tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75115112024-03-08T04:14:20.987-05:00Love RoarsRoarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-47689550517247631142016-07-29T07:29:00.001-04:002016-07-29T07:29:15.367-04:00A Historic Night...I don't care to while end of the political spectrum you lean, everyone should be able to take a moment to reflect on what happened last night...<div><br></div><div>Hillary Clinton became the first woman of a major party to accept the nomination of President of the United States.</div><div><br></div><div>My little nerdy heart exploded as I thought of how far we've come... Love won... and now this!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uKjrI9X6wUA/V5s-CpcIFuI/AAAAAAAAN_U/x2P09t5NO3Q/s640/blogger-image--1321042381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uKjrI9X6wUA/V5s-CpcIFuI/AAAAAAAAN_U/x2P09t5NO3Q/s640/blogger-image--1321042381.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Doodle got to stay up to watch it... She definitely didn't grasp the enormity of the moment, but I'm okay with that. She gets to grow up in a world where it doesn't matter who you love and where being a girl does limit you, it gives you limitless possibilities.</div><div><br></div><div>How freaking amazing is that?!</div><div><br></div><div>That said, I don't care how you vote in November... Well, I do care greatly, but I'm not going to get into that... Just vote.</div>Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-53388911843386757762016-07-26T15:30:00.001-04:002016-07-26T15:30:55.703-04:00A Hockey Casualty...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jJ4_f4uY1Y0/V5e6aEd80nI/AAAAAAAAN-0/EiFxq6KOrg0/s640/blogger-image-1082008482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jJ4_f4uY1Y0/V5e6aEd80nI/AAAAAAAAN-0/EiFxq6KOrg0/s640/blogger-image-1082008482.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How stinking cute is my hubby?! I mean, what's not to drool over... Rock-hard abs, body by Crossfit, smiles for days, oh, is that blood?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Joe took a puck to the face last night (deflection off of his own stick, I believe) and bloodied himself up pretty good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At least his scar will match Doodle's! :/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pOXMuRZlaZg/V5e6bsxHQvI/AAAAAAAAN-4/v6v4tKvpMo4/s640/blogger-image--1866988475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pOXMuRZlaZg/V5e6bsxHQvI/AAAAAAAAN-4/v6v4tKvpMo4/s640/blogger-image--1866988475.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-88858755342774394402016-07-26T07:21:00.001-04:002016-07-26T07:21:01.590-04:00Eat Her Bubbles...Everyone knows that I didn't grow up going to camp... We went to "The Swim Club" every day and that's where the summer magic happened. Life at UMSC was awesome-- early morning swim team practice, days in the pool with friends, a snack bar treat in the afternoon, and grilling dinner with the family. It. Was. Awesome.<div><br></div><div>It hadn't dawned on me that day camps existed... Even though there was one down the road that a few friends went to, all of my friends went to the swim club!</div><div><br></div><div>Now, my world is a little different... We live for camp. Correction, we live ON A camp. Doodle wakes up every morning and runs through her backyard to an amphitheater where she dances and starts her day off with 400+ campers!</div><div><br></div><div>This past school year, Doodle made some friends (she actually made A LOT) of friends at school and a few of her little Besties go to MCC and they all decided to do swim team together. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QnJbnr4kBBA/V5dHl9u1gjI/AAAAAAAAN-g/zIFqlJqKw3c/s640/blogger-image-1170790444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QnJbnr4kBBA/V5dHl9u1gjI/AAAAAAAAN-g/zIFqlJqKw3c/s640/blogger-image-1170790444.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>She wasn't the fastest on the team, but D sure did make an effort... a bunch of new friends... and a lot of memories!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Z-rzaX5NQ8/V5dHjuFwFwI/AAAAAAAAN-Y/ONb5WDRFjuQ/s640/blogger-image-2079460585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Z-rzaX5NQ8/V5dHjuFwFwI/AAAAAAAAN-Y/ONb5WDRFjuQ/s640/blogger-image-2079460585.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-oWwXdfbk8/V5dHm1XcJWI/AAAAAAAAN-k/-mFehmnM2Uk/s640/blogger-image-1163450320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-oWwXdfbk8/V5dHm1XcJWI/AAAAAAAAN-k/-mFehmnM2Uk/s640/blogger-image-1163450320.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DpSgm4fbkHw/V5dHk1sQ6HI/AAAAAAAAN-c/nzIX_KuvwQU/s640/blogger-image-1212218209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DpSgm4fbkHw/V5dHk1sQ6HI/AAAAAAAAN-c/nzIX_KuvwQU/s640/blogger-image-1212218209.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-90495928357256070342016-03-09T20:52:00.001-05:002016-03-09T20:52:14.342-05:00I don't ever want to forget this...Doodle has an extremely wiggly tooth... So I whipped out my camera for a few candids of that perfect baby-toothed smile:<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISEujpChCKI/VuDTRugE_ZI/AAAAAAAANzs/lvq66Nov3y0/s640/blogger-image-19410664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISEujpChCKI/VuDTRugE_ZI/AAAAAAAANzs/lvq66Nov3y0/s640/blogger-image-19410664.jpg"></a></div>She also came home with a bucket list that she had written on the 100th day of school. I hope they do this every year so I can track her hopes and aspirations:<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMWiDcX3lRc/VuDTTVvo86I/AAAAAAAANzw/rNVvDdJ2P8Y/s640/blogger-image--1810781045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMWiDcX3lRc/VuDTTVvo86I/AAAAAAAANzw/rNVvDdJ2P8Y/s640/blogger-image--1810781045.jpg"></a></div>Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-38630198043010557142016-03-09T13:34:00.000-05:002016-03-09T13:34:24.151-05:00Yes, Tank turned 3...<div style="text-align: center;">
...and in typical second child fashion, Mom never posted the video. Whoops. Without further ado...</div>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-33371665754248834612015-06-26T10:34:00.000-04:002015-06-26T10:34:17.914-04:00#LoveWins <div style="text-align: center;">
Here I am... opening up my computer to post some photos of Doodle's first two weeks of camp... but before I do, I open Facebook and my breath has been taken away:</div>
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I can't believe it. I'm just speechless... Happy tears are streaming... and I'm speechless.</div>
Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-9744926629776532762014-11-27T21:56:00.001-05:002014-11-27T21:56:23.689-05:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To say that this year has included loss is an understatement. It has been a year of extreme highs and extreme lows... Tonight, though... Tonight I am just thankful. </div>
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I'm thankful for a Grandmother who was present for my first 33 years of life. There's not a life event that she was not a part of. </div>
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I'm thankful for my Uncle Don who was my strict and scary uncle growing up... Although once I got old enough to know him, I discovered how funny and loving he was. Losing him so suddenly truly broke my heart.</div>
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I'm thankful for Granddaddy, who showed us all how to love. I'm thankful for our lunches together and for him being my partner on the slot machines on our cruise. I'm thankful that, although everything happened so quickly, I was able to hug him that one more time.</div>
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I'm thankful for Jane, whom I only knew for ten years but feel like I made up for the missing 22 years within that time. I'm grateful that I got to spend her 96th birthday with her and that I get to see her spunk and zest for life live on through my daughter. What a life she had.</div>
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I'm thankful for my Uncle Harold, who brought laughter with him wherever he went. I always loved watching my Grandmom and her siblings together... it didn't matter how long it had been, the connection was there and they reverted back to teenagers whenever they were together. I hope my grandchildren feel that way when they see me with my brother and sister.</div>
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I'm thankful for countless memories that I can't even begin to type... I'm thankful for my family and friends who make life such an adventure. I'm thankful for my Grampa for bringing us together around his table tonight at Thanksgiving dinner. I'm grateful that his wonderful food brings out the best of our family and that we can celebrate together every year. I'm thankful for Doodle's Native American performance after dinner and Tank's snuggles before bedtime. I'm thankful for my Hubby for everything that he is and does. </div>
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Finally, I'm thankful that we have this day... what better holiday than the one that barely gets it's own decorations and focuses purely on being thankful for what we have. What a gift that is.</div>
Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-20588506866806175352014-10-30T15:25:00.002-04:002014-10-30T15:26:48.797-04:00Halloween 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everyone knows that I'm not one for "photoshopped" or super-stylized photos... except at Halloween!</div>
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As of two weeks ago, Doodle was going to be Elsa or Zarina. Then she came home one day and said "Mary Poppins." Yes, that's as in "I"m going to be Mary Poppins. End of story." She knew exactly what she wanted to make (her hat and scarf) and I scoured in internet for the bird umbrella and bag. I can tell you with 100% certainty that this is my child as she had a firm vision in something creative and made it happen! ;)</div>
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Tank, on the other hand, has no idea what Halloween is and has a pretty solid case of "stranger danger." He's not great with new people and I certainly don't expect him to be walking up to houses. Given that he's under two and has no opinion, we decided on a farmer. I'd really make him a tractor, since that's his favorite thing in the world, but farmer was easier to pull together. Until Doodle decided on Mary Poppins...</div>
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Without further ado, meet Mary Poppins and her Chimney Sweep, Bert!</div>
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Seriously, how freaking cute are they?! Everyone had a blast at the Halloween Party at the Club last night and because I got some decent photos, I won't be a complete whack job tomorrow! ;)</div>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-48965127948382401632014-09-10T14:36:00.003-04:002014-09-10T14:36:57.976-04:00Nice face, kid...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought this was hilarious. That is all.</div>
Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-47574810796220958032014-09-05T14:47:00.001-04:002014-09-05T14:47:25.560-04:00Doodle's "Golden" Birthday<br />
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Today Doodle turns five!</div>
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I love this spunky little girl who just takes in new experiences with wonder and excitement. In honor of this "golden" day, here are 5 factoids about Doodle:</div>
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1. She loves (LOVES!) to dance and sing... rarely to a tune that you've heard before, usually a self-composed ditty. She lives for camp, and Team Time, when she can be on the stage with her friends singing, dancing, and just being herself! The world is her stage and she's in the spotlight... even when there's not an audience nearby!</div>
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2. She is a die hard Washington Capitals fan. The ONLY gift she requested from us is a Kuznetsov jersey. She knows all of his stats, <a href="http://instagram.com/kuzy092" target="_blank">stalks him on Instagram</a> (she knows he's married, thinks his wife is beautiful, and loves their puppy, too!), watched his ice bucket challenge ten times, and is counting down the days until the season starts. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D opening up her present, a Kuzy jersey, this morning!</td></tr>
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3. She may be dressed in Lilly and have a pink bedroom, but this girl adores Star Wars. She's moved on from Disney princesses and is all about Leia. Hubby introduced her to the originals last December and she fell in love... she gave him Jabba's Sand Skiff Lego set for his birthday and he gave her Mos Eisley's Cantina Lego set for hers. She's on an eternal hunt to find and befriend Wickett and named her one-clawed lobster Luke Skywalker (before she ate it). Just don't tell her about the new movies... she doesn't know that they exist and Daddy would like to keep it that way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgGJmWmKiHo/VAoBSX8WpqI/AAAAAAAANQM/txdcp5MDXRc/s1600/10013378_10100300471449783_170132396404721092_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgGJmWmKiHo/VAoBSX8WpqI/AAAAAAAANQM/txdcp5MDXRc/s1600/10013378_10100300471449783_170132396404721092_o.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fighting Darth Vader at Jedi Training Academy in March</td></tr>
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4. She's gotten to be an extremely picky eater... PB&J, ABC Soup, plain pasta, pizza, Happy Meals and shellfish. Yes, shellfish. This chick loves crab and lobster more than anyone I know (including her Maine and Maryland-based families). She won't eat a crabcake or lobster roll... she has to pull it from the shell herself. Finally, she and Daddy actually name their lobsters before eating them (see #3).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z760X7qI4I/VAoCBNnmtDI/AAAAAAAANQU/Fg0aEnVEgxA/s1600/10599388_10100394345510413_784836203956497208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z760X7qI4I/VAoCBNnmtDI/AAAAAAAANQU/Fg0aEnVEgxA/s1600/10599388_10100394345510413_784836203956497208_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Lobsters in Vinalhaven</td></tr>
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5. Doodle is very perceptive to others' needs and feelings. About a month ago we were at the mall and I realized that we had to buy Gigi a gift for her 96th birthday. I was perusing the usual scarves and accessories when Doodle said, "Let's get her a bracelet. She loves all of her bracelets." She picked out a queen's crown one and one with a letter "J" on it for Jane. It was such a tiny moment, but meant a lot to me as she put some thought into it (without me really asking). She's always making pictures for people and now is into making friendship bracelets to give away. She even made Gigi's birthday cake with very little help from me! Don't get me wrong, she has her selfish moments, but I love the part of her that thinks, and cares, about others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PsMEJHVxOc/VAoEcjbENlI/AAAAAAAANQc/w5rixIRqqOo/s1600/10629578_10100393648736753_4383612927720905235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PsMEJHVxOc/VAoEcjbENlI/AAAAAAAANQc/w5rixIRqqOo/s1600/10629578_10100393648736753_4383612927720905235_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cake Doodle made for Gigi's birthday last weekend.</td></tr>
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I could go on all day... After all, the past five years with this girl have been so very full and entertaining! I can only imagine what the future holds for this kid... Happy "Golden" Birthday, Doodle!</div>
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<br />Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-27140641758713631602014-08-25T11:45:00.002-04:002014-08-25T11:45:42.676-04:00First Day of School 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JNLUWiCs0k/U_tZvtPJ06I/AAAAAAAANPA/CayzkD_530o/s1600/1st%2Bday%2Bcollage%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JNLUWiCs0k/U_tZvtPJ06I/AAAAAAAANPA/CayzkD_530o/s1600/1st%2Bday%2Bcollage%2B2014.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-41421433350274961572014-08-08T20:31:00.003-04:002014-08-08T20:31:50.376-04:00Parent Day at Camp!<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's face it, every day is Parent Day at camp for Doodle! We get to see her in action every day... and usually catch staff reenacting the moments we miss (Brad's impression of D doing hurdles is reportedly hilarious!)!</div>
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Today was a big day here at The Ranch... Parent Show! Sadly, we missed the first parent show due to Granddad's memorial service (my buddy B stalled and put us last, but we still didn't make it... and she was devastated!)... but we weren't going to miss today! Being the camp photog, I got prime real estate to see the show...</div>
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The Sparkly Princess Butterflies (D's Group) did a mash up of "Bad to the Bone" and "Build Me Up, Buttercup!" I loved the salty/sweet angle and couldn't stop giggling as she lip synced to every word of both songs (of course)!</div>
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Here are a few stills from the performance:</div>
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Although we still have two weeks of camp, I can already feel how much we're going to miss walking outside to a few hundred kids! I love all of our staff members here and it's not going to be the same without them on the Chill Hill every morning... Basically, I adore living here and I know Doodle does as well! How could we not?! We're living on a Summer Camp... we're the luckiest girls ever!!</div>
Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-41384836975250582072014-08-06T12:01:00.002-04:002014-08-06T12:01:31.006-04:00{Almost} that time of year...We have three more weeks of camp that I'm hoping goes by as slowly as possible, but school is on the horizon! Tank started a new school yesterday (he's nearly 21 months old... yes, I had to count on my fingers) and was so excited to take a few photos with his new backpack:<br />
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<br />Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-34412786355115138722014-04-28T16:48:00.001-04:002014-04-28T16:48:19.556-04:00When Photos Go Awry... Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm never in photos... and have gotten used to that... but it would be nice for kids to cooperate when we actually try to get a photo together. It was going well until Tank spotted the Easter Bunny...</div>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-67295379744939313072014-04-21T06:25:00.001-04:002014-04-21T06:25:48.559-04:00Happy Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Doodle - 4 1/2 Years Old, Tank - 17 Months Old</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank loved brunch... snotty nose and all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doodle could have cared less about food...<br />there were eggs to be found!</td></tr>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-51950076302424447122014-04-17T11:58:00.002-04:002014-04-17T11:58:59.795-04:00Love these eyes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-84411416362954223632014-04-16T14:10:00.001-04:002014-04-16T14:10:28.178-04:00Milestones...As a parent, I find myself looking for milestones to celebrate with my kids... I cheer wildly when Tank attempts a new word or uses a baby sign... Doodle gets a lot of praise when she performs a song (performances usually include a whole album)... I take photos of everything I can think of to commemorate their existence. I can say that the photo books are for them to look at in the future, but that would be a partial lie... The truth is that I don't want to forget a single experience of their growing up. I know I will, but I'm going to do my best not to!<br />
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What I'm not so great at is finding those milestones with hubby. We're the "live each day to the fullest" type of people who don't really wait for a big occasion to go out to a nice dinner or buy gifts (in fact, gift giving is quite difficult as we both work and usually buy ourselves whatever we need whenever we can). Because of this, our milestones aren't celebrated like many I see on Facebook... I just love him every day, try to praise him (and not follow it with nagging), and enjoy all of the little things that make life so great.<br />
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Last night Grandma had the kids and we weren't sure what to do with ourselves... it had been a long day for both of us and I was in a <i>slightly</i> crabby mood (I needed sleep). Hubby and I went back and forth about where to go. He then suggested Melting Pot, and while I fought the idea of such an expense, he insisted... and we had a wonderful dinner.<br />
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There's just something about cheddar-cheesy fondue that makes all of my worries melt away... We've reached a balance with their "Big Night Out" where he gets all of the seafood and we share all of the other savory goodies... The new Orange Dark Chocolate dessert sealed the deal... it was just a great dinner.<br />
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As we chatted through the evening, I thought about the date and something clicked... Last night marked exactly ten years from when we met. I can't get over how much has happened in that time... college graduations, new jobs, buying our first house, bringing home two dogs, adding two children to the mix, selling our first house, and moving into the house that we'll be in for the next 30+ years. If someone, during that first dinner at the Spaghetti Factory in Indianapolis, told me that the cute blond guy that spoke so passionately about the School of the Americas during his research presentation would be the same man who would lie next to me in bed and rub my wrists when they ache... I would have rolled my eyes and grabbed another margarita.<br />
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It's funny how life works out... one morning you're leaving for a research conference and by that night you've met your future husband.<br />
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That, my friends, is certainly a milestone worth celebrating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahEh_OeUPLw/U07HIALkWGI/AAAAAAAANCA/82DNT9GP0GY/s1600/10+years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahEh_OeUPLw/U07HIALkWGI/AAAAAAAANCA/82DNT9GP0GY/s1600/10+years.jpg" height="640" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2004 pic is actually the 1st photo we were in together... despite awful lens flare <br />and my jerky Hubby making sure he looks as tall as possible, I do love that it exists.</td></tr>
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<br />Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-71738222428859867722014-02-26T15:27:00.000-05:002014-02-26T15:28:33.075-05:00Two months has flown by... #WordlessWednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I've last posted, we've moved...</div>
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...celebrated/hosted the holidays...</div>
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...lost a beloved one...</div>
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...tried to keep the toddler out of trouble...</div>
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...discovered Star Wars...</div>
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...watched A LOT of snow fall...</div>
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...and made some beautiful music!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound can be heard on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/kZ4BnPuheU/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></td></tr>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-92153414667174093202013-12-17T23:00:00.002-05:002013-12-17T23:00:36.336-05:00Tank in the Snow! #WordlessWednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
This little man has been super sick this week (RSV and a Double Ear Infection... Boo!), but I can't help but post this photo from last week... such a happy little one year old enjoying the snow!</div>
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I've never been one to obsess over my childrens' features... especially since D has a tendency toward facial/head injuries... but I can't help loving this little man's eyes! He's so full of energy and love... I hope he never loses that!</div>
Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-53177107183098364662013-12-09T23:15:00.002-05:002013-12-09T23:15:40.583-05:00Can't Deny The Similarities...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyKoSebOe5o/UqaSj7wgPQI/AAAAAAAAM6A/9CFmrhSf3ag/s1600/hockey+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyKoSebOe5o/UqaSj7wgPQI/AAAAAAAAM6A/9CFmrhSf3ag/s640/hockey+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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They may not look alike, but both of my children have the same Caps-gaze when they get to their seats in the Verizon Center!</div>
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I love watching them cheer with the fans and dance along with the arena's music... Master Chief loved clapping along and reacting to the calls for cheers! He was enthralled by the goalie (The players still move too quickly for him to follow for long periods of time) and didn't take his eyes off the ice or jumbotron all night (until he fell asleep, of course)!</div>
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Meanwhile...</div>
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Last year Hubby taught Doodle the "Goal Dance" that immediately follows the sirens going off for a goal (even if we're watching at home... every. goal.)! The other night, with about 4 minutes left of the 1st period, Doodle said she had to go to the ladies room "for real"(as opposed to the times when she just wants to go to the bathroom and enjoy the acoustics when she sings at the top of her lungs... yes, really.). We rushed up during a break in play and zipped into the ladies room. As it was "my turn," we hear the sirens go off... Yep, you know what's coming...</div>
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Doodle unlatches the door (without waiting for me to finish, of course) and books it out of the bathroom and down the concourse... I caught up with her by the time she got to our section and watched her run down the steps (for the poky kid that she is, this is no small feat)... sirens still blazing... and jump into her seat while doing the goal dance. I just laughed to myself (Daddy's girl) as I straightened out my britches and headed to get the ice cream...</div>
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Let's just say that she doesn't want to miss a play... she's only four and a diehard fan already... We're in for the long haul! ;)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Photo at the Caps Game on 12/7/13</td></tr>
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What about your family?! Is there a game that everyone is hooked on?! Any diehard fans out there (please, not the Penguins...)?!</div>
Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-46293454955149397772013-10-31T21:15:00.001-04:002013-10-31T21:17:33.225-04:00When Color Makes a Difference... #PSF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Last week I was in a very black & white mood. I'm still in that kind of mood, especially when certain images are so stunning...</span></div>
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Sometimes when you take away the color, you can miss the whole point...</div>
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Just love this spunky girl and her wild ideas... I hope she always is as bold and fun-loving as she is at 4 years old!</div>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-31694478031233844072013-10-25T11:38:00.003-04:002013-10-25T11:38:39.228-04:00How can you resist this smile?!<div style="text-align: center;">
Even when covered in chocolate doughnut crumbs (Thanks, Grandma!), this kid is too freaking lovable!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Fall Fest last week...</td></tr>
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At 11 months old, Master Chief is...</div>
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Walking all over the place!</div>
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Eating EVERYTHING in sight (including mulch, hay, & dirt)!</div>
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Sleeping through the night... Finally! (There are still a few nights w wake ups!)</div>
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Smiling and laughing at everyone!</div>
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Catching on to "so big"!</div>
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<i>Trying</i> to make sounds to talk...</div>
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In 9 month clothes!</div>
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Dancing to music (usually Doodle is the one making the music!)!</div>
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Playing in Doodle's room every chance he gets... it's his favorite place!</div>
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LOVES to bathe... if you turn on the shower he gets in before you can!</div>
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Feeding the dogs from the table!</div>
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Starting to throw things... wants to be like Cliffy!</div>
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Making growling faces, thanks to Aunt Allison!</div>
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a lover. Thank goodness... this kid is the sweetest!</div>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-12514635168631411642013-10-24T15:57:00.006-04:002013-10-24T15:57:55.497-04:00Taking away the color...<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever edited photos and just felt that the colors were entirely wrong... even if they're reflecting reality perfectly?! I opened our pumpkin patch photos and felt inspired to take away {most of} the color! Now, I'm sure I'll be feeling colorful tomorrow, but until then...</div>
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Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-17191658155298364092013-09-20T05:52:00.001-04:002013-09-20T05:52:06.961-04:00My Boys: My First, My Only, My Baby #PSF <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i>I just woke up and decided to look at my phone. ABCA posted wedding photos from last week and this one made me gasp...</i><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RSQMFkV7Ns/UjwFG9z241I/AAAAAAAAMjc/owiXVjqRtsQ/s1600/562834_10151667688134562_1794116741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RSQMFkV7Ns/UjwFG9z241I/AAAAAAAAMjc/owiXVjqRtsQ/s640/562834_10151667688134562_1794116741_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of ABCA</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My First: Will</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Av0IZ6nTViI/UjwK74YwhoI/AAAAAAAAMj0/2BptKEZJTQA/s1600/will+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Av0IZ6nTViI/UjwK74YwhoI/AAAAAAAAMj0/2BptKEZJTQA/s200/will+2.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8NcaBl6Ryo/UjwK7ynkXgI/AAAAAAAAMj4/qBeY6CZ5akw/s1600/will1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8NcaBl6Ryo/UjwK7ynkXgI/AAAAAAAAMj4/qBeY6CZ5akw/s200/will1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
Will was the second grandson and first child to come along in 14 years... I was 17 when he was born and although Les gave birth to him, he was my baby (whom I shared with ABC).<br />
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I chose to go to a school 8 hours away from my hometown... but only 2 hours away from Will. Les brought him up to visit me within the first few weeks of school-- I couldn't wait to show off this little one year old (and his Mama) to my friends. (<i>Fun Fact: Les & ABC bought me a HUGE bottle of wine at Walmart and showed me how to hide it by taking out drawers and stashing it underneath. Yes, it's probably still there.</i>)<br />
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Whenever something went wrong (read: I got dumped.) or I needed a family fix (but couldn't drive all the way to PA), I crashed in on Will and his parents. Now that I have my own kids and hectic schedule, I simply cannot believe how welcoming they were to me-- Les & Greg never turned me down and left the front door unlocked more times than I can count. I'd babysit in return, but the reality is that I got the sweet deal... I got Will.<br />
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I was never a baby person. That, my friends, was (and still is) my Sister. Will was different.<br />
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I couldn't wait to read books with him and watch him line up his cars along the edge of the carpet... I'd sit in his hand-painted Beatrix Potter bedroom and just marvel at those cheeks... We'd snuggle in the big striped chair and nap together. When I got dumped and barged in on Les, I fell asleep with him curled up on me-- his little breaths helped slow down my tears. We went trick-or-treating together... I was the farmer to his cow when he was 1 and just walking... I played paparazzi to his (and Nick's) Richard Scary year and the infamous Monsters, Inc Mike (Will) and Sulley (Nick)... and so on. When I met Hubby, he embraced my boy(s) as much as I did... At my graduation party at Elon, Hubby and the boys were MIA for a while... only to return around the corner covered in red clay mud. I gasped as I saw that new Abercrombie oxford (God, was he dreamy!) covered in stains, but quickly saw how happy they were... rolling in mud, tackling each other, creating the memories that matter. I can honestly say that those red clay mud stains were part of what sealed the deal... Hubby silently understood how much these little kids meant to me and embraced them as his own. <i>(Yes, I know that they're just boys- and dirty/gross/destructive/playful by default, but let me be lovey and dreamy for a minute...)</i><br />
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Last week, at my Sister's wedding, I got to spend time with Will... he's now 14 and would be mortified if he read any of this... but I had such a great time with him! He pitched a summer job to Hubby (and I seriously want him to come up and do it!), told us about new YouTube videos, talked video games (with Hubby, of course), and just loved up on Master Chief! At one point, Tank (Master Chief's other nickname) was leaning/falling out of my arms... towards Will... to lean in and give him kisses (lick his nose/suck his cheek/chew on his nose)! He was totally drawn to Will, as I am, and couldn't get enough of this awesome older cousin!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Only: Hubby</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9uSWzqKYyg/Rhw5pi4vbbI/AAAAAAAAAIk/KMWoQl7AUTA/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9uSWzqKYyg/Rhw5pi4vbbI/AAAAAAAAAIk/KMWoQl7AUTA/s320/8.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSxb4iOFC7Y/Rhw5hi4vbZI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Io1CfHIiXMc/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSxb4iOFC7Y/Rhw5hi4vbZI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Io1CfHIiXMc/s320/10.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
You don't need to read this single blog post to know that I eat-sleep-breathe-adore this man. They say that you marry someone who has traits like your father... and after spending last week in a house with all of the boys in my family, I've realized how true that is! My Daddy & Brother worked together all week on wedding prep... My Gpa was at the bar going shot-for-shot with my Sister (he won, by the way, as he slept in bed and she ended up on the bathroom floor- ha!)... My Uncles ran errands, helped set up the wedding, watched my kids when we needed to bolt, and danced the night away (watching Jonesey dance is pure entertainment!)... and Hubby, he did everything with them! The men in my family worked their tushies off and truly amazed me.<br />
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I tried to let him sleep in, nap, and relax, but you know how vacations with kids are-- he had them when I went into town with my Dad and Brother for a Teeter/ABC run, he dealt with nap-time antics while I got a mani/pedi, and he did a little bit of everything on the wedding day (including buttoning my Sis into her dress!)! He is amazing... and being at the wedding reminded me of our wedding day and how much we've grown up and gone through together in nine years!<br />
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<i>Side Note: Now, it's not all roses and smiles every day with me... I'm a PITA and we both know it... and he puts up with it. How could I not love this man?!</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Baby: Master Chief/Tank</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ms_ABicX8/UjwTUBFA8BI/AAAAAAAAMks/taFxQNYIzmE/s1600/1234280_10151667689194562_173186424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ms_ABicX8/UjwTUBFA8BI/AAAAAAAAMks/taFxQNYIzmE/s320/1234280_10151667689194562_173186424_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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If this isn't your first time on the blog, you know how much I love this little 10-month old Tank (the Master Chief-alternative nickname is quite fitting: He <i>is</i> trouble and kinda rolls through life like a tank- taking it all on! Plus, it's quicker to type...).</div>
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He started out as Mr. Cranky Pants, but is now the life of the party! I love when he wakes up in the morning and I get to go get him-- he's usually whimpering but literally starts jumping and smiling the second I walk in the door. He gives me the best hug as soon as I pick him up... aside from my permanent cuddle monster whom I sleep with, he's the greatest to wake up to (Sissy, not such a morning person... but that's another story!)!</div>
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He's cracking me up with the things he picks up on and mimics .. talking on the phone (of course! Even though I'm not a fan of talking on the phone, it happens...), mouthing words (Mama, Dada, and Sissy- she's working so hard to get him to say "Sissy"), and even grabbing a wipe and trying to wipe his tush! He now knows when he is funny and I live for the big smiles and laughs when I get to see his two chicklet teeth popping through!</div>
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The other night, Hubby sat down with him at the dinner table around 6pm... and Tank was still eating when I got home at 7:30. Veggie purees (he truly loves them-- you know I'm not one to force healthy food! Ha!)... a canister of baby cheese puffs... and nearly have a bag of grapes! He sits at the table every morning and eats Cheerios... ate D's cheese quesadilla at Chipotle the other day... and tries to eat every small toy/choking hazard in the house!</div>
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He's walking up to 6 steps at a time (only 3-4 caught on video, though) and crawls into trouble at lightning speed... this morning he got into D's bedroom and ate the cookie on her bedside table before she even noticed it was gone!</div>
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When he slows down, he is the sweetest and cuddliest kid since... well, Will. </div>
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...and that's how it started.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Tank - Sept 2013</td></tr>
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<i>Final Note: ALL of the men in my family are AMAZING. I can't even begin to tell you how much my Daddy and Brother mean to me (and how much I loved our <strike>shopping</strike> bonding trip to Teeter and the ABC store last week!). My new Bother-in-Law gave me Cliffy and brought his amazing family into our mix... and although I've known them for years (literally! I graduated HS with his twin brothers and was a cheerleader with his Sister), getting to know them last week was an amazing experience! My Uncles-- all three of them -- are all first round picks as well! Last week I couldn't visit with my Uncle Don as much as I had wanted to, but was truly overjoyed that he (and my Aunt) came down! The "other" Joe did far more than his share (including driving the High C's down to NC after coming cross-country himself) and Jonesey kept the football smack talk to a tolerable level (we Richardson's are, after all, a Skins family... and that admittedly warrants smack talk from a die hard Eagle's fan!) and was a blast to party with! Gpa... well, how can I talk about my Gpa without getting overly melodramatic and emotional?! He is the man that started it all... the one that my Mom grew up with and set the standard for men everywhere. Right now he's the ultimate caregiver and shares every ounce of love in his body. This man is as selfless as it gets-- and I couldn't help but get emotional at Pal's wedding last week when he and Gmom danced & when he was taking shots with the Bride! Perhaps this is why I just can't tolerate less than the best, in anything in life... because I've lived with and been taught with the best!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i>Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511511.post-90108965699202783312013-09-17T23:20:00.002-04:002013-09-17T23:20:25.132-04:00When Photos Go Awry...<div style="text-align: center;">
For every decent photo in an album, there's 5-10 that suck wind. Occasionally I end up with a hilarious face or someone doing something not-quite-picture-perfect. <i>THIS</i> is one of those photos...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Boob-Grab, Batman!</td></tr>
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Someday I'll get all of these hilarious photos together and post them! Ha!</div>
Roarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998923585506654720noreply@blogger.com0