tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19637602707859947502023-11-16T04:41:19.370-06:00She stood her groundMy journey through life as a woman, mother, daughter, sister and friend.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-46504649266239483022011-03-05T21:36:00.002-06:002011-03-05T21:48:02.370-06:00ForgivenessI had a lovely day at the Spirit, Mind, and Body fair. I spent a few hours there with a good friend of mine, and then returned a little while later with my daughter Paige. It was a new experience to share this with Paige. I loved being able to sit with her through a crystal reading, energy healing, chakra clearing, and just exploring the booths. <br /><br />But my personal best part of the day was an energy healing I received from Rick Dougherty. He is an incredibly gifted man, that just amazes me. We explored the areas that I have blockages as well as the reasons behind them. We also looked into my past life and it was a very eye opening experience. I left feeling lighter and hopeful for the success I can have in my relationships, if I work hard at forgiveness. <br /><br />Forgiveness is a challenge for me. I have a hard time forgiving others, and forgiving myself. The end of my marriage brought out a lot of feelings of anger and resentment over the things that occurred during my 15 year marriage. During my healing, Rick said, "Wow. Your 20s were hell!" LOL - yes they were. <br /><br />I have learned that forgiveness isn't about the other person, but about myself. Forgiving someone doesn't really benefit them. Karma will still take care of their transgressions. Forgiving them benefits the universe because of the good energy it gives. But really, forgiving will benefit me. By forgiving another, I am also forgiving myself. It will allow me to open my heart so I may receive love. <br /><br />So, that will be the focus of the coming months. Forgiving others, forgiving myself, and opening my heart to all the love, peace and abundance that I can receive.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-30693136062777858552011-02-01T11:23:00.002-06:002011-02-01T11:26:58.244-06:00Woman, you can complicate things in the blink of an eye!Yes, I can. <br /><br />This is what Walt said to me last night. Here is what led up to that very well-deserved comment. <br /><br />A snow storm was on its way, so we were running errands, trying to stock up on groceries, put gas in the car, etc. <br /><br />We finish at the store, and I get into the car while he is putting the groceries in the car. I reach into my jacket pocket to pull out my cell phone, and hear my debit card go flying. It was in my pocket with my phone. <br /><br />So, we start looking through my very messy car. <br /><br />I think I find my card.... and I realize it is actually the debit card I lost the LAST time! <br /><br />Yes... I CAN complicate things in the blink of an eye. I'm awesome. :o)Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-52973784414304915892011-01-22T18:29:00.003-06:002011-01-22T18:35:02.709-06:00Addicted to MahjonggReally. I am. <br /><br />Playing this game relaxes me and energizes me all at the same time. It feeds my need for competition. And its a healthy form of competition because I'm competing with myself, always trying to get a higher score, finish a hard level, clear the board faster. <br /><br />I've spent hours playing this game. Hours that I probably should have spent doing laundry, or cleaning out the junk drawer. But where is the fun in that? <br /><br />Life is to be enjoyed. As long as we have clean clothes to wear and I can find a stamp or extra battery when I need it, then all is good... and I'll start another game.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-24947710050069785172011-01-19T18:04:00.003-06:002011-01-19T18:10:10.985-06:00Everybody has their own Magnet FriendLessons in Love and Friendship...... by Alaina Blackwell, age 5. <br /><br />"Essense and I are like magnets. We are stuck together and we can't ever get away from us. Just like you and Daddy (Daddy Walt) are stuck together, Essense and I are stuck together and can never leave each other. Everyone has their own Magnet Friend."<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXrY766Pn0VTjxlH73zrNREACMy0VfmmZu1dEN06rszyb84B2tbECXILtFVC1nfokbD6pryiJ69uCL1x0G1Ymij1kJ52naxxwn5UfjRZ28Xyhl01gclMXtAIfgcBBOxwcAE8kO63zhk0i/s1600/167746_493880626558_170453996558_6252118_3787821_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXrY766Pn0VTjxlH73zrNREACMy0VfmmZu1dEN06rszyb84B2tbECXILtFVC1nfokbD6pryiJ69uCL1x0G1Ymij1kJ52naxxwn5UfjRZ28Xyhl01gclMXtAIfgcBBOxwcAE8kO63zhk0i/s320/167746_493880626558_170453996558_6252118_3787821_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564053645380187762" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-90566330624173691452011-01-14T21:56:00.002-06:002011-01-14T21:58:52.121-06:00SnugglesThis is Hoover. Snuggling up in my lap while I work on the computer. I just love him. He is sweet and fun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXwueB3HkTNwQtmKuyhJh1LgbXW9EyHxu5YWIuvhaYyR1GqcRguLrEft6me4uiy01DfTdVR4w7XU0-0UYATkXg7_LaGGP9PPVvxtP25LUndw3IupYV7C3n9ThfkPQq8gH_zX-Sp9MEd5Z/s1600/Hoover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXwueB3HkTNwQtmKuyhJh1LgbXW9EyHxu5YWIuvhaYyR1GqcRguLrEft6me4uiy01DfTdVR4w7XU0-0UYATkXg7_LaGGP9PPVvxtP25LUndw3IupYV7C3n9ThfkPQq8gH_zX-Sp9MEd5Z/s320/Hoover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562257112111686882" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-83758786923117063792011-01-10T07:29:00.001-06:002011-01-10T07:31:05.446-06:00Snow Day!We got dumped on last night by the beautiful white stuff. School was cancelled, but unfortunately I still have to go to work. Hopefully I can at least get some good pictures out of this. And can't wait to see the puppy out in this stuff.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-32331166735230402682011-01-08T06:03:00.001-06:002011-01-08T06:04:53.955-06:00Insomnia sucks!It is 6am... and I've slept for just an hour and a half. Really? I mean, really? <br /><br />And did you know that there is no website that has advice for fun things to do when you have insomnia? <br /><br />Maybe that is what I need to do when I have insomnia.... build a website, and they will come. :)Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-38942939766692547572011-01-08T05:05:00.002-06:002011-01-08T05:08:17.702-06:00Welcoming 2011I just spent a few moments reading over my blog since I started it. Long time, lots of posts and pictures, and lots of 'updates.' I saw a trend. Long periods of time with no blog entries, and then an update on my life and an apology for not blogging, and a promise to do better. Ha. <br /><br />So, now that I'm blogging today - I'm going to break that cycle! No promises for frequent blog entries. No big long update on what I've done in the last year. If you read this, then you know me well and you already know anyways! <br /><br />I'm just going to jump right in and blog whenever I feel like it, about whatever I feel like it. So there! :) <br /><br />Happy 2011 folks.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-35303541924988983052009-12-02T20:46:00.002-06:002009-12-02T20:49:11.455-06:00The Power of Gratitude - Day 21. I'm grateful for my husband today. He is usually a person very set in his routine, but today he completely adjusted to accomodate me. After work, he picked up Chelcie and took her to get a dress altered. Then picked up Alaina and waited for Paige to come home to babysit so he could go work out. Then picked up laundry soap and dinner. :) So nice to be able to work till 7pm with no guilt. <br /><br />2. I'm grateful for my hat, gloves, and scarf. It is cold today! <br /><br />3. I'm grateful for the 'forgotten' money that I remembered this morning. It is nice to have an extra $115 in savings that I forgot about.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-72050127050439048682009-12-01T17:52:00.002-06:002009-12-01T18:01:00.804-06:00The Power of Gratitude - Day 1A friend recently sent me an article about the power of gratitude. The article moved me - and I quickly accepted a challenge presented in the article to spend the month of December journaling each day about things that I'm grateful for. <br /><br />Today is December 1st. So here is the start of my journal. <br /><br />1. I'm grateful for a new friend, Juli from Denver. She is the sweetest and is in town for a few weeks. Looking forward to dinner with her on Thursday. <br /><br />2. I'm grateful for a husband understanding enough to accept the crazy work hours that I'll have over the next month. <br /><br />3. I'm grateful to the kind lady at the Dept of Revenue who helped me deal with a tax return amendment issue.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-32532270291832560362009-08-16T16:25:00.003-05:002009-08-16T16:32:21.967-05:00A sad realizationYesterday, I had to run an errand that I didn't want to take Alaina on... so I called Betty to see if Alaina could come over for an hour or so. I knew Alaina would love the visit. She misses her Betty so much. <br /><br />After I picked her up, Alaina tells me that she ate two packets of fruit snacks. Clearly these have Red40 and Alaina knew it. I don't know why Betty won't follow my instructions when it comes to this allergy. She either doesn't care, or doesn't agree with me, or doesn't believe me. It makes me sad but also reinforces that it was absolutely the right decision to move Alaina to preschool. <br /><br />I also have had another talk with Alaina about refusing the Red40, even if she knows the food tastes good. <br /><br />So, today has been no fun. She is impulsive, not listening to normal instructions, and can't focus. She didn't nap well either. She just appears to be a child with ADHD. Sigh. <br /><br />So, Alaina can no longer go to Betty's house alone. I'll have to make time take her over there for visits, and won't be able to use her as a back-up babysitter anymore. <br /><br />I really hope this gets out of her system soon. Last time it took 3 days. I'm scared about how she'll act at the preschool the next few days.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-17225076398208209772009-08-09T05:14:00.011-05:002009-08-09T11:32:45.103-05:00Our Summer: In PicturesMy Summer in Pictures... Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7494/stuff082.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7494/stuff082.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3043/stuff083.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3043/stuff083.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6660/61409corey019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6660/61409corey019.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9813/61409corey039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9813/61409corey039.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3836/61409corey049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3836/61409corey049.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4179/angie011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4179/angie011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2829/img1435v.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2829/img1435v.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogger.com/v"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5079/img1411i.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6956/sundaymonday089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6956/sundaymonday089.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5328/dscn0051edited1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5328/dscn0051edited1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2573/paigeystuff048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2573/paigeystuff048.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1136/paigeystuff049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1136/paigeystuff049.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2258/copy2of4thofjuly001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2258/copy2of4thofjuly001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4016/copy2of4thofjuly013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4016/copy2of4thofjuly013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/760/copyof4thofjuly011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/760/copyof4thofjuly011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4599/copyof4thofjuly019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4599/copyof4thofjuly019.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7269/4thofjuly068.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7269/4thofjuly068.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3863/4thofjuly070.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3863/4thofjuly070.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4200/4thofjuly071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4200/4thofjuly071.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2610/4thofjuly132.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2610/4thofjuly132.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2610/4thofjuly132.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2610/4thofjuly132.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/8525/4thofjuly134.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/8525/4thofjuly134.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2504/4thofjuly138.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2504/4thofjuly138.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6554/4thofjuly141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6554/4thofjuly141.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/1394/4thofjuly157.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/1394/4thofjuly157.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/971/4thofjuly164.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/971/4thofjuly164.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3719/7909007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3719/7909007.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8139/7909008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8139/7909008.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6496/7909012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6496/7909012.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4563/7909017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4563/7909017.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/235/72609046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/235/72609046.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/948/72609049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/948/72609049.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2746/72609008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2746/72609008.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6459/72609009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6459/72609009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1717/72609013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1717/72609013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4404/72609014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4404/72609014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9816/72609015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9816/72609015.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-78976371247591382152009-08-08T10:20:00.002-05:002009-08-08T10:25:22.281-05:00Long time, no BlogThe school year is about to begin again, and its sad to see that I haven't blogged all summer. <div><br /></div><div>Looks like I've got some catching up to do! </div><div><br /></div><div>Paige is going back to school on Thursday. She is starting 8th grade, which is her last grade at this school. She is excited to go back, can't wait to see all of her friends. But is also rather nostalgic that this is her last year before high school and feels like her middle school years have just flown by. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alaina started preschool a few weeks ago and is doing great. She is adapting well to the structure and it has made hometime much more pleasant. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chelcie will be starting her Junior year in TX. She was here for a month this summer, and it was a great visit for all of us. Lots of bonding and special time. It was sad to say goodbye. </div><div><br /></div><div>That is all for now - but will try to do a better job of keeping my blog up-to-date. </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-3093681386354730442009-05-18T20:42:00.002-05:002009-05-18T20:55:34.548-05:00Paige was accepted into AVID!!!Well - since I haven't blogged in months, I guess this is the best topic to blog about, since it was the last post!<div><br /></div><div>Paige has been accepted into AVID. We are so happy for her. Tonight was the first parent meeting, where they just went over the basics of the program, the committment by the kids and the committment by the parents. </div><div><br /></div><div>Paige will be assigned to one, maybe two, Honors classes. We know she won't be in Algebra because she wouldn't have scored high enough for that. But she might be in Honors English or Honors Social Studies. </div><div><br /></div><div>She will also have to take the PSAT next year. That will be a great experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the best parts of this - all three of her best friends were also accepted into AVID. So, now the four of them will be together through the next five years. A lot of kids run into conflict with their social group not being in sync with their academic goals - so this will be a really good thing for all of them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Paige is also proud to be a part of something that is leveling the playing field - especially for minorities. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll plan on updating regularly (well, once we get into the new school year) about her AVID class and how it is all going. </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-89387074313938627262009-02-05T08:23:00.000-06:002009-02-05T08:24:40.198-06:00So Proud of Paige<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; text-decoration:underline;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; text-decoration:underline;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal-compose; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; color:windowtext;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" /> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" /> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>Yesterday’s was Paige’s last parent/teacher school conference for the year. Despite her sassy mouth and talking too much in class, her teachers really like her and say she adds “spark” to the classroom. Her grades are great too. She has 7 As, 1B, and 1C. I’m proud of her for the effort she is putting forth. But, even more so – I’m proud of her for what she MIGHT be doing next year! One of her teachers recommended that she participate in the AVID program that is available for 8<sup>th</sup> graders. So, we went to talk to the Leader of the program yesterday to get more information, and an application form. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a program that targets kids in the middle academically. The purpose of the program is to provide support to these kids and help them with college eligibility and success. It takes a very big commitment from the kids too, which is why I’m so impressed with Paige’s desire to participate. She will be required to take an Honors level class next year ( and I think each year she participates). She takes an AVID class daily, that is considered one of her “elective” courses so she has to give up other electives to participate. She is required to carry a HUGE AVID binder with her to all classes and take notes in all of her core classes – for a total of 20 pages of notes a week. The leader said “even if your friends are taking notes, and your teacher doesn’t tell you to take notes.. you do it for AVID. And we check your binder each week.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>They bring in college graduates to talk about different careers and college life. They get to take tours of college campuses. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>One of the coolest things about this program is that these kids in her AVID group will stay together for 5 years. When they transfer to High School, the continue in the AVID program for four years in the highschool with the same group of kids that they started with in 8<sup>th</sup> grade. What a great support system! <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>So, we will fill out the application and cross our fingers that she gets accepted. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-81522873765470330472009-01-29T11:54:00.001-06:002009-01-29T11:54:47.218-06:00A Mother's Guilt<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; text-decoration:underline;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; text-decoration:underline;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal-compose; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; color:windowtext;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" /> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" /> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>Alaina is home sick today – with a stomach bug. I got a phone call shortly after dropping her off at daycare that she had thrown up 3 times already. I called Palmer and sent him to pick her up and he is staying home with her today. But there is that gnawing in my gut that I should be there with my little girl. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>I called to talk to her, hoping to offer some comfort, but instead I received the guilt. Her little sad sick voice saying “Mommy, I need you. I really really need you.” <span style='font-family:Wingdings'>L</span> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>I know Palmer is completely capable of taking care of her and offering her comfort. But caring for a sick child is a task that I have a hard time relinquishing. The babes always want their momma when their sick. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>If it wasn’t for so much work to do, and having missed so much time here in the last month or so, I’d be home with her. But I just can’t justify leaving work when she has a parent there already to care for her. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Man, I’m bummed. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-29230045743495332992009-01-28T09:24:00.000-06:002009-01-28T09:25:01.776-06:00Alaina's First Dentist Visit<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; text-decoration:underline;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; text-decoration:underline;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal-compose; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; color:windowtext;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" /> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" /> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>On Monday morning, Alaina had her first ever visit to the dentist. Let me say, I was uberly amazed at how incredible she was. I never expected this wild child of mine to be so calm and relaxing and completely comfortable with the whole experience. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Paige had prepped her the day before, by telling her they would clean her teeth with a little tool that made a “zzzzzz” sound. So, Alaina had said – I’ll cover my ears! Paige assured her it wasn’t loud at all. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Paige and I were also getting our teeth cleaned, and I assumed Alaina would want to watch one of us go first so she could see what it was like – but nope! My little girl wanted to go first. She was so eager. She got up in the chair and relaxed when they leaned her back. The hygienist showed her all the tools and Paige wasn’t the least bit intimidated. She got to pick out some purple sunglasses to wear so the light wouldn’t bother her eyes. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>She did everything she was told – opened wide, sucked the straw, held still…. EVERYTHING! Paige and I sat there in utter amazement with big smiles on our faces. The hygienist said she’d never had a 3 yr old act like Alaina. She thought she acted more like her big sis. Very proud moment. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>I’ll have to remember for next time, if we are all getting cleanings to have Palmer come along and take Alaina home when she is done, as she did get rather antsy. The hygienist was nice enough to give her a bagel with cream cheese when she began complaining of being hungry. And when I got my teeth cleaned, Alaina climbed up and laid down on my stomach. She propped her chin in her hand and watched intently at the work going on in my mouth. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Overall – a wonderful and unexpected first dentist visit! <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-52663407582822769582009-01-20T20:10:00.003-06:002009-01-20T20:16:53.902-06:00I LOVE Barack Obama!This morning as I watched my little Alaina walk up the stairs to daycare, I had this overwhelming love for the country she will grow up to know. She will never be a child that will question her ability to become president - if she chose that path. For as long as time, a black child never really felt like they could grow up to be president. Now the day is here where that is a valid dream for the millions of black children in our country. <div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Alaina - tonight when I turned on the ball - I pointed to the screen and said "who is that?" Alaina yelled "Arack Abama!" I said "Yes - He is our President!" Her response - "Yes! He is OUR President! He is my President. He is Betty's President. He is Paige's President. I LOVE Arack Abama!" </div><div><br /></div><div>I watched the swearing in this morning at a bar/grill around the corner from my job. I got their early and got a good seat and was soon joined by a crowd of people, pulling up chairs, standing in rows. I shared this experience with two friends a crowd of strangers. It was just as it should be. </div><div>Today is a monumental day. Not just for our country, but for me personally. I do believe this is the first day of my life that I have ever felt patriotic. I'm proud to be an American. I'm proud to be a part of a country full of amazing people who are all so eager to work hard towards a better future for our country. </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-16062819959310260342009-01-04T15:30:00.003-06:002009-01-04T15:43:30.352-06:00Memories of GrandmaToday I had the pleasure of looking through some of Grandma Berts treasures and finding some things that I can keep as a remembrance. But it is more than a remembrance, it is a connection. I feel the connection to her through the things that belonged to her. <div><br /></div><div>Here is a summary:</div><div><br /></div><div>Jewelry - I was thrilled to find a peridot ring, as Grandma and I shared this as our birthstone. I also found several bracelets, a necklace, and a few more rings. </div><div><br /></div><div>Santas - Grandma collected Santas. My Uncle Mike (#11) and Aunt Debbie started her collection by buying her a new Santa every year from the time they got married. So, I have two standing Santas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Butter Dish - This is a vintage (I assume) glass butter dish with lid, that is that beautiful purple/blue iridescent glass. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ashtray - This item was actually my Grandpa Bill's. It is a vintage glass ashtray that was given to him as a gift when he retired. His coworkers all signed it, and wrote "We'll miss you Bill" on it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Doll - I brought home a doll for Alaina to play with. It is plastic, so it is safe with her. But still she'll have to be careful with it, because it is so old. </div><div><br /></div><div>Zipper art - I'd never heard of such a thing, and didn't know that my Grandma used to do this. She took apart zippers, and glued them in a design on a piece of board my Grandpa cut for her. Then she filled in the spaces of her design with colored sand and glitter. It is really cool! </div><div><br /></div><div>The Letter 'A' - Since my grandma's name was Alberta, she had a few items with the letter A on them. These were set aside for my cousin Amber and I to choose from. I have two pins, one of which actually has a photo of Paige in it when she was a baby; and also a pink hankerchief with an embroidered 'A'. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I now have many items to fill my home with the love of my grandmother. It was a nice experience, and surprisingly didn't cause me grief. I was just able to focus on her love and my memories of her as I sorted through her belongings. I'm so blessed to have had her in my life. </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-77162526997954640872008-12-31T20:07:00.003-06:002008-12-31T21:00:20.509-06:002008... in reviewSo this it.... the last chance to blog in year 2008. I better make this good, huh?<div><br /></div><div>It has been an incredible year, full of ups and downs. But even those downs have taught me so much about myself, life, and the people I love. Here is a random list of 20 things I've done and learned this year. </div><div><br /></div><div>1. I embraced my beauty, not just despite my size, but because of it. </div><div>2. I had the joy of watching my best friend, Linda, marry the man of her dreams and become a mom in the process. </div><div>3. I liberated my arms and loved wearing sleeveless shirts! </div><div>4. I was forced to accept that my dad isn't Superman as I coped with his cancer diagnosis </div><div>5. I felt empowered after a long road trip with just my three girls. Yes I can drive long distances all by myself!</div><div>6. I visited some of my amazing APU sisters: Corey, Whit, Holly, Beth, and Lisa <3</div><div>7. I continued fighting my depression. </div><div>8. I found strength that I never knew I had as I dealt with a break in my marriage </div><div>9. I experienced independence, as I lived alone for the first time in my life. </div><div>10. I learned about crystals, and began wearing them daily. </div><div>11. I heard a musician combine Tom Petty - Free Fallin with Snoop Dogg - Gin and Juice at a restaurant in Tampa. </div><div>12. I found wisdom in tarot. </div><div>13. I fell in love with a vampire and a werewolf! </div><div>14. I celebrated as my girls turned 3, 12, and 16. </div><div>15. I found a new companion - in Mojo - a little orange kitten.</div><div>16. I was blessed with several amazing days with my grandmother during her final moments of life. </div><div>17. I learned what is important to me - what I want in life - what I deserve.</div><div>18. I found my voice. </div><div>19. I discovered that I am my husband's one and only love, and that he is willing to fight for it.</div><div>20. I experienced the reunion of my little family, and we finally felt whole again. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-81869225238300638242008-12-27T09:09:00.002-06:002008-12-27T09:16:54.588-06:00Grandma BertMy grandmother lived an amazing 83 years and passed away on her favorite day of the year, Christmas Eve. <div><br /></div><div>Grandma Bert was an incredible woman. The mother of twelve kids. Twelve!! 9 boys and 3 girls. They lived in a small house and the kids shared beds. The boys had triple stacked bunk beds. Even with 12 kids to feed, growing up - the kids always had friends dropping over for dinner at the Millers and Grandma always made sure there was enough food for everyone to eat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grandma was spunky, opinionated and loving. She'd burst into song at any moment. If during conversation someone said something to remind her of a song, she'd sing a few lines. It is something I always loved. While sitting with her in the hospital, the nurse brought her some Milk of Magnesia and told her she needed to drink it to get her bowels rolling. Grandma started singing... "Rollin, Rollin, Rollin, get those bowels Rollin." LOL The nurse and I just died laughing. </div><div>I will miss her dearly, and just feel blessed to have been by her bedside for most of her final hours. We held a sort of vigil, surrounding her with love during her final days. I bathed her, and washed her hair. It felt so good to be able to nurture her in that way, as she has done to so many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. </div><div><br /></div><div>She leaves behind 10 living children, 26 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. With her passing, we've joked that my grandpa, Uncle Ron, and Uncle Darrell now have a fourth to play cards with. <3 </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-44279710084609320802008-12-16T06:32:00.003-06:002008-12-16T06:36:25.090-06:00A good morningWhen I woke up this morning, I was confused about what day it was... because I woke up two minutes before my alarm goes off, which is unheard of for me. This was a good sign; a sign that I'd went to bed at the right time and got just the right amout of sleep. <div><br /></div><div>So, I got out of bed and was surprised to see snow outside... I know I should watch the weather report more, but getting snow as a surprise is a very welcome surprise. It looked so beautiful. </div><div><br /></div><div>I started the dryer so my kids could have warm clothes when they come home from their dad's house to get dressed for the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I bundled up to go out in the snow. I knew that if I waited, when Palmer arrived with the kids, he would shovel my walk for me. But I have a sense of independence this morning, and a need to take care of my own, so I grabbed the broom and started at my work. </div><div><br /></div><div>The snow is still falling, and it is a light beautiful snow. It swept off the steps and sidewalk with ease, and I paused periodically to just enjoy it. It is quiet.... and peaceful.... I could hear the snow hitting my coat. </div><div><br /></div><div>My new gloves, hat and scarf kept me toasty warm, and I felt blessed. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is a good morning. </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-46751267071301231032008-12-14T22:42:00.002-06:002008-12-14T22:51:23.564-06:00One good thing meme, day sevenMy baby girl, who is not much of a baby anymore, took a nap on my chest today, for almost an hour. <div><br /></div><div>This is something Alaina never does; I can't remember the last time she napped on me. But today she blessed me. She took a nap in her bed, but when she woke up and came downstairs, she snuggled into my lap, tucked her head on my chest up under my chin, and fell asleep. I cherish the moments like this. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Reflection: I really enjoyed the last seven days of focusing on the good. Some days were easier than others. Some days I had to wait until the end of the day to find the best thing, other days I thought of it all day - what would happen that I'd get to write about? This was a good exercise and something I'll try again. </div><div><br /></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-26897984917377635722008-12-13T21:29:00.001-06:002008-12-13T21:30:35.732-06:00One good thing meme, day sixBreakfast at Palmers... <div><br /></div><div>He called to brag about his good breakfast he is cooking, and instead of just listening to the brag - we all piled in the car for a drive to his house to join him. Me, Paige, Alaina and two of Paige's friends all joined him for eggs, sausage and pancakes. Yum. </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963760270785994750.post-52421152344004286912008-12-13T00:36:00.002-06:002008-12-13T00:43:31.454-06:00One good thing meme, day fiveWell, I know it is a bit late for my day five... but if I'm still awake - it is still day five, right?<div><br /></div><div>We had our holiday retreat for my job today out at Lake Shawnee - one of my favorite places of all time. The geese were on the lake - the sun was shining - it was just gorgeous. I love this place for its peace. The elements of nature all coming together - the water - the sun - the trees - the animals. </div><div><br /></div><div>I spent much of my time enjoying the outdoors with a good friend, a coworker whose last day of work was today. She is leaving town to go to Michigan to care for her husband's ailing mother. This is a challenging time for her, a time of loyalty and blessing for the opportunity to care for this mother who needs her so desperately. But also a time of sadness as she leaves her children and grandchildren behind, and a job which she loves. I felt blessed to spend some alone time with her in this space and just be with her on this last day, in a location that also holds significant meaning for her, including childhood night-fishing trips with her father, and the wedding of her daughter at the exact location of our retreat. It felt like life coming full circle for her on this day and I was just blessed to experience it with her. </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01402631660730949680noreply@blogger.com0