tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28606507265389808792024-02-20T13:48:08.948-05:00A little bit of everything a whole lot of nothingGrisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-37832935641747408212009-07-08T09:55:00.002-04:002009-07-08T10:02:19.456-04:00Delaney's Focus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipacjPRepGnQCl5FT3OFrVzO8hSqrs5k6qHcaYszlPvR2wDyvVUHkTL6IP0VCnnREQkmHFDw3O78x0Ssu80fR70egMLbj1ipQC4xFbhMs2xGhgdNqhVBd974igN0xNekpZ0yubQasAsva2/s1600-h/delaney+shadow+hug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356088059631190242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipacjPRepGnQCl5FT3OFrVzO8hSqrs5k6qHcaYszlPvR2wDyvVUHkTL6IP0VCnnREQkmHFDw3O78x0Ssu80fR70egMLbj1ipQC4xFbhMs2xGhgdNqhVBd974igN0xNekpZ0yubQasAsva2/s320/delaney+shadow+hug.jpg" border="0" /></a> Delaney has loved horses since they were first introduced about two years ago. That would have made her TWO. The fascination has yet to fade. She loves to give Shadow hugs and kisses. She is finally old enough and has hung onto this horse thing long enough to start lessons. Every week, before lessons, we have to walk through the big barn and say hello to every horse that happens to be in their stall. After her lesson we have to stop by and say hello to Shadow and sneak her a couple treats.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrMF_JrkFIxt__0ArMOWOTunM-K_g2DXFbkL541WgPbKWL0KuZ6SR-l90Kzb-y0ukSP3vB0jH9MoW1VfWz30qh4i273z9vomNJRCQSyoXaqMFnFnj1bBaeaRPoqptHPMMvF6yDKMUqPo2/s1600-h/delaney+horse+lesson+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356088059288404594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrMF_JrkFIxt__0ArMOWOTunM-K_g2DXFbkL541WgPbKWL0KuZ6SR-l90Kzb-y0ukSP3vB0jH9MoW1VfWz30qh4i273z9vomNJRCQSyoXaqMFnFnj1bBaeaRPoqptHPMMvF6yDKMUqPo2/s320/delaney+horse+lesson+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I think she's doing amazingly well. She is up there learning the reins, 'steering' the horse, and just having a blast. She's already trotting and practicing her positions which help with balance.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1BsAmbCfWbpiwA33UuYdrctR9hmsPSXBrMS3p-2cHCGI00b6Pq63cUeunafLOZ2Sjhy4_LoG-p3rXy3s-KAZ-fdMAsCz7G-F0jgu3wV71fMjANlp8zs9Rhj6RPu9JP1y5QTkXUZmY2Yb/s1600-h/delaney+horse+lesson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356088051214886514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1BsAmbCfWbpiwA33UuYdrctR9hmsPSXBrMS3p-2cHCGI00b6Pq63cUeunafLOZ2Sjhy4_LoG-p3rXy3s-KAZ-fdMAsCz7G-F0jgu3wV71fMjANlp8zs9Rhj6RPu9JP1y5QTkXUZmY2Yb/s320/delaney+horse+lesson.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I hope this love affair continues. You can tell by the smile on her face it's something she enjoys. We finish one lesson and she's immediately asking when her next lesson is. I would have her do it every day if I could, just to see that smile. (of course, the mom in me also wishes she could be this focused on other things too!)<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-48629147497052393522009-06-04T18:10:00.002-04:002009-06-04T18:22:04.391-04:00Slacker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgucbetvbd1KBRnHxhx2KfRZsXDRdfRHrTj2dy53JoQCUaiwH7PpfZiup0n6IjESJ-S7Nz7mtBwWRh3w0ofxWipCkQzaCkr1-8pUa9BwWZuDJi4n0fG2vuyV9HW2X89FM5ExnkJ6nnG1_k/s1600-h/kids+log.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343601133337729330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgucbetvbd1KBRnHxhx2KfRZsXDRdfRHrTj2dy53JoQCUaiwH7PpfZiup0n6IjESJ-S7Nz7mtBwWRh3w0ofxWipCkQzaCkr1-8pUa9BwWZuDJi4n0fG2vuyV9HW2X89FM5ExnkJ6nnG1_k/s320/kids+log.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywN8FtHvXFRbSjEDfQhV1E0SnZAnBcy1urWJyR2uCxBF-cFZyJjyQ6eV358wQePBpxUa_9V6z7OZ3CybFEFjFmaVShZDFpKFGLul-T1PdAjaKpcQsD7yTff5Ftfkixv16HPrcPGVWYwfb/s1600-h/family+pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343601129771912898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywN8FtHvXFRbSjEDfQhV1E0SnZAnBcy1urWJyR2uCxBF-cFZyJjyQ6eV358wQePBpxUa_9V6z7OZ3CybFEFjFmaVShZDFpKFGLul-T1PdAjaKpcQsD7yTff5Ftfkixv16HPrcPGVWYwfb/s320/family+pic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJUGhnD1L6GdGOPp3Krs1X9qlHllPIahHzsleT6GKKTRZgf4GYhXqy1OLBQH065u3OeT4csL6V1QL9ae477XOtdhmfP1imHpbctgoE_c_JVfgtJgXGq2yZuaZctmEGTEb_AvGcJo-jVBp/s1600-h/barn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343601123731864530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJUGhnD1L6GdGOPp3Krs1X9qlHllPIahHzsleT6GKKTRZgf4GYhXqy1OLBQH065u3OeT4csL6V1QL9ae477XOtdhmfP1imHpbctgoE_c_JVfgtJgXGq2yZuaZctmEGTEb_AvGcJo-jVBp/s320/barn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I've been such a slacker. When I started this I figured NO problem, I could post everyday just like all those other people. Daily posts of all the drivel and whining that goes on in my life. But well, then life takes over and gets in the way and I don't have as much going on in my mind or in my life to talk about. Still don't - But i thought I should at least tell you.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Delaney had her first riding lesson. She did amazing. Unfortunately she has also had some serious attitude problems. So, we're not sure what to do. Last night - mad that she had to go to bed, she took her brand new glasses and twisted them in half. It comes to my mind now that i should have taken pictures. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Gabriel is doing well, almost done with school. He was playing tag - and had tunnel vision as only a game of tag can give you and ran into another boy who got in his path. I think the other kid is fine. Gabriel has a fat lip, come bleeding and a loose tooth out of the deal. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact it's one of her permanent teeth. So, x-rays at the dentist and soft food for now untl it doesn't hurt so bad. Poor kid.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>our life in a nutshell. i'd update you on the hubby and me but it seems we dont' so as much as we would like.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>but then i'm reminded we did make it to the mountains a few weekends ago -maybe i'll add some of those pics for some scenery.</div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-12916011912235574812009-04-26T09:31:00.003-04:002009-04-26T09:42:07.608-04:00Saturday Morning Sludge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlMfNCWGjbknMMD17FmwN8CJJ8zPCAv3c4GAjgRzb_Xh5gTNiOORfM0rkB5qc7hdei9cKxFthG22LfBeV8Wa6kCkhfXHQMXYkgQo17TGjvSDEsxTS1NJzR16qFJEfNsYwx2-875EoHZyW/s1600-h/DSC_0029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328993277366836578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlMfNCWGjbknMMD17FmwN8CJJ8zPCAv3c4GAjgRzb_Xh5gTNiOORfM0rkB5qc7hdei9cKxFthG22LfBeV8Wa6kCkhfXHQMXYkgQo17TGjvSDEsxTS1NJzR16qFJEfNsYwx2-875EoHZyW/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" border="0" /></a> I always like to take a picture of my fish while I can actuall see them. It's that time of year where I drain the water out, catch the fish, haul off the winter sludge, then put the fish back in a much cleaner home. It's not a job for the faint of heart. Sludge, slime, smell and usually something pops out that gives me that short adrenaline rush. It's usually a bullfrog and I don't mind them, they just startle me when I'm in there looking for fish and something jumps out at me.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8_083d2Qxxx7diqJdzUbSwzh-OuL3VRsX5PTNRHo_iPVUyGAeK3IRGAiwm0qiOHQLjl6qX9b4UL8EKtIL8g4DFMj5fyKKKWrAs1eEB1MDVPVjJ0AkKB_74f6U5qCNDd6cdKbl1SlHVlR/s1600-h/me+and+lizard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328993265877243794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8_083d2Qxxx7diqJdzUbSwzh-OuL3VRsX5PTNRHo_iPVUyGAeK3IRGAiwm0qiOHQLjl6qX9b4UL8EKtIL8g4DFMj5fyKKKWrAs1eEB1MDVPVjJ0AkKB_74f6U5qCNDd6cdKbl1SlHVlR/s320/me+and+lizard.jpg" border="0" /></a> This year we had no bullfrogs, and I actually missed them. What I did find was this neat lizard. He was living up in the waterfall area - where I found him as I was moving rocks and digging out more sludge. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_uOyySydyIj589LLfZOVhI6lRX2__G4lPoqHQRbCW9hrG-AMjN3EaQkdGIim1z0u1htrm-6q1KQljPyt8og-mwnfWft5Hv2sX6TOSPXGTi25at9VLnTt6znnKp3n6KizAps6v3yF0GQE/s1600-h/lizard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328993258747566274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_uOyySydyIj589LLfZOVhI6lRX2__G4lPoqHQRbCW9hrG-AMjN3EaQkdGIim1z0u1htrm-6q1KQljPyt8og-mwnfWft5Hv2sX6TOSPXGTi25at9VLnTt6znnKp3n6KizAps6v3yF0GQE/s320/lizard.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The kids thought he was cool, so we kept him around in a bucket so they could watch him and so I wouldn't step on him during my cleaning.</div><div> </div><div>The pond is now clean, fish are happy. We also went and got some more fish - from 13 last year to 6 or was it 7 this year. That Grey Heron depleted my pond big time. So, we went to the pet store and spurged. YUP, almost $2.00 on 6 feeder fish. Luckest fish around yesterday.</div><div> </div><div>And hey, can anyone identify this thing?<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-89812346339193395222009-04-17T21:02:00.003-04:002009-04-17T21:18:47.872-04:00Mom's Idea of Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqglqA-oIYTbbmFLiO9OiblQ3-sWcBn1UMwt9tFdJ6WOloNpUaVibnGkoklvezmvpfEBkQl2ufIi5GOplofoufRRRCIa2G8N_cGr11lj0by9eb6DZNHx8Y29CIpogKu4yZX4nDv4UHKf_/s1600-h/kids+on+rock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325832234558565618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqglqA-oIYTbbmFLiO9OiblQ3-sWcBn1UMwt9tFdJ6WOloNpUaVibnGkoklvezmvpfEBkQl2ufIi5GOplofoufRRRCIa2G8N_cGr11lj0by9eb6DZNHx8Y29CIpogKu4yZX4nDv4UHKf_/s320/kids+on+rock.jpg" border="0" /></a> Randy and I have been trying to do more things this year. Instead of just saying "we should do this, or we should do that" we are actually following through and doing it. We've talked about hiking - and used to do some BK (before kids) and now that Delaney is almost 5, we thought we'd give it a try. Of course, most would start small and work their way up, not us. We started with a 5 mile hike marked "strenous". It was going to be a beautiful day, and although my throat was bothering me, I took some tylenol and we set out. 1.4 miles to the summit, piece of cake I thought. And well, that part wasn't bad. We made it to the top and enjoyed a picnic and the view - as you can see from the picture of the kids - it was a gorgeous view.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiup78ONztvcTd-7jZJu3JjWk3EebMpACOV5MO4ci574GBbtRX8VC3sOS9iSE7NUSg1fwEUDMglQ14GQp6Efh0_pQiY4CPM7Oh3s1KmC35jzO0W1imDCcswOejCOSXY7bvHds6a-qSBC7c/s1600-h/g+with+stick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325832232401984290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiup78ONztvcTd-7jZJu3JjWk3EebMpACOV5MO4ci574GBbtRX8VC3sOS9iSE7NUSg1fwEUDMglQ14GQp6Efh0_pQiY4CPM7Oh3s1KmC35jzO0W1imDCcswOejCOSXY7bvHds6a-qSBC7c/s320/g+with+stick.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Once we started our trip down, the fun and games were over. We started counting how many steps there were - to keep Gabriel occupied and because we were glad we were going DOWN and not up them. My sore throat was thinking of coming back - but thankfully I had packed more tylenol in my bag. Gabriel and Delaney found walking sticks to help them out along the way also.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9BtkfkEfZMgGa0hQWmA8dUxZoZoYYEwJlYzbY4lXIi6-bRfJQdvIt0aEye7ODH-ZL4Uy1pLUAmwHUK0nhArmIYADFHPvN8M6frcK0p1w2AhCbeaHWOL7BBgylWZ7tXyWTnhgINgQ5uXK/s1600-h/delaney+on+rock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325832226748916898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9BtkfkEfZMgGa0hQWmA8dUxZoZoYYEwJlYzbY4lXIi6-bRfJQdvIt0aEye7ODH-ZL4Uy1pLUAmwHUK0nhArmIYADFHPvN8M6frcK0p1w2AhCbeaHWOL7BBgylWZ7tXyWTnhgINgQ5uXK/s320/delaney+on+rock.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here's my girl, for 5 miles, 4 hours and 1,109 stairs (remember I said we counted them) she held up like a trooper, and in true Delaney fashon on the short, FLAT connector trail, within site of our car, she fell and cut up her poor leg. She makes it through all five miles on rough trail, and that's how she hurts herself. That's my girl. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEaMxB3_oAX1UFL14Pb_Ki84qGANKo1vPLm6iKYrQEEZJKzoytliG1Q5Kl9b98SViqdqegH0UI7CmzOGLIgbTgEfOeG00O73M1Gmv8FygBEq7Wf7osSkybhydq7scMwDH2azzBbvCrkjS/s1600-h/family+pic+on+top.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325832224062433170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEaMxB3_oAX1UFL14Pb_Ki84qGANKo1vPLm6iKYrQEEZJKzoytliG1Q5Kl9b98SViqdqegH0UI7CmzOGLIgbTgEfOeG00O73M1Gmv8FygBEq7Wf7osSkybhydq7scMwDH2azzBbvCrkjS/s320/family+pic+on+top.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Stone Mountain was an awesome place to hike and we had a great time. Now that we made it through this one, all those other trails will be a piece of cake. (And as a side note, this hike truly did me in - instead of listening to my body and the sore throat - I just loaded up on tylenol and kept going - on Monday with a temp of 102, I was literally down and out!) <br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-42326091946448666512009-03-27T16:28:00.003-04:002009-03-27T16:41:48.307-04:00LET'S PLAY SOME HOCKEY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNifd33crghOTWOEPupsNaNB5Q2iMIOYvONpnqNQjajf-wkLwPLZ0bOxzK0EesuEv1cBZjvmr3iFT8yG1sXzTHsqs8NEJEhx-ysrg2OwGj_hWzfPfMfXL-vMeIc8rz0m-CH_wRyCJ6lbrO/s1600-h/hockey+5+hit+the+ice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317968802322035426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNifd33crghOTWOEPupsNaNB5Q2iMIOYvONpnqNQjajf-wkLwPLZ0bOxzK0EesuEv1cBZjvmr3iFT8yG1sXzTHsqs8NEJEhx-ysrg2OwGj_hWzfPfMfXL-vMeIc8rz0m-CH_wRyCJ6lbrO/s320/hockey+5+hit+the+ice.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had the opportunity to go to a Hurricanes Hockey game last weekend, so after Gabriel's double header soccer games - we packed up and headed out. Thanks to one of B & G's subcontractors we had REALLY good seats - seats we never could have afforded if it was up to us, and we enjoyed them. It was fun to watch Gabriel take everything in and trying to figure it all out.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXCZQOcskaNsMwtgV3PNA7L6YQe2PYet4ZX3R31TnS-jLSBBy4REOdEc_uC2juShmQjQ8df_BjNvVqb5bJPYWexZ5pkDd671WW2v1EWxtLKFCzX5-7d2GeHep7K_0XW8EMWxEpLIEQ3XU/s1600-h/cam+ward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317968800799888290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXCZQOcskaNsMwtgV3PNA7L6YQe2PYet4ZX3R31TnS-jLSBBy4REOdEc_uC2juShmQjQ8df_BjNvVqb5bJPYWexZ5pkDd671WW2v1EWxtLKFCzX5-7d2GeHep7K_0XW8EMWxEpLIEQ3XU/s320/cam+ward.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is Cam Ward - Goalie - he did an awesome job and we won - 4-1 that night. We left a little early because between G coughing (allergies) and Delaney saying she didn't feel good- we figured it would be a good idea to hit the road, and it was a 2 1/2 hour drive home. Thankfully the kids fell asleep for the most part of it- if only Delaney hadn't woken up for the last 30 minutes and whined every minute "when are we going to be home" it wouldn't have been so bad!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCH1o4_T90WHPuf9WcJA9djHJc-xTmxV3A4JVHOtRQNYc0rb2nCi7NXcv7L3feih9Jm8oaZrXuXGMiUYEMON51QpAvw81gOtb46XWR68eOPzrANoAxWPjTcfmEZ8wABsLG3BBiUx5u1lf/s1600-h/kids+hockey+game.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317968792319920882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCH1o4_T90WHPuf9WcJA9djHJc-xTmxV3A4JVHOtRQNYc0rb2nCi7NXcv7L3feih9Jm8oaZrXuXGMiUYEMON51QpAvw81gOtb46XWR68eOPzrANoAxWPjTcfmEZ8wABsLG3BBiUx5u1lf/s320/kids+hockey+game.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here are the monsters, I mean my kids- ready for the game to start.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx_2JkCSGauhKfLmeMoUp_QDEwCWKyUtcnN5G3UQPeZ31ox6qsDIj4ySZj4GkWkhzoOkH2EVmiCYMcnVlq7iqqY73AhwwTbRlhKJgKUfd7P0N0n18jNJZH2NDHcnKLk-OBsxMrRiccW7J/s1600-h/kim+and+kids+hockey+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317968787824616274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx_2JkCSGauhKfLmeMoUp_QDEwCWKyUtcnN5G3UQPeZ31ox6qsDIj4ySZj4GkWkhzoOkH2EVmiCYMcnVlq7iqqY73AhwwTbRlhKJgKUfd7P0N0n18jNJZH2NDHcnKLk-OBsxMrRiccW7J/s320/kim+and+kids+hockey+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Me and the monsters before the game.....we had such a good time<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAvESqqtZ8w5ucD_ugoSQaURypvIutnpDlqYOBUlbH7GiGaTr0h2OuOxuAeXBGfta4f3vXd-52s2xP_j1h0WqHHEU9ZB2jBug_Z7CSFqPOOu7EwdlnBMqyVYmogZRYjXnwTiCV7mCD1Es/s1600-h/dad+and+kids+hockey+game.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317968788097934482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAvESqqtZ8w5ucD_ugoSQaURypvIutnpDlqYOBUlbH7GiGaTr0h2OuOxuAeXBGfta4f3vXd-52s2xP_j1h0WqHHEU9ZB2jBug_Z7CSFqPOOu7EwdlnBMqyVYmogZRYjXnwTiCV7mCD1Es/s320/dad+and+kids+hockey+game.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There's dad with the kids......<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-61890705397537838022009-03-12T19:42:00.003-04:002009-03-12T19:55:17.905-04:00what a difference a few days can make<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujrkL_S7Vr4wQ_vNkpH2sFYieMlUxmlUEL-p4vLJxUeC4kvLns8ioBbTpqnaC6gXwBR4Rzhwtf_bw6PyvZaTPc32jXEifcLkRdQFwdePlm0GO-6l63_YM_a9K7EVhGgLclMGS5wl8cNaP/s1600-h/we+bored+the+ref.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312452814161225538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujrkL_S7Vr4wQ_vNkpH2sFYieMlUxmlUEL-p4vLJxUeC4kvLns8ioBbTpqnaC6gXwBR4Rzhwtf_bw6PyvZaTPc32jXEifcLkRdQFwdePlm0GO-6l63_YM_a9K7EVhGgLclMGS5wl8cNaP/s320/we+bored+the+ref.jpg" border="0" /></a> These pictures were from Saturday - Delaney's first ever soccer game. She sooooo wasn't into it. Looking back I'm trying to justify her lack of enthusiasm by the fact that later that night she was running a fever and on Monday we found out she had Strep throat. We are hoping she is more enthusiastic this weekend. Oh wait, mom and dad are actually hoping it's rained out. She has a double header plus Gabriel has a game plus I have to take Kavik to the vets. If I end up at a field with Kavik in cleats, please understand.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Ggw8aneZ0POdydCaWIuhPPXfVRinc34szYz2ouHwc_qjNBJIzjqWkK64EFCo7sPL5DSaRftegcg6qq4WRv8aPjOdi_HtYPrDba2tkjFAFJYqU9NRscztemjcx4S8fg09fB_xMbJIYKL/s1600-h/kids+soccer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312452813175410386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Ggw8aneZ0POdydCaWIuhPPXfVRinc34szYz2ouHwc_qjNBJIzjqWkK64EFCo7sPL5DSaRftegcg6qq4WRv8aPjOdi_HtYPrDba2tkjFAFJYqU9NRscztemjcx4S8fg09fB_xMbJIYKL/s320/kids+soccer.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here they both are - ready to kick off the soccer season. I didn't get to see Gabriel's game - rushed from her game to his and saw the last two minutes of it and he wasn't playing. AH well, I'd say better luck this week, but again, I am praying for rain - (did i mention i want to go to the new IKEA store?)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfPOMWCkkuVwJZRZP3e52vo335qVMKXJHWWAaXD6jYIA9Os7OL3QZjsMan5Z7FUi9tIwEqdFm-e6WUFKTBr7Nz10Qv27E6e5cKjcvODAS8vdUns3J1aPAEGgiHVfxSFq3xRyqpFZN54Dx/s1600-h/trees+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312452808408833378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfPOMWCkkuVwJZRZP3e52vo335qVMKXJHWWAaXD6jYIA9Os7OL3QZjsMan5Z7FUi9tIwEqdFm-e6WUFKTBr7Nz10Qv27E6e5cKjcvODAS8vdUns3J1aPAEGgiHVfxSFq3xRyqpFZN54Dx/s320/trees+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hard to believe this was Monday,March 2. Lots of snow - no power. It was a chilly few hours at home - thankfully I remembered i could warm up water on the gas grill and have instant coffee- and we have a griddle so scrambled eggs could be on the menu.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdS_HmXaFROr9aYBGu1b9aCDCU0nvkvBxlO3qY_Hf2rktIqyI1PntS9swiLOaXRlB8kKh_N92MLsYlYx1o9c5F-3V3Uv9lf6cwGPufxjw8-Kaf7Z9pfkla9glRqm09Kv_YVV3MlNclP5B/s1600-h/kids+snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312452804873323666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdS_HmXaFROr9aYBGu1b9aCDCU0nvkvBxlO3qY_Hf2rktIqyI1PntS9swiLOaXRlB8kKh_N92MLsYlYx1o9c5F-3V3Uv9lf6cwGPufxjw8-Kaf7Z9pfkla9glRqm09Kv_YVV3MlNclP5B/s320/kids+snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />THe kids out enjoying a spring snowfall in the south. The first time since we've moved here we've had such a late snow - by Friday it was sunny, 70 and a memory.</div><div> </div><div>Mind you it is now the following friday, and it's back to the 30's for us and rain......love this spring weather....<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-83247882576672803032009-03-04T18:25:00.002-05:002009-03-04T18:34:18.830-05:00Spring into Soccer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGwX8XWkE209JFUp7rA6ajAeBHtmsB_BKyXLL9bI6vJjWIQYHnyMhugR9hPH6-gHHXniO0lk_A6Q4lCM3yxSFViFFmkvmbp_S4DSMNj6NZ0hnbiNYjnL7xHjFBqGBCBdXKEza2pgJXdz8/s1600-h/im+not+impressed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309478579405515314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGwX8XWkE209JFUp7rA6ajAeBHtmsB_BKyXLL9bI6vJjWIQYHnyMhugR9hPH6-gHHXniO0lk_A6Q4lCM3yxSFViFFmkvmbp_S4DSMNj6NZ0hnbiNYjnL7xHjFBqGBCBdXKEza2pgJXdz8/s320/im+not+impressed.jpg" border="0" /></a> I say spring but it surely didn't feel like spring. I had to wake Delaney up this Saturday morning since her practice was at 9 am, doesn't it figure that this was the day she'd pick to sleep in? So, we woke her up, poured breakfast down her throat and BUNDLED her up - as it was only 22 degrees outside. Yes, soccer practice and it was only 22 degress outside. I think she said many times on the way that she didn't want to play soccer anymore, and well, can you blame her? This is a shot of her out on the field, and boy does it say to me "I really don't want to be here right now!"<br /><br />This was the first time i had ever brought hot cocoa rather than gaterade to a practice. Lucky us, Gabriel's practice was right after Delaney's - so we had three hours of being outside - but hey, it warmed up to a balmy 38 by lunchtime!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U4LQ8TA-C4pRPR6Ee403olz751AUukrL1wTNLO4sKdE7JfyNqCEqQCxrziQl9bAtdr2YRPknEM-QhrncT9jXMu1_inOrMDwvloEqCX3Ja_z3qivRO7he9VxWGvKhaaHoQNh3qCo9xqw0/s1600-h/soccer+feet+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309478576546808290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U4LQ8TA-C4pRPR6Ee403olz751AUukrL1wTNLO4sKdE7JfyNqCEqQCxrziQl9bAtdr2YRPknEM-QhrncT9jXMu1_inOrMDwvloEqCX3Ja_z3qivRO7he9VxWGvKhaaHoQNh3qCo9xqw0/s320/soccer+feet+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Gabriel's new soccer cleats - stylin in green this year<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LqY9BOFpKjBQxFIowBTbROb8bjQMobKCpikkqR3TGqVDyLkW-nA8XYjo_E73FTt3ljlzQ5tHthfy2fYgAI93cUCXMXHKDT42mkXZeznEpaPMEnZASYMX3Eu8L8meM6Ghuabzgi-bdvHz/s1600-h/soccer+feet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309478570674085858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LqY9BOFpKjBQxFIowBTbROb8bjQMobKCpikkqR3TGqVDyLkW-nA8XYjo_E73FTt3ljlzQ5tHthfy2fYgAI93cUCXMXHKDT42mkXZeznEpaPMEnZASYMX3Eu8L8meM6Ghuabzgi-bdvHz/s320/soccer+feet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Delaney's feet- she looks so cute in her black and pink cleats...<br /><br /><div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-62140650889517905812009-02-25T19:06:00.001-05:002009-02-25T19:12:06.062-05:00If I win the lotto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eWgdSrD_1XhiLhXSQqGgMMIP62399YV7_zH7vQG3nLA58CKEDzszT1cy8EgCZd28zOVP7HrdI1zhg2Kb7Wq5KY59ljzoJ4ac2TmERCfp5hIj4mbHukd8QVZt5xkjE9Sx5wooHE3YIXiw/s1600-h/house+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306891443951164002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eWgdSrD_1XhiLhXSQqGgMMIP62399YV7_zH7vQG3nLA58CKEDzszT1cy8EgCZd28zOVP7HrdI1zhg2Kb7Wq5KY59ljzoJ4ac2TmERCfp5hIj4mbHukd8QVZt5xkjE9Sx5wooHE3YIXiw/s320/house+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7LUcYYEa8zcPoo0YUs4XmFGYRtEGXsHWFIwlap7KOqAEsS1dxjxzvZEMIDzUZtW8SbZGSDfxcQFrtE0EgZgQs1U8_R4Rhh17SIfUzmKAZx-ALA8aRsPAHXa0bHzUigmjvkCUPFnD2iSS/s1600-h/house+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306891444443775970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7LUcYYEa8zcPoo0YUs4XmFGYRtEGXsHWFIwlap7KOqAEsS1dxjxzvZEMIDzUZtW8SbZGSDfxcQFrtE0EgZgQs1U8_R4Rhh17SIfUzmKAZx-ALA8aRsPAHXa0bHzUigmjvkCUPFnD2iSS/s320/house+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> these are two houses we saw across the lake while on our hike. I thought it was providence when editing that this second house has a "for sale" sign in front of it. I know, Dream on, But i can dream. I think if i win the powerball I can pay for my grandma's healthcare and buy this house yes? actually, i think i want a house in the country - with a horse barn and lots of room to roam. I could probably get a whole lot more land/house if it didn't sit on the shore of Lake Norman. but...it's nice to dream and maybe I'll get this for our weekend get a way house.....</div><div> </div><div>Sounds like a good dream doesn't it????/</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-63497872820541770712009-02-14T21:21:00.003-05:002009-02-14T21:31:39.075-05:00Hair today, Gone today<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunH1XvqlPTFitiPjlgms0a3tTRRWKo4RIya9v5kRbM_QEWgK_zSZZUNhOvdZfQPfG47AHgnNYrHj1Q5xJpcb37I_K1LUngBIe1oNHcv6NH23N6HiUGqDROpBNaRCrd2kLJB7Py8YNlF5b/s1600-h/hair+red.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302844896351472530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunH1XvqlPTFitiPjlgms0a3tTRRWKo4RIya9v5kRbM_QEWgK_zSZZUNhOvdZfQPfG47AHgnNYrHj1Q5xJpcb37I_K1LUngBIe1oNHcv6NH23N6HiUGqDROpBNaRCrd2kLJB7Py8YNlF5b/s320/hair+red.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well, after it took almost half an hour to un-snarle her hair this morning - i asked Delaney again if she wanted her hair cut - she said yes.....so I'm doing it in reverse mode- this is her hair short with the new red coloring ( I did mine and she wanted her's done to!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK605JMhaSTymY7v3vtSTdgk2letPhDhUOv1Ge_RTosZUw1RBYxODNH8VX4FJwpt0gsmFQFJuVWWD-ns5j6NtGIsCGckhIFeiUzOKa5Ezxa7EPp3Ydj4ntsUiDoLS7GV8DQnqdxhZUi6v/s1600-h/hair+coloring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302844892239314818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK605JMhaSTymY7v3vtSTdgk2letPhDhUOv1Ge_RTosZUw1RBYxODNH8VX4FJwpt0gsmFQFJuVWWD-ns5j6NtGIsCGckhIFeiUzOKa5Ezxa7EPp3Ydj4ntsUiDoLS7GV8DQnqdxhZUi6v/s320/hair+coloring.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here she is with her hair color in! she really wanted to have it done just like Mom.....<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8ELF9HjOkgmam5oUi1fPRUGljg0wmhucvQkCkXqZr6HGd_kPBBFFXn877YDiP9XW9-uzp8uIlcFvZOgrEeWWhCxPZBrpApyQxYgHf0m6ElEm92JC9M0Pgg-xnjTnONp5vKFz0o_l75ak/s1600-h/measuring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302844889519548178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8ELF9HjOkgmam5oUi1fPRUGljg0wmhucvQkCkXqZr6HGd_kPBBFFXn877YDiP9XW9-uzp8uIlcFvZOgrEeWWhCxPZBrpApyQxYgHf0m6ElEm92JC9M0Pgg-xnjTnONp5vKFz0o_l75ak/s320/measuring.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here it is - all the hair - we are measuring to make sure we get the 10 inches of hair that locks of love needs...... we cut off 12 inches.....</div><div> </div><div>I can't believe we actually cut her hair off!!!!!! I had to do it before I chickend out...<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-91616259286996716242009-02-12T17:21:00.005-05:002009-02-12T17:37:28.939-05:00Gabriel's 7 year Pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t063cRlDSyIRBBdNKd_hzEfqQ7YHmdFpBpYGcs_xqXPI7PLb2PPKcljnsFv-X2TpzWFKBAP29AqogxnDemV_jj0ZKy0NdmHI_qivyzRZNhL1EpUYIHhoZsHiyJPWdYpyjUqBmzhbUEW6/s1600-h/gabriel+wall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302041530543089890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t063cRlDSyIRBBdNKd_hzEfqQ7YHmdFpBpYGcs_xqXPI7PLb2PPKcljnsFv-X2TpzWFKBAP29AqogxnDemV_jj0ZKy0NdmHI_qivyzRZNhL1EpUYIHhoZsHiyJPWdYpyjUqBmzhbUEW6/s320/gabriel+wall.jpg" border="0" /></a> I don't remember if i've shared any of these pictures with you. At various times during the year, I decide that my family hasn't been tortured enough with all the picture taking at home, so I haul them off to my favorite "Portrait Innovations" and my favorite photographer there, Emily. She's been taking pictures for us since before Delaney was born. It all depends on the bribery. The time before this - i hit on the PERFECT bribe. Monkey Joe's. Its a big building filled with inflatable slides, etc and the kids love it. So, they behave and smile, they go to Monkey Joe's. I've learned that being a parent is a fine line between what you have learned, and how you can bribe your kids. This is a picture I like of Gabriel- he's getting to be such a big kid (sob). I can hardly believe he's seven.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHvf-wBPVszJAzbX1LgjbHiBjJBTfw3ZD5p0j2UBjdlLKc9UfAiJ-WNPWrfgJDPTm3j-IfP2yjsGu-AqsWcvzlBR2n51CihoN8JTwLy4zgdo7_gh1UMz_LrGxfEBNiF4IjQ0NDO9tixRL/s1600-h/delaney+hat+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302041526372946802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHvf-wBPVszJAzbX1LgjbHiBjJBTfw3ZD5p0j2UBjdlLKc9UfAiJ-WNPWrfgJDPTm3j-IfP2yjsGu-AqsWcvzlBR2n51CihoN8JTwLy4zgdo7_gh1UMz_LrGxfEBNiF4IjQ0NDO9tixRL/s320/delaney+hat+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Then again, don't even get me started on Delaney - she's four. She'll be going to school this year. If only I could win th powerball so I could have a bigger house and afford a Nanny, then i might think about more, but since i don't see that happening, i guess i'll just sob some more when she goes off to school this year. <double><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQnzcLaTAN-4KlGJh1ZyAsv5cg21jEMpr0eOaiZkrbk_F2g4J3VvUGlw6qJ4oo4inlFtdC6WYzQlBfhuRvlXpgW1DQsfUNFfeXL-DulNJ-cwNPu83ZfLItGT_zA_b5Ht3kK5XyTphxsrE/s1600-h/kids.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302041528568103234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQnzcLaTAN-4KlGJh1ZyAsv5cg21jEMpr0eOaiZkrbk_F2g4J3VvUGlw6qJ4oo4inlFtdC6WYzQlBfhuRvlXpgW1DQsfUNFfeXL-DulNJ-cwNPu83ZfLItGT_zA_b5Ht3kK5XyTphxsrE/s320/kids.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here they are together - acting like they like each other, at least for this moment. Actually, they aren't too bad. I just hope they continue to get along as they get older. And speaking of getting older, we're off to Cici's pizza night for Gabriel's school. As soon as we get his reading and spelling done that is.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-8085277793588581312009-02-11T17:18:00.002-05:002009-02-11T17:29:07.877-05:00Then and Now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmOtJxUVXCAMCewQdGpWHRKq1YlMGsG0AHqO9RH3SkYOIYWKrX1yFbz-IRcaJYnZeK7_rLpL7k5BccW-TzWGQxAqtucuSepp8ZYN-x3VENO0BXGu-P614WhKEAj8z-IFr5uwVqRkLTc4Q/s1600-h/mack+family+photo+feb+08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301668656914142914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmOtJxUVXCAMCewQdGpWHRKq1YlMGsG0AHqO9RH3SkYOIYWKrX1yFbz-IRcaJYnZeK7_rLpL7k5BccW-TzWGQxAqtucuSepp8ZYN-x3VENO0BXGu-P614WhKEAj8z-IFr5uwVqRkLTc4Q/s320/mack+family+photo+feb+08.jpg" border="0" /></a> When I went back through some of my pictures from last year - I came across these- from a hike at Lake Norman State Park on February 3, 2007. Amazing that almost exactly a year later, we're back at the park with nice weather doing another hike. I did remember this hike and picture and looked for that same tree, but couldn't find it, so we settled on this new one we found. Thankfully there was a tree with a couple forks in it, i put my small backpack in and then put my camera on top to take the picture. At least i didn't trip running from the camera to the tree to get in before the timer went off.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5GEM_a_P0tAYEsTEP5IM27HbDo1pLZgbiyWeLvA2Bi3J4orFmp0m17_zXi1x4R_eMtZYp5bADsobFdAGw1WHNmpkL1de-rPNmfT06_VmcG0FRyZpaPXuUt3gTZIqPX5ibW2Gcl5HMtOu/s1600-h/family+pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301668652303703298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5GEM_a_P0tAYEsTEP5IM27HbDo1pLZgbiyWeLvA2Bi3J4orFmp0m17_zXi1x4R_eMtZYp5bADsobFdAGw1WHNmpkL1de-rPNmfT06_VmcG0FRyZpaPXuUt3gTZIqPX5ibW2Gcl5HMtOu/s320/family+pic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We won't go into detail about what I think of myself in this years picture. I'll just focus on the kids. Boy can you tell Gabriel has filled out! From my skinny mini kid last year to skipping pant sizes this year! And Delaney - she's looking less the toddler and more the little girl. I can't believe we'll be signing her up for Kindergarten this spring.</div><div> </div><div>So, I hope you enjoy the comparison - well, except for me, don't go there. </div><div> </div><div>Note to self - baggy sweatshirt and hiding partially behind husband is MUCH more flattering.....<br /></div><div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-8398360633037933112009-02-08T15:01:00.003-05:002009-02-08T15:27:12.711-05:00From Snowflakes to NO flakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW-MRDd-UlKdip14qtx4BN1SMS3qYkjGcQfPhhoZUALGmKPqHyKFX3q2az0goPKgHwzycmD6cYww5AY7sm3lD0ibwiJQbW3lIvASiQZaNgGgYACM-LBetxdsAUCiSKB4TZM69Kb65fxFh/s1600-h/kim+kids+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300524583470553090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW-MRDd-UlKdip14qtx4BN1SMS3qYkjGcQfPhhoZUALGmKPqHyKFX3q2az0goPKgHwzycmD6cYww5AY7sm3lD0ibwiJQbW3lIvASiQZaNgGgYACM-LBetxdsAUCiSKB4TZM69Kb65fxFh/s320/kim+kids+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's hard to believe when its this warm today, that just thee days ago it snowed and the high was only 30. BRRRRR. and now? no coats, could have worn short sleeves and we're going on a hike. This is what i like about winters in North Carolina.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qi2ikQltbLMI910UiKTjNtosbmxAskzBP-ElfLzGtz46izhNZpnmPh9kJCBnDbwcook6d8Wb7hDdVzK2n-QOBONGvaUf9WOA3nDjGUhjHAFCTAA93yRrJVFiVyQsk5EF_v3DLo4uuyv3/s1600-h/randy+and+kids+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300524579825270562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qi2ikQltbLMI910UiKTjNtosbmxAskzBP-ElfLzGtz46izhNZpnmPh9kJCBnDbwcook6d8Wb7hDdVzK2n-QOBONGvaUf9WOA3nDjGUhjHAFCTAA93yRrJVFiVyQsk5EF_v3DLo4uuyv3/s320/randy+and+kids+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here are the kids and Dad. And yes, i'm always there with my camera<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePhxJKte_OJqLdx8ZBBxXBSijIpskpU6mYEQxUM1WT0MGTAeWBSM9R2prt5vlh680_ImdXx8oW6A3OaQ3gQOrXz-EXdJPDCK2MUUX92G8JfdpP0x-XKjLYuJAlsVMo84GflTdWaAZFflE/s1600-h/kids+trampoline+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300524576712121170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePhxJKte_OJqLdx8ZBBxXBSijIpskpU6mYEQxUM1WT0MGTAeWBSM9R2prt5vlh680_ImdXx8oW6A3OaQ3gQOrXz-EXdJPDCK2MUUX92G8JfdpP0x-XKjLYuJAlsVMo84GflTdWaAZFflE/s320/kids+trampoline+4.jpg" border="0" /></a> Gabriel and Delaney had fun on the trampoline after swim lessons on Saturday. What can we say be we need a few more days of weather like this.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-37539147921667219862009-02-04T15:04:00.003-05:002009-02-04T15:15:26.344-05:00On a night when they predicted it would barely give us a flurry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4ak9l8r6G4lXQ4CgWDQs2eR6qEQkOfZjtQ4Jr480Of48NgMqBQQ2nizQ8D0GWLkhGY6y9L4PIQL2n66GOXkrUPA6HOi8z2urUO-oB2yOPbjnuYoy-etAd20G037gvcz4ptF0wUzgGU-h/s1600-h/kavik+licking+good.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299037096741538338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4ak9l8r6G4lXQ4CgWDQs2eR6qEQkOfZjtQ4Jr480Of48NgMqBQQ2nizQ8D0GWLkhGY6y9L4PIQL2n66GOXkrUPA6HOi8z2urUO-oB2yOPbjnuYoy-etAd20G037gvcz4ptF0wUzgGU-h/s320/kavik+licking+good.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, they predicted that we would be lucky to see even a flurry. So imagine my surprise when Randy called and said " have you looked outside" and YEA it was SNOWING. As you can see from Kavik, they were the BIG FAT flakes that were coming down. So, as quick as you could possibly be when trying to suit up two kids in some sort of fashion to keep them warm, we headd outside (and after i grabbed my camera). The kids loved it and soon meet up with the girls next door for a snowball/tag game.</span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0qrkPWGLbUGhXT1NSbYC8q-GkCDFW0Jprf1CkmdyS39roO5KRO6nydMZnocrXTYYmDnKZWdY_flucNpEIM87pqP1bVJJzCGXBVZH3C5KRIRFftjHiuqw_MPT-r_Zpk-N1MkeS6G9nfst/s1600-h/looks+like+trouble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299037085728780722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0qrkPWGLbUGhXT1NSbYC8q-GkCDFW0Jprf1CkmdyS39roO5KRO6nydMZnocrXTYYmDnKZWdY_flucNpEIM87pqP1bVJJzCGXBVZH3C5KRIRFftjHiuqw_MPT-r_Zpk-N1MkeS6G9nfst/s320/looks+like+trouble.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000099;"> I just love this picture, one running one way, on running the other - and you can just tell they are having so much fun! I took as many pictures as i could until it got too dark and my camera just couldn't tell what is was supposed to focus on anymore.<br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lhXhpUyVuEOaHoW4HIade4hiBArm0j6IUsb9yozhvRRDxsB5WyRuiqExeXh9_mcg-MqwlExrcTjLUHEUAvXhij4XWINlF_qXiViePryKld5I6UE4ck51rRQr1GSgD8Nq6ZrLpuENybjA/s1600-h/d+g+snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299037076690979250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lhXhpUyVuEOaHoW4HIade4hiBArm0j6IUsb9yozhvRRDxsB5WyRuiqExeXh9_mcg-MqwlExrcTjLUHEUAvXhij4XWINlF_qXiViePryKld5I6UE4ck51rRQr1GSgD8Nq6ZrLpuENybjA/s320/d+g+snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Here are the happy kids. It finally snowed enough that they could go out and play, AND it was enough that the wimps down here closed school for the day. It was also COLD enough that the snow was/is still here right now. And well, I enjoyed the impromptu day off thanks to school being closed. (of course, no built in snow days down here, so they'll have to make it up somewhere)</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;">So, may we say, let it snow let it snow let it snow.</span><br /><div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-68326105849342710452009-01-25T08:58:00.003-05:002009-01-25T09:09:02.617-05:00Sigh, No Snow, at least at my house<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxJnw497lNuVMRDHbAn5Fs_JN0GTHjbiQrjrft_xIaf8lyP485flE1tYNaGqDM70fWH00bRU_xcDC4kiFYgOMiL8VMh9xsa1hGoc9YXPE1Ip8qAIX4pdLcJeDvSJUIQ2-s7sK1cAHU82F/s1600-h/family+photo+ham+walking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295233048450322242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxJnw497lNuVMRDHbAn5Fs_JN0GTHjbiQrjrft_xIaf8lyP485flE1tYNaGqDM70fWH00bRU_xcDC4kiFYgOMiL8VMh9xsa1hGoc9YXPE1Ip8qAIX4pdLcJeDvSJUIQ2-s7sK1cAHU82F/s320/family+photo+ham+walking.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So, we were all geared up for some snow - some good go out and have some fun in it snow. What we woke up to was barely what we could even call snow. It barely covered the ground - not even good for a snowball. So, we got up - looked out the window first (no sense in taking a shower if we could just go back to bed) and grumbled, then got into our going to work mode. I will tell you now, I should have stayed home. News said roads were okay, but schools still closed (gotta love it). I headed to work, which is 45 minutes away and to the east. Very important to know I work EAST of where I live. Most of my travel is via back roads. First one was okay, within 1/8 of a mile on the second there was a truck flipped over in a field. I could see the fireman by the side of the road, and i could tell he had his hand out - just couldn't see what the hand was doing. (it was dark out) by the time i could see he was saying stop, let's just say the layer of ice on the road prevented me from doing so. I drove the rest of the way hoping I stayed on the road. I will say another animal prayer now - for the poor squirrel that i thought was a leaf blowing into the road, but know I am happy I didnt know it was a squirrel - cuz i would have hit the brakes or swerved, and well, remember the icy road? Poor squirrel. By the time i made it to work, i was truly regretting the drive. the 485 interstate loop was snow covered and treacherous. NO nice roads for me. Most of the snow hit EAST of charlotte, where my jobsite is. Raleigh got even more. Thankfully, this is the south, and while the snow remained on the ground at my jobsite for days, on the trip home, once I got on I-85, there was not a flake to be seen. It had already melted away. At home, my kids were excited to find just a small patch of snow/ice mix left behind in a shady spot. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We'll hope for more snow next time.</div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-63341843294054352432009-01-19T15:56:00.002-05:002009-01-19T16:09:23.856-05:00Wishing for a Snow DayI'll admit, I don't necessarily NEED to see snow tomorrow. I saw plenty of it on our Christmas trip to NY. The four hours of driving in white out conditions is still fresh in my mind. SO, while I don't need to see it,I sure wouldn't mind. Since moving to the south, I've come to be one of the people that actually HOPES it snows. Snow of 1 in in Buffalo isn't even really considered accumulation. Snow of an inch here? It's a valid reason to close schools, government and businesses, and send everyone in a rush to the store days in advance to stock up on Milk and bread. (i'm never sure why, since the snow is usually gone in a day and shouldn't you already have that stuff in your house?) So I'm hoping for snow tomorrow. My three day weekend could turn into 4 and I'm not against that at all. To help me with my snow thoughts, I've grabbed some pictures from about this time last year. It was our first, and ONLY snow, and I think it was gone by the afternoon - although tomorrow, if it does snow, should stick around a little while longer since it's only supposed to get to a high of 32.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInmHiHOlVyQRKtr8yIfrhMUoJtdbKUKrbnyV3dxLxn5LE9RN8USWnyZGSiXKoJ8m6U8NQxBa4QK6wr_0PjKl-JWFZhzV59QOBGF86WSEf3wd8FcF4GTierhoh83DE7AuxMW-azdKWHCAA/s1600-h/DSC_0045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293112751051246466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInmHiHOlVyQRKtr8yIfrhMUoJtdbKUKrbnyV3dxLxn5LE9RN8USWnyZGSiXKoJ8m6U8NQxBa4QK6wr_0PjKl-JWFZhzV59QOBGF86WSEf3wd8FcF4GTierhoh83DE7AuxMW-azdKWHCAA/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our first born, Kavik, doesn't care that there is snow on the ground, he just wants you to throw his purple ball (yes, he knows his are purple, we color coded back in the days when Gabriel wanted to imitate his older brother. Gabriel was Yellow, later on Delaney was Pink and Kavik is purple. And yes, this included carrying it around in his mouth - drinking out of the pool, and attempting to lift his leg.)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWXGsNsIt3AHW9_mdAF9ljPHJEBXdo-yl3BPbtJkbGHN8-4Gx0CcwOiZ2nYWCCe2rraOIqOxCzhaYfeE4sCBBjn7kbfZfNINksy8_hmA3Ial6bmSnVaLIlq4AEvKukvcvEHwom4Je5TVA/s1600-h/kids+outside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293112744230340818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWXGsNsIt3AHW9_mdAF9ljPHJEBXdo-yl3BPbtJkbGHN8-4Gx0CcwOiZ2nYWCCe2rraOIqOxCzhaYfeE4sCBBjn7kbfZfNINksy8_hmA3Ial6bmSnVaLIlq4AEvKukvcvEHwom4Je5TVA/s320/kids+outside.jpg" border="0" /></a> There are my monsters, all dressed to play in the snow.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistkJayXIXssVM2ZG3TWferN66nfS3XGUrqdroZrOOHlVGz0ZgmtCGyPmKNQOkpo0X-XnvRUBGgE31oub_5aKEg7Bhgi5S-6IwRJ1cn8gyH4CzeL3PpqWh34C6Oymulibd0AmvTTEHNt8m/s1600-h/sharp+filter+tree+ice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293112739587254258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistkJayXIXssVM2ZG3TWferN66nfS3XGUrqdroZrOOHlVGz0ZgmtCGyPmKNQOkpo0X-XnvRUBGgE31oub_5aKEg7Bhgi5S-6IwRJ1cn8gyH4CzeL3PpqWh34C6Oymulibd0AmvTTEHNt8m/s320/sharp+filter+tree+ice.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Just a cool picture of some cold trees on our street. It's just one of those pictures I really like.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-76628859061228482992009-01-02T11:00:00.002-05:002009-01-02T11:13:48.603-05:00A Small Country Town<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlqht727pMeq_Gy59K-1tWM2jHgEgnbiBYzDB8fWMfQU-6kM23TUH4fAFmBQ0c7LtTiGyzoeZJu63QZ2_vNYwVeXg35TKEC9CtKn6yHT_W1uGswd-RcdQ89NxQAnRs_mH6TGcoenGebks/s1600-h/road+to+perry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286728802183339202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlqht727pMeq_Gy59K-1tWM2jHgEgnbiBYzDB8fWMfQU-6kM23TUH4fAFmBQ0c7LtTiGyzoeZJu63QZ2_vNYwVeXg35TKEC9CtKn6yHT_W1uGswd-RcdQ89NxQAnRs_mH6TGcoenGebks/s320/road+to+perry.jpg" border="0" /></a> The road to Perry is a long one, at least when you are traveling from North Carolina. We were headed to Mom's and the countryside always amazes me - fields, farms, just very picturesque to me. This is route 39 coming in to Perry. Just in ths picture there are two farms. While Perry does have a bookstore now, and a Subway, and let's remember the chinese restaurant, it's still very small town. (please note it had NONE of these during my childhood there and McDonalds is still in the next town over, and there is no Burger King, or Pizza Hut unless you travel to Geneseo) <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPIqiK-oRlGTydNkizr-rXWSuyWod-WzK-LQi-CcGe6Q5q949P6RQUtZp1oarhpgXexbi5ZGFFxPfGhguRU8pRe3Oq9JEfmwyaAqiNaZF9vLG_wdRylwUKh807x5zpC9Y2iw9ax2RkrLm/s1600-h/wyoming+countryside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286728786508918258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPIqiK-oRlGTydNkizr-rXWSuyWod-WzK-LQi-CcGe6Q5q949P6RQUtZp1oarhpgXexbi5ZGFFxPfGhguRU8pRe3Oq9JEfmwyaAqiNaZF9vLG_wdRylwUKh807x5zpC9Y2iw9ax2RkrLm/s320/wyoming+countryside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I love this picture because you can see some o the patchwork fields in the distance - the hills and valley are just wonderful. While I am glad I live in the south, I don't mind visiting during the snowy winters.....it can be beautiful....<br /><div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-27767729021171730162008-12-31T15:04:00.003-05:002008-12-31T15:20:23.171-05:00Sledding for the FIRST TIME<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHkA5NfPvCM6xwIB4UomtBJeuV5PPh8oZCxfL7v4pRI7Ti4ua1wztTOWgMCjV0RuyD4YDUmz57Lp4n5l_s4d9FJKLgZc2XikdGHuCpLk5R3datZsfIYpebqDD8PRRr15ZuEGGqyAgEBqy/s1600-h/DSC_0402.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286049464513489538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHkA5NfPvCM6xwIB4UomtBJeuV5PPh8oZCxfL7v4pRI7Ti4ua1wztTOWgMCjV0RuyD4YDUmz57Lp4n5l_s4d9FJKLgZc2XikdGHuCpLk5R3datZsfIYpebqDD8PRRr15ZuEGGqyAgEBqy/s320/DSC_0402.JPG" border="0" /></a> We had the chance on Christmas eve to go sledding in Rochester. It was a great day for it - it had warmed up in the mid 40's. My kind of weather. Randy and I even got in on it. I was just glad I had the camera - so the only shot of us is safely at the bottom of the hill.....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMmPxenumNX2bDEwQTmfWfy-q5G88qyVMpVM_eP2IaUdDyjUa_QvNHecW_gDO9TDcTO2lKiKCPSCtXyIH5lCFIz58gej4z7meTtLw21oL8lOwMPvkd5LmoExHQeIvRuX8kaklfaJgP_ui/s1600-h/DSC_0310.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286049458983431842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMmPxenumNX2bDEwQTmfWfy-q5G88qyVMpVM_eP2IaUdDyjUa_QvNHecW_gDO9TDcTO2lKiKCPSCtXyIH5lCFIz58gej4z7meTtLw21oL8lOwMPvkd5LmoExHQeIvRuX8kaklfaJgP_ui/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" border="0" /></a> It took Delaney a few trips down with me and a few with Dad before she warmed up to the idea of sledding on her own. She was a trooer though, and had a great time - the only part that was tough was walking back UP the hill.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNzG3kS_MccPwOFpSQt1sx30D96aBiBetqhsS_Ky2YCpwpuwrvwRr5A9ib4yihoTkQs6J5eOkqAC8ysNnwXQulmt3l3Y5LyCCFkC5hyphenhyphen7DCkSMe5Vq4Q-wjF5NB9TY5ptJzj0ywXjlgdRD/s1600-h/gabriel+sled+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286049451900758450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNzG3kS_MccPwOFpSQt1sx30D96aBiBetqhsS_Ky2YCpwpuwrvwRr5A9ib4yihoTkQs6J5eOkqAC8ysNnwXQulmt3l3Y5LyCCFkC5hyphenhyphen7DCkSMe5Vq4Q-wjF5NB9TY5ptJzj0ywXjlgdRD/s320/gabriel+sled+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Gabriel, he was in heaven. I finally had to ask though why he kept making himself wipe out, rather than enjoy the ride down the hill (he'd grab one side and lean so he'd tip over). Well, he's not so dumb. He figured out after one trip down that once there, you had to WALK all the way back up, and the walking was not fun, so he'd tip himself over about halfway down. Being a boy, he got the best of both - sledding and wiping out. Kids, gotta love em.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1q5ZXw_iIoQN10gxoBlDthdhUoPqyfVkyjBev1efYwcNnZqKhZDY7e-YcXakt_W67xSPltZamwtUj4oulTVwZaSvxiQN8KFrpjmOmtCp2J8JuLcyi8XO_7j1uEgVBvM16iphWkeH0r_r/s1600-h/ashley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286049449048893186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1q5ZXw_iIoQN10gxoBlDthdhUoPqyfVkyjBev1efYwcNnZqKhZDY7e-YcXakt_W67xSPltZamwtUj4oulTVwZaSvxiQN8KFrpjmOmtCp2J8JuLcyi8XO_7j1uEgVBvM16iphWkeH0r_r/s320/ashley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is my neice Ashley who just turned 13 on Monday. She had a great time too and I have a great picture of one of her wipe outs that I'll have to post. I"m sure she'll love me for it.</div><div> </div><div>All in all it was a great time. Three of the 5 cars at this hill sledding were from the south. I thought that was funny. I'm glad we did get our days to play in the snow since by Christmas day it was warm and raining again.......<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-62857994262908045832008-12-23T15:28:00.002-05:002008-12-23T15:40:56.961-05:00A Winter WonderlandI had to put on this picture of Gabriel,it's just a good shot of him having fun out in the snow. it was COLD out there and the snow was deep. The kids didn't care as much as the adults did...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8T1uZN08_xqAJDPM_-GRO9XQ0SBsESB1PjJ861QBeyXoOMPUYK93dxK6M8B2PnGZPHEzN54CrnZiRmfFODPszYNo4PC77jLsH5eGk0kbn4WvybsSrXRpuD9WgBWgNsWJSL8k8hRxtrM7/s1600-h/close+up+gabriel+grin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283087990872603266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8T1uZN08_xqAJDPM_-GRO9XQ0SBsESB1PjJ861QBeyXoOMPUYK93dxK6M8B2PnGZPHEzN54CrnZiRmfFODPszYNo4PC77jLsH5eGk0kbn4WvybsSrXRpuD9WgBWgNsWJSL8k8hRxtrM7/s320/close+up+gabriel+grin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPgdY9tHBdExJdMushsZkUeoYzFYbSsRPcZ_SovMsepBV_UjwvFc1e7Aw0x6EhnmCR7oonHH0IwwdSTCCs5TU1kEXyrIAvxiR0uQvovAKpVeKG1m4KyV4cp0uDJmlRmJXMOdQlRSApsSU/s1600-h/where+is+the+road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283086641452188962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPgdY9tHBdExJdMushsZkUeoYzFYbSsRPcZ_SovMsepBV_UjwvFc1e7Aw0x6EhnmCR7oonHH0IwwdSTCCs5TU1kEXyrIAvxiR0uQvovAKpVeKG1m4KyV4cp0uDJmlRmJXMOdQlRSApsSU/s320/where+is+the+road.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was our view, or lack of, for four hours of driving - Fredonia to Rochester NY. Of course, it's not normally a 4 hour drive, but well, not being able to see put a big dent in how fast we could go. Shortly after we made it through they closed it down, partially due to the oh, 8 different vehicles that were off the road in less than a quarter of a mile stretch. Now that we live in the south, we just aren't used to this kind of weather and driving -but we made it through, while reciting to ourselves "slow and steady" and "no sudden moves" About 10 miles outside of Rochester we had sun and blue sky.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90W9h6-FM4bQRdLZYdmly_eFq3CcsJMElIc2V8j3aVLiauaD39kORXpM7LXQENWeV2zPNDUgwqvN65h8P_6GmmlfUkt1-3IOsU3eFuDCoPgTOmnQQtj2quGrswXknittcilSXr74Mw30y/s1600-h/smile+cold+delaney.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283086639383893330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90W9h6-FM4bQRdLZYdmly_eFq3CcsJMElIc2V8j3aVLiauaD39kORXpM7LXQENWeV2zPNDUgwqvN65h8P_6GmmlfUkt1-3IOsU3eFuDCoPgTOmnQQtj2quGrswXknittcilSXr74Mw30y/s320/smile+cold+delaney.jpg" border="0" /></a> It took a lot of convincing to get Delaney out in the snow and cold - but she seemed to have fun once we got there. She's getting ready to throw snow at me. THankfully it was not good packing snow so snowballs weren't an option.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn4pfJFQzGEDp5_R_fvXFtEoptMFkk9wLL966274n9OJk7Zo-L1KGWKC2PYqttYYmtA4NGW1U46CJ1TrWRPVpIy381MhimDevaFLkaWs8YNM4Jw1pC38GVLDyWcvjq9DrS4-DwoVrIgZ1/s1600-h/kids+snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283086626541868050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn4pfJFQzGEDp5_R_fvXFtEoptMFkk9wLL966274n9OJk7Zo-L1KGWKC2PYqttYYmtA4NGW1U46CJ1TrWRPVpIy381MhimDevaFLkaWs8YNM4Jw1pC38GVLDyWcvjq9DrS4-DwoVrIgZ1/s320/kids+snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The kids out in the snow - boy were we all cold when we got back in.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-43760468263705992802008-12-12T13:00:00.004-05:002008-12-12T19:01:20.709-05:00Toys for Tots is a Success!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279057974080951170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6dxgKAA-rr0LzSb_66vzWf2CE3iID4yAHh2fstVKs_K6KO_Mi0HPfaPZUB2znAhJIQ73oWJJ-m0dX3_Fgre8c8m0T8qV36HVe1cEfCer3Psfqh9t4-9xwE-BJyPe9lQis4Qy-9CdfP8d/s320/toys+for+tots.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>The company I work for is very involved in giving back to the community. They do walks for the American Heart Association - Cancer Association, Habitat for Humanity - Operation Pillowcase and at this time of year it's Toys for Tots. Since my "office" is in Charlotte - any toys we gather here stay here in the Charlotte Region rather than go to Raleigh. Our Raleigh goal this year was 250 toys. Well, we did 135 toys just here in Charlotte and almost two thousand in cash. I am taking it to the local Marines office in just a little bit. Our subs here in Charlotte are so amazing in their help. With only an office of 8 people, well, even at three toys a piece that doesn't amount to a whole lot. So, with the help of other people we work with here in Charlotte, our toy drive was an amazing success. With the economy this year, it's truly amazing. I hope all those kids wake up and have a GREAT time opening gifts this holiday.</div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-27505177802350985532008-12-11T17:45:00.002-05:002008-12-11T17:57:05.888-05:00My immediate dislike for the Grey HeronOkay, so maybe I shouldn't blame them all, I mean, it was just ONE bird, but well, he made me mad. Randy was home with a sick Delaney on Monday and I ended up working late, so it was dark by the time I made it home. In the middle of our a discussion, he goes, OH, there was a PELICAN in your pond today. He went out, scared him away, scooped two fish back into the pond (Randy did, not the pelican) and then came back inside. There was a quick description of the bird and it was decided it was a grey heron, not a pelican - something i've never seen around our lake norman. Herons yes, Pelican's, not so much. Thankfully it was getting dark so said bird left for the night. I was heartbroken. It sounds silly but I am very attached to my fish. Those poor fish, all nice and fat and ready for winter hibernation - and never having a predator near them ever before - they didn't stand a chance. Well, I grabbed the flashlight and went to see if I could get a fish count. I counted 6. My heart went back to normal - sort of. I could deal with half, it was better than none. The next morning as i am leaving to take Gabriel to school, in swoops the bird. I stormed in one door and back out the other to scare it away and told Randy he was not to MOVE from his bird watch point until I got back. As i left, i noticed the oh so lovely bird perched on our roof, scoping out his breakfast. When I got back, we searched for something suitable to put over the pond to protect my beloved fish. We settled on the screen from our gazebo - it was torn at the bottom and bound for the trash can - but it was an instant winner in the keep the heron away from the bird job. So, we draped and secured and watched and waited. A short time later I saw the heron up on our shed - just looking down as if to try and figure out how to get by the new protection. Thankfully he gave up and left. I am hoping he doesn't come back. As a post script - I was out checking on the pond tonight and it looks like I need to go out and scoop one out - one of the big ones that Randy scooped back in from where the bird had dragged it out :o( Poor thing - we tried. <br /><br />As for me, I used to think of these birds as magestic, even pretty, now, well, if it wasn't for the fact that someone mentioned a very large fine, I'd be tempted to at least do in one of them.<br /><br />On the flip side - Gabriel will be happy to get a large group of new feeder fish for his tank. We go and "save" some feeder fish - put them in his tank until they get some size on them - and then they go out into our pond - helps keep our population steady as some of my fish have started to age, and well, now we have this. And Gabriel will be happy - his orange and white one made it.Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-34022689549935642882008-12-07T19:37:00.002-05:002008-12-07T20:07:31.431-05:00Birthday BoyThis is Gabriel and his friend from School, Justin. It just helps me to know there are goofy kids our there just like Gabriel, and he's not really as weird as i think sometimes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Yoq1v5gbc2PP795Fb5oDZWnZod7Q-04BW_OWio-kLYFqToJDRLgfMmOSL19CE66kxha9PjiroTzsL8rIyMlBEIoArh_uNw9c-d2bXnoRfIW2cv9nKXrCukZBvl4b-jhqX7zZ5Q5Z3bQt/s1600-h/justin+and+gabriel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277212665902941970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Yoq1v5gbc2PP795Fb5oDZWnZod7Q-04BW_OWio-kLYFqToJDRLgfMmOSL19CE66kxha9PjiroTzsL8rIyMlBEIoArh_uNw9c-d2bXnoRfIW2cv9nKXrCukZBvl4b-jhqX7zZ5Q5Z3bQt/s320/justin+and+gabriel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIj0gCjJfHiAL6zdxjbsy2_8sUp5VETmCovFiLZCIiaGhjWg35qBeo8VZ7GFVwXkN9UkqEYdw_HCvYBt7fUjGmiThLU2zUEmRmHbP8cYQj04uY3bAxU91VJ9MkFycs8693bLFQbwBDLnJ/s1600-h/too+much+hug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277212663754708866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIj0gCjJfHiAL6zdxjbsy2_8sUp5VETmCovFiLZCIiaGhjWg35qBeo8VZ7GFVwXkN9UkqEYdw_HCvYBt7fUjGmiThLU2zUEmRmHbP8cYQj04uY3bAxU91VJ9MkFycs8693bLFQbwBDLnJ/s320/too+much+hug.jpg" border="0" /></a> ah, the love of a sister, sometimes it can strangle you - oh yea, that's just her doing that.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1iZ1ONdA9tTSOCzAkiOh6XfJQsvFFV5h9ldTwok1f3Ge95ahz5h_wGwXJ8uJu_HUT-wH0WrOEd_w8aOLdwznxEXNbE8ftuGhyXO3qZFW41rxut8XaxynDqbmvM5e5Qp_NXzVEQ-9939f/s1600-h/The+girls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277212662205033538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1iZ1ONdA9tTSOCzAkiOh6XfJQsvFFV5h9ldTwok1f3Ge95ahz5h_wGwXJ8uJu_HUT-wH0WrOEd_w8aOLdwznxEXNbE8ftuGhyXO3qZFW41rxut8XaxynDqbmvM5e5Qp_NXzVEQ-9939f/s320/The+girls.jpg" border="0" /></a> Madyson- Gabriel's girlfriend from J Bear, Grace and Delaney at the bowling party.<br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpN1qJ6IJONxwjg_bJgyqsPVxh6aULNs61J0kxrW8y-k-UodiTHu04gWMRPs4JKjtduMRpj83GGxuUhSaYLjPH3AMAXp7hANWZVVIXLC7kLHP_tRhyphenhyphen_p9sA_qoI18XF_Q_ppKd_c7Zv9X/s1600-h/gabriel+and+cake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277212658178509202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpN1qJ6IJONxwjg_bJgyqsPVxh6aULNs61J0kxrW8y-k-UodiTHu04gWMRPs4JKjtduMRpj83GGxuUhSaYLjPH3AMAXp7hANWZVVIXLC7kLHP_tRhyphenhyphen_p9sA_qoI18XF_Q_ppKd_c7Zv9X/s320/gabriel+and+cake.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here's the soon to be birthday boy. Hard to believe he'll be 7 in two weeks. He had a great time at his bowling party. There were 11 kids- and they all had a great time. Thank you to everyone for being there. I hope you enjoyed it. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-5395501782863188082008-12-05T20:13:00.002-05:002008-12-05T20:28:00.944-05:00WHY WHY WHY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaw2PkZJi6wavQOxdLs3eW-W0Ridnd-sqWrQFoWi4MH78OOXs7GxNhPR3nrt4701LUnZZUBkxJMPEARgNvfmDQfO9Mx4cRoiRUnNqDfHkW1nPeHFN9yXbQ_p8mxggCrk_WhyA8iWcU-KI/s1600-h/us+kids+3+warm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276479949654688610" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaw2PkZJi6wavQOxdLs3eW-W0Ridnd-sqWrQFoWi4MH78OOXs7GxNhPR3nrt4701LUnZZUBkxJMPEARgNvfmDQfO9Mx4cRoiRUnNqDfHkW1nPeHFN9yXbQ_p8mxggCrk_WhyA8iWcU-KI/s320/us+kids+3+warm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYcNYwCcEMp0usrwcG3IaeyCNgXApPByyhOxdZLs0-kvJKHxpaNumStR509jw6p22FrID2yk6B3znjzkJUaAy5nnPX4UKlOAyHShxNRNB2gfVbl8lqyzkYX5HEegTmKaqgwlhlz5wW9PF/s1600-h/us+kids+07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276479940653296130" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYcNYwCcEMp0usrwcG3IaeyCNgXApPByyhOxdZLs0-kvJKHxpaNumStR509jw6p22FrID2yk6B3znjzkJUaAy5nnPX4UKlOAyHShxNRNB2gfVbl8lqyzkYX5HEegTmKaqgwlhlz5wW9PF/s320/us+kids+07.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><span style="color:#003300;">My question for today is why. It's directed at my brother. He can't answer right now, he's in the hospital. And even if he could, I truly doubt he would answer me truthfully. Why is it necessary for you to do drugs to get through life? Was time in the county jail not enough? Do you want to do hard time? Do you want your family to worry constantly? So much that they can't help but get tired and not want to have to worry anymore? My brother almost died today. From what I hear, he did his very best. I am hoping my Grandpa sent him back after a stern talking to. (Please Gramp tell me you did.) Thank Goodness his girlfriend decided to take a second look at him this morning after it clicked in her head that he hadn't moved all night. And I mean he hadn't moved at all - so much so that he had pretty much stopped breathing. Everybody has their faults, but for right now, I'm thankful that she did go back for a second look as in a few more minutes - that second look wouldn't have mattered. They say he was blue when they were working on him in the hospital. I don't understand the pull or hold that drugs have over a person. I'm glad I don't know, but then, I wish I had some idea so I could try and help. Then again, we've all tried, he doesn't seem to want to help himself. I posted pictures taken from last Christmas to remind me of my happy brother. I was such a remarkable turn around from the Christmas before when the best word to describe him was ZOMBIE. I'll keep looking at the picture. Trying to remember the old Scott and hoping he can come back to stay soon.<br /></span><br /></div><div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-59367588013791116712008-12-01T20:01:00.003-05:002008-12-01T20:08:46.512-05:00A day of Food and Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG8ou-1vt3YHpecNYZmEVzn7BW5_i2HfKMn9qB4n7HnbHl4lxFCWKlGlCrQrR9wHH3PC8w4xEmztCwnUv7iVlqOJrmojTRvdNVHkYYwSu9-qwY08oV6fOc0_nI7s-PNZkEcvWj1QApn_P/s1600-h/feast.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274992573349675522" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG8ou-1vt3YHpecNYZmEVzn7BW5_i2HfKMn9qB4n7HnbHl4lxFCWKlGlCrQrR9wHH3PC8w4xEmztCwnUv7iVlqOJrmojTRvdNVHkYYwSu9-qwY08oV6fOc0_nI7s-PNZkEcvWj1QApn_P/s320/feast.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I had to do it - my pride and joy on Thanksgiving Day - I was the proud mom of a twenty pound maple basted turkey. and it was so good, and moist and did I mention good? I should have also taken pictures of my next favorite - the quadruple chocolate cake I made. Thinking of it now reminds me there is still some left in the fridge. Anyone Hungry?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitJXzQlAr-T-PXwvASvnPWPGEIW6PzqSnsA5z9oUQ4MBp3kIV_kzkAqkf0wZMlgajWUjF5zfZuWDBu7eE6REP6zi_4MMcAplB3EmuEMRRhbcFnmrlH_7jQIbPVXbAvovj4ZNK4mhn1Bhj/s1600-h/delaney+and+bo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274992376007064514" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitJXzQlAr-T-PXwvASvnPWPGEIW6PzqSnsA5z9oUQ4MBp3kIV_kzkAqkf0wZMlgajWUjF5zfZuWDBu7eE6REP6zi_4MMcAplB3EmuEMRRhbcFnmrlH_7jQIbPVXbAvovj4ZNK4mhn1Bhj/s320/delaney+and+bo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There's my girl - up on Michelle's horse Bo, all on her own. She loves horses.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7_wlKeVG6f1MsEQNp7exzFqvf_KmKpE_mlLMlXjxhD9EHAfV1qOZGo0gHsny9ekXb6_AeHIZxgv9GgaSF_C-BJWH_PP22_TTb1WtHh-figz0_yUNtFMrYq-6j_I9-VNpcox4WU-cyOop/s1600-h/all+four+kids.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274992370553244066" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7_wlKeVG6f1MsEQNp7exzFqvf_KmKpE_mlLMlXjxhD9EHAfV1qOZGo0gHsny9ekXb6_AeHIZxgv9GgaSF_C-BJWH_PP22_TTb1WtHh-figz0_yUNtFMrYq-6j_I9-VNpcox4WU-cyOop/s320/all+four+kids.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Crew. Grace Gabriel Delaney and Austin. They grown so fast. Austin is almost 10, Gabriel 7, Grace a few monthes behind Gabriel and Delaney at 4. Austin was less than impressed that Aunt Kim still wanted a picture of all the kids.....little does he know he could be 30 and I'll still sit them all down for a picture.......<br /><br />Night Ya'll- I'm off for some chocolate cake.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jtjKld9foN-kC4wdOYijnwlSzL6BfhGIS9HFRQYHzFSG19sJqkft7Wd7CUYO-ENl1CCjN8ztZ_SoGpw49X2Ak6iAHvkPnML-2DYaWvi7OW7aRp8gvB58SFJhleZoU38cUaclWGQ_plTL/s1600-h/DSC_0006.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-9236712173289011332008-11-27T20:41:00.002-05:002008-11-27T20:54:41.913-05:00Flarp In A Can<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0odJ3Pkvbjl3FRihbaKtDXENeke70Jpn-dopWdrYV7oiVjWowkr5nqQTZjRtFexcwLEzt5g1SWuFx54DjrCyiRn2yvEnpQsqC8fsBy5vbUQZcwUl9Si73Z8E8xGGJblIefOIodcE8oTIP/s1600-h/fart+noise+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273518798639924802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0odJ3Pkvbjl3FRihbaKtDXENeke70Jpn-dopWdrYV7oiVjWowkr5nqQTZjRtFexcwLEzt5g1SWuFx54DjrCyiRn2yvEnpQsqC8fsBy5vbUQZcwUl9Si73Z8E8xGGJblIefOIodcE8oTIP/s320/fart+noise+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I feel I should be posting about all the things I'm thankful for - but well, thanks to a birthday party last week and a bingo prize - well, my kids seem to be very thankful and happy to have FLARP.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjw7UZoLNGPDI11QzX3mF2mbkOYVV0zzOgROzg75etfxvQstEjWujrcB6YA8aD4wiOzIqcnxPuKVzXo0U6F1fVKuEzSv5uHDfMS9Lhcvg7c-RFufsHBy_ycNvNmobsyydWjLNGm4ek_6R/s1600-h/fart+noise+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273518793847228226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjw7UZoLNGPDI11QzX3mF2mbkOYVV0zzOgROzg75etfxvQstEjWujrcB6YA8aD4wiOzIqcnxPuKVzXo0U6F1fVKuEzSv5uHDfMS9Lhcvg7c-RFufsHBy_ycNvNmobsyydWjLNGm4ek_6R/s320/fart+noise+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, you read correctly, it's FLARP. Its marketed as a noisey silly putty, but for the kids in all of us, it's fart in a can. (sorry if i offend, but well, that is truly what it is) and my kids are delighted with it - over the moon, they think its absolutely hysterical. it's actually a crowd pleaser. I could just hear someone let it rip in the living room and .Oma (randy's mom) just asked if we needed to check Gabriel's pants. See, it's something the whole family can get involved with!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1wH7W2xSYV2zXlcumuoZ-KF4vHFtz1rvIpE6eYuVS-cdRqBr3dVEn0nsBUiLYIIelpbcKAW2jlAEyhWPKtjUSVhfX_z-U7_E9wETO1GJpHT1lxgSnAMJNaEP0sX6x3XgMldCr8Xa1z1R/s1600-h/DSC_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273518790039971026" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1wH7W2xSYV2zXlcumuoZ-KF4vHFtz1rvIpE6eYuVS-cdRqBr3dVEn0nsBUiLYIIelpbcKAW2jlAEyhWPKtjUSVhfX_z-U7_E9wETO1GJpHT1lxgSnAMJNaEP0sX6x3XgMldCr8Xa1z1R/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gabriel has even introduced us to some new terminology that I think will catch on - Busted a grumpy. so next time you smell something, just ask "hey, who busted the grumpy?" and see what looks you get.<br /><br />I hope to post more seasonal thankful items later. Right now I have to go air out my living room -Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860650726538980879.post-44170361031575932102008-11-22T20:31:00.005-05:002008-11-22T20:52:56.475-05:00What are those things?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9bbhoo9a5BXTOCFlpVS9x8PDPyJVozNy2f2UdLc4VZNqVRg0bq3leZas4w-xEkUYf5YhR-8Mk7mlVNadA989vq3QgSTYq1Tr200vDLz24ANmIENPPLwwjbDnCrJ9Ozq-42vNrnT4U-DH/s1600-h/100_0129(rev+0).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271660835490244610" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9bbhoo9a5BXTOCFlpVS9x8PDPyJVozNy2f2UdLc4VZNqVRg0bq3leZas4w-xEkUYf5YhR-8Mk7mlVNadA989vq3QgSTYq1Tr200vDLz24ANmIENPPLwwjbDnCrJ9Ozq-42vNrnT4U-DH/s320/100_0129(rev+0).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Anyone out there remember what these are called?<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#003300;">You'd never in a million years guess that I have more than just a few pictures stored on my computer. Actually, I wonder if there is an exact number of pictures stored - a program that can figure it out for me. I've had this laptop for just a year now, and well, when someone like me can take 456 pictures in 2 hours at the barn, well, they start to add up. Randy keeps talking about getting me an external hard drive to free up some space. Hmmm, I think he's trying to tell me something. Our old desktop died last October, I think from picture overload. THe great thing is they got our data off and saved it onto two discs. I had some time to myself and transferred just a small portion of them before thinking better of it (or being threatened but hey, who remembers those sort of threats, I mean things).</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvZxs18fk6XI71df2XRHCgFZmoaOnvuQAFkix0Nmk45ejrC4mqoOHbOj9Xc5vhLX-aT5KCp9PXQNmeb3koJ5l_tgA0mAvhyphenhyphenul7LElj-egAQettD7a3FgM-RRKEjOezCqHP1qrZc8x2Q0n/s1600-h/100_0218(rev+0).jpg"><span style="color:#003300;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271660832455055218" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvZxs18fk6XI71df2XRHCgFZmoaOnvuQAFkix0Nmk45ejrC4mqoOHbOj9Xc5vhLX-aT5KCp9PXQNmeb3koJ5l_tgA0mAvhyphenhyphenul7LElj-egAQettD7a3FgM-RRKEjOezCqHP1qrZc8x2Q0n/s320/100_0218(rev+0).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#003300;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#003300;">I clicked on that PHOTOS FROM OLD COMPUTER file and found these. It's getting to be Thanksgiving and we'll be here, with my family up there, so these help me, or make me more homesick. This pic of my mom and the kids was taken, wow, a year exactly before my Grampa (aka Goonbody) passed away. Sigh, now I'm sad and homesick. <sigh,>We were visiting and it was COLD. (I know, surprise, cold in NY in June). and we hadn't packed any warm clothes, no jackets, no long sleeves, NOTHING. Yes, the kids have on long sleeves, but only after we hit every store we could think of (in Perry, there's nothing to choose from - Wal-Mart in the next town over, nothing, Letchworth gift shops, nothing - finally hit the Thrift shop and found two slightly two big shirts for the kids).</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexcpk024u8fncrzyxBwTHw21F6jmWV6MxRAOthyphenhyphenxfBsHbrvLBZr2pPtnA2u8BIHw-8-0A77pH6XMv9rU3N0sgvHhHMcryixw1svEQF6aC1UaTe33USjDP-Re7cu0tEfF0vDll56jrr_km/s1600-h/100_0149(rev+0).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271660826561974898" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexcpk024u8fncrzyxBwTHw21F6jmWV6MxRAOthyphenhyphenxfBsHbrvLBZr2pPtnA2u8BIHw-8-0A77pH6XMv9rU3N0sgvHhHMcryixw1svEQF6aC1UaTe33USjDP-Re7cu0tEfF0vDll56jrr_km/s320/100_0149(rev+0).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#003300;">Anyone recognize it? One of my favorite places to visit. Letchworth State Park and the Trestle Bridge. I was very upset to find they actually FENCED off the tracks so you can't go out on the bridge. I have so very cool pictures of me on the bridge with a train going by. Not to mention, how in the world do I get to MY spot now? My spot is on the OTHER side of the bridge, down underneath the trestle. Let's hope that fence rusts away before someone has to scatter my ashes down there (dumping me off the top is not an option)<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX0sc97wwiVZmp1lCFf55EWX7zur_jwYIA95_gVwL2BKM_zcGQK-6twr8GjUNdlp0Begv6IWdvPn_i-KR_B-ghSXYF2aGgVB_rKpURPl68rk5xD_9vg37n5egobNVRw54GuB4RDCAfviB/s1600-h/100_0139(rev+0).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271660823715804306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX0sc97wwiVZmp1lCFf55EWX7zur_jwYIA95_gVwL2BKM_zcGQK-6twr8GjUNdlp0Begv6IWdvPn_i-KR_B-ghSXYF2aGgVB_rKpURPl68rk5xD_9vg37n5egobNVRw54GuB4RDCAfviB/s320/100_0139(rev+0).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#003300;">Middle falls, another favorite spot. Such a beautful place to have almost in our backyard while growing up. </span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#003300;">I guess it's time to go rejoin the family and get everyone ready for bed. Cheers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#003300;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#003300;"></p></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Grisewoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489676086371884844noreply@blogger.com2