tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39999887807887062182024-02-02T02:32:26.376-05:00 The Jared - Laurel ThingJared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-21492108298250720352017-08-15T18:01:00.001-04:002017-08-15T18:01:10.667-04:00The EndIt's time to say good-bye for now.<br />
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I have loved every minute of blogging, but for a number of reasons, I have to stop. Hating to be the one to hang up first, I'll give you some of the reasons and then a quick update on our lives before I abandoned my captive audience:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Blogbooks are stupidly time-consuming to make...and blogbooks are 80% of the point of me having a blog. Besides that, the company that used to slurp my blog into a book stopped offering that service. <i>Dang them! </i></li>
<li>Facebook keeps me in touch with friends and family as well as I could ever hope for. </li>
<li>The books I've made from this blog are real treasures for my kids. And it's mostly because of the pictures and quotes. I can do that with chatbooks.</li>
<li>Chatbooks are a thing!</li>
<li>I have no more time to blog. I have four kids, one of which is a very busy toddler. We just moved and I've got a super long list of things to do. I don't see it shortening anytime soon. And soon I'll have a job (I hope)! </li>
</ul>
Family Update:<br />
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In July, we arrived in College Station, Texas--three hours from our beloved San Antonio. Jared has started medical school at A & M. Isaac still loves to read, Noah still loves animals, Ellie still loves being creative, and Natalie has discovered the joy of changing fancy dresses a hundred times a day and dancing in them. We have started going to a Spanish-speaking congregation in our church, which has been fun and interesting. We haven't taken a family picture in two years, or I'd leave it here. Love you all...ciao!Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-86370672872489229342017-08-14T17:12:00.000-04:002017-08-14T17:14:24.906-04:00Natalie's 2nd BirthdayIf you know my baby girl, you know she loves Elmo. <i>Oh, does she love Elmo!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrxIlzAQmxitpidqUXZAIz6-qAAYCTaH9mVdOTRwGr-kKqVLXfkH0WydON2ezedAAJkSA64XlulNrnHdxAIe62jhgS_WJLjWXNYpyacKGWdPooH3LlIUFlxgpGr730xnA-PZPYDxLZqCP/s1600/2017-03-25_00.28.05-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrxIlzAQmxitpidqUXZAIz6-qAAYCTaH9mVdOTRwGr-kKqVLXfkH0WydON2ezedAAJkSA64XlulNrnHdxAIe62jhgS_WJLjWXNYpyacKGWdPooH3LlIUFlxgpGr730xnA-PZPYDxLZqCP/s320/2017-03-25_00.28.05-3.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
So, OF COURSE we had to make her birthday have an Elmo theme. I don't think we've ever enjoyed a little one's party so much, from the planning and decorating to the celebration and watching her face as she enjoyed everything.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJVmP95G2j33472g6Q347zRwpxK5-88kIS4bvsoO-arnwMq0bImMscxaO_RU_5bQsUb5vcr4f7fnGFEfwXN1qDmf0qwGSlxsAd0RjUqNpyFW13hOFNUmH7rUbOtVeuO2Pz_46HNtWjqlV/s1600/NatTwo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="611" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJVmP95G2j33472g6Q347zRwpxK5-88kIS4bvsoO-arnwMq0bImMscxaO_RU_5bQsUb5vcr4f7fnGFEfwXN1qDmf0qwGSlxsAd0RjUqNpyFW13hOFNUmH7rUbOtVeuO2Pz_46HNtWjqlV/s640/NatTwo_2.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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One of the snacks was Goldfish, in honor of Dorothy (Elmo's goldfish). Natalie felt like using utensils on this apprized appetizer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJVxcqBe0bF2z5eD9brg7AZXiqikFCTOvyf3g6oRbZpguvR5PrQdNAKKs6s15ld7uyCM6mQcEBax78vQuqroq1L32puxm_wo4XoMWlSHVI1MR-aBYfu7MDoGcgW5vJ-dre1Rg5eT7CSVD/s1600/NatTwo_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="1600" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJVxcqBe0bF2z5eD9brg7AZXiqikFCTOvyf3g6oRbZpguvR5PrQdNAKKs6s15ld7uyCM6mQcEBax78vQuqroq1L32puxm_wo4XoMWlSHVI1MR-aBYfu7MDoGcgW5vJ-dre1Rg5eT7CSVD/s400/NatTwo_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M7qjS1TSptjqRVuH_buFPN_nMuAERWh72JifP2H4SrdkfKesG1yYcaQPYrGW2BdxkvuAArz-5ughlKiV_Jd40Hgs8lOVtfLvdOUBMxAq_NUya5rl-oZ8EfmJbr6wsg77afNXdRcsWs85/s1600/NatTwo_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M7qjS1TSptjqRVuH_buFPN_nMuAERWh72JifP2H4SrdkfKesG1yYcaQPYrGW2BdxkvuAArz-5ughlKiV_Jd40Hgs8lOVtfLvdOUBMxAq_NUya5rl-oZ8EfmJbr6wsg77afNXdRcsWs85/s400/NatTwo_8.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4wU0unOWlA_MI4zTqCccS5rwO0w9VX-LUWryqaQDLE2JzL6MuZ2M-o49srVZQqt6aBibmHkP1BPOrFfg9kK5G6iIHacS4fzF6en0TsQp8K_awT9D0OQDowH4NW-k4GwLWiXAyChJaMNp/s1600/NatTwo_6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1535" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4wU0unOWlA_MI4zTqCccS5rwO0w9VX-LUWryqaQDLE2JzL6MuZ2M-o49srVZQqt6aBibmHkP1BPOrFfg9kK5G6iIHacS4fzF6en0TsQp8K_awT9D0OQDowH4NW-k4GwLWiXAyChJaMNp/s400/NatTwo_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3L-7C5TeQ9ZynH8dSjIh8-qwdIuq8rmy8JdZ6QT-uBpTXiAoeRY5dKahYa-QRewg8yIOd8K_M8Giby2rflyOCumi2tVkI1tZPYN9fAHykkos1uVlanX80RYlStplZmWR3RTw2MknL5CE/s1600/NatTwo_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1535" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3L-7C5TeQ9ZynH8dSjIh8-qwdIuq8rmy8JdZ6QT-uBpTXiAoeRY5dKahYa-QRewg8yIOd8K_M8Giby2rflyOCumi2tVkI1tZPYN9fAHykkos1uVlanX80RYlStplZmWR3RTw2MknL5CE/s640/NatTwo_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her face while hearing the birthday song is so priceless.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2_YsgBKPANkTKIZvufq1gLsraH75eTLVVURCpzFQ3vtxUAC8nldPe1mZY5iTgjZSNJ5UuLfzPsd4-MPGrn529kNSZpIkUp9QU3gkmKsDwdoo_fsDjm6zHE1Zj28VgGwhVG8v2ZOwGRV8/s1600/NatTwo_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2_YsgBKPANkTKIZvufq1gLsraH75eTLVVURCpzFQ3vtxUAC8nldPe1mZY5iTgjZSNJ5UuLfzPsd4-MPGrn529kNSZpIkUp9QU3gkmKsDwdoo_fsDjm6zHE1Zj28VgGwhVG8v2ZOwGRV8/s640/NatTwo_9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She approves!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYMLxNBKgVRaZBYd10R9vQTHblqNIQRrV9xlLpV_LhOR4MGpNMvS8_5myxyhCVE_3E7cjHFT0hyphenhyphenhUV0t5tmNbmWkPlCsag3LTnTZ2U3GvtFGyTIvPSDwQ2ZPxa0H6PvZp4S-ELbMgXAYG/s1600/NatTwo_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYMLxNBKgVRaZBYd10R9vQTHblqNIQRrV9xlLpV_LhOR4MGpNMvS8_5myxyhCVE_3E7cjHFT0hyphenhyphenhUV0t5tmNbmWkPlCsag3LTnTZ2U3GvtFGyTIvPSDwQ2ZPxa0H6PvZp4S-ELbMgXAYG/s320/NatTwo_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XDJ8df2mn3d8090TdZPwwZSX7IASUHhjfIfASzSPtunlX7Iaa64DlmFFpRtyz17d7XT8G_4dq9XQ-EdLzFbpoM4M1xg-9wxYZ4uyhmMTPHSohiPlzok9zSaI3l95IcAjFSnq47wou4KW/s1600/NatTwo_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XDJ8df2mn3d8090TdZPwwZSX7IASUHhjfIfASzSPtunlX7Iaa64DlmFFpRtyz17d7XT8G_4dq9XQ-EdLzFbpoM4M1xg-9wxYZ4uyhmMTPHSohiPlzok9zSaI3l95IcAjFSnq47wou4KW/s320/NatTwo_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NiƱos approve.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz_eUdDK73zpIWU3Fjba0o1gWjLAYtAI1OdYZQP5k6ZX-UPUCVdMdjmVjWFIs5eGFnWQS2oecvI-MHqfdkKgqTUYkJgROqOsSZat9G3wwDZzJAfuOi1YBsDBNDZvaM7dYndEvS4fsYwS7/s1600/NatTwo_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz_eUdDK73zpIWU3Fjba0o1gWjLAYtAI1OdYZQP5k6ZX-UPUCVdMdjmVjWFIs5eGFnWQS2oecvI-MHqfdkKgqTUYkJgROqOsSZat9G3wwDZzJAfuOi1YBsDBNDZvaM7dYndEvS4fsYwS7/s400/NatTwo_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presents! This party just got unbelievably better! Elmos for everyone.</td></tr>
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The best thing I ever bought (to date) was this Elmo balloon. It provided <i>hours</i> (I'm not even kidding) of fun. I can still see in my mind: Noah running in the backyard with Elmo tied to him, seeming to chase him, and Natalie's in stitches. But the day it finally died, it was saluted for all its service.</div>
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Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-7521142470393316992017-07-22T00:06:00.000-04:002017-07-22T00:06:02.713-04:00March with FriendsWe are going to miss our San Antonio friends when we move! In March we got to do a couple of fun activities with some of our besties.<br />
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<b>Green Lunch at Wildhorse Sports Park</b> <br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="795" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKQAZ3PfE9lzV28Be9KY3Bec89OvWaA24xEd35vRuwsiJ1Wn_8fQ8tUJD95fRSF-HlDgwqXpBXoylMF41sG8uoh0ID6lxkHpOKIhYjhTodFuVtUE2T9k6t2JrKMHFm9agzAUxKxqrO_L8/s640/GreenLunch%252717.jpg" width="318" /><br />
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I think my favorite part of this day was what I didn't get a picture of: me playing volleyball with a bunch of young women I didn't really know before! Such sweet girls--it doesn't surprise me because I know all their mommas and siblings and they are sweet, too. But it was all fun. </div>
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<b>Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXhCvyUmpvHLcXHfR79HSC6K5WQSq-ucQ9H0tS10uMc5yraSeLiS6Z9iljiLlfdFdUHWj5_dv9MoTUMjfyudLKwkZvMDM6TIQZGmaUFCd7fhpp9CJilje_xFvHcLEalB9mEChyA7mvi9R/s1600/Cibolo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXhCvyUmpvHLcXHfR79HSC6K5WQSq-ucQ9H0tS10uMc5yraSeLiS6Z9iljiLlfdFdUHWj5_dv9MoTUMjfyudLKwkZvMDM6TIQZGmaUFCd7fhpp9CJilje_xFvHcLEalB9mEChyA7mvi9R/s400/Cibolo2.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcg6QEz_F_DXJtL7-JAr0GPnX4B_ZinVb-4hu5oLIS2D-zI8FNsKFLqhhPPIxhn1ekjCzcLiVYzNda58fkYt4v345xx0IJUbujAw_FUpbhyxI1mvtDbl0UKPClESySwaYtlXoSXrWUz603/s1600/Cibolo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcg6QEz_F_DXJtL7-JAr0GPnX4B_ZinVb-4hu5oLIS2D-zI8FNsKFLqhhPPIxhn1ekjCzcLiVYzNda58fkYt4v345xx0IJUbujAw_FUpbhyxI1mvtDbl0UKPClESySwaYtlXoSXrWUz603/s400/Cibolo3.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
My favorite thing about this day <i>was </i>how well my kids get along with like-minded spirits. But then when Natalie had to go home early (she had a big sore on her toe and she wouldn't stay away from the mud & water), that got bumped to number 2. My favorite part about this day was how amazing my friends are. Alecia and Kate volunteered to have my older three kids stay, <i>despite </i>the fact that mud and wet clothes were inevitable. The kids had such a good time, too!<br />
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The main March activity other than these outings and homeschooling was...getting ready for a garage sale! No pictures, but it came and went and we had a lot of fun and learned a lot.<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-45683742118742783252017-06-03T01:30:00.002-04:002017-06-03T01:30:49.968-04:00Roommate Reunions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You may remember that Wendy, my Freshmen roommate, moved with her family to San Antonio a couple of years ago. It was like a dream come true--one of my favoritest people from my long life, living in my same town [The same goes for Cheyney when she lived here, by the way]! Well, Wendy has now moved to Saudi Arabia and is having wonderful adventures in the dunes there. But, before she left, we were the recipients of some fantastic roommate visits and near-visits. </div>
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First, Cami almost came. She was super close to making the trip, but she had a lot working against her: firstly, her husband was away, serving the country in the Air Force, so she'd be driving alone with four small kiddos; secondly, her kids needed a chance to spend time with their grandpa in California because his health was failing. So they went west instead of south. But we decided all the planning and anticipation were <i>almost </i>as good as a real visit. We love you, Cami! And we think you're amazing for even thinking of coming to see us!</div>
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Next, Carina came through San Antonio for a race in Houston--we are just that lucky!! What a beauty; am I right?! It was fantastic to see her and how much her boys have grown!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYs734V-azijf4IBYCF5Pthe7Zxflg1ELGDhy3syngdNpphhbBSjmT7Y5VLjwy0Tnc3HjCKk_ipL9M3HS-cO40LcHFFfyI-hSQdKl10JRHkXetQChJxhFYMKYxMB-sJ73uhLiPi0JPinc/s320/IMG_8173.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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Then, Tammy came with Jeremy for a surprise visit! Those two are still just as much fun as ever--who does that without a mighty planning ahead powwow? The Ramptons! So, we didn't get to meet their beautiful children since this was a get-away weekend for them, but <i>my</i> kiddos got to bond with them and know the <u>awesomeness</u> of the Tammy & Jeremy phenomenon! </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctgMcHfhmxuUEcEEfT53Sj15yu8NTsLoj81LeALINRi2Pr4Bn5Iwlghpl3GOQBjdczLwgjvvQ6IM1tcYVQEEnqfzpnOnm_tTYv7w6wkFn1-XrJKLtLWXC0Z8VGpoTbbXS2EWfZndRoOs0/s320/fullsizeoutput_2509.jpeg" width="253" /></div>
This was all within the period of a few weeks. We were wondering, isn't it Jenna's turn?? We might just have to pull a Rampton some day and show up in California....Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-24121673531716255892017-05-31T01:34:00.001-04:002017-05-31T01:43:57.670-04:00Having Daddy Home<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe8hfGnji_P3TGtMwh7eBcu8jaP8OrG7lqonTjdLsFM9GF1vaVRPrVF28pxSF4KFVZdSX-YHimn9ilEPGRGEdBKhaiF1f_RkgeCkgFVvh5mijVsCU8USLPojVPPsSdYB6RjuB1Hqs26-T/s1600/JHomeFeb17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe8hfGnji_P3TGtMwh7eBcu8jaP8OrG7lqonTjdLsFM9GF1vaVRPrVF28pxSF4KFVZdSX-YHimn9ilEPGRGEdBKhaiF1f_RkgeCkgFVvh5mijVsCU8USLPojVPPsSdYB6RjuB1Hqs26-T/s640/JHomeFeb17.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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<i>"I'm so glad when Daddy comes home...!"</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31MWxyq_YeetKEwpS2w58PBunKmfc-ndyIoMHC-xt5gQm4lKZBx3xhyGOXzaUZuZ2xb1eabRcZ7iiQYLBRgY6FklW_YWm9MH8_FCHRNJGPCcXjRRrn2S3mfIW1reCSzeQs3O8X2z0A3fA/s1600/JHomeFeb.1.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31MWxyq_YeetKEwpS2w58PBunKmfc-ndyIoMHC-xt5gQm4lKZBx3xhyGOXzaUZuZ2xb1eabRcZ7iiQYLBRgY6FklW_YWm9MH8_FCHRNJGPCcXjRRrn2S3mfIW1reCSzeQs3O8X2z0A3fA/s400/JHomeFeb.1.17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jared had the job in El Paso from September to February; he came to visit a handful of times and we loved it. Then he had a few out-of-town weeks here and there. We have learned to take advantage of Daddy when he's home because now (May-July), he's working in Nevada! Here are some of the memories we were able to make while he was with us:<br />
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<b>The Toilet Seat Museum</b><br />
This San Antonio treasure will not be around forever. The owner is quite spry for his age, but...he's getting up there. See it while you can; there's nothing like it!<b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sg2quNmjUxJn3G5s0Bt22V4j8x9h4L3uSGaBN2sz3RDwmvB0f0OtFKVKeFRoEFK4Ii5nsv8dFRfe61XCZ4V6ihwQ3c5nl4jZCzFkYD9nuVlzeRaKbmtTZ0ZSn2EPHr_HzjowXygN3ZQq/s1600/TSMuseo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sg2quNmjUxJn3G5s0Bt22V4j8x9h4L3uSGaBN2sz3RDwmvB0f0OtFKVKeFRoEFK4Ii5nsv8dFRfe61XCZ4V6ihwQ3c5nl4jZCzFkYD9nuVlzeRaKbmtTZ0ZSn2EPHr_HzjowXygN3ZQq/s400/TSMuseo.jpg" width="400" /><b></b></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6TREccRTpMDMmZbxI9jOuonWSz6IzYSqPAyXHPJI4FWGn13xEiR1K4_-GOxMwyfX_tTiIvAOihNRaadfpLCm0bJcp1f07Y6sDu8ZNt_piBVVTjTooJLYkJ8Tp5sJoLtaF5DtumTj7-Go/s1600/TSMuseo.2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6TREccRTpMDMmZbxI9jOuonWSz6IzYSqPAyXHPJI4FWGn13xEiR1K4_-GOxMwyfX_tTiIvAOihNRaadfpLCm0bJcp1f07Y6sDu8ZNt_piBVVTjTooJLYkJ8Tp5sJoLtaF5DtumTj7-Go/s400/TSMuseo.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Palmetto State Par</b>k<br />
Never expect to sleep during a family camp-out--that's my new motto. If I have low expectations, it's more fun. Also: babies need their own sleeping bags. Some day we'll get it right! It's been quite a while since I've been camping, so I'll count this as a win. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv3TGaZGwS4-gP2ObDUmx3lLTkOKKIlBcbBmB9Ffx19xWARzcc9Uh43Fhh35Uu2R6fxn00umMeGgnDJpjvrgCZ8W_xuQp7xBgMMDH2_LpuwI5VsAf2CEkM0gtfHi-WJOeGjnDShV9U32Y/s1600/Palmetto.7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv3TGaZGwS4-gP2ObDUmx3lLTkOKKIlBcbBmB9Ffx19xWARzcc9Uh43Fhh35Uu2R6fxn00umMeGgnDJpjvrgCZ8W_xuQp7xBgMMDH2_LpuwI5VsAf2CEkM0gtfHi-WJOeGjnDShV9U32Y/s400/Palmetto.7.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy baby and mommy; beautiful scenery while they slept!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4Ks9xNGNxMkYtTfUQea-olu4q8AbJPfushPXO4ECRWt6QN2_CN9RgqY1svHYxTLJPCA_d0cVr7DUE3O1y8f8XCVOmWRXG8ufOAt9Gj_5_4_OOB1j7XRMvnELm_6al0xhK2qI8yzfZAl8/s1600/Palmetto.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4Ks9xNGNxMkYtTfUQea-olu4q8AbJPfushPXO4ECRWt6QN2_CN9RgqY1svHYxTLJPCA_d0cVr7DUE3O1y8f8XCVOmWRXG8ufOAt9Gj_5_4_OOB1j7XRMvnELm_6al0xhK2qI8yzfZAl8/s400/Palmetto.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting our hike after breaking camp</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihrpdeqT304etOfoIXaYo-G3XVb14LgR20sx46hsHqu_OdpxY7LVHJJw-HFovKu6i6_hae1OROffBoS8rLe2POUUgXM_KpkTrdeF9UVfrJxeS6HmLifCjR9tVUhfCMcGhN0mtZIqCRYIz/s1600/Palmetto.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihrpdeqT304etOfoIXaYo-G3XVb14LgR20sx46hsHqu_OdpxY7LVHJJw-HFovKu6i6_hae1OROffBoS8rLe2POUUgXM_KpkTrdeF9UVfrJxeS6HmLifCjR9tVUhfCMcGhN0mtZIqCRYIz/s400/Palmetto.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Palmettos are not typically found in this part of the country, but this are's unique (for Texas) geography make all kinds of animal and plant life possible here. It was fun to learn all about it on the hike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9B3plYsj6n-7XSw06wVFay8rPGfd39idrGnkhGKY7v_8LChZWfAgg6XbFNlkM-4cXvmus_mN7xbIrKccaJoJiv-5Dr4lqz_137FLNKfJub37QYZsGxvrye0EzX02xJ21G39bg0g523PF/s1600/Palmetto.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9B3plYsj6n-7XSw06wVFay8rPGfd39idrGnkhGKY7v_8LChZWfAgg6XbFNlkM-4cXvmus_mN7xbIrKccaJoJiv-5Dr4lqz_137FLNKfJub37QYZsGxvrye0EzX02xJ21G39bg0g523PF/s640/Palmetto.3.jpg" width="473" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ97EZlP7rAoB10V9GvqGLSDVSX0O30UO_qyEXWL6SU3YjMShnXyrk5nYHLApmUnt-yjv0cvvutrfjLps78dJDBHyaAkbumF3VG8e3KWkS_1Abt7RYXnhB8jWSI4iAvO5DNNQcklSKGWcA/s1600/Palmetto.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ97EZlP7rAoB10V9GvqGLSDVSX0O30UO_qyEXWL6SU3YjMShnXyrk5nYHLApmUnt-yjv0cvvutrfjLps78dJDBHyaAkbumF3VG8e3KWkS_1Abt7RYXnhB8jWSI4iAvO5DNNQcklSKGWcA/s400/Palmetto.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJrwhk89ulPNo6uhDRzNXF7QpGnpP6qUlVVeTqoC8cEaHzx5Dvhm3mgrlHxsPJPZgbxBqgxdchtEw09gVvcRQKk1mfDHT2sr2q3_qRfn-Qnh37Fnujfts7dv6AUquuw4Jtw1XR6qlKSIA/s1600/Palmetto.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJrwhk89ulPNo6uhDRzNXF7QpGnpP6qUlVVeTqoC8cEaHzx5Dvhm3mgrlHxsPJPZgbxBqgxdchtEw09gVvcRQKk1mfDHT2sr2q3_qRfn-Qnh37Fnujfts7dv6AUquuw4Jtw1XR6qlKSIA/s400/Palmetto.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Gonzales</b></div>
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After our Palmetto adventures, we were hungry for some pizza and then some history, so we headed to historic Gonzales, just 20 minutes away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO78rZe9I7twLbNiJl_8W7eveEQ_fGspejMEfblUUvtgGkdPKIXHRpx8ddJsE1-c-9rt0lG2gIZGwzQEc8tLQ9VP0rFXphWFsSsdNQlDKFoLiCh1ZFd3SGdxy9E403YBSwe92LVDdzFuI/s1600/Goliad.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1537" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO78rZe9I7twLbNiJl_8W7eveEQ_fGspejMEfblUUvtgGkdPKIXHRpx8ddJsE1-c-9rt0lG2gIZGwzQEc8tLQ9VP0rFXphWFsSsdNQlDKFoLiCh1ZFd3SGdxy9E403YBSwe92LVDdzFuI/s400/Goliad.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is where the "come and take it" cannon is. We had been wanted to make this trip since we heard about the cannon during our first visit to the Alamo. It was actually <i>lost</i>
for a hundred years because the guys who buried it were killed in
battle soon afterward. The whole story is fascinating, from before they
even had to say "come and take it!" to the mail man who stored it in the
post office for years.... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb5f6kGR3lNfEi9TBF0oTnn3OYFZOk3F_ylPbhFxZdl4UnowZHErirPof67ztYfWYL7vkQ0qmJl93tBA_ruwXmv-LW8hTYsHZ_yoW9UL4-vOxfhQIkYXhlUIsQN_MTtW71GQc4WhzElEz/s1600/Gonzalez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb5f6kGR3lNfEi9TBF0oTnn3OYFZOk3F_ylPbhFxZdl4UnowZHErirPof67ztYfWYL7vkQ0qmJl93tBA_ruwXmv-LW8hTYsHZ_yoW9UL4-vOxfhQIkYXhlUIsQN_MTtW71GQc4WhzElEz/s640/Gonzalez.jpg" width="505" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum was fascinating for each of us to visit. So much cool old stuff! History is awesome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HD6pO_3OSWxnVGeukgnyX1SVm3hRsW_16it227D0_bgvZs4kJmIhnyjRwCYC7Ui0SrQELy4buD_Hq_RGmT3-2AhaNZRxAzLQtn2pmKwD7T_nmO23ylD2FOHo4BRpnfMEz2CgtN4Lobxi/s1600/Gonzales.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1537" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HD6pO_3OSWxnVGeukgnyX1SVm3hRsW_16it227D0_bgvZs4kJmIhnyjRwCYC7Ui0SrQELy4buD_Hq_RGmT3-2AhaNZRxAzLQtn2pmKwD7T_nmO23ylD2FOHo4BRpnfMEz2CgtN4Lobxi/s640/Gonzales.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely for the puncture from the Mexican army to render the cannon useless</td></tr>
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<b>San Antonio Rodeo</b><br />
The San Antonio Rodeo is always fun to visit, and we <i>finally </i>got Jared to go! <br />
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There was more than enough to count this field trip as an educational
day, but our favorite part may have been the petting zoo. Sorry, no
pictures. But imagine a hundred adorable and varied soft and fuzzy
animals of all sizes in one place with <i>my </i>kids--the ones who love
animals but are deprived of having any of their own--loving every
minute, sometimes pursuing, sometimes being pursued, brushing, petting
and holding. It was so much fun to watch...and I got my animal fix in! <b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Road Trips: College Station, Bryan, Austin</b></div>
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We took lots of road trips with Jared for track meets and house-hunting. Since we're moving to College Station for med school this year, we saw many many houses! We also looked around for good neighborhoods for running trails. And, of course, there were many restaurants to explore.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BsI4k9qrdcnGf8UYRWCHAeCNjq11D0DoTxEqHDjKUJuU_awGVHFiuO5aKQgi2z0luN845RhhgN5-rQGhCYvb7dLMuQ9pfnfNM8p_1FuQuaa-l7BoZQG-ptnPE0mE9IcrYblvvzOQ-nOt/s1600/Doc%2527sPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BsI4k9qrdcnGf8UYRWCHAeCNjq11D0DoTxEqHDjKUJuU_awGVHFiuO5aKQgi2z0luN845RhhgN5-rQGhCYvb7dLMuQ9pfnfNM8p_1FuQuaa-l7BoZQG-ptnPE0mE9IcrYblvvzOQ-nOt/s640/Doc%2527sPizza.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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<b>NCAA Indoor Track Championship</b></div>
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We were able to time one of our College Station trips to be when the NCAA Indoor Track Championship was held. We attended both days and got inspired for our own track season, which the kids were already training for. Natalie spent lots of time going up and down the bleachers, getting in trouble with the security guard for swinging on the stair rail, and she eventually learned how to get a back massage from Ellie. <b><br /></b></div>
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<b>George Bush Presidential Library </b> </div>
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Another great thing in College Station is the George Bush Presidential Library. We learned so much and really enjoyed it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sassy girls with the president</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The boys' favorite part had to do with the CIA phase of Bush's life.</span><br />
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</b> Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-67575016521629014592017-05-13T15:46:00.002-04:002017-05-13T15:46:28.294-04:00Homeschool = More Family TimeIn January, we started homeschooling all three school-aged children. Natalie was thrilled to have more time with her brothers and sister. Although it was a lot of work and frustration because we're all new at this, it has been very rewarding! Right away we started seeing benefits of being together more and having more freedom and flexibility (and less crowds!).<br />
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One day for lunch, we decided to pack a picnic and run to a park in a nearby neighborhood. You can't do that in public school on a weekday!<br />
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We went to the movies one day when everyone finished their work in time (It was to see Rogue One, not King Kong, but they were having fun with the "dirty hand" display).</div>
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I love to see them hanging out together! I wish I could say it was always easy-going between them, but that would be unrealistic. I will take what I can get!</div>
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It's crazy and chaotic sometimes. It can be dramatic and difficult, too. But it's also really fun and rewarding and...just so worth it. They're making memories together. They are bonding. And they're giving their little sister a chance to be less isolated than her age would normally require. I know it's probably temporary, but we are enjoying the benefits of homeschooling!<br />
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Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-65578669003896008372017-05-04T17:50:00.000-04:002017-05-10T10:02:28.090-04:00Nine on the Nineth! Noah turned 9 on the 9th! He chose to go to Laser Tag with his best friend Jayden. In order for Jared to make it, we went while he was still in town. <br />
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These guys love this stuff! And, apparently, picking your nose in a picture is the cool thing to do. I guess Jared's not cool.<br />
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Afterward, we went to CiCi's Pizza...where only Natalie would stand still for a picture. That just tells you that had fun and kept getting up for more pizza. Actually, they spent the majority of the time in the arcade.<br />
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Jayden's gift for Noah was the coolest--Minecraft <i>and</i> animals!? Pretty good combination, coming <i>from</i> a fan of both; going<i> to </i>a fan of both. Noah was pretty proud of this stack from smallest to biggest:<br />
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On the day of Noah's birthday, he woke up to a phone call from his Dad and some presents--of course the cheetah shirt was a favorite! <br />
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This guy is a sweetheart. I can't believe he's nine already!<br />
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His Uncle Danny knew he'd love this building set. Noah worked on it for hours (he had help here and there, but it was mostly just him). You can see just the beginnings on his actual birthday.<br />
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For his birthday dinner, Noah chose wisely (steak!). And all the kids were pretty excited about their very own bottle of carbonated sugar.<br />
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Noah's cake was from Cold Stone Creamery--deliciousness!<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-6504785716075066182017-05-02T23:59:00.001-04:002017-05-02T23:59:07.253-04:00The Middles on New Year's DayI had to show off some of the middle children's crazy silliness from January 1, 2017. Jared busted out the camera while these two were outside.<br />
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Ellie jumped for her photoshoot.</div>
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Noah threw a rock and caught it the whole time. </div>
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These two kiddos are so special! They love to play--together as well as alone. They have a pretty hard job being not <i>quite</i> oldest and not <i>quite</i> youngest. But we sure love them for who they are!Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-28339718690624977912017-05-01T16:42:00.001-04:002017-05-01T16:42:31.666-04:00Christmas Day 2016Also known as: New Year's Eve (day).<br />
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There's something glorious about a Christmas tree on the morning of its intended holiday. We left Natalie's angel wings on it for the entire season.<br />
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We came down to find Ellie and Isaac happily playing the new chess game.<br />
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Even Natalie was awake. "I just woke up like this."</div>
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Noah was still in bed. What 8 year old want to sleep in on Christmas!? He tricked me; he was really awake.<br />
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Let the present-opening begin!</div>
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Everybody loved their gifts, but our favorite part was watching Natalie. <br />
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She was pretty tuckered out by bedtime, though--we found her like this:<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-15059408796836986812017-04-27T18:09:00.003-04:002017-04-27T18:43:05.503-04:00Science at the School of LaneySo, I have to skip ahead today. I know we haven't even gotten to New Year's on the blog, but the kiddos had to present their science research and the Internet's the only way to do it right. I did try to text their videos to the aunts and grandparents that were the intended targets of this Knowledge Fest, but the files were just too dag-blasted large. Spoiler alert: we started homeschooling!<br />
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This month, we were learning about so many sea creatures, it was awesome. But the kids all had more questions about certain ones--questions that take more research and time. So, we decided to make a project out of it. We checked out books and did internet searches, watched videos and even went to the beach (yeah, that's why homeschool rocks)! Toward the end, we lost our momentum, but we <i>finally</i> finished yesterday, so it must be presented.<br />
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<b>Ellie: Jellies</b><br />
Ellie was originally interested in just jellyfish, but some of the books she read got her interested in all things jelly, so she went all out. She made some drawings and the bulletin board was her choice of backboard. Here is her video presentation: <b> </b><br />
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<b>Isaac: Whales</b><br />
Isaac had originally been researching clams, but, after a few days, he decided clams weren't as exciting to do a whole project on...so he switched to whales. After much ado about which animal to do, he pulled this Power Point off in a single afternoon. However, if you want to view the slide show, you have to get an invite for Key Note Live. Sorry, I tried every way I could, but the photos of slides wouldn't upload. Boo. Send me your email if you want an invite.<br />
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<b>Noah: Sharks</b><br />
Noah wanted to do sharks; he didn't change
that. He wanted to make a video; he didn't change that. And he wanted to
have it on a poster; he didn't change that, either. However, after a
zillion half-starts, the only video that got finished was not to his
liking...but we weren't going to change it. So, it's not as perfect as he would like. Blogger is unable to upload both videos, so I'll put it in the next post. Here's some of his pictures:<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-32786740464408409212017-04-20T00:18:00.001-04:002017-04-20T00:18:43.060-04:00Christmas "Eve" 2016<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best part of our Christmas was having the Daddy home. Although everyone was happy to have him there again, no one doted on him more than Natalie.</div>
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We had a nice dinner and made gingerbread houses that wouldn't stay up, but were pretty just the same.<br />
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We sang songs and did the usual traditions, including the star (flashlight) hunt all over the casa to hear different parts of the story of the Nativity. <br />
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The boys were a little too crazy to pose for a decent picture, but the girls obliged.<br />
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Silly boys.</div>
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We we finally got around to opening presents, all eyes were on Natalie. It is so magical to see a little one discover Christmas wonders! I was super curious to see what Gerry sent home with me weeks before, so that's what I chose to open. I couldn't have been more surprised--a lap harp! Although, for some crazy reason, that thought had occurred to me.... I still am not proficient, but I think it's a darn cool instrument to have!<br />
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Silly boys. They can be found like this at nearly any given time. And here is Natalie opening Bob & Tiffany's gift of play food. She LOVES it!<br />
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After much fun and shenanigans, we put the kiddies to bed with some old-fashioned Mom & Dad caroling in Spanish. Good times (for us padres)!Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-66990072675021638832017-04-12T00:55:00.005-04:002017-04-12T01:06:36.219-04:00Ways to Await Another ChristmasOur good friends, the MacBeths, invited us to come with them to the
zoo on the day after Christmas. It was their youngest daughter's
birthday, and she loves the zoo. It just so happens that we love the
zoo, too! Our passes had expired a few months previous, so it was
awesome to be their guests (the MacBeths have the fancy passes)!<br />
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That
evening we joined the MacBeths again, this time in Government Canyon. We
enjoyed a fantastic dinner of hot dogs and s'mores to top off the
birthday celebrations. I love hanging out with the MacBeths; one of my
favorite things about them is how they have an extra gourmet version of
everything for the adults--<i>spared no expense!,</i> as John Hammond would say. No pictures of any of that; sorry.<br />
<br />
It
was nice to just be with my kids again, and not have anything but a celebration/Daddy's homecoming on the horizon; no school or obligations
except to enjoy each other. I have to savor these moments because I
often miss them if I don't. Being away from them the previous weeks <i>helped</i> us all enjoy each other a little more.<br />
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And then there was the dentist. Here we are, waiting.<br />
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I
had to snap this because it feels so rare to see people reading books
these days. Every other person in that room was on their phone
(including me). I love that my kids love to read. They also love to talk
and interact; I love to see that in them. I don't want them to ever
grow up and get phones and turn into the common, boring people I see all
around.<br />
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Natalie
interacts with people, as well. She learned to give kisses, but on this
particular day they were followed by 3 smackeroos to the forehead, for
good measure. I didn't quite catch all that on video, but we enjoyed the
moment all the same.</div>
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-90308625872471945472017-04-11T00:57:00.001-04:002017-04-11T00:58:53.475-04:00Pseudo-Christmas<br />
We had a memorable holiday season this year. Instead of celebrating Christmas on December 25, we waited for Jared to get home and celebrated December 31st. It made for more partying, actually.<br />
<br />
The cute grandkids of our next-door neighbors came out to socialize on Christmas Eve during the day...already in their pajamas. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrated Hanukkah and had some latkes on Christmas Eve.</td></tr>
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After church on Christmas Day, Natalie was asleep in the car and the kids were so cute, I had to take a few pictures.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These jokers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added some decorations to the house on PicMonkey...since the kids say we're boring....</td></tr>
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That evening, our good friends, the Redds, invited us to dinner at their house.</div>
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Such good times. And such good potato salad...Chilean style! And that was how we spent Christmas, the first time around.</div>
<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-47895199019554093172017-04-04T19:47:00.001-04:002017-04-06T17:25:36.124-04:00Say What?? El Paso!?Okay, so I've mentioned a few times that Jared had been in El Paso for work quite often, since September. At first I had thought this "temp" job would only be a few weeks until he found something closer to home. But then, it turns out, he really liked the job, and those "close to home" jobs were not turning up so much. So he was back in El Paso for another few weeks. I was overjoyed when he accepted a San Antonio job, but it wasn't going to start until January, so I had to bide my time.<br />
<br />
It was hard to be a single parent for so long. I don't know how military wives do it--they are made of strong stuff! Sometimes I had to just leave and go on a walk around the block (usually in a huff). Sometimes the kids had to do something similar.<br />
<br />
Our phone conversations with Jared usually buoyed us up somewhat. We needed all the strength we could get. One night as Jared and I were talking after I had finally put the kids to bed, he said something like, "I just wish you could be here and work here. You'd really like it." I passed that off as one or both of the following: 1) Jared's communicating to me that he missed me; 2) a way for him to convince me that his job was great, and, therefore, these sacrifices were worth it. I didn't for a moment take it seriously.<br />
<br />
I mean, come on: I hadn't worked since June 2010 (<i>six and a half years</i> of unemployment, people)! Sometimes I even forgot I <i>was </i>a nurse; I just kept renewing my license every two years.<br />
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So I forgot about it immediately. Our anniversary was approaching, but he wouldn't be home for it. We had been celebrating every milestone/birthday/holiday since Halloween a little early because he was always gone, and the big 1-4 wouldn't be any different. HOWEVER, he did get me an early surprise for my anniversary: a JOB in EL PASO, complete with babysitting from my very capable sister, Noelle!<br />
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Say what?? Yep.<br />
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It was a bit of a whirlwind after that: getting all the approvals, trying to get all the necessary documents sent (mostly from Alabama), airline tickets, etc. But somehow, we did it. The deal was, I was going for the experience: a break from full-time mothering, a vacation with my husband, and a chance to be a nurse again. I wasn't going for the money. Noelle would be paid every cent I earned. Believe me, she totally earned it!! For an account of what went on for the week and a half I was gone, see <a href="https://itsonlyamaesmovie.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-very-laney-christmas.html">Noelle's blog</a>. It is a great, honest & hilarious read. <br />
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On the way to El Paso, I could hardly believe I was going. Was this for real? Would Noelle survive? Would my kids miss me? The answer to the last question was: Yes, but probably only Natalie!<br />
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Being there in El Paso was an experience I'll never forget, but I couldn't really take pictures. We were working 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week. We were working with unaccompanied minors, so we couldn't take pictures. But it was an awesome experience to work with these beautiful kids and the special co-workers I met. Now I could see why Jared loved this job! What's more, I was able to brush up on my Spanish and my nursing assessment skills and I made a lot of friends in those few days. Because Christmas was fast approaching, the place began to take on more and more of a festive appearance...<br />
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While I was there, the food was great and the nights were long but almost magical. It was hard to stay awake all night, especially when it was slow, but I'm so glad we got to bond with those folks!</div>
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And have you HEARD about the provider in charge!? He is one handsome devil, quite beloved by both patients and nurses alike. Jared showed me what an awesome NP he is (I already knew he was, but I actually got to <i>see it)</i>! That might have been the best part. Everybody loves Jared. That's my husband! He made everyone laugh, whether he was telling a joke to a patient in Spanish or chatting it up with the staff. He made everyone feel at ease because you can ask him anything: he won't mock you for a dumb question or tell you he's too busy, <i>ever. </i>And I got to follow him around when I wasn't busy, learning new words or assessment techniques. Nobody else did that, but I've got Wife Privileges.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here he is in front of one the church buildings we attended.</td></tr>
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The mornings were always glorious and clear, with the Organ and Franklin Mountains of New Mexico looking like a watercolor painting. By the way, we technically worked in New Mexico, but we stayed in El Paso.<br />
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Soon, it was time to go home. I worked my last night and took a quick nap on a couch in the airport the next morning. I was so happy to be able to sit on the plane by my new friend, Damaris, who had trained me on my first day!<br />
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I came home to a clean house (!!) and I soon picked up my little loveys from their friends' houses. I was surprised at what a sweet feeling it was to hug each one of them--I knew I had missed them, but the hug was what made me really <i>feel</i> that love. Home again, home again, jiggity jig.<br />
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PS-We are ALL so grateful to Noelle, who made this all happen!Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-71889190418834759252017-04-03T19:49:00.001-04:002017-04-03T19:50:15.994-04:00Alabama in December, Pt. 2One nice thing about having a young group of runners is: you don't have to wait all day for everyone to finish! While the teenagers were out racing, we made our escape, avoiding traffic and heading toward a celebratory lunch next door to our hotel.<br />
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Of course, we had to get some team pictures in front of the hotel Christmas tree. Mostly silly pictures....<br />
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That afternoon the kiddos enjoyed one another's company while the parents relaxed or caught up on sleep. That night there was a party for Jonathon, one of our team members who's a great runner and ran on his birthday, away from home. There was food, drinks, and even a big-screen showing of the new Jungle Book movie.<br />
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We said our goodbyes that night because the next morning the rest of the team was driving home; the Laneys stayed to sleep in, have breakfast, check out and go to church with Tony and Gerry. We could only stay an hour with them because we had another destination: Madison, Alabama! Before we left, Tony loaded our already-full car with Christmas gifts...big ones!<br />
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Then we headed up to Madison to see Trace and the rest of the Gibsons. These cousins had such a blast together; it was like trying to fit a couple of years into a few hours-- I think they did it! They love each other so much. And Natalie was a hit with all of the Gibsons. Trace was particularly stealthy about getting Natalie to like her immediately: spoonfuls of Nutella did the trick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ekC8ddE_l0eJr8U5bLCuJMnhbZOMz1blkTtxaHlX1EFaifqTsqSVqMHS7DfCvsipOqrCJOaFaEbT1S4dUwX4fQ80Td4JCDH8ozR_MBqCPTaR0-wBWZ5rS3WBqVeSL9yutf_KR8uc6uB_/s1600/16ALSunday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ekC8ddE_l0eJr8U5bLCuJMnhbZOMz1blkTtxaHlX1EFaifqTsqSVqMHS7DfCvsipOqrCJOaFaEbT1S4dUwX4fQ80Td4JCDH8ozR_MBqCPTaR0-wBWZ5rS3WBqVeSL9yutf_KR8uc6uB_/s640/16ALSunday2.jpg" width="465" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalie enjoyed the dog. The kids share a love of Minecraft.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle David is always fun to hang out with! Lucky he lives in Madison, too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the cousin together for a group pic was hilarious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of toys and gifts at Aunt Traci's.</td></tr>
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We left early Monday morning and drove all day. Texas gave us a beautiful sunset before we were home.</div>
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Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-8132889896963189302017-04-02T11:39:00.001-04:002017-04-02T11:39:07.659-04:00Alabama in December, Pt 1So...did I mention that we love our running club? We finished the year with them at the USATF National Championship in Alabaster, Alabama. It was a super fun road trip with all the vehicles full of happy, playful kiddos and all the adults enjoying the walkie talkies. Our road trips are usually more full of tears, so this was a nice change for us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the hotel, Natalie practiced her cuteness and Jared made the big kids wash their stinky feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the expo the day before the race</td></tr>
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So...it was held in Alabaster, Alabama. It just so happens that our good friends, the LaPaglias live just down the road from Alabaster. The kids and Jared ran the course the day before and Tony and Gerry met us there. It was great to see them again!<br />
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Then they took us out to lunch at the Cracker Barrel. The fire was lovely and the food was delicious, but of course, the company was the best.<br />
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Race day was cold and exciting. Jared enjoyed taking lots of pictures throughout the race while I stayed with Natalie and the LaPaglias near the start/finish line and the humongous playground.<br />
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The starting line for every each group was daunting. Soooo many kids! Here's Noah's age group getting ready to start:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah, working hard, toward the end of his race</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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And Isaac's race...<br />
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More on this trip in the next post!<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-42890677497467475922017-03-29T18:39:00.000-04:002017-03-29T19:08:18.115-04:00December MusicalitiesOur stake has a much-loved tradition of performing Handel's Messiah the first weekend each December. I have been privileged to perform in the choir nearly every year. With Jared being gone all the time, it wasn't possible for me to do it this last year, but both the boys wanted to be in the children's choir that sings during the Prelude. I couldn't be more thrilled to have them sing (unless someone else had been giving them rides)! It was sad for me to not be in the big choir with the orchestra playing beautifully and the amazing soloists singing between choir songs, especially because we won't be here for the next 4 or so years. But I treasure the experiences I have had in the past with these wonderful people and this inspired music...and I'm sure someday I'll sing it again. And I thoroughly enjoyed having the boys sing. Ellie wanted to join, and she even attended some practices, but she was too young to officially be in the children's choir.<br />
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Isaac is always trying something new, pushing the limits of his coordination a little farther. One endeavor he impressed us with was being able to play two recorders at one time. I tried and tried to upload a video, but it didn't work, no matter how much I trimmed it. Just know that his ambidextrous digits could play Jingle Bells and Hot Cross Buns with both hands, even sticking in some harmony there! Did I tell you about the time he figured out he could play with his nostrils?? Yeah, I'm not borrowing his recorder <i>ever again. </i>Still, a talent is a talent.</div>
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Another thing he started this school year was the violin. It's not the best instruction, but you can't beat free lessons. We are proud of him, though. I don't know if it's a blessing or not--but he never practices at home.<br />
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Present were several elementary schools' orchestras as well as the hosting middle school's orchestra. Believe it or not, his school's performances were by far the most pleasant-sounding!<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-48693117553867789942017-03-23T18:15:00.003-04:002017-03-23T18:15:51.842-04:00Dickens on Main-- Boerne, TXDickens on Main is something fun they do every year on the weekend after Thanksgiving in nearby Boerne, Texas. It sounded like fun, so we finally attended this year. We didn't do even a third of what there was offered there, but we felt adventurous for even making the trek and we had a good time.<br />
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The biggest reason to go is the snow...or, upon closer inspection, soap floating down in a manner similar to snow. These guys loved dancing in the music and snow at the various spots.<br />
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The next reason to go is the atmosphere--Dickens-era costumes, music and dramatizations! We, of course, got no pictures with any of that; we just stared in awe and then moved on. We did pay for a picture with Santa Claus, who--it turns out--has very few teeth and it sounds like he has marbles in his mouth when he talks. The kids weren't sure what he was trying to say when he asked them what they wanted for Christmas. I apparently understand "too much eggnog" accent, so I interpreted for them.<br />
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After much deliberation, we decided on a food truck to give all our money to. We found the only empty seats at the town square and sat on them, eating the expensive food and wishing we could afford some more (know we wouldn't stand in that line again in our lifetime even if we had some more cash), and also listening to the live country band on the stand. It was grand.<br />
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Everyone's favorite thing was the frozen mint hot chocolate at the end--because I had to find an ATM to get pictures with Drunk Santa anyway, so we had a little cash again. The guy serving us was super nice: normal people would get each person their own cup; since he knew we were sharing, he gave us a bunch of extra Oreos and spoons/straws. And we loved every drop!<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-65853416876714391142017-03-22T01:24:00.000-04:002017-03-23T17:09:15.284-04:00Thankful for ThanksgivingWe had many reasons to be thankful on Thanksgiving. It would have been wonderful to have Jared home with us, but we were grateful for his good job in El Paso that was in need of him more than we were (our plan was simply to stuff our faces with him, while their plan was to have him see countless patients who needed a medical provider willing and able...so we let him go).<br />
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Our wonderful friends, the MacBeths, invited us for Thanksgiving again. They provided the entire meal, which was super delish--Joe's a gourmet cook. They let us bring a little pie, so I made cherry and apple.<br />
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We were joined by the Haslams, another awesome family who we just love. Plus, they're half-Canadian like me, so what's not to like? The kids all had a blast. </div>
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Of course, when I tried to document how much fun they were having, I became a target....<br />
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Natalie was pretty much ready for a nap by the time "dinner" started, but we did our best. These pictures don't do justice to the beauty of that meal (nor the taste)....<br />
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Between eating and eating some more, we played Exploding Kittens, among other things, and it was great fun--especially because Valarie Haslam is hilarious and kept cracking me up. Then the pie was served and it was...it was beautiful!<br />
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You want to know something else that was beautiful? This:<br />
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Jared had to be away for our anniversary (Nov 22), but before he left, he made what <i>might</i> be my most favorite cheesecake to date in honor of that special date. The sad part is, he had to leave before it got a chance to cool, so he never got a bite. All he got was this picture, which proved how much we loved it--it didn't last long after that! Jared is my favorite cheesecake baker.Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-82203641215095721662017-03-20T15:36:00.002-04:002017-03-20T15:36:40.311-04:00Field trip and Regionals--3rd Weekend of NovemberNatalie and I got to chaperone the 3rd graders' field trip to the Witte Museum. It was fun to hang out with Noah and his best friend, Jayden.<br />
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The next day was the event the boys had been looking forward to for weeks: regionals in Lockhart, Texas. They wanted to see if they would qualify to go to nationals in Alabama in December. Only the top 8 could go, and guess what? They both made it! They were pretty excited. The entire team did well!<br />
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Afterward, we celebrated with the team at a barbecue restaurant in a surprise party for a team member (the coaches' daughter, Mikala). Good times and good food! I wish we'd gotten a picture of her cake--it was a Swift team cake, full of running pictures. Great weekend--and Jared got to be there for it!Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-20744100264106833562017-03-17T17:32:00.001-04:002017-03-17T17:32:17.853-04:00Country Run Fun--Nov 12, 2016We enjoyed a fun little 5K in November with waaaaaay too many walkers...but we found out why at the end-- they were there for the myriad freebies at the carnival in the expo center!<br />
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The race itself was filled with country performers throughout the course. There were also interesting attractions, like this giant pig, to distract Ellie. However, I only took one picture during the race because I'm all-business like that. We found Noah and Isaac later at the carnival--impressive, because there were a bazillion people there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac was encouraging Ellie during one game. So cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tons of free games, free food, and even face painting!</td></tr>
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-21154040192261534322017-03-15T11:57:00.000-04:002017-03-15T12:50:43.411-04:00Natalie Knows.... November 8, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-60840870411663711592017-03-09T13:59:00.002-05:002017-03-14T23:07:59.571-04:00Isaac's 11th BirthdayIsaac has actually reached the Harry Potter I Age. His birthday was on a Thursday, so we got him up early so he could open his presents before school.<br />
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Here's our very sleepy Birthday Boy-- <br />
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That night we had a mini celebration with just the family (except Jared, who was in El Paso), knowing his party was the next night.</div>
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Friday night came and Isaac had two friends--Cody and Avery--join us for laser tag. His original idea was to do a big nerf gun battle at the park, but this was so easy, and there would be no lost bullets! The perfect activity.<br />
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They all piled on the motorcycle at the arcade. Then we went and had pizza at our house and all was merry.<br />
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Happy Birthday, Little I!!<br />
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Since he's 11 now, we have finally convinced him to wash his face regularly. As you can see, he's very maturely complying, starting with this facial mask he found in his mother's bathroom.<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-74315723245653609492017-03-09T12:54:00.000-05:002017-03-09T13:03:05.042-05:00We "Meet" Again in HoustonHeheh, you know you loved the wordplay in that title!<br />
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So, this trip to Houston was better than the first. 1) We knew a little better what to expect. 2) We got to stay in a much better hotel. 3) We got to take the Daddy with us! I was able to concentrate on my fellow cheerleader a bit while Jared took pictures. <br />
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Natalie spent some quality time with the dog of a teammate. Noah spent some quality time with...pine cones!<br />
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Isaac jumped in to run a little bit with Ellie. Not sure that's entirely legal, but we didn't get in trouble. <br />
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Some seriously tired kiddos accompanied us home! That's just the way we like it, especially if they're quiet. That's Noah's foot in front of Ellie...??<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3999988780788706218.post-56900980356128992212017-03-08T14:17:00.001-05:002017-03-09T13:13:11.669-05:00Trunk or Treat 2016We had some inspiration from Studio C for our Halloween costumes this year. Most people didn't get it, even when we were all together. But that's okay; it was still fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awkward Avoidance Viking and Nuclear Ninja (along with a threatening piece of fruit).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add in there some Lady Shadow, a Mobster and a Vampire...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And afterward, with the loot...!</td></tr>
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Then, a week later, it was actually Halloween. Isaac deserted us for going with his mafia partner in crime, a.k.a Cody Redd. They had a ball and got more candy than should be legal--these guys are professionals.<br />
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<br />Jared and Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04734676372397208859noreply@blogger.com1