tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375574170440244982024-03-04T20:58:18.861-08:00Snow Daysthe adventures of usAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-82941725963702905962014-04-14T15:10:00.000-07:002014-04-14T15:17:46.598-07:005 Stages of Using a Port-a-Potty<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday, Tommy and I betray our university and drove up to Auburn, Alabama to go all-out redneck with our friends at the <a href="http://alphapsirodeo.com/" target="_blank">Alpha Psi Rodeo</a>. We had a BLAST!</div>
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There was incredibly beautiful weather here in Alabama, sunny with a high of 78 and no humidity, a rare combination. We played games, watched bulls buck cowboys, hung out with some old friends and met a bunch of fun new people, and got to see Alan Jackson perform! His music is the soundtrack of my childhood and I had forgotten just how many great songs he has. Exhibit A:</div>
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There was one tiny hitch in the day, though. It's the problem with most outdoor events. Can you guess? Yes, I am talking about outdoor lavatories. </div>
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Is there anyone who actually enjoys using these plastic outhouses? I really doubt it but, hey, if they exist there will probably be a show for them on MTV soon. As for the rest of us, Port-a-Johns become a necessary evil, like paying for gas or eating salad. You have to do it but, Lord, how you don't want to. </div>
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I've put together this list of the 5 Stages of Using a Port-a-Potty so that you know that you'll know that you aren't facing this alone.</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>1. Denial</b></span><br />
It's pretty early in the day and you've only started to feel a little tingle deep in your lower abdomen. "I don't <i>really</i> have to go." you think, "I'll just hold it and the feeling will go away."<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>2. Anger</b></span><br />
At this point you have come to the realization that what you're feeling is definitely your body's desire to release fluids and you're mad about it. "Why did I drink so fast?! I know better than that! Why do I have this thimble-sized bladder? WHY, GOD? WHY??"<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>3. Bargaining </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #666666;">The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control. </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #666666;">I'll slow down and maybe I can put it off for a little while.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #666666;">The line is so long... I'll just wait until it dies down.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #666666;">GOD, IF YOU TAKE IT AWAY I WON'T MAKE FUN OF THE CLEARLY WASTED GIRL EVER AGAIN!</span></span> </li>
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But, try as you may, none of this will help. Plus, we both know that you're going to laugh at the girl when she walks into the truck's side mirror for the third time.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>4. Depression</b></span><br />
This is the longest stage and occurs from the moment you start walking towards the bank of Porta Loos and will continue throughout the first use. Issues in this stage range from "It smells like a used diaper filled with Indian food!" to "Don't people aim????" and "There's no toilet paper... Twerk dry?" and in the worst case scenarios, "IT'S OVERFLOWING!!!!"<br />
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No matter how clean these toilet huts may be, they're still pretty gross. Especially when competing with 20,000 other people for a seat.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>5. Acceptance </b></span><br />
Well, you've broken the barrier and there's no stopping you now. Feeling a little defiled, you've now come to terms with the fact that this is part of the experience when attending a 15-hour outdoor event. You realize that when it comes down to it, the smelly trips to the Port-a-Potty are worth all the fun you'll have and memories you're making. You also realize that the chances of getting your hands on some actual toilet paper are slim so you make sure that all future trips include a pocket full of napkins.<br />
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So don't worry if you're main concern is what you're going to do when it all hits the fan, you're in good company. Just try to put aside your apprehension and enjoy the day. </div>
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A little Alan Jackson to sing you out:</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-74253567070695774492014-03-19T11:00:00.001-07:002014-03-19T11:00:18.108-07:00Hooray for Love!<div style="text-align: center;">
Our sweet friends, Brooks and Mary Ann, are engaged! Hip-hip-hooray! hip-hip-hooray! </div>
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Mary Ann and I met though a mutual friend when our combined awkwardness overflowed into a handshake/hug/high five. She's such a sweetheart, you guys! A year and a half ago we were sitting in biology class looking at pictures of Facebook of some cute boy she'd taken to a date party. </div>
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Last June, Tommy would come home from class and tell me about some "frat guy who is always late to class. Probably because he's hungover."</div>
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In July, Mary Ann was spending her summer in Wyoming. Tom and I went to try the newly opened <a href="http://steelcitypops.com/" target="_blank">Steel City Pops</a> and when I got to the front of the line I had another overflow of awkward. </div>
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<i> "I've seen you on Facebook! You're Brooks!" </i> </div>
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the creepy stalker inside me blurted out.</div>
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After a very surprised/frightened look and a bit of conversation, we discovered that Brooks was the "hungover frat guy" (who is actually neither of those things) and the we are Mary Ann's friends who got married super young. That's usually something that weirds college-aged people out but Brooks' enthusiasm about young marriage was refreshing and told us that he was a different kind of dude. </div>
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Mary Ann and Brooks are fun, sweet, God-fearing people and we are overflowing with joy over their engagement! To know the two of them as a couple is to know that you are in the presence of true love. They deserve all the happiness in the world and I just know that God is going to bless the crap out of their engagement and marriage! Congratulations, guys! Love you both!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-53503489003641040672014-03-17T15:38:00.000-07:002014-03-17T15:51:36.729-07:00For a little inspiration <div style="text-align: center;">
Today has been a day. It has been a day that's beat me down and made me question everything I'm currently building my future on. It's been a day when I have to remind myself that it won't be like this for long. That some days are just hard and that doesn't mean it's time to give up, even if that's what it feels like. It's been a day of multiple extra-strength Excedrin because my normal natural remedies have failed to ease my throbbing headache. Today has been bad. As I take a break from the mountain of textbooks, lesson plans, and student data piled in front of me to write this entry, I am discouraged. I feel like Hillary Swank in the first 20 minutes of <i>Freedom Writers</i>. What am I doing? What am I doing? Can I do this? What if I can't?</div>
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But I can. I know I can. It's just a bad day, not a bad life. And it's all worth it. I just need to be reminded. </div>
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It's going to be worth it. Today is over, tomorrow will be better.<br />
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NOTICE: Taylor Mali has some language but I felt the overall message was more important. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-66688799704417590262014-03-09T15:13:00.003-07:002014-03-09T15:23:51.209-07:00Illegitimate and Unproven This weekend I've come down with some really nasty cold/flu/sinus infection mess. I pride myself on the fact that I don't get sick very often but when I do, man, it hits like a ton of bricks!<br />
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Of course, you can't be sick and have nothing to do. That would be too easy! I've also spent the weekend completing the first half of Lifeguard training. Training has actually been fun but giving CPR ventilations would be a lot easier if I could properly get air into my own lungs before blowing into the dummy's. Yesterday was absolute hell trying to get through the day without giving up. There was fever, coughing, lots of gross nose stuff, aches, and even a little vomit. I have neither the time nor the money for a visit to the doctor and anyone who normally takes care of me was out of town so I had to treat myself. Today was much, much better so I thought I'd share my secret to getting over colds fast.<br />
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<u>Bethany's Completely Illegitimate and Unproven Cure for Icky Sicky Crap</u></div>
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As soon as possible, go to Target and pick up the following:<br />
1 gallon of orange juice with lots of pulp<br />
1 bag of original Hawaiian rolls<br />
Mio in your favorite flavor (I like fruit punch or lemonade)<br />
Vick's Vapor Rub<br />
Robitussin Daytime Cold+Flu if, like me, you're unfortunate enough to have to participate in life.<br />
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You'll also need cotton socks, a nighttime medicine, and a praying mamma if you don't have them already as well as a copy of your favorite movie. My go-to movie is <i>You've Got Mail</i>. I like to pretend I'm as adorable and charming as a flu-ridden 1998 Meg Ryan when I actually resemble a Walker from <i>The Walking Dead</i>.<br />
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Once home with all the needed supplies, change into your baggiest, least attractive sweats. Pour yourself one cup of orange juice and one very large class of ice water flavored with Mio. The juice will replenish electrolytes and vitamins while the water hydrates and flushes your system. Place the glasses within arm's reach of your bed. Open the bag of rolls and place near the drinks.<br />
Next, slather the bottoms of your feet, yes feet, with Vick's vapor rub and cover with cotton socks. This will help with any congestion. Don't ask me why, but it works.<br />
Finally, take a dose of the nighttime medicine, pop in your movie, and get into bed. Finish both drinks before drifting off the sleep and eat the rolls with semi-reckless abandonment. You're sick, you deserve them. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about the carbs.<br />
I try to go to bed as soon as I get home so that I can get 10+ hours. I believe that rest is the best thing you can possibly do and since this is the only weekend I'm not bogged down in school assignments, I took full advantage and got a whopping 14 hours.<br />
The next day you should feel like a whole new person! I was able to do in-water rescues without drowning! Remember to take a dose of Robitussin every 4 hours and keep hydrated.<br />
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If this doesn't work for you, well, I'm not a doctor. Why are you taking my advice?<br />
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I also make my own cough syrup now that I'm of age (actually, my Pawpaw gave this to me as a kid. Don't tell!)<br />
2 Tbs Whiskey, warmed<br />
Squeeze of lemon<br />
Bit of honey<br />
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It will definitely quiet your cough, soothe your throat, and make you feel all warm inside, even if you're a wimp like me and gag a little. Seriously though, only 2 tablespoons. Don't get lousy off the cough syrup, ya filthy animal. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-34946176216481668052014-02-06T17:19:00.000-08:002014-02-06T17:28:06.730-08:00Puppy Fever<div style="text-align: center;">
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So, yeah, I have a major, overwhelming case of puppy fever. I think its because of all the extra time I've gotten to spend with my dog since we've been "snowed in"... Or maybe its baby fever expressing itself in a lesser, more financially viable form. Either way, now I'm going to show you some puppy pictures! HOORAY FOR PUPPIES!</div>
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My sweet Jack. Look how handsome that face is!</div>
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He's such a great dog! Australian Shepherds also come in miniatures! Can you believe it? All that fluff and cute smashed into a smaller package. Eeeeeeeeeeek!</div>
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Tom loves Basset Hounds, with their adorable floppy ears and short legs. To me, they all seem like they should be named Silas. Maybe next we'll get a big-eared, sad-eyed hound dog named Silas. </div>
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I imagine they sound like <a href="http://youtu.be/JN9RkBUUA40" target="_blank">Copper from Fox and the Hound</a> when they howl. Awe!</div>
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I have always liked large breed dogs because you can squeeze the crap out of them and they just love it and lick your face with giant tongues. I<i> love</i> the idea of having a dog that weighs more than I do. So I think I'd like to have a Great Dane like this freckled cutie! </div>
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I don't know if you know this, but we used to have a German Shepherd named Flex. Tommy got him for his 18th birthday. Sadly, we lost Flex in the April 27th tornado. He was such a good dog. Look how tiny he was when we first brought him home!</div>
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He didn't stay that way for long!<br />
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And finally, there is always the trusty all-American canine sidekick: the Golden Retriever. Precious. </div>
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Goldens and Aussies have very similar temperaments and I can just see them playing together so well! Jack needs a baby brother or sister! However, our 500 square foot apartment (along with Tommy) says otherwise. </div>
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There are also times like tonight when Jackie is curled up quietly beside me and I think, "One is just right."</div>
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Hope you enjoyed the pup pictures! Have a lovely weekend!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-84079086479321612014-01-17T08:36:00.001-08:002014-01-26T19:59:52.158-08:00He's feelin 22!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm breaking my social media fast to tell my husband Happy 22nd Birth(yester)day! </div>
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Last night we had brownies and secret conversation with sweet friends and Sunday I threw him a camping themed surprise party! </div>
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I've been planning his party for about a year and, let me tell you, I am NOT good at keeping secrets from my hubby. He's my best friend so when I'm excited about something he's the first person I want to tell! But I was a good sneaky sneak and mostly pulled it off at the end. He was only a little suspicious when he saw all the extra cars at my parent's house. </div>
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Happy Birthday, Mr. Awesome. I love you always. </div>
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Special thanks to my parents, brother, and Emily for all their help! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-3378087090686372222013-12-21T17:08:00.001-08:002013-12-21T17:10:26.226-08:00Best Friend Date<div style="text-align: center;">
I love my best friend! </div>
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Today we went on a pretty scenic hike at Lake Nichol</div>
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We talked, climbed on the rocks, tossed pebbles, and dreamed of summer (thoughts fueled by the muggy 78 degrees) as we hiked all the trails that ran near the lake. It was so nice to spend a day with my BFF without any distractions. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've got crazy eyes!</td></tr>
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Afterwards we celebrated by eating lots of cheese and salsa at Lupe's, where gift cards are "abailible"</div>
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Thanks for inviting me out, Syd! It was sooooo fuuuuun! Love you!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-61216956200882737792013-12-17T12:37:00.000-08:002013-12-17T12:38:04.192-08:00Speaking My Language <div style="text-align: center;">
Recently Husband and I took <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/" target="_blank">Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages</a> quiz. It asked us each a series of 30 question with two possible responses and ranked the personal importance of five acts of love based on our answers. It may seem super cheeseball (actually, the more I type the cheesier it sounds), but even in just the past week it has made a difference in our closeness and understanding of one another. How awesome is that?!? After seven years together I am still learning about my husband and better ways to love him!</div>
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Two of my top-ranked love languages are Quality Time and Acts of Service and, boy, was he speaking my language this weekend! </div>
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As a Christmas gift/going-away celebration I was planning to take the girls to see Disney's <a href="http://www.fandango.com/frozen2013_155547/movieoverview" target="_blank">Frozen</a> and have a sleepover at our apartment. I was going let Husband off the hook and keep the girls by myself, but he chose a day and planned the movie all by himself so that we could be together. He offered to spend his Friday night with three hyped up little girls watching cartoons. What other 21-year-old guy would do that? Few, if any. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(She's a lazy sloth)</td></tr>
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Not only did he make his grand gesture of self-sacrifice, but he bought me a Christmas tree! We're moving next month and had decided that it would be easier to skip out on a tree and decorations this year. It made me sad, but it made sense. Well, Friday afternoon I pulled up to our building just in time to see Husband sprinting across the parking lot with a little tree over his shoulder. I was so surprised! He had spent the entire day cleaning our apartment and finding a little tree. It was perfect. He loves me so good.<br />
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I love this picture of Lucy. When we finished decorating, all of the sparkly green ornaments were in one group at 3-year-old eye level. HA!<br />
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While it was very selfless of Husband to spend his weekend babysitting with me, I think he enjoyed the cinnamon rolls and sweet snuggles he was getting.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Married for 99 years or footloose and fancy free, it's important to know how you need to be loved. You can take Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages Quiz <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/" target="_blank">here. </a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-2247790733106432602013-12-04T16:52:00.002-08:002013-12-04T17:00:16.632-08:00Happy AllOfTheHolidays!<div style="text-align: center;">
Whaddup, m'nerds! </div>
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(Do you remember when Todd Packer said that on the Office? One time I had word vomit and I said it at the beginning of a speech for class. Wrong place, wrong time.) </div>
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The Holiday season is in full swing and the Christmas music I've been blasting since October is finally appropriate! Some people have a fit about Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but it's not my fault there are no good other holiday songs!<br />
Or so I thought. </div>
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Cue Jimmy Fallon and friends: </div>
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Happy Everything!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-89489171540209233932013-11-24T19:22:00.000-08:002013-11-26T12:52:23.452-08:00Ten Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm always on the lookout for practical, God-based marriage advice from people who have made their marriage thrive. Not just work, but <i>thrive</i>. I want my marriage to be the best thing I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing, and so far it has been, so I look to those wiser for ways to ensure it stays that way.<br />
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Yesterday, while wasting time on Pinterest, I came across what is probably my favorite thing that the internet has ever showed me. The link led me to a fantastic blog, at which I spent an embarrassing amount of time reading. Her list is made up of ten brilliant ideas rooted in unconditional love. This is no run-of-the-mill, "have a weekly date night" advice, people. This stuff is forrealz.<br />
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<b>Ten Things</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">found on <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">Today's Letters</a> blog</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. <b>Weekly Questions: </b>For the past five years, Tim and I have been asking each other the same <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/p/tuesday-questions.html" target="_blank">five questions</a> every Sunday night. These questions have made the biggest difference in how we love and serve one another. If you're going to incorporate one of these 10 things into your marriage, we hope it's this one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. <b>Small Metal Box: </b>After reading <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2008/08/small-metal-box.html" target="_blank">this story</a>, Tim and I made a pact that each time we made love we would put a dollar in a special metal box and save it for our 50th anniversary trip to Hawaii. This has surprisingly been a great way for us to creatively pursue one another over the years. Our only advice would be not to count the money in your box. Focus on quality, not quantity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. <b>Traveling Journal: </b>There is a <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/07/todays-letters_07.html" target="_blank">journal</a> we share filled with words that would make you blush. We take turns writing in it, always hiding it for the other to find in unexpected places. Its been found <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2009/12/todays-letters-dear-husband-last-night.html" target="_blank">duct taped to our shower</a>, in suitcases when traveling, even in the refrigerator behind Cool Whip. (Pretty sure Husband is trying to tell me something.) Overall, this has been a great way for us to verbally affirm and encourage one another.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. <b>We (try and) Conflict Well: </b>Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but we believe it exists to make us better, not bitter. We try and keep short accounts with each other by sharing our disappointments and hurt feelings. This isn't always easy but it's necessary for maintaining marital oneness. From experience we know that there is nothing more damaging to our relationship than harbored bitterness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. <b>We Play Together: </b>Husband and I have chosen to be active together. Whether it's <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/04/todays-letters-dear-mr_14.html" target="_blank">tossing the Frisbee</a>, <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/04/todays-letters_26.html" target="_blank">flying our kite</a>, <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/04/dear-mr.html" target="_blank">going on walks</a>, or participating in <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/05/warrior-dash-texas.html" target="_blank">adventure races</a>, <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/04/todays-letters-dear-mr_01.html" target="_blank">reading bedtime stories</a>, or <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/01/todays-letters-dear-mr.html" target="_blank">building forts in our living room</a>, playing together has helped us find our inner child. It has also reminded me that being active together can be romantic. After all, deep down I know my husband wants me to be his sidekick when it comes to doing "guy things" with him. Realizing this has been critical in helping us stay connected both physically and emotionally. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. <b>We Pray Together: </b>One of our favorite way to end the day is by praying together. We pray for our friends, family, and wisdom in our marriage. Though our prayers are not usually longer than a few minutes, they have made a huge difference in helping us stay spiritually connected, as well as making us more aware of each others fears and insecurities. <b><br /></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. <b>We Celebrate Together:</b> Husband and I love to make a big deal out of <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/04/anniversary-in-review.html" target="_blank">anniversaries</a>, <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2009/12/beloveds-birthday-adventure-to-kc.html" target="_blank">birthdays</a>, <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2009/12/christmas-2009.html" target="_blank">holidays</a>, and even <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/03/todays-letters-dear-mr_24.html" target="_blank">smaller personal accomplishments</a>. We are each others biggest fans, and sometimes finding a thoughtful gift or preparing a special meal can make the biggest difference in making us feel known, loved, and celebrated. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. <b>We Don't Do Marriage Alone:</b> Our trusted friends have been incredibly helpful in helping us work through some of the biggest issues in our marriage. It wasn't always easy to share these struggles because of our pride and embarrassment, but soon we realized that most couples were struggling with the same things we were. We learned that isolating only hinders us from truly dealing with our hurts, habits, and hang-ups. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">9. <b>The Greatest Gift (Self Work): </b>We realized early on in our marriage that the greatest gift we could give to one another was to know ourselves. This meant working through our family of origin junk. We all have it, but so few actually sort through it; <a href="http://www.watermark.org/ministries/care/celebrate-recovery/" target="_blank">Celebrate Recovery</a> helped show us how. It was here that we first learned to attack our problems together, instead of attacking each other about our problems.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">10. <b>We Study One Another: </b>Someone once told us that no matter how long you've dated your spouse, the day you get married you are essentially committing your life to a total stranger. This was great advice on how quickly people change. To say that I know Tim <i>fully</i> after 5 years of marriage would be a lie. There is so much about him that I do not know simply because I do not ask. This is why we like to <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/09/loerke-interviews_21.html" target="_blank">interview each other</a> regularly. It's amazing the things you can learn about you spouse when you take the time to ask both fun and creative questions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">10b. <b>Girl Time/Dude Time:</b> Sometimes the best thing we can do for our marriage is to spend time apart. It blesses me when Tim is able to <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2010/04/husbands-appalachian-trail-adventures.html" target="_blank">take a trip with his guys</a> because I know they meet certain needs that I can't. Similarly, Tim understands that <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/2009/05/austin-adventures.html" target="_blank">spending a weekend with my girls</a> is critical to my overall mental health and well being. Don't get me wrong, you guys know how madly in love I am with Mr. Loerke, but sometimes a girl needs an uninterrupted weekend with her besties. Guys are no different. </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-84065593801936734162013-11-04T14:46:00.000-08:002013-11-04T15:02:43.344-08:00Warrior DashSaturday, Tommy, Sydney, Kacie, and I geared up and ran Warrior Dash!<br />
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Mud, obstacles, and crazy hats galore! Made for a pretty exciting Saturday and very sore Sunday. It also proved what we all knew: Kacie is in great shape and I should run more often. Overall it was a successful run and the obstacles were pretty easy. Except for one.<br />
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There was one obstacle about halfway through that I was not stupid enough not be afraid of. Its basically a large arch made out of 2X4s. I got to the top and while I was waiting on the girl in front of me to climb down, realized exactly how easily I could slip and die. Suddenly, I lost it. I'm not one to be afraid of things like this but I started <i><b>freaking out</b></i>. The boards are about two feet apart, slick with mud, and too narrow to stand on but too wide for my smallish hands to grasp. I was 12 feet above ground with nothing between but crisp November air. At this point I was frozen and started yelling, "I DON'T LIKE THIS! I DON'T LIKE THIS!" over and over. Strangers started to try and comfort this crazy girl saying things like, "You can do it, sweetie!" and "Breathe, honey. You're almost there." <i>[Ever notice how generous people are with the pet names when they're trying to be empathetic?]</i> Eventually I did make it down and went through the other obstacles with ease, but I think I embarrassed Tommy! HA!<br />
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Except for my episode, Warrior Dash was a good time. However, I think I'll stick to Spartan Races. Personally, I find their obstacles more physically challenging without making me fear for my life. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-49536867005312222962013-11-04T14:01:00.000-08:002013-11-04T14:54:27.532-08:00Nervcited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I am feeling very<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> nervcited</span> lately! </div>
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(that's nervous + excited, for those of you who don't speak Bethanese) </div>
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After three years of sitting for the Potter girls, it is time to move on. Little by little my college classes have begun to conflict with the hours I work and this coming semester has sealed my fate and forced change to be made. There's a word for it... not bittersweet, just... bitter. Yeah, bitter. Its like the end of an era! We're talking, when Rachel moves out of Monica's apartment sad, people! I am going to miss my girls terribly, but its part of growing up. </div>
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I've known this was coming for a while so I've had some time to get used to the idea and start the application process. I'm now moving out of the slightly depressed phase and on to <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">nervcited</span> about change! (But I'll totally still sob on my last day)</div>
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The scariest part of this change is that currently I have no leads. Zilch. Nada. None. </div>
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My school schedule mostly leaves space for night work, meaning restaurants are my best bet. The problem there being that I don't have any experience. I've applied to a lot of places around town but so far haven't heard much. So I don't know yet whether I'll be paying rent or living in a box. Time will tell!</div>
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I'm trying to look on the bright side and I'm very excited about the prospect of gaining new skills, meeting new people, and working with grown-ups. I know that I was made to work with children and I love that, but it will be nice not having to worry about other people's bathroom habits for a change! I hear there's also less biting in the adult world. </div>
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Whatever might happen with my employment, or lack thereof, I know that its in God's hands and that He will provide just as He has time and time again. I will not be afraid, just <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">nervcited</span>!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">balloons from <a href="http://hellogiggles.com/" target="_blank">hellogiggles</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-7762544184560356072013-10-29T19:49:00.001-07:002013-10-29T20:01:31.395-07:00sumo suits and catching upHello there!<br />
Wow... its been over a year since I darkened the (virtual) door of this little blog. I didn't intend to abandon it, but life is pretty uneventful on this side of the screen. I hope this finds you well!<br />
I spent the summer taking classes and am getting into the Teacher Education Program which keeps me pretty busy. I've found that my day-to-day goings on have been best reflected in a small journal.<br />
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But a few weeks ago my best friend told me that she missed reading my posts, so I guess I'll write one. It just so happens to be about her birthday party!<br />
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Sydney turned 21 on October 7th. She didn't know it, but we had been planning a surprise party for her for months! Honestly, on her birthday we all felt like complete jerks because we kind of blew her off and didn't offer to do anything special for her big two-one. Little did she know that we were actually the Three Best Friends That Anyone Could Have!!!<br />
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[I apologize from the crappy quality of the photos. I dropped the picture-taking ball and had to steal from instagram!]<br />
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You see, she mentioned that she would love to sumo wrestle a la The Office episode "Beach Day". We made it happen! And we totally wrestled in the front yard on a Monday night. Trust me, all the cool kids are doing it. </div>
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It resulted in a lot of this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2354aPUuzXBruge9CfMLoA8vz0NUgFVRN3KFSc0dYX-ZONHMPtCF5JzeaMke3FbjJ8vzSj5BqOqjz_iMtJU2DLrY02xMfYq0AfFha0wJk0-nyo7HXchnqkiASJWpQCoEJvBjT6ePmNGA/s1600/party7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2354aPUuzXBruge9CfMLoA8vz0NUgFVRN3KFSc0dYX-ZONHMPtCF5JzeaMke3FbjJ8vzSj5BqOqjz_iMtJU2DLrY02xMfYq0AfFha0wJk0-nyo7HXchnqkiASJWpQCoEJvBjT6ePmNGA/s320/party7.PNG" width="315" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-vG4W99zmojdRIagvlV6uk0I3QyYXtuK1MCXFgBqR0yfmG6O0eTU9bv1JSpCLvlDvZwdVfRzOSZBFSBSPkn6ySn6SeDpt83P91CxD4Y6XGCeJqSsDgP0yHuXG6xAgX5ZLGlcJXPM8KQ/s1600/lyndasumo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-vG4W99zmojdRIagvlV6uk0I3QyYXtuK1MCXFgBqR0yfmG6O0eTU9bv1JSpCLvlDvZwdVfRzOSZBFSBSPkn6ySn6SeDpt83P91CxD4Y6XGCeJqSsDgP0yHuXG6xAgX5ZLGlcJXPM8KQ/s320/lyndasumo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was super fun! And yes, she's continued to wear the suits in her daily life. One of the many, many reasons that I love her! </div>
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Fellow party planners sandwiching the birthday girl! (At this point I was catching my plate on fire. NBD.)<br />
I so enjoy planning parties for the people I love! It's wicked awesome!<br />
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Other than throwing sort of weird-themed ragers, we've done some pretty fun things over this past year. In March, Tom and I ran Spartan Sprint in Conyers, Georgia. I AM SPARTA! AROO!<br />
In June, Tommy's sister joined the Mrs. club.<br />
Oh! And we totally got to see the Backstreet Boys!! What?! Yes. It was fantastic. Fangirled big time over Nick Carter. Tommy also took me to see John Mayer, which was on my bucket list. Loved it! Except for the creepy old drunk guy who kept asking to take pictures with me. Why do creepy drunk guys have to make things so weird all the time? <br />
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I guess in the mundane-ness of my day-to-day, some pretty exciting things have happened. I should really do a better job of documenting it all. I'm going to try to get back into the swing of keeping up this little blog. However, that does not mean that I'm going to post regularly. And I'm not going to let myself feel bad about that. This semester I've had to learn to say, "no" to some things without feeling guilty and its been a hard lesson to learn. But more on that later. <br />
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Leave me a comment and let me know how you've been since we last spoke (typed)! Sending love from my glowing screen to yours!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-73636887317102962922012-09-04T07:06:00.002-07:002012-09-04T07:18:35.278-07:00the happiest 5K on the planet!<img height="541" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMHEnlHfnQt7T-F6KZc1bI1hzfwtPL9RqIFizMtRdFwrpJu6A6imB64OiYrDhZU6XLiPBCafwScZ7HyTiV0PTrZV4OjAIWyCJei0986NQfEaQQyxXeDntJjMlbGnmDMNkssdoiYG2gMJl/s1600/180360ColorRun1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="542" /><br />
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COLOR RUN!!!!!!! It was awesome, you guys!!!!! <br />
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Tommy, Brandon, Sydney, Mary Ann, Chandler, and I (collectively we call ourselves the Rainbow Ninjas) headed to Birmingham at 6am this morning to run our first 5K in the pouring rain that Hurricane Isaac is so sweetly dumping on us. On the way there I was being a bit of a Debbie Downer because of the general ickiness of the day, but in the end it made our color stick better and kept us cool! God knows what He's doing! Yay for rain!<br />
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Color Zones were loads of fun and we went through a couple of them twice, just to make sure we got what we came for. A Color Thrower gave me a face-full of blue so I came out looking like a scary female Braveheart/Avatar monster!<br />
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When we crossed the finish line it was time for the Color Celebration, which is exactly as much fun as the name implies! On the count of three everyone throws their paint powder into the air and creates a giant rainbow cloud! It was the most awesome and most terrible thing all at once. When everyone throws and is dancing and singing to <i>Call Me Maybe</i>, it a blast! But when you suck down a pound of dust because you're singing to <i>Call Me Maybe</i>, it's an awful coughing mess! All I could think was, "I'm going to die. At Color Run. How lame is that?!"<br />
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As you can see, none of us died due to extreme color exposure. Though we may have lost our sanity! HA! <br />
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Even in the rain, Color Run was super fun! It's coming to Tuscaloosa October 6 so get your tickets and try it out! I'm thinking of volunteering to be a Color Thrower. <br />
How was your Labor Day?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3724055652462.2137354.1007970801&type=1" target="_blank">here</a> to see more of our goofy pictures </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-27431442631253391062012-09-03T11:58:00.000-07:002012-09-03T20:51:34.930-07:00mushy-gushy loveydovey awesomenessHooray!!! My sweet, sweet sissy-in-law is engaged to Matt!<br />
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We are so incredible happy for you two and hope you have a wonderful engagement, beautiful wedding, and a long, happy life together! I feel so privileged to have been able to share in your special day. It was perfect! Way to go Mattman! Love you both!<br />
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Who doesn't love a good proposal video? It's a proven fact that watching them improves your day by 67% so click <a href="http://youtu.be/ro0ohWf8Qc8" target="_blank">here</a> to have an instantly better day! You'll have to listen carefully. His poem is sweet and my sound is stinky. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">***For people who may not know, Matt moved to Mobile during the summer for work. That's why he says being away from her is confusing. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-55387744898818215222012-08-28T06:57:00.002-07:002012-08-28T07:00:17.832-07:00make this tonight!Pinterest in constantly amazing me! And with that statement I have already lost all my male readers. HA! But seriously, I am constantly finding wonderful, magical things on that nifty site!<br />
Between moving and starting school last week I haven't done any real cooking (because frozen pizza doesn't count) and we've eaten a lot of take out, which stinks because I really enjoy preparing meals. We're mostly settled now and I am finally back in the kitchen! Woo! Last night I pulled two recipes from my pinboard for dinner and they turned out to be delicious! I'm not usually one to brag about my culinary (can you call it "culinary" if you use a Crockpot?) success, mostly because Tommy is my only judge and he risks his chances for getting the good lovin if he doesn't eat everything, but my BFF Sydney had dinner with us last night and she scraped her plate clean! That's what friends are for, to tell you if your cooking sucks.<br />
Anyway, I wanted to share these recipes with you because they are finger licking good and super easy! Try them tonight and let me know how it goes!<br />
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<a href="http://forkinit.blogspot.com/2010/09/crockpot-barbecue-chicken.html" target="_blank">Crockpot BBQ Chicken</a><br />
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This is a recipe I've made before and it's Tommy's favorite. I like to use Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce and tear the chicken into chunks right before it's served. </div>
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<a href="http://forkinit.blogspot.com/2010/09/cheddar-and-herb-biscuits.html" target="_blank">Cheddar and Herb Biscuits </a></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513134247048420674" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9F0JHqrtlSs/TIKWY0pcnUI/AAAAAAAAM4s/S7eHLm97Ff4/s400/FinalOpen-450x337.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div>
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WOWZA! First time making these and they were heavenly! </div>
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We also had our favorite side dish, garlic brussles sprouts that are Sydney's mom's recipe and not from Pinterest. I know, I know, as kids television taught us to hate brussles, but they are so yummy when cooked this way: </div>
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Cut the brussels in half and saute them in olive oil and garlic over medium-high heat, I like to use two big ol heaping spoonfuls of minced garlic. When they have turned a bright green and the flat bottoms start to brown, remove them from heat and place on a foil-covered cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and bake until the tops start to turn brown around the edges, usually about 3-7 minutes depending on how hot your oven is. I just pop mine in with whatever else I've got cooking, like the biscuits last night, and watch them to make sure they don't burn.</div>
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That's it! Pretty simple and a huge pay off! I have chicken and biscuits left over for lunch today. Come on 12 o'clock! Let me know if you try out these recipes and how you like them. Have a lovely Tuesday!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-81094911111966997102012-07-19T20:27:00.000-07:002012-07-19T20:27:01.913-07:00boxes, boxes everywhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fTwaly6SnOHaNAsnbCbtoHoNeTeGDuRG7n1sNl-j7JuCJcV-TMAvXoFN_PJtGDxwjHX98VOkxjv58KXOPmA82g3-VDyxUigMR3XANxL0Mpxo4h7hV3I27F9igcnnrcsV8z5FU1xWQ1I/s1600/moving-to-austin-texas.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fTwaly6SnOHaNAsnbCbtoHoNeTeGDuRG7n1sNl-j7JuCJcV-TMAvXoFN_PJtGDxwjHX98VOkxjv58KXOPmA82g3-VDyxUigMR3XANxL0Mpxo4h7hV3I27F9igcnnrcsV8z5FU1xWQ1I/s400/moving-to-austin-texas.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's all I've been seeing for days. But it's finally over! For now anyway. I've only moved once before and I <i>hated </i>it because living out of boxes totally stinks. And we've acquired so much stuff in the past year! The whole time we're packing I'm asking myself questions: How have I been storing it all? Where did it come from? What is <i>that</i> for? How is this all going fit into the apartment? You never realize how much junk you have until it has to be pulled out and stuffed in a truck.<br />
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But four days and four hundred boxes later we are halfway to our final destination! We officially no longer reside at 12 Springbrook! Huzzah! We're now (rather lamely) living with my parents for the next three weeks (yes, it's weird) until our new apartment is ready to be moved in to. So then we'll do it all again. I'm hoping to stay in the apartment longer than we stayed in the house. Moving totally stinks!<br />
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Now, don't think I'm not excited to be moving because I totally am! I cannot wait to be in our new home meeting new neighbors, decorating, chillaxing by the pool (that's right, there's a pool!), I just don't like the act of moving. Its sweaty work! Especially in July. In Alabama. Phew! Tommy and his friends did way more heavy lifting than I did so mega props to those guys! You go guys!<br />
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We'll be packing up and moving to our more permeant new home August 13th so if you're feeling generous and want to help us out, DO NOT FIGHT THAT URGE! Until then keep us in your prayers as we tie up the loose ends of leaving 12 Springbrook and I hope you have an awesome week because <i>you are awesome</i>! Catch ya on the flip side, bloggers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-14016120313955501262012-07-04T07:23:00.002-07:002012-07-04T07:24:13.362-07:00Happy America Day, y'all!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoKgYBv-NzB9_fG_tZDGRaPYcCeQzzRmPMZtnFeZP70GtwdourK5qwz4sGOzeEwLaB61Uf7gBTIlRzjDpgzGG1ZRv2G-XdTXY_EaqJ9MoWR7oYOS_HpLX22nnfKveJIR_YlFucwNCXA4/s1600/Collages1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoKgYBv-NzB9_fG_tZDGRaPYcCeQzzRmPMZtnFeZP70GtwdourK5qwz4sGOzeEwLaB61Uf7gBTIlRzjDpgzGG1ZRv2G-XdTXY_EaqJ9MoWR7oYOS_HpLX22nnfKveJIR_YlFucwNCXA4/s400/Collages1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Read somewheres that the human body is 75 percent water. Not me, y'all. I'm 75 percent sweet tea, 100 percent Merican."</i></blockquote>
Every year on the 4th of July my granny wants the whole family to dress in red, white, and blue and take a great big family photo. But every year no one knows about it until we get there so it's always a huge disaster. This year my brilliant mother came up with a great idea to raise enthusiasm and make granny happy and that wonderful idea's name is Redneck Showdown! The idea is to be as patriotic and tacky as possible! You have to wear your costume all day for flag football, tug-of-war, and eating yourself silly. At the end of the day everyone votes for someone besides themselves and the winner gets a trophy! We're all super excited! Especially Tommy and I because there's not much we love better than dressing up in costume!<br />
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This year we aren't able to fully participate because we are going to the beach with the rest of the Snows (we haven't yet mastered sharing family time) so we have to send in our photo submission. We can vote, but we can't win. Honorable mention by photo submission. But they better watch out next year! Even Jack the Dog will be bringing his A-game! I am so looking forward to sharing this new tradition every year with my family!<br />
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Momma and Poppa Snow are here now to pick us up for beach fun so I've got to run! Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 4th of July! USA USA USA!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-52094932781266536322012-06-30T11:21:00.000-07:002012-06-30T11:23:49.570-07:00Nanny Diaries: a funny, a sweet, and a gross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For a year and a half now I have been the proud full-time nanny for the three silly little Potter girls: Rylee, 7 years; Emory, 3 years; and Lucy, 18 months. In that time I have learned<i> a lot </i>about kids and myself and yesterday reminded me of all the reasons I love my job, as well as how strong my stomach has gotten!<br />
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It was <a href="http://duckduckgoosey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ashlee</a>'s (Potter mommy) birthday on Thursday so I hung out with the girls extra late so that the Potter parents could celebrate like adults with adult friends. We made a totally pool party day of it and had a blast!</div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Funny</span></u></b></div>
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While in the car we always listen to Disney songs on shuffle from my iPod for the simple reason that the girls love them and I don't have to answer a million questions about why I have so many love songs and why did "they" break up. So we're driving to the pool yesterday morning and playing "I've Got A Dream" from <i>Tangled </i>and Rylee takes particular notice of an unfamiliar phrase. </div>
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The line goes: <i>"I've always yearned to be a concert pianist!"</i></div>
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but Rylee turns to me and asks: "Bethany, what's a <b>concrete penis</b>?"</div>
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OH MY GOSH! I almost wrecked the car for laughing so hard!* </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><u>Sweet</u></b></span></div>
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Around 2, after stuffing ourselves with pizza my mom brought and playing in the sun, I had to make a drug store run to pick up a prescription and more swim diapers because Lucy was blowing through them! But when I walked off to my car without Lucy she squirmed down from her chair and waddle-ran after me and threw herself on the concrete sobbing. I couldn't just leave her there with my mom when she was being pitiful, so I loaded her up and took her with me. She was being very good waiting in the long line and quietly yammering on in baby speak about whatever she saw. </div>
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I've been with Lucy since she was 15 days old and I've gotten pretty attached to her. I love all the girls, but its quiet time that reminds me of my special connection with this kid. I kissed her little forehead and gave her a squeeze. She looked up at me, giggled and returned it with a sloppy, open-mouth, baby kiss on my cheek, gave me "taters" (a fist bump), and snuggled her head on my shoulder. I love Lucy and I am really going to miss her when I grow up.</div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Gross</span></u></b></div>
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We finished our pool day around 6, ate and played at Chick-fil-A, and finally got back to their house for baths and bedtime. Poor Lucy has missed her nap for three days in a row so she was barely out of the bath water before she nodded off. Emory convinced herself that she wasn't sleepy long enough to make it to the couch and curl up next to Rylee before passing out. I had Rylee hide so that I could tell Emory that everyone was in bed and she needed to be too. Yes lying is bad, but I at times like this I don't care much!</div>
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I picked Em up and started to carry her to her room went the perfect day went to pot. She raised her head to say, "Where my mo--" VOMIT SPEWING EVERYWHERE! On my face, in our hair, down the left side of my body. I stood her on the floor, more puke. Grabbed her hand and drug her to the bathroom to finish, leaving a trail down the hallway. I kid you not, it looked like the scene from <i>Sixth Sense</i>! I put her in the bathtub (she was so groggy that she couldn't understand why she needed two baths) and went to clean up, but luckily (<i>luckily</i>?) their giant red lab, Forbin, had already eaten most of it. I tucked Em in bed, borrowed some clothes from Ashlee, and washed my hair in the sink. When I got home I super scrubbed myself before Tommy or the dog could love on me. </div>
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Kids are so pitiful and confused when they get sick. When she was in the bath Emory looked up at me with tears in her eyes and said, "I so sorry. I need clean up the floor, Bee?". Broke my heart. She's so precious, even when she's a barf monster. To think that I used to get sick at the sight of baby spit up. I was such a weenie! </div>
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Hope you weren't eating when you read this! Happy weekend!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*I did not actually "nearly wreck"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**Couldn't find a recent picture of all three girls. Age that one about a year and you've got it!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-44501073644890247442012-06-19T12:18:00.002-07:002012-06-19T12:20:42.215-07:00fast and easyYeah, that's how I like it. Dinner, that is.<br />
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As a new-ish wife and a relatively unskilled cook, I'm always on the look out for simple, yummy recipes. Our first couple of months we pretty much lived off of Hamburger Helper and take out so out butts got a little fluffy. But don't worry! My dinners have improved greatly since the discovery of Pinterest and blog-surfing!<br />
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Last night I finally tried two recipes from my friend <a href="http://playing-grown-up.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brooke's</a> blog and they were DELISH! Not to mention super easy! Minimum input, maximum reward. Naturally, I have to pass them on to you!<br />
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Our neighbors/landlords brought home their new baby boy yesterday so we brought them a cake to congratulate them. This cake, you guys, has major yum factor. I didn't actually get to taste is after it was baked (They would probably wonder why there was a giant slice missing!) but the batter was so rich it bumped me into a new tax bracket just from licking the bowls!<br />
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<a href="http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/flourless-chocolate-vanilla-marble-cake.aspx" target="_blank">Flourless Chocolate & Vanilla Marble Cake</a><br />
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After we delivered the cake (a little begrudgingly) and went to the gym, we finally sat down to dinner and, boy, was it great!! My mom has always made stuffed shells but these had a yummy twist and were way easier. The recipe didn't call for sauce but we like to smother everything remotely Italian in Classico vodka sauce. So good! I also doubled the topping cheese to make it extra gooey and completely cancel out our workout. Can't have those calories sneaking away. HA!<br />
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<a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/2010/05/pesto-chicken-stuffed-shells.html" target="_blank">Pesto-Chicken Stuffed Shells</a><br />
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Yum-o! Hubs woke up this morning still talking about how much he liked them!<br />
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I hope you'll give these recipes a whirl and let me know what you think!<br />
Do you have any easy and tasty recipes for me to try?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-51714440584996424352012-05-15T17:04:00.000-07:002012-05-15T17:04:11.367-07:00tuesday tunesdayI have something awesome to show you. If you haven't already seen it. Which is entirely possible because it has over 4 million views on YouTube and they've been on Ellen. But, nevertheless, still wicked awesome!<br />
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So, without further delay, I give you WALK OFF THE EARTH!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d9NF2edxy-M" width="560"></iframe>
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Five people. One guitar. The first time I watched this cover my mind blew all over the room and I haven't done much else except watch it over and over for the past week. Her voice is amazing! Like a stink in angel!<br />
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Happy Tunesday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-57032202634583181402012-05-14T18:21:00.000-07:002012-05-14T18:21:11.853-07:00Oh, hello there!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, blog friends! It's been quite a while since we've run into each other and I'm so glad to be back!<br />
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I kind of gave up on blogging after the midterm because of a terrifying drop in my grades, particularly stupid Western Civ, but now I can proudly tell you that after finals they are much better and my scholarship is safe. WAH HOO!<br />
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Other than being buried in our books, not a lot has been going on at the Snow house.<br />
Let's see... we had a wonderful Valentines weekend! We made dinner at home and I surprised Tommy with a weekend get-away to the cutest little <a href="http://www.cobblanebandb.com/" target="_blank">B&B</a> in Birmingham. Highly recommend it if you need a cozy, romantic mini-vacation!<br />
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I was finally able to see <a href="http://wickedthemusical.com/app/webroot/Broadway/?gclid=CObN6euLgbACFUyb7QodXAKoGA" target="_blank">Wicked</a>! It was awesome!! My sweet mommy-in-law bought tickets for Mom and I as my Christmas present so we made a girls trip out of it. Love girls trips!<br />
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Tommy and I went to Panama City Beach for spring break. We purposely avoided the crowds (Wrong place for that, am I right? HA!) but I still saw Luke Bryan! He was chillin on St. Andrews beach with his camera crew not ten feet from me! I didn't ask to get a picture because I didn't want to be "that girl" and let me tell you, totally not worth it! Why, oh why, didn't I just take a stinkin picture?<br />
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We've seen <i>Avengers</i> twice and it was amazing both times! Thor.. Oh, Thor, how I love you.<br />
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I had a secret stray pet for a while whom I dubbed Poor Kitty. Tommy is allergic to cats so I just fed and pet her/him on the front steps every day. Then it rained really hard for a few days and I haven't seen Poor Kitty since. I hope he/she is okay and found a family without allergies.<br />
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And we've just gotten back from the beach again. I love having a father-in-law who owns a grocery store because Tom and I get to tag along on these awesome food show trips! Free food and great family beach time! Also, the place we stay has the BEST fish tacos. Not that I've eaten fish tacos anywhere else, but I'm assuming that they can't be as good as these.<br />
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Tommy has come down with some pretty icky sick this week, but other than that all has been well in our little corner of the universe. We have succumbed to the sweet laziness of summer and are loving every minute of it!<br />
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Now enough about me, how have you been?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-72549998058685265452012-02-13T12:12:00.000-08:002012-02-13T12:13:05.795-08:00love & history<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, bloggy friends!</span></div><br />
<img height="440" src="http://www.marvelous-girl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/valentines-day-candies1.jpg" width="620" /><br />
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Valentines Day is awesome! It's such a happy holiday! I love that there is a day dedicated to showing your affection to those you love, and not just you significant other (even though that's probably one you want to focus on a little extra. HA!)! Valentines is just like one big, national reminder to smile and little brighter and hug a little tighter. Not to mention that it is, historically, an enormous celebration of love growing in adversity, which I think is beautiful. Being a history teacher's daughter, I'm inclined to tell you the story, even if it's mostly ledgend. But don't worry, its an abridged version for your blog reading pleasure!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. <br />
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Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.</span></em></div></blockquote><br />
*long, girly sigh* And that is how Valentines Day came to be. Not a day to make up for 364 days of slacking, but to remind us not to take our relationships and freedom to love for granted. I can't wait to love the crap out of everyone I see tomorrow! Happy early Valentines, friend! I hope your day is filled with warmth and affection!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*image from <a href="http://www.sodahead.com/fun/happy-valentines-day-to-all-have-the-best-heart-day-ever-bless-your-heart/question-2450903/?link=ibaf&q=&imgurl=http://www.marvelous-girl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/valentines-day-candies1.jpg">sodahead</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**history from <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day">the most reliable souce ever</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-89294967826655295622012-01-30T19:31:00.000-08:002012-01-30T19:37:21.635-08:00W.W.D.S.What Would Disney Say?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofZVDcq96ZYEfi6AJ_eufLH7jGBEXiqspz1nElqYhXLhYDrq-kKEDb6hrTIH1rfFuah9eHqz44wKDZ4MWBnjJF2Qvt5xjA7CZk6H7e8OFmBvFw4ZUwi-fXBYrMmiGiDCu3by-Eml_FJ4/s1600/bambi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofZVDcq96ZYEfi6AJ_eufLH7jGBEXiqspz1nElqYhXLhYDrq-kKEDb6hrTIH1rfFuah9eHqz44wKDZ4MWBnjJF2Qvt5xjA7CZk6H7e8OFmBvFw4ZUwi-fXBYrMmiGiDCu3by-Eml_FJ4/s640/bambi.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!" </span></em><br />
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What a wise little bunny that Thumper is! Disney movies are choc-full of inspiring words and this one has been weighing on my mind a lot lately.<br />
It seems like everywhere you go someone is angry with someone else and is wasting time and energy to drag their name through the mud. Whatever happened to just being nice? Or, when that doesn't work, keeping our mouths shut? <br />
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I fail at this daily, like to the extent that it's embarrassing to admit. When I see or hear something that makes me want to lash out in anger-- an urge that I often give in to-- I try to remember sweet Thumper's little words. There are some things (people included) that just fire me up and I could go on and on for days about how much I don't care for them, but I know it isn't helping the situation. I exhaust myself by focusing so much of my being into disliking whatever it is! It makes me look <em>way</em> more pathetic than the thing causing my reaction. Sometimes my knee-jerk reaction is to say something degrading without even thinking about it. That's terrible! Who likes a grouchy complainer who is constantly downing other people? I don't! Not only is it petty, but it isn't how God wants His people to feel about one another. <br />
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Ephesians 4:29 tells us, <em>"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."</em><br />
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So, not only are we not supposed to slander one another, but grace each other with encouragement! Easier said than done. Isn't everything? My prayer this week is that God will help me to become the kind of person who doesn't talk badly about others and only offers up pleasant things. Compliments, words of affirmation, and support. And when those fail me, the strength to say nothing at all!<br />
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Ps. Totally didn't realize how sad Bambi is until watching it the other day! I sobbed through most of it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Bambi pic from </span><a href="http://www.fanpop.com/spots/bambi/images/6370083/title/bambi-thumper-flower-wallpaper-wallpaper"><span style="font-size: x-small;">here</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137557417044024498.post-29575253904372569362012-01-16T19:47:00.000-08:002012-01-16T19:47:53.676-08:00the big 2-0! woot woot!Today my sweet hubby has moved into his<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> TWENTIES</span></strong>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0kuI02bLD4cJUvBoAcLuGYu9gzh7G67w8LFi9og4qQODNMA8j657feA0YXXNtHtV84Hd-bzsk6K5l0LusvIj5qXam1GGNswUMH-_ovHm2n2y6KpWQTyUg4efjSzZKbiCryfzbsh505c/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0kuI02bLD4cJUvBoAcLuGYu9gzh7G67w8LFi9og4qQODNMA8j657feA0YXXNtHtV84Hd-bzsk6K5l0LusvIj5qXam1GGNswUMH-_ovHm2n2y6KpWQTyUg4efjSzZKbiCryfzbsh505c/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
That's right. Today Tommy has turned 20! He's a real life grown up now, you guys! How exciting! I feel so privilaged to be able to spend this milestone birthday with him and I hope that he'll let me stick around for many, many more. I think he will though because I'm the world champion of snuggling.<br />
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I had something totally rad planned but since we collectively had to spend $800 on text books (Yeah, we both bought all used and it makes me sick every time I think about it.) it fell through. So, we decided to just hang out and be lazy all weekend. That's Tommy's absolute favorite thing! If it were up to him we would be hermits and the only people who would ever visit would be food delivery guys. <br />
I could resist getting him out for at least a little while though. We went to Cheesecake Factory Saturday for lunch and nearly bust a gut! Oh, it was so <em>soooo</em> good! Fried mac-in-cheese heaven. Then we came home and took the most glorious nap in the history of all naps! <br />
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For his actually birthday I got him a few little gifts. Instead of getting him another card (he had already gotten a pretty sweet Jim Halpert talking card from someone special) I made him a message in a bottle.<br />
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I bought the little bottle at Michael's, rolled the letter around a pencil, and dropped it inside! It was really hard to squeeze it in that little bottle and even harder to get it out but he loved it :)<br />
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Tommy is my best friend and I can hardly believe he chooses to spend his every day with me. I can't imagine a more thoughtful, understanding, kind, funny, snuggly, HANDSOME man than the one God blessed me with. Happy birthday, Sunshine! I love you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835493676654978831noreply@blogger.com0