tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244204222011-12-29T05:16:25.551-05:00maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.comBlogger6531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-35656404700723218752011-05-12T17:18:00.000-04:002011-05-13T17:18:33.319-04:00

Scenes from a seventh birthday, 7:30 a.m., May 12, 2011: (If you can’t read that, it’s 49”, an inch and three-quarters grown since November.) {six} {five} {four} {three} {two}

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-91811490131938328542011-05-02T14:29:00.001-04:002011-05-02T14:29:38.700-04:00

Here’s a list of what I’ve read since posting last with a yes, no, or meh (good for the beach, but nothing very satisfying) rating: Lord John & The Brotherhood of the Blade – Diana Gabaldon: Yes Lord John & The Hand of Devils – Diana Gabaldon: Yes Lord John & The Private Matter – Diana Gabaldon: Yes Keep A Little Secret – Dorothy Garlock: Meh Solomon’s Oak – JoAnn Mapson: YES (more

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-76229059203719068582011-04-10T13:59:00.001-04:002011-04-10T13:59:21.408-04:00

Um, hi.  I am still here.  And I’m still reading a lot, which might explain why I don’t think about getting a post done.  Whoops.  Ok, are you ready? 1. Hank & Chloe, by Jo-Ann Mapson.  I’d never heard of this book or this author before – one of the sweet ladies who helps care for Maria while I work gave me a sack of books and this one was in it.  I really liked it!  Chloe is a horse trainer,

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-57610521715604480042011-03-21T11:19:00.000-04:002011-03-21T11:19:08.689-04:00

You guys, I'm really, really angry.  I'm also very sad.  My friend Jen birthed her baby at only 16 weeks, 5 days early Sunday morning.  Jen is mom to the wonderful Dibits, and also previously had an early miscarriage some years ago.  I have spent hours over the past few days shaking my fists at God for allowing this.  Now, notice I didn't say God caused this.  That's not His style, you know.  But

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-457434956254066892011-03-13T18:14:00.001-04:002011-03-13T18:14:39.801-04:00

Well, I certainly did not mean to go so long in between posts.  I had to go back to my online library reading history to double check what I had read!  Once a book is finished, unless it was a truly amazing one, it flies right out of my head.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve picked up a book at the library, thought it sounded interesting and brought it home, only to discover about 5 pages

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-56320340781301044072011-02-20T19:55:00.001-05:002011-02-20T19:55:00.497-05:00

Hey all!  After a few days off from reading (for pleasure at least – it seems I read quite a bit for work) I gobbled up a couple of books over the past few days.  First up was Meridon, the final book in the Wideacre trilogy by Philippa Gregory.  You may remember that the first book received a rating of “meh” and the second was much better.  Boy, am I glad I didn’t give up after the first one –

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-46150369795492074892011-02-10T20:50:00.001-05:002011-02-10T20:51:33.513-05:00

I’ve been looking on different book list recommendations for new finds I can get at our library.  Don’t by any means think that I’ve actually PURCHASED all these books I’m reading.  Only one of the eleven do I own, and that was on the $4 table at Borders.  Our library system is phenomenal and they have just about anything a voracious reader could want or need.  ANYHOO… One book recommended by

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-71340074796184698662011-02-05T19:38:00.001-05:002011-02-05T19:38:35.047-05:00

Hey all.  It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to update my books, but rest assured, I have several to tell you about now.  But I think I’ll save you the time and quickly tell you if you should bother reading these or not. 7. Wideacre, by Philippa Gregory.  Meh.  Not as good as her other books.  Plus it’s got kind of a smutty element, more so than her other books.  However, you might want

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-28928585133458194412011-01-20T20:18:00.001-05:002011-01-20T20:18:42.032-05:00

Earlier this week I finished the novel Everything by Kevin Canty.  The story revolves mainly around two people, RL and June, friends who are grieving the loss of Taylor, June’s husband and RL’s best friend.  It takes place in Montana and the scenery is gorgeous in its descriptions.  This book was kind of “meh.”  It definitely rambles all over the place. And, Canty doesn’t use quotation marks to

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-29657168902189666262011-01-16T12:50:00.001-05:002011-01-16T12:50:15.601-05:00

Here we are on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon – the sun is shining, the windows are open (although I am cuddled up under a fuzzy blanket) and the kids ARE BOTH ASLEEP.  *sigh* Yesterday I finished The Scarlet Contessa: A Novel Of The Italian Renaissance, by Jeanne Kalogridis.  It was all right, and if you like Philippa Gregory’s English historical novels (such as The Other Boleyn Girl), you would

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-49390375493586967492011-01-11T22:36:00.001-05:002011-01-11T22:36:57.931-05:00

Ok, I know.  It’s the 11th of January and I’ve already read 3 (ok, 4) books.  How does a busy wife and mother of two who works full-time outside the home do such a thing?  Well, you should know that I read exceptionally fast, and that I read for a couple of hours each night, typically.  For reference, I read each of the last three Harry Potter books (896, 652, and 784 pages) in one full day (

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-91173788627825472362011-01-11T09:16:00.000-05:002011-01-11T09:16:30.856-05:00

I truly love this photo, and Henry's eyes are smiling almost more than his mouth.  Love this kid.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-41753340184531568142011-01-08T11:17:00.001-05:002011-01-08T11:17:23.748-05:00

I just finished Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, by Jon Krakauer.  Oh my stars, was that a difficult book to read.  If you don’t recall, Pat Tillman was a player in the NFL who joined the army after 9/11.  His story was hijacked by the media and portrayed him as someone he was not, and then he got killed in Afghanistan (apparently accidentally) by a member of his own unit.   Then

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-9186850728685185972011-01-02T17:32:00.001-05:002011-01-02T17:32:28.321-05:00

Ok, so I just figured out what will get me to post here more often.  Every time I finish reading a book, I’ll write about it here, along with a family update.  Sound good? I know, it’s only Jan. 2, and I’ve finished a book already?  Don’t worry, it was a v. quick and easy read.  Happens Every Day by Isabel Gillies (she plays Det. Stabler’s wife on L&O: SVU) is the memoir of her marriage’s

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-66694278468356944362010-12-31T16:59:00.000-05:002010-12-31T17:00:45.356-05:00

This post is brought to you by me, with thanks for the inspiration from Danifred! 1: set of chest x-rays done on Maria 1: set of tooth x-rays done on Henry 0: x-rays previously done on either child prior to 2010 73: posts on this blog in 2010 130: posts on this blog in 2009 365: posts on my new photoblog this year, which explains the dramatic drop 3: trips to Sea World

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-48214048375893921082010-12-28T13:33:00.000-05:002010-12-28T13:33:23.852-05:00

…for the foreseeable future, at any rate.  Our passes expire on Friday, and we ended up going three times this year.  For FL residents, the year pass costs the same as a one day ticket, so we definitely got a bargain.  Maria didn’t feel well, so Timon stayed home with her and Henry and I enjoyed my favorite theme park day of all time.  The weather was gorgeous, the crowds were very manageable,

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-75789364734781522002010-12-27T20:48:00.000-05:002010-12-27T20:49:44.543-05:00

MMM! CHOC-OH-WIT!!! Henry’s dream comes true.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-41588171744998569892010-12-14T21:16:00.001-05:002010-12-14T21:59:48.511-05:00

I generally think both my children are pretty dang fantastic.  Today Henry did two things that just blew Timon and me away completely.  He and Maria were fighting over a book and Timon came in and told them that they needed to share, and then said, “Geez, I’m gonna cut the book in half if you can’t share.”  Henry piped up and said “Just like the wise King Solomon did!” and then proceeded to

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-90569997265477017832010-12-10T20:55:00.001-05:002010-12-10T20:55:19.897-05:00

Noël   by Anne Porter When snow is shakenFrom the balsam treesAnd they're cut down And brought into our houses When clustered sparks Of many-colored fireAppear at night In ordinary windows We hear and singThe customary carols They bring us ragged miraclesAnd hay and candles And flowering weeds of poetryThat are loved all the moreBecause they are so common But there are carolsThat carry phrases

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-42990765005120904382010-12-02T21:18:00.001-05:002010-12-02T21:18:46.749-05:00

It’s finally cooled off here, hopefully for the rest of “winter.”  Enjoy this gorgeous song along with me, will you?

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-80456524686929176072010-11-30T15:25:00.001-05:002010-11-30T15:26:05.923-05:00

My favorite part of Christmas as a young person was always going to my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve.  Now, my grandfather died when I was six, so I don’t have too many memories of him.  But the house is so amazing and full of meaning for me – My sister, cousin Ben, and I really enjoyed introducing Henry to some of those things this past summer (the laundry chute, the pantry with the

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-64728580023580789942010-11-29T18:56:00.001-05:002010-11-29T18:56:35.408-05:00

THANK HEAVENS.  You all helped me out a lot with the questions you’ve left for me.  I’ll combine my mother’s and Barb’s tomorrow, and today I’ll answer Mr./Mrs. Anonymous’ question about the funniest thing that ever happened to me. The problem with answering this question is that typically, “funny” is a relative and situational state of being, and as such doesn’t translate very well to

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-90010601319380558732010-11-28T15:06:00.001-05:002010-11-28T15:06:18.934-05:00

Hello Maresi, So today is your thirty-#$%rd birthday. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how special you are to me and how much joy you bring to my life. Words cannot fully express the happiness I feel when I think about our marriage and the family we have. But I want you to know, you are my one true love and I will love you forever. I will never forgot when I saw you for the first

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-12967940862288288892010-11-27T19:55:00.001-05:002010-11-27T19:55:40.281-05:00

Almost every year I decorate our house for Christmas on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  Well, yesterday my sister-in-law Amy and I went over to church to help decorate over there and then it was raining in the afternoon, so the outdoor lights did not get put up as usual.  I put them up today instead, along with the stockings.  My mom made all our stockings, mine is close to 33 years old.  Timon’s

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-12951814734953495962010-11-26T19:41:00.001-05:002010-11-26T19:41:25.931-05:00

Scenes from Thanksgiving:

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-42108634030444268152010-11-25T21:04:00.001-05:002010-11-25T21:04:57.521-05:00

Today’s things to be thankful for: good food good family good neighbors not crying over a broken irreplaceable wine glass sweet potato souffle gorgeous flowers on the table using my grandparents’ silverplate flatware from 1943 using Timon’s grandparents’ china set from the 40’s Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on tv laughing a lot eating under an oak tree and not

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-28038375494642557072010-11-24T21:34:00.001-05:002010-11-24T21:34:26.688-05:00

I love my husband so much.  Do you know that we have been together for over 12 1/2 years now?  Married for 9+ years and two kids later, and he’s still not sick of me.  Even when each of us is acting like a total asshat, even when we’re exhausted and the kids are making us want to run away, we have chosen to stick it out.  Reading TIME magazine’s cover story about marriage got me thinking that if

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-29121591189069493582010-11-23T17:31:00.001-05:002010-11-23T17:31:59.609-05:00

I went to renew my drivers license today.  I made the observation that the parking lot of the Tax Collector’s office would be a gold mine for identity thieves, since new regulations require you to bring along every conceivable personal identity document.  I brought my passport (if I hadn’t had one, I would have needed my birth certificate), my social security card, my W2 and voter registration (

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-21467151081664868532010-11-22T14:44:00.001-05:002010-11-22T14:44:51.196-05:00

Photo shoots for this year seem to have come to an end… I drove out to a beautiful park across the state yesterday right after church to meet up with Barb and family.  They were perfectly adorable and there are some WONDERFUL photos as a result.  I won’t be sharing them here but if you are friends with me on FB, there should be some up there in the next couple of days.  I will hate verra, verra

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-75528739641157378692010-11-21T16:51:00.001-05:002010-11-21T16:51:34.659-05:00

The winner for my favorite comment of all time was left by the lovely and talented duo of Emily and Chad on this post, and I hope you’ll all click over and read it. 

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-51937514260977039472010-11-20T18:34:00.001-05:002010-11-20T18:35:06.144-05:00

I guess I didn’t thoroughly think through using roman numerals for this year’s nablopomo dates.  What kind of interesting blog visitors will I get when it gets to the 30th?  Hmmm… We enjoyed a semi-lazy morning and then I went to praise band practice.  I came home to find Timon cleaning the bathroom (and doing an excellent job, I might add).  I went to the grocery store, Timon and the kids went

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-16010165405875621712010-11-19T14:39:00.001-05:002010-11-19T14:40:38.288-05:00

After rearranging the kids’ room last week to include the new dresser, I discovered a bag of cold-weather clothing in the back of the closet that I’d meant to take to the consignment store a while ago and never got around to.  I took it today to our favorite place and ended up with a bunch of store credit, and as a result, Maria now needs only a coat and hat/gloves for this “winter.”   She’s got

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-80835403741488109022010-11-18T16:51:00.001-05:002010-11-18T16:51:55.768-05:00

This is one of those afternoons when the thought of adding any more children into this home makes me want to crawl into my bed and put my head under the pillow.  And so I have Henry at the table with his homework and Maria in her room with a book, (neither of these things was achieved without much wailing and gnashing of teeth) and here I sit to post.  Before I began, I decided it was time to

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-5932727872226709532010-11-17T14:51:00.001-05:002010-11-17T14:51:28.534-05:00

Well, it came to pass.  Henry got an orange today and was sobbing as he told me about it.  Of course I don’t want to see him sad, but it’s good that the consequence of not being able to attend movie night at church on Friday seems to be a meaningful one.  We had a good talk last night about choosing behavior, one that Timon and I hoped would stick with him today.  I also sent him off to school

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-40539227305966389932010-11-16T16:33:00.001-05:002010-11-16T16:33:13.024-05:00

Henry seems to be following suit as one of a long line of mischief makers and talkative distractible students (traits inherited from BOTH parents, I’m afraid).  Each day his teachers report on his classroom behavior by assigning a color according to how well he did.  Options are green (no problems), orange (had to be spoken to more than once about some kind of undesirable behavior), yellow (

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-29296496649699393402010-11-15T12:37:00.001-05:002010-11-15T12:37:45.352-05:00

Would you all mind heading over here and weighing in on the Great Red Lipstick Debate of 2010?  Thanks.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-37331506215788714252010-11-14T13:41:00.001-05:002010-11-14T13:41:43.277-05:00

My ideal [i.e., completely selfish and indulgent] day: 8:30am: Eyes open, I snuggle back into the covers and go back to sleep. 9:30am: Reawaken to a breakfast served in bed.  Eggs, bacon, toast, OJ, fruit. 10:00am: Shower, dress, have someone fix my hair. 11:00am: Sit on the beach for 2 hours reading and being served Dr. Pepper with pebble ice and Cobb Salad. 1:00pm: Nap on a

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-85881128333618557312010-11-13T18:54:00.001-05:002010-11-13T18:54:21.213-05:00

This is Henry.  I like Stella a lot.  She’s a fun dog.  She likes to play with me.  I got my report card on Friday.  I got two Vs, 1 S, and the rest Es.  E is for excellent.  My favorite subject is reading.  Today I checked out of the library In A Dark, Dark Room, Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary, Wind Power Whiz Kid, Paul Revere’s Ride, Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge, and Ms. Frizzle

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-91278182274887494892010-11-12T09:41:00.001-05:002010-11-12T09:41:45.463-05:00

I have an addendum to the 2010 Book Recommendations.  I just read Room by Emma Donoghue and am simply floored.  It is so heartbreaking and original.  It’s the story of a boy and his Ma, in the 5 year old boy’s voice, who’ve been held captive for seven years in a shed.  The boy was fathered by Ma’s kidnapper and rapist.  I know this sounds like a real happy story right off the bat, doesn’t it?  I’

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-80891421028532346892010-11-11T09:54:00.000-05:002010-11-11T09:54:01.122-05:00

LISTS IN PROGRESS, episode 2 Favorite places I have been: Greece!  Oh man, that was an amazing trip.  San Antonio, TX Very Small Town, IN (where my sister lives) Fifield, WI Greenfield, NH (honeymoon) Venice, Italy St. Augustine, FL

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-77975181463879710322010-11-10T13:36:00.002-05:002010-11-10T13:36:00.652-05:00

If you would like to eat something so totally delicious that you will want to kiss me in gratitude, then make this recipe:ENCHILADAS VERDE one rotisserie chicken one jar salsa verde one cup quinoa, cooked one 8oz cup plain yogurt two 4oz cans green chilies 8oz monterey jack cheese, shredded extra large flour tortillas In a pot, put the salsa, yogurt, and chilies

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-70270610391311581712010-11-09T06:34:00.006-05:002010-11-09T10:23:07.594-05:00

I don’t typically do a lot of photo editing.  Nine times out of ten, I do very simple lighting adjustments, color conversion to black&white, or cropping in Microsoft Office Picture Manager.  I do have PhotoShop Elements and use it when I have more extensive edits to make.  Henry asked me the other day why I changed his picture and took the color out of it.  I LOVE black&white portraits,

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-39622782788515597902010-11-08T08:06:00.000-05:002010-11-08T08:06:00.439-05:00

I like to cook.  In fact, this year we’re hosting my parents-in-law, my sister-in-law, and the new neighbors for Thanksgiving.  I’ve almost decided on the menu.  I am a control-freak when it comes to Thanksgiving.  I wake up and watch the Macy’s parade in my pajamas.  Depending on when we’re eating, I may take a break to put the turkey in the oven.  Then I shower and get dressed, and get to it in

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-49425877174765278232010-11-07T13:05:00.000-05:002010-11-07T13:53:37.893-05:00

Our pastor spoke a couple of weeks ago about not getting what we think we need or desperately want right away.  It got me thinking – what do I want?  What do I think I need, right now?  One of those things I’ve mentioned before is our desire to have more children.  Both Timon and I are from families with three, and we are definitely set on three and probably considering four (whether or not the

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-24793454256481997152010-11-06T13:45:00.001-04:002010-11-06T13:45:44.387-04:00

Today is gorgeous here in Florida.  It’s only about 60° and sunny.  The kids are napping, Timon is watching The Magnificent Seven, and I’m trying to get some blog posts together while listening to a book on CD.  I slept poorly last night so I am for SURE looking forward to the extra hour we get tonight.  While I was awake from 2:30-5:00am, I read my cousin’s blog post and wept like a baby.  I

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-53906356004596066632010-11-05T08:11:00.001-04:002010-11-05T09:08:04.431-04:00

I just counted how many books I’ve checked out of the library in 2010 (so far).  Would you believe I’ve read over 60 books this year?  I honestly do not know when I’ve had the time.  Looking back at the list, I can recommend these for you: All of the Outlander series, by Diana Gabaldon This historical/time travel/romance series is so, so, so good.  I am going to have a very, very hard time

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-63095242318811218552010-11-04T08:10:00.000-04:002010-11-04T08:10:00.461-04:00

LISTS IN PROGRESS, episode 1 Things I want to do with my kids before it’s too late: (crossed out items are done or nearly done) get a dog travel around the country in an RV meet a President give them more siblings {grin} record each year in daily photos make a giant snowman visit Alaska and Hawaii grow a successful garden read the Harry Potter series with all of

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-5599672932790337342010-11-03T16:04:00.000-04:002010-11-03T16:04:00.764-04:00

I’ve been listening to this song practically non-stop since the middle of October.  It’s beyond gorgeous.  (Be sure to listen to the end – if you don’t have chills at about 4:45 minutes in, I don’t understand why.) Child of all creation, don't let the world define you And if you can't remember who you are, Let these words remind you On the path of the empty handed He will speak to

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-456364819185663432010-11-02T09:58:00.000-04:002010-11-02T11:32:22.640-04:00

Today is Election Day.  We had some pretty important races here in Florida – Governor, Senate, to name just a couple.  Timon and I received our ballots in the mail fairly early, and if anything, it has increased the campaign phone calls we get.  My favorites have been from the celebrities/former politicians who are asking for our votes for the candidate they’ve endorsed.  So far we’ve heard from

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-26191070582632410252010-11-01T08:37:00.000-04:002010-11-01T08:37:00.954-04:00

It’s that time of year again, NaBloPoMo, or National Blog Posting Month.  Would you believe that a busy lady like me is going to commit to post daily in not one, but TWO internet places each day in November?  We’ll see!  One thing that may make this a smidge easier is that I’ll continue my regular daily photo posting over at the photo blog, and in this space I’ll share some interesting

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-33880766944791372362010-10-06T10:14:00.001-04:002010-10-06T10:14:35.919-04:00

October is so weird.  Usually we’re still running our A/C full force until the end but this year we’ve had several days of GORGEOUS warm, breezy, sunny, dry days followed by cool, dry nights.  My happiness level soars to new heights when I can open the windows in my house and actually go outside without sweating uncomfortably.  Speaking of being uncomfortable, can I tell you how uncomfortable

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-65681923959331808882010-09-04T20:59:00.001-04:002010-09-04T20:59:37.282-04:00

Dear sweet baby girl Maria, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid that it’s impossible for you to be two years old.  It was just minutes ago, after all, that you came flying into the world, in your own way, in your own time, whether or not anybody was around to catch you.  I’m glad I was laying sideways on a bed, instead of on my back, feet in stirrups, with no bed underneath to support you on your way

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-68198518203699574092010-08-24T17:11:00.001-04:002010-08-24T17:13:29.784-04:00

Henry and Maria enjoyed a breakfast of cereal this morning, after Henry rejected my offer of pancakes.  WHO IS THIS CHILD? Then Henry posed for the obligatory front-of-the-door-first-day-of-school photo (this is the goofy version, at his request): And then I had to placate Maria by taking her photo through the window.  Before I know it they’ll both be out in front of the door. 

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-33765249945766188662010-08-09T19:42:00.001-04:002010-08-09T19:42:16.238-04:00

Yes, we’ve been on three trips this summer.  My sister-in-law got married in June in Alabama, my cousin got married in July in Connecticut, and last week we went to south Georgia for a meet-up with Timon’s parents.  We went to a state park that’s just barely over the state line that was on a lake.  The cottages there are great – AC, full kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  Also: satellite

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-43146127986828839662010-07-18T14:45:00.001-04:002010-07-18T14:45:14.580-04:00

Timon just put on Green Zone, with Matt Damon.  Now, I LOVE Matt Damon, but it’s all a little shooty and yelly for me.  So, I figure I’ll do a little post.  Look at me, acting like I actually still blog anymore.  (Well, to be fair, I have faithfully updated the photo blog every day this year, and that takes a lot out of me.) Timon: He has just gotten a new show in the theatre.  He is (thankfully

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-4043713974925936762010-06-23T10:57:00.002-04:002010-06-23T10:58:49.776-04:00

In case you need a good cry, listen/watch this song by Steven Curtis Chapman.  His daughter was killed in an accident last year.  Her name was Maria.  This song pierces me and scares me and gives me hope and it's gorgeous.  Now, if laughs are all you're after, check this one out.  This video reveals aspects of my children's personalities that are very interesting. 

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-48004721547902860412010-06-16T22:18:00.001-04:002010-06-16T22:18:43.991-04:00

Um, yeah!  I certainly didn’t intend to be away from the ole blog for this long.  Whoops!  I tell you, it’s so hard to come up with the daily photo, and I admit to spending more time catching up with people via facebook than remembering that I started my whole internet presence here in this place, and therefore it deserves some attention. Any-hoo, there’ve been a few things I’ve felt like

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-68988324320042969032010-05-24T15:50:00.001-04:002010-05-24T15:54:54.454-04:00

{I don’t think there are any major spoilers in the post below, but if you haven’t watched yet you may wish to wait on this.} Dear Damon & Carlton: No matter what anyone says, I think the finale last night was awesome.  It was very confusing, amazing, surprising, frustrating, and beautiful – just like (nearly) every other episode of the series.  Also:  Thanks for not resurrecting Nikki &

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-81479128461630882652010-05-12T10:56:00.001-04:002010-05-12T10:56:18.986-04:00

(waking up this morning) Well.  Six is easier than five for the mother somehow.  But Henry, this year has been full of big things!  Probably most importantly, this year you learned to read, really read, all on your own.  I’m very proud of you for that, and pleased that you love to do it.  You love it so much that you spent the morning reading from the new children’s dictionary you got as a gift

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-43088920418550224312010-05-07T20:00:00.001-04:002010-05-07T20:04:17.086-04:00

Maria doesn’t like splash pads…  Freak. Celebrity Jeopardy was kind of boring. Siamang Gibbons are fascinating. The tomatoes are growing. I bet they’ll die before they get ripe. I have mosquito bites annoying the crap out of me. It was beastly hot today. We ate delicious tacos tonight.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-27624344530337009352010-04-29T16:08:00.001-04:002010-04-29T16:08:41.614-04:00

Read part one here. I took Maria and her very expensive pinwheel over to our new children’s hospital outpatient clinic for her x-ray.  On the way there I called Timon asking him to bring another diaper to me, along with her ssn.  We got checked in and Maria enjoyed the very thoughtfully designed waiting room.  Before Timon could even get there and park, we’d been brought back and had the x-ray

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-66344732434460826392010-04-28T16:27:00.003-04:002010-04-28T16:29:48.986-04:00

Sunday I bragged to people that I’d never had reason to take my kids to the hospital or ER, other than whilst in-utero in the process of being evicted from my innards.  Let me tell you how that’s all turned out. Soooo, Maria’s pretty sick.  She had low fever Saturday that I attributed to the fact that she’s always got her fingers in her mouth these days – so when are you gonna get those canine

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-77027443348130489812010-04-24T12:05:00.000-04:002010-04-24T12:05:50.042-04:00

Yeah, I'm just now getting around to posting what I should have posted last night. Turns out that when you stick a potato covered in eye sprouts in a pot of dirt and ignore it, you just might get potatoes.  We ate them in our dinner last night and haven't died yet, so I think we can all consider this a success.  Seeing as how the only things we've consumed from our garden thus far have been

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-86183426153152511412010-04-16T08:50:00.000-04:002010-04-16T08:50:00.558-04:00

I’ve had this lamp since I was a little girl.  Someday, when I’m sure she won’t break it, I’ll put it in Maria’s room.  Also necessary: for Maria to actually have a room, instead of sharing with her brother. Go see more photo friday posts over at Calliope’s place!

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-28418965602663136322010-04-09T14:00:00.001-04:002010-04-09T14:00:51.455-04:00

Now that baseball season has begun, I have been watching A LOT more tv than we normally do.  Ay yi yi.  Our washer is STILL not functional.  I cannot even tell you how much laundry is piling up, although I did go to a friend’s house this morning to wash diapers.  Fortunately the part seems to have been shipped and will hopefully arrive soon-ish. Maria seems to be

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-84890810858309160032010-04-06T19:44:00.001-04:002010-04-06T19:44:22.363-04:00

7:01am    Eyes snap open, look at the clock.  Stretch, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, and head to the kids’ room. 7:05am    Rub Henry’s back and tell him good morning.  He does his typical rolling over onto his stomach in an attempt to stay in bed.  Maria is stirring, and I pick her up to realize the front of her pjs are wet from diaper wicking out the top.  I groan since our washer is

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-25512771371806698072010-04-04T13:10:00.001-04:002010-04-04T13:11:00.134-04:00

  Maria’s ready to hunt for some eggs. Henry found a giant egg with a Cars puzzle in it! She only had to be guided a little – she knew what to do.     Yes, it’s very sunny today – why do you ask? Can you stand the cute?  No, I didn’t think so.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-49175505503818731902010-04-02T07:11:00.004-04:002010-04-02T07:18:21.626-04:00

Ack, I know I’m probably confusing things between this and the photoblog, but you, my dear readers reader, are at my mercy.  Calliope had the brilliant idea for a photo group – celebrating the ordinary things.  This week’s theme is SINKS.  Who wants to bet I’m not the only one with dirty dishes in hers? Join in the fun!  Click here.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-2023082828054263012010-03-29T10:25:00.000-04:002010-03-29T10:25:43.673-04:00

Pardon the short entry, but after seeing the theme at iHeartFaces this week I had to put this up.  This is one of my favorite pictures ever.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-32498716418156348172010-03-26T22:02:00.006-04:002010-03-26T22:15:33.414-04:00

Henry’s kindergarten class (and the other three at the school) went on a field trip Wednesday… and let me tell you, chaperoning will WEAR.YOU.OUT.  I’m still recovering.  Here is a collage of photos from said field trip: My parents are coming to visit soon!  Mom comes tomorrow morning and Dad arrives Monday morning.  It’s Henry’s spring break and so they’ll get lots of time with him.  Jen’s

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-18669620872043287432010-03-22T17:47:00.001-04:002010-03-22T17:47:08.552-04:00

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-49351125158647267062010-03-19T13:17:00.001-04:002010-03-19T13:17:53.234-04:00

Not that you have been waiting for over a week or anything, but here’s part three: By sometime in June, PT was over and you were discharged from Newington. You seemed to regain your mobility and move on with life. I think it might have been the following Christmas that we got our first computer, that Apple that came with an encyclopedia which provided us with the first printed description of

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-56123761980942770262010-03-11T13:13:00.001-05:002010-03-11T13:13:02.827-05:00

Here’s more of my mother’s account of my foot issues (to read pt. one, click here) Newington orthopedists asked the same questions we’d answered many times over many weeks – any kind of injury, on the playground, gym class, at home? They x-rayed your foot yet again. They did do two things – one, prescribed Motrin 800 mg each three times a day to help relieve inflammation in your foot, (Those

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-88505990425029960422010-03-09T20:53:00.001-05:002010-03-09T21:04:41.505-05:00

Recently I’ve been noticing that I’ve been turning my right foot to the side when I stand up.  I’ve done this sporadically since my experience in fourth grade with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, now sometimes called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.  I think about the nerves and muscles in my foot that STILL, after 22 years, are not trained to consistently work properly without conscious effort.  I

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-38366150385466822442010-03-01T14:15:00.001-05:002010-03-01T14:16:16.722-05:00

I would like to see some Olympic events (winter or summer, it doesn't matter) in person sometime in my life, preferably before I'm in a wheelchair or in The Home. I wish I could just do things that need to be done.  I'm so, so lazy.  Anything I don't HAVE to do doesn't get done, it seems.  I really hate this about myself. I am thrilled at how long our weather has stayed cool.  It will make

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-67830413951718727092010-02-21T19:05:00.001-05:002010-02-21T19:05:45.681-05:00

I’ve been making some dresses lately… I bought a pattern on Etsy (LOVE LOVE LOVE) and it’s so easy even an inept and only occasional sewer like me can handle it.  I put an album up on FB of pictures of the ones I’ve made for Maria and for her cousin Julia (coming tomorrow!  Along with Emmett!  YIPPEE!) and jokingly said “anyone want one?”… so apparently people do want them.  I can’t sell them,

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-24474547448706487502010-02-16T11:26:00.003-05:002010-02-16T15:44:50.755-05:00

This morning, Timon brought me towels warm from the dryer for me to use after my shower.  I think I would like this to happen every day of my life.  It was truly luxurious.  I imagine that it’s how people who buy things from the Sky Mall catalog must live. Speaking of Sky Mall, my sister and cousin and their sweet babies are coming to visit us next Monday!  I’m so, so happy

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-13468894401091843552010-02-09T11:38:00.002-05:002010-02-09T11:40:16.789-05:00

I've been smacked right in the face by a few things lately.  No, not by hands or doors or tree branches (although one did try to grab a hunk of my hair yesterday walking Henry home from school). Stories I've experienced lately have just whacked me out of my senses - stories of birth (Nella Cordelia), healing (NieNie), and amazement; last night we watched From The Earth To The Moon, episode four.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-81913524061001401222010-02-02T13:52:00.001-05:002010-02-02T13:52:24.954-05:00

Along with my job come some interesting opportunities – today I was asked to run dvds and powerpoint for a Mission Study on Sudan for the women’s group at the church.  Several other church’s women’s groups were there as well.  I’ve read a book about the Lost Boys of Sudan before and was pretty familiar with just how horrific the situation is and has been there for essentially forever.  Barnabas,

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-85752735812905503022010-01-28T16:06:00.000-05:002010-01-28T16:06:05.573-05:00

Maria's last day with her wonderful amazing loving kind flexible affordable convenient daycare was today.  I'm so sad.  Her providers have always been great - they clearly love Maria and she was so comfortable there - AND they've been happy to use the cloth diapers. Sadly, his mother is aging and ill... and lives in Barbados.  So they are packing up their lives (along with a 2 year old and a 12

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-91184405255242473362010-01-22T20:46:00.001-05:002010-01-22T20:46:35.079-05:00

We had a lovely lunch date with Miss Elizabeth.  She brought her mother, too, which was nice.  Here is evidence of our good time:

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-69094374745119157922010-01-18T15:26:00.001-05:002010-01-18T15:26:58.835-05:00

  

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-57569457628643509322010-01-13T15:14:00.007-05:002010-01-13T16:04:48.257-05:00

I just discovered a singer/songwriter named JJ Heller.  This girl is OFF.THE.HOOK amazing.   I mean, I feel like I did when I heard downhere for the first time.  If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know this is a V. Big Deal.  I got my first PR pitch email (apparently generated from a post over at the photoblog).  Most big-time bloggers get dozens of these a week, so

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-77641905621080410952010-01-11T10:25:00.001-05:002010-01-11T18:14:42.202-05:00

iheartfaces is having a birthday… the category this week is “your best face.”  I haven’t had many faces better than this one lately!

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-33169488614493544312010-01-09T16:07:00.001-05:002010-01-09T16:07:06.414-05:00

I know I’ve spent most of my blogging attention on the photoblog (which you should totally check out, if only to click on the links to other people’s 365 projects.  They are so awesome!) but I will still post here also.  Today I finally took down our Christmas tree and am truly sad about it.  We have actually gotten some winter-like weather here in the past 2 weeks and I was just starting to get

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-49117678425916430052010-01-04T10:03:00.003-05:002010-01-04T11:39:16.057-05:00

I got this comment on my last post - don't stay anonymous, Mr./Mrs./Ms. Anonymous! (I also changed the settings to allow comments from those that don't blog on the photoblog. You're welcome. Whoever you are.):LOVE the fish pic! Can't post a comment over THERE as I don't have a blog, so I am HERE!!! Are you using a digital camera? What brand and model? I can't seem to get the effects I got with

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-1917072665014949392010-01-01T21:47:00.001-05:002010-01-01T21:50:37.796-05:00

Yeah, we'll see how this goes. Come visit me over here sometime, if you wanna. Happy New Year!

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-40856426768929207252010-01-01T08:17:00.003-05:002010-01-01T08:19:28.328-05:00

{Created by Jennifer at Conversion Diary}

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-305132972314456992009-12-31T06:05:00.002-05:002009-12-31T06:05:00.259-05:00

Here are the first lines from the first posts and the last line of the last post of each month in 2009... I've linked to the posts in case you're just so intrigued by the first and last lines.January:First- "Well, Nanny passed away on Friday afternoon."Last- "Look to your right, and vote!"February:First- "Ugh."Last- "I'm sure Phil will take your opinions v. seriously!"March:First- "Despite the

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-28402510400358891222009-12-29T06:45:00.000-05:002009-12-29T06:45:00.780-05:00

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-10902321072156551062009-12-28T07:20:00.000-05:002009-12-28T07:20:00.900-05:00

I woke up around 5:30 Christmas Day for some unknown reason.  It did give me a little time to put the breakfast casserole in the oven so that we could eat before opening presents.  The kids got up at their usual time of 7:15.  Henry was super excited to come see what Santa left under the tree (and in the case of his new fish, beside the tree). He hath named him Skit. We opened up our

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-34592089053970749492009-12-27T13:58:00.001-05:002009-12-27T13:58:51.135-05:00

On Christmas Eve I made sure to get a photo of Maria in her dress early in the day.  You’ll see why in a second.  I mean, isn’t this a PRECIOUS dress?  It would be just perfect for her cousin Julia next year, if it weren’t for the Velvet Ban in their house.  (Blame her mother.) Aaaaaaaand THIS is why I made sure to take a photo of her while she was in good spirits.  The service ended around 8

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-68404498934621482952009-12-27T07:44:00.000-05:002009-12-27T07:44:00.643-05:00

They are adorable.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-40649504472441960922009-12-26T07:39:00.003-05:002009-12-26T07:40:53.787-05:00

…Andrea and I took Henry to the Magic Kingdom on Monday. INSANE CROWDS. Don’t do it during this week of the year, if you’re given the choice. Anyhow, we had a lot of fun despite all the other people. The key is to not plan on getting a whole lot in on a day like that. We got there at 11:30ish and left around 3:30ish, and only rode one ride. BUT! Here’s what else we did:

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-26482026425632468352009-12-24T13:17:00.001-05:002009-12-24T13:17:35.256-05:00

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-67972196654859188092009-12-17T14:05:00.003-05:002009-12-17T14:24:23.781-05:00

I don’t want Maria to feel neglected on the old blog… the other night after Henry’s Christmas program we decorated the Christmas tree. She thought it was really pretty, and in fact will say “pih-ee” when she’s grabbing at gently enjoying the lights and ornaments. And this is from our Christmas card photo-shoot, which I did without assistance and will never do that way again if I can

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-2351317617743018182009-12-17T13:45:00.002-05:002009-12-17T13:56:59.366-05:00

Henry’s been in two performances lately – first, his church Christmas program last Sunday night. He was the letter C, which everyone knows stands for Caesar Augustus. After the program was over, a special visitor came to spend some time with the kids… Henry was not at all nervous to be the first to hop up on his lap! Last night was Henry’s school Christmas program. The

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-77449895470280370602009-12-12T20:17:00.003-05:002009-12-12T20:47:33.341-05:00

In 3.75 years of blogging, I just received my very first blog award! Barb is such a good lady and I'm very thankful that she regards me with value! Here are the rules:Tell your readers how your journey into blogging began. Be as verbose or shy as you like.Pick 3-5 fellow bloggers whom you adore and write what exactly it is you value about that person or their blog. The more you write about them

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-17045994958894385022009-12-10T21:53:00.002-05:002009-12-10T21:58:33.572-05:00

This article is so fantastic, I just had to link to it for you, dear reader readers. It's exactly what I was thinking.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420422.post-15525265949898767232009-12-07T16:45:00.002-05:002009-12-07T17:00:13.727-05:00

I hinted a bit ago about some work changes what were coming up, and they came up a bit sooner than expected. Most of you know that I work full time already at our church as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Office Assistant. (Could I HAVE a longer job title? APPARENTLY. Read on.) It's been hard, wonderful, challenging, rewarding, and interesting work for over 5 years.

maresihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01119494674146039715noreply@blogger.com4