tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73652286674649434662024-03-12T17:39:18.423-07:00birds fly southAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-33490543165224090152016-05-09T19:05:00.000-07:002016-05-09T19:05:16.369-07:00Spin ClassWe all know that I joined the gym. I really love it. It helps to counteract all the crap I eat throughout the day. Just kidding - I don't eat that much crap. Just some.<br />
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I took a spin class on Saturday. It was rough. First of all, I sat <i>behind</i> the fan. Big mistake. I was ready for a break after 10 minutes in, so I was really wishing that I was in front of the fan. Every time the spin instructor told us to move up a level, I pretended to move the knob on my bike, but I didn't really. When I saw that everyone around me was struggling to push the peddles because their resistance was so high, I pretended it was hard for me, too. I still left drenched in sweat and out of breath. Luckily, there was a 65+ year old woman that totally dominated the whole thing and could probably run circles around me.<br />
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Which reminds me. As this is my half marathon blog for the time being, I remember when I "ran" my half marathon in college. My brother and I ran together. He could have finished an hour sooner had he left me on my own, but he stayed by my side. There was this little old lady that was speed walking that would pass us, stop for water and get behind us, and then pass us again. This is part of the reason I decided to speed walk most of this half marathon in September, because I remembered how fast that old lady did it.<br />
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In other more important news, today is Lincoln's first birthday! In honor of Lincoln's birthday we had a little celebration tonight for Family Home Evening (sorry the picture is so dark. I'm no Elisse Weinert). My mom put together a really sweet memory book about him, so we read it to Porter. He always laughs at the first page, because there is a big picture of Lincoln smiling. Thank you to all of those who have donated to my run! I reached my goal and am so grateful! I am still going to post about my progress and you can always donate in honor of the sweetest little guy by going to my fundraising page <a href="http://fsma.convio.net/site/TR?px=1227341&fr_id=2192&pg=personal" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-14543075483496879622016-04-22T12:01:00.002-07:002016-04-22T12:01:42.337-07:00I joined the gym.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't posted in a long time, I know. Boo on me. BUT I do have some news - I joined the gym. I am getting to the point with my walking/jogging that I am bored and I don't feel very challenged. I joined a gym to add some variety and also get some muscle (and alone time for once in the day). I am far from fit, but I am trying. I don't want anyone to think that I lace up my shoes everyday and go for a run. I DO lace up my shoes everyday and go for a really, really long walk (1-2 hours) and sprinkle some jogging in there.<br />
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In other news, I met with a personal trainer today (first time is free) and he had me do squats. I peed a little bit. Totally gross. #mom #neverthesame<br />
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Here is a picture of my walking crew yesterday. We attempted to go early in the morning, but it was a little too cold. I will have to be more prepared next time!<br />
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Even more exciting news! I am going to Girls' Camp with my church youth this summer and am in charge of the service project. We will be creating toys to put in SMA care packages through CureSMA. I am working with my sister-in-law to brainstorm some great ideas to motivate the girls and ideas for fun toys for the kids. </div>
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I only have $175 left to raise for my run in September! If you'd like to donate, you can do so <a href="http://fsma.convio.net/site/TR?px=1227341&fr_id=2192&pg=personal" target="_blank">here</a>. Just a reminder - this money goes towards funding research and helping families that have children with spinal muscular atrophy. Here's a picture of my cute nephew, Lincoln. </div>
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His birthday is coming up in May! What a great way to honor him by donating to my run! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-19290005091049043402016-03-05T07:25:00.004-08:002016-03-05T07:25:56.215-08:00The Walk-Jog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I posted. I'm not very good at posting every week... obviously. I'm too busy with work, baby, husband, home, and watching The Bachelor. I have been getting out and walk-jogging everyday (except Sunday), though! At least I remember to do that...<br />
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What's the walk-jog, you ask? Well, it's my modified training routine, because turns out I really hate jogging. I don't even use the word run, because that would imply that I can move faster than a swift walking pace. I have finally accepted the fact that I am not a runner. Nope. Not a runner. And that is just fine. After talking to my aunt who has run a marathon, she told me she did the walk-jog combo for the whole thing. When I ran a half marathon in college, I set the goal to jog the whole time. I accomplished the goal, so for some reason I thought I had to do the same for my SMA half marathon in September. The reality is, I am not the same person I was in college. I've gained weight. Had a baby. Hate running.<br />
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So, Porter and I still get out everyday, but I do 5 minutes of jogging and then 1-2 minutes of walking and repeat for 30 minutes - hour. Some days I just speed walk - especially when I have a walking buddy with me and heavy breathing interferes with conversation and gossip. I have noticed, though, when I am not forcing myself to do it, I enjoy the jogging much more. I have gotten to where my body is ready to go faster and jog a little longer. When I set my goals based off time, once I got to 10 - 15 minutes of straight jogging, I would get really nervous before. What if I can't do it? What if I stop? If I did stop, I'd always feel totally bummed out. This way, I can still get my body ready for this half marathon, but without dreading every workout.<br />
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Ashleigh - did you hear that? A walk-jog. I'll just meet you at the finish line... Let's just hope I don't get picked up by the Sag Wagon.<br />
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Enjoy these pictures of Porter's post walk-jog cool down. He's adorable and naughty all at the same time.<br />
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I am so close to my goal of $750! Thank you to all of you who have donated! If you would like to donate to my run, you can do so <a href="http://fsma.convio.net/site/TR?px=1227341&fr_id=2192&pg=personal" target="_blank">here</a>. Anything is appreciated! If you're just joining me on this adventure, my sister-in-law (and aunt now! and maybe uncle...?) and I are running the Chicago Half Marathon to raise money for CureSMA. CureSMA does wonderful things for families with children that have spinal muscular atrophy. They also give money for SMA research to hopefully find a cure. You're money will go to a great cause!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-81126004688514850282016-02-12T11:40:00.000-08:002016-02-12T11:40:17.636-08:00Dear Donors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Generous Donor,<br />
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I woke up this morning to an awesome e-mail that told me someone had donated $225 to my CureSMA fundraiser! I couldn't believe it. This isn't special just because I will reach my goal of $750 a lot easier, but because of the families it will help. I want to say thank you to everyone who has donated! Thank you so so much.<br />
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When Lincoln was sick, my brother and sister-in-law received a wonderful package in the mail from CureSMA. Inside it were toys, books, and other items that Lincoln loved and that helped him. They received a fur blanket, a special foam to lay his head on, and encouragement. Lincoln loved his blanket. His foam donut helped to keep his head comfortable when he laid down because he couldn't move his neck on his own.<br />
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My brother and sister-in-law knew that their time with Lincoln was short. They were grateful for the comfort that CureSMA brought to them in their time of need. To think that other families will be blessed with this same comfort because of your generous donations really does bring tears to my eyes.<br />
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To everyone who has donated to my fundraiser, whether big or small, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you on behalf of the families you will help. Thank you on behalf of Lincoln's parents. You have no idea what a difference you have already made!<br />
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Love,<br />
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Michelle<br />
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If you would like to donate, you can do so <a href="http://fsma.convio.net/site/TR?px=1227341&fr_id=2192&pg=personal" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Running update: I have been increasing the amount of time I jog without stopping everyday. On Saturday I have to run 10 minutes without stopping. Yikes! I am grateful my mom bought me an awesome jogging stroller. I think holding Porter and jogging at the same time would be a little tricky...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-73804377942068529582016-02-01T13:09:00.001-08:002016-02-01T13:09:47.708-08:005 minutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had to jog for 5 minutes straight today. To most people that doesn't seem like much. To me it doesn't seem like much, but it was really hard! I wanted to high-five Porter, but he had fallen asleep. I had to high-five myself. In other news, I need some new shoes to wear while I train! Any suggestions??<br />
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Remember, you can donate to my run <a href="http://fsma.convio.net/site/TR?px=1227341&fr_id=2192&pg=personal" target="_blank">here</a>! I am training for the Chicago Half Marathon. I am raising $750 to go towards Spinal Muscular Atrophy research. This takes the lives of more babies than any other genetic disorder. Thank you to the anonymous donor who has already contributed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-57207704545415436622016-01-11T14:40:00.000-08:002016-01-11T14:40:44.660-08:00Week 2: Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M0Adfg4NPBmXdM8YebC9jtY1ZA7-derIJUh8hG2nB7ayiA8yO0ex-m-oKKlIUKXDI5oD5LpzQCW3KTgn3yuhkOkt0Onyjxhx3uXmvaF5lGfKx5nGjqqaKBCx205noPtXwxH0qJkZzO8/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M0Adfg4NPBmXdM8YebC9jtY1ZA7-derIJUh8hG2nB7ayiA8yO0ex-m-oKKlIUKXDI5oD5LpzQCW3KTgn3yuhkOkt0Onyjxhx3uXmvaF5lGfKx5nGjqqaKBCx205noPtXwxH0qJkZzO8/s640/IMG_2022.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Porter and I started our second week of our half marathon training! Well, our couch to 5k training. This week I am doing 90 seconds of jogging and 2 minutes of walking for 20 minutes. To the runners out there, it sounds easy. After 15 minutes it gets really hard! I jog really slowly. I feel a lot more motivated to get outside and jog everyday when I know how worth it the run will be in September. So if there is anyone out there that is thinking of running a long distance "race", I would suggest finding a run sponsored by a cause you feel strongly about.</div>
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In other news, I found this awesome stroller cover to keep Porter warm! I also made that little stroller bag that matches his little beanie. I wish we could switch spots. </div>
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Remember, if you want to donate to my run, click on this <a href="http://fsma.convio.net/site/TR?px=1227341&fr_id=2192&pg=personal" target="_blank">link</a>. Anything will help!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-418158667749260762016-01-07T10:37:00.000-08:002016-01-07T15:39:41.741-08:00CureSMA Half Marathon Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GmM5sENVYZ-cZnECoBDm2EFuh5mPFuqBS6-_hw0A_Gc_XHGBIacGDEwQ9GHtjkprGlJMRlhA1fIJa_-N3lwp0JDQPWGG8iagYTkfri6fv-GLIP_Q4hF1ma3Bku4QcQbrAzCwtJCtcz4/s1600/Lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GmM5sENVYZ-cZnECoBDm2EFuh5mPFuqBS6-_hw0A_Gc_XHGBIacGDEwQ9GHtjkprGlJMRlhA1fIJa_-N3lwp0JDQPWGG8iagYTkfri6fv-GLIP_Q4hF1ma3Bku4QcQbrAzCwtJCtcz4/s640/Lincoln.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little muscle man is Lincoln. He passed away in October from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Click on <a href="http://curesma.pub30.convio.net/sma/about-sma/types-of-sma/?referrer=http://events.curesma.org/site/TR?px=1227341&fr_id=1320&pg=personal" target="_blank">this link</a> to find more about SMA. Lincoln not only had SMA, but he had an awesome head of hair, a sweet smile, and chubby little arms and legs. He loved spending time with his dad and laughing at his jokes. His mom is an incredible mother that took him on exciting adventures and made wonderful memories.<br />
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His mom, Ashleigh, told me that she wanted to run a marathon every year in honor of Lincoln and to raise money for SMA research. In a time of compassion and desire to help, I volunteered to run with her. I don't regret the decision, but it's going to be hard! I haven't worked out seriously in probably 2 years. I had a baby 5 months ago and can't seem to stop laying on the couch and eating homemade bread.<br />
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That being said, I am really excited to train for and run the Chicago Half Marathon with Ashleigh! I have to start slow, though. I am doing a couch to 5k training schedule, first. I can't start the real half marathon training until I can run 3 miles comfortably. I can barely walk briskly for 20 minutes without wanting to stop.<br />
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Please follow my training progress on my blog and if you feel so inclined, <a href="http://fsma.convio.net/goto/mdonner" target="_blank">donate to my fundraiser</a> to raise money for CureSMA research! My goal is to raise $750.<br />
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Here are some pictures from my first "run" with my training partner. I jogged 60 seconds and walked 90 seconds for 20 minutes. I almost died!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeTrExSZelVOM8wU9Ahegk7eUG2JoJF1A-qEM_wiXETvJDmZCmimpl5p3JXaqja6RzLwwMdzVLWYLA-BT08DNJefcM7yMWNuEXu1UdIti23DvN7sFdVQZb_V8DZgRCkoUM34aLQbHGgU/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Cvg6Y_Pge7uGFFuk9Z8V54ZV8r5zzG9sa1172Ll1x7e_EQVnh6IH8oOHdYLsRA9bQ1RfiSxc7ZdsnU2D_Yjh_nF0nMEXWM8Q_dLJnRrOriXsLeRoIClTp1X9U3G2dFXYScTYYzdDe9Q/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Cvg6Y_Pge7uGFFuk9Z8V54ZV8r5zzG9sa1172Ll1x7e_EQVnh6IH8oOHdYLsRA9bQ1RfiSxc7ZdsnU2D_Yjh_nF0nMEXWM8Q_dLJnRrOriXsLeRoIClTp1X9U3G2dFXYScTYYzdDe9Q/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="300" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeTrExSZelVOM8wU9Ahegk7eUG2JoJF1A-qEM_wiXETvJDmZCmimpl5p3JXaqja6RzLwwMdzVLWYLA-BT08DNJefcM7yMWNuEXu1UdIti23DvN7sFdVQZb_V8DZgRCkoUM34aLQbHGgU/s400/IMG_1998.JPG" width="300" /></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-82515173466713535322015-12-04T18:45:00.002-08:002015-12-04T18:47:47.708-08:00I Quit My Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI1LMe_dv1bDkfj2bYIevQdgn2zFqdc7pFDorivTSqvTLHO7644SN8DmGmUt7iC6EIf-Seuwa_rsbcRTVE7g3pIBckKeVP4fizJzLq9um_IPr7puK3aVPLEuwFQcSJaqvksdZCEIiPHc/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI1LMe_dv1bDkfj2bYIevQdgn2zFqdc7pFDorivTSqvTLHO7644SN8DmGmUt7iC6EIf-Seuwa_rsbcRTVE7g3pIBckKeVP4fizJzLq9um_IPr7puK3aVPLEuwFQcSJaqvksdZCEIiPHc/s640/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, I quit my job. Parker and I moved out to Lubbock while I was on maternity leave. I had a job lined up in a tiny town 40 minutes outside of Lubbock. I was really excited to go back to teaching, actually. I knew I would miss Porter, but also knew how much I loved to teach.<br />
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It was hard in the beginning, but I knew it would get easier to leave him. I fell in love with my students and really enjoyed my new co-workers. I missed my old campus at Carrollton a ton, but was adjusting to a new way of doing things. The only problem was that it never got easier to leave Porter, it only got harder. I found myself crying on the way to work every morning and often crying on my way home thinking about how little time I had with him each day. Saturdays were euphoric, because I had the whole day with him. Sunday nights were horrible as I anticipated another week leaving him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C-FmBfUAOuHVsSF_8TAfvaiKPWOetvBuZEw-ohFG90V0fyWHL705KCuUACCj1Q0E05EmPXARXhQHImwfLgNRKaf4AMFlZa4TDzL08DbXFM5W05OwrMfn60A3MePyQVeGayhscxTXccM/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C-FmBfUAOuHVsSF_8TAfvaiKPWOetvBuZEw-ohFG90V0fyWHL705KCuUACCj1Q0E05EmPXARXhQHImwfLgNRKaf4AMFlZa4TDzL08DbXFM5W05OwrMfn60A3MePyQVeGayhscxTXccM/s640/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We were and are lucky to have Heidi, an awesome friend that was/is his exclusive sitter. I definitely trusted her, but couldn't help feeling sad knowing that she spent more time with him than I did. It got to a point where I had to ask Heidi how he liked to be put down in bed. That was NOT ok with me! Parker and I prayed and fasted about the decision for me to leave work. Financially it definitely did not make sense, but we knew it was the right decision. Parker's program was more demanding than we thought it would be and the time he spent caring for Porter was taking a toll on his studies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYAPcgVu4ebmO7yUANoKlIsLa5I0R80PjEoucwV6BDNX1OGtXDIeimIXyPgw_muFqGxnr0HIe4Anrle-tTU5tStfGwQLQxlC2StWJPNuFebV5QshyphenhyphengmzKx0xZ2NcXmxXykBDlep-iuZE/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYAPcgVu4ebmO7yUANoKlIsLa5I0R80PjEoucwV6BDNX1OGtXDIeimIXyPgw_muFqGxnr0HIe4Anrle-tTU5tStfGwQLQxlC2StWJPNuFebV5QshyphenhyphengmzKx0xZ2NcXmxXykBDlep-iuZE/s640/IMG_1729.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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My district was so kind and gracious. They released me from my contract without any penalty and bent over backwards to find a replacement for me. I started applying for part time jobs and jobs that I could do from home and continued to pray that something would open up for me. I was selling some furniture on Craigslist and a woman came to buy a coffee table. It turned out she owned her own business and was looking for someone to help with admin/secretarial work. Long story short - I found a part time job that requires I leave Porter only 12 hours a week, rather than 50. I am able to work from home 8+ hours. My new boss is incredibly kind and accommodating. I also was offered a position with BYU-Idaho as online adjunct faculty. I will be teaching an English and Basic Writing course beginning in January.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmccDUsmSsSCwEg6HnlTpokxsigmaNuPgd1TN1iqN1TYAt-H_vfd2PDC0q5_7k9N8TDi05te6wd1Nn31hwln5iKHd92T_MtUed91zQagZfPL4JPZ1KWGJaEqC-d9utyEh-g_C4-SYjGo/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmccDUsmSsSCwEg6HnlTpokxsigmaNuPgd1TN1iqN1TYAt-H_vfd2PDC0q5_7k9N8TDi05te6wd1Nn31hwln5iKHd92T_MtUed91zQagZfPL4JPZ1KWGJaEqC-d9utyEh-g_C4-SYjGo/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu487x5v9UkELkZZmx7kltVlNlhIIww4zoOENcfsDPK3HWRL09cCv1W_Clyrrf1932dR73CZrlr7mchcZkKsHW46AxwjRpQE5Pv0o2yqhXlle76qShl7NZcze2P0X5r_0X9DZhqaKjJuw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>I LOVE spending so much time at home with Porter. I never thought I would love house-keeping so much. I love taking care of my home, cleaning, cooking, and most of all - caring for my baby boy. I am also a much happier wife, which has been a great thing for Parker, too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu487x5v9UkELkZZmx7kltVlNlhIIww4zoOENcfsDPK3HWRL09cCv1W_Clyrrf1932dR73CZrlr7mchcZkKsHW46AxwjRpQE5Pv0o2yqhXlle76qShl7NZcze2P0X5r_0X9DZhqaKjJuw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu487x5v9UkELkZZmx7kltVlNlhIIww4zoOENcfsDPK3HWRL09cCv1W_Clyrrf1932dR73CZrlr7mchcZkKsHW46AxwjRpQE5Pv0o2yqhXlle76qShl7NZcze2P0X5r_0X9DZhqaKjJuw/s640/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Parker and I are definitely making sacrifices for me to stay home, but they are all worth it. I realized my purpose in this life is to be a great mother and wife. This doesn't mean that someday I won't go back to work and (hopefully) become an administrator. It also doesn't mean that I don't have interests outside of my family and home. I just know that my first priority is my family and at this stage of our lives, I am needed at home more than 3 hours a day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6a2FwcE1-BQK7gdQqJ7uCGFumP_T3F16bnhz9-K32BSYSkFmCI50d_y5G-raznKRe6G3BoEGHpKm0xnb7I98ewtwqpn5Nutcf5-FoYoPj3RXUML51XhOX8EOiDErd5_KmapOKmWupZ8/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6a2FwcE1-BQK7gdQqJ7uCGFumP_T3F16bnhz9-K32BSYSkFmCI50d_y5G-raznKRe6G3BoEGHpKm0xnb7I98ewtwqpn5Nutcf5-FoYoPj3RXUML51XhOX8EOiDErd5_KmapOKmWupZ8/s640/image2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think Porter is pretty happy about this, too!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-90449168155650234492015-08-27T16:43:00.000-07:002015-08-27T16:43:40.984-07:00New Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will be teaching 4th grade Reading in Brownfield, Texas this year. Right now I am on maternity leave for 4 1/2 more weeks (thank goodness!) but will start back at the end of September. Honestly, the last thing I want to do is leave my baby, but I also want to put a roof over my family's head, have food to eat, and have insurance. I am so proud of Parker and the program that he is in, so I am willing to make some sacrifices until he is done with school. Our end goal is for me to stay home with our kids without having accrued mountains of debt. Anyways, I had to set up my classroom and make 5 weeks worth of long term sub plans. It has been a crazy two weeks with a tiny newborn! Here are some pictures of my new classroom:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xuWKcv02lFQfHCNu4z5tHyYQ4grTWjWOJ1OcitCIoHw8pYXNfB1RGZqOSz9DOrcnzirdYi1LT-qfOuow1TWruRvTAY6WKfKN-oU6ORSts54J4T29p_usIqmh6M9GwqE2OJX2IPVHnaU/s1600/Classroom+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xuWKcv02lFQfHCNu4z5tHyYQ4grTWjWOJ1OcitCIoHw8pYXNfB1RGZqOSz9DOrcnzirdYi1LT-qfOuow1TWruRvTAY6WKfKN-oU6ORSts54J4T29p_usIqmh6M9GwqE2OJX2IPVHnaU/s640/Classroom+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEigAsLhjsWQFh78MYM_TRBmV0CCgVW44EPwC13SumORtiSrT1yfp3mpizR_i9jpypy9qpTJb-JZLPacC4ZNAqnkaoXpVYPmWihPcWlZ7Dlqilizi4kUm6Dc4YSg81HD930rIQvYBPSfQ/s1600/Classroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEigAsLhjsWQFh78MYM_TRBmV0CCgVW44EPwC13SumORtiSrT1yfp3mpizR_i9jpypy9qpTJb-JZLPacC4ZNAqnkaoXpVYPmWihPcWlZ7Dlqilizi4kUm6Dc4YSg81HD930rIQvYBPSfQ/s640/Classroom+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSeDPBft39xM4vVIxt4zFyeC6HBo0rM4rDIwl9nkJp1rP-swWD59v83_eWGUUXTo58uF49jlLssb28M_2ss0hq14FNuDJfpZh8nsC2SSOMzanm2heg8FHtEkGQFbzgPxucDX98QeQsGo/s1600/Classroom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSeDPBft39xM4vVIxt4zFyeC6HBo0rM4rDIwl9nkJp1rP-swWD59v83_eWGUUXTo58uF49jlLssb28M_2ss0hq14FNuDJfpZh8nsC2SSOMzanm2heg8FHtEkGQFbzgPxucDX98QeQsGo/s640/Classroom+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0wWCW_zMyegBL6L1eVbVUX0QabRU5Arxx4RqJgu41dTUyBL0tEQWunuvI34ilbrZEJVo6XS7ESclNB3jLp6fxUftaCuHDX71Wn2HiWw7RdBm1PzzI97Co68UNldQRoFN7MrHmI7jiO0/s1600/Classroom+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0wWCW_zMyegBL6L1eVbVUX0QabRU5Arxx4RqJgu41dTUyBL0tEQWunuvI34ilbrZEJVo6XS7ESclNB3jLp6fxUftaCuHDX71Wn2HiWw7RdBm1PzzI97Co68UNldQRoFN7MrHmI7jiO0/s640/Classroom+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiXxZi9Fha7qx3-wiTOfG_f2Xi-X830Xq9m2OCqlfKL9G84gayzQUmUTOEECgCUJ8YTeqs1bzRtSFLA0BtZQkLZH5o41zDrPv1dPHMAVGkEN6q7PZJLg6fPkUWoDBSMJ0pqX_xG3NsZo/s1600/Classroom+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiXxZi9Fha7qx3-wiTOfG_f2Xi-X830Xq9m2OCqlfKL9G84gayzQUmUTOEECgCUJ8YTeqs1bzRtSFLA0BtZQkLZH5o41zDrPv1dPHMAVGkEN6q7PZJLg6fPkUWoDBSMJ0pqX_xG3NsZo/s640/Classroom+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so glad that I was able to reuse all of my classroom furniture and things from my time at Carrollton Elementary! As much as I don't want to leave Porter, I do love to teach and am grateful that I can do what I love while I am away from the little man that I love.<br />
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The GREAT news is that we found an incredible woman (girl? She's my age, so I guess that makes her a woman...) to watch Porter while Parker and I are away. Her husband is a student at Tech and our life situations work together perfectly! She will be able to come to our house, which I am so excited about, because Porter will be able to be in his own environment. Ellie will also have some company, which isn't too bad, either! We are so lucky to have been connected with Heidi and her wonderful, sweet spirit and love for babies!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-11651538262822474872015-08-27T16:33:00.000-07:002015-08-27T16:33:31.617-07:00Move to Lubbock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz-lspadQeR26audc0iPc6Km0d8-fWxI0MqOKeNLlRRPVhTS0NA3KSlZJWt9Jjj58zCcRn8EKIu8s5BGpOGQrze7ncPM-GtW9u8Iphyphenhyphen_4ZFIkhnhI5sBZBr5OSzEId9Q7mcegpfkse-U/s1600/lubbock-tx-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz-lspadQeR26audc0iPc6Km0d8-fWxI0MqOKeNLlRRPVhTS0NA3KSlZJWt9Jjj58zCcRn8EKIu8s5BGpOGQrze7ncPM-GtW9u8Iphyphenhyphen_4ZFIkhnhI5sBZBr5OSzEId9Q7mcegpfkse-U/s640/lubbock-tx-sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Parker and I moved to Lubbock about two weeks ago. For those of you who aren't familiar with Texas towns, Lubbock is in the middle of West Texas surrounded by nothing. The neighboring towns are Brownfield, Levelland, Ropesville, Meadow, and Shallowater. This is not a joke.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhnMWfCd-Mq9fQHlX3Ew2qoRi8jUXQTK7a02cczuGXJ0H0JhefB20eDvuL72Uk3syyjLSO-SjFqrmIgET5GTbHxO9aHCLEMsyWVoXybkIzucrDh98V0rUQiFnALfh3FVtBf6VcgcQUAY/s1600/Porter+collage+tech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhnMWfCd-Mq9fQHlX3Ew2qoRi8jUXQTK7a02cczuGXJ0H0JhefB20eDvuL72Uk3syyjLSO-SjFqrmIgET5GTbHxO9aHCLEMsyWVoXybkIzucrDh98V0rUQiFnALfh3FVtBf6VcgcQUAY/s640/Porter+collage+tech.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Parker is starting a PhD program in Counseling Psychology at Texas Tech. The program is 5 years with one additional year of externship (which we hope we can do in DFW). So, we will be here for 5 years, at least. Lubbock isn't much to look at, but it's true what people say: What Lubbock doesn't have in looks, it makes up for in people. The people here are so incredibly kind. When we came looking for a house, we were shocked by how kind everyone was.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxxVBvXpSFhfP_ilJF4UhmVopbizg7rxEgK7P2DxiaG2E9LwBY7BgQkN1ovMs2eKRGILMKBBK-AvHjKJ3-jLQuqGjofHKkTypwXvyjD2JLgpGrrCHa2qP4NAcbo1-ggl4JE5CyO8whhk/s1600/House+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxxVBvXpSFhfP_ilJF4UhmVopbizg7rxEgK7P2DxiaG2E9LwBY7BgQkN1ovMs2eKRGILMKBBK-AvHjKJ3-jLQuqGjofHKkTypwXvyjD2JLgpGrrCHa2qP4NAcbo1-ggl4JE5CyO8whhk/s640/House+12.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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We bought a house here and we are so in love with it! We figured we better plant our roots, because 5 years is a pretty long time. I'm already getting really excited about decorating for Christmas. I even have a special little tree for Porter's bedroom! Here are some pictures of our new place:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs4n0ueqMi7Cw8I5gj1EE5yapy3RPsLVOf-PvJZAGqmRyf-cgHGu7R28ezp-ByfjdbWCfvahwTU5aHSV_JEq3VgztYQD0sxiV4Cz5UxwGy34ofAwg2t_KCeIpFsL2iOwGbuQiXsw-lCQ/s1600/+Hosue+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs4n0ueqMi7Cw8I5gj1EE5yapy3RPsLVOf-PvJZAGqmRyf-cgHGu7R28ezp-ByfjdbWCfvahwTU5aHSV_JEq3VgztYQD0sxiV4Cz5UxwGy34ofAwg2t_KCeIpFsL2iOwGbuQiXsw-lCQ/s640/+Hosue+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLAkljyG28WT4MXnS9QlJdxgX_RzzPE-4rUGKyZm7lsmnaj3enbcKTlpkyDh8zcC41kPNPIi0PZT7J1QSYPXaLp1zcENblyPAFysCNBS3fnMC-WxDTwcIuKigP-3uxoQELgxlvUeKevE/s1600/House+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLAkljyG28WT4MXnS9QlJdxgX_RzzPE-4rUGKyZm7lsmnaj3enbcKTlpkyDh8zcC41kPNPIi0PZT7J1QSYPXaLp1zcENblyPAFysCNBS3fnMC-WxDTwcIuKigP-3uxoQELgxlvUeKevE/s640/House+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuflQWZxSovXSmFGFo96QOaA_WfbeWp7D1206LER4TJ3T__fZXm6xMU1i3bWI8sqUdyU0JEyOoQic3KNtfSBGkzHGR3hVosQMRX867jZXLMkwDqgaYAcAclEE-VWtLqWi3BiAHl6xQL0c/s1600/House+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuflQWZxSovXSmFGFo96QOaA_WfbeWp7D1206LER4TJ3T__fZXm6xMU1i3bWI8sqUdyU0JEyOoQic3KNtfSBGkzHGR3hVosQMRX867jZXLMkwDqgaYAcAclEE-VWtLqWi3BiAHl6xQL0c/s640/House+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Master Bedroom<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8iLzdFbGmTCFPPngx_qTxz_sWlAmVCh6FvSOa3UBdNRBdkohJA8XEvjjEt565Ja8ETd2jLEMABlpXzIRf8CC-eVzST9wTFgtXgzXaSk6e_lVnJ2-hQMsouNufHna-LckbGQN7Xldv3o/s1600/House+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8iLzdFbGmTCFPPngx_qTxz_sWlAmVCh6FvSOa3UBdNRBdkohJA8XEvjjEt565Ja8ETd2jLEMABlpXzIRf8CC-eVzST9wTFgtXgzXaSk6e_lVnJ2-hQMsouNufHna-LckbGQN7Xldv3o/s640/House+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0bPspScW15NGozWeliZFd5RUB5nRaafhuXMaVEZlc09le-DiW6gNbi2h_GmrwCxbvurNzKnuEdKg5QWcDgiUbn4DRNkdu4t0NY-RQGXhi8ak4hKK8z0BjLRNH5BYMFTGbdF3mkALMLs/s1600/House+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0bPspScW15NGozWeliZFd5RUB5nRaafhuXMaVEZlc09le-DiW6gNbi2h_GmrwCxbvurNzKnuEdKg5QWcDgiUbn4DRNkdu4t0NY-RQGXhi8ak4hKK8z0BjLRNH5BYMFTGbdF3mkALMLs/s640/House+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Porter's Room<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGedAdN0oxUHssEXdKeUd9RNEsIW3IhLthX_MpW4JNUnCSXA0sbkOZ-El-xEqX-bv9fwTCpDMixCNBDCfpcnACNB60wzZWd79NaFgPI-6L4ZKWFDjgqDYUW7M4i8V04QbJybqtkzILyU/s1600/House+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGedAdN0oxUHssEXdKeUd9RNEsIW3IhLthX_MpW4JNUnCSXA0sbkOZ-El-xEqX-bv9fwTCpDMixCNBDCfpcnACNB60wzZWd79NaFgPI-6L4ZKWFDjgqDYUW7M4i8V04QbJybqtkzILyU/s640/House+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ESgeJ3EATwJOss28QLbX8fOXpGTK3S5bLepwrwM-53lhJwKxVtm9boSljyGnV7xVQYyNu7XB0VdwTz8dJX2dBLUbhwxprc2nF1CWw-kI4oDn-YAJpPcvlcqEL50JPKVxlO1mmx0YiGo/s1600/House+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ESgeJ3EATwJOss28QLbX8fOXpGTK3S5bLepwrwM-53lhJwKxVtm9boSljyGnV7xVQYyNu7XB0VdwTz8dJX2dBLUbhwxprc2nF1CWw-kI4oDn-YAJpPcvlcqEL50JPKVxlO1mmx0YiGo/s640/House+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33SeGMFiunW2ao8S2IZw5RCVC7W4Weczp6CAmjHreE7wJfbRjTU9Wgeiody1sTwPGcOLsbNS7oWfmvewo4dLdaqqSpUTfzwPpZrPpffe6rZbQv0sJAkZswOfnhxRkN5CXk03YTl3fJ3s/s1600/House+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33SeGMFiunW2ao8S2IZw5RCVC7W4Weczp6CAmjHreE7wJfbRjTU9Wgeiody1sTwPGcOLsbNS7oWfmvewo4dLdaqqSpUTfzwPpZrPpffe6rZbQv0sJAkZswOfnhxRkN5CXk03YTl3fJ3s/s640/House+11.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
Bathrooms<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxql7ddw0ISdZFnJVfmbRIAoqFzAybSSmqFUvODMTkxQEB_41rAJrj9rFedKBd8QuT1hVQl1zxLBOZ4kcCvjtBRyxGyPQORnhJihaNnf-ZHJdC28dQrrrulT75poIRlNLr6uh2SDIJlI/s1600/House+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxql7ddw0ISdZFnJVfmbRIAoqFzAybSSmqFUvODMTkxQEB_41rAJrj9rFedKBd8QuT1hVQl1zxLBOZ4kcCvjtBRyxGyPQORnhJihaNnf-ZHJdC28dQrrrulT75poIRlNLr6uh2SDIJlI/s640/House+4.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfe_uF56QnOXfkopaPElBVgg4bB8RJHjjc326Dy29htkCxOIxHHCGjkJwUfD8goafi5I0Uy7SuPGA3vBSrwKV00bG4sARjwrfnwzeal-iYpmmByMopENYmiTcgN9bvfT0KBoUfo1Rvj0/s1600/House+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfe_uF56QnOXfkopaPElBVgg4bB8RJHjjc326Dy29htkCxOIxHHCGjkJwUfD8goafi5I0Uy7SuPGA3vBSrwKV00bG4sARjwrfnwzeal-iYpmmByMopENYmiTcgN9bvfT0KBoUfo1Rvj0/s640/House+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kitchen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKhH1OC2eY6OoOCXHy6F0ZJs14e-jizSqaRqdU3XrjKUumnRoMe4Mz7dgDq05pq-uTZDwKZ1mAJ0DOrsKb6LBNUIs9Me0de7X2vEyge4s6XkieUexJXdLXkZDNvovweba7FG2FOg7Tvg/s1600/Couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKhH1OC2eY6OoOCXHy6F0ZJs14e-jizSqaRqdU3XrjKUumnRoMe4Mz7dgDq05pq-uTZDwKZ1mAJ0DOrsKb6LBNUIs9Me0de7X2vEyge4s6XkieUexJXdLXkZDNvovweba7FG2FOg7Tvg/s640/Couch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHd-NNge__l4Pq4qZDo43KzUCQUi2cDyemEqew4gdAioOVxFsf4knxBMofFaxxx-ID90VNlNgJj9MD4ApmhzWYSqjEALRGnI3I-n2GcALhpAAPY4CPqZ0Nkwr35opKCs4Wy63bQTa-wcE/s1600/House+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHd-NNge__l4Pq4qZDo43KzUCQUi2cDyemEqew4gdAioOVxFsf4knxBMofFaxxx-ID90VNlNgJj9MD4ApmhzWYSqjEALRGnI3I-n2GcALhpAAPY4CPqZ0Nkwr35opKCs4Wy63bQTa-wcE/s640/House+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Living Room: We have gotten some awesome end tables since this picture was taken. I would take another picture, but Ellie is asleep on the couch and I don't want to wake the beast!<br />
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Our next job is to fix up the flower garden in the front and work on the backyard. The backyard is basically a dirt pile. Parker is working on growing grass back there, so we probably won't have anything worth looking at until next summer!<br />
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Any of our friends and family in DFW are welcome to come visit us!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-46749494828863549382015-08-27T11:19:00.000-07:002015-08-27T11:19:08.960-07:00Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVNgKRfkDaZwi_OR2JDZh1C2mFa0ho8OHAKUHN_6h8cp0VRB8Qm7S8OfBv1iItNJQV4i-Pj-vZr0d4C6aspQQlaQKg20KWn35pgxE81mtVz1hswf25arxSpcDqIkTlERWCaC_8ZSEU6A/s1600/Graduation+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVNgKRfkDaZwi_OR2JDZh1C2mFa0ho8OHAKUHN_6h8cp0VRB8Qm7S8OfBv1iItNJQV4i-Pj-vZr0d4C6aspQQlaQKg20KWn35pgxE81mtVz1hswf25arxSpcDqIkTlERWCaC_8ZSEU6A/s320/Graduation+1.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonHdBfbiKoBW2angjDHp4BfJWkMVM6UXk9wU8gAR1O6_ocuyZODcVHlCdQIYC8lXu61M_Gk4_NuhQ2D0LXf0_nGcDqeSG-1qb30lqug6xLERXpotaaWsfV3eofhrYoEruoXuyxTjQD_Q/s1600/Graduation+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonHdBfbiKoBW2angjDHp4BfJWkMVM6UXk9wU8gAR1O6_ocuyZODcVHlCdQIYC8lXu61M_Gk4_NuhQ2D0LXf0_nGcDqeSG-1qb30lqug6xLERXpotaaWsfV3eofhrYoEruoXuyxTjQD_Q/s320/Graduation+2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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In May I graduated with my Masters in Educational Leadership! I was also super pregnant when I walked across the stage! I can't believe I finally finished my program! I feel like I was just considering going back to school. I am so grateful that I went back to school for my Masters Degree and feel pretty freaking proud of myself!</div>
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The pearls I am wearing belonged to my great-grandma, Lillian. She was a principal and the first woman on my mom's side of the family to go to graduate school. My mom gave them to me as a graduation gift. They are so special to me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JR_LdGD-dTA39govCthJYZXNhwRGf8qlFG7dvH3_db_ha4JSs_b2k3gpDi7y29xZmWS3d0LW2PjungYyWb8eOZrIb_QQKV9wbFlrnIdLf92Jd_jJ2Zq9gAWIA0nAa2xetnXYXPbihC4/s1600/Graduation+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JR_LdGD-dTA39govCthJYZXNhwRGf8qlFG7dvH3_db_ha4JSs_b2k3gpDi7y29xZmWS3d0LW2PjungYyWb8eOZrIb_QQKV9wbFlrnIdLf92Jd_jJ2Zq9gAWIA0nAa2xetnXYXPbihC4/s640/Graduation+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My cute 5th graders threw me a party on the day of my graduation. I wore the homemade tassel they made me on my actual cap when I walked across the stage. How cute are they??<br />
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I couldn't have accomplished any of this without the support of my awesome husband, Parker! He picked up extra work around the house and always tells me how proud he is of me. I love him and am grateful for him! Now it's my turn to be supportive as he spends the next 6 years getting his PhD!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-33928319409940037682015-08-27T09:48:00.000-07:002015-08-27T09:48:48.560-07:00Porter James DonnerI need to document Porter's birth story before I forget! With the craziness of moving to Lubbock, setting up my new classroom, and taking care of the most perfect baby, I haven't had time to write the birth story! Now that he is FINALLY (thanks to my brother Steven and Baby Wise) on a schedule, I can sit down and record the best day of my life - the day I became a mother!<div>
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From the time Porter was about 4 months along, he was measuring in the 97th percentile in every category. My doctor had me see a specialist, because she figured that Porter was going to be a gigantic baby and we had to decide the best way to deliver him. Either I was going to deliver him or I was going to need a c-section. We decided to induce at 39 weeks to give me the best chance of delivering him myself.</div>
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On Monday, July 27th, Parker and I checked into the hospital at 10:00 pm. I was nervous the whole night before and couldn't sleep. I tried to nap on Monday in preparation for Tuesday, but that was not even close to happening! I kept folding and refolding his clothes, checking the hospital bags, and trying to maneuver my gigantic self around. When we checked into the hospital, we were brought right to the room I'd deliver him in and they gave me a sleeping pill to help me relax. Parker and I watched our current (recently finished) show on Netflix - Friday Night Lights. Parker was super excited about the snack room and felt like he was on vacation.</div>
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The nurse hooked me up to an IV and gave me something to help me dilate. I was pretty comfortable, and once the sleeping pill kicked in... I was out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjSn2bC1aA0thTtMgboWHcYG5jTueEqcG8YIbtBGHWv5dPyqt2yQbJOe-7SpxFLaS0AdDo-ljUzIfFBfVAn5kYMJjhNtKskGT18Kr62_kuFGL0yZkYDJ6lQIT2pUJOwQBvH4xkQe-rNc/s1600/Porter+James+Parker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjSn2bC1aA0thTtMgboWHcYG5jTueEqcG8YIbtBGHWv5dPyqt2yQbJOe-7SpxFLaS0AdDo-ljUzIfFBfVAn5kYMJjhNtKskGT18Kr62_kuFGL0yZkYDJ6lQIT2pUJOwQBvH4xkQe-rNc/s640/Porter+James+Parker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the morning they started me on Petocin and I told myself and everyone else that I wasn't going to worry about the epidural until my doctor came to break my water. That lasted like 30 minutes. Once my contractions started, I turned into a monster and needed that relief that only a sweet sweet epidural can bring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YQXKqM_E58WJFO9R5VaxZ0r8Wen5VdXtk0NXc9aFuX1zVAZf_O1xYbKdweenq1ka6_U3m7xsRbZ47Kb-5Ci08HacY7x3c-aUQpKz9xWTQbyGiX5vGMIwEii-v2b6Omk8ORBWbqrLezM/s1600/Porter+James+hospital+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YQXKqM_E58WJFO9R5VaxZ0r8Wen5VdXtk0NXc9aFuX1zVAZf_O1xYbKdweenq1ka6_U3m7xsRbZ47Kb-5Ci08HacY7x3c-aUQpKz9xWTQbyGiX5vGMIwEii-v2b6Omk8ORBWbqrLezM/s640/Porter+James+hospital+pic.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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My doctor came around 8 am to break my water and things started progressing from there. I didn't feel any of the contractions from there on out, which was awesome. I know some women go through this process without medication, but I am not that kind of woman. Around 12:30 the nurse said that we were ready to start pushing. That's when things got interesting...</div>
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Parker, my sweet husband whom I love dearly, almost passed out and had to lay down and sip on juice for the first portion of the pushing episode. My mom ended up holding my other leg and Parker stayed up top as to avoid anything that would make him light headed. His job was to push that magical button that recharged my epidural every 10 minutes. </div>
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My wonderful doctor (that I have a girl crush on) came back around 1:00 geared up to deliver the baby. At 1:22, my sweet Porter was born.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_NyKkqEfzRmDnQ9nmY7jTqVYphlGKj8ZBkdYI_-Z2XYeGd3iauGT4bzh1iS_uEgyoSHDjUk4vHAxr9AQWLOm1fpio0hutrqmI4VPh35A-FrV52jdQBf9cetddNpLjbj8ONZ_WrqeN5s/s1600/Porter+James+big+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_NyKkqEfzRmDnQ9nmY7jTqVYphlGKj8ZBkdYI_-Z2XYeGd3iauGT4bzh1iS_uEgyoSHDjUk4vHAxr9AQWLOm1fpio0hutrqmI4VPh35A-FrV52jdQBf9cetddNpLjbj8ONZ_WrqeN5s/s640/Porter+James+big+boy.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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When the doctor placed him on my chest, I sobbed and sobbed. I have never felt that kind of happiness before in my entire life. I kept repeating, "I'm a mother. He's mine. I'm a mother." They took him away to clean him, measure him, and weigh him. Everyone was holding his/her breath to hear how much he weighed. The doctor had predicted he would be a 10 pound baby. When the nurse announced 9 lbs 0 oz, my doctor was totally bummed! She thought for sure she had just delivered a 10 pound baby! She was really funny and had made bets with the nurses before the delivery. I love her!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfS_ONNu2LqRV0bHm0yKhM7KgXUeqxapfc9Ck1UwweazZSqHfpPBPylgCYSTq9A5y10_yleqKV95n2VKigy2eDTBdon9A1TP1njk0qFdjx0UPzbGP4OrVKM1txHmAPhku1tVpD5jqCvg/s1600/Porter+James+me+happy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfS_ONNu2LqRV0bHm0yKhM7KgXUeqxapfc9Ck1UwweazZSqHfpPBPylgCYSTq9A5y10_yleqKV95n2VKigy2eDTBdon9A1TP1njk0qFdjx0UPzbGP4OrVKM1txHmAPhku1tVpD5jqCvg/s640/Porter+James+me+happy.png" width="358" /></a></div>
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When they brought him back to me, I cried and cried and kept telling Parker, "I'm so happy! I'm so happy!" I'm tearing up as I write this! It felt so good to feel his sweet little body close to mine. He is perfect!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J0lbLxz22dm5yWdUpL4_PTfYog7Vjw2zONY3ysNSE70FgymaFbM54Rq2N-loAP7d125KI-QymWX3s01SUmK_fo2kUpAA409IX1gVSeZsohG1cy_m4YDuvSiNuvncWJLYVwWzL-CkiNE/s1600/Porter+James+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J0lbLxz22dm5yWdUpL4_PTfYog7Vjw2zONY3ysNSE70FgymaFbM54Rq2N-loAP7d125KI-QymWX3s01SUmK_fo2kUpAA409IX1gVSeZsohG1cy_m4YDuvSiNuvncWJLYVwWzL-CkiNE/s640/Porter+James+family.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Parker and I are so grateful that his delivery went well and that he is a strong, healthy boy! I am grateful for the wonderful nurses that were so kind to us as first time parents. We still don't really know what we are doing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n-eSP_yce1Qj1Bky4iXsyrqjPTxwQFyFVbFWC9sewCGB9tXXMxVX43jSPjNbHIPIKHgCY5xKpUk3UsfiueoRRsrUszoGqLCueXVp27fQ2-wLKNCRWmJVTbI3EXbi1x7rBzSkesNBNlM/s1600/visitors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n-eSP_yce1Qj1Bky4iXsyrqjPTxwQFyFVbFWC9sewCGB9tXXMxVX43jSPjNbHIPIKHgCY5xKpUk3UsfiueoRRsrUszoGqLCueXVp27fQ2-wLKNCRWmJVTbI3EXbi1x7rBzSkesNBNlM/s640/visitors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We wanted to make sure that we weren't totally overwhelmed by visitors in the hospital, so we asked for only family to visit while we were there. I am really grateful we did that, because we were totally exhausted and I was in a lot of pain. HELLO! I just delivered a 9 pound human out of my body. I never understood having everybody come to the hospital to hold and touch your brand new baby when you and your husband are operating on very little sleep and mom's body is a total wreck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKgdv-PxafhXDS_oVqC9NmJTzkMUa0FFL-2b7911pUJzaa5iOW9c0yCy3tjMI9Rv_3dUPdyjiQ5Kd67K6YON5bve3Uc7r4a0YL39lHMsvycp_ElkHgtSjg3QJStvd48xGwx6-FPtFToQ/s1600/Porter+James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKgdv-PxafhXDS_oVqC9NmJTzkMUa0FFL-2b7911pUJzaa5iOW9c0yCy3tjMI9Rv_3dUPdyjiQ5Kd67K6YON5bve3Uc7r4a0YL39lHMsvycp_ElkHgtSjg3QJStvd48xGwx6-FPtFToQ/s640/Porter+James.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My perfect sister-in-law, Aly, came to take some pictures for us. I am so grateful she did! She is so talented and captured our perfect boy's sweetness so well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUUVoIQUd0jdWD4QmyHI1UFOvijRLAXNgHT48arg9Y7tOST4YQQhWL58Ej3FXNuJt8YOGHwO67MsJHfTuSNVu9ZKlg9jaAlSUNEdm_yjKnBroFK_DutGjk4bZuqJ3Kh1RjKrqvXlyWPg/s1600/first+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUUVoIQUd0jdWD4QmyHI1UFOvijRLAXNgHT48arg9Y7tOST4YQQhWL58Ej3FXNuJt8YOGHwO67MsJHfTuSNVu9ZKlg9jaAlSUNEdm_yjKnBroFK_DutGjk4bZuqJ3Kh1RjKrqvXlyWPg/s640/first+bath.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I love this picture of his first bath! He looks so hilarious and squishy. He still loves his baths. They really calm him down and help him settle before bedtime.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJXz5Yytd1bnbgb8rQbZSbix5fndHNV5pokgxEHw4Bok0CkZYsI5RfvVFfNNZ-cAbTgDY1h7axQT0gGIBdCEb5BdKYPYr8e2YkacEx6r9QBUBB91PeDR6dyHX9SD2W6xn8TLUNAXZv2o/s1600/Parker+feeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJXz5Yytd1bnbgb8rQbZSbix5fndHNV5pokgxEHw4Bok0CkZYsI5RfvVFfNNZ-cAbTgDY1h7axQT0gGIBdCEb5BdKYPYr8e2YkacEx6r9QBUBB91PeDR6dyHX9SD2W6xn8TLUNAXZv2o/s640/Parker+feeding.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Porter had low blood sugar, so he had to be bottle fed once in the hospital. It was sweet to see Parker so eager to feed him and take care of him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoJhzLCqEv8wPHQ_YXLzZJcggQiFIy88dHClgW0D_KV0ncja8wdLyZQvtnXy30xWfEI4oHoxzLEcnMe8imSH2gcEDgOuki8hwXi-NbajgLyipNtVci0RMcGeMzti9CXTVfa6L6N9A1LU/s1600/going+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoJhzLCqEv8wPHQ_YXLzZJcggQiFIy88dHClgW0D_KV0ncja8wdLyZQvtnXy30xWfEI4oHoxzLEcnMe8imSH2gcEDgOuki8hwXi-NbajgLyipNtVci0RMcGeMzti9CXTVfa6L6N9A1LU/s640/going+home.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Here is our sweet boy ready to go home!</div>
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Now he is a big 4 week old boy that is the biggest blessing to our family! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x_cNbSbvXezLh29ssp2KFTPNorvTTcky2rN8do2z2FkAK2KZNghdmF1C_Bd4KhyphenhyphenfYSEb_S3J_25fFws4uX4u6zXMgjVnsORyySX7QeuOnbBmGQR0rRsHpiDFS3OSmTKI1TJ5LsyCvls/s1600/perfect+porter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x_cNbSbvXezLh29ssp2KFTPNorvTTcky2rN8do2z2FkAK2KZNghdmF1C_Bd4KhyphenhyphenfYSEb_S3J_25fFws4uX4u6zXMgjVnsORyySX7QeuOnbBmGQR0rRsHpiDFS3OSmTKI1TJ5LsyCvls/s640/perfect+porter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-91843033210535508502014-08-24T16:10:00.000-07:002014-08-24T18:50:56.362-07:00final classroom pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't do a very good job of blogging my progress while working on my classroom... sorry! Here it is! I hope you enjoy the final product! My sister, Aly, took these pictures for me. Here are the <a href="http://birdsflysouthblog.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-06-19T09:35:00-07:00&max-results=5" target="_blank">before</a> pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jEXcOVTKzO6ObSHkNNc7VGMcjFyevI4RpmrN0peCLVTbuT4yz7pn0DfOmiOl1LlrDno9aTa5vZg87G4rdMIYhV9lS5wBlfrmIq_qKzf_FudX-kklrIv86_cbF84-dLzv6H4zy_CWdgc/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jEXcOVTKzO6ObSHkNNc7VGMcjFyevI4RpmrN0peCLVTbuT4yz7pn0DfOmiOl1LlrDno9aTa5vZg87G4rdMIYhV9lS5wBlfrmIq_qKzf_FudX-kklrIv86_cbF84-dLzv6H4zy_CWdgc/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the reading corner. Students will sit on the carpet and the couch while I read to them. They also have a ton of books that they can choose from. IKEA: shelves, wall shelf, rug, end table, pillows, blanket. WALMART: futon. TARGET: chair, book buckets. AMAZON: deer head (I repainted it). HOBBY LOBBY: letters. It's kind of hard to see in this picture, but the graphic by the elephant says, "READ WRITE SHARE REPEAT". My ooober talented friend, Amanda Nelson made that for me. You should check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/19letters?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">her etsy shop</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxbscKVv5_hw3azJUVDecyT_S8k3Fkp05F7553clrNdGwbbD_PB67BXzOriQdGkC7Ekr5gthrZRh2TOjbZFOaO7eArHNsrrTwg94Wa_0rhrYMr1s5NPrXSYRVWzIZQdWvjw3wZ5Wqi0M/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxbscKVv5_hw3azJUVDecyT_S8k3Fkp05F7553clrNdGwbbD_PB67BXzOriQdGkC7Ekr5gthrZRh2TOjbZFOaO7eArHNsrrTwg94Wa_0rhrYMr1s5NPrXSYRVWzIZQdWvjw3wZ5Wqi0M/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This back corner is the "office". The computers are here (obviously) and all of the extra supplies are in the cubbies under the computers. Students can move the stools from the kitchen table over to the office. IKEA: grey tables, shelf, storage bins, curtains. HOBBY LOBBY: letters WALMART: Stools (painted blue). Donations: kitchen table, chairs, frames (painted), and quote.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJp_I-bJA6zCnm9NwQI0iDCVgzaVnVU0gU1V_ku7guldkIBcJzPOmhIuXnPKr9YN3ACKp91tmPyOXpHIG09ninXJohwytlX6JUkkPfywn_9a0F2_2qa8ofU0pep4VKfK-lZZQTsYTY70/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJp_I-bJA6zCnm9NwQI0iDCVgzaVnVU0gU1V_ku7guldkIBcJzPOmhIuXnPKr9YN3ACKp91tmPyOXpHIG09ninXJohwytlX6JUkkPfywn_9a0F2_2qa8ofU0pep4VKfK-lZZQTsYTY70/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1NTxjwWodvQWVNb8-oQYuqLO0VnMNhU3-7HbInBco_scVH0Px9KajbyD7H8LSJov-5MvbNsqgabvZClglIwbtsAm_DjvULLt9sstaOoRscH7K7S0m7JkjUBHsDUWQAHep-KvRPhPhS0/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1NTxjwWodvQWVNb8-oQYuqLO0VnMNhU3-7HbInBco_scVH0Px9KajbyD7H8LSJov-5MvbNsqgabvZClglIwbtsAm_DjvULLt9sstaOoRscH7K7S0m7JkjUBHsDUWQAHep-KvRPhPhS0/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My awesome friend, Katie, made this quote for me last year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo7F4dCt3ehuoYfSTEPwvKkek7ik8BxkFCwyQrZe_HArIv2IMaHYxfiETufIXE0Gb2eV7YN7cUpz7hEOeXMKneqZ52uYnQCoGFQRwaYNCoMl-wA5eoGwHdy7JmXP3JkdIKXOcDMW6lzM/s1600/IMG_3324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo7F4dCt3ehuoYfSTEPwvKkek7ik8BxkFCwyQrZe_HArIv2IMaHYxfiETufIXE0Gb2eV7YN7cUpz7hEOeXMKneqZ52uYnQCoGFQRwaYNCoMl-wA5eoGwHdy7JmXP3JkdIKXOcDMW6lzM/s1600/IMG_3324.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Caroline, I put your supplies in little buckets at each table. Thank you!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtms4GFxiScFZdvaMrmqSkjPIdsnRpU6Phj5-p77hdRUxhxSjkZi4Jl5xRzSNs3KiqGWtmYRDqVUNqPLINIa7hswWhI-TNjtOR2ULZJ6u2siiJ8jRjOJcEcKxlLvLCu0sLLwyHMXHfxLE/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtms4GFxiScFZdvaMrmqSkjPIdsnRpU6Phj5-p77hdRUxhxSjkZi4Jl5xRzSNs3KiqGWtmYRDqVUNqPLINIa7hswWhI-TNjtOR2ULZJ6u2siiJ8jRjOJcEcKxlLvLCu0sLLwyHMXHfxLE/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgct1YboizRzIWQ5WUWto_qKPcrys_T6DPMtu8kIZ7rs5Dth6O44-wC3Ic0oUbWccacpyvVJ_OQcOBliGtxuTF5INT44qdJJSJBFp4zaZ08ekG_4kPFwQs-9FB99bsFS-0qfKEy_hUPrU0/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgct1YboizRzIWQ5WUWto_qKPcrys_T6DPMtu8kIZ7rs5Dth6O44-wC3Ic0oUbWccacpyvVJ_OQcOBliGtxuTF5INT44qdJJSJBFp4zaZ08ekG_4kPFwQs-9FB99bsFS-0qfKEy_hUPrU0/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The theme for this year is "You have the power to choose." All of the quotes around my room are about making choices. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoeHBrPbIQ8AUr5zofYm8fXGBANNWH6_NytRPNRu2k-Bs4c1t58Pye3FRe9y5FZVM2LMliKcp5oI_7UjrhWX8IfsPzoFSD1azZwKWpA56nO0D7Un4yuA5Z_9rk2HCWZomqMYMONF231k/s1600/IMG_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoeHBrPbIQ8AUr5zofYm8fXGBANNWH6_NytRPNRu2k-Bs4c1t58Pye3FRe9y5FZVM2LMliKcp5oI_7UjrhWX8IfsPzoFSD1azZwKWpA56nO0D7Un4yuA5Z_9rk2HCWZomqMYMONF231k/s1600/IMG_3301.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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... or about books. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBGxXeh2uHrWiVPUeoEe7F_JRPIS0QNdXgqOuEkfc4kr3561sqPjlqYAtgV3DYFXFZIZiH0yvB6LlsaKA397K1ScGjxPZaZkYOQj9quRboKEdGfRhUWvjDp3oPKX2gSb3c-RD4POxaWs/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBGxXeh2uHrWiVPUeoEe7F_JRPIS0QNdXgqOuEkfc4kr3561sqPjlqYAtgV3DYFXFZIZiH0yvB6LlsaKA397K1ScGjxPZaZkYOQj9quRboKEdGfRhUWvjDp3oPKX2gSb3c-RD4POxaWs/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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A lot of people have asked me how I will decide who gets to sit on the couch. I have a reward system. One of the coupons they can earn is time on the couch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindk-wPQaFge0KuAO8HUUktPXEZVLBPIvwO1ZzGdZsghtQAIDq_uGG348j_kcS2Tj7HBcVxdmQCr-rUn8uxeWx8hPH91RVOsksjBG-suw80ij34fCbqhWKLsN7bQ7EyYMdtFhHlFWgsGI/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindk-wPQaFge0KuAO8HUUktPXEZVLBPIvwO1ZzGdZsghtQAIDq_uGG348j_kcS2Tj7HBcVxdmQCr-rUn8uxeWx8hPH91RVOsksjBG-suw80ij34fCbqhWKLsN7bQ7EyYMdtFhHlFWgsGI/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my favorite quote. A lot of my students are born into unfortunate circumstances. I want them to know that that's not where they have to stay forever. I painted a canvas and then wrote the words with gold sharpie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVj__3RRNiAlCMyHLKEv2EI1OblgBPFquNGwIU4xSJG0vJzp_GHG2tBf6r8idfusIN2EgLmTIncqPNXWjo8-Nd-Hwpw_Bq1pSgj3vnvSxTmq8w6EdAqgsuF50aFG9vnOhyCfaqb7jEqs/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVj__3RRNiAlCMyHLKEv2EI1OblgBPFquNGwIU4xSJG0vJzp_GHG2tBf6r8idfusIN2EgLmTIncqPNXWjo8-Nd-Hwpw_Bq1pSgj3vnvSxTmq8w6EdAqgsuF50aFG9vnOhyCfaqb7jEqs/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Ignore the ugly trash can!) Here's my desk! I found this at a garage sale for $20 and repainted it. I love the color, the space it provides, and how open it makes the room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4mq264N4TtOigiTwwGJy4JA1CSeiaIev58r3VyzvwyIX7i_lBLAFTKjpqjncM2Tj6fgu5LxWgzzoUsCtSnYtPfKHDE07TC3DZz1Ba9-66mb2kywj9G7hI67P0JWtOjKvd7FVZ9YRYlY/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4mq264N4TtOigiTwwGJy4JA1CSeiaIev58r3VyzvwyIX7i_lBLAFTKjpqjncM2Tj6fgu5LxWgzzoUsCtSnYtPfKHDE07TC3DZz1Ba9-66mb2kywj9G7hI67P0JWtOjKvd7FVZ9YRYlY/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueBV5RV38gr3KAdZVD28lCOzecgieK5qzCaDovfoTWizuHhuY37yjWVGlvTtN1jG8CdbizLMFPEOt_Nlt5y3gGyQ8w_RahymxlkxnRKiXFYkYYDFgW4kx_m_-Fm1BftuaTh_g-QJo1s4/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueBV5RV38gr3KAdZVD28lCOzecgieK5qzCaDovfoTWizuHhuY37yjWVGlvTtN1jG8CdbizLMFPEOt_Nlt5y3gGyQ8w_RahymxlkxnRKiXFYkYYDFgW4kx_m_-Fm1BftuaTh_g-QJo1s4/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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This picture of my guided reading table is my favorite! I love how it turned out. I made the ribbon chandelier out of embroidery hoops and ribbon. </div>
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I love my little home away from home! I hope my students love it, too! </div>
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* For first time readers, I worked a second job as a florist this summer to earn money for this project. I also asked for and accepted a lot of donations in the form of furniture, money, books, and supplies. It wasn't a cheap project, but it was a lot of fun and the pay offs will be big! Thank you again to everyone who donated! Matt and Jennifer Larsen, Chris and Aly Pray, Caroline Roeth and Family, Diane McKnight, Natalie and Mike Pray, Inga Lloyd, Ellen Sigety, Laura Biggs, Amanda Nelson, Ashleigh Elliott, Sister Passey, and Mark and Nicole McKnight.</div>
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THANK YOU TO MY HUSBAND, PARKER JAMES DONNER! I needed all your "oooohhh's and ahhhhh's". </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-21621645512596179222014-06-26T09:18:00.001-07:002014-06-26T09:20:22.799-07:00books! books! books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxpR-nzArESBOywArCFttfbFYP8zzgYEst6IfQwjO6pn5R_X8jI4OxbpS7B3btvOQa7tOPpuoPWVfdtrpxATwqSaRuNxQh-NBcu4MfB1TLt553LIF6ahOm9gaZ2hlaC8vLA5A2HyTHAc/s1600/classroombooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxpR-nzArESBOywArCFttfbFYP8zzgYEst6IfQwjO6pn5R_X8jI4OxbpS7B3btvOQa7tOPpuoPWVfdtrpxATwqSaRuNxQh-NBcu4MfB1TLt553LIF6ahOm9gaZ2hlaC8vLA5A2HyTHAc/s1600/classroombooks.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a lot of donations and one very large, very generous donation, I have 75 new books for my classroom! Not pictured here is the Hunger Games series and a few other books that I had forgotten about before the picture. Thank you to all who helped to build my library! About 15 of these books were donated. The rest were purchased on Amazon and at an awesome book store here in Denton. It's like Half Price, but way bigger and much cheaper (if you can believe it). A lot of the books I purchased are Bluebonnet books or Newberries. Woo hoo!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-12562133239292827982014-06-26T09:15:00.000-07:002014-06-26T09:15:17.297-07:00unloading.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oiy4MWELLSAHxaf8Bvm6vfvUIxFjFXp9-lay2q62ijeoj-xCNpTfqq5BzFcp2UUutTLyejaTTlOo-szd3gNd7z85dgqC-IoIdUlu6ajaNvsaj5BaNFe9rbmcW9CY0abFaMthoT75YiA/s1600/clasroomsetup1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oiy4MWELLSAHxaf8Bvm6vfvUIxFjFXp9-lay2q62ijeoj-xCNpTfqq5BzFcp2UUutTLyejaTTlOo-szd3gNd7z85dgqC-IoIdUlu6ajaNvsaj5BaNFe9rbmcW9CY0abFaMthoT75YiA/s1600/clasroomsetup1.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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On Tuesday I started hauling my new stuff to my room! Whenever I get a grand idea, I always underestimate the amount of work it will take. I have like 7 or 8 weeks left of summer, so I've got plenty of time! My awesome co-worker (which I affectionately call the Gooz) helped me unload my car. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkPNGnpZN8F1Wq8TYZ1Vku1qK8rEJXWTI7JjLD-aSlNgsfVC8ZHJMCdyG5_S4eMkcH1MIWcVrQ31zVD0Hp6s8luPVaATzBw6Q8FGvaGnHvYr8MWw8ql6nQSOxv6KRz0Kkaa2y-YJLAhA/s1600/classroomsetup2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkPNGnpZN8F1Wq8TYZ1Vku1qK8rEJXWTI7JjLD-aSlNgsfVC8ZHJMCdyG5_S4eMkcH1MIWcVrQ31zVD0Hp6s8luPVaATzBw6Q8FGvaGnHvYr8MWw8ql6nQSOxv6KRz0Kkaa2y-YJLAhA/s1600/classroomsetup2.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am in the process of taking everything off my walls and starting totally fresh. The custodians were cleaning the carpets on Wednesday, so I couldn't set much up, but here are some pictures of the room as it looks right now. Pretty bare!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-67821585295675605292014-06-19T09:41:00.001-07:002014-06-19T09:41:21.954-07:00somewhere over ikea.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09P0T6yBJUMNdbF5OQp71zMVL3pf6EFAx1MUYdcImPBjZu50NH8rxnLnv7h4UH_nqmLpSJzXnQQx8BZ7lzROrPOsJVJv9AX7gXwfx90RFjgCE6Z4Z4PNcm2foabfkcQG8H1uZMFaoPEk/s1600/meandasherikea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09P0T6yBJUMNdbF5OQp71zMVL3pf6EFAx1MUYdcImPBjZu50NH8rxnLnv7h4UH_nqmLpSJzXnQQx8BZ7lzROrPOsJVJv9AX7gXwfx90RFjgCE6Z4Z4PNcm2foabfkcQG8H1uZMFaoPEk/s1600/meandasherikea.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had been looking forward to my Ikea trip for MONTHS! I would count my money over and over and over again. I had a spread sheet of all the things I wanted to buy. I had measured the walls, made floor plans, and priced everything out. I finally had enough and Aly and I made a trip out to the land of decorating and inexpensive throw pillows!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-3umB2ywWxg12KlThyphenhyphen2WlvMj-DeuLjLue-Fp_plqgLNsNm6wBmJuMepT_8TsUFImrpkuQShsFhQrAOytBk49IkTUOsuAlHh7jDPx9MtLC3QEhpEs8iXdgXAiMCWQjVqWNZbAZNRg0uE/s1600/ikeacollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-3umB2ywWxg12KlThyphenhyphen2WlvMj-DeuLjLue-Fp_plqgLNsNm6wBmJuMepT_8TsUFImrpkuQShsFhQrAOytBk49IkTUOsuAlHh7jDPx9MtLC3QEhpEs8iXdgXAiMCWQjVqWNZbAZNRg0uE/s1600/ikeacollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-36780960081709266132014-06-19T09:35:00.000-07:002014-06-19T09:35:15.463-07:00it's all about the benjamins.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2K-L594j8uZWkMFbyyNQqc2wHgLED5kJ_kcvHPbp08mHrqNpPw8tutwqOYCiQdR7yFEh4c6J3jV3H0Lv0Fcr92EvP_GgJLkaR8dnhRO30Cf2d14GoIB97LfHjJ3zOmKDGBo-R4uk3iY/s1600/caroline+donation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2K-L594j8uZWkMFbyyNQqc2wHgLED5kJ_kcvHPbp08mHrqNpPw8tutwqOYCiQdR7yFEh4c6J3jV3H0Lv0Fcr92EvP_GgJLkaR8dnhRO30Cf2d14GoIB97LfHjJ3zOmKDGBo-R4uk3iY/s1600/caroline+donation.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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I knew I wanted to completely revamp my classroom, but the problem is that I'm broke as a joke! Not really. My husband and I do fine given the fact that I'm a teacher and am in graduate school and he is in school full time and works at a campus job (very hard by the way!). We're not rolling in it. <br />
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I talked to my sister-in-law, Alyson (who you will see in a lot of posts, because she is my BFF/partner in crime) and she suggested I ask for donations. I'm not big on hand outs. She said I'd be surprised at how many people would help. As usual, she was right!<br />
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I sent an e-mail to family and close friends and the response I got was wonderful! My first donation came from my sweet friend, Caroline. She sent me puzzles, school supplies, and a gift card for treasure box stuff from Oriental Trading. When I opened the box, I cried. People have donated tables, books, time, skills, and a whole bunch of money to my project.<br />
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Before I did anything, I had to write thank you notes to the wonderful people who have helped so far. Shout out to: Caroline and Nate, Aly and Chris, Matt and Jenny, Mark and Nicole, Ellen, Inga, Diane, my mom, my dad (in advance for letting me paint my tables in his garage), Passeys, Ashleigh, and Parker.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0MjtWIvHw-ORCH8lJHS0enlq_JYMhyphenhyphen9mDoCUVqPsT7C5gGMh-C90z53yWOWl765ojGqpcH4ALWLGasFyzlgbpSSDrR7ghetFRdaDM4BNyWS6juiCFnSbNdnj4-rVB04ZjxArZe3lZLk/s1600/thank+you+notes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0MjtWIvHw-ORCH8lJHS0enlq_JYMhyphenhyphen9mDoCUVqPsT7C5gGMh-C90z53yWOWl765ojGqpcH4ALWLGasFyzlgbpSSDrR7ghetFRdaDM4BNyWS6juiCFnSbNdnj4-rVB04ZjxArZe3lZLk/s1600/thank+you+notes.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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In addition to the donations, I've been working as a florist to earn some extra money. I do small gigs and help a <a href="http://www.rlovefloral.com/" target="_blank">florist</a> with stuff on the weekends. All my flower money is going toward my classroom! Check out my flower blog at <a href="http://poppiesandpeoniesfloral.blogspot.com/">poppiesandpeoniesfloral.blogspot.com</a>. You can also visit my florist friend's website! <a href="http://rlovefloral.com/">rlovefloral.com</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-68769141435827964562014-06-19T06:27:00.001-07:002014-06-19T06:27:21.545-07:00classroom makeover.<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbnQA9JvC0InUHFcIY_BHCL-8vZRXo6pJHRf0uT4V6XOpZ6N9Fz_JKFLE0pjR8wLGoDxZ_1oRidG7hFH5VM-CV91RLpXvArQN4_IHY9XUA1_dd9Jz-rjm84ZeUudUI3thvK2gJC7LfGY/s1600/classroom+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbnQA9JvC0InUHFcIY_BHCL-8vZRXo6pJHRf0uT4V6XOpZ6N9Fz_JKFLE0pjR8wLGoDxZ_1oRidG7hFH5VM-CV91RLpXvArQN4_IHY9XUA1_dd9Jz-rjm84ZeUudUI3thvK2gJC7LfGY/s1600/classroom+collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I currently work in a Title I school in Carrollton,Texas as a 5th grade reading and writing teacher. Our funds are limited. I have students who live in homeless shelters that are bussed in from Dallas. Most of my students live in government-subsidized apartments that they share with another family. 98% of my campus is on free and reduced lunch. </div>
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I want to create the best possible classroom environment for my students. My school is 60 years old. There is water damage on the walls, my bookshelves are literally being held together by packaging tape, and my principal (unfortunately) does not have the resources to buy books for our classroom libraries or update our bookshelves. According to an article by Dr. Sheryl Reinisch, Director of Early Childhood Education Programs at Concordia University, studies indicate that high-quality classroom environments “help children feel safe, secure, and valued. As a result, self-esteem increases and students are motivated to engage in the learning process.” My students don’t have safe and comfortable homes to go to. My classroom is their home, their safe place. I want to make my classroom as comfortable, welcoming, and resource-filled as I can get it. If you can't tell from the picture above, my room needs some work! You can't see the holes in the desks. Over the years, students have literally drilled holes (with pencil) in the desks. You can see through the holes to the inside of the desk.</div>
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This summer I am doing a total revamp on my classroom and making it over completely. I am going to post updates on my blog so you can watch my progress! Get ready for some DIY! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-32122098416609874742014-03-12T11:14:00.002-07:002014-03-12T11:14:34.237-07:00poppies and peonies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't posted much about my flowers in a while on this blog. I put all of my pictures on my flower blog, but I thought I'd post them here for fun. It's Spring Break - what else have I got to do?</div>
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Most of my business has come by word of mouth, which is good for me! I love working with flowers. It is my creative outlet. With working full time and going to graduate school, I'm ok with having little flower projects here and there to relieve my stress and earn a little extra money. Here are some of the things I've done lately. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTDJ9JBeGu2fOM-evtTL_L5-yj2Cmb3byaS8swiPUhgwJfau4rsdDDE7AU8WIFrpV_KZH8t5HwKggBOeQb8s_pBjFHDe0eld1b7pmFR6rQ9lz-9aK8kUIP4ttH-gKhU9ibwa4xhBj7GM/s1600/amberbouquet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTDJ9JBeGu2fOM-evtTL_L5-yj2Cmb3byaS8swiPUhgwJfau4rsdDDE7AU8WIFrpV_KZH8t5HwKggBOeQb8s_pBjFHDe0eld1b7pmFR6rQ9lz-9aK8kUIP4ttH-gKhU9ibwa4xhBj7GM/s1600/amberbouquet.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3MtehuzCnaRgLwYQURV13PUMpuyUgnozuUibTyTRJyZR8hgv7OSHaQQPTvbhqeRu9I6Agl4_xTJWI4MCMDXuKTpWwA-2WAuuIbhjMOhvFnysVISbedResngBCSH_86lhgi5gspegBlY/s1600/babyboy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3MtehuzCnaRgLwYQURV13PUMpuyUgnozuUibTyTRJyZR8hgv7OSHaQQPTvbhqeRu9I6Agl4_xTJWI4MCMDXuKTpWwA-2WAuuIbhjMOhvFnysVISbedResngBCSH_86lhgi5gspegBlY/s1600/babyboy.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYsH5jG9OHHwawAAlcQxxO0HHvpf2dRdmj-3Gji8Ixa_dc73nBESZK4SYPkgFkkl3QsG-elWs7IP-bMkJABkvPwsMs1ZReI0ZWnM0njBbOU7TK7jjPgezcrKVCUU3dPuDJiCIfVQau64/s1600/Jennyarrangement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYsH5jG9OHHwawAAlcQxxO0HHvpf2dRdmj-3Gji8Ixa_dc73nBESZK4SYPkgFkkl3QsG-elWs7IP-bMkJABkvPwsMs1ZReI0ZWnM0njBbOU7TK7jjPgezcrKVCUU3dPuDJiCIfVQau64/s1600/Jennyarrangement.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAnLS-pLSDrk92tmZj0gS0a4FhSFqvQVjII-EBeNOaACnRz5tbj3zB-MeXajUvg0J5_bU9zBASFoIp4dqxQeE0j-0hhldxb2rMyqjDRAp5VsaucEJfYJazJ7hYg1183ILyht082CHRbg/s1600/McIlvain1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAnLS-pLSDrk92tmZj0gS0a4FhSFqvQVjII-EBeNOaACnRz5tbj3zB-MeXajUvg0J5_bU9zBASFoIp4dqxQeE0j-0hhldxb2rMyqjDRAp5VsaucEJfYJazJ7hYg1183ILyht082CHRbg/s1600/McIlvain1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This summer I will be working with a stellar florist and she'll be teaching me the tricks of the trade. I'm super excited!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-4352905178797715112014-03-12T11:01:00.001-07:002014-03-12T11:01:48.406-07:00ellie's birthday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbmzJ_qGJ6_D_3-N-o8U-abWpo0LO4xrPzlzvNolfvcdekartKVRUf7zBlJChSDbfiGP_bbJ6_B7FuiYIZLTLL6lvk765pb3cod90xtCFxYr4A5SZROAk8ZmPolmepwnh8jYR7OPf61Q/s1600/elliebday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbmzJ_qGJ6_D_3-N-o8U-abWpo0LO4xrPzlzvNolfvcdekartKVRUf7zBlJChSDbfiGP_bbJ6_B7FuiYIZLTLL6lvk765pb3cod90xtCFxYr4A5SZROAk8ZmPolmepwnh8jYR7OPf61Q/s1600/elliebday.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Ellie turned 2 on Monday and we threw her a birthday party, of course. We don't have kids and she's our baby. Don't judge, love the pug. I just made that up. I thought it was clever. </span></div>
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We had Parker's family over for hot dogs and puppy chow for dessert. Get it? Dog. Hot dog. Puppy chow. We love Ellie so stinking much and can't get enough of our little furry baby!</div>
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In other news, we've got this perfect little niece in our lives now. Pemberley is the sweetest little girl!</div>
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To catch up on pictures, a few weeks ago we babysat Asher over at my parents' house. He is a hot mess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QFZwMncxu7id8IiAPQFBaG-xgW_2AIyXPGLCO14PDCGIlyo18WKXe13gmwOEiqI_Cs9APvZU8t5EINkyzprFrlSQAm6op9t5P0p_wlOWREp_HLzPxrOAIcb7hxeJ9s8mknN-TH48wp0/s1600/ashstoned.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QFZwMncxu7id8IiAPQFBaG-xgW_2AIyXPGLCO14PDCGIlyo18WKXe13gmwOEiqI_Cs9APvZU8t5EINkyzprFrlSQAm6op9t5P0p_wlOWREp_HLzPxrOAIcb7hxeJ9s8mknN-TH48wp0/s1600/ashstoned.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-48835571154163953032014-02-27T18:34:00.000-08:002014-02-27T18:34:30.047-08:00Overwhelmed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFq2hGlKkfPLP-USMHctr86snWi0pW3UOResAJg2fqERac2ueJil6PRIqaBdIMQ3m3xroD-bmyOpqC5cxdpeSWoFqYac_mQg8I3CczsfBQzk9_UeBGyKdhTqxIy5MWuuXZyOrRawEPI8/s1600/cry+drip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFq2hGlKkfPLP-USMHctr86snWi0pW3UOResAJg2fqERac2ueJil6PRIqaBdIMQ3m3xroD-bmyOpqC5cxdpeSWoFqYac_mQg8I3CczsfBQzk9_UeBGyKdhTqxIy5MWuuXZyOrRawEPI8/s1600/cry+drip.jpg" height="640" width="536" /></a></div>
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Teaching full time.</div>
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Tutoring 3 - 4 days a week.</div>
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Graduate school.</div>
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New responsibilities at church.</div>
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Dog.</div>
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House.</div>
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Personal Hygiene.</div>
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I'm lucky to have an amazingly supportive husband that's working just as hard to make our life functional right now. If it wasn't for Parker and the grace of Christ, I'd be doing this every day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03IdyCbCIE1aWZ9fpMQRps0CCQeoX2ZN9VdHpSO6St8XsZixzTv5-xnk6xAaza9B6-_cT_GOdKGM-1OUHggJDx2lTrCSiQgrtAdEeEU0gT7uZHGCVbIMuWMs_lIZ_g_VBkSVBTvSGBHQ/s1600/cry+red+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03IdyCbCIE1aWZ9fpMQRps0CCQeoX2ZN9VdHpSO6St8XsZixzTv5-xnk6xAaza9B6-_cT_GOdKGM-1OUHggJDx2lTrCSiQgrtAdEeEU0gT7uZHGCVbIMuWMs_lIZ_g_VBkSVBTvSGBHQ/s1600/cry+red+head.jpg" height="640" width="536" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-41503386945088397632013-09-25T19:13:00.001-07:002013-09-26T13:40:30.057-07:00tumbleweave lane.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxEdZaue4-urCbVBSK6ZdO8SqxW8sn3MjJlsDPtTXmWY2-Q8Tno98gEcvQSz1R_p3ZaIr2dAGkFeIVCNE0GTJugY-uZ5NEaGY28V5qorK6opyuLLVoJTBhgaSnkKBAU0u8Gmfth5_ObI/s1600/tumbleweavelane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxEdZaue4-urCbVBSK6ZdO8SqxW8sn3MjJlsDPtTXmWY2-Q8Tno98gEcvQSz1R_p3ZaIr2dAGkFeIVCNE0GTJugY-uZ5NEaGY28V5qorK6opyuLLVoJTBhgaSnkKBAU0u8Gmfth5_ObI/s640/tumbleweavelane.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I know I haven't posted in a long time. Life has been crazy with school starting and biggest of all - we moved. We've been wanting more space and a yard for Ellie, and the apartment wasn't quite cutting it.</div>
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To make a long story short, our budget wouldn't allow for a gated community with lawn service. Really, our budget wouldn't allow for a neighborhood that's ever heard of the HOA. We live in a renter's neighborhood. It's a colorful neighborhood with a variety of sights to see… a wide variety.</div>
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I've had a hard time with this move, because I'm a snob that likes crown molding and nicely trimmed lawns. I was hesitant to sign the lease, but felt a big spiritual confirmation that this was the right place for us. That didn't keep me from crying on Monday when I was left home alone. I took Ellie on a walk and, to my dismay, the walk resulted in tears. I told Parker about my disappointment and he replied, "The neighborhood's not <i>that</i> bad."On Tuesday, Parker took Ellie on a walk and toured the neighborhood. He got the picture. It's ghetto. The best part of his walk were the chunks of weave that were blowing in the wind along the street. This was my inspiration for the name "Tumbleweave Lane". Tumblweave Lane is going to be our home for the next three years. I've decided to make the most of it and document some of the fun finds that I come across. Todays topic:</div>
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The Top 10 Must Haves To Live On Tumbleweave Lane</div>
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1. Anything that a normal neighborhood would do in their backyard, do it in your front yard.</div>
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2. Rather than purchase curtains, put tin foil in your windows to block out the sun. Only half way, though. Secure with duct tape.</div>
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3. Never mow your lawn.</div>
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4. Attempt to park as many cars in your driveway as possible.</div>
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5. Own an iPhone. Never go to work.</div>
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6. Keep your dog on the front porch without a leash. Put "Beware of Dog" sign in your front lawn.</div>
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7. What child needs a curfew? Make sure your kids are walking around half naked <i>after</i> 9 pm.</div>
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8. If you have extra trash in your car, find the closest field, curb, yard, or empty space and place it there for safe keeping.</div>
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9. Hang wind chimes outside your patio; maybe hang three - or five. </div>
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10. Chain smoking on your porch is a must.</div>
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Unfortunately, the fact we don't smoke won't allow us to hit number 10. Luckily, Ikea has seeped its way into our home and I've done some simple, affordable, incredibly effective changes. Pictures to come.</div>
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From Tumbleweave Lane - signing off.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-88527013152303948792013-09-03T19:48:00.000-07:002013-09-03T19:48:36.277-07:00school started. life started.School has started and I feel like my life has started. I loved summer, don't get me wrong. I loved sleeping in, watching the news, walking my dog, and crafting as if my life depended on it. I will say, though, I feel like August - May is real life for me. Maybe it's the complete control I have over 23 little humans, or the fact that I have an excuse to wear cardigans again, but I'm loving life. <div>
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In other news, Labor Day weekend was awesome! I'm surprised by how much fun I had, because usually I complain a lot and don't get enough napping in. I'll be honest, I'm grumpy and rude. Poor Parker. Not this weekend, though! I had piano lessons, we watched the BYU game with friends and held 3 beautiful newborns, and had dinner with my family. My birthday is on Thursday, so my mom (being the perfect mother she is) hosted a birthday dinner for me. I didn't get pictures of it, but it was totally decked out with table settings and balloons. Asher was there. He is perfect.</div>
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To add to the perfect weekend, on Monday Parker and I took Asher on a birthday date! His birthday is the 4th and mine is the 5th, so we celebrated with a little Chick-fil-a, pet store fun, and he picked out a book at Target. I'm so obsessed with him, it's ridiculous. How could you not when he looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOvLZeGRAbeuUtBwLNqfPT4119uCrWJ4M0zs1WgzAgAoEfnF5gFnoBcDVlQtNuVF5FobSdJEbxK9DFI4QDDRtN-m-2dzLGaIRQYM-Atb_c_H1QXGWJIdc1khYQg-KfAb4Da36NLD0sc4/s1600/asherglasses2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOvLZeGRAbeuUtBwLNqfPT4119uCrWJ4M0zs1WgzAgAoEfnF5gFnoBcDVlQtNuVF5FobSdJEbxK9DFI4QDDRtN-m-2dzLGaIRQYM-Atb_c_H1QXGWJIdc1khYQg-KfAb4Da36NLD0sc4/s640/asherglasses2.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXXjDRhhLKJxUoO250psQbyVlP6mBMFbHzkzRqVnsey_ZTBoUFC91vmg0kgk_DW6WrSzZi5mJSstZraZqgcQldtDYFkXnHpta_8_Sd12vw8C2V8-hbKGFeyW1_r4tULqbE9eeN-gPNus/s1600/asherglasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXXjDRhhLKJxUoO250psQbyVlP6mBMFbHzkzRqVnsey_ZTBoUFC91vmg0kgk_DW6WrSzZi5mJSstZraZqgcQldtDYFkXnHpta_8_Sd12vw8C2V8-hbKGFeyW1_r4tULqbE9eeN-gPNus/s640/asherglasses.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I mean seriously, can you believe this cuteness?! My sister-in-law bought him these glasses and took the lenses out, because he's always stealing his dad's. Seriously, any day with him makes it the best day ever.</div>
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To end the perfect Monday, I took a nap. Get this - after that, I went shopping! What a dream day! I felt remarkably reenergized when I went back to work this morning.</div>
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Happy Labor Day!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-15547502907493421722013-08-13T15:42:00.001-07:002013-08-13T15:42:07.599-07:00i've got teaching on the brain.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1mmWzH0WAwNnAmtwEIB5gmRu_ET-34FXOoKHkz0a7DUx2IUkOIlVFuiIMvq4KZxoZWC7g586xgreYXbuBCo1-pucgsntrQ-ywbzWRSCSQoW_Z4pGk2D4dRE8_MreMsjvC5oE2WlLMQ4/s1600/chair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1mmWzH0WAwNnAmtwEIB5gmRu_ET-34FXOoKHkz0a7DUx2IUkOIlVFuiIMvq4KZxoZWC7g586xgreYXbuBCo1-pucgsntrQ-ywbzWRSCSQoW_Z4pGk2D4dRE8_MreMsjvC5oE2WlLMQ4/s640/chair.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found this super sweet green, swivel chair to be my reading chair (the chair I sit in in front of the kids and read to them). Doesn't it rock!? It was also super cheap off Craigslist. I just wish I could bring Ellie to school with me, too.</div>
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If you remember the <a href="http://birdsflysouthblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/summer-is-here-time-to-cry.html" target="_blank">post</a> from right before summer, I was ready to leave my school and start a blissful summer of relaxation! I had big dreams and high hopes. Not that those dreams were dashed, but I am ready to go back.</div>
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Yesterday I spent the day in my classroom fixing things up and preparing for the new school year. Driving into the school parking lot, I felt giddy and almost nervous. Really, like you feel when you are a child going back to your school to see whose class you'll be in. Walking into my classroom almost overtook me with emotion (which I was really surprised about). Let's not forget that I am an emotional roller coaster, so nobody should be <i>too</i> surprised. I set my stuff down and got to work.</div>
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I redid a wall, hung some paper garland I had made, and updated some other decorations. I rearranged the desks, tucked the projector cords into the weird rubber thing that is supposed to protect the kids from the cords but really just ends up tripping anyone and everyone who ventures over that death trap, visited with my principal, and then I just sat at my desk. I just sat and reminisced about last year and all of the love I felt for each student. I thought of the hours I spend at that desk returning emails, planning lessons, talking with students, and thinking about my students. I am so excited for another school year! If you would have asked the June me, I wouldn't believe you. </div>
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The only problem is, now I can't get off of Pinterest. I've printed every reading quote printable possible and have extended my to do list. Luckily, I have an awesome teacher/designer friend who is putting together a crazy cool graphic for a beautiful Dr. Seuss quote I found… on Pinterest, of course. PS, <a href="http://somesortofcrazy.blogspot.com/2013/08/chasing-sun.html" target="_blank">Katie J</a> is super talented and made me this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YtF4LV9voei26wOIC-UN1LrNqSCon67LJ87MpdeCLZcU1dvFoIRPHK9T7CYz-GewyPD5ylnztr5Ety18Xj1uB0XRNHvHCVO6pAcVXGyKEFj19ee1Mrfskj58sYGhrtjqS-StAx4y0hM/s1600/donner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YtF4LV9voei26wOIC-UN1LrNqSCon67LJ87MpdeCLZcU1dvFoIRPHK9T7CYz-GewyPD5ylnztr5Ety18Xj1uB0XRNHvHCVO6pAcVXGyKEFj19ee1Mrfskj58sYGhrtjqS-StAx4y0hM/s640/donner.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I just sent her the adjectives I wanted and the scriptures to go with them and she created this! Get it? It spells DONNER. It's like our family motto. Totally cool, I know.</div>
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Anyways, I am getting really excited to get back to work and working with students again! And I can't wait to use my new chair!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7365228667464943466.post-83747663526380979592013-08-10T07:31:00.000-07:002013-08-10T07:31:00.146-07:00flowers are food for my soul.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5Ozm8ADVXz8_STl2dpzLUsw-WabL9DgIuriz0byakonvdg0GFvyxZWotR6vjoezCUrLNPpgwW34QyEPbIEVx_kCupUq7owv4S12Fmob3jrTx0pFHyHgWCs4TWuvveXqdGRrwvpVTRsI/s1600/carnationpractice2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5Ozm8ADVXz8_STl2dpzLUsw-WabL9DgIuriz0byakonvdg0GFvyxZWotR6vjoezCUrLNPpgwW34QyEPbIEVx_kCupUq7owv4S12Fmob3jrTx0pFHyHgWCs4TWuvveXqdGRrwvpVTRsI/s640/carnationpractice2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't know what it is about flowers and arranging them, but when I am working with flowers, my mind goes somewhere else. I can block out all the stressors and business of my life. They can really brighten up a day, a room, an event like nothing else can. I love them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZhhGWph2LMDd9czj6xA4rW_WC1d1Hlhxa3SMrI8SJa_-N1EAZInypoXoGj_n7C5jFpKoCRf9vCwG_kICN5P3dgXaRQKsnI-9ia6gNcuiWJt3MeLxpGsNVLcHI9uEHUWsWbJdqsR5GRU/s1600/carnationpractice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZhhGWph2LMDd9czj6xA4rW_WC1d1Hlhxa3SMrI8SJa_-N1EAZInypoXoGj_n7C5jFpKoCRf9vCwG_kICN5P3dgXaRQKsnI-9ia6gNcuiWJt3MeLxpGsNVLcHI9uEHUWsWbJdqsR5GRU/s640/carnationpractice.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few days ago I went to the flower whole seller warehouse and just stood in awe at all the the awesome flowers that they have and in so many colors! This earth is an incredible place that creates so many beautiful things! I've been really into carnations lately. I feel like their beauty is so underrated. I remember when I was in high school and you could send a friend a Valentine rose or carnation. A carnation was a poor man's rose. I think the carnation is really beautiful when it is bunched with other carnations. They come in so many colors! The carnations in my pictures look like an antique creme. You can spice up a decoration really quickly without spending a lot of money.</div>
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Anyways, that's my rant about flowers. I'm really excited as I continue to work with flowers and meet people through working with flowers. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605859543266281098noreply@blogger.com0