tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4553793852003981262024-03-01T16:12:36.343-06:00CoffeeTime to Bedtime ...Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-83136073197494987152013-09-01T21:03:00.001-05:002013-09-01T21:03:42.370-05:00Good BehaviorI have been overwhelmed with Madeley's behavior lately. I don't know if it's a phase or starting back to school, but she has been OUT OF CONTROL. She cries/whines constantly and I have not been successful at handling her. I've been going to bed every night feeling defeated and sad because I couldn't enjoy my time with her. She cried at dinnertime, she cried at bathtime, she cried when it was time to brush her teeth, and she cried at bedtime. It was constant. I had no patience and punishments just made her cry more. Defeated doesn't even describe how I felt. I finally decided that I was ready to build good behavior habits. I wanted her to be invested in her behavior... to have a reason to be good. So I talked with Derrick and we decided to try a sticker chart. Madeley has always played with stickers, so I thought they may not feel "special" to her. But once I told her about my idea, she was more than excited!!<br />I got all the supplies and made sure I put in the effort to make it cute. She helped some and made a few of her own posters while I was working. Here's the final product. Can you tell she's excited?<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104501767847948856733/CoffeeTimeToBedtime?authkey=Gv1sRgCNymvdjJg5WHCQ#5918840385566527442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UhGQi-iyu-dRHalPvG-aOJF6ZU9icKhIr5zZqKS24zIXUKJHTQhtJU8ECHXpaoLe5eS8n_wZPuLnlWJtkIYS0o3kEiLAeE0cg0B_D9YZ7xL4YRJmAnkiQf6jdlQeSYZ4v7AMKJuEMmM/s288/1378086918.452884.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We are now on day two and I cannot even explain the difference in her behavior, as well as her eating habits. She has been so anxious to do things she otherwise would have cried over. She eats all the food on her plate and just about begs to brush her teeth. She cried for just a minute before her shower this morning, but once I reminded her that she could get a sticker, her behavior immediately changed. I know this may not work forever, but it's definitely working now. And I'm enjoying every second with her instead of wanting to cry with her.<br /><br />When she fills a row, she'll get a small prize. Then when she fills the entire poster, she gets to pick out a toy. To be honest though, she doesn't focus on the prizes, she's excited about every little sticker. I love it!! And her.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104501767847948856733/CoffeeTimeToBedtime?authkey=Gv1sRgCNymvdjJg5WHCQ#5918840400320604082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pjKjY4IozOvFmxPt53yQkvonHVJ-J9sKpv-98WDejFJB8NIiGuQtykb0IondL0CKGLFc7rsuOkbZDazrFO6Nywpbdc50uKrh2W5CXgiDu5QUpkwPWQzwJV3SS8B76fX6RhPpVM65FOA/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-28815000077117900632013-08-14T07:37:00.001-05:002013-08-14T07:37:42.361-05:00So long summer!Last days of summer... First day back. I was so sad to drop Madeley off at daycare today. So sad.<br /><br />We had the best time together this summer and I'm just not quite ready for it to end. Even though she said "I want you" about 4,527,368 times this summer, I could stand to hear it just a few more times. She is at the most wonderful age and I just can't get enough of her. I know her daddy feels the exact same way. He couldn't love her more! <br />Here are a few pictures we took over the weekend.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104501767847948856733/CoffeeTimeToBedtime?authkey=Gv1sRgCNymvdjJg5WHCQ#5911953047967554002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcptDyLwaE3ReXPsN_QJppiw3enfO47T62JQvg4GKacjMbo6J_RN9_z8DgI94laiTwsfPPZqrSa15-Ue6xaBmgN8xnIrApZ9deSx6BTHNK4Y5J3lwDYcvZQeulMbKw8SmX5GmhnzwWdsA/s288/1376451386.987724.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='401' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />How cute is this...<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104501767847948856733/CoffeeTimeToBedtime?authkey=Gv1sRgCNymvdjJg5WHCQ#5911953088903000850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw2fWX2eh7xZ-k6EAjx4RGeTvZmIRrmJ_eTnice6RhsaoUcEaYBklvuHB_PsBwH2E-3WJyNTCeTlEO3Q8_r9vTI5qBgNGJqjHFZ1fwv0DrDB-qEYSt7dTFt3S6Hjm3qrxwCme63oUztY/s288/1376451611.324065.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='401' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She's only a little bit spoiled!<br /><br />Yesterday, Papaw let Madeley practice cutting with scissors. I only freaked out for a little bit, then I watched her cut... for two hours. She surprised me, like she usually does.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104501767847948856733/CoffeeTimeToBedtime?authkey=Gv1sRgCNymvdjJg5WHCQ#5911953120140506082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleX-YD16Hq3toUDE9e6aLvsJwvrwexA2Cu2D1bThxR04X2fNo4tk1lOHkWztB4UBafvdWg1LNBK7jKtr8_W67eWDZLakf2CjMH7y-hqMN40d_GKFvQDDo8kZ-uEquLBySIcBsMcM-2VI/s288/1376451459.514632.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='401' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She absolutely loves the comics right now. Just can't get enough of them!<br /><br />Well, we got the "first day back" out of the way... ready for a new school year. Madeley enjoyed seeing all her friends again and seemed to have a wonderful day. She turned in pretty early too...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/104501767847948856733/CoffeeTimeToBedtime?authkey=Gv1sRgCNymvdjJg5WHCQ#5911953159061871234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwBy9hsacLH3x1dfM_35vU9Pf7NAgwYb5FmeW47-slT3o0LGUa1Hh8c1h8MdOn0cMT8Eyvg74AWBzhQLq8Gkw-cGJvoX5OiEkYT0dH9yT94HkTMt7mIq6DjI8GfuIoX5JWL7uEGMbb84/s288/1376451477.292143.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='401' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I love how her finger is still on the iPad. Now it's time for me to rest as well.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-58342991789342239782013-08-09T19:23:00.001-05:002013-08-09T19:49:41.736-05:00Bird watchersIf you've ever read my blog, you know I love birds. And I guess I'm raising a little bird watcher as well. She absolutely loves to put out seed and wait for birds to come. She's awesome at spotting cardinals and it makes me smile when she can tell me if she's watching a male or a female. We've seen several families of birds over the past few days... so she can now spot the juvenile cardinals. (I sound like a serious bird watcher, right?)<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/av0TSMYtIWY">Click to watch video</a><br /><br />She sometimes gets so excited that she runs them off!<br />When she saw this...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/09/2045.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/09/s_2045.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />She said, "Oh look... he's kissing the mama! No wait, is he feeding the baby a worm???"<br />I explained that he was feeding the baby, just not feeding the baby a worm. <br />We also made a bird feeder this summer. Madeley had seen a show where the kids made bird feeders out of pine cones, peanut butter, and seeds. GREAT experience...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/09/2046.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/09/s_2046.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/09/2047.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/09/s_2047.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/09/2048.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/09/s_2048.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/09/2049.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/09/s_2049.jpg' border='0' width='299' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />She couldn't have been more unhappy during that experience. The pine cones pricked her hands... she couldn't handle the mess we made with the seed... she couldn't find the "right" place to put it on the tree. To be completely honest, I think it should have been nap time instead of craft time. BUT it all turned out well in the end.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/09/2050.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/09/s_2050.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />She thought it was more than amazing that a squirrel stole the bird feeder right off the tree and just about ate the entire pine cone. The birds also handled the the mess we made with the seeds, so it was a happy ending after all.<br />Thanks for reading!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-85312370087236062722013-08-08T17:05:00.001-05:002013-08-08T21:05:47.328-05:00MosquitoesMadeley surprises me every day with the things she asks.<br />Since she was very little, we've fought mosquito bites. They whelp up the size of a quarter and simply drive her crazy. We've used bug spray and itch cream over and over again, but if she gets close to a blade of grass for more than 30 seconds, she surely comes in with a bite or several. I should have expected her question, since she's wondered so much about God lately...<br />While stressing over two annoying bites, she asked, "Why does God put mosquito bites out in the summer?"<br />I said,"Great question!" Just the way she asked it made me smile. <br />Poor thing though, I have no clue!! I share in her wonders of the point of mosquitoes... so I looked it up. Of course there's a purpose... I need to start teaching her that God wouldn't have made it if it didn't serve a purpose. Anyhow, several bat species feed on mosquitoes, some eating more than 500 mosquitoes an hour... I need a pet bat to keep in the back yard!!<br />Mosquitoes can also pollenate and serve as a food source to many aquatic species. So now I have an answer for Madeley that will hopefully satisfy her. Maybe next summer I'll get more creative about how to keep the bugs away... like maybe a bat box. :|<br />So sad we only have a few days left of this summer!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/08/1829.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/08/s_1829.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-78906769290013240612013-08-07T11:11:00.001-05:002013-08-07T11:11:31.987-05:00Mama, you scared me!So I'm sitting in the recliner, watching a movie with Derrick the other day and Madeley comes in with a scared/sad look on her face and says, "Mama, you scared me!!"<br />I looked at her confused, knowing I had done nothing of the sort. I asked, "What in the world did I do to scare you?"<br />She proceeded to show me a picture she had found. I was maybe 15 years old, 10th grade. Long hair, braces. Not the best picture, but not scary that I could see. As reluctant as I am, I'll share, just so you'll see what I saw...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/07/807.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/07/s_807.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='401' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A little bit of an awkward stage, I'll agree, but who didn't go through an awkward stage? Anyhow, still showing the same SCARED look, Madeley hid her face and said, "See, it's scary!"<br />I said, "What's so scary? It's just me."<br />Then she said it... I'll never forget it as long as I live...<br />She said, "Your EYEBROWS!! They SCARE me!!!"<br />Derrick laughed.<br />A little tickled and a little hurt, I said, "Oh dear, I guess they are scary!"<br />Nobody waxed or tweezed their eyebrows in the tenth grade! Or if they did, they didn't tell me. That came later, like 11th or 12th grade. Madeley's just always seen my eyebrows well groomed. I realized the picture must have been a shock to her. She then brought me an entire stack of pictures that she found in the closet. With every flip of a picture, she winced at my eyebrows. Eventually she said, "I'm ready to put those pictures away. I don't like them!" I put the pictures back in the closet, thanking God my eyebrows do not look like that today... my child would be scared of me!!<br /><br />Here's a shot of me at age 4. The eyebrows were already out of control...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/07/808.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/07/s_808.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I'm hoping Madeley won't have the same issues. Maybe she'll have her Dad's eyebrows...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/07/809.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/07/s_809.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='374' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />:) Thanks for reading!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-82630486246570625082013-08-05T09:07:00.001-05:002013-08-05T09:07:37.383-05:00Not So SureThis is not something I'm sure I want to do, but for the sake of Madeley memories, I'm going to proceed...<br /><br />Madeley is 3 years and 9 months old now. She loves animals and technology. When I see that Kindle Fire commercial with the time limit settings, I immediately feel remorse over the fact that I've never "limited" Madeley's iPad time and made her go outside to play. I guess I can always consider it for the future. For now, she'll just keep buying apps and playing for hours. <br /><br />Lately, she's asked lots of questions, such as "Why did God put skunks in the world?"<br />I had to think before I answered that, confident I do not know the accurate purpose of skunks... somehow my response turned to defense mechanisms and why skunks spray. Not so sure that was the answer she was looking for, but she seemed satisfied.<br /><br />She also asked, "Why does Jesus tell us to sneeze?" First I wondered... Is she hearing a voice that says "sneeze now!"<br />Just kidding, but again, I didn't have an adequate response. I just tried to explain reasons for sneezing in general. I didn't quite have a Jesus angle on it.<br /><br />All in all, this is a wonderful age and I am loving it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/709.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_709.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/710.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_710.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/711.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_711.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/712.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_712.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/713.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_713.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='245' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/714.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_714.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also have the most wonderful addition to our family, my niece Claudia Elisabeth Lasley. We have enjoyed all our time with her this summer!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/715.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_715.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/716.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_716.jpg' border='0' width='190' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/717.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_717.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/718.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_718.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Madeley is dying for my phone as we speak, so I'll see you again soon!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-11624472740116360372012-02-01T19:02:00.001-06:002012-02-01T19:02:52.254-06:00UpdateI haven't blogged in a week, and I have missed SO much!!<br /><br />First of all, Thursday was my blog's one year anniversary!! I can't believe I've been sharing the ends and outs of my life with y'all for an entire year!! Here is the link to my very first post...<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://dmwilsonblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/bedtime-to-coffeetime.html">Coffeetime to Bedtime... and everything in between!</a><br /><br />My sweet friend, <a target="_blank" href="http://theboonefam.blogspot.com/">Rebekah</a>, convinced me to start the blog. It has been such a blessing, so I'm thankful that she encouraged me!<br /><br />Next, you missed the 3rd (or maybe even 4th) Annual Beard Shaving Event!! I was not disappointed! It is one of my favorite days of the year! I will blog on it and share pictures later this week. I hope you love it as much as I did!<br /><br />Now, for the big reason I have not been blogging this week... Madeley has been so so sick. Sweet baby. I took her to the doctor Saturday because she was wheezing, coughing, and definitely had a high fever. He told me she was fine. Okay, I disagreed, but I'm not the one with a medical degree. Her symptoms continued to increase, so I stayed home with her on Monday. She wasn't her usual self then, but I wouldn't say she was crazy sick. Well, not until about 5:00 in the evening. She just seemed to get worse and worse and worse. So I made an appointment with the Children's After Hours Clinic... that's a great place. Our appointment was for 8:30, a little late, but better than nothing. I was so glad we took her because she was showing all the signs of wheezing and respiratory distress... The skin around her ribs sunk in when she took breaths, as did the skin around her collar bone, and her nostrils flared when she took breaths. The respiratory therapist described it as trying to breath out of a coffee straw when you are really supposed to be breathing out of a McDonald's straw. Poor Madeley, she could barely breath. So we did a few breathing treatments at the clinic and they sent us home with an inhaler. <br /><br />This picture was taken on the way to the clinic. So sleepy!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/01/3019.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/01/s_3019.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Madeley hates the inhaler, but I know it does help open her airways. Derrick and I are pretty good at wrestling her while holding the mask to her face. I have gotten kicked a few times though. Even with all the breathing treatments, Madeley's temperature has stayed up and her cough has gotten worse. In the meantime, I'm missing a lot of work! But Madeley is too important, so those big kids will just have to see me when they see me. <br /><br />Last night was a rough night. The breathing treatments seem to hype Madeley up, so sleeping seemed like it would NEVER happen. She fell asleep around 11:45, and I refused to wake her up for the 1am breathing treatment. I checked her around 5:45 and her temperature was 102.5 and her cough was awful. If I told you about all the snot, you'd simply die, so I'll leave out the details. By 8 am, I was calling the doctor. We were in the waiting room by 9:20 and out by 10:15. After checking her out, he said she had a sinus infection. According to Dr. Jessica, two year olds can't get sinus infections, but I'm going to stick with what the real doctor said. Madeley finally got some antibiotics and is hopefully on the road to wellness. I know she needs to feel better soon! Sick babies are just the saddest thing.<br /><br />When we got home, it was warm outside. Doing the breathing treatments by myself isn't easy, so I made a deal with Madeley. If she sat still, we could go on a walk. She did great, so we took off...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/01/3020.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/01/s_3020.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Almost all the animals had to go along for the ride!<br />Now, Madeley's stretched out on my bed, watching Dora and slurping Sprite. Whatever makes her happy.<br /><br /><br />One more thing...<br />Madeley got into the Vaseline this week. Twice. The first time, she covered herself. The second time, she covered poor Elmo. He had it in his mouth, all over his hands and eyes, and even on his booty!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/01/3021.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/01/s_3021.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/01/3022.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/01/s_3022.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/01/3023.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/01/s_3023.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I tried and tried to clean him up, but he just ended up looking mangey. Poor guy. Needless to say, I've got to make sure that bathroom door stays shut!<br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-77756421220990058102012-01-25T23:14:00.001-06:002012-01-25T23:19:41.644-06:00Wednesday Loves<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I have been telling myself to go blog all night. Well, I'm finally getting around to doing it. I have a few things I'm loving this week...<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">The book I'm reading is <i>Just Jane</i>. It is set back during the beginning of the Revolutionary War... historical fiction. I actually wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but I LOVE it! I am wondering if George Washington and his troops will make it through the harsh winter (I actually know how that goes, but whatever.), and at the same time, Jane's love life keeps me on my toes. Great book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT36mfTmbR2N7gFcHeb_708BrP39QOSeEKsnuqkrFBTSxdlMXw0Ffk9iTqlJeSlWsYSBP2TbmpeaRHMBfU2UlfjcrxSAtkWOdnld86rNcRkc1MMR46ywP8iAK_G8g-6Teu0S1g5YcFkTU/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT36mfTmbR2N7gFcHeb_708BrP39QOSeEKsnuqkrFBTSxdlMXw0Ffk9iTqlJeSlWsYSBP2TbmpeaRHMBfU2UlfjcrxSAtkWOdnld86rNcRkc1MMR46ywP8iAK_G8g-6Teu0S1g5YcFkTU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252025%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1327554980239.2754" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="180" height="280"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I love love love Special K fruit crisps!! I can't even tell you how delicious these little things are. The only thing I hate... you only get five packages in a box. 10 boxes please!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-1WLp62XK-XeAQFaF6zxzr6pFPNG-Q2REo6gcSFScIo5JYk0JOyzU3Xslcwcf65dkXJHdEeWNIaDMKsRk6DUWzcdkW2ZeLHFQK13pVSNFSKW65ADxwTXSzKXnTX7-q03X3kDw8Wq1es/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-1WLp62XK-XeAQFaF6zxzr6pFPNG-Q2REo6gcSFScIo5JYk0JOyzU3Xslcwcf65dkXJHdEeWNIaDMKsRk6DUWzcdkW2ZeLHFQK13pVSNFSKW65ADxwTXSzKXnTX7-q03X3kDw8Wq1es/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252025%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1327554980284.8552" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="237" height="213"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">When I was searching for suitable stocking stuffers for my sister at Christmastime, I came across these little Nutella & Go packs. I got her a few and she raved about them. I bought some for myself the other day and GEEZ they are good! Not exactly on the lean side, but who cares? Nutella is close enough to peanut butter that it can pass as a smooth, chocolatey protein! And you get these scrumptious breadsticks to dip in the nutella... perfect!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55DhQ_6la34GOPg_RnilMyCxfOOtxRf4Aq-rSb-xL4YL1m0s9MJ3qdRb9Rls0DboDp15ZuNn_Q-nPSxkooWW5G58GYr5zgZ1XdyjZ2xRRK9yxR3m9o51KGTrPdOTzHSCf-jqlJMVPQhg/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55DhQ_6la34GOPg_RnilMyCxfOOtxRf4Aq-rSb-xL4YL1m0s9MJ3qdRb9Rls0DboDp15ZuNn_Q-nPSxkooWW5G58GYr5zgZ1XdyjZ2xRRK9yxR3m9o51KGTrPdOTzHSCf-jqlJMVPQhg/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1327554980285.4573" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Watching the Pioneer Woman's shows on the food network made me feel like I needed an enameled Dutch oven. She does everything in it! I knew I couldn't afford Le Creuset, so I went with the "just as good but much less expensive" Lodge version. It is wonderful! I love how it can go from stovetop to oven. It's also very easy to clean. It does weigh about the same as Madeley, but that doesn't really bother me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9Dj0vNxHEnsO9sOZzgXx5RRWVzTbH05vVcbs2A_k9YSOZe5EbNaDRBPqbAcn05VltXF5A_kAQ5SrzpT7JB3RuqjmqvyLj1hdlrz0WJ6sfWdh4OmYaH9XM6Ix3GtgHUpm6Uh4xNKyUtE/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9Dj0vNxHEnsO9sOZzgXx5RRWVzTbH05vVcbs2A_k9YSOZe5EbNaDRBPqbAcn05VltXF5A_kAQ5SrzpT7JB3RuqjmqvyLj1hdlrz0WJ6sfWdh4OmYaH9XM6Ix3GtgHUpm6Uh4xNKyUtE/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252023%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1327554980331.6345" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I came home to a very sweet surprise this afternoon. It seems that Derrick went shopping at Walmart today and decided to buy something for me as well. We have talked about me purchasing a new straightener, but I just haven't wanted to spend the money. Well, Derrick surprised me with a great straightener. I tested it out and I love it! The Helen of Troy (circa 2000) has been replaced! Thanks so much to my sweet husband for thinking of me!! Love him!</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGZG4-JN4jKrg1nbhMPL81rJ0u1d3k0kwweUifZ-fctty4R9SEKMZx5Mcyr6Qhk-zBbaeJkCFz8qRzByJyXFYnXWUPVtaNfXwfzZQEpuXt8li7dWFPXwfMVoZwk8i90DjpGWqTYTu1F8/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGZG4-JN4jKrg1nbhMPL81rJ0u1d3k0kwweUifZ-fctty4R9SEKMZx5Mcyr6Qhk-zBbaeJkCFz8qRzByJyXFYnXWUPVtaNfXwfzZQEpuXt8li7dWFPXwfMVoZwk8i90DjpGWqTYTu1F8/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252025%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1327554980271.7332" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;">And of course, I love my Madeley!!!!</p><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading!!</p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-41212675317756685282012-01-23T22:02:00.001-06:002012-01-23T22:02:36.098-06:00Sweet SongsAlong with reading books, we've been singing lots of songs lately. Really, I've been singing the songs... in an attempt to calm Madeley down during a fit. While she was in the bathtub tonight, she didn't want to get washed. So I started singing "This Little Light of Mine." I've sang it to her before, but this time she paid more attention. She decided to do all the motions with me. Then she decided to get in on the singing. When it was just her and me, she was <i>very</i> into the song. I got her ready to perform for Derrick, and she did well. When we decided to record her, she froze. She has no future in front of the camera... but she's still so so cute!<br /><br />(PLEASE excuse my singing!)<br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/GdHuXjT0wrw" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GdHuXjT0wrw" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdHuXjT0wrw"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/GdHuXjT0wrw/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br />Just a cute pic...<br /><br />Say cheese!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/23/3515.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/23/s_3515.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-31770953767165452912012-01-21T14:07:00.001-06:002012-01-21T14:07:03.426-06:00Technology<p> I have read several articles lately on children and technology. One of the articles discussed the time a toddler spends on an iPhone, iPod, or iPad. I can see that this may be a problem. Madeley sees me on my phone, and she wants it. She has her own apps, and she's successful with them. The same goes with the iPad. I can walk out of the room... she sees her chance... and she takes it. I come back and she's laid back in the recliner discovering all that the iPad can do. I've seen her accidentally do something and thought to myself... <i>I didn't know the iPad could do that.</i> While I still encourage her to play and read, I like the way the iPad exposes her to new ideas and knowledge. I do think it is important to limit her time with the technology... I don't want it to take away from her growing imagination and playtime. In a technology driven world, our kids are getting a huge head start though.</p><p> </p><p>The other article I read was on television. Once again, I see the issue. This has been a battle for years though. Parents have been trying to turn off the tv and push their kids outside ever since the things were invented. Lately, Madeley enjoys laying on mine and Derrick's bed while watching her favorite shows. I know the shows are educational. I mean, we don't let her watch Spongebob or anything, but there is still an underlying problem. I do not think Madeley is at risk of inactivity just yet, but tv-watching could become a bad habit... and eventually turn into inactivity. Also, while she's watching tv, she isn't interacting with us. Interaction helps increase her vocabulary and communication skills. It is nice that she isn't holding my leg and whining while I'm cooking dinner though. I probably shouldn't have admitted that. I know someone that isn't going to let her child watch television until he's two. This makes me feel bad. I've been letting Madeley watch television since she was 7 weeks old... oops. She's also been watching a portable DVD player in the car for an entire year... another oops. But she's a terrible car rider. I needed her to have a distraction!</p><p> </p><p>I sort of despise reading these types of articles two years into my parenting career. I can always set limitations, but I can't change the past. I guess I can keep the television off when the next kid comes... and never touch my phone. I could stand to put the phone down. It is a big time waster/distraction. I think kids learn bad habits from their parents, so I need to watch what I do. I would much rather Madeley see me reading a book then playing on my phone!</p><p> </p><p>How about you? Is your kid addicted to tv or technology?</p><p> </p><p> </p>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-86534798484149925412012-01-16T17:06:00.001-06:002012-01-16T17:06:42.343-06:00Learning<p> Since our students were out today, our district decided it would be a great opportunity to develop the professionals with a little professional development. You know, we all love those days. They can either be really good or really bad. We know within five minutes if we can happily stay all day or think about leaving all day. I am happy to say that today was fantastic. Not only did we laugh the entire time, but we learned the entire time as well. What more could we ask for? Donuts? They were there too! </p><p>Days like today remind me of how much I enjoy being taught. And not just being taught, but being taught by enthusiastic educators that know how to engage learners... which was really what the whole day was about. Engaging the learners. This is a seemingly impossible task. Sometimes I have no idea how to connect material to my students, and they don't care about my material if there isn't a connection. What I've recently realized is that there were many classes in high school and college that I cared nothing about. I did what it took to make the A, but I just didn't care past that. Well now that I am an adult, and I make connections to history, English, and science all the time, I am just dying to learn more. I'm dying to learn more about the courses I cared nothing about before. I beg Derrick to talk about the Revolutionary War with me, when I daydreamed in history before. I read books that were assigned to me in high school, when I just chose to read the Cliff's Notes before. I discuss leaf collection projects with my students, wishing I could search for my very own leaves and acorns. (Dorky, I know.) The truth is this... I am a mature learner now, and I just wasn't before. When teachers were feeding me information, I wasn't taking it. Now, I love learning more than ever, but I'm the one that has to do the teaching. I'm the one staring into blank faces wishing I could make a connection. Some connection.</p><p>The other day, a student said to me, "You know we would learn better if you paid us to be here." Oh really? A free education and good grades aren't enough incentive to "learn better?" I'm lost here. These kids actually think we should <i>pay </i>them?? I have got to figure out a way to connect the amazing material I learned today to the kids that want to be paid to learn. You know the only people that get paid to go to school are a select few amazing athletes... and even that is illegal. I learned that on an ESPN special about SMU back in the 80s. So sorry to let my students down, but I will not be paying them. I will be teaching my heart out though. I think every teacher dreams of making a positive impact, and I'm no different.</p><p>I hope today's consultant know's how impressive and successful he was. What a great day!!</p><p> </p>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-47416094554353449962012-01-14T13:53:00.001-06:002012-01-14T13:53:42.889-06:00Trying Twos<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">We have entered into a very significant phase... terrible twos. But I never ever want to call Madeley terrible, so I'm going to re-name the phase trying twos. These are some trying times in my life, so the name is very appropriate. I think I need to share a few tidbits of the last week with you.</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Dad pretty much let's Madeley do whatever she wants... even if that means rolling the inside of the house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg_TMK7mXDoqI38xpolwM-uCAq3hpdAvTUylCDiJJTk8uU-HEJmYeuTPABlwrz1Ogl96IPMxoJxwXeIUPhtsOhLjFSL5g4j-FDLZu_XGwKXF7g6Wx6dwTlQeTitQj7I-v4LZRLk9SFbE/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg_TMK7mXDoqI38xpolwM-uCAq3hpdAvTUylCDiJJTk8uU-HEJmYeuTPABlwrz1Ogl96IPMxoJxwXeIUPhtsOhLjFSL5g4j-FDLZu_XGwKXF7g6Wx6dwTlQeTitQj7I-v4LZRLk9SFbE/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1326570565533.0212" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I told her to smile, and of course she struck a pose. Can you guess who got to clean up this mess?</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhF2eBeNpDhzTK6G7gOyJExE_ABum2_ZZPt1MkGJj_a-ttdaOWDboTWOBpFLcs1LBvwa54UhK4PgLTn43TnC8V15f527KfuRVVoAv3-DK4zcjFPmrrLsZDRsR8tTGqWueBsTiy9PfBII/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhF2eBeNpDhzTK6G7gOyJExE_ABum2_ZZPt1MkGJj_a-ttdaOWDboTWOBpFLcs1LBvwa54UhK4PgLTn43TnC8V15f527KfuRVVoAv3-DK4zcjFPmrrLsZDRsR8tTGqWueBsTiy9PfBII/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1326570565500.9253" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I thought we could start potty training soon, but I'm beginning to think otherwise. About a month ago, Madeley used the big potty twice. She's also used the potty some at preschool. I just wanted to ATTEMPT this big transition. Think again Morgan. Madeley shows very few signs that she is ready for potty training, which means I'm really just pushing her into it. Everything I have read says not to push them. Madeley will still experience some slow downs because she was premature. It could be that the muscles that help her wait to potty aren't ready yet either. I will be patient. But... I'm sure you will enjoy a few potty stories.</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">The other night, we were at Dad's and I was on the phone with Jessica. We were talking about potty training and she said, "Brian and I used to put Caroline's potty chair in front of the tv. That way, she could play around it, sit on it, and get used to it. Have you tried that yet?"</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I said no, and she told me to move the chair to the living room. I did, but it wasn't five minutes until Madeley decided she didn't like it. She picked that chair up and took it right back to the bathroom where it belongs...</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6XsAUnZb0hiD5xqOnCbEddam3heRxvwUSvv-7SKycvxS_Ds36MSfTqunSRke6ksfzjZ9tIr93YBoyTmR6cpNZ0Sc9c7ABeYlL-469A11w8wnn4rJEJ4EEgLU0SVGXNHffi9Auzi-jQw/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6XsAUnZb0hiD5xqOnCbEddam3heRxvwUSvv-7SKycvxS_Ds36MSfTqunSRke6ksfzjZ9tIr93YBoyTmR6cpNZ0Sc9c7ABeYlL-469A11w8wnn4rJEJ4EEgLU0SVGXNHffi9Auzi-jQw/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1326570565569.6753" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">This may not be perfect blogging material, but if I'm going to share my life, I have to share this... pooping stories. Madeley has been pooping in the bath tub a lot lately and it really ranks in the <a href="http://dmwilsonblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/ocdast.html" target="_blank" title="">OCDAST</a> category of my life. I freak out every single time. She probably has no idea what's going on, so I have a hard time getting on to her for it. I just try to release my frustration by frantically scrubbing the tub. </p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Last night, I was still thinking about potty training, so Madeley and I spent about twenty minutes in the bathroom with no diaper. I thought she would eventually HAVE to use the bathroom. At one point, she picked up the potty and moved it closer to the door. She started to back up like she wanted to sit down on it. I went to pick her up to sit her on the toilet. At that second, and it only took a second, she pooped a lot... less than 2 inches from the potty. I thought, <i>oh man!!! </i>I guess I was happy she tried. It wasn't the perfect situation, but it was better than the bath tub full of water.</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Today, I fed Madeley oatmeal for breakfast, just like I do every Saturday morning. After getting her situated, I walked out of the room for just a minute. When I came back, I found this...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZBouHmPCskp-7E-u1e35u-k5_GrBBkRMhUn29lNl6eENNGJo3qH4KqVKKApOfX1_FRhkKHY766Vuhvdkuwiebfazy_Mu_gzZXnbjOJXJ0hhCB9ty9VCbW1cEB5MyufG3dKpnMG7g8Tw/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A56%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZBouHmPCskp-7E-u1e35u-k5_GrBBkRMhUn29lNl6eENNGJo3qH4KqVKKApOfX1_FRhkKHY766Vuhvdkuwiebfazy_Mu_gzZXnbjOJXJ0hhCB9ty9VCbW1cEB5MyufG3dKpnMG7g8Tw/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A56%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1326570565487.1233" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Notice that the oatmeal is EVERYWHERE. OCDAST... oatmeal mess. I took her straight to the bath tub so I could adequately clean her. Guess what happened in the tub... poop. This was all before 9:30 am. Happy Saturday! I think I may lose my mind!! </p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I do love my Madeley though... through messes and fits and poops. She's my baby!</p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Thanks for reading... I'm going to relax for just a minute while she naps.</p><p> </p>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-24552983377269148672012-01-08T22:54:00.001-06:002012-01-08T22:54:17.005-06:00Tough StuffI have thought all day about blogging. What should I talk about? What do I have to say today? Do I have anything important to say? Anything funny to say? To be honest, blogging is like writing an ongoing book. It takes time, thought, courage, and willingness for each post to come out like I want it to. I like to blog about my day, but nothing crazy happened today... except for a few emotional breakdowns. And Madeley cried a few times too. :)<div><br></div><div>Why the emotional breakdowns? I think Derrick's and my marriage is a roller coaster. As a couple, we are great. But drop us into a few major life changes, and all of a sudden we are in a whirlwind of despair. It may just be me, he usually seems very stable. A friend texted me a few days ago and said, "Your marriage is going to be so strong." Well, I sure hope so. I do know that God has chosen us to go through each circumstance to teach us something. Although each time, I never really know what he's teaching us. So I always get a little frustrated. Lately, I've tried to focus on the best part of losing a mother and mother-in-law. They are in heaven. I listened to an online sermon today over <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205&version=NIV" target="_blank" title="">2 Corinthians 5</a>... a wonderful passage. We all know death is unavoidable. As Christians, we are happy for each day God gives us, but still anxiously awaiting the day we meet him. Anxiously awaiting the day we are reunited with the people we love. Anxiously awaiting the day we step out of a sinful world and into a perfect one. The first verse of the passage says, "<i>For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we will have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.</i>" This is a promise of heaven. The perfect place that is waiting... where there is no pain, no sin, no struggle. </div><div><br></div><div>When I spoke at my mother's funeral, I quoted a line from The Little Mermaid. As King Triton watched his daughter leave to be with Eric, he knew she would be happy forever. But he said to Sebastian, "Well, I guess there's one problem left... How much I'm going to miss her."</div><div>That's how I feel right now, and I'm sure Derrick feels the same way. I can't be mad that our mom's are gone to live in the perfect splendor of the Lord, I just miss them.</div><div><br></div><div>I am so sorry to be such a downer, but I have to deal with grief somehow, and this seems to be my outlet. I got depressed after my mom was gone and I know it was because I wasn't opening myself up to others... and God. Well, I plan to be an open book now. And I must say thanks to my Dad for cooking me an amazing dinner. He does a good job taking care of me!</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for reading. I'll be happier tomorrow.</div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-53010085889182350632012-01-06T00:13:00.001-06:002012-01-06T00:26:05.245-06:00What I'm loving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I should SO be sleeping, but it's been bugging me that I didn't tell you what I was loving yesterday. I've missed several "What I'm loving Wednesdays" and I just feel like I need to get with it!! So even though it is Thursday night (almost Friday morning), here's what I'm loving...<br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I love love love my new Clarisonic skin cleaning system. Not sure why it's called a "system" because it's a brush, but it is an AMAZING brush. My dad got Jessica and I one for Christmas. I had never heard of it before... Jessica assured me that I would love it. And I do! I do! The brush spins 300 times a second. You read that right, 300 times in a second!! Crazy fast brush... making my skin soft, smooth, and just plain wonderful. I know my dad reads this blog, so... Thanks Dad for the amazing gift!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3KHPHubN7SbsF1jz1jJrqj-vmfBHbxRqN2sBO_F4zV-f4Ucqxh1aAeDR-qPoX1S8kjMu6OBOgtECvmG2i96QHtMM-zmJvtL2GsuhjRNF3C0dpSj1MUP1V9fQ6A-EfjjJNLV2eO0ysJQ/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3KHPHubN7SbsF1jz1jJrqj-vmfBHbxRqN2sBO_F4zV-f4Ucqxh1aAeDR-qPoX1S8kjMu6OBOgtECvmG2i96QHtMM-zmJvtL2GsuhjRNF3C0dpSj1MUP1V9fQ6A-EfjjJNLV2eO0ysJQ/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325831082780.7974" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I have been using a Chi blow dryer for about 3 or 4 years now. I remember that I received my first one in the parking lot of Canyon Grill, for my birthday. That one died, and I was able to use the warranty to get a new one. I used to think these blow dryers hung the moon. Blow drying my hair into a silky smooth healthy mane. Well, the one I have now started to slow down a few weeks ago. Blowing slower and slower and slower. I swear it took 45 minutes to completely blow dry my mop. It finally gave up Tuesday morning. I actually ended up meeting Derrick for lunch with wet hair. After lunch, I went over to Target and forced myself to purchase a cheap replacement. And thank the Lord I did!!! My new Conair Ion Shine ($21) is the best thing since I discovered straighteners!!! It's lightweight (I'm a wimp) and blow dries my hair in less than 7 minutes. I timed it. And I get silkier healthier hair than I did with the Chi. I was even on time to work today with straight hair!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAv-fnuvnUWQCyxP7De1L33zpxQgz66U_zVquvDReCEg64BB7iUXE6P3Zt-_yaXkYbitDKZOzXn0ozgShpe01O3KLwYS60t45a5QkX2-xQ-JspAX8mTC0da5Lt0vKCBWIL2Dl_9WBWTg/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAv-fnuvnUWQCyxP7De1L33zpxQgz66U_zVquvDReCEg64BB7iUXE6P3Zt-_yaXkYbitDKZOzXn0ozgShpe01O3KLwYS60t45a5QkX2-xQ-JspAX8mTC0da5Lt0vKCBWIL2Dl_9WBWTg/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325831082777.9724" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">This next love may make you cringe... just beware. When my mom got me a Chi straightener, I was completely surprised. They had just come out, several years ago, and I was shocked she spent the money. I loved the straightener and used it every day. In the meantime, she started thinking that maybe she needed to be straightening her hair as well. She had really short hair and I tried to explain to her that it was quite unnecessary for her to straighten, but she didn't listen. She didn't want to purchase herself a Chi, so she bought a Walmart one. Not necessarily as great of a purchase as the blow dryer I just bought. Actually, her straightener wasn't worth jack. So she kind of forgot about it for a little bit... Until one day, when she came home with the Helen of Troy straightener. Now, if you know your straighteners, you know this is a Sally's step-down from a Chi, but it can work. The bad part is that she got it from the lost and found at school. Icky!! "Mom, are you really going to use that?!?!" Even after my attempt to convince her of the possible lice, she proceeded to use it. (I guess lice can't really live on hot metal, but still.) Of course, it was a wide straightener, so it did nothing to help her style. It ended up in a drawer. Now jump to present day... my wonderful Chi straightener died at the beginning of the summer. Since we didn't have the funds to run out and replace it, guess where I ended up... my mom's old bathroom looking for the Helen of Troy! I figure after several years, anything left from the unknown previous owner is gone now. This straightener is safe to use, right? And I love it that I'm eating my words after telling my mom never to use that thing. Lesson... even the cheap stuff works good, and so does the stuff stolen from lost and found!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQJzCjJoT66-SFFPAmgztF9J7qYX3t4oC5dWhB1QPXA8ZH8jDA6A-LWUQ5MzNV5F3SKc1_RR6WZPuEUb4gj5HCTU3PnK7FF0zqbhkUB_JxUt4F95Cnt1mSsLny4FV5n539J_J5Up2vmM/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQJzCjJoT66-SFFPAmgztF9J7qYX3t4oC5dWhB1QPXA8ZH8jDA6A-LWUQ5MzNV5F3SKc1_RR6WZPuEUb4gj5HCTU3PnK7FF0zqbhkUB_JxUt4F95Cnt1mSsLny4FV5n539J_J5Up2vmM/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325831082806.7007" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I love my new boots! They are just the right color to go with anything. Watch out, I'll probably wear them everywhere I go for the next two months or longer!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx8bMXNVHKHT6L3bkDa2CuJhUeVt7JrKiQo-NZl7Jlq0mmgwqXaDM2AaV_dttl3gXKDOW351NqPINUMRrLIEqPdqmFpQWZ6tbETPulq8GLtnuHe0h654OCLrvlE1HtlERMiVkewK4wRU/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx8bMXNVHKHT6L3bkDa2CuJhUeVt7JrKiQo-NZl7Jlq0mmgwqXaDM2AaV_dttl3gXKDOW351NqPINUMRrLIEqPdqmFpQWZ6tbETPulq8GLtnuHe0h654OCLrvlE1HtlERMiVkewK4wRU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525203%25252C%2525202012%2525202%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325831082805.2878" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="373" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I'm loving that Derrick let me off the hook tonight. We picked up pizza and then I laid down on the couch. I quickly fell asleep, rough day back, and he took care of Madeley. It was so nice to rest, but I was happy to wake up just in time to read her a book and tuck her in bed. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">So tonight, I'm loving my sweet little family with all my heart! Thanks Derrick for being great!!</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wYWiRgW3qPxRzVjDAPmPoedy1PEpsf46F91-O0P86uY2KNssfSc0v6nb_sImPNH2FpnrNTM418xIRqu2YljGbGSaGyRy-uE-GSO8WeOm1Myhkp97bi7J0j154fMjqJ7cx7K8Elc3nN8/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wYWiRgW3qPxRzVjDAPmPoedy1PEpsf46F91-O0P86uY2KNssfSc0v6nb_sImPNH2FpnrNTM418xIRqu2YljGbGSaGyRy-uE-GSO8WeOm1Myhkp97bi7J0j154fMjqJ7cx7K8Elc3nN8/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%2525202011%25252012%25253A03%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325831082776.9014" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><div><br></div><div>And thank you for reading!</div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-69217975512473287442012-01-03T09:51:00.001-06:002012-01-03T09:51:42.321-06:00Unquestionable Character<div>I am working through a devotional series called Unquestionable Character. It's actually found within a Bible app on my iPhone/iPad, which makes it very accessible. So if you have one of those two devices, you should look into that app. There are several different devotional series and surely one to fit you!</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway... Unquestionable Character... tough subject. Character is one of the most important aspects of being a true Christian, in my opinion. I remember a Tommy Nelson study we did in my singles group called A Life Well Lived. It was an eye opener for me. First of all, Tommy Nelson is a magnificent teacher. I always related well to his sermons. When he spoke about character, and what God wanted for us as Christians, it just stirred up the Holy Spirit inside me. It gave me a strong desire to seek the character God wanted me to have. You know, be the Christian behind closed doors that you are in public and at church. I know there are few out there that actually have this quality. But that doesn't mean that we can't all work toward it.</div><div><br></div><div>What caught my eye today was this passage...</div><div><br></div><div>2 Timothy 3:1-5</div><i><div><i><br></i></div>But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> </span>People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, <font class="Apple-style-span" size="4">treacherous</font>, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.</i><div><i><br></i></div><div>Wow. Doesn't that sound a lot like today's world. People immediately start popping in my mind when I read that list... which is so judgmental and sinful of me... I need to remember that that list could easily be describing me!! We are all sinful, and we can all find ourselves somewhere in that verse. If we work toward the unquestionalable character God would have for us, we will find ourselves further and further from that list. </div><div><br></div><div>The most interesting part to me is the last verse. <i>Have nothing to do with such people. </i>As Christians, we know surrounding ourselves with people that are satisfied in their sin will cause us to fall into sin as well. There is a big difference in reaching out to non-Christians and dwelling with non-Christians. In that last verse, Paul is warning us about the dangers of dwelling with people that will pull us into sin. As I think about this, it reminds me so much of lessons and sermons I heard when I was in high school and college. Those were the days that we were essentially picking and choosing friends. Now it doesn't seem like such an issue... sometimes I feel like I have like 5 friends, and they're all Christians. But the truth is, I have friends that are strong Christians, and are willing to pull me up and ask me the tough questions. "Why haven't you been to church?" "Have you prayed about it?" Sometimes I'm not even that friend... maybe I'm never that friend. But I want to be. And those are the ones to surround ourselves with.</div><div><br></div><div>Sorry to get preachy, but sometimes Bible passages make me feel like the end of the world could be tomorrow... or this year (ha ha Myans). I know the Bible says, "<i>No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.</i>"<i> </i> Heck, if Jesus doesn't even know when the world will end, you KNOW the Myans don't know!! But still, it does look a lot like the end of times when we look around, so we better get our stuff together.</div><div><br></div><div>....................................................</div><div><br></div><div>Let's talk a little bit about those <a href="http://dmwilsonblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/resolutions.html" target="_blank" title="">resolutions</a>... I drank a Dr. Pepper last night. I totally talked myself into it because I was sick all day. I thought my wimpy body deserved it. (Broken resolution #1, if you count Dr. Pepper in the "coke" category.)</div><div>It's day 3 of the new year and I have yet to perform any physical activity past getting up a million times to blow my nose (why don't I just move the toilet paper closer to me? I do not know.). But I am going to the mall today, so let's just say I plan on mall walking from one end to the other. (No exercise counts as broken resolution #2.)</div><div>I did half way clean part of the house yesterday. Ha ha, half-way-part-of sounds like I didn't clean a darn thing, but I'm going to say I cleaned!</div><div>After reading this blog, I think you can tell that I'm attempting to work on resolution #5.</div><div>As for being a "fun mom"... you'll have to ask Madeley. But, I did read a lot of books yesterday, which is all she really wants anyway.</div><div><br></div><div>.......................................................</div><div><br></div><div>And I would just LOVE to trash talk The Bachelor with you, but I don't think it really follows with the theme of this blog post, ha ha. I will say this though... he kept Jenna. Whew, what was he thinking???</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for reading!!!</div><div><br></div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-19703778684348874272012-01-01T23:35:00.001-06:002012-01-02T13:15:09.292-06:00Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Well, I guess I'll make some New Year's resolutions. I don't usually do this, but I also didn't used to have blog readers to keep me accountable. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I'm going to start with the light-hearted ones...</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">1. Stop drinking cokes, no wait... why would I do that to myself? It seems so unfair and impossible. There is literally an argument going on inside me as we speak. "<i>You do not need to drink a coke every day. You need to stop drinking them altogether.</i>" ... "<i>But I LOVE COKES!! I think I need them to survive!</i>"</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Since I don't really want to pack on the pounds, and I do not want to drink diet cokes, then the logical choice is to cut back. No pick-me-up cokes at 3:30 every day. But I will just have to make a few exceptions... for my sanity.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Times it is okay to drink a coke:</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><ul><li>When someone hands me a coke because they can see IT in my eyes. (IT being my need for a coke)</li><li>When I eat pizza or mexican.</li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">When a glass bottle coke is available within a 5 mile radius.</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">So that may not leave many no-coke days, but the idea is to cut back, right? I LOVE COCA-COLA!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">2. Exercise, or something like it. Move my body. You know, get up more frequently than normal. I am so not the exerciser type. There was one summer that I ran, but I had an amazing coach. I don't know where she is now. And Audra (great runner) just calls me to walk. I see how it is. She thinks I can't run. Well, I've got news for her... I got new shoes!! Look out! I'm going to exercise... or something like it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">3. Keep my house tidy. This is a huge chore, but I think I'm up for it. I decided about 4 months ago that I would do better with laundry, and I have. I'm not great, just better, but I made a plan and stuck to it. I can do the same with the whole house. I can be a clean freak. I can be a clean freak. I can be a clean freak. I am going to stop typing this, but keep saying it in my head and hope it works.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">4. Make more "fun mom" plans with Madeley. My friend Tara is great at this, and she is a wonderful influence on me. The bottom line is this... I don't want to look back and remember playing on an iPhone/iPad instead of playing with my daughter. It's just not right. We all know that, but it is so easy to get caught up in technology. I won't do it. Madeley is actually just getting to a good age for me to make plans and do things. I look forward to the fun times we'll have together.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">5. This may be at the bottom of the list, but that doesn't mean that it is the bottom of my list of priorities. I need to strengthen my relationship with God. I look around and think... <i>Where did it go? </i> My relationship with the Lord hasn't been the same since my mom passed away. I pray I wasn't holding a grudge against God, because I want to understand Him better than that. But I really think I have been changing a lot. And things in your life just don't stay the same when you're changing. I know He understands, and I know we will work it out. I'm just officially putting it on the list. That means more prayer, more study, more quiet time, and more church. My church seems so foreign to me right now. There have been many changes, and I have been so removed that it doesn't seem like home anymore. But I know that everyone there loves me and my family, so it won't be hard to find our place again. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Well, that's it! That's my list. It probably looks like 99% of the rest of the world's, but that's okay. It means a lot to me. What's on your list?</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">For my non-Facebook friends and family. Here are my favorite pictures of Madeley from this week...</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Sweetest smile ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRCtrbsxMFVXr0f3tDhaVVSB_RK8toJCOJqKY13kkQnoCrTjJ4BEypiEnE5kAIDT_YFy_6ZRDqiqVh-1CxUwcbynQV7Y4w0n6gzd-xPyNIXobryWDo8CZgf_9UHdNkxv8RpRc_j3x3sc/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRCtrbsxMFVXr0f3tDhaVVSB_RK8toJCOJqKY13kkQnoCrTjJ4BEypiEnE5kAIDT_YFy_6ZRDqiqVh-1CxUwcbynQV7Y4w0n6gzd-xPyNIXobryWDo8CZgf_9UHdNkxv8RpRc_j3x3sc/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252028%25252C%2525202011%25252011%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325531517810.1638" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="382" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Book worm...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke4PbUY4KTDeP5z7c8qFrPVya9-MFwcBY3PC4qPSMmKRXsjmyEmQG6SuSOGR6xg01PexLI8kXzbu_R4NM327y0GuYf9j7mKviTVKukCFt8dSl8Sk0J2BzPSG676h-tgxjk04-1O304BQ/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke4PbUY4KTDeP5z7c8qFrPVya9-MFwcBY3PC4qPSMmKRXsjmyEmQG6SuSOGR6xg01PexLI8kXzbu_R4NM327y0GuYf9j7mKviTVKukCFt8dSl8Sk0J2BzPSG676h-tgxjk04-1O304BQ/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525201%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325531517907.2642" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Happy New Year!!!!</div><div><br></div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-55427006020792803432011-12-30T14:00:00.001-06:002011-12-30T14:44:47.630-06:00OCDAST<div>I think I have OCDAST... in other words, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder About Some Things. Like I'm not obsessive about all things, just some things. For instance, I go crazy if my sheets aren't straight and pulled tight. I fall apart if my desks at school aren't straight. But other things don't bother me as much, like 12 jackets thrown over the back of my love seat. I should probably be embarrassed to type that out loud.</div><div><br></div><div>If any of you know me very well, you know it's typical of me to chase Madeley around with a wet rag. While constantly cleaning her hands and face, I'm also fixing her hair and whatever else needs fixing. I don't know why, but this area is one of the "some things" I obsess over. I hang around her high chair just waiting to help her eat or clean her up! This morning, she actually told me to go, ha ha. She did not want any help with her oatmeal!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3uXYey3EJCcDBYeae5jH1IS1HHXTGJ6Fu19f9KAXAQUGZl_jTznq19M6u7ut8epk5r20CWLA9fGkH9S0ybNnJkJFkTsewrjgQbfH0Oo73Gkpzh7wHY0w4niDLGbic0dnLcBlczmq9RQ/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202011%2525209%25253A15%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3uXYey3EJCcDBYeae5jH1IS1HHXTGJ6Fu19f9KAXAQUGZl_jTznq19M6u7ut8epk5r20CWLA9fGkH9S0ybNnJkJFkTsewrjgQbfH0Oo73Gkpzh7wHY0w4niDLGbic0dnLcBlczmq9RQ/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202011%2525209%25253A15%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325277860744.9988" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I just wanted to <i>help </i>her eat the oatmeal... aka make sure she didn't get it everywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Then later, I had a ham, egg, and cheese biscuit that she literally stole from me. Every bite stressed me out. It was messy and greasy and not made for kids!</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPynVhB7Hddi0xuHd5p3kjkKvnHevYZc8sU4r-ZrD9MOHGfd5crbnMz-xU9p3_KFDQpmsFWttCMfdCEuRzrnHh7RIlqM7jFFJrdOqME1Ucn14uAle8Z6me14kKh0R7fOM5s01du4_PSI/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPynVhB7Hddi0xuHd5p3kjkKvnHevYZc8sU4r-ZrD9MOHGfd5crbnMz-xU9p3_KFDQpmsFWttCMfdCEuRzrnHh7RIlqM7jFFJrdOqME1Ucn14uAle8Z6me14kKh0R7fOM5s01du4_PSI/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202011%25252010%25253A16%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325277860776.1387" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0CFZimfqjZ4_k0jZUS9YNG2cRiAiWSLx7xbA7EwEDHHjtSBuEK6Prtj1-4YYuHjTcgxN_Gz-eg06id_iIuDHLi9L_LE_Kg5hDZDeVvhXSOC29uPIFgvcibLWZO7qt3q5zA0flZujTP0/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0CFZimfqjZ4_k0jZUS9YNG2cRiAiWSLx7xbA7EwEDHHjtSBuEK6Prtj1-4YYuHjTcgxN_Gz-eg06id_iIuDHLi9L_LE_Kg5hDZDeVvhXSOC29uPIFgvcibLWZO7qt3q5zA0flZujTP0/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252030%25252C%2525202011%25252010%25253A16%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325277860823.1018" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I think she's actually hugging it in that last pic. Goodness, I wanted to crawl out of my skin! This is obviously something I'm going to have to work on. I realize that. But it's just funny that not every mess bothers me.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">When we were at Rebekah's house earlier this week, a friend watched as I chased and cleaned Madeley every step of the way. At one point, I said to Madeley, "Push your hair out of your face, baby." Of course she did (great at following directions). The onlooking friend then said, "Wow... I bet your house is spotless. Isn't it? Because you're like OCD!" Rebekah laughed out loud!!!! (She's seen my house at its best.) I simply replied, "Not quite. I'm not OCD about all things... just some things."</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">When it comes to cleaning, I probably need to attempt to be OCD. Ha ha.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-72715314457091183692011-12-28T13:32:00.001-06:002011-12-28T13:32:00.445-06:00Lost?<div>My friend Susan just posted this to her Facebook page:</div><div>"Almost cried with a lost toddler in the middle of Target. I've never really seen such real fear in a little persons eyes as was in that little girl looking for her mommy. FYI: the mom was found but had no idea the child was lost. Umm you have to pay attention especially with toddlers! Just sayin!"</div><div><br></div><div><i>Really??? </i>Thank goodness for Susan and anyone else that was there to help. Susan said the little girl described her mother perfectly... seems like she was paying more attention than the mom. I get freaked out if I lose sight of Madeley at the family Christmas party, much less Target!!! I was behind her every step of the way at The Wonder Place. I may be an overprotective mother, but I would rather be that than a nonchalant one. I feel bad for the mom, and I'm sure she was pretty upset with herself. Sometimes parents need a wake-up call to remind us of what is most important.</div><div><br></div><div>Now... slight change of subject. I used to intentionally get lost in our tiny Walmart when I was a child. Then I would scurry to customer service and have them page my mother. "Attention Carol Balwanz... Your daughter is lost and has come to the front desk. Attention Carol Balwanz... Please come to the front desk." When she would arrive, it would be all she could do not to whip me in front of the entire store. But that didn't stop me from doing it again. And I distinctly remember a few times when she had to page me as well. She would get to the front of the store, ready to check out, and I would be no where to be found. "Attention Morgan Balwanz. Please meet your mother at the front of the store." I am laughing, but that story sounds a lot like the one I started with. I can assure you though, I was at least six years old and it was different back then. Small town, small store. But my mom still wanted to beat me, just the same. And when I say beat, I just mean a regular old spanking!</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for reading!!</div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-37228975944166276792011-12-27T20:40:00.001-06:002011-12-27T20:40:44.991-06:00Girls Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Madeley and I had a wonderful girls day today! We headed out early this morning for The Wonder Place. </div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">She's making her "mad face."</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil76WrW99_CelU2cWj4Spsb9hfReOSpZdttwkTEXx03jBrs9ID0f0wUDhjPkjZ0taHYkz5H6fEypsms_mDjB2yP-bAqwoOgL5X4J6i1n1rO3reiUTAJ1qsH3u9z6HRl70nP-NUQflprJY/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil76WrW99_CelU2cWj4Spsb9hfReOSpZdttwkTEXx03jBrs9ID0f0wUDhjPkjZ0taHYkz5H6fEypsms_mDjB2yP-bAqwoOgL5X4J6i1n1rO3reiUTAJ1qsH3u9z6HRl70nP-NUQflprJY/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%25252010%25253A01%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420478.8186" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">We met my friend, Tara, and her daughter, Lola. We've had these plans for a long time and finally made it happen today. The Wonder Place is a great, creative place for children to play. Now, here's one of the hardest part of me being a blogging mom... Madeley does not want her picture taken. She literally runs from the camera screaming, "No!!" So I end up with 15 pictures of the back of her head and one blurry one of her face. I'm not joking... you should see my camera role. Anyhow, these are the best I could get.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhQ8VUhLvbFjR99ydUmd2TqDJtxfdcon8KYc24fDX8TwEKYXMkIumSdsjvr6aKZMrCoU_IS2_sYufIC7oJAlFhLAvb8EIsXhKq95zzg1y9g23u45Eb21b0sLwasjbQLlehgQlWj2vCQ0/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhQ8VUhLvbFjR99ydUmd2TqDJtxfdcon8KYc24fDX8TwEKYXMkIumSdsjvr6aKZMrCoU_IS2_sYufIC7oJAlFhLAvb8EIsXhKq95zzg1y9g23u45Eb21b0sLwasjbQLlehgQlWj2vCQ0/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%25252011%25253A09%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420422.06" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">It didn't take her long to find the books. All she wants to do is read!!!</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPCWtZ6hK_-NwdsQy18ON5N-LlyeUw8QGg0roGqUWOJ4xFND044w8xzpIU4L7-h5ii2IT85J8K1hhO-QqKR6jxdb9UKfOVNK4VZjCEG5s8KizzKrGGYJhQHbhn4eVrLAqZtJeCwfYPUI/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPCWtZ6hK_-NwdsQy18ON5N-LlyeUw8QGg0roGqUWOJ4xFND044w8xzpIU4L7-h5ii2IT85J8K1hhO-QqKR6jxdb9UKfOVNK4VZjCEG5s8KizzKrGGYJhQHbhn4eVrLAqZtJeCwfYPUI/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%25252011%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420445.4192" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">After playing, we headed to US Pizza!! Lola is such a big girl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5nuePbqJR6viPsgWGlClk8RGBMIRhCaxRD0GxXFSouF5yqfawZiIOzmGvoYQI74SFZpuhF6wQYscuHskJYc3VghR23QpPfxRcPsWty6HNo8RT1MBX57Bea75d9Ub3tPs4H8U5wohpzs/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5nuePbqJR6viPsgWGlClk8RGBMIRhCaxRD0GxXFSouF5yqfawZiIOzmGvoYQI74SFZpuhF6wQYscuHskJYc3VghR23QpPfxRcPsWty6HNo8RT1MBX57Bea75d9Ub3tPs4H8U5wohpzs/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%2525208%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420409.9465" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Madeley made a big mess, stressing me out... but she ate well, so I was happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoqbB8eMhwoI5kRUfjGMuHNnadDN7RjXzSfIi6sx7i8fZQ8FK1cYmIjpIVOxvyfAWoX7liQPHB0V2ROa6dG_B9ApY0Tm9_CMEpo5G2tMSqoM8sMWlMpFhUk5r9kJX27s73iq3hYm7iuA/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoqbB8eMhwoI5kRUfjGMuHNnadDN7RjXzSfIi6sx7i8fZQ8FK1cYmIjpIVOxvyfAWoX7liQPHB0V2ROa6dG_B9ApY0Tm9_CMEpo5G2tMSqoM8sMWlMpFhUk5r9kJX27s73iq3hYm7iuA/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%25252012%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420442.2268" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">To end the day, we went to Barnes and Noble to read some books. Since Madeley loves to read, I had this specific event planned out in my head. I just <i>knew</i> we would sit and read book after book after book and have an enjoyable time. Ha ha. That <i>did not </i>happen. Instead, Madeley ran from shelf to shelf, grabbing books, dropping books, taking books. Agh. Tara had to tell me everything would be okay. Once Madeley calmed down from the excitement of all the books, we did have fun. We read and played and looked around. Now this is funny... I told her we could pick out a few books to buy. So when she finally found the one she wanted, she wanted all four copies of the same book. I literally had to pry two of the books from her hands. Then I hid the third one and bought the fourth one. Don't worry... I told a worker where I put it. It was actually just on a high shelf that Madeley couldn't reach. I am so happy with the books we picked out, and I know she is too!</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6AkGAOwmZF-4FJIlyzgmLf7Pmo9TrGvOQGUBxYkZ_Pdub6oBvNmRqwTu_v-fSn2UdLOsJGKGTUpd7e5FkhCY3lKOGTmFXYu9B_zmsbtPFPZbA9FKAfJkMv8lI57jZ2Qb709SaQ0G0rI/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6AkGAOwmZF-4FJIlyzgmLf7Pmo9TrGvOQGUBxYkZ_Pdub6oBvNmRqwTu_v-fSn2UdLOsJGKGTUpd7e5FkhCY3lKOGTmFXYu9B_zmsbtPFPZbA9FKAfJkMv8lI57jZ2Qb709SaQ0G0rI/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%2525201%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420475.29" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjb6inEMtLfk_-B6mcTp77acRqcTvzhgvIpxkTInQHIJNReNpH9RIALtMeZjrro6VdNdyewOcMNNEtl-gHhvGpzGo7dd4_PZFmuhCOgYsYQfFU9QFt1Wz3XlSmva8NYpfSK_irzNi0-8/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjb6inEMtLfk_-B6mcTp77acRqcTvzhgvIpxkTInQHIJNReNpH9RIALtMeZjrro6VdNdyewOcMNNEtl-gHhvGpzGo7dd4_PZFmuhCOgYsYQfFU9QFt1Wz3XlSmva8NYpfSK_irzNi0-8/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%2525201%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420502.006" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">She did not even fall asleep on the way home. She just acted silly and talked the whole time. We played until she about crashed at 7, still begging me to read her more books.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7cKzuG2c_kgrWv9Z04TthW2Zwu1MiwKVkhX2AEqB_hnJ19_5GpEFlFyO6Bj9RLHBtTBGMMi5xAg2nZ4sAa4yH0ZxG_QtPuta5nwdAHWwXM_Eo5nLeunqECX_VDLZbJVOCSWYgzofbGk/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7cKzuG2c_kgrWv9Z04TthW2Zwu1MiwKVkhX2AEqB_hnJ19_5GpEFlFyO6Bj9RLHBtTBGMMi5xAg2nZ4sAa4yH0ZxG_QtPuta5nwdAHWwXM_Eo5nLeunqECX_VDLZbJVOCSWYgzofbGk/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%2525202%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420413.645" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="383" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Good news... Derrick got me an iPad for Christmas!! I blogged on it yesterday and today. It takes some getting used to, but I already love it!!! Thanks for a wonderful gift Derrick!!</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">So the iPad has an app called Photo Booth. It takes all kinds of silly pictures. Derrick and Madeley played on it today... she looks like a cartoon character.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE4-t_Qh9fRGaXV-DuCBtwwDJ72heY577DB13CoqMnazZNWMYpgFp3SBKR5xD9TEQawxQ0M_vxjAGqCqvILciHNGxSus9vpiclMfi-EtLKcwPu6adGJLSbI_f5Ul4R-oFSc0vCZKSRDo/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE4-t_Qh9fRGaXV-DuCBtwwDJ72heY577DB13CoqMnazZNWMYpgFp3SBKR5xD9TEQawxQ0M_vxjAGqCqvILciHNGxSus9vpiclMfi-EtLKcwPu6adGJLSbI_f5Ul4R-oFSc0vCZKSRDo/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%2525204%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420449.2083" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">On this next picture, he asked her where her head was. She got very confused, ha ha!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxGbbld9uioRwBgryB1TmeyyeUUBhHp7X3bjCEE2xWMS9rW0HA_WfGaXMBpkgTax5p0wBnwRLyahuZYJeDxAHUa_92L6NggWOzZC7YbqaU7FfBOaZehJ0n8KaAt61d48Sz08Agk8d4Ag/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxGbbld9uioRwBgryB1TmeyyeUUBhHp7X3bjCEE2xWMS9rW0HA_WfGaXMBpkgTax5p0wBnwRLyahuZYJeDxAHUa_92L6NggWOzZC7YbqaU7FfBOaZehJ0n8KaAt61d48Sz08Agk8d4Ag/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252027%25252C%2525202011%2525204%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325038420436.1782" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for reading!!</div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-91732432847881284172011-12-26T21:19:00.002-06:002012-01-01T23:39:50.576-06:00I've missed you.<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">Hi. My name is Morgan. It has been 50 days since my last blog.<br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">Many of you have told me that you miss the blog, the stories, and the pictures of Madeley. Well, I guess I have too. Life just got very hard, and the easiest thing to cut out was the blog. I felt relieved not to think about it each night. But I must remember my reason for blogging in the first place... Madeley. I have never kept a scrapbook (not that kind of person), so the blog is my scrapbook. Funny stories, adorable pictures, hardships of all kinds... I want to share them. So here we go...<br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">In the past 50 days, you have missed a lot with us.</font></span></div><div style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">Thanksgiving</font></div></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeAnSM0jHui6oT6pbL-c8EHFRc-iebamPcTuQdLumVmAcwvDMTajr-Ne9mymwrxk7xbx7X7gPLvUB8w5rVxNQOh2Bl9xW4TTJ8mxxbj4oWTSgTasYGLLIHqEjSYmgxWRj6hR1Yag-7sk/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeAnSM0jHui6oT6pbL-c8EHFRc-iebamPcTuQdLumVmAcwvDMTajr-Ne9mymwrxk7xbx7X7gPLvUB8w5rVxNQOh2Bl9xW4TTJ8mxxbj4oWTSgTasYGLLIHqEjSYmgxWRj6hR1Yag-7sk/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252024%25252C%2525202011%2525207%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752937.0776" class="aligncenter" width="382" height="512" alt=""></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">Derrick's 32nd Birthday</font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabH6l5WcAUh0KnLL11-3xIdkseLbvU__iu1J_Bi5NiPUoxd8KURDijP8I-kTMdWIHh5jAF_yHYXmRsHNNDzmCt6NmSbvKA6iymDYvJg8EkydBDgI_BEQBNiCim4aemFvlMz1WAgecv5I/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabH6l5WcAUh0KnLL11-3xIdkseLbvU__iu1J_Bi5NiPUoxd8KURDijP8I-kTMdWIHh5jAF_yHYXmRsHNNDzmCt6NmSbvKA6iymDYvJg8EkydBDgI_BEQBNiCim4aemFvlMz1WAgecv5I/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%2525202011%25252010%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752877.6853" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="496" alt=""></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">Christmas</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqpdveekVfSk7OrNr05y421wyUePbz_eiGKXFQtqdzt0hPrbu3fMCXinalgj0uady-qUx56-jV9xzMAPH87AS_IOvmTdHYDFknf99Fvjms3_du4EFXE2FNhpBjq27iobouYeVLTu7gSY/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqpdveekVfSk7OrNr05y421wyUePbz_eiGKXFQtqdzt0hPrbu3fMCXinalgj0uady-qUx56-jV9xzMAPH87AS_IOvmTdHYDFknf99Fvjms3_du4EFXE2FNhpBjq27iobouYeVLTu7gSY/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525209%25252C%2525202011%25252012%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752893.811" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">I'm pretty sure that Keep and Teach cropped Madeley into this next picture with Santa. It's quite possible that she refused to sit in his lap, leaving them helpless in taking an adorable picture. She repeatedly told me she did not want Santa to visit her on Christmas Eve... even if he was bringing toys.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopelt5LUZzWWrVDVlYWGZon3kNXW6qjdAesGfS3SBvIiktHm-3KXwzhU-4Wgp58wA5rzDk6FTzXYevagbog70qkLaH8QXEYkCE1rXW5wy0n9oHuK1XL-I2cJo3zQEbF_FF-Tfp4O5qD0/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopelt5LUZzWWrVDVlYWGZon3kNXW6qjdAesGfS3SBvIiktHm-3KXwzhU-4Wgp58wA5rzDk6FTzXYevagbog70qkLaH8QXEYkCE1rXW5wy0n9oHuK1XL-I2cJo3zQEbF_FF-Tfp4O5qD0/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252022%25252C%2525202011%2525204%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752925.2488" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB89x-xkSp7swTuP2xdf6GXPVH8zQTUN3WKrwxck1duhkCVgXr1gX4Dk3Sr2QDT00klaf7Ky_7aySnFzoVhFF27rCnxN4sl-HH_TJkGfOyX6xrmtBSm57aHDLxRlJyKFGFRGIm22QVtJ8/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB89x-xkSp7swTuP2xdf6GXPVH8zQTUN3WKrwxck1duhkCVgXr1gX4Dk3Sr2QDT00klaf7Ky_7aySnFzoVhFF27rCnxN4sl-HH_TJkGfOyX6xrmtBSm57aHDLxRlJyKFGFRGIm22QVtJ8/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525204%25252C%2525202011%2525209%25253A19%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752929.7737" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></a></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tUSnXR-Rb3SCAT8H_CLCvq5LJWZ8LxiopdalX-xmH7UYpF-zBNlACh6boZPvEIMYwSkNWOi7UuKUDStf53XbGp7WtBZjVHiPDgtxg4AM2zs7fitsE6qgdE3ebgtYZaCm4N1TSosYKMI/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tUSnXR-Rb3SCAT8H_CLCvq5LJWZ8LxiopdalX-xmH7UYpF-zBNlACh6boZPvEIMYwSkNWOi7UuKUDStf53XbGp7WtBZjVHiPDgtxg4AM2zs7fitsE6qgdE3ebgtYZaCm4N1TSosYKMI/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252024%25252C%2525202011%2525205%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752864.9624" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vFQdczKQ-gnF8qRhfp1bNuQdkioAjkDFGIimONT5ncOzkchcesuLD6Bnj0ImxWUWRDjOW6UHomI7akTve3QvS5FEd3L5HAhhyphenhyphenfPCjIBiF6kNm6G_omGu7Bdhnk4l-kr-3xY8Ut01oAU/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vFQdczKQ-gnF8qRhfp1bNuQdkioAjkDFGIimONT5ncOzkchcesuLD6Bnj0ImxWUWRDjOW6UHomI7akTve3QvS5FEd3L5HAhhyphenhyphenfPCjIBiF6kNm6G_omGu7Bdhnk4l-kr-3xY8Ut01oAU/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%2525202011%2525209%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752868.839" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">Christmas went very well, but not without some hardships. Many of you know that Derrick's mother passed away the day before his birthday. She'd probably be telling not to blog about her if she could, but I must. She was a wonderful woman that fought a good fight against cancer. And we did at one point think she was cancer-free, but it didn't last long. Once the doctor gave us a timeline, we started spending as much time as we could with her. And she started eating as many chocolate covered covered pecans and soft peppermints as she could. She also fed Madeley enough of those peppermints to make up for the years she'll miss. We had Christmas early in anticipation of what would come. When I told her thank you for the shoes she got me, she replied, " You're welcome. You boys sure are hard to buy for!" She definitely gave us some laughs. </font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">One thing that continues to stand out to me is this...</font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">As she faced death, I know she must have been scared, not ready to leave. When she went to the alter at church, she did not pray for healing. Instead, she prayed that her heart would be ready to meet the Lord. I know the Lord must have granted her request and welcomed her with open arms to heaven. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMU00GXyTg-vCFYMo9ieA-LTXbYKZ0UOc7QX52y73Ia37jz_8soHZIG9JktKT_avFd8EQfwHkKsh4rpF_VJOoJKIo5iMx6p7eSCG0Iwvk2OJIxjc_Dsc1WeLufgvH8dIJayNWdwJQB_s/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMU00GXyTg-vCFYMo9ieA-LTXbYKZ0UOc7QX52y73Ia37jz_8soHZIG9JktKT_avFd8EQfwHkKsh4rpF_VJOoJKIo5iMx6p7eSCG0Iwvk2OJIxjc_Dsc1WeLufgvH8dIJayNWdwJQB_s/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252026%25252C%2525202011%2525201%25253A49%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752904.1736" class="aligncenter" width="421" height="512" alt=""></a></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2i8jX46VqlY8h_J3dnp8C1qkJZPW1kI9rB4Ue6PyY21gH8RjT5Ub8xy0kv9gOXoLQvkgu6r2bvOWSUOJ-930mJSZT6G6I6Bfef2gj837XkRwhxvD8-mcLRfoeVJT6z_rVg-2DP8us78/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2i8jX46VqlY8h_J3dnp8C1qkJZPW1kI9rB4Ue6PyY21gH8RjT5Ub8xy0kv9gOXoLQvkgu6r2bvOWSUOJ-930mJSZT6G6I6Bfef2gj837XkRwhxvD8-mcLRfoeVJT6z_rVg-2DP8us78/s500/Photo%252520Oct%25252016%25252C%2525202011%2525205%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752864.0278" class="aligncenter" width="383" height="512" alt=""></a></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlJb5BcN7OL5PtgoNTNVnMCuuK724f3L3vxjYU6GGmfNdysu1IAeflMAw_LBXlqRPJUOXBkZqJlqQDCQk-mDHhNjpxwKXjfas8vdbjjmgVjHRj7_IjaOPGocfWBTSG79SAe3PJHdbkq8/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202011%2525207%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlJb5BcN7OL5PtgoNTNVnMCuuK724f3L3vxjYU6GGmfNdysu1IAeflMAw_LBXlqRPJUOXBkZqJlqQDCQk-mDHhNjpxwKXjfas8vdbjjmgVjHRj7_IjaOPGocfWBTSG79SAe3PJHdbkq8/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202011%2525207%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752928.8713" class="aligncenter" width="384" height="512" alt=""></font></a></div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><div style="text-align: left;"><br><br><br><br><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">My little miss priss...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here she's eating her favorite, peanut butter!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFn-wLWlLQUYPMCf9mMczhEdmpsS3uR6pi4qTyygFKlM6kt6pq4c4pOiSI-A9ITMZrOeDMSbupkxPfMJZ57NJ7yFPVafJbBFshsRC5xZfO9YAKXpIOUQrOYSwx16HRXXC8MR3d_9glVs/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFn-wLWlLQUYPMCf9mMczhEdmpsS3uR6pi4qTyygFKlM6kt6pq4c4pOiSI-A9ITMZrOeDMSbupkxPfMJZ57NJ7yFPVafJbBFshsRC5xZfO9YAKXpIOUQrOYSwx16HRXXC8MR3d_9glVs/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252026%25252C%2525202011%25252011%25253A24%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752945.895" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="374" alt=""></font></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia">Playing with the tea set Santa brought. She <i>insists </i>on actually having tea... we use water.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq_P2SO94Q-pETK7OdUfLbGdQKZte2p7ks_eiHqhFtftrgof0TF4L0aYlZaQDBZE_ETnPU23s864hwa6pP9-uTl5pNH1bk1E10zcqgU37qFl6_eYCrv-4Kc_cMxHBmA8fjKFeC6rpses/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq_P2SO94Q-pETK7OdUfLbGdQKZte2p7ks_eiHqhFtftrgof0TF4L0aYlZaQDBZE_ETnPU23s864hwa6pP9-uTl5pNH1bk1E10zcqgU37qFl6_eYCrv-4Kc_cMxHBmA8fjKFeC6rpses/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252026%25252C%2525202011%2525204%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752931.085" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="374" alt=""></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXz_pmuCmpuU8Xjjb6FbOb0rfbv4cbmWTxh2u3S0fgUtXoOp2IVqjMQZwK2qXTeoJgrGhtJNyb47cBHW5o6NL8uZfMTDhE2-0fjoqiPIRlzSkyzqtYoOSON7FqrcMqzT8Ay0t5Jc2w-Q/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXz_pmuCmpuU8Xjjb6FbOb0rfbv4cbmWTxh2u3S0fgUtXoOp2IVqjMQZwK2qXTeoJgrGhtJNyb47cBHW5o6NL8uZfMTDhE2-0fjoqiPIRlzSkyzqtYoOSON7FqrcMqzT8Ay0t5Jc2w-Q/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252026%25252C%2525202011%2525204%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1325482752954.9377" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="374" alt=""></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">On Christmas day, we had breakfast at Dad's. When we were getting ready to leave, I could not find Madeley's sippy cup of milk. We all looked and looked and looked. One of my biggest fears is losing a milk cup and finding it a week later. ICKY!!!! Anyhow, we finally had to give up the search and head home. Well today, I saw Madeley completely leaned over in the toy box at Dad's... her feet were sticking straight into the air. A few minutes later, she comes out drinking yesterday's sippy cup. I said, "NOOOOOO!" I yelled so loud it startled her and Dad came out to see what happened. I said, "Guess who found the sippy cup and guess who's drinking <i>yesterday's</i> milk!!!"</span></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Dad said, "Oh well, it's cold enough in here to keep that milk good." And if any of you know my dad, you know that's the truth. It was probably 65 degrees in there!!! So I told myself she would live.</span></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Thanks for reading!!</span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div></div>Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-74958743596132710862011-11-06T22:17:00.000-06:002011-11-06T22:17:04.899-06:00Weekend funI just love my weekends with Madeley! Here are a few pictures from this weekend...<br />
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Early morning coloring. Of course she's flashing that beautiful smile!<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/06/4628.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/06/s_4628.jpg' border='0' width='269' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Ice cream sundae<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/06/4629.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/06/s_4629.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Nighttime play date with friends<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/06/4630.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/06/s_4630.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
During their bath, Madeley grabbed Dalton's behind and said "booty booty booty!" Rebekah and I laughed and I thought... oh dear!<br />
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In this picture, she had just stolen Jessica's phone and had no intentions of giving it back.<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/06/4631.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/06/s_4631.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
We spent a lot of time outside Dad's house tonight. Madeley was wearing only socks, I don't even know why I didn't put shoes on her. By the time we got into the car, she had blown a hole in the toe of her sock. And let me tell you, that just sends her over the edge. It's all she thinks about or talks about for an hour after she realizes the hole is there. We had tons of fun though!<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneMorganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-79328343912213059562011-11-03T20:37:00.001-05:002011-11-03T20:37:18.483-05:00AchievementSometimes I miss being in school. I absolutely love the feeling of success... receiving a 98 on a research paper, finishing an extremely hard math problem, or memorizing some crazy facts (that I probably don't remember now). I just LOVE doing well! In teaching school, my success is only seen in the successes of my students. I truly don't feel successful unless the kids are trying hard, passing tests, and are proud of themselves. I saw some of that today, and it was wonderful! Students that have previously made F's are making A's... it's like nothing I've ever seen. I guess this is the reason why we teach. Right teachers?<br /><br />Back to the back to school discussion, I miss it. When I was in high school, I liked the subjects in which I performed well. I did not like to read though, so I didn't like history and I somewhat liked English. Now, I could talk about books all day and so much of history interests me! It makes me wish I could go back to these classes and pay attention. Maybe one day I can get my masters. I've always thought about it, but it's a big commitment. We'll see.<br /><br />.......................................<br /><br />Derrick and I really enjoy The X Factor. There are lots of contestants we have enjoyed watching. I don't even think I could pick a favorite right now... except I did LOVE the Bobby Brown performance by Marcus Canty last night! Good stuff!<br /><br />..................................<br /><br />I love these pajamas Barbie got Madeley for her birthday...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/11/03/2910.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/11/03/s_2910.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />They say "All I need is love and hot cocoa!" So cute!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-70399458042762102172011-10-31T22:15:00.001-05:002011-10-31T22:15:13.740-05:00Trick or TreatMadeley had an amazing time tonight. If Halloween means suckers, I'm pretty sure it's her favorite day thus far. We shouldn't have had cupcakes at her birthday party, we should have had suckers. She ate one after another tonight. Derrick called her a chain sucker. Ha ha!<br /><br />Anyhow, Madeley was dressed as a butterfly this year. She was the cutest butterfly I've ever seen!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3984.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3984.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3985.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3985.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We went to Trunk or Treat at the church and on the way, Madeley started looking for a sucker.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3987.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3987.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I think there may be a sucker in here...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3988.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3988.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I hope there is...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3990.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3990.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Can't stop me now!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3993.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3993.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here's her wonderful smile...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3995.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3995.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/31/3996.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/31/s_3996.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Toward the end of the night, she got very good at holding out that bucket and saying whatever was necessary to get more candy. It was just precious!! By 9:45, she was more than willing to go to bed.<br /><br />Here's a short video from right before we went out:<br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/t_T39S29Ga4" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t_T39S29Ga4" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_T39S29Ga4"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/t_T39S29Ga4/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br />Happy Halloween!! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-19404908469861796452011-10-30T21:26:00.001-05:002011-10-30T21:26:04.745-05:00Fun timeI can already tell that 2 is going to be a great age with Madeley, and the "terrible" part just seldomly creeps in. She is lots of fun with lots of attitude! I saw her cross her arms after getting on to Joe tonight, she later pointed her finger at me and said NO, and she sings a song with more feeling than I've ever seen. She is such a mess! I think we may have spoiled her...<br /><br />I have taken a few pictures over the weekend. She is starting to get tired of me trying to catch the best moments, so she's started running from the camera. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3882.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3882.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Big coat! This is her in the process of falling over. It may just be funny to me because I saw it happen.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3883.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3883.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We went swinging in the woods.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3884.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3884.jpg' border='0' width='233' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3885.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3885.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3886.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3886.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3887.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3887.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sad face...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3888.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3888.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3889.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3889.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Coloring Halloween pictures...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/30/3890.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/30/s_3890.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So as you can see, she is just as fun as ever!<br /><br />...............................<br /><br />Thursday was the absolute best day I've had at my job all year. The majority of my students worked hard, learned a lot, and were very proud of themselves. I was more than proud of them! It was like seeing hard work pay off. Friday was a great day as well. I feel like now that I have seen what these kids can do, my expectations are higher than ever!! I'll let you know how this week goes!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Morganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455379385200398126.post-65712339728840041102011-10-26T21:10:00.002-05:002011-10-26T21:12:16.473-05:00Wednesday LovesI'm ready to share what I'm loving!<br />
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First, we have to praise the Lord because my mother-in-law got wonderful news today... She doesn't have to do anymore chemo or radiation because her cancer has shrunk to nothing. She will receive some maintenance treatments once a week to ensure healing and will also continue to get scans every three months. But all in all, she is on her way to being MUCH better. We are elated! <br />
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The classroom has become the most negative territory in my life. My students really need some inspiration. So, I'm loving these items from etsy...<br />
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I may just print the pictures and frame them!!!<br />
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I'm also loving this cartoon... it's a hit in the teacher's lounge! It's called No Animal Left Behind.<br />
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I'm loving fall. Madeley and I took some pictures at one of Dad's neighbor's house last night. She was just precious!<br />
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Scared of the skeleton...<br />
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Here she is coloring outside tonight...<br />
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I'm just loving my family. Derrick and Madeley make me so happy!<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneMorganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755488026887449529noreply@blogger.com2