tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55553256169751752422024-03-14T01:44:13.727-04:00John Deere MomJohn Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.comBlogger527125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-78469231854252844202014-07-10T09:09:00.002-04:002014-07-10T09:09:51.038-04:00DrivingCole has been doing more and more on the farm as he has gotten older. He is wiser than his 10 years in all things farm and equipment. He started small, driving the lawn mower, the Gator, and his four-wheeler.<br />
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He eventually progressed to small tractors, bigger tractors, and skid loaders.<br />
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Last week? He started driving trucks.<br />
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I love seeing him evolve into one of the guys on the farm. As they were doing wheat last week, he became a valuable member of the operation. He was able to drive the trucks through the fields as the bales were loaded onto the wagons. He was ecstatic and oh so very proud of himself. <br />
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<br />Seeing him sitting in the truck made me flash forward to six years...SIX SHORT years...when he'll be driving for real. And that? I'm not ready for. <br />
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At all.<br />
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So for now, he'll stick to the fields where everyone, including my sanity, will be safer.<br />
<br />John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-37598675207095675852014-06-18T09:29:00.001-04:002014-06-18T09:29:47.735-04:00Summer Break, Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is our second week of summer break. It's finally starting to feel like summer outside, and we can't wait to hit the pool later this week!<br />
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Claire had basketball camp all last week. She loved every minute of it and even won a free throw shooting contest. She walked away at the end of the week with two t-shirts, two jersey shirts, and one medal. She misses it this week, so hopefully she'll want to continue with basketball in some way once the school year begins.<br />
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We also worked on Cole's room. In a word, it was a disaster. He had a cattle feeding trough as a toy bin. It was a great idea on paper, but only resulted in hundreds of toys being buried and made it too easy to just pile more on top. He had a toy car/track carpet that had seen better days. We took EVERYTHING out of his room, including the carpet and started from scratch. He surprisingly got rid of many old, broken toys. (He can be a bit of a hoarder.) We reorganized everything. We bought 2 new rolling cabinets which he filled with Legos. We transferred his clothes from a huge wardrobe to a dresser and then moved most of his toys to the wardrobe shelves. We also bought a 9 cube storage shelf, which he put together on his own in 30 minutes! I'd still be reading the directions! We added new curtains and called it done. It's so nice to be able to walk into his room knowing I won't be stepping on anything trying to make it through to his bed.<br />
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We also spent some quality time with my sister and nieces. We spent some time at a local state park. The kids played on the playground and had the opportunity to take pony rides. Cole loved it and wants to go back to do a horse trail ride. Claire was a little too apprehensive, but I'm sure she'll try it next time.<br />
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We've done some programs at the library, read several books, and today we are heading to the movie theater for free movie Wednesday. We have nothing on the calendar for next week and that's an amazing feeling. <br />
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<br />John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-40518742053529965152014-06-17T08:45:00.002-04:002014-06-17T08:45:31.809-04:00Bringing an Old Cabinet Back to LifeI bought this dresser yesterday for $30. It had certainly seen better days. The paint was a dark cream color, which just resulted in it looking dirty. The drawer pulls were old and falling off.<br />
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I bought 2 bottles of white acrylic paint and a can of polyurethane and got to work.<br />
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Little Miss sanded the drawers, then wiped them down with a wet cloth.<br />
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I used two coats of paint, followed by two coats of polyurethane.<br />
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We then found new drawer pulls and decided to put artificial flower petals behind the pulls, as inspired by Pinterest.<br />
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The end result? Super cuteness.<br />
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This is now storing arts and crafts in Claire's room. It's totally adorable and only took a day to complete!<br />
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If I were to do it again, I think I'd spray the flowers with starch to give them a little more sturdiness. But until the floppiness bothers her, I'm not taking them off. That was the most tedious part of the redo. <br />
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One last look at the before and after! <br />
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Have you recently re-purposed or salvaged an old piece of furniture? Leave the link to your post in the comments! John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-30539390240537024332013-10-13T19:56:00.002-04:002013-10-20T08:59:08.559-04:00The Goings On10 months ago, I said I planned to blog again on a weekly basis. Heh. Then last night my sister told me some of her friends, who read my blog, asked about me. Then I felt guilty for not writing. I'm Catholic, so that guilt comes pretty easily. So here I am. Writing for them. And you. Are you still out there?<br />
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We are beginning week 2 of our 2 week fall break. It is the absolute best time of year. I can't tell you we've been too busy because we haven't. But that's why it's so awesome....time to just stop and breathe. <br />
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I'm teaching 6th grade. Those cute little farm kids I've been writing about for years are now 8 and almost 10. What? When? How? Little Miss just started guitar lessons. How cute is she?!<br />
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I just dyed my hair dark brown. Dare I say almost black? It's definitely not like me to make drastic changes-change is bad, scary, and uncomfortable. But I needed a change-I was in a rut of sorts. And I love it.<br />
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I'm watching The Amazing Race and loving it. My favorite team is the football playing duo. I also love the ER doctors and the shaggy, homeless looking men. I'm also watching the Colts and Broncos defeat their opponents week after week. We went to our first Colts game in ages last week. I would LOVE to be in Indy next week when Peyton comes home. I fully expect a standing ovation and a stadium full of tears when he returns to Lucas Oil. Sigh.<br />
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I've been reading some great books. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake was good...and terrible...and so difficult to read. But it was great. Me Before You was amazing and ripped my heart out. I do love a good cry at the end of a book and this one certainly delivered. I just started We Need to Talk<br />
About Kevin. Phew. This is going to be like The Lovely Bones, in which it gets in your head and sits and stews for weeks. I'm anxious to be finished with it and don't want it to end at the same time.<br />
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I just made <a href="http://johndeeremom.blogspot.com/2010/01/award-winning-chili-recipe.html">this chili</a> for dinner tonight. It truly is the best chili recipe ever and even though it's been unseasonably warm...I was craving a big bowl of chili. That's what October is all about, right?<br />
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Things are all kinds of busy on the farm. Busy like, "Hi honey. Bye honey." I haven't seen the two boys in my life for much more than an hour total over the past week. But they are loving life and super happy to be back in the combine, harvesting the beans and corn. The little miss and I are enjoying having control of the remote (Hello, Say Yes to the Dress) and plenty of time to shop.<br />
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I walked in my first 5K a couple weeks ago. My very pregnant sister and I did it together. It was fun and exciting and I hope to do more...maybe even a mini marathon at some point in the future.<br />
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The Little Miss and I made gak when we were babysitting my nieces last night. Glue, water and borax turned into a whole lot of fun. If you haven't tried it, here's<a href="http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/glue-borax-gak"> the recipe</a> we used. <br />
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How's that for a blog post? Good, no? Maybe you won't have to wait so long for the next one. I've missed this. <br />
<br />John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-53575785033131761072013-07-31T10:01:00.000-04:002013-07-31T10:01:00.670-04:00Rungreen Free Shipping Today Only!Hurry over to Rungreen to take advantage of their free shipping sale today only on all their awesome John Deere gear! This free shipping sale includes toys, clothes, hats, office and party supplies, backpacks, and more!<br />
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Just <a href="http://www.rungreen.com/">click here</a> to start shopping! And don't forget to tell them John Deere Mom sent you! :)John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-57670919550537309302013-01-01T17:03:00.003-05:002013-01-01T17:03:39.873-05:00Five YearsI started this blog exactly five years ago, on January 1, 2008. My kids were 4 and 2. WAHHH! Babies! They were just babies! <br />
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In the last five years, I've posted 575 times. I've made new friends and followers. I've hosted blog giveaways and done book reviews. I've posted countless pictures of my kids and of life on the farm. My kids are now 9 and 7 and have gone from these very first pictures I ever posted<br />
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to this.<br />
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Le sigh.<br />
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Time? It doesn't stand still. It marches on, faster and faster with each passing year. The days may drag on forever...but the years? They fly by. <br />
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I haven't been posting very regularly lately. And the time I spend visiting my favorite blogs? Nonexistent. <br />
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But I want that to change. I never make New Year's Resolutions. Well, except this one that I do every year.<br />
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But this year, I'm getting back to this blog. I want to post at least once a week. And I want to get out there and visit you, my fellow blogger friends. I've neglected you for too long.<br />
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And that changes right now. Happy New Year!<br />
<br />John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-2888902351324545662012-10-08T10:23:00.000-04:002012-10-08T10:23:34.267-04:00Two WeeksFor as long as I've been teaching, we've had a two day fall break in mid-October. This year, we've done things a bit differently. We started school earlier in the summer which was...difficult. But today I feel completely fine with that decision as we have just started our first day of a two week fall break! Two weeks off smack dab in the middle of my favorite time of year. <br />
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It's so nice having time off when it's beautiful outside...when it's cool enough to enjoy it. When it's so beautiful that just being outside and enjoying all the colors of fall is activity enough. <br />
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Today we're going to get pumpkins and gourds. I hope to try my hand at a little Pinterest-pumpkin decorating with glitter and spray paint. Tomorrow will be a day spent with my sister and her babies. Wednesday is a kid-free day with a hair appointment, Ikea, Jungle Jim's and Charming Charlie's. Thursday will bring us to an indoor water park. Friday will be a day to rest and stay in jammies. Ahhh.<br />
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And the fact that after all that we still have another whole week off? Amazing.John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-30957190033766032202012-08-05T21:12:00.002-04:002012-08-05T21:12:27.801-04:00Back at It<style>p, pre {margin: 0;}
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Let's count how many blog posts I wrote over summer break, shall we?<br />
<br />
That's right. Zero.<br />
<br />
And guess what? I go back to school tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Le sigh.<br />
<br />
We had a fantastic, albeit, short summer. <br />
<br />
We went to Chicago,<br />
<br />
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had lots of play dates with my sister and her two babes,<br />
<br />
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went to Holiday World,<br />
<br />
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visited the Indianapolis Zoo,<br />
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went to our first baseball game,<br />
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and spent lots of time in the pool trying to beat the heat!<br />
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<br />
And while I am not looking forward to getting up at 5 AM, grading papers,
packing lunches, managing evening homework, or wearing a bra every day....I am
kinda-sorta looking forward to going back. <br />
<br />
I am looking forward to getting back into a routine with a schedule. I am
excited about a quiet drive by myself to and from school. And...well, that's
all I can think of right now. Heh.<br />
<br />
The kids started school last week. Here are the 3rd and 1st graders,
respectively. I know she's taller than him. He knows it too. But we don't
talk about it. ;)<br />
<br />
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<br />
That's what's going on around here. Are your kids back to school yet? Do you
wish they were? Do you want to go back to school for me? Please?<br />
<br />John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-72445012719784332132012-03-23T07:46:00.005-04:002012-03-23T08:26:15.082-04:00Spring Break, Days 3 &4Day 3 of Spring Break was another beautiful 85 degrees and sunny! Cole had spent the night with grandma and grandpa so it was just the Little Miss and I for the morning. We had breakfast at Cracker Barrel (apple cider-YUM!) We also went to Target and Starbucks.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOX7ExkPYfY/T2xpCbYFP1I/AAAAAAAAGp4/XWumIBCVSBI/s1600/029p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOX7ExkPYfY/T2xpCbYFP1I/AAAAAAAAGp4/XWumIBCVSBI/s400/029p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723064716910477138" border="0" /></a><br />Then we went to grandma and grandpa's house to watch Cole do a little fishing.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gt5F6n0aBA/T2xpBm_aDYI/AAAAAAAAGps/AcQkvn3LTO0/s1600/022p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gt5F6n0aBA/T2xpBm_aDYI/AAAAAAAAGps/AcQkvn3LTO0/s400/022p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723064702848339330" border="0" /></a><br />The Little Miss even caught a fish (with a lot of help!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZoL_r6yDWI/T2xpChiGn8I/AAAAAAAAGqE/gwTnTvhvk_A/s1600/043p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZoL_r6yDWI/T2xpChiGn8I/AAAAAAAAGqE/gwTnTvhvk_A/s400/043p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723064718563123138" border="0" /></a><br />Day 4 of Spring Break...you got it! 83 degrees and sunny! A girl could definitely get used to this beautiful weather.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtgNf14Gj8k/T2xpDSyWIRI/AAAAAAAAGqQ/YLacwKP0geI/s1600/046p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtgNf14Gj8k/T2xpDSyWIRI/AAAAAAAAGqQ/YLacwKP0geI/s400/046p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723064731784585490" border="0" /></a><br />We spent the day with my sister and her babes at a children's science museum. The kids had a blast playing together.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hreYb6j2Lw0/T2xqqDs0DHI/AAAAAAAAGq0/GjPjsnqtrks/s1600/081p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hreYb6j2Lw0/T2xqqDs0DHI/AAAAAAAAGq0/GjPjsnqtrks/s400/081p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723066497261374578" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awLRwEyJedY/T2xqqsweGaI/AAAAAAAAGrA/FTL9_6V3tOI/s1600/085p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awLRwEyJedY/T2xqqsweGaI/AAAAAAAAGrA/FTL9_6V3tOI/s400/085p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723066508282567074" border="0" /></a><br />On the way home, we stopped and played on the playground at my school for awhile.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXM71HxV9vg/T2xpD7xngaI/AAAAAAAAGqc/apOX6uo-itw/s1600/049p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXM71HxV9vg/T2xpD7xngaI/AAAAAAAAGqc/apOX6uo-itw/s400/049p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723064742787383714" border="0" /></a><br />Cole got to spend the evening chisel plowing late into the night. His favorite thing to do!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgrHxvZ4Bgk/T2xqr-HxAgI/AAAAAAAAGrY/im95Ap9b0Vo/s1600/105p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgrHxvZ4Bgk/T2xqr-HxAgI/AAAAAAAAGrY/im95Ap9b0Vo/s400/105p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723066530123547138" border="0" /></a><br />I can't believe Spring Break is almost over! It's definitely been an awesome week off! Let the countdown to summer begin!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP2Ivb6Ymdk/T2xqrTfZ_fI/AAAAAAAAGrM/FiF4wBXA7pc/s1600/103p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP2Ivb6Ymdk/T2xqrTfZ_fI/AAAAAAAAGrM/FiF4wBXA7pc/s400/103p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723066518679977458" border="0" /></a>John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-21781337573461588532012-03-22T08:12:00.003-04:002012-03-22T08:19:36.444-04:00John Deere Parts Coupon CodeNeed parts for your John Deere? <a href="http://www.greenfarmparts.com/">Green Farm Parts</a> is having a 10% off sale on all parts now through this Sunday, March 25. They have parts for all your favorite John Deere machines including lawn mowers, Gators, garden tractors, and more. Just enter coupon code MIDWEST when you check out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.greenfarmparts.com/default.asp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 108px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byDtfJP5_zI/T2sYoyUkDCI/AAAAAAAAGpg/c0NxQFQDGNY/s400/green.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722694840486202402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Happy shopping!John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-73534908569813365372012-03-21T07:51:00.008-04:002012-03-21T08:49:57.609-04:00Spring Break, Days 1 & 2I'm on Spring Break,baby! Those are quite possibly 2 of the most wonderful words a teacher can hear. You think your kids are happy to be out of school for a week? I guarantee your teacher is 10X that excited. Or maybe it's just me. Heh.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6w2P8lWpUM/T2nI7e_Ei8I/AAAAAAAAGog/LoDwiTOml3Q/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6w2P8lWpUM/T2nI7e_Ei8I/AAAAAAAAGog/LoDwiTOml3Q/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722325725806365634" border="0" /></a><br />We are breaking all kinds of records with the heat this week and it has been downright a.m.a.z.i.n.g. I just looked through my Spring Break posts from the past 2 years. Last year's first day of break was 33 degrees. 2 years ago, the average temperature was 55 degrees. This year? 80s!! Unheard of! All those midwestern folks who went to Florida don't know what they're missing up here. It was warmer here than in Orlando on Monday! HA!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqTtO3A2CSM/T2nI8Y6L35I/AAAAAAAAGo8/xN-lakEglWo/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqTtO3A2CSM/T2nI8Y6L35I/AAAAAAAAGo8/xN-lakEglWo/s400/038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722325741355130770" border="0" /></a><br />On Monday, the kids and I drove to the Children's Museum with my mom, where we met my sister and her 2 babes. We spent the day there watching the kids have a wonderful time. Cole loved the new Lego exhibit and the Little Miss was super excited to see the Barbie exhibit was still there. And apparently the beautiful weather kept everyone outside because we practically had the place to ourselves! It was awesome!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYS-NuDLHJU/T2nI6ueFdVI/AAAAAAAAGoY/P2sXHAi1fz0/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYS-NuDLHJU/T2nI6ueFdVI/AAAAAAAAGoY/P2sXHAi1fz0/s400/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722325712783111506" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday, the kids and I drove with my mom to a local state park, where we met my sister and the babes again! We had lunch at the lodge and then spent the afternoon in the indoor water park. The kids loved it! They had a huge twisty water slide, a large pool area, and a lazy river. They also had a shallow play area for the little kids. So fun. We were exhausted when we got home. We will definitely be going back!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-eNSEZxEvs/T2nI7mMStvI/AAAAAAAAGow/l7XYL5syEyk/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-eNSEZxEvs/T2nI7mMStvI/AAAAAAAAGow/l7XYL5syEyk/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722325727740868338" border="0" /></a><br />Cole spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa's last night for the first time! The Little Miss thought she was going to stay. We packed for her to stay. But when she was in the guest bed, trying it out, and I went to the bathroom, she lost her mind thinking I had left. She was already crying, calling for me, and wishing she had gotten a hug before I left. Um, I was in the bathroom!!! Jeesh. Needless to say, she did not stay. Heh. Maybe this summer.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLlrCTyqsMQ/T2nOFcFTLHI/AAAAAAAAGpU/1x6cNEozCx8/s1600/hop1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLlrCTyqsMQ/T2nOFcFTLHI/AAAAAAAAGpU/1x6cNEozCx8/s400/hop1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722331394384014450" border="0" /></a><br />On today's agenda? Enjoying a quiet breakfast with just me and the Little Miss. Soaking up more of this beautiful 84 degree sunshine. Watching other people fish while I sit on a lawn chair sipping on a cold beverage.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCifVamU5eA/T2nOFD7CZLI/AAAAAAAAGpI/y6bjPFMCL6s/s1600/path2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCifVamU5eA/T2nOFD7CZLI/AAAAAAAAGpI/y6bjPFMCL6s/s400/path2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722331387898520754" border="0" /></a><br />Ahhh. Spring Break. This is the life.John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-6736850797283205842012-03-17T13:45:00.000-04:002012-03-17T13:46:20.129-04:00DSLR for Dummies, Lesson 1-Shutter SpeedMy husband gave me a Canon Rebel T2i for Christmas. I LOVE it. Love. I read the instruction manual 3 times, cover to cover. Well, I skipped the French and Spanish sections. I have played around with different settings, trying to learn as I go.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOOy4xYjD9E/T2Sjy4d2bjI/AAAAAAAAGoM/BCaP29720nE/s1600/goodbubble4p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOOy4xYjD9E/T2Sjy4d2bjI/AAAAAAAAGoM/BCaP29720nE/s400/goodbubble4p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720877521213746738" border="0" /></a><br />I have a LOT to learn.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQpIredfxNs/T2ShsmwP2UI/AAAAAAAAGm0/G0_2zryorLc/s1600/longbubbles1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQpIredfxNs/T2ShsmwP2UI/AAAAAAAAGm0/G0_2zryorLc/s400/longbubbles1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720875214356601154" border="0" /></a><br />There's no denying it takes beautiful pictures on the automatic setting, but I am determined to learn more about the manual settings. So far, I can only change one thing at a time. I don't know NEAR enough to try to set everything manually and still manage to take a decent picture.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6YP3xRvSyc/T2ShtuyimkI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/ph5UAskC7LE/s1600/greatbubbles1p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6YP3xRvSyc/T2ShtuyimkI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/ph5UAskC7LE/s400/greatbubbles1p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720875233693571650" border="0" /></a><br />I practiced with shutter speed the other day when the Little Miss was blowing bubbles. I moved my dial to TV and adjusted the knob to different speeds. I let the camera choose the light and AV and all that other stuff that I really don't know anything about.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQZjnQZwafI/T2ShuLDR0xI/AAAAAAAAGnY/nfGLu8NnyKU/s1600/goodbubbles1p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQZjnQZwafI/T2ShuLDR0xI/AAAAAAAAGnY/nfGLu8NnyKU/s400/goodbubbles1p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720875241279968018" border="0" /></a><br />With a low number (like 1/60), I was able to capture the movement in the picture so that the bubbles look blurry. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtxbabO30w8/T2SjxkBnp6I/AAAAAAAAGn0/Ggs_-kMoLVQ/s1600/blurrybubblesp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtxbabO30w8/T2SjxkBnp6I/AAAAAAAAGn0/Ggs_-kMoLVQ/s400/blurrybubblesp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720877498546759586" border="0" /></a><br />With a slightly higher number (1/200), the bubbles appear more clear but they still look like they are moving.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fP6FU3cYG2E/T2ShsI1Qp3I/AAAAAAAAGms/CkriVczImTQ/s1600/slightlyblurry1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fP6FU3cYG2E/T2ShsI1Qp3I/AAAAAAAAGms/CkriVczImTQ/s400/slightlyblurry1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720875206324561778" border="0" /></a><br />With a very high number (1/1000), the camera shoots so quickly that it "freezes" the movement, so the bubbles appear clear. This picture is a bit darker and I think that's because the shutter speed was so fast, it didn't let as much as light in. Or I could be completely wrong. Because I have no idea what I'm doing here.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l5U0pQfp9U/T2SjxZmdUgI/AAAAAAAAGno/dPyzcbYbHzs/s1600/clearbubblesp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l5U0pQfp9U/T2SjxZmdUgI/AAAAAAAAGno/dPyzcbYbHzs/s400/clearbubblesp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720877495748481538" border="0" /></a><br />I am pleased with how the pictures turned out. Other than a quick "auto fix" on my regular computer program, I didn't edit them. I plan to print a few out to see how clear they are and if there's a difference in the quality between the low and high shutter speeds.<br /><br />I'm learning.<br /><br />Baby steps.John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-69107155438548828852012-01-28T10:02:00.004-05:002012-01-28T11:01:31.358-05:00Some Things You Should Know1. See the Pin It button at the bottom of this post? Best.thing.ever. If you see something from this blog that you want to pin, just click that button. It will bring up pictures from recent posts. Choose the one you want to pin and it automatically brings up a pop-up window. From there you choose which board to pin it to and give it a caption. So easy. I think every website and blog out there should have this button! If you want an easy tutorial on how to add it to your blog, just <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/tutorials/add-a-pin-it-button-to-your-posts.html">click here.</a><br /><br />2. Remember that iPod touch the Little Miss got for Christmas? Well, she had it for a total of 13 days. On the 13th day, she brought her little sparkly purse full of change in to the grocery store. And without my knowing, her iPod was in the purse as well. The purse must have fallen into the side of the front of the cart, because when we got home, we realized we hadn't brought it with us. We went right back to the grocery store and it was already gone. Who doesn't turn in a sparkly little girl's purse? Bastards, that's who.<br /><br />3. We haven't had any freaking snow yet this winter. I live in a state that typically gets at least 20 inches of snow a year. This year? Nothing. I haven't had one single delay or snow day. At least one or two snow days would be nice. That's one of the unique things about being a teacher, you never know what your day may look like in the winter. It's always exciting to wake up and wonder if you'll have a delay or better yet...get an unexpected day off. But this year, it's been the same old dreary 40 degree days. Blah.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbuWq89gBiA/TyQbykiVLhI/AAAAAAAAGmg/SCnafMuuBEg/s1600/105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbuWq89gBiA/TyQbykiVLhI/AAAAAAAAGmg/SCnafMuuBEg/s400/105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702713583772970514" border="0" /></a><br />4. I turned 35 this month. 35 feels much like 34. But I do distinctly remember being in my early 20s and thinking just how old 35 sounded. Turns out I was wrong. 35 is very young.<br /><br />5. The Little Miss and I went to our first Disney on Ice show last weekend! It was amazing! I think I may have loved it even more than she did! It was the Dare to Dream show with stories from The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and Tangled. At the end of the show, they brought out ALL of the princesses! It was beautiful and wonderful. The Tangled show had a lot of trapeze/flying through the air stunts. Very, very cool.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdksdAG7SC4/TyQbNJqz3KI/AAAAAAAAGmU/kWgmTE_PbpA/s1600/158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdksdAG7SC4/TyQbNJqz3KI/AAAAAAAAGmU/kWgmTE_PbpA/s400/158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702712940905618594" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9PhxPG8VCU/TyQbM-mjZmI/AAAAAAAAGmI/AoOqpx8fWG0/s1600/178.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9PhxPG8VCU/TyQbM-mjZmI/AAAAAAAAGmI/AoOqpx8fWG0/s400/178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702712937934972514" border="0" /></a><br />6. While at the Disney on Ice show, we bought a bottled water. (Among many other things.) The guy at the counter said he had to take the lid from me. Apparently, ever since the ugly Ron Artest <a href="http://www.in.com/videos/watchvideo-ron-artest-nba-fight-2695819.html">incident</a> in which drunken idiots were throwing cups and bottles onto the court, they don't allow them anymore. I'm pretty sure a plastic lid the size of a nickel was not the problem. Nor do I think the Disney on Ice crowd would be throwing lids onto the ice at Mickey Mouse! But hey, who am I to argue with the concession stand worker?<br /><br />7. We are well past the 100th day of school and to that I say, HALLELUJAH. This has been such a challenging year. I am so ready for a break!<br /><br />8. For those of you considering buying a Kindle Fire, I say DO IT. I love mine oh so much. But, I have to admit, I rarely use it to read. It is very heavy and I do the bulk of my reading in the evenings in bed. I have kept my old Kindle for reading. Oh, and I just got a case for the old Kindle (it won't fit the new Fire) but it was only <span style="font-size:130%;">$1.21.</span> It had been $33.99! Even with shipping, it was less than $7.00. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XNKBBS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=couptodisn-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004XNKBBS">Here's</a> the link!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SE41FzwcF9g/TyQaDmXr0CI/AAAAAAAAGl8/jmDp7SdILxE/s1600/case.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SE41FzwcF9g/TyQaDmXr0CI/AAAAAAAAGl8/jmDp7SdILxE/s400/case.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702711677299707938" border="0" /></a><br />9. And finally, a request. My sister had a local photographer take baby pics when baby #2 was born. This picture is one of the finalists in a portrait photo contest the photographer is sponsoring.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucO1rL_Pl4U/TyQZy3SmLxI/AAAAAAAAGlw/Bb9Grva5E7I/s1600/girls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucO1rL_Pl4U/TyQZy3SmLxI/AAAAAAAAGlw/Bb9Grva5E7I/s400/girls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702711389783994130" border="0" /></a><br />If you have 2 seconds to spare, please go to the <a href="http://www.inbloomphoto.com/?p=4463">photographer's blog</a> and vote for picture #3 of my sweet baby nieces. Spanks.<br /><br />That's it for this FINALLY SUNNY Saturday morning! Have a great weekend!John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-53733210023814485012012-01-03T17:48:00.002-05:002012-01-03T17:54:01.189-05:00Back at itI went back to work today.<br /><br />I missed many things like...<br /><br />my Kindle Fire.<br /><br />Facebook and Pinterest.<br /><br />staying in my pajamas.<br /><br />sleeping in past 5 a.m.<br /><br />going anywhere I wanted, when I wanted.<br /><br />playing games with the kids.<br /><br />not thinking about lesson plans.<br /><br />Starbucks.<br /><br />What I didn't miss was seeing students today. I had the entire day to work in my classroom without the 30 distractions.<br /><br />Tomorrow? Will be a different story.<br /><br />But I keep reminding myself...the sooner we get back at it, the sooner the year will be over.<br /><br />I hope.John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-85073850983460865942011-12-29T08:07:00.006-05:002011-12-29T09:00:09.048-05:00ChristmasAnother Christmas has come and gone. And I am settling quite nicely into Christmas break. Sadly, it isn't very long this year, but I am very thankful for these days. No alarm clock. No worrying about homework, backpacks, or lunch money. No concern for lesson plans or grading papers. Just me and an unlimited supply of coffee.<br /><br />We spent Christmas Eve at my sister's house with her 2 babes. We had a delicious lunch and opened lots of presents. We made it home in time to get the reindeer food sprinkled and cookies set out for Santa. Favorite gifts: pink guitar for the girl and Lego farm set for the boy.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwawfGp9H64/TvxseMy6uUI/AAAAAAAAGkk/j6MrVnBI_Fw/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwawfGp9H64/TvxseMy6uUI/AAAAAAAAGkk/j6MrVnBI_Fw/s320/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691543295176128834" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6nTlDhJqxY/TvxsfFkn6qI/AAAAAAAAGks/oiX-yCGb9WE/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6nTlDhJqxY/TvxsfFkn6qI/AAAAAAAAGks/oiX-yCGb9WE/s320/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691543310416997026" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd9Xq6emDvg/TvxyKr513tI/AAAAAAAAGlk/dceifUeGuzI/s1600/mcsmall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd9Xq6emDvg/TvxyKr513tI/AAAAAAAAGlk/dceifUeGuzI/s400/mcsmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691549556999053010" border="0" /></a><br />The kids got up uber excited on Christmas Day. Santa had come! Favorite gifts: iPod touches!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaujls2ZSTk/Tvxsd6n25lI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/t_0ngybDAps/s1600/kidssmall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaujls2ZSTk/Tvxsd6n25lI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/t_0ngybDAps/s320/kidssmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691543290297902674" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHF4HVODuqs/TvxsfMp9AVI/AAAAAAAAGk0/wyuf0_9m1O0/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHF4HVODuqs/TvxsfMp9AVI/AAAAAAAAGk0/wyuf0_9m1O0/s320/039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691543312318398802" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfsq6TCYOYc/TvxsdnZjMSI/AAAAAAAAGkI/Ja3RatR45ro/s1600/claireipod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfsq6TCYOYc/TvxsdnZjMSI/AAAAAAAAGkI/Ja3RatR45ro/s320/claireipod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691543285137617186" border="0" /></a><br />We spent the rest of Christmas Day with 2 sets of aunt and uncles, relaxing, eating, drinking wine, opening even more gifts, and drinking wine.<br /><br />I had 3 things on my Christmas wish list: a new camera, Kindle Fire, and Keurig. And I am pleased to report that I am very lucky (read: spoiled) and got them all!<br /><br />We spent our first day of Christmas Break running errands. We spent Tuesday at home playing our new Wii games. We visited my sister and the babies again yesterday. Today's plan? Going to the movies to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NILDKVvYwEU/Tvxtn5zIrBI/AAAAAAAAGlM/XEnryalg4Iw/s1600/c%252Bc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NILDKVvYwEU/Tvxtn5zIrBI/AAAAAAAAGlM/XEnryalg4Iw/s400/c%252Bc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691544561387088914" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HaHiGEPs9oo/TvxxMaAVARI/AAAAAAAAGlY/T3u07YvxoF4/s1600/cat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HaHiGEPs9oo/TvxxMaAVARI/AAAAAAAAGlY/T3u07YvxoF4/s400/cat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691548487042531602" border="0" /></a><br />Ahhhh. Have I mentioned how much I love Christmas Break?John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-38038589886478261422011-12-24T09:36:00.004-05:002011-12-24T10:15:59.115-05:00Christmas Card Photo Shoot 2011I took advantage of a mild day last month to take pictures of the kids for our Christmas cards. We went to a local park, walking trail, railroad in the middle of nowhere, as well as our own yard and barn. They all turned out so well, we opted for a collage photo card. Here are some of the best ones of the day!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsw4L0IsND4/TvXm0L5nNjI/AAAAAAAAGj4/QIWde9GfbcE/s1600/kids1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsw4L0IsND4/TvXm0L5nNjI/AAAAAAAAGj4/QIWde9GfbcE/s400/kids1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689707488474510898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHfXBf78dgI/TvXmz9id4bI/AAAAAAAAGjs/Z5MZX1tah3E/s1600/kids16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHfXBf78dgI/TvXmz9id4bI/AAAAAAAAGjs/Z5MZX1tah3E/s400/kids16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689707484619334066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9RVZ-9IGMM/TvXmzoDtrFI/AAAAAAAAGjk/ICXX-NZDZW0/s1600/kids13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9RVZ-9IGMM/TvXmzoDtrFI/AAAAAAAAGjk/ICXX-NZDZW0/s400/kids13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689707478853200978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMVhc9snjXo/TvXlnOWJaFI/AAAAAAAAGjY/r414MSr6h48/s1600/kids8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMVhc9snjXo/TvXlnOWJaFI/AAAAAAAAGjY/r414MSr6h48/s400/kids8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689706166281136210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuMIDS3AR1k/TvXll3L-STI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/r6bE1kgL9OE/s1600/kids6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuMIDS3AR1k/TvXll3L-STI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/r6bE1kgL9OE/s400/kids6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689706142884579634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwtLEeBecVY/TvXllT9orTI/AAAAAAAAGjA/kpoJt1rEKSA/s1600/kids5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwtLEeBecVY/TvXllT9orTI/AAAAAAAAGjA/kpoJt1rEKSA/s400/kids5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689706133429202226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA5YLP3BSIY/TvXlk0U-LoI/AAAAAAAAGi0/WUdzIDIE7sg/s1600/kids4wheeler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA5YLP3BSIY/TvXlk0U-LoI/AAAAAAAAGi0/WUdzIDIE7sg/s400/kids4wheeler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689706124937145986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZE1Npa7oCw/TvXlkmlG5WI/AAAAAAAAGio/fHpvK6cjLNM/s1600/kids3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZE1Npa7oCw/TvXlkmlG5WI/AAAAAAAAGio/fHpvK6cjLNM/s400/kids3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689706121246729570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br /><br /></div>John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-40386077785814038632011-11-13T16:35:00.007-05:002011-11-13T17:20:48.229-05:00StitchesThe day we brought the Little Miss home from the hospital, exactly 24 hours after delivery, daddy and not-quite-2-year-old-Cole were playing and bouncing on our bed. Meanwhile, I was on the couch involved in one of many marathon nursing sessions. A few minutes after the play began, I heard a thump and much crying from the little boy. When daddy carried him out, blood was pouring from his head.<br /><br />Grandma and Daddy loaded him up, took him to the ER, and brought him home with 3 staples in his head. I stayed on the couch with the 24 hour old baby and cried my eyes out.<br /><br />8 years have passed since then and except for routine doctor appointments and one scheduled tubes/adnenoid surgery, Cole has needed little medical care.<br /><br />And then this happened.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEFHONx26yw/TsA89GtMpbI/AAAAAAAAGiE/vk8wZzb5b4M/s1600/591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEFHONx26yw/TsA89GtMpbI/AAAAAAAAGiE/vk8wZzb5b4M/s400/591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674602550956697010" border="0" /></a><br />Cole and daddy were on the farm early in the day, gearing up for a long day of harvest. The last day of harvest for the year. They were making feed for the cattle, as most mornings begin. Daddy was scooping ground corn to put into the feed mixer. Unfortunately, Cole leaned in to get a scoop just as Daddy was lifting his shovel up.<br /><br />Forehead? Meet shovel.<br /><br />When Daddy raced up the road in the truck, carrying a crying Cole through the door, I assumed he had gotten in trouble and was being dropped off. (You see, spending time with mommy on the weekend is the worst punishment he can receive.) Imagine my surprise when he turned around and his entire face was covered in blood!<br /><br />After an initial gasp, I took him into the bathroom and cleaned him up. The gash was small but pretty deep. I took him into urgent care, blood all over his coat, his lips blue from the children's Advil I gave him on the way.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eqJhWDAPFc/TsA88_QP0AI/AAAAAAAAGh4/cxXlC91Ua1s/s1600/590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eqJhWDAPFc/TsA88_QP0AI/AAAAAAAAGh4/cxXlC91Ua1s/s400/590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674602548956221442" border="0" /></a><br />Several numbing shots (OUCH!) and 2 stitches later, we were on our way to the local farm supply store for a new John Deere combine toy for my very brave boy.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLtoEI8vdTA/TsBBzrjiejI/AAAAAAAAGig/nDvW1C0ij7c/s1600/stitch2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLtoEI8vdTA/TsBBzrjiejI/AAAAAAAAGig/nDvW1C0ij7c/s400/stitch2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674607886607743538" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFG3MdRY4Jo/TsBBzd8uGrI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/VjthW_JaSGo/s1600/stitch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFG3MdRY4Jo/TsBBzd8uGrI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/VjthW_JaSGo/s400/stitch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674607882955266738" border="0" /></a><br />He's excited to show off his war wounds at school tomorrow. And I am very relieved it wasn't any worse!John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-7358290197452706032011-11-02T20:09:00.016-04:002011-11-02T22:01:09.367-04:00My Messy Moments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttlM1EhJMTA/TrH1O8KsiTI/AAAAAAAAGhk/_xUfcDeCfXc/s1600/def.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 168px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttlM1EhJMTA/TrH1O8KsiTI/AAAAAAAAGhk/_xUfcDeCfXc/s400/def.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670583042854127922" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">With a little boy whose favorite things in life are dirt, mud, and manure (in no particular order) life gets pretty messy around here on the farm.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwH4DN-VzfY/TrHlLVO6-MI/AAAAAAAAGhA/G5J_-LOx5RQ/s1600/mud3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwH4DN-VzfY/TrHlLVO6-MI/AAAAAAAAGhA/G5J_-LOx5RQ/s400/mud3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670565388677216450" border="0" /></a><br />Few things make this kid happier than a huge dirt pile to play in.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypaJALwtIJk/TrHlKB3pI4I/AAAAAAAAGgo/17nWcZs-uDo/s1600/048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypaJALwtIJk/TrHlKB3pI4I/AAAAAAAAGgo/17nWcZs-uDo/s400/048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670565366299435906" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouK6zteWtTY/TrHetBOvu3I/AAAAAAAAGeo/CmFvh7o7L-E/s1600/053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouK6zteWtTY/TrHetBOvu3I/AAAAAAAAGeo/CmFvh7o7L-E/s400/053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558270841928562" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtL9mnPan28/TrHgMWULeLI/AAAAAAAAGfA/hmo-bTAp-es/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtL9mnPan28/TrHgMWULeLI/AAAAAAAAGfA/hmo-bTAp-es/s400/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559908589435058" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsM4uqmQ0HY/TrHetKCkHdI/AAAAAAAAGew/_XiFSVwOusI/s1600/cole7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsM4uqmQ0HY/TrHetKCkHdI/AAAAAAAAGew/_XiFSVwOusI/s400/cole7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558273206754770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ0UsvdrFDw/TrHerVjTihI/AAAAAAAAGeE/xmT5Snb9JOE/s1600/cole2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ0UsvdrFDw/TrHerVjTihI/AAAAAAAAGeE/xmT5Snb9JOE/s400/cole2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670558241937132050" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkYG92Z7O9U/TrHgNatUUMI/AAAAAAAAGfg/Ce4UaED1c7A/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkYG92Z7O9U/TrHgNatUUMI/AAAAAAAAGfg/Ce4UaED1c7A/s400/037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559926948483266" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CqljLEXLF8/TrHgNJ6tCGI/AAAAAAAAGfY/iR9Jtr14sIw/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CqljLEXLF8/TrHgNJ6tCGI/AAAAAAAAGfY/iR9Jtr14sIw/s400/030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670559922441226338" border="0" /></a><br />And then momma gets her messy moment. Seriously? You want me to wash these?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgY_ZRzaafc/TrHhlOob-VI/AAAAAAAAGgU/0nqvEX0DC9Q/s1600/jeans.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgY_ZRzaafc/TrHhlOob-VI/AAAAAAAAGgU/0nqvEX0DC9Q/s400/jeans.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670561435535276370" border="0" /></a><br />But that's nothing compared to a fun-filled day of working in the cattle barn.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49hfT2En9vc/TrHjUGw7M-I/AAAAAAAAGgc/W2e8wKAbfgM/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49hfT2En9vc/TrHjUGw7M-I/AAAAAAAAGgc/W2e8wKAbfgM/s400/032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670563340388873186" border="0" /></a><br />That ain't dirt, my friends.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac7gyUwUwFA/TrHhlJl_gPI/AAAAAAAAGgE/M_PdWWexiJU/s1600/jeans2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac7gyUwUwFA/TrHhlJl_gPI/AAAAAAAAGgE/M_PdWWexiJU/s400/jeans2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670561434182844658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But the thing is...I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything. Not the dirt or the mud. Not even the manure. Because this face?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEH37yznV2M/TrH0U05XWJI/AAAAAAAAGhM/IIht3EY0W9M/s1600/hands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEH37yznV2M/TrH0U05XWJI/AAAAAAAAGhM/IIht3EY0W9M/s400/hands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670582044469975186" border="0" /></a><br />Makes it all worth it.<br /><br /><em><br /></em><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>I received information about Clorox’s Bleach It Away campaign and am sharing my messy moment for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls. To learn more about the messy moment program, check out <a href="http://www.bleachitaway.com/">www.BleachItAway.com</a>. Sharing your story on the Clorox fan page gets you entered for the chance to win $25,000 and daily prizes, and you can grab a coupon for Clorox® Regular Bleach.</em><br /></span></div></div>John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-60527364424693463052011-10-24T17:30:00.000-04:002011-10-24T18:21:53.315-04:00Who is this 8 year old and what has he done with my baby?<div style="text-align: center;">We celebrated the little man's 8th birthday this weekend!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EycaUFq4ZZw/TqR_8XMesUI/AAAAAAAAGaY/NKNMyVgAib0/s1600/cake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EycaUFq4ZZw/TqR_8XMesUI/AAAAAAAAGaY/NKNMyVgAib0/s400/cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666794906134163778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We had a party at our house with 10 of his friends.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JZvqpuMN_8/TqSDxkINoJI/AAAAAAAAGbk/-I0Dz418CAQ/s1600/crazy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JZvqpuMN_8/TqSDxkINoJI/AAAAAAAAGbk/-I0Dz418CAQ/s400/crazy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666799118673879186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">They rode pedal tractors.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9MOMUwcAOw/TqTDsX869zI/AAAAAAAAGdU/X6rmE7_WviU/s1600/041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9MOMUwcAOw/TqTDsX869zI/AAAAAAAAGdU/X6rmE7_WviU/s400/041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666869398250125106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Played in the dirt.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fV8-2eSV5LE/TqXkCLLgddI/AAAAAAAAGdg/7HtyLTJgR14/s1600/089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fV8-2eSV5LE/TqXkCLLgddI/AAAAAAAAGdg/7HtyLTJgR14/s400/089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667186432127563218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ate cake.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbEA_OjmOTo/TqXkRorfQuI/AAAAAAAAGds/8yWglijSj54/s1600/082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbEA_OjmOTo/TqXkRorfQuI/AAAAAAAAGds/8yWglijSj54/s400/082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667186697744368354" border="0" /></a><br />Opened presents.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eO9Q_wl9bhQ/TqTB2-af2FI/AAAAAAAAGdI/tRZAAseGMsk/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eO9Q_wl9bhQ/TqTB2-af2FI/AAAAAAAAGdI/tRZAAseGMsk/s400/058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666867381350160466" border="0" /></a><br />Played kickball, cornhole, and dodgeball.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13xvedcl5UQ/TqSZ87LHM_I/AAAAAAAAGc8/x-RjTbE6mZI/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13xvedcl5UQ/TqSZ87LHM_I/AAAAAAAAGc8/x-RjTbE6mZI/s400/047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666823503094428658" border="0" /></a><br />We had a pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin seed race, and even pumpkin bowling with toilet paper ghosts!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afHC3WDSzp0/TqSDyNORlKI/AAAAAAAAGb0/zxC8z4YL8Gk/s1600/pumpkinbowling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afHC3WDSzp0/TqSDyNORlKI/AAAAAAAAGb0/zxC8z4YL8Gk/s400/pumpkinbowling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666799129705157794" border="0" /></a><br />After the party, we headed to my parents' house where we had been hiding our gift to the birthday boy.<br /><br />Could it be?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTfpJtXWbFw/TqSDz5NSTNI/AAAAAAAAGcI/JiY_rwm65KY/s1600/094.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTfpJtXWbFw/TqSDz5NSTNI/AAAAAAAAGcI/JiY_rwm65KY/s400/094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666799158692039890" border="0" /></a><br />Is it really what I think it is?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCPg_r-cYWI/TqSDztKBIiI/AAAAAAAAGb8/m2r6fEnuJGk/s1600/093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCPg_r-cYWI/TqSDztKBIiI/AAAAAAAAGb8/m2r6fEnuJGk/s400/093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666799155457106466" border="0" /></a><br />Yes! A 4 wheeler! Woo hoo!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPItgqNpQIU/TqR_-ZxK-FI/AAAAAAAAGbI/g4dX5GiivG8/s1600/cole2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPItgqNpQIU/TqR_-ZxK-FI/AAAAAAAAGbI/g4dX5GiivG8/s400/cole2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666794941184669778" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBqLmGo9XkE/TqSDxSIaoHI/AAAAAAAAGbY/rNwHl3G2tNc/s1600/cole4wheeler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBqLmGo9XkE/TqSDxSIaoHI/AAAAAAAAGbY/rNwHl3G2tNc/s400/cole4wheeler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666799113842892914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He is SO excited about his new 4-wheeler. Now he's one of the big guys.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8VZbPzvE0w/TqR_8tJzNRI/AAAAAAAAGak/04ib_M4p_mU/s1600/boys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8VZbPzvE0w/TqR_8tJzNRI/AAAAAAAAGak/04ib_M4p_mU/s400/boys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666794912028505362" border="0" /></a><br />But he'll always be my baby.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5W4EXNj-Vs/TqXkjLs99rI/AAAAAAAAGd4/20S7tqkkXyY/s1600/cutie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5W4EXNj-Vs/TqXkjLs99rI/AAAAAAAAGd4/20S7tqkkXyY/s400/cutie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667186999203591858" border="0" /></a><br />*sniff*<br /><br />Happy 8th birthday, my little man. Momma loves you more than you know.<br /></div>John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-61550346815237681612011-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-22T08:47:37.383-04:00The Speed of LifeOver the past month...<br /><br />My new sweet baby niece was born.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXstqfoXans/TqG6b9lVEQI/AAAAAAAAGW4/uzd4hBdPPOs/s1600/cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXstqfoXans/TqG6b9lVEQI/AAAAAAAAGW4/uzd4hBdPPOs/s400/cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666014795759161602" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vJLdxa5bWY/TqG8YQ6bn3I/AAAAAAAAGYo/NSZTLH0UKkc/s1600/cmandcl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vJLdxa5bWY/TqG8YQ6bn3I/AAAAAAAAGYo/NSZTLH0UKkc/s400/cmandcl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666016931251724146" border="0" /></a><br />4 days later, my own baby girl turned 6.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLxl_IHq1NY/TqG8XKW24wI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/_WIFGbHyhzc/s1600/bdaygirl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLxl_IHq1NY/TqG8XKW24wI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/_WIFGbHyhzc/s400/bdaygirl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666016912312034050" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M852oDTyaH4/TqK5brcTbjI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/sKKVPJZrsq4/s1600/bdayparty4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M852oDTyaH4/TqK5brcTbjI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/sKKVPJZrsq4/s400/bdayparty4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666295166354550322" border="0" /></a><br />3 days later, my other sweet baby niece turned one.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv_CX2eu6BY/TqK3E93kwzI/AAAAAAAAGY4/0z7fFHNMp6U/s1600/tabledancer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv_CX2eu6BY/TqK3E93kwzI/AAAAAAAAGY4/0z7fFHNMp6U/s400/tabledancer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666292577140523826" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCw5SJAyeus/TqK4EOy7WdI/AAAAAAAAGZs/XHbakOBff1Y/s1600/mc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCw5SJAyeus/TqK4EOy7WdI/AAAAAAAAGZs/XHbakOBff1Y/s400/mc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666293664016194002" border="0" /></a><br />Then the kids and the husband were in a wedding for my cousin and his beautiful new bride.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHMwRcXVQB8/TqK60myZ7UI/AAAAAAAAGaA/3odxIc3zuco/s1600/081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHMwRcXVQB8/TqK60myZ7UI/AAAAAAAAGaA/3odxIc3zuco/s400/081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666296694113430850" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QmOHB9cB18/TqG6dI3DyWI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/nfqUKyo5r2U/s1600/daddyandkids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QmOHB9cB18/TqG6dI3DyWI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/nfqUKyo5r2U/s400/daddyandkids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666014815966185826" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L30nE81DzyI/TqG6cCmYQHI/AAAAAAAAGXI/S7W752nA-jU/s1600/cmandmc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L30nE81DzyI/TqG6cCmYQHI/AAAAAAAAGXI/S7W752nA-jU/s400/cmandmc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666014797105741938" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s21GF7Z1ZsU/TqG6dURRVTI/AAAAAAAAGXc/9dic3_gwrS0/s1600/kidsbest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s21GF7Z1ZsU/TqG6dURRVTI/AAAAAAAAGXc/9dic3_gwrS0/s400/kidsbest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666014819028915506" border="0" /></a><br />We are now enjoying Fall Break. And when I say enjoying, I mean screaming at the kids to QUIT FIGHTING.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRDc5g93_Mw/TqK3F9YHJZI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/lIwqyv7NBRA/s1600/clairetree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRDc5g93_Mw/TqK3F9YHJZI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/lIwqyv7NBRA/s400/clairetree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666292594188428690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(These pictures of the Little Miss were taken 2 weeks ago, when it was 80. It is currently 30 degrees.)<br /><br /></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5jx5lik5-E/TqK3FFxiiNI/AAAAAAAAGZE/7WYKfJu96zY/s1600/clairefall3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5jx5lik5-E/TqK3FFxiiNI/AAAAAAAAGZE/7WYKfJu96zY/s400/clairefall3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666292579262695634" border="0" /></a><br />And today we are celebrating my little man's 8th birthday. Gah! Crazy. Unbelievable. Impossible. He was as small as his new baby cousin just yesterday.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-xyrP4FECY/TqG8XZ9dpSI/AAAAAAAAGYg/9ADR8xPDgFw/s1600/cdandcl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-xyrP4FECY/TqG8XZ9dpSI/AAAAAAAAGYg/9ADR8xPDgFw/s400/cdandcl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666016916500489506" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RF2iqUXchw/TqK609hn3QI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/cigxLyI_uNE/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RF2iqUXchw/TqK609hn3QI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/cigxLyI_uNE/s400/037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666296700217056514" border="0" /></a><br />Life is flying by too quickly. Someone, please pass the pause button.John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-34134664004077436652011-10-05T17:32:00.000-04:002011-10-05T17:32:35.211-04:00It's October<div style="text-align: center;">So that means...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />1. I am knee-deep in papers to grade.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBSrAnIZe8o/TozKQDuE0eI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/hqJd__9_Kh8/s1600/papers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBSrAnIZe8o/TozKQDuE0eI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/hqJd__9_Kh8/s400/papers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660121208923148770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />2. The combine will be rolling out of the barn soon.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vUcA7-OX5CY/TouW32_mP1I/AAAAAAAAGWA/zItXlycAE2I/s1600/combine.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vUcA7-OX5CY/TouW32_mP1I/AAAAAAAAGWA/zItXlycAE2I/s400/combine.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659783243120394066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />3. The boys in my life will disappear for a few weeks.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fivt1uIDYUU/TouW4GlAbGI/AAAAAAAAGWI/hVsE6gHdQRM/s1600/corn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fivt1uIDYUU/TouW4GlAbGI/AAAAAAAAGWI/hVsE6gHdQRM/s400/corn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659783247303830626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />4. My baby boy will soon turn 8.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdL3rAb6Ozk/TozMnTgK_GI/AAAAAAAAGWw/JCopSLGwPlg/s1600/cole_on_stump.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdL3rAb6Ozk/TozMnTgK_GI/AAAAAAAAGWw/JCopSLGwPlg/s400/cole_on_stump.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660123807320046690" border="0" /></a><br />5. Both kids will be in a wedding next week.<br /><br /><br />6. I am knee-deep in papers to grade.<br /><br /><br />7. The leaves are changing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSWSnV_sHNA/TozLOHuI2bI/AAAAAAAAGWg/tP1B5w1zqrM/s1600/leaves.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSWSnV_sHNA/TozLOHuI2bI/AAAAAAAAGWg/tP1B5w1zqrM/s400/leaves.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660122275149044146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />8. I am making way too many stops for this.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPiY7RjOz6I/TozLNqj6vDI/AAAAAAAAGWY/TeHarrdaW58/s1600/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 275px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPiY7RjOz6I/TozLNqj6vDI/AAAAAAAAGWY/TeHarrdaW58/s400/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660122267321547826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />9. I can start making meals <a href="http://johndeeremom.blogspot.com/2010/01/award-winning-chili-recipe.html">like this</a> again.<br /><br /><br />10. Fall Break is only 2 weeks away.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FHlI_MmOUB8/TozMDkEyKAI/AAAAAAAAGWo/jiuA8PRc6r0/s1600/fall_Page_0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FHlI_MmOUB8/TozMDkEyKAI/AAAAAAAAGWo/jiuA8PRc6r0/s400/fall_Page_0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660123193293285378" border="0" /></a></div>John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-82865778149721882472011-09-13T21:45:00.001-04:002011-09-13T21:53:21.036-04:00My Newest Obsessions<span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pinterest</span>.</span><br /><br />I am forever ripping pages out of magazines, printing pictures of things I love, bookmarking websites and pictures to come back to later. And then I lose them or they get thrown away. Or I never remember to go back to those sites.<br /><br />Enter <a href="http://pinterest.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pinterest</span>.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8R6OGrEjM4/TnABI9EOpNI/AAAAAAAAGVI/6aj2yhFwo9o/s1600/mom2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 259px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8R6OGrEjM4/TnABI9EOpNI/AAAAAAAAGVI/6aj2yhFwo9o/s400/mom2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652018785692853458" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pinterest</span> allows you to "pin" all your favorite things, creative ideas, recipes to try, all in one place. My pins include shoes I must have, ideas for my classroom, party ideas...the list goes on. If you haven't tried it, do it. It's crazy addictive, but it feels...useful. Purposeful. And although it leads you to believe you need to be "invited" you can request to be added and it only takes a few hours. <a href="http://pinterest.com/landing/">Click here</a> to get started.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/">Guess-the-Google</a>.</span><br /><br />Oh my dear. What an enormous time waster...and yet? Completely addictive. The gist: You see a series of Google images and then guess the keyword that brings those images up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Q_iIr9sgM/Tm_E8-4n0wI/AAAAAAAAGUo/hCEJUxzgzdI/s1600/google.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 185px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Q_iIr9sgM/Tm_E8-4n0wI/AAAAAAAAGUo/hCEJUxzgzdI/s400/google.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651952609324946178" border="0" /></a><br />Go ahead. <a href="http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/game/?l=6">Click here</a> to play. Well, finish reading this post first. Because I know once you go over there, you won't want to come back.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Montage-a-Google.</span><br /><br />Brought to you by the same genius who created Guess-the-Google, <a href="http://grant.robinson.name/projects/montage-a-google/app/">Montage-a-Google</a> is another cool Google image time waster. You type in the keyword and it will make a montage of images based on that word. Here's one I made:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pouSdRB-1c/Tm_-DBRqVRI/AAAAAAAAGUw/zuRp1AJ4xRI/s1600/montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pouSdRB-1c/Tm_-DBRqVRI/AAAAAAAAGUw/zuRp1AJ4xRI/s400/montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652015385208837394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Yum.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://www.bighugelabs.com/">Big Huge Labs</a>.</span><br /><br />I may be severely late to the party on this one. But...I just discovered this site and am in love. Basically, you can do lots of fun stuff with your own pictures.<br /><br />Remember the motivator posters that started out as serious?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWms4xvmTRA/TnADTFK-N5I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/ubTh-VS43Bg/s1600/achievement.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWms4xvmTRA/TnADTFK-N5I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/ubTh-VS43Bg/s400/achievement.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652021158690568082" border="0" /></a><br />But then ended up as fake and hilarious?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fG2X6BiUd8o/TnADTr9d2yI/AAAAAAAAGVY/f_8pV-Euu0c/s1600/demotivational-posters-rock-bottom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fG2X6BiUd8o/TnADTr9d2yI/AAAAAAAAGVY/f_8pV-Euu0c/s400/demotivational-posters-rock-bottom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652021169102904098" border="0" /></a></div></div><br />At Big Huge Labs, you can <a href="http://www.bighugelabs.com/motivator.php">make your own</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjRQPzZjIbQ/TnAFpBkcyaI/AAAAAAAAGVg/SVoRwImBQzo/s1600/walrus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjRQPzZjIbQ/TnAFpBkcyaI/AAAAAAAAGVg/SVoRwImBQzo/s400/walrus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652023734704064930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">and seriously if you don't know this story, go read it <a href="http://johndeeremom.blogspot.com/2010/09/anatomically-correct.html">here</a>.</span><br /></div><br />I have also made some for school. They make great teaching tools for whatever you're studying: vocab words, content area, story elements, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reoKKBmy9jc/TnAGadp-ZvI/AAAAAAAAGVo/RdHysORsx1c/s1600/redgiant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reoKKBmy9jc/TnAGadp-ZvI/AAAAAAAAGVo/RdHysORsx1c/s400/redgiant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652024584057022194" border="0" /></a><br />At Big Huge Labs you can also make magazine covers, movie posters, pop art posters, and more using your own pictures. So fun! <a href="http://www.bighugelabs.com/">Click here</a> to check it out!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSiR25d-n0Y/TnAIK0q0YKI/AAAAAAAAGVw/dfDOWG2lEhg/s1600/popart72cf4f7ae12c4889ec26d38c2c6fc9f88748ef61.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSiR25d-n0Y/TnAIK0q0YKI/AAAAAAAAGVw/dfDOWG2lEhg/s400/popart72cf4f7ae12c4889ec26d38c2c6fc9f88748ef61.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652026514379923618" border="0" /></a><br />I hope you have fun playing with my newest obsessions. What's keeping you from cleaning your house?John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-10832509734809406592011-09-07T05:00:00.000-04:002011-09-07T05:00:04.928-04:00Award Winning Spaghetti RecipeA couple of weeks ago, I got an email from the deacon of a small Georgia church. He had made my <a href="http://johndeeremom.blogspot.com/2009/02/baked-spaghetti-casserole.html">spaghetti casserole</a> for a spaghetti cooking contest and won first place! How awesome is that?! If you haven't yet made this, what are you waiting for? It's so yummy and now... Award Winning! Click <a href="http://johndeeremom.blogspot.com/2009/02/baked-spaghetti-casserole.html">here</a> for the recipe. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxO2PEvechk/TmVyyHVThiI/AAAAAAAAGUg/A-CJntt4PjM/s1600/spaghetti.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxO2PEvechk/TmVyyHVThiI/AAAAAAAAGUg/A-CJntt4PjM/s400/spaghetti.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649047512893589026" border="0" /></a>John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-19005010989095747112011-09-05T21:00:00.000-04:002011-09-05T21:03:06.574-04:00Back at ItSeveral of my friends have been posting on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span> that they are going back to school tomorrow. And to that I say :p~~~~~~~~. (Does that sound like a tongue sticking out making a raspberry?)<br /><br />I've been back for months. Okay, it's only really only been a few weeks, but it <span style="font-style: italic;">feels</span> like it has been months.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y22xKfCEIMM/TmVC2Atk0QI/AAAAAAAAGTo/r1wdf5eAH4w/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y22xKfCEIMM/TmVC2Atk0QI/AAAAAAAAGTo/r1wdf5eAH4w/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648994803277680898" border="0" /></a><br />The kids went back to school a few days before I did. Here they are on the <span style="font-style: italic;">second</span> day of school because this mom forgot the camera.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2bK8V46350o/TmVC24KDHHI/AAAAAAAAGT4/aXnEdNS7Sy4/s1600/067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2bK8V46350o/TmVC24KDHHI/AAAAAAAAGT4/aXnEdNS7Sy4/s400/067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648994818161056882" border="0" /></a><br />Can you believe I have a second grader?! He's going to be 8! 8 years old. C.r.a.z.y.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpl5XwA2-EU/TmVIeoh41-I/AAAAAAAAGUY/CEL2kQDH9Ko/s1600/094.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpl5XwA2-EU/TmVIeoh41-I/AAAAAAAAGUY/CEL2kQDH9Ko/s400/094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649000998718986210" border="0" /></a><br />And my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kindergartener</span>! She loves school. Loves it. She gets a weekly homework page on Monday to be turned in by Friday. She has it done in about 2 minutes on Monday afternoon, begging for more!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJHMaq7xxz0/TmVC2gI7akI/AAAAAAAAGTw/8CJklV43LwQ/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJHMaq7xxz0/TmVC2gI7akI/AAAAAAAAGTw/8CJklV43LwQ/s400/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648994811713907266" border="0" /></a><br />The boy on the other hand? Is doing great in school but really lives for recess and playing with his buddies at after-school care. The 6 hours of school are really an inconvenience to his playtime. And homework? Not quite as willing as his sister.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XgDksMuu60/TmVC1ogZfPI/AAAAAAAAGTg/QNJwycEYH_0/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XgDksMuu60/TmVC1ogZfPI/AAAAAAAAGTg/QNJwycEYH_0/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648994796779961586" border="0" /></a>The weather for the first 2 weeks back to school was amazing. Low to mid 80s with less humidity. The entire summer was 95 degrees with unbearable humidity, so we definitely did our best to enjoy a few beautiful days after school at the park. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8JBd_f0FW8/TmVC3brenTI/AAAAAAAAGUA/tuYz0ZPWTBo/s1600/071.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8JBd_f0FW8/TmVC3brenTI/AAAAAAAAGUA/tuYz0ZPWTBo/s400/071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648994827696512306" border="0" /></a><br />It was 100 degrees on Friday and today? A high of 62 with no sun. It was SO cold this morning! But it was definitely a welcome change. I love nothing more than chilly evenings and extra blankets.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2LG36En9xc/TmVIeKXQy4I/AAAAAAAAGUQ/jtgjwgA7IAc/s1600/078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2LG36En9xc/TmVIeKXQy4I/AAAAAAAAGUQ/jtgjwgA7IAc/s400/078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649000990621354882" border="0" /></a><br />We have a busy couple of months ahead. The little miss turns 6! this month with a party at the local gymnastics center. My niece turns one this month AND becomes a big sister! I can't wait to meet my newest niece or nephew! The boy turns 8 and they are both in a wedding next month! <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5lqfWOS8PU/TmVId9h2QNI/AAAAAAAAGUI/URBfnAQ9oBY/s1600/077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5lqfWOS8PU/TmVId9h2QNI/AAAAAAAAGUI/URBfnAQ9oBY/s400/077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649000987176091858" border="0" /></a>Not to mention we have gymnastics, book club, and Girl Scouts. All the while I try to keep my sanity teaching all day! The good news...Fall Break is only 5 weeks away. :)John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555325616975175242.post-63896621831301887452011-08-22T21:59:00.003-04:002011-08-22T22:08:42.518-04:00Winners!We have winners!
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<br />The lucky winner of the John Deere backpack from <a href="http://www.rungreen.com/">Rungreen</a> is...
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<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Emilie Rose from </span><a href="http://petersfamilyadoption.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">Just Us</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;">!</span>
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<br />And the winner of the John Deere computer bag is...
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<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Handy Family from </span><a href="http://handyfamily6.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">Handy Family Happenings</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;">!</span>
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<br />Congratulations, ladies! Please email me right away with your shipping address so that our friends at <a href="http://www.rungreen.com/">Rungreen</a> can get your prizes to you ASAP!
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<br />Thanks to everyone who entered. Don't be discouraged if you didn't win this time. I am sure this won't be the last John Deere giveaway you see here. :)
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<br />John Deere Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11234273045011961912noreply@blogger.com0