleeping. </p><p><b>TUESDAY</b> </p><p>-Wake up early. Everyone up and out of the house by 9:20am for the Early Bird Showing of "Toy Story 3." Movie was enjoyed by all. Owen and Mason made Kevin leave a total of 3 times for potty breaks. Such a good Daddy, not a single complaint crossed his lips. </p><p><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiskPfVJWREDnw6CyFMC-Cn7nTaRV8UtpFveexCkGK3MwNTQadYxqVTnjIAm0-WEQgv3zPP8SPCJ9BmqRm2Vswwp7_dW1LIGdIJzRw4au86QAZgPNchNI28anOY3e2wi8PaTZOMS64lGcl/s400/IMG_8909_p.jpg" /> </p><p>-Lunch at Chick-fil-a. A free sandwich with your movie ticket when you buy a drink and fry. MMMmmMmmMMmmm. Diet Dr.Pepper. A weakness. </p><p>-A trip to the National Cryptologic Museum at Fort Meade. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LgnDSuNpGV2UMi54w7uNB2ajlUkhT2932nVdw46CY9iZpJajxgVIzGbvoZ7uEJ_eUp-N2yAL9guuTknpUpDlTUn1RTw0_gkGacrtHVplKXs5P27PtlMcODxwk6pCoYjZvIB5NR1quWLH/s1600-h/IMG_8913_p%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8913_p" border="0" alt="IMG_8913_p" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntmHyemeFGbl5HAE7draas0fAEavfpRpYCBHGc66lec3WukzwwNXqtWXGeye5YXx3V0CQufavMiUlbQdFT6hpGKVI1xuQjSR95BU39PbgDMCKwwLn9Kk3tHX170MzLyZFQsddLiVxtONd//?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p><p>Leah decoded 14 messages and earned a circle puzzle. We'll be going back in the next couple weeks to explore in more detail. </p><p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9YDwQwuKth6opGbLzQ4UbWocuEzDUMWW7Dx0WXY_Nt3-HQRylhXpHrc3KbH6oYcDT8bo-qlISBSCLsFm03_mmxSgCnPlw7X1o78g7SV_cy2wYIfHcFvrc_YPLhgASVVoxSFanf65caQT/s1600-h/IMG_8921_p%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8921_p" border="0" alt="IMG_8921_p" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsY1z1J-52PooN8K3wWy139l95F4w0OJQzxGLr7WK_exmGTqIW9y5SA9h1jhaFWFBtrq3sfKCXyCJm9-DE5DE00abnZmfyWgK6WV8bk-QZD2WxYC5vNKbF69eP5_IbViKf_Ur5_A2CRPP//?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>I might not take the boys along. Mason’s idea of a good time in there was playing “Angry Birds” on his Uncle Ryan’s iPhone. That won’t be accompanying us next time.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1DXlaSR_djmnv6zK3dZJtEQuxN19HXqjX7tjjalTIar3MGyiucEHGUhBKBENAd4u6NzQ3q_j571-2hMhPLyzuXS6W9le0FGXWQn1dPNtgVx2FvZ0exseXgNHrsNV9jxEf8eukI2xvKb4/s1600-h/IMG_8926_p%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8926_p" border="0" alt="IMG_8926_p" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9NraNDv0nVyv8dpf-drhXP0H-b7EHmGOVuuI2fOtnuxawLvwiuDZNDD9lgi13EGa7thnYi_x3K6Wt4cFJTFmNTBZX32JYql-ZkehqvAHUzELR1-Sj7bzdYdoZ88fuoBKj6Xe74qmC34P//?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>-I then took the adults to Ann’s House of Nuts Outlet store off Berger Rd in Columbia. No pictures, but we did get a steal of a deal on some nuts and dried fruits.</p> <p>-The day ended with Susann & Frans Martin’s family joining us for a dinner of personal pizzas and salad. (Susann is my in-laws niece.)</p> <p><strong>WEDNESDAY</strong></p> <p>-Drove into DC and parked instead of riding the Metro in. $16 all day/car.</p> <p>-Spent much of our day inside the American History Museum. We found an exploration lab that Leah and Mason had a great time in.</p> <p> </p><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:3a5a0802-762f-4bdf-880a-b3d586b96761" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!111&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View American History Museum" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qQJQZKiyOUMKmVTbInlvBN0DHSNzvqa7EDwi3iczdrZa8YwOwMbekckG2IBWuHavGnRs2VX4GmevgAvP_rltG1aun0ZR95A3EcAiS68AnljeecGxSavaSrDWR5cn_tzOZVI8eWAHoFrm//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:509px;text-align:right;"><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!111&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div><p></p> <p>-Went over to the National Archives building. My brother-in-law Garrett had a large pocket knife with him that wasn’t allowed in the building. Mason and I volunteered to wait outside with the knife instead of going up to view the documents. We had some fun snacking and taking pictures.</p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:eb68afa1-c2f2-4fb4-9143-42646e027cec" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!117&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View National Archives" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiarWAxLEB6ToI1dM8273NwQOQHljPPqTyaovNhTk79qO8kQ7Mx3KGxXMbrQ7EDu1fxmInPK1gal6M8yZOXsvLgwm8PG1qnOyL0oQ6mZGJmS48okRcgn2aurEwNqdBw5j2XODWL35lPUJ//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;"><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!117&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>-We finished of the day with a quick visit to the Natural History Museum and a walk past the Smithsonian Institute Building.</p> <p>-Came home to dinner 1/2 prepared by Kevin. I finished it up and we were off to bed…after waiting for our turn to shower. ;) Having one shower really has its draw backs when you have company.</p> <p><strong>THURSDAY</strong></p> <p>-Grandma and Grandpa stayed home with the grandkids for a low-key day together.</p> <p>-Kevin went into work.</p> <p>-I drove the Young Adults and Teenager into DC once again, but this time to tour the Memorials and Monuments. I didn’t bring my camera along. I didn’t want the extra weight. I was the official photographer for everyone else using <em>their</em> cameras. Because of that I do not yet have any pictures, but that’s ok I wasn’t in any pictures. (I would like to note that it was over 90-degrees with humidity that day, probably over 100-degrees. I didn’t really want to know. I was so glad we left the kids at home.)</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:84E294D0-71C9-4bd0-A0FE-95764E0368D9:c8d90fd6-4003-4006-af30-530aacd497a0" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a href="http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=38.88689~-77.03536&lvl=14&style=a&scene=44938067&sp=aN.38.88141_-77.03682_Jefferson%2520Memorial_~aN.38.88295_-77.04223_FDR%2520Memorial_~aN.38.88783_-77.04566_Korean%2520War%2520Memorial_~aN.38.8895_-77.05004_Lincoln%2520Memorial_~aN.38.89083_-77.04875_Vietnam%2520Memorial_~aN.38.88976_-77.0406_World%2520War%2520II%2520Memorial_~aN.38.88983_-77.03561_Washington%2520Monument_~aN.38.89564_-77.03682_White%2520House_~aN.38.88619_-77.03264_Holocaust%2520Museum_~aN.38.88787_-77.01984_Air%2520%2526%2520Space%2520Museum_~aN.38.88365_-77.02863_Our%2520%252416%252fday%2520parking%2520garage_&mkt=en-us&FORM=LLWR" id="map-721afc53-4b3f-4538-b06c-dcbc17966d12" alt="View map" title="View map"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj62ToDaTSNcy9nenkaqtpaMP9jGB2WsTCZxRe8JpP8j1ViS0yd5u4VzNdY4XClRdTCI434aeaH90ikbr1a_ens0csv0Hu4bOSKockR5KQC_hQJnmD5LwiURSkCi8yJb2oYqqwDUKXv7jw//?imgmax=800" width="462" height="356" alt="Map picture" /></a></div> <p>***Each pin represents a stop we made. In the following order.***</p> <ul> <li>Parking garage </li><li>Thomas Jefferson Memorial </li><li>FDR Memorial </li><li>Korean War Memorial </li><li>Lincoln Memorial </li><li>Vietnam Memorial </li><li>World War II Memorial </li><li>Washington Monument </li><li>White House </li><li>Holocaust Museum (This was my first time and it was AMAZING!!! I could’ve spent ALL of our time in there. Informative, creative and worth every minute spent there.) </li><li>Air & Space Museum </li><li>Parking Garage</li></ul> <p>-We got stuck in horrendous traffic when there was a miscommunication between me and my navigator. A typical 30-minute drive ended up taking 1 hour-40 minutes.</p> <p>-We were cutting through DC to get to the Washington, DC Temple. There is an exquisite display right now of bronzes statues depicting the life of Christ. Amazing craftsmanship! Anyone in the area reading this? Be sure you get down there to check it out. It’s on display till October and I plan on taking the kids down a couple times before they are gone. Beautiful.</p> <p>-It was a record setting 36-minutes from the Temple to Home. Dinner was waiting for us---Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Thanks Mom! </p> <p><strong>FRIDAY</strong></p> <p>-Leaving our home behind at 10am we drove up to Palmyra, NY. Getting to our hotel and KFC at 5:35pm and to The Hill Cumorah Pageant by 6:10pm.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:ef8e0f55-4f98-4909-abf6-c173a922f014" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!124&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Hill Cumorah Pageant" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFa6ywK-DzP0WYyVmama_wCSt-g0drsZhPznFWs89_gBxSjnOkbgjC9H7y9NAYI6NCcCFH2BhvLwhivHm8hrn-pXGIM73zNUOXy0CptfxobA6h0lneN79QV5SrZmziDalOqBoKTEYa3rb//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:516px;text-align:right;"><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!124&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>-The Pageant was fabulous. Despite being ‘oh so very tired’. I stayed awake by photographing the program and taking kids to the bathroom.</p> <p><strong>SATURDAY</strong></p> <p>-Up early. 6am. To shower and get to the Palmyra Temple by 7:30am.</p> <p>-Attended the 8am Endowment session in the Palmyra Temple. I was so tired. I stayed awake, but just barely. The building is beautiful. I love stain glass and that Temple has it everywhere. So beautiful.</p> <p>-We got back to the hotel with 20-minutes to spare before checkout. Everyone got packed up and out of there with minutes to spare. :)</p> <p>-We went straight to the Joseph Smith Family Farm. Where you can tour the Log Home, Frame Home, a Threshing Barn, Cooper Shop, and The Sacred Grove.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:daa3e692-5037-42e9-a992-265f75d5c961" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!154&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Joseph Smith Family Farm" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGYjJ5nqlIIavxmtMfYsjZPdcG3Xo7jAJUh25_fjS5fsBG0vkBD3stgcGJik1ANaVve6xnAVhCufmP4ZoTlsTFmZvA2NTGc9PSBYxDmlU0AGYQaCRhANAgKMPDZ2vdLdEedQfOcMf5NeF//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:511px;text-align:right;"><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!154&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>-We ate lunch at the picnic tables.</p> <p>-Drove into Palmyra, NY. Walked Main Street, past the Print Shop where the Book of Mormon was first printed, saw an intersection with a different Faith’s church on each corner.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:35c888bd-85fc-4f37-a81e-ba103a2f4cfc" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!189&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Palmyra, NY" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobrUr2klEJ_4tHfV4dFsIbcbt93EwGVzUQqC7fwJWQOXO5Rc9EQG3GQD8x-XbU2S3dX9-8mwckt6i3URkAUy10LNQfgcCxmdiu8uJhpQsdvpdgepW42kycHDOPSd0AAxGcvNayyjhVucx//?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:505px;text-align:right;"><a href="http://cid-b9e586ad382ce452.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=B9E586AD382CE452!189&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p>-At 5:14pm, we parted ways with the Grandparents, Aunt and Uncles.</p> <p>-We headed home from there. It took us 12 hours to get home. Mostly because I was SO TIRED I couldn’t keep my eyes open and help my husband to stay awake. We pulled over twice to sleep. The first time for only about 30 minutes. The second time for about 2 hours. I still couldn’t keep my eyes open enough to read to Kevin, but he was wired and awake. We pulled into home just after 5am on Sunday. It felt so good to fall into bed. I didn’t wake until after 2pm. My husband is the best Daddy…he got up at some point to take care of the needs of our 3 children.</p> <p align="center">And so I say, THE END…to this adventure.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5wEXOCI5ZkxN4kBiHy8WTyDBlq-kDG0nnjd_sizOJDK3nC8uLr3QdOIuXZsezoTr8dUu5n2B-idmfLRJpYtWqEP_oDbg6D2ICtAZssyk8C_cE0jvRJCUMWzAuIwfPjo_lkbLSKKx6V1D/s1600-h/IMG_9320_p_PA%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_9320_p_PA" border="0" alt="IMG_9320_p_PA" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy17Ggw0qnZzKR59Y8pZ8IL_BD40UpmJXdrBCU34oOYH2vRMb62RMp-jGE81B__80pkAcBoMlkmdVdNDNq6Dwo2zdzap6I0n57oQqqWHkEtXoNCpaI6EK1372ZDnr3M0xfQmI67zCcBVG//?imgmax=800" width="488" height="328" /></a></p>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-91139286040492707722010-07-10T23:18:00.003-05:002010-07-10T23:41:08.994-05:00"I spy..."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq5KujwiqrtTKH48qZNpLkIbA8gI3M506shoxPde7HO1BI_V7Nb3caR68rc2iv8P4Y4lZu-OIP_-wXlPLPIwx1G6touPiAE7fetnyki4qX4AUu6JkXwgPD5SZdtHWSIEdZuiGT4Yceriy/s1600/IMG_5544bp_picnik.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq5KujwiqrtTKH48qZNpLkIbA8gI3M506shoxPde7HO1BI_V7Nb3caR68rc2iv8P4Y4lZu-OIP_-wXlPLPIwx1G6touPiAE7fetnyki4qX4AUu6JkXwgPD5SZdtHWSIEdZuiGT4Yceriy/s400/IMG_5544bp_picnik.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492498321534601378" /></a>This is my Owen having a conniption at a family celebration last June. He cried, he screamed, he was not a happy little man. I believe he was tired and not getting his way...gasp! I must be a terrible mommy. ;)<div><br /></div><div>Today after finishing our weekly trip to Costco I once again witnessed a little boy in his Daddy's arms having a royal meltdown. Gratefully it was NOT one of MY little boys. I looked on with a sense of camaraderie, here was a Daddy who wasn't going to allow their child to tantrum and get away with it. The Dad was cool headed and the kid was...not. ;) The little boy was screaming for his mama, I'm sure she would have made it alright. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>I digress. My story is about <i>my </i>Owen afterall. As I was climbing into the car, while Kevin was returning the cart, I was thinking how much I wanted to give the Dad in front of me a high five and congratulate him on a job well done. I was quickly pulled out of my revelry by the sound of my little man's voice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cool as a cucumber. "I spy with my little eye someone screaming." </div><div><br /></div><div>His voice was calm and sounded like a calculated scientific assessment on the scene before us. The greatest, most hilarious part to me was the dichotomy, nay the juxtaposition, of the picture of Owen up top and the calm voice coming from the back seat of the van, "I spy with my little eye someone screaming."</div>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-79964483682105992832010-06-29T10:54:00.002-05:002010-06-29T10:59:34.186-05:00Honored<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNUVvoJmeisq548eWtWHJ0YmsBQWfBjXAHWLBTb9SlYXbGXeu_WYHOqfUnrjGH3vmne7ClIoZi-pZgnGGdBgSE1fH6l8ZvSbYppjTi4hD6J476_LZ-QQbaHyQ-gYJCoPbuBexMfFRn_Zm/s1600/IMG_5771bp_p"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNUVvoJmeisq548eWtWHJ0YmsBQWfBjXAHWLBTb9SlYXbGXeu_WYHOqfUnrjGH3vmne7ClIoZi-pZgnGGdBgSE1fH6l8ZvSbYppjTi4hD6J476_LZ-QQbaHyQ-gYJCoPbuBexMfFRn_Zm/s400/IMG_5771bp_p" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488225868275857810" /></a><br /><div>I entered this picture of Mason at last years Freedom Festival Parade in Provo, UT into a Photo Contest on Pioneer Woman Photography, and it was included in the first group of photo finalists. I am so honored.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the website <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2010/06/your-america-photos-group-1/comment-page-2/#comment-354685">here</a>. Or the flickr group<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/pwphotoassignments/pool/"> here</a>.</div>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-89737283009116218542010-06-21T08:38:00.005-05:002010-06-27T20:28:35.934-05:00Owen...The Right-arm of the Law<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BnyqFN4tlj2XCCjsVCBwxHoAjbp_Z-BIHgPNu-FcXNCWtqmGb5xTR5gGfPU1j4e1_EgrVfwZIT3d_LbZYQUUZoH9MyGzQCjS9eIkhUm6NiJnrHc6YR6jnhre0Utq9askvyO1xq2sg-Bd/s1600/IMG_8509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BnyqFN4tlj2XCCjsVCBwxHoAjbp_Z-BIHgPNu-FcXNCWtqmGb5xTR5gGfPU1j4e1_EgrVfwZIT3d_LbZYQUUZoH9MyGzQCjS9eIkhUm6NiJnrHc6YR6jnhre0Utq9askvyO1xq2sg-Bd/s400/IMG_8509.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486434057715651090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Owen on the left and Mason on the right)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div>I am a mother to two boys. Two boys that spend HOURS together everyday. Often they are together in the same room, sometimes they do things TOGETHER, usually they coexist in the same space. When Owen gets bored and wants to play he tackles Mason to the floor. When I call for Mason Owen says, "I'll get him." This usually results in him yelling through the house and tackling Mason either where he is or when he is in front of me (because Owen has chased him up/down the stairs and into the room with me). Owen loves to "GET" Mason.<div><br /></div><div>One day back in May, I had Sally, our minivan, for the day to run errands and pick up a few last minute items needed for a Church activity. My list had been enlarged and revised multiple times and I was trying my best to be snappy and frugal. The boys were troopers. But after 30 minutes in one store they were starting to unravel and didn't want to listen to Mom anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Mason, Owen, please stay by mommy. Hand on the cart...PLEASE. I'm <i>almost</i> done...Now where can I find an exacto knife?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Mason and Owen let go. Mason teases Owen and runs 5 steps away. Owen chases but comes back with a, "Please stay by the cart." Mason continues to taunt. Owen jumps for him, both of them squeal with delight. Mason runs down the shopping aisle and turns the corner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Exasperated and attempting to mother and shop simultaneously I call out, "Mason, come back I can't see you."</div><div><br /></div><div>Owen instantly pipes in, "I'll get him." Then takes off running down the aisle and out of sight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later Mason rounds the corner of the aisle from the opposite direction and stops in front of me panting and smiling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Owen comes 'round the same corner, yells, "I'll get him for you." And proceeds to TACKLE Mason to the ground, "I got him Mommy!!!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Mason yells, "Get off, get off!" But you know what? He was laughing, they both were. </div><div><br /></div><div>For an additional 2 minutes this wrestling on the ground continues and helps me to have the time to find the knife I was looking for. Thank-you!</div>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-40694374174820000272010-06-08T15:23:00.002-05:002010-06-08T15:32:30.370-05:00Deals to MealsThe <a href="http://dealstomeals.blogspot.com/2010/05/free-bosch-mixer.html">Deals to Meals</a> blog is having a Bosch mixer give away this month. So Awesome!!! Go check out their <a href="http://www.dealstomeals.com/">website</a>, especially those of you on the West coast. If I lived out that way I would TOTALLY get signed up.jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-59625374158236597722010-05-11T14:12:00.003-05:002010-05-11T14:32:30.651-05:00Mason's Decision<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7rDlBuoiJyFKMGxJDZMz0AE-PkyooC2FJK34y9L4chWIhXAXJB1rL_THpgzyGeJTIGdONcGTtotX4tm9NR5qCerN0XpnAdhIrEgcIVRbmhYoIIzFGrFsOqOZhdvFnMqte58kMVYzdjyF/s1600/LoveToSee_MtTimp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7rDlBuoiJyFKMGxJDZMz0AE-PkyooC2FJK34y9L4chWIhXAXJB1rL_THpgzyGeJTIGdONcGTtotX4tm9NR5qCerN0XpnAdhIrEgcIVRbmhYoIIzFGrFsOqOZhdvFnMqte58kMVYzdjyF/s400/LoveToSee_MtTimp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470097572643538626" /></a><br />On Sunday April 25th, 2010, while I was doing dishes Mason came into the kitchen. He stood there watching me for a couple of minutes and then said, "Mom, I love you."<div><br /></div><div>I responded, "I love you too, Mason."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Mom, when I get big I'm going to marry Emma."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Big Emma (MacFarlane) or Little Emma (Scott)?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Little Emma, of course. We love each other."</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm so glad you love each other. Where are you going to get married?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"I don't know Emma hasn't told me yet. But ...um..." Very smart boy. The girl gets to decide these things. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>"How 'bout the temple?" I ask.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Well, yea that sounds good."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Do I get to come?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yea, I want you there. You'll get invited."</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I stopped doing the dishes, got down on his level and said, "Mason, I love you so much. And I am so glad you want to get married in the Temple and have me there. You know I wouldn't miss it for anything."</div><div><br /></div><div>"I know Mom. I love you." </div><div><br /></div><div>Then he leaned forward gave me a big hug followed by a kiss on the cheek just before he turned away and went back to playing with his brother and sister. Isn't raising kids fun?</div><div><br /></div>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-65247466193567994232009-10-06T08:09:00.005-05:002009-10-06T10:48:14.693-05:00Looking Back...December 2008-early June 2009Well, it has been many months, six in fact, since my last post and it wasn't even about my child. lol. Many things have happened that I haven't acknowledged here so here come the bullets.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Drive: MD to UT</span>- My Dad flew into BWI 2 days before the drive started. We loaded up our storage unit. Gave away some things and started driving a day later than planned. We stopped in Munford, TN at my cousin Kelly's on our way to OK. Spent the evening of December 23rd sleeping there. Christmas Eve we took some Family Photos for them then drove the last 6 hours into Tulsa, OK. We spent Christmas Day and two days more there then continued our drive west, with Kev and I in the Buick and my Dad and Nicole in the minivan. For the first time we took I-40 west thru Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Things I remember...1) It was POURING down rain as we were leaving Tulsa. A Semi went plowing down the highway past us and we couldn't see ANYTHING! But we did get out of there safely. 2) We paralleled Route 66 thru Texas and saw "Cadillac Ranch" south of the Interstate. I would've liked to have stopped had I made the connection sooner. 3) I experienced the coldest temperatures of my life driving thru the mountains of New Mexico, -2 F. 4) Sleeping at a motel ON Route 66. 5) Stopping alongside a highway and having Leah take pictures with me of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon off in the distance. She really enjoyed that :) I even let her use my Camera taking shots while we drove thru Northern Arizona on our way to the Utah border. 6) Stopping in St. George for In-n-Out Burger. yum. YUM! 7) Getting into Cedar Hills, UT around 2am.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Moving into and living in Ogden, UT-</span> We quickly found a place, a split-level 3bdrm, 2 bath, 2 car garage, single family home all inclusive rent for $1100/month. An absolute bargain especially considering what we've been paying in Maryland for years. It was great finding a home and being in our own space. A negative we discovered early on was not having a fenced in backyard. I couldn't let the kids go outside to play unless I was watching. I just wasn't comfortable leaving them unattended. Rightfully so because Owen 'escaped' on more than one occasion and was then found 5 houses down. Several times a month we would get together with my Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and their kids for dinner. I love having lots of people around to eat my food.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Leah's Utah school experience-</span>Leah was in AM Kindergarten so she could take the bus to and from School. I was not impressed with the school she was at and had a very difficult time getting connected with ANY one there. Her teacher, the school secretary, anybody. When I registered her I mentioned that she had come from a full-day Kindergarten. The secretary registering her mentioned that they had 1 full-day class but Leah had missed the lottery draw the spring before and the class was full. So into Mrs. Cravens AM class she went and became 1 of 32 students in a 2.5 hour long class. She never came close to studying at the same level out there that she accomplished in her first 3.5 months of Kindergarten in MD. At the end of the school year Leah was invited to test into the Ogden School Districts "Accelerated Learning Academy" for grades 1st-8th. She spent 3 days out of class testing at another school. Right before we left Utah we found out she had been accepted into the Program. From what I learned of that school I know she would've enjoyed it.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Our Weekends in Utah-</span> Friday-Sunday we were living in Cedar Hills with the Rowburys. Hanging out with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncles, Aunts and Friends. Cramming as much Family Time into those days as possible.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Get-Away-</span> In January we had a 3-day weekend, so Kevin and I escaped to St. George while LMO were having fun with Gma and Gpa. We stayed 2 nights at the fabulous <a href="http://www.greengatevillageinn.com/">Green Gate Village Inn</a>. We stayed in the Christmas Cottage. AMAZING! The Breakfast on Sunday...delicious. They had a baked apple that was too DIE for! I got to do what I love, take pictures all weekend long. Of course we also ate In-n-Out Burger. :) It was a much needed break. Come to think of it we could use another. :) Any sitters?<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Draper Temple Open House-</span> We attended twice, once with the Rowbury's and once with the Karoly's. It was a special experience to share with my kiddos. Especially Leah and Mason. Leah really felt the Spirit confirming to her that Temples are the House of the Lord and she and Mason both can't wait to be old enough to perform baptisms for the dead.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Too Much Excitement-</span> In February, while at the Temple Open House with the Karoly's, we had our house broken into and our 3 week old computer, case of 100s of DVDs & CDs, and our Xbox all stolen. Nothing has been recovered. very lame. moving on. Luckily our External Hard Drive was left behind. :)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">February-</span> My family was in town. :) I got to have them all hang out at my place, including my brother and sister-in-law that live in Provo. It was Valentines Day weekend. It snowed 16" overnight. The girls went clothes shopping in the morning, came back with some FANTASTIC buys and had a snow ball fight with everybody. The single sisters and brother watched the kiddos so the married ones could go out for V-day. Kev and I doubled with my folks at Texas Roadhouse. Sunday we took a family picture and prepared for a massive family dinner with my Dad and Mom's extended family and friends in Utah. We ended up feeding 53 people Tacos and Cookies in my modest home. All had fun! :)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Family Wedding: Nathan and Scarlett-</span> Kevin's 2nd Brother, Nathan, got engaged and married in the time we were in Utah. I got to do there Engagement Photos, Wedding Photos, and Flowers. It was busy and because we were there we went to California for an Open House out there.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">California Trip- </span>Leah flew to California the day after the wedding with Gma Phipps. They love spending time together and wanted some time alone. Leah got to go shopping with Gma and rafting down the American River with Kev's Uncle Mark and his boys. Leah had a BLAST! I'm jealous of her because even though I grew up visiting the River I've never had that opportunity. I drove out by myself with the Mason & Owen following behind Kev's parents. We spent time at Gma Phipps' place in Shingle Springs, went to the Open House, took more pictures, an afternoon with my Gpa and Gma Karoly, an hour with my Gma Graham, an afternoon in Rocklin with cousins and a few days with my Aunt Mary & Uncle Danny in Galt (my second parents home). We took the kids to Rancho Seco Lake for an afternoon. Owen nearly drowned, but he still kept testing his boundaries on how far he could go out into the water afterward. Scarier for me than him apparently. While staying in Galt I met up with an old friend, Julie Roope, and her 2 y.o. son at <a href="http://funderlandpark.com/">Funderland</a> in William Land Park. It is a ticket based ride park, but we got an all day pass and rode all the open rides at least once. Owen loved the fast "Dragon Coaster" and we went on it 3 times in a row. Lots of fun! We hung out in Galt till the day after the Hamm Boys showed up. (They are my cousin Kelly's 3 boys...all are about the same age as my kids. They call Leah "the Princess".) We stop at their place in Tennessee all the time. Their Momma, Kelly, is Mary & Danny's daughter. I've spoken of Kelly often, but maybe I should do some "Flashback Friday"s involving her and I. I drove home with Kevin's 15 yo brother, Ethan, as a helper managing the kids. I must note that we ate at In-n-Out burger at least 3 times during that trip and it is the ONLY hamburger/cheeseburger that my kids will eat. :) They have excellent taste. :)</li></ul>If you made it thru that "CONGRATULATIONS!!!" I'll have to finish up another time...June-October coming soon.jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-60627943527636694242009-04-07T09:44:00.007-05:002009-04-07T09:57:40.801-05:00Happy Birthday Josh!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhortXHizYJQIRq2XuacdyQqkQKvDNAkfF7okG6BcoSHeF9jh74FwDmjSTGW11sIA5kp6XG8K51fu4iCcvqUs1lbWkCC-8f5V1h68itu_9ZWadeB3McOVE41wKv-948HdQCCzJTEX8lH17_/s1600-h/IMG_9742_4x6_t_neutralizer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhortXHizYJQIRq2XuacdyQqkQKvDNAkfF7okG6BcoSHeF9jh74FwDmjSTGW11sIA5kp6XG8K51fu4iCcvqUs1lbWkCC-8f5V1h68itu_9ZWadeB3McOVE41wKv-948HdQCCzJTEX8lH17_/s400/IMG_9742_4x6_t_neutralizer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321962475650786594" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday we celebrated my nephews 1st Birthday. On Sunday I took hundreds of pictures of him in an attempt to have the PERFECT 1 year old picture. Well, I believe I've got some GREAT images and wanted to share them. We'll have to wait till later today for the present, cake and ice cream pictures...my camera is still in the trunk of Kev's rental that he drove to work this morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16OTEIA6nKKeG4RecqJF2tRu0vJQGacUaE8KYEN3-u5UnpdsoOUPyTndqvsKwRpJmpGW2f-u0HlVvX66y_h4eCQrRnhgW2pQbWYwimrPa3DASDtAmz6lLtwYTtHuKZSLf0t2cTxdNXPnU/s1600-h/montage_10x4_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16OTEIA6nKKeG4RecqJF2tRu0vJQGacUaE8KYEN3-u5UnpdsoOUPyTndqvsKwRpJmpGW2f-u0HlVvX66y_h4eCQrRnhgW2pQbWYwimrPa3DASDtAmz6lLtwYTtHuKZSLf0t2cTxdNXPnU/s400/montage_10x4_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321962088420296626" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't he a cute kid? So intense. He observes everything and takes everything in. He takes a little while to adjust to new surroundings, but he did a fantastic job of rolling with the ups and downs of Sunday. He is my very first nephew/niece. Because of him I am an Aunt and I just love getting to be with him. ;) He warms up to Kevin quickly every time we see him. Leah LOVES having a cousin and being able to follow him around and show him how to have fun.<br /><br />What can I say? We love that kid!jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-70428521922455906912009-04-06T15:38:00.005-05:002009-04-06T15:55:02.738-05:0010,000th Image on my Rebel XtiOn Sunday, April 5th, between the Conference sessions I went into my in-laws backyard and took pictures of kiddos and all who were "stretching their legs". During that unwinding time I hit my 10,000 image on file in my camera. The image in question is of my brother Joshua's left foot covered in sand from the sand box.<br /><br />My image straight from the camera...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS4YfBTkFzTFNeCJuQP92cBJuAC3SniDYBx53JhoB-1d1raBp5abmKZX3x-V8U7TglRGy1sKl5jJoytypmWz6NsX77m2MT5P2299gj0fWxxh5tDZ7JsMZMfoLeN4WlYXFRGIFoPi1ow8i/s1600-h/IMG_0001_4x6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS4YfBTkFzTFNeCJuQP92cBJuAC3SniDYBx53JhoB-1d1raBp5abmKZX3x-V8U7TglRGy1sKl5jJoytypmWz6NsX77m2MT5P2299gj0fWxxh5tDZ7JsMZMfoLeN4WlYXFRGIFoPi1ow8i/s320/IMG_0001_4x6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321683592223129826" border="0" /></a><br />My Image enhanced with the Topaz Add-on for Photoshop...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIKx_KTw41YxFUV0Cq2jjctYzT9yVA4WUPYwZSv1wp0O3luyu1eGl_vbpneBca3eayPy0zAhi74fpplivkk828dhNRpQ_ez0-wCSuAP_O6T2dU8RWcG-xkxoQ7PTj9s-QyHk3zBm63Q8a/s1600-h/IMG_0001_4x6_topaz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIKx_KTw41YxFUV0Cq2jjctYzT9yVA4WUPYwZSv1wp0O3luyu1eGl_vbpneBca3eayPy0zAhi74fpplivkk828dhNRpQ_ez0-wCSuAP_O6T2dU8RWcG-xkxoQ7PTj9s-QyHk3zBm63Q8a/s320/IMG_0001_4x6_topaz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321684396081183714" border="0" /></a><br />What a dirty foot!?!jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-1293431622132578342008-12-01T13:52:00.004-05:002008-12-01T17:41:28.055-05:00I, I, I...I am - a wife, a mother, a sister and friend.<br /><br />I want - to finish knitting the sweater I started for Leah BEFORE we leave for UTah.<br /><br />I hear - Mason laughing at Dragon Tales and smacking on Popcorn. (Yes, smacking--while snacking.)<br /><br />I never - want to live without my husband.<br /><br />I wonder - where we'll be in two years.<br /><br />I always - wash behind the ears.<br /><br />I usually - start new projects before finishing old ones. Not a good habit. One I am trying to keep my kids from developing.<br /><br />I search - for the perfect recipe, for everything, and then I DON'T follow the recipe exactly. I find I ALWAYS change a recipe even the first time making it. :)<br /><br />I am not - a challenger. I'd rather not have a confrontation, but sometimes...sometimes people make me so...so...ANGRY! Especially a certain Disney Store in the Arundel Mills Mall.<br /><br />I dance - but not as much as I should. I have a classic moment involving Leah. An old friend of ours told Leah that her mommy (me) is a wonderful dancer. Leah looked at this friend as if she were crazy and said, "My mommy can't dance!" Leah has since been shown a number of tapes exhibiting her mommy's said dancing talent.<br /><br />I sing - my children Hymns at night-night especially on the nights that things are the craziest.<br /><br />I wish - I could wiggle my nose and have my "list" completed.<br /><br />I dislike - making phone calls to any one I am not related to, and sometimes even relatives, sorry guys.<br /><br />I rarely - cry.<br /><br />I cry - not often enough. At least that is what some family members have told me.<br /><br />I am not always - patient<br /><br />I lose - hair daily. Wads of it come out every time I brush or wash my hair.<br /><br />I fear - for the safety and security of my family.<br /><br />I'm confused - need I say more?<br /><br />I need - to pack, pack, pack.<br /><br />I should - be making dinner, helping Leah with homework and keeping better tabs on the activities of my children. hm...what is that sound? ah, well it can wait I'm nearly done.<br /><br />I dream - of one day <span style="font-style: italic;">permanently </span>living in a single-family home with a yard close to family.<br /><br />I have - a wonderful family who love me, pray for me and offer any support they can give.<br /><br />I love - my best friend (Kevin), my children, to talk on the phone to my mom, Sunsets on the beach, swinging in a hammock with a good book in good weather, and being able to live each and every day I have.<br /><br />I tag - YOU! please???jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-18080260217364848232008-11-18T07:53:00.001-05:002008-11-18T07:54:36.973-05:00Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Meeting the Challenges of Today", BYU Devotional, 10 Oct 1978<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Prophetic Counsel...<br /><br /> "Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters -- in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions (see 1 Kgs 18:21). </span></span> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> "President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.' (CR, Apr 1941) This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ…</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> "Your discipleship may see the time come when religious convictions are heavily discounted. M. J. Sobran observed, 'A religious conviction is now a second-class conviction, expected to step deferentially to the back of the secular bus, and not to get uppity about it' (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, p. 58). This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain of people's opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. Resistance to abortion will soon be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened…</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> "Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even these, however, must leave a record so that the choices before the people are clear and let others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, that others will step forward, having been rallied to righteousness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds--a majority which was, till then, unconscious of itself. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> "Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves 'summer is nigh' (Matt. 24:32). Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <br /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Meeting the Challenges of Today", BYU Devotional, 10 Oct 1978</span></span></p>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-30190839518131764682008-11-14T11:37:00.004-05:002008-11-14T12:44:28.520-05:00Flashback FridaySorry, no pictures to go with this post today. We are having computer issues right now. Major drama for a mama with over 20GB of photos that haven't yet been backed up. scary...<br /><br />10 years ago, yes 10! Kevin was a Freshman at BYU finishing up his Fall semester and waiting for his mission call. (It took 5 weeks for that to show up, but that is another tale for another day.) I was in California attending High School and counting down the days to when Kevin would be home for Christmas Break. Kevin and I were inseparable for 3 years to have him gone for months on end was difficult, but we always said it was good training for his mission. ;)<br /><br />While I was counting down the days, going to school, working as a Assistant Director in a performing group and preparing for our Christmas performance Kevin was up to something entirely different. In his free moments during the day he was writing me a song for Christmas. Lyrics, accompaniment the whole sh-BANG! I feel I must note that although Kevin had taken piano lessons from the age of 8, playing the piano was more a work of perseverance than a great accomplishment. (Does that make sense? He can read music and play, however, it is always after much practice.)<br /><br />I wish I knew how, or had the capability, to save a tape track on the computer. So you, dear readers, could hear the tune that goes with these words. Alas, I am unable, therefore you must just read these words and think of a much younger Kevin sitting at a piano and performing this for me. At my request he sang this to me at our Wedding Reception, now THAT is love. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"I Can't Stop Loving You"</span><br />by Kevin Rowbury<br />November 1998<br /><br />Today I thought of you,<br />Good times together spent.<br />Our life, our love, our laughter,<br />No matter where we went.<br /><br />You are my love, my life,<br />And that I won't deny.<br />You are my other half you know,<br />And now I'll tell you why.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chorus:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hand-in-hand we walked, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lovingly we talked.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Our best times were together,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I've oft'thought of forever.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You are my best-est friend,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Our friendship has no end.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh, everything is true, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I can't stop loving you!</span><br /><br />Last night I had a dream.<br />It was about a kiss.<br />For her, the one I love,<br />The one I surely miss.<br /><br />Sure it was just a dream.<br />But to me it was so real.<br />Your lips pressed close to mine,<br />Something I've longed to feel!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chorus:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hand-in-hand we walked, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lovingly we talked.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Our best times were together,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I've oft'thought of forever.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You are my best-est friend,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Our friendship has no end.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A moment of pure bliss,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That dream about a kiss!</span><br /><br />Oh, everything is true,<br />I can't stop loving you!</div>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-38190475166030120892008-10-22T10:40:00.008-05:002008-10-22T11:53:33.294-05:00Back to it<b><i>First things first. </i></b>Kevin applied for a 6-month TDY to Ohio back at the beginning of September, and we've been planning on him going their come January since July. However, on Friday October 3rd, Kevin received an email at work asking for those interested in a 6-month TDY to UTAH to apply, by the end of business that day. Well of course he DID! And last Wednesday he heard back. WE ARE GOING TO UTAH!!! TO WORK!!! FOR 6 MONTHS!!! STARTING in JANUARY!!! We're pretty excited. The to-do list has extended and this week we MUST give our 60-day Notice to our Apartment complex. I just realized that MUST be done TODAY! That's our exciting news. Yea!<i><b><br /><br /></b></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpedYFZn3o7AZPkio7AUjjIotZVpeTrDseK4jPc4QuM_cm87QTY6DMbju7FKldv-WRngXl5c9d-PQ-UchGcbdfuJz_mQYabT2-hgNs16dDt0sqGlBOwum6wKPG79tssroAYyWUUbWZdHn/s1600-h/outside_4x6_72dpi_008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpedYFZn3o7AZPkio7AUjjIotZVpeTrDseK4jPc4QuM_cm87QTY6DMbju7FKldv-WRngXl5c9d-PQ-UchGcbdfuJz_mQYabT2-hgNs16dDt0sqGlBOwum6wKPG79tssroAYyWUUbWZdHn/s200/outside_4x6_72dpi_008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260009172523274802" border="0" /></a><b><i>Leah and school.</i></b> She is loving school. A couple of weeks back she started receiving homework packets. The packet contains all the assignments for the entire week. Each Monday she comes home with it and finishes it THAT day. She loves to learn and is seeming to do exceedingly well. According to her teacher they are not concerned with her ability to "keep up". Apparently she is always going the extra-mile on her assignments writing out words that describe the picture. For example, October 6th she had a field trip with her class to the Farm and Kevin went along as a chaperone. Before they left the children were coloring pages with apples on them and Leah <i>had </i>to write the word "apple" on her page. She wasn't asked to she just wants to know. It makes me so happy to see her desire to <i>know</i> everything. Although it can be a challenge for me to keep up with her bombardment of questions I hope she never stops asking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoFLgeM3AKSswBzylK3Fa7YTq0VfOv-5cLSRkBDO8U4d7wX2ogWKSVrFSEQgvhfojbj-J47E1ixhyNJPWc-QgulpqCjdS708dBsz2OE7F7j7PL3dHruPV12Kv71eo2NbEO5nNNxXBH3ih/s1600-h/outside_4x6_72dpi_009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoFLgeM3AKSswBzylK3Fa7YTq0VfOv-5cLSRkBDO8U4d7wX2ogWKSVrFSEQgvhfojbj-J47E1ixhyNJPWc-QgulpqCjdS708dBsz2OE7F7j7PL3dHruPV12Kv71eo2NbEO5nNNxXBH3ih/s200/outside_4x6_72dpi_009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260008922466656338" border="0" /></a><b><i>Mason</i>.</b> He is finally potty-trained. HIP-HIP-HOORAY!!! With Mom and Heather in town I figured we had enough help to make sure that he got to a potty. We are still having accidents, sometimes at night and sometimes during the day, but there will be NO regression to diapers. Already him being potty-trained is saving us money, fewer diapers to go through and buy. Today Owen decided he wanted to use the potty and has refused diapers. He has had 2 accidents and no pee has made it into the potty, but I think he is realizing what it means to USE said potty. We'll keep at it. Mason is doing a preschool program called "Joyschool" with 4 other boys his age and he is loving it. We switch of teaching and hosting, and next week is my first time teaching. I should probably look over those lessons...<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hHyqHtrU-IsqzJW9-h3KlPaRitA_qc97EpTDbiidkc7mTSv3XggEHko5wCVJng9MxV4ndJLTU2f_doWyOMJD7X6CVZdbcIHnc-ZXI0mU0Ga_xc4lg8YWYqg3Pmau3D94g9gqfgxYwom4/s1600-h/webimages_4x6_72dpi_001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hHyqHtrU-IsqzJW9-h3KlPaRitA_qc97EpTDbiidkc7mTSv3XggEHko5wCVJng9MxV4ndJLTU2f_doWyOMJD7X6CVZdbcIHnc-ZXI0mU0Ga_xc4lg8YWYqg3Pmau3D94g9gqfgxYwom4/s200/webimages_4x6_72dpi_001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260021302797400946" border="0" /></a><b><i>Owen. </i></b>We celebrated his 2nd birthday last Monday, Columbus Day, with kids his age at a park. My Mom was here and Kevin didn't have to work that day (federal holiday). There was a good turn out of kids and it was a beautiful Indian Summer day, "sunny with a high of 75". Friday we celebrated again with Nicole and me taking the kids to a farm then, after Kevin was off work, out to dinner at Applebee's, using coupons at both places the kids had earned by finishing the Libraries summer reading program. This was all followed up on Sunday (his actual birthday) with a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC6EBFUaylNxlmMBQtN276VI1l_ZcIJp3h-rkV3W8UNBlvh31mb840KOTsvnSPyClfFAlfq_sO8SMkfw8t-lBgvy5K7s2yOjNWwad-YbeErkEryw6Q6mMOv1TFuSD5GzWj1qSQ8DCQGPw/s1600-h/webimages_4x6_72dpi_004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC6EBFUaylNxlmMBQtN276VI1l_ZcIJp3h-rkV3W8UNBlvh31mb840KOTsvnSPyClfFAlfq_sO8SMkfw8t-lBgvy5K7s2yOjNWwad-YbeErkEryw6Q6mMOv1TFuSD5GzWj1qSQ8DCQGPw/s200/webimages_4x6_72dpi_004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260022272131078834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He is getting so big. He is eating and drinking constantly these days and has entered into 3T Clothing. Because he has his Daddy's short legs he wears 2T pants, but I suspect by next summer he'll start wearing 3s.<br /><b><br />Projects.</b> I have Leah's Halloween costume to finish up. She will be Jessie from Toy Story 2, we have a hat and wig, I am sewing up her cow print spats and adorning a white shirt with cuffs and a lapel. Mason and Owen's costumes were purchased entirely from the Disney Store, no sewing necessary. :) Nicole cut fleece for a new blanket for Owen which she would like my help with. :) I have started to knit a Wallaby sweater for Leah, it is a new endeavor and I am having a lot of fun. It will have a pocket and hood when I'm done, it is nearly ready to add the pocket to the front. :) With us moving in about 60 days I am going through closets, clothes, toys, boxes, EVERYTHING and trying to <i>weed </i>more things from our lives and simplify.jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-821393108325895442008-07-24T09:57:00.003-05:002008-07-24T10:19:53.801-05:00Four Today<ul><li>Four Places that I go to over and over:<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Sam's Club, East Columbia Library, (this week) Scarlett's, Utah ;)</span></li><li>Four People who email me regularly:<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Elder Justin Karoly, Savage Mill Sister Group, my Ma, Josh</span></li><li>Four of My Favorite Places to Eat:<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Outback, Chipolte, P.F. Chang's, Olive Garden</span></li><li>Four Places I would rather be right now:<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">A beach, in a dark quiet room, at my Ma's, on a plane to some where new</span></li></ul>jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525319125385122901.post-21730778850872962442008-06-24T13:19:00.002-05:002008-06-24T13:21:49.306-05:00BuzzwordMy father forwarded this thought to me that an old friend had sent him. It seems to hit the nail on the head.<br /><br />"Buzzword"<br /><br />The buzzword of this election is 'CHANGE.' Candidates toss it around without saying what they want to change to.<br /><br />Years ago, there was an old tale in the Marine Corps about a Lieutenant who inspected his Marines and told the 'Gunny' that they smelled bad. The Lieutenant suggested that they change their underwear. The Gunny responded, "Aye,aye, sir, I'll see to it immediately."<br /><br />The Gunny went into the tent and said, "The lieutenant thinks you guys smell bad, and wants you to change your underwear. Smith, you change with Jones, McCarthy, you change with Witkowskie, Brown, you change with Schultz . Get to it."<br /><br />The moral: A candidate may promise change in Washington but don't count on things smelling any better.jenny-pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00276218595614845229noreply@blogger.com3