tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585900275070696492024-02-20T22:34:04.623-06:00This Mama is CrazyThismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-49671593023152782622014-01-17T13:54:00.004-06:002014-01-17T13:54:51.822-06:00Let's get funky.Actually... let's not. Let's do the opposite.<br /><br />I would if I could.<br /><br />The winter funk is well upon us, and the sun is not set to come out for at least another 2 months. I've been trying to get out of the funk, but not very hard.<br />
<br />
Actually FUNK is not the right word. It's actually been a MASSIVE bout of depression. I have woken the husband up a couple times over the past month, slightly afraid of where I was mentally at that moment. It's weird, not quite trusting yourself. And I haven't been fighting against it with all I've got... or maybe I have... but I haven't got much right now.<br /><br />Insomnia is a horrible, horrible demon. The more he comes to play, the harder it is to make him go away, which is odd, considering how utterly exhausted you end up because of him. I lie awake at night and curse at him. All I want is to be able to lay my head down, let my body and mind rest... but Insomnia has other plans for me. So every bad thought I've ever had about myself comes CRUSHING down on me, and I toss and turn for hours.<br />
<br />
A lack of sleep does wonders for your mood. Uh... wait. Nope. Actually it does the exact opposite. I hate everyone and everything. I have no patience. I can't handle jack squat! My anxiety goes through the roof, til I'm having a few panic attacks a day, and they're all about stupid stuff, but that doesn't make any difference. Opening the mail is a rough one for me. Nothing makes me need a therapist more than opening up the bill from my therapist. It's a bit of a conundrum.<br /><br />So, I've read a couple amazing articles today, and a wonderful FB post from a dear friend the other day. They've all given me a little bit of light in this gray dull time of year. And tips to help me drag my butt out of it, as best I can anyways.<br /><br />Of course, My platonic girl crush... The bloggess, wrote this <a href="http://thebloggess.com/2014/01/strange-and-beautiful/">http://thebloggess.com/2014/01/strange-and-beautiful/</a>. It's amazing. I highly recommend it. And this one too, from Wil Wheaton, <a href="https://wilwheaton.net/2014/01/on-a-long-run-2/">https://wilwheaton.net/2014/01/on-a-long-run-2/</a>. And that advice from my friend that helped so much... Do something you love. It's hard, when I get like this, to remember that I actually love doing anything. But there are a few things that I can usually get excited enough about to work on them. Making stuff is one of them. Sewing, crocheting, knitting, writing, painting... creating helps me tons. Also, exercise. When I get an extra push from the husband or friend to get my butt out there and exercise, it works miracles on my mind (and body.) Today, I met a friend at the Y and we had a great work out. My legs feel like Jello, but my brain doesn't right now, which is most definitely an improvement. <br /><br />So, I know the next two months will be blah... but hopefully there will be some good moments in there as well, and this funk will pass me by. Hopefully i'll remember that, when the funk is all I can see.<br />
<br />Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-59103189262483788322013-12-20T14:17:00.004-06:002013-12-20T14:24:25.192-06:00IMO: Duck Dynasty Drama<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">With all the Duck Dynasty drama everywhere, I've tried to keep my mouth shut. Mainly because tempers are rising and people are way too excited about arguing their own point. But when things like this pop up, I try to keep in mind one major point.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Kindness.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It seems like both sides of the "debate" or "issue" have lost all regard for who they are arguing with, and their only goal is to make sure they prove that their view is the right one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I've learned there is no ONE right view. Everyone on this planet is unique, has lived different experiences, gone through different trials, had different influences on them. We all develop our own personal beliefs and views based on those experiences. Remember that quote about viewing the world through rose colored glasses? In my mind, I picture everyone with their own colored glasses on. Reality happens, and you view it and perceive it through your own glasses (your experiences, your trials, your views, your beliefs, your issues, whatever else has influence on your perception.) No one views things completely without bias or judgement. We can try, but we don't. We can't. Because we're not clean slates, just absorbing info. We're taking things in and dissecting them and analyzing them and putting them back together how we see fit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So... Both sides of the Duck Dynasty issue are viewing this event through their own glasses. Those who are Christians feel like they're being forced into political correctness and being pushed to say that something they believe is wrong really isn't. They are ONLY going to push back harder that they have a right to believe and say what they want, because they see the views of others and interpret them as attacking, so they get defensive. The Gay and Lesbian community who have felt left out and persecuted their whole lives took Phil Robertson's view as an attack on who they are and their lifestyles and of course got defensive as well. When we're under attack, we all either have that Flight or Fight instinct, and online, it's all too easy to Fight back.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I am Mormon. And I'm southern. I have a lot of Gay/Lesbian friends whom I adore. They are amazing people. People assume they know my stance on things based on any one of the above facts. But I'm not really upfront about exactly how I believe. I follow my church's teaching. The below is taken from LDS.org:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Homosexuality</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Point blank... Being gay is not a sin. Violating the law of chastity is. So there. I said it. In my opinion, Gay sex is a sin. But you know what else I believe? That all people sin in one way or another. So the fact that I don't have gay sex does not make me any better or more righteous than someone who does, because in fact, I sin a lot. So, you can get your panties in a wad because I think gay sex is a sin, or you can recognize that I believe everyone sins in one way or another. No one is better than anyone else.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">And I'm absolutely positive that my view on it will come as no surprise to my friends, especially those who are gay. But can I tell you a couple things I always try to keep in mind when it comes to issues like this and my beliefs?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">1. Like I said before, we all sin. No one is free from sin. Hence, who am I to judge?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">2. Who am I to tell anyone how to live their life or what to believe? As I said before, we all go through life with our own perceptions and views and beliefs and they are all valid. You got to those beliefs and views because of what you've gone through in your life. And that is OK. It's alright. It's valid for you to see things that way. It doesn't bother me. It's not my job to "correct you" or "teach you." And it's not your job to do the same to me. My views are ok and valid as well. And what's super crazy is that we can co-exist without drama or disagreements or conflicts, as long as we both recognize this fact!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">3. While I may view certain things as sin (I don't drink coffee or tea or alcohol, I don't smoke either.) That doesn't mean that I look at you and see you doing those things and think "That person is going straight to hell!" I don't think that it says that anywhere in the bible (or book of Mormon for that matter.) I don't know or understand every commandment out there, so I'm obviously not living up to and keeping all of them. Hmmm... I'm trying to figure out how to write this part out so it can be understood. You can take any bible verse, let 10 people read it, and all 10 people will have a different interpretation of exactly what it means (remember those glasses from before? That's why.) To me, religion and spirituality are very personal things. I believe that God teaches us what WE need to know. What I need to know may be very different from what YOU need to know. How I view sin is this... God looks on the heart, right? So what's in your heart? What do you feel and believe is sin? If you think something is a sin (or wrong, whatever) don't do it. If you think something is okay, go ahead. But be honest with yourself about it all. I would LOVE to get a tattoo (crazy right?) but I honestly believe that it would be defiling the temple(my body) that God gave me, so I don't do it. If you don't view that the same as me, then go ahead. I believe that God will hold us accountable for our own personal beliefs, and what He has taught us, through personal revelation (your conscience and all that.) I believe our judgement will be a very personal thing. Not that we have to measure up to some magic ruler he has, because honestly, none of us would ever measure up alone (but with Christ and the Atonement and all that... It's possible.) If you'd like to get into a more in depth discussion on what I believe the final judgement will be like, I'd be happy to do that, but it'll get way long (and this is already getting there.) so just message me or comment or something.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">4. You don't even have to believe in God. If you don't, I'm cool with that too. Just try to live up to whatever ideal you have. Don't be a jerk. Try to be kind and decent to people. I do believe that a lot of this life is how we treat others.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Before I really conclude, I'd like to say one more thing. Because I have the views I do on homosexuality, that DOES NOT mean that I am Homophobic. I am not afraid of gay people. I do not believe that people are going to hell for being gay. I do not hate a person because they are gay. So, the fact that I am southern and christian/mormon does NOT mean I'm homophobic. And the comments that are labeling people (no matter what the label) kinda bug me. It's like name calling. It's not nice.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">My main point to all this... BE KIND. The top two commandments given were to Love. Love God, and Love each other. When you love someone, you love them no matter what they're doing. You care for them no matter how they're living their life. It doesn't mean you have to participate in something you don't agree with. But you don't try to change them to fit your expectations. You're just there, accepting of the person as they are. That's how I see it. You treat people like PEOPLE. After all, we're all sons and daughters of God. Or if you're not religious, we're all just human beings trying to live out our lives as best we can. I think in this day and age, Kindness will go much further than arguing some point that in the big picture, has very very little to do with your life. </span></span>Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-68679663001183599942013-11-26T15:58:00.000-06:002013-11-26T15:58:05.008-06:00Tired and alone.Feeling very lonely at the moment. I really am needing some help... desperately, and asking for it, and yet it seems like no one is answering. The friends who say "Let me know if you ever need a babysitter" can never babysit. The people at church who are there to help you out are all too busy to help you out. And family either has their own stuff going on or are all sick. So I'm left alone trying with everything in me not to lose it and to try and find a solution.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is going to be one of the most difficult days of my entire life. It will be Hell. Because I will be reliving, in explicit detail, the moments of my own personal hell. The moments that broke me, in nearly every single way possible. A wound that has abscessed, and needs to be cut out. And I'm doing that, taking the steps to cut it out and finally heal from it, but it's hard and it hurts and I'm alone.<br />
<br />
I have been praying desperately for my Heavenly Father's presence through all of this, and I feel as if he's holding me up, because He knows I don't have the strength to do all this on my own. But there's only so much that spirit can do. It can't watch my kids for me. It can't give me a break from all the normal mom/holiday duties I've got going on in the background.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful for that spirit of comfort, that has allowed me to get to this point, and to try and push forward, but I need more now. I need someone HERE. And when I look around, I don't see anyone. So what will have to happen, is I'll have to cancel the interview. Which only delays and prolongs the entire process, that in turns delays and prolongs the healing process.<br />
<br />
But that's where I'm at right now. I've got nothing else. Time and time again I learn that the only people you can count on are Yourself, and Your Father in Heaven. And sometimes you can't even count on yourself.<br /><br />It's not others faults. They have their own things. I understand, cause I have my things. It's just... hard. And I'm tired.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-79313001785197139722013-11-22T12:28:00.003-06:002013-11-22T12:28:55.680-06:00No, It's my stress, and I won't let it go!I know I suck at blogging here lately... or maybe forever. But I try. It's the effort that counts, right? Maybe not on the internets.<br />
<br />
Most of the things I'd probably be writing on here, I've been writing in a journal lately, and it's been a bit easier there, since no one will read it and I can be completely honest, which I can't be here, to be honest. There are trials and struggles I'd love to be open about, but this is not the forum. If you're interested, just ask. I'll let you know.<br />
<br />
Anyways... There has been a ton going on. Internally and externally. This has been one of the most trying years for me health-wise. Physically and mentally. It has been very trying financially as well. Having a baby costs money. Did you know that? I knew that, but had one anyways. God told me to. You're suppose to do what He says. But, OH, it's so much money. Money I'd rather be spending on other things. But I'm very grateful to have had my little baby this year, and since I did what I was suppose to, or inspired to rather, I know we'll be taken care of there.<br />
<br />
That's what I was trying to kinda make my way round to... Faith. This post seems to be jumping around a little bit of everywhere, but it's really all about faith. There are many dark things in my life right now. Things that scare me, make me anxious, give me nightmares, and cause a lot of hurt and pain. It's hard to make sure you see the "light" through all of that darkness. But even at times when I can't see it. I know it's there. I KNOW that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me. He said there would be steps into the darkness that I'd have to take along the way. As members of the LDS church, we know all about the iron rod. The rod we cling desperately to when we can't see for all the darkness around us. With that rod, we can keep trudging forward, keep working towards that ultimate goal.<br /><br />For me, that rod isn't only the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's also my heart, spirit, soul, whatever. I know that if I do what I feel is right, I'll be okay. If I listen to those promptings, they'll lead me to where I need to go. Far too often I try to cling to the fear. If I don't worry about it, what if it sneaks up on me? If I don't stress about it, how will I figure out how to fix it? What I'm learning more and more is that all I have to do is trust in Him, and He'll take care of it.<br />
<br />
My middle daughter is 5 now, and when she gets upset or hurt over something she locks up. She refuses to tell me what's wrong. I'll hold her gently and tell her "If you tell me what's going on, I can fix it. If you let me know, I can take care of it." But she is stubborn and insists on holding it in, holding it back, and not opening up and letting me as her mother do my job and take care of her. I realized, I do this over and over again with my Father in Heaven.<br /><br />When I'm heart broken and everything around me seems to be falling apart, I clutch my problems as tightly as I can and refuse to hand them over. "NO, they're mine. I have to fix them." To Him, I'm his child, I can't see the whole picture, I can't see the solution, I can't see the end. I can only imagine his frustration with me, "If only you'd let go, and let me handle it, it'd all be okay."<br /><br />So, I'm learning to have faith, to trust in Him. While I've always believed that Christ was the Son of God, I've rarely actually had faith in Him, the faith that He could take away all the heartache, the hurt, the pain, the sin. I haven't trusted Him to handle my issues how I want them handled. I've been that little kid struggling for control. But no more. I'm trying now, to just trust in Him. Allow Him to do what He does. And I know that it will all be okay. Maybe not right this second, but the assurance that it will be at some point is enough to get through the moment. And that's enough for now.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-39341062972974065082013-10-30T10:16:00.001-05:002013-10-30T10:16:13.414-05:00Are the demons buried for good?The husband told me the other day that I am me again. We saw a glimpse of me last year, prior to getting pregnant with the baby. Before that, there were tiny glimpses here or there, but the last time I felt "Well" was probably 6 or 7 years ago. At the moment, it doesn't seem like it's been that long that I've been fighting, but when I'm in the pit, it seems like much longer.<br /><br />But for now, the demons have been laid to rest. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of my favorite bloggers posted about "Remission" today. I was thinking about how my issues are in remission at the moment. I'm doing good. I'm back to normal, and even without the help of medications to get me there. There are still good days and bad days, like any other person has. But the bad days aren't so bad that I'm paralyzed with anxiety and shame and guilt. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the past, the idea of "Remission" always made me a little bit depressed. Because the illness can come back. But what I'm able to focus on now, is that it doesn't have to! And, because it is in remission and I have fought it before, I can do it again. I know what it takes to defeat it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, Are the demons buried for good? Maybe not. But they are for now. And I'm grateful that they are... even if it's just for a little while.</div>
Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-8545090020404027672013-10-06T04:00:00.001-05:002013-10-06T04:00:20.565-05:00Building Hype... and I'm finally catching upI've got a new project I'm working on. It's kind of in honor of my last year in my 20's. Just trying to get you on the edge of your seat... building that hype up... It's not that cool. You can calm back down. I'm just excited, but not sure what others will think... but then again, I don't care really. It's for me... yeah.<br />
<br />
And I'm also on Tumblr now. Took me long enough. But I only know a handful of people... so... yeah. Follow me if you're on there. Or don't if you're not. Whatevs!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thismamaisacrazyone.tumblr.com/">http://thismamaisacrazyone.tumblr.com/</a>Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-73057890176356024912013-10-02T20:38:00.000-05:002013-10-02T20:38:01.026-05:00Finally, it all makes sense.I recently got very sick. I was in the hospital for about a week... then in outpatient treatment daily for 2 and 1/2 weeks. It was a very long, not fun process. But I learned an absolute TON about myself, and about what I need to do to be a healthy person, physically and mentally.<br />
<br />
While I was at the hospital, the doctors discovered that I have <a href="http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-2-disorder" target="_blank">bipolar II disorder</a>. In bipolar II, the mania is not quite as manic, generally called hypomania, and is basically just an increase in energy, needing less sleep. But with Bipolar II, the depressive episodes are generally more severe than bipolar I, and last longer. In my case, I was being treated for only depression, and the medications I was taking was only making my symptoms worse, and also making me sick. While I was at the hospital, my meds were changed, to help balance my hormones, and to help stabilize my moods more.<br />
<br />
I've learned alot about CBT and DBT also. They are skills that practically anyone and everyone can use. They help you handle stress differently and kind of reprogram your brain so you can not worry or stress about silly stuff. They've also done wonders to help my anxiety.<br />
<br />
With the new meds I'm on, and the new skills I learned, I feel more like myself than I have in years. And it feels wonderful. At the same time, it's still very new. And I'm having to take "baby steps" (I love What about Bob. I think I may watch it tomorrow) to get back into normal life. But I'm on my way.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-86991370213398293092013-09-30T22:11:00.004-05:002013-09-30T22:11:43.430-05:00I need some distractions (cause now Sarah Mclachlan is stuck in my head.)<div style="text-align: center;">
In an attempt to try and distract myself from certain challenges I find myself facing...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's an awesome road a few miles from me...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5iR6S-Hr0uU0K6ghyzmn-jYdI5xk7mlY9Y2x68svGfj32eS35mONJ0ZH1f2oDXiVIrkppVT60TpPR-m23vcji89Qj2QmmA1ooQAGs2DcUhSxGsxWogcOmKOkHAeNhQgM1Zbm1CWI2UBJ/s1600/bonerwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5iR6S-Hr0uU0K6ghyzmn-jYdI5xk7mlY9Y2x68svGfj32eS35mONJ0ZH1f2oDXiVIrkppVT60TpPR-m23vcji89Qj2QmmA1ooQAGs2DcUhSxGsxWogcOmKOkHAeNhQgM1Zbm1CWI2UBJ/s320/bonerwood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A friend made the comment that he would absolutely send people MILES out of the way when giving them directions to his house... just so they would have to drive down "Bonerwood."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While I was taking the pic, I had to make a comment about the "angle" of the picture. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I couldn't resist. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My gutter mind wouldn't leave me alone until I said it out loud.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now my mind is running wild with comments that I can't post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So yeah, that's a good place to stop. </div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
</blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-17123878283742332692013-09-21T22:56:00.005-05:002013-09-21T22:56:56.673-05:00When I die, I wanna die here... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That may sound a bit morbid... But the Narrows of the Harpeth are absolutely stunning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I needed a bit of a break today, so I took the trip out there, all by my lonesome. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIKBqmFUliGCvAqDJy5aSd0Cs_QQ9Bgs153IdSUlIxCwzoiERzd24CeDlwn9MFyZlXBx3I81nKX5lA9BlVm9XO0OTRtgeuT3RSEQdxZbXKlmFmsc3pR6mbV1uTD4-LETIjUgO2Ej2BFyp/s1600/DSCF5581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIKBqmFUliGCvAqDJy5aSd0Cs_QQ9Bgs153IdSUlIxCwzoiERzd24CeDlwn9MFyZlXBx3I81nKX5lA9BlVm9XO0OTRtgeuT3RSEQdxZbXKlmFmsc3pR6mbV1uTD4-LETIjUgO2Ej2BFyp/s320/DSCF5581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even the drive into the park is GORGEOUS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEzmrqqLcWXJ4e8EHsSb6q1bwJBMYhb-cmtpY_Nmjn2PlHTY4eWUvSDsd2hY5WsnXrPrOayrfBEQJ88ZEqaNo9T1bkDtT2DoD5hHA65tE5HTU1fo6Mqi6dYR0tmZsqq25EX4KWS6KGKzz/s1600/DSCF5587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEzmrqqLcWXJ4e8EHsSb6q1bwJBMYhb-cmtpY_Nmjn2PlHTY4eWUvSDsd2hY5WsnXrPrOayrfBEQJ88ZEqaNo9T1bkDtT2DoD5hHA65tE5HTU1fo6Mqi6dYR0tmZsqq25EX4KWS6KGKzz/s320/DSCF5587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The water on the front side of the river was so still... the reflections you could see in it were amazing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDwT-MvDXOpKMG8iumg4TVVPvWQGv6xzjw5souNGyj8jicZ0UWyX7yDOAda2Sk8ziVI1nEGCu9YA0RHLFofIGUYSp8RkLG63D0YayQ63vLrB6HDKfe_rMyXNSmyOvvG56ZqW_9OZI-R6M/s1600/DSCF5597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDwT-MvDXOpKMG8iumg4TVVPvWQGv6xzjw5souNGyj8jicZ0UWyX7yDOAda2Sk8ziVI1nEGCu9YA0RHLFofIGUYSp8RkLG63D0YayQ63vLrB6HDKfe_rMyXNSmyOvvG56ZqW_9OZI-R6M/s320/DSCF5597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love these old stairs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p8EZ-vu5y3MXQ4CEwh27Gm-rqHqJVcKGBmdrkc2zUqjn-RADU2c5AOnWJmYudUyvuJd-x_yUpcahV1C5wEMyzyFmeycujhxA1Jy5pjq6IF_xakAPhhrVGYriCa96lV6o_clbru8Zgitm/s1600/DSCF5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p8EZ-vu5y3MXQ4CEwh27Gm-rqHqJVcKGBmdrkc2zUqjn-RADU2c5AOnWJmYudUyvuJd-x_yUpcahV1C5wEMyzyFmeycujhxA1Jy5pjq6IF_xakAPhhrVGYriCa96lV6o_clbru8Zgitm/s320/DSCF5601.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And these rocks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tovvrU0GSbHVJ1mwFEJ_aG50bJ8rzLAy1NQIMBoMm968ko1C-Ugun9cNZY-vHkDeL9fGaAymuLKXcbLFEzucHFIezQKqpomBAnw_b5SXfM9z-HM-JLbVm-tXclY9htwn2RIffhzn9AVA/s1600/DSCF5610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tovvrU0GSbHVJ1mwFEJ_aG50bJ8rzLAy1NQIMBoMm968ko1C-Ugun9cNZY-vHkDeL9fGaAymuLKXcbLFEzucHFIezQKqpomBAnw_b5SXfM9z-HM-JLbVm-tXclY9htwn2RIffhzn9AVA/s320/DSCF5610.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the first of the steep climbs up the bluff to the top. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_cIhs94vr_r5pHKh3cctrw8ThR5q5Ym-Cm2gh9W2vVpsSZYTFpMLzzfjJXxUClCOr-5LhfVVx35Vl33bxzodc2p6sU_TBxTESNYYcMiuMW3mXSRZ9AhnI0bvnldaonfgiY09Abu47V94/s1600/DSCF5613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_cIhs94vr_r5pHKh3cctrw8ThR5q5Ym-Cm2gh9W2vVpsSZYTFpMLzzfjJXxUClCOr-5LhfVVx35Vl33bxzodc2p6sU_TBxTESNYYcMiuMW3mXSRZ9AhnI0bvnldaonfgiY09Abu47V94/s320/DSCF5613.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Sanctuary"... I wonder if they'd let me on that list too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZAkLdZqLB7qJ_ByNoOdFdwofve9sBub84O_8NrmvS1avjjM65kc2I9air6NGOJlzZheFiQc2XIyLwMWULvGBOQpHvvp37x_0qw70zaTkwyAK4aFa1fAbgv5GoPI1MboNzaGw9CgVziMG/s1600/DSCF5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZAkLdZqLB7qJ_ByNoOdFdwofve9sBub84O_8NrmvS1avjjM65kc2I9air6NGOJlzZheFiQc2XIyLwMWULvGBOQpHvvp37x_0qw70zaTkwyAK4aFa1fAbgv5GoPI1MboNzaGw9CgVziMG/s320/DSCF5623.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does anyone else see the Letter K in this next one?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY0iUvLsRvW_REHRa48IDqAPMcJQ9e45_MC2WkqksM2ykMQxDhC3m4E-4iMORMYt76-vqqb_P1ehFsIug42EtMCc7jWBAW7aO2wZyIc0tXzu9TKMHwfvo4BbAZTbBsub5ZxiGxS14sokY/s1600/DSCF5624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY0iUvLsRvW_REHRa48IDqAPMcJQ9e45_MC2WkqksM2ykMQxDhC3m4E-4iMORMYt76-vqqb_P1ehFsIug42EtMCc7jWBAW7aO2wZyIc0tXzu9TKMHwfvo4BbAZTbBsub5ZxiGxS14sokY/s320/DSCF5624.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next time I'll remember a pocket knife to add my name</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjCDgjCmkq9AHh0mpPI0i1cALvwmWmW4yyhdXP1Ev4vpIc476aWiecTnYeQohGDBXAK-ydwaa5TVwAt-URfasL0ZRnRyKM7qghylcQV7ldXdmgSbiBCCqMRW8Py6hruYQzRDGrDIJg4QO/s1600/DSCF5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjCDgjCmkq9AHh0mpPI0i1cALvwmWmW4yyhdXP1Ev4vpIc476aWiecTnYeQohGDBXAK-ydwaa5TVwAt-URfasL0ZRnRyKM7qghylcQV7ldXdmgSbiBCCqMRW8Py6hruYQzRDGrDIJg4QO/s320/DSCF5636.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More pathway</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdvpHJIC1fsLP82EhZvUnHdsD5WtViS5KEukf2ByrLGHPWC5A-X_wK8IVCSDXygvJYca5lOTbRvXewkWSs9ZwA7tWEAf2n00fVa0eMJzgwEB_e8klJmK84r2MCLv9rq-w_qA4Ftn6RcHJ/s1600/DSCF5651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdvpHJIC1fsLP82EhZvUnHdsD5WtViS5KEukf2ByrLGHPWC5A-X_wK8IVCSDXygvJYca5lOTbRvXewkWSs9ZwA7tWEAf2n00fVa0eMJzgwEB_e8klJmK84r2MCLv9rq-w_qA4Ftn6RcHJ/s320/DSCF5651.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think this tree is awesome. Obviously... something has been trying to kill it... but it just keeps rising above it and continuing to live.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVBtQUsDuFJPGy8uoah4sWq4d44LLptUUn1AeZDFGWtWJzXqvpHeClry50UIsbGHggv3BSwhPmmgr4tMOCuIuZD6ZmS7KvwE6y8D4ogE5agsmYVYdjBHGNDkF5OnEmNKQJrEXJnOzh9M7/s1600/DSCF5663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVBtQUsDuFJPGy8uoah4sWq4d44LLptUUn1AeZDFGWtWJzXqvpHeClry50UIsbGHggv3BSwhPmmgr4tMOCuIuZD6ZmS7KvwE6y8D4ogE5agsmYVYdjBHGNDkF5OnEmNKQJrEXJnOzh9M7/s320/DSCF5663.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The view from the top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe31b1FjlGpeafzoCshIYLRsms59tTxuVh3UxHgY885ldX11nTd6BeijokV4laarzHtKnPsH8yKEuJL8RD-YmuHAfqGCo9kwDWSBmvheUpQSSwaKd6KemI-fL0a3GAWE6CRTp0DhZFi1Z/s1600/DSCF5675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe31b1FjlGpeafzoCshIYLRsms59tTxuVh3UxHgY885ldX11nTd6BeijokV4laarzHtKnPsH8yKEuJL8RD-YmuHAfqGCo9kwDWSBmvheUpQSSwaKd6KemI-fL0a3GAWE6CRTp0DhZFi1Z/s320/DSCF5675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnLxOGyzCUXWanvpK0qX7Zs-jnm4UVoOCxabjvGSlAqMeo2Prb68OOCFPwSkB48uOhnj3NeLqX6gFZFWnPn2AFk7udWREFCFZkstYOiiVmm0nCEbnZVLyIx5fJtvaxX_e4f9WcLbCcQHx/s1600/DSCF5680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnLxOGyzCUXWanvpK0qX7Zs-jnm4UVoOCxabjvGSlAqMeo2Prb68OOCFPwSkB48uOhnj3NeLqX6gFZFWnPn2AFk7udWREFCFZkstYOiiVmm0nCEbnZVLyIx5fJtvaxX_e4f9WcLbCcQHx/s320/DSCF5680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The edge... I had an epiphany today while I was sitting at the top of the bluff looking out and down. I'm terrified of heights. TERRIFIED. And while the view is incredible, every once in a while I'd look down and see how high up I was, and my body would tense up, my head would start spinning, and I'd get sick to my stomach... terrified that I'd fall over the edge... which was absolutely ridiculous, because I wasn't even close to the edge. I was sitting on safely on a solid rock. I do that all the time in real life. Even though I'll be sitting safely on solid ground, I'll start freaking out about things that will never happen. Hopefully, from now on, I'll be able to better remind myself to not let my fear and anxiety get the best of me, and keep me from enjoying "the view."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHF_pRGNUdm_zi5PUtOgTUN31fjDwJS5suP2HLez_2cKb7OWnhaSfnK2jjEYaUJ9L-XT0-TYoQsmEbAdO-aK82zKeJPTLpuGac3JyBgwwkac7iQ5fRfqevdiGpglQkKxOk8_Bn9Wo1L1I/s1600/DSCF5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHF_pRGNUdm_zi5PUtOgTUN31fjDwJS5suP2HLez_2cKb7OWnhaSfnK2jjEYaUJ9L-XT0-TYoQsmEbAdO-aK82zKeJPTLpuGac3JyBgwwkac7iQ5fRfqevdiGpglQkKxOk8_Bn9Wo1L1I/s320/DSCF5683.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktblVDcUnq5RsYO1ZvgOhQ51cf0gQ49kE2XvFpWggq816Kteljy9Rc3xY1EzFk9Kh8mRKIm7mc0LgfRpVg6NZqN19mUnErYH_63UuI3kYmBTMw_cKiO39aRzvB8DfDqzN4f66Hh_7RBbl/s1600/DSCF5687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktblVDcUnq5RsYO1ZvgOhQ51cf0gQ49kE2XvFpWggq816Kteljy9Rc3xY1EzFk9Kh8mRKIm7mc0LgfRpVg6NZqN19mUnErYH_63UuI3kYmBTMw_cKiO39aRzvB8DfDqzN4f66Hh_7RBbl/s320/DSCF5687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Clouds. They were so pretty today!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMq3yT5DWFccEc86cWDIR0YJ1flR-9XQCzUPXav75jmEai44BQWoGNUCxGNtzvVsWFMzYZJHiQY5OP9V8BHy0yr76q4Ro4pcp0uxH07labi-zRMyDTitgGR1sN38HpYcQaNWq9upkUMBj/s1600/DSCF5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMq3yT5DWFccEc86cWDIR0YJ1flR-9XQCzUPXav75jmEai44BQWoGNUCxGNtzvVsWFMzYZJHiQY5OP9V8BHy0yr76q4Ro4pcp0uxH07labi-zRMyDTitgGR1sN38HpYcQaNWq9upkUMBj/s320/DSCF5689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So... These pics are mostly trees, rocks, and pathways... If you don't like these things... Turn back now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx7QlVPDwIBeb_bDNajJvNf__gI6fgaYxDZilxxZ3vioGJjdps31DSiMuijWj4ql_tT6bWMDsgnJ5x98qtxXBjspzqPRQG5OERjyN-5TvzTkVCn6_fobHoQEuW_Q0nRt90zmSpPMGKRM4/s1600/DSCF5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx7QlVPDwIBeb_bDNajJvNf__gI6fgaYxDZilxxZ3vioGJjdps31DSiMuijWj4ql_tT6bWMDsgnJ5x98qtxXBjspzqPRQG5OERjyN-5TvzTkVCn6_fobHoQEuW_Q0nRt90zmSpPMGKRM4/s320/DSCF5694.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this next tree. The branches are SO amazing. Even those this isn't what most people think of when they think of a pretty tree, I think the chaos of it all is far more beautiful than a cookie cutter pear shaped tree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HkCw_E1474rgVnl79qx9eQMHcen4EMjty2hTXcZTIZqnHNQvieJsYsSxXzf1s2neYMOiA9uVUu9VyMS3ZAq4qohvjDQeu52gknnAxKoYuT1KlGq_3LTCbdcX06oHWjK7iiwvwIf4fUt0/s1600/DSCF5700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HkCw_E1474rgVnl79qx9eQMHcen4EMjty2hTXcZTIZqnHNQvieJsYsSxXzf1s2neYMOiA9uVUu9VyMS3ZAq4qohvjDQeu52gknnAxKoYuT1KlGq_3LTCbdcX06oHWjK7iiwvwIf4fUt0/s320/DSCF5700.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and back down the bluff</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-autIUtCsI8ZlCwHc12hmmSKeRCLtoibJPmH3JU3gjHFLjcop_VjkAKIS8A1wSPfnRTYTSPmnFRRh6Ekto2zCbmsasf00inwnw6YNlwtqU2GEGBVk7SkjAfPDgIEdWQ4VbwJle73F18CB/s1600/DSCF5702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-autIUtCsI8ZlCwHc12hmmSKeRCLtoibJPmH3JU3gjHFLjcop_VjkAKIS8A1wSPfnRTYTSPmnFRRh6Ekto2zCbmsasf00inwnw6YNlwtqU2GEGBVk7SkjAfPDgIEdWQ4VbwJle73F18CB/s320/DSCF5702.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And around the backside... more trees, with the sun shining through. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQemAPcdxmcKlYhhxZcGWdUEs-9Kv8Dvircpwv94T7qvLetdpyMYE-c-2IFANopDc0Dbvx22Uww6NKUGxFoCYtR9dP4RDi_Wx77sXpVxSnStF-EYKs5Thh7XCKdto5M38TnYXL8QsyDBb7/s1600/DSCF5709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQemAPcdxmcKlYhhxZcGWdUEs-9Kv8Dvircpwv94T7qvLetdpyMYE-c-2IFANopDc0Dbvx22Uww6NKUGxFoCYtR9dP4RDi_Wx77sXpVxSnStF-EYKs5Thh7XCKdto5M38TnYXL8QsyDBb7/s320/DSCF5709.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some history on the narrows</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGUgUroFPXuCUWno4lhcLqOz6c3-xz3grHcbjp4Ne9qDq6F9bs_LqfPiY_hbV4hmwiMxEIionRVkuIPTMWycoaLfqKZgqcxh2xMEoSQEpG0Pwnh-LJbqKq5uT4kBsjoval1ek7t0jlMwC/s1600/DSCF5716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGUgUroFPXuCUWno4lhcLqOz6c3-xz3grHcbjp4Ne9qDq6F9bs_LqfPiY_hbV4hmwiMxEIionRVkuIPTMWycoaLfqKZgqcxh2xMEoSQEpG0Pwnh-LJbqKq5uT4kBsjoval1ek7t0jlMwC/s320/DSCF5716.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19V-5oJ8xNDQYqLGgD7rqIB6jPNhIpGFj37o4pdDZXe3u6pHvwKWt3ryXoXFPrXvXIXNdHEaxS2eJayBSjDUqmU79ZtW5JYZPM2sBTMyjp7ixG2fmwY1y-k3qY9nr4D_E3zCgIqHbdZWy/s1600/DSCF5717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19V-5oJ8xNDQYqLGgD7rqIB6jPNhIpGFj37o4pdDZXe3u6pHvwKWt3ryXoXFPrXvXIXNdHEaxS2eJayBSjDUqmU79ZtW5JYZPM2sBTMyjp7ixG2fmwY1y-k3qY9nr4D_E3zCgIqHbdZWy/s320/DSCF5717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYPsm4rTiTkqy0qAxLW6W8bGyovk1ZnROBpQ3R1AJCJB4XBwy4x3eLFUfE8Et-3duRaW_AnJafHFwIk80W52u-D5jNdmyHSiL46I8wyM731yw5ggYOGgR-uwSvsuBr5EQewjAuWu7SlhG/s1600/DSCF5719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYPsm4rTiTkqy0qAxLW6W8bGyovk1ZnROBpQ3R1AJCJB4XBwy4x3eLFUfE8Et-3duRaW_AnJafHFwIk80W52u-D5jNdmyHSiL46I8wyM731yw5ggYOGgR-uwSvsuBr5EQewjAuWu7SlhG/s320/DSCF5719.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The "pond"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhFj-lB_j9L57FFVHXDvkmca2dhgnDbQ0Uz4sUhHI4jGPHneVgtHVac8_NCObB-TVgRx4-WVl-BgSIsqTe-xswNtHRIBM6zjpOHS167zi-dT8i3NL-hM_z41aqE9lX5KwqVXqp1dI1h9y/s1600/DSCF5724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhFj-lB_j9L57FFVHXDvkmca2dhgnDbQ0Uz4sUhHI4jGPHneVgtHVac8_NCObB-TVgRx4-WVl-BgSIsqTe-xswNtHRIBM6zjpOHS167zi-dT8i3NL-hM_z41aqE9lX5KwqVXqp1dI1h9y/s320/DSCF5724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And another fear faced... SPIDERS. They were all over the place. This one was a bit bigger than a quarter, and made me pee my pants when I almost stepped on him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmn1akmsAp5IvB98TxDE9ibmwHkU8N7B2JM62XtWKIxF_8Hnf4e03wuXvIUwrmdl6eLpj-gmrkV8dpMWhdF_EyXh50v_2Ag2RJTAWbINzYDGfcfnfsCNxvzGETDtOEFQxj7yLZMXYyL2W/s1600/DSCF5725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmn1akmsAp5IvB98TxDE9ibmwHkU8N7B2JM62XtWKIxF_8Hnf4e03wuXvIUwrmdl6eLpj-gmrkV8dpMWhdF_EyXh50v_2Ag2RJTAWbINzYDGfcfnfsCNxvzGETDtOEFQxj7yLZMXYyL2W/s320/DSCF5725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The waterfall... This is actually a tunnel. The Harpeth river travels around a 5 mile loop and comes within just a few hundred yards of itself. Years ago a tunnel was blasted out of the bluff. It's gorgeous. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdP4zYAM9mXh91zNCUO0S9icbLSkzU6nBoE-x-aiJvwFEUThRAZ4Z_klOw_eKdnkZgd4JsmO4HjkdEomA6r7Y2pQXoHewy6Sh7nI44nGYyfwRfhZywwUpjEdCioQ1PErJAxnwSN38zyT0/s1600/DSCF5729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdP4zYAM9mXh91zNCUO0S9icbLSkzU6nBoE-x-aiJvwFEUThRAZ4Z_klOw_eKdnkZgd4JsmO4HjkdEomA6r7Y2pQXoHewy6Sh7nI44nGYyfwRfhZywwUpjEdCioQ1PErJAxnwSN38zyT0/s320/DSCF5729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghO7NBtGaPe41b5oZwfjEyrNEFiYZg0RoVIjSx-xgyHYD15FcwEbexIxpOdwW3HGzBDwffOuFUM1sxlSXypFIIlRvgTLWlWdrJxEjOY6RkhC47Btt0rGxpTGDzEjvp7o95v10_PbiSQP-a/s1600/DSCF5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghO7NBtGaPe41b5oZwfjEyrNEFiYZg0RoVIjSx-xgyHYD15FcwEbexIxpOdwW3HGzBDwffOuFUM1sxlSXypFIIlRvgTLWlWdrJxEjOY6RkhC47Btt0rGxpTGDzEjvp7o95v10_PbiSQP-a/s320/DSCF5731.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, and I made a friend... or not... This little guy made me POOP my pants. Not really... but seriously... I about had a heart attack when I saw him. He was bigger than my hand. No clue what kind of spider he is, but I was TERRIFIED.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4YYV293xmP5Cq1iKxqG1-tY01RIBugoDuUhnVsCY0JL4xTA-OSXT37YWyl1yGS5XCopjB_JB4GVKaI7LNcyse90S5nYE_hDN7Nw_10N8bHdCSb3Ko4FuEMw6NvI6mzwSxa39Er5QKnjE/s1600/DSCF5734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4YYV293xmP5Cq1iKxqG1-tY01RIBugoDuUhnVsCY0JL4xTA-OSXT37YWyl1yGS5XCopjB_JB4GVKaI7LNcyse90S5nYE_hDN7Nw_10N8bHdCSb3Ko4FuEMw6NvI6mzwSxa39Er5QKnjE/s320/DSCF5734.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tree trunk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBopo8PR7ftvIsVU-5DRB8cYiZTg6nH8KtgL52l7BTyXz59X5-XEKidPaUCCpHXUZjq6zs2Bk19Ha8Vg0OK4swS_UPvYKkVzIuZT6wuZdn8GRaTvEJ2wac-niRVSGGtwo2xf852yX9Sf8Y/s1600/DSCF5741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBopo8PR7ftvIsVU-5DRB8cYiZTg6nH8KtgL52l7BTyXz59X5-XEKidPaUCCpHXUZjq6zs2Bk19Ha8Vg0OK4swS_UPvYKkVzIuZT6wuZdn8GRaTvEJ2wac-niRVSGGtwo2xf852yX9Sf8Y/s320/DSCF5741.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tree stump </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGxqd3k8J73ULsJJ5RKvTbD6TYnxa8ihAkkSJMpu2QJv9ZWRrUedxhs7Dr97aGBbb16nP-ttYr6lvC7dFSGx4f8MaJRhI4656nNvl0G_Eu2kfKdkrg-0c8K0DG5gZAYfQxmHcPETJB-wF/s1600/DSCF5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGxqd3k8J73ULsJJ5RKvTbD6TYnxa8ihAkkSJMpu2QJv9ZWRrUedxhs7Dr97aGBbb16nP-ttYr6lvC7dFSGx4f8MaJRhI4656nNvl0G_Eu2kfKdkrg-0c8K0DG5gZAYfQxmHcPETJB-wF/s320/DSCF5744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT9n9JSG6LidDGECPfXWYwlo4XmTZuHlDojic3yrLOGMgHU-WoB1SAV6NOI4ZqoImSPO3HTesdfxYz5ZP2kxlEA6O_XpmSbJCFrJpKzQxS3odCpWvuZeoO5ZE7FlqeU1kfRRw-UlYpg3z/s1600/DSCF5746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT9n9JSG6LidDGECPfXWYwlo4XmTZuHlDojic3yrLOGMgHU-WoB1SAV6NOI4ZqoImSPO3HTesdfxYz5ZP2kxlEA6O_XpmSbJCFrJpKzQxS3odCpWvuZeoO5ZE7FlqeU1kfRRw-UlYpg3z/s320/DSCF5746.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkPmPCwHqjl8IKcYkT2r_YzrW5U1ipdifjAP7VS8PrvMhPwaR9ANkTTYmh_qWt9SpbrTQAN6NwvCzc98GFq9-sAWZuI-SF4gcvuNrOXaSWs0jbguXIFAZFquIa97o9xmVtVHEgywIuRNZ/s1600/DSCF5751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkPmPCwHqjl8IKcYkT2r_YzrW5U1ipdifjAP7VS8PrvMhPwaR9ANkTTYmh_qWt9SpbrTQAN6NwvCzc98GFq9-sAWZuI-SF4gcvuNrOXaSWs0jbguXIFAZFquIa97o9xmVtVHEgywIuRNZ/s320/DSCF5751.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I climbed up the side of the bluff... and this is the view while I was standing on top of the tunnel where the waterfall feeds out into the river.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVY6sfKC2ha5pvYsamTaIOXvaAc-rF-sABMX66dXdYrvQluFhf831OzLdbSfn3WzgUqbAXwawCg_H10Qv8XcfAUlV9w_YmJo7IN_011_jr5YUrpdOYekYEHxsi0cOnXjUr02GalpPvY1B/s1600/DSCF5758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVY6sfKC2ha5pvYsamTaIOXvaAc-rF-sABMX66dXdYrvQluFhf831OzLdbSfn3WzgUqbAXwawCg_H10Qv8XcfAUlV9w_YmJo7IN_011_jr5YUrpdOYekYEHxsi0cOnXjUr02GalpPvY1B/s320/DSCF5758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoLN9DWyq9EZK2CkohZuw55PKd8QlHFE9GsMcq-VtqBParBdE5JFe9UQyHNH6eTysC9ZC-rmnFCED264wO3ZXBcGXyb1mPiuRyIWFlHUm7lRjDuxpRhdvKZFAI-Inqw6w0vEMSfwCkx0c/s1600/DSCF5767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoLN9DWyq9EZK2CkohZuw55PKd8QlHFE9GsMcq-VtqBParBdE5JFe9UQyHNH6eTysC9ZC-rmnFCED264wO3ZXBcGXyb1mPiuRyIWFlHUm7lRjDuxpRhdvKZFAI-Inqw6w0vEMSfwCkx0c/s320/DSCF5767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv8G1GRu8EvafVEWsbKDtauqDvpFvsigW05_3fJ4HcQw9aJslBPD0Xb50cBilK2Scisw9GnhQYhHeGX7RC0ez9OTfIV8jmyzGAW4yFFcxFLthVuUNzb4HcUti0LnsBd3MWgovk8dXobyv/s1600/DSCF5776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv8G1GRu8EvafVEWsbKDtauqDvpFvsigW05_3fJ4HcQw9aJslBPD0Xb50cBilK2Scisw9GnhQYhHeGX7RC0ez9OTfIV8jmyzGAW4yFFcxFLthVuUNzb4HcUti0LnsBd3MWgovk8dXobyv/s320/DSCF5776.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have no clue what this is... but I saw it on/in a rock. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpq2XPSIukQhRSddGVhhsMzxXvVpJx-ac9dA6TWgFgHOWJfTvOUEJTi5rBXsAJwIKa40odzxwlqdaKOEpR0tJkSYCId6yIkYx8_tHQdKUB3FDfDJhr8Z3w6cQeRW5vFxQzCW6v_dcwV-s/s1600/DSCF5781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpq2XPSIukQhRSddGVhhsMzxXvVpJx-ac9dA6TWgFgHOWJfTvOUEJTi5rBXsAJwIKa40odzxwlqdaKOEpR0tJkSYCId6yIkYx8_tHQdKUB3FDfDJhr8Z3w6cQeRW5vFxQzCW6v_dcwV-s/s320/DSCF5781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shell </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60BOoFbOHmCUhw8Cw0k9-LTdM6vFTcfb-1GSG0oFnWQ7HWzNVAJjNcfFdZBm5qlwzlOZzv8pH3hiX1T0hE6yyckv3N2FeEwYqz-aAvxpPzjFtuTVHdN_rTYGN61crEsEKVnba_Imq_z_-/s1600/DSCF5785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60BOoFbOHmCUhw8Cw0k9-LTdM6vFTcfb-1GSG0oFnWQ7HWzNVAJjNcfFdZBm5qlwzlOZzv8pH3hiX1T0hE6yyckv3N2FeEwYqz-aAvxpPzjFtuTVHdN_rTYGN61crEsEKVnba_Imq_z_-/s320/DSCF5785.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roots... I love roots. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNtsR3aut_zVP5aMtrxEZFa52k7jHJoYzzul2Gmh4Rrq8QQrtCZHNhtdS65ZIlRI3aJocY3zaaxc3AyfErKfjwKQwzqum7dtHr7vmgzrF25Q0ioo_kP_lukE03g5WDIElJHVdt5mpgv0p/s1600/DSCF5791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNtsR3aut_zVP5aMtrxEZFa52k7jHJoYzzul2Gmh4Rrq8QQrtCZHNhtdS65ZIlRI3aJocY3zaaxc3AyfErKfjwKQwzqum7dtHr7vmgzrF25Q0ioo_kP_lukE03g5WDIElJHVdt5mpgv0p/s320/DSCF5791.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More roots... When roots are exposed like this... It reminds me of bones. Does anyone else think so? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzMcm4t3ER_AlFU9FDFdT_PjMLNo9pdDwGERKZ2ou1KLsgKU18V00iJboq8nrlDofyNfd4u3uVQplRiD6r2jv57K5YjDBT918RkMWOIg45hJ_ee60W6FYh0kgjSFXTNfzqbFvZ9_27crB/s1600/DSCF5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzMcm4t3ER_AlFU9FDFdT_PjMLNo9pdDwGERKZ2ou1KLsgKU18V00iJboq8nrlDofyNfd4u3uVQplRiD6r2jv57K5YjDBT918RkMWOIg45hJ_ee60W6FYh0kgjSFXTNfzqbFvZ9_27crB/s320/DSCF5793.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhGCZBJHSDJg7778kW_jxhclWtQ49Th9MZ3TT7UuYRjF9O8a5iu5krzkK65jG9C38zupN0ES0T9ANeX_bfJ1Il35_Dg_QuM-lwug0xmou-MTZSYW8hMeVhYtyFdCpBllKXXSqXJITXua7/s1600/DSCF5794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhGCZBJHSDJg7778kW_jxhclWtQ49Th9MZ3TT7UuYRjF9O8a5iu5krzkK65jG9C38zupN0ES0T9ANeX_bfJ1Il35_Dg_QuM-lwug0xmou-MTZSYW8hMeVhYtyFdCpBllKXXSqXJITXua7/s320/DSCF5794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXmtdjegZDIJjaqKBfDeE172OQwizX0f6e1puYJBEV2pSojwjSvPBsF2p7PE09dfxx_d3QRF2SJyWlyePWENigsJ3b0-37ViCGBuwcdrsMYPhdw8IRLmeRGrQVmO5AVRwo8uzMBlPTPc/s1600/DSCF5795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXmtdjegZDIJjaqKBfDeE172OQwizX0f6e1puYJBEV2pSojwjSvPBsF2p7PE09dfxx_d3QRF2SJyWlyePWENigsJ3b0-37ViCGBuwcdrsMYPhdw8IRLmeRGrQVmO5AVRwo8uzMBlPTPc/s320/DSCF5795.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The property on the other side of the river is Private Property... and there were some "good ol' boys" out there shooting. I about nearly pooped myself again when I heard the gun fire. but I think they were just shooting off some rounds for fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur0Dif6ZTgi5urW1h0d0r-xbrMEqBl9Naf3fAS7wjmnUv8fkBX9wu66H-fqszh4Josc4JEtwtNvDfTVuWNAbS7PyU7uyMUtxriElU8-ksLfI4gAxgF0qprhmHmMXOaK8M23jgrvWzPu5M/s1600/DSCF5804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur0Dif6ZTgi5urW1h0d0r-xbrMEqBl9Naf3fAS7wjmnUv8fkBX9wu66H-fqszh4Josc4JEtwtNvDfTVuWNAbS7PyU7uyMUtxriElU8-ksLfI4gAxgF0qprhmHmMXOaK8M23jgrvWzPu5M/s320/DSCF5804.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxJMqGxpcDiVlq_vVcxgIBFM8nkqvJ5BuKfZRxKqXmtKKtdTwwb1PGPf_IsYjifNmZFtWM65ER9rrESV8Sia1-97ic9TTuEoZaLKbZowZAiLmZ7vWmu-dOkxwVZeUAfD4320T5aBUy9sr/s1600/DSCF5816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxJMqGxpcDiVlq_vVcxgIBFM8nkqvJ5BuKfZRxKqXmtKKtdTwwb1PGPf_IsYjifNmZFtWM65ER9rrESV8Sia1-97ic9TTuEoZaLKbZowZAiLmZ7vWmu-dOkxwVZeUAfD4320T5aBUy9sr/s320/DSCF5816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m8kkRu5XW40XCjvI8n6wT8L6Bum5tt9QFmG5LHKqE3vKPFX92oM3qUJ97XGU5PdTKIAmihAaTOrYXmtLORv7cC2-LL5IITMkrM_rShkqPExH79-671Czd4SkU3dy8zGCc-mF3kpgDZga/s1600/DSCF5819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m8kkRu5XW40XCjvI8n6wT8L6Bum5tt9QFmG5LHKqE3vKPFX92oM3qUJ97XGU5PdTKIAmihAaTOrYXmtLORv7cC2-LL5IITMkrM_rShkqPExH79-671Czd4SkU3dy8zGCc-mF3kpgDZga/s320/DSCF5819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reflections</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5SNNS4zGl3My-t1luKUVQ8zJ8gn81Zso61ntb9BIofUvHSE9b24N54k98ZwCxQaGo6ItoUV86__RbnRpM7OZfAXAxeSXZU0Smqlu_5d3up7fvK_vRgfFtOI2rdYGKRhtsUgrchyphenhypheniAFXG/s1600/DSCF5829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5SNNS4zGl3My-t1luKUVQ8zJ8gn81Zso61ntb9BIofUvHSE9b24N54k98ZwCxQaGo6ItoUV86__RbnRpM7OZfAXAxeSXZU0Smqlu_5d3up7fvK_vRgfFtOI2rdYGKRhtsUgrchyphenhypheniAFXG/s320/DSCF5829.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And roots</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLCR1PRc-xhSHR_PRqNYI3ZY_r_CSmnz5Dd2JYKQnKvxtV7pQxxsj5plxuzHcgaze1RcLHDZRmp6dtaekmTRB08_o3ppVRKUf0YLKHsLkt7b_RtCRwTTTAY7ZSB93GqZlcbSK_ga2i8_v/s1600/DSCF5831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLCR1PRc-xhSHR_PRqNYI3ZY_r_CSmnz5Dd2JYKQnKvxtV7pQxxsj5plxuzHcgaze1RcLHDZRmp6dtaekmTRB08_o3ppVRKUf0YLKHsLkt7b_RtCRwTTTAY7ZSB93GqZlcbSK_ga2i8_v/s320/DSCF5831.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I went down a different trail, one I've never gone down before... and this is what I found at the end...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIc6oLR3otHYJKmEQ-yl4oT8TBMnx-H-SgEQIM4hgqmFhl7hq2YITZLPEnlmhDJbYWPqzQldcb6XtBgsoA_G9tUKRTgMUH200sHvF4LFlT83SumFTTT-pnovKp33Us3VKHmYMmn-GzReN/s1600/DSCF5845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIc6oLR3otHYJKmEQ-yl4oT8TBMnx-H-SgEQIM4hgqmFhl7hq2YITZLPEnlmhDJbYWPqzQldcb6XtBgsoA_G9tUKRTgMUH200sHvF4LFlT83SumFTTT-pnovKp33Us3VKHmYMmn-GzReN/s320/DSCF5845.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It looks like something you'd see in a movie. I can't wait to go back and have a picnic there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6TUMUII6PXWpV8lpSWJPO6QZTcp6NOkOqQL5-T7OiymbEPib4al4YqXjQdWUNYPEk1UiNEuTtECCMKU5HZ0fyfFaEi89IPfkyqamCD77g4YYRGJCP3RSS27ItXFaECVuLmxWksNxRBPj/s1600/DSCF5846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6TUMUII6PXWpV8lpSWJPO6QZTcp6NOkOqQL5-T7OiymbEPib4al4YqXjQdWUNYPEk1UiNEuTtECCMKU5HZ0fyfFaEi89IPfkyqamCD77g4YYRGJCP3RSS27ItXFaECVuLmxWksNxRBPj/s320/DSCF5846.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyways... I'll post more on my wonderful trip and experience later. It was a very beautiful day and I'm so grateful I was able to go. I can't wait to share this place with those that I love. </div>
Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-69853822601674395562013-04-29T10:13:00.001-05:002013-04-29T10:13:38.880-05:00Tablecloth PomPomsI'm still pregnant. Just in case you're wondering. But I have a c-section scheduled about 4 weeks away... so I am counting down.<br />
<br />
Tot's birthday is also coming up, pretty close to the due date and I'm afraid that I'll end up going into labor and ruining her birthday party... so we're doing it a couple weeks early.<br /><br />Here in our house we are pretty big UT Vols fans. And Tot has asked for a UT birthday. She has this little Smokey dog (their mascot) that she loves and wants a "Smokey" birthday. So that's what we're doing. The girls get to be cheerleaders and the boys... football players.<br />
<br />
To save some money, I am making Pom Poms for the party. I saw this video online.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sxL1fO2eZhs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
It's a great tutorial on how to make Pom poms, but I needed orange and white, (For the vols of course.) and finding orange trash bags might be a bit difficult. So I decided to use those cheap $1 tablecloths you can get at the dollar store, or even walmart. And they have nearly every color you could use.<br /><br />Anyways, here's how I made my pom poms!<br /><br />First, I rolled out the tablecloth, but did not unfold it. It was folded into 4ths, so I just left it like that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM9gQw9-GK7_Z9HRsMpMinAbAnF2UBjU2L-i9Z79ltTNsP1-myTho9js6kvW8GHwZtzUi9COEfXOUxWBYalITrngZhabgNoEdxV_8kpBjY5j68mX2I9rqt2sWfyVqkpGdYxB7eS27J7g8/s1600/DSCF4259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM9gQw9-GK7_Z9HRsMpMinAbAnF2UBjU2L-i9Z79ltTNsP1-myTho9js6kvW8GHwZtzUi9COEfXOUxWBYalITrngZhabgNoEdxV_8kpBjY5j68mX2I9rqt2sWfyVqkpGdYxB7eS27J7g8/s320/DSCF4259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then I cut all the way down each side. On this side, I cut through two layers of the table cloth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKETLtAs7qazNFG70R87SRFTGgMY_0UMv4T6NSlXzHSrYJRyBFxBH_a6zMDbEVO3GmPhnnHAXcdKvwIaH2niKUBsr9X9gcynNMFnr1HfTgneGFgUJ0shkMlVlg8uE_3tO35Yp4FLdjnVYi/s1600/DSCF4260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKETLtAs7qazNFG70R87SRFTGgMY_0UMv4T6NSlXzHSrYJRyBFxBH_a6zMDbEVO3GmPhnnHAXcdKvwIaH2niKUBsr9X9gcynNMFnr1HfTgneGFgUJ0shkMlVlg8uE_3tO35Yp4FLdjnVYi/s320/DSCF4260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This side had the edges, so I only had to cut through one fold of the table cloth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2smNflPUNKuG26JFLV2fBILcG1XiqBRykgHUUrivOyHDo2OJbTGBXpMXua_vHr9ItbalE4j8W-IU0hRFwogQOVez8puveJYY2nWeUAUlIIS70QlIpqwPb6WKwJbHPz02whETkbC5l03kA/s1600/DSCF4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2smNflPUNKuG26JFLV2fBILcG1XiqBRykgHUUrivOyHDo2OJbTGBXpMXua_vHr9ItbalE4j8W-IU0hRFwogQOVez8puveJYY2nWeUAUlIIS70QlIpqwPb6WKwJbHPz02whETkbC5l03kA/s320/DSCF4261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After that, I folded one corner down to form a triangle<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WHCqPuI5Egy5-Ak1vL3GBui1eRyJ0AnffdJw7O4na36sutljoFRLI82wXEcUcfDbCcP2Z1ESUKhDlsT5_RYaEPeh9V5qnYLpr7qareTCMplqJ9HNABz1y8z30kED-NoOOFZjwtuvf-YG/s1600/DSCF4262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WHCqPuI5Egy5-Ak1vL3GBui1eRyJ0AnffdJw7O4na36sutljoFRLI82wXEcUcfDbCcP2Z1ESUKhDlsT5_RYaEPeh9V5qnYLpr7qareTCMplqJ9HNABz1y8z30kED-NoOOFZjwtuvf-YG/s320/DSCF4262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then I cut, so I'd have a square.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU76p2kIBOWlLSaLEzd8X5k5DPU8M8dXFUDewp64ocrbwChvqwoIzfJ8VdoJQePfCM7i16jQYrb3zW7EbFgHJ8j55lJwkYvYYEHZ6cXUxHs_Wq9gWZGOfzYKIA_Yu0gdWpsmcZT7UrgNa/s1600/DSCF4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU76p2kIBOWlLSaLEzd8X5k5DPU8M8dXFUDewp64ocrbwChvqwoIzfJ8VdoJQePfCM7i16jQYrb3zW7EbFgHJ8j55lJwkYvYYEHZ6cXUxHs_Wq9gWZGOfzYKIA_Yu0gdWpsmcZT7UrgNa/s320/DSCF4263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After I did that to the entire table cloth, I also did the same thing to a white one as well. Then, I started layering the colors. I did two squares of each color, layered on top of each other. Each table cloth forms one full pom pom, so you should be able to get two pom poms out of the two different colored table cloths. So make two piles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yfFrkJ0FczRjE_ds72QG1eBuCNDXBXM4vm1DMi7_tcOf8MVXL1iIScbiaobw8RjIJFwhOk4izIgjcPn6Pc20o8ijiz0hwY3cB-MH8tUTKqtkXlY98ywoiJ5MgZAnfMqrGyNJukVdgNJV/s1600/DSCF4264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yfFrkJ0FczRjE_ds72QG1eBuCNDXBXM4vm1DMi7_tcOf8MVXL1iIScbiaobw8RjIJFwhOk4izIgjcPn6Pc20o8ijiz0hwY3cB-MH8tUTKqtkXlY98ywoiJ5MgZAnfMqrGyNJukVdgNJV/s320/DSCF4264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After you have your pile of squares, put your fist down into the center of the square and make two lines on either side of your fist. Then you will cut about 1 inch strips on either side of those lines, making fringe for the pom poms.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxVHZi2Hv0AK9wPg9p5yiFdCTlrID7Oet0iZgvVIMZMocKn06OAgDaLD8jKd-0PVZHv-qRY_UpW6bPnRBoZOFIRHn7K14mNjJp-lhscwmVr2Tf0NgAfnzOprRPBfocm0tfuxCJ-b3dN-r/s1600/DSCF4275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxVHZi2Hv0AK9wPg9p5yiFdCTlrID7Oet0iZgvVIMZMocKn06OAgDaLD8jKd-0PVZHv-qRY_UpW6bPnRBoZOFIRHn7K14mNjJp-lhscwmVr2Tf0NgAfnzOprRPBfocm0tfuxCJ-b3dN-r/s320/DSCF4275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's a picture of one side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiap1K6RmccmfHkwzNr-2NyLpCJYW1VVlexAitK3FlYfB2of26jnK-Wdowu-ycXrHcGjL39P0vEzwEOPpFc8Ocgsa2Pev1veDcnGb8tEIkvpixaSd0G8mIwmyjJZ6jH9EjUnjsWvim8NAsn/s1600/DSCF4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiap1K6RmccmfHkwzNr-2NyLpCJYW1VVlexAitK3FlYfB2of26jnK-Wdowu-ycXrHcGjL39P0vEzwEOPpFc8Ocgsa2Pev1veDcnGb8tEIkvpixaSd0G8mIwmyjJZ6jH9EjUnjsWvim8NAsn/s320/DSCF4265.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
after you have the fringe all cut on both sides, gather square together with the fringe on either side of your fist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHgHHeGROqK_dUBK9qT0cHT6EZa7xJkSaXsV281l5-7Fpt33cK5BuLQflaRxplrL1jdN0yZpsG1NefyGbDHdLVGE8tPdBlH6-2DDlPKJWKM7HFgdnjVc8pBvBKEanGAJA17kU07kFp-Zj/s1600/DSCF4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHgHHeGROqK_dUBK9qT0cHT6EZa7xJkSaXsV281l5-7Fpt33cK5BuLQflaRxplrL1jdN0yZpsG1NefyGbDHdLVGE8tPdBlH6-2DDlPKJWKM7HFgdnjVc8pBvBKEanGAJA17kU07kFp-Zj/s320/DSCF4266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then start taping tightly around the uncut part of the squares. This is gonna be your handle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxR9ba0zoy49GTDC3vpGi97DxNL03PFa0alj9B-wB4N0F_6WLSwPH_6PKtJ6KBoPOQuiQTkv8QiL5H3qEzM_v2FsYzFuf5hfwElkrVbt8nNMbS7IiktpTjuYj_CiGKm9iHVXWZ0R2b0uI4/s1600/DSCF4268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxR9ba0zoy49GTDC3vpGi97DxNL03PFa0alj9B-wB4N0F_6WLSwPH_6PKtJ6KBoPOQuiQTkv8QiL5H3qEzM_v2FsYzFuf5hfwElkrVbt8nNMbS7IiktpTjuYj_CiGKm9iHVXWZ0R2b0uI4/s320/DSCF4268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
All done taping!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMApf5-nHnWtAT2sRyNRNuqFEM5AdLCi1g3u5Q0iF1-rxcffcjSTXe6cjoyUuXc7kVRpcV_JCGhcxW7BNQ5zL2UeMLhWSHtkLB5EoHSR7KXVqHI7AIdmzg3W40SqzaAt_rlbxeEjqCFrVW/s1600/DSCF4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMApf5-nHnWtAT2sRyNRNuqFEM5AdLCi1g3u5Q0iF1-rxcffcjSTXe6cjoyUuXc7kVRpcV_JCGhcxW7BNQ5zL2UeMLhWSHtkLB5EoHSR7KXVqHI7AIdmzg3W40SqzaAt_rlbxeEjqCFrVW/s320/DSCF4269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After you have the handle made, set the pom pom between your legs with one fringed edge facing up. Then pull apart all the strips you cut, alternating directions and fanning them out to make the pom pom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqigmlYlJKF_5Ocj590IZkJf6TSFK_iTY5TibjY7aum-QgYG3L7paAp8GAk9ZuL371E3W_2Hs27mjRN-2ha-nJZYc4QiNiYyKoa5uou1jN0VvIZXsmUI9MERHkTdIfntRMJhEdBrUGjF1T/s1600/DSCF4270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqigmlYlJKF_5Ocj590IZkJf6TSFK_iTY5TibjY7aum-QgYG3L7paAp8GAk9ZuL371E3W_2Hs27mjRN-2ha-nJZYc4QiNiYyKoa5uou1jN0VvIZXsmUI9MERHkTdIfntRMJhEdBrUGjF1T/s320/DSCF4270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Be careful not to pull too much, because you will stretch out the plastic. Do this to both sides of your pom pom. And here is the final product.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-9-IdY1LNCjgLOHS2Wyt6W9zwc89qYRm7ej9m1omtHn8a0gv3sbV99Ttuz6O_GpChy9pclShnf5rOIl7CpF6r8yab-zQh9NdhswyrqjqFgq_5sEJ4BeyY9zX3SaFHf4B-eJkNu0l9Qtn/s1600/DSCF4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-9-IdY1LNCjgLOHS2Wyt6W9zwc89qYRm7ej9m1omtHn8a0gv3sbV99Ttuz6O_GpChy9pclShnf5rOIl7CpF6r8yab-zQh9NdhswyrqjqFgq_5sEJ4BeyY9zX3SaFHf4B-eJkNu0l9Qtn/s320/DSCF4272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The video I followed said you can trim them afterwards to make them more uniform, but since mine are just for a little girls birthday party, I'm not too worried about it being all uniformed. But I think they turned out super cute.<br /><br />I'm going to make these as favors for the rest of the girls as well, but their's will not be quite as big and thick. That would end up being $2 for each girl who comes, and with the new baby on the way... I just can't quite do that right now. But I'm excited to get them done and see all the little girls dancing around with them! I may even have to whip out some of my old moves at the party. Maybe it'll help wiggle this baby out a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEqn4yiQpDOG_vX8g7MebsRezekHY3fzEIjDAMzKXAYSVszAI-td1lMOaxv_90DzzXZDnksYIlKv62YeVR5nJMiBW37StEnxe8wzD40PRh2wzEGuMqFr01bI7ppJdDJHTjun_M939UVx6/s1600/DSCF4278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEqn4yiQpDOG_vX8g7MebsRezekHY3fzEIjDAMzKXAYSVszAI-td1lMOaxv_90DzzXZDnksYIlKv62YeVR5nJMiBW37StEnxe8wzD40PRh2wzEGuMqFr01bI7ppJdDJHTjun_M939UVx6/s320/DSCF4278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-11369909041648661482013-04-04T11:33:00.001-05:002013-04-04T11:33:23.102-05:00Tunisian Crochet AfghansBaby and me are both doing well. But I've had way more contractions this time around than I ever did with the first two, and my doctors have put me on a partial bedrest... Kinda. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I'm not supposed to be up as much, doing all that I usually do, I've started crocheting like crazy again. I even taught myself a new type of stitch, Tunisian crochet! For those who don't know, it's almost like crocheting and knitting combined just a bit. You put all your stitches on your hook, like you do with a knitting needle, then you work them back off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found a ton of great links and videos to help me learn how to do it all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://crochetingthedayaway.blogspot.com/2011/10/tunisian-crochet-how-to-basic-tunisian.html">http://crochetingthedayaway.blogspot.com/2011/10/tunisian-crochet-how-to-basic-tunisian.html</a></div>
<div>
* This link taught me how to do the basic stitch. There were a few others that I also looked at to make sure I was able to get the hang of it, but this one was the most easy for me to follow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://ahandmadeyear.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/crochet-graph-pattern-making-tutorial/">http://ahandmadeyear.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/crochet-graph-pattern-making-tutorial/</a></div>
<div>
* This link taught me how to make my own graph patterns. Tunisian crochet makes it really easy to crochet graphs. You can create basically anything, if you have a graph to follow. So I used this link to help me figure out how to make those graph patterns.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbupvlYzq_U">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbupvlYzq_U</a></div>
<div>
* This video helped me figure out how to change colors while crocheting. You can't simply just change colors quite as easily with Tunisian crochet as you can with normal crochet. But this video helped me to figure it out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the past three or four weeks, I've made four afghans, and I have orders to make at least 4 more already... possibly 5 or 6 if some friends were serious about wanting them. I also have a couple patterns I worked up for myself that I want to try out. I made a Tardis one, since I have a recently acquired Doctor Who addiction. And I also am going to make a Beyonce one in honor of the bloggess! I may end up sending those to some special friends when I make them. We really don't need anymore blankets around here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways... Here's the ones that I have done so far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oooK1GMlKWg0yxlvEc2-QvAiV5dSNYLYmh7O1IzxWoV3cb1goMLGaImxlm_8m3QDYW2ffUWzjqruXiaUyhzYmMexcY4fY3fUVzeGqzJhQ9APCAggwd-a6oJVBNho0JhxiUYoLGr2WwxE/s1600/DSCF4204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oooK1GMlKWg0yxlvEc2-QvAiV5dSNYLYmh7O1IzxWoV3cb1goMLGaImxlm_8m3QDYW2ffUWzjqruXiaUyhzYmMexcY4fY3fUVzeGqzJhQ9APCAggwd-a6oJVBNho0JhxiUYoLGr2WwxE/s320/DSCF4204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***This University of Tennessee Vols afghan I made for Chris for his birthday last month. He slept with it every night for a week... Which made me feel awesome! I think he actually really likes it. And this was my first actual attempt at Tunisian Crochet and I think it turned out really well.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnbYsNDnKJ3mrcsBC0wPtcMf1q6ezWsrqSvxkPr1lqz5LLbsZx3T2s-1hYJkTAsFPuomm6IvOOJn1C-kZQTRNvBlOZ0SCCxD2zhiJKuH1op_7tHM4ZmVUX8pMaF0GG_l2Fj0xM7negfRT/s1600/DSCF4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnbYsNDnKJ3mrcsBC0wPtcMf1q6ezWsrqSvxkPr1lqz5LLbsZx3T2s-1hYJkTAsFPuomm6IvOOJn1C-kZQTRNvBlOZ0SCCxD2zhiJKuH1op_7tHM4ZmVUX8pMaF0GG_l2Fj0xM7negfRT/s320/DSCF4205.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***This was the second blanket I made. It's kinda hard to read the E, but it's for a very special friend and her new little girl. I haven't had a chance to send it yet (thank you pregnancy issues) but I'll get it sent soon. I hope she likes it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIOplgDdAa061IFmmOg3MpqV9V4CVU4Xy5ovhPQJ3qi0HyP_cXTWRsIFXHKj6h3PRLBr2H-IpGE5eSWGPyb5Mbw2ZVG5JQBuDq0Yqj0N-labv86urV9HpwSaHUJ71y3mWpxGntySHd-wv/s1600/DSCF4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIOplgDdAa061IFmmOg3MpqV9V4CVU4Xy5ovhPQJ3qi0HyP_cXTWRsIFXHKj6h3PRLBr2H-IpGE5eSWGPyb5Mbw2ZVG5JQBuDq0Yqj0N-labv86urV9HpwSaHUJ71y3mWpxGntySHd-wv/s320/DSCF4208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***This afghan I made for my niece for her 6th birthday. When my nieces and nephews saw Chris's afghan, they asked me for ones for them, so I'm going to slowly go through and make one for each one of them. Hopefully I'll be able to get them done over this next year. They work up pretty quickly (this one only took about 2 1/2 days.) So hopefully they won't take me too long.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xcoAYf9u-CECP3NyE3UoiTziKUAnD-lpVyAont5YRNwJVAwbpE8qyfF7tyj9AuR9s1tMGSPGXxqop07tqJNEIf4px43ZIrpxGpvagGeL-0MCrtXojdEolYqkdkgkuiIpE2Nlic_urt3w/s1600/DSCF4213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xcoAYf9u-CECP3NyE3UoiTziKUAnD-lpVyAont5YRNwJVAwbpE8qyfF7tyj9AuR9s1tMGSPGXxqop07tqJNEIf4px43ZIrpxGpvagGeL-0MCrtXojdEolYqkdkgkuiIpE2Nlic_urt3w/s320/DSCF4213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*** This afghan I made for my nephew (GO TITANS!) He asked for a T like the one I made for my husband, but he wanted blue on it I think... or maybe he said red. Either way, I got the idea to do a titans one. It was fun to create the patter on this one and put it all together. I LOVE how it turned out. And I hope he loves it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyways, I am taking orders for afghans. I can work up nearly any image/symbol/initials/monograms... whatever, and can ship anywhere in the US and Canada. For more information, you can check out my Facebook page here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThisMamaIsCrazy?ref=hl" target="_blank">This Mama Is Crazy</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pricing and Sizes:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tunisian Afghans</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Newborn (24"x30") $30</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Baby (30"x36") $35</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Toddler (36"x42) $40</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Kid (42"x48") $50</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Lapghan (36"x48") $45</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Adult (48"x72") $70</div>
</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-28958554511432436332013-02-19T17:37:00.003-06:002013-02-19T17:37:29.878-06:00MedicatedI've been on some new meds for about a week now, and I think they're really working. I've been much more calm, having less panic attacks, and in turn, less contractions. This is a wonderful thing, in my opinion. I'm being a better mom and wife to my family.<br />
<br />
The meds are not without side effects though. I'm more tired than I have been. I can deal with that though. I'm able to take naps some days. I've also been feeling more sick than I had been. I have yet to throw up from it, but it's been there... It may be slowly fading, and I'm praying it disappears, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I do feel a bit like I'm in a fog. But I can deal with the fog (for now.) I may get sick of it at some point... but I'll deal with that then.<br />
<br />
This is just a trial run on the meds to see if they help me and the baby. I've also started going in to see the doc every 2 weeks now, a bit early. It's to help monitor the meds.<br />
<br />
To me it is very encouraging that the meds are working so well. That means that the recent string of panic attacks and depression is hormonal and not mental. YAY! That means once I'm done being pregnant, and perhaps nursing, I'll hopefully be back to my normal self... Which I don't quite remember just who that is... It's been a while.<br />
<br />
For now, I'm grateful for the option to take meds. For now they are working and I'm praying there are no adverse side effects for the baby.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-53798886359729747682013-02-17T12:50:00.000-06:002013-02-17T12:50:24.762-06:00Weekly Meal Plan Lists Working on Grocery lists for this week, so I made some PDF files to help me out. What I do first is use the <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909041/Coupon-Shopping-Lists" target="_blank">Coupon Shopping List</a> to figure out all my coupons for the week. I then also go through our WIC vouchers and write them and my <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909041/Coupon-Shopping-Lists" target="_blank">coupon shopping list</a> on to our <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909050/Master-Grocery-List" target="_blank">Master Grocery List</a>. I use those two lists to come up with a weekly meal plan for our family using the <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909034/Weekly-Meal-Plan-and-Grocery-List" target="_blank">Weekly Meal Plan list</a>. I write down the extra ingredients I will need, and anything else that comes up. I then take those extra ingredients and add them to our <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909050/Master-Grocery-List" target="_blank">Master list</a> also. I hope this isn't too confusing for you. It's the easiest way for me plan it all out and have enough space to write it all (I don't think I could fit everything on one sheet.)<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To download the files free for your own personal use, Just click on the links above or below.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909041/Coupon-Shopping-Lists" target="_blank">Coupon Shopping List Download</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909034/Weekly-Meal-Plan-and-Grocery-List" target="_blank">Weekly Meal Plan and Grocery List Download</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125909050/Master-Grocery-List" target="_blank">Master Grocery List Download</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy!</div>
Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-27773230718350464342013-02-13T16:16:00.001-06:002013-02-13T16:16:09.047-06:00I feel like writing but I'm not quite sure I can get out what I want today.<br />
<br />
I am feeling defeated again. Slipping not so slowly back into the valley. I just have to remember that even if I do fall again, I'll always come back up at some point. I just don't ever exactly know if that will be a few days or weeks... or months. It's hard to have the patience with yourself to say "it came to pass." To understand that it's not going to always be like that. But it will pass. And I will feel better. Even if I don't feel better now.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-15562760434478226702013-02-12T15:56:00.001-06:002013-02-12T15:56:42.553-06:0030 by 30 Update 1Back in August I wrote this <a href="http://thismamaiscrazy.blogspot.com/2012/08/30-by-30.html">post</a> about 30 things I want to do by the time I turn 30.<br />
<br />
The List:<br />
<br />
<br />
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Run a half marathon, the Warrior Dash, and the Color Run.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Take a road trip by my lonesome and stop whenever I want.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Take ball room dancing lessons.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Find my go to Karaoke song.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have baby number 3.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Turn an internet only friend into a real life friend.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ride in either a Hot Air Balloon or a Helicopter, maybe both, not at the same time.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have a large vegetable garden and keep it alive.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do a family hike and camp out trip.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Write letters and send picture regularly to family.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Learn how to really play the guitar.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Go someplace I need a passport for.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Visit Niagra Falls.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tour the "mormon" trail.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Catch up on all my scrapbooking.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ride a horse again.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Participate in a flash mob.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Volunteer regularly</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Take the kids to Disney World</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Visit Harry Potter world</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do an anniversary photo shoot for our 10 year (kinda like an engagement shoot)</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Paint all the rooms in the house.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attend a giant music festival (bonnaroo?)</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have Blue/Turquoise hair… this is gonna happen!</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fill out our family tree book for the kids.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Train my dogs so they don't drive me crazy.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Go white water rafting with Handsome, this time on the same raft as my hubby ;)</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Write in my journal weekly at least.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Get a gun license and learn to use the dang thing.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Read start to finish all the Scriptures. (Old and New testament, BOM, D&C and PoGP)</span></li>
<br />
<br />
I have yet to actually accomplish ANYTHING on my list, and I've only got a year and half left.<br />
<br />
That is... UNTIL TODAY!<br />
<br />
I actually was able to cross off number 6 on my list and turn an internet friend into a real friend. A good friend (who I met online) needed a ride from Owensboro, Kentucky to the Nashville Airport, and I was able to give her that ride! I LOVE driving and road trips, so I didn't mind the drive at all, and once I got my friend, we talked NON STOP until she had to pass through security at the airport to make her plane. It was so much fun to be able to meet her, and to find out that we have so much in common.<br />
<br />
Along with number 6, I'm currently working on a few other items on my list. Number 5 will happen the last week of May. I'm going to start a veggie garden here in the next few weeks (8) and I'm running the color run on March 30th (1.) There are a few things I won't be able to actually cross off, thanks in part to baby number 3. But that's okay. I'll find replacements for them that are just as exciting.<br />
<br />
I'm just excited to have actually taken one small step to accomplishing this huge goal! YAY!Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-52215189126953805972013-02-11T13:41:00.001-06:002013-02-11T14:16:03.733-06:00Getting Back in the Game!Handsome has been asking me for a while to start couponing again. I've done it for years, but when we moved into our house last year, I really dropped the ball and I haven't picked it back up in the past year. We have done a couple things recently to help save us money on our grocery bill, but we need a bit more help.<br />
<br />
So I have spent the past two days slowly clipping coupons and reorganizing my binder to get back into the game. I'm surprised at how many coupons I've actually saved recently. My binder is more full than I expected. So I've gone through a couple of my favorite websites (SouthernSavers.com is a great one) to help me match my current coupons with the current sales and I made one grocery list for the things that we can use. (I try not to get anything I won't actually use. There are some great deals out there, but it's stuff we'd never use, so what's the point in wasting my time on it?) Grocery list no. 1 done.<br />
<br />
Then I went through our WIC vouchers (I spread them out through the month) and made a shopping list for them. Grocery list no. 2 done.<br />
<br />
Then I made a meal menu plan keeping in mind what was on my first two grocery lists (I do plan out dinner every night, then just make a list of ideas for breakfast and lunch.) Then I thought through those recipes and made Grocery list no. 3.<br />
<br />
(BTW, here's a couple recipes We're gonna try out the next couple weeks!)<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/beef-and-cheddar-casserole-recipe/index.html">Beef and Cheddar Casserole</a><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/easy-chicken-pot-pie-recipe/index.html">Chicken Pot Pie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/white-bean-chili-recipe/index.html">White Bean Chili</a><br />
<br />
In all, I'll probably be going to three or four different stores, and shopping off my three separate grocery lists. I'm hoping to keep my total under $100. Not bad for two weeks worth of groceries for our family of 4. (Also, when I know ahead of time what's for dinner every night, and have a list of ideas for breakfast, lunch, and even snacks planned out as well, We spend MUCH MUCH MUCH less on eating out/fast food. Which helps save money as well!) But I know I can do better. We're hoping to get to the point where our <u>monthly</u> grocery spending is between $100 and $150. We'll see if I can get there. Like I said before, it's gonna take me another month or two or three before I really start saving extra money from the couponing. You've got to build up your stock not only of coupons, but also of the things you buy regularly.<br />
<br />
Either way, It feels great to have a game plan for everything. Now I just have to find the time and energy to actually DO the shopping! Wish me luck!Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-20747637730795914842013-01-24T10:37:00.002-06:002013-01-24T10:37:46.904-06:00ValleyIn exciting new news, we're having another girl. I should have realized... It was destiny. We're all way excited. We know girls, and we make some cute ones, so I'm not worried.<br />
<br />
In other news, I'm in a valley. I've been here since Saturday. Sometimes I feel and think that it's looking back up, but it's not yet. I'm still here. I know this will happen from time to time. It just sucks. I'm happy... I really am. I'm so blessed in so many ways and I'm so grateful for those blessings. But it's like someone has flipped the switch and the light is not shining.<br />
<br />
I'm feeling very alone, which is normal for these valleys. Handsome even told me last night that when I get like this I pull away emotionally from everyone, which just makes the loneliness even worse. And it's true. I don't know if it's a defense mechanism or what. I tried to explain to him that I'm embarrassed. I'm embarrassed about the anxiety and depression. I'm embarrassed about all the negative thoughts I have in my head constantly.<br />
<br />
Anyone who had someone following them around constantly harassing them would have a hard time. That's what I feel like. Only, it's not like someone's just telling me I'm weird or ugly or making fun of me. It's so much more serious, and made even worse, because it's me. I'm telling myself these things. And I know it's not true. Depression lies. I know this. But still, having to CONSTANTLY have these thoughts bouncing around in my head is hard.<br />
<br />
This valley I'm in is stunting everything. All the good emotions I should be feeling right now. I feel like I'm holding this pregnancy at arms length away. I can't emotionally open up to it. I'm still having a hard time processing the fact that I'm having another child. It's almost like I'll wake up and it will have all been a dream.<br />
<br />
I'm trying lots of things to get me out of this funk. I'm trying to make sure I leave the house, whether it's just to volunteer at school or go grocery shopping. Having a reason to get dressed is good. I'm also trying to make sure I keep busy, cleaning and doing things and not just sitting playing x-box or the wii or something (but I am allowing myself breaks to stop and relax a second and play a bit.) I want to start walking daily too. But it's so cold, I'm not sure if I can do that one right now, especially with the asthma. But even with trying these things, it doesn't feel like the fog is lifting yet. And I don't really know what else to do other than just keep trying and wait for it to leave. I know it will. It always does. Just like it always comes back. But atleast there is usually some peace to be found in between.<br />
<br />
I know the sun is shining just on the other side of the clouds... I just can't see it right now. All I can do is wait til I can see it again.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-46027064842551926492013-01-14T10:55:00.003-06:002013-01-14T10:55:56.412-06:00Baby, Baby, Baby, Oh!It's been a little while again. :/ I'm crap on here lately. The entire Christmas and New Years holidays were insane. Very amazing and wonderful, our best ever! But at the same time, utterly exhausting with worry and stress and drama. I'd post more, but I'd end up crying and I'm not up for that right now.<br />
<br />
Things have calmed back down a bit and we're getting back into a routine of sorts. It needs to be better, but we're getting there slowly. We've been cleaning and rearranging alot of stuff as well, trying to slowly get ready for this bean to sprout at the end of May.<br />
<br />
Actually, today the baby is about all I can think about, especially since the big reveal ultrasound is scheduled for Wednesday, the 16th. Yes, I'm hoping for a boy after our two girls, but either way, it will be awesome to finally get to figure out who is growing in my belly. If you know me, you know I have a weird thing with numbers. It can kinda get obsessive. Tot and Moo were both born on the 16th of their own months, and they are 16 months apart, to the day. Part of me is wondering if this other 16th is a sign that it's another girl. I guess we shall see.<br />
<br />
I'm also a bit of a control freak and since all I have is baby on the brain, All I can think about is trying to plan the delivery and the timing and what will be best for all involved, etc. Since we get to schedule this c-section, it makes it super easy. But at the same time, we're also deciding what will be our child's birthday for the rest of his/her life. It was easy with Moo, since we could do it on the 16th... it was an easy choice. But with my due date of June 1st, it's a bit more difficult. Tot's birthday is may 16th, and our anniversary and Mother's day also fall in that week, so it's a hard week for us financially. Me and the hubs can hardly celebrate our anniversary. But we've always found a way so far.<br />
<br />
We both would like to have a bit more space between Tot's birthday and this new bean, but we also have to take into consideration that the girls have a dance recital on June 8th and I refuse to miss. I want to have the baby the week or two prior to that week, so I'm not coming home from the hospital and then having to handle the recital the next day. Memorial Day weekend is also in there somewhere, so we're trying to figure out if it's better to do it before that to help save some vacation days for the hubs, or maybe do it the day after, and he'll be off all week... I just don't know. I guess we'll figure it out as we get closer. I'm just a freak and want to know NOW what is going to happen.<br />
<br />
Now that we're half way as well, I can't figure out if this is gonna go by too slow or too fast. I need enough time to get ready for the baby coming home, but I also don't want the wait to seem like forever. :/<br />
<br />
Like I said, it's a justin beiber song up here in my head right now. "Baby, baby baby, oh! Baby, baby, baby, no!" I'm sure posting constantly about the baby would get annoying, so until my brain switches gears, I'll probably not be on here too much.<br />
<br />
But on the plus side, I am making a new years resolution 2 weeks late, to keep a better journal... or journals, I should say. I've got one for each other girls that I've written some letters in over the years, but I want to do better of writing things down for them, and also for this pregnancy and baby. Also, I need to keep a better personal journal. It always helps my issues to write them out, so I can recognize triggers and such, and what works, so I'll be working harder on that. And I'm also starting a Scripture journal. Or a gospel journal. I'm doing it a couple different ways, but I'm thinking it'll work. First, I'll be going through the scriptures, chapter by chapter, and writing what I learn and analyzing those chapters. Then as I learn more about different gospel topics, I'll be writing about those too. So I'll have a chapter section and a topic section. I'm making this journal on loose leaf notebook paper in a 3 ring binder so that I can always add to it. I've already gone through some of my favorite quotes and talks and added them to the topics they are about, and placed them in my notebook. All I can say is I'm gonna need a bigger notebook. But I'm excited for these goals. And hopefully I can make them into habits and keep them up for a long time!Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-10988030618728006762012-12-05T15:06:00.002-06:002012-12-05T15:06:40.929-06:00Only getting crazierI am now a superhero.<div>
That's right. I can create people out of almost thin air. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, so I didn't do it totally alone. The Hubs may have helped a bit.</div>
<div>
So I'm growing another human being right inside of my torso.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That alone is a pretty amazing ability. But I also have a few others now. I can throw up an insane amount of food... food that I know never entered my body. I can also smell things from nearly a mile away. And I can either sleep through anything, or not sleep at all, in spite of how tired I may be. I haven't quite learned how to make that one work for my benefit, but perhaps I will at some point. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks to this person growing inside me, my hormones have been a raging!!! I cry at the drop of a hat. I cry at car commercials. I cry at Christmas songs. I cry at movie previews. All this crying, it's no wonder I've had issues with dehydration.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It completely 100% makes sense though. If I think Mirena made me crazy... Or worsened my depression or whatever... and now my body has like 400x more of those hormones coursing through my veins... It's a wonder I am able to shower, get dressed, and behave like a normal (though sobbing) human being. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But things are looking up. I'm in the second trimester now... which happens to be my absolute favorite of all the trimesters. My energy levels are getting back to normal a bit. Though I'm still throwing up every now and then, I can usually eat pretty well and keep it under control. I can't sleep 15 1/2 hours straight like I did a few weeks ago, but that's okay. I plan on not sleeping a whole lot for the next couple years anyways. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This morning was one of those dramatic sob filled mornings where I call my mama in a blubbering mess, one of those where she can't even make sense of what I'm saying. It's all just one jumbled sob. The tot had to have some dental work done. Having to see your child go through any kind of discomfort is painful for a parent. I sat in that waiting room for an hour (I couldn't be back there with her because laughing gas is not good for pregnant people) trying to swallow the knot that had formed in the back of my throat. I was terrified that one of the nurses or someone would say something to me and I would just start sobbing uncontrollably and they would think that I am crazy. I may need to mention that before they took her back there, Tot told the dental assistant (or whoever they are) that I am "weird." I didn't want to confirm it for them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But on the way home, the flood gates opened and I called my mama. How in the world that woman managed to do this 7 times is beyond me. This is only my 3rd but will most definitely be my last. I've had a bit of an issue with really being grateful for this child. I know that it is a miracle and precious. But I think with all the sickness and everything, I just feel disconnected. I know I will adore whoever this little person is the second I meet him/her. After all, I'm still amazed at how much I love tot and moo. This little bean won't be any different. I just have to make it another 6 months... but I can do it, even if I sob the whole way there. </div>
Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-38117990744370618102012-09-05T22:42:00.003-05:002012-09-05T22:42:58.424-05:00Buried AliveI have been in a funk for quite a while now. Usually they don't last quite this long. I'm generally able to pull myself out of the funk by now, but for some reason I haven't been able to yet. It probably has to do with my crazy schedule at the moment and this stupid cold I've been fighting for a while...<br />
<br />
But I feel like I've been buried alive. And I'm suffocating. I can't hardly even think from one moment to the next what I'm supposed to be doing, and that has lead to either too much or not enough sleep and me hardly eating at all. I've always been the kind of person who only eats when I'm hungry, but when I'm hungry... LOOK OUT. I haven't been hungry in quite a while. I can go most days without eating at all, but I have to cook dinner for my family, so I usually will at least eat that meal.<br />
<br />
I don't know what to do to pull myself out this time. Nothing is helping, and some things I can't do because of circumstances at the moment, like exercise. I can't physically exercise right now because I'm constantly on the verge of an asthma attack thanks to this stupid cold. I get winded from simply walking up and down the stairs... I'm not about to step outside in the humidity and attempt to go running... or walking for that matter.<br />
<br />
I haven't been able to clean my home... yes I can pick it up and keep the general living areas okay enough... but I cannot wrap my head around the idea of cleaning. There's too much to do and not enough time or energy or focus and it's all so discouraging... I just avoid it all together.<br />
<br />
I don't feel like writing. I have to force myself to write out my daily articles for the website and I have no more words left over after those 2,500... and it makes me a bit sad because writing used to help tons.<br />
<br />
I need something to look forward to. Something to pull me back in. But everything I think of only makes me more anxious and depressed. It may be a bit before I get back into writing regularly, but hopefully I'll be able to come out of this funk soon and come back to reality. I really need to.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-40439631027194666262012-08-21T18:39:00.003-05:002012-08-21T18:39:56.432-05:00Roller Coasters Make Me SickNo really, they do. They kinda always have. I can handle a little bit at first... sometimes even 1/2 a day of it... but then something inside my head or whatever just clicks, and I can't take anymore. I love them though. I love the speed, my stomach flip flopping, the terror. Yes I'm afraid of heights, but that's not what stops me from riding. It the motion sickness. I can handle up and down okay. It's the round and round that gets me.<br />
<br />
I've been on a different kind of coaster here lately. It's the round and round of depression that's making me sick... not just mentally, but physically as well.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was amazing. I planned out the day and did most everything on my list. I had the strength to do it all and I kicked Monday's butt. Today on the other hand, I've been in my head. Remembering things I'd much rather forget. Thinking about people and places I wish didn't exist. Trying to tackle my to do list head on, only to have it knock me back on my backside.<br />
<br />
Depression is a lying bastard. Sorry for the harsh word. But it is. Anyone who has been there can attest to that truth. It tells you that you're nothing, you're worthless, you shouldn't try because you won't succeed. It makes you look at your blessings differently. You either don't feel worthy or you stop appreciating them. It makes you remember ever mistake you've ever made, things long since forgiven, things that no else remembers. But you do. Because depression makes you remember.<br />
<br />
Over the past 4 months, I've been doing much better. I can handle most days. I might not be quite up to par with where I'd like to be, but I do pretty well. Those are the times I can handle, I can suck it up, I can stay on the coasters. After a while of riding, I get sick. I can't take it anymore. I want the ride to end. But it doesn't.<br />
<br />
I can always think of things to do to help me feel better when I'm feeling okay. It's weird cause that's when I don't really need all the pick me ups. It's times like this, when I can't seem to even see straight that I need the help, but can't seem to find it ANYWHERE.<br />
<br />
So today I feel awful. I can't even hardly think well enough right now to type. Every tiny thing is a distraction. Every tiny thing is a reason to give up. To not try and fight through it.<br />
<br />
I know it won't last. For every low, there's a high just up ahead. For me, this is what enduring to the end really means. Though the depression is telling me to give up and give in, I'm not going to do it. I've got too much in life that makes me happy to let the Depression win.<br />
<br />
So maybe I won't be able to completely enjoy doing the things I want to this evening, I'm going to do them anyways. Fake it til you make it... right? And maybe tomorrow won't be so hard.Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-6301432808250068322012-08-14T23:29:00.002-05:002012-08-14T23:32:36.705-05:00ParalyzedI am stressed to the max at the moment and when that happens, I stop doing everything, letting the to do list pile up and only increasing the stress level to the point where I explode and implode and it's all just a holy mess.<br />
<br />
When I get like this, it usually ends one of two ways.<br />
1. I get horribly sobby and hormonal and freak out on everyone and about everything until I give up on most of my to do list, making me feel like poop and starting a bad funk that takes me quite a while to get out of.<br />
2. I get PISSED at myself for doing this all again and decide it's time I kick ass and get some crap done.<br />
<br />
So... I am up tonight doing number 2 (No... not that number 2!). I have a few things written down that I am going to get done and I'm not going to bed until I do them. This could mean that I will be up into the wee hours of the morning. Actually, it definitely means that. Lucky for me, the girls have school tomorrow. So perhaps, if I get things ready enough, Handsome can get the girls off to school in the AM and I can maybe sleep in an extra hour or two before heading off to an appointment.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping I can manage it. Sometimes the fire that gets lit under my behind tries to fizzle out. But all I have to do is look at that list again and I'm right back at being pissed that I have yet again failed to do the things I feel are necessary.<br />
<br />
Do not think that this list is crazy crap and that I'm some sort of perfectionist. I'm not. I try to be realistic. The dishes need washing. The clothes need folding. The bills need paid. My work needs written. My goals need met. I don't expect to scrub every baseboard and finish every little sewing project I have in mind.<br />
<br />
Yes, maybe I tend to overload myself... but if only myself was a bit more organized, I feel as if I could accomplish this all with no problem. There are plenty of hours during the day to do it, but as I said, I'm not organized, which is weird for a Virgo who LOVES to organize.<br />
<br />
But I need to have a clean, steady home before I feel comfortable planning my time, and I can't have a clean home because I can't find the dang time to do it. It's a vicious cycle and I'm hoping I'll figure it all out one day.<br />
<br />
For tonight though, I'm going to stay as pissed as I can. Angry cleaning is the best cleaning there is after all. Hopefully I can keep it up. <br />
<br />
GRRRRRRRRRRRR!Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-56883394837681144242012-08-11T08:30:00.002-05:002012-08-11T08:31:27.861-05:00Some Videos and a Link<div style="text-align: center;">
I apologize that I haven't posted since Sunday. I'm still trying to get used to the girls being in school, writing my articles on www.dailybubble.com and just life in general.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, I'm a bit emotional... thank you hormones. Just what I needed. Any thing I would write today would probably only end up with me "going off" or me going into stuff y'all don't want to know anything about... Anyways... I'm not going to write too much today. Just share some stuffs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My baby brother got engaged a little while ago. He re-wrote a popular song and sang it to his lady ;) Kinda cute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fUn42V57SbI" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He also sang "I'm Your's" before he sang the proposal song... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I3twP1ZmZek" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(This song has a special place in my heart. My brother sang it to me at my baby shower when I was pregnant with my first little girl! Also, both of those boys are my baby brothers ;) They're not too shabby huh?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found this hilarious video today about the town I grew up in... I'm not sure if it'd be funny to anyone except people who know the area, but I'm sharing it anyways... I'm proud of my hometown!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sdYct2R89eM" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you notice in the previous videos of my brothers, they're singing at "The Streets of Indian Lake" in front of that restaurant that's been closed for over a year! lol. I love H'ville!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And lastly, I'm hosting a 31 party for a friend of mine. This friend is awesome and has a crazy month ahead of her. My party is closing on Monday, but if you all are interested in a bag or something, please check out this site and help us out ;) I'll owe you big time!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E2045658&from=MYEVENTS">Click here for my 31 party!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks y'all! Have a great weekend!</div>Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-27963381159803853982012-08-05T21:41:00.001-05:002012-08-05T21:41:33.789-05:00We have some winners!!!Did you see my post about the giveaway? If you didn't already comment on it, sorry but it's too late! We have three winners!<br />
<br />
The winning comments are<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_13M" kind="m" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<cite class="user" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10783400970658574518" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">Alyssa</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://thismamaiscrazy.blogspot.com/2012/08/i-wrote-blog-post-tonight-that-i-cant.html?showComment=1344049444098#c5512690222092010233" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">August 3, 2012 10:04 PM</a></span></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_13MC" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: justify;">
Congrats on the 30 followers! All the milestones are worthwhile; keep writing!<br />
<br />
thewildweirdworld.blogspot.com</div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_13MC" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_13MC" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_11M" kind="m" style="margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: left;">
<cite class="user" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15313721411180316050" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">Chico&#39;s person (Erica)</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://thismamaiscrazy.blogspot.com/2012/08/i-wrote-blog-post-tonight-that-i-cant.html?showComment=1344013843373#c8002918157279920265" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">August 3, 2012 12:10 PM</a></span></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_11MC" style="margin-bottom: 8px;">
Dude! Free stuff? I am all over that! AND you already have my e-mail address over on FB so it's like we're already halfway there!<br />
Congratulations on 30 stalkers! That is fabulous!<br />
And please note how excited this comment is by the number of exclamation marks.</div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_11MC" style="margin-bottom: 8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_11MC" style="margin-bottom: 8px;">
</div>
<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_6M" kind="m" style="margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: left;">
<cite class="user" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://underachieverblog.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">Sam Whiteoak</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://thismamaiscrazy.blogspot.com/2012/08/i-wrote-blog-post-tonight-that-i-cant.html?showComment=1343977175534#c1168347089421154370" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">August 3, 2012 1:59 AM</a></span></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_6MC" style="margin-bottom: 8px;">
I'm not listed in your awesome blogs.... :-(</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_11MC" style="margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span class="comment-actions secondary-text" kind="m" style="text-align: left;">Congrats ladies! You can email me your addresses to KeavenNeely@gmail.com I can't wait to get your surprises together and send them out! I hope you love them!</span></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_11MC" style="margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span class="comment-actions secondary-text" kind="m" style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458590027507069649.post-5745447617431721482012-08-05T17:23:00.000-05:002012-08-05T17:23:21.295-05:0030 by 30With my birthday coming at the end of this month, I have decided to create a small bucket list. I will be 28 this year, so that leaves 2 more years in my 20's. I made this little list of things to do before that 30th birthday gets here. So here ya go...<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">30 by 30</span></u></b><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Run a half marathon, the Warrior Dash, and the
Color Run.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Take a road trip by my lonesome and stop
whenever I want.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Take ball room dancing lessons.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Find my go to Karaoke song.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have baby number 3.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Turn an internet only friend into a real life friend.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ride in either a Hot Air Balloon or a
Helicopter, maybe both, not at the same time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have a large vegetable garden and keep it alive.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do a family hike and camp out trip.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Write letters and send picture regularly to
family.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Learn how to really play the guitar.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Go someplace I need a passport for.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Visit Niagra Falls.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tour the "mormon" trail.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Catch up on all my scrapbooking.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ride a horse again.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Participate in a flash mob.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Volunteer regularly</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Take the kids to Disney World</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Visit Harry Potter world</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do an anniversary photo shoot for our 10 year
(kinda like an engagement shoot)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Paint all the rooms in the house.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attend a giant music festival (bonnaroo?)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have Blue/Turquoise hair… this is gonna happen!</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fill out our family tree book for the kids.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Train my dogs so they don't drive me crazy.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Go white water rafting with Handsome, this time
on the same raft as my hubby ;)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Write in my journal weekly at least.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Get a gun license and learn to use the dang
thing.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Read start to finish all the Scriptures. (Old
and New testament, BOM, D&C and PoGP)</span></li>
</ol>Thismamaiscrazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16647021398489032469noreply@blogger.com0