tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232890752024-03-05T21:38:02.152-05:00Eight Is EnoughBlending two families with eight children total can be challenging, but with God's help and a sense of humor it can be done. This is one grateful mom's attempt to capture some of the special moments along the way and show how God can turn two separate families into one beautiful blessing...Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-30409057947614570142012-08-20T23:39:00.000-04:002012-08-20T23:39:39.616-04:00“You are what I never knew I always wanted”I am amazed at how well my husband knows my wants and needs. I found myself tired and a bit discouraged today when I got home from work. I had been in and out of the rain all day as I attempted to find the vicitms in my cases that still had not been seen from yesterday. It is not unusual for Mike to spoil me but today he outdid himself. A fresh crunchy salad, spinach and a wonderful reuben sandwich made for one of my favorite meals. Ice cream for dessert and a warm bath drawn and filled with wonderful aromatic oils was over the top. <br />
I am grateful for the way he loves me with acts of service. Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-85814839419975624552011-11-25T05:37:00.004-05:002011-11-25T06:09:51.997-05:00Growing PainsBittersweet Milestones seem to be the theme of our family lately. We have recently experienced our youngest son leaving for boot camp and our youngest daughter turning 18. In the spring we will have our last high school student graduate and another wedding. Joshua moved in with Grandma Kate and we are down to one child at home. I have already made the comment to the kids that it seems like way too much change at one time but no matter what I say life just keeps moving along!<br /><br />We (grandma Kate and I) dropped Michael off at the Military Processing Center last week. I was so proud to watch him swear in. We stayed as long as we could and I managed to leave him there without crying all the way home. He called home yesterday and I could not hold back the tears any longer. He is doing well and anxious to get started as he has spent the last week at the processing center in Columbus. He joins his unit today and from what I understand we will not be hearing from him for about three weeks. He has had my heart from the beginning and understood very early on that I was wrapped around his finger. Of course it has never hurt that he reminds me so much of his father. I have been told I will not recognize the young man who comes home to us.<br /><br />Katie is now 18 and we no longer have any minors in our home. She is still and will always be my baby girl but I cannot deny that she has become a beautiful young woman while my back was turned for just a few minutes. She continues to be a joy to me. I tell her all the time she is the icing on my cake. I love the way she cares for others and for her desire to follow God even when it is not popular or easy. With the gifts God has given her I look forward to seeing what He calls her to do.<br /><br />The plans for Matt and Ashley's wedding are moving along. If we had been practicing arranged marriages I could not have done a better job. Ashley is everything I ever hoped for in a daughter in law and her family and the way I feel about them is just an added bonus. They, or course are very anxious for the nuptials to get here. I am just enjoying the whole process and so very proud of the choices they are making and the way they handle themselves.<br /><br />Josh has made the move across the street to grandma's house. I don't know which one of them is more excited about the arrangement. Grandma has retired but has already found <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">activities</span> to fill her days but her evenings are less lonely now with Josh there. He continues to pursue his music with his band <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Prideless</span> and is still working at O2B kids. So <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grateful</span> for the relationship the two of them have.<br /><br />In the midst of all this change I am grateful for my husband who continues to show me what it means to be blessed with the gift of unconditional and steadfast love.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-62844130299230450982010-07-15T21:07:00.004-04:002010-07-15T21:37:24.040-04:00Examples...These last few days I have been thinking about how blessed I have been in my life to have wonderful women who have taught me to be a friend, wife and a mother.<br /><br />My grandma Smith was a hard worker and she never complained. She was usually the first one up and had breakfast on before we had our eyes open. She loved taking care of her family. She was a wonderful hostess and somehow she knew what you needed before you even knew it yourself. I asked her once how she managed to fill <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">everyone's</span> glass with tea before we realized it was even empty and she said "She always listened for the ice". Oh to be so in tune with the needs of those I love.<br /><br />My grandma Bishop was also a hard worker but her body wore out before it was time for her to go. She must have found it hard to be bedridden at a time in her life when her friends were taking trips and enjoying a time in their lives when they had less responsibility. She never let on if that was the case though. She was content with her situation and found a reason to smile everyday. Oh how I hope I will be able to accept the limitations of age with the same grace I saw in her.<br /><br />My mom has taught me that being a mother is more about being there through the good and the bad than it is about carrying a child for nine months. She has loved me unconditionally since the very beginning when a skinny five year old child came to live with her. I hope my children will always know the security of my unconditional love.<br /><br />Yesterday a woman that I had the privilege of calling <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">MillieMom</span> passed away and I've been thinking a lot about her and all the many things she was good at. I remember especially the day that I realized that I would be a lot smarter if I listened more closely to the advise she gave. She was committed to her husband and her family. She loved the sound of the family playing games together and taught me how to play cards and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">bunco</span>. She was my google before we had computers and would answer my silly questions, even long distance. She never met a stranger and adopted those around her into her family. She was a wonderful mom, wife and grandma and has left behind a wonderful legacy in those who loved her. I am grateful for the place she had in my life and pray I will be able to remember and use all the life lessons she taught me.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-3999970371594381872010-07-08T09:49:00.003-04:002010-07-08T09:58:48.932-04:00Emptier NestWe had a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">houseful</span> a few nights ago and I loved it. There is nothing like the sound of teenagers laughing and just enjoying being together. It made me realize how much I miss having a full house. When Mike and I married we had six in the house and one across the street, and one across town. Now we have three in the house, one across the country, two married with families of their own one in Orlando going to school, and one who doesn't stay in one place too long! I know this is a natural progression and I really wouldn't want anything less for them, than for them to make their own lives and follow their dreams but I have to admit I miss having them all home at once.<br /><br />I wonder if it will ever get easier? I think I am beginning to understand why my Grandma was so happy at Easter when all the kids made it home to the farm. It is comforting to have everyone together.<br /><br />Is it too soon to recommend that we have family reunions?Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-84134263381231317792010-01-23T20:58:00.000-05:002010-02-22T21:17:05.164-05:00Saturday Morning with Mom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6r3OLWFddvpF__ql_pARIw5Lj2e-PO4abu20uP3gNBjYCEVQ_lxAG-ury1rESjd7zXsitInN4jrQHeShbQdVBSP98RNTBwfQVOZFMfxdbyjL_R7Y_Wszenj63uGPp88XjQ_3zw/s1600-h/DSC02425.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441253033980885090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6r3OLWFddvpF__ql_pARIw5Lj2e-PO4abu20uP3gNBjYCEVQ_lxAG-ury1rESjd7zXsitInN4jrQHeShbQdVBSP98RNTBwfQVOZFMfxdbyjL_R7Y_Wszenj63uGPp88XjQ_3zw/s320/DSC02425.JPG" /></a> I've decided if I have to do schoolwork I might as well do it somewhere that I like. We finally have a Panera on Fleming Island and I am really enjoying it. Mom decided to join me and work on some of her CEU stuff. Psychopathology and Bagels!<br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-9444498260618274732010-01-21T20:13:00.000-05:002010-01-22T08:20:41.608-05:0021/365 Soup for you, and you<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidgkLZrp87l0VNqfxVUJdx9ZIG3kXk8HqoJEqjg9teV_t35powNcnkyFQEseN1kzvt03kjpb0gDSa-QcO4Q4AwLZHqu5UcYyYfYXrt7iKq9n9QoR2sm2gNhR_1w6D_h9xkd5oKw/s1600-h/DSC02420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429552440834099378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidgkLZrp87l0VNqfxVUJdx9ZIG3kXk8HqoJEqjg9teV_t35powNcnkyFQEseN1kzvt03kjpb0gDSa-QcO4Q4AwLZHqu5UcYyYfYXrt7iKq9n9QoR2sm2gNhR_1w6D_h9xkd5oKw/s320/DSC02420.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uqTT8RIQym6jE-Ot3nl6cNZRcFCksJdjX6EZRgKKUGTjf5Dy1hjp1XZn0L_MZt_Mc2_-dTFbrbdcooHcjAnw64u2rvSnKk-_Al0XCGufTlSpjH1qhyphenhyphenAz2Z-G4hDp5HuTb-fJ0A/s1600-h/DSC02416.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429552435025507506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uqTT8RIQym6jE-Ot3nl6cNZRcFCksJdjX6EZRgKKUGTjf5Dy1hjp1XZn0L_MZt_Mc2_-dTFbrbdcooHcjAnw64u2rvSnKk-_Al0XCGufTlSpjH1qhyphenhyphenAz2Z-G4hDp5HuTb-fJ0A/s320/DSC02416.JPG" /></a><br />Driving home through the pouring rain and tornado warnings I thought about what to fix for dinner. It seemed like the perfect day for soup. As I walked in the door I smelled homemade chiken soup. My husband was reading my mind! Before he left for work, Mike put on a pot of soup and it was awesome. Everyone enjoyed it, even the furry family members!<br /><div></div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-61214764647985527072010-01-20T20:15:00.000-05:002010-01-22T08:12:51.766-05:0020/365 My BFF<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMs4qrsExHHg_TsMVyQaHaHTXyeH49R_5QEuqNc3aUJE9sR8mNvBdR7zXj7W3sikYipG6shMx9KcsO9dNqN3diLLsyXjWJg7ygQKhMDgLRrBYC9x907fVPR-r5rT_gCUaiOX15A/s1600-h/01-080_Best_Friends_Heart.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429548646885291458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMs4qrsExHHg_TsMVyQaHaHTXyeH49R_5QEuqNc3aUJE9sR8mNvBdR7zXj7W3sikYipG6shMx9KcsO9dNqN3diLLsyXjWJg7ygQKhMDgLRrBYC9x907fVPR-r5rT_gCUaiOX15A/s320/01-080_Best_Friends_Heart.jpg" /></a><br />"Great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget." <a href="http://www.thinkexist.com/">http://www.thinkexist.com/</a><br /><br />She was my best friend in Junior high and we were inseparable. She was the sister I didn't have and she loved me in spite of my temper tantrums and my teenage self-centeredness. We haven't stayed in touch but I have thought of her often. We finally talked today and it felt like I had found a missing piece of myself. I can't wait to see her in person and really catch up.<br /><br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-81434083552462319632010-01-19T23:09:00.003-05:002010-01-19T23:13:36.783-05:0019/365 The View in My Driveway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cUuNz-xkhgiN6rL1rpOb-0Wfx23NnfsTODEsiwgZdigHIRF64uOcw4lpzNQhl8l6i7sJKkHsYdBGrI8f0eK_R2LIp0I5V4JMNnc1Th5W0QoDIk4Bm0NxdGt27WHF_tYambT4_Q/s1600-h/DSC02403.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428669534833059634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cUuNz-xkhgiN6rL1rpOb-0Wfx23NnfsTODEsiwgZdigHIRF64uOcw4lpzNQhl8l6i7sJKkHsYdBGrI8f0eK_R2LIp0I5V4JMNnc1Th5W0QoDIk4Bm0NxdGt27WHF_tYambT4_Q/s320/DSC02403.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKD7Tc9LXrMeIcLOfqfkqZrN4xSLHLbuNWmO6pudUpE1kNdsRWOtBV_VPPFqH5WIr9ng0A6jUWDBax3CeGuBSHrdZHi95vZatYhHztQ5HYtxECXdk4RQYW4uu5AXEEbh8UkI2xQ/s1600-h/DSC02404.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428669526003955202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKD7Tc9LXrMeIcLOfqfkqZrN4xSLHLbuNWmO6pudUpE1kNdsRWOtBV_VPPFqH5WIr9ng0A6jUWDBax3CeGuBSHrdZHi95vZatYhHztQ5HYtxECXdk4RQYW4uu5AXEEbh8UkI2xQ/s320/DSC02404.JPG" /></a> I never know what I am going to find when I get home. Today I just couldn't resist getting a picture. I have no idea what he was doing but he managed to get good and greasy and declares "it" is fixed.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-20179942338961326952010-01-19T22:50:00.003-05:002010-01-19T22:55:55.304-05:00Sleeping Beauty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rzBjEp2VvZgE1i6WQiK4Sx2EttCX29wmHmMgiAVXFeJLq5gF39a0GTQXpNHWJi4wHkLygFZgA7dyuXgy3InAmzP5t16BhwhVzyzAVjsThm2QwRfrbsq8r9edZieVJqq475xHIg/s1600-h/DSC02402.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428664733858126338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rzBjEp2VvZgE1i6WQiK4Sx2EttCX29wmHmMgiAVXFeJLq5gF39a0GTQXpNHWJi4wHkLygFZgA7dyuXgy3InAmzP5t16BhwhVzyzAVjsThm2QwRfrbsq8r9edZieVJqq475xHIg/s320/DSC02402.JPG" /></a> I have always loved to watch my children when they are sleeping. It's the only time they are still enough to get a good look at them. My Katie Baby is growing up and it is happening way too fast. She is still a delight and very rarely acts like I am told most 16 year old girls do and I am grateful for that. I enjoy her company immensely. She is a thoughtful, caring and sensitive, young woman and I am blessed to be her mom.<br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-916996302225566992010-01-18T22:40:00.000-05:002010-01-19T22:50:19.572-05:0018/365 My Handyman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmFJkZDgpLcqHGTHhi8ZwjEZ9NgUM8BFvU-wcWOqOph4IUvXZtpbB4VYYxRt52kAR8Arcntl5u0tvCt5ynivb-EZbBtPfMwKsURyJWFqopZgC3bgfJqQ1ewvn8NEc0LaZZ-aDNw/s1600-h/DSC02400.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428662037769103954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmFJkZDgpLcqHGTHhi8ZwjEZ9NgUM8BFvU-wcWOqOph4IUvXZtpbB4VYYxRt52kAR8Arcntl5u0tvCt5ynivb-EZbBtPfMwKsURyJWFqopZgC3bgfJqQ1ewvn8NEc0LaZZ-aDNw/s320/DSC02400.JPG" /></a>We got a new fridge and it is much bigger than the old one. No Problem! My husband can fix anything and I am so grateful that he is able and willing even after a long day at work. You would think we would be downsizing but our family seems to be growing. I can't even imagine what it will be like when all the kids are married and have children. We are blessed beyond measure!<br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-64915132086984035282010-01-17T22:35:00.003-05:002010-01-17T22:43:47.688-05:0017/365 Look what I can do!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSWZI5li0CYoEWY_2tkqW7xv7tMtfQFe51uxkIdmGqOBfQZmOze4i4tDV5K-z5tVbOChlltMmkWu7wni8qoUYf2sh4OGIZEa2ZG2p4svhzlwKOXgROSqn8ZHVVcn3SWxqhXxoiQ/s1600-h/DSC02392.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427920218019524306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSWZI5li0CYoEWY_2tkqW7xv7tMtfQFe51uxkIdmGqOBfQZmOze4i4tDV5K-z5tVbOChlltMmkWu7wni8qoUYf2sh4OGIZEa2ZG2p4svhzlwKOXgROSqn8ZHVVcn3SWxqhXxoiQ/s320/DSC02392.JPG" /></a> Landen has a new trick. He is pulling himself up on everything. The only problem is he hasn't figured out how to sit back down.<br /><br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-73498140222358476752010-01-16T22:24:00.001-05:002010-01-17T22:34:16.165-05:0016/365 What am I doing in here?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZEGuv9NrSl9BczSVwKYPKgjpmW5q3TKVc_5iLqB6aRBzHpcc6CVCilxqd9u0klL5GvYO2tZHXTghTh5aDfCAsQ6AcXjDwJMbJCeGIYCrtAQ2Ub8bqqGesJNMIPly_YxGqlY7zw/s1600-h/DSC02389.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427917020579850082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZEGuv9NrSl9BczSVwKYPKgjpmW5q3TKVc_5iLqB6aRBzHpcc6CVCilxqd9u0klL5GvYO2tZHXTghTh5aDfCAsQ6AcXjDwJMbJCeGIYCrtAQ2Ub8bqqGesJNMIPly_YxGqlY7zw/s320/DSC02389.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFarf-LjB2_WKGpd87Dud8Rye2vZtXUp6QhoyS_za4YHfvWAsPyS1c35CyBMBAN6lnItDXOAjWibJYdGMJdsRZPCvoYrpC9Zr4jEKgy0AUferPZ5q_Q33XgWfIvqAJ66mJ7Dr7A/s1600-h/DSC02387.JPG"></a>Landen is crawling now, and can get where he wants to be fast. We pulled the old playpen/minicrib out of the attic so we can keep him safe when we have to leave the room. He did really well with it.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-40549497492615286882010-01-15T22:16:00.000-05:002010-01-17T22:23:18.952-05:0015/365 They're Buds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkJtsPwWLXDcpSYfuI6z8A5oFyrlkmtbGFcQe5Jkaz9QBOE1B7z17gzOoaSE6au4_1JDeNTrWHKy6BexoVFHzRdbQj-qRpLtbHjhFus4Y0NURqSEM-onYJNe-XiA4FzFpBNEOfw/s1600-h/DSC02386.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427914504222005266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkJtsPwWLXDcpSYfuI6z8A5oFyrlkmtbGFcQe5Jkaz9QBOE1B7z17gzOoaSE6au4_1JDeNTrWHKy6BexoVFHzRdbQj-qRpLtbHjhFus4Y0NURqSEM-onYJNe-XiA4FzFpBNEOfw/s320/DSC02386.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-81889380778048098512010-01-14T21:07:00.004-05:002010-01-14T23:20:46.891-05:0014/365 This is Florida?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwk85MLfuTuS_DzC5rloHmhyphenhyphen7r5l5zztcUsfHsnJEZEZ9MoBz_wbq2iaadZAjqwKonXGQ5kHul4e_gjaZEuRQ3DrSjE-Rqcfjy54dYPsyGmPIet_Q3izdo3mb_STFLNVDaAo8oQ/s1600-h/DSC02379.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426782675408563122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwk85MLfuTuS_DzC5rloHmhyphenhyphen7r5l5zztcUsfHsnJEZEZ9MoBz_wbq2iaadZAjqwKonXGQ5kHul4e_gjaZEuRQ3DrSjE-Rqcfjy54dYPsyGmPIet_Q3izdo3mb_STFLNVDaAo8oQ/s320/DSC02379.JPG" /></a> My debit card has been getting a lot of use and it is not costing me anything. I guess up north they probably have something fancy for cleaning off the snow and ice but down here my debit card works just fine.<br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-1662695565633974432010-01-13T22:41:00.003-05:002010-01-13T22:47:38.098-05:0013/365 Must be time to go home!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTjv_sfdZ7dKOjG7e4ZDmc8psBk34c5zKr8YyD1rnPgQ8qfJOFPeVqb4TIsaRURR005iK0beO_KEESYGvmT7BtknheCwdWiYfq1M6IACUxZlgjFTzoFVm2TySM7zMhr3k8lCEOg/s1600-h/DSC02381.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426436796731136498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTjv_sfdZ7dKOjG7e4ZDmc8psBk34c5zKr8YyD1rnPgQ8qfJOFPeVqb4TIsaRURR005iK0beO_KEESYGvmT7BtknheCwdWiYfq1M6IACUxZlgjFTzoFVm2TySM7zMhr3k8lCEOg/s320/DSC02381.JPG" /></a> I have a love/hate relationship with computers. I love them when they work and I hate them when they don't. I have no idea how I accomplished this but maybe it was just time to call it a day!<br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-70731245300207036712010-01-12T22:05:00.004-05:002010-01-12T22:18:58.733-05:0012/365 He has a girlfriend...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_x0egHht-H0VO2cOKPezLyEv47vn0fLwSdAi_dCoQC59-Sri7JvoB60M8nY6x9HxbWPsDEjbm7SIVZApG-xWIqgQAMaRzNGagzyjOvd4_qWZNoA7rxsOhYC84YW1gM4nSGU_EA/s1600-h/DSC02143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426055694707807458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_x0egHht-H0VO2cOKPezLyEv47vn0fLwSdAi_dCoQC59-Sri7JvoB60M8nY6x9HxbWPsDEjbm7SIVZApG-xWIqgQAMaRzNGagzyjOvd4_qWZNoA7rxsOhYC84YW1gM4nSGU_EA/s320/DSC02143.JPG" /></a> I am not really sure when it happened but he has grown up. Michael was 12 when Mike and I got married. A lot of people mistakenly thought he was younger than Katie because she was taller than him. That is not the case now as he is taller than me! He reminds me so much of his dad. Just like him he has had me twisted around his finger since day one. I realized today that sometime in the last five years he has become a young man. He has a girlfriend (Amalise) and it is fun to see a different side of him. I know this year will bring a lot of changes - graduation and boot camp to name a few. One thing that will never change is the way I feel about him.<br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-77719582193664584342010-01-11T21:56:00.002-05:002010-01-11T22:07:13.523-05:0011/365 Lonesome...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jQxkf2YCfw39l2DfeD5GDTp_yqyURBQZXC8cSX2JwdSgB_IG2N9wJvaqEm-GPysfYv-GQA3dXoKXm_8-aZYvjaDmoijjDKb25qNkCpR7nD_d41a7UhIKC8S-PcrvFcD4Ym6taw/s1600-h/DSC02071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425682517270505826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jQxkf2YCfw39l2DfeD5GDTp_yqyURBQZXC8cSX2JwdSgB_IG2N9wJvaqEm-GPysfYv-GQA3dXoKXm_8-aZYvjaDmoijjDKb25qNkCpR7nD_d41a7UhIKC8S-PcrvFcD4Ym6taw/s320/DSC02071.JPG" /></a>I began my Master's in Social Work one year ago. I was nervous and did not know what to expect. I had not even finished my Bachelors yet. Our program was long distance. Our professors drove from Tallahassee and taught us at UNF. Classes were Friday 6-9, Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-2. We met once a month for three months for each class. I loved my classmates. We came from different backgrounds, many different undergrad degrees, covered a wide range of ages and yet we all had a common goal and a desire to make the world a better place.<br /><br /> Our program is now online and I am feeling lost without my buddies. <br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-75856731584113247402010-01-10T21:57:00.002-05:002010-01-10T22:07:29.383-05:0010/365 The newest addition to my reading list.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425311685265986482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRZnRodclDErasud0y2Pl1fmyj9wQiev4tC4bC5eju3XY1tfobOuSt0QmwCjytNvDnVuArMW6u88wrvLptJW2DyBC7c1gMaWMDBtYGqatyuoL4VQuu4zGkdj-dEO9ouO0jrQfWA/s320/DSC02378.JPG" /><br /> Mike and I took a trip to one of my favorite places today, Barnes & Noble. I sometimes think I could live in a bookstore. especially now that they have cafes in them. I only needed one book for classes this semester which is nice but I don't think it will be a pleasure read. <br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-3075513276289689582010-01-09T21:42:00.004-05:002010-01-10T22:20:30.190-05:009/365 Daddy's Baby Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbglpIbskS8zPhQhnYebQWc1POpbP7ySHl0z2nPISNHxZbAsu1NmBODGzz3RXUuHYk9xx0ve4KUDEwuXU2Fy9LNnuWxQDVIIQO4V-z9CcppWyOeU7_U_9gLIzYlpcwritbGPueyQ/s1600-h/DSC02367.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424936394375720114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbglpIbskS8zPhQhnYebQWc1POpbP7ySHl0z2nPISNHxZbAsu1NmBODGzz3RXUuHYk9xx0ve4KUDEwuXU2Fy9LNnuWxQDVIIQO4V-z9CcppWyOeU7_U_9gLIzYlpcwritbGPueyQ/s320/DSC02367.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424936388635484530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXpr30RyZcT50V-9dY31cHT-P8XsGbxp7Ij1XxOwq2JjV4DdysZj-SOCfbB4P9gAsuO5KqQWVjd5NRrKg2KhWWJ-719IuMszWqwLaxF7bi8qdHNOn2xR68AVgWW60HpdVsUFWjA/s320/DSC02365.JPG" />Daddy's baby girl is planning her wedding. We visited the Hilltop today to check out the wedding and reception areas and possible menu options. It's hard to imagine a spring wedding when the high today was 37 but we used our imaginations.<br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-2125237886312864712010-01-08T22:34:00.004-05:002010-01-08T23:26:09.828-05:008/365 No cobwebs here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtQcW0nIj_dvKZg3ckodUqn4iqoQfjKijDtgtr8Flbm9IlvZAI0dCskOAJFZ6qiaCkNfRW0okXgIf9FaLCwx8d7rgHfCfr9-QNzk8S00e9HhBE5O3OlYOm5mPhhUiZTlmhnElbw/s1600-h/DSC02364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424578644336739954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtQcW0nIj_dvKZg3ckodUqn4iqoQfjKijDtgtr8Flbm9IlvZAI0dCskOAJFZ6qiaCkNfRW0okXgIf9FaLCwx8d7rgHfCfr9-QNzk8S00e9HhBE5O3OlYOm5mPhhUiZTlmhnElbw/s320/DSC02364.JPG" /></a> It's been a long time since my fireplace has seen this much activity. This week starting a fire has been the first order of business when I get home everyday. It's not that the house is cold, or even that the fake <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fire logs</span> put out that much heat. It's just the good feeling I get from having a fire going and sitting next to it with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. I have been known to turn the air conditioner on, or open the windows when it is chilly outside so I can have a fire in the fireplace. That has definitely not been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessary</span> this week and for now I am really enjoying it.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-22929517139065285962010-01-07T20:10:00.003-05:002010-01-07T20:19:56.617-05:007/365 City Lights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcfPE9WAXo64jTNT25uIXbuGkPPyxfkn25qrCAJLXGkfswSXvmZqicBYE1YTQ5vo8if1iQrgTyovlaB_puzC00dWu8CDAIuq4fUtO0ru8SqY1feNzZ5aMF4LaDT7kFtrw6ar4wg/s1600-h/DSC02359.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424170338483259522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcfPE9WAXo64jTNT25uIXbuGkPPyxfkn25qrCAJLXGkfswSXvmZqicBYE1YTQ5vo8if1iQrgTyovlaB_puzC00dWu8CDAIuq4fUtO0ru8SqY1feNzZ5aMF4LaDT7kFtrw6ar4wg/s320/DSC02359.JPG" /></a> I have always loved the Jacksonville Skyline. When I was younger I would go downtown to Friendship Park and take pictures. Tonight on the way home as I was going south on 17 I noticed the lights and I had to go back to get pictures from the Ortega River Bridge. This spot is one of my favorites. I love the quaint little drawbridge and the magnificent view of the city.<br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-75264320129149049232010-01-06T23:22:00.007-05:002010-01-07T20:20:20.845-05:006/365 Tough Competition<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8GB6-5UZycfR2fxW0P_D9s9NQeymz2RcMl7HhlhaAJBHS4XHnn2YeunZFvxhLCiGHQJOs1EFsJY9_zMQa5y8dgCWsJd4UCVW4APWGmBmPlizRV9tTVadP6Q2vVaRmAa4WU5Jcw/s1600-h/DSC02351.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423848999819947298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8GB6-5UZycfR2fxW0P_D9s9NQeymz2RcMl7HhlhaAJBHS4XHnn2YeunZFvxhLCiGHQJOs1EFsJY9_zMQa5y8dgCWsJd4UCVW4APWGmBmPlizRV9tTVadP6Q2vVaRmAa4WU5Jcw/s320/DSC02351.JPG" /></a></div>She doesn't ask for much, doesn't take up too much room and she doesn't steal the covers.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-38529578526206364652010-01-05T22:34:00.002-05:002010-01-05T22:39:52.043-05:00The cutest Santa ever...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyiFGlsDhRF0gzRcS5n5A62cr-he6ELTQNvDB6U1g1-An9ASSku64Xs7RfUDao_xPmMDu9q0ECFzlfRqeQIQ1-eaxmahtgiZxCElXs00gaPawwAvULYVP_k-UWCkzfKDdOuEOxg/s1600-h/DSC02291.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423465598241783746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyiFGlsDhRF0gzRcS5n5A62cr-he6ELTQNvDB6U1g1-An9ASSku64Xs7RfUDao_xPmMDu9q0ECFzlfRqeQIQ1-eaxmahtgiZxCElXs00gaPawwAvULYVP_k-UWCkzfKDdOuEOxg/s320/DSC02291.JPG" /></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0PlOWta7A97RfRG1goCqQyBmtAB3YkGUeaNq8A2CmmS8uRXPvHF8L-qUZMktOhakvDjTU_wWx98vfEEfXJPmkntqzYbZrYb1YmtJ4NPv6lo5MP8vUr_t5F1PvOvPBZagUZoC4w/s1600-h/DSC02279.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423465590122642418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0PlOWta7A97RfRG1goCqQyBmtAB3YkGUeaNq8A2CmmS8uRXPvHF8L-qUZMktOhakvDjTU_wWx98vfEEfXJPmkntqzYbZrYb1YmtJ4NPv6lo5MP8vUr_t5F1PvOvPBZagUZoC4w/s320/DSC02279.JPG" /></a></p> Landen Smith<br /><br /><br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-17143801542342321342010-01-05T21:38:00.007-05:002010-01-05T21:58:55.855-05:005/365 The Magic Pot<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h-DHLHMzyut_SUZFTZdu4Lf74aFPBloHj8y2cwxziBgK23TQm-632E8A-1ns4eehHHGtLTaAdKCe8yG7TKLEcpCLk14UbFCfRpzfoUdlyRi6xdYW1SV8MkT_j2esitHnNBSQqA/s1600-h/crockpot.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423454898274051122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h-DHLHMzyut_SUZFTZdu4Lf74aFPBloHj8y2cwxziBgK23TQm-632E8A-1ns4eehHHGtLTaAdKCe8yG7TKLEcpCLk14UbFCfRpzfoUdlyRi6xdYW1SV8MkT_j2esitHnNBSQqA/s320/crockpot.jpg" /></a> I am really enjoying my crockpot. This morning I got up at 5:00 am and put supper on to cook. Tonight I got home at 6:00 pm and all I had to do was fix a plate! I am already wondering what I can put in the "magic pot" tomorrow.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23289075.post-39914781691042206102010-01-04T21:34:00.005-05:002010-01-04T21:52:39.926-05:004/365 I love cats...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHI1_hRY6WMdI7Cp4yRIWN-SR0Uw3zS2TVpOLA-QtctVzkD9GD6L5vqCOmgWi9Q4Jwi8pPkk2tXBS4ABRqp9WxgCG1c06mkXknAfijJ8czxTe2vo9fPONf5yZu_Aro16hfXGjtQ/s1600-h/DSC02314.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423082930695144930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHI1_hRY6WMdI7Cp4yRIWN-SR0Uw3zS2TVpOLA-QtctVzkD9GD6L5vqCOmgWi9Q4Jwi8pPkk2tXBS4ABRqp9WxgCG1c06mkXknAfijJ8czxTe2vo9fPONf5yZu_Aro16hfXGjtQ/s320/DSC02314.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Toby has discovered the pointer on my computer screen. I probably should be concerned by how entertained I am. Oh well, it does make for a good way to relax at the end of the day. </div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01562071716685141814noreply@blogger.com1