tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32654153140411824692024-03-05T19:59:59.875-08:00The DeHoff CircusCristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-29449184003226159342013-10-04T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-04T09:00:10.621-07:00halfs-ies?<span style="font-size: large;">I struggled way longer than I should have on how to spell the title of this post. Just wanted you to know that. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My race went well. I really liked it. My knee hurt most of the time, but not too awful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I did not walk! I jogged the whole way! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I placed a respectable 3,994th out of 5,276 participants. Maybe next time I can do better :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My knee is hurting pretty badly. I saw the doctor and he wants me to rest it for a week. I may end up in physical therapy, but not before seeing a sports med doctor. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love getting older....</span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-56663830415890445472013-09-17T15:35:00.001-07:002013-09-17T15:35:17.568-07:00mamma said they was my magic shoes<span style="font-size: large;">Here are my running shoes. I only use them for running. They are nice. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I also purchased (thanks to a sale & coupon) one of those stay-dry shirts. I discovered a teeny tiny pocket in the side. It so being used for chap stick. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_fyA9kKp_-ibyF7ABR8oPi62CX_Rmib_Ro0TcS2r_BLiuPudrf1CSU9EO2horfSG3VTNDtBgNIRP9jh1xonIKu9s6KKKWA63JVpvc0fcmUwbB_fP5wLj5ABmMLweqQ2HOyEoLQ0rLdc/s1600/photo+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_fyA9kKp_-ibyF7ABR8oPi62CX_Rmib_Ro0TcS2r_BLiuPudrf1CSU9EO2horfSG3VTNDtBgNIRP9jh1xonIKu9s6KKKWA63JVpvc0fcmUwbB_fP5wLj5ABmMLweqQ2HOyEoLQ0rLdc/s320/photo+copy+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I went for my longest run on Saturday with my dad. I didn't realize how warm it was going to be, so I had to borrow a pair of mom's shorts. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, some of you may have nice, slender, skinny legs. I do not posses corn dog stick legs, so when I walk, my thighs rub together. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When this happens and I am wearing shorts that fit <i>just so</i>, they ride up in the middle, you know what I am talking about - they start creeping up and you just can't help it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, during this run I tried to prevent this, but it is just unavoidable with thighs that cannot avoid one another!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So I tried a couple of times to reach down and adjust as needed. However, given my level of coordination, this was a bit dangerous. So I had to resort to that funky half-kick duck walk thing to help the fabric loosen up and return to where it should be. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently after 8+ miles of this, it wears on your knee. I am currently in a brace & heating as much as possible in hopes of being able to run on Saturday!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-18176934604162469552013-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-09T12:33:16.227-07:00blue suede shoes<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In my attempts to hold off the diabeetus, I have been running. I have been eating better and lost about 25lbs or so. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My father registered me for the Air Force mini marathon in Dayton. It is the 21st of this month. I have been trying to train, and done a decent job. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was able to finally cash in a birthday present and got new running shoes. Mom took me to the Blue Mile. They ask you questions and watch you run for a minute, then make a shoe recommendation. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sparing the details, I ended up with pair of day-glo blue running shoes. with lime colored soles. They are comfy and I have been breaking them in as much as possible. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not a super runner, but I am enjoying it for the most part. </span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-38621786956688921122013-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-10T00:00:08.506-07:00water<span style="font-size: large;">In just the past few weeks, something in Tristin's brain clicked with his body, and he decided that he was able to swim without aid. He then realized he can swim with his head underwater. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">He is having a blast. Maura now has someone who can (almost) swim with her. I can now read or knit or post and not have to get in at all!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently Maura has been making up her own kid 'shows' with a plot line, characters, and theme song. The most recent was something about gymnasts and saving the world with acrobatics...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">There was one last week about mermaids. I cannot remember what it was about or called, or even the catchy tune, but every time she jumped in, she yelled, "mermaid farts!!!!"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At least that is what it sounded like. I laughed a lot. </span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-51050024582202066462013-09-09T12:19:00.001-07:002013-09-09T12:19:07.423-07:00hello!<span style="font-size: large;">Since I can remember, my wonderful grandmother has never failed to ask (multiple times a year) if I keep a journal or diary...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">She has made several attempts to tempt me to keeping a journal... For as many years up until the recent past, I have received a blank book for such endeavors. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bless her heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since attempting to take a break from my out-of-fashion blog, I have realized that this electronic version of a diary was as good as I was gonna get. And even Grandma can read it!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I am back. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some of this stuff is too good to keep to myself. Some is just unbelievable. Some is boring stuff that happens. But it is the life I am living...</span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-42649062562013916002013-08-05T07:29:00.001-07:002013-08-05T07:29:27.312-07:00<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I feel a bit heavy in my mind. I am busy with so many things and feel like I am not able to keep up with this as I would like. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of just abandoning this site and letting you wonder, I am breaking up with you properly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is not you, it's me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe someday I can pick this back up.... we will see. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will leave you with a picture of Tristin that he <i>asked</i> me to take, and struck this pose on his own accord. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFzkxoCcUV8eAVfrOGQud3YzF9EL8y-wJ6oB0o2cvyUJK5KjjfxjOt7ioawHkilfpnV8kRWSPF0FDF7SURKXaSy_uwV8xpayAxIZadA3DOB1VP31J3vB5G4snzOELKiMLvOEJB93UXGA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFzkxoCcUV8eAVfrOGQud3YzF9EL8y-wJ6oB0o2cvyUJK5KjjfxjOt7ioawHkilfpnV8kRWSPF0FDF7SURKXaSy_uwV8xpayAxIZadA3DOB1VP31J3vB5G4snzOELKiMLvOEJB93UXGA/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-51076233678074017612013-07-26T11:12:00.001-07:002013-07-26T11:12:50.891-07:00i had a dream last night...*<i>and it fit me like a glove....</i>*<br />
<br />
Bonus points if you heard the tune.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I really did have a dream that I put up a couple of new posts... I guess it was just a dream. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been busy with vbs, painting, and life. I should have some free time this weekend, and will hopefully get up some new stuff for all 2 of you to read!</span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-80976477240664482202013-07-12T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-12T00:00:02.663-07:00my kids<span style="font-size: large;">So I think I have covered that my kids are <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3265415314041182469#editor/target=post;postID=2781637129506148884;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=2;src=postname" target="_blank">creepy</a>. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3265415314041182469#editor/target=post;postID=3890613837860420770;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=3;src=postname" target="_blank">Maura mostly</a>, but they both are worthy of a 'Shining' remake.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We listened to The Hobbit on our Iowa trip. Part school, part entertainment. They loved it and it is good literature. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have not read The Hobbit, the character, Gollum, gets his name, because he clears his throat in such a way that it sounds like, 'gollum.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">About a week after getting home, I hear one of the kids coughing. She is coughing the word, 'Gollum.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is really one of the creepiest experiences from this child. Really. I will rent her out on Halloween if you want the chills....</span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-5871466095160432752013-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-11T00:00:06.162-07:00Tipton, the end<span style="font-size: large;">After embracing the fact that I am ALWAYS with my children, we headed home from Tipton, Iowa. I realized I didn't get any pictures of myself with my great-grandmother, but I would love to go back soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We stopped at a rest stop and played for a short time. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMWhJ_OyBcGsJ7MjqPQVOLNsjJwV6NVj6WZt_yRKTrQCifC5tl-Fs1Pco-RB_9OuvgNIsLfcICtPIRPWjjzJXhOZVSlfolALe2UC3TUORsx-LeLBae8XINVo2yfn5-Jzaip_noETvHiw/s640/tipton1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMWhJ_OyBcGsJ7MjqPQVOLNsjJwV6NVj6WZt_yRKTrQCifC5tl-Fs1Pco-RB_9OuvgNIsLfcICtPIRPWjjzJXhOZVSlfolALe2UC3TUORsx-LeLBae8XINVo2yfn5-Jzaip_noETvHiw/s320/tipton1324.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwHYeMPExllJpXHP9QaL8KwzSy-0pmbiQqBmhyphenhypheni2OrZbRIqg7s5wdPDmV-Qk3LH-SVqN8pBeiTQdV3VWbhs7-fZXa72WMNZsC2451uKPomVtH_tkYidL3VcztpY41ncEbFm8q3M0ofgU/s640/tipton1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwHYeMPExllJpXHP9QaL8KwzSy-0pmbiQqBmhyphenhypheni2OrZbRIqg7s5wdPDmV-Qk3LH-SVqN8pBeiTQdV3VWbhs7-fZXa72WMNZsC2451uKPomVtH_tkYidL3VcztpY41ncEbFm8q3M0ofgU/s320/tipton1325.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a path that I remembered from my childhood - we followed it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamy5VnvL-3TQlyhg84gHWn4mkfr6Da9ORYS_5_VKn4Ya6qI5XIged3XnSHn4rshGLB8tsntjytxnY8N_q1YyfWQmdyWEFTDNafTg9Zoy8pEtBOiU91iUXzhScpMcZx2bN-sNQ61231-o/s640/tipton1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamy5VnvL-3TQlyhg84gHWn4mkfr6Da9ORYS_5_VKn4Ya6qI5XIged3XnSHn4rshGLB8tsntjytxnY8N_q1YyfWQmdyWEFTDNafTg9Zoy8pEtBOiU91iUXzhScpMcZx2bN-sNQ61231-o/s320/tipton1319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSlmVy44E9akSbkLsAeDd059kjDjXebQs1-Sv_eq5mycgXTxvGKYZ2ldDmcFn8N5tlBh5vAmoe2AKePnGNnxJ_pG6cTNrSIeZ7Nc143Z_PH5ULtYNh9Nxi5qF5Hnaf-D62y0P1WhctiE/s640/tipton1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSlmVy44E9akSbkLsAeDd059kjDjXebQs1-Sv_eq5mycgXTxvGKYZ2ldDmcFn8N5tlBh5vAmoe2AKePnGNnxJ_pG6cTNrSIeZ7Nc143Z_PH5ULtYNh9Nxi5qF5Hnaf-D62y0P1WhctiE/s320/tipton1320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The kids acted like they were in the Harry Potter movies... they are so weird...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then there were lots of steps to climb...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N0QB_gdb1AKd-Aorw8dRcg4i_WuBYGbL1oGDOnLPeHiRMEF0B244vkY8pg22-AAinXyUTPcQ29KDIrWF9yFmLkU8zP_rjoolVNhbIKo5K_Nyeqa-8vgYkm4DtuGg_Ylp19qBksOjit0/s640/tipton1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N0QB_gdb1AKd-Aorw8dRcg4i_WuBYGbL1oGDOnLPeHiRMEF0B244vkY8pg22-AAinXyUTPcQ29KDIrWF9yFmLkU8zP_rjoolVNhbIKo5K_Nyeqa-8vgYkm4DtuGg_Ylp19qBksOjit0/s320/tipton1321.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkVaurqUB10r_TR1MvNu1kvUuiwPpHjU3MQ8Wjcne_VAWxi4p6CZTFmk4zLFZR3TPfidJkD5rx1LKtoJ8aI0xXDaB4Jq92McXgo7p3mWQ1_Xc8x4LtoL1mx06leC4Ujm-JjfoHfOOyOc/s640/tipton1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkVaurqUB10r_TR1MvNu1kvUuiwPpHjU3MQ8Wjcne_VAWxi4p6CZTFmk4zLFZR3TPfidJkD5rx1LKtoJ8aI0xXDaB4Jq92McXgo7p3mWQ1_Xc8x4LtoL1mx06leC4Ujm-JjfoHfOOyOc/s320/tipton1322.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y9c4bd6Rpvvo0IQ8uV3Q7E-9l5f4H9zrF8s11v2qZPZPwrRfftDKeX5UXY1oQYBlqpORwXSATTmZ5RPF5RbMea8h0sdSBeJlpEIDYaG8RUsjFXEfDj8GNMOuX3B1t2TE9-Es4izrlQ4/s640/tipton1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y9c4bd6Rpvvo0IQ8uV3Q7E-9l5f4H9zrF8s11v2qZPZPwrRfftDKeX5UXY1oQYBlqpORwXSATTmZ5RPF5RbMea8h0sdSBeJlpEIDYaG8RUsjFXEfDj8GNMOuX3B1t2TE9-Es4izrlQ4/s320/tipton1323.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the top of the tower you could see a long ways... and get a little woozy. We carefully climbed down before mommy had a panic attack...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then Tristin got tired on the rest of the drive... He likes it dark to sleep...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy09blzjTgYWJXgLkHchu1AQ2NATUtAib2wbpa-nE-5p5IKfS0E3RLJ0GUPYIfX_tn7mG3IkTb6I6imZPs51-vf94jmmSvqtqSb_i7kRLdLWaPKmxMsObeILuBhehNO3vf8uTDq8rQlWQ/s640/tipton1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy09blzjTgYWJXgLkHchu1AQ2NATUtAib2wbpa-nE-5p5IKfS0E3RLJ0GUPYIfX_tn7mG3IkTb6I6imZPs51-vf94jmmSvqtqSb_i7kRLdLWaPKmxMsObeILuBhehNO3vf8uTDq8rQlWQ/s320/tipton1317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-12045967629156483012013-07-10T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-10T00:00:01.833-07:00Tipton 3<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One morning we went to the playground to kill some time. Here is Maura. She said she was digging to Middle Earth...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3F9sxpVKMy6abcWKxTd3kCkAcR8fRjDX5LO6ViGjb-KXRTIQ9cwvIJ_66RV1Voe7lHmczAlPZopGVHjW4qyR0RQ-fyjOo51bW7mxA8e6KlSvHh_VQRcDM-gtfpQlnKyfnnEhDu0nRxs/s640/tipton1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3F9sxpVKMy6abcWKxTd3kCkAcR8fRjDX5LO6ViGjb-KXRTIQ9cwvIJ_66RV1Voe7lHmczAlPZopGVHjW4qyR0RQ-fyjOo51bW7mxA8e6KlSvHh_VQRcDM-gtfpQlnKyfnnEhDu0nRxs/s320/tipton1301.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">We had a great time visiting Gram. We brought her some daisies. She put them in a little vase. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">I told her that I wanted to go see my great grandfather's grave the next day. She said she wanted to go, which was nice since she doesn't usually go out much. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">When we go there in the morning, she had transplanted the daisies we had brought to a small can so we could put them on his grave. It was such a thoughtful gesture and I was so happy to be a part of it. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwol3ZIstTIW5EEPV6LDWxpzr1VlLXvbUlWOWik7iSTkZVKsskCZU-9nxswnJ0Trubpdldmy8wxu5BL1AkPriMhdJL-50NVIU8VRrYDHdDDYp3dI_ZNT-2taW7zN7N8LD3HpMnjJCc6k/s640/tipton1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwol3ZIstTIW5EEPV6LDWxpzr1VlLXvbUlWOWik7iSTkZVKsskCZU-9nxswnJ0Trubpdldmy8wxu5BL1AkPriMhdJL-50NVIU8VRrYDHdDDYp3dI_ZNT-2taW7zN7N8LD3HpMnjJCc6k/s320/tipton1303.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sYH4y1J92xF80Uc8iT7vO2DlTvtdPHpL2GWXmnmur8xl9rlwUY7Vv7BS4oYkni9JrPUA2t67XiKm-IozgQ4tRiyUV9nsJCSOSAzzveJeuhDz16GE9f8zfFqhDD5EaacjTXQnpG8BZcI/s640/tipton1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sYH4y1J92xF80Uc8iT7vO2DlTvtdPHpL2GWXmnmur8xl9rlwUY7Vv7BS4oYkni9JrPUA2t67XiKm-IozgQ4tRiyUV9nsJCSOSAzzveJeuhDz16GE9f8zfFqhDD5EaacjTXQnpG8BZcI/s320/tipton1304.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">We also drove by the place she taught school, where she lived while she taught, the farm she and great-grandaddy rented right after they married and the farm they finally owned. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">It was a lot of fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">She always insists on walking us to the door. She offered rides this time...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv4bqRDB34vHOiIfhvJscn1580t0zVIsX2A6FuHW7-YDULqqHYcOGV4ZQqZNxwpzWaLem_B7ML0elZPWa7DpjxvMi4u35lHTGvMwSNFfc58vxled6AIrFMWm1D2XB74_-fKGQIFJ6ulc/s640/tipton1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv4bqRDB34vHOiIfhvJscn1580t0zVIsX2A6FuHW7-YDULqqHYcOGV4ZQqZNxwpzWaLem_B7ML0elZPWa7DpjxvMi4u35lHTGvMwSNFfc58vxled6AIrFMWm1D2XB74_-fKGQIFJ6ulc/s320/tipton1316.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LNjseLVFHchu09ehB9x5NLZNt_NqLXo2Su3Zhi2u3rxjIA0H-sOhN2YTkRDTJk71Yevq-GG-8i7NgRUjhJ6Zp9RWtwsQgVTXhw3yTpVud_1HjbVIQ9d-A0ezM9HovrA-Yha-bPSojCY/s640/tipton1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LNjseLVFHchu09ehB9x5NLZNt_NqLXo2Su3Zhi2u3rxjIA0H-sOhN2YTkRDTJk71Yevq-GG-8i7NgRUjhJ6Zp9RWtwsQgVTXhw3yTpVud_1HjbVIQ9d-A0ezM9HovrA-Yha-bPSojCY/s320/tipton1318.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-71862326323310112862013-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-08T00:00:01.702-07:00Tipton 2<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The kids had a good time with their great-great grandmother. I am so happy they are comfortable around older people. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every time we passed one, or even a group, their faces lit up and I was reminded how other people get joy from my children. It helped me to appreciate them a little more. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course they couldn't really hear them fighting or arguing or talking back....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Maura got to do some of her school work with her Gram, who used to be a school teacher... in the 20's!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwuw0IpJ7lXCVF0EWoOha13saM_WlKTciOfmpsBhcadkBgaPaOxPfKoZLCaWC5wD-HV0lyqUSb6JuL2BGbyW5cCa3Q9Ns4eUpXH1xvai7vMrJbG27YGHB-gbuzw3ayPDKEAh1D_Ky-0w/s640/tipton1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwuw0IpJ7lXCVF0EWoOha13saM_WlKTciOfmpsBhcadkBgaPaOxPfKoZLCaWC5wD-HV0lyqUSb6JuL2BGbyW5cCa3Q9Ns4eUpXH1xvai7vMrJbG27YGHB-gbuzw3ayPDKEAh1D_Ky-0w/s320/tipton1305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am NOT an emotional person, but it just touches my heart to know this happened. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I tried to get some good pictures of the kids with her, separately & together...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSr1OgAafYkAMcxz0qh6UEy9eU71VKmJoq8Iv-YaJxNjyVzlF72kpBB4XsbofCweilT2ZCji6RgUStvRE-XKcAnHTJLYxfgpv8mjBnRyKoz9zw5fDYadtdIb8rHhzq1k2Kxni73SuOLw/s640/tipton1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSr1OgAafYkAMcxz0qh6UEy9eU71VKmJoq8Iv-YaJxNjyVzlF72kpBB4XsbofCweilT2ZCji6RgUStvRE-XKcAnHTJLYxfgpv8mjBnRyKoz9zw5fDYadtdIb8rHhzq1k2Kxni73SuOLw/s320/tipton1308.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7_4PgmcwE3u1Og_sQwckczRexTlLSqQr0aW6UPTauxPclund2IzwTbn41tqfiH4jjLlg7jCN9l-w0-eSc-HcxWyyaUKhwRAhIM3dkblRP7tLSYnHhwdb43dYhpEpwCFrnN_Hl8dGqs4/s640/tipton1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7_4PgmcwE3u1Og_sQwckczRexTlLSqQr0aW6UPTauxPclund2IzwTbn41tqfiH4jjLlg7jCN9l-w0-eSc-HcxWyyaUKhwRAhIM3dkblRP7tLSYnHhwdb43dYhpEpwCFrnN_Hl8dGqs4/s200/tipton1307.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14xEWQ-DY8EdooKBgfIiFutMhCTtSBfnc1UZdsGHqoGQn1k50eBtR5vC3UFBnmG-AI6cPWcJUB-gLqEp4wfLYyW6gUSeHNWsubp-xADnOEDVEZSpPgsz0KGAHaXzidNLTtTsgd52jkww/s640/tipton1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14xEWQ-DY8EdooKBgfIiFutMhCTtSBfnc1UZdsGHqoGQn1k50eBtR5vC3UFBnmG-AI6cPWcJUB-gLqEp4wfLYyW6gUSeHNWsubp-xADnOEDVEZSpPgsz0KGAHaXzidNLTtTsgd52jkww/s200/tipton1309.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawBIwB819KP8VtxEV31LvyODLE1fkjvEfqX39ryqXrbJEoVze-JmD-Yx2Q2W5vFjfSA9MIXxHE1Wne5Gs-zHhQSLssWrfxPhhn0HKkff3GM7ximfm5u04sJwLAUYTXsMx0Co-CD23f3w/s640/tipton1312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawBIwB819KP8VtxEV31LvyODLE1fkjvEfqX39ryqXrbJEoVze-JmD-Yx2Q2W5vFjfSA9MIXxHE1Wne5Gs-zHhQSLssWrfxPhhn0HKkff3GM7ximfm5u04sJwLAUYTXsMx0Co-CD23f3w/s200/tipton1312.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTm_S-ETilVzqRk1lRdP9r5wzhvd5Zik-Ts4tBTym5MJQHJq-wHK9wlxdpiKNn_8AbFMijnFhOrXfsW6cuAvhDoUkJnbSVnFEpXEwcIIKzhSUfiXDN2sLJ73Ac6bjZKLW4HwDDx_b0GA/s640/tipton1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTm_S-ETilVzqRk1lRdP9r5wzhvd5Zik-Ts4tBTym5MJQHJq-wHK9wlxdpiKNn_8AbFMijnFhOrXfsW6cuAvhDoUkJnbSVnFEpXEwcIIKzhSUfiXDN2sLJ73Ac6bjZKLW4HwDDx_b0GA/s200/tipton1313.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkVppz2AT94J5VJp8V36s1kXuwUL2oIZh3X2L_Vlc8WE0SxFG5C4-KUQCe5cDn-X_4_BwkZuXrNxMxv8Zu3SLXGdLiwiR1bxKWaSZTO-3yTUUN95Zct2lyZUE0FJ-dYZBkiNPloTC0uc/s640/tipton1315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkVppz2AT94J5VJp8V36s1kXuwUL2oIZh3X2L_Vlc8WE0SxFG5C4-KUQCe5cDn-X_4_BwkZuXrNxMxv8Zu3SLXGdLiwiR1bxKWaSZTO-3yTUUN95Zct2lyZUE0FJ-dYZBkiNPloTC0uc/s200/tipton1315.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFvW1oc7Df-HzSq0c5c4XzFJWGGWul6uMZi0KVzV9CaQLRJYjdOnGkNmdPtZ40DAE1AIm6AOtwpQPEn4vPaKXEYi2BcRhD8nuynhQLeQpmKucoA_WfMtI6v50UbaCdyBL_VPNEiNJ_Qo/s640/tipton1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFvW1oc7Df-HzSq0c5c4XzFJWGGWul6uMZi0KVzV9CaQLRJYjdOnGkNmdPtZ40DAE1AIm6AOtwpQPEn4vPaKXEYi2BcRhD8nuynhQLeQpmKucoA_WfMtI6v50UbaCdyBL_VPNEiNJ_Qo/s200/tipton1311.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsgI5jO5fLiTJHdrF3bpZGLHKo244oA2DbO2sG12bpDrgDtidtDDUtIrGT5lmo7Kc5rLrPAED8dpkvpkL1FfV6kZ94pO5gFS8GYQ6Ti7KECg0bnTn1zIubOBoi9N-NDzrsUt7lloYx9s/s640/tipton1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsgI5jO5fLiTJHdrF3bpZGLHKo244oA2DbO2sG12bpDrgDtidtDDUtIrGT5lmo7Kc5rLrPAED8dpkvpkL1FfV6kZ94pO5gFS8GYQ6Ti7KECg0bnTn1zIubOBoi9N-NDzrsUt7lloYx9s/s200/tipton1310.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, the picture taking was as random as the placement of the pictures themselves...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-62922511183399054532013-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-06T00:00:06.880-07:00Road Trip... again! <span style="font-size: large;">Now I don't want to make you all jealous, but I went to Tipton, Iowa last month. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know. Every person's dream!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My great grandmother lives there, and I took a little road trip with my kids to visit her. Her name is Esther Joy (Gram to us) and she is 104 and a half. I think at this age she should credit for as much as she can!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We stayed in a little motel about a 5 second drive from the home she lives in. It is not a home in what you usually think a home is, but more of a... community maybe? She has a little apartment with a fridge and sink, and her own rest room. There are three meals a day and activities. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We played bingo with her on Wednesday, which is bingo day. The kids had a ball, never really having played bingo with a ball turner and lots of people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLl0nXSzQ3zJs33x-unSqvyyXJLm88uDRgmkwyT9zjsB4_uAut5sYB2HqIHKXV5MRw-0cGEZ-hjUyd5lsxTiCANXn9GvXx0W0D3r0V5hSGW5Rw1ZHhjct138JNz1KugBJpyJB6GA17o4/s640/tipton1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLl0nXSzQ3zJs33x-unSqvyyXJLm88uDRgmkwyT9zjsB4_uAut5sYB2HqIHKXV5MRw-0cGEZ-hjUyd5lsxTiCANXn9GvXx0W0D3r0V5hSGW5Rw1ZHhjct138JNz1KugBJpyJB6GA17o4/s320/tipton1306.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a table behind us where a man said bingo after every coordinate called that he had... the staff member/nurse with him kept saying, "no, Jim, you just got the space. Not a 'bingo."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Caller: N-34</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jim: Bingo!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nurse: N</span><span style="font-size: large;">o, Jim, you just got the space. Not a 'bingo.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Caller: B-7</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jim: Bingo!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nurse: N</span><span style="font-size: large;">o, Jim, you just got the space. Not a 'bingo.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Turns out Jim was an Alzheimer's</span><span style="font-size: large;"> patient. Breaks my heart, but made me smile. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then we went to a residents' meeting. Interesting. When asked what they may like to have in the way of activities, one older gentleman said he would like to have a 'girlie show.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am so happy the kids didn't hear that...</span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-18076528956080752402013-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-05T00:00:08.233-07:00road trip!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A little over a month ago, I joined my dear friend <a href="http://andyandcari.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cari</a> on a road trip to Ohio. She 'needed' to get a lamp shade at Ikea, and of course I was up for ANY reason to take a road trip without teacup humans!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We had a blast, and I learned a lot about furniture and decoration... but I do not remember all of it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I don't mean I remember some, but not <i>all</i>. I mean I do not remember any. That would be a more correct statement...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But it was a great trip and a lot of fun. This sign was hanging up near the check out. It made me laugh. I was a bit disappointed, though, since I was incredibly hungry. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would TOTALLY pay $.50 for a two story hot dog. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-0uCOioEiJPZP0KyN993jcOM-YT7CIA8Uu9BYJTkSauETqqSAgqTxyUxhWjs5Xl-kpllnSQVkGuRWyp3McMZqA4CAhRzC5mrJvODzCPPiwDwELT3epsBYpP0VYvnrcrDOPLzQgnDZuA/s638/photo-2+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-0uCOioEiJPZP0KyN993jcOM-YT7CIA8Uu9BYJTkSauETqqSAgqTxyUxhWjs5Xl-kpllnSQVkGuRWyp3McMZqA4CAhRzC5mrJvODzCPPiwDwELT3epsBYpP0VYvnrcrDOPLzQgnDZuA/s320/photo-2+copy+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After eating we traveled about 15min to <a href="http://www.junglejims.com/" target="_blank">Jungle Jim's</a>. It was incredible. Since it was Saturday it was a bit busier than I like my grocery shopping/ sight seeing, but it was super cool. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I do want to go back! I cannot imagine how overstimulating this would be to kids. We laughed A LOT. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3-t1AtYtHCb5n8EhholEdTvSCV2Be0gMHA_WijwXUc7_SNmIjA4YojTqAN0oiqx1bRFXkVU1JbMWBmeZrpd5In0UZOmEzXRXHwXt9LI7sRl8pXaH8uuR7J0Ha9k3-rnZdlNbjnHiiyM/s640/photo-4+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3-t1AtYtHCb5n8EhholEdTvSCV2Be0gMHA_WijwXUc7_SNmIjA4YojTqAN0oiqx1bRFXkVU1JbMWBmeZrpd5In0UZOmEzXRXHwXt9LI7sRl8pXaH8uuR7J0Ha9k3-rnZdlNbjnHiiyM/s320/photo-4+copy+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
notice the tag line under the product name</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pMK_qAIq528nZuBMbem2Dxy1cFbi07nHtB_Kg68JZAcH5W3keDFq361uLAZ4O4sRkCOq3bmaMdKb1-0kQMqqg1xqW4qyzTYw879LYlU5gvCQ5tEG3absGc1QqNEutcXDxXyyu-bn6Jg/s640/photo-3+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pMK_qAIq528nZuBMbem2Dxy1cFbi07nHtB_Kg68JZAcH5W3keDFq361uLAZ4O4sRkCOq3bmaMdKb1-0kQMqqg1xqW4qyzTYw879LYlU5gvCQ5tEG3absGc1QqNEutcXDxXyyu-bn6Jg/s320/photo-3+copy+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-40727458080069437222013-07-04T12:21:00.002-07:002013-07-04T12:21:31.359-07:00Happy Independence Day!<span style="font-size: large;">As I type this I am in a screened in porch, watching my children swim in the rain. My husband is napping in the living room. We are stuff on our super - big lunch. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Zach read part of an article to the kids about the accepting & signing of the Declaration of Independence, and some of the consequences incurred by those signers. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We were able to explain (age appropriately) the setting and what followed the signing, and also drew some Bible examples to help explain the situation. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been very busy with VBS stuff. We have less than 20 kids at this point, and still need most of a staff. But I am sure it will be worth it in the end.... I am just ready to get it going. IF you want to sign up your children and yourselves ;) - visit <a href="http://dehoffcircus.blogspot.com/p/so-with-my-new-position-at-church-i-am.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> page of my blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will try to post some of the past events with pictures (aren't you surprised?!?!?). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a wonderful Independence Day! Enjoy & exercise your <a href="http://dehoffcircus.blogspot.com/2009/04/this-may-be-uncomfortable.html" target="_blank">freedoms</a>!</span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-41110023854936853932013-06-03T05:23:00.002-07:002013-06-03T05:23:49.292-07:00<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing really new happening around here. I am still trying to balance my life. I may never actually get there, so I am trying to make peace with that...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am in the process of planning a road trip to exciting Tipton, Iowa. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know you are jealous. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just the kids and me. We are primarily going to visit my great- grandmother. Their great-great. She is 104, so even though she is the main reason, we will not be spending large amounts of time with her. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are staying in a small little motel. It is close enough to walk to Prairie Hills (where Gram lives), and right across the street from Pizza Hut - Score!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am off to try to make some plantable flower seed cards... </span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-28544899296841185552013-05-30T06:34:00.001-07:002013-05-30T06:34:04.712-07:00VBS<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the VBS page </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtD97HeEdHE0uADZCJJO-f8tR8zh1Z6tA3hbyL37zvU03vXhjZcfrTpxkPg7ubZ2qDZj4eqDGKjHpPQ8o89UR0rZ6Q66BS7zNU-3cJ_qnQRyNsWtdZT9HMuGOSXcXTjyw6Ai-Is-Mqpg/s1600/MC900432527.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtD97HeEdHE0uADZCJJO-f8tR8zh1Z6tA3hbyL37zvU03vXhjZcfrTpxkPg7ubZ2qDZj4eqDGKjHpPQ8o89UR0rZ6Q66BS7zNU-3cJ_qnQRyNsWtdZT9HMuGOSXcXTjyw6Ai-Is-Mqpg/s1600/MC900432527.PNG" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-15166078798244481492013-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-28T00:00:01.245-07:00Reba needs a facelift<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have bonded with my jeep this winter. We named her Reba since she is red. Letter sound association for the kids - yes we homeschool. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I also named her because I noticed that it gives her a bit of a personality. The kids are more likely to clean up and take care of something with a name, rather than just, 'the car.'</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I spent tons of time with Reba this winter. She has taken great care of the family, and me. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">But Reba needs a facelift. Reba actually needs a lot. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">While we were in Ohio, I got hit. It was on the way to the farm, so I had all four children with me. Basically, we were turing on a green light and an old man ran his red. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nobody was hurt. Except Reba. We are both saying we had the green, so there is no ruling and no fault. No fix for Reba. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ojynku5FOvwg0vZQFEDJ-7ZIuV7iYukVvOp9-dHIqTc1zTw4QegehpSBXwZcyyWnBZW_bwlNZH8G-qJNQOtiycWzBQO1T_6vm4-JMMy1chQO5V4Ab3fk3jtTvIjndeBIqoMP3yajgdg/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ojynku5FOvwg0vZQFEDJ-7ZIuV7iYukVvOp9-dHIqTc1zTw4QegehpSBXwZcyyWnBZW_bwlNZH8G-qJNQOtiycWzBQO1T_6vm4-JMMy1chQO5V4Ab3fk3jtTvIjndeBIqoMP3yajgdg/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLVudB6rJ3hqQlBKp8oS9HFR0Ugh7rgpgiA2ysQBg61Sx6ccJDI4jQSQ3dQwcWUe7nMif1rEwRjKT0moMGlp2j7fTc-gyPxJhlSj-UWnDmZMDZJhioHemNrwpAUhPdqylEq_f05ocZXk/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLVudB6rJ3hqQlBKp8oS9HFR0Ugh7rgpgiA2ysQBg61Sx6ccJDI4jQSQ3dQwcWUe7nMif1rEwRjKT0moMGlp2j7fTc-gyPxJhlSj-UWnDmZMDZJhioHemNrwpAUhPdqylEq_f05ocZXk/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-30575565591601899972013-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-27T00:00:00.427-07:00health concern?<span style="font-size: large;">The latest concern and almost constant topic around our house has been bags. Circles under the eyes. More specifically, Maura's eyes. She will be more than happy to tell you about <i>your</i> bags, but she is mostly concerned with hers. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not completely sure where this came from. I have tried explaining that she IS SEVEN! And does not need to worry about this- it is how her skin is under her eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have tried using it to my advantage. I have told her that to reduce them she needs to drink a lot of water and get MORE SLEEP. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">She has a sleep mask that she insists will help the bags. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally I just gave in. I am ignoring most comments about her face (beauty is vain....). I did have one bad mommy moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We were in the car and she got upset about something. She crossed her arms and scowled her face. I told her to improve her attitude and fix her face. She did not. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I asked if she wanted wrinkles to go along with her bags. </span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-29964684779009013832013-05-25T05:50:00.001-07:002013-05-25T05:50:49.452-07:00Ohio<span style="font-size: large;">I took the kids to Ohio last week. We had fun. My sis-in-law had her wisdom teeth out, and I was able to help around the house and with the boys. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On Tuesday we went to a local farm. I googled 'educational places in dayton, ohio.' So I wasn't really sure what to expect. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was great. There was a little education center that you first went in and paid. Then you could walk around the farm - it is a working farm, so there are animals and big tractors. It is also educational, so when you go into the sheep barn or the chicken coop there are signs and posters telling facts about the animals. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Kind of like the zoo, but with more 'educational' type information. and less of a crowd!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx23TPkgWiryNbMeIC7r2W6e8LmvdHs-fBr6UBGScuyFyqh5cqW1rZNKbE4mtQIijiZ1zGjEUWZvr1lBnf3AAsJdm9iBKf0Vi7U3UgN5zkWnqO5RV_rI__ciKYKyEmyu-98-4qEJ7d_w/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx23TPkgWiryNbMeIC7r2W6e8LmvdHs-fBr6UBGScuyFyqh5cqW1rZNKbE4mtQIijiZ1zGjEUWZvr1lBnf3AAsJdm9iBKf0Vi7U3UgN5zkWnqO5RV_rI__ciKYKyEmyu-98-4qEJ7d_w/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__ChhMivq1Nb8ku-mpUY51JN2hT94yx-b2d0jWRbI08Ib5dzZumLNqWpkfSMkxbhOtLSFmIJUTqkjsGzEehixsWlmdjrYHWIFS4aZsYIJ2qkbpSam-VmMWxBkkJNQUo4lhE1NIyL3Ds4/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__ChhMivq1Nb8ku-mpUY51JN2hT94yx-b2d0jWRbI08Ib5dzZumLNqWpkfSMkxbhOtLSFmIJUTqkjsGzEehixsWlmdjrYHWIFS4aZsYIJ2qkbpSam-VmMWxBkkJNQUo4lhE1NIyL3Ds4/s320/photo-6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21cGJWXhQp1Yb6hDxYRRshmACJTOWLW-m-YSZvVcukwIPnhH4kDK7ZI-g3bRPt09SIFt-H-us_5dCNBivUINjcuX5Z8i9ODaxxVeqM-HCZB5ZvTkn3vmoRHd6dh6ISVFynlDoZCSAv_s/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21cGJWXhQp1Yb6hDxYRRshmACJTOWLW-m-YSZvVcukwIPnhH4kDK7ZI-g3bRPt09SIFt-H-us_5dCNBivUINjcuX5Z8i9ODaxxVeqM-HCZB5ZvTkn3vmoRHd6dh6ISVFynlDoZCSAv_s/s320/photo-7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriaYpA1k3biX5KRQO-0_dzgkWMBerd00XvgfmGgDaFG1qndD_z8xbceQz_vzSMKwHe9MktInhwpgsPFxhI8403EFJKDYcTM0gdQPU6PXrHnW_CVJQy6Z9M9cvSv4W0jz0WthXlAZPLuQ/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriaYpA1k3biX5KRQO-0_dzgkWMBerd00XvgfmGgDaFG1qndD_z8xbceQz_vzSMKwHe9MktInhwpgsPFxhI8403EFJKDYcTM0gdQPU6PXrHnW_CVJQy6Z9M9cvSv4W0jz0WthXlAZPLuQ/s320/photo-8.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-32853148824753236442013-05-11T05:38:00.001-07:002013-05-11T05:38:12.845-07:00infestation<span style="font-size: large;">please say a small prayer for my parents today. they have had a bit of an infestation lately. it comes and goes, but never really goes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">we dealt with it for a while, but seem to have gotten rid of them. not only are they destructive, but they can smell and make a lot of noise. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">i was able to get a quick picture while my mom was doing the dishes. there was one on the counter right next to her! they have no fear!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowNYV8u8ktHCRrtIRJenTsVEWmKrHKBVeh1nLqq_M2sEnNozW90PD1kfrL36FRIOJ6GjcNMxC1eEuO6ZAuIKihXS1FiYwv45I9JOq8Jx9YS3pBMLuLptLLbYDJnfoGOqRwWKrSilqMPI/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowNYV8u8ktHCRrtIRJenTsVEWmKrHKBVeh1nLqq_M2sEnNozW90PD1kfrL36FRIOJ6GjcNMxC1eEuO6ZAuIKihXS1FiYwv45I9JOq8Jx9YS3pBMLuLptLLbYDJnfoGOqRwWKrSilqMPI/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRNXFBgn509MocWo6wgqdfMFHGkC6MfE-kyDzvtke7rQ55BUKmouU80LWjg33nvYiKaHP2A9KdjyQla_HBDlZ9sG-QouKKUHEX_YRt80aIDu67nRS7-2cOTuQZNXaZ9WEu9zut-Fs6Cc/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRNXFBgn509MocWo6wgqdfMFHGkC6MfE-kyDzvtke7rQ55BUKmouU80LWjg33nvYiKaHP2A9KdjyQla_HBDlZ9sG-QouKKUHEX_YRt80aIDu67nRS7-2cOTuQZNXaZ9WEu9zut-Fs6Cc/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-69157742134374345572013-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-08T00:00:07.320-07:00My first lawn<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have NEVER mowed a lawn in my life. I think I did a little patch one time when I was growing up, but it lasted about 15sec and I was done. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have never mowed my own lawn. Nevermind that it looks like a jungle and my 'dog' has to jump around to find a spot. I don't really care... my neighbors may... (are <i>that</i> family- I could make an entire post on the HOA letters we have gotten!). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So Zach asked if I would help mow last week. The <a href="http://www.indygrace.org/?page_id=126" target="_blank">church</a>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">He tried to teach me how to work the mower in about 2min and left. I looked like I had vodka on my corn flakes - I was swerving all over. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">And if that wasn't enough, I was on the corner of Southport & Arlington, with all of my fats jiggling around for the Thursday traffic. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Once I got the hang of it, it was too awful. The day was sunny, but cool and I was alone with my music - that is never bad. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My biceps and triceps are still sore from tensing up, so I did get a bit of a workout. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfPtYQm4OFmHkD-K5yR7RkSpBpDyQ0WuscR_pC-W7c-3YGODPAxo-d1_IXU26NT8kuIjrHJvSedxJbLcYuiwBKwsTj2GA1viM6qEI0v5eUio5kK4ncioHHxefkNvkYBPikyV2OAjnSBc/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfPtYQm4OFmHkD-K5yR7RkSpBpDyQ0WuscR_pC-W7c-3YGODPAxo-d1_IXU26NT8kuIjrHJvSedxJbLcYuiwBKwsTj2GA1viM6qEI0v5eUio5kK4ncioHHxefkNvkYBPikyV2OAjnSBc/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-3984674923821634422013-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-07T00:00:08.594-07:00Family business<span style="font-size: large;">So, you know by now that I am involved in the winter aspect of the <a href="http://www.turfandsnowsolutions.com/" target="_blank">family business</a>. I plow and shovel and run shoveling crews and demand waffles after all of this. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am happy with this set up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Plus we are SUPER-DUPER blessed to have two grandmothers close enough to take the kids for 48+ hours while we do all of this. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have got nuthin' for grass and flowers and lawns and stuff. I pretty much kill any flower of any kind. My mother-in-law with the green thumb has tried to help me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">No dice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, last week was awful for Zach - equipment breaking right & left, then left & right, rain, truck breaking... so I had to help a little. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will elaborate tomorrow... don't miss it!</span>Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-40076941114359844562013-05-06T06:36:00.001-07:002013-05-06T06:36:22.133-07:00<span style="font-size: large;">Let's just gloss over the fact that it has been... a while since I have last posted. I am sure you all have been on the edge of your seats waiting for me....</span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, we have been busy - I think there have been two major snow plows since the last post. One was a bit of a surprise. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Towards the end of the last big snow, my plow started to give out. I am getting a new plow for next winter - I am SUPER excited about that. Here is my dream jeep:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfKRGZ_kSNWP6hnLnbmf-ez0yeAvfJ10ZrTgWcXMMqidSXZcYeWWJjBRinqayoZSdZ4aVA_0CDzDX7FmIYNWpeDjecMo1A-_MTjxKzZzvfyb4T1sWNAskLfZWmbn4vllqwl6uok3eoHk/s1600/dream+jeep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfKRGZ_kSNWP6hnLnbmf-ez0yeAvfJ10ZrTgWcXMMqidSXZcYeWWJjBRinqayoZSdZ4aVA_0CDzDX7FmIYNWpeDjecMo1A-_MTjxKzZzvfyb4T1sWNAskLfZWmbn4vllqwl6uok3eoHk/s1600/dream+jeep.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would like to have a V-plow, but those are expensive. So are the treads... I know I won't have either, but I can dream, right?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-47831818138254502722013-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-19T00:00:14.343-07:00observations<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So here are some things I noticed on my last trip to the gym...</span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Twins riding bikes together. I thought that was really neat they were able to work out at the same and do something like that. Even if they did wear the exact same thing...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nope. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">One guy. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">One mirror. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At one point as I was surveying the weight area as I ran, I noticed a well built man, who obviously works out regularly. The reason my eye caught him, was that he was wearing a cut off shirt. It stopped just above his belly button! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then he turned around and I saw a back tattoo! A bit odd, but who am I to judge?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nope. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Weight belt. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">With writing on the back. Just happened to be very a very close shade of color as his skin. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265415314041182469.post-73515554832230917472013-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-18T00:00:03.822-07:00late post #2!<span style="font-size: large;">Here is what I got/made for Zach for Valentine's Day. I guess technically it was for our anniversary. They are only two days apart, so we tend to merge them.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc-k3PzlRifHef719MGQXuxKdRMEEipPcEngd4c6JjFWCY_nLRHNe0YiPfki-OatjvUYvBzVK11oa_qzziLA6wjI4YNpAiiUIu6VsDnEVR0WBj5Wh2dDEF1cF-TGqrXdX1R1h4eZ2hsU/s1600/photo-5+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc-k3PzlRifHef719MGQXuxKdRMEEipPcEngd4c6JjFWCY_nLRHNe0YiPfki-OatjvUYvBzVK11oa_qzziLA6wjI4YNpAiiUIu6VsDnEVR0WBj5Wh2dDEF1cF-TGqrXdX1R1h4eZ2hsU/s320/photo-5+copy+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQpqbRSIPoans5i9CFvQHokM0xj7Bk4WPvEPFtWI6TPLpsNPY0cpfus7bx-lQgNbVTWUbbob5leMcd1-2zXmEspsxQMYZW4Uk4fzkF_uSkeNpPnouADsoXLpzXb53W9PEYFrm4uvNnTg/s1600/photo-2+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQpqbRSIPoans5i9CFvQHokM0xj7Bk4WPvEPFtWI6TPLpsNPY0cpfus7bx-lQgNbVTWUbbob5leMcd1-2zXmEspsxQMYZW4Uk4fzkF_uSkeNpPnouADsoXLpzXb53W9PEYFrm4uvNnTg/s320/photo-2+copy+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A bouquet of cheeses and bacon roses. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not an original idea, but I think I did a decent job. And it was meat & cheese - how can that be bad?!</span></div>
Cristi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665550023981333387noreply@blogger.com0