tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45992282034889800392024-03-13T07:18:46.087-05:00Life with Little GirlsLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-12986861818552466742011-07-07T17:44:00.000-05:002011-07-07T17:44:17.657-05:00Fear & Security<div class="zemanta-img separator" sizcache="4384" sizset="0" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49969107@N04/5865378088" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Hundred and Sixty-Two - Trust" height="160" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/5865378088_8da2a5bd95_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="4384" sizset="1" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 240px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49969107@N04/5865378088">Shattered Infinity</a> via Flickr</span></div>"She (he) will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Her heart is secure, she will have no fear; in the end she will look in triumph on her foes." Psalms 112:7-8<br />
<br />
These verses have been running thru my mind a lot lately. Fear is a big obstacle for me...in letting go, going "all in", relaxing, releasing, being content. Fear of the unknown, fear of the future, fear of loss, fear of bad news. But really what AM I afraid? Maybe just the fear of fear. <br />
<br />
Fear is a really strange thing. You can't see it, touch it, or hear it. But if given the power, fear can stop you dead in your tracks, inhibit decision making, or just make you second guess yourself. It can mess with your mind, rob you of sleep.<br />
<br />
I don't want to live that way any longer. I am done with it. That's why I love the promises of these verses. <br />
<br />
<ul><li>She will have NO fear of bad news</li>
<li>She will have NO fear (PERIOD)</li>
<li>Her heart is STEADFAST, TRUSTING in the Lord</li>
<li>Her heart is SECURE</li>
</ul>Praying these verses over me and you today. May we be steadfast women with secure hearts, trusting in the Lord!! :)<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=09db62d6-2fdf-40f7-93fb-70b85b2889ff" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-67813256380384912602011-02-03T17:17:00.000-06:002011-02-03T17:17:29.792-06:00Snow Days<div class="zemanta-img separator" sizcache="5447" sizset="0" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29454428@N08/2960116125" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice cased Adelie penguins after a blizzard at ..." height="157" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2960116125_28d15fdf39_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="5447" sizset="1" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 240px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29454428@N08/2960116125">State Library of New South Wales collection</a> via Flickr</span></div>We have just survived the blizzard of 2011! Locally we received over 20 inches of snow and over 60 mph winds. The winds were crazy and rattled this house. Kept waking me up overnight. We awoke in the morning to over 4 foot snow drifts blocking our front door and garage doors. Third biggest snowstorm for Chicago in recorded history. Crazy! <br />
<br />
I finally ventured out this afternoon for dome drive-thru lunch for me and the girls. Was missing civilization. I could not believe the incredible amounts of snow everywhere!! Snow covers absolutely everything. Katey is as happy as can be. She had a blast playing in it yesterday. Today we have -10 degree wind chills, so no playing outside. She was not happy! <br />
<br />
I spent my two days off from work catching up on laundry (over 5 loads I think), watching DVR shows (Brothers & Sisters), and movies (Social Network and Elizabeth: The Golden Age). Plus shoveling and refereeing two little girls! Have REALLY enjoyed being off these past 2 days but a little part of me wants to go back to the daily routine. And going back to work on a Friday will be easy with the weekend ahead! :)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-63897623695725541412010-12-31T21:22:00.000-06:002010-12-31T21:22:33.857-06:00Racing into 2011!<div class="zemanta-img separator" sizcache="26267" sizset="0" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16324044@N00/2500072902" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Running feet" height="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2500072902_7dee20da13_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="26267" sizset="1" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 240px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16324044@N00/2500072902">Eva the Weaver</a> via Flickr</span></div>Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
Today I did something I have never done in my life. I walked in my first 5K race! About 10 days ago a dear friend strongly persuaded me into joining her to walk in the Run Into the New Year 5K Run in Milwaukee. If you know me, you know that is no small accomplishment. I was a nervous wreck, not knowing what to expect. The day turned out to be so much fun. My legs and back are hurting tonight but it was so worth it. It is the first time I have ever pushed myself so hard, so far physically EVER! It gave me such a sense of accomplishment and hope that I do not have to be this couch potato I have been for far too long. Go me! :) <br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=28c67f86-f3b4-4d0b-888c-b8d540cf6961" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-60740436361273710502010-11-26T19:05:00.000-06:002010-11-26T19:05:15.522-06:00Giving thanksBeing thankful on Thanksgiving should be a no-brainer, right? It's eeeeeassssyyyyy to be thankful on Thanksgiving. What is wrong with you (or ME) if we're not? I AM thankful for I have been blessed with a lot. A lot of great people, all my physical needs, job, car, food, family, friends, new church, health, and lots more. <br />
<br />
But what about pain? Can I really choose to be thankful for that today? God tells me in His Word that I should be. We are called to be thankful in ALL circumstances, always giving praise and thanks to our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Lord, I am thankful but most days I sure wish you would take away my pain. That may or may not happen on this side of heaven but I know He endured more emotional, spiritual, and physical pain that I will more than likely never experience. So when my heart is breaking, I am choosing to remember how God's heart broke a million times over for my sin. Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-86688963445706427982010-10-26T17:43:00.000-05:002010-10-26T17:43:16.149-05:00Thankful<div class="zemanta-img separator" sizcache="3994" sizset="0" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27845642@N00/48173389" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cross-in-Chimayo-Area" height="240" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/48173389_c0b61af07c_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="160" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="3994" sizset="1" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 160px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27845642@N00/48173389">Glen's Pics</a> via Flickr</span></div>Wow, God is so good. He did such a great, big thing for me today! And an even bigger & better thing for me last week! Wow. I am overwhelmed with His goodness & mercy to me. My heart is just overflowing tonight. <br />
<br />
Today at work I was in a very sticky situation, wanting the best for one of my students and not sure how it would unfold. Not sure how some would react or conduct themselves but it all came together and that was nothing short of a miracle. Thank you, Lord. <br />
<br />
Last week I really blew it. But God is bigger than any of my screw-ups, oh my goodness is He. I am overwhelmed with His goodness to me. I surely do not deserve it.<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=8bd2c764-7aa8-4aa2-8aa6-db81da9e1a9e" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-33482205162999067672010-10-24T20:23:00.000-05:002010-10-24T20:23:00.740-05:00Swim Team Mom<div class="zemanta-img separator" sizcache="4959" sizset="0" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Banetov2.JPG" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="From competitive swimming pool" height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Banetov2.JPG/300px-Banetov2.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="4959" sizset="1" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Banetov2.JPG">Wikipedia</a></span></div>[Ahhhh....finally a chance to sit and relax. My body is tired but my mind is racing. First topic of many swimming- ha! sorry, couldn't resist! thru my head.]<br />
<br />
I am so proud of my newest hat & title---Swim Team Mom!<br />
<br />
Spent 8 hours today just sitting on my bottom in a very uncomfortable lawn chair in a very crowded gym at a very nice YMCA facility an hour away from home for a VERY good reason---to support my daughter at her 3rd ever swim team meet! She did a fabulous job, I was so proud of her. She has adapted well to the physical demands of competitive swimming and the emotional & mental demands, too. I think my nerves run higher than hers on meet days. Which is better & I'd rather have it that way. But MAN! my stomach was turning, my heart was racing, my head was spinning during those seconds & brief moments that she's in the water. She comes out beaming every time, you can just tell that she has tried her best, no matter what place she comes in. And to her, that is winning, yeah! I'm so proud of her already just for even trying this new experience. Go Kel!<br />
<br />
Even though we had a great swim day, I am still wiped out. Left the house at 7am, walked back in the door at 5pm. Ahhh...this couch feels so good. Glad I got lots of laundry and school work done yesterday because today I accomplished a whole lot of nothing. Wait, no I did accomplish cheering on my daughter, visiting & laughing with a new swim team mom-friend, and having a front row seat to Kelly's latest interest & accomplishment. All in all, a great day spent with my girl. I love you lots, Kelly, & am so proud of you!! :)<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=73bd0958-f199-4b67-a0c8-13036a9a249c" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-78108591001284246522010-10-07T20:29:00.001-05:002010-10-07T20:41:43.825-05:00Today's significance<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">October 7th, 2004...6 years ago today was a turning point in my life. But really it starts in January 2004 when I discovered that I was pregnant with our 2nd baby. Kelly was 4 years old and over the moon excited. She had prayed for this baby possibly longer and harder than I had. She was (and still is and always will be) an amazing kid and I was truly content with just her. Given some other circumstances in my life, I was perfectly content to just have one child and cherished her completely. But God blessed us with this second pregnancy and we were all so excited! Our baby's due date was 10-7-04.</div><br />
The first trimester was full of hope and promise. The weeks went by. We told our families, our friends, Kelly told the world. :) Even told my students at school. Along came the end of March and spring break was nearing closer. (great time to be a teacher!) I went to work on Weds. and to my surprise began spotting. From the beginning of that, I had an awful feeling in my stomach, in my heart. Lumps in my throat and tears in my eyes. Phoned my doctor from a vacant classroom and the nurse said please come in. Then had to tell my assistant, find a sub, and grew very scared. Called my husband. Called my mom because she had Kelly. I could barely explain and she sent my dad to drive me to the hospital. Somehow she knew I'd never be able to drive. <br />
<br />
My dad was there in minutes. I couldn't even look at him. The drive lasted forever and my husband met us at the hospital. They took us immediately to radiology for an ultrasound. The tech's face said it all but she couldn't tell me herself. Sent us to my doctor and he confirmed my thought nightmare. My baby was not there. Gone. <br />
<br />
That was the lowest day of my life. March 25, 2004. Well maybe the next day when the physical portion took place. Those 2 days are definitely a tie for the worst ever of my 38 years. Telling Kelly her baby was gone was the hardest thing I've EVER had to do. She was completely devastated. We held each other for hours, days, weeks, months. Even still the news of someone else's miscarriage brings tears to her eyes and mine because we know their pain. <br />
<br />
Dear friends sent flowers to show their love. Kelly cried and said I don't want those flowers. I want my baby. I'll never forget her words. 6 months passed. Babies were born all around us. People said stupid things. I buried myself in work and in Kelly. <br />
<br />
September 2004 I was frightened to learn I was pregnant again. I was afraid to tell anyone and didn't for quite a while. I was so scared it would not last. So scared to lose again. <br />
<br />
Well as God would have it, my first ultrasound was scheduled for Oct. 7th. My first thought was what a cruel joke. What if my baby is gone...again? I hated ultrasounds, they brought bad news. I very reluctantly kept that appt. Walked in with a heavy heart and scared out of my mind. My doctor is an incredibly caring and thoughtful man. He walked in and smiled, knew my fear, and said let's see your baby.<br />
<br />
God revealed Himself to me that day in words I'll never be able to express. I AM here. I AM always with you. I AM the Giver of all good gifts. And there she was. The baby who would become my beautiful, sassy, smart, busy, sweet little Kaitlyn Lindsey. God IS good. <br />
<br />
He knows my every tear, my every pain, disappointment, emotion. And still loves me anyway. Iam His and He is mine. I'm forever grateful. <br />
<br />
And someday I'll be reunited with you my sweet baby in heaven. Rest with Jesus til then. <br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged" sizcache="30893" sizset="0" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Baby_boy_3_month_old.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple church" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Baby_boy_3_month_old.jpg/300px-Baby_boy_3_month_old.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="30893" sizset="1" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Baby_boy_3_month_old.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></div><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=f325e96b-acbe-4db0-be6a-38350f116601" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-17927021495072628722010-09-11T18:31:00.000-05:002010-09-11T18:31:28.298-05:00Patriot Day<div class="zemanta-img separator" sizcache="12196" sizset="0" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City: V..." height="227" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg/300px-National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="12196" sizset="1" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></div>A dear, young friend of mine (Tristan :) said it best this morning,..."Today still brings tears in my eyes, a knot in my throat, and shivers down my spine." Very few dates on the calendar stirs so much emotion in me, and many others I'm sure. <br />
<br />
<div sizcache="11696" sizset="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am watching right now on msnbc "9/11 As it happened" which is coverage of the events on 9-11-01 as they aired that day. The beginning of the broadcast of course begins at the WTC in NYC with smoke billowing from one towerafter 8:42 am, being referred to as "this accident". I couldn't help but be shocked 9 years later at the innocence of that remark by Katie Couric on the Today show. How could she have ever known the magnitude of the first plane's "accident"? That moment was the end of our national innocence when the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower, then nationwide air travel stopped, then the Pentagon was hit, then the jumpers off the WTC, then the crash in Pennsylvania. And on and on and on...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div sizcache="12197" sizset="0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged" sizcache="12197" sizset="0"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47951167@N04/4832141264" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Military jet at 1990's air show" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4832141264_7f9a8216a5_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="171" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="12197" sizset="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 0px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47951167@N04/4832141264">Daves Portfolio</a> via Flickr</span></div>Today we took the girls to our local airport's annual air show. I was touched and encouraged that the annoucer kept saying "On the Sept. 11th...in honor of our nation...remember our fallen heroes...we are PROUD to be Americans." Several military jets flew overhead, manuveruring in the sky, showing us firsthand the power of our military.</div><br />
My school/workplace (also my daughters' school) just happens to be right next door to the airport. Yesterday the jets & planes practiced loud and strong over head, often flying a little too close for my comfort. Yesterday I wondered why on earth would they do this on 9/11?? I still felt that fear of an airplane and the horrors it was capable of in the wrong hands. <br />
<br />
But today watching those planes and jets, hearing our national anthem, rounds of applause<br />
and cheers for veterans and active members of our military...I understood why they chose today. What better day to celebrate the resiliency of our nation, the hope we have for our children, the pride we have in our country. I'm proud to fly my flag today (and every day). I'm proud to live in freedom. I'm forever grateful to the men and women who laid their lives down for you and for me to be here today. God bless the USA.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47951167@N04/4832141264" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=5ad4c377-df49-4518-8931-16b9df045e33" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-63004037041804974542010-08-25T20:33:00.001-05:002010-08-25T20:39:25.102-05:00End of August---ups & downsLots going on to try and wrap my head around...good news first: My oldest daughter entered 5th grade today. She is excited and happy about the new <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_term" rel="wikipedia" title="Academic term">school year</a>. With a 10 year old girl, happy is always good. (unhappy=not good!) I am so proud of the beautiful girl that she is, both on the inside and the outside. She is kind, caring, tender-hearted, stubborn, loving, protective, curious, pushes the limits. I simply adore her. She is all the best...and worst, parts of me. :)<br />
<br />
My youngest daughter is entering kindergarten in 2 short days. She is so ready and has been counting down the days all summer since preschool ended. Where have the last 5 years gone? Such a blur of laughter, smiles, giggles, tears, tantrums, diapers, potty-training, books, dolls, dress-up...I miss my baby, but love my kindergartener, too. She is so amazing, so smart & soooooo sassy!!! :)<br />
<div class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged" sizcache="10656" sizset="0" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29831438@N00/29538703" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="school supplies!" height="180" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/29538703_41bbe41e1b_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="10656" sizset="1" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29831438@N00/29538703">Rakka</a> via Flickr</span></div>ed. <br />
On top of their excitement, today was my first day of school with students. Just for the morning but enough to wear me out! Beginning my 17th year of teaching, that is even more hard to believe than the baby going to kindergarten. I feel like I've been teaching for maybe 10-11 years, not 16 under my belt. I loved greeting my new (and returning) students last night at open house and this morning. A new class, sharpened pencils, curiousity, new boxes of crayons, new shoes & haircuts, backpacks & lunchboxes is exciting!! It energizes me and makes me hopeful for all that is to come this school year. And maybe even some birthday cupcakes... :)<br />
<div class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged" sizcache="10657" sizset="0" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12803689@N02/2329135138" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teacher Appreciation Cupcakes" height="171" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2329135138_6a20ae8270_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" sizcache="10657" sizset="1" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12803689@N02/2329135138">clevercupcakes</a> via Flickr</span></div><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=17e8dbd1-379e-4691-b5a6-c86e57b8a0db" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>So with all that is good, there is of course, the bad...I am <strong><em>REALLY</em></strong> struggling with other people letting me down. Especially people that I bend over backwards for, count on, and stay loyal to. Big bummer. Hugely disappointed. Really feeling unheard, unappreciated, taken for granted. Not the first time. So tired of the crap. Don't see any signs of change or hope. Especially when it's people that are <em>"supposed to"</em> be there for you no matter what. Not fair, not right, whatever. <br />
<br />
Regret is an awful thing and I think I made the wrong decision. Yuck....God help me forgive and get over it. But how many times do you have to forgive? I know, I know---70 x 7, on & on & on. It is sooo not easy.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-54025369835281675302010-07-16T15:02:00.002-05:002010-07-16T15:05:22.360-05:00In the Future<strong>What I want to be when I grow up </strong>(or sooner...:)<br /><strong></strong><br />1. a writer<br /><br />2. a runner<br /><br />3. content<br /><br />4. about 30 pounds thinner<br /><br />5. healthier<br /><br />6. smarter<br /><br />Just some things I've been thinking about and beginning to work on!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-32598013110509463072010-07-15T22:05:00.004-05:002010-07-16T08:29:58.649-05:00I'm back...Once again...I apolgize, I am the world's worst blogger. I think about it often, I should really write something. I want to be a writer when I grow up some day, ha! I love writing. But the perfectionist in me puts off what I can do perfectly. So that leaves 3+ months since my last post, waiting for the perfect topic, perfect words...too much pressure.<br /><br />So over the past 3+ months, of course there has been good and bad. On the plus side, I have really been enjoying our summer vacation from school. That's a no-brainer! After a long, hard, exhausting school year, this break is exactly what I needed. The girls and I are having lots of fun in the sun...trips to the pool, park, library, movies, etc. They're really enjoying their season passes to 6 Flags Great America. Such a deal. We've already been to the park 4 times (they've been 5, once with their dad). Considering the passes cost just a few bucks more than a one-day ticket, such a deal. On our home days, house is looking good, laundry & dishes are kept up, projects are being chiseled on...so much easier when I'm not working.<br /><br />On the not-so-plus side, the last 3 months have brought the deaths of 2 more dear grandfathers in my life. So I have lost my 3 grandfathers in 16 months. But how blessed am I to be 37 years old (for 9 more days) and to have these men in my life for so long. My husband's grandfather passed away on April 6, Grandpa Reed. I met my husband's grandparents in Aug. 1995 at my first mega-family reunion. Since we married in '96, they've been my grandparents, too. Grandpa Reed was an incredibly genuine, caring, godly man. My husband did an amazing job eulogizing his grandfather at his funeral and spoke of the great influence he'd had on his life. It was a beautiful funeral but an even more beautiful life. We miss you, Grandpa and look forward to the day we are reunited with our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ in heaven.<br /><br />Then on June 14, my dad's dad Grandpa Dietz passed away in Florida. It had been 10 years since I'd seen him and even that day I wasn't sure he remembered me. He was 91. My Grandma Dietz had passed away from cancer when I was 9, many years ago. The majority of my memories of my grandpa also include my grandma. Camping trips, UNO games, homemade brownies in their red & white kitchen, and Glen Rock pop always stocked in their basement fridge. :)<br /><br />Father's Day left a lump in my throat that I could not swallow. How I missed these 3 men who had left their mark on my life from very different periods of time. My heart broke for my dad (who'd lost his dad 6 days b4 Fathers Day). My heart still breaks for my husband on Father's Day after he lost his dad at such a young age. For my girls to lose 3 great-grandfathers. But yet...my dad and my daughters' dad are here and so worthy to be celebrated.<br /><br />How blessed am I...to be loved by my family, to have a family to love. I am grateful, Lord Jesus. It's funny (well not funny but you know what I mean) how grief comes in waves. You think all is well and you're cruising along, then the thoughts come...the tears...the memories.<br /><br />Thank you Lord for blessing me abundantly with the gift of my family!!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-89667538743234281062010-03-30T13:47:00.008-05:002010-03-30T14:38:07.971-05:00Happy Spring Break! :)<div><div><div><div>I am lovin' being off from school this week for spring break! And today it is sunny and 58 degrees, heat wave for northern IL. The weather forecast for the next few days is shocking, sunny & 70 degree temps! Whoo-hoo. We've been having fun with friends, visit to the movie theatre (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), shopping mall, Jelly Belly factory, Monkey Joe's (indoor inflatable playplace), and a Sleeping Beauty play tomorrow. Fun, fun, fun!</div><br /><div>I am so blessed to have the greatest two daughters ever. And blessed to have such great friends to enjoy this week off with. Thank you, Lord! </div><div> </div><div>Since it's been a looonnngggg time since I posted any photos, here are some old ones but still cute, from the past few months.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454510850687962034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/S7JQuC7FC7I/AAAAAAAAAcY/wIvHJPYKzQ4/s320/Nov.-Dec.+2009+160.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div></div><div align="center">Our American Girls at Chicago American Girl Place, Dec. 09</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454510279214204434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/S7JQMyBHhhI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/eJh07c-XDlM/s320/Nov.-Dec.+2009+186.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Katey & Mommy at Shedd Aquarium Dec. 2009</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454508911568101650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/S7JO9LI4IRI/AAAAAAAAAcI/grZZWa4IDdE/s320/Nov.-Dec.+2009+104.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Our family, Christmas 2009 at my brother's house</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454508375925743218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/S7JOd_tyXnI/AAAAAAAAAcA/sth_dPxppnc/s320/Nov.-Dec.+2009+038.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Katey was Mary in her preschool Christmas program in Dec. 09, she was so excited to be just like her big sister who was Mary at the same preschool in Dec. 04</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454506313794514706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/S7JMl9rY7xI/AAAAAAAAAb4/g_IgNii4Duw/s320/Nov.-Dec.+2009+156.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">December 2009, the girls & I in Chicago<br /><br /></div><p></p></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-32617104179335530382010-01-09T16:43:00.002-06:002010-01-09T16:51:38.182-06:00Life...and deathToday I learned that a childhood friend died this morning. She was 37 years old, just like me. She had daughters, just like me. She was a wife, mom, sister, daughter...just like me. Her name was Angie and she was my cousin Debbie's best friend forever. <br /><br />Debbie & I were born 4 days apart. Angie was Debbie's neighbor, lived just around the corner. If I wasn't at home when I was a kid, I was at my cousin Debbie's house. We often wandered down the street to Angie's house...to "play" when we were little and then to "hang out" when we were older. Angie was hilarious. She could make you laugh & laugh, until you thought you might pee your pants!!! She was hilarious. I loved hanging out with her & Debbie. They were like peanut butter & jelly together. That's what I remember from being a kid, how they were always together. I can't imagine losing a lifelong friend, the depths of grief. <br /><br />Just this week I was teasing my cousin Debbie on facebook. Angie & I had commented back & forth. I sent her a friend request and she accepted. :) <br /><br />I pray for her husband, daughters, sisters, family, & her best friend Debbie. May you all be comforted by God's love and peace during the dark days ahead. I love you, Debbie, and I am so sorry for your deep loss. May you rest in peace, Angie.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-52674557387982917962009-12-25T15:52:00.003-06:002009-12-25T16:11:33.599-06:00Merry CHRISTmas!! :)"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.<br /><br />That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. <em>'Don't be</em> <em>afraid!</em>' he said. <em>'I bring you good news of great joy for everyone</em>! The Savior- yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born tonight in Bethelehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!'<br /><br />Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others- <em>the armies of heaven- praising God</em>: 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.'" (Luke 2:6-14, NLT, italics added)<br /><br />There is nothing better on earth than this story to blog about today, or really any day. "Don't be afraid!" Far too often I struggle in fear over the big and little things of life. Children's health, moving on after death, loneliness, failures, finances...getting homework done, clean kids, clean house, job-work done, home stuff done, too much to get done! <br /><br />But yet God says, "Don't be afraid!!" The angel proclaims, I bring you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for EVERYONE! Everyone includes me,...not EXcludes me. There is no reason to fear, or worry, or be anxious for anything. Because God has come, Immanuel, Jesus in the flesh , born as a human baby to come for me and EveryOne! <br /><br />Worry be gone, and be replaced with joy in my heart on this blessed Christmas. We are here, we are together. God has blessed us abundantly with salvation in Christ. Amen & Merry Christmas!! :)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-5869547398179662512009-11-26T17:20:00.003-06:002009-11-26T17:29:25.139-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!Hope you are enjoying a happy thanksgiving day with your family & friends. Sitting my the fireplace, listening to football game on TV and my girls arguing upstairs :( (ahhh....). Fireplace started, Thanksgiving & pumpkin decorations piled up ready to be packed up. 2 girls begging me to decorate the new Christmas tree their Daddy bought. 9 feet tall with white lights, it is gorgeous but bare. So much to do but I am tired...and so much on my mind. <br /><br />Sometimes the lists and random tasks floating around in my mind can be overwhelming. I don't know where to start and am sad to admit, end up doing nothing! Grr...<br /><br />B4 we can begin Christmas, we must put away Thanksgiving. So down to the basement to retrieve the orange Rubbermaid totes and say good-bye to the pumpkins. Would like to linger longer and reflect on my thankful list...would also like to take a nap after stuffing myself with delicious food today. Had a great dinner at my sister's house with her in-laws family, my brother, and my grandma. <br /><br />"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever..." [cue music :)]Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-74356209597885797832009-10-12T19:36:00.003-05:002009-10-12T19:48:45.106-05:00Hey stranger<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/StPOFFS4RdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/ZgazQ3k2Uws/s1600-h/June-July+Summer+2009+170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391879765608646098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/StPOFFS4RdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/ZgazQ3k2Uws/s320/June-July+Summer+2009+170.jpg" border="0" /></a> (me & my sweet Katey, taken July 09 at Reed family reunion)<br /> <br /><br /><div>Wow, I am the world's worst blogger. I haven't written a darn thing since June! Yikes. I have no idea if anyone is even out there reading or if anyone really cares that I haven't written for 4 months. Life has a way of just passing by so quickly. I have no good reason for not writing...but sorry (if anyone is out there!! :). Except maybe trying to come up with something important to say.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Loving this 3-day weekend... I am so much more productive knowing I have an extra day. Lots of laundry done, playing with my kids, trip to the library, church, DD #1 had 2 sleepovers, DD #2 fighting a cough & she's winning, oh & a Miley Cyrus concert to top it all off. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Also trying to wrap up 2 incomplete post-graduate courses I started last winter. The first class is proving more difficult, Helping students to become self-directed learners. Tough class!! No wonder I put off finishing it for so long. Finished 2 more lessons over the weekend, only 2 lessons left and the big paper! The second class I had started in the spring was soooooo much easier & more practical, The High-Performing Teacher. Very practical with strategies to prevent teacher burnout. After 15 years of teaching special education I was soooo ready for these strategies. Loved the class & finished it!!! Whoo-hoo!!! :) Go me!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sweet little girl is calling my name, need to get her in bed...thinking of lots more to say, like I met Ali Vincent (biggest loser season 5) last week near home!!! She was awesome, great message, inspring story. Got my first autograph & picture with her, too! Will have to post those later this week. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Maybe I do have stuff to say after all. If you're out there, thanks!! </div><br /><div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-42616600906860139952009-06-05T21:03:00.008-05:002009-06-05T21:18:37.120-05:00Spring Break 2009Another late post but still great photos. We headed back to sunny, warm Florida for spring break, March 31- April 5, 2009. The weather at home was yucky & cold, so we were thrilled to arrive & enjoy warm, sunny days. We spent the first 2 nights in Palmetto (courtesy of Gr. & Gr. Herrin's accommodations), visited with Gr. & Gr. Reed. Spent a great day near St. Petersburg at Fort DeSoto, an old military fort with beautiful beaches. Then drove northeast to Daytona, spent 1 night there. More beach & pool time. Finally drove to Orlando, stayed at the Gaylord (amazing hotel) for 2 nights. Hit Downtown Disney & Epcot. Another wonderful FL vacation...oh I miss Florida. <br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinQKUp4ZNI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Rbe5WlceqDw/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+198.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344031308613444818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinQKUp4ZNI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Rbe5WlceqDw/s320/Feb.---April+2009+198.jpg" border="0" /></a> Katey, Mommy, & Kelly posing at the Polynesian Hotel, our last night at dinner<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinP-ygE5xI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/vquv4JrHXOE/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+172.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344031110466955026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinP-ygE5xI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/vquv4JrHXOE/s320/Feb.---April+2009+172.jpg" border="0" /></a>So glad we found Mommy's favorite characters at Epcot one night<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPyUkaIWI/AAAAAAAAAbI/i5q_tzG9q1Q/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+157.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344030896273629538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPyUkaIWI/AAAAAAAAAbI/i5q_tzG9q1Q/s320/Feb.---April+2009+157.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Katey still loves Donald! :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPoeBnZiI/AAAAAAAAAbA/HJF4r0BuwOw/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+140.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344030727013361186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPoeBnZiI/AAAAAAAAAbA/HJF4r0BuwOw/s320/Feb.---April+2009+140.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The girls enjoyed the whole Nemo area at Epcot, posing inside Bruce the shark<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPb9MaOCI/AAAAAAAAAa4/zOglhiBMaYc/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344030512041834530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPb9MaOCI/AAAAAAAAAa4/zOglhiBMaYc/s320/Feb.---April+2009+122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My precious Kelly, 9 years old (doesn't she look too grown up here :(<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPLDp537I/AAAAAAAAAaw/f4DEsFrX_7w/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344030221718380466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SinPLDp537I/AAAAAAAAAaw/f4DEsFrX_7w/s320/Feb.---April+2009+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />at Fort DeSoto beach in St. Petersburg, FL</div></div></div></div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-47761305618320835512009-05-17T08:42:00.005-05:002009-05-17T08:56:04.636-05:00March 2009Hello, these photos are from back in March but still cute! I've been having a LOT of trouble getting into Blogger and can't open my own blog most of the time. Ah the wonders of technology. Anyway, this morning it just happened to open. I should be getting me and the girls ready for church but am quickly posting a few photos. <br /><br />On 3-29-09 at the beginning of our spring break, before we headed to sunny Florida...Kelly and I traveled down to Chicago to see Mary Poppins at the Cadillac Palace! We had an amazing time together, the show was fantastic. Kelly loved her first real Broadway show! The actors were so talented, the theater was beautiful. We had a great night together, just Mom & Kelly.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAV_dMfb8I/AAAAAAAAAao/VTUFoW7ErEU/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336789738346999746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAV_dMfb8I/AAAAAAAAAao/VTUFoW7ErEU/s320/Feb.---April+2009+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAV1IkAdzI/AAAAAAAAAag/jiTw0Y97fYQ/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336789561009796914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAV1IkAdzI/AAAAAAAAAag/jiTw0Y97fYQ/s320/Feb.---April+2009+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAVaM7Vb1I/AAAAAAAAAaY/2YWPf6xGVxo/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336789098324914002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAVaM7Vb1I/AAAAAAAAAaY/2YWPf6xGVxo/s320/Feb.---April+2009+039.jpg" border="0" /></a> Katey singing upstairs in "big church" with her Sunday School friends, too precious<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAVJ1dreHI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/M84bYKrRpWc/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336788817148606578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAVJ1dreHI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/M84bYKrRpWc/s320/Feb.---April+2009+013.jpg" border="0" /></a>Katey our little ballerina went to a dance class at the park district in Feb. & March, she loved it. So cool how God created her to be a princess, dancer, tumbler, all the girly things...and she just as much loves to wrestle, kick the soccer ball, and rough-house with boys playing sports (now I'll have to post some soccer photos from April-May).<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAU5FjrqBI/AAAAAAAAAaI/0Q-Slk5OBzg/s1600-h/Feb.---April+2009+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336788529410975762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ShAU5FjrqBI/AAAAAAAAAaI/0Q-Slk5OBzg/s320/Feb.---April+2009+003.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-40802340826138920712009-04-27T21:49:00.004-05:002009-04-27T21:55:56.501-05:00RainWhen will this rain end? It has been raining for days, with few to no breaks of sunshine. It is making me tired, annoyed, irritated, and blah! All you cheery people will say, oh but April showers bring May flowers. If that is indeed true, we should have fields of flowers everywhere come Friday. <br /><br />First the longest winter ever from November thru March. Then more cold & all rain in April. Where is the sun? We need and want sun now! Sunshine to stay and stick around. I feel like we live in Seattle for goodness sake! We need to get outside, play, ride bikes, and walk our poor dog. <br /><br />Lord, please send the sun to our corner of your world. Thank you!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-90265501144618736992009-03-24T21:38:00.009-05:002009-03-24T21:56:31.327-05:00Random, newer photos<div align="left"><u><span style="color:#000000;"><span></span><u><span style="color:#000000;"></span></u>Long time, no post</span></u></div><div align="left"><u>Hello, I don't know why this is underlining every word!!! I've spent 10 minutes trying to take away the underlines and am not happy. Oh well, it's time for bed. Finally posting some winter photos (post Christmas). We took the girls to Chicago over Presidents' Day weekend in Feb. Had a lot of fun making memories (the Bean, Field Museum, American Girl Place, Marriott hotel, Gino's East pizza...)</u></div><div align="left"><u></u> </div><div align="left"><u>I love my girls so much. They bring so much joy, laughter, and challenge into my life every day. I am so blessed to be their mom. They are too cute in these photos (of course I'm a little biased!). </u></div><div align="left"><u></u> </div><div align="left"><u>Also so thankful that the long winter is behind us and spring is finally here. Not weather wise yet, but at least the calendar says winter is over! :)</u></div><div align="left"><u></u> </div><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmbY1-p2lI/AAAAAAAAAaA/8OWppHhHMng/s1600-h/IMG_4748.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316951686196615762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmbY1-p2lI/AAAAAAAAAaA/8OWppHhHMng/s320/IMG_4748.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmbNZwfXjI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/3B19vA8GfQg/s1600-h/IMG_4757.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316951489642454578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmbNZwfXjI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/3B19vA8GfQg/s320/IMG_4757.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/Scma1i0eyxI/AAAAAAAAAZw/r638yq9Y1T0/s1600-h/IMG_4723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316951079758252818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/Scma1i0eyxI/AAAAAAAAAZw/r638yq9Y1T0/s320/IMG_4723.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmasllzNLI/AAAAAAAAAZo/5ccCB2My7_w/s1600-h/IMG_4718.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316950925883159730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmasllzNLI/AAAAAAAAAZo/5ccCB2My7_w/s320/IMG_4718.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/Scmal2ilesI/AAAAAAAAAZg/h-Edqg-pCZk/s1600-h/IMG_4716.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316950810173995714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/Scmal2ilesI/AAAAAAAAAZg/h-Edqg-pCZk/s320/IMG_4716.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmaXyFEXrI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ozSDgOmfS7k/s1600-h/IMG_4708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316950568458280626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmaXyFEXrI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ozSDgOmfS7k/s320/IMG_4708.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmaBh8i_PI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/b-F5vJ6P7vA/s1600-h/IMG_4709.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316950186170449138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmaBh8i_PI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/b-F5vJ6P7vA/s320/IMG_4709.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmZrDqGIQI/AAAAAAAAAZI/f5r9AFAUHMY/s1600-h/IMG_4675.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316949800082874626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/ScmZrDqGIQI/AAAAAAAAAZI/f5r9AFAUHMY/s320/IMG_4675.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-7400842390800104052009-02-12T20:33:00.013-06:002009-02-12T21:21:06.113-06:00My Grandpa<div><div>Over the past 8 days, I've tried to start writing this a dozen different times. Each time, no words came to my mind, just sadness and tears. A friend suggested to start pulling photos and get lost in a scrapbook page about my grandpa. So many pictures, so many memories, I think I might feel a whole album coming on. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I miss you, Grandpa, more than words can say. You've left a huge hole behind in all of us. Praising God that you are in Heaven feeling no more pain. But selfishly missing you and wishing you didn't have to go, especially for Grandma and your precious great-grandchildren. So many memories, here are some of our favorites from the past 2 years. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302108604581865714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTfryCk6PI/AAAAAAAAAYk/NdZ0fB9j8FE/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" border="0" /> last April at Jenny's house celebrating Nana & Grammy's birthdays</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302108907920649586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTf9cELbXI/AAAAAAAAAYs/LceCpG3N0Jo/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div> at Kelly, Kyle, & Sam's CYT summer camp show last July, Poppy was so proud of his performers<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div align="center"><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302108300921088866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTfaG0NK2I/AAAAAAAAAYc/VBtTnr8y4iI/s320/IMG_2924.JPG" border="0" /> last April, Kelly's first piano recital<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302108029803942722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTfKU0100I/AAAAAAAAAYU/WJtCff3B7iU/s320/IMG_2488.JPG" border="0" /> our last Easter egg hunt March 2008<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302107734051410146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTe5HD8UOI/AAAAAAAAAYM/SrOjq0pkcnQ/s320/IMG_2486.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302115211689498290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTlsXbylrI/AAAAAAAAAY8/CcRpvKMAwsg/s320/IMG_2022.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br />Poppy & his Katey, Halloween 2007<br /><div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTdwuTnZzI/AAAAAAAAAX8/gqwcK4GPILw/s1600-h/IMG_1571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302106490455680818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTdwuTnZzI/AAAAAAAAAX8/gqwcK4GPILw/s320/IMG_1571.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kelly & Kyle's CYT summer camp show, July 2007<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTdQf2l6EI/AAAAAAAAAX0/R7dkWEa8Aas/s1600-h/IMG_1307.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302105936820037698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTdQf2l6EI/AAAAAAAAAX0/R7dkWEa8Aas/s320/IMG_1307.JPG" border="0" /></a> Katey pushing Poppy at Kyle's birthday party June 2006<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302105592544582082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 16px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SZTc8dU7WcI/AAAAAAAAAXs/doF9qsMz_t0/s320/IMG_1176.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-23780506654465933772009-02-03T17:10:00.003-06:002009-02-03T17:13:50.058-06:00Looking for help, working moms out there!!!!Suggestions Welcome!!!<br /><br />Alright, here goes. I have been more than stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed with my job lately. I spend the day getting so frustrated with many things/people beyond my control. I have spent the last 14 1/2 years teaching special education students. Most of my kids are wonderful and I love them to death. But lately the paperwork, politics, laziness of adults, lack of follow-thru, lack of support is just wearing me down. <br /><br />I find myself with physical symptoms and totally feel like it's because of work. I feel like I come home and MY OWN precious girls get so little of what's left over. <br /><br />So, I'm looking for suggestions... how do you not let work bother you? How do you let stuff roll off that you have no control over?Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-2956402227900509972009-01-19T20:05:00.003-06:002009-01-19T20:28:39.127-06:00Thank God for long weekends...I am thankful tonight for long weekends... both my girls have been sick the past few days (more for Kelly) which has not been fun. Both are now on antibiotics, Kelly is much better but Kate still feels yucky. It's so hard to see them feeling miserable and feel so helpless to make them better instantly. <br /><br />But thankfully we had four days off from school to just stay home out of the cold, rest, and get better. On the down side, now we'll be in school until June 8th. On the up side, I will have 2 months off from school with my girls, which is much more than I'd get on any other job.<br /><br />Okay, so this is just a rambling of ups and downs... also on the up side I finally got around to conquering Mt. Washmore (see Flylady website if you're curious.... AKA mountains of laundry) and even bigger, finally completed 8 lessons in my latest grad class and actually typed them!! I've been procrastinating on that little project since November. What a relief. I'm not totally done with the class yet, but more than halfway there. Ahhhh...<br /><br />Another up for the weekend, I was completely refreshed after Sunday morning at church. Our pastor challenged us to go to God first, in any struggle, rejection, confusion, anything. Go to God in prayer and lay out your heart to Him. Pray for His will to be done, He can use anyone in any place for His purposes. In light of tomorrow, I have many questions and concerns about our nation. But thankfully God is the God of this nation, He is on the throne, and He has greater things to be done. Back to Sunday morning, our worship & song time was awesome. We have so many talented people at our church that lead us into worship, it was really powerful.<br /><br />So... thinking about tomorrow, back to reality and work/school. Oh wow, a 4 day week, now that, I could get used to!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-29229179253040567042009-01-11T21:37:00.006-06:002009-01-11T21:46:56.243-06:00Carman family Christmas party<strong>December 27, 2008</strong> brought our annual Carman family Christmas party at our house. Shawn was again the greatest host/cook ever feeding everyone. The kids are growing up so fast: Chasity-17, Kelly-9, Kyle-8, Sam-6, Katey-3, and Ryan-3 are best buddies and cousins. They have a blast playing together and making lots of noise! We ate lunch, opened gifts, and surprised Grammy and Nana with their long-awaited large framed photo of the 6 kids all together. They were shocked we actually pulled it off without giving it away two months before. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq74UUy_8I/AAAAAAAAAXc/BQjup5IN-KQ/s1600-h/IMG_4614.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290247288503074754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq74UUy_8I/AAAAAAAAAXc/BQjup5IN-KQ/s320/IMG_4614.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq7tSjlO5I/AAAAAAAAAXU/WCqtmes509U/s1600-h/IMG_4621.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290247099049655186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq7tSjlO5I/AAAAAAAAAXU/WCqtmes509U/s320/IMG_4621.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq7ZcsKesI/AAAAAAAAAXM/N8PsDcrPKV0/s1600-h/IMG_4632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290246758172621506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq7ZcsKesI/AAAAAAAAAXM/N8PsDcrPKV0/s320/IMG_4632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />this one is so funny, Katey is enjoying Kelly's new gifts, really Kelly's bean bag chair and Kelly's DS game, while the cat's away the mouse will play....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq7RBKm0KI/AAAAAAAAAXE/ojxcq9v5abc/s1600-h/IMG_4633.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290246613345161378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq7RBKm0KI/AAAAAAAAAXE/ojxcq9v5abc/s320/IMG_4633.JPG" border="0" /></a> me and my Kelly, 9 years old, where did my little girl go? <br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599228203488980039.post-55921881699664926292009-01-11T21:22:00.006-06:002009-01-11T21:32:40.904-06:00Christmas Day<strong>Christmas Day 2008</strong> was a very relaxing and joyful one. Katey woke up first around 6:30am, peeked her little nose and face out to the living room to see if Santa had come, she even tiptoed around, it was so precious. Santa left pieces of cookies behind and the fireplace screen was open, Katey squealed with excitement and Kelly came running down the stairs, so much fun! Some of their favorite things this year were new clothes, little "beanpod" chairs to play video games in and rock around, new Barbies & accessories, Wii games, and DS games for Kel. <br /><br />Shawn made a delicious turkey dinner with all the extras for us. Uncle Tommy, Nana, and Papa joined us for a great meal, more presents of course, and fun on the Wii. Later Kelly and I snuck out of the house while Daddy and Katey napped. We went to the movies to see "Marley and Me" along with the rest of southeastern Wisconsin. It was packed, we were lucky to get 2 seats together. We loved the movie, I cried my way thru most of it, but a great story. Made me also think our little Buddy is not quite so bad & mischievious as I thought. <br /><br />Hope your Christmas was merry, bright, and joyful! (yes i realize I'm a few weeks late on this post but better late than never!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq4JWah64I/AAAAAAAAAW8/CT822RWuXmU/s1600-h/IMG_4595.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290243183075257218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq4JWah64I/AAAAAAAAAW8/CT822RWuXmU/s320/IMG_4595.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq35mjbhPI/AAAAAAAAAW0/l3na13e-iX0/s1600-h/IMG_4611.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290242912529646834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq35mjbhPI/AAAAAAAAAW0/l3na13e-iX0/s320/IMG_4611.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq3u9ow92I/AAAAAAAAAWs/a27nhJ508JQ/s1600-h/IMG_4612.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290242729747478370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VtZDd0-uK6I/SWq3u9ow92I/AAAAAAAAAWs/a27nhJ508JQ/s320/IMG_4612.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436620548392269673noreply@blogger.com0