tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70476183396055563912024-03-13T22:29:11.027-07:00 Messages From The MotherShipOut of an ordinary life comes extraordinary momentsMothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.comBlogger1318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-18867535321078163102021-01-31T20:31:00.001-08:002021-01-31T20:31:29.915-08:00Can'tcation<p> I need a vacation. I need a vacation from my "normal" day-to-day, yes, but I also need a vacation from me. I've screwed up too many times recently to the point where I feel like I need a total reboot. I've been overly sensitive to insensitive comments and I'm thinking far too much about an upcoming trial over which I have no control. Anyone else? I can't go anywhere and not just because of the pandemic. The other day I had a harder than usual day and pretty much cried myself to sleep.</p><p>The next day I had this genius idea that if we can't go anywhere, we will bring the everywhere to us! We are going to have cultural nights from all over the globe with food, facts, games, and movies. Our first one was tonight and it featured JAPAN!</p><p>Lucy loves everything about Japan, so she was our tour guide. We (Lucy and I) made some delicious food including a seaweed salmon, ginger pork, rice, green cabbage, and raindrop cakes. The kids wore their kimonos (well, the Amazon $12 versions, at least), and we used all the fancy dishes. It was not as fun as being in Japan, but we did have a fun evening and were fully distracted.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruS5xcTLS2c/YBeDwcoodWI/AAAAAAABUcQ/A4cV-Ooi3LEzS4oCKy4RGzxJKdLI6ZT_gCPcBGAsYHg/s1564/20210131_201439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruS5xcTLS2c/YBeDwcoodWI/AAAAAAABUcQ/A4cV-Ooi3LEzS4oCKy4RGzxJKdLI6ZT_gCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h640/20210131_201439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Now, someone else is going to have to do the dishes because I'm on vacation.<p></p>Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-14074090997667190882021-01-24T21:41:00.001-08:002021-01-24T21:41:07.572-08:00Finally, a Full Set for Eve<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eve is twelve. When our children are twelve, we gift them twelve dates for Christmas--one each month for a year. It is a beloved tradition, but with all of the show cancellations and closed venues during this time of COVID, we weren't sure if we should give it to her this year or wait until next Christmas. After talking it over with the older children who have already had their year of dates, we were convinced that it was a must-do gift and we would just have to figure it out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Normally, our first date of the year is dinner at a fun Moroccan restaurant (draped ceilings, eating with our hands, sitting on poufs). Alas, indoor dining is restricted in neighboring Washington where the restaurant is located. We had to come up with a Plan B.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eve has a nail biting problem that she has failed to beat, despite several attempts. However, she decided to try again and gave it another go. Anytime Eve gets a little money, she buys the rinky dinky fake nails from Claire's. She has always wanted acrylic nails, but I have always felt like she was too young. When she made it three weeks without biting her nails, I had a sudden inspiration: <b>acrylic nails! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpwTdhdu15U/YA5ZHmLtVtI/AAAAAAABUR8/FTpRCy2rBtg7M_wioUnrdljrRCTZAuzTgCPcBGAsYHg/s2706/20210119_124727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2706" data-original-width="2245" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpwTdhdu15U/YA5ZHmLtVtI/AAAAAAABUR8/FTpRCy2rBtg7M_wioUnrdljrRCTZAuzTgCPcBGAsYHg/w530-h640/20210119_124727.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqB2cVchdDI/YA5ZHqpYR6I/AAAAAAABUR8/7x7qjwUhGEcKkytM5Xd0CrWjoMLJ-caUACPcBGAsYHg/s2571/20210119_133647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2571" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqB2cVchdDI/YA5ZHqpYR6I/AAAAAAABUR8/7x7qjwUhGEcKkytM5Xd0CrWjoMLJ-caUACPcBGAsYHg/w564-h640/20210119_133647.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilwgcBWcTnE/YA5ZHiPdN4I/AAAAAAABUR8/J6kQ2Y22RmAUIOh2hrpuZdcDiOYwJ93gACPcBGAsYHg/s3210/20210119_134356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3210" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilwgcBWcTnE/YA5ZHiPdN4I/AAAAAAABUR8/J6kQ2Y22RmAUIOh2hrpuZdcDiOYwJ93gACPcBGAsYHg/w452-h640/20210119_134356.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We had manicures for our January date. I got a gel polish and she got the full set. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She was the happiest girl in town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her experiences may look different than her siblings', but I think we are going to love our year of dates.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUW7bZnGajo/YA5ZHnlfMaI/AAAAAAABUR8/d-wao_QuXjQUvrh5zhxbpBTXtauTQ6iWQCPcBGAsYHg/s2394/20210119_143912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2394" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUW7bZnGajo/YA5ZHnlfMaI/AAAAAAABUR8/d-wao_QuXjQUvrh5zhxbpBTXtauTQ6iWQCPcBGAsYHg/w606-h640/20210119_143912.jpg" width="606" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /> <p></p>Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-74134317568973768202021-01-23T21:25:00.005-08:002021-01-23T21:27:47.256-08:00Aging and the World of Skin Care<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twIZOsvIH6I/YA0EjMXk6KI/AAAAAAABUPw/Tu70NmV_cUwu6DmPJ1KMKbqVE0SXvSYowCPcBGAsYHg/s1836/2020-11-1-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twIZOsvIH6I/YA0EjMXk6KI/AAAAAAABUPw/Tu70NmV_cUwu6DmPJ1KMKbqVE0SXvSYowCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h640/2020-11-1-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm getting old. I knew it would happen, but am still surprised by the fact of it. I have silver tinsel in my hair, happy lines around my eyes, and the skin on my hands is weird. I am fighting with my body as it struggles to hang onto estrogen-storing belly fat, there is a permanent frown line between my eyebrows, and the hip and shoulder on my favored sleeping side hurt in the mornings. For the most part, I don't mind and even like some of the physical effects of aging. However, I am flummoxed by celebrities who are around my age (Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner) who have absolutely no lines on their faces. I can't believe it is all plastic surgery or botox, so it must be genes or skin care. I can't do anything about my freckle-prone skin and I can't put sunscreen on my constantly sunburned seven or seventeen year old self, so what can I do now?<p></p><p>I first tried some "anti-aging" skin creams about two years ago. I didn't see much of a difference. I super upped my water intake about six months after that. I began seeing some difference. I massively increased my fruits, vegetables, and whole grains about a year ago and that's when I first noticed a big difference--not in the wrinkles, but in skin color and glow factor. Darn those wrinkles, though, and now I'm getting jowls.</p><p>Stop laughing. It's a weird time, man! You know how you can look at a baby picture of an adult and you can see them in that baby face, but you can't look at a baby and know what they will look like as an adult? Well, you also can't really know what your adult face will look like when you are elderly. There are these weird little creases around my mouth that I never saw coming. When I first noticed them I had to really study my facial expressions to figure out which one I make enough to create those lines. (It's my concentrating face; turns out I make that one a lot.)</p><p>Before my first retinol moisturizer, I had only ever paid generic price for my face masks, cleansers, and lotions, with a few gift exceptions from a generous mother. The other day I gathered all of my nerve and went into Ulta.</p><p>What is this entire universe that has been existing on a plane parallel to mine?! At first I was massively intimidated, tried to act like I knew what the heck I was doing, and begged quietly that no cute and perky young adult with carefully shaped eyebrows would ask me if I needed help. Yes, I needed help! I was trying to find anything that cost less than $10. But there was no way I was going to risk getting that, <i>You have got to be kidding me</i> face. (Incidentally, I also feel this way when I go into trendy clothing shops whose mannequins have no faces and whose dressing rooms are not assigned by gender.) I finally stopped trying to look like I was shopping and actually started shopping. After the initial sticker shock, I refocused and mentally decided on a dollar amount that I felt was reasonable. I also decided to start with a mask. After a great deal of looking, I found a mask that I'm sure was the cheapest in the store, but that had good online reviews (what did we do before we could read reviews before purchasing expensive face masks?). I went home and pampered my face. It felt good.</p><p>The next day, my daughter asked me what I had been using because my skin looked so bright.</p><p>So, I guess I'm starting my skin care channel now. See you on tiktok!</p><p><br /></p>Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-65600988141489030352021-01-22T15:30:00.000-08:002021-01-22T15:30:54.666-08:00Removing Expectations<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcMms3h92A0/YAtffgrHV3I/AAAAAAABUNI/gvT2QBfXCrwqJ4k_rJ3Kbng8BOEE1gVPwCPcBGAsYHg/s3264/20201206_164341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcMms3h92A0/YAtffgrHV3I/AAAAAAABUNI/gvT2QBfXCrwqJ4k_rJ3Kbng8BOEE1gVPwCPcBGAsYHg/w471-h640/20201206_164341.jpg" width="471" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />When I was a young mother, I had a subscription to the magazine <i>Family Fun</i>. It had super cute ideas such as making octopus our of hot dogs and caterpillars out of grapes. Every month I would be inspired by the cute ideas and I would want to implement them for my sweet babes. But then the month would pass and their sandwiches would not have been cut into shapes and I would feel like a failure. It dawned on me one day that the kids were excited to get grapes and hot dogs and sandwiches cut into triangles; they didn't need the extra effort to feel loved by me.<p></p><p>Fast forward a lot of years. Last week I was feeling super down on myself. I didn't have a great reason and it took an entire day of introspection, plus some divine revelation to help me understand what was going on. You see, I follow several inspiring faith-based accounts. They post quotes, scriptures, and gospel teaching ideas. AND THEY ARE GREAT IDEAS! I'd love to make Joseph Smith Maple Sugar candies to bring history alive for the family. I know I should hide little gems all over the house and send the children on a treasure hunt to emphasize the fact that the scriptures are full of gems and they are worth searching for. I know they would love it, our troubles would flee, and rainbows would dwell continuously in the sky. But when the end of the week comes and I haven't done any of those activities with my family, I feel, once again, like a massive failure. </p><p>I have unfollowed all of those worthy and worthwhile pages on my social media feeds. They are good, but they are not filling a need for me--in fact, quite the opposite. Our family has quality Come Follow Me and gospel discussions at least five days per week. We are together all of the time, more than ever because of the pandemic, and we do not need to carve out special family time. I am enough.</p><p>Isn't it funny that I needed to relearn that lesson I thought I had learned all of those years ago? </p>Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-81602435665009068362018-05-17T09:23:00.000-07:002018-05-17T09:23:38.335-07:00The Chicken Coop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
During our house build, every time there was a length of wood that was going to be scrapped, I snagged it and put it in a pile. For the last two years, that pile has been a mouse mansion. A couple of weeks ago, we pulled the pile apart, separating the good from the too warped or weather worn.<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wWm5u25ajA/WvXNGQBk9bI/AAAAAAAA7EI/3FZP3O0FmHQmgA7RJqaKLV1EpA0ASdzXACKgBGAs/s1600/20180426_111737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wWm5u25ajA/WvXNGQBk9bI/AAAAAAAA7EI/3FZP3O0FmHQmgA7RJqaKLV1EpA0ASdzXACKgBGAs/s640/20180426_111737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, based upon the supplies available, I began building a chicken coop.</div>
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I had to be creative and even then it was a bit higgledy-piggledy. My lines aren't always straight because the wood I was using was not always straight! But some mistakes were just plain my fault, like this atrocious trimming around the arched door.</div>
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But I figured it wasn't something a lot of caulk, some paint, and a good deal of distance wouldn't solve. After washing all of the wood thoroughly, I got the kids painting one afternoon using leftover house paint. In the end, I did have to buy some wood and hardware, but it is 85% recycled or reused supplies.</div>
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It was about 1000° that day, but they persevered. It was fairly difficult to paint because it was a hodge podge of surfaces. </div>
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That work, therefore, earned them their first trip of the year to the lake!</div>
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Even though the air was hot, the lake remembered that it was early May. It was terribly cold, but the kids played and had fun anyway!</div>
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A few days later, and in typical spring fashion, the temperatures fluctuated wildly. The tarp roof wasn't cutting it, so I attempted my first trusses. The girls wanted to be right at my feet, "helping."</div>
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I did it! The trusses were tricky, but I figured it out and got them up on the roof.</div>
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(Yes, there was a window box and a pink door before there was a roof because, priorities, man.)</div>
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Inside, there is a roost with a tray underneath to help catch the majority of the night droppings. The ramps lead up to the roost, then second story to the nesting boxes.</div>
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Once we get the run built, there will be a small chicken door opened up underneath, too.</div>
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Everything was coated in a lime whitewash that is supposed to be good for the chickens and will help with insect and rodent control. I think the chicken's beaks are the best insect control, but I'll do anything to prevent a mice infestation in my chicken coop!</div>
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The view from the back shows a little roof over the nesting boxes with a door for easy access to the eggs. </div>
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The nesting boxes are actually removable dish washing tubs for easy cleaning.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8JLhtTn6dA/Wv2qZGNfpmI/AAAAAAAA7S8/q8YCIwjlEn4gtthy_T3WRqysvWZm8KDWwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180512_200024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8JLhtTn6dA/Wv2qZGNfpmI/AAAAAAAA7S8/q8YCIwjlEn4gtthy_T3WRqysvWZm8KDWwCKgBGAs/s640/20180512_200024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Under the nesting boxes is a small storage cabinet with shelves for chicken and bee keeping equipment and a rodent proof metal garbage can for the chicken feed.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykW757_8qPo/WvzykWg4vJI/AAAAAAAA7Rs/jBySRc6wgKc9s8vecG6CuoMKnGZ1TKrhwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180512_200001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykW757_8qPo/WvzykWg4vJI/AAAAAAAA7Rs/jBySRc6wgKc9s8vecG6CuoMKnGZ1TKrhwCLcBGAs/s640/20180512_200001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are still a few small things that need doing, but for now, I'm calling the chicken coop DONE!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6kdBOj_r2Q/Wvzywqk8meI/AAAAAAAA7R4/d0YtxK11I9sflFV4kzY8UPCFQTinytynQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180516_200412_658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6kdBOj_r2Q/Wvzywqk8meI/AAAAAAAA7R4/d0YtxK11I9sflFV4kzY8UPCFQTinytynQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180516_200412_658.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Isn't she adorable?</div>
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The girls seem awfully pleased with their new house.</div>
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And so am I.</div>
Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-72229344098965453322018-05-14T13:20:00.000-07:002018-05-14T13:20:04.902-07:00Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mondays are my work days. I'm not sure why it worked out that way, but after the busy weekend, I usually wake up on Monday ready to go. I conquer a lot on Mondays, but too often I conquer it alone. Today I decided that was unacceptable.</div>
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I've made the list, nine miles long, and have informed the children that everything must be completed on the list and there will be no joy in the house until it is done.</div>
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The expected balking began immediately,</div>
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but I do not care.</div>
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I am strong.</div>
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And I'm wearing my Wonder Woman t-shirt to give me that bonus strength.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Rri7FSsL4/WvnuDT3AesI/AAAAAAAA7LE/ZeL2ZLD6Sck_GurCJooRRxKDaffUvuMOwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180514_103212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Rri7FSsL4/WvnuDT3AesI/AAAAAAAA7LE/ZeL2ZLD6Sck_GurCJooRRxKDaffUvuMOwCKgBGAs/s640/20180514_103212.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Just try getting out of it, children.</div>
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I'm ready for ya!</div>
<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-46038992418478546592018-05-10T16:37:00.001-07:002018-05-10T16:57:05.424-07:00Going for a Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My little independent woman,</div>
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headed out for a walk</div>
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with her Family Size bag of Cheetos and</div>
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her pull-along duck. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kkjRX_sdUY/WvTXH6IQeoI/AAAAAAAA7B0/QiCM5ycPyYYOzst86k5cWIJg9nLdAN2qwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180509_135839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kkjRX_sdUY/WvTXH6IQeoI/AAAAAAAA7B0/QiCM5ycPyYYOzst86k5cWIJg9nLdAN2qwCKgBGAs/s640/20180509_135839.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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What else do you need?!</div>
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-1051272614106335422018-05-07T14:36:00.000-07:002018-05-09T14:39:03.258-07:00Random Cute Kids<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our missionary, pictured with the tools of his trade, is still having a stellar experience in Arizona. He is learning selflessness and charity. (All of the heart eyes.)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cutie in her bright new dress, on a bright Sunday morning, next to the bright tulips.<br />Hooray for May!</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDYjZ92Ut6Q/WvNoxJrpF3I/AAAAAAAA6-E/adol26MTiE47UTdBKVYDu3IKq2hjgkD7ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180506_120201_938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDYjZ92Ut6Q/WvNoxJrpF3I/AAAAAAAA6-E/adol26MTiE47UTdBKVYDu3IKq2hjgkD7ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180506_120201_938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On this particular night, they crowded me out of my bed, so I escaped to the couch. It wasn't long before they found me and instead of four people in a Queen sized bed, there were three of us sharing 16 inches of space.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I was preparing my lesson on the other side of the table and she was doing her work on her side.</i></td></tr>
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-77531332688294941142018-05-04T14:28:00.000-07:002018-05-09T14:30:15.366-07:00Our First Broken Bone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Camilla has been running track for the Junior High. No one besides Camilla was brave enough to try running hurdles, but she really enjoyed it. Until she fell.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwcgKtcglDk/WvNmRuJ0NHI/AAAAAAAA69w/LwlcSqQ8-7MKp8J_Mv7bLG0LJegiqX7FACKgBGAs/s1600/20180424_173403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwcgKtcglDk/WvNmRuJ0NHI/AAAAAAAA69w/LwlcSqQ8-7MKp8J_Mv7bLG0LJegiqX7FACKgBGAs/s640/20180424_173403.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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She broke her elbow! With all of these kids and my free range parenting style, I still can't believe it took this long to have a broken bone! Sadly, that meant the end of her track season. Also, since the break occurred only a few days before her piano recital, she couldn't play the right hand of her pieces. Thank goodness for sisters; Eliza helped her out.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yZxR5bXKe4/WvNmRrj6UGI/AAAAAAAA69w/0m_Zk96GtscrF1ai4L4-XxANTzHD4o39wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180430_173527_361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="753" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yZxR5bXKe4/WvNmRrj6UGI/AAAAAAAA69w/0m_Zk96GtscrF1ai4L4-XxANTzHD4o39wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180430_173527_361.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Upon follow-up with the orthopedic surgeon, he said that since the bone wasn't out of line and didn't need to be reset, she could have the splint removed and didn't need to have a new cast put on. He gave her several exercises to do regularly to encourage extension and movement which is supposed to prevent the joint from becoming stiff. I was so thankful for that doctor! As self-pay patients, it is such a relief to hear that kind of news!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0O35oxnjkA/WvNn86ksEzI/AAAAAAAA698/DynwURNnQA8xCir96rh1bG5cj3bnp8SdgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180501_182943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0O35oxnjkA/WvNn86ksEzI/AAAAAAAA698/DynwURNnQA8xCir96rh1bG5cj3bnp8SdgCKgBGAs/s640/20180501_182943.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Good thing she can still hold her little chickies!</div>
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Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-78444942304106719952018-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:002018-05-09T14:20:33.440-07:00Putting Things Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After I got back from our amazing trip, I had a huge To Do list. Not only was I gone for nearly two weeks, but it is spring! There is always so much to be done in the spring.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaos4RUpWgM/WvNbkTpouYI/AAAAAAAA678/-eHH4qduox8FG1aioKUzuMrhQRHIVA2bwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180424_130921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaos4RUpWgM/WvNbkTpouYI/AAAAAAAA678/-eHH4qduox8FG1aioKUzuMrhQRHIVA2bwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180424_130921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the things I've looked forward to for years, really, but especially since Christmas when Justin got me this bee box kit, was becoming a bee keeper. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHCHWz52vEE/WvNbkcKKglI/AAAAAAAA678/0JnMigiTqeAgThZyLig4r5oOM6_NZHAWgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180424_114002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHCHWz52vEE/WvNbkcKKglI/AAAAAAAA678/0JnMigiTqeAgThZyLig4r5oOM6_NZHAWgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180424_114002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After reading books and articles, watching YouTube videos, talking to beekeeping friends, and attending a class put on by our local extension office, it was finally bee day. Our friend and neighbor has raised bees for years and when it was actually time to put the new colony into the hive, I chickened out. Tyre came right over and helped me introduce the bees to their new home. I'm not afraid of bees, but the reason I'm not afraid of bees is because I just leave them alone. This activity required that I get very close to A LOT of bees. Then I was supposed to shake and otherwise mess with these bees! I was rather unnerved, but my good friend helped me through. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhT-avdlYV8/WvNc8xpfarI/AAAAAAAA68I/XmaCFqmtZOk-PwwATGrHfL42Jr2hgwMGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180428_224729_447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhT-avdlYV8/WvNc8xpfarI/AAAAAAAA68I/XmaCFqmtZOk-PwwATGrHfL42Jr2hgwMGQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180428_224729_447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now I have honey bees! How exciting!!</div>
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Next up is the chicken coop. I'm hoping to use mostly leftover and recycled wood from our house build.</div>
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Here goes nothing.</div>
<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-40107424571524231602018-05-01T14:19:00.000-07:002018-05-09T14:30:51.433-07:00Our Baby is Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even though I had been thinking about her birthday for weeks, I had no perfect gift idea for our Wynnie (except underwear, which isn't as fun as it sounds haha). Finally, I decided,<i> She's turning two. This is when you just get fun toys.</i> When I could finally get to the store, I had 30 minutes to shop. I set the alarm on my phone and Eliza and I burst from the starting blocks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Eliza's Happy Shopper Stock Photo</i></td></tr>
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I'm telling you, that is my new favorite thing! It was so fun and wasn't stressful in the slightest. She loved all of her gifts and had no idea I hadn't planned and ordered things weeks and months in advance.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trying out the Cinderella shoes on the wooden floor.</i></td></tr>
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How we love, love, love this sweet and happy little girl!</div>
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-84122377338690087442018-04-22T18:11:00.000-07:002018-04-29T19:09:01.616-07:00Bishop Daddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA14b9iTwho/WuYaTNu6dYI/AAAAAAAA6fo/VoTrbma1CCYXidcKDW1Ys4X3gJHos5TlgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180422_122428.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="947" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA14b9iTwho/WuYaTNu6dYI/AAAAAAAA6fo/VoTrbma1CCYXidcKDW1Ys4X3gJHos5TlgCKgBGAs/s320/20180422_122428.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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When we learned that our current<a href="https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/bishop" target="_blank"> bishop</a> was going to be moving this spring, we were sad our friends were moving away, but we never imagined how his announcement would affect our lives. Justin has been called to be the bishop and leader of our<a href="https://www.mormon.org/worship" target="_blank"> local congregation</a>. <br />
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It is a weird place to be in because it isn't a position to be sought after, but it is an honor to be trusted by the Lord. Mostly, I am thankful to be married to a worthy man and I'm thankful that Heavenly Father knows he can call upon Justin Sanders.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Missing our Missionary Son</i></td></tr>
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-76088007792467599832018-04-21T15:16:00.000-07:002018-05-07T15:20:36.546-07:00Assisi, City on a Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-58456731633795841492018-04-20T15:20:00.000-07:002018-05-07T15:24:34.725-07:00Food, Bikes, and Farm with Francesco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-73938290156875561752018-04-17T22:59:00.001-07:002018-04-17T22:59:19.521-07:00Bravo, Michelangelo. Thank you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-69072450585088012992018-04-16T19:45:00.001-07:002018-04-16T19:45:18.093-07:00The Churches of Florence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-13183459696639591712018-04-16T19:37:00.003-07:002018-04-16T19:42:32.547-07:00The Art of Florence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our first day in Florence saw us doing new (and scary) things again. Although our apartment is in a perfect location for tourist activities, it is rather far from the LDS chapel. We gathered up our courage and figured out the bus system. There were no English helps along the way and, oddly, no bus routes maps either at the stops or on the buses. Since our phones cannot access the Internet, there was a lot of guessing going on. But, I did get to use my Italian quite a bit and we somehow navigated our way to church, despite the Firenze Marathon being held that day that promised to mess up all of our plans!<br />
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Church was very nice and one of the missionaries translated the whole meeting for us into a little headset. One of the speakers reminded us to "have a spiritual experience every day." This trip has afforded us many of those, all unexpected.<br />
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On the way back, an American couple was having a difficult time figuring out their way back into town. Once again, my terribly broken Italian saved the day and got all four of us on the right bus and off at the right stop. It was fun to have the language work for me, even if it was poorly done. Makes me want to learn it better!<br />
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That couple showed us a delicious panini shop, then we went back to the hotel for a little R & R. Our afternoon was filled with the Uffizi Galleries, which turned out to be excellent, then we wandered up to a lookout point recommended to us by our Airbnb host. It was a beautiful spot and a perfect end to our Sabbath day.<br />
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-58687854300144936732018-04-15T14:09:00.000-07:002018-04-15T14:09:57.098-07:00A Day of Surprises<div>
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We had just a few hours in the morning, so we decided to head over to a church recommended to us by our Venetian kayak guide. As we walked, we had several delightful surprises. We walked into every open church (they are plentiful, like Starbucks shops in Seattle; one on every corner) and we're always charmed. Once, we heard Vivaldi and did some sleuthing until we discovered a free Vivaldi museum. Later, we heard piano and, distinguishing right away that it was live piano and not something piped into the street, we went searching for the source. We finally found the sound coming from an open window several stories up. We stood in rapt amazement for a long time, listening to that gal do her practicing. There were bells from everywhere marking the time and Finally, on our way to the train station, a bassist playing Bach's Prelude No. 1 on the steet corner.<br />
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We took the train to Florence and found a whole new batch of surprises: scores of sailboats dancing upon the sea, a phenomenal string quartet busking in a random courtyard, an ornate carousel in another, a paper lantern floating over a moonlit river, and glorious views and statuary everywhere we turned. At one point, Eliza declared, "No more surprises! How will I ever go back to my normal life?"</div>
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We ended our day watching<i> The Marriage of Figaro</i> in an old church in Florence. You might think this was the third splurge, but it was only €25 each! The venue was small, so it was very intimate. Just marvelous!</div>
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So many happy surprises, Italy. Grazie!</div>
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Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-88660580712855892482018-04-13T17:41:00.001-07:002018-04-14T06:30:47.170-07:00Beautiful Venice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-70226162250108587672018-04-13T16:57:00.000-07:002018-04-13T23:50:04.700-07:00Vatican City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our splurges for this trip was an early bird tour of the Vatican, specifically for the early entrance to the Sistine Chapel. It was worth every penny. We didn't have to waste time standing in line and because we entered an hour before the public opening (with lots of other tour groups), the Sistine wasn't crowded. We were about to sit quietly and really enjoy the artwork and atmosphere of Michelangelo's genius. It was an especially emotional experience for me, being there, knowing stories, and having my testimony of a living God who indeed created us strengthened. Since that is where popes are elected and having only recently had a prophet and president of the church ordained, my testimony of the keys of the gospel being received from Christ himself was reaffirmed. Many, many thoughts in that room.<br />
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Other artwork and architecture in the Vatican, including Laocoön and his sons being attacked by sea serpents and the Pieta, specific personal favorites. St. Peter's is ornate and impressive, but the best part was when we got a surprise service which included a boy's choir. Magical.<br />
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The rest of the very rainy and blustery day included a visit to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and dinner with a dear friend who now lives in Rome.<br />
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I got to see all of these things with my daughter. What a treasured gift.Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-40124460605655626962018-04-12T19:17:00.000-07:002018-04-13T17:42:54.390-07:00Really Old Places<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a pretty restful night, considering we flipped night and day from our home, we got going bright and early the next day. This was the day we were going to see the <i>really</i> old stuff, as in ancient kind of old. I'd read so much about standing in 2-4 hour lines, that I made it a priority to beat the crowds. We had no line at all to get our tickets to Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. My audio tour plan didn't function correctly, but that ended up being kind of nice. I'm usually fixated on never wasting an opportunity to learn and this small snafu gave me the freedom to step back from that expectation. Except for the moment when I was dive-bombed by a seagull, it was a fascinating and enjoyable day of touring.<br />
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After a short afternoon nap, we went to see my first Michelangelo (Moses & Pope Julius II's tomb) in San Pietro in Vincoli. In addition to my awe at the sculpure, I had a surprisingly religious experience about Peter there.<br />
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Finally, we hiked over to the Grand Trevi Fountain. We took the metro back. So much with the walking.<br />
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Thrilling day of seeing all the post card places! Eliza and I both kept randomly tearing up for gratitude and joy at being in Italy together.Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-7954642573271276732018-04-11T16:46:00.000-07:002018-04-13T17:22:03.603-07:00The Adventure Begins <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was exciting to be on our way after so many years of dreaming and months of planning. The travel wasn't without incident, unfortunately. One flight was a bit late which caused us to miss a connecting flight which forced a late arrival in Rome. Customs took far longer than anticipated and we took the wrong train. When we finally decided we were as close as the train would take us to our hotel, we got off only to discover we were in a sketchy part of town, lugging suitcases and backpacks over cobblestone. My phone didn't work so we ended up taking a terrifically long route to our beds. Rome's football team won a major game just as we started walking and all of Rome was celebrating. It took us a little while to understand they were <i>celebrating</i> and weren't coming to eat us! There was continuous horn honking, spontaneous anthem singing by large groups of strangers, and general melee. Once we found our hotel (with the help of a kind stranger/angel), the clerk wouldn't answer the door! Miraculously, a French couple coming in at the same time (well after midnight) saved us. We were in and safe and utterly exhausted.<br />
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However, all along the way, I had this fun traveling companion who was just as surprised and thrilled with every old thing we stumbled upon as we circled the spaghetti streets of Rome.<br />
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Avventura for sure!Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-88180840161083646532018-04-01T23:12:00.002-07:002018-04-01T23:12:31.551-07:00April Fool, Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mother Nature was playing a little April Fool's Day joke on us this year!</div>
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The kids usually hide and re-hide the Easter eggs twenty-two times, but once was enough this year! It was COLD today!</div>
<br />Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-86930079561425083022018-03-31T23:17:00.000-07:002018-04-01T23:20:26.715-07:00Must be Time to Mow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, that is snow in the foreground and yes, that is a snow shovel still sitting by the front porch, but the sun came out, so our retired neighbor must've thought, </div>
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<i>Heck. Might as well mow.</i></div>
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What is it about old guys and their lawn mowers?! 😂</div>
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Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7047618339605556391.post-15438109795920486702018-03-30T23:09:00.000-07:002018-04-01T23:09:49.468-07:00Passover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We continued our long-standing tradition of holding a Passover meal (at least our super Christian version of the Last Supper--which was a Passover meal). The whole family agrees that we like this tradition even more than Easter. </div>
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(Parenthetically, why do we sometimes assume that children will like the bunny and candy and eggs better than the true doctrine and the sacred moments?)</div>
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Look at my babies grow. I don't think we even had any spilled grape juice this year.</div>
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Sigh.</div>
Mothershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13734896338035985071noreply@blogger.com0