tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37593953199359216792024-03-13T17:52:32.834-05:00AMY SCRAPSAmy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-6139617139229455042009-03-14T16:06:00.006-06:002009-03-14T21:03:34.111-06:00Happy 5th Birthday, Connor!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLE0OW4RCH4luDZ2BxrBkd3EXEFNbURE5Ki1hd8MfQ-s_exXf7q1cmDBZKIAiWpcTQhVl5MqVrteoiR4fp7_KEXyykkmcPm7w4DRZf11Xe2nV3F1rQ1EFoDjHf4OTsLUXiSm_FdDR7JI/s1600-h/Picture+039.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLE0OW4RCH4luDZ2BxrBkd3EXEFNbURE5Ki1hd8MfQ-s_exXf7q1cmDBZKIAiWpcTQhVl5MqVrteoiR4fp7_KEXyykkmcPm7w4DRZf11Xe2nV3F1rQ1EFoDjHf4OTsLUXiSm_FdDR7JI/s400/Picture+039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313243921095889026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTQw93vk3_IcL-bZr5lEYLugQfo4SdUTxXCaBfzUkptbGyVN52M5oNbGjDYhbz42b5fozoZBywHd4B5hSNSnbSx1omPKmRcvTNXvH6Iwvt8k2hvgDvFrAoRVK39mC-SeF_O2rTLOAosA/s1600-h/Picture+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTQw93vk3_IcL-bZr5lEYLugQfo4SdUTxXCaBfzUkptbGyVN52M5oNbGjDYhbz42b5fozoZBywHd4B5hSNSnbSx1omPKmRcvTNXvH6Iwvt8k2hvgDvFrAoRVK39mC-SeF_O2rTLOAosA/s400/Picture+048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313244058202668578" border="0" /></a><br />Today is Connor's 5th birthday. Time has gone by so fast and now he's going to be ready for Kindergarten in a few months. I thought I'd share just a little about what a sweet boy he's grown to be.<br /><br />First of all, for all those who know him, you know how extremely shy and quiet he is. He didn't start talking until he was 3 and even then it was so quietly mumbled that he would have to repeat himself over and over. Well, the day that Brooke went to school is the day he really found his voice...surprise, surprise! And he is getting more bold the older he gets. I hear him bossing his brother now on a regular basis. I guess "giving direction" would be a nicer way to say it.<br /><br />Connor is such a gentle and sweet child and he is so easy to love. There are several little girls at church who can attest to this fact :) He is quite popular with the opposite sex and that is true from the 3 year olds on up to the teenage girls. They just adore him!! He has the most infections laugh and the most beautiful, twinkly blue eyes! He truly is a heart breaker!!<br /><br />Connor loves playing ball with his daddy and he is quite good at baseball. Watch out Little League because that boy can hit a ball! I think he is going to take after his dad in this area. Connor also loves art. He loves to color and paint and draw. He has taught himself how to write his letters and numbers. I wrote the letters for him to look at and then he practiced until he could write it to his own satisfaction. He was quite hard on himself and he would often get frustrated with his attempts but he never gives up easily. He persevered until he got it right. Connor says he wants to grow up to be an artist like Uncle "BB" - Randy.<br /><br />We have been so blessed to have Connor in our family. We look forward to another year as we watch him grow and change. We are excited to see what God has in store for our second born. Our world is a brighter place because of Connor Luke Benson.Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-89923028280146981432009-03-14T16:00:00.002-06:002009-03-14T16:06:05.640-06:00A Morning at the SpaAs usual, I have a couple posts for today. Annoying, I know. <br /><br />Anyway, this morning Brooke wanted to plan something special. This is nothing out of the ordinary as she always wants to plan something. She came down to my room and asked me for one of my favorite "chapter" books. Being that she is now reading I asked her if she was wanting to read one of my books. She told me, "No", that it was a surprise and that I just needed to come up to her room. She also wanted her Daddy's Bible. I told her I would come up after I got dressed. So, a little while later I went up only to find Dale and Connor sitting on the side of her bathtub with their feet soaking in a warm bath. Brooke was providing spa services - back rubs - while the boys were soaking their feet. There was Dale with his favorite book, the Bible and she had my book, Twilight, all ready and waiting for my spa experience. It was the cutest and funniest thing. I wish I had taken a picture but I was too busy soaking me feet.Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-87483822017528833862009-01-30T13:40:00.010-06:002009-01-30T14:04:43.678-06:00SmorgasboardAnd the final post for today...I think.<br /><br />Last night as I was finishing up some work I heard all 3 kiddies in the kitchen messing around. The water was running and dishes were clanking so I thought maybe Brooke was washing dishes as she likes to do (I'm sure this will not last). I was getting ready to start dinner just as Brooke ran up to tell me she had a surprise. So, I had to close my eyes (kind of) while walking down two sets of stairs and through toys strewn on the floor (just kidding...my house is always perfect..okay just kidding) as Brooke led me to the kitchen.<br /><br />I opened my eyes and to my wonderment my children had prepared dinner for the family. Never mind that my dinner was cooking in the crock pot. I must say that I was quite proud of my children for the dinner they came up with.<br /><br />Here's what was on the menu...<br /><br />Chocolate Chip Pancakes: leftovers from the day before - my children have learned the importantce of the old adage - "Waste not, want not."<br /><br />A bowl of nuts: protein - a lot of protein actually.<br /><br />Carrots and ranch dressing: veggie<br /><br />Cheetos: fat<br /><br />A beautifully made dessert which consisted of two gogurts in a bowl, peanut butter Oreos (from before Christmas) and some sort of sprinkles. I have to give Brooke points for presentation even though the mix was a little, shall we say, yuck! I believe Brooke is taking after Grammy who is great at just throwing ingredients together and coming up with something yummy. Brooke just hasn't accomplished the "yummy" part yet.<br /><br />I also have to say that they set the table quite well. Although I'm not quite sure why the cups were on the plates...sometimes you just have to be crazy I guess!! But, look closely and you'll see napkins on the table.<br /><br />By the way, did I mention that Dale and I had dinner alone last night? I let the kids eat their little smorgasboard and Dale and I got to eat dinner alone at home which NEVER happens. Of course he had to go back out to the store after he got home because the can of cream of mushroom soup I was using was bad...bad...bad. I tasted some and believe me...it was BAD! I can still taste it. But, let's get back to the subject at hand.<br /><br />You certainly can't appreciate all this without seeing some proof so here it is...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdo-36BBJQEcGCGeDSqQfgw8S4lLXVkLgh942SWgpfzipk8W9hCutVotRtx5yW7buRcVM1w2HuyChveHcXId9QbOBR25Bvs8h4GfVK-OKumsuV-cFa3QAJXy1o2Jh5npfFuLF2J9DkQw/s1600-h/IMG_1519.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdo-36BBJQEcGCGeDSqQfgw8S4lLXVkLgh942SWgpfzipk8W9hCutVotRtx5yW7buRcVM1w2HuyChveHcXId9QbOBR25Bvs8h4GfVK-OKumsuV-cFa3QAJXy1o2Jh5npfFuLF2J9DkQw/s400/IMG_1519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297177262900693378" border="0" /></a>Brooke giving some sort of instruction - as usual.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYEZUgY2F5tkF1-EW-AaMaiP8RJUQSS9m5k-HU75UkK2IgY_g4sZmM37jIy31KUCVsZO7jTT-qq9RWg_aOFWsULblTdaS21hyphenhyphent3voIb3vWlU4bR-WiNN33lMplnbaWcLzFpVmHY04vLw/s1600-h/IMG_1521.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYEZUgY2F5tkF1-EW-AaMaiP8RJUQSS9m5k-HU75UkK2IgY_g4sZmM37jIy31KUCVsZO7jTT-qq9RWg_aOFWsULblTdaS21hyphenhyphent3voIb3vWlU4bR-WiNN33lMplnbaWcLzFpVmHY04vLw/s400/IMG_1521.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297177128694619522" border="0" /></a>Just a picture of adorable Liam.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSM0n3tgc6NvuVhgVGTMD9ad7Ur17Lx60oblUG4OHUqmaZtWFVTobp8IfG_ee_nzCprc-DIhjNBMeWL6287x056k35hmfwv8gsIBhAaQeCUOW75qPf_w5qL45AQlNWbQEgpmvBH5WhQQ/s1600-h/IMG_1522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSM0n3tgc6NvuVhgVGTMD9ad7Ur17Lx60oblUG4OHUqmaZtWFVTobp8IfG_ee_nzCprc-DIhjNBMeWL6287x056k35hmfwv8gsIBhAaQeCUOW75qPf_w5qL45AQlNWbQEgpmvBH5WhQQ/s400/IMG_1522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297177030604334562" border="0" /></a>Toothless, crazy Brooke. I think she already had<br />too much sugar!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZGAQNVDXPl1s1jiUQjczg2R7DvCjCtgaJF9QcS47rvQkNDhKUKAOhCrvh7QgkRBvR7EMODbsKBRMlqO5AJXegrRYA-rKTjKxHCzKmNI9_-iBFs3YbdLDHcvQ1SE0iyZ9OFUKsbnUNQU/s1600-h/IMG_1524.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZGAQNVDXPl1s1jiUQjczg2R7DvCjCtgaJF9QcS47rvQkNDhKUKAOhCrvh7QgkRBvR7EMODbsKBRMlqO5AJXegrRYA-rKTjKxHCzKmNI9_-iBFs3YbdLDHcvQ1SE0iyZ9OFUKsbnUNQU/s400/IMG_1524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297176932770031570" border="0" /></a>Connor - words fail me. He is so doggone cute and SWEET!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qpWrO-eZpe_M05F6eHyq3ikGkgpmOGzuAPA1HP57XLVTeZWRev_gJBAjJbSmrZPwpcyp4QhSZmDZrDz2HXssas08TwGMMLSrXgePQwZ1Irxk7tv6HaXUcwRhq-zEmZMOtwxF8XMLXy8/s1600-h/IMG_1528.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qpWrO-eZpe_M05F6eHyq3ikGkgpmOGzuAPA1HP57XLVTeZWRev_gJBAjJbSmrZPwpcyp4QhSZmDZrDz2HXssas08TwGMMLSrXgePQwZ1Irxk7tv6HaXUcwRhq-zEmZMOtwxF8XMLXy8/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297176656905391602" border="0" /></a><br />Take a look at that overload of protein. And I know it is<br />hard to tell but there are Cheetos and carrots on this plate.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78t7MeMcB7W65_j9PBSNeTlTHjtBlicw0bGX_1oOhaH4mqlUfEszk42_eHb8oZqbWhok1Y6vrfoxvjWMRqDqysVIdO9ZIao7d8T_imaEGThCkJXpsikx_L5ZPk5Pwaf70bnFV52VOdk4/s1600-h/IMG_1533.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78t7MeMcB7W65_j9PBSNeTlTHjtBlicw0bGX_1oOhaH4mqlUfEszk42_eHb8oZqbWhok1Y6vrfoxvjWMRqDqysVIdO9ZIao7d8T_imaEGThCkJXpsikx_L5ZPk5Pwaf70bnFV52VOdk4/s400/IMG_1533.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297176492301821634" border="0" /></a><br />And finally, last but not least, look at this beautifully<br />designed dessert. I even think the choice of the<br />green bowl sets it off perfectly.<br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-67732756143230974282009-01-30T13:30:00.005-06:002009-01-30T13:38:35.666-06:00Comfy CozyYes, I know....this is my 2nd post for today. Sometimes one just has to catch up on blogging when time allows. You might just get one more after this...you never know.<br /><br />But I digress. What this post is really about is the cute picture I took of Liam the other day. I was doing laundry and there happened to be an empty basket sitting around. I came into my room and there he was, all comfy cozy in the laundry basket with his pillow and my body pillow (one of my favorite things, by the way). Dale bought that for me when I was pregnant and I hardly ever used it. It wasn't until about a year ago that I really became attached to it. <br /><br />But, I digress again. He was just chillin' in the basket watching cartoons so as is my habit, I grabbed my camera to take a picture. Here's my little cutie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIADQEkij8z3uFx_9IxlZiAfus8ttC4M26M261eT7dG-LAVkTtpCMCUMDUSRdgFgnEPmy-YgKTg_GXJog8ip1LLfXhSgu439oYmJNHXnmmHYSiCGqUZeSxDQE4lEs-zHbCvkGWbwwsp0/s1600-h/IMG_1464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIADQEkij8z3uFx_9IxlZiAfus8ttC4M26M261eT7dG-LAVkTtpCMCUMDUSRdgFgnEPmy-YgKTg_GXJog8ip1LLfXhSgu439oYmJNHXnmmHYSiCGqUZeSxDQE4lEs-zHbCvkGWbwwsp0/s400/IMG_1464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297172360939213554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjv872iBjrB0O0fLa-GCA_buamL9FiEb2JQm11ptj1CtqxC2pyAkiw9CCZrtTGQa-YDOcO1_kRwRwijoAj4Bzr2tuhbMizXF0LAbmsIWOp1IDl-oUbSJirsFbzq_Fr5eUG5qt8Q2qXqM/s1600-h/IMG_1469.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjv872iBjrB0O0fLa-GCA_buamL9FiEb2JQm11ptj1CtqxC2pyAkiw9CCZrtTGQa-YDOcO1_kRwRwijoAj4Bzr2tuhbMizXF0LAbmsIWOp1IDl-oUbSJirsFbzq_Fr5eUG5qt8Q2qXqM/s400/IMG_1469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297172653504575298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8ZZCJWBmZI8QFYFGp9eculB6EMWixsDRWikIaZDEd3GHltc1Q2Ivq3H6exJXzrw_xrd_wKdHsSMjEjecCE6vUu7uqAhgFWFJlSY9YTcml5ZVt22mmmbRhYh8_mPxdhjFhNxSN9DqauQ/s1600-h/IMG_1466.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8ZZCJWBmZI8QFYFGp9eculB6EMWixsDRWikIaZDEd3GHltc1Q2Ivq3H6exJXzrw_xrd_wKdHsSMjEjecCE6vUu7uqAhgFWFJlSY9YTcml5ZVt22mmmbRhYh8_mPxdhjFhNxSN9DqauQ/s400/IMG_1466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297172460639074770" border="0" /></a>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-59664337919222089202009-01-30T10:40:00.013-06:002009-01-30T11:02:03.224-06:00Happy 40th, DaleWe celebrated Dale's 40th just a couple days after we got back from Puerto Rico. Getting a party organized while I was in the midst of preparing for Christmas and trying to get ready for a 10 day trip to Puerto Rico was quite a feat. We did have a surprise party, though, at Randy and Judy's and it really was alot of fun. The surprise kind of fizzled though as we drove up and he saw Pastor Jeff and Michele, Brent and Daveta and a few others walking to the door. We were early so it wasn't anyone's fault but mine. What can I say - I should be patted on the back for being early for once!<br /><br />Anyway, here are some pics from the party...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ92PAqXMJy_xnXPM0kChbjtdR6gyrQ7mWuai0bePYmJGpVfh6xwTuMkSdn-TGbwNhbWhPQfGGr9R2mN533Ful02mUuHnYC6Qq4PbmD_Ys1KIkCasDLsxjcOQsR1Q8xeWbaZ-Gjsbn2I/s1600-h/IMG_1402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ92PAqXMJy_xnXPM0kChbjtdR6gyrQ7mWuai0bePYmJGpVfh6xwTuMkSdn-TGbwNhbWhPQfGGr9R2mN533Ful02mUuHnYC6Qq4PbmD_Ys1KIkCasDLsxjcOQsR1Q8xeWbaZ-Gjsbn2I/s400/IMG_1402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297131001316989330" border="0" /></a>Alan, Micele, Nancy, Brandon loading up the plates!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2NfYoOe0g20WLE7VLf1SoqziTEap81nstZcyDPX7HFaeDK4cKnIpmIJMZK63ZpKXcxs_bbtQXgEhzQcXf2PfQRMM8Gr4vAltguYEMKa8zcsduvDUZXslnbZO_a-VfTzTtBj4tmy3450/s1600-h/IMG_1413.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2NfYoOe0g20WLE7VLf1SoqziTEap81nstZcyDPX7HFaeDK4cKnIpmIJMZK63ZpKXcxs_bbtQXgEhzQcXf2PfQRMM8Gr4vAltguYEMKa8zcsduvDUZXslnbZO_a-VfTzTtBj4tmy3450/s400/IMG_1413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297130555224818466" border="0" /></a>Dan and Phyllis Beam<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz8gRFPIK2oiE7NIZTlwR_mSKutnce0P6DHMC7ixLJNRP69Gfe9rCO2hnPyIn_CF0ZYVaGXPNAsBxx_kJS81rAM3a_DUMzkktRJwJfVc_SxoEmaAE5ukHCpDVOdk47M-rfvTL2xCArck/s1600-h/IMG_1431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz8gRFPIK2oiE7NIZTlwR_mSKutnce0P6DHMC7ixLJNRP69Gfe9rCO2hnPyIn_CF0ZYVaGXPNAsBxx_kJS81rAM3a_DUMzkktRJwJfVc_SxoEmaAE5ukHCpDVOdk47M-rfvTL2xCArck/s400/IMG_1431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297131746464288002" border="0" /></a>Alan and Emma - our very dear friends!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiLIuFDGwhn0YE8aiKjNcSjAlcHM0zLa4uEwWELTzSvOU3o_6EJwoR5oOp8x-hndMY_BZKmzjJgdnau30NLQ6D6_20W6x58NLiJkw9xj-U4MyAAxNJqBEMPNsn_3vqnT_MVv66OC7Pf8/s1600-h/IMG_1400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiLIuFDGwhn0YE8aiKjNcSjAlcHM0zLa4uEwWELTzSvOU3o_6EJwoR5oOp8x-hndMY_BZKmzjJgdnau30NLQ6D6_20W6x58NLiJkw9xj-U4MyAAxNJqBEMPNsn_3vqnT_MVv66OC7Pf8/s400/IMG_1400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297131150698288338" border="0" /></a><br />The beautiful nieces.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFnAFoOkPgBJzdoTmPRbDPnOXXOx8sAn659aLv5UmHRXo6uMIInikLD8PErRPr1KWqoBl9_ayEB40JyZBxAnFtrJvYyJNUgkIW8NZVpl7gFuXRaLD97bWLnjAnDWfjRLAUdOU-_2jhvA/s1600-h/IMG_1407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFnAFoOkPgBJzdoTmPRbDPnOXXOx8sAn659aLv5UmHRXo6uMIInikLD8PErRPr1KWqoBl9_ayEB40JyZBxAnFtrJvYyJNUgkIW8NZVpl7gFuXRaLD97bWLnjAnDWfjRLAUdOU-_2jhvA/s400/IMG_1407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297130721466447506" border="0" /></a>David Diehl and the every weird Brent.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKUa1yufNb9MeeaRrGXBHbxaTyVrJFZBG6y-NMZ2gDRQghrRqJaHCAupClqhxYUmtLT-MUV-7aY4v37JhoJzouCQ6u_akV2Qvi-LRVmj3RaRP4LM8ebKbV9Kraw_NHKSA_Lu8ifISAc0/s1600-h/IMG_1462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKUa1yufNb9MeeaRrGXBHbxaTyVrJFZBG6y-NMZ2gDRQghrRqJaHCAupClqhxYUmtLT-MUV-7aY4v37JhoJzouCQ6u_akV2Qvi-LRVmj3RaRP4LM8ebKbV9Kraw_NHKSA_Lu8ifISAc0/s400/IMG_1462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297131604931002914" border="0" /></a>My sweet friend, Emma.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgumtARYEQJRIumk3Pe5d_i-_xaLft1atYHByaN9B5HMb3Um9wz69t6nfuVYu5S0qWUlT26_sEVz2_8MO_GPS3jlwpw-Os6wzZPQuo5NPEenVz_6X_zwq1Fxl1NcuwgdmcO1jBbc5S5A/s1600-h/IMG_1416.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgumtARYEQJRIumk3Pe5d_i-_xaLft1atYHByaN9B5HMb3Um9wz69t6nfuVYu5S0qWUlT26_sEVz2_8MO_GPS3jlwpw-Os6wzZPQuo5NPEenVz_6X_zwq1Fxl1NcuwgdmcO1jBbc5S5A/s400/IMG_1416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297130351233402466" border="0" /></a><br />Dale's still looking good at 40!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gc2IYA93SXPq7etZZPBU8f8S7yjavdosLPpoCL3wbkSVH1BRhC9NGZSC5CH4DJMyD3IJPmnMy7A1pTIDqFbroEfwCJPDBlVdgQYQoLqKUSePsZDtdcUQnGP65E_5i1jAEpvAvNVlxzA/s1600-h/IMG_1423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gc2IYA93SXPq7etZZPBU8f8S7yjavdosLPpoCL3wbkSVH1BRhC9NGZSC5CH4DJMyD3IJPmnMy7A1pTIDqFbroEfwCJPDBlVdgQYQoLqKUSePsZDtdcUQnGP65E_5i1jAEpvAvNVlxzA/s400/IMG_1423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297129994560621618" border="0" /></a><br />Pastor gave a eulogy for Dale's passing youth. It was<br />pretty funny.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqtMSMh5PcPRtBnrtAnf9l2BuhxBLaITEuUuL_xxozXImQqXZmtdSEkeIRqxjj1vIXO-dfIsiS79qSpqDBgUFZKfKZwCEC7e1QL1VSf5yhTfgfTKPjXwQdtzjFUya_QrXqZc5nzbIdvc/s1600-h/IMG_1433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqtMSMh5PcPRtBnrtAnf9l2BuhxBLaITEuUuL_xxozXImQqXZmtdSEkeIRqxjj1vIXO-dfIsiS79qSpqDBgUFZKfKZwCEC7e1QL1VSf5yhTfgfTKPjXwQdtzjFUya_QrXqZc5nzbIdvc/s400/IMG_1433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297129624157335890" border="0" /></a>The gaggle of kids had a great time...I think!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTM-OpxmM441ykQq6vEIwfNLJkcgsiNx4ryoszS-v3hu7Bi0u0Sit3YF2vumUJzKRSYg5QhZ6WeUgJQKe5FN9nIFNN5B2noD0p8i9Ekiq4Kj554Ecb8_vePJ-C8yRrF6CtUY-tBfgtvY/s1600-h/IMG_1439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTM-OpxmM441ykQq6vEIwfNLJkcgsiNx4ryoszS-v3hu7Bi0u0Sit3YF2vumUJzKRSYg5QhZ6WeUgJQKe5FN9nIFNN5B2noD0p8i9Ekiq4Kj554Ecb8_vePJ-C8yRrF6CtUY-tBfgtvY/s400/IMG_1439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297129368696102562" border="0" /></a><br />Dale sportin' some cool glass that I'll be borrowing the<br />next time I go the the eye doctor and get my<br />pupils dialated.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdlnSkfoC2pKzGOfCR_5c0TXalluDhoPHjS0RP1qikUdytuIPDCFKdpEjvkGkOS1p74ByXfyqWDvMBadYBra-TawVkbdkeZRhGOgNzri87R7r8X3DG2NPA57rWpfccjPkwp_mR9padtc/s1600-h/IMG_1444.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdlnSkfoC2pKzGOfCR_5c0TXalluDhoPHjS0RP1qikUdytuIPDCFKdpEjvkGkOS1p74ByXfyqWDvMBadYBra-TawVkbdkeZRhGOgNzri87R7r8X3DG2NPA57rWpfccjPkwp_mR9padtc/s400/IMG_1444.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297129107730846626" border="0" /></a>and the groovy hat from Claire Burgett.<br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-45297133735745761352008-12-25T21:32:00.003-06:002008-12-25T22:24:27.271-06:00Merry Christmas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwCjQw_p_4rI1SAXXAwCiIYPmuEYnR2R_VFAYuM1mRc-JTXccxAcmSZ2sUR3bk8xeIO-dCGVmg5KZT2U2H10g0mV_tfaFwvuRY5uBvEqPCFv2dsbHZ4i1ESuosZLmrPpBuqL8uDhOPZQ/s1600-h/Christmas+Pic+2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwCjQw_p_4rI1SAXXAwCiIYPmuEYnR2R_VFAYuM1mRc-JTXccxAcmSZ2sUR3bk8xeIO-dCGVmg5KZT2U2H10g0mV_tfaFwvuRY5uBvEqPCFv2dsbHZ4i1ESuosZLmrPpBuqL8uDhOPZQ/s400/Christmas+Pic+2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283949789076940850" border="0" /></a><br />Dear friends and family, this year I did not send out Christmas cards. It seemed like the days were rushing by too fast and I was just too busy and instead of getting stressed out about it I thought I'd just post a greeting on my blog. Besides, I can update you on our lives a little better here instead of with a Christmas card with a photo or two.<br /><br />Two thousand eight has been quite an eventful year for our family. Brooke started 1st grade at Franklin Elementary School and when we arrived at her classroom open house we realized that she would have more than one teacher this year being that her teacher, Mrs. McDonald was very pregnant. We, well really I, was concerned about Brooke having such an interruption in her education. However, when the time came in the beginning of October for the interim teacher we were so blessed with a wonderful woman who has been just an amazing teacher. (It is quite interesting that Mrs. Miller, the interim, is getting her Master's degree at Trevecca.) I am blessed that I am able to be involved in Brooke's school as her Room Mom. The kids have gotten to know Dale and I as we go into the classroom to work and help out.<br /><br />Brooke has grown into a tender-hearted and compassionate young lady and we are so very proud of her. She was in gymnastics in the spring and soccer in the fall and she is growing into a very athletic girl. We are just waiting for something to really spark her interest to find what sport she will stick with.<br /><br />Connor has really grown and matured this year. He is such a sweet and quiet boy but he has a twinkle in his eye that lights up a room and his laugh is worth a million dollars! If you ask Connor what he wants to be when he grows up more than likely he'll tell you that he wants to be an artist like Uncle BB (Randy). We are amazed at his drawing and coloring abilities. He is so careful and precise and he can spend an hour coloring in the ear or eye of an animal! Connor has also taught himself to write his ABCs. He asked me to write them down for him and he quite frequently we'll find him practicing his writing. Connor will start kindergarten this fall and I'm already feeling very anxious and sad about letting him go! Maybe he should wait until he's six?!? :) Connor also played soccer this fall and I volunteered Dale to be his coach. Dale did such a wonderful job with the boys and it was so much fun watching him teach Connor a sport.<br /><br />Liam just turned three in November and he has more energy than the rest of the family combined! Liam has the bulk of the personality in our family as well! He is a little clown and is just adorable all the way around - even when he is being naughty. He has always had quite the vocabulary and he expresses himself so well. We always get a good chuckle when we talk to him. Liam and Connor are such great playmates while Sissie is at school. Pretty soon he'll be my only one at home.<br /><br />I am realizing that my children are just growing up too fast! Not long ago it seemed like they'd all be home with me forever, but such is not the case as many as you know. I am reminded every day that this season of my life truly is fleeting and that I need to treasure and savor all the "every-day" moments because all too soon this will be gone.<br /><br />Dale has been busy this year but that is nothing new! The church is flourishing and we are so blessed to be on staff with such wonderful friends and co-pastors. We leave tomorrow night with our youth group for a 10 day work and witness trip to Puerto Rico. We are going with Pastor JP and Traci to help with the Nazarene church in Caguas. We are quite excited for this opportunity to get to know the youth better since we don't really get to be around them that much. I, however, am a little anxious about leaving my children for that long! Dale's parents will be here for a couple days and then Grammy will be here for the remainder of the time and so the kids are sure to have a wonderful time!<br /><br />Our next big trip is in February when we go to Israel for almost two weeks. Dale and I are truly blessed that we get to go on this trip for a 2nd time. The first time we went was in our first year of marriage and it was a completely overwhelming experience. I am hoping to soak in even more than I did the last time. Thankfully, I have a much better camera with which to document the whole experience. Pastor Henecke and Dale are leading this trip and I am so excited that my mom, Judy (my sister-in-law), and Jen Jones (my good friend) will all be going! Once again, I'm a little anxious about leaving the children for that long but I know that they will be in the care of the Heavenly Father.<br /><br />Well, as for me, it seems that the end of the year has really cranked up my busyness meter! This fall I decided it was time to prepare for the time when my husband would boot me back into the workforce (once Liam was in Kindergarten). I know that is several years down the road but I decided if I didn't want to go job hunting I better find something that I really enjoy doing and start doing it soon so that by the time Liam was in school I'd be making enough money to justify working from home. Since I love scrapbooking and graphic design I decided that I would start my own album design business. So, I set up a website and I have done a couple albums for people. More exciting than that though is that I was contacted by ScrappersGuide.com (the website from which I taught myself to use Photoshop to do digital scrapbooking) asking me to teach some online courses for them. I have been feverishly preparing curriculum for a 4 week class that I'll be teaching once a month (or more) beginning in March once all my travels are through! I am continually amazed at God's goodness towards me. I have prayed about finding work I could do at home (and work that I would enjoy) and I believe this is a blessing from God!<br /><br />In additional to my personal work I am still leading our MOMents group at church which is the group for moms of preschoolers. I am so blessed to be able to work with wonderful ladies who inspire me to be a better mom than I am. We all are able to share in our motherhood journeys and we are a source of encouragement to each other.<br /><br />Well, as you can see, 2009 promises to be an exciting and full year! We pray that God will be glorified through our lives and that we will continue to grow as a family in his goodness and grace. Our prayer for you, our family and friends, is that God will bless your homes and that whatever this year may bring that you will feel God's presence in your lives.<br /><br />Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br /><br />Dale, Amy, Brooke, Connor and LiamAmy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-21897133033804509782008-12-10T22:39:00.011-06:002008-12-10T22:56:51.605-06:00510 Kids' Christmas PlayBrooke was in the elementary Christmas program this year. She played the part of Mary, sang a solo and had a choreography part. She was a busy little girl! I thought I'd share a few pictures with you.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rCYHFlZWdp03NHjIXLoifb_9UkXrMgeafpcSZWInkUBtn7Ld_9XUY4Zh93RQjBVlukncuVedc1DBRf8exw9agxQh6z68BKpuNbz2rxbFzGPzltQqtyL-0WLxNaxKtqzgMJZ3dRgYDqI/s1600-h/IMG_9841.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rCYHFlZWdp03NHjIXLoifb_9UkXrMgeafpcSZWInkUBtn7Ld_9XUY4Zh93RQjBVlukncuVedc1DBRf8exw9agxQh6z68BKpuNbz2rxbFzGPzltQqtyL-0WLxNaxKtqzgMJZ3dRgYDqI/s400/IMG_9841.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278389697705583682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpE3zCHJBs7K_cuQvmXUnXH7PQXnPmxU-y2J67ZzcJXm6SUhlZZ_FbMXhszffj74M02Xri2_O_XBDvtgM01uZZcY36_uhYcafy9qCBq8xD6TgiiEcS-c1qvcJLNe3L-YHbrjmdl643iM/s1600-h/IMG_9853A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpE3zCHJBs7K_cuQvmXUnXH7PQXnPmxU-y2J67ZzcJXm6SUhlZZ_FbMXhszffj74M02Xri2_O_XBDvtgM01uZZcY36_uhYcafy9qCBq8xD6TgiiEcS-c1qvcJLNe3L-YHbrjmdl643iM/s400/IMG_9853A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278390129733398354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtTYijGZpxoZkcElIioNMO4iyGrbzD0agxKtwSS4_C4u8IYYuZ_wqQ4YIEPlQ5ecWcfDBPbmInaRvtyzzCeuzwuirDHO7KrzSCKVdyv8H-z4yMa_0Ug7SeweNR6lBRcPhyj8hI2M6D1E/s1600-h/IMG_9851A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtTYijGZpxoZkcElIioNMO4iyGrbzD0agxKtwSS4_C4u8IYYuZ_wqQ4YIEPlQ5ecWcfDBPbmInaRvtyzzCeuzwuirDHO7KrzSCKVdyv8H-z4yMa_0Ug7SeweNR6lBRcPhyj8hI2M6D1E/s400/IMG_9851A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278389952703888994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbLVGC0rWgqhnMZpiv6zsPoxz0g4RQcPVloD-fqxfQSwrg_AzMA2FDvc_c2gaCo3LUHwsC0jQTF7ptQBEAck1wjQV_Ju1A1I4rXhgr90DeSsfnYbz71J2fBSkUjlUUjsRJdWOcJ6xBy4/s1600-h/Gloria+and+Brooke.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbLVGC0rWgqhnMZpiv6zsPoxz0g4RQcPVloD-fqxfQSwrg_AzMA2FDvc_c2gaCo3LUHwsC0jQTF7ptQBEAck1wjQV_Ju1A1I4rXhgr90DeSsfnYbz71J2fBSkUjlUUjsRJdWOcJ6xBy4/s400/Gloria+and+Brooke.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278388403661969586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSgCA9jEgbDMVbIp4lDLsyA8_J9IJUjtvdvPBheMj8lGa6glQ83ldgGDEqw_l3x3KIwzCPtXJpyCuSThh3Dlvkd3knNO_1km8T23Hzu2DeiTlWNqFl7SCmOrn23XkZqtCOsjcA2u1y0I/s1600-h/IMG_9876.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSgCA9jEgbDMVbIp4lDLsyA8_J9IJUjtvdvPBheMj8lGa6glQ83ldgGDEqw_l3x3KIwzCPtXJpyCuSThh3Dlvkd3knNO_1km8T23Hzu2DeiTlWNqFl7SCmOrn23XkZqtCOsjcA2u1y0I/s400/IMG_9876.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278390328864734818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU5JOG9USu7h03Lo8H2atWecfpZKc7p5NL3BJza2uI6ulo2gF-SvAI1XwjqQz2_7tz_PxPTKQlY5eoANzsZYZl_hPitLXBn-DeTC7wz0LuySjWTkFeQXSCgaWv6JYxSKxal7J2QjanwY/s1600-h/IMG_9838.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU5JOG9USu7h03Lo8H2atWecfpZKc7p5NL3BJza2uI6ulo2gF-SvAI1XwjqQz2_7tz_PxPTKQlY5eoANzsZYZl_hPitLXBn-DeTC7wz0LuySjWTkFeQXSCgaWv6JYxSKxal7J2QjanwY/s400/IMG_9838.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278389500402218546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VTm4XOjCnrnlPj1Ol1hT2CdAMg6tN6tg9AYroF5-kIt6mC9VjLVvbUiRTYe9S39b1KoTkifi597UjmvAjHJcfj9dEW7ULWv1c0hZtQK4IF5DMXW_geD2bjc8Cfa0iADYf-uPLwurF6M/s1600-h/IMG_9833.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VTm4XOjCnrnlPj1Ol1hT2CdAMg6tN6tg9AYroF5-kIt6mC9VjLVvbUiRTYe9S39b1KoTkifi597UjmvAjHJcfj9dEW7ULWv1c0hZtQK4IF5DMXW_geD2bjc8Cfa0iADYf-uPLwurF6M/s400/IMG_9833.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278388859330422466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYTjMF1nXpPFbMIGbrze-N1FIcKIU-PTtYdpA5s6vUpXTLcsED4p4J5TnJWQVCR6G9J45jA1KymUmkDihQLdRq7MQeUXGPnSnsFXG4GeZK_PFq8uBeX7ukgecN7jRcg-WiDChYA2-Bps/s1600-h/IMG_9830+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYTjMF1nXpPFbMIGbrze-N1FIcKIU-PTtYdpA5s6vUpXTLcsED4p4J5TnJWQVCR6G9J45jA1KymUmkDihQLdRq7MQeUXGPnSnsFXG4GeZK_PFq8uBeX7ukgecN7jRcg-WiDChYA2-Bps/s400/IMG_9830+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278388634437283698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB4fRhJ0aZFMHcW3Zj6-ysCBKv1vDcA-a1APUfDUDzKDrE3QPWx4KscCgbx6TRrf5NWwpZXuufK2bayBaC7BIeIuheilOPDob8ZfXWI540IXTPMsGdLUOpraRy3Q3paKQzu-go-pIz2I/s1600-h/IMG_9836.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB4fRhJ0aZFMHcW3Zj6-ysCBKv1vDcA-a1APUfDUDzKDrE3QPWx4KscCgbx6TRrf5NWwpZXuufK2bayBaC7BIeIuheilOPDob8ZfXWI540IXTPMsGdLUOpraRy3Q3paKQzu-go-pIz2I/s400/IMG_9836.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278389233013746114" border="0" /></a>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-15523210006962702872008-11-25T08:18:00.005-06:002008-11-25T09:33:03.585-06:00Happy 3rd Birthday, Liam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9557.jpg?t=1227626857"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 514px; height: 342px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9557.jpg?t=1227626857" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Actually, Liam's birthday was Sunday but I'm just now getting around to posting the photos from his little birthday, party. I'm using the term "party" very lightly. We did have a good time with the Cardens, Hills and "Aunt" Robin. Everyone came over after church and we opened presents first, had chili and then cake which was lovingly decorated by Daddy - out of an icing can of course. This is the first year I haven't had a cake make by either Publix, Jen Jones or Grammy and WOW!! it was so easy, cheap and non-stressful for all involved! I'm not sure why I didn't have a cute cake made - I just never got around to it I guess. But all Liam cared about was the chocolate!<br /><br />Speaking of Liam, I can't believe he is THREE! I don't have any more babies or toddlers :( It's a little sad and it makes me very nostalgic. He has grown up so much this year. He is so articulate when he talks and he picks up so much from his big brother and sister. He mimics Connor 24 hours a day! Poor Connor!! At Liam's party Connor asked, "Do 3 year olds copy everything you do?" I'm afraid so, dear Connor. I have a feeling this mimicking will last a long, long time!<br /><br />Although Liam mimics everything that Connor does he and Connor are absolutely nothing alike! Liam is like a little tornado tearing through every day. You never have to wonder if Liam is around because he is continually talking or making noise of some sort. Although Liam is the youngest he will never be lost in the shuffle because he always makes himself heard. When Liam wants something he lets everyone around know it!<br /><br />The funny thing is that Liam was unplanned. We though our family was done with Brooke and Connor. I can't imagine now not having Liam - he brings so much color and humor to our lives. So here's to you Liam Cooper Benson...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9470.jpg?t=1227626797"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 488px; height: 324px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9470.jpg?t=1227626797" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Birthday Boy<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9562.jpg?t=1227626753"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 434px; height: 651px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9562.jpg?t=1227626753" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lovin' the cake!!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9564.jpg?t=1227626561"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 465px; height: 696px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9564.jpg?t=1227626561" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9508.jpg?t=1227626482"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 346px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9508.jpg?t=1227626482" alt="" border="0" /></a>Givng Daddy a big kiss!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9522.jpg?t=1227626425"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 476px; height: 315px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9522.jpg?t=1227626425" alt="" border="0" /></a>We loved this turkey hat that Aunt Robin gave each of the kids.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9529.jpg?t=1227626342"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 412px; height: 618px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9529.jpg?t=1227626342" alt="" border="0" /></a>Chad and Meg<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9511.jpg?t=1227626256"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 315px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9511.jpg?t=1227626256" alt="" border="0" /></a>Coulton and Mallory<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9469.jpg?t=1227626195"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 479px; height: 318px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_9469.jpg?t=1227626195" alt="" border="0" /></a>Our sweet Connor<br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-5659825306844614212008-11-09T13:58:00.004-06:002008-11-09T14:03:58.335-06:00A Little Goes a Long Way...This is a concept that my youngest, Liam, has not learned yet. We'll be working on that I think. He came to me the other day as I was scrubbing floors on my hands and knees, or some such thing, and told me he needed a wipe. Well after taking a look at him I quite agreed except that he needed quite a few wipes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD1-BlZANZrMMhFbmZhU7zKobhKXHZOjrZ4xaxXxXnoNN3SUrKTcbtZCNRLQwUcqjUO8PZfh4GIUz6_LsMy33nT2SRWEUFL-dqdrqvLMPdnru_H_agsfvDA5AVoHBn3yHZ5UCuULczYE/s1600-h/Liam+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD1-BlZANZrMMhFbmZhU7zKobhKXHZOjrZ4xaxXxXnoNN3SUrKTcbtZCNRLQwUcqjUO8PZfh4GIUz6_LsMy33nT2SRWEUFL-dqdrqvLMPdnru_H_agsfvDA5AVoHBn3yHZ5UCuULczYE/s400/Liam+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266750796165492274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyr6vFt0L9qo1KyKq7pXuLB4UJx4Hz2MH_W2AMUxTVBmt4lPUhEsn8PEtrux6kMhuTCqobbzLDZ5FlDNycifr7xBl1Av3HKDEgmo8nrfZ90h-FYV4yeiVyDBGNJP8sAHEnu3KjEjnzM0/s1600-h/Liam+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyr6vFt0L9qo1KyKq7pXuLB4UJx4Hz2MH_W2AMUxTVBmt4lPUhEsn8PEtrux6kMhuTCqobbzLDZ5FlDNycifr7xBl1Av3HKDEgmo8nrfZ90h-FYV4yeiVyDBGNJP8sAHEnu3KjEjnzM0/s400/Liam+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266750891079756850" border="0" /></a>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-18244569195911162962008-11-09T13:43:00.007-06:002008-11-09T13:57:41.269-06:00Bad, Bad ToothfairyFor some reason the tooth fairy that has been assigned to our house is completely deflicted in a mental way sort of way! She CANNOT remember to bring Brooke her little goodies at night and then I have to scramble around in the morning to fix the whole debacle!!<br /><br />For instance, this past Wednesday Brooke lost two teeth - yes two! One came out at school and one at church. The one lost at school is literally lost - at school. We wrote a note to the tooth fairy telling her to go look there and of course we still expected the compensation for the tooth. The 2nd tooth was saved by one of the other moms at church until she found me to give it to me. So that one we still have.<br /><br />We came home Wed night and promptly put the tooth and the note in the tooth pillow that Grammy made. However, the tooth fairy did not bring anything for the two teeth, or so it seemed. Low and behold Brooke went down to breakfast and there sitting in her spot was a kid's scrapbooking kit. Apparently, our toothfairy is much too small and weak and could not carry that kit upstairs. Now, I think this whole scrapbooking kit (about a $10 value) was a little hefty a payment for two teeth and I just think the tooth fairy was feeling a little unprepared and guilty about not putting compensation IN the tooth pillow so she had to come to my closet and pull out something that had been stashed for maybe Christmas, lets say.<br /><br />So, if any of you all have really good tooth fairies at your house would you please send them to TN!?! And by the way, our tooth fairy's spouse is NO help at all in reminding the tooth fairy of her duties!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv-PLgUu3xc3UQbEIdQTjDskNxiOm7d1iXUbrIJ4bXXp9oR4nhTZKX9QOe-JhRqInVGvdor-vvlAqre2rumw4hGsz6UZYrJ2EDRfTg8VgNiVuKjzMZh72wB3dbV_ibQqs_9QgOptBMgk/s1600-h/Brooke+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv-PLgUu3xc3UQbEIdQTjDskNxiOm7d1iXUbrIJ4bXXp9oR4nhTZKX9QOe-JhRqInVGvdor-vvlAqre2rumw4hGsz6UZYrJ2EDRfTg8VgNiVuKjzMZh72wB3dbV_ibQqs_9QgOptBMgk/s400/Brooke+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266748770633540466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquYRhxezWaCG8efZ9r_V_6EyUqsaJ8ub2hxE4yvWDYikzNwrDfWv4hdZTK6UZc0fsaXuGU1kweBCBLWlDmFjLCiW7BVjdFI_Jxg9RJqDNAk5GLP7UAy2rGXQtZ7mfX-gptCYIg8sq4n8/s1600-h/Brooke+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquYRhxezWaCG8efZ9r_V_6EyUqsaJ8ub2hxE4yvWDYikzNwrDfWv4hdZTK6UZc0fsaXuGU1kweBCBLWlDmFjLCiW7BVjdFI_Jxg9RJqDNAk5GLP7UAy2rGXQtZ7mfX-gptCYIg8sq4n8/s400/Brooke+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266748702758574082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86K3HCIY3Rx0AdTMvtr4MhyR32tI3pik0YV2_ZFQteInKzafeA1Jq1dlnfq0L0z8PGcaOfrDAyRFdwLVtsUqivAgNwrnnz-GmDx-jNplIXHjswZPaYQ5Qsi6TvCksFiew6yGex8DBBJA/s1600-h/Brooke+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86K3HCIY3Rx0AdTMvtr4MhyR32tI3pik0YV2_ZFQteInKzafeA1Jq1dlnfq0L0z8PGcaOfrDAyRFdwLVtsUqivAgNwrnnz-GmDx-jNplIXHjswZPaYQ5Qsi6TvCksFiew6yGex8DBBJA/s400/Brooke+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266748848518513858" border="0" /></a>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-38289632522454990972008-10-31T20:11:00.003-06:002008-10-31T20:24:50.206-06:00Trick -or-TreatOnce again we had a Peter Pan halloween at our house except the roles have changed. This year Liam was Peter Pan, Connor was Captain Hook/ Jack Sparrow and Brooke was Wendy. Tinkerbell showed up again in the form of Mallory. Richard Simmons heard I needed a good work-out so he dropped by as well. As you're looking at the pics pay special attention to Richard's chest hair - it is very nice indeed!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 664px; height: 442px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Peter Pan, Wendy & Hook aka Jack Sparrow<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 553px; height: 368px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Tink dropped by for a while<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 540px; height: 359px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And here's Richard - how about that chest hair!<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 465px; height: 308px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 555px; height: 369px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 492px; height: 492px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/H5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-22108360129581510812008-10-24T11:23:00.005-05:002008-10-24T16:25:16.274-05:00Bragging a Little<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Brookeatcreek.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 768px; height: 531px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Brookeatcreek.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Last night Dale and I went to the parent/teacher conference with Brooke's 1st grade teacher. She really seems to love Brooke and enjoys teaching her. She told us that Brooke is doing well in her subjects and that she is very helpful and compassionate to the other students. Of course Dale and I were glad to hear that Brooke is doing well because usually all we hear about is the warnings she receives at school. The moment she gets off the bus she tells me how many warnings she received that day! It's pretty funny how honest she is.<br /><br />However, I think what Dale and I are most proud of is that Brooke truly is a friendly and loving little girl. She may barely know you but you will get a big hug from her if you engage her at all! As we were leaving the school last night one of the janitors walked by and Brooke yelled out his name and waved at him. His reply was, "You are really good parents. You have the nicest little girl." We said thank you and smiled and he said, "No, really, Brooke is the nicest child in this school."<br /><br />I was so proud that he would say that about Brooke. He's not one of her teachers and she doesn't really see him that much but the way that she is warm and friendly to everyone really made an impression on him.Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-9469035538659052572008-10-20T13:52:00.002-05:002008-10-20T13:57:36.571-05:00You are a Benson!The other night during devotions Dale was talking about the ten commandments and the commandment that night was, "Thou shalt not lie." Dale explained to Connor and Liam what lying was and he gave them a few examples. At the very end he said, "We are Bensons, and Bensons do not lie."<br /><br />Well several days later Connor and Liam were in my room and Liam apparently did something that Connor didn't like. I heard Connor say to Liam, "You are a Luke and Luke's don't do that!" Liam has no idea that he really isn't a Luke - Connor's middle name is Luke - but it seemed to do the job where scolding was concerned so who cares about the details anyway?Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-76732991852978789072008-10-19T21:16:00.004-05:002008-10-19T21:26:36.892-05:00All about boobiesI knew the day would come that my youngest would embarrass me in public as my older two already have. That day was today. We were at church early tonight and so Liam and I were out in the foyer area dropping some coats off for a coat drive we are having. Well, we have a Haitian congregation that meets in one of our smaller sanctuaries and one of the boys was walking by. He looked to be maybe 13 or so and he was maybe a little chunky but nothing anyone would notice and stare at except my child.<br /><br />Liam craned his head around as this poor, unfortunate boy walked by and he very distinctly said, "Mommy, he has boobies just like you!" (Have I told you before that Liam is obsessed with boobs?) Well, this poor fellow turned around and said, "HUH?" and once again my sweet little Liam said as clearly as ever, "Mommy, he has boobies just like you!"<br /><br />Why, oh, why does this NEVER happen when Dale has the kids?!?! This poor pre-teen/teen who is probably just now going through puberty is going to have major issues from now on with his self-esteem and body image thanks to my 2 year old! I'm sure he'll never forget the Sunday night in Nashville, TN when some toddler pointed out his "boobies"!!Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-55703289506132105032008-10-18T21:38:00.003-05:002008-10-18T21:44:30.592-05:00Cat BootyWe have this cat, Chicago, named so because of his white socks. I'll digress for a minute and tell you that when we got him Dale came up with this name before the kids could name him something like Stripey. Incidentally, that was Brooke's suggestion when she saw him.<br /><br />Anyway, he has grown up thinking he pretty much owns this house. I just wanted to share this photo with you that I took last weekend when Mallory was over. She was laying on the guest bedroom bed talking to me while I was working on the computer. Chicago jumped on the bed, plopped himself down and made himself right at home. I'm glad she likes cats because his cat booty was all in her personal space. Now that I think about it, I think he just cleaned that booty before he went to sleep!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Chicago.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 444px; height: 299px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Chicago.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-10500792752899178882008-10-18T07:57:00.005-05:002008-10-18T15:54:47.631-05:00Camp-outBrooke's fall break started Wednesday and ends Monday. Because we had several things going on we couldn't take a trip out of town so we decided to just do some fun things around home. Dale took the day off Thursday and we went to the Adventure Science Center in Nashville. They absolutely loved it and it was so fun that we decided to buy a family pass so that we could go anytime that we want. Thursday night was a wonderful, chilly, fall night and so Dale brought the tent (our big, 5 adult person tent) into the family room and Dale, Brooke and Connor camped out. Before bedtime we read a book, watched a movie and ate cookies in the tent. The chocolate chips were gooey so we had chocolate everywhere - inside the tent that is. Campouts are messy anyway. We had such a fun family night. The kids loved it!! We kept the tent up Friday as well and so we had popcorn the 2nd night of our campout and watched the newly released Sleeping Beauty - which is my favorite fairy tale by the way!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Buzz Lightyear came by our camp and decided to stay the night.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Now these two boys are just too cute!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 646px; height: 129px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The chocolate chip cookies were really messy but extra yummy!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Connor is a little obsessed with cleanliness so he had to clean up<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the mess that Liam made on his sleeping bag! I'm not sure that<br />real camping would be much fun for him ;)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I love this bunch!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Campout3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The 2nd night of the campout.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduLTerd-EAfNKaAbgrfnLlZWDPTVBS5MIFoGO7AaRhoZei9__L2bglxSrzuTS9xaRMArh0Uml0_3MJvUqcS_xhVJ_cvwAbwzw5ITc5DwEB1KDcBk4W1vgo0V5LC7u9sJTv23snXmQxrA/s1600-h/Campout+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduLTerd-EAfNKaAbgrfnLlZWDPTVBS5MIFoGO7AaRhoZei9__L2bglxSrzuTS9xaRMArh0Uml0_3MJvUqcS_xhVJ_cvwAbwzw5ITc5DwEB1KDcBk4W1vgo0V5LC7u9sJTv23snXmQxrA/s400/Campout+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258597293618811986" border="0" /></a>Connor found a comfy seat.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c-3d3X0jsSG02fevuMVO7CtUUZJX31Qaf-qFIOqBZhn48blzhztyiNZpUrRdTXSsvuNB2HYFwUp8cFqbmlNTIDjOSwMhGnIh-f8Hq7J3pTtdmW_V3PxFhBiRD1J72gKv50w0WA0vkS4/s1600-h/Campout1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c-3d3X0jsSG02fevuMVO7CtUUZJX31Qaf-qFIOqBZhn48blzhztyiNZpUrRdTXSsvuNB2HYFwUp8cFqbmlNTIDjOSwMhGnIh-f8Hq7J3pTtdmW_V3PxFhBiRD1J72gKv50w0WA0vkS4/s400/Campout1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258597088591916130" border="0" /></a>These Buzz slippers are hand-me-downs for Connor<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but Liam attached to them very quickly and I<br />think he might own them now!<br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-30819869127381651172008-10-14T14:49:00.003-05:002008-10-14T15:25:43.210-05:00Neighborhood Fall FestLast Saturday our neighborhood had a little fall fest which was lots of fun for the neighborhood families. We have a fire department right around the corner, well in the back of our neighborhood and they were friendly enough to bring one of the big engines and lead the parade to the fall fest. They started at the street behind ours and as they passed each house the kids joined in. Connor dressed as a pirate, Liam was Peter Pan and I'm not sure what Brooke was - I think just a glamour girl. She just had fun getting into make-up and doing her own hair.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest13.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Here's wittle Peter Pan! Isn't he just the cutest?!?<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest14.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And Glam Girl and Peter Pan. I'm thinking those<br />Isotoner looking slippers just make the outfit!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest12.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And Peter Pan and the Pirate! How about that<br />do-rag under the pirate hat?<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest16.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The parade making it's way by our house.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest11.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Brooke, Brooke's friend, Mary Everrett (R) and<br />Mary Everett's cousin in the middle.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Liam found this little Pumpkin in a hay stack hunt.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Here's our little mummy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Cousin Mal and Connor - he's not really wanting<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">anymore pictures taken!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>My littlest Fireman!!<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Junior Fireman!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And Ms. Franklin TN Firegirl :)<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 423px; height: 633px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Brooke bobbed for an apple- in very<br />sanitary water I might add...ugh!!!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And Connor got one too! I wonder how germ-filled<br />that bucket is?Let's not think about it!!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A very proud little Connor.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/FallFest4.jpg"><br /></a></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-3570391457155012882008-10-09T22:35:00.022-05:002008-10-11T21:59:54.451-05:00Brooke's 1 Mile RunToday marked a 1st for Brooke at school. She had her 1st mile run which she has been "training" for since <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0ZYKVCVeh14cA-yduRsYjPCyA_y8P945QMRWseExipIKX0CjVSlwoTw67duCJLHl2Ot0VKXv3ONV2D800mjIlSEGSs3KE8HItA5EL-ZfaKPnbcIUrRiGZs8-w4IkuVHtq2DhlQOFfuk/s1600-h/IMG_8533.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0ZYKVCVeh14cA-yduRsYjPCyA_y8P945QMRWseExipIKX0CjVSlwoTw67duCJLHl2Ot0VKXv3ONV2D800mjIlSEGSs3KE8HItA5EL-ZfaKPnbcIUrRiGZs8-w4IkuVHtq2DhlQOFfuk/s320/IMG_8533.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256094802751759330" border="0" /></a>school started. This is part of their PE program and so this is something that is mandatory. Well, we showed up at Pinkerton Park and watched her class line up to start the run. Now, this wasn't a race but the kids were told to pace themselves, to run without stopping - well, as much as possible, and to not let anything or anyone slow them down.<br /><br />(This is a pre-race picture of Brooke and one of her friends Incidentally, this little girl came in first with a time of 8:26.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Parents were enco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuslfkLA326MKV5mPf5-U0o3AYGNUEB2K646cVm7UH6o5U508IDOcgg2uuGIh1ou4ckhn2YkVPfBfT8AF357yQbXNWYeABFjdxi8TuqYHh7bcLqau5OIeqTeuUlzHiGpEqcM8qNO0QXM/s1600-h/IMG_8550.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuslfkLA326MKV5mPf5-U0o3AYGNUEB2K646cVm7UH6o5U508IDOcgg2uuGIh1ou4ckhn2YkVPfBfT8AF357yQbXNWYeABFjdxi8TuqYHh7bcLqau5OIeqTeuUlzHiGpEqcM8qNO0QXM/s320/IMG_8550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256094311743459442" border="0" /></a>uraged to run with their kids but since I had Connor and Liam and my camera in tow I didn't plan to run. Dale had two meetings in the morning so he wasn't planning on being there. At the last minute he decided to dash back to Franklin between his meetings. He took Liam to the finish line to cheer for Brooke and I headed over to the middle of the "track" which made several hair-pin turns so that I would get some great shots of my little girl running her little heart out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy9onqTPV6ZOP_j0cQnkg8Iucnm7wuwW2fz1_J6W1fpycN-AV4Osm92tcJi6rF0ybbrqhjI2AX3Cdgaof-9gD3n1lRrVUfCz3jhNmTdre9SKDG2OQPP3XLT4DmWfydAex4b3RIFsNVPA/s1600-h/IMG_8555.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy9onqTPV6ZOP_j0cQnkg8Iucnm7wuwW2fz1_J6W1fpycN-AV4Osm92tcJi6rF0ybbrqhjI2AX3Cdgaof-9gD3n1lRrVUfCz3jhNmTdre9SKDG2OQPP3XLT4DmWfydAex4b3RIFsNVPA/s320/IMG_8555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256093922858647986" border="0" /></a>Well, after the exciting start I learned two things about Brooke. 1) Competition of any sort does not motivate her! She could care less about it! 2) It offends her to have her mother yelling at her to run instead of moseying along the track!!<br /><br />Now to digress a moment. I had kind of gotten a little bit of a hint this summer about the whole competition thing not being Brooke's cup of tea. I tried to entice her with the YMCA swim team (I wanted her to learn her swimming strokes better) by telling her that she would get to race against other kids and it would be like a contest. Well, when she heard that she said, "Yeah, don't sign me up for that." So we didn't.<br /><br />Here's the story....the start of the race was great and all the kids were excited so once they passed me I cut across the park to about the 1/2 mile mark. I'm waiting and waiting for Brooke and then I spot her way down the trail and she has stopped to talk with some girls and she has actually turned around and started walking the other direction. She probably saw a pretty flower she wanted to pick - I'm not exactly sure what sidetracked her. Anyway, at this point I start yelling at her to run. After all, this is not recess and this is being timed! Do I sound like one of those out-of-control hockey moms?<br /><br />Well, once she gets to me I decide the only thing for it is to run with her. So me, my camera and Connor all join in the run. Of course I feel like I'm herding her instead of running with her and she is getting quite perturbed that I won't let her stop to smell the roses! I felt like I was encouraging her but she didn't really see it that way. At one point she said to her friends, "My mom is usually nicer than this." Ha! She'll thank me one day!! I think it was just the hungry tummy talking because she also said her stomach was getting really angry with her! I fed her a breakfast of eggs and bagels - you would think that would be the breakfast of champs!!<br /><br />So as you can see there are no pictures of her crossing the finish line because I was running with her across it. By the way - did I mention that I didn't come dressed for the run meaning that I didn't have everything restrained properly? I'm sure it wasn't a pretty sight!<br /><br />Here are some pictures of the boys playing in the park before and after the run. It was the most gorgeous fall day!!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNvGylR4IlfHn8w6bJvzfyJZV_AJlNcgnSi8ecy-KNe8TYttwecD91XDiwEgBNlikP1zQcd4dYVyFOMpGAl2arHRDW9UJhe0rRU2y24J6Hy_i61AQ9WP9xJG3WsZoDg1LEtEW_hxiKvw/s1600-h/IMG_8494.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNvGylR4IlfHn8w6bJvzfyJZV_AJlNcgnSi8ecy-KNe8TYttwecD91XDiwEgBNlikP1zQcd4dYVyFOMpGAl2arHRDW9UJhe0rRU2y24J6Hy_i61AQ9WP9xJG3WsZoDg1LEtEW_hxiKvw/s320/IMG_8494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256089052157529602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPtn6iowpx94BrSOl3wvm1-F84mALgbWUrTKNx7M7bzd1TKr7ccEEnL9jBeoRz6Y-F3dZZH9veQOM7JEqy7mm5gZqNCxcWnOe30S59rKA5vKcblm2mrSI4jAqWkHpGcmoCJdNn_ilv6Q/s1600-h/IMG_8614.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPtn6iowpx94BrSOl3wvm1-F84mALgbWUrTKNx7M7bzd1TKr7ccEEnL9jBeoRz6Y-F3dZZH9veQOM7JEqy7mm5gZqNCxcWnOe30S59rKA5vKcblm2mrSI4jAqWkHpGcmoCJdNn_ilv6Q/s320/IMG_8614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256091144075043666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aIfbU3mdwUkxBBW3fCsQSAJtnS7KLHgg9CwqZPlum-CDiPWwhilg61ZDyDMxQO7WCj8FOGu3BOjIwJwXOIw0oOnIwiGVCfrl_zCQaSHOgAAuPBJTG7Oxh8sD9rZso1mbpTUzGpaBTwA/s1600-h/IMG_8490.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aIfbU3mdwUkxBBW3fCsQSAJtnS7KLHgg9CwqZPlum-CDiPWwhilg61ZDyDMxQO7WCj8FOGu3BOjIwJwXOIw0oOnIwiGVCfrl_zCQaSHOgAAuPBJTG7Oxh8sD9rZso1mbpTUzGpaBTwA/s320/IMG_8490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256088780137819170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0hfUukuDuTcu37MRKHOK-Qwvbc-9ULJ3jdIDYyyvrpaU4zraHvubdn37sYJUt2IYVmp310hWzOXpwohjpGFHVNbITyMBGtkrjZDCXqP7GSAa7_CrOdVEQm3VNsGiesvsLVVDPMOtDnY/s1600-h/IMG_8624.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0hfUukuDuTcu37MRKHOK-Qwvbc-9ULJ3jdIDYyyvrpaU4zraHvubdn37sYJUt2IYVmp310hWzOXpwohjpGFHVNbITyMBGtkrjZDCXqP7GSAa7_CrOdVEQm3VNsGiesvsLVVDPMOtDnY/s320/IMG_8624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256091309667624866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKkgQr1QEI5u4pSlDiYY9AB3PXDOxw8Wk472tgkAF_YAOTQ9J0z7pSm9EJOY88N4GFSmt7hVpdycHRJHEg3lQAI4154St5WlxYPHonpVDgZCbfPCujvSmfzl4kMJCD3jUF5pWCGmb2C0/s1600-h/IMG_8593.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKkgQr1QEI5u4pSlDiYY9AB3PXDOxw8Wk472tgkAF_YAOTQ9J0z7pSm9EJOY88N4GFSmt7hVpdycHRJHEg3lQAI4154St5WlxYPHonpVDgZCbfPCujvSmfzl4kMJCD3jUF5pWCGmb2C0/s320/IMG_8593.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256090697327507906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtXDxspzVwX0errO5mI5mrAz6Nt1wyvNDejTmCwQTaL-GETUmw9kNgwkoIUBGXV4ywEmI5EWedzL8fBhdBq5B5kHzhHoOV6qr0ZA80abbvahHr54S048miIW_xZaOIVWK75sLQL3l7E4/s1600-h/IMG_8566.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtXDxspzVwX0errO5mI5mrAz6Nt1wyvNDejTmCwQTaL-GETUmw9kNgwkoIUBGXV4ywEmI5EWedzL8fBhdBq5B5kHzhHoOV6qr0ZA80abbvahHr54S048miIW_xZaOIVWK75sLQL3l7E4/s320/IMG_8566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256090333052324562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKiGgiTuMoaj10cWxGvLK9v3FlksjvepekULkx9WNrndN_3sWBZomNoPXfYLOWTybZPitG0QcCl-gG2OkoTnkQH8Bz4vdWhvxHJJiUk63Q6p9nrIStmRaJ6_-oBdYV0S4lXEIVRVEU7s/s1600-h/IMG_8510.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKiGgiTuMoaj10cWxGvLK9v3FlksjvepekULkx9WNrndN_3sWBZomNoPXfYLOWTybZPitG0QcCl-gG2OkoTnkQH8Bz4vdWhvxHJJiUk63Q6p9nrIStmRaJ6_-oBdYV0S4lXEIVRVEU7s/s320/IMG_8510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256089524409990898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtkzAM0gdPYwLYMufi8isjnH0KlGudMs_KjK5PcCYJdlpJju7tWfwHM_BeIunYjf6U3ZatXnn3M9_YpcXFMlG5xEG2hvuidVv_WrXJV84Bk9gLsu5J_hP6O8BUEZydZR4nZW3W0q1784/s1600-h/IMG_8560.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtkzAM0gdPYwLYMufi8isjnH0KlGudMs_KjK5PcCYJdlpJju7tWfwHM_BeIunYjf6U3ZatXnn3M9_YpcXFMlG5xEG2hvuidVv_WrXJV84Bk9gLsu5J_hP6O8BUEZydZR4nZW3W0q1784/s320/IMG_8560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256090094185325250" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-83271159647722061372008-09-05T09:07:00.002-05:002008-09-05T09:20:19.566-05:00Home Alone?I know that many of you - well really, the few of you, - who read my blog on a regular basis must secretly think that my children stay home alone most of the time because of all the mischief and trouble that they get into. The fact of the matter is that they do have a mother, that would be me, who stays home with them. I just often find myself preoccupied with cleaning, bible study, counseling and other worthwhile activities. When I do check on my children I often find them doing things that make for great photo ops so instead of disciplining my children like the few of you would do I get out my camera and take pictures.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This morning Liam came into our room quite early and Dale told him to go upstairs and play in his room. Well, he went out of our room but I don't think he made it back up to his room because a little bit later I stumbled into the kitchen and this is what I found...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 322px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />"Hey Mommy, look what I got for 'fefast'"!<br /><br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 402px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />"Let me show you how I can feed myself this<br />very healthy and fulfilling breakfast!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 462px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Mmmm...chocolate and vanilla - surely there's some<br />calcium in there somewhere?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 414px; height: 414px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>"That was delicious! Much better than Cheerios<br />or Meatmeal (oatmeal)"!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 402px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/Liam-W6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is why I can't resist running for my<br />camera. He's is just to doggone cute!<br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-79437811623878962062008-09-03T14:09:00.003-05:002008-09-03T14:17:10.988-05:00National Nazarene Softball Tournament<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/NFCN-Team-Red.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 655px; height: 445px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/NFCN-Team-Red.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />For the 2nd year in a row our family made the trip to Cincinnati to the National Nazarene Softball Tournament. I don't have time to give all the details of the trip but I did want to post this picture of our guys and the trophy they won. Our church takes two teams and Dale plays on the older of the two teams - although we do have some young whippersnappers! The tournament ended Monday and our guys played from 10 am until 6 pm with just a couple breaks in between games. They were worn out but they played so well all day. They placed 2nd in the B tournament - I won't go into how everything is divided out into the 3 tournaments because I don't really understand it. But anyway, they did a fantastic job and I was so proud of my soon to be 40 year old husband ;) I'll post again about the weekend with more pics once I have a little more time.Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-75286885372487068402008-08-23T14:50:00.002-05:002008-08-23T15:06:37.837-05:00A Good Milker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7377B-copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7377B-copy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Last Saturday we bought chocolate milk from <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.hatcherfamilydairy.com/">Hatcher's Dairy</a> at the <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.franklinfarmersmarket.org/">Farmer's Market</a>. When we got home Brooke wanted a cup so I poured her some. She took once sip and said, "That sure is a good milker! I hope she won a prize!" I have to agree, the cow was a good milker but I'm thinking she probably hasn't won any prizes.Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-24507651305847723772008-08-21T22:01:00.004-05:002008-08-22T14:49:43.639-05:00A Whole Lot Of Mischief...Is what two little boys get into when their mommy (that would be me) is not paying attention. We'll start with what happened today. Now, in my defense, I've got some kind of stomach bug and I've been on the couch pretty much since noon today. Connor came in this afternoon to tell me he needed to show me an "accident" but I was too sick to get up and I promptly forgot about the "accident" until Dale walked into the kitchen a little while ago and let out a loud shout. (I beg you - please pay no attention to how dirty it is!) Apprently the boys had been jumping up and down on the door! So I believe we will be purchasing a new dishwasher. Oh well, we haven't liked this on since we moved into the house.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7390.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 558px; height: 371px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7390.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Now, as far as the other mischief goes, I have to confess that a few days ago I was sitting here in this very spot updating my blog or some such thing. Connor walked in to tell me that Liam had cut his hair and sure enough when I took a close look there was quite a chunk missing. It took me a couple minutes to realize that Connor had also taken the scissors to his own hair. As is usual, the punishment was that they had to sit still and let me take some pictures. Of course I threatened them that there would be a harsher punishment if there was ever a next time. Here's the evidence.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7171-copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 585px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7171-copy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know, the spit bubble just finished this whole look off!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7173-copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 373px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7173-copy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I asked Connor how much he had cut his hair and this was the answer.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7175-copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7175-copy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is Liam's new do.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7176-copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7176-copy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And he's demonstrating how he cut his hair.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7178-copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 679px; height: 386px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7178-copy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Has there ever been more mischievous brothers? I think not!<br />Oh well, it is good fodder for my photography habit!<br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-1769412044786714102008-08-19T15:16:00.002-05:002008-08-19T15:27:25.637-05:00Three things I never thought I'd do...1) Add butternut squash to french toast<br />2) Add butternut squash to grilled cheese sandwiches<br />3) Add chickpeas to chocolate chip cookies<br /><br />Now, before you gag let me say that it was all very yummy! I just bought the book <a href="http://www.deceptivelydelicious.com/site/"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Deceptively Delicious</span></a> and the basis of the book is to get your children to eat their fruits and veggies even if you have to deceive them to do it. Now, being the good Christian girl that I am I don't particularly like the term deceive; however, I figure what they don't know won't hurt them :) So, the next time you come eat at my house you might just find a veggie surprise in your food!Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-53416329659770797532008-08-15T00:21:00.002-05:002008-08-15T00:34:46.652-05:00Kids say the darndest things...Tuesday night Dale had board meeting and so I spent the afternoon/evening running errands for the kids. We wound up at the mall because Brooke needed a couple things including new panties. Well, Connor didn't want to be left out so I bought him some new underwear too (it was a very exciting shopping trip!). I bought him some "big boy" boxer/briefs and he has loved wearing them because they come down to his knees - well, they do after he stretches them all the way down there. <br /><br />Anyway, today he was prancing around in just his underwear and t-shirt and as I was making his lunch he exclaimed, "Hey mom, I like these new underwear! They have a pocket." And he proceeded to shove his hand into the pocket. The conversation continued to disintigrate from there and I pretty much had to explain to him that the "pocket" was not the new home for his hand! Ahhh, the joy of having boys!Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3759395319935921679.post-5463589020033326382008-08-12T14:04:00.002-05:002008-08-12T14:18:04.924-05:00Baby LilyI REALLY need to be working on my Scrapbooking class - the one I'm teaching at church - but first I wanted to share some pics with you very quickly. My girlfriend, Michelle, just had adorable baby Lily a few weeks ago. She asked me to come snap a few pics for the birth announcement the other day. I won't share those pics with you but I did want to share a few other pics that I thought were really sweet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6926-A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6926-A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is how the photo session started out. Not a really good way to<br />start things I'd say. Apparently we are all born with a carnal nature :) It's a good<br />thing Lily goes to Sunday School!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6943A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6943A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6930A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6930A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There really is nothing sweeter in this whole world than brand new baby parts!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6938A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6938A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mommy and baby...I remember this sweet time from my<br />own babies and I MISS IT!! But, not enough to go for #4! I<br />guess I'll have to get my fill from Lily and all the other gadzillion<br />babies at church.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6991A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_6991A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had to take pictures with Snow White first<br />before we could convince big sister, Jenna, to have<br />pictures taken with Lily.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7014A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7014A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Two sweet little girls.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7024A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u186/amybscraps/Pictures/IMG_7024A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And of course Brooke needed her turn with Lily.<br /></div>Amy B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05094579319971142518noreply@blogger.com3