tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54961838524209517302024-03-13T06:28:35.245-04:00Stay in the Car MomWhen I was a little girl all I ever wanted to be was a mommy. Now I have the privilege of being a stay at home mom. But...I'm never really at home. I'm in the car...all the time. Taking a child to school, picking them up, taking them to dance, piano, church, etc.......ALL THE TIME. So I have decided a new title is much more appropriate. I am officially a stay in the car mom. Come visit my life.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.comBlogger557125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-13693056425009282782014-05-06T10:32:00.000-04:002014-05-06T10:32:44.630-04:00Updated Book Review: Unseen<i>Updated <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-review-blind-sight.html">review from Nov. 2010</a></i><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stayi0d-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1414334796" height="1" style="border: medium none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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I was sent the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unseen-James-Pence-ebook/dp/B00JFHRPUW/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399386438&sr=1-5&keywords=unseen">Unseen </a>(formerly called <i>Blind Sight</i>)<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=stayi0d-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1414334796" height="1" style="border: medium none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by James Pence to read. <a href="http://mountainviewbooks.com/press/james-pence.htm">James Pence</a> has authored 3 novels and also has a ministry in chalk art. (You can see one of his chalk art videos <a href="http://jamespence.com/?page_id=88">here</a>.)<br />
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Synopsis:</h3>
Where is Justine Bishop? And why did she abandon her children?<br />
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Thomas Kent is determined to find out. Asked to pick up a "package" at the airport by an old friend he barely remembers, Thomas is shocked when he finds two desperate children looking to him for help. As he’s reluctantly drawn into the murderous plot of a ruthless cult, Thomas is forced to come face-to-face with his own torturous guilt over the tragic loss of his family and faith. Why does the cult so desperately want the kids? Their mother, Justine Bishop, holds the key. He just has to find her . . . or die trying.<br />
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My Thoughts:</h3>
The book pulls you in from the start. I know when books are really good because I don't want to put them down until I finished them. This became one of those books. The main character, Thomas Kent, is heartbroken almost to the point of being paralyzed after his wife and 2 kids are killed in a car accident. All of the sudden he is thrust into a deadly situation where he is trying to keep two 10-year old twins alive until he can find their mother. Oh, and while he's at it, taking down a ruthless, powerful cult that the twins family was ensnared in would be an added bonus.<br />
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While reading the book, you get an inside look into a cult - how it got started, how it brainwashes people to believe it's agenda, and what it's endgame is. It's really pretty terrifying to think this kind of cult could exist in our world. On the flip side, it's so encouraging to see how God's love and Jesus's gift of salvation could penetrate even the deepest Satanic, cultic influence. And when more than one Christian band together, they can bring down the giant by using God's strength and guidance.<br />
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The action in the novel is very fast-paced. The whole story takes place over 5 days and has many twist, turns and narrow escapes. But the theme of Christ drawing people to himself is prevalent throughout the book - both in Thomas Kent's life and in the lives of the twins and their mother. The book is easy to read and would be a great weekend read for the adventurer in your life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-82897977283598306502014-04-22T10:29:00.000-04:002014-04-22T10:29:08.156-04:00Smart Money, Smart Kids book review<h2>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077632/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937077632&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze</h2>
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<i>(Affiliate links are used)</i><br />
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I’ve written a few posts about this book already (<a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-first-step-in-teaching-our-kids.html">First Step to Teaching Our Kids About Money</a> and <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2014/04/putting-your-kids-to-work.html">Putting Your Kids to Work</a>), but today it’s time for the full book review.<br />
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Synopsis:</h3>
Financial guru Dave Ramsey and his daughter, Rachel Cruze, team up to teach parents how to “raise money smart kids in a debt-filled world.” Starting with how to teach your children to work, and continuing through what your child should do with their hard earned money (spend, save, give), Dave and Rachel talk about the principles of good money management for children as well as giving the reader plenty of stories of what life was like for the Ramsey kids. The second half of the book dives into more advanced issues such as how to be debt free for life, including how to go to college debt free.<br />
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My Thoughts:</h3>
I’m a huge Dave Ramsey fan and I’ve read a lot of his books, but this is his first book written with his daughter, Rachel. As usual, Dave presents a no nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is guide to raising money-smart kids. However, the addition of his daughter as an author changes the feel of the book. She offers story after story of what life was like growing up as “Dave Ramsey’s daughter.” The stories she adds give the book humor and somewhat soften Dave’s usual writing style.<br />
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Reading a book with two authors can sometimes feel disjointed. Not so with this book. Dave and Rachel identify themselves before each section that they write. They also use two different fonts in the book (one for Dave and one for Rachel) to help the reader remember who is writing at that point. It’s a nice touch that helps make the book feel more connected.<br />
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The information presented in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077632/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937077632&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20" style="color: #5b5843;">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> is the same information that Dave Ramsey has been preaching for years, but it’s tailored to apply to children. Not only do we get stories of how these principles were applied to Dave’s own children growing up (which are the best parts of the book, in my opinion), but we find out specifically how to implement them in our own families. After talking about each concept in the book, Dave and Rachel break it down by age group and tell us how to apply that concept to our own children. For instance, in the chapter on saving, we’re told that kids younger than 6 need to <em>see</em> their money so it should be kept in a clear container. Six to thirteen year olds need to set small savings goals such as saving for a toy. And children ages 14-18, need to learn how to save for something big, such as a car or college. What you end up with is a very practical guide for how to train your children to handle money at every age.<br />
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This is a very well written book. The information presented in it is practical, timely and opposite of what the rest of the world may teach your children about money. And best of all, it’s fun to read. I highly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077632/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937077632&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20" style="color: #5b5843;">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> for parents of children ages 18 and younger. Your children will thank you one day for reading this book.<br />
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I give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077632/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937077632&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20" style="color: #656039; text-decoration: none;">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> 5 out of 5 stars.</h3>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received a complementary PDF version of this book to review as a member of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077632/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937077632&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20" style="color: #5b5843;">Smart Money, Smart Kids </a>launch team. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used. If you enjoyed reading my review, please consider clicking through my links to buy the book on Amazon.</span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-34407067158453397572014-04-07T10:20:00.000-04:002014-04-07T16:09:04.000-04:00Putting Your Kids to Work<h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: 19px;">
Smart Money, Smart Kids (Part 2)</h1>
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"Work creates discipline and when you have discipline in your life, you are a healthier person." - Rachel Cruze</div>
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Saturdays begin in our home like they do in most of yours, with a little Saturday morning TV. And what comes next is probably fairly similar to most other houses as well. Around 10 AM every Saturday, it becomes chore time.</div>
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But that may be where the similarity ends. Because we don't MAKE our kids to their chores. They CHOOSE to do their chores or they choose NOT to do their chores. No, we're not some sort of progressive parents who let the kids rule in our home. We are parents who are purposefully teaching our children financial concepts that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.</div>
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The work /payday system that we implement in our house with our kids is adapted from what Dave Ramsey has taught for years out of his Financial Peace University and from his many books. And on April 22, Dave and his daughter, Rachel Cruze, are releasing their brand new book, <a href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> which goes into detail about how to raise money-smart kids in a debt-filled world.</div>
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Chapter 2 of <a data-mce-href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com" href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/">SMSK</a> is all about putting your kids to work. After explaining the Ramsey way of doing commissions instead of allowances, Rachel and Dave give several stories about what this looked like for the Ramsey kids. Then they give details on how you can implement this system in your house. If you want more details, you'll have to read the book! You can pre-order it on the <a data-mce-href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com" href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/">Smart Money, Smart Kids website</a>. If you do, you get all sorts of freebies like the free audiobook and the free e-book version of the book. If you want to look before you buy, be sure to visit <a data-mce-href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com" href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/">the site</a> and scroll down to the bottom where you can download the first 2 chapters of the book absolutely free.</div>
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So you can see how this chore/payday system might play out in your house, I'll show you what it looks like in our house.</div>
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Every year, on their birthdays, we assign our children with their chores for the year. They have 2 less chores than their age (for example, my daughter is 10 so she has 8 chores to do a week). We have chosen to assign chores that just have to do be done once a week. I make up a new chore chart every year and put it on the fridge. When the kids do their chore for the week, they put a magnet on the chart. Every Saturday night is "payday" in our house. My husband and I count the magnets under each child's name and they get $1 for each chore they have chosen to do. Then we take all the magnets off and start over for the next week. Our kids know that if they choose to do no chores, then they will get no money that week.</div>
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When choosing which chores to assign to our children, we kept some things in mind. Of course, we kept in mind their ages and what chores they could and could not physically do. For instance, our vacuum is fairly heavy, so we waited to assign vacuuming as a chore until our children were old enough to actually be able to push it. Second, we don't want our children to think that they should get paid for every little thing they do. So chores that are daily occurrences are expected to be done without a payday attached to them. Everyone is expected to help set the table for dinner, to take their dishes to the dishwasher after dinner and to straighten up the living room and the den, just to name a few. Lastly, I want my children to one day leave my house knowing how to take care of a house of their own. Yes, even the boy! Keeping that in mind, I assign my children chores that teach them some essential household skill. For example, both of our children started doing their own laundry at age 8. It's not that I really mind doing their laundry for them, but when they leave for college, I want them to have laundry down pat.</div>
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If our children really hate a chore, they can petition to have it changed. They have to have tried doing it for a couple of months first. Then they have to give us 3 good reasons why they shouldn't have to do that chore and they have to give us a suggestion for a chore to do in it's place. Sometimes, when they have done this, we have chosen to switch out a chore and sometimes we haven't. Just before their birthdays (and the annual reassigning of chores) the kids can give us a list of chore suggestions that they would like. However, Mommy and Daddy always have the final say in the which chores are assigned for the year.</div>
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In case you are wondering what sorts of things we make our kids do, I'll give you the list of chores they are currently doing. My 10 year old daughter's 8 weekly chores are: empty all the trashcans in the house, clean the master bathroom toilet, straighten her bedroom, vacuum her bedroom, clean her sink, wash/dry her clothes, fold/put away her clothes, and fix 1 meal (with plenty of parental supervision!). My 8 year old son's 6 weekly chores are: wash/dry his clothes, fold/put away his clothes, clean the hall bathroom toilet, straighten his bedroom, vacuum his bedroom, and take recyclables down to the garage.</div>
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We have been using this system for about 5 years now. Our kids are 10 and 8 now and we started each of them on the chore/payday system on their 5th birthday. It has worked really well for us. Our children know that we don't just give them money to buy things. Of course we provide for all their needs - food, clothes, school expenses. We just don't supply all their wants. That's what they are earning money for.</div>
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This system has worked really well for us. If you are interested in giving your children a payday (or commission as Dave and Rachel call it) instead of an allowance, be sure to pre-order a copy of <a data-mce-href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com" href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> and get all the details.</div>
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Next kids/money post - teaching children to spend, save and give.</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-2783014858413343532014-03-27T13:20:00.001-04:002014-03-27T13:20:35.373-04:00The First Step in Teaching our Kids about Money<h1 style="color: #656039; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 28px;">
Smart Money, Smart Kids (Part 1)</h1>
<a href="http://readmeorbust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/SMSK.png" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><img alt="SMSK" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1177" height="300" src="http://readmeorbust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/SMSK-213x300.png" style="border: 1px solid rgb(192, 189, 170); margin: 1em;" width="213" /></a><br />
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<em>(affiliate links are used)</em><br />
I’m pleased to announce that I have been selected to be part of the <a href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> launch team. Yay!!<br />
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I’m going to be telling you all about the book in bits and pieces over several weeks.<br />
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Do you want your children to learn how to handle money correctly? Do you want them to avoid some of the financial mistakes that you have made? Are you at a loss as to how to start the process? Now there’s help. <a href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> teaches you how to raise money-smart kids in a debt-filled world.<br />
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My husband and I have been huge Dave Ramsey fans for most of our marriage. I’m not sure where we originally heard about him, but early on in our marriage we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595555277/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1595555277&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">The Total Money Makeover</a> together and loved it. A few years ago we had the opportunity to go through the <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/?s_kwcid=TC|6886|financial%20peace%20university||S|e|24478283426&gclid=CJi45M_msr0CFU4R7AodNEoARQ" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Financial Peace University </a>at our church. Once again we loved all the material we were learning and we loved getting to share those ideas with others. For the last 11 years, those “others” have included our children. We, as parents, have a responsibility to teach our children good money habits. We need to teach them how to handle $10 correctly now so they can handle $10,000 correctly when they are older. Good money habits are not about how much money you have, but about the principles that govern that money.<br />
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So how do we teach our kids about money? Good question. The number one thing we can do, according to Dave Ramsey (and according to common sense), is to model good money habits ourselves. Do we tell our children to tithe their earnings at church but forget to tithe ours? Do we make our children save up for something big but pull out our credit card for every little thing we want? Our children are like little video recorders. They watch everything we do and they record it in their brains. Later when we try to make them do something that we aren't doing ourselves, they pull out that video file from their archives and say “But Mom, remember when you did…” And you’re busted! Start off your children’s financial education by getting financially educated yourself. You don’t have to have “arrived” at Financial Peace or wealth but you need to have the education and the intention to know where you plan to go financially. A good place to start is with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595555277/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1595555277&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">The Total Money Makeover</a> by Dave Ramsey. It is a step by step guide that gets you out of debt, and into saving.<br />
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If you are a Dave Ramsey fan at all, you know his background story. By the time he was in his mid-20′s he had made millions of dollars. They were living the high life….that would be a life high on debt. All that came crashing down on him and he went bankrupt with a wife and 2 small children. That was the point in his life where he decided to learn about money and to learn how to handle money. And thus began the road to financial peace. His daughter, Rachel, was a baby back then and doesn't remember the “crash” but she does remember growing up in a house where learning about money was key. In Chapter 1 of the book, she recalls her earliest days as a Ramsey kid and what it was like to grow up as a Ramsey. I really enjoy the way Rachel writes. Her story is written more like a memoir then a “how to” book. Rachel and her father, Dave, have teamed up together to write <a href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Smart Money, Smart Kids</a> so you get the interesting perspective of seeing things from both the father and the daughter’s points of view. Very cool!<br />
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I’ll tell you about chapter 2 tomorrow. But for now…<br />
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If you’d like a sneak peek at the book, visit the <a href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Smart Money, Smart Kids website</a>. Scroll on down to where it says “Start reading now for free.” Stick your email address in that little box and hit enter and the first 2 chapters of the book will be sent to you.<br />
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If, after reading those 2 chapters, you decide you want to order the book, I would highly suggest pre-ordering instead of waiting for it to come out. If you pre-order you get a bunch of cool freebies to go along with the book. You get the hard copy, the e-book version, the audiobook version and a free video lesson. You can check it all out on the <a href="https://www.smartmoneysmartkids.com/" style="color: #5b5843; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Smart Money, Smart Kids website</a>.<br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-12060306717257092202014-02-24T09:55:00.001-05:002014-02-24T09:55:36.826-05:00Living with Myofascial Pain Syndrome<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5__Gr-_eBw/UXFJAkz4_NI/AAAAAAAACAY/FO-AJwpBwG4/s1600/dreamstimefree_197455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5__Gr-_eBw/UXFJAkz4_NI/AAAAAAAACAY/FO-AJwpBwG4/s1600/dreamstimefree_197455.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/medicine-free-stock-photo-imagefree197455">Dreamstime stock photo</a> - <a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/deadandliving_info">source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
I had a friend remind me last night that it's been a while since I've posted about my health. (I just looked and <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/06/alternative-medicine-chiropractors-are.html">my last post</a> was in June of last year - yikes!) So let me update you.<br />
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I went to my last visit with the <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-new-doctor-naturopathic-and.html">Osteopathic doctor in Atlanta</a> last August. The only thing he did on that visit was upset me. I told him that I did everything he said to do. <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/04/alternative-medicine-one-month-detox.html">I ate gluten free.</a> I took the <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/05/alternative-medicine-supplements-and.html">gobs of supplements he "prescribed" for me</a>. And I was still in pain. <br />
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His response? "What pain?" <br />
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Um, hello!! The pain that I've been having for 2 years. The whole reason that I've traveled 5 hours, 3 different times to see you. The reason I did <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/04/alternative-medicine-testing.html">$11,000 worth of testing</a> at your office. <br />
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So, once again, I re-explained my pain to him. His response? "Oh that's just adhesions from your surgery. There's nothing I can do about that."<br />
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At that point I was so mad I couldn't see straight. So when he told me to keep doing all the same stuff and come back in the winter, I walked out of his office knowing I would not be back.<br />
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If a doctor can't remember, between visits, why I've come to see him and nonchalantly waves off a pain that has been majorly affecting my life over the past 2 years, then he doesn't deserve my business.<br />
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And for the record, I don't believe it's adhesions. I believe it's Myofascial Pain Syndrome. And unlike a lot of doctors (including the guy in Atlanta), I believe MPS is a real, specific condition. I have done a lot of research on the condition and I find it to have recognizable symptoms that set it apart from other conditions. Unfortunately there are no cures. Different therapies have worked for different people. And some people have had to live with the pain for the rest of their lives. Not so uplifting, I know.<br />
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So who have I been seeing? <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/06/alternative-medicine-chiropractors-are.html">Since June I've been going to see a local chiropractor.</a> I get a massage every other week from her and on the "off" weeks I get a chiropractic adjustment. She's convinced that she can get me better. <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/06/alternative-medicine-chiropractors-are.html">While I know the massages help</a>, I'm still not sure about the adjustments. What I do like is that, unlike other doctors, she remembers me from week to week and she seems willing to keep trying to figure out what is wrong with me. She hasn't given up on me like my two physical therapists did.<br />
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However, it gets frustrating. Some days, I feel like I'm starting to feel better and move better and then I try to do something that I haven't been able to do for 2 years. Something crazy - like hold a baby or sit on the floor for 10 minutes to play with my child. And then the pain comes back and I realize that I really haven't improved at all. <br />
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I might be more pessimistic than usual right now because it's been a bad week for me, pain-wise. And the worst part is I don't know why. I think I spend half of my life analyzing everything I've done to see what it was that caused my pain to flare up. Did I move funny? Sleep weird the night before? Try to pick up one too many clothes baskets? Maybe it was the extra trip I took to Walmart walking around, or the fact that it's 40 degrees colder (or hotter) than normal. <br />
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And the truth is...WHO KNOWS???????<br />
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I certainly can't figure it out. What I do know for sure is that it's incredibly frustrating. I shouldn't have to analyze every movement of every day. Changes in temperature outside shouldn't affect my muscles like they do. I shouldn't have to wonder if my side will start feeling like it's on fire halfway through the church service. I <i>should </i>be able to live my life like a normal 35 year old woman.<br />
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But I can't.<br />
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It's frustrating to see everyone post on Facebook about the awesome workout that they had and how they lifted a gazillion pounds and did 5000 miles in cycling class. I love exercising. It used to be the best way for me to relieve stress. But I haven't been able to do it in over 2 years. I <i>should </i>be able to workout and enjoy the feeling of my body getting stronger.<br />
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But I can't.<br />
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It's frustrating when my children automatically run to pick up things I've dropped because they know I can't bend down well to pick them up. It's frustrating when I know we are spending hundreds of dollars a month on prescriptions and doctor's visits for something we can't even see or really even diagnose well. <br />
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I don't want you to think that it's all bad and that I'm not able to enjoy anything. I have developed coping mechanisms and, for the most part, have learned my limitations. I am still able to do things with my kids, just not on the floor and nothing strenuous. I am still able to have leadership positions within PTA and at my church. They just have to be administrative positions and not hands-on positions. I am still able to laugh and enjoy life, just with a more limited set of movements than before.<br />
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Living with pain, taking 7 extra pills a day, vising the pain doctor once a month, and guarding my every move have now become a way of life for me. I pray every day to be healed but if I am not, I will survive. I don't want to let this thing beat me.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-12334942866375727342014-02-17T10:22:00.003-05:002014-02-17T10:22:59.546-05:00Snowstorm PaxLast week we had an unusual occurrence around here. <br />
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We had 7" of snow. That's a lot for Tennessee. <br />
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There are only a few times in my life that I remember getting that much snow. About 4 years ago, it snowed the last day of school before Christmas break. On that day, the sky unleashed buckets of snow and we got 6" in about 2 hours. Before that there was the blizzard of 1993, where we had 12" of snow (and no power for several days) and the blizzard of 1996, which was about the same, 12".<br />
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Other than that, we usually get 2" or less. Usually less. Not that the weatherman hasn't called for snow in the past. We just haven't really gotten the snow that they said might come. This time it came.<br />
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I'm thankful for our school system that believed the weatherman this time (I believed him. My phone said 100% chance of snow.) and dismissed our kids early on Wed. Not only that, but they told us the night before that they would be dismissing early, which meant we could all prepare and people could get babysitters if they needed to.<br />
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Anyway, school got out at 12 and the snow started about 2:30 or so. It snowed off and on all night and we ended up with 7" and 2 more days out of school. But they were a fun two days. The kids played in the snow at our house and played in the snow at my Mom's house. They watched TV and played video games. And we watched several movies as a family - the first two Lord of the Rings movies and the latest Superman movie.<br />
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While a few days off are fun, I have to admit that I was ready for them to go back to school this morning. <br />
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Because apparently the weather likes to be crazy around here, we will have temperatures in the 50's and 60's this week. It's likely to snow the week after just because that's how it's been all winter. Cold and snowy one week, abnormally high temps the next. It just needs to make up it's mind and become Spring already.<br />
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I'll leave you with some pictures of my snowy yard and my snowy kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfROPauXxPo/UwIoiSvjpuI/AAAAAAAACho/K18C4D5bD0g/s1600/2014-02-13+10.53.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfROPauXxPo/UwIoiSvjpuI/AAAAAAAACho/K18C4D5bD0g/s1600/2014-02-13+10.53.41.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David sledding</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L_XONqtghE/UwIojpU8LFI/AAAAAAAACh8/LT9LfYGSYvs/s1600/2014-02-13+10.56.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L_XONqtghE/UwIojpU8LFI/AAAAAAAACh8/LT9LfYGSYvs/s1600/2014-02-13+10.56.39.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie measuring the snow.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neYN9q2P2-M/UwIokSFIs-I/AAAAAAAACiE/xXKmecy8EiY/s1600/2014-02-13+10.56.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neYN9q2P2-M/UwIokSFIs-I/AAAAAAAACiE/xXKmecy8EiY/s1600/2014-02-13+10.56.45.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-37409960428414443282014-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:002014-01-30T10:00:02.338-05:00Disney/Universal 2013 Day 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Missed one of my Disney trip posts? Catch up on <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-1.html">day 1</a>, <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-2.html">day 2</a>, <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/disneyuniversal-2013-day-3.html">day 3</a>, <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/disneyuniversal-2013-day-4.html">day 4</a> and <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2014/01/disneyuniversal-day-5.html">day 5</a>.</i><br />
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<b>Thursday</b><br />
Day 6 was our Epcot Day. Pop quiz! Anyone know what EPCOT stands for? The answer is at the bottom of the post.<br />
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We started off our Epcot day with our favorite ride - Test Track!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ4ZWhFojbw/Ut6HqD8fwyI/AAAAAAAACdc/ZYdCVGye-qk/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ4ZWhFojbw/Ut6HqD8fwyI/AAAAAAAACdc/ZYdCVGye-qk/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We loved it the last time we came and now it is even better. Disney has updated it with an area that lets you design your own car. As you go through the ride, you test your car on different factors such as speed, agility, etc. Then at the end, you find out who's car did the best overall and that person is the winner. And, of course, you store all that data in your handy-dandy MagicBand, which you scan as you are going onto the ride to load your car data.<br />
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Using my awesome Disney know-how, we managed to ride Test Track 3 times without ever having to stand in line. Fortunately for us, we visited at a time when both the new Fastpass+ and the older Fastpass machines were both in service. We <strike>ran </strike>walked really fast to Test Track when the gates opened. We got on it immediately. When we were done, we went and got a Fastpass to ride again (Fastpass line = no line). Then we already had a Fastpass+ reserved so we got to ride it a third time with no wait. Score!!<br />
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There was really fun area at the end of Test Track. Really it was one big advertisement for General Motors cars, but to the kids, it was a fun place to take futuristic pictures. You got to pick the background and features such as fireworks in the sky or what was shown on the planet next to the car. Then you ran and got in place and it took your picture. The pictures were then emailed to you (with some GM propaganda in there too). Here are some we engineered together.<br />
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We visited several other rides, including Soarin', which we also had a Fastpass+ for. Then it was on to the World Showcase.<br />
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When we came to <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/disney-epcot.html">Disney in 2011, we came to Epcot</a> and started around the countries to the right. We only made it halfway around before everyone was hot, tired and whiny. So we left without seeing the rest of the countries.<br />
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This time my goal was to go around to the left and see the other half of the countries.<br />
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We started in Mexico. And since you can't go through the World Showcase without some entertainment for the kids, we picked up an Agent P phone on the way. Did we mention how much the kids fought over that phone the last time we came? Guess what? Nothing's changed. They still fought over that phone.<br />
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But the special effects with the phone were great. You stand in one particular spot and push a button and Doofensmertz pops up out of a pot. Or guitars on the wall start moving and singing. Really cool.<br />
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Mexico was our favorite, mostly because it was inside and air conditioned. It seems like every time we go to Epcot, it's exceptionally hot that day. It was close to 100 the day we went, and that was in Oct! They need to build some more shade in that place!<br />
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It was on to China next, which was beautiful and serene.<br />
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We made it over to Norway to ride Maelstrom (our last Fastpass+ for the day) and we were sorely disappointed. First of all, we shouldn't have wasted a Fastpass+ on that. The line wasn't long at all. And then it seemed like a joke of a ride. It is touted as a tame roller coaster. I didn't find it roller coaster-ish at all. My recommendation is that unless you really want to know about Norse history, you should skip that ride.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12dCuljrDts/Ut6RLynZhCI/AAAAAAAACeM/3UBXYiDC5hE/s1600/2013-10-17+13.28.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12dCuljrDts/Ut6RLynZhCI/AAAAAAAACeM/3UBXYiDC5hE/s1600/2013-10-17+13.28.02.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Well, once again we made it halfway around and everyone was hot, tired and whiny. So, like before, we took the boat back across the lagoon and headed back to our hotel. I guess it's just par for the course for us at Epcot to only see half the countries every visit. And, once again, we didn't make it to the Illuminations fireworks show. Oh well, it gives us something to shoot for next time.<br />
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EPCOT = Experimental, prototype city of tomorrow<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-11050351540693978282014-01-29T10:00:00.000-05:002014-01-31T14:37:14.175-05:00Disney/Universal Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Read all about our recent Disney trip: <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-1.html">Day 1</a>, <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-2.html">Day 2</a>, <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/disneyuniversal-2013-day-3.html">Day 3</a> and <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/disneyuniversal-2013-day-4.html">Day 4</a> are available.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <b>Wednesday</b><br />
I have to admit, Wednesday was the day I was most looking forward to. What day was that, you ask? Hollywood Studios day!! I LOVE DHS (Disney's Hollywood Studios, for all the non-Disney geeks out there). <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/disney-hollywood-studios.html">After missing out on the Jedi academy 2 years before</a>, I was NOT going to let my kids miss out on it this time.<br />
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Following our normal Disney touring day protocol, we arrived at the park early. Like, <i>really </i>early, about an hour before it opened. We were the first ones in our line. And seeing as this was our first day at a Disney park for the week, I was pretty nervous about just using our Magicbands to get in. I had linked our tickets to the band myself using the <a href="http://www.mydisneyexperience.com/">myDisneyExperience</a> website. I had my fingers crossed that I did it right and that it would all work (I also had our paper tickets with me, just in case it didn't work). Luckily, we met some very nice gentlemen working the gate. We talked to them for almost the whole hour. And they let us scan our bands a few minutes early so we could be ready to <strike>run</strike> walk really fast to <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/star-wars-jedi-training-academy/">sign the kids up to be Jedis</a>.<br />
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And it worked!!<br />
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We were the second family in line to sign the kids up and we got our pick of times. I had to make sure to work around our Fastpass+ reservations that we already had, but I got them signed up to fight Darth Vader, every young Padawan's dream.<br />
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Then we did what all good Disney patrons do while at DHS, we ran to Toy Story Mania, the best ride in all of the Disney parks. We had to wait in line about 10 minutes but it wasn't too bad. We also got to ride this again later with a Fastpass+. I could ride that thing a million times and still love it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing the new Disney lanyards.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE the Toy Story themed queue. <br />
Makes waiting in line just a little bit more fun.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gL5njMYYzT0/UufexLEu3-I/AAAAAAAACe8/GmTBgdQ6UQg/s1600/IMG_1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gL5njMYYzT0/UufexLEu3-I/AAAAAAAACe8/GmTBgdQ6UQg/s1600/IMG_1091.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had bought myself and kids Disney lanyards the day before, in hopes that we could do pin trading this time. But, sadly, we didn't see anyone else with them on in DHS or Epcot, so we didn't get to do any pin trading. Must be a Magic Kingdom thing...<br />
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Other fun attractions for the day:<br />
<u>Lights, Motor, Action stunt show</u> - We didn't see that show the last time we were there so this was a first. The show was awesome! A lot of really cool driving and impressive stunts. David, especially, really liked it.<br />
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<u>Star Tours</u> - We, finally, got to ride the new Star Wars ride. It was closed for upgrades the last time we were there. We made up for lost time by riding it three times this trip. Once with a Fastpass+, once with a regular Fastpass and once just standing in line. The line went really fast so it wasn't too bad. During the ride, they pick one rider to be the "the Jedi rebel spy." David was lucky enough to be chosen the first time we rode and got his picture up on the screen. <br />
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Here's my little rebel spy riding his speeder.</div>
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And the Jedi princess...</div>
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Not looking very princess like, but that's OK.</div>
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<u>Sci-Fi Cafe</u> - Several people suggested that we eat lunch at the Sci-Fi Cafe. We tried to get reservations and, in fact, we had some, but they were for 2 in the afternoon and we really wanted to eat earlier than that. We decided to risk it and try to get first come, first serve seating. We showed up at 11 when they opened and got seated pretty quickly. Unfortunately, the non-reservation seating wasn't in the cool 2 bench cars that face the screen. It was in the limo that is sideways to the screen. It made it harder to see the movie clips. And it was <i>very </i>dark which made it kind of hard to see to eat our food. Overall, our experience wasn't stellar and I don't think we'll go back there in the future.<br />
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Then it was time for the big event - <u>The Jedi Training Academy</u>!! <br />
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The Padawans all met to get their robes on and to answer trivia questions about Star Wars. That part was a little odd. The trivia questions were given by someone who wasn't a native English speaker. You could tell this was her first time doing this particular job. So you have a non-English speaker trying to ask questions with weird Star Wars words in them. It didn't go over well. The parents ended up repeating everything she said in more plain English for the kids.<br />
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Then it was time to go out on the stage. Every Padawan got a light saber and learned a little fight routine with it (one they would use later when Darth Vader comes out).<br />
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Then it was time to fight the evil Darth Vader. Both kids did great! And the professional photographer's pictures were so much better than mine that I splurged and bought some of his pictures. <br />
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I just love the tye-dye shirt under the Jedi robe, very mysterious.<br />
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David got to be the only one to use the "force push" on the storm troopers. It worked too!<br />
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I love how his little feet are up in the air in that picture. He's so into the whole experience that he's jumping to "force push" those bad guys back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure joy!!</td></tr>
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In the end, they all got diplomas which graduates them from Padawan learners to true Jedi! The Jedi Training Academy experience was truly wonderful!</div>
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We loved, loved, LOVED, our Hollywood Studios touring day! The weather was perfect. The rides were perfect. And we did everything we set out to do. Two thumbs up for Disney!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNt--VO8XWE/UugwH3jpC2I/AAAAAAAACg8/8EbxcgS7Ifk/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNt--VO8XWE/UugwH3jpC2I/AAAAAAAACg8/8EbxcgS7Ifk/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pop quiz: Anyone remember what movie this spaceship is from?</td></tr>
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Stay tuned for <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2014/01/disneyuniversal-2013-day-6.html">Day 6</a>!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-14610696736689984832014-01-14T10:27:00.000-05:002014-01-14T10:27:12.350-05:002 months, Oh my!Somehow I blinked and 2 months passed with no post from me. Oops.<br />
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Christmas and New Years came and went. Presents were opened. Lots of food was eaten. It was a good year. I'll try to put up a Christmas post later this week. Oh, and I still have to finish our Disney trip recap too, sometime. Better late than never, right?<br />
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While you're waiting for those exciting posts, feel free to browse <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/2013/12/19/say-goodbye-to-survival-mode/">my newest book reviews</a> over at my other site, <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/">Read me or Bust</a>. You can search for a book by title in the search box, browse by genre or just read the latest reviews on the home page. Happy reading!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-21010282715053191162013-11-13T09:15:00.000-05:002013-11-13T09:15:14.974-05:00Julie's Hernia SurgeryMonday was a hard day for me. <br />
My little girl had to have surgery.<br />
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It was a pretty minor surgery but the hardest part was that she was so anxious about it.<br />
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About a month ago, I took Julie to the doctor for a sinus infection. While we were there, the doctor discovered <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189580.php">an umbilical hernia</a>. She had a tiny hole in her muscle right behind her belly button. When she tightened up her stomach muscles, her belly button would inflate like a little balloon. Then as she loosened, the doctor would push it back in. Every baby has that little hole when they are in their mom's belly. It is supposed to close up shortly before birth and sometimes shortly after birth. If it doesn't, surgery is required to close it up.<br />
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So, has she had this since birth? We have no way of knowing. This doctor is the first one to notice it. It is possible that it just was never big enough to notice before and that as she grew, the hole grew too. Or it could be that the muscles there were weak and she just pulled it and caused the hole more recently. Either way, when it was discovered her pediatrician thought it was significant enough to send us to a surgeon. And the surgeon said she needed to get it fixed. <br />
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Even though the hole was very small (the size of her belly button), it was dangerous to do nothing. That little "inflating like a balloon" that I mentioned earlier was her insides coming out of that hole. And even though they went back in every time that we were looking at them, it is very common for someone with a hernia to have their insides come out and get stuck. And if they get stuck, it can cause major damage to the person's intestines. The surgeon told us the smaller the hole was the more dangerous it was because it was harder for whatever came out to get back in.<br />
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In light of all that, we opted for the surgery. Since it wasn't an emergency (yet), we had some time to pick a date that worked best for us. I made sure to pick a week that there weren't any big tests at school and we picked Monday morning for the surgery so she could have a full week to heal.<br />
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Monday we got up insanely early since we had to be at the hospital at 5:50 AM. Julie was most concerned about getting an IV and despite the fact that they gave her <a href="http://sleep.emedtv.com/versed/versed.html">Versed </a>and numbed her hand with a topical bandage, she still freaked out when they put that IV in. I really think it was the thought of something in her vein and the anticipation of pain that she was upset about. The anesthesiologist told us she was already numb when it went in.<br />
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They took her back soon after that and a friend of ours from church got to be her anesthesiologist and take good care of her during the surgery. The actual procedure wasn't long at all, about 20 minutes. She did great. As soon as she started waking up, they let us go back to recovery with her.<br />
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As you can see, the first thing we did was to give her all her lovies. She might look peaceful here but this was taken just before the storm unleashed. She was hysterical and was crying and thrashing all around. She kept telling us that there were too many wires and to get these wires off of her (imagine that with a LOT more emphasis). She kept saying "I want to go home," over and over and crying through the whole thing. We were pretty upset because we couldn't calm her down. But the nurses didn't even bat an eyelash. They just said "She's fine. That's just how kids wake up from anesthesia." But it was very rough to go through.<br />
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She pretty much went beserk until she got moved back into a Same Day Surgery room. And that room held the magic box with the magical words on the corner - "Disney Channel." Yes, the TV was a life saver. We turned on the Disney channel and like a magic wand, she stopped crying and was mesmerized by the TV. We breathed a sigh of relief and called in our parents who were all in the waiting room. She even got some cool "Get Well Soon" balloons.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesmerized by the TV</td></tr>
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After an hour or so there, she was doing so much better. She drank some apple juice and ate some crackers. They got her up to walk and that was the first time that she felt any pain. When she got back in bed, she was in a fair amount of pain. We got her some pain medicine and waited about 30 minutes to make sure she didn't get sick from it. Then we got to go home. It was about noon when we got back here. Everyone was so tired from emotional stress and from getting up so early. Tim and Julie got a couple hours of sleep. I only got about 45 minutes of sleep because I wanted to be sure to be awake when David got home from school. I knew he was worried about his sister and I needed to reassure him that she was OK.<br />
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Since then Julie has done very well. She's been a good patient and is healing quickly. She will be out of school for the whole week. I hope that by the time she goes back next week that she'll be pain free. She won't be able to do gym class for 6 weeks but I assured her that she would be well enough to jump up and down on Christmas Day.<br />
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Thankfully she doesn't have any stitches on the outside. She has stitches on the inside to close the hole, but they used <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanoacrylate">DermaBond </a>on the outside, which is surgical super glue. That means she can take a shower ("She's waterproof" is what the surgeon said) and she doesn't have to go get any stitches removed. The glue is also less likely to leave a scar which is good.<br />
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All in all, it was a minor procedure, but it was still emotional and stressful for me and for Tim. I will be glad when my little girl is back to normal again. And in case you want to see it, she took a picture of her belly button to send to a friend. If you don't want to see it, just close the window now.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2R8a2x5T-k/UoN8cpu0sRI/AAAAAAAACas/AWK8pttJSZI/s1600/2013-11-12+16.27.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2R8a2x5T-k/UoN8cpu0sRI/AAAAAAAACas/AWK8pttJSZI/s320/2013-11-12+16.27.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-39706156086949706442013-11-06T10:00:00.000-05:002014-01-29T13:50:53.789-05:00Disney/Universal 2013 Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s320/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Read all about our Disney trip! <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-1.html">Day 1</a>, <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-2.html">day 2</a> and <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/disneyuniversal-2013-day-3.html">day 3</a> posts are up.</i><br />
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<b>Tuesday</b><br />
Tuesday was our "free day" meaning we didn't schedule a park visit for that day. We had a free day in the middle of the week the last time we came to Disney and it worked out really well. So we decided to do it again. <br />
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We slept in on Tuesday (as you have noticed by now, that is one of our favorite things to do). Then it was back to Downtown Disney for some intense shopping.<br />
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We started out at the Disney "Design-a-Tee" store. That was pretty neat. There were kiosks all over the store that you use to design your own T-shirt. You choose the color of the shirt, which design you want on the shirt and what words you want to write. You submit the design and pay for it, then you go back about 45 minutes later and the shirt is all ready for you. Julie and I each designed a shirt. Hers originally had Mickey holding a British flag saying "I love Harry Potter" but when we went to submit that, they wouldn't let her use the phrase "Harry Potter." The guy said he thought it was copyrighted but I think it was more that it was advertising for their competition. Anyway, she kept the picture but changed the words to "Disney World 2013." Not quite as unique but still her. She ordered it in adult large so she could use it as a night shirt. That baffled the guy too. He wanted to change it to a child's large and almost didn't believe us when we said, no, that's really what she wants. In the long run she got the shirt in the adult large and she has slept in it almost every night since.<br />
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We explored the World of Disney store for a while. There is <i>soooo </i>much to see there in all it's 12 rooms of Disney themed stuff, it takes a while to get through it. Julie and I each got Mickey earrings and I spent a while looking at the Disney Infinity XBOX game. That is high on our Christmas list this year. There was a nice employee who took a lot of time answering my questions about the game. It looks like a really great game with a lot of playability and tons of possible expansions onto it. It could keep us busy for a while.<br />
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Incidentally, I was surprised that the huge World of Disney store didn't have accessories for the new Magic Bands. Those were only found in the store at the resort, but I didn't discover that until the day we were leaving. At that point it was really too late. The bands were coming off within the hour, so I didn't buy anything. But if I had known about them earlier in the trip, I definitely would have bought some. They, obviously, need to have those things available to buy in other places because everyone I saw at the Disney parks had a Magic Band on.<br />
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Then we moved onto one of our favorite stores - the Lego store.<br />
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As you can tell, I gave Julie the camera while we were at the Lego store. I knew David just wanted to look for a while and play for a while and that Julie would get bored fast. So I had the idea to let her use my camera. She took about 20 pictures of everything. She had Tim and I pose in different ways and she took lots of pictures from different angles. She really had a good time and didn't whine or complain once. So my camera idea was completely brilliant, if I do say so myself.<br />
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David was a little sad that he only had money left for one small Lego set. But it was his choice to spend it all the day before. He knew the Lego store was on the agenda. He still had a good time playing with everything and looking at all the built sets behind the glass. We did buy David a big gray flat Lego board. We had bought him one the last time we were there and he uses it all the time. Since they are only available in the store, we decided to get a second one. I also got him $5 off his set by using my Lego VIP card. I think it was nice of me to let <i>him </i>use it instead of me, but I'm nice like that sometimes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Lego store. David has a Minecraft Lego set and <br />
Tim is looking off at some other Legos somewhere. <br />
Yes, the Lego store holds the attention of boys, young and old.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">For lunch we ate at T-Rex. It's owned by the Rainforest Cafe so it has a similar type of decorating but all in dinosaurs. </span></div>
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There was a little play place that kids could dig up "dinosaur bones" in. It occupied our kids for the short wait until we were seated.</div>
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We got to sit in this cool room that was an ice cave. The lights kept changing colors so the room would go from blue to red. It was pretty neat, although it was a little dark which made it hard to see our food...but still worth it for the cool factor.<br />
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I convinced David to order the ribs that were on the kids meal. It was the only non chicken nugget/pizza or hotdog that he ate all week. And he LOVED them.<br />
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Speaking of food...we were very fortunate on this trip. Once again we had chosen not to sign up for the Disney meal plan, believing that we could buy food for cheaper than the cost of the meal plan. Technically the meal plan was being offered for "free". But, as we know, nothing is really free in this world. When we visited Disney in 2011 we had bought 8-day, no-expiration-date tickets. We used 4 days on the 2011 trip so we still had days left on those tickets that we were using this time. In order to get the "free" meal plan, we would have had to buy new Disney tickets, which aren't cheap. So for us, the meal plan wasn't really free.<br />
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But...we did have a bunch of rewards built up on a gift card from when we used to use a Disney Rewards credit card. I thought we had about $250 but I hadn't really checked. When we used our gift card to pay the first time, the balance printed on the receipt and it was $400!! We used that money to pay for our meals on the trip as well as for a lot of the souvenirs we bought and it covered almost all of them. Besides the food we ate while traveling down there and back, we paid for food in Universal, of course, and for 2 meals at the resort. And. That. Was. It. Yay!<br />
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After lunch we visited the Disney Christmas store for our obligatory 2013 Mickey ornament. I also bought Julie an ornament for the tree in her room (since we had bought David something at the Lego store). Then we rode the bus back to Pop Century. We all went for a swim that night in the flower pool and the kids played some of the games they had going on - a cake walk kind of game and a big wheel race. We had dinner at the resort and turned in early. We had to get our rest for the next day - the day I had been waiting for - Hollywood Studios!<br />
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Check out what we did on <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2014/01/disneyuniversal-day-5.html">Day 5</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-83924094725398701192013-11-04T10:00:00.000-05:002013-11-07T13:32:24.210-05:00Disney/Universal 2013: Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s320/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Need to catch up? Read about <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-1.html">Day 1</a> and <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-2.html">Day 2</a> here.</i><br />
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<b>Monday</b><br />
This was it. The big day had finally arrived. It was <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/Amusement_Parks/Islands_of_Adventure/islands_of_adventure.aspx">Universal Studios Islands of Adventure</a> day, or as my kids like to call it "Harry Potter Land" day.<br />
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Julie, especially, is a <i>huge </i>Harry Potter fan. She has read all the books several times and watched all the movies. She's played on the Pottermore website and loves the Lego Harry Potter video games on both the XBOX and her DSi. For over a year now she has been waiting and anticipating visiting <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/Amusement_Parks/Islands_of_Adventure/islands_of_adventure.aspx">Islands of Adventure </a>and going to the <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Parks/Islands-of-Adventure/Wizarding-World-of-Harry-Potter.aspx">Wizarding World of Harry Potter</a>.<br />
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The rest of us love Harry Potter too. <br />
Julie just loves him more.<br />
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Unlike the two previous days, on this day we woke early and got to the park an hour before it opened. We weren't the first people in line, but we were close. As a true type-A personality, I had researched the park and knew that the Harry Potter part fills up early. Everyone goes there first then goes to visit the rest of the park later in the day. So our strategy was to do all the other stuff in the park while all the crowds were in the Wizarding World, then go see Harry Potter Land a little later when it was less crowded. That strategy kinda worked. We were just so excited about the Harry Potter part that we couldn't stand to wait too long to go there.<br />
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We started out on the Hulk roller coaster. Tim and I had to do the child-swap option because David wasn't tall enough - poor kid. Julie got to ride it twice, once with each parent. She absolutely loved it. Tim and I liked it but came off with a headache so it made it a little less fun. Then we did the Spiderman ride - absolutely phenomenal. We rode that one again later in the day. It's one of those rides that combines a moving car with 3D images on big screens. We all liked that one. Julie and I rode Doctor Doom's freefall. It was fun but kind of anticlimactic. I was expecting it to be scary but it wasn't at all. Tim and David were very interested in the Marvel stores and all the cool comic book paraphernalia they could buy there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiderman happened to be in his store when we got there and<br />
we had an impromptu picture made with him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spidey riding away with Wolverine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out in Wolverine's claw.</td></tr>
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After that we just couldn't hold out any longer. We had to go see Harry and Hogwarts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hogwarts express</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're finally in Hogsmeade!</td></tr>
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We visited Zonko's joke shop and Honeyduke's Candy store. Then it was on to the wand shop. If you just wanted to buy a wand, you could go directly into the shop. If you wanted to see the magical wand presentation, you had to stand in line 45 minutes. Our kids wanted to see the magical wand presentation. They let in about 30 people at a time and they only pick 2 to take part in the presentation. Our children were not picked. But it was still a cool presentation - drawers move, magical little sounds and lights come on. It was fun.<br />
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Then our kids got to go into the store and pick a wand. They give out wands by birthdays but since both Julie and David are June babies, Julie picked a different month's wand so we could tell them apart. Tim decided he needed Dumbledore's wand.<br />
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At $35 a pop, they are making a fortune in that store.<br />
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We rode the Dragon Challenge dueling roller coasters. Well, Julie and I did anyway. It rattled you around a lot and I wasn't a huge fan, but the styling of the queue was pretty cool. It was from the fourth book where Harry competes in the Tri-Wizard Tournament.<br />
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We got to eat lunch at The Three Broomsticks. I think it was some of the best food we had all week. They had <i>real </i>food - roasted chicken, fish, lemonade - you know, the good stuff. It was jam packed but they did a great job of finding tables for people. I was impressed with that place.<br />
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In Hogsmeade, the kids also made their biggest purchases of the trip. For this trip we told our children that they needed to save up their own money to spend. Julie saved up $250 and David had $150. The only things I bought them were pin lanyards, a Lego board (for David) and an ornament (for Julie). Everything else was up to them. So they each decided to get these.<br />
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Hogwarts robes. $110 each. Yes, you read that right. They decided to spend almost ALL of their money on robes and a wand. As much we we tried to discourage them, it was <i>their </i>money. I strongly believe your children need to be able to make mistakes with their money now so they can learn for the future. Better to waste $100 now then to waste $10,000 later in life. They both still say they were glad they made that purchase, however David was very wistful in the Lego store later when he didn't have money left to buy anything. Needless to say, these are their Halloween costumes this year.<br />
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While in Hogsmeade we also rode one of David's funnest rides of the trip, Flight of the Hippogriff. It's a little roller coaster that was more his size. I loved to see his grin and hear him yell "This is totally awesome!" into the wind. I love to see my children happy.<br />
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And, to make Tim happy, we rode the Jurassic Park ride and got soaking wet (he liked the Jurassic Park part not the getting wet part).<br />
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This is getting to be an incredibly long post so I will sum it up here. Universal Islands of Adventure was great! It had fast roller coasters as well as great theming. There were rides that each of us loved there. It wasn't my favorite park of the trip but it was a close second. For Julie it was her absolute favorite.<br />
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We ended up leaving about 5 and getting dinner at the resort. Of course that was after we had Cinnabons and ice cream in the park for snacks. Nothing like thoroughly ruining your dinner because you are on vacation. And just because you can.<br />
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<a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/disneyuniversal-2013-day-4.html">Onto Day 4</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-14201145430167199772013-11-01T09:55:00.001-04:002013-11-01T09:55:12.074-04:00Halloween 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had so much fun last night. The kids didn't have any homework so we could just party, party, party.</div>
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As you can see below, this is why you shouldn't have 2 wizards in the family - dueling matches. Oh, and in case you can't tell, David is Harry Potter and Julie is Luna Lovegood. She really wanted to have Ravenclaw robes and Luna was easiest to be since Julie was blond already.</div>
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I told them to pose together and act like they liked each other. I didn't notice until later that Julie was pointing her wand at David's head. So much for acting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna with the spectrograph glasses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Harry Potter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to trick-or-treat and party with our friends, <br />the big, bad wolf and a Minecraft enderman.</td></tr>
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We partied all night with our friends from the neighborhood and with my sister's family. We started off at the Trunk or Treat event at our church. Then we all went back to our house for pizza. Last we walked around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. The weather was perfect - not too cold, but not hot either. There was a bunch of kids out and we loved seeing all the cute and creative costumes. The kids got a great stash and didn't get too high on candy. We ended at our friends' house and the kids stayed to play for a few minutes before going home to meet up with daddy. He had stayed home to pass out the candy...such a sacrifice.<br />
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All in all, we had a great Halloween.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-89917010047636355802013-10-30T10:00:00.000-04:002013-11-06T09:35:58.239-05:00Disney/Universal 2013: Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACRA/GS_I7Y2x-w4/s320/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Missed <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-1.html">Day 1</a>? Read about it <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-1.html">here</a>.</i><br />
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<b>Sunday</b><br />
Once again, since we only had about 6 hours to go on Sunday, we slept in as long as we could. <br />
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Growing up, my parents were big proponents of waking up early to go on road trips. Of course, we usually went on 10-12 hour trips to visit my grandparents in NJ, so getting an early head start was necessary if you wanted to get there while it was still daylight. We would leave at 6 AM to go on trips, sometimes even earlier. Tim is not like my Dad in that respect. If he has the chance to sleep in, he takes it, even if it means driving until the wee hours of the night. Mostly I'm fine with that philosophy. I, personally, don't like to drive on the interstate at night, but if Tim is doing the driving then I usually don't mind. But, back to our story...<br />
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We had a continental breakfast in the hotel and left about 10 AM. We made it to Orlando around 4 and checked into our resort, <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/pop-century-resort/">Pop Century</a>, Disney's celebration of pop culture. As I told Tim, this hotel is gaudier and more over the top than <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2011/05/disney-lodging.html">our last one</a> (<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-french-quarter/">Port Orleans, French Quarter</a>), but it's also cheaper :).<br />
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The hotel is divided up into buildings by decades: 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. We were in an 80's building with Pac-Man on the side. It was pretty cool. Here are some of the sculptures we passed on the way to eat every day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, the Big Wheel. It reminded Tim of Big Wheel races he had when he was a kid.</td></tr>
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One day at the pool, they had big wheel races with the kids. It was a nail bitter of girls versus boys. Despite almost being too big for the thing, Julie helped the girls pull out a win as the anchor driver for the team. Yay, girls!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant fuseball players.</td></tr>
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These pictures of our room were taken the morning we left so please excuse the mess. We were trying to get everything packed up and the thought occurred to me that I hadn't taken any pictures. So here they are.<br />
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The room wasn't overly big but it worked for us. I do have to admit that after spending a week in the same room as all the rest of my family, I was ready for my own house again and for children being in their own rooms and for privacy. At night, we would put the kids to bed, then drag the two chairs into the bathroom area and close the curtain. Then Tim and I would play on our computers and whisper. That was as private as it got, people. <br />
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I must give a shout out to the best app ever invented - <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmsoft.whitenoise.lite">White Noise Lite</a>. Totally awesome! You pick your background noise (oscillating fan is our favorite) and voila, sleepy kids. The kids would be loud and wiggly in bed until we turned that app on and, boom, they were out like a light. Here's a little tip for you: use your child's tablet to play the white noise and you can make sure they aren't sneaking in Netflix after bedtime.<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_i5a1tG9jI/Um-8MUJ2f0I/AAAAAAAACS8/qMWYCpJHrXk/s1600/2013-10-18+09.54.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_i5a1tG9jI/Um-8MUJ2f0I/AAAAAAAACS8/qMWYCpJHrXk/s320/2013-10-18+09.54.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool outside our building. This was the computer pool. <br />
There was also a flower pool and a bowling pin pool at the resort.</td></tr>
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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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Af1xcluoRng/Um-8LXRGbGI/AAAAAAAACSw/0HJ5Sgv1OjY/s1600/2013-10-18+09.55.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Af1xcluoRng/Um-8LXRGbGI/AAAAAAAACSw/0HJ5Sgv1OjY/s320/2013-10-18+09.55.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to see, but that's a stack of floppy disks at the end of the pool.<br />
Our kids use our old ones of those to make bases for their Lego people.</td></tr>
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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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCgBtsjFOKE/Um-8MdGKpPI/AAAAAAAACS4/-49DwYyLVnU/s1600/2013-10-18+09.55.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCgBtsjFOKE/Um-8MdGKpPI/AAAAAAAACS4/-49DwYyLVnU/s320/2013-10-18+09.55.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The giant Walkman on the side of our building.<br />
Feeling like your back in the 80's yet?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrEWJnHSc_8/Um-8M7ypSQI/AAAAAAAACTA/sW4u5MieR-Q/s1600/2013-10-18+09.56.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrEWJnHSc_8/Um-8M7ypSQI/AAAAAAAACTA/sW4u5MieR-Q/s320/2013-10-18+09.56.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the stairways were Rubix cubes. Only one of them was solved.</td></tr>
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After a little unpacking, we headed to one of our favorite Disney spots, Downtown Disney. We did some shopping and ate dinner at the Wolfgang Puck Express. It was very crowded at Downtown Disney that night, a little unnerving for me. I was afraid of losing my kids. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCt96KHNSPc/Um_XORDHMAI/AAAAAAAACTc/17qL3lSRNqI/s1600/2013-10-13+13.14.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCt96KHNSPc/Um_XORDHMAI/AAAAAAAACTc/17qL3lSRNqI/s320/2013-10-13+13.14.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday lunch at Cracker Barrel on the road.</td></tr>
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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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcqlrUGsoHA/Um_XOv7IASI/AAAAAAAACTg/ljvUz56y9us/s1600/2013-10-13+18.29.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcqlrUGsoHA/Um_XOv7IASI/AAAAAAAACTg/ljvUz56y9us/s320/2013-10-13+18.29.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Wolfgang Puck's in Downtown Disney.<br />
David is showing off his new Disney pin lanyard with a Star Wars pin on it.</td></tr>
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That was it for Sunday's entertainment. We went back after dinner to get lots of sleep before our first day of touring began. Stay tuned for Monday and Universal Studios.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/disneyuniversal-2013-day-3.html">Read about Day 3</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-13475368138192166532013-10-28T10:17:00.000-04:002013-10-30T10:13:14.421-04:00Disney/Universal 2013: Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACQ8/3mGJd6LKaU0/s1600/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbR83qkHZeg/Um5j3ywfNxI/AAAAAAAACQ8/3mGJd6LKaU0/s320/wdw201329013815811_6872127453_18.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Saturday</b><br />
Hi guys! It's been a while. I could tell you all about my busy Fall as Awana commander and PTA president, but I'll spare you the details...well, at least for now. That may be a future post. Instead, I'm here to tell you all about our vacation to Orlando.<br />
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This vacation has been a long time coming. Way back a year ago, in October 2012, we had planned a Disney/Universal vacation. However, <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2012/11/downward-spiral-part-1.html">I got really sick and could barely move my right arm</a>. I was completely miserable at that time so we ended up cancelling the trip, with the promise that we would go in 2013.<br />
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I'm happy to say we got to keep that promise. For the first time ever our school system had a week-long Fall break, the perfect time to plan a sunny, Florida vacation.<br />
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The week before we left was absolutely insane. In one week I had: the Book Fair at school (which I was responsible for finding volunteers for as well as volunteering myself), our Mega Party at school (a bunch of inflatables and kids jumping on them in hour-long stretches at a time all day long - which I was responsible for finding volunteers for as well as volunteering myself), 3 PTA meetings, a dr appt, our van had to go to the shop twice, and (the one fun thing for the week) a hair appointment to get new highlights. Oh yeah, I also had to squeeze in packing for 4 people for a week-long trip. It. Was. Insane.<br />
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I was <i>so </i>ready for a vacation.<br />
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Saturday arrived and we were very, very excited. We had decided to take two days to get down there so we didn't need to wake up early to leave. We slept in a little, packed up the car, went by McDonalds to get breakfast (a vacation tradition) and we were on our way by about 9:30.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqTkIWYcJ2U/Um5xMm-vQeI/AAAAAAAACRU/KtJWOXllRvk/s1600/2013-10-12+16.44.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqTkIWYcJ2U/Um5xMm-vQeI/AAAAAAAACRU/KtJWOXllRvk/s320/2013-10-12+16.44.01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5zSX8zZqVU/Um5xMCUkQdI/AAAAAAAACRM/c4BJJSr89Po/s1600/2013-10-12+16.44.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5zSX8zZqVU/Um5xMCUkQdI/AAAAAAAACRM/c4BJJSr89Po/s320/2013-10-12+16.44.04.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And we made it all the way...to Erwin, which if you're not from around here is all of 45 minutes away. And the check engine light came on in the van.<br />
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Just for a little background, the light had come on a week earlier. I had taken the van into the shop the previous Monday for them to check it. I was told that we needed a new oil pressure rocker arm switch, whatever the heck that is, and that it needed to be ordered. So they ordered it and I went back on Friday for them to install it. I really was trying to have the van safe and ready for our trip. But as soon as we got out of town that darn light just came back on.<br />
<br />
We got off the interstate at an exit and called the shop. They asked if we were near an Advanced Auto Parts. Lo and behold, we looked up from the gas station we had pulled into and it was right across the street from an Advanced Auto Parts. We went over there and they hooked up their handy little code-reading machine-thingy to our van. It spit out some code saying the van wasn't getting enough oil pressure. When I called back into the shop to tell them, they highly advised we bring the van in to be checked because if the code was correct, it was a very bad thing. (I really don't know anything about cars, so I had no clue what it meant.) <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IEu5eW6Zkg/Um5xMbHC_UI/AAAAAAAACRs/HK19iSq6jiY/s1600/2013-10-12+16.44.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IEu5eW6Zkg/Um5xMbHC_UI/AAAAAAAACRs/HK19iSq6jiY/s320/2013-10-12+16.44.07.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, we turned around, retraced our steps and took the van to the shop. At that time it was about 11 and Enterprise closed at 12. They only had one van available since everyone was on Fall break and had rented them out for trips. If we needed to rent a van for the trip, we needed to know quickly. I made that <i>very </i>well known at the shop. They needed to check this van out NOW. Thankfully, they did. And they found...nothing. The oil pressure was fine, the wires were fine, everything was fine except for the stupid little light that was on. The guy who worked on our van said he would feel comfortable to drive it on a trip. He felt like it was completely safe. So we decided to chance it and get on the road again.<br />
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I'll ease your mind and tell you that the check engine light was on the whole trip and the van worked just fine the whole trip. We didn't have any problems at all from it. We have since taken it back to the shop and they still don't really know what's wrong with it, if anything. There are reports from other people that a spool valve could stop working intermittently. However, ours has worked every time they have tested it. And after I took it in, the light hasn't come back on, even though they didn't really do anything to it.<br />
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But it gave us some unnecessary drama that first day. I do have to brag on my kids though. They were super patient through the whole thing and never once complained. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_9A0KRk3mw/Um5xNw5V5FI/AAAAAAAACR4/KpPaSG3GLLM/s1600/2013-10-12+21.14.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_9A0KRk3mw/Um5xNw5V5FI/AAAAAAAACR4/KpPaSG3GLLM/s320/2013-10-12+21.14.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the "pillow wall" we had to create between the kids.</td></tr>
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We made it to Savannah, GA that first night and spent the night at what must have been Hotel Central for I-95. I think there were about 25 hotels at that exit. I had called from the road at 6 to reserve a room and it's a good thing I did. When we got to our hotel, it was completely booked and the guy at the desk said there was only one hotel at the exit with any rooms left. He said it was like that every weekend. So if you are traveling and want to stay at the Savannah exit on I-95, be sure to call ahead.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5AqJjApRek/Um5xNYPSgbI/AAAAAAAACR0/qg1GZUPmOf4/s1600/2013-10-12+21.14.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5AqJjApRek/Um5xNYPSgbI/AAAAAAAACR0/qg1GZUPmOf4/s320/2013-10-12+21.14.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3Kea8u2bJQ/Um5xN1AokkI/AAAAAAAACR8/xY0voTgyT_w/s1600/2013-10-12+21.15.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3Kea8u2bJQ/Um5xN1AokkI/AAAAAAAACR8/xY0voTgyT_w/s320/2013-10-12+21.15.00.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McBYM-35OW8/Um5xOTeOJZI/AAAAAAAACSA/tZiuLI3Ft0g/s1600/2013-10-12+21.15.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McBYM-35OW8/Um5xOTeOJZI/AAAAAAAACSA/tZiuLI3Ft0g/s320/2013-10-12+21.15.04.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Ready for more? Read <a href="http://tnstayinthecarmom.blogspot.com/2013/10/disneyuniversal-2013-day-2.html">Day 2 here</a>.</i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-66966854584015565682013-10-01T09:01:00.000-04:002013-10-28T10:17:55.264-04:00Happy Birthday to Me!<b>It's my birthday</b> and I'm not too old to tell the world.<br />
I'm 35.<br />
Officially in my mid-30's.<br />
I already got my license renewed, which is good because who knows if that government function would be open today or not. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I have a fun day of vegging on the computer, then lunch with Tim, then a massage at 1. Relaxation. Of course, that all ends when school gets out because Julie has to go get a filling at the dentist, then David has Cub Scouts and of course, teachers still assign homework. And, yes, my <i>kids </i>do the homework, but <i>I</i> spend the afternoon going back and forth between kids answering questions, spelling words, reminding them of the homework they have left, saying "No" when they ask to have screen time and generally supervising. Homework is definitely as much work on the parents as it is on the kids.<br />
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As a birthday gift to me, you can indulge me as I show off some recent family photos. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Qk7FAfmVs/UkrFNKkhl2I/AAAAAAAACPE/GbCWlZJeMZg/s1600/2013-09-28+13.59.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Qk7FAfmVs/UkrFNKkhl2I/AAAAAAAACPE/GbCWlZJeMZg/s320/2013-09-28+13.59.09.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim and David are ready to watch Tennessee win in football.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLlFJMdk2l0/UkrF9QumzTI/AAAAAAAACPk/tmrLCxmav6Y/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLlFJMdk2l0/UkrF9QumzTI/AAAAAAAACPk/tmrLCxmav6Y/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy hair night at church. <br />She wouldn't let us put it up in a wacky style but allowed a little color.</td></tr>
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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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rLkGHjRsGU/UkrF9OeilTI/AAAAAAAACPo/PjAVbwex-8I/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rLkGHjRsGU/UkrF9OeilTI/AAAAAAAACPo/PjAVbwex-8I/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, she had fun making my hair colorful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFeS3Q6GvkQ/UkrF97HeKiI/AAAAAAAACPs/4HDjq7aP52o/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFeS3Q6GvkQ/UkrF97HeKiI/AAAAAAAACPs/4HDjq7aP52o/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little color is as wacky as I get.</td></tr>
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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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCju41QAd18/UkrF-HFMKcI/AAAAAAAACP8/xOO1dlpvEvY/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCju41QAd18/UkrF-HFMKcI/AAAAAAAACP8/xOO1dlpvEvY/s320/DSC_0164.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David's crazy hair.</td></tr>
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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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WESRM-67qf0/UkrFNW7GEiI/AAAAAAAACPM/VjrqPdzLS_8/s1600/2013-09-25+16.10.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WESRM-67qf0/UkrFNW7GEiI/AAAAAAAACPM/VjrqPdzLS_8/s320/2013-09-25+16.10.22.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David's reading spot. He even reads there when he's not supposed to...<br />like when he's supposed to be sleeping there. Anyway, see that big 'ole book?<br />He's the last family member to read all the Harry Potter books. (He's on #4.)</td></tr>
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Hope you have a wonderful Oct. 1!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-10103974956266458572013-09-23T10:03:00.000-04:002013-10-28T10:17:55.260-04:00Photo Dump - August and SeptemberI took a new position this year as PTA president. And while I love the job, that job combined with Awana commander has just zapped me of energy. I knew the position would require a lot of physical energy from me. I just didn't realize how much mental energy it would take. I come home and just want to sit down and do nothing. And just when the back to school frenzy has started to die down, I get a nasty head cold, which also drains me of energy. So for now, I'm just going to do a photo dump of our last month. Enjoy!<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oitQhPaBPU/UkBI4xc7VhI/AAAAAAAACN4/W8omu_Y3_j8/s1600/2013-08-19+19.33.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oitQhPaBPU/UkBI4xc7VhI/AAAAAAAACN4/W8omu_Y3_j8/s320/2013-08-19+19.33.50.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our local minor league baseball team with the Cub Scouts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDtdezAU0OY/UkBI5cNrqhI/AAAAAAAACN8/WeQXTmB1Uww/s1600/2013-09-14+11.32.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDtdezAU0OY/UkBI5cNrqhI/AAAAAAAACN8/WeQXTmB1Uww/s320/2013-09-14+11.32.54.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie's reading corner. She looks so beautiful and grown up in this picture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRJenojV2BQ/UkBI57ODTPI/AAAAAAAACOA/_g-G-NKLB0Q/s1600/2013-09-15+16.50.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRJenojV2BQ/UkBI57ODTPI/AAAAAAAACOA/_g-G-NKLB0Q/s320/2013-09-15+16.50.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our church sponsors a 5K race every year with a kid's fun run included. <br />David decided to enter this year. Here's the starting line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3aKp0ilSJM/UkBI6yFfUII/AAAAAAAACOM/eBnhvvJG7z0/s1600/2013-09-15+16.54.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3aKp0ilSJM/UkBI6yFfUII/AAAAAAAACOM/eBnhvvJG7z0/s320/2013-09-15+16.54.23.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And he's off...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l73IgXvF3CU/UkBI7TJuDkI/AAAAAAAACOQ/GBZf0fBZ3AI/s1600/2013-09-15+17.01.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l73IgXvF3CU/UkBI7TJuDkI/AAAAAAAACOQ/GBZf0fBZ3AI/s320/2013-09-15+17.01.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished the race middle of the pack, got the medal and some much needed water<br />and is ready for the free food!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSDxnOjYiBc/UkBI7_XK7zI/AAAAAAAACOY/YuTj3ydgqx4/s1600/2013-09-16+14.26.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSDxnOjYiBc/UkBI7_XK7zI/AAAAAAAACOY/YuTj3ydgqx4/s320/2013-09-16+14.26.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDTjWlEKKeg/UkBI8F2e-EI/AAAAAAAACOg/jQuBoefKxPo/s1600/2013-09-16+14.26.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDTjWlEKKeg/UkBI8F2e-EI/AAAAAAAACOg/jQuBoefKxPo/s320/2013-09-16+14.26.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Magic Bands from Disney came in the mail! Yay!! <br />We are getting super excited about our trip - 19 days to go.</td></tr>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-7476031529334839652013-08-16T08:27:00.000-04:002013-08-16T08:27:00.982-04:00Brace YourselvesAs you can tell from the sporadic posts, it's been a busy summer and a busy start of school. Those last 2 weeks of summer were packed full. We tried our hardest to squeeze every drop of summer fun out before the long days of school started. Our fun included trips to Chattanooga and Atlanta, days spent at the pool and at summer camp, a visit the closest water park, welcoming a new baby cousin into the world, meeting new teachers and the biggest change of them all...<br />
<br />
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<br />
Braces!!<br />
<br />
Although my generation didn't get braces until late middle school or high school, the trend these days is to get them as soon as your baby teeth are gone. Julie lost her last baby tooth a year ago and has been anxiously waiting for the day she would get her braces. As excited as she was, she didn't anticipate the pain that she would have for the first few days. Meal times were rough and involved lots of tears. She was hungry but didn't want to use her teeth to bite into anything. She didn't believe her mommy that chewing actually made it better until we forced her to chew steak and, surprise, surprise, her teeth felt better.<br />
<br />
After about 4 days, she was better and eating was old hat again. It's hard to see but there are little colored rubber bands around each brace. Every time she goes to the orthodontist to get them tightened, she gets to pick new colors. I think she has her colors picked out from now until Easter. (She started out with orange and white - Go Vols!!)<br />
<br />
And just when we were getting over the pain of getting braces, someone else joins in the cry (literally)...<br />
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPDexY_24x0/Ug4Z46JfxwI/AAAAAAAACM4/9TqyZ6DESM4/s1600/2013-08-15+16.52.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPDexY_24x0/Ug4Z46JfxwI/AAAAAAAACM4/9TqyZ6DESM4/s320/2013-08-15+16.52.14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry about the up-the-nose shot. <br />Its was the only way to get a picture of the appliance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turns out David needed hardware too. The last time he was at the dentist, I had asked about his front teeth. He has lost all 4 teeth on the top and the middle two have grown back in. But the ones next to them haven't and they have been out for over a year. After taking x-rays, the dentist confirmed that there was not room in David's mouth for these to grow back in. So they sent us to the orthodontist who said that David needed to have his canines pulled right away. Those wayward front teeth are about to come through the top of his palette, not a place that we want them to poke through. The thought is that if we pull the canines, the other teeth will come forward to their rightful place to come in.<br />
<br />
That leads to another problem. If his canines are pulled, his mouth could collapse, which means his back teeth would come forward and block out the spaces for all his other teeth. So, in order to keep his back teeth in the back where they belong, they added that fun thingamagig in his mouth, called a space maintainer. He calls it a retainer....and he hates it. He didn't want it and he couldn't eat with it for a couple of days and he cried at every meal. Like Julie, though, he has learned how to eat with it (although, still very slowly) and seems to be getting used to it.<br />
<br />
Of course the pain and problems eating will come right back again when he gets those two teeth pulled at the beginning of September. Oh, the joys of fixing teeth.<br />
<br />
<b>What sort of hardware did you have to wear? What do you think of the trend of getting braces when kids are still in elementary school?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-19928017376346913332013-08-05T11:04:00.001-04:002013-08-05T11:04:40.140-04:00So it begins...againIt's another new year. Time to get up early, pack lunches, do homework. Time to make new friends, learn new things, and persevere through new, uncharted waters.<br />
<br />
In other words, it's time for school.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqaZZz7Ve8Y/Uf--4lC3-UI/AAAAAAAACMU/-LJjIlF_rJ4/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqaZZz7Ve8Y/Uf--4lC3-UI/AAAAAAAACMU/-LJjIlF_rJ4/s320/IMG_1032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-89420785500722340172013-07-22T17:22:00.000-04:002013-07-22T17:25:10.518-04:00Booksneeze: Unveiling Grace<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW293DA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BW293DA&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">Unveiling Grace by Lynn K Wilder</a></span></b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW293DA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BW293DA&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BW293DA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=stayi0d-20" width="130" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stayi0d-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BW293DA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<br />
<i>(from the <a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/">Booksneeze</a> website)</i><br />
A rare insider’s point of view into what it actually means to live as a Mormon--what the lifestyle is like, what its pressures are, and what its culture is like. This is the gripping story of the Michael and Lynn Wilder family - of how an entire family, deeply enmeshed in Mormonism for 30 years, found their way out and found faith in Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
For thirty years, Lynn Wilder and her family lived, loved, and promoted the Mormon Church. Then on a Mormon mission trip to Florida, their son Micah had a revelation: God knew him personally. God loved him. And the Mormon Church did not offer the true gospel.<br />
<br />
Micah’s conversion to Christ put the family in a tailspin. They wondered: Have we believed the wrong thing for decades? If we leave Mormonism, what does this mean for our safety, jobs, and relationships? Is Christianity that different from Mormonism anyway?<br />
<br />
As Lynn tells her own story of abandoning the deception of Mormonism to receive God’s grace, she gives a rare look into Mormon culture, what it means to grow up Mormon, and why the contrasts between Mormonism and Christianity make all the difference in the world.<br />
<br />
Whether readers are in the Mormon Church, curious about Mormonism, or simply looking for a gripping story, <i>Unveiling Grace</i> will strengthen their faith in the true God who loves them no matter what.<br />
<h3>
My Thoughts</h3>
As soon as I read the description of this book I was incredibly interested in reading it. I don't make a habit of reading about other religions and really didn't know much about the Mormon church except that they send out missionaries that like to go knocking on doors. In fact that is how Lynn and Michael Wilder found out about the Mormon church. They were converts as adults then dedicated 30 years to the church. <br />
<br />
The first half of the book talks about their conversion into Mormonism, the works they did for their church, their move to Utah and their children's devotion to their chosen faith. Lynn discusses early questions they had about Mormon doctrines as well as other practices that didn't seem logical to them. But neither Lynn nor Michael truly questioned their religion until their son, Micah, discovered the true Jesus of the Bible. While in Florida on his Mormon mission, Micah knocked on the door of a Baptist minister. He challenged Micah to read the New Testament, something he had never done before. While reading, Micah was blown away by the Jesus of the Bible, the one who wanted a personal relationship with him.<br />
<br />
The second half of the book tells about the Wilders conversion to evangelical Christianity, one member at a time. Micah's revelation led to his mother reading the New Testament and also meeting the Jesus of the Bible. One by one Micah's mother, sister, brothers and father come to meet Jesus.<br />
<br />
I found this to be a truly incredible story. As with all memoirs, some of the events in the book aren't written chronologically which I sometimes find frustrating. But it is a well-written book. It's engaging and informative. There are some very handy references at the back of the book including a chart of Mormon beliefs versus what the Bible says and a glossary of Mormon terms. This book truly highlights the difference between being a Mormon and being a born-again Christian.<br />
<h3>
I give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW293DA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BW293DA&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">Unveiling Grace</a> 5 out of 5 stars.</h3>
<div>
<i>I was provided a complementary copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW293DA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BW293DA&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">Unveiling Grace</a> by the <a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/">Booksneeze </a>program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Affiliate links are used. If you enjoyed this review, please consider clicking through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW293DA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BW293DA&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">my link</a> to buy this product. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Be sure to check out all my book reviews over on y new blog <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/">Read Me or Bust.</a></i></div>
<div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-62117233853215498322013-07-19T12:16:00.002-04:002013-07-19T12:16:46.929-04:00Sleepover Schmeepover<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week Julie had her annual sleepover with her
friends. </div>
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I remember sleepovers from when
I was a girl. </div>
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They were great! We had pizza and popcorn while we watched a
movie. Later we would set up all our
sleeping bags and giggle while we talked and had pillow fights. We stayed up late and slept in late. It was fun, relaxing, and casual – really
just a time of great memories.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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At least that’s what I remember.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Guess what sleepovers are now? Stressful!! I have to make
sure Tim can get the pizza since I can’t leave with extra children here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I have to pick an age appropriate movie that is still one
that appeals to everyone. Not all
parents let their kids watch Star Wars and Spiderman. In fact, not all little girls like sci-fi or superhero
movies. Go figure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I have to make sure the living room, kitchen, den and bathrooms
are cleaned (I wouldn’t want anyone to go home and tell their mothers how
cluttered and dirty Julie’s house is – the horror!). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead of pillow fights, it’s silly string, which means I
have to convince daddy that… Yes, it is OK to have silly string all over the
yard. No, it won’t kill the grass. Yes, the rain will wash it away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then Tim and I have to stay mainly in our room for the
evening instead of hanging out in the den like usual, because no one wants
their mom there all the time. But then I
wonder… What if someone needs something?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dob00v-sWrM/UelkmL5RbpI/AAAAAAAACKU/2ZCkkcHnDb4/s1600/2013-07-08+19.24.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dob00v-sWrM/UelkmL5RbpI/AAAAAAAACKU/2ZCkkcHnDb4/s320/2013-07-08+19.24.19.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the birthday cheesecake</td></tr>
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How often should I go check on them? Should I let David watch the movie with them
or is that cramping their style? Maybe I
should have had him spend the night with Grandma…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the morning, I never know when to fix breakfast, or how
much to fix. Do I let them just eat
cereal or do I go all out with bacon and eggs?
What do I do if they don’t like my cooking – force them to eat it or
just find them something else to eat?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxEzEJRPEg8/UellwmzRvrI/AAAAAAAACKo/6GGa1-bsQP4/s1600/2013-07-08+19.15.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxEzEJRPEg8/UellwmzRvrI/AAAAAAAACKo/6GGa1-bsQP4/s320/2013-07-08+19.15.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then the sleepover is done and I wonder why I am so
exhausted. I’m not the one who stayed up
late. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m just the one who did all the worrying…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why in the world did I do all the worrying? <o:p></o:p></div>
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So I decided to ask my mom what my childhood sleepovers were like for her. Surely these fun events were a piece of cake for my mom. I mean, she let me have a lot of them and she wouldn't have done that if they stressed her out, right?</div>
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No sooner was the question out of my mouth, "Mom, what were my childhood sleepovers like for you?" Then the answer came, "Stressful!! Very stressful!" Aha! It's not just me. So for all those times that I had tons of little girls taking over our house, Mom, I'm very sorry to have caused you stress. Maybe one day when my daughter is grown with a daughter of her own, I'll hear those same words from her mouth. Maybe...</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>What about you? Are sleepovers stressful to you or are they
fun? Got any great advice for me on how
to handle sleepovers?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<i>Check out my latest book reviews over on <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/">Read Me or Bust</a>.</i></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-29908691345473888222013-07-16T09:33:00.000-04:002013-07-16T09:33:55.953-04:00Praying God's Word for Your Life by Kathi Lipp<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B85M324/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B85M324&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">Praying God's Word for Your Life</a> by Kathi Lipp</span><br />
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</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B85M324/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B85M324&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00B85M324&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=stayi0d-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stayi0d-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00B85M324" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<br />
Praying God’s Word for Your Life gives women the direction and Scripture they need to bring purpose and power to their prayers. The simple strategies Kathi Lipp shares will create in women the habit of praying with renewed boldness, consistency, and expectation. And Kathi’s warm, approachable style will make praying Scripture accessible to new believers and lifelong Christians alike.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
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I always enjoy books by Kathi Lipp (check out my review of <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/2011/02/24/review-the-me-project/">The Me Project here</a>). They are great "self-help" solutions to problems that Christian women face and, more importantly, they are fun to read. I found <i>Praying God's Word for Your Life</i> to be organized well and very practical. <br />
<br />
The book is set up in a way that when you need to pray for a specific situation in your life - worry, parenthood, marriage, feelings of inadequacy - you can easily find the chapter that deals with that. Within each chapter are Scripture references and samples prayers for that particular situation. Kathi does a great job of showing how you can turn verses back into prayers to God. <br />
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The book is full of real-life examples of how women have incorporated prayer into their daily lives as well as examples of how prayer has changed lives. The examples are from Kathi's own life as well as from the lives of women who have written to Kathi. My only complaint with the book was that this was not explained. I started reading a story about a mom with young children and I was confused because I knew Lipp's children were all adults. It wasn't until the end of the story (after flipping the page) that I realized this was written by someone else. I think that could have been explained better beforehand in the book. But that is a minor complaint, really.<br />
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I love that Kathi Lipp provides practical steps within each chapter. Often, when I read a nonfiction book, I leave the book thinking, "That's great. Now what do I do with that information?" <i>Praying God's Word for Your Life</i> tells you what to do. It gives you a step by step guide.<br />
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I thought this was just a wonderful book - easy to read but with very relevant information. I highly recommend it. (Even though the book is focused toward women, men could get a lot out of it as well.)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Author Bio:</b><br />
Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker and the of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T0WYBE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005T0WYBE&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">The Husband Project: 21 Days to Loving Your Man—on Purpose and with a Plan</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032GMKWA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032GMKWA&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">The Marriage Project: 21 Days to More Love and Laughter,</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HW7LQI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004HW7LQI&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">The Me Project: 21 Days to Living the Life You’ve Always Wanted</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MJ8XBC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005MJ8XBC&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">The “What’s for Dinner?” Solution. </a><br />
<br />
She is a frequent guest on Focus on the Family and dozens of other radio programs. Church leaders and women’s ministry directors rely on Kathi to help women move from living out of obligation to enjoying godly passion. She speaks to thousands of women across the US and Canada every year.<br />
<br />
Kathi and her husband, Roger, are the parents of four young adults and live in San Jose, California. Find out more about Kathi at <a href="http://www.kathilipp.com/">www.kathilipp.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>I was given a complementary copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used in this post. If you enjoyed my book review, please consider clicking through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B85M324/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B85M324&linkCode=as2&tag=stayi0d-20">my link</a> to purchase the book. Also, feel free to see all my book reviews at my blog <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/">Read Me or Bust</a>.</i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-12492978903875819132013-07-05T16:50:00.001-04:002013-07-05T16:50:56.343-04:00Scarves in the Middle of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpscEh2aeQ8/UdMitzwhJaI/AAAAAAAACIk/tH0ZgI9NoTs/s1600/2013-07-01+17.23.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpscEh2aeQ8/UdMitzwhJaI/AAAAAAAACIk/tH0ZgI9NoTs/s320/2013-07-01+17.23.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It seems to defy seasonal logic, but Julie and I have taken up knitting. Yes, let's knit a winter scarf in the middle of July. What can I say, I don't always do things that make sense.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yRmao1XPqo/UdMjZCCPGzI/AAAAAAAACI0/RklzMqT2jtE/s1600/2013-07-02+14.04.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yRmao1XPqo/UdMjZCCPGzI/AAAAAAAACI0/RklzMqT2jtE/s320/2013-07-02+14.04.27.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And we're not the only ones in on the action. David has decided to try as well. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ek16Ss-BU40/UdMjZeeCyuI/AAAAAAAACJE/IdXS6Jjpdj0/s1600/2013-07-02+14.17.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ek16Ss-BU40/UdMjZeeCyuI/AAAAAAAACJE/IdXS6Jjpdj0/s320/2013-07-02+14.17.10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kJbFSGQ6a8/UdMjZmDqBlI/AAAAAAAACJI/eVSk52B6jF8/s1600/2013-07-02+14.17.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kJbFSGQ6a8/UdMjZmDqBlI/AAAAAAAACJI/eVSk52B6jF8/s320/2013-07-02+14.17.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, he just doesn't seem to have the dexterity or the patience to keep at it for longer than a few minutes. Julie, however, gets the stitches down very easily. Her problem is that she is not interested in practicing. She wants to be perfect right away. Instead of practicing her knit/purl stitches, she tries to jump right into a pattern and gets frustrated when she doesn't get it right the first time. She is continually pulling out her whole piece and starting over, trying to be perfect. <br />
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(Perfectionism is one of those fun little traits that she inherited from me. Don't you just hate it when you see things in your kids that drive you nuts in yourself?)<br />
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So I made this little doohicky.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMNx8V3z39o/UdMiteIEcOI/AAAAAAAACIg/nMtXuUYTG3s/s1600/2013-07-01+17.21.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMNx8V3z39o/UdMiteIEcOI/AAAAAAAACIg/nMtXuUYTG3s/s320/2013-07-01+17.21.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What is it? Really it's just me practicing my stitches, but just for kicks, we'll say it's the front of a skirt for Julie's American Girl doll. Only problem is I really didn't keep track of what stitches I used to make it, so I couldn't reproduce it to make a back half, even if I wanted to. <br />
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Which I don't. <br />
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But it's cute anyway, isn't it?<br />
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Maybe by winter time I'll actually finish something like a scarf...maybe.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-12728299288384950032013-07-01T17:32:00.001-04:002013-07-01T17:32:08.732-04:00Read Me or BustWell, blog readers, it has been a long time coming, but I just have to tell you about my new little project.<br />
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I've heard the following statement from more than a few of you:<br />
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"I love your blog and read every post...well, every post except for the book reviews. I read everything but them. I sometimes skim them, but mostly, no, I don't read any of them. Sorry."<br />
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So, maybe it wasn't those words exactly, but the gist is my book reviews don't go over very well on here. I get that. I really do. And I have been working on a solution.<br />
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A brand new book review blog!!!</h4>
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I'd like to introduce to you to my new website, <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/">Read Me or Bust</a>.</div>
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I'm still working out some of the kinks, but it's mostly ready to go. </div>
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I also have a Facebook page. Find it and please "like" it at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReadMeOrBust">https://www.facebook.com/ReadMeOrBust</a>. (Hey, even if you don't plan on reading the blog, you can push that little "like" button, right?)</div>
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I may still have to post a few reviews on here as I make the transition, but soon, all my book reviews will be posted on <a href="http://readmeorbust.com/">Read Me or Bust.</a> So tell your friends and anyone who love books to check it out!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85892/catwoman522/707a8e47514288ee0a2415e0c2919399.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496183852420951730.post-56066481549063458222013-06-25T10:00:00.000-04:002013-06-25T10:00:01.824-04:00Birthdays and BaseballWe so enjoy all the summertime fun of this time of year. Last weekend was no exception.<br />
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We started off the day Saturday with a little playoff baseball. David's team, the A's, have had an exceptional season. They have won 18 games and only lost 4. Now, I love my son and I think he tries hard at all he does, but we did not win those 18 games because of David. He was an good player, hitting some, and striking out some. His throwing arm really improved over the course of the season. But I will honestly say that he is the cutest little player out on the field.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YA0nMmfLSbk/Ucj7dV9HNFI/AAAAAAAACHw/KwRQs3B7vs8/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YA0nMmfLSbk/Ucj7dV9HNFI/AAAAAAAACHw/KwRQs3B7vs8/s320/IMG_0922.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Last week, his league had their end of year playoff tournament. It was double elimination and as of Saturday, we hadn't lost. So 11:30 rolls around and we are playing the only other team left in the tournament, the Yankees. Fingers were crossed that we would win that game and be league champs without ever facing defeat. But, no, that didn't happen. We lost that game. Since it was our first loss, we had to turn right around and play the same team again. And...we won!! Coach pitch champs!! Good job, A's!!<br />
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While we were ecstatic that we won, playing 2 games meant we were at the ball field for 3 hours. We were tired. I was hungry because there were no gluten free options at the concession stand so I didn't have lunch. And we still had a birthday party to throw.<br />
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Yes, you heard that right. My baby boy was having a birthday!! And every good birthday calls for a good birthday party. <br />
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This year David chose to have his party at the bowling alley. Bowling parties really are easy. I just pay the money and the bowling entertains the kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6v8buMLXC9M/Ucj7eDWGX1I/AAAAAAAACH4/kC62dhkhBYo/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6v8buMLXC9M/Ucj7eDWGX1I/AAAAAAAACH4/kC62dhkhBYo/s320/IMG_0932.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big cousin hug</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eO0RbRSD2nc/Ucj7em72QmI/AAAAAAAACIE/W-kGNGeBfio/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eO0RbRSD2nc/Ucj7em72QmI/AAAAAAAACIE/W-kGNGeBfio/s320/IMG_0948.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's bowling time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then Sunday rolled around and it was David's actual birthday. He was up early and super excited all day. After church, we let him decide where to eat and he chose "that place with the unsliceably soft rolls", i.e. O'Charley's. He got lots of those yummy rolls (sigh, the ones I can't eat anymore) and a free piece of birthday pie. After coming home and opening his gifts, I played with him and his new toys all afternoon.</div>
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Overall, I'd say it was a pretty good 8th birthday weekend for my growing boy. </div>
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Happy birthday to my snuggly, loving, smiley little boy.</div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212683666151383453noreply@blogger.com0