Living Each Moment and the Next

Book Review: Invasion

2011-12-05T07:03:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I finished another book. This time I chose a fiction book. At the time I didn't realize it was a young adult book. As I started reading Invasion by Jon Lewis, I was quickly hooked. The main character is a 16 year old boy whose parents are killed in a car wreck. He is told it was by a drunk driver but soon finds out that was just the cover story. As the story progresses we find out there is a whole world out the public has no idea exists. I don't want to give to much away but think comic book heroes and aliens among us. I enjoyed the story and think my sons will like to read it also. It is going to be a series so I am sure I will be reading the next one too. If you have children in your family that like sci-fi fiction give this book a chance. It was a good book and kept me interested once I got into the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church

2011-12-01T07:42:00.000-06:00

I was accidentally shipped the wrong book recently but I decided to go ahead and read the book I recieved. I surprisingly enjoyed it. The book was "Why Men Hate Going to Church" by David Murrow. As a wife to a husband that rarely goes to church, I thought this book has some great insite. The author opened my eyes to what he calls the feminization of Jesus. There was so much that I hadn't really thought about. I highly recommend this book if nothing else just to make you think. Look around your own church and see if the population is mainly women. If so ask yourself why.

One question that I thought was interesting is toward the end of the book in the chapter Getting the big story right, is the gospel being portrayed as a chick flick? Is the Lamb of God being predominately preached or the Lion of Judah? It even made me think about some of the praise songs we sing. Like I said this book really opened my eyes to how some men might feel sitting in some of our churches today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Newborn Pictures: Baby Emma

2011-11-08T09:29:00.000-06:00

I love newborn photoshoots!

Book Review: Heaven is for Real

2011-11-04T20:24:00.000-05:00

I decided to review "Heaven is For Real" by Todd Burpo even though I am a tad bit leery or cynical about books like this. I have heard a ton of people talk about it so I figured why not. It is a really easy and interesting book to read. I love to read about people's lives and this book really drew me in. I have a special needs daughter who has spent time in the hospital so I felt a connection with the parents. When I started reading Colton's description of heaven it made me think of having such child-like faith.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It is a fairly short book but it will draw you in and hold your attention. I even cried a little! Heaven is a wonderful place and the description from the mouth of a child makes me long for it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Waking Hours

2011-10-10T08:18:00.000-05:00

First thing I want to say is that if you get easily spooked or dream about what you read, I wouldn't recommend reading this book before going to bed. That being said, I really liked this book!

Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl was a well written story. It made you think about things that we don't see with our physical eyes. There is a spiritual world right along with our physical word, that we don't see and some do not like to think about. This book makes you look at possibilities some try to ignore. I love books that make you think outside the box.

The story line was easy to follow and I didn't want to put it down. The two main characters and the story line flow well with each other. One is a forensic psychologist, the other is a private investigator in training. The story doesn't completely end, and it looks to be a trilogy. Check it out and see what you think!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Baker's Wife

2011-10-05T07:19:00.000-05:00

I chose to review a fiction book this time and boy was it good. It was a quick read, which is all I seem to have time for lately. Anyway, I really enjoyed The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes? What if you could actually feel the pain and hurting that another person was experiencing? If God led you to a hurting, needing, person would you step out of your comfort zone and help them even if it caused you physical pain? The main subject in this book had to ask herself these questions.

The Baker's Wife had just the right amount of suspense to keep your attention. I recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense stories but also stories that make you wonder could that really happen. I was entertained but challenged all at the same time.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A nice getaway

2011-10-05T07:06:00.000-05:00

My husband and I ran away for the weekend. We spent three days at a wonderful treehouse cabin. No cellphones, wifi, or our children. Which was just what we needed! :-)

I have been very busy with my business and he has been left at home to keep up with the kids.

We needed time to ourselves to reconnect with each other!

This was the perfect place and was just what the doctor ordered.

Time alone together is so important and I forget that at times. Can't wait to go back next year!

Book Review: Put Your Dream to the Test

2011-09-14T06:51:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted on here in ages but I wanted to share a review of a book that I read. It is Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions to help you see it and seize it by John Maxwell. This has been a very encouraging book and has helped me ask myself some hard questions. It has encouraged me to pursue my dream by taking ownership of it. By writing down my dream it helps me to focus on it and the steps to pursue it.

What are your dreams? Do you have a general idea or a clear path? "Only those who see their dreams are able to seize their dreams."

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

365-192-198

2011-07-21T10:14:00.000-05:00

Just random

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2011-07-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

I was able to take pictures of a precious newborn last week. I enjoyed it so much!
Here are a few!

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2011-07-07T07:20:00.000-05:00

Before our week stay at the hospital, I had the chance to take pictures of a very unique family. The hadn't gotten together for at least three years due to some of them being over seas. When I walked in the house there was a Christmas tree set up... yes in June! I really didn't think anything of it because I was focused on where I was going to put all of them. Anyway they tell me that because this is the only chance they have to get together they were celebrating all of the holidays in three days. They had Valentines Day for breakfast, Cinco de Mayo for lunch, and Christmas was at supper time!

This family was so much fun! After their regular pictures they all dressed up in goofy clothes so they could have a silly picture. The funny thing was, they wanted to take it inside the house not outside in the yard. I was informed that some of them still had to live in the neighborhood after the weekend was over and didn't want the neighbors to see them! Too funny!!

Here is a couple from the shoot.

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2011-07-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

The rest of the fireworks!

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2011-07-06T07:10:00.001-05:00

I tried shooting fireworks again this year. I played with my settings until I got them where I liked it. I took a whopping 146 pictures, eek!! Of, course not all of them were very good. When I started out everything was black. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my settings. My advice from first hand experience..... check to see if you left the lens cap on!

Also make sure you are not under a tree!

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2011-07-05T07:51:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been three weeks since I have posted anything! It has been really crazy around here. We spent a week with my daughter in the hospital. She got a virus that cause her to not be able to keep her seizure meds down. That led to major seizure activity which led to a late night trip to the ER. They ended up pumping her with a major medication dose and put her in the ICU. We were in the hospital for full 7 days!

After that it was our 17th anniversary which we spent at Six Flags. That is where we went for our honeymoon. We both were very young!! Then company was here. My husband's family came to visit for the 4th.

I also was working on promoting with Jordan Essentials. I was challenged to make director in training by July and I achieved it. I will be crowned at convention this month!!

My husband has been doing great holding down the fort at home, including taking my son to baseball practice. This is his first year playing baseball and he loves it. He told me he thinks this is his sport. Here are some pictures from the last game that I was able to be at.

Getting ready

He blows out his cheeks just like he does in basketball!

Whoops focus point on fence not child!

Made it to 2nd!

Down time.

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2011-06-13T07:24:00.000-05:00

These are from an engagement photo shoot. It was fun!

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2011-06-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to be the second shooter for a wedding recently! It was so much fun and such a great opportunity!! Thanks Tracy!!

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2011-06-06T08:15:00.002-05:00

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2011-06-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Cocoa Beach

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2011-06-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

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2011-06-03T00:00:00.004-05:00

Our family went to Orlando for vacation and spent three days at Universal Studios. We had so much fun!

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2011-06-02T09:13:00.000-05:00

More hints!

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2011-05-28T08:22:00.002-05:00

We have been on vacation! Can you guess where?

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2011-05-26T09:29:00.000-05:00

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2011-05-25T09:43:00.002-05:00

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2011-05-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

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2011-05-25T09:40:00.001-05:00

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2011-05-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

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2011-05-11T08:27:00.000-05:00

I am practicing with my P&S camera before out trip. Who knew if would be so hard!

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2011-05-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

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2011-05-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

Homeschool conference, Mother's Day, photo shoot, and vacation....
It's kind of busy around here!

When the little ones have had enough they let you know!

"I don't wanna smile!!"

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2011-05-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

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2011-05-02T22:28:00.002-05:00

Monkey see... Monkey do!

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2011-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

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2011-04-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

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2011-04-29T00:00:00.002-05:00

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2011-04-28T16:31:00.000-05:00

Last November, I went to a farm conference where I was introduced to a line of bath, body, and spa products that changed my life. I fell in love the lotion bars not to mention how great they were for my skin.

Well I liked the products so well that I signed up to be a consultant with Jordan Essentials. We had our local meeting this week and I was "queen of the sales" for the month of March and I had the highest party total in the nation two weeks ago! Between this and photography, I have been a little busy!

I wore my tiara and pin home from the meeting hoping I didn't get pulled over and have to explain what was on my head, LOL!! It is mine for the month unless I have the highest sales for the month of April. You never know!!

"Changing lives one lotion bar at a time!"

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2011-04-28T16:20:00.000-05:00

I may or may not have a serious Starbucks addiction

I may or may not live 40 miles from the nearest one

I may or may not have had my husband drive out of his way yesterday, just so I could get a grande!

Yesterday was a good day!

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2011-04-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

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2011-04-22T22:51:00.000-05:00

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2011-04-20T22:39:00.002-05:00

Book Review: Heart of Ice

2011-04-19T07:43:00.000-05:00

I recently finished Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl and April Henry and I really enjoyed it. At the beginning it was a little hard keeping the characters straight because it jumps back and forth between them. However, it didn't take long for me to get sucked into the story. The story kept my attention all the way through. The characters were well described and flowed together well. The last few chapters definitely are a page turner and I couldn't put it down till I knew what happened. Also, the door was left open for more books in this series. I didn't realize it was part of a series, so you can easily read it as a stand alone.

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2011-04-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

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2011-04-18T07:24:00.002-05:00

IHF - WInd

2011-04-17T08:25:00.000-05:00

This week's I Heart Faces challenge is wind. I thought this picture fit the theme.

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2011-04-17T00:00:00.004-05:00

My birthday treat!

365-106* Grow

2011-04-16T10:22:00.000-05:00

Catching up on challenges once again! :-) Bad thing is I am the one who does the Word Challenge!!

''

365-105* 100 steps

2011-04-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

It is actually 100 steps from my door up into my garden. This is no where near as interesting and wonderful as last year when my 100 steps were taken in Gulf Shores. I would so love to be back there as I woke up to a dreary, rainy, 39 degree morning.

Anyway, I have things planted like onions, broccoli and cabbage. My asparagus is in its second year so next year we will get to eat it! Also behind the asparagus my strawberries are in full bloom! The trailer in the background hold cinder blocks that I will be using to extend my garden this year. I forgot to take up (sky) and down (ground) shots but it wasn't a pretty day anyway. I love my garden and can't wait for it to warm up enough to get in the tomatoes!

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2011-04-14T07:36:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I had a huge family photo shoot. While there I was asked if I would follow a couple around their farm and take pictures at their favorite spots. The day started out a little cloudy which was great because I didn't have my reflector. Also my assistant decided to stay in the house and eat cake, Thank you son! As soon as we started out the sun made its presence known. Oh well, we made the best of the situation!

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2011-04-12T18:38:00.002-05:00

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2011-04-12T18:37:00.001-05:00

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2011-04-08T00:14:00.000-05:00

Another photo shoot!

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2011-04-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

This is one of the reasons I have been so busy! Senior pictures, family photo shoots and more.... I am not complaining though!

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2011-04-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

Spring has finally sprung! I have been so busy everything is spinning!!

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2011-03-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

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2011-03-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Silly dog!

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2011-03-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

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2011-03-28T15:30:00.000-05:00

Didn't we celebrate Spring on March 20th?? What a cruel trick! I was outside working in the garden, planting things, last week! The good news is it is supposed to be in the 70's this weekend!

365-83* - Silly

2011-03-28T15:15:00.001-05:00

Our coach's daughter loves to run across the court during time outs and half time. She loves it when all the people cheer for her!

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2011-03-23T12:27:00.000-05:00

My silver lining!

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2011-03-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

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2011-03-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

I love perennials in my garden!!

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2011-03-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

The underside of the shrub - a different perspective! Laying down looking up the branches.

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2011-03-20T22:26:00.000-05:00

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2011-03-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Drop.... crash.... shatter! That was the sound of my cell phone hitting the ceramic tile in the kitchen. Yes my new phone I just bought in November!

I really hope this is not a reoccurring theme! I can't handle anything else getting broken.

There was a silver lining to this mishap though!!

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2011-03-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

On Saturday we spent all day working outside. It was 60 degrees and sunny. We cleared some brush, tried to burn a couple of brush piles, broke the tractor and the chainsaw.... a typical day on the farm.

Monday, we woke up to this....... ugh!

It was nasty and cold all day! But it's supposed to be up in the 70's on Thursday!

365-73* L2L March

2011-03-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

365-72* - Spring

2011-03-13T09:36:00.002-05:00

Word: Spring

Well a couple of you were right! My new adventure is beekeeping! I should have two hives set up soon! I am scared but excited. We go through more than a gallon of honey a month so I know this will be a worthwhile investment!

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2011-03-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

365-70* - Square

2011-03-11T11:00:00.002-06:00

Here is another hint!

Also using this picture for the shape challenge! Lots of little squares!

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2011-03-10T17:35:00.000-06:00

Starting a new adventure! Can you guess what it is?

Book Review: The Shelter of God's Promises

2011-03-08T08:04:00.002-06:00

I recently finished Sheila Walsh's book The Shelter of God's Promises. I have to say that I really liked this book. Wow was it powerful! Ten promises of God, with scriptural backing, are shared with the reader. Each chapter contains a new promise. While all of the chapters contain wonderful nuggets of truth, one chapter still speaks to me. I was one of those who carried the desire if I could only go back in time and redo things; but now after reading about God's promise of grace, I feel such a freedom I have never felt before. I highly recommend this book!

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2011-03-07T13:25:00.000-06:00

Hearts and Love

Growth

Elderberry Cuttings

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2011-03-05T23:05:00.000-06:00

Today was our last game with Upward. Last weekend was the regional tournament for my oldest. One son was glad basketball is over for now the other wishes it was November already. Me? I am just ready for a week without practice or games. Whew!

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2011-03-03T19:14:00.000-06:00

I was asked to be the photographer for a organization at a fundraising event. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures just for me!

The table

Milk and cookies, anyone?

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2011-02-25T00:21:00.000-06:00

Ok I will finally tell you where we where - The City Museum. It has to be the coolest place in our state!

The kids love it and the adults love to pretend they are a kids. From the moment you drive in the parking lot and see all the things you climb up and through, you can't wait to get started. It's three stories of sheer fun.

We all had a blast and can't wait to go back when the roof is open (there is a school bus you can climb through that hangs off the edge, plus a 4 story ferris wheel).

I have to tell you that I felt the 10 story slide for three days, whew that is ALOT of stairs to climb!!

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2011-02-24T08:28:00.001-06:00

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2011-02-23T00:00:00.001-06:00

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2011-02-22T06:08:00.000-06:00

Still wondering where we went! I can tell you it was so much fun, even for the adults!!

PS. I apologize for the word verifications on commenting. I thought I had that turned off all along!

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2011-02-21T22:03:00.000-06:00

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2011-02-21T17:36:00.003-06:00

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2011-02-21T17:36:00.000-06:00

365*-42 Shape

2011-02-15T08:51:00.000-06:00

Shape: heart

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2011-02-15T08:50:00.000-06:00

It's melting!

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2011-02-09T11:58:00.000-06:00

It's snowing again here, enough said!

Anyway, I wanted to try out an idea that I read today on MCP. After 135 tries, I settled for this one. Will definitely be trying this again!

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2011-02-08T06:56:00.002-06:00

Snow licking

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2011-02-07T00:13:00.001-06:00

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2011-02-06T00:08:00.000-06:00

What is it about a fresh blanket of snow. When I step out in the morning it is so calm and peaceful, as if you can hear God whispering "Enjoy, this is for you." To those of you who hate the snow (aka Tracy), I know this is not what you are hearing, but I have decided to take a positive look on the weather because there is nothing I can do to change it!!! Remind me of this on Thursday especially if we have snow everyday like they are predicting. I haven't seen this much snow in Missouri for a long time.

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2011-02-05T10:07:00.002-06:00

We woke up to another blanket of snow. I should say "I" woke up. My husband was out plowing all night. The snow is beautiful and so peaceful but I am ready to get into my garden!

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2011-02-04T07:23:00.002-06:00

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2011-02-03T09:32:00.000-06:00

We survived the storm. We didn't get nearly as much snow as they were predicting. However it is -4 this morning. The power didn't go out and our pipes did not freeze! I think it is safe to let the water out of the bath tub and empty all of the jugs.

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2011-02-02T11:37:00.000-06:00

Yes, this is the same scene that I have taken in many of my snow pictures. The difference with this one is... it is not snow! We got 3 inches of sleet. It hadn't started snowing yet when I took this one. It was so cold outside I could only get one clear shot! Brrrrr....

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2011-02-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

I babysat my two year old neice! Wow I forgot how busy they were! She sat still, umm, never!

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2011-01-31T07:53:00.000-06:00

I am not sure where last week went. It started out busy and ended busy. I barely had time to pick up my camera (which I hate) and I was sitting at the computer pounding out my homework as the clock ticked down to midnight last night. This week is not looking better. We are under a huge winter storm watch. They are predicting 2-3 inches of ice with 4-7 inches of snow on top. I have my list of things to gather in case of power outages. The problem is our generator won't start. My husband worked on it yesterday but had to replace the starter in our only four wheel drive vehicle. He is on the road crew so he needs that vehicle for work. Anyway, here is my week in one post. Hopefully you will hear from me this week. If not please say a prayer that we survive the storm. (Yes the dvd players and hand held games are charging, LOL!!!)

Guarding your man

Eyeing up the competition

Stay on him

Ready, Set, Go

It's on now

I think we have a shooter!

Thank you Tracy for all your tips! They worked!

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2011-01-24T15:10:00.002-06:00

Another Upward shot. The color was better on this one... still practicing!

I wonder what they were discussing?!?!

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2011-01-23T00:00:00.011-06:00

Because it's really late

and

'cause I have been gone all day

and

'cause I wanted to....

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2011-01-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

Excited dogs!