tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28725364382799746182024-03-13T16:07:04.601-05:00When Life Gives You Lemons...Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-57672213912887042592012-12-06T10:31:00.002-06:002012-12-06T10:31:29.710-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
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Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-29970893940057557362012-06-27T16:54:00.000-05:002012-06-27T23:36:33.425-05:00"New Math"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dock is where John and I had our wedding photos taken over 9 years ago.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful pond as you look out from the dock.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one and only flower still blooming around the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Westlake House, which is where John and I had our reception, <br />
and the path leading up to it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossoms from a crepe myrtle that had landed in the grass along the driveway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spiderweb full of prey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another flower growing along our driveway.<br />
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I've had a passion for photography for years, or at least since Steven was born. I used to set he and Margaret up once a month for their monthly photo shoot. I would use props, backdrops, etc. to make them more interesting. But I was always very limited by my standard point-and-shoot camera. Well, I finally talked John into getting me a dSLR camera for Mother's Day/My Birthday/Christmas and I love it so much. As you can see, I've been devouring books about exposure and and I'm just beginning to scratch the surface. As I learn more about ISO, aperture, shutter speed and composition I hope to be able to improve my photo quality 10-fold. I'm going to start taking a few photography classes in the next couple of weeks and I can't wait to share the results. I love my camera!</div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-68335813485611538942012-06-03T09:00:00.000-05:002012-06-03T09:00:06.558-05:00Summer School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While everyone else is finished with school and gearing up for the summer, we are still finishing up 1st grade curriculum. I decided that a year-around approached works better for our family because we like to take LOTS of breaks during the year. I think, after two years of homeschooling, that I've finally come up with the best schedule for our family: year-around with 3 weeks on and 1 week off, with that week off being whenever we need it to be. The hardest part to homeschooling is probably breaking out of the public school mold and realizing that we don't have to follow their schedule... so we aren't! During the summer, there will still be lots of time for play. But when it's too hot outside to do anything and we would just be inside anyway, we'll be here, having school.</div>
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Here are just a few of the projects that we've done so far this year, mostly in history class:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxBM85uTYYA/T8kBBeKesHI/AAAAAAAABVc/dgBAqq-1bPQ/s1600/100_2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxBM85uTYYA/T8kBBeKesHI/AAAAAAAABVc/dgBAqq-1bPQ/s400/100_2523.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar-Cube Pyramids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nile River: we built a channel down the middle and lined it with foil. Then we spread grass seed all over the surrounding dirt. Instead of watering the seeds directly, we only watered the river until it flooded all over the dirt. This was the result.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a math project when we were studying the different times of day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are our Anansi spiders when we were studying ancient African legends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the kids in their homemade beards, which we made when we were studying Queen Hatshepsut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a sticker project that we did with Moses and the Ten Plagues. The best part about homeschool is that we have the opportunity to include religious historical events right where they belong in world history. It has really opened my eyes when it comes to reading the Old Testament.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLCkKjOkKfk/T8kB1jU4RtI/AAAAAAAABW0/ZdNZrl8YSEY/s1600/May+2012+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLCkKjOkKfk/T8kB1jU4RtI/AAAAAAAABW0/ZdNZrl8YSEY/s400/May+2012+095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the Greek sculptures that we made out of bars of soap. The top two are more of a bas relief while the bottom is an actual sculpture. The top one is a fish, the middle is Egyptian hyroglyphics (yes, it is a greek sculpture of egyptian hyroglyphics), and the bottom one is a turtle.</td></tr>
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Well, those are just a few of the fun things that we've had the opportunity to do this year! I can't wait to do more... school is just as much fun for me as it is for the kids.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-21804725656935860132012-06-02T09:00:00.000-05:002012-06-02T09:00:08.820-05:00Steven Turns 7Steven turned 7 in the middle of last month, and he was finally able to have his birthday party last Saturday. He chose to have a Lego Ninjago birthday party this year. Unfortunately, there aren't many Lego Ninjago party decorations aren't there, so I was forced to get creative this year. This is where PAINT.NET (a free photo software for those of us who can't afford Adobe Photoshop) became my best friend. I created my own set of Ninja eyes, as well as cupcake toppers and images for the bunting. I think that everything turned out really well and, most importantly, Steven and his friends and cousins had a blast!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEnictMg38I/T8j6gk0GUlI/AAAAAAAABTE/H5sVo4KWZ6I/s1600/May+2012+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEnictMg38I/T8j6gk0GUlI/AAAAAAAABTE/H5sVo4KWZ6I/s400/May+2012+072.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven sporting the Birthday shirt that I made for him. The other side has a "7".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76YEiw5qaXw/T8j6lQfkh-I/AAAAAAAABTM/Nwsu7Brn7xQ/s1600/May+2012+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76YEiw5qaXw/T8j6lQfkh-I/AAAAAAAABTM/Nwsu7Brn7xQ/s400/May+2012+078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of the bunting that I made.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the entire bunting, which is made from scrapbook paper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a stand out of Sensei Wu and then placed it around the balloon weight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The handmade cupcake toppers that I'm pretty proud of.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The goodie bags with my handmade eyes (also seen on the bunting above and the balloons below.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven put these little guys out to decorate the table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ninjago balloons!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome son. :)</td></tr>
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This was, by far, the easiest birthday party that I've ever done. After presents, I sent the kids outside to play in the water and then we eventually broke for cake and ice cream. Easy-peasy. I don't know how many times I've tried to have a water party for this guy and it inevitably gets rained out. This year, I guess lady luck was on our side!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome guy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gearing up to shoot some unsuspecting someone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water-play.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret eating her cupcake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua being himself!</td></tr>
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Happy Birthday, Steven! We all love you so much and I am so grateful to you for making me a mother. This family just wouldn't be the same without you. - Love, MomAudreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-31856156988099666882012-06-01T11:46:00.003-05:002012-06-01T11:46:52.707-05:00Building BlocksThis is how my almost 18-month old spends most of his time:<br />
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I don't know about you, but those are the most interesting building blocks that I've ever seen. And in case you're wondering, yes, we've had many boxes of cereal spilled all over the entire kitchen. We finally got smart and now use chip clips to keep the bags closed.</div>
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There's no doubt about it, we're all crazy for this little cutie!</div>
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</div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-3817944838161749092012-03-06T13:03:00.000-06:002012-03-06T13:03:47.769-06:00Margaret Turns 5We celebrated Margaret's 5th birthday last weekend, and everyone had alot of fun. She had her very first friend party and the theme was "Under the Sea." There were Cake balls, cupcakes, goldfish, chocolate treasure and lots of other goodies. We played "Pin the crown on Ariel", Freeze Dance, and colored pictures of a mermaid. All-in-all, I think that everyone had a great time!<br />
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Margaret's yummy birthday breakfast, made by Dad and served on the special birthday plate!</div>
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Pay no attention to the fat lady in the glasses. But Margaret insisted on having a picture with me.</div>
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It's a long-standing tradition in our house to go to Chuck-E-Cheese on the actual day of your birthday. The kids love it.</div>
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This isn't even the present from Steven that she's holding, but I thought that this was such a cute picture.</div>
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Here are the kids playing Freeze Dance.</div>
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Here she is, just about to blow out the candle on her cupcake.</div>
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Margaret got some crazy fake pink hair and she insisted on wearing it for the rest of the day.</div>
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Well, I can't believe that my little girl is 5 years old. I wish that I could say that time has flown by, but I was shocked when I realized that my little girl is ONLY 5 five years old. It made me feel so horrible. She started walking and talking and doing everything that her big brother did at such a young age, that it was so easy for us to think that she and Steven were the same age. But he's actually 21 months older than she is! Hopefully she can forgive me for sometimes expecting her to act older than she really is... it's so hard to remember that she's still so little. But one thing that has always been the same and will never change is my love for this sweet little character. I love you, Margaret!</div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-78625644524381875012012-01-08T21:40:00.001-06:002012-01-08T21:40:57.306-06:00Joshua Turns One!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, we celebrated Joshua's first birthday the day after Christmas. It was a small party with just the grandparents, but it was perfect. He turned the charm on all night long (as usual), and really dug into his cupcake. We had so much fun celebrating with him. We love you, Joshua!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxbFrxQo7_5ce49pS6BaU_1UJEXvskp9yywMKMCyDlie21KO5RV3HYmDk8HlDlDb5eaCsJBkVv8dBVA6u-B2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-47179558906577438812011-12-19T11:38:00.002-06:002011-12-19T11:38:42.215-06:00Life Doesn't Get Any Better Than This<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How am I planning on reaching my goals? By working out like crazy and eating clean. Tosca Reno is my new food guru and I'm in love with everything that comes out of her mouth. If none of you have ever heard of The Eat Clean Diet, then you should check out one of her books. She's all about eating "clean" foods, the less it's processed the better, and pairing complex carbs with lean protein at every meal (all six of them.) I followed the plan for about two weeks earlier this year when I was working at UPS and I lost 20 lbs. in the process, so I know that it works. I've been doing it for about a week this time around and I've already lost 5 pounds... and I'm feeling great! <br />
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As far as exercise goes, no one gets me motivated like Cathe Friedrich. She was responsible for my weight loss a few years back, so I know that she can do it for me again. She has about 80 workout DVDs with everything ranging from step aerobics to kickboxing to weights to a 9-month cycle program. Not only are her workouts amazing, but she's amazing as well. Her body is amazing, her personality is sparkling and she really knows how to get you to want to work harder. Every workout that I do with her she absolutely kicks my behind!<br />
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I'm going to brag for just a minute and tell you about my day; one, because I'm so proud of myself and two, hopefully it'll give you a better idea about what I mean when I say eat clean. <br />
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6:30 Wake up<br />
6:35 Yogurt and orange slices, 800 ml water<br />
7:00 Leg and glute workout<br />
9:30 Smoothie with banana, blueberries, almond milk, cottage cheese, oatmeal, protein powder, wheat germ and flax seed, 800 ml water<br />
12:00 Scant handful of almonds and an apple, 800 ml water<br />
2:30 Salmon fillet with roasted asparagus, tomatoes and 1/2 of a sweet potato, 800 ml water<br />
4:45 Vegetable crudites with hummus, 800 ml water<br />
7:15 Whole wheat pita with spinach, sprouts, tomatoes, apple slices, nonfat plain yogurt and water-packed tuna, 800 ml water<br />
10:00 Scrambled egg whites with spinach, red bell pepper and garlic on multi-grain bread, 800 ml water<br />
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And that's how I've been eating for the last week! I love it! Okay, so I did have a moment of weakness the other night with that cheeseburger. I was so proud of myself because I made it through the McDonald's drive-thru with only the kids' Happy Meals, but when I got it home and started getting their food out, wouldn't you know it there was an extra cheeseburger sitting at the bottom of the bag. I checked my receipt just to make sure that my junk food subconcious didn't order it while I wasn't looking. But it wasn't on there, it was just a mistake. I actually considered taking it back to McDonald's just to get it out of the house, but I knew that they couldn't take it. So what did I do? No, but I wish I had thrown it away. I ate the darn thing! I'm just glad that it was only a cheeseburger and not a Big Mac or 1/4 Pounder! And oh, did I feel sick later. After eating clean for an entire week, that grease just did not sit well with me. Motivation to keep on chugging away!<br />
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So in a nutshell, my New Year's resolution this year is to lose 100 pounds. Lofty...yes. Challenging... without a doubt. Obtainable...you'd better believe it. Bring it on, 2012!Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-86724832179835057352011-11-19T11:13:00.001-06:002011-11-19T11:24:28.394-06:00SilkIn school this week we've been learning all about Ancient China. Part of our studies have been about the discovery of silk from the threads of the silkworm cocoons and how this affected China. This is the conversation that took place between my kids last night.<br />
<em>Steven: </em>"Margaret, did you know that silk comes from wasps?"<br />
<em>Me: </em>"You mean from silkworms."<br />
<em>Steven: </em>"Oh yeah, from silkworms."<br />
<em>Margaret: </em>"Wow!"<br />
<em>Steven: </em>"Yeah, silkworms are from Ancient China."<br />
<em>Margaret: </em>"But not from Texas, right, Steven?"<br />
<em>Steven: </em>"Right."<br />
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Well, now I know they're listening!Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-54991166847449112732011-11-11T18:15:00.001-06:002011-11-11T18:18:14.136-06:00Shutterfly SiteI just wanted to share the link to our shutterfly site with everyone today. It's <a href="http://www.thesabins.shutterfly.com/">www.thesabins.shutterfly.com</a>. For anyone who complains that I haven't put enough pics of my kids on this blog, go over to the other site. There are pics on there from 2007 to the present and even a video of me dancing while VERY pregnant on the video page. Check it out!Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-2079792285915093942011-11-07T15:40:00.000-06:002011-11-07T15:40:22.850-06:00All Good Things Must Come to An End (Temporarily)Steven just finished his first season of soccer and he's missing it like crazy. I had no idea that the kid would take to it so much but, to be honest, I'm glad. I love seeing him so excited about sports and so excited to get ready for games and practices. I love sports myself, and we have alot of fun practicing drills in the backyard. Steven's level is the first year that the kids play with a goalie and Steven's coach, unlike most coaches, will let every kid have a turn playing in all of the different positions. This way they can get a feel for what they prefer and what they're good at. Steven naturally gravitated towards the defense and especially goalie. He thrives on getting the ball away and kicking it down the field. And I have to admit, he makes a darn good little goalie.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's Steven dribbling the ball down the field</div>
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Here he is again</div>
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I'm not sure exactly what he's doing here, but I love this picture! Both of his feet are off the ground!</div>
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The next few pictures are blurry, but I had to show off Steven's goalkeeping prowess. Here he is with a great save.</div>
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And another amazing save!</div>
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And another...</div>
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and another! Yes!</div>
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However, there's plenty of this going on too. Playing around inside the net whenever there's no action.</div>
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And doing whatever it is he's doing!</div>
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We miss soccer and we can't wait for the spring season to start. At least we have gymnastics to tide us over in the meantime (pictures forthcoming.)</div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-43743745372547835902011-11-05T11:02:00.000-05:002011-11-05T11:02:38.537-05:00OctoberOur October was much the same as yours, I'm sure. There was the pumpkin patch, Halloween, and alot of sewing for those of us who like to make our children's costumes. This year, we were set on a Star Wars Clone Wars theme with Steven as Anakin Skywalker, Margaret as Ahsoka Tano, and Joshua as Yoda. Just as I went to buy the fabric, Margaret changed her mind and decided that she wanted to be Sleeping Beauty instead. I couldn't argue because I love that my little girl loves princesses so much, so I went with it. In the end, I decided to buy Steven's costume since there were so many accessories for it, and also because I wasn't sure how to construct the armor that Anakin wears on his chest and shoulders. And I'm glad that I did because he looked JUST like Anakin and I had more time to figure out Joshua's Yoda costume.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here he is, in all of his Yoda glory. I ended up taking his bathrobe and creating a pattern from it for both layers of the Jedi robes. For the dark brown layer, I left off the hood and the sleeves and I added a tie at the waist to hold it closed. The outer layer doesn't have a tie, but it has a hood and sleeves. The hat was alot of fun. I borrowed from a pattern I used a few years ago to make a Batman hood for Steven; I just sized it down a bit so that it would fit Joshua's head. The ears were of my own design. They ended up being way too big so that he looked more like Gizmo that Yoda, but he still looked so cute in them!</div>
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Here is Margaret as Sleeping Beauty. I completely made her dress from scratch and it took me forever. For some reason, I was having a really hard time getting into the project, so it would take me a whole day just to do the sleeves, or something else ridiculous like that. There was also supposed to be a flange across the chest and shoulders (you know, that part that sort of points up at the shoulders on Sleeping Beauty's dress), but I completely ran out of steam and didn't finish it. Overall, I still think she looks beautiful.</div>
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Margaret loves to love on Joshua and Joshua always wants whatever Margaret has.</div>
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Here's Steven as Anakin Skywalker. His favorite part was definitely the light saber, which we've already had to take away from him for hitting his brother and sister in the faces with it.</div>
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Two amazingly handsome fellas</div>
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Candy just makes everything better</div>
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We didn't make it to an actual, traditional pumpkin patch this year. I'm not quite sure why (lazy on my part, I guess), but we made it to the next best thing. The city held a huge Pumpkin Fest with lots of carnival games, face painting, bounce houses, pony rides, etc. We went and had a total blast.</div>
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Here are Steven and Margaret playing one of the games. I love Margaret with her shades... so chic. And Steven cracks me up with how much he got into shooting that water gun!</div>
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Margaret had her fingernails done while we were there. And no, that wasn't the first time she's had her nails painted. I paint them for her all of the time!</div>
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Here's Steven working on a little sand art project. So focused.</div>
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There was a group at the festival called the Dallas County Cowboy Church, which is an actual church that cowboys attend because they live too far away from town to drive every Sunday. They had a bale of hay with a cow's head on it that the kids could lasso if they wanted to. First, one of the cowboys would demonstrate how to do it, then they would give the kids a chance to do it. Margaret was too shy, but Steven really got into it.</div>
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Not bad! Way to go, cowboy!</div>
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Margaret did try her hand at "milking" a cow. There was a rubber glove with milk in it and each of the finger tips had a small hole in it. After one of the cowboys showed them how to do it, they got a chance to do it on their own. Margaret was very shy and delicate about the whole thing, but I'm glad that she gave it a go.</div>
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Steven on the other hand, was milking every udder at once by squeezing it to death. I'm just glad that it wasn't a real cow. Ouch!</div>
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We also had the chance to enjoy some yummy snow cones while we were there.</div>
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Margaret's favorite part... the pony ride. We went when there was a lull, so she got to pick the pony she rode and the ladies let her ride for a very long time. She loved it!</div>
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Steven loved the bounce house, of course. It was the very last thing that we did before we left and he was so happy to finally get to do it. </div>
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This is just a bit of the goings on in the Sabin family for this month. I know that I've been awful about blogging, but I'll try to improve. Hope you're having fun as well. Happy Fall!</div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-1031453409776690902011-11-04T14:23:00.000-05:002011-11-04T14:23:03.573-05:00"The Comment"Okay, so it's been almost a year since my last post (pitiful, I know), and in that time Blogger has changed alot! I had no idea that I had to approve people's comments before they would be posted to my site as a way to filter spam. One day last week I decided to login to my dashboard just on a whim and saw that I had 400 comments waiting to be posted to my site! Granted, most of it was junk, but there were comments from some of you out there that I didn't even know were floating around in cyberspace. I was so delighted to read those hidden gems, that it set my mind to thinking ("A dangerous pastime, I know." <em>From Beauty and the Beast.)</em><br />
We all know that wonderful feeling when we go to check in to our blog and we see that we have 2 comments. "Two comments!", you might say to yourself. "I wonder who's been checking in on me!?!" And as you click on the comments link to see who they are, your heart begins to race and a small smile forms at the corners of your mouth in anticipation of a giggle to an inside joke. And then you read your comments, and for that brief moment a wave of love for that person, no matter who they are, washes over you and all seems right with the world. <br />
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Everyone loves the euphoric "2 comments" feeling, just as we all despise the disheartening "zero comment" experience. Come on, we all know that one, too. To put it simply: 0+0=0. "I have zero comments which means zero people are thinking of me, therefore I am a zero." Slight exaggeration as this might be, it's not far from the thoughts that go through some of our minds as we read "0 comments." The thought is fleeting and inconsequential, but we experience it just the same: brief disappointment. <br />
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Ahhhhhh, the power of "The Comment." For good or for bad, that guy has worked it's way into our sense of well-being in these modern times. Someone needs to remind him that "With great power comes great responsibility."Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-62042503543140305862010-12-19T21:25:00.002-06:002010-12-19T21:50:40.489-06:00December FunIs it just me, or has the month of December just snuck by? The last thing I remember is Black Friday shopping and now here it is, the 19th of December and Christmas is this week! I mean, what happened!?!? Of course, I should feel like it's creeping by because I'm at that point in my pregnancy where everyone always asks "So, ready to have that baby?" or "You're still pregnant?", and such. For anyone whose ever been pregnant, you know that those questions get real old, real fast. But just so that the whole world knows, I'm going in tomorrow morning to be naturally induced. What this means is that we might have a baby tomorrow and we might not (though I'm counting on it.) So if we do, everyone will be getting birth announcements in the near future. (Of course, I guess you will be no matter what b/c he's got to come at some point, right!?!? I mean, no one's ever been pregnant forever!)<br /><br />In the process of this month flying by we've had alot of fun, too. Christmas parties, tree decorating, visiting Santa and lounging around the house. (We actually do that alot right now b/c Mommy's feet swell up like apples when I walk around too much. In fact, it's not unusual to hear Margaret say "Mommy, are your feet turning into apples now?" So here are just a few pictures of our fun month so far:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7Nq5KNXGI/AAAAAAAABKk/sVfC_rz40lc/s1600/December%2B2010%2B087.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552601527376239714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7Nq5KNXGI/AAAAAAAABKk/sVfC_rz40lc/s400/December%2B2010%2B087.JPG" /></a> Steven's smile while playing Lego Star Wars</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NqeOMo_I/AAAAAAAABKc/SObX59X_HQQ/s1600/December%2B2010%2B059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552601520145212402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NqeOMo_I/AAAAAAAABKc/SObX59X_HQQ/s400/December%2B2010%2B059.JPG" /></a> Margaret's silly smile while dancing like Santa<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NqRI7PSI/AAAAAAAABKU/2V7gPZIEPlk/s1600/December%2B2010%2B050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552601516633439522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NqRI7PSI/AAAAAAAABKU/2V7gPZIEPlk/s400/December%2B2010%2B050.JPG" /></a> Steven's big grin while decorating the tree<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NqKe3xDI/AAAAAAAABKM/7sZJyWOs5PE/s1600/December%2B2010%2B048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552601514846438450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NqKe3xDI/AAAAAAAABKM/7sZJyWOs5PE/s400/December%2B2010%2B048.JPG" /></a> Margaret decorating the tree<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NGYl0T6I/AAAAAAAABKE/-OmtnPS1ZdI/s1600/December%2B2010%2B033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552600900158377890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NGYl0T6I/AAAAAAAABKE/-OmtnPS1ZdI/s400/December%2B2010%2B033.JPG" /></a> Margaret going for the pinata at the church Christmas party<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NGOB7J1I/AAAAAAAABJ8/uN_9VbvsNyE/s1600/December%2B2010%2B022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552600897323476818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NGOB7J1I/AAAAAAAABJ8/uN_9VbvsNyE/s400/December%2B2010%2B022.JPG" /></a> Steven's pal Charlie at the Christmas party<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NFzFcUDI/AAAAAAAABJ0/7MpbT4TYNt8/s1600/December%2B2010%2B015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552600890090475570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NFzFcUDI/AAAAAAAABJ0/7MpbT4TYNt8/s400/December%2B2010%2B015.JPG" /></a> Margaret telling Santa that she wants a Bathtime Ariel for Christmas<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NFxXVTYI/AAAAAAAABJs/vxDG-dqRH-g/s1600/December%2B2010%2B011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552600889628642690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TQ7NFxXVTYI/AAAAAAAABJs/vxDG-dqRH-g/s400/December%2B2010%2B011.JPG" /></a> Steven and Santa smiling for the camera: perfect!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left">Have a Merry Christmas!</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-84330636819958799512010-12-17T12:45:00.002-06:002010-12-17T12:49:53.767-06:00A Conversation with a 3-Year OldAfter eating lunch at Taco Bueno Margaret and I had this conversation in the car:<br /><br /><em>A: (sneezing and sniffling)</em><br /><em>M: What's wrong mom?</em><br /><em>A: I don't know. My nose started bothering me while we were at Taco Bueno and now I can't stop sneezing.</em><br /><em>M: Yuck! You mean you have Taco Bueno in your nose!?!?</em><br /><em></em><br />Ah, the thinking of a 3-year old. :)Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-49000890553416219802010-12-04T13:07:00.008-06:002010-12-04T16:16:53.936-06:00Catch-UpObviously I haven't posted in awhile... that seems to be a trend of mine. But today's post is going to be a catch-up of the past several months so that I can stop feeling overwhelmed with all I need to post and just move forward from here. Don't worry, I won't make it too long; just lots of pictures.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I had my birthday in August and, for some reason, turning 31 has affected me alot more than turning 30 did. Now I'm actually IN my 30's... sheesh that just sounds so old! We didn't do a whole lot to celebrate, but John and the kids got me some great gifts. John got me a rotary cutter and mat to use for sewing (which I absolutely love) and the kids got me Mary Poppins and some of my favorite movie candy... perfect!<br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546907543844555202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqTBbjKCcI/AAAAAAAABGk/X9vlKbs1bPU/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B006.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546907546386786610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqTBlBRaTI/AAAAAAAABGs/FGw6XXhD-5o/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B007.JPG" /></div><br /><div>The kids and I have been homeschooling since September and having a blast. I'm working on Kindergarten stuff with Steven (reading, writing, math, science and art) and Margaret just participates right along with him. For the most part, they just do everything together, but I change things up a bit for each of them when it comes to reading and writing. Some of the sentences that Steven has been reading this week include: "Slim slugs slept on the slick sled" and "Ducks in flocks flit and flap on the flat pond." I'm actually quite proud of how well he is doing and I get so excited when I think about what's to come in his education. Homeschooling has been hard the last few weeks because I've just been so tired, but I'm trying to be persistent and do it when we can since we're taking 3 weeks off for Christmas and the baby (one of the greatest luxuries about teaching at home.)<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546910420773445026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqVo48dHaI/AAAAAAAABG8/ZjYiktNoSRw/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B015.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546910418839895954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqVoxvdf5I/AAAAAAAABG0/eg2Qq9oXSYg/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B013.JPG" /> Halloween was loads of fun this year. I made both of the kids' costumes myself, which I'm quite proud of since I had never sewn anything on such a large scale before. Steven wanted to be a pirate and Margaret was, of course, a princess; Cinderella, in particular. We went to a Halloween party at a friend's house, trunk or treating with cousins, and had our own little party with my mom on Halloween night. All in all, a very fun month for us. </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546915941942817410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqaqQ5z8oI/AAAAAAAABHs/KEY64RgV1uM/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B070.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546915971262122098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqar-IFCHI/AAAAAAAABIE/L85-dzbSTMI/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B081.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546915952068892994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqaq2oDmUI/AAAAAAAABH8/Ziv_oNvWJx0/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B066.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546915949117311954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqaqroWC9I/AAAAAAAABH0/18CQTe09r-Y/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B068.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546920425238709186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqevOe2Q8I/AAAAAAAABIM/UJ5LtHpt5kA/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B033.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546920434112194594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqevvic6CI/AAAAAAAABIc/CykZdFBIG0Y/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B052.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546920428375206994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqevaKpbFI/AAAAAAAABIU/7WrHky2dj4s/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B041.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546920444237182914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqewVQb98I/AAAAAAAABIk/bj3F7jmSlNo/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B096.JPG" /><br />Thanksgiving is always fun for us since all of our family lives close by. We alternate each year whether we eat dinner at my family's or John's and then go to the other's house for dessert. This year we had dinner with John's family and dessert with my family. My nephew Hunter showed up just as I was getting the rolls together and he insisted on "helping" me. Actually, all he really wanted to do was come and squish everything in an attempt to make the ugliest rolls on the planet and then give all of the credit to me. I eventually had to threaten him with no dinner if he didn't make the most beautiful rolls possible. I mean, come on, he's a budding artist for crying out loud! He should have taken the opportunity to show off his mad skills. </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546924949146058706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqi2jWaP9I/AAAAAAAABIs/kT1V7vaOXCw/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B113.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>When we got to my sister's house the missionaries were getting ready to leave so they shared a spiritual message before they left. It was kind of nice to have that on such a special day, I have to admit. But once they left, the fun REALLY began. We popped in Just Dance 2 on the Wii (which none of us had ever played before) and got down. Who was the overall champion for the night, you ask? Yours truly, of course! Which is pretty pathetic considering I had a huge basketball in the way the whole time. But hey, when you've got skills you've got skills. :)</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546924952892954082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqi2xTvVeI/AAAAAAAABI0/GUh12C65YyE/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B119.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546924959348535218" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqi3JW3r7I/AAAAAAAABI8/gM8Y26eVjf8/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B122.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546924961963492818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TPqi3TGUxdI/AAAAAAAABJE/bpl6mhqO-RU/s400/Fall%2B2010%2B123.JPG" /><br /><div></div>Yeah, don't laugh until you've tried it; that game was very addicting! I would dance for a song, then sit down and have a bunch of Braxton Hicks contractions, then I'd get up and do it all over again. If I had remembered that John and I were going out for Black Friday shopping then I probably would have taken it a little easier. As it was, when we got home we put the kids to bed, put our lists together and hit Wal-Mart at midnight. We stayed out shopping until 8:00 in the morning. Needless to say, it took us several days to recover and my body was killing me, but we got some super-hot deals. But I don't know if we'll be doing that again... it was rough!</div><div> </div><div>As far as the pregnancy goes, everything is moving along smoothly. I'm due on Christmas day, but my midwife wants to induce on the 20th, so that's only about 2 weeks away. I'm so excited to have Joshua here soon! (Not to mention the fact that when he's here I'll be able to feel my ribs again and sleep on my stomach again!) The kids are excited as well and pray every night that Joshua will get here in time for Christmas. Steven is especially cute. I've tried to get him to feel Joshua moving several times but the little guy always stops as soon as anyone else puts their hands on my stomach. So I'll push a little to try and get Joshua to move and Steven will say "Mom, don't wake him up. He's just a baby and babies need their sleep." How thoughtful is that!?! </div><div> </div><div>Well, now that I'm all caught up I hope to make my next post before the end of the month. But just in case... Merry Christmas everyone!!!<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-56648900537946157602010-07-18T14:43:00.004-05:002010-07-18T15:12:53.528-05:00Girls Camp 2010I had the opportunity to go to girls camp again this year, and I'm so glad that I went. It was truly an amazing experience for me. We came home last Saturday, so it's been a week, but the memories are still fresh on my mind. Because I went as a stake leader this year instead of a ward leader, my experience was very different. While I grew very close to the leaders and girls that I went with last year, this year I had the opportunity to experience that on a much greater scale. I can't begin to tell you how many new people I met (and instantly fell in love with) or how many friendships were strengthened as a result of camp. I loved getting to meet so many wonderful and amazing women (and men.) But I had so much fun with the girls too. Whoever said that serving in the Stake YW Presidency inhibits you from developing close relationships with the girls was wrong. I would see these girls at dances, activities, in the halls and at camp, and I feel like my relationships with them are "tight." I had so much fun with so many of the girls at camp... they are amazing.<br /><br />Of course, as much fun as camp was for me, it was also a very bittersweet experience. Our family moved out of the Frisco stake at the end of June, so going to girls camp with them was sort of my final "hoorah." And now, doggone-it, I'm suffering from separation anxiety (or something.) I had this wonderful, fun, spiritual experience with so many great people and then I was released from my calling Saturday morning and drove home. Talk about a loooonng, hard, emotional drive home. I cried pretty much the entire way. When I drove away from camp, I felt like I had lost much more than a calling. But I can't go on about that or I'll start crying instead of typing and we all know that I'm way overdue for a blog post!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaDppRqTI/AAAAAAAABGU/3vd-CUl8Qa4/s1600/P1040348.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495334989087222066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaDppRqTI/AAAAAAAABGU/3vd-CUl8Qa4/s400/P1040348.JPG" /></a> Here's a picture of our amazing Stake YW Presidency (minus the first counselor), our Stake High Councilman over YW, the Stake Presidency member over the youth and the Stake President<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaCpH7KtI/AAAAAAAABGM/siYr-y783as/s1600/P1040347.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495334971767466706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaCpH7KtI/AAAAAAAABGM/siYr-y783as/s400/P1040347.JPG" /></a><br />Our Stake YW Presidency: Me, Kristan Miller and Rachel Green</div><div align="center">Stake High Councilman: Bro. Zollinger</div><div align="center">(Some of the most amazing people I've ever met)<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaCCyPZRI/AAAAAAAABGE/ww2V6WFmXo4/s1600/Girls+Camp+Audrey+Mon-Tues+047.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495334961475970322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaCCyPZRI/AAAAAAAABGE/ww2V6WFmXo4/s400/Girls+Camp+Audrey+Mon-Tues+047.jpg" /></a> Rachel Green, President Alleman, Kristan Miller and Me</div><div align="center">(Talk about an amazing man)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaBXzP-fI/AAAAAAAABF8/zHFpWBU3QkM/s1600/100_2591.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495334949937478130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/TENaBXzP-fI/AAAAAAAABF8/zHFpWBU3QkM/s400/100_2591.JPG" /></a> My girls... I miss you guys so much!<br /></div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-85304765705002410092010-02-23T14:46:00.003-06:002010-02-23T16:13:26.248-06:00ThreeI can't believe my little girl turns 3 today. I've always been one of <em>those</em> moms that stands over my kids' beds at night and cries over how big they're getting. At least, most of the time. Margaret has been quite the pill since the day she was born and, I'll be honest, she and I just didn't get along very well. But something has changed over the last six months that has allowed she and I to finally bond. And since potty training earlier this month, she has been a completely different, happier little girl.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441559657171127698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/S4RNrXXIDZI/AAAAAAAABE8/uwTNbmAvOPU/s320/February+2010+008.JPG" /><br />Three things you do that I love: <div><div><div>1) Get your Ariel doll and sing her song (when she's giving her voice to Ursula). You do it so "well" and you do it over and over and over... I love it.</div><div>2) Randomly run up to me, grab my face, and plant a huge wet kiss on my cheek. :)</div><div>3) At dinner time, you scoot your chair as close to me as possible and rest your hand on my leg.</div><div> </div><div>Three of Margaret's favorite things:</div><div>1) Princesses</div><div>2) Clothes (especially princess clothes or clothes that mommy makes)</div><div>3) Playing superheroes with Steven</div><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441559667295627954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/S4RNr9E_qrI/AAAAAAAABFE/GjhfLtBXRGc/s320/February+2010+013.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Three of your favorite foods:</div><div>1) Pancakes</div><div>2) Cereal</div><div>3) PB&J sandwiches</div><div> </div><div>Three of your favorite colors:</div><div>1) Yellow</div><div>2) Blue</div><div>3) Red (notice these are Snow White colors)</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441559676370244642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/S4RNse4jVCI/AAAAAAAABFM/BXBHCnjF5D8/s320/February+2010+028.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Three nicknames that your family has for you:</div><div>1) sweet girl</div><div>2) ragamuffin</div><div>3) silly girl</div><div> </div><div>Three words that express how I feel about you:</div><div>I love you. Happy Birthday, sweet girl.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441559680213480466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/S4RNstM2dBI/AAAAAAAABFU/Lt-_FrO8puc/s320/February+2010+040.JPG" /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-84601937939729060382009-07-17T15:21:00.005-05:002009-07-17T15:44:47.481-05:00San AntonioIt's taken me awhile to post about our trip to San Antonio (since we have been back for two weeks now), but here it is... finally.<br /><br /><div><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" src="http://widget-e0.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1657324662896427488&site=widget-e0.slide.com"></embed> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: 400px"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896427488&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-e0.slide.com/p1/1657324662896427488/bb_t014_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896427488&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-e0.slide.com/p2/1657324662896427488/bb_t014_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1657324662896427488&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-e0.slide.com/p4/1657324662896427488/bb_t014_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p><br />First of all, we had such a blast. Sea World was so much! This was the first time for all of us except John and already we can't wait to go back. We didn't really ride any rides, we just swam alot and went to a bunch of shows. Oh, and fed dolphins and sea lions. Feeding the dolphins was definitely Margaret's favorite part (aside from swimming). She loved seeing them so close up and she even got to touch one. Steven's favorite part was seeing Shamu, but I also think he loved riding all of the kiddie rides with Daddy. I really loved the Viva show with the dolphins and acrobats and of course anything that involved getting wet. Seeing the Alamo was fun, but I was so shocked with how small it was. Growing up learning about what took place there, I guess I just expected it to be much bigger. The riverwalk was alot of fun too, but it would be nice if there were signs somewhere letting you know that it's not really stroller-friendly. What could have been a very pleasant stroll turned into a stressful workout; but I did enjoy dinner and the boat tour. All in all, I loved our vacation and I was a little sad to come back to real life. It was fun to be together so much just having a good time. Can't wait to do it again.</p>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-23262734529855913392009-06-24T15:07:00.002-05:002009-06-24T16:01:23.843-05:00A Walking ContradictionI love music.<br /><br />I love just about all styles of music aside from Rap, R&B and twangy country. And when I say that I LOVE all other styles of music, I don't just mean that I'll listen to it if nothing else is on, but I really, truly, passionately (or "truly, madly, deeply" in the words of Savage Garden) LOVE each style for what they are and what they have to offer me, as a listener.<br /><br />I was thinking about this during my run this morning and came to the conclusion that I, my friends, am a walking contradiction. In my previous post, I spent a long time rationalizing why movies should be made of tougher stuff to be considered great, particularly when it comes to character and morality. However, I don't hold these same high standards for myself when it comes to music. I really love heavy, heavy music.<br /><br />There it is. I said it.<br /><br />Metallica<br />311<br />Incubus<br />Linkin Park<br /><br />The list goes on... and on. But I have to say that of all of the heavy music that I like 311 and Incubus are my favorites. Why? Because when they came out, what they were doing was new and different and fresh. Not just straight rock but alt-rock meets hip-hop meets rap meets ska meets raggae meets funk. Gotta love it!<br /><br />However, we all know that heavy music isn't always paired with moral messages (unless you're listening to Christian Rock, which I do on occassion to try and get my fix without the negative lyrics.) Does this stop me from listening to this type of music? On occassion, and definitely if my kids are around. Does this stop me from LOVING this type of music? No. Absolutely not.<br /><br />Let me know if you feel this way too, but I am really MOVED by music. In a way that nothing else can move me. And I find it much easier for male singers to move me than female ones. There are only a handful of female pop singers that I actually like (not all from this era) and all are because they move me and speak to me. I don't know, I guess when I hear a woman sing, I really want her voice to be beautiful because of the types of emotions that I want to experience when I hear a woman sing. A man, however, is a totally different ballgame. Sure, I like it when men have beautiful voices too (my husband has a beautiful voice), but there is just something about a man with a gravely singing voice.<br /><br />I think I got a little off-topic so I'll just end it with this: apparently it's easier to entertain me with music than it is with film.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-61782777619450061462009-06-19T15:20:00.002-05:002009-06-19T16:16:26.064-05:00MoviesI think that I've earned the title of movie snob among the ladies that I serve with in Young Women's. I don't always go crazy over the same movies that they do (Twilight) and of many that are deemed great movies by most people, it seems I'm the only one that has anything negative to say about them (Seven Pounds.) I have to admit that the art of a movie can only take it so far, as well as the acting, plot, etc. Yes, I want to be moved emotionally or intellectually challenged; drawn into a love story or sitting on the edge of my seat; heck, I don't even mind being totally confused at the end of the movie. But, for me personally, it's hard to justify the greatness of a movie without taking into account the subject matter. That's probably the clencher for me, right there.<br /><br /> For instance, Seven Pounds was an excellent movie. It was well-made with very insightful camera shots and lighting. The acting was superb and I even cried in the end. But I have two major problems with the movie: first, it was rather predictable and, second: when you strip it down to the bones, it's just a movie striving to glorify suicide. Granted, I have NO IDEA how I would react in a similar situation, but come on guys - suicide is suicide no matter how many people you save or help along the way. You can disagree with me all you want, but I think that if you sit back and think about it long enough from a religious standpoint, in the end the guy made a poor choice. Noble, yes. Sacrificial, yes. Damning, yes. Killing yourself intentionally to save someone else is simply not the same thing as jumping in front of a bullet to save a comrad in arms. A soldier who takes a bullet for a friend isn't the one holding the gun. Enough said.<br /><br />To illustrate the kinds of movies that I deem great, I want to talk about a movie that John and I watched last night. Has anyone else out there seen Fireproof? It's made by the same guys that did Facing the Giants. Fireproof was a superb movie (and not just because it was about firefighters, whom hold a special place in my heart.) Yes, the acting was a little cheesy at times, the quality might have been sub-par, and the focus on the cross might have made me a little uncomfortable, but I would still rate this as an excellent movie for several reasons. First of all, it's about a disfunctional marriage on the brink of divorce, something that many people can relate to. Secondly, and this is a biggie for me, this movie doesn't shy away from talking about religious matters in any way whatsoever. It's a religious movie that takes religion seriously and it's not afraid to openly discuss God and Christ and our relationship with them. And of course, I thought the storyline was great. Those are things that I look for in a good movie. It doesn't have to be a happy movie or have a happy ending for me to like it, but it should have some sort of moral spine to it, for sure.<br /><br />Having said all of that, I wanted to challenge myself to come up with a list of 30 movies that I deem great, just so you guys will know that there really are several movies out there that I love!<br /><br />1. Harry Potter (all, but especially 1,2 and 5)<br />2. The Lord of the Rings (wonderful "good vs. evil" story)<br />3. Star Wars (the originals - hokey but ultimately good)<br />4. Willow<br />5. The Fugitive<br />6. Unbreakable<br />7. Superman I (the original)<br />8. Superman Returns (even though they took out "Freedom, Justice and the American Way")<br />9. Pride and Prejudice (the BBC version)<br />10. Emma<br />11. Much Ado About Nothing<br />12. The Twelfth Night, or What You Will<br />13. Fireproof<br />14. Dan in Real Life<br />15. E.T.<br />16. Beauty and the Beast<br />17. Sleeping Beauty (and most classic Disney movies)<br />18. Toy Story (and most Disney/Pixar movies)<br />19. Batman (the original)<br />20. Batman Returns<br />21. South Pacific<br />22. The Sound of Music<br />23. My Fair Lady<br />24. The Others<br />25. Father of the Bride<br />26. Ever After<br />27. Saints and Soldiers<br />28. A League of Their Own<br />29. Swing Kids<br />30. Rudy<br /><br />See, there are plenty of movies that I love! :)Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-16117886054341717372009-06-17T15:25:00.003-05:002009-06-17T15:44:03.993-05:00Girls Camp 2009Well, I survived girls camp and I have to tell ya, I had a blast! I had my doubts once I got a good look at the inside of our cabins, but the rest of the camp grounds were so amazing that our nasty bunks were soon forgotten... until bedtime. I had so much fun getting to know the girls better and spending time with them; there's just something about spending a week together that brings you closer. I especially feel that way about the three other leaders that I was there with... you gals rock!!! Can't wait to do it again next year! If you'd like to see some pics, then go <a href="http://www.slide.com/r/HIl5ZEmryD9d7DyOuLn6a6P_HROd9ML3?previous_view=TICKER&previous_action=TICKER_ITEM_CLICK&ciid=3098476543801279233">here</a>.<br /><br />Oh, and the song that I have playing in the background is my new fave. It's titled "Emma" and it's all about Emma Smith and her life. One of the most spiritual experiences that I had at camp was when this song was played behind scenes of the "Emma Smith: My Story" movie... very touching. Especially in the last few seconds of the song which says "I bet your heart breaks when some people still say somewhere down the line you lost your faith. How much can one heart take?" That line really got to me because I've always been one of those people who felt that way. I was wondering why we were focusing on Emma Smith as a woman of light when she eventually strayed from the truth. This song combined with the very stirring images that were shown has brought about a complete change of heart in me. I love you, Emma Smith; I'm sure the angels did stand in reverence as you prayed.Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872536438279974618.post-8291781376347727932009-06-16T22:34:00.006-05:002009-06-16T23:36:19.172-05:00My Little Hero<div align="left">I know that a new post from me has been a long time coming, but believe me when I say that I've tried. Let me just blame it on our internet and be done with it.</div><div align="left"><br />Steven turned 4 last month and we celebrated a few weeks ago with an AWESOME superhero party. The kids got to come dressed up as superheros then we played some fun games in the backyard. Steven was, of course, Batman for the party and he looked so cute... oh, I mean, he looked so TOUGH and SUPERHERO-Y. I think he really enjoyed his day. Thanks to everyone who came and made it so special for him.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348137080127507714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/SjhmVrcYTQI/AAAAAAAABBg/W9FTdW59MVg/s400/may+2009+050.JPG" border="0" /><br />The Superman invitations that I made<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348142807159350402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/SjhrjCTLJII/AAAAAAAABBo/mZgBtn1WXfg/s400/Steven%27s+birthday+party+004.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">"Pass the Kryptonite" relay race</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348142812357606338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/SjhrjVqiO8I/AAAAAAAABBw/p1Y1MHMOc_c/s400/Steven%27s+birthday+party+007.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />He looks so heroic with his cape blowing in the wind!<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348146468713176930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/Sjhu4Kpon2I/AAAAAAAABB4/LJTjU_BFffo/s400/Steven%27s+birthday+party+010.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> "Capture the Super Villians!" - Villian #1<br />(Emily, you look soooo evil!)</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348146470327783602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/Sjhu4QqlkLI/AAAAAAAABCA/8i1clkxhgmk/s400/Steven%27s+birthday+party+011.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">"Capture the Super Villians!" - Villian #2 and #3</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348146477913306786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/Sjhu4s7HdqI/AAAAAAAABCI/5lBwWWmlMoA/s400/Steven%27s+birthday+party+013.JPG" border="0" /><br />Tie up those villians!</div><p align="center"></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348148952736452002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/SjhxIwW7zaI/AAAAAAAABCQ/VKP35ECbjJk/s400/Steven%27s+birthday+party+023.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The cake - Thanks Michelle!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348148958494529842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K9SbBSxrGqY/SjhxJFzxGTI/AAAAAAAABCY/k6QNIAzSVlk/s400/Steven%27s+birthday+party+024.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">The cupcakes - Thanks again, Michelle!</p><p align="center"> </p>Audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786115080068815973noreply@blogger.com3