tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76517867094709073532023-11-16T04:33:15.547-08:00DuncanvilleLorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-21097934468390911862014-01-22T18:08:00.003-08:002014-01-22T18:08:27.304-08:00MudMen<div style="text-align: center;">
How could one resist the challenge to make a <strike>snow</strike> mudman?? </div>
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Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-348533513897209452014-01-05T19:16:00.000-08:002014-01-05T19:16:21.750-08:00Meet Abe Lincoln!Can I just say how much I enjoy living in Virginia! There are always so many wonderful things happening around the state and the history opportunities are endless. This weekend we went to celebrate the 350th anniversary of <a href="http://www.stafford350.com/">Stafford, Virginia</a>! While there we met some very important people. Keely was a bit shy for the day, but Brayden did not hesitate to give his best high five for Mr. Lincoln!<br />
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<br />Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-46317531572517449032014-01-01T19:35:00.003-08:002014-01-01T19:35:52.174-08:00BoardingWe are bringing in the new year with new milestones! We've waited 5 years to get here but we're looking forward to many more adventures ahead. We took an impromptu trip to <a href="http://www.massresort.com/">Massanutten Resort</a>. The kids did really well and Brayden was the biggest surprise of all catching on pretty quickly. He of course was ready to go from baby steps to sprints asking to go ahead and go to the top of the mountain while we had to explain we weren't quite ready for that. But allowed him to go on his own while we <strike>would sprint for our lives</strike> stayed cautiously next to him. Keely had some difficulty understanding the concept of balancing but with time and practice she will get there. They had a great time and are eager for more. I'm just thankful we ALL survived! Ready for more family memories to be made :)<br />
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<br />Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-63628589703790128522013-09-06T19:00:00.000-07:002013-09-06T19:00:05.848-07:00First Day of Co-OpWe have begun school people! That's right, we have dove into our first official year of school and very excited. We are enjoying learning Proverbs and how the Lord wants us to be wise. We enjoy phoneme segmentation (so far) and love sorting and building with pattern blocks! Another new this year, is joining a co-op! We are very excited to make new friends, have a little independence and doing some fun projects. Being new to this area we thought this would be a great outlet for all three of us and a way to meet some other families and make new friends. The first day both kids did GREAT! They had a great time, loved the Mommies who teach their class (oh, and Mom had fun with her new friends too.)<br />
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Keely, my dear little girl. You have such a spark in you. Dad and I both love how sweet and compassionate your little heart is. Yet, you have an edge about you that let's us know you are fearless and a leader. We see how specially made you are by our Creator everyday and are trying to guide you to His way. You enjoy writing making sure you get it just right. As you are learning to read you take your time and we love your excitement when you put all the words together. We love you sweet girl!</div>
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You loved your first day getting to be with your new friends, Haven, Ellie and Gracie. You and Haven seem to have a special bond, both a little shy and quiet but then you and Ellie seem like you want to stir things up. It will be so fun to see how the bonds of you girls develop. I'm so happy you are making friends who share your same love of the Lord. </div>
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Brayden boy, how you make me laugh. You can be such a ham, enjoying making those around you laugh. You have a sweetness in you that is so endearing to my heart. Giving Mama kisses at random. You are sensitive and we know you like to take your time and when you are ready you can tackle anything. We have been so surprised at your excitement to read alongside your sister. Writing was a challenge just a few months ago and now you work at it with such patience and grace. Your heart continues to grow in love of our Savior. You enjoy reading so many stories from the Bible and want to understand all that we share. God has made you so unique and we see His love in you.</div>
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Brayden your first day was GREAT! You were brave letting Mom go to my class and staying with your Mom teacher like a big boy. You had strong muscles stirring applesauce for your "A" day. You waved by Mom as you passed me in the hall letting me know that you felt so comfortable with your new friends. You loved your day and we were so proud of you for being so brave!</div>
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Keely and Brayden you are such a special pair. You both love each other so much looking out for one another. One of your favorite things to do is playing princess and cowboy (sometime princess and princess.) Even though there are <strike>days</strike> moments that we have to be reminded to share, be kind and use pleasant words with one another, your bond is special. You are brother and sister. You were placed in this family and God chose you two to help look out for one another. I pray your bond continues to grow and that you not only stay brother and sister in this family, but you will be brother and sister in Christ.</div>
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Love you both and what a great start to our year!</div>
Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-41614926461405875772013-09-05T18:53:00.004-07:002013-09-05T18:53:58.203-07:00VA BeachIt's the end of summer and we took this crew down to Virginia Beach for one more rodeo of summer <strike>sand, sand, sand</strike> fun. Truly enjoying some relaxation, being in the sun, and catching some waves. (Get ready for photo overload)<br />
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We have been getting our share of practice catching with Dad at home and wanted to take the fun to the beach. Nothing better than throwing the ball there on the sandy beach!<br />
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My brave, fearless little girl. This year at the beach you wanted to expand to the fun of body boarding and you were a success! I love that you do not fear the ocean and are always willing to try. If you get beat up you jump up and casually say "I'm ok" with a great attitude to try again. With lots of practice you were out there watching and catching waves. It was a blast to watch you ride in on your little octopus with each wave you braved.<br />
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And even you my brave little boy. You may take a little more time to be ready to take an adventure (like your Mama) in your time you are ready to give it a go. And Brayden boy, you too were just awesome catching the waves. Although the ocean did get the best of you a few times, you too brush it off and tried again. I pray you keep that great attitude to not let things get the best of you.<br />
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Keely just couldn't get enough of riding the waves. Even more making sure Mom and Dad were watching your every move and getting more and more brave getting a little further out in the ocean each time you ran out (making Mom a bit more nervous each ride too).<br />
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I just had to get this shot of my little surfer dude. Although we are taking on this life of country living, there is definitely a beach bum in each of us. </div>
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And this little surfer girl, made for the beach life!</div>
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We were informed that these two are ready for big boards, maybe next summer...</div>
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We were walking by a gas station where a fire truck was filling up one night. Brayden wanted to go give a high five to the firemen. We got to talk to them for a while and they invited us to the fire station and take a tour. Both kids were beside themselves getting to sit in the fire truck and see where the firemen live when they are working.The firemen were just awesome, and by far the true heroes of our country.<br />
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Those fire hats were no joke, very heavy according to these two.</div>
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All equipment is ready to go, these guys have to be fast if they get a call.</div>
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Check out those jackets!</div>
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Almost fits Keely, almost</div>
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Climbing throughout all the trucks at this station was a big highlight. They had one with a driver in the front of the truck and one in the back. This is the one that holds the ladder that can go up to 100 ft!</div>
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Our awesome tour guides!</div>
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Thanks to Virginia Beach Fire Station 11 for giving us an amazing tour! If you ask either one of these two, they will now tell you they want to be a fireman/woman when they grow up. </div>
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Our last day we ventured to <a href="http://preservationvirginia.org/visit/historic-properties/cape-henry-lighthouse">Cape Henry</a> to see the lighthouse standing near the first landing of the Jamestown settlers. We were pumped to see our first lighthouse and we were quickly disappointed to find out you needed to be at least 42" to go into the lighthouse. Our little ones didn't quite make the cut. </div>
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We had such fun taking a last rendezvous to the beach. So thankful to the Father above for blessing us to live so close to adventures like these.</div>
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All Glory to God in moments of work, moments of rest and moments of fun.</div>
Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-50436464296984401072013-07-18T19:02:00.001-07:002013-07-18T19:02:53.386-07:00Home RemediesThere has been many changes in our life these past few years as we made our way back east. One of these has also included the many, many tutorials I have received on sustainable living and home remedies. Here is my latest teaching from my great friend Heather, a homemade massage oil equivalent to "Bengay."<br />
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What you need:<br />
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1 Cup of Arnica Flowers<br />
1 Cup of Comfrey Leaf<br />
1 tsp. of Cayanne Pepper<br />
5-6 Cinnamon Sticks<br />
Olive Oil<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfrey">Comfrey</a> is an awesome perennial herb that is used externally on the skin to heal bruises, ligaments, pulled muscles and much much more! </div>
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The comfrey plant growing on my porch :)</div>
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Pour herbs into a glass quart jar. Pour olive oil over herbs until completely covered. Put a lid on the jar. </div>
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Fill a deep pan with water. Put a towel in the bottom of the pan, so your glass jar will not break when heated. The water level in the pan should be deep enough so that when you put the jar in the pan, the water line will come to the bottom of the lid on your jar. Put the herb jar in the pan and turn the heat on so the water is simmering (do not let it boil). Let simmer for 2-3 hours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">After the oil has cooled, Pour off the herbs by straining through a cheesecloth into a clean jar. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> There you go! Nice golden brown cinnamony oil...a herbal infused massage oil!</span></div>
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You can make this oil twice in a row with the same herbs to squeeze every bit of goodness out of the herbs before throwing them into the compost. The used herbs will not be as strong as the first batch and should simmer the oil for about 4 hours the second time around. After you have poured off the infused oil mix both batches. Put a label and write the date you made it and it should last for 3 years!</div>
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Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-82580104401081198882013-06-12T18:50:00.007-07:002013-06-12T18:50:56.725-07:00Zoo Time!I just LOVE the zoo! I'm not sure what it is but it's one of my favorite things to do. Since we made our move out east our zoo trips have decreased tremendously. I have to admit I've really missed our Albuquerque zoo. So last weekend after picking the kids up from their weekend camping trip with Nana and Pop Pop we made a side detour to the Virginia Zoological Park in Norfolk. It was hot and humid but after a weekend full of rain we were ever so grateful for the clear skies for our visit!<br />
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The statue at the entrance, if you look close it's a cluster of butterflies, so pretty!</div>
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We are ready!</div>
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This tiger had just finished eating and was chewing on her bone when we walked up. Next thing we knew she was walking up to our window...think she was looking for second's???</div>
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My little Orangutans! Yes, that is Brayden trying with all his might to reach :)</div>
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Red Panda! Just walking along the tree right above us...guess these guys don't jump.</div>
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These two were buddies, using the tail as a punching bag.</div>
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Why hello there!</div>
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Going for a Rhino ride!</div>
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Cracking each other up!</div>
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Sometimes we just don't want to take pictures Mom!</div>
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Best part of the zoo...finishing the hot day in the water! SO glad we had our swimsuits with us!</div>
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ahhh!!</div>
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<br />Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-22774203196927016662013-06-02T20:01:00.001-07:002013-06-02T20:01:18.662-07:00Picking StrawberriesI LOVE strawberry season! The sweet smell, the bright red, and the juicy taste of a ripe strawberry...yum! We made our way to<a href="http://www.millerfarmsmarket.com/"> Miller Farms Market</a> this past week to get our hands on some ripe berries. We of course enjoyed some taste testing along the way. It was hot, hot, hot but so worth the 10 lbs of strawberries we left with. Stay tuned for some documentation on my first jam making experience!<br />
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I believe the way Brayden picked was "one for you, one for me." So one in the basket, one in his mouth.</div>
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Daddy and Brayden looking hard for the really good ones.</div>
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How I love this precious little girl. </div>
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She carefully looked at each berry to be sure it was just right for our own jam.</div>
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Enter boy phase of making funny faces for every picture...</div>
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...and I mean EVERY picture.</div>
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Here is our yummy batch of strawberries! Bring on the smoothies, the berries, the jam and more!</div>
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<br />Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-49850798096857567942013-06-02T18:38:00.000-07:002013-06-02T18:38:14.590-07:00Backyard Camp Out!Oh hello Summertime! We thought it was time to take the old tent out and go for a backyard camp out. The skies were clear so we set it up (and added the air mattress) through in our sleeping bags and pillows and marveled at God's creation watching each star peak out. Listening to the sounds of the crickets, the frogs, the owls, and all the night creatures made a night of adventure!<br />
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Settling in for camp out fun!</div>
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So excited!</div>
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Boys will be boys...Brayden's new thing for picture time....making funny faces!</div>
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All the excitement going to bed late and waking up early...found Keely on the couch today crashed out!</div>
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Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-89367805247552081552013-05-14T19:02:00.001-07:002013-05-14T19:02:09.077-07:00We're Back!We have internet!!! Yes, it has really taken this long to get our internet connection in our new home. Long story short, our house is so far from the road they had to dig out a line to get the cable to the house. And after 5 months of praying and begging to have them come out it has finally happened. Yay! I'm so thankful the Lord answered our prayers of the everyday convenience to have this crazy connection to the world. But I'm also so thankful that He gave me this little internet fast. Although, it was not a full fast of course but it really got me out of the routine to look at the computer so much throughout the day. So much, I almost have had a hard time remembering what to do on this thing. At any rate, we are back! Expect more updates, more pictures, and just more :)Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-81519665604002042352013-01-31T08:46:00.000-08:002013-01-31T08:46:29.324-08:00Internet and Snow...So we are in our new home (and Love, Love, Love it) and finally in the grove after the move and the holidays. We're still missing one little piece that will <strike>bring me back to sanity</strike> make the home complete. Internet! It may seem silly, but seriously, I am not one that enjoys typing an email on my tiny Droid2 or searching for a recipe or about any other little whim I think about during the day. Think about it, how many times do you pick up your laptop throughout the day to look up just "one little thing." Of course that means major neglection to the precious blog. There is hope though that the internet will be coming soon (hopefully). In the meantime, I'll be counting on trips to the library or a spontaneous trip to visit my in-laws and <strike>begging</strike> sweetly asking if I may <strike>hog</strike> use their computer for a bit.<br />
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Recently we had our first snowfall in the new home. Keely had been asking for so long, when could we make a snowman and snow angels??? Each time she saw snow flurries she had such high hopes for the making of a snowman. Finally, there was enough to make this goal happen. It was so beautiful to see the white blanket across the yard and in the woods. We even had the joy of watching from our living room a heard of about 8 deer walk across the woods in the snow blanket. I know it will be a while before I get over it, but seeing the deer is still amazing each time we spot some.<br />
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Each morning I wake up and just thank our Lord for the blessings in our life. And mornings like this one, where we see his beautiful works. It's amazing to see where He has placed us in just one year. There really are no words to describe the joy in our hearts. We praise Him for choosing us to serve Him!<br />
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<br />Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-8902943031244933472012-12-22T18:37:00.000-08:002012-12-22T18:37:12.979-08:00Va-CayAh, vacation. A much needed vacation. Let me first backtrack to a few months ago. When we moved out to Virginia last year <strike>we were in complete shock of the cost of living increase</strike> it took us a while to find a home that would work for us. So we <strike>thought it would be brilliant</strike> settled for a condo. Needless to say that we were <strike>miserable</strike> not so happy in our condo. No yard, no back door, just not the lifestyle we were looking for. We thought we could settle in the condo for a few years but we quickly realized that was not going to work. So last August we thought, "we should put our home on the market, what could it hurt?" So we laid it in God's hands and listed the condo, after living in it for only 8 months. In this market what would be the chances of selling right? In God's hands anything is possible, and on the second day it was listed we had two offers, accepted one, and sold...breaking even. We didn't gain, didn't lose. Just back where we were just a year before. So now, our next quest...finding a home...again. The kids and I packed up and moved in with Brent's parents while Brent moved in with a friend. And in between we looked, and looked, and looked at homes. We even looked at land debating building our home. We knew that God would show us a home with just some patience. We were looking to be a bit further from the DC metro area and finding some land. Then a home was finally shown to us and we closed on the exact same day as we closed on the condo the year before. It truly felt like we were given the reset button to the last year. We are finally feeling like we are in a home, and one hoping to be in for a while as well. Since Brent and I have been married the longest we've been in a home was 3 years, only 3 years. Yes, he was in the military but we are feeling like we want some roots to sit in. So since we have been in this whirlwind (really since before we left New Mexico) we knew we needed a vacation. Our plan was to head to the mountains to do some tubing in the snow and possibly have Keely try out some skiing, but the unusual warm winter had some other plans for us.
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So we spent our first day out doing some family bowling. Look at Keely's form, not so bad. (And notice Dad needing to help Brayden out).<br />
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And who spends their winter vacation going to the waterpark?!?!? Well, an indoor waterpark. The kids had a blast going down the slides <strike>over and over</strike> a few times.<br />
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Then we spent a day at the local Children's Museum/Discovery Center. This place was full of fun around each corner. From the trains, to the actual stage, practicing milking a cow, and even doing some work on the car this place had about everything you could think of. So much fun!<br />
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And finally, we spent our last day getting a little winter experience doing some ice skating. Brayden was such a trooper insisting "look at me, I'm skating!" Keely took to it pretty quick wanting to be on her own, she had a few falls but kept getting right back up to keep practicing. I love her persistent heart and good attitude to try to conquer anything. I pray that trait stays with her always. </div>
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We had a wonderful time enjoying some much needed family time now that we're back together as a family and looking forward to more family time with Nana and Pop Pop spending Christmas with us in our new home!<br />
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Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-85446769040209322322012-10-18T19:45:00.001-07:002012-10-18T19:45:58.386-07:00Turning 30Who knew that 30 could be so beautiful? When I woke up on my birthday, it was just an ordinary day. Sure I was getting phone calls from my friends and family, wishing me a wonderful day which always makes me feel loved. However, I had no big plans. Got the kids ready, went to the library, ran a few other errands. It was when I was included on the little gift from one of my dearest friends that really made my day. Being so far from my friends and family, she thought a great way to ring in turning 30 would be to reach out to those in my life and request "30 Random Acts of Kindness!" She challenged that they would do something to pay it forward to celebrate the day. Then they could share their good deed to say Happy Birthday. Truly, what could be more beautiful! I had to share the wonderful things that were done on October 16, 2012 to honor the big 3-0!<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">I made my lovely daughter in law a well deserved breakfast with a flower on the plate :)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">In honor of your birthday I just baked an apple pie and going to give it to our sweet, elderly neighbors who live next door to us. Hugs to you!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">In honor of your birthday, I bought diapers for a co-worker who is fostering a 5 week old baby girl.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">In honor of your birthday I have made myself available Friday for the gal who lives across the street from me. Her family will be gone til Sunday. She is new to our state and is pregnant. Happiest of days to you sweet girl!!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">In honor of your birthday I bought Starbucks for the girls behind me in the drive-thru today, Happy 30th!! I hope you had a extra special day : )</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">In honor of your 30th birthday (WOW!!) I made a welcome basket for my new neighbor. Happy birthday!! I hope it's magical :O)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Today in honor of your birthday I baked up one of your favorites, pumpkin chocolate chip bread, and took it to a neighbor I've yet to meet. Happiest of 30th Birthdays. May all the blessings in the Lord be yours this year!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">I went to get an iced tea and apples. I put ten dollars towards the bill for the person behind me. Happy Birthday!!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">I will give my boss a loaf of banana bread as she has had a very stressful week and know this will brighten her day. Love you sweetie!!! Happy 30th B'Day!!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">When someone called asking me question about not only our campaign, but two other campaigns, I called and got information for all of them and called the individual back so he wouldn't have to make an unneeded trip form the East Mountains. He was appreciative. Happy birthday dear Lorena.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Happy 30th Birthday!!!! Today the kids and I ding-dong-ditched a friend going through a hard time with flowers.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">I sent a package of my "gently used" maternity clothes to a friend in CO and another package of clothes to a friend in OH and lined up a friend to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">receive</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;"> the kids' "gently used" high chair and swing. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Happy Birthday!! I purchased baby formula for a family in need.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Today, I bought a couple dinner in your name at flying star and bought desserts for some friends and delivered them to their house on your behalf :)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">Helping new flight nurse feel more at ease with new job. Reaching out, and encouraging!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">I bought dinner for a family in the same restaurant. Rene - hope your birthday was as amazing as you are. Love you!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">I helped my neighbor in psych stats on our homework. I also let her look over my paper to get the last 2 answers (that took me about an hour to figure out, haha). HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Birthday to the sweetest auntie of all!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">I volunteered at the Presidential Debate in NY and worked with the college students to foster their interests in politics and voting! Happy Birthday Lorena!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Happy Birthday, Lorena! In honor of your 30th, I have purchased three chickens to be given in your name to a third world family on need through Child Fund International!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">In your honor a single mother if two asked to borrow $5 for lunch. As my good deed, her $20 for the week & told that it was for your birthday. No need to repay. Hope you have a wonderful birthday! Love ya!</span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It really brought me to tears reading all the wonderful things being done throughout the day. I felt so, so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. Thank you everyone for taking part in this wonderful, thoughtful gift. Most of all to thank The Creator for the most amazing birthday:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">PSALM 139: 13-14</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"For You formed my inward parts;</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">You covered me in my mother's womb.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Marvelous are Your works,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">And that my soul knows very well."</span></span></div>
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Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-3925191530675481522012-10-09T12:06:00.000-07:002012-10-09T12:06:02.134-07:00Double Take<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we celebrated Brayden's 3rd birthday this year he went all cowboy. He'd been asking for his own boots for some time now and that captured the theme for big number 3! After his birthday I started thinking about a picture at my parents house. Can you see any resemblance???</div>
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Brayden (left) Lorena's Dad, PaPa (right)</div>
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And of course baby girl wanted a picture with her brother the cowboy, she makes a pretty cute cowgirl too!</div>
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<br />Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-85313668314410329602012-08-01T19:15:00.000-07:002012-08-01T19:15:55.133-07:00Masanutten GetawayA few weeks ago we went to a local baseball game and while there placed our name in a drawing for a weekend getaway to Masanutten resort and wouldn't you know we won! Receiving a phone call not long after we were talking about making a trip to see the<a href="http://luraycaverns.com/"> Luray Caverns</a>. So, Saturday we drove out to the Caverns. On our way I realized how strange that all those years I lived in NM and never made our way to Carlsbad Caverns. We were so excited to get away and the kids couldn't wait to see the caves! They really were incredible!<br />
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<br />Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-72540239166014243242012-07-31T18:16:00.002-07:002012-07-31T18:24:38.226-07:00ThunderstormsThe other night we had a thunderstorm that shook the house and I thought for sure I would here the pitter patter come down the stairs. I waited and waited but never heard a thing, I figured the kids just slept right through it. This is what I found in the morning....it was just oh so sweet. Funny that Keely never knew who was by her side until she woke up. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5hHN-fzc_OLMahV1NeqHRv4nR_bmBPiOMKbDTy0OgOJN_FJnPuN81bfgDFNPYDPUoCP5f55SdtIKRm87jLHT5oUJ0fXUBT_NN9dW2aVqAiQbDCJDbDMGfU-z_axoFXrxUcdtnPnwIX5e/s1600/brayden_storm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5hHN-fzc_OLMahV1NeqHRv4nR_bmBPiOMKbDTy0OgOJN_FJnPuN81bfgDFNPYDPUoCP5f55SdtIKRm87jLHT5oUJ0fXUBT_NN9dW2aVqAiQbDCJDbDMGfU-z_axoFXrxUcdtnPnwIX5e/s400/brayden_storm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771507815834323186" /></a><br /></div>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-55275142519954820202012-07-18T20:38:00.000-07:002012-07-18T20:38:24.705-07:00Where have we been???How many times have I done one of these postings? It's been months since the last post, and each time I make a promise to myself that "I will be better" and beg my few followers not to give up on me. I then sit down, dedicated for a few weeks and then life happenings <strike>work, commuting, toddlers, commuting, spring fun</strike> get the best of me and next thing I know it has been 4, yes 4 months since my last post. How could it be! Well unfortunately it is and now how do I make up for the lost time? <div>
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I guess to start is why the silence? As I've sat here always looking at my blog not knowing how to begin to share all of the changes that have occurred over these past few months I feel overwhelmed and can't even begin. So after a plea from a fellow blogging friend posted to my facebook {Sarah} I realized I need to get over it and get posting. </div>
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So here I am, with my first posting in quite some time. And as I write I'm still struggling with where to start. The first and foremost news is that Brent has been saved! As he was recently greeted, "Welcome to the Kingdom," and I couldn't agree more. To say that the shift in our home and direction we lead has been a 180 degree change is an understatement. There wasn't one moment, one person, one thing said that did it, what it was honestly was God, working in his life for years and what's important was that it happened. He loves God, loves Christ, and there's nothing more amazing to see the man you love have a love for Christ. This of course made me take a very close look at myself and realize how I have not been walking with Christ for many years and brought me to my own knees asking for forgiveness and guidance on where to begin. Mostly these past months have been spent away from a focus on worldly things such as the TV and the internet and just making time to be with Him, in his word, and praying. </div>
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That has also lead us to other big decisions about what is best for our family and we realized that having me at home with our kids rather than working would serve our family for a greater purpose than a career at this point. So with that I gave my notice to work leaving Advising at the beginning of May. Since then we have been trying to find our grove again. Now after some time I am finally feeling like my old SAHM again. I'm enjoying the days with Keely and Brayden. Finally getting back into my kitchen, baking and cooking. Having dinner as a family, and most importantly teaching our children to love the Lord. It's been incredible really. </div>
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I of course wanted to give some account to what else we've been up to during this time. Over Memorial Day weekend when Keely turned the big FOUR we went camping for the first time ever down in beautiful Asheville, NC. The kids had a great time swimming, fishing, hiking, making smores around the campfire, and sleeping in a tent. It was so much fun and after a very expensive trip to REI I believe that camping will be a staple in our future adventures. </div>
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We made our first trip to the National Zoo! We joined our friends to celebrate Keely's "bestest friend" Gracie for her birthday. We had a great day seeing the llama- llama's, the active elephant's and my long awaited check on my bucket list to see a Panda!<br />
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We are experimenting with different ways to do Miss Keely's hair and came across <a href="http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/">this</a> web site that showed us the fun Sock Curls! She is digging this one these days, asking to put socks in her hair and enjoys the curlies the next day. <br />
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July we made our way down to Brent's folks to enjoy the holiday with family relaxing by the pool. This kids helped Nana pick strawberries from the garden and then enjoyed dipping them in chocolate for a tasty dessert. We spent each day in the pool enhancing the skills of the little fish our kids have become.<br />
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It's been another whirlwind few months {wouldn't be us if it wasn't} but it's been amazing. I am looking forward to see what the Lord has in store for us and where we will go from here! To my fellow bloggers, my family, and my friends I'm back and hope that you will be too!</div>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-19236674287726799912012-03-19T19:48:00.003-07:002012-03-19T19:58:06.285-07:00One fish, two fish...Brayden and Daddy went on their first fishing trip to our little pond across the street. They were ready with snacks, fishing poles and worms. Brayden caught two fish on his first day! He reeled it in with such excitement!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGbfh8f6QSo8lq010qQ4Y56ZUqaqCdLsHchXK8KQhteMQ2SDWUs-0_zgqm_gflWLA4JGcg6cpKmVFlrhaDKlA0S0-2FBQzcmz_hpaEPenQS6eJZ9x4i2Ml34LyHG-xYJF_Pcb7o-Kvn-n/s1600/Catching+fish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGbfh8f6QSo8lq010qQ4Y56ZUqaqCdLsHchXK8KQhteMQ2SDWUs-0_zgqm_gflWLA4JGcg6cpKmVFlrhaDKlA0S0-2FBQzcmz_hpaEPenQS6eJZ9x4i2Ml34LyHG-xYJF_Pcb7o-Kvn-n/s400/Catching+fish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721806670355869810" /></a>When it came time to see the fish not all fared well. He says "I don't like fishies anymore!" He'll get used to it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4XRV6TGvtFYJTSrPrTMGhpBfm1Je6IqhxCcdKgCdsha-PE-QRtf2Nu3SzWs_pKN1Exx8Nvos9IhQQqF5x5N2VS7c6e2jYavIuORWhkNqM1RG5ItAjEyN0dEUQ3gpT6NTQL1FpkjxiSYK/s1600/First+fish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4XRV6TGvtFYJTSrPrTMGhpBfm1Je6IqhxCcdKgCdsha-PE-QRtf2Nu3SzWs_pKN1Exx8Nvos9IhQQqF5x5N2VS7c6e2jYavIuORWhkNqM1RG5ItAjEyN0dEUQ3gpT6NTQL1FpkjxiSYK/s400/First+fish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721806668923441362" /></a><br />. <div><br /></div>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-42092457028767126172012-03-12T19:13:00.007-07:002012-03-12T19:34:29.567-07:00Clifford the Big Red DogSo while browsing and researching nook's I saw that our local (local in these parts would be about a 25 minute drive north of here) Barnes and Nobel would be having a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog. So who couldn't resist, not this Mama! I packed the kids up and we headed out. What a great visit!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppw4Eg926cSEKQBSavxouTdLw02C03N_cSzTjMoWLQzMnfJeA1om1sz6uUsqOor2Kdj7P3C34_A-hhp1aaJo7PgfcXldG2dQnxvjLVeV2jWKIA8_84TJtrELa7mH8wnDfKNHfFAqIRJsC/s1600/P1000116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppw4Eg926cSEKQBSavxouTdLw02C03N_cSzTjMoWLQzMnfJeA1om1sz6uUsqOor2Kdj7P3C34_A-hhp1aaJo7PgfcXldG2dQnxvjLVeV2jWKIA8_84TJtrELa7mH8wnDfKNHfFAqIRJsC/s400/P1000116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719200964993190738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Look at that face, Brayden was SO happy to see Clifford!</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmZ-qP9B9GUicMdIVGl6Qwt7HhH3gEb7u8BbtBpXD0aBsjmSkVho8J-ErqT9cuo5LUAUE8D4-haoBc0oOyxfsWZrd6WzN7nFkkCiSrR1ti1j1-q_MnazxQe3zDVYLryUORcZazPETZywu/s1600/P1000105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmZ-qP9B9GUicMdIVGl6Qwt7HhH3gEb7u8BbtBpXD0aBsjmSkVho8J-ErqT9cuo5LUAUE8D4-haoBc0oOyxfsWZrd6WzN7nFkkCiSrR1ti1j1-q_MnazxQe3zDVYLryUORcZazPETZywu/s400/P1000105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719201140592735058" /></a>We colored some pictures of our favorite big red dog and heard stories of Clifford growing up...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gl6jkUnNazIjx_BhAT2RB40E6XPWBKPaT-h2wHTx1ItEycQ-HeEWN8FwXlxrPaJA7yvi-IhwLhpO2p4m0gpttur9Cz5VC-xwmtiwBu-xWYRCHrvabOd2_UOcETTG3c9d0LfyNRIciKS4/s1600/P1000107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gl6jkUnNazIjx_BhAT2RB40E6XPWBKPaT-h2wHTx1ItEycQ-HeEWN8FwXlxrPaJA7yvi-IhwLhpO2p4m0gpttur9Cz5VC-xwmtiwBu-xWYRCHrvabOd2_UOcETTG3c9d0LfyNRIciKS4/s400/P1000107.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719201437950613138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Some of us couldn't wait through story time to share with</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "> Clifford our art work, I think he was ok with it :)</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe12s7HjRKAFkouLPxhpenh6Ut5ZK0FJ07XWHcVFkb4emGJxSjRPb6LIYJNLJsW97DviRPiPalJG7V50PhODD4ZVTWJL-GhVtG2R887KVUVyzm1NQDTBrF8aMbobeIPl6lQUtPMStmRvV/s1600/P1000113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe12s7HjRKAFkouLPxhpenh6Ut5ZK0FJ07XWHcVFkb4emGJxSjRPb6LIYJNLJsW97DviRPiPalJG7V50PhODD4ZVTWJL-GhVtG2R887KVUVyzm1NQDTBrF8aMbobeIPl6lQUtPMStmRvV/s400/P1000113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719201664104474082" /></a>Fun visit with Clifford, couldn't leave the store without a new Mercer Myer book for our home collection!Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-12681073965395944552012-02-06T18:51:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:06:51.429-08:00They Did it Again!Super Bowl 2012 Champs! We enjoyed our evening watching the game right down to the famous down to the minute of the 4th quarter watching our beloved New York Giants take the win! It was a good game and of course a glorious rematch win to the Pats. Go Giants!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ojJHmoRGbsh1RMR-y_Ci4o191cWrXKd41jmlRSDyK3tPLl54fRb2GE1HcWMDSYybX55M24KInXpxA5rvnjKVzddfNjyX4sf8RD5XROn8Es0FFp1sQf0nlfjA4NFuxAQMLsHUda3aJtqh/s1600/P1000033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ojJHmoRGbsh1RMR-y_Ci4o191cWrXKd41jmlRSDyK3tPLl54fRb2GE1HcWMDSYybX55M24KInXpxA5rvnjKVzddfNjyX4sf8RD5XROn8Es0FFp1sQf0nlfjA4NFuxAQMLsHUda3aJtqh/s400/P1000033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706224374610021938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFZ2iS1OGg6yP8WqShdJKkSADTO8-IAAUA5Q7DXKoJbLKAZfkaZ7wH64JilEQDpq_bJNbuA3GNt4hzy1jX5_YZ63D04bxH_9gxYSTaRAXiR5i_IuuDTvA22sYPG0Ng91PX1BjWQLoa50c/s1600/P1000035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFZ2iS1OGg6yP8WqShdJKkSADTO8-IAAUA5Q7DXKoJbLKAZfkaZ7wH64JilEQDpq_bJNbuA3GNt4hzy1jX5_YZ63D04bxH_9gxYSTaRAXiR5i_IuuDTvA22sYPG0Ng91PX1BjWQLoa50c/s400/P1000035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706224366882781938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7gI_uPcCRis16OFY_vQALvfM42l9hJKIr9DL9_mYFhL7hyOBGituWDKBvDgXuUHM64mZFY4kodVFbXIWqpVELvFzazoEoCWCRcYxpDZn9G9MTQCC6gNR7TDys1qoJkdSOJR-pR7V0FH_/s1600/P1000050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7gI_uPcCRis16OFY_vQALvfM42l9hJKIr9DL9_mYFhL7hyOBGituWDKBvDgXuUHM64mZFY4kodVFbXIWqpVELvFzazoEoCWCRcYxpDZn9G9MTQCC6gNR7TDys1qoJkdSOJR-pR7V0FH_/s400/P1000050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706224101408069170" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-27350550995975209152012-02-01T12:47:00.001-08:002012-02-01T13:12:54.872-08:00HOPE for Peyton<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY5UZQlWvS8Rvbd9waPJN_VCLtYqqy00eiv6olKrbuZVtMSFPHOccCscUy0n2sllkdsHyn69X7eHg-vG6nbXFYur0_sWUSH8NX2HYnsUb1yi8pRVifwdse5w6r_t9DAqtBCn5OM8JlSkv/s1600/Badgers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY5UZQlWvS8Rvbd9waPJN_VCLtYqqy00eiv6olKrbuZVtMSFPHOccCscUy0n2sllkdsHyn69X7eHg-vG6nbXFYur0_sWUSH8NX2HYnsUb1yi8pRVifwdse5w6r_t9DAqtBCn5OM8JlSkv/s400/Badgers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704275103655952434" border="0" /></a><br />Hello my blogging friends! I want to introduce you to the Badger family. Brent and I were stationed with Todd, Melissa and their little girl in Italy. Brent worked with Todd and I was bunco buddies with Melissa. While there Melissa became pregnant with twins, Peyton and Aiden. Peyton and Aiden are twin to twin transfusion survivors. Not only is Peyton (on right) a survivor of twin to twin transfusion, he has spastic diplegia (a form of cerebral palsy). Peyton will be going through <a href="http://www.stlouischildrens.org/content/medservices/aboutselectivedorsalrhizotomy.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Selective Dorsal Rhizontomy (</span>SDR)</a> in March. His mom will be following his journey on her new blog <a href="http://hope4peyton.blogspot.com/">HOPE for Peyton</a>. I hope you will join me by following their journey or at least sending your thoughts/prayers/positive energy their way. As a mom any surgical journey with your child is full of emotion and challenges. I can not begin to understand what they are about to go through, but when Brayden had his surgery this platform helped me throughout the process. Especially, the support from family and friends who followed our journey. I'm hoping to extend their HOPE for Peyton with support from my blogging friends!Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-16007417793207962482012-01-09T19:07:00.001-08:002012-01-09T19:14:35.912-08:00First Day of SchoolThis Mom was not ready for this. The kids were starting their new daycare this week and when I went to drop off the final paperwork we were given our first school supplies list. We made a quick run to the store picking out our new markers, scissors, glue and more and next thing I knew it looked like we were ready for our first day of school! I thought I had a few more years before I was marking and labeling each item for my two little ones, it was a bittersweet moment for this Mamma! The kids were so excited and couldn't wait to start their school. Keely has been asking for a while to go back to school so she could play with her friends, read stories and learn so she can be smart. It was a very exciting morning and no tears for anyone (including Mom). We're growing up!<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS3HrIRgFzyW8Z4Q9EUhxrUAeBtXvdt00UY-y83GJnoiwy5UNHTGAGmxrccyx-18Kh-p_p2AQGE4D5bBz6OXA0tuKyU8N_84g6eoCpoikUOwoZ353xamAumjGZXwcd_UlcC_ZcWEQX4pD/s1600/P1000021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS3HrIRgFzyW8Z4Q9EUhxrUAeBtXvdt00UY-y83GJnoiwy5UNHTGAGmxrccyx-18Kh-p_p2AQGE4D5bBz6OXA0tuKyU8N_84g6eoCpoikUOwoZ353xamAumjGZXwcd_UlcC_ZcWEQX4pD/s400/P1000021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695835075221520658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">(Couldn't get the kids to sit together for a picture so I settled for single shots)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVI20zurFr2Sneiy1VK3JalCsai0xrkp1yrFrMsx8vWkTS2BvYjqsditzhGj8z72DVB0_AQpVIOWFzeJ0x3YpcJ42wkAHpWQXo_hf08_Ej6PJD0AZ-j2ov9xwtmLLSdM-nWFRoeqm1gbE/s1600/P1000028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVI20zurFr2Sneiy1VK3JalCsai0xrkp1yrFrMsx8vWkTS2BvYjqsditzhGj8z72DVB0_AQpVIOWFzeJ0x3YpcJ42wkAHpWQXo_hf08_Ej6PJD0AZ-j2ov9xwtmLLSdM-nWFRoeqm1gbE/s400/P1000028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695835101342536162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzwwfoEawRqPceU_A51BkI68WqFgF8RVx-nvx4-_7Ptmm2cwT99hFSnhnrrC0p9oO86TCV4pS6DPvmpUSx1YdE9F6ziHyAxYTfc5oQGtmJBfR2vRqfD1dMKaSCs2MQI00oEvF5eWtlXXI/s1600/P1000030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzwwfoEawRqPceU_A51BkI68WqFgF8RVx-nvx4-_7Ptmm2cwT99hFSnhnrrC0p9oO86TCV4pS6DPvmpUSx1YdE9F6ziHyAxYTfc5oQGtmJBfR2vRqfD1dMKaSCs2MQI00oEvF5eWtlXXI/s400/P1000030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695835082913280178" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-88100858004440383262012-01-01T10:46:00.000-08:002012-01-01T10:48:25.326-08:00Duncan Christmas 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPv6v8yK0H3-T1sCshKW0MMslGRBDCSdQ574kUMgf9GgPY2tja3iqOPMDdTyKAwbtdtUfH2DrAnPKHw_E66fnvb-NHhwr0LeQBtDfhIFS9J5M0FhdqjvREstPfosdBERAsgdfzISNqpAU/s1600/Family+Pic_2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPv6v8yK0H3-T1sCshKW0MMslGRBDCSdQ574kUMgf9GgPY2tja3iqOPMDdTyKAwbtdtUfH2DrAnPKHw_E66fnvb-NHhwr0LeQBtDfhIFS9J5M0FhdqjvREstPfosdBERAsgdfzISNqpAU/s400/Family+Pic_2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692736867206654114" /></a>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-42944231833496200542011-12-21T15:15:00.000-08:002011-12-21T16:15:51.137-08:00Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8zk3duphHFVATfWRQQuQqzKVwmu2wi1qZm6Br5L1kxFmp_pM0oJ_ZMp0IZLgLDT0TShqfIayrQCSD5hK_sXSZVld-25XVatgCaqB7Qi47_JvOBC0e92xRhmlavabRXvd_OsXqE7SZ3cs/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8zk3duphHFVATfWRQQuQqzKVwmu2wi1qZm6Br5L1kxFmp_pM0oJ_ZMp0IZLgLDT0TShqfIayrQCSD5hK_sXSZVld-25XVatgCaqB7Qi47_JvOBC0e92xRhmlavabRXvd_OsXqE7SZ3cs/s400/IMG_2059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688724614069836482" /></a>With this long and slow transition process that we have been in since July, I have to say that I haven't quite been in the Christmas spirit. We finally moved into our home at the end of November. The kids are still with Brent's parents and we're just getting <s> every cardboard box and paper on the curbside </s> settled. Through all the unpacking, putting up Christmas decorations or tree just <s> was the last thing on my mind </s> wasn't on the top my list. We have continued to visit on the weekends, working during the weeks, managed to do some shopping in between. Even my address book sits untouched this year not doing any Christmas cards which I've done since we were married 7 years ago. As the cards come in <s> the guilt sets in </s> I enjoy seeing pictures and letters of our family and friends. I remember that it is okay that the tree didn't go up, it's okay that the decorations are not out, and it is okay that the cards are not sent. What matters is that we will be together as a family. Our families, our friends and we are all safe, healthy, and happy. The fun that comes with all those other things do bring joy each holiday season, but remembering the Spirit of Christmas is what matters most. So to all our family and friends, Merry Christmas from The Duncan's!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxG1YO0EiMz2PkNEZ9hTSrSYbfwjZP9wl2e-0PrnfvBw4e76dYCY0-ScZbF1E2DZ2FPcUHRqJcnw7399eg1wVEEXuk153RxvQG9Js72cX-O2xRY0KRCnCjrugssjG_8dnviYJ4-BcvxhZ/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxG1YO0EiMz2PkNEZ9hTSrSYbfwjZP9wl2e-0PrnfvBw4e76dYCY0-ScZbF1E2DZ2FPcUHRqJcnw7399eg1wVEEXuk153RxvQG9Js72cX-O2xRY0KRCnCjrugssjG_8dnviYJ4-BcvxhZ/s400/IMG_2058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688724639210778658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">MERRY CHRISTMAS!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuUjBj8Ux6JMgxrDkkDs9zuxex8vqmOSm5HDXy7r1roDNMfrB30QYSotlvHplpHIutSMTvh6HNBs4luyHqTtsWq_3Ki1PRikHcu_suj0pXMdUyoLsoEW8Lz1qNBzYkWCBMqzB6VpI_t9V/s1600/IMG_2049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuUjBj8Ux6JMgxrDkkDs9zuxex8vqmOSm5HDXy7r1roDNMfrB30QYSotlvHplpHIutSMTvh6HNBs4luyHqTtsWq_3Ki1PRikHcu_suj0pXMdUyoLsoEW8Lz1qNBzYkWCBMqzB6VpI_t9V/s400/IMG_2049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688724616437699714" /></a>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651786709470907353.post-42609893037966914802011-12-12T20:42:00.001-08:002011-12-12T20:53:43.995-08:00Pretty SparklesWhen Keely was born Brent and I agreed that we didn't want to get her ear's pierced until she decided that she wanted this done. After all, it's her body so she should decide. So ever now and then Keely would mention she wants "those" in her ears like Mommy. We could play and put clip on's on, but she was not even three so did she really know what she was asking for. Well, over Thanksgiving Keely was sitting on my lap and doing my hair. She places my hair behind my ears and says, "Mommy, I want earrings in my ears..." At this point Nana is very excited (maybe I should backtrack at this point to say how Nana wanted to take her to get her ear's pierced but knew the rules and that we were waiting for Keely). So the next week, after prepping that it will hurt a little and explaining the process....<div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Girl on an Outing with Nana, Aunt Debbie and Aunt Connie</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOc80e11JrlsqyvMb9qj2kh0YolMFUGojT1o21z_Dbh_Uw8qiqsP6DVB2CkZlG5BPgMsIflpcBm0pSjv-cD0B2VzXhd8otW-KfBNlF8BVkP_kcblRjMzG1giBA49hYE0XSvmbj3nVAH4V/s1600/Getting+Ready.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOc80e11JrlsqyvMb9qj2kh0YolMFUGojT1o21z_Dbh_Uw8qiqsP6DVB2CkZlG5BPgMsIflpcBm0pSjv-cD0B2VzXhd8otW-KfBNlF8BVkP_kcblRjMzG1giBA49hYE0XSvmbj3nVAH4V/s400/Getting+Ready.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685469173573006690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Marking the spot</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2plBmfZcbHqwJIhIeDWCiuS0L_iymhxMXab9fV3xLMFcZXjnN8wb6eT2z7p1b6sEWEOdjRkuNU7m6OD4HpagL-5NQQYYhbRrVQkrcFbZCt4k3lkQ7Rxkr3g9wk5tt0Cbg-P9f6m72f7go/s1600/Marking+ears.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2plBmfZcbHqwJIhIeDWCiuS0L_iymhxMXab9fV3xLMFcZXjnN8wb6eT2z7p1b6sEWEOdjRkuNU7m6OD4HpagL-5NQQYYhbRrVQkrcFbZCt4k3lkQ7Rxkr3g9wk5tt0Cbg-P9f6m72f7go/s400/Marking+ears.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685469170874449682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Getting ready (both ears at once)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0JbEE0WOq__JpkHnxZpWLQpJNT_0L_BifAAo1Xtmubzdafk3-6zatTnB35_C_5myRs8PX-BDk9blVx3G6xtPIoxS5_93vo0JvcxvGG201y1DhVpeLrfOLmZd4xJLyvgCpvNDKLIsrmVr/s1600/Here+it+comes.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0JbEE0WOq__JpkHnxZpWLQpJNT_0L_BifAAo1Xtmubzdafk3-6zatTnB35_C_5myRs8PX-BDk9blVx3G6xtPIoxS5_93vo0JvcxvGG201y1DhVpeLrfOLmZd4xJLyvgCpvNDKLIsrmVr/s400/Here+it+comes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685469152610364690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">1,2,3...GO!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aUz4HGiRZu8epMD7T8TE1nWZccrqT5s7-bAUsXl6iUNk18UYfZnBvnBsKmdYRALovG9EvPhMjnQLXAySKOa-HZ3bkJrGEsjKNf_NU0BStBqJEsWY_-baSi4ktLIQNYMURfFdwQPcRBae/s1600/1%252C2%252C3+Go.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aUz4HGiRZu8epMD7T8TE1nWZccrqT5s7-bAUsXl6iUNk18UYfZnBvnBsKmdYRALovG9EvPhMjnQLXAySKOa-HZ3bkJrGEsjKNf_NU0BStBqJEsWY_-baSi4ktLIQNYMURfFdwQPcRBae/s400/1%252C2%252C3+Go.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685469148435307842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We had maybe 15 seconds of crying then an excited girl to have earrings!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I9L0HA6xV94Ujz3M9XCcFVuJHsCSg3dGh0foESslVGgPXjYooEqAOq3Qkj9NiGFwAjVlOH5mEhOmgorWRoBFqj9eUxK6TJLsNiyjADTHbds8sWOouLgpITwfaTczzdHFhwPaorxXEOi9/s1600/Pretty+Earings.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I9L0HA6xV94Ujz3M9XCcFVuJHsCSg3dGh0foESslVGgPXjYooEqAOq3Qkj9NiGFwAjVlOH5mEhOmgorWRoBFqj9eUxK6TJLsNiyjADTHbds8sWOouLgpITwfaTczzdHFhwPaorxXEOi9/s400/Pretty+Earings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685469142867867522" /></a><br /></div></div>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526653003427165890noreply@blogger.com1