tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61298692269423262432024-03-19T07:44:59.304-05:00EVANS GANGWe write stuff. You read it. No big whoop!Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-80615057931810691302011-01-24T13:18:00.001-06:002011-01-24T13:18:45.770-06:00Madison is 15 going on 16, where does the time go?<p>The day you were born we were in the middle of a wicked ice storm here in Kansas.  When I got to the hospital my labor all but stopped.  I was devastated when they wanted to send me home.  I begged them to break my water with the promise that I would have you before lunchtime.  The bargain was struck and the deal done and you came into the world at 11:46 am….plenty of time to spare!</p> <p>You have been a joy and delight in our home since that icy day you made your debut 15 years ago.  Your kind heart and compassion for others makes you stand out, not to mention that gorgeous and generously given smile of yours. </p> <p>It is a blessing to be your mother and you inspire me daily to be a better person.  I am so glad that you are mine.  I can’t wait to see what this year brings for you! </p> <p><font color="#ffffff"><font size="3"><strong> Happy birthday Sweetheart!</strong></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TT3Qk-c2leI/AAAAAAAAAZY/360kUZb5vkU/s1600-h/Madison%20Birthday%202011-1-23%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madison turns 15!" border="0" alt="Madison turns 15!" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TT3QlbJkd2I/AAAAAAAAAZc/HplSClQEU1c/Madison%20Birthday%202011-1-23_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TT3Qk-c2leI/AAAAAAAAAZY/360kUZb5vkU/s1600-h/Madison%20Birthday%202011-1-23%5B2%5D.jpg"><strong><font color="#d16349"></font></strong></a></p> Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-33726961101671164802010-12-28T00:50:00.000-06:002010-12-28T02:17:21.172-06:00Updates…only 18 months later!<p><font size="2">Ok, I have so many excuses as to why I haven’t posted for 18 months.  I know you are dying to know why…so here are a few of my reasons:</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="2">Landon graduated from High School.  I was in denial that I had a child old enough to leave the nest.</font> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcbctk3JI/AAAAAAAAAWc/5L9amPG1g90/s1600-h/P5170291%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P5170291" border="0" alt="P5170291" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcbxR2M3I/AAAAAAAAAWg/sqmKRcnY1aQ/P5170291_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="121" height="101" /></a></li> </ul> <ul> <li>Landon left home and attended school at BYU.  I was in denial that I had a child old enough to attend university. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Landon received his mission call to Los Angeles, CA.  I had to get him ready to go.  I was in denial that I had a child old enough to go on a mission.        <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmccwCwAuI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Tj-oZzAyCyY/s1600-h/PC020061%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC020061" border="0" alt="PC020061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcdvrGdeI/AAAAAAAAAWo/h-rptCMTs9k/PC020061_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" height="164" /></a> </li> <li>It was Christmas.  I had to get that put together and I was in denial that it was already Christmas and that I was a year older<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmceh6zDDI/AAAAAAAAAWs/cHDBCLShPjE/s1600-h/PC250139%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC250139" border="0" alt="PC250139" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcfDLKwRI/AAAAAAAAAWw/j2l-lqMqu-w/PC250139_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" height="219" /></a>  </li> <li>Madison turned 14!  That was crazy….and I was in denial that I had a daughter who was 14 already. </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcgRQaglI/AAAAAAAAAW0/t3wIJkSb26c/s1600-h/P1240029%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1240029" border="0" alt="P1240029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcgzz3sKI/AAAAAAAAAW4/imy338jRB1o/P1240029_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="153" /></a></p> <ul> <li>Then before I knew it Patrick turned 45.  How could that be?  Denial again…</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmch8cZUxI/AAAAAAAAAW8/fOdFLv-yDeo/s1600-h/P2110076%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2110076" border="0" alt="P2110076" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmci5nL2nI/AAAAAAAAAXA/A4sTA4lN9nE/P2110076_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="157" height="206" /></a></p> <ul> <li>March rolled around and guess what?  Alex turns 16!  Woot Woo!!!  Its about time we have another driver in the house.  Denial gets outweighed by relief. </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcjhulD_I/AAAAAAAAAXE/mALAOIDPPoM/s1600-h/P3310168%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P3310168" border="0" alt="P3310168" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmckH-bilI/AAAAAAAAAXI/vz0ypgwY65s/P3310168_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="155" height="203" /></a></p> <p>May comes and Ethan turns 12!  How can it be that my baby is 12?  I feel really old and then the denial really sets in.  School ends for the year and I can’t believe that Madison will be in High School next fall and that I will have 2 kids at OE.  Ethan graduates from Elementary school and will start 7th at CT.  Where does the time go???</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmck5L1RoI/AAAAAAAAAXM/20gudwJYY0s/s1600-h/P5300342%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P5300342" border="0" alt="P5300342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmclS3QAxI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/HTEug8wHLh0/P5300342_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>We have Girls Camp, Youth Conference and then Scout camp in June.  Then before we know it, July is here and I have to deny that I am actually another year older as well.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcmgXdHnI/AAAAAAAAAXU/35TFOBJpHYs/s1600-h/P6140124%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P6140124" border="0" alt="P6140124" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcnZVnKqI/AAAAAAAAAXY/gaZHEk4Hd80/P6140124_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="169" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmco5zW6tI/AAAAAAAAAXc/gfPx3bgNG4Y/s1600-h/P6250243%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P6250243" border="0" alt="P6250243" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcpubQD1I/AAAAAAAAAXg/YF13jhOrWt4/P6250243_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcrYulLKI/AAAAAAAAAXk/v2LphRoU7Hc/s1600-h/P6260252%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P6260252" border="0" alt="P6260252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcrzux-sI/AAAAAAAAAXo/mTKVAED9Vy0/P6260252_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmctuB8QPI/AAAAAAAAAXs/_DawfXkAdVg/s1600-h/P7060048%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P7060048" border="0" alt="P7060048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcu6GKvbI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qSQNszDMFMM/P7060048_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <ul> <li>July also brought a two week trip to the Philmont Scout Reservation for Alex and Patrick.  It was an awesome experience for the both of them and one that will not be forgotten any time soon. </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcvjhyCsI/AAAAAAAAAX0/hGq-B5fpNjE/s1600-h/IMG_0988%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcwkDP6HI/AAAAAAAAAX4/w4dhayExTpo/IMG_0988%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcyOa7qTI/AAAAAAAAAX8/j6dENDgBPA0/s1600-h/IMG_1012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1012" border="0" alt="IMG_1012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmcyhSk2OI/AAAAAAAAAYA/-ZHmer8bMvs/IMG_1012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="147" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc0YqMo8I/AAAAAAAAAYE/3CM_H6kzGzQ/s1600-h/IMG_1053%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1053" border="0" alt="IMG_1053" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc032cMgI/AAAAAAAAAYI/lwh81vCMs28/IMG_1053_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="138" /></a></p> <ul> <li>August rolled around and we took a quick trip to the Lake with the Masilionis Family.  It was a much needed getaway.  Then it was back to school and routines.  It was a busy month of back to school events and trying to get ourselves organized again. </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc1xIuonI/AAAAAAAAAYM/eKR-5WZZBc8/s1600-h/P8140174%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P8140174" border="0" alt="P8140174" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc2XdXjbI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/sxpx8uTcRrs/P8140174_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <ul> <li>September flew by and before we knew it was October.  Alex received his Eagle Scout award and we began planning his court of honor for November.  Alex, Madison and Ethan all had concerts and we had multiple soccer games to attend.  September also brought a new sport to our gang…Cross Country!</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc3sX5mzI/AAAAAAAAAYU/IzZH8uItduM/s1600-h/P9020019%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P9020019" border="0" alt="P9020019" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc4Tf78pI/AAAAAAAAAYY/sWXCBn1Ftes/P9020019_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <ul> <li>October we celebrated Landon’s 20th birthday and once again I found myself in denial about the fact that I had a 20 year old child.  I just can’t seem to get over myself. </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc5F6MJ-I/AAAAAAAAAYc/KaJNYj5sFOc/s1600-h/PB120881%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PB120881" border="0" alt="PB120881" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc5hg3_vI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Io_oHRV8Lzs/PB120881_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <ul> <li>November flew by and with it came Alex’s long awaited Eagle Award Presentation and Thanksgiving. </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc6hXsYuI/AAAAAAAAAYk/_WQRPW1Kd-Q/s1600-h/PB190249%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc7HPwc0I/AAAAAAAAAYo/SCiS-mle4qQ/PB190249_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc8KA7EcI/AAAAAAAAAYs/EuXuBEYGXpc/s1600-h/PB210260%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; 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border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PB250262" border="0" alt="PB250262" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmc_4Rqy4I/AAAAAAAAAZA/OnBA2cXlc_M/PB250262_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmdA-gEibI/AAAAAAAAAZE/pTcOWPirxi8/s1600-h/PB250264%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PB250264" border="0" alt="PB250264" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmdBhl-HGI/AAAAAAAAAZI/BAisZl7ilcw/PB250264_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <ul> <li>Oh December, you came so quickly.  You mark a year for Landon on his mission!  Ahh the tender mercies of the Lord who has filled the empty space in our hearts with other things so we wouldn’t miss him too terribly much.  December had us by the collar from the get go.  We celebrated a Page Turner Christmas at Shadow Glen.  We also had a lovely evening at the Gas Light Grill with PMG.  We had packing and driving to do and Christmas to Celebrate in Canada.  It has been a whirlwind for sure.  </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmdCwfCC1I/AAAAAAAAAZM/Ofb74CKrYes/s1600-h/IMG_6093%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6093" border="0" alt="IMG_6093" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gki34lQfYhk/TRmdDzhevNI/AAAAAAAAAZU/KeUI665QnOg/IMG_6093_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>And in between it all I worked full time (notice I said worked. that is a story for another blog post) and happen to be the YW President in my ward.  But the most important reason of all is that I am also a wife and Mother trying to stay on top of my game.  Hey, I am not superwoman, but I like to think I can do it all. Not keeping up a blog for 18 months is proof that you just can’t do it all and stay sane. </p> <p>So all my reason’s for not blogging are legit! Denial was the cave that I choose to live in.  I am ready to come out and play.</p> Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-13820678257283330022009-04-03T12:23:00.003-05:002009-04-03T12:26:20.447-05:00Landon Receives "Duty to God" Award<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFxetagwpT-XPvkGelV07tiz7TFlNIssQ1T5ZQXlPrSzw_5rMrF9toHTmpUknZHTDwHEZ4EVMjlY9xE8HTDIlEEc-2VQgz-qHLXi7WQbyBSYHA_WoDbsNB310Qx_uR-2je6E03GNGfgV3/s1600-h/P4010056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320517250907316930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFxetagwpT-XPvkGelV07tiz7TFlNIssQ1T5ZQXlPrSzw_5rMrF9toHTmpUknZHTDwHEZ4EVMjlY9xE8HTDIlEEc-2VQgz-qHLXi7WQbyBSYHA_WoDbsNB310Qx_uR-2je6E03GNGfgV3/s400/P4010056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Landon received his "Duty to God" award at a court of honor this week. It is the culmination of many years of dedicated church service and diligence in being an honorable young man. Congratulations to Landon for this recognition.Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-40860477827295529532009-04-03T12:21:00.003-05:002009-04-03T12:23:35.235-05:00Alex is 15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktLBquNAJZgj6CwmQvWM3KT9ZVb1JQMmuowWh1eIvkCpjxpziLy54kLKU-_qHf5Dekw31OXIw_ccMw-a91wjaYkFoJUMCZkvDnNVQwZvNPrrx3rK9yGAEa7GwhroGobqi0wqFBcfUQMzb/s1600-h/P3310047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320516930682608226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktLBquNAJZgj6CwmQvWM3KT9ZVb1JQMmuowWh1eIvkCpjxpziLy54kLKU-_qHf5Dekw31OXIw_ccMw-a91wjaYkFoJUMCZkvDnNVQwZvNPrrx3rK9yGAEa7GwhroGobqi0wqFBcfUQMzb/s400/P3310047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>On March 31st Alex hit 15. He is very excited to be closer to the legal driving age.</div><br /><div></div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-67279025758712290522009-02-23T15:05:00.004-06:002009-02-23T15:13:59.556-06:00The Flesh Is Weak!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAv5F6wCvtD9Vo_0IdVLjB2Qn3DmiTgBb4zu360cPZTTx99vAYzhxkXKzFn9cTi0KKxTnFT4pzhtQS7de5_V7Ua31P_fhrdf3F6cfXw0k3SQMjEih94k9pY_fy_9opoGCcmQV0cnZtZV8/s1600-h/nm_diet_coke_070803_mn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306102919557292274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAv5F6wCvtD9Vo_0IdVLjB2Qn3DmiTgBb4zu360cPZTTx99vAYzhxkXKzFn9cTi0KKxTnFT4pzhtQS7de5_V7Ua31P_fhrdf3F6cfXw0k3SQMjEih94k9pY_fy_9opoGCcmQV0cnZtZV8/s400/nm_diet_coke_070803_mn.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ok, I caved! I was doing so well and I blew it! When Inside Edition called I freaked, I needed something to soothe my frazzled nerves and curb my taste for chocolate. I needed a DC in the worst way and so I am back on the wagon, chugging my 2nd one for the day. I am weak. I am human. I am addicted. I need help. I need another one. By the way, taping for Inside Edition was awesome. I will post about that tonight when I am drinking a DC with lime from a frozen cold glass......<br /><div></div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-20871609227128135132009-02-09T13:22:00.004-06:002009-02-09T13:35:32.147-06:00Sick Leave<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-q5vxfLOV-l2OqgT4tT6CmbCqm6pvpRz8qWIScrjCEKx1luihlza8ESZ4N0PNWxrCwbW5RtHZFl3V5SMiD_xKOByzUUSw5bEcwxGq1lMCk_c6vljViJe0Zyv0zswQyRCzdBjHeu9kZ3A/s1600-h/pills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300882425961478914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-q5vxfLOV-l2OqgT4tT6CmbCqm6pvpRz8qWIScrjCEKx1luihlza8ESZ4N0PNWxrCwbW5RtHZFl3V5SMiD_xKOByzUUSw5bEcwxGq1lMCk_c6vljViJe0Zyv0zswQyRCzdBjHeu9kZ3A/s400/pills.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As if there was such a thing...I wish! We have been away on sick leave for the past month. I have had a nasty infection that I've been battling now for 2 months. Now on top of that a lovely bladder infection. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>I AM NOT EVEN DRINKING DIET COKE!!! </strong></span>I have no idea how that came about. I drink more water than my whole family combined. Maybe I should drink diet coke again.....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Patrick, Alex and Madison all have sinus infections (which is what I started out with early in the year) and are miserable. Landon has bronchitis and has been so, so sick. I haven't seen the boy voluntarily nap for 17 years. He even stayed home again today from school. Can you spell <strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffcc00;">LOTS OF HOMEWORK</span></em></strong>? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ethan, wants to be sick so he can stay home from school. Every morning he wakes up and has a sore leg, or sore tummy, or headache. I gave in last week and said, "<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">okay then, stay home!</span></strong>" so he had a fun day calling me every 10 minutes at work asking me a question. Oh the joys. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's a warning. Stay away. Even though we are medicated, we are a mess. I am grumpy. The laundry is needing to be done, menus are neglected and bathrooms are gross. I am going to find out if there is a magic pill to make it all better. I will let you know if it can be purchased legally.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-25360266952739921492009-01-11T11:45:00.009-06:002009-01-11T11:56:01.709-06:00Alex Eagle Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvLQVOPQm9CSzM5Kdr6EbD-FGqc2mzfZIlDri12UPs4V_WTjwEn5VcNKDwBGaPd7ZakV8q387a9qiLBVV5zTE_1EjORcEF6B0iQaqvoXgrUHn9mSGOHg2FvxB0arw9AX7IcwdemzAyHDW/s1600-h/PB180098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290095079862156482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvLQVOPQm9CSzM5Kdr6EbD-FGqc2mzfZIlDri12UPs4V_WTjwEn5VcNKDwBGaPd7ZakV8q387a9qiLBVV5zTE_1EjORcEF6B0iQaqvoXgrUHn9mSGOHg2FvxB0arw9AX7IcwdemzAyHDW/s400/PB180098.JPG" border="0" /></a> Alex chose to perform a service project on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City. He organized a project to tie 12 quilts for sick children and then deliver them with a spaghetti dinner to the families in residence at the house. It took a lot of people to pull this off in the three weeks that he had to get it done. He learned a lot and did a great job. The staff at the house were so impressed with the project and the children love the quilts.<br /><br />We are proud of Alex and his accomplishment. Great Job.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrYFoLaWMBP8U7svXzYqwEbbuMzdne1t5zC7LS-lnakcNXpG1dL0ACrXgy6U-Ce5y1COLjzLF5dkxZl0GwSmOUNXQR9b_pkjNNdEp-YAr0mw8z-g2ep434iW0J69ld4FbFxbGprcXq4FH/s1600-h/PC210149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094923070464930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrYFoLaWMBP8U7svXzYqwEbbuMzdne1t5zC7LS-lnakcNXpG1dL0ACrXgy6U-Ce5y1COLjzLF5dkxZl0GwSmOUNXQR9b_pkjNNdEp-YAr0mw8z-g2ep434iW0J69ld4FbFxbGprcXq4FH/s400/PC210149.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was a labor of love.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZS9vHg9Loa9GHs_6CIl0xvcNqkPkYDO6msE1MbCa7iQj7FgAfKY3IZLA5Jc1k9eAlqIVMyyW0Fcc5aepWxZCPyKlbFh0PiATRqxqK1hVb5IQJvJxQsInStsS4YpWq5poCBNdXRsFgbFh/s1600-h/PC210146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094817808646450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZS9vHg9Loa9GHs_6CIl0xvcNqkPkYDO6msE1MbCa7iQj7FgAfKY3IZLA5Jc1k9eAlqIVMyyW0Fcc5aepWxZCPyKlbFh0PiATRqxqK1hVb5IQJvJxQsInStsS4YpWq5poCBNdXRsFgbFh/s400/PC210146.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Scout spaghetti. Yum.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisH54eQZ4wta-Mi90mDjEsrKcsYb_affjPwkfnAsV0oHpwZeyC5aP4AF_WdLNilwVGtXOxe1u8SFKZ_9vJvLmbDZDcfwcMTFqRHXeTP0cvwE-mvNLe3PZmYUFt7NgomEKkTe_LywRBhZz/s1600-h/PC210151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094710932113634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisH54eQZ4wta-Mi90mDjEsrKcsYb_affjPwkfnAsV0oHpwZeyC5aP4AF_WdLNilwVGtXOxe1u8SFKZ_9vJvLmbDZDcfwcMTFqRHXeTP0cvwE-mvNLe3PZmYUFt7NgomEKkTe_LywRBhZz/s400/PC210151.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Landon might get a job at a soup kitchen.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AocAYUX3LALPF22k_VOnbqOGY4J2TnbFROYHJtBFRcY1TbKzBS73Xoha0mVMhlPKahSnIOgE9e95iRZ9PraNar-UzFxMRoLK5Q39kDG_Af6Gl_RP6xGTQhMiO5iMy1Eon8pGeWWkuAgV/s1600-h/PC210148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094598612848802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AocAYUX3LALPF22k_VOnbqOGY4J2TnbFROYHJtBFRcY1TbKzBS73Xoha0mVMhlPKahSnIOgE9e95iRZ9PraNar-UzFxMRoLK5Q39kDG_Af6Gl_RP6xGTQhMiO5iMy1Eon8pGeWWkuAgV/s400/PC210148.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ethan was a hard worker.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLKxvv1u9mQcnjx_zK4_fEWj7r0fe_Kz4PKBCACewCg24E0D8_V1YM7ERZXJeLsOFkn-VRfQY3oVkEDFMHx8l2_lk_jr6hSa2dj1E1dIaifwJ25w6OApeoBc00dpkjZspcUeziiALRvd3/s1600-h/PC030081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094473593441058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLKxvv1u9mQcnjx_zK4_fEWj7r0fe_Kz4PKBCACewCg24E0D8_V1YM7ERZXJeLsOFkn-VRfQY3oVkEDFMHx8l2_lk_jr6hSa2dj1E1dIaifwJ25w6OApeoBc00dpkjZspcUeziiALRvd3/s400/PC030081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Grandma JoAnn helped a ton with sewing and teaching.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04JRXP-j8jBReyTczEjsMJ2JDmnEYWGrUONWFCVZpr64RmyBg8hJkUFKAWLxinTm073h4OvLYr933lCc2WFQYVtNuWhPizJ-AiUkKe8rnfliREAx-aZNHevYoROacx9ppKsN7nLICnZ6G/s1600-h/PC030074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094361377804914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04JRXP-j8jBReyTczEjsMJ2JDmnEYWGrUONWFCVZpr64RmyBg8hJkUFKAWLxinTm073h4OvLYr933lCc2WFQYVtNuWhPizJ-AiUkKe8rnfliREAx-aZNHevYoROacx9ppKsN7nLICnZ6G/s400/PC030074.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Scout quilters.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK2GJOhDfRVt9VKSKHBtym3y7t4hARd2jgNqS_akVmuwPxNyXEsDqhKWDoc4OBXcGxRUB-1pDLvDVC3CZbpY_lcUBkCBic-bX0Mpkh_A5g0lW7F71q-uEYHYwaf6tO4M8QwbmHs0K2cOH/s1600-h/PB170057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094103561157906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK2GJOhDfRVt9VKSKHBtym3y7t4hARd2jgNqS_akVmuwPxNyXEsDqhKWDoc4OBXcGxRUB-1pDLvDVC3CZbpY_lcUBkCBic-bX0Mpkh_A5g0lW7F71q-uEYHYwaf6tO4M8QwbmHs0K2cOH/s400/PB170057.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Family Home Evening at the quilt rack.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-90293241292243211702009-01-11T11:35:00.004-06:002009-01-11T11:39:40.543-06:00Christmas Eve Jammies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OFfCcxPpXZ0MY7DMsAnvo2B2KsTFDN4hlIZtr52LWKq0ko7MNgUK9Sr0xcLhQp6ku_8iOc2ZjpbzrgTu4U0R_h_0uhL7FKaBdIYJ1BSjg6MbUTkJ2Ang2B7EKMCYkld6Rqv8oShbqhEp/s1600-h/PC240022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290091712221441746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OFfCcxPpXZ0MY7DMsAnvo2B2KsTFDN4hlIZtr52LWKq0ko7MNgUK9Sr0xcLhQp6ku_8iOc2ZjpbzrgTu4U0R_h_0uhL7FKaBdIYJ1BSjg6MbUTkJ2Ang2B7EKMCYkld6Rqv8oShbqhEp/s400/PC240022.JPG" border="0" /></a>Landon could not resist that siren call of the batman jammies from 2nd grade. They still fit mom. Nice mask from the ninja turtles collection. Donatello, where is the pizza, dude..<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB8eDK3_Q-Nf4zjkoESVNCPlmlFP8pnUZARc3Px_FEefVZPLqw8pYjCxvSSjaUuXk1IUFf25ukTSVaR47cA2PfIUGzjhGCVss2JKk616R_TyPm9oVYhuUHCGFWGR_DpBGXX9djGbRk-lU/s1600-h/PC240018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290091363206177554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB8eDK3_Q-Nf4zjkoESVNCPlmlFP8pnUZARc3Px_FEefVZPLqw8pYjCxvSSjaUuXk1IUFf25ukTSVaR47cA2PfIUGzjhGCVss2JKk616R_TyPm9oVYhuUHCGFWGR_DpBGXX9djGbRk-lU/s400/PC240018.JPG" border="0" /></a> We wish that Ethan would get a personality. He is so quiet and shy. Not......Nice batman top from 2nd grade.</div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-73414669752861914302009-01-11T11:21:00.012-06:002009-01-11T11:34:54.152-06:00Christmas Day Photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KNmowOWhyphenhyphenAakcuhGJO7F400Xy9VWEj3F0WRbsxQzRjp3NSacNxuVjTLpnSUGqB-0SMgtInYpzyHBKPftVSDwd-W6V2t1l6nU7Isrqy1LSdGOvRzAJWiARholCnBHxyM9C-LRTbYH8d5-/s1600-h/PC250026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290089695704407298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KNmowOWhyphenhyphenAakcuhGJO7F400Xy9VWEj3F0WRbsxQzRjp3NSacNxuVjTLpnSUGqB-0SMgtInYpzyHBKPftVSDwd-W6V2t1l6nU7Isrqy1LSdGOvRzAJWiARholCnBHxyM9C-LRTbYH8d5-/s400/PC250026.JPG" border="0" /></a> Wake up and get ready for the big day. We stayed home this year and had a nice holiday celebration together.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl0AFBpXLwSmGWUoIEezEtyNTpldC8G6Y6Lj5m155llmFkRw1WRTqwQkNtZmTubPpuS-u8-OyPF7XEX4nkNVyntIT3kCGhkO4XKqluIx5ZIfbUT-HxzBcWkmASCFCKY_rjchaZkGUYPhz/s1600-h/PC250045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290089545722786610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl0AFBpXLwSmGWUoIEezEtyNTpldC8G6Y6Lj5m155llmFkRw1WRTqwQkNtZmTubPpuS-u8-OyPF7XEX4nkNVyntIT3kCGhkO4XKqluIx5ZIfbUT-HxzBcWkmASCFCKY_rjchaZkGUYPhz/s400/PC250045.JPG" border="0" /></a> Envelopes can be fun!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmYXwjABE-A-KfAqCTXNDl5DorXJtLOT-oCgRf2gK8anaF55s_a_if1QsDfE6ih8dpuFEVR4Zr_zOWAkw8geN0yjq2Mfbe9nrjWZrexMScCIDMNIdzzzZz0UWdr4fUd0Vd083rwMOFeOG/s1600-h/PC250062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290089254835957506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmYXwjABE-A-KfAqCTXNDl5DorXJtLOT-oCgRf2gK8anaF55s_a_if1QsDfE6ih8dpuFEVR4Zr_zOWAkw8geN0yjq2Mfbe9nrjWZrexMScCIDMNIdzzzZz0UWdr4fUd0Vd083rwMOFeOG/s400/PC250062.JPG" border="0" /></a> More XBox games. Niiiice.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukQtuPBh9yvhHUbptYVMpQ4dpGXQuJ3mIcbqzzEWHPyb4gV5x_Y8Th05SxaGDqlpTGGOoP0800rl65SnUPmx91wLA_q8u6gMCzIMyl7lPyzTAFTuO-XBtYSrR6zy5qyJC1RuU_fEuOIsV/s1600-h/PC250061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290089138294092242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukQtuPBh9yvhHUbptYVMpQ4dpGXQuJ3mIcbqzzEWHPyb4gV5x_Y8Th05SxaGDqlpTGGOoP0800rl65SnUPmx91wLA_q8u6gMCzIMyl7lPyzTAFTuO-XBtYSrR6zy5qyJC1RuU_fEuOIsV/s400/PC250061.JPG" border="0" /></a> I like to film random stuff?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeVjb7XV_lEhEobUNgNFHbAkxzhyphenhyphenWKyXtwtyGrFHh7nZFTgj9CryphZ1531maz9ZkRmyEZjae7WUfe4PvzjYfbVNTRASBCwDDj6z2hCJaiEHtAx49OEpyUj7bSNbbnMoqL0AfBVmvr7Cr/s1600-h/PC250069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290088948820161858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeVjb7XV_lEhEobUNgNFHbAkxzhyphenhyphenWKyXtwtyGrFHh7nZFTgj9CryphZ1531maz9ZkRmyEZjae7WUfe4PvzjYfbVNTRASBCwDDj6z2hCJaiEHtAx49OEpyUj7bSNbbnMoqL0AfBVmvr7Cr/s400/PC250069.JPG" border="0" /></a> I like my Nintendo DS.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgdYdWTfOV7mRVAEM7J8vwZ2ghmExxfrhgh_ypd1r8zQBlicnCLc5XK_P3pRXJLxg02MdVroocq2PiQzJipNsgkcV2kB6Ekvy68tuh2HTdXbeci4n9LnUThIr-2-ZDiGTMYNG-xAiehAc/s1600-h/PC250070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290088596043768402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgdYdWTfOV7mRVAEM7J8vwZ2ghmExxfrhgh_ypd1r8zQBlicnCLc5XK_P3pRXJLxg02MdVroocq2PiQzJipNsgkcV2kB6Ekvy68tuh2HTdXbeci4n9LnUThIr-2-ZDiGTMYNG-xAiehAc/s400/PC250070.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is one long crossword puzzle about the Simpsons. Thank goodness I know every episode.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY4AEijP0Qk3-le05QX4chP9IlZ6gWfudSr7ZPPsilArOpbIK1avkJ1i2q0J_J6mElBhnDryE6Zpq-vf6k9FL-VwrA61V9r7jCGRJb4KK5rEFdTCHdlX277KAXrU-b3Vf8fWBnQPvdkM-/s1600-h/PC250057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290088375193111458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY4AEijP0Qk3-le05QX4chP9IlZ6gWfudSr7ZPPsilArOpbIK1avkJ1i2q0J_J6mElBhnDryE6Zpq-vf6k9FL-VwrA61V9r7jCGRJb4KK5rEFdTCHdlX277KAXrU-b3Vf8fWBnQPvdkM-/s400/PC250057.JPG" border="0" /></a> Money and a Crickut. How very nice. Just what I always wanted.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDPvcVBxnAmHgTNq7Y_droLhcwRd-oCs5vZJB4y6dMCCOYGVHneYvNrpO_OUsZjhNq9X2Xvtylj4W0f6TjSxWbV8MIdqhVGmA13bPmzNY-Y3j8-y-lWM2-Dzwt2NDPbohcOIS_aqa1CCg/s1600-h/PC250052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290088054182473970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDPvcVBxnAmHgTNq7Y_droLhcwRd-oCs5vZJB4y6dMCCOYGVHneYvNrpO_OUsZjhNq9X2Xvtylj4W0f6TjSxWbV8MIdqhVGmA13bPmzNY-Y3j8-y-lWM2-Dzwt2NDPbohcOIS_aqa1CCg/s400/PC250052.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cash. Me likey.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_gEXBK8Lrq7iNovdVk99ni2pO5g6t0xpA1CfPtm1KsThy3f6BLV1sm4qKZ-aDJ8G1ygqDIb1gBhb852reKgOu2fhqf7lKADSb_-9DF84dIGyt1R33v-tuPsYry1sJZCB9w25d5voWB4O/s1600-h/PC250035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290087892690214978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_gEXBK8Lrq7iNovdVk99ni2pO5g6t0xpA1CfPtm1KsThy3f6BLV1sm4qKZ-aDJ8G1ygqDIb1gBhb852reKgOu2fhqf7lKADSb_-9DF84dIGyt1R33v-tuPsYry1sJZCB9w25d5voWB4O/s400/PC250035.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hands free communication. Perfect choice.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-64346841171567794352009-01-11T11:18:00.003-06:002009-01-11T11:20:43.453-06:00Evans Kids for Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYHHRf_jONrekEDlmal0f868jA1zZKZ5bMVNYkBbOIpk4DOuy6V8TgA9fRBhf7B-xJnmO-Wg2JpETLafwFBYIt21wtmIgRPPQy4A59CB6e0aQcgOvFExxFonVEiRIOJ_uIsH2EZJqi0JK/s1600-h/PC210138.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290086967700416546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYHHRf_jONrekEDlmal0f868jA1zZKZ5bMVNYkBbOIpk4DOuy6V8TgA9fRBhf7B-xJnmO-Wg2JpETLafwFBYIt21wtmIgRPPQy4A59CB6e0aQcgOvFExxFonVEiRIOJ_uIsH2EZJqi0JK/s320/PC210138.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>OK. We know we have beautiful children. This is the first picture ever taken with all of them smiling nicely. A real stroke of genius.</div><div> </div><div>See how happy!!! Even the dog and the cat were cooperating.</div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-23126632833660682952009-01-11T11:12:00.003-06:002009-01-11T11:17:46.714-06:00Landon - Leadership Presentation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMMHRJ2ZOClqCySQeutSfMhlEYSWyCuXwdKBy-658Y5gV-85oxliv3kSGEEOQF2mC8MhcZK9YGgPKJIAcriYJpmX8aa-Yd9-z4aIa5Yh_D0bvwdNEnG-VIAaMRdUPR8aqD49qnATW0XmN/s1600-h/PC120122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290085312378375666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMMHRJ2ZOClqCySQeutSfMhlEYSWyCuXwdKBy-658Y5gV-85oxliv3kSGEEOQF2mC8MhcZK9YGgPKJIAcriYJpmX8aa-Yd9-z4aIa5Yh_D0bvwdNEnG-VIAaMRdUPR8aqD49qnATW0XmN/s320/PC120122.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Landon is enrolled in Leadership Studies at his High School and will receive an endorsement with distinction when he graduates for his 4 year participation in this course of study and service.</div><div> </div><div>This is a photo taken after he made his presentation of his Senior Leadership project in the school theater. He did a project of organizing and coaching a girls goalkeeping clinic all fall at a soccer club. He prepared weekly practice agendas, took surveys from the girls, prepared them, and taught them. He received significant praise and Kudos from the soccer club director, coaching staff, and parents for his motivational approach and success in teaching the girls.</div><div> </div><div>He has a real future in coaching.</div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-80181488920221365792009-01-11T10:45:00.003-06:002009-01-11T11:11:36.869-06:00Landon - Barton College<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7DDD945e1VgsvCBmk_If7X_u3rTRkwDQ5MGG-BpwUcvKG9wUZLsFeksU_4RQ5h4MrR4cad1SRn4JDnDRmz1S87_tSpTygnEyHu709z0iHwWoySnAtZVR6nB0quHAwlPNuW94Am2omdiy/s1600-h/PC060092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290083469229123650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7DDD945e1VgsvCBmk_If7X_u3rTRkwDQ5MGG-BpwUcvKG9wUZLsFeksU_4RQ5h4MrR4cad1SRn4JDnDRmz1S87_tSpTygnEyHu709z0iHwWoySnAtZVR6nB0quHAwlPNuW94Am2omdiy/s320/PC060092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Landon was invited to a recruiting weekend for Barton College in central Kansas in early December. He has dreamed about playing college soccer forever. We went out on a Friday and he did a goalkeeping tryout that evening for the coach. After 45 minutes of play he was invited to consider a position on the team.</p><p>By the end of Saturdays full field scrimmage with the team the coach made an offer to Landon to play. He was very excited and thought that he would take the offer.</p><p>Since that time Landon has had time to reflect on what he really wants and needs to do. He has made the decision to attend BYU this summer instead and then turn in papers to go on a church mission this fall when he turns 19. The soccer dream was awesome, but he felt that the mission was more important for now.</p>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-16036758896500520692009-01-08T15:25:00.002-06:002009-01-08T15:44:38.097-06:00A NEW ADVENTURE---SHOP SMART!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqUfwf-YaBBWejLZJFovEkszwhVJ3BDS5bHoNX6d4vLIEmarqM40Ou4aCttSnT_FnipdbBP-KDp1Es6JYoMI9JXiW7UDMb2uOeIb7vMv_-qFkNS5ltfM6j9z3Jchski1F_VjftwnyXwtE/s1600-h/Be+CentsAble+Header.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289037355371909986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqUfwf-YaBBWejLZJFovEkszwhVJ3BDS5bHoNX6d4vLIEmarqM40Ou4aCttSnT_FnipdbBP-KDp1Es6JYoMI9JXiW7UDMb2uOeIb7vMv_-qFkNS5ltfM6j9z3Jchski1F_VjftwnyXwtE/s320/Be+CentsAble+Header.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As if I wasn't busy enough...but with a New Year ahead of me I've embarked on a NEW adventure. I have shared with many of you that our family has been working towards becoming completely debt free. We have been able to cut a lot of things out, but found that a large portion of our monthly budget was still going towards food, household supplies and personal care items. </div><div> </div><div>In my efforts to save money and live more frugally, I found <a href="http://www.becentsable.net/">www.BeCentsable.net</a> and it has made all the difference. Go to the website and check us out!<br /><br />BeCentsable offers workshops that teach money and time saving strategies. In our workshop you will learn how to cut all of your food, personal care items, household supplies, baby supplies, and pet care expenses! This workshop teaches you all the details of shopping frugally - things you thought you knew and things you’ve never even considered! I think what I love about it most is that we are not asking you to buy things but we teach you to SAVE MONEY! ...what is that ancient chinese proverb? <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong> </div><div>The great thing about it is that even if you don't live in the KC area, you too, can learn these strategies by taking a workshop online...or you can book a workshop and I will come and teach it for you and your friends. </div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-24384567777491878992009-01-08T10:30:00.007-06:002009-01-08T13:30:58.456-06:00DC FREE, 8 days and counting.,,,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLpxDzajtPmfHnSNmTD1OYhavaeYeGc9-_LBtE_QCag-Xt9pKd4Kc1CYjHBXlzw5MkscfhfpkbmsekqBwowr2CGYt1GhsXG1vF0PTi3VZHgtv7QKzf3kaBbouFvPMdS88ZkUFL_B6hbBm/s1600-h/diet7up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288962088969647282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLpxDzajtPmfHnSNmTD1OYhavaeYeGc9-_LBtE_QCag-Xt9pKd4Kc1CYjHBXlzw5MkscfhfpkbmsekqBwowr2CGYt1GhsXG1vF0PTi3VZHgtv7QKzf3kaBbouFvPMdS88ZkUFL_B6hbBm/s320/diet7up.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have been DC and DDP free for 8 days and counting now! Yay!! I can hardly believe how easy it has been for me to give it up. I must admit that I have had some help in accomplishing my goal. What is amazing is thatI haven't had a caffeine headache yet...knock on wood. Now I can't tell a lie, I still have a craving for that taste and familiar burn, however I have found that <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;">Diet 7-up</span></strong> does it for me! It is mmm...so good and refreshing. What I find interesting is that I only have a soda maybe once a day now where I was having upwards of 3 DC's to get through. I am as a result of drinking tons of water each day spending more time in the ladies room.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">Who knew that <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ffff00;">lemon</span>-lime</span> could be so satisfying?</span></strong> </div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-86579594735821949702008-12-15T15:01:00.005-06:002008-12-15T15:24:14.756-06:00195 or JUST SAY NO!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycMDferjsjq8JyrS9ApTaJTcggYAFqDa3N1PERHICCgDgihmjN3UpoCZ5wLoX_xBqO8GJOziyG8I1OXm-9Zro9M9VaXldmL8sPtrUiADG0nx_wKxOE4b1ysPNHC78IlqyPu3pxmt8MUbm/s1600-h/nm_diet_coke_070803_mn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280129090300345170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycMDferjsjq8JyrS9ApTaJTcggYAFqDa3N1PERHICCgDgihmjN3UpoCZ5wLoX_xBqO8GJOziyG8I1OXm-9Zro9M9VaXldmL8sPtrUiADG0nx_wKxOE4b1ysPNHC78IlqyPu3pxmt8MUbm/s320/nm_diet_coke_070803_mn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One hundred ninety five. I can't believe it....I am still in shock! I happened to open my drawer at work only to find that I had spilled over my collection of pop tabs. I decided out of curiosity to count them. Big mistake, I shouldn't have. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>One hundred ninety five </strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">t</span></span>abs later, in total disbelief, I put the cup back in my drawer. I drank a lot of DC. I feel really sick right now, but guess what?!!! I just popped another! Chalk that up to 196. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Why do I have this addiction? What is the "root" of it? How can I have drunk all that soda? Why am I drinking another? Why does my mouth water when I pass a QT? Why do I crave that burn? Why, why, why? Will I die of throat cancer? Stomach cancer? Colon cancer? Will I say on my death bed, "<span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff99ff;"><strong>I should have known better</strong></span>?"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Does anyone know of a DC rehab center? Can you spell <span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong><em>NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION</em></strong></span>? I really need to learn how to spell, "<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>NO</strong></span>!"</div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-88027337023937289482008-12-11T15:12:00.003-06:002008-12-11T15:28:26.822-06:00I was so mad...So, I noticed that my tire was low today when I got to work. There is a gas station about a 1/4 mile down the road and on my break, which is only 15 minutes long, I decided to run down there and fill it. I get there and of course there is this huge landscaping truck parked right where the compressor is. I pull in to a spot waiting for them to leave....5 minutes later they start to move and I think, "Yessss! Its about time, you landscaping people, you." <br /><br />As I start to pull forward, and this is no exaggeration, I have to wait for 7 cars to get out of my way.."C'mon people get out of my way!" I can be heard to say outloud. Then I see him. An older gentleman in a green car with his steely white hair going the same direction as I am. "Oh no your not....Oh, YES he did!" He drove right into the spot by the air compressor, parked and started to fill his tires. So, I pulled in next to him, went inside the store, got my DDP for the day, came back and he was still filling his tires....Did I mention that I have only 15 minutes???<br /><br />I am reaching the 12 minute mark by now, and growing more impatient as the seconds tick by. I go out and stand by my car fold my arms and wait. I am trying to control my thoughts but I am not doing a very good job at it. Then he sees me, our eyes meet and he says,"I see you have a low tire there, can I fill it for you?" I say, "Thank-you, I'd love for you to fill it up for me!"<br /><br />I am not mad anymore.Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-51284107318201908872008-12-02T16:12:00.002-06:002008-12-02T16:25:42.068-06:00For all you Blog ReadersFor all of you blog followers, here is a great blog on Provident Living. <a href="http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-to-our-blog-welcome.html">http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-to-our-blog-welcome.html</a> I added it to my sidebar since I thought it was so fab! I hope you like it, too!Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-20065609393836281612008-11-25T10:27:00.003-06:002008-11-25T10:35:54.247-06:00FYIFor your information, I slept beautifully Wednesday night. I slept so well that I slept right thru the 5:15 am alarm for Seminary. SO sorry, Alex. For those who need to know, I did get EVERTHING on my list done...I know it was crazy long, but it had to be done so I could leave, stress free. I just have that kind of personality. Have I mentioned that I have a hard time being spontaneous? Let's just say I am working on it.<br /><br />On another note, my weekend away was heavenly! The phone went off, the hotel was magnificent and the icing on the cake... it was all free! I have been extremely busy since returning Sunday evening, so I promise to post our photos from the trip over Thanksgiving. Can you believe it will be December in a few days? I better stop there or I won't be sleeping tonight!!Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-91520564644981145492008-11-19T04:51:00.007-06:002008-11-19T08:04:42.503-06:00Insomnia "GOOD MORNING STARSHINE, THE EARTHS SAYS HELLO!"I can't sleep. I read my <strong><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;color:#993399;"><em>book</em></span></strong>, I fell asleep, but I woke up at 2:30 and have laid in bed now for over 2 hours trying to fall back asleep. <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><strong><em>What does that mean?</em></strong></span> Does it mean that I don't need the sleep? (I don't know how that is possible, I am/was tired) Does it mean my circadian rhythm is off? Perhaps its the running list of <span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;">EVERYTHING</span> I need to take care of before Thursday that is keeping me up.<br /><br />Let's see....maybe if I <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;color:#000000;">commit</span> it to paper (or this blog) I won't forget what I need to do and thus allow me to sleep tonight, a deep and restful coma-like sleep. Ahhhh...<strong><em><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;color:#330099;">Wait!</span></em></strong> Do you think that if I talk about sleep and have expectations about sleep I won't be able to sleep? I don't know...I really hope not.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">My List: (so I can sleep tonight!)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;">Work:</span></strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Download and work Fast Remits</li><li>Verify Insurance</li><li>Demographics</li><li>Follow up with KHS</li><li>Facesheets</li><li>Post</li><li>Close the Day</li><li>Send Bills</li><li>Follow up claims</li></ul><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">Home:</span></strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Clean all bathrooms </li><li>Vacuum and dust entire house</li><li>Change Sheets</li><li>Finish Laundry (OK that is just Wednesday and Thursday's laundry...who are we kidding here. Laundry is NEVER finished)</li><li>Unload/Load DW</li><li>Sweep and Mop Hardwood</li><li>Sort Coupons ( take with me)</li><li>Alex Eagle Workbook - upload pics, merge files, put in binder, get signatures, get ride to see JJ</li><li>Put away quilting stuff</li><li>Check Diablo's foot today after mishap with quilting needle</li><li>Get dinner started (do this over lunch)</li><li>See if Ethan brought home his BR worksheet, get him going on that</li><li>Put away groceries in storage room, vacuum and dust basement, change cat litter, put a smelly thingy down there....</li><li>Make Calendar for Parents for the next 4 days</li><li>Make Packing List</li><li>Pack</li><li>Email Anna about contract/training</li><li>Send Anna's info by email to Shari, my BFF</li><li>Ask Patrick if he got a massage booked or not</li></ul><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#663366;">Church:</span></strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Meeting with Connie tonight to go over VT changes (take info with me)</li><li>Call Connie to see if she got the email with the changes to be made (break)</li><li>Ethan to scouts</li><li>Check with E-dog to see if he had any homework for scouts</li><li>Find E-dogs slide for his bandanna</li><li>Phone calls (see planner, do over lunch while making dinner)</li><li>Notes written (see sticky note in planner-do on breaks at work...<span style="color:#ffff00;">TAKE STAMPS</span> to work)</li><li>Alex to YM</li></ul><p>Funny thing, I feel <span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">better</span> </span>already. List making is cathartic to some degree, however, it can also be depressing. No elaboration needed here. Is it bad if I have a <span style="color:#990000;"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;">DC</span></strong> </span>before 6 am? </p><p>Oh what is that saying from the movie, Willy Wonka? Something about starshine and greeting the world.. I can't recall it so I will have to remember to ask Landon when he wakes up for Seminary. At least I'm awake and <strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;color:#ffff33;">Yikes!</span></strong> Where does the time go when you're having fun? I best get on with my day, there's no turning back now....</p><p>P.S. Per Landon, the exact quote from Willy Wonka is "Good morning Starshine, the earth says hello!" Which is what the subtitle of this post has now become. FYI I had my diet Dr Pepper at 6:45 am and on the way way into work an "Energy Vitamin Water. I hope that helps. My eyes are POPPING out of my head already...</p><p></p>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-35398746458862003072008-11-17T17:59:00.004-06:002008-11-17T18:05:11.548-06:00Rapunzel, what have you done to your hair?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKhk_fT2VYPXQxQTsncPEsJrct4igUY6tWe0c4M_D2KOG62n4yrcNkWuJjUYm2XToisu5JdnIDHduNxGeVSo1JMV9ds3MyIeuq272lMVqB8kLfqDlxzCkBYBdHl6NoYKGAHhLi5J4Ux7L/s1600-h/NOV+2008+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269780833518540178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKhk_fT2VYPXQxQTsncPEsJrct4igUY6tWe0c4M_D2KOG62n4yrcNkWuJjUYm2XToisu5JdnIDHduNxGeVSo1JMV9ds3MyIeuq272lMVqB8kLfqDlxzCkBYBdHl6NoYKGAHhLi5J4Ux7L/s320/NOV+2008+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For months now, Madison has wanted to cut her long tresses. After much deliberation on just "how to cut it, the deed is done. Wtih a total of 6 inches gone, long layers and most importantly "bangs" she looks marvelous. It withstood a soccer game and thus passed the test. Gone is the long straight pony. Say hello to the cute, and stylish zang-bang!</div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-32489069109164317612008-11-14T15:12:00.003-06:002008-11-14T16:11:20.841-06:00Sunrise, Sunset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9L_iO-yqaJcXTK6elXJeW5R1GEtgRXvkqr0UQLUkzywRPOYgxt3F6Xoo9ELJgyYJynh1rCgif3dANBy91t-DmyX-YdiHYhOZ9gunbCFwQw8snpH-NTDBSks0XWf3mi3ODO1oM3HFzdWqT/s1600-h/PH01259J.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268625200730839682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9L_iO-yqaJcXTK6elXJeW5R1GEtgRXvkqr0UQLUkzywRPOYgxt3F6Xoo9ELJgyYJynh1rCgif3dANBy91t-DmyX-YdiHYhOZ9gunbCFwQw8snpH-NTDBSks0XWf3mi3ODO1oM3HFzdWqT/s320/PH01259J.jpg" border="0" /></a> It used to be before the time change that I was fortunate enough to see the sunrise each morning as I drove east on I-435 toward my place of employment. Since daylight savings, the sunrises before I leave for work (and it is SO much easier to wake up) and I miss that. I am now so lucky at 5:05 pm each day to see the most gorgeous sunsets as I head west toward home each night. I am amazed at the variety of the scenes played before my eyes each night and I wonder, "is anyone else seeing this amazing picture?" I often call home and tell the family to run outside to see the beautiful sky.<br /><br />I especially wonder if that lady who gave ME the finger the other day because SHE was texting on her cell phone while driving down the freeway and just about hit ME even noticed? She flipped ME the bird because I happened to honk MY horn before she clipped me.. anyhow. Yes, I know that I am #1! So are you!!! (I just rocked the world for some of you, didn't I) That is beside the point.<br /><br />I have been lucky enough to sit on a beach in Hawaii and watch the sun slip beneath the waves of the pacific ocean. I have sat on sugar sand beaches in Florida and Mexico and witnessed the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico. I have seen it set behind the Rocky Mountains of Colorado & Alberta. I have stood on mountain tops in Utah and watched it settle into the evening sky. I have seen it descend into the wheat fields over the plains of Kansas and over the deep, rich soil of Iowa. Each time as I view the gift I am reminded of my blessings.... I woke up today, I am married to a wonderful man, I am a mother.....and the list goes on. Next time you see a sunset, maybe it will fill you with gratitude for your blessings great and small.Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-49904918560029529892008-11-11T10:36:00.003-06:002008-11-11T10:38:13.829-06:00Money Saving TipsI just came across this great webpage that has invaluable tools for helping to stretch your budget. BeCentsable has great ideas as well as links to printable coupons etc. Check it out!<br /><a href="http://www.becentsable.net/search/label/Shopping%20Tips%20and%20Articles">http://www.becentsable.net/search/label/Shopping%20Tips%20and%20Articles</a>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-34295013210410640792008-11-07T13:17:00.007-06:002008-11-07T15:00:38.573-06:00Things I love...and longing for.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t-GmObO6ARY_tjSOnU6EWwfUB841FhH-dpGg1uIP5neNzSCmH4RDQlrIgR8OLYjVyu5rqkE4g7w0fAw33Sx2neXMY4z8Na4STRYt1FgXsNTb0sh5J0fy17bytDQt5V4jlT31WV6qq2Rc/s1600-h/j0433029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266000714978960162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t-GmObO6ARY_tjSOnU6EWwfUB841FhH-dpGg1uIP5neNzSCmH4RDQlrIgR8OLYjVyu5rqkE4g7w0fAw33Sx2neXMY4z8Na4STRYt1FgXsNTb0sh5J0fy17bytDQt5V4jlT31WV6qq2Rc/s320/j0433029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am looking out my office window at the beautiful fall folliage. From where I sit, I overlook a park and the fall colors are absolutely breathtaking. I love the vivid orange and red leaves mixed with the green of those leaves yet to change and the dull brown branches of the leafless trees. (Now if only Planned Parenthood weren't also in my view it would be better!) The crisp fall air reminds me to pull out my favorite sweaters and flannel pjs. It makes me long for hot cocoa loaded with marshmallows, a fuzzy blanket and a great book to curl up with on the couch and read. Did I mention that I love to read? I love this time of year. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When I close my eyes and take in a deep breath, I am brought to a simpler time in my life. I smell home. I don't absolutely get it, but it gets me everytime I do it. In some small way I am comforted by the smell of the changing seasons. I have some weird habits and one of them is smelling things. ( I get you, Gale, because I am the same way.) I have this thing about smells and what they conjure for me. I love the smell of a baby fresh from the bath, I love the smell of pine as I hike in the mountains, and I love the smell of fresh baked bread. Most of all, I love the smell of my husband's neck just before I bite it...</div><div> </div><div>P.S. I got my hot cocoa and it was fabulous!!</div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-39753445918143763342008-11-04T15:07:00.002-06:002008-11-04T15:31:22.319-06:00MAN CHILD<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj733Xby6w_4yXXoxT8IeYsYGRVRBgZDC7SbIn0hBbBbF6k_09rUm9I7kRyE9f2ktRwVuhr178_MEqbMaD7KJDAy30D2_ltd8yVUg0YARbD1Uuyr_9mb6wcqPdPxV9Qs6q54IlGaRBMG2Vu/s1600-h/landon+man.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264912266290720642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj733Xby6w_4yXXoxT8IeYsYGRVRBgZDC7SbIn0hBbBbF6k_09rUm9I7kRyE9f2ktRwVuhr178_MEqbMaD7KJDAy30D2_ltd8yVUg0YARbD1Uuyr_9mb6wcqPdPxV9Qs6q54IlGaRBMG2Vu/s320/landon+man.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been putting off writing this post for about a month now. I just don't want to think about the fact that "<strong>ma baby es a ma-an</strong>" (said with a strong southern accent for effect) I think it is because one part of me looks at the future and thinks, "have I taught him well enough" to go out into the world and do what is right? Judging by some of our political discussions which have become heated at times, I think not. However, he often-times, suprises me with his caring and compassion for others which then makes me think I've done ok. There are other times when I think "I can't wait for him to be gone" which usually happens after one of our heated political discussions. <br /><br />I will miss him regardless of our political views. Just last night I wrapped my arms around him and had to go up on my tip-toes to kiss his cheek. The thought came to me how often as a toddler he would reach up and say "Hold you, Mama?" I am growing verklempt just thinking at how quickly those moments in time pass, and how often because we are selfish, we let them slip by without savoring them. It makes me feel old thinking that he is 18 as I can clearly remember what 18 felt like. <br /><br />For me it seems like yesterday when he was my little buddy, now he is a man. Go forth and Serve, Landon. Make me proud. I love you!!!Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129869226942326243.post-65696074437940050142008-11-04T13:16:00.003-06:002008-11-04T15:03:54.398-06:00HALLOWEEN FUN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumTB9_RTSOXjIFh4UuS_hAjgBoI2ihFNKjQr1SDprZtrrlm4bc8OuZi55X2l-7SA_lKyvhF8VH_z1QD1hUBTjqchj360JC438w5F1eXqfTMMYRYFQzBE2b6eYiwc7VmdH0LDt2Rv1KkS6/s1600-h/PA310017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264886483162817106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumTB9_RTSOXjIFh4UuS_hAjgBoI2ihFNKjQr1SDprZtrrlm4bc8OuZi55X2l-7SA_lKyvhF8VH_z1QD1hUBTjqchj360JC438w5F1eXqfTMMYRYFQzBE2b6eYiwc7VmdH0LDt2Rv1KkS6/s320/PA310017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7JJfIm4T2KvmnRJXxew9wI7yHLfqSV1KZ_Be75utQVdgNckGa-pCyBFzOo7c0BDxmOBLv7qV-qSKgVCrFfNFKgJUtb6TeKwm3voGVszZJjuAMs34mbeXEYKZ2ein8EI4SPuNzSXpmEqd/s1600-h/PA310015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264886479245734578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7JJfIm4T2KvmnRJXxew9wI7yHLfqSV1KZ_Be75utQVdgNckGa-pCyBFzOo7c0BDxmOBLv7qV-qSKgVCrFfNFKgJUtb6TeKwm3voGVszZJjuAMs34mbeXEYKZ2ein8EI4SPuNzSXpmEqd/s320/PA310015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5xkON14PHFv5OLNVBgCFuy1F5S1WstSty5Flm1vvVXz1kiK-WIzV0cSovsTAkyJtUD0ikYqvMnE_M1y815FnB_cpY8ztJeXTmW5PtOY4HbkSSPYZroriTlwfon04A6KTBECp7gGKbO6y/s1600-h/PA300061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264886474677082690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5xkON14PHFv5OLNVBgCFuy1F5S1WstSty5Flm1vvVXz1kiK-WIzV0cSovsTAkyJtUD0ikYqvMnE_M1y815FnB_cpY8ztJeXTmW5PtOY4HbkSSPYZroriTlwfon04A6KTBECp7gGKbO6y/s320/PA300061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tR3Ga_Ff3KhabnPOs02NEdHr2W4Yg7tsDCeVXSlictsAlMdq5xtprO21jFXE-QFWWRp4krjqhYda6jycX5h7X-DyYKj-nQiYu9GgcppMIa1pYvamlZIidnIS5SBk9KELNW8sUtB85_x9/s1600-h/PA300058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264886469329510594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tR3Ga_Ff3KhabnPOs02NEdHr2W4Yg7tsDCeVXSlictsAlMdq5xtprO21jFXE-QFWWRp4krjqhYda6jycX5h7X-DyYKj-nQiYu9GgcppMIa1pYvamlZIidnIS5SBk9KELNW8sUtB85_x9/s320/PA300058.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOtufScoMHqH3AnzuX7wOrK7sGC9zN8Wc7wcsuH7Nt-P_mSeyHxEkzNZ40Og8eo0X7gWtXzDyNJDbPNWFXyeYiXQoZ61h3OESSxtFBYOnPStvYBPlLoCpIYZsBMrnhnVOdYP9vJ8i6wa4/s1600-h/PA300056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264886464943528418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOtufScoMHqH3AnzuX7wOrK7sGC9zN8Wc7wcsuH7Nt-P_mSeyHxEkzNZ40Og8eo0X7gWtXzDyNJDbPNWFXyeYiXQoZ61h3OESSxtFBYOnPStvYBPlLoCpIYZsBMrnhnVOdYP9vJ8i6wa4/s320/PA300056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We had a great Halloween this year. I know it helped that it was a Friday....Also, I think in part because the weather was soooo beautiful! It made for great trick or treating. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We started off the festivities at our ward Trunk or Treat on Thursday evening....everyone got a bit freaked out by Patrick. No one knew who he was....which is exactly what he was going for. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>For the "real" thing on Friday evening, we started off at Chipotle to get our "free" burritos for dinner ( i just love FREE). It was fun to see what people came dressed like for that. Landon had to work both nights and it was a bummer not to have him with us. We got there "just in time" as the line was forming for the giveaway...Yummers!!</div><div></div><br /><div>Then it was off to our evening chock full o'fun....Madi went out dressed as Alice Cullen (a vampire) from Twilight, Ethan was a Soldier Zombie, I was a punker/goth girl and Patrick was his ol' redneck self. Madi and Alex both went off to parties and fun, while Ethan and Patrick went with friends gathering candy from the willing neighbors. I passed out the candy at our house which was oh so much fun! I just love to see what everyone comes dressed as. Around 8:30 we put the candy on the porch and headed over to a friends party for more food and fun. It was a blast! Oh boy, did my feet hurt the next day from those high-heeled boots!!</div></div></div></div></div>Patrick & Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16495178374569362558noreply@blogger.com2