tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73799525192829508532024-02-02T06:56:07.237-06:00A Kiss, A Hug, and A SqueezeAlanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-88930849007238125032011-07-18T21:26:00.000-05:002011-07-18T21:26:18.964-05:00Finally...A Parenting Tip That Works!<div style="text-align: center;">"MOOOOOOOOM, can I...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...watch TV?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">...play the Wii?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">...play on the iPod?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTE_C0iTOc0z6uwvd-1rPAGa4fP4bh2hUp3TbRQo5oM6ZKdg1Dw1T0mV6cv6h-QgvSWpfdGDAIMt2zgE-bH556wOYexhTbJ8SKE1SdcHfeKu_FRQXxvfIiVA6N7RfSZl2BTLQQxTIUzsb/s1600/kids-watching-TV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTE_C0iTOc0z6uwvd-1rPAGa4fP4bh2hUp3TbRQo5oM6ZKdg1Dw1T0mV6cv6h-QgvSWpfdGDAIMt2zgE-bH556wOYexhTbJ8SKE1SdcHfeKu_FRQXxvfIiVA6N7RfSZl2BTLQQxTIUzsb/s320/kids-watching-TV.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I don't know about you, but these are questions I hear constantly. I don't hear it much during the school year because we are so busy, but this summer I have heard it A LOT. I really don't like my kids to watch a lot of TV or play too many video games, but I hate to feel like a "meanie" all the time by constantly saying NO.<br />
<br />
So, I decided to implement a card system (that I have probably seen somewhere along the way in a magazine or website) that allows them so much TV/Media time each week. I made up cards for each boy in 30 minute increments. They get a set amount of TV time each week and a set amount of time for "media" which is to be used for video games, iPod, computer, etc. I put all the cards in a jar on the counter and when they want to use one, they bring it to me and I put it in another jar on the counter. So far, I have to say, it is working like a dream! No more Mrs. Bad Guy. They know based on how many cards are in the jar whether or not they can watch or play. <br />
<br />
We have also set up ways that they can earn more time by playing outside, reading, or general good behavior, etc. This has been great because they have been motivated to do those "good for you" things as a result.<br />
<br />
If you are like me, you probably have a ton of ideas like this stored in your brain, but have never actually implemented. Bite the bullet. Give it a try. What do you have to lose? I just wrote it out with a sharpie on index cards. Super easy and (so far) VERY MUCH worth the effort! Or you could print out some of <a href="http://specialchildren.about.com/od/behaviorstrategies/ss/coupons_8.htm">these</a>. <br />
<br />
Now, I should probably make or print some for myself! :-)Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-18436752465857111862011-07-07T22:25:00.000-05:002011-07-07T22:25:51.074-05:00Top Ten Reasons I Have Not Updated My Blog Recently1) I tend to be an all or nothing person. Either I do it all the time or not at all. It happens with all sorts of things including, but not limited to, laundry, cleaning, eating, exercising, blogging. It can be a problem, but hey...I am a work in progress.<br />
<br />
2) I currently don't have a computer of my own (I am using Rich's). If anyone would like to set up an iBook fund for me, I promise I would blog more (that is unless reason #1 continues to be an issue). I'll be honest, it's a gamble.<br />
<br />
3) I have been (literally) working by bottom off <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/big-d-revisited.html">to the tune of 15 pounds so far</a>! And yes I said "bottom". I have an aversion to the other b word for that body part, you know the one with two t's at the end (shudder). Didn't know that about me, huh? Well, it's true.<br />
<br />
4) <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/prepare-to-be-shocked.html">I am still not drinking soda</a>! Okay that has nothing to do with why I have not been blogging, but I thought you should know. And in the interest of full disclosure, I do have a sip now and then, but for all intents and purposes---SODA FREE!<br />
<br />
5) Rich was out of town for two weeks in June. Enough said.<br />
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6) There are some days that I just don't have much to say...awkward.<br />
<br />
7) There are some days that I just have too much to say...overwhelming.<br />
<br />
8) I am too lazy to download pictures and a blog without pictures is kind of sad.<br />
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9) I didn't think I could get by with writing every post as a <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2011/05/surrender.html">Haiku</a>, although I did consider it.<br />
<br />
10) And last, but not least...(Okay, here is where I would insert a cute picture of my boys as another reason I haven't been blogging, but alas there is reason #8 to keep me from doing that). Soooo, I will just say they do keep me busy and promise to post some new pics of them soon!Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-81743010880722209162011-05-13T19:23:00.000-05:002011-05-13T19:23:45.285-05:00Surrender<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><pre><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Surrender</span></b></pre></div><pre style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></pre><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Surrender I find,<br />
is a place not an action. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Abiding rest, peace in Christ.</span></div><pre> </pre><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A Haiku by Alana Cummings</i></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-83000489349259557442011-04-18T11:08:00.001-05:002011-04-18T11:08:45.876-05:00The Big D RevisitedIf you have read this blog for some time, you might remember a time when I journaled my progress on what I like to call The Big D (aka diet, weight loss journey, healthy lifestyle, cruel and unusual punishment...choose whatever semantical choice that works for you). During that time I lost about 15 pounds (my most successful attempt at weight loss ever). After some time, my motivation and resolve dissipated and that journey (successful, but unfinished) ended. <br /><br />Fast forward to three weeks ago, when (by the grace of God), I picked it back up again (the journey). I hesitate to say this on my blog because this creates a whole new level of pressure for me, but I experienced a victory in this area today that is worth being told. <br /><br />Let me catch you up a little bit. I have completed three weeks of this journey so far which has included eating only 1200-1300 calories a day and exercising 4-5 times during the week (not to mention giving up soda!). <br /><br />The first week I lost 2 lbs. Right, not great for a first week, but I'll take it. <br /><br />Last week, 1/2 lb. Discouraging, but I pressed on. <br /><br />This week. 1/2 lb. (that is one half of a pound, not 1-2, just to clarify ; ). <br /><br />My initial reaction(s) after my dreaded visit to the scale?<br /><br />Heap of tears on bed. <br /><br />Defeat. <br /><br />Hopelessness. <br /><br />Distinct impulse to make muffins and gorge myself on them.<br /><br />Just to name a few.<br /><br />Thankfully, Rich (my husband) came over and gave me a hug, and even though he didn't do it out loud, I know he started to pray for me because I felt God's sweet peace come over me. So, I dried my tears, got off the bed and finished getting the boys off to school. After they left, I decided to forgo the muffins, and opted for something more substantial (the bread of life). I am so grateful that I did because He gave me such a beautiful, victorious perspective to replace my defeated one. <br /><br />You see, one of my goals in all of this (aside from losing weight) has been to stop running to food for my needs and instead run to God (Inspired by reading the book, Made To Crave by Lysa Terkeurst...get it, read it).<br /><br />About halfway through my time with Him this morning, I realized I did just that (okay, I am bawling now), but you see, every other time I have experienced this point in a weight loss journey (defeat), I have thrown my hands up in the air and said, "Well, I might as well eat whatever I want, because, what is the point?!". <br /><br />Well, friends....<br /><br />Today, I see the point. <br /><br />The point is that I need...<br /><br />GOD (NOT food)<br /><br />EVERY. <br />SINGLE.<br />MINUTE.<br />OF.<br />EVERY.<br />SINGLE.<br />DAY.<br /><br />THAT is the point. <br /><br />VICTORY.<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-17045253842274360972011-04-17T16:38:00.001-05:002011-04-17T16:38:28.722-05:00The View From Where I Sit This Sunday Afternoon<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/jestaer/AKissAHugAndASqueeze?authkey=Gv1sRgCP6Btp-KyMmJ7wE#5596670080833467298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mo42SD8DPj_lUHx9zsTOZRHKW3oapWPoEBGnjxDNRDmS7D5VYhKE1rocmq1AFfppcNePV_S0VSZmKleyMxtYHy-uQqJPmpLhLWuWKd1nqn-UmQFwksNx9B3Ms1DyRcfQ2yONq8JXeaSW/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/jestaer/AKissAHugAndASqueeze?authkey=Gv1sRgCP6Btp-KyMmJ7wE#5596670099296244898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jM4srnquHzuY93Hdsae3RzJsz4hXspUu6XiF0bBtUtflf3kQo8wQoWTZ66J_tXrbL1PV3Y2fWFyBWd_NCrMEXzxcXBU0-dqu5Tlv2f2lyznGrIuwESeKi-NaW2cHVGzOgzuxrhfnCOLo/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/jestaer/AKissAHugAndASqueeze?authkey=Gv1sRgCP6Btp-KyMmJ7wE#5596670123762119906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonl6bcxNdk0FE_dPjtkDRn7ClwIpkg3T1xOqvaP3wzHtBGAY_jgxytOADcRuAF54a7hGg6YNMEGtl00l0ZO9pkq80-9wbfQ0brBG10YV8IA6WJD22hDNyZr78djtbycmks_wTvNoba_c0/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-46503031184847463322011-04-13T22:02:00.000-05:002011-04-13T22:02:13.477-05:00Prepare To Be Shocked17 days. <br />
<br />
That is how long I have gone without a COKE or soda of any kind!<br />
<br />
If you know me at all, you know that this is... <br />
<br />
HUGE. <br />
<br />
MONUMENTAL. <br />
<br />
UNHEARD OF.<br />
<br />
Need proof? This is the Mother's Day card William made for me last year. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xTuyhCD-9xobg2X_mnCN1mXh81ZWzporMZjmGI_ba9qoPoICSdoIi3HwDBjbeC4w-BiIbhxbNHTCrPBHx8UDWButP6eT-DNFvDTrS7xcBdkGgJSyE39mW-52c-Kx2cUp2tW-4QdmSZvT/s1600-h/0214101817.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448516052124620258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xTuyhCD-9xobg2X_mnCN1mXh81ZWzporMZjmGI_ba9qoPoICSdoIi3HwDBjbeC4w-BiIbhxbNHTCrPBHx8UDWButP6eT-DNFvDTrS7xcBdkGgJSyE39mW-52c-Kx2cUp2tW-4QdmSZvT/s320/0214101817.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Yeah. I have never gone more than 5 days without a soda before. I can hardly believe it myself. I have committed to being soda free until Easter. My hope is by then I won't want it anymore after that. Possible? Maybe. The jury is still out. It was actually not as difficult as I expected. The first week was the hardest, but since then it hasn't been so bad. I am trying to figure out exactly how I feel about it all. I don't necessarily feel like I want one, but I think my mind still thinks I should? It is all kinds of weird.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned...Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-18773723940112057802011-04-01T18:01:00.001-05:002011-04-01T18:01:37.934-05:00William The Artist<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/jestaer/AKissAHugAndASqueeze?authkey=Gv1sRgCP6Btp-KyMmJ7wE#5590754190715187650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh2Bj5uH6f4PG7q5XTqEd6y0M-TQy-TIte8r8ckMSCmVM3pZkCx5kRV26kbdS4lbio5fafuPTQ3t1kE65RhwxpfhcmM5eYZIo7lLxbB4z7yKbZjYR2ETRWzCNlZTS4502rr_s9bgMJEsQ/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-8446799071325504582011-03-25T15:16:00.000-05:002011-03-25T15:16:06.057-05:0010 Foods I Cannot Be Trusted With...1) Snack size Snickers bars (or any size Snicker bars for that matter)<br />
<br />
2) Coca-Cola (don't have to read far in this blog to figure that one out)<br />
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3) Reese's Easter Eggs (and now they make them for every season?...help!)<br />
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4) Starbuck's Java Chip Ice Cream (must keep a ten foot pole between me and this ice cream)<br />
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5) Mashed Potatoes (clearly if I feel the need to mention them in the "about me" section of my profile, I have a problem!)<br />
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6) Iced Sugar Cookies (oh the yummy sugary goodness, no amount is too many)<br />
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7) Yellow Cake (I know it sounds weird, but I don't even need the icing...just give me some CAKE!)<br />
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8) Fruit Roll-Ups (this one clearly goes back to childhood)<br />
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9) Coke (I know I already mentioned this one, but the addiction is so bad it bears repeating)<br />
<br />
10) Doritoes (pair these with the Coke and well, I'm sort of unstoppable)<br />
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Coming soon...12 step program for junk food?!?!Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-35156797646223705652011-03-09T20:35:00.003-06:002011-03-09T20:42:54.356-06:00Hallmark, Eat Your Heart Out!I have been meaning to share this for awhile. Both boys made me homemade cards for Valentine's Day. Rich does a great job of getting them to do this for me on birthdays and special holidays. I love these homemade cards SO much! Remember the one William made featuring<a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2010/03/ode-to-coca-cola.html"> my favorite soft drink</a>? Well, I just had to share the one Richie made this year because it features another favorite of mine...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Front:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is me doing yoga with (apparently) REALLY large hands! I especially like the attached lollipop, a must have after a nice cleansing yoga session! :-) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlyp9k7Reiwy0IH1ix2J8mehc7K1TWcSc-lxsqLOe7fQjSIeX2OpkPHRO1gnSFWCcg53My9oX-SOA_dKdrB6kyIJGDaHodIC6Q3Dyn6kRabL0MwKNHU2u1CgAxzyeNK7jYi2RIF6wr_1_/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlyp9k7Reiwy0IH1ix2J8mehc7K1TWcSc-lxsqLOe7fQjSIeX2OpkPHRO1gnSFWCcg53My9oX-SOA_dKdrB6kyIJGDaHodIC6Q3Dyn6kRabL0MwKNHU2u1CgAxzyeNK7jYi2RIF6wr_1_/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It says, "Happy Valintines Day and a Happy Yoga time"! And then on the right hand side he drew the logo for "Vessels of Clay Yoga" where I take Christ Centered yoga classes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s3ClDM7Zapaqeq8ZgCGP09va97bQl_eeHmcabJVBzKTd_rdU4KsXcs9hTuRpDDd7f9aOTnVjoGYah5Akvh9MKRTiPlegUtA6xvemUGRBJuGNnoW9QZgGNcNMb0H-mp5yDty4U0TrQxMT/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eN1Lw3cQRxNRp8u-rpEyiGnsM0oMVDeLThYg7pr1xaACWxmEXKCpkmpSLKKKHdD6bLYeq39M5afuSiIP-FtP5Oyv2PeQztx5nwbDwT7jRDdmiiJuIhHfKBijcT439jc8co2NACF6rAZh/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eN1Lw3cQRxNRp8u-rpEyiGnsM0oMVDeLThYg7pr1xaACWxmEXKCpkmpSLKKKHdD6bLYeq39M5afuSiIP-FtP5Oyv2PeQztx5nwbDwT7jRDdmiiJuIhHfKBijcT439jc8co2NACF6rAZh/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could not love this more.</div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-89536317666049659042011-03-05T21:06:00.002-06:002011-03-05T21:10:21.739-06:00My Cardboard TestimonyI shared a raw and vulnerable piece of my heart last night. I was not alone. Last night I had the privilege of walking in a long line of women who shared their "stories" or testimonies on a simple piece of cardboard at an event called Pure Joy. I have many stories that I could share about what God has done in my life, but this is the one that is dearest to my heart.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This was my "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ">cardboard testimony</a>"...</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Side 1 (Before)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCdulnRi6U3OjEPoHEDnRLmevdoY6xFcgm1aXhkK6ClDrmTvOX4r54RL0bNkrJY1Kvp2xy_tsqydcvkNTP-Q-L_ohdeMw3-GdJXzoVDQrBg7t3U0Qo0KxeFpxr7QIh37AunNJ6FAtjZjR/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCdulnRi6U3OjEPoHEDnRLmevdoY6xFcgm1aXhkK6ClDrmTvOX4r54RL0bNkrJY1Kvp2xy_tsqydcvkNTP-Q-L_ohdeMw3-GdJXzoVDQrBg7t3U0Qo0KxeFpxr7QIh37AunNJ6FAtjZjR/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Side 2 (After)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPeE5arYpCKBAFXngYz_HYFtGm29zGh10M-K9yO1nLUn_99eTMpytCDTSb-k0tud-D7hnq4CLST2WDCRIrqLXcRzCXyVFW9tbqkQtANoc9xnCFY6pH7RZ4QWv8l5073QPCkw7LOQbrPmc/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPeE5arYpCKBAFXngYz_HYFtGm29zGh10M-K9yO1nLUn_99eTMpytCDTSb-k0tud-D7hnq4CLST2WDCRIrqLXcRzCXyVFW9tbqkQtANoc9xnCFY6pH7RZ4QWv8l5073QPCkw7LOQbrPmc/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I shared this "story" a lot more in depth in a post that I wrote last spring, you can read it <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2010/03/lets-have-heart-to-heart.html">HERE</a>.Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-3307808227166142732011-03-01T20:07:00.002-06:002011-03-01T20:50:02.362-06:00On Parenting, Running (aka dying), Macs, And Being "Miss Alana"I hate that I left you with that last post for so long. Can you say downer? Things are definitely looking brighter around here. Both of the situations seemed to work themselves out shortly after my last post. Of course, I am sure there are more on the horizon, but for now all is well. Parenting (and life) is just HARD, there is no way around it. Can I get an amen?<br />
<br />
On a more chipper note, I have bad news. Wait, that is not so chipper, is it? Oh well, I promise that the bad news will be over after this. My beloved notebook Mac computer has passed away. It lasted several years and served me well, but it seems to have really said it's final farewell. It appropriately left me in a very poetic way with just a blank white screen and the Apple logo. Sad. Unfortunately that means that I will only be able to use the computer when Rich brings his laptop home from work and I am afraid that is going to seriously damage my blogging capabilities. I will have my phone, but I don't think writing blog posts from the keyboard of my iPhone is entirely advisable. I guess if I get desperate, that would be an option, though! Let's all have a moment of silence for dear old Mac.<br />
<br />
(SILENCE.)<br />
<br />
So, speaking of dying...that is exactly what I wanted to do during my last walk/run of the Couch to 5K program I am doing. I not only wanted to die, I actually thought I was going to! Did I really run 2 5K's a couple of summers ago? Clearly I have fallen far <b>FAR</b> <span style="font-size: large;">FAR</span> from that place. I am also a little behind on my running assignments. I intended from the start to only do it two days a week (it is meant to be done 3 days a week), but I have had a week or two when I only got to do it once and one week when I didn't do it at all (snowed in and no working treadmill). So it seems I am on track to finish this nine week program in about, oh...18 weeks? It could be worse, right? But hey, I am confident that I will finish...eventually.<br />
<br />
So, just in case you are waiting around for the point of this post, I will go ahead and tell you there really isn't one. However, there is one more thing I'd like to share. I forgot how wonderful it is to be "Miss Alana"! That is what my Kindermusik kids call me and they truly make me feel like a rock star. It is so fun to be in a store and hear a Mom say, "Look, there's Miss Alana!" and see little faces light up as a result. One of my other favorite things about being "Miss Alana" is when a Mom comes up to me to tell me how much their kids love Kindermusik and that they ask them everyday to come to music class. What is there not to love about that?! So, all that to say I am really loving my new (old) job...again!<br />
<br />
Okay, I guess that about wraps it up for now. What is new with you? Oh, I guess maybe if I stopped by some of your blogs or Facebook pages, I might find out. I will. I promise. SOON.Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-25017288356869027462011-02-17T22:23:00.001-06:002011-02-17T22:26:26.793-06:00When Your Heart Can't BreatheHave you ever been disappointed by a friend? Let down by someone you love? Did someone you count on really let you down? Yeah. Me, too. It makes your heart hurt, doesn't it? I mean, it literally feels like your heart...HURTS. To me it actually feels like my heart is gasping for breath. <br />
<br />
As bad as that feels, there is something worse....seeing your child's heart hurt in that way. It's been a tough night at our house. I had "heart gasping for air" talks with both of my boys tonight about friendships, hurts, and disappointments. <br />
<br />
As I was talking with one of the boys and grasping for something, <b>anything</b> to say to make it better, I decided that I would just pray with him. As soon as I started praying, he burst into tears. I grabbed his little hand and I prayed some more, the tears lessened, by the time I got to the "amen" his breathing had calmed and I could tell he was feeling some peace. It is amazing how a prayer can bring comfort like that. There is no greater peace than the peace of God. None. After our prayer, I decided to pick up our favorite devotional book (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-365-Devotions-Kids/dp/1400316340/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b">Jesus Calling - the kid version</a>) for some HELP, because well, I had NOTHING. Just look at the little gem that was there waiting for us in tomorrow's reading (I figured God would be okay with us skipping ahead a bit ;-).<br />
<br />
"No one is perfect - not your best friend, not your mom or your dad, not your sports hero or favorite television star. Sooner or later, someone in your life - someone you really counted on - will let you down. You can end up feeling angry, hurt, and betrayed. You may feel like you are falling, with no one to catch you or help you up. So who can you count on? Count on Me. I will never let you down. And when others do let you down, I will be your safety net. I will not let you crash. Not only am I always there with you, but I am holding your hand. and I promise, I won't ever let go."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save." </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Zephaniah 3:17 </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Psalm 73:23-26</b></i></div><br />
Isn't that amazing and perfect? What a comfort to a little heart that is hurting and to a Mother's heart that feels like it is literally gasping for air. People WILL let us down. No one is perfect. We can count on that for sure.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">But there is One who will NEVER let us down, </div><div style="text-align: center;">who will catch us when we are falling, </div><div style="text-align: center;">who will give our hearts OXYGEN when they are gasping for breath, </div><div style="text-align: center;">who gives us PEACE amidst hurt, </div><div style="text-align: center;">who always LOVES us, and always ACCEPTS us, and always APPROVES of us. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And in that TRUTH we find our comfort.</div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-11751650579049897652011-02-09T20:22:00.001-06:002011-02-09T20:44:20.738-06:00The Great Expedition of 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week Rich took William on an "expedition". William would like to travel the world, but seeing as he is only six, we really only allow him to travel around the neighborhood and even then he needs an adult chaperone. Check out these humorous documentary style videos Rich sent me in "real time" as they conquered the treacherous neighborhood terrain. I realize there are several videos, but each one is brief and worth your time. My hubby is a pretty funny guy! I especially like #3 and #5. Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uxK04ZztDDPD1JjXYivzBgIen5sSpauh4RHAWgzPqLjva6KFA2jdTUQ5NfHwq7Kkrc6c1PX8lfuns0Cju3hz2EFZuqvinBSTHNboCZOmCTSS08_SYSIADcTguszCkCpmlKvTKmCXR-n0/s1600/expedition+slug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uxK04ZztDDPD1JjXYivzBgIen5sSpauh4RHAWgzPqLjva6KFA2jdTUQ5NfHwq7Kkrc6c1PX8lfuns0Cju3hz2EFZuqvinBSTHNboCZOmCTSS08_SYSIADcTguszCkCpmlKvTKmCXR-n0/s320/expedition+slug.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span id="goog_389801166"></span><span id="goog_389801167"></span>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-37296966692780858832011-02-03T11:29:00.000-06:002011-02-03T11:29:22.481-06:00Dinosaurs, and Dragons, and Jedi's...OH MY!The world as I see it...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V2w10hIeR8vZ4yz_G_o_AXTkumxdYfso1HLj4nlp1N-24NwXwlEtfse_in97wAW5TrqUv1vAWurpKuVsAMIBruZdk-4NlNWXsWzACimouGGmDdXK7wRooQAkDqYBJp5Qd2jBw-VB6nRX/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V2w10hIeR8vZ4yz_G_o_AXTkumxdYfso1HLj4nlp1N-24NwXwlEtfse_in97wAW5TrqUv1vAWurpKuVsAMIBruZdk-4NlNWXsWzACimouGGmDdXK7wRooQAkDqYBJp5Qd2jBw-VB6nRX/s320/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dinosaurs on my bedside table </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs3pQE8wIXxq705Vb-XH9DfiB1HgOwAFsTVtneVMGp-dxrLp-O70TomoGsluUn1XvBNMN8wa_bofP-AUl2eIOTMV2TDUR8RjkWO48WDbG4BXcHES5zmuT8QMZ96o71bqZctudYhmwaYDg/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs3pQE8wIXxq705Vb-XH9DfiB1HgOwAFsTVtneVMGp-dxrLp-O70TomoGsluUn1XvBNMN8wa_bofP-AUl2eIOTMV2TDUR8RjkWO48WDbG4BXcHES5zmuT8QMZ96o71bqZctudYhmwaYDg/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A dragon in the refrigerator?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietgCT_aDzIx0yotEvJJ4Y5GZKlnOq6E1v4w0TKKujwstmXGcLcs-r7ZLCtUwYskpCG8RD2zMwkwc0QjDDxyq2ubBmd0Kh4nXwYWrfkJPJbBGwp0WLYqJ_8zvFyoktLKcyHFQ7mvj-C9ug/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietgCT_aDzIx0yotEvJJ4Y5GZKlnOq6E1v4w0TKKujwstmXGcLcs-r7ZLCtUwYskpCG8RD2zMwkwc0QjDDxyq2ubBmd0Kh4nXwYWrfkJPJbBGwp0WLYqJ_8zvFyoktLKcyHFQ7mvj-C9ug/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V2w10hIeR8vZ4yz_G_o_AXTkumxdYfso1HLj4nlp1N-24NwXwlEtfse_in97wAW5TrqUv1vAWurpKuVsAMIBruZdk-4NlNWXsWzACimouGGmDdXK7wRooQAkDqYBJp5Qd2jBw-VB6nRX/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs3pQE8wIXxq705Vb-XH9DfiB1HgOwAFsTVtneVMGp-dxrLp-O70TomoGsluUn1XvBNMN8wa_bofP-AUl2eIOTMV2TDUR8RjkWO48WDbG4BXcHES5zmuT8QMZ96o71bqZctudYhmwaYDg/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And a Jedi battle (with guest star Indiana Jones) on the bathroom sink. </div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-91514866390063097362011-01-31T21:06:00.000-06:002011-01-31T21:06:54.363-06:00And Provisions, I Did Get.Well, according to the National Weather Service, we are about to experience the worst winter storm in our area since 1912. Yowsa. And well, let's just say...people are FREAKING OUT. Of course, I can't really judge, because I have done a little freaking out of my own today. I mean, I am hardly equipped with the appropriate survival skills for an apocalyptic storm, being a member of the 21st century and all. I wasn't even in Brownies as a little girl. <br />
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So, after some research (okay, scrolling Facebook statuses), I decided the thing to do was to go to town for provisions. According to my FB friends, the store of the "super"ness was NOT the place to go. In my denial, I decided to peruse the parking lot anyway. It didn't look entirely foreboding, so I took a gander through the window as I drove by the front of the store. Right. Game over. Time to travel across the street to a more pleasant store...you know, the one with the target? I decided to get as many things as possible there and then brave the local grocery store for the rest. It turned out to be a good plan. I do SO love the store with the target.<br />
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And provisions, I did get. What is it about an impending storm that brings on the clearly<b> instinctual </b>desire for JUNK FOOD? I mean, whatever would I do if I was snowed in for any period of time and I had no Doritoes, place and bake cookies, or HEAVEN FORBID, Coca-Cola? It's truly a scary thought. In all seriousness, I do TRY to eat healthy most of the time, but a girl has her weaknesses and I would certainly not want to have a weak moment in the middle of a snowstorm with no possible way of getting to the store with the target. <br />
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Don't worry (Mom), I also got bread, milk, eggs, and bottled water. And (Dad) we are planning to fill the bathtubs with water and gather plenty of candles, matches, etc. Unfortunately, we have no fireplace, generator, or four wheel drive vehicle, but we do have <a href="http://babydollsandsoccerballs.blogspot.com/">sweet</a> <a href="http://itchesandscratches.blogspot.com/">friends</a> who do. AND they have offered to share. I told you they were sweet.<br />
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So. for now we are hunkering down, praying for the best case scenario and holding fast to this promise...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">Matthew 6:34</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">(The Message)</span></span></i></b></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-28155709053955129052011-01-30T17:36:00.000-06:002011-01-30T17:36:32.392-06:00MusingsI can't stop blowing my nose! I can't understand the biology behind where all that stuff comes from!<br />
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Apparently my first week <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/kindermusik-with-alana-is-baaaaack-and.html">Kindermusik classes</a> is being met with a MAJOR winter storm. Lovely.<br />
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I had a birthday a little over a week ago and this is what my husband gave me...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA2IotBaUoILiLdO4OeaoFlbbz6UOV1r7GFOYGOCXFEwMQSIfiobW5HJfjGONgzW5LUilEM8ZCbNvrgGFe2muA2wSiv9ig1IERM-crtnRqg62TwDKhxiUGJ_W4JoYSIYjFdGwpyJFZuKt/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA2IotBaUoILiLdO4OeaoFlbbz6UOV1r7GFOYGOCXFEwMQSIfiobW5HJfjGONgzW5LUilEM8ZCbNvrgGFe2muA2wSiv9ig1IERM-crtnRqg62TwDKhxiUGJ_W4JoYSIYjFdGwpyJFZuKt/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
It's the grown-up version of <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-highly-recommend-jesus-calling-365.html">this</a>. Seriously, go out and buy both of them today. If I could I would buy you all copies and give them to you myself. They are THAT good. Underneath the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Deluxe-Enjoying-Presence/dp/1404187820">Jesus Calling devotional</a> (seriously click on that link and BUY it!) book is a new<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Pink-Journal/dp/1869208129/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1296429992&sr=1-1"> journal in pink and brown</a> (it matches <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-favorite-christmas-gift-other-than.html">my Bible</a>, you guys!). Big points for Rich on this one. We also went out as a family to Olive Garden after lunch and it was truly a lovely time. And anyone with kids knows that that is saying A LOT.<br />
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I am currently in love with reed diffusers. Where have they been all my life? Especially the ones in the pretty bottles. I love the <a href="http://www.target.com/Lavender-Vanilla-Reed-Diffuser-9-02/dp/B00196T23K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=lavender%20vanilla%20reed%20diffusers&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-1&qid=1296429731&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Lavender%20Vanilla%20Reed%20Diffuser%209%2002&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">lavender vanilla version</a> I got from Target recently! Yes, I bought a birthday present for myself.<br />
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Back to Kindermusik, I had a free preview class this week and it was FUN! We had a great time. I have several kiddos enrolled, but am still hoping and praying for more.<br />
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Oh yeah, I started back to running. Remember, I started running a couple of years ago and even ran <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-first-5k-documented-for-posterity.html">my first 5K</a>! I am not necessarily training for a particular 5K this time, although, I may decide to run one. However, I am using the<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/couch-to-5k/id313494823?mt=8"> Couch to 5K app </a>and I LOVE it. I highly recommend it if you are wanting to give running a try. Trust me people, if I can do it, anyone can!!<br />
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And, I suppose that is all for now. Over and out.Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-60974413199247090392011-01-29T16:32:00.004-06:002011-01-29T16:54:27.201-06:00My Winter Cold Survival KitA little chicken noodle soup. Easy peasy, you don't even have to add water! And tasty, too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxgW5wlaHkyV0alA0Hc_wphF-3xJ8XQ6lUNyBaDcRW5thOOabebu2jHqUG-K1_RPhGDKRj4MKUKkBmhvVKmepJ8IetsVti7EAcrdde4l68OymRRqVHjrFxhnuioecb8J55JgYDlXBltQN/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxgW5wlaHkyV0alA0Hc_wphF-3xJ8XQ6lUNyBaDcRW5thOOabebu2jHqUG-K1_RPhGDKRj4MKUKkBmhvVKmepJ8IetsVti7EAcrdde4l68OymRRqVHjrFxhnuioecb8J55JgYDlXBltQN/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Some hot tea. Okay, you gotta add a little water here...and some milk and sugar. British style all the way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemqklt2mFHGlyc28sy-YDhxFup5lbGPlccRy0sB2H0nDw4-GW8EXaID4fyezeuKTs6y4ftpEB5FC9qKcr8b2giopFLdiX9WywlloDlxGk1hW_in_0Sl11vwaLpRNn5Q6DE_6cUi2mxOqF/s1600/thumbnail-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemqklt2mFHGlyc28sy-YDhxFup5lbGPlccRy0sB2H0nDw4-GW8EXaID4fyezeuKTs6y4ftpEB5FC9qKcr8b2giopFLdiX9WywlloDlxGk1hW_in_0Sl11vwaLpRNn5Q6DE_6cUi2mxOqF/s1600/thumbnail-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.target.com/Microplush-Blanket-Chocolate/dp/B000Q7E1IY/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=blankets&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-9&qid=1296339276&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Microplush%20Blanket%20Chocolate&node=1041482&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1041482&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">My favorite fuzzy blanket. </a><br />
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A pretty box of Kleenex, but SO wishing they were Puffs Plus right now. I'm feeling a little Rudolph nose coming on.<br />
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And entertainment for all. This is a delightful "feel good" movie. The perfect choice for a day when you're feeling NOT so good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVzs2DEyzeNBKEQIWMoag-Kb6s_ApssPIr_S5rW_jzaMdVv8b3bKhGd9S1-NPD1kR_s-IHE8wYe98CNFHUmU1N6AxJ3XAiGzcdDiMflTuZB8j_Dsd-Mw-kvRYFjeGN0bO001vGMVZ3aS/s1600/thumbnail-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVzs2DEyzeNBKEQIWMoag-Kb6s_ApssPIr_S5rW_jzaMdVv8b3bKhGd9S1-NPD1kR_s-IHE8wYe98CNFHUmU1N6AxJ3XAiGzcdDiMflTuZB8j_Dsd-Mw-kvRYFjeGN0bO001vGMVZ3aS/s1600/thumbnail-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Top it off with a little chocolate, complete with cheery saying inside. And you are well on your way to a full recovery!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAydseGg0WaxH7zZsN_YkXw3JVu9zb_3Y68NvLfXT10ulIeL0miAClnSi2ZgxIh2yi_30xhHaJj5SFUN_5091LDUkJFMqaisjevAYoJBRdx9wOUHP02RipIM9yQceOvahN4mXV9_jh5p52/s1600/thumbnail-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAydseGg0WaxH7zZsN_YkXw3JVu9zb_3Y68NvLfXT10ulIeL0miAClnSi2ZgxIh2yi_30xhHaJj5SFUN_5091LDUkJFMqaisjevAYoJBRdx9wOUHP02RipIM9yQceOvahN4mXV9_jh5p52/s320/thumbnail-3.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-1553392879210021792011-01-27T21:35:00.000-06:002011-01-27T21:35:06.071-06:00Reset<div style="text-align: center;">Behind on Blogging.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on personal email.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on work email.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on paperwork.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on dishes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on laundry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on DVR shows.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on Facebook.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on house cleaning.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind on grocery shopping.<br />
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I need a reset button.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GPiqCi6dkCrR5LARrO96ypm0k4ToAGHtr6_hP48Qr7PSFgkYkampvHWTjJ3ssCmXiWywaFwOIdM3CmzDIDaywBfW_QUl1ae6ItPaBndglzdh8T3vgBdANH1xlV03IQMMlfcI4I94urF0/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GPiqCi6dkCrR5LARrO96ypm0k4ToAGHtr6_hP48Qr7PSFgkYkampvHWTjJ3ssCmXiWywaFwOIdM3CmzDIDaywBfW_QUl1ae6ItPaBndglzdh8T3vgBdANH1xlV03IQMMlfcI4I94urF0/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-26507697674477820902011-01-21T00:21:00.000-06:002011-01-21T00:21:09.243-06:00A Jolly Happy Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCstJrrFTfhG6m3_EeKng8vDgGmLBDeftMhoGXI4Neb4pa_wyG5RjPbUuK1a6LKBiLeOAECm6tzZcZ17GnZtOZL6cWS-iz1HD8HRm5RRaKrtqU_7iKk8_4h8yOpLuzu1wDj3VwarZtPWJ/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCstJrrFTfhG6m3_EeKng8vDgGmLBDeftMhoGXI4Neb4pa_wyG5RjPbUuK1a6LKBiLeOAECm6tzZcZ17GnZtOZL6cWS-iz1HD8HRm5RRaKrtqU_7iKk8_4h8yOpLuzu1wDj3VwarZtPWJ/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-43260898527373253352011-01-20T11:38:00.001-06:002011-01-20T12:08:56.448-06:00The "S" WordThankfully my kids are still not very knowledgeable in the world of cuss words. However, Richie is 9 nine now and I keep expecting for him to come home with a "doozy" at any point. We have told him that he should never repeat a word if he doesn't know what it means and that if he ever hears one that he doesn't understand that he can always come to us and ask us what it means and we will tell him. <br />
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A couple years ago one of his teachers came up to me after church to tell me that he announced in class that he had trouble controlling his tongue to not say the "S" word. I was slightly concerned until he revealed that the "S" word in question was actually STUPID.<br />
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Fast forward to this week when he received some Scrabble silly bands as a party favor. He opened the package in the car and was very disappointed to find that none of the initials for his name were in the package. He decided to make the best of the situation and spell a different word. After a few minutes of thinking it over, he said, "Oh man, the only word I can make is a cuss word." Curious, I asked him what cuss word he could make. He replied, "It's the "S" word. I was pretty sure that the "S" word was probably no longer "stupid", but I wasn't sure, so I asked him to spell it for me.<br />
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This is the "cuss" word he spelled.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">S</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">E</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">X</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bwahahahahahaha!</span><br />
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After I composed myself, I attempted to explain how that particular word is not really a cuss word, but probably not one he should be using, either.<br />
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Oh, the <b>joys</b> and <b>challenges</b> of motherhood!Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-11391483934088846652011-01-18T20:31:00.000-06:002011-01-18T20:31:59.440-06:00Open To His GraceOkay, this is the "open to His grace" pose that I mentioned in <a href="http://kisshugsqueeze.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-things-i-love-about-christ.html">my last post</a>! That is my (Christ centered) yoga teacher, Robyn in the front. Isn't she pretty? I think you can tell from this picture that Christ shines brightly through her! Thanks for the visual aid, Robyn!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3omfYTXoD6Aks69IuIYKj8NPP26UozHESt0JJ1Hms56TLhpUx0kzosG-KyUvxr7C1DCkNcp2VUxSmI558oL8kOvffN7K_blwzExxakYNb5_OcSkx8xHHVlfDz8wCljEKTIMiNC6crcfF/s1600/class+hands+up+in+praise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3omfYTXoD6Aks69IuIYKj8NPP26UozHESt0JJ1Hms56TLhpUx0kzosG-KyUvxr7C1DCkNcp2VUxSmI558oL8kOvffN7K_blwzExxakYNb5_OcSkx8xHHVlfDz8wCljEKTIMiNC6crcfF/s320/class+hands+up+in+praise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Also, if you want to look for a Christ centered yoga class near you and you don't live in Btown, click <a href="http://yahwehyoga.com/christian-yoga-teacher-directory/">here</a> to see if there are any in your area. OR you could order a video from Yahweh Yoga and try it on your own at home. I have <a href="http://yahwehyoga.com/shop/dvds-and-books/gentle-journey-dvd/">Gentle Journey</a> and love it!Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-53404683287453598432011-01-17T14:00:00.002-06:002011-01-17T14:03:49.831-06:00Top 10 Things I Love About Christ Centered Yoga<div style="text-align: left;">I have always wanted to try yoga, so last year when I was presented with the opportunity to try a Christ centered yoga class, I jumped for the chance! It is now one of my favorite things EVER. It is by far my all time favorite exercise. Okay, it is my ONLY favorite exercise, let's face it, no other exercise even comes close to falling in that category. This class has been a true blessing physically, mentally, and spiritually. Also, I have made a sweet and dear new friend in my yoga teacher, Robyn. She is such an encouragement and inspiration to me in yoga as well as in my spiritual life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">So without further ado, and not necessarily in any order, I present my list...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="color: #3f3f3e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Verdana,sans-seif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">1) <b>"Open To His Grace" Pose</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is my favorite pose that we do in class. I wish I had a picture, but basically you have your arms up and outstretched toward heaven (God), also your face is looking up as well. It feels wonderful physically, but spiritually it gets me every time. When I first started doing this class, I was just starting to really "get" God's grace for the first time in my life and every time we did that pose I wanted to fall on the floor in a heap of grateful tears. Are you open to His grace? Honestly, I think the majority of Christians don't truly understand God's grace. I didn't for 35 years even though I grew up in the church! I penned this Haiku poem during that time of realization.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">understanding grace</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;"><br />
years of wasted energy<br />
rest in You at last</span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2) <b>Peace</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have learned to experience God's true peace through this class. I have one of those brains that goes non-stop...thinking, planning, worrying, obsessing. But in class, for that one glorious hour and 15 minutes (as well as other times during my daily life), God quiets my brain and I am able to enjoy peace in His presence. Priceless.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">3) <b>Breath of De-Stress</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I feel like I have caught my breath for the first time in my life. Learning to stop and breathe when I am stressed has proven to be invaluable. Try it, breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth, it does wonders! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">4) <b>Centering on Christ</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the keys to a balancing pose in yoga is finding a focal point, in other words finding an object to set your eyes on so that you can keep your balance. What a parallel for life, my friends! I find balance in my life when my focus stays on Christ. If we stay focused on Him at all times, even in the difficult times, He will keep us from falling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">5)<b>Yoga Pants</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Need I say more?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">6) <b>Aura Cacia Lavender Spray</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ2-51q7EqGpXKGYGll-UMYnEcCRQmZDStsUQRgI5BA5GFrHwEst5YBi3zB7lkRPMYpgXGU2PByVLpCgG5FCAioQGZv7G-hezzQAsCr8434SNJak4YpLakdYRytnpuH9FFAfCTVOLc3eh/s1600/210sGt3oPKL._AA300_-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ2-51q7EqGpXKGYGll-UMYnEcCRQmZDStsUQRgI5BA5GFrHwEst5YBi3zB7lkRPMYpgXGU2PByVLpCgG5FCAioQGZv7G-hezzQAsCr8434SNJak4YpLakdYRytnpuH9FFAfCTVOLc3eh/s200/210sGt3oPKL._AA300_-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">My teacher sprays this over us after every class. I now own a bottle of my own and use it every night and sometimes during the day! It smells wonderful and is at the top of my list of favorite things right now! Seriously, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aura-Cacia-Mist-Lavender-spray/dp/B000MXBXOC">order some today</a> and you will thank me. YUM.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">7) <b>Silk Lavender Eye Pillow</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWugoA4_pFqev9N8UPsMHgBP0obpQhvVJjt98oO2ZAl2Q7aKhltdI5lL2xL0OYOJ67wkJi5YyNeFldkce63cWTuVuyDuOdAi9axwcw5Bbgel6K1WXT0tltCp6jHdJsDe_CiOLYdPuyEJNm/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWugoA4_pFqev9N8UPsMHgBP0obpQhvVJjt98oO2ZAl2Q7aKhltdI5lL2xL0OYOJ67wkJi5YyNeFldkce63cWTuVuyDuOdAi9axwcw5Bbgel6K1WXT0tltCp6jHdJsDe_CiOLYdPuyEJNm/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We use these at the beginning and end of each class for our relaxation time. Yes, there is relaxation time before AND after class! Hallelujah!! These are great for helping you ease into a nap or just to help you relax during the day if you only have a few minutes. I also have one of these and have given them along with the spray as a gift! <a href="http://www.yogaaccessories.com/Large-Silk-Eye-Pillow-Lavender_p_121602.html">Want one?</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">8) <b>Strength</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b>I have been doing this for over six months now and even from the beginning I could tell that each week I would get stronger, more flexible, more steady, and more able. I can do things now that I would never thought possible before. Another spiritual parallel if you ask me, take it and run with it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">9) <b>Truth</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before and after every class Robyn reads a scripture and prays over us. God speaks to me so clearly through these times. So often if feels as if that scripture must have been picked especially for me that day. God is cool like that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">10) <b>Relaxation Time</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I mentioned this earlier, but it bears repeating. This is the time before and after class that we lay on our backs, with the eye pillows on our eyes, and the lavender spray in the air to truly relax and let all of cares go. I have actually learned to truly relax and embrace God's peace during this time and I cherish every glorious minute of it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Lastly, this comes from my heart. This is not a paid advertisement, I promise! However, if you are interested in finding out more about the class and you live in Btown, just contact me and I will get you Robyn's contact info. If you don't live in Btown and are interested in a class like this, google Yahweh Yoga. There are now Christ centered yoga teachers all over the country. Maybe there is one in your area, too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-69292134167355719722011-01-13T11:21:00.000-06:002011-01-13T11:21:50.885-06:00Despite IntentionsAfter I dropped the kids off at school this morning, I was unable to resist the unexplainable gravitational pull my vehicle had toward Starbucks. I am starting to think they are in cahoots with the auto industry. I mean is there a magnet in my car that attracts to a magnet at Starbucks? It surely seems so.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I decided to use some of my gift cards from Christmas. Yes, I said giftcard(s), as in more than one. Haven't you ever been to Starbucks before? NOT. CHEAP. However, this was no ordinary trip to Starbucks. I had a mission. My plan was to purchase one of these...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLXz2Be_FsxJnBdMlNQpD-4Lo6j-q-KZ4L3j2a5GIM9dMoEUVSe21GQcLAGNG9mv_xorHDcKa7T_6jQfWDXM3-PTMg81vOepbcfrl6BLg3l98YYQS9xjibOwlJWaraEhdcnK8jGKSI0tb/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLXz2Be_FsxJnBdMlNQpD-4Lo6j-q-KZ4L3j2a5GIM9dMoEUVSe21GQcLAGNG9mv_xorHDcKa7T_6jQfWDXM3-PTMg81vOepbcfrl6BLg3l98YYQS9xjibOwlJWaraEhdcnK8jGKSI0tb/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><br />
and one of these...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40tEN4DuJqNCn2RCLqEzHce40HVImYV3neiFYVwIFoLA3YnS4FR4eruhbSBA6J6aiyqyfFZigh9smt54HxJRBSfRYCavoSr57mXbXbRMTtyYzS9EjhBtKR6LTRggWOoUr8WM5QppoyNOd/s1600/images-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40tEN4DuJqNCn2RCLqEzHce40HVImYV3neiFYVwIFoLA3YnS4FR4eruhbSBA6J6aiyqyfFZigh9smt54HxJRBSfRYCavoSr57mXbXbRMTtyYzS9EjhBtKR6LTRggWOoUr8WM5QppoyNOd/s1600/images-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
and (cue the angels singing) one of THESE...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLveT8-mPd-M0iO8vwoxhlWZoeQBrqsqiKW06Ps8Kk73jGScAwDhOEiXbVMgmfTMMpUTIZcIszt2E3MD6Ep6qpoyy3FbIDsX7X4-ZkMVSAHWcP8Y5L-9Y8UP8FW_kwvcfkuoHvcMJrO7J4/s1600/images-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLveT8-mPd-M0iO8vwoxhlWZoeQBrqsqiKW06Ps8Kk73jGScAwDhOEiXbVMgmfTMMpUTIZcIszt2E3MD6Ep6qpoyy3FbIDsX7X4-ZkMVSAHWcP8Y5L-9Y8UP8FW_kwvcfkuoHvcMJrO7J4/s1600/images-2.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
After receiving said goodies, I continued merrily on my way to my destination. I had every intention of giving ALL of this...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40tEN4DuJqNCn2RCLqEzHce40HVImYV3neiFYVwIFoLA3YnS4FR4eruhbSBA6J6aiyqyfFZigh9smt54HxJRBSfRYCavoSr57mXbXbRMTtyYzS9EjhBtKR6LTRggWOoUr8WM5QppoyNOd/s1600/images-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40tEN4DuJqNCn2RCLqEzHce40HVImYV3neiFYVwIFoLA3YnS4FR4eruhbSBA6J6aiyqyfFZigh9smt54HxJRBSfRYCavoSr57mXbXbRMTtyYzS9EjhBtKR6LTRggWOoUr8WM5QppoyNOd/s1600/images-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
and HALF of this (angels singing again)...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLveT8-mPd-M0iO8vwoxhlWZoeQBrqsqiKW06Ps8Kk73jGScAwDhOEiXbVMgmfTMMpUTIZcIszt2E3MD6Ep6qpoyy3FbIDsX7X4-ZkMVSAHWcP8Y5L-9Y8UP8FW_kwvcfkuoHvcMJrO7J4/s1600/images-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLveT8-mPd-M0iO8vwoxhlWZoeQBrqsqiKW06Ps8Kk73jGScAwDhOEiXbVMgmfTMMpUTIZcIszt2E3MD6Ep6qpoyy3FbIDsX7X4-ZkMVSAHWcP8Y5L-9Y8UP8FW_kwvcfkuoHvcMJrO7J4/s1600/images-2.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
to...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F3u7ZsNflCqWVbMb_YvThWAmR4bWN7uSqxaeFZGJlRS4k86QDrx-AkhDuFvGihq_j8IFnmKoLSe2qOspV1Dui1Tg0FHniOyP0Y_oR2EczAcH41R88s3C3AugCgMP1Fe81fpPAU4lZOxQ/s1600/Rich_car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F3u7ZsNflCqWVbMb_YvThWAmR4bWN7uSqxaeFZGJlRS4k86QDrx-AkhDuFvGihq_j8IFnmKoLSe2qOspV1Dui1Tg0FHniOyP0Y_oR2EczAcH41R88s3C3AugCgMP1Fe81fpPAU4lZOxQ/s320/Rich_car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cute, huh?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Do you like how I'm using the pictures? Kind of like those picture stories we read as kids in our monthly edition of <a href="http://www.highlights.com/">Highlights</a>. I wonder what mischief <a href="http://www.highlights.com/favorite-characters-and-features/goofus-and-gallant">Goofus</a> is up to these days? Okay, digressing. <br />
<br />
ANYWAY. The only problem was that when I got to the college where Rich teaches, all that was left of the.... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLveT8-mPd-M0iO8vwoxhlWZoeQBrqsqiKW06Ps8Kk73jGScAwDhOEiXbVMgmfTMMpUTIZcIszt2E3MD6Ep6qpoyy3FbIDsX7X4-ZkMVSAHWcP8Y5L-9Y8UP8FW_kwvcfkuoHvcMJrO7J4/s1600/images-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLveT8-mPd-M0iO8vwoxhlWZoeQBrqsqiKW06Ps8Kk73jGScAwDhOEiXbVMgmfTMMpUTIZcIszt2E3MD6Ep6qpoyy3FbIDsX7X4-ZkMVSAHWcP8Y5L-9Y8UP8FW_kwvcfkuoHvcMJrO7J4/s1600/images-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
were these...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAJlBQKyYvk_Zqud6m1Y92x1IBhbAQ2jQ0jLoQojgV3g5-67FsoQX3fABCRC1lcbV_Le4ugSMT9Geo4typrhrtoAvzz71QOMXqp_L-iHQIXldAAHhKVYa59ifCsr6cd3MztNWCFJvASAm/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAJlBQKyYvk_Zqud6m1Y92x1IBhbAQ2jQ0jLoQojgV3g5-67FsoQX3fABCRC1lcbV_Le4ugSMT9Geo4typrhrtoAvzz71QOMXqp_L-iHQIXldAAHhKVYa59ifCsr6cd3MztNWCFJvASAm/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
What you can't see anything? Let me give you a closer look.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiVZ8_RDGo6Q78Xp5dVulneBFkG-BknCxWv7TN6b_-aacwUleAmrdAwV8TNhW5sImAB0V0HuznAxGY0YsYMmM17YLhVIpCCfZb_AhNDj6D2i-oDPQDe-MMOn1P4MMXUn11ZimJV3RzbrW/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiVZ8_RDGo6Q78Xp5dVulneBFkG-BknCxWv7TN6b_-aacwUleAmrdAwV8TNhW5sImAB0V0HuznAxGY0YsYMmM17YLhVIpCCfZb_AhNDj6D2i-oDPQDe-MMOn1P4MMXUn11ZimJV3RzbrW/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All that was left were a few measly crumbs. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And here is where I could (and probably should) delve into a more deep and insightful post about how too many times (despite my intentions) <a href="http://theshaperfables.blogspot.com/">the person I love most in my life</a> ends up with only the few crumbs I have left in my bag. But I think that meaning is inferred, so I will just say...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sorry. You deserve more than crumbs.</span></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-35793166424497081602011-01-12T18:04:00.000-06:002011-01-12T18:04:11.761-06:00My Blog Is Being A Bully Today<b><span style="font-size: large;">My blog is saying...</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">...that I must write something here</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...that it needs to be witty or inspiring </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...that I have nothing worthwhile to say</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> ...that it has been too long since my last "real" post</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...that maybe there was a reason I stopped blogging in the first place</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...that I have clearly not found my "voice"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...that I have written too many of these "ellipsis style" posts</div><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am saying... </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SHUT UP, BLOG. SHUT UP.</b></span></div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379952519282950853.post-73110314480804998842011-01-11T19:09:00.000-06:002011-01-11T19:09:31.253-06:00And We Have a WINNER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssDqAS_L8EwMjbgY8wTno-SjCPTg08XEp7HsFvLaYFT5QgwHPZ6pD91SWjVwFp87E1Ebio4_DNJrYNTmsOZAZGgng7GCL_mGbAtRAiVK1WHh6g26HhMlxdeWqKf-6rpd-JbEaqx5bm3X7/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssDqAS_L8EwMjbgY8wTno-SjCPTg08XEp7HsFvLaYFT5QgwHPZ6pD91SWjVwFp87E1Ebio4_DNJrYNTmsOZAZGgng7GCL_mGbAtRAiVK1WHh6g26HhMlxdeWqKf-6rpd-JbEaqx5bm3X7/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Congratulations to JP'S MOM!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>To find a winner, I entered in the number of comments (entries) as the maximum number and clicked the random number generator for the result. The result was 12 and the 12th person to leave a comment was...JP's Mom! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">JP's Mom, please contact me for details on how to redeem your prize!</div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226805581685877036noreply@blogger.com1