tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45587528778583547482024-03-14T11:17:57.440-06:00Life Flying ByO'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-77361981020752438582011-08-07T06:52:00.010-06:002011-08-07T07:35:36.067-06:00Summer Adventures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-IgaBz1pexrsIi8_nZBBLap9niBVa4Jn9XVJb7p4DqDcAHd4m2AnFyBMzPKxw0lu0H0Nvz-1RS9QGLc7Bjz15LuLmZzHjlWBfM7DezYzXNf7vw444NJfKCKIhx7R3wGpM09nCozyUQ/s1600/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+135.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-IgaBz1pexrsIi8_nZBBLap9niBVa4Jn9XVJb7p4DqDcAHd4m2AnFyBMzPKxw0lu0H0Nvz-1RS9QGLc7Bjz15LuLmZzHjlWBfM7DezYzXNf7vw444NJfKCKIhx7R3wGpM09nCozyUQ/s320/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638100434812364162" border="0" /></a>We went to the Keys over the 4th of July for some family fun!! Actually we were in Miami for fireworks and to visit Super Popop and the rest of the family and then spent the week down on the Islands with Gramsi and Popop. It was one of those vacations that fell into place, probably because we had nothing planned with little expectations. It began with a wonderful visit with the family. On the 4th we had plans to go to a local Hospital that was supposedly doing fireworks. When we arrived about 8:45 we were informed there was no show. Somehow the security guard felt sorry for us and told us to go to the parking garage of the hospital. This allowed us to see the entire skyline from Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead. We didn't just see fireworks, we saw them all and with a cool breeze blowing:) The rest off the week was as blessed with us having calm seas for the glass bottom boat, watching dolphin shows under cover during the rain, and finally making our flight home, barely!!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was a BLAST:)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkQPTAJNdDtAm4FVruq3gmR7NO-8kloStAUi5XNXnmf8bfQsUMOdzmq2tFThsL6h5tEyUQiqDrTtl2wLuCFbYM0r0Cw6gjpBJxTpBsUVqVOcvBma0BbYxV6nxwv21OhJHa4PuzOQ5lw/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkQPTAJNdDtAm4FVruq3gmR7NO-8kloStAUi5XNXnmf8bfQsUMOdzmq2tFThsL6h5tEyUQiqDrTtl2wLuCFbYM0r0Cw6gjpBJxTpBsUVqVOcvBma0BbYxV6nxwv21OhJHa4PuzOQ5lw/s320/IMG_0617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638097552616738482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeWD9Un1JPDyEVwRXFbZKdopSu5CfwZ-KIwn8UrYTGWk6exHWPKnhN0HIeQk-fVZNJOJ1Ftsd_6Lp0nDD5nSH3jDocI1euzcoV8qWK9HF6W27qu15MrnSkgsw6g9AhyphenhyphenMnKwqM7BxvcA/s1600/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+209.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeWD9Un1JPDyEVwRXFbZKdopSu5CfwZ-KIwn8UrYTGWk6exHWPKnhN0HIeQk-fVZNJOJ1Ftsd_6Lp0nDD5nSH3jDocI1euzcoV8qWK9HF6W27qu15MrnSkgsw6g9AhyphenhyphenMnKwqM7BxvcA/s320/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638098211684274130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oNIVFIVIi41a6hta7FIswoEWAlyrqdGmUG2mjxxEOXAO1nKDlH-VJpbLJXr3awqORO8pFlsQxHbGrBDnLGdCPRY8Qb-ykQT328j9vkImFHV6uELyckNnVzQHuyYJKQCLxi3o9TZYeQ/s1600/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+108.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oNIVFIVIi41a6hta7FIswoEWAlyrqdGmUG2mjxxEOXAO1nKDlH-VJpbLJXr3awqORO8pFlsQxHbGrBDnLGdCPRY8Qb-ykQT328j9vkImFHV6uELyckNnVzQHuyYJKQCLxi3o9TZYeQ/s320/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638098203916005858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJ7UrLWRTNKjsboxwROv2-n697dUwTgLbuAVlNO0piew8fe47Ix8SKuTcnRX8R-JNSaeXrPU75vsFMj3_DaMoX1Vea-ON2hEx6hHQeV6K4CXgDsImqUiVzZgJnwk2yxqb5pt14_I2dw/s1600/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+20.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJ7UrLWRTNKjsboxwROv2-n697dUwTgLbuAVlNO0piew8fe47Ix8SKuTcnRX8R-JNSaeXrPU75vsFMj3_DaMoX1Vea-ON2hEx6hHQeV6K4CXgDsImqUiVzZgJnwk2yxqb5pt14_I2dw/s320/Florida+visit+with+Castle+Rock+O%2527Briens+20.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638097556240171090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our next adveture was camping with the Richerts at Buffalo Creek. This was Ella's first camping, and Sam's first time with her own sleeping bag!!! GREAT SUCCESS:)<br />Relaxation, cooking on the fire, hiking, smores in the dark, lots of dirt in our hair.<br />What else needs to be said? We're going again next week!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx37PkMjnDK68lTgombXQy2RU7_OXG8FQnxsWi3hln8Ytc8gQRE_uU9HfZ7P-dUk4cHHZmcj0oiDqeTE3OPKKBJ0u22TSIyOcZadWKLT0mAoByQo0Ddn4r7R-luebF4OvU2fFzPh7QUA/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx37PkMjnDK68lTgombXQy2RU7_OXG8FQnxsWi3hln8Ytc8gQRE_uU9HfZ7P-dUk4cHHZmcj0oiDqeTE3OPKKBJ0u22TSIyOcZadWKLT0mAoByQo0Ddn4r7R-luebF4OvU2fFzPh7QUA/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638103956587027234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyBf1gNVpc0dq0KERBMi7kjZ1AJO2EP3d0pV2oIsmIi8zRpbu9BHnXffEv9kTg7uOU-5tYECoR-rs2oks1qaz0ASlbekWEy3sjLxTrZpkkNJvAjteQzKFnaZRKMVvlMdc2yzCaURI_w/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyBf1gNVpc0dq0KERBMi7kjZ1AJO2EP3d0pV2oIsmIi8zRpbu9BHnXffEv9kTg7uOU-5tYECoR-rs2oks1qaz0ASlbekWEy3sjLxTrZpkkNJvAjteQzKFnaZRKMVvlMdc2yzCaURI_w/s320/IMG_0666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638105560119895010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UAcrEwbThATkQx6tY7RtQHL22VkbXKYzcXMFG6zfs3v63MmHAGc0IQsTWjiRhCoQa_HBMHIhg052RjUzWD_nnlaHjgPlSlr1Ewl3As-wW1XiEn-hE5sN1YTp_ChxC69fLqGIi1lIjA/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UAcrEwbThATkQx6tY7RtQHL22VkbXKYzcXMFG6zfs3v63MmHAGc0IQsTWjiRhCoQa_HBMHIhg052RjUzWD_nnlaHjgPlSlr1Ewl3As-wW1XiEn-hE5sN1YTp_ChxC69fLqGIi1lIjA/s320/IMG_0655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638103952608030530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C5lz9cRWcwuRqnvw5eqmEuOik5Sd9pXW5OlXpxEGW0nBnT12VxACAnwVZRD1U8vcnPT3hS-QUFHWOGX-hFT9qmmdEboMt-xKkkfsXIcnzfxDWqEXKC-OUpY0CAOsctrdVjucnzpq0w/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C5lz9cRWcwuRqnvw5eqmEuOik5Sd9pXW5OlXpxEGW0nBnT12VxACAnwVZRD1U8vcnPT3hS-QUFHWOGX-hFT9qmmdEboMt-xKkkfsXIcnzfxDWqEXKC-OUpY0CAOsctrdVjucnzpq0w/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638105556162248418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyzUQBiSxPQcIvI0QjT8yxg1MqWyBsJtpQ-sUYIPLbhsgmCh2P5-x6Rhb0CNKd5PV8ejdKsEVXDVEDs592mKgHZIyPKWlr1CV4jdsNQsJlgDe_hV_y_kjFIq-fSi7okw6cOGO8NwfQg/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyzUQBiSxPQcIvI0QjT8yxg1MqWyBsJtpQ-sUYIPLbhsgmCh2P5-x6Rhb0CNKd5PV8ejdKsEVXDVEDs592mKgHZIyPKWlr1CV4jdsNQsJlgDe_hV_y_kjFIq-fSi7okw6cOGO8NwfQg/s320/IMG_0664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638105897115261106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-73948521090598909682011-07-17T09:04:00.008-06:002011-07-18T20:05:46.044-06:00Our Dear Friend Gary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E3o5EhLbDofk6Jy09lvWoshus7Re2bL6mESEuTCWiv4_76BwGFtDLlIMFTaITJzhO7RWH1s30BBg6d7-YPv-5QBCcTmt2q-q8YUO_2qJqgYMWcdtrayjToELLvBYCYtbD8-N0RFTEQ/s1600/DSC03602.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E3o5EhLbDofk6Jy09lvWoshus7Re2bL6mESEuTCWiv4_76BwGFtDLlIMFTaITJzhO7RWH1s30BBg6d7-YPv-5QBCcTmt2q-q8YUO_2qJqgYMWcdtrayjToELLvBYCYtbD8-N0RFTEQ/s320/DSC03602.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630337963402411938" border="0" /></a><br />Diane (beloved wife of Gary)<br /><br />I wanted to share some thoughts and feelings about Gary. My goal is not to provoke tears or sadness, mainly because Gary would not want that, but I just want to reassure you that he will not be forgotten and he will always have a special place in the hearts of 1512 Whitetail. I find it funny that 2 guys, one from New York, the other from New Mexico with a 23 year disparity in age could find similarities in stubbornness and be blunt in calling things the way they are and yet still call each other friends. Gary reinforced to me in many ways what a friend is and for that I am forever grateful! How many friends do you know that will show up to your 40th Birthday party with an old man mask to give you a glimpse of how you will look in the later years? Gary had an uncanny way of letting me know when to lighten up when it seemed nobody else would! I will miss him looking over my shoulder and helping me work on my car or him inquiring about my races. I may not have realized it then but it meant a lot to me. I will really miss seeing your garage door open and be able to stop and talk to him or have him give me a hand or even just wave! He will not be forgotten and he will be sorely missed! We are here for you.<br /><br />Love, The O'Briens<br />P.S. It may seem like a strange request, but it will mean a lot if you could please leave the garage door open on my race days, or whenever is convenient for you, that way I know he hasn't forgotten about me as well!!<br /><br />*A letter to Diane from AJO'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-58490885618336544312011-07-15T08:11:00.007-06:002011-07-15T10:37:18.037-06:00Growing...As the kids don't ever stop growing, moving, talking, changing, so life goes on. One thing that unfortunately is not growing very well any more is the garden. We have had crazy thunderstorms the past few weeks in the afternoon. While the kids have fared well, the plants didn't. Here is the last great pictures we took. Some things might still make it but just barely:(<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUSGst8UK2R8NMyqIFFezWsvH8AXVTilJ4x8Ib9r2lu6ERUaX8QEtcFdrX_kl5dZNkioN3QjPbBk9X0g_02mZUeFzYl635Rckc9Uo096GH_2YjGS9fg4uymhvdY8Lx4bnQtQlFC2cig/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUSGst8UK2R8NMyqIFFezWsvH8AXVTilJ4x8Ib9r2lu6ERUaX8QEtcFdrX_kl5dZNkioN3QjPbBk9X0g_02mZUeFzYl635Rckc9Uo096GH_2YjGS9fg4uymhvdY8Lx4bnQtQlFC2cig/s320/IMG_0621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629614173815927922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPAN9k-YZH6VCzOMtQEZVrLZDxs54fq1hkfVEfU2wxAMLnKU3ShyM5x4Zyw_922aaCn1NGxcTkUaBZ0IwwiYW2n_IdOfdkyhZYRT0jV3PI4u8bIazo1hyzNhBspI2x3UqHaOUHtHiwg/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPAN9k-YZH6VCzOMtQEZVrLZDxs54fq1hkfVEfU2wxAMLnKU3ShyM5x4Zyw_922aaCn1NGxcTkUaBZ0IwwiYW2n_IdOfdkyhZYRT0jV3PI4u8bIazo1hyzNhBspI2x3UqHaOUHtHiwg/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629614173961805250" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some other moments that have been Flying By...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Teo Tim and Amanda visit with Kingston and Bella<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOA1WV77SHIggvDrO_RK00D6KsQRDZDVIHwYTe8aokYx5t0uOendLmR5UtlS2qYbYHVFqiTvncYmwWjTIpFQO1o1AZ8ZzQDmby-nlwnzJbtWblWgdC_MS1IrzUfkbdu7mo4yE_Bojbg/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOA1WV77SHIggvDrO_RK00D6KsQRDZDVIHwYTe8aokYx5t0uOendLmR5UtlS2qYbYHVFqiTvncYmwWjTIpFQO1o1AZ8ZzQDmby-nlwnzJbtWblWgdC_MS1IrzUfkbdu7mo4yE_Bojbg/s200/IMG_0563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629615689440534082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB47bnOZQnGsP-PDUNPalmY_Qnvnk5K0fJ3Ad6qJZxxmGTjasTH8JnSBT2tjOer_y-l-iM-QAHq2SDlhp5raYy4VrHU1dXdCSNBbZuygIO6wbe3Qep8kTuZ0Sxb2_D9D0q7E-gLG9xSA/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB47bnOZQnGsP-PDUNPalmY_Qnvnk5K0fJ3Ad6qJZxxmGTjasTH8JnSBT2tjOer_y-l-iM-QAHq2SDlhp5raYy4VrHU1dXdCSNBbZuygIO6wbe3Qep8kTuZ0Sxb2_D9D0q7E-gLG9xSA/s200/IMG_0564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629616112279214610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9jhUzSiwclhebKbWQYc2eu2Q-hVGRy8Tk-Bj2llYoLnjd2GdU9JfOlpbp0501F0zdqYKuG64PjsJgi-qis4ZA_Zj89EJVJB2fboaiKsV_rbWIC71M5HzImlo4nCXgeVzsRpT5W76Iw/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9jhUzSiwclhebKbWQYc2eu2Q-hVGRy8Tk-Bj2llYoLnjd2GdU9JfOlpbp0501F0zdqYKuG64PjsJgi-qis4ZA_Zj89EJVJB2fboaiKsV_rbWIC71M5HzImlo4nCXgeVzsRpT5W76Iw/s200/IMG_0549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629618303031413650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Pu6U0FYJd0OMVeqXYOxfHtO_9vVG86iuq4iBapsoZD9mEc88w8PJ-snwbvTZvfvo03yMPpAO0Gn-zD7QJLA4T0AUBUVt5m61qOPHljpK3V3n24MG7zanhyphenhypheneXzfQIp4kpbj7lp_deA/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Pu6U0FYJd0OMVeqXYOxfHtO_9vVG86iuq4iBapsoZD9mEc88w8PJ-snwbvTZvfvo03yMPpAO0Gn-zD7QJLA4T0AUBUVt5m61qOPHljpK3V3n24MG7zanhyphenhypheneXzfQIp4kpbj7lp_deA/s200/IMG_0520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629618725246847138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Vec7n8z-auNQWhLEsQCeGxBpKdlsEi0RCaTrdcPKGb6IDAb6q95t-WAXj1cso82i8_IzeDOnoE-AG9axFp501QZERsGm9xpyrlaCvoSiRtJle32kbAVuA2QihgRU9NRHenxEXQch4g/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Vec7n8z-auNQWhLEsQCeGxBpKdlsEi0RCaTrdcPKGb6IDAb6q95t-WAXj1cso82i8_IzeDOnoE-AG9axFp501QZERsGm9xpyrlaCvoSiRtJle32kbAVuA2QihgRU9NRHenxEXQch4g/s200/IMG_0538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629618723778090194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_pIvhQ2RVFK9U8TaxbaWCDoIbPlXyGRTzK6JjoUAXGdmE8CG96xtnpkcSe3I99IPRJ1rwpj56_lfVqOYdVInidFkESYqQAkOJm6PCjRFMIiIKhKJNT8KfVmXY2_7zZ0V7mhFSAp-Hg/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_pIvhQ2RVFK9U8TaxbaWCDoIbPlXyGRTzK6JjoUAXGdmE8CG96xtnpkcSe3I99IPRJ1rwpj56_lfVqOYdVInidFkESYqQAkOJm6PCjRFMIiIKhKJNT8KfVmXY2_7zZ0V7mhFSAp-Hg/s200/IMG_0528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629618309581882978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRzrgiwWw28Rtt9YgESW9Q83TWYtRX71oAjwMh_Hd2bqoTr8KMjM-lh5UN9shhs_SbRhAdb-rQFUNl6NxnuKPT4WOSnT8hsYaqoW7ytaqlMeiOUiIhSANifwfy0yLGp3wt5dw9BiUqA/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRzrgiwWw28Rtt9YgESW9Q83TWYtRX71oAjwMh_Hd2bqoTr8KMjM-lh5UN9shhs_SbRhAdb-rQFUNl6NxnuKPT4WOSnT8hsYaqoW7ytaqlMeiOUiIhSANifwfy0yLGp3wt5dw9BiUqA/s200/IMG_0567.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629615695591274818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUhuhst-f-cfZ20Eqdteb8awdRTnXXTeXSACKHidfs8l_UkZR55i7X9v1TGPh9yYkJhnFI6YeCrnE4PLr7In57l4EylnbwY2LJD2phrkDxtXhrgsV-vvw27hcNoue_6mPCTnYbXIYiQ/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUhuhst-f-cfZ20Eqdteb8awdRTnXXTeXSACKHidfs8l_UkZR55i7X9v1TGPh9yYkJhnFI6YeCrnE4PLr7In57l4EylnbwY2LJD2phrkDxtXhrgsV-vvw27hcNoue_6mPCTnYbXIYiQ/s200/IMG_0581.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629616114412789218" border="0" /></a></div>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-82786727356771711812011-06-19T08:27:00.003-06:002011-06-19T08:35:59.062-06:00Chapters opening....chapters closing<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrQ6qnMxEU1Ri4c-_wKwUHtTdsJR9dVIL81ewju39JjznVuPQiqA5fwoNPF1d286i9OS_g2fyd_uNiXPSSHCtQPJecpX_Ww97ndYZxUJWwyVNbhEfCeTLHojBaZMkyLXPPfqe08yf3A/s1600/DSC02786.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrQ6qnMxEU1Ri4c-_wKwUHtTdsJR9dVIL81ewju39JjznVuPQiqA5fwoNPF1d286i9OS_g2fyd_uNiXPSSHCtQPJecpX_Ww97ndYZxUJWwyVNbhEfCeTLHojBaZMkyLXPPfqe08yf3A/s320/DSC02786.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619938064068796242" border="0" /></a><br />Popop, Super Popop, GG<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today GG has left our world. We count our blessing of all the moments that we spent with her over the years. We are so glad to have memories with Sam and her Super Greats!! We wish the family joyful times as they transition through this hard process, that they remember to embrace each other fondly.<br /></div>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-4937843289180851602011-05-27T07:37:00.021-06:002011-05-30T15:42:59.919-06:00One Massive UpdateSorry to anyone not interested but I need to record these life moments somewhere and I've been a slacker. So, I'm going to put in 2 months worth of information mainly about the girls. For those of you that are interested, please enjoy the mass overload.<br /><br />I better start writing stuff down because Ella is officially moving forward. It's more of an army crawl at this point (started 5/29/11) but it gets her where she wants to go.<br />Ella:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-Z4unLHLhAKYPkyZ687G69YSA0dcG4eSIzk5N2i4cZfIlJDB5T3lfL4iOZsi_FRlrp6I8XbfWMR2wIoPs1FUHS054x0tCt3Owry80eLUOJ_WMJ6U2PjfQlIAtQy1sjfjJN7Gojjcxg/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG"><br /></a><br />- around the first week of March she laughed for the first time and began knowing her name<br />- 3/11 rolled over to get a toy<br />- 4/9 rolling over and back all directions and playing/eating feet; pushing herself backwards<br />- 5/25 sitting up on own<br />- 5/29 army crawl forward<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RBguUawXGS5ozzAJCVCfv1PtePtXLWTgtedgg5dIbkZCMWJ0pNCg8iMpnuLz6JdlNQ9c5mFecMjXhXHwWirMebllTrSlbKKrekOX35Yve997vk_LUcSziU2rE5RdtVf-FcxsQMnBbA/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RBguUawXGS5ozzAJCVCfv1PtePtXLWTgtedgg5dIbkZCMWJ0pNCg8iMpnuLz6JdlNQ9c5mFecMjXhXHwWirMebllTrSlbKKrekOX35Yve997vk_LUcSziU2rE5RdtVf-FcxsQMnBbA/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611391244035400786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbSGgrsUkaNjtYJWy3U_smxTpGwHyUCHNnB__MF1TnyKc3mY4y-jG-mWSTeW8cK-JjOxUs4ffexk8kfia6DpmaUfbfaKh2ksGAnQ_17hbGnTxCQLFGQoGWy6OGRiiBc5tT-8Wpf2M3A/s1600/PICT0004.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbSGgrsUkaNjtYJWy3U_smxTpGwHyUCHNnB__MF1TnyKc3mY4y-jG-mWSTeW8cK-JjOxUs4ffexk8kfia6DpmaUfbfaKh2ksGAnQ_17hbGnTxCQLFGQoGWy6OGRiiBc5tT-8Wpf2M3A/s320/PICT0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611391354361297778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BPofN05k8oKUQxChTikKN6vwGIVUytzvtMUAnHew-hqJgF3DKHYztyfBURL5aSM9JytVwibdaaszRKW-26uVhmscmzHMTBvqVM_x5fH84v5mdOGhOhm2VEnwa9kJMLZMgvERNPUy6Q/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BPofN05k8oKUQxChTikKN6vwGIVUytzvtMUAnHew-hqJgF3DKHYztyfBURL5aSM9JytVwibdaaszRKW-26uVhmscmzHMTBvqVM_x5fH84v5mdOGhOhm2VEnwa9kJMLZMgvERNPUy6Q/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611391347763703570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BzDAC1bbEU_VH0rdtSIZavNLHI1fa5Km_z3qzQQJFisqxjBTeMmXfx6a14t6l3EFFDelAz2a86JfeAQoF28giHka2c3a-tu0HDmNUpKljalQZ9J7gjpBHD6Q8WifLHYAiD_7LdgfpQ/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BzDAC1bbEU_VH0rdtSIZavNLHI1fa5Km_z3qzQQJFisqxjBTeMmXfx6a14t6l3EFFDelAz2a86JfeAQoF28giHka2c3a-tu0HDmNUpKljalQZ9J7gjpBHD6Q8WifLHYAiD_7LdgfpQ/s320/IMG_0371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611391250985596226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sam:<br />Here are some highlights from our active, talkative toddler.<br />"You're kidding, that's great!!" a direct quotes with lots of expression and arm gestures.<br />She began counting objects in a book in April<br />She was saying "underwear" for under water.....we must have been swimming a lot, and doing the potty thing all at the same time:)<br />Loves the song "Big Girls Don't Cry" that Teo Tim put on her CD.<br />Tim mentioned that when he's having a bad day he thinks of our girls and it helps ground him!!<br />4/9 we had our first stomach flu and puked for the first time (I know something everyone wants to know and remember)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXDn33MqJ6T16QCPmJu8Xee5FLY8_mo7lxjHxO28aYXfYNh9NBFeTQEiG8yNMBDAsGPZz3edLCmIGwft32KRcrTbd7-KIDUd27iVFleDJXQ5fo_nEPqlu82ZRYerjd4Sw4R3L-InDjA/s1600/DSC04099_2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXDn33MqJ6T16QCPmJu8Xee5FLY8_mo7lxjHxO28aYXfYNh9NBFeTQEiG8yNMBDAsGPZz3edLCmIGwft32KRcrTbd7-KIDUd27iVFleDJXQ5fo_nEPqlu82ZRYerjd4Sw4R3L-InDjA/s320/DSC04099_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612575124570677666" border="0" /></a><br />5/13 Sam had a fun weekend with Dad, Grami, and Grandma while Mom and Ella spent the week in Dallas with the Trinity girls. My first time away from her other than the 1 night of Ella's birth.<br /><br />Here she had fun on a trip to the Aquarium.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etAEnn2r1Ee7mslqgcN3CcbXDREmbMeCFQ_KxOG_9M6wRE0kyM9Q7kXAanH2l3Iyoui9KGEYAcE0l28KLlN9WSq5nhEHjgnhYw-PFmyh26ORowq17qeH-qJGY_1Xqa32q9xam_nbFA/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etAEnn2r1Ee7mslqgcN3CcbXDREmbMeCFQ_KxOG_9M6wRE0kyM9Q7kXAanH2l3Iyoui9KGEYAcE0l28KLlN9WSq5nhEHjgnhYw-PFmyh26ORowq17qeH-qJGY_1Xqa32q9xam_nbFA/s320/IMG_0354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612575127520072994" border="0" /></a>We re-stained our banister, painted our office, and got new carpet this spring. Sam helped every step of the way, and she really had some fun too!!!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCBzK995lMmdPOPbrs1ELv6pKNy7CQB_y0pQnQs4QLSMZTzP1eyepvSG3sLvymaybB386NP3pRgvmQkTH5TACcTAf8iCvu2uyvfKXFHmDSs8KqG0UlSmq8NWGl1w3zRQCViTtxDC_HQ/s1600/IMG_0355.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCBzK995lMmdPOPbrs1ELv6pKNy7CQB_y0pQnQs4QLSMZTzP1eyepvSG3sLvymaybB386NP3pRgvmQkTH5TACcTAf8iCvu2uyvfKXFHmDSs8KqG0UlSmq8NWGl1w3zRQCViTtxDC_HQ/s320/IMG_0355.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612625395663790994" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-Z4unLHLhAKYPkyZ687G69YSA0dcG4eSIzk5N2i4cZfIlJDB5T3lfL4iOZsi_FRlrp6I8XbfWMR2wIoPs1FUHS054x0tCt3Owry80eLUOJ_WMJ6U2PjfQlIAtQy1sjfjJN7Gojjcxg/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-Z4unLHLhAKYPkyZ687G69YSA0dcG4eSIzk5N2i4cZfIlJDB5T3lfL4iOZsi_FRlrp6I8XbfWMR2wIoPs1FUHS054x0tCt3Owry80eLUOJ_WMJ6U2PjfQlIAtQy1sjfjJN7Gojjcxg/s320/IMG_0360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612625383402348290" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbPk5F68TRCwTvk9ynqbvBTpCAYiuuWoCLbI0ksTA-guhGGDsuS9ixaDxK9xc2QfuNS8UZywwkJXBvnLQDd9BvmHS6hPh_mFUk6njBU5hqiwK6RpAbUimENr9w9m_h4_F2FYasy-4YQ/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbPk5F68TRCwTvk9ynqbvBTpCAYiuuWoCLbI0ksTA-guhGGDsuS9ixaDxK9xc2QfuNS8UZywwkJXBvnLQDd9BvmHS6hPh_mFUk6njBU5hqiwK6RpAbUimENr9w9m_h4_F2FYasy-4YQ/s320/IMG_0389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612625386461572386" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-53605008578407979112011-03-23T09:44:00.003-06:002011-03-23T19:32:12.986-06:00Words straight from my heart....and from the Heart of Yahweh!!!<br /><br />Please go read this <a href="http://www.sortacrunchy.net/sortacrunchy/2011/03/pondering-the-counter-culture-child.html">post</a> at Sorta Crunchy. I found her writings just after Sam was born. She has been very inspirational and helpful in finding my balance in raising myself, my marriage, and my children.O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-37205974129003406502011-03-11T16:12:00.008-07:002011-03-12T15:09:38.721-07:00Meals 3/11/11Sat - <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/spunky-coconuts-chicken-meatballs/">Coconut Beef Meatballs</a>; Zucchini noodles; Tomato Sauce<br /><br />Sun - <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/2011/02/27/mexican-mole-my-way/">Chicken Mole</a><br /><br />mon - Chicken fingers w/ <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/orange-ginger-sauce/#more-20509">Orange Ginger Sauce</a>; Leeks and other veggies<br /><br />Tues - <a href="http://cleancuisineandmore.com/healthy-diet-plan-2/">Bean and Collard Soup</a><br /><br />Wed - Roasted Chicken and veggies<br /><br />Thurs - <a href="http://www.nourishingdays.com/2011/02/seriously-healing-soup-and-the-healing-properties-of-garlic-thyme/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NourishingDays+%28Nourishing+Days%29">Chicken Soup<br /></a><br />Fri - Leftovers? Whatever is left?<br /><br /><br /><br />To Try:<br /><a href="http://realfooddudes.blogspot.com/2011/03/menu-for-03022011-shredded-beef.html">Shredded Beef Roasted Red Pepper Burritos</a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-71301033551377932532011-03-11T14:38:00.003-07:002011-03-11T14:53:46.949-07:00They way things are...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWLkqAyM0ixf_W2OXH_hNTuVmX3hpgh44PPsFWYlqg1SZMapKxMj5WE6CcRgceCqU-9ruhkOQUIUW4P9fcZD3ZqeI7phazNRxSQaUIcTQiIYe8CBGgGY1URuWHr1aO3p7r95g8zYmow/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWLkqAyM0ixf_W2OXH_hNTuVmX3hpgh44PPsFWYlqg1SZMapKxMj5WE6CcRgceCqU-9ruhkOQUIUW4P9fcZD3ZqeI7phazNRxSQaUIcTQiIYe8CBGgGY1URuWHr1aO3p7r95g8zYmow/s320/IMG_0334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582942771138060194" border="0" /></a>YES, She is fast asleep for the night!!!<br /></div>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-35809249325313269642011-02-25T08:15:00.006-07:002011-03-03T20:11:32.182-07:00Menu 2/28/11Sun - <a href="http://www.nourishingdays.com/2011/02/seriously-healing-soup-and-the-healing-properties-of-garlic-thyme/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NourishingDays+%28Nourishing+Days%29">Garlic Thyme Chicken Soup</a>; fresh bread and cheese<br /><br />Mon - Turkey Thighs w/ Pesto; Sauerkraut<br /><br />Tues - Soup from freezer Borscht, cabbage? We'll see?<br /><br />Wed - <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/bbq-sauce/">BBQ</a> chicken <a href="http://jenncuisine.com/2011/02/bbq-asian-pizza-gluten-free/">Pizza</a><br /><br />Thurs - <a href="http://cullyskitchen.com/venison-pot-roast-recipe/">Pot Roast</a>; Turnips<br /><br />Fri - <a href="http://the-polka-dot-umbrella.blogspot.com/2011/02/greek-style-baked-chicken.html">Chicken(geek style Roasted</a>); <a href="http://anaustinhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/02/probiotic-coleslaw.html">cabbage slaw</a><br /><br />Sat - Dinner w/ Friends!!!O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-14649184393056394742011-02-20T10:39:00.005-07:002011-02-22T18:02:07.474-07:00Menus 2/21/11Sun - Grandpa (the bachelore) coming for dinner!!! He's bringing fish and asparagus, we'll add something to the mix, <a href="http://www.newlyweds-blog.com/2011/02/15/cauliflower-fritters/">cauliflower fritters</a>?<br /><br />Mon - Quiche; salad<br /><br />Tues - <a href="http://frugalcrunchychristy.blogspot.com/2011/02/yukon-gold-potato-and-leek-soup.html">Leek Soup</a>; I did this totally different with Butternut Squash in place of potatoes, and half the amount<br /><br />Wed - Tacos<br /><br />Thurs - Salmon w/ Ume Plum Vinegar; squash??<br /><br />Fri - <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/green-chili-turkey-burgers/">Green chili turkey burgers</a><br /><br />Sat - Sara and Libby in town!!!!<br /><br />Try next week: <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/bbq-sauce/">BBQ</a> chicken <a href="http://jenncuisine.com/2011/02/bbq-asian-pizza-gluten-free/">Pizza</a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-81953841120724345632011-02-17T10:26:00.005-07:002011-02-17T10:44:19.580-07:00Momentus OccasionsWhat marks time?<br /><br />Rolling over, wearing underpants....<br /><br />These are excitements in our world over the last week.<br /><br />It's time for the potty dance, Sam is done with diapers after 5 days of being dry all night!!!! I didn't really think that it would be so nice, but wow it's AMAZING!!! Here are some memories to embarrass boys later.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTESdxolLwz46VRoMpN479pChxz9ICOWAauuViIAWeh2x2V24TCMiXHV3N_t-evQS5PV5VrQ9vlHC_dbsHWPN9oaxDFUpnhWBuPHfoKdERaHOTtx1kGrM6k4c427DUPFUHp6KTrgPHg/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTESdxolLwz46VRoMpN479pChxz9ICOWAauuViIAWeh2x2V24TCMiXHV3N_t-evQS5PV5VrQ9vlHC_dbsHWPN9oaxDFUpnhWBuPHfoKdERaHOTtx1kGrM6k4c427DUPFUHp6KTrgPHg/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574714590284361362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXGw15QODKceropUFy7FtSnYkehZoDi_yzSzzXqFJyDYxth8TjNXTIxxRtZRzsZPQ6nU-9xcYs-z-30FcOCxF30Qw1F07um3I0wSX1mG3RA8Ys3ma-z1l62tFZtKmQFKBCFRnKiroVQ/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXGw15QODKceropUFy7FtSnYkehZoDi_yzSzzXqFJyDYxth8TjNXTIxxRtZRzsZPQ6nU-9xcYs-z-30FcOCxF30Qw1F07um3I0wSX1mG3RA8Ys3ma-z1l62tFZtKmQFKBCFRnKiroVQ/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574714801171833250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br />This is a blanket and pillow G & G Cribley gave Sam to use at the evening storytime at the library, it was a potty present!!<br /></div><br /><br />We can't forget the little Ella Bella. I don't know how but she ROLLED OVER today, multiple times from her back to belly. She will be 16 weeks tomorrow...how can she be rolling over already? Where is that thing called time going, how are we supposed to enjoy every second when they are flying by?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPdDJ42ZJvVOrc6-Yg8LwfS4exQgqn6wppoJjjnQT52pW487w0tlMkTGVfF8sIOzLZtqLx6jSM_VmWmgRpyA8baEnzJ3XZKZpxQVdkdbVQAO_nXR79hQKepyJMiQuMICp_jbrc3_2sg/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPdDJ42ZJvVOrc6-Yg8LwfS4exQgqn6wppoJjjnQT52pW487w0tlMkTGVfF8sIOzLZtqLx6jSM_VmWmgRpyA8baEnzJ3XZKZpxQVdkdbVQAO_nXR79hQKepyJMiQuMICp_jbrc3_2sg/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574714595472751506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aNHpbi4mR0q18YJgTcRXu-7PQfkEPY7Xim3HcHzMYebIkpB1u-q_oAsERIQmBy1x3-u4-aMJTM3N2SOIKL_-0Kd68LdQ-mkVf_zIoKXAEpAS2vjog1IeFPq44pOl1OHIDfX687gUGA/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aNHpbi4mR0q18YJgTcRXu-7PQfkEPY7Xim3HcHzMYebIkpB1u-q_oAsERIQmBy1x3-u4-aMJTM3N2SOIKL_-0Kd68LdQ-mkVf_zIoKXAEpAS2vjog1IeFPq44pOl1OHIDfX687gUGA/s320/IMG_0318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574714804598235106" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-56667722631669861122011-02-14T08:26:00.005-07:002011-02-14T21:01:44.327-07:00Sun - Beef meatballs with creamy, cheesy chard and tomatoes<br /><br />Mon - <a href="http://carascravings.blogspot.com/2011/01/gingery-eggplant-and-edamame-stew.html">Curried Mutton</a> w/ Eggplant and Lima Beans<br /><br />Tues - Baked fish; spaghetti squash<br /><br />Wed - Chicken Tam Kha Soup (or our version of <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/coconut-chicken-soup/">Chicken Lemongrass w/ coconut milk</a>)<br /><br />Thurs - <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2011/01/pesto-minestrone-soup-slow-cooker.html">Minestrone w/ Kale and Yams<br /></a><br />Fri - <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/green-chili-turkey-burgers/">Green chili turkey burgers</a><br /><br />Sat - BBQ chicken <a href="http://jenncuisine.com/2011/02/bbq-asian-pizza-gluten-free/">Pizza</a> or crepes with different fillings. Possibly with friends!!!O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-63637437431913987622011-02-01T09:30:00.005-07:002011-02-07T19:42:44.729-07:00Menu 2/7/11Sun - Superbowl w/ grandma/grandpa; or soup and cheese quesadillas<br /><br />Mon - Tuna; mac and cheese; salad<br /><br />Tues - <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a href="http://hobsonhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/01/paleo-crockpot-jambalaya-atop.html">Crockpot Jambalaya</a>; Cauliflower rice<br /><br />Wed - <a href="http://celiacsinthehouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/spicy-new-twist-on-gluten-free.html">Spicy Shepard's Pie</a><br /><br />Thurs - Leah and Thomas for dinner Roasted chicken and Chard soup<br /><br />Fri - <a href="http://carascravings.blogspot.com/2011/01/gingery-eggplant-and-edamame-stew.html">Ginger eggplant saute</a> Barley<br /><br />Sat - Meatloaf; veggies; saladO'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-11545945842494076542011-02-01T09:11:00.003-07:002011-02-01T09:22:20.848-07:00New Years ResolutionsSAM:<br /><br />Peel and Eat Orange all by myself - check<br />Manipulate parents - Double check<br />Get undressed and dressed for bed all by myself - check and mommy really loves me now<br />Use only the potty all day - 2 days in a row, only a million more to go!!<br />Learn as many words as possible - work in process, good to go on those bad ones D*** It:)<br /><br />ELLA:<br /><br />Smile a lot - check<br />Laugh at fan - check 1/12/11<br />Laugh at sister - Triple check, after all she is a bundle of energy<br />Grab and hold toy - check but not sure how to feel when it smacks me in the face laugh/cry?<br />Roll to sides and scoot around in a circle - done 1/31/11<br />Suck thumb and enjoy it all by myself - 1/2 check; did it 1/28/11 but can't seem to enjoy it again?O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-40560212626335578072011-01-25T17:22:00.002-07:002011-01-28T17:57:48.261-07:00The BEST new Menu weekThis is what I'm planning this week, we'll see:)<br />Tues - Fish, salad; <a href="http://christensenka.squarespace.com/imported-20100106014405/2011/1/23/coconut-carrot-mash-gluten-free-vegan-acd.html">Carrot Mash </a><br /><br />Wed - <a href="http://hobsonhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/01/twice-baked-acorn-squash-and-male.html">Twice Baked Acorn Squash </a><br /><br />Thurs - <a href="http://zoedawn.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/crusty-mexican-bean-bake/">Mexican Bean bake </a><br /><br />Fri - <a href="http://hobsonhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/08/savory-butternut-squash-casserole.html">Butternut squash casserole </a><br /><br />Sat - <a href="http://hobsonhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-times-like-these.html">zucchini lasagna; salad </a><br /><br />Sun- Frittata<br /><br />Mon - <a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/01/whats-for-dinner-next-week-green-chili.html">Green Chili Chicken bake </a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-38551585604936126022011-01-24T16:56:00.000-07:002011-01-24T17:00:23.109-07:00Dad brought these home to celebrate our health<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa_iSD4Ty6GcN_0bkvWmg9kcN0PmyuHg0d_CY2NpyILF9Zbs5j3K4otvWNiJkcPXcWw2gT7Lv0rW0Kg9O_V8PMiT2tShyphenhyphen_-cOgWzXNHuu1ejONUkYyDp6fARJ5JejGGuqkqjSsnVYaQ/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa_iSD4Ty6GcN_0bkvWmg9kcN0PmyuHg0d_CY2NpyILF9Zbs5j3K4otvWNiJkcPXcWw2gT7Lv0rW0Kg9O_V8PMiT2tShyphenhyphen_-cOgWzXNHuu1ejONUkYyDp6fARJ5JejGGuqkqjSsnVYaQ/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565906468953022274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcaRIuEwKQ5ug8HQACzhyphenhyphenhMklu2K6EhyphenhyphendBzp9wrff2Z1Va-Dxo_FkNwlKyf-s823ySTjeJry8T8JjeTCjLAF0-V_pafNol3skewoS3cLc6KraMSA5dtcqKCnpBBbx_qp5x95RZaC5pA/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcaRIuEwKQ5ug8HQACzhyphenhyphenhMklu2K6EhyphenhyphendBzp9wrff2Z1Va-Dxo_FkNwlKyf-s823ySTjeJry8T8JjeTCjLAF0-V_pafNol3skewoS3cLc6KraMSA5dtcqKCnpBBbx_qp5x95RZaC5pA/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565906461430900770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVKq0IcIDKtCXBTvzeBepi3Lm3UIjFPrGpw7PPLA1Oc5oTGg9Tz87qwHHuFKb8wuvk-uPyg0tdp46uGk5u8uGsXE-gYfQ5W_bFRGPA49Akk3TI7J-JhcFuf58edXimdyM1D8ZUgIPOg/s1600/IMG_0287.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVKq0IcIDKtCXBTvzeBepi3Lm3UIjFPrGpw7PPLA1Oc5oTGg9Tz87qwHHuFKb8wuvk-uPyg0tdp46uGk5u8uGsXE-gYfQ5W_bFRGPA49Akk3TI7J-JhcFuf58edXimdyM1D8ZUgIPOg/s320/IMG_0287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565906454375246274" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-47925185909792738542011-01-23T16:31:00.003-07:002011-01-23T17:12:41.656-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">Dad and his girls!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ella 12/10 Sam 3/09<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VNlwab8vEuxDNqGJ-ZjFkTvWqm-QrkaeQpWrJM_-pLrsFqdn_YLCqagtUcY1WqpBcGsdplHAQNdh5ymdS0Ok45qgxEPJno9TwQrH5fp2Ixob3clpn_3eBzOHe8D2A75dxl59_RbQPg/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VNlwab8vEuxDNqGJ-ZjFkTvWqm-QrkaeQpWrJM_-pLrsFqdn_YLCqagtUcY1WqpBcGsdplHAQNdh5ymdS0Ok45qgxEPJno9TwQrH5fp2Ixob3clpn_3eBzOHe8D2A75dxl59_RbQPg/s200/IMG_0274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565529390635724514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMWEzsVsbZPe8BXe8mPjmt_Ukrfrhz1YnJcXV4YfwF2871WYcBVxB5LQZnO8H6bwYwd2Zzfbiy-poWPioc3GW4tJ8Bug9zIo7CJjlSxjyWA_YN-2eZzbEsNCWwr2ggo3Ezyt2K_JItQ/s1600/P1010360.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMWEzsVsbZPe8BXe8mPjmt_Ukrfrhz1YnJcXV4YfwF2871WYcBVxB5LQZnO8H6bwYwd2Zzfbiy-poWPioc3GW4tJ8Bug9zIo7CJjlSxjyWA_YN-2eZzbEsNCWwr2ggo3Ezyt2K_JItQ/s200/P1010360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565536189173507074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our sick girls.<br />Sam got the croup in Dec. 2010, then a BAD cold in Jan. A week later Ella came down with RSV, that BAD cold that is REALLY BAD for infants. We spent one night in the hospital with oxygen support and 3 nights really worrying. We even got to wonder around the house with a long oxygen tube.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1UVnXtqPImf2e4GkS-ZS3a7jCSYirIDYLjuB92oQoZGBou19WmNqJJQw_hifcC18crBcBt77IXE6sPeZjJNWE_dl8yXm2LcSS_SuMrAdfWx5wWp9sU4rfQT8pmNSOSUmqUBS2M2T_w/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1UVnXtqPImf2e4GkS-ZS3a7jCSYirIDYLjuB92oQoZGBou19WmNqJJQw_hifcC18crBcBt77IXE6sPeZjJNWE_dl8yXm2LcSS_SuMrAdfWx5wWp9sU4rfQT8pmNSOSUmqUBS2M2T_w/s200/IMG_0271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565529393822407538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClyeFmpjM01S6_q6BbV_sRmc-yhG15nIiGESvlPCSU1Z3l0geWHUOhXSnevVCYEKoQ07imAxr3Jb_AdfmtGvk19nPHZnVmzJz8B6OdUzGADyXvh-cp70fOYNh_nQ6UqA5bg1bOoM-dw/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClyeFmpjM01S6_q6BbV_sRmc-yhG15nIiGESvlPCSU1Z3l0geWHUOhXSnevVCYEKoQ07imAxr3Jb_AdfmtGvk19nPHZnVmzJz8B6OdUzGADyXvh-cp70fOYNh_nQ6UqA5bg1bOoM-dw/s200/IMG_0278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565536186246516690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Sammie helped daddy shave to keep themselves entertained. Plus they went to pajama storytime with Mr. Cliff at the Library. He reads books and does magic tricks before bedtime. Notice the striped PJs matched with cowgirl boots and pink coat, wonder who chose that outfit?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraP5xysoXOogohnTsBqeAwofnd9A9dXoJH_-8IzGgtnIX8z7tzgmHe4zekfbvNnmyF0M65LbCnu_kgQl5VR-ErvX3n0fm2Maci9H4teMsZgTovAGSgZ5-V6Jvz7LM6kr8TZ_EUFi8_w/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraP5xysoXOogohnTsBqeAwofnd9A9dXoJH_-8IzGgtnIX8z7tzgmHe4zekfbvNnmyF0M65LbCnu_kgQl5VR-ErvX3n0fm2Maci9H4teMsZgTovAGSgZ5-V6Jvz7LM6kr8TZ_EUFi8_w/s200/IMG_0279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565529400075146130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEA7uVRcIZavGJfdyMyCHfdw_N1p25bDXs5aRTZuywTjT-Yl788mzv4o03xp7y6X55HgLM5o2aYbCWsiW6Prm0QNxTx_RPWcEFZarotCyFZUp1fQ3qB8PkvNArBgmfcd2ipUWHqT4VQ/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEA7uVRcIZavGJfdyMyCHfdw_N1p25bDXs5aRTZuywTjT-Yl788mzv4o03xp7y6X55HgLM5o2aYbCWsiW6Prm0QNxTx_RPWcEFZarotCyFZUp1fQ3qB8PkvNArBgmfcd2ipUWHqT4VQ/s200/IMG_0276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565536192603437970" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-10600607693946731342011-01-06T08:58:00.006-07:002011-01-06T09:53:09.139-07:00Moments as these...Well, The entire family got some level of sickness over the last couple of weeks. It all began with Sam and I getting a cold. Then pour Sam got the Croup REALLY BAD. The only fun part was that she got to sleep in a humidifing sheet tent over her bed. Luckily Ella only acquired a little cough, momma's milk is the best!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys3GfvT326eak9aitgv9H6fYEQ78mNG53ICxd9EFUYE1lrpWo77XOzi9BoFTtiaBZUWzry_4SAGOnTz-5h02m-7r-3DNP1v7L1YMrg9fCWLE7sZ4Q9gNLdDm1LkhADjyO_4OcboyOQg/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys3GfvT326eak9aitgv9H6fYEQ78mNG53ICxd9EFUYE1lrpWo77XOzi9BoFTtiaBZUWzry_4SAGOnTz-5h02m-7r-3DNP1v7L1YMrg9fCWLE7sZ4Q9gNLdDm1LkhADjyO_4OcboyOQg/s200/IMG_0256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559103229115912850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />How often do you see a 2 yr old sitting for more than 2 seconds? Wow she was sick!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Soon after, however, she was back to her Diva self.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIwVDHcdlJW_z4WWM20rM6Y5EBTqaV1eFkOwIVgqfYfqQw_6rTIN8KHPcd85FSWecCk5skYrN-VP0kD0eskIGs0YnNbBOS0bj3zKwx2ycA2bn31UoOg-f2YxqpdEJQM05nYofQRcJ3w/s1600/DSC03726_2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIwVDHcdlJW_z4WWM20rM6Y5EBTqaV1eFkOwIVgqfYfqQw_6rTIN8KHPcd85FSWecCk5skYrN-VP0kD0eskIGs0YnNbBOS0bj3zKwx2ycA2bn31UoOg-f2YxqpdEJQM05nYofQRcJ3w/s200/DSC03726_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559104402075817458" border="0" /></a><br />The other day she brought a book to me to read called Frederick. This book happens to be in German, given to her by her Aunt Amie. I stated that I can't read German but would be happy to make up a story. She simply stated that "Amie can read it." We will Skype some day soon and have her read it:)<br /><br /><br />Little Ella is establishing quite the personality of her own. As she learns to control all these flailing body parts all she really wants is to suck her thumb. Unfortunately the arms don't cooperate and she insists with a ton of frustration to not have any help. This makes for some noise before falling asleep for naps.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnnbMR_qwpbPEEI8WxfI9DAgRNvQLAF1HjDaN7Xrq4oNMi2-Lxz223Hbji2mvPDLGbsAPkvXHDX7iUZfWK22sqyPGz0BiINCP2ojnghWoP4eGJFaBfsptFbfla2kL_9DE6yq8puODUw/s1600/1OB_2456.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnnbMR_qwpbPEEI8WxfI9DAgRNvQLAF1HjDaN7Xrq4oNMi2-Lxz223Hbji2mvPDLGbsAPkvXHDX7iUZfWK22sqyPGz0BiINCP2ojnghWoP4eGJFaBfsptFbfla2kL_9DE6yq8puODUw/s200/1OB_2456.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559103223894812146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDJejyCKYJuaJLBn6dq68pMut2ri5PZoLxPLqOIi9QnyWyFRMajQer0YWkoqHrlzBB4NaLrZfb3gIPMDaDarx1ohMRcGTLFvoa0AHbXkkDGRzRYusyvu17nuLkoKJtjM4n8xH-V5KUQ/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDJejyCKYJuaJLBn6dq68pMut2ri5PZoLxPLqOIi9QnyWyFRMajQer0YWkoqHrlzBB4NaLrZfb3gIPMDaDarx1ohMRcGTLFvoa0AHbXkkDGRzRYusyvu17nuLkoKJtjM4n8xH-V5KUQ/s200/IMG_0257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559103384903346370" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-35471717856179557922010-12-22T08:53:00.005-07:002010-12-22T15:02:56.406-07:00Update on the GirlsSam has been the best big sister between her patience and attention to Ella. She really has found a nice balance between being herself and being a sister. She has learned to sing Hush Little Baby (the non-materialistic version by Sylvia Long) and likes to sing it to Ella. The best advancement in her language, and there is a lot of talking going on, is when she learned to pronounce her Ls because of her sisters name. The day she came to the hospital she was sticking her tongue way out when saying Ella's name. I could not figure out why until my sister pointed out that it was the first time she had really used an L. She can say her Ls now without sticking her tongue at you!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeATqCdRjr5Frzutti6KnGXWnIEs-rbHd5o66Xc7RCQNKv_-IrrEFdmE-CPzLQ_VfF5ccFLwN8l8i_PGLylZ5Y2qYwdIkGjUV-e1oe60fk5Q5qtXOGyEpgCa8ODEGXoA3qr2Zjzcey8g/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeATqCdRjr5Frzutti6KnGXWnIEs-rbHd5o66Xc7RCQNKv_-IrrEFdmE-CPzLQ_VfF5ccFLwN8l8i_PGLylZ5Y2qYwdIkGjUV-e1oe60fk5Q5qtXOGyEpgCa8ODEGXoA3qr2Zjzcey8g/s320/IMG_0253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553630203054879426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XjGIysUAwb4IYLKQHVyx0F_s9i9MvpYbjZxIBWtaO-aLdFPGJ3meiBP4AQQJgAxta8gNqYHoW9eweISZzGP-3LOYfK9hQboCOQPQqE-vy1xaos_9oE1zNxgQ9idCCFW0nF3bHcrGmQ/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XjGIysUAwb4IYLKQHVyx0F_s9i9MvpYbjZxIBWtaO-aLdFPGJ3meiBP4AQQJgAxta8gNqYHoW9eweISZzGP-3LOYfK9hQboCOQPQqE-vy1xaos_9oE1zNxgQ9idCCFW0nF3bHcrGmQ/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553630193933268114" border="0" /></a>Ella is growing like a weed and gained 1 lb the first 10 days of life!!! She is a great eater and great sleeper (thank goodness). She started smiling at us on purpose the week of Dec. 13th and sucked her thumb (twice) the eve of Dec 19th. It was so cute to see her joy in finding her thumb, but painful for the ears when she can't find it:)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DhxBxjujgju1x68FkLAeKTmmehRqZCJQcQJNibWpGcf5YiD0mCL01lnrI7rnGWRI0wueg3F9M1HHodqodZuV3zzhbojEU1KmilnL5e6C5DQmhDUGTLaBDXaqzNp-Swvcxr2ha0zYyQ/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DhxBxjujgju1x68FkLAeKTmmehRqZCJQcQJNibWpGcf5YiD0mCL01lnrI7rnGWRI0wueg3F9M1HHodqodZuV3zzhbojEU1KmilnL5e6C5DQmhDUGTLaBDXaqzNp-Swvcxr2ha0zYyQ/s320/IMG_0255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553630204590202866" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-5039524991421630662010-12-03T11:02:00.004-07:002010-12-03T14:44:37.380-07:00Family<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">My sister has been running a blog carnival called <a href="http://iamalivephotos.blogspot.com/">Three Things Thursday</a> as a way to connect with everyone around the globe. She presents a theme and everyone reveals 3 of themselves in relation. Please check it out and participate to let us know more about you!!<br /><br /></div>THREE THINGS ABOUT.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K94tWh9W9fw1qVtGkeDaJEmlKY9-QkRctDKeItO3FyozB9m-yfblThs_hfgMp-2iYDi9IEMyfHgfSC8TIlZRWUpzWgOd_1_UMXgzNi4b19DT4iOIavOgVVeBtNdYGBnXN40CkC3NQg/s1600/Ella_BW_21.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K94tWh9W9fw1qVtGkeDaJEmlKY9-QkRctDKeItO3FyozB9m-yfblThs_hfgMp-2iYDi9IEMyfHgfSC8TIlZRWUpzWgOd_1_UMXgzNi4b19DT4iOIavOgVVeBtNdYGBnXN40CkC3NQg/s320/Ella_BW_21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546520099376080514" border="0" /></a>OUR FAMILY!!<br /><div style="text-align: left;">1. It is amazing to have insightful support from all family members. My husband had the pleasure of taking the month off to bond with our growing family. It passed by too quickly. We just discussed last night how balanced we are with each other, in a way that is incomplete without each other. When I am at my wits end, he is calm and patient, when he is boiling over, I find peace. Is this what God meant as "one!"<br />2. The most insightful has been our babies!! As Sam grows so quickly and learns to manipulate our every move we can't help but learn and grow. Sometimes I wonder if we will be able to keep up with her quick little mind, and feet too!! Ella thankfully has allowed us to slow down and really notice and enjoy each little up and down. It is so nice to really observe the infant stage without worrying about just keeping them alive!<br />3. Our parents, the grandparents, just want to be the legs of our table as we find our balance. They wish to help and hold us up with all the mundane chores while ever so slightly guiding us through listening.<br />Thank you to all our family and friends for participating in our journey:)<br /></div></div>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-38444516913634229172010-11-16T14:46:00.012-07:002010-11-18T15:55:20.641-07:00Blessings II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKTSqVFCc3szjyGZbybURgQQpuLVlXusFCEkMl4dTF9q_A2AUu_VgknkZdDXRjuvKFPqT_NLe73LKUSpp1esECSWKSGLQ-9ZX0HSRhD6IPD-kW750zMfeiMATdd5Lp8UYa3eeWOYOSw/s1600/1OB_2426.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKTSqVFCc3szjyGZbybURgQQpuLVlXusFCEkMl4dTF9q_A2AUu_VgknkZdDXRjuvKFPqT_NLe73LKUSpp1esECSWKSGLQ-9ZX0HSRhD6IPD-kW750zMfeiMATdd5Lp8UYa3eeWOYOSw/s200/1OB_2426.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541019775575246658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfpkTMGqBwHLeBECFEbfq3Q7ty_6-_V4Kfo10f5QEv3usEWy3Wrb5jYh963mJBhts3Uy2cNnIE_HGealgp2KManLpxeytOA2A1VfodAI4I5FDdovg43VKGvukvramuAWZHGcF1NqUYA/s1600/1OB_2408.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfpkTMGqBwHLeBECFEbfq3Q7ty_6-_V4Kfo10f5QEv3usEWy3Wrb5jYh963mJBhts3Uy2cNnIE_HGealgp2KManLpxeytOA2A1VfodAI4I5FDdovg43VKGvukvramuAWZHGcF1NqUYA/s200/1OB_2408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541019769993686722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ella Lorraine O'Brien<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We did a blessing for Ella with the immediate family here in Colorado. Present were Grams and Pop pop O'Brien, Grandma and Grandpa Cribley, and Aunt/Uncle McCracken. We placed the hoopa </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">with our wedding cloth draped over the top</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> in our living room with beautiful light and out of the cold winter day. AJ read a poem he wrote and everyone else gave blessings both traditional and from their hearts. Our loving families desire the best for this new gracious little girl!</span></span><br /></div>Your Dad wrote and read to you...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">What is a name like Ella Lorraine?</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Ella was the name that we initially agreed,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />while Lorraine was the name after a special great Aunt to me!!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Ella Lorraine you arrived with minimal pain in a dream like state,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />While your parents looked at you in a wondrous stare with mouths agape.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />We were dying to meet you<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Your sister Sammy couldn't wait to squeeze you!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />The past 9 months of not knowing who you were or what you would be was a mystery,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />But the mere illusion of Dad knowing was the ultimate hilarity.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />You were asleep when I first saw your face,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />As your nurse Diana pulled you of your comfy space.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I will never forget when you were presented to me,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />With the lingering question, well is it a he or a she?</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />In that point in time it was hard to get past,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />All the poop that covered your bare a__!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Everyone was looking at me with pure excitement to be,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />It's a girl I said with pure glee,!!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />It's another girl to complete me.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />You and your sister are everything I have hoped for and more,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />I cannot wait to mess with the boys that arrive at our front door!!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Your name will always bring me a smile,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">and I pray that our families' journey will take a long...long while.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />In closing I'd like to say,<br />Thank you for being my dream come true</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">each and every day!!</span><br /><br /><br />Poppop O'Brien read...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ella your first name is of German origin your second from the French. What you don't know is your great, great Grandmother on your father's side was Ella, short for Ellen. Your Great Grandmother's sister was named Lorraine. Both of these people were examples of love and generosity to others. They helped those in need during the financial depression and a depression that comes from within. May this tradition of love and generosity to others follow you all the days of your life. Let the smiles of all who gaze upon you bring you the warmth that comes from love and kindness to others. It is said that of all things important, the most important is love. As we look upon your family this day you can see and feel that this is true.</span><br /><br />Albert read....<br />Deuteronomy 6:3-9<br /><br />Grandpa Cribley read the following...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikhYff7Dqg36NF27gTUjSYylwFiSDv65lBIyPV_bw-AbjsKsWRvOOXNeAUCQwRrFJucYmrWlsey2hg0gNJT-1A-KKLcnO3ZyhezwHtN352imoEvc6bV-wCfBY34hYbc-VU7rZkU9bzw/s1600/Ella+Blessing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikhYff7Dqg36NF27gTUjSYylwFiSDv65lBIyPV_bw-AbjsKsWRvOOXNeAUCQwRrFJucYmrWlsey2hg0gNJT-1A-KKLcnO3ZyhezwHtN352imoEvc6bV-wCfBY34hYbc-VU7rZkU9bzw/s320/Ella+Blessing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541021297834000194" border="0" /></a></span></span></span>Grandpa also helped Sam to read...<br />Sister Samantha's Blessing<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A sister is a special gift<br />given by Yahweh<br />who understands<br />our need<br />for someone<br />who can be even<br />closer<br />than a friend<br />that<br />is why Yahweh Gave us sister's<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Grandparent's Blessing<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed is Ella who comes in Yahweh's name<br />You are blessed from this house of Yahweh</span></span></span><br /><br />We all read...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">May Yahweh make you like Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah<br />May Yahweh bless you and safeguard you<br />May Yahweh show kindness and be gracious to you<br />May Yahweh turn his countenance to you and establish Shalom for you<br /></span></div>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-28176236484833456002010-11-03T15:21:00.005-06:002010-11-03T19:51:35.787-06:00DeliveryThe end of October was a busy month, too busy to be having a baby. AJ celebrated his 40th on the 28th and I had to prank the silly guy. We did manage to have a wonderful family day to celebrate his getting old and with the help of his friend Chris I managed to do a little something to his beloved Camaro. Unfortunately he was quick to figure out that the reason the car wouldn't start was sabotage and not the oil and broken parts underneath. Chris did a great job and we at least got his blood pressure up for a few minutes, he thought his racing was over until he could afford a new engine. Anyway, we love you Mr. Comic and hope you enjoyed your 40th!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8hUY8rwC8rJVACWWRy_rzoTvOUDe3HX8Rl8_JUO2IQb0nRdxquYwzZt7acinrX5DiF24-d6vL9f2nwaR2MY7A3eTjMXfFLqVV-lC__wkld0wjoNa3Ux3dqoEu9JIz07cul4wb8k3jg/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8hUY8rwC8rJVACWWRy_rzoTvOUDe3HX8Rl8_JUO2IQb0nRdxquYwzZt7acinrX5DiF24-d6vL9f2nwaR2MY7A3eTjMXfFLqVV-lC__wkld0wjoNa3Ux3dqoEu9JIz07cul4wb8k3jg/s200/IMG_0184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535505371597018498" border="0" /></a>Of course the best birthday present came the next day when.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5e45JVIbEBr75WxMkqsBHetw7yEQc3xStq6kWUpwwmEwh7yvZODW5IMui0fYT8hXuymRnVcGYWpNgI2gkJTsdJlsjdQSqHDosKuTkNz6TXAp0qWlVh1xAkw1zziy4gZXb8k2Z-uJnqQ/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5e45JVIbEBr75WxMkqsBHetw7yEQc3xStq6kWUpwwmEwh7yvZODW5IMui0fYT8hXuymRnVcGYWpNgI2gkJTsdJlsjdQSqHDosKuTkNz6TXAp0qWlVh1xAkw1zziy4gZXb8k2Z-uJnqQ/s200/IMG_0217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535505395411506194" border="0" /></a>Around 3 pm AJ decided to go to the gym while Sam and I took naps....only I wasn't napping because my belly began seriously contracting consistently every 15-20 minutes apart. Keep in mind that I had a midwife appointment that morning and at 10:30 am I was only 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I certainly was not thinking anything would be happening that day. By the time AJ got home we were stopping to breath deeply about every 10-15 minutes. AJ kicked into labor coach, adorned the stop watch and began preparing. We needed to pick up our CSA veggies and I wanted to have dinner before going anywhere (we all know that the hospitals don't feed you). So the entire family, including Sadie, jumped in the car. It wasn't so bad, I just had to BREATH every 10 minutes or so. We got home and AJ grilled some chicken while Sam helped my prepared some roasted spaghetti squash. As we ate and debated taking showers the spasms came every 5 minutes or so and my thighs began to quiver. Grandma was quickly called to take over Sam and Sadie (Sam had her first sleepover!!) and we jumped in the car. I called our midwife Diana to let her know we were on our way. She was still in Littleton and said she would meet us at the hospital. She was especially excited because she left for Hawaii the next day and thought she would miss the second babies delivery all together.<br /><br />We checked into the hospital around 7:20pm and were in the room being checked by Diana at around 7:30. She couldn't believe it, I was 9 cm dilated and ready to push.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWXGLDnzcPiHlJ0G14Ovt3CCbagx1D5GkBTHqbbvnuyvJQA4QYlZg17sjhbR6L3J40ZUPe9SDXH8EpfIaWTcTMb2fBNjjpJBTSdpvHjzzAJa0ayDZ7t_jc_KbXofmX4ptszQ8xzwsqg/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWXGLDnzcPiHlJ0G14Ovt3CCbagx1D5GkBTHqbbvnuyvJQA4QYlZg17sjhbR6L3J40ZUPe9SDXH8EpfIaWTcTMb2fBNjjpJBTSdpvHjzzAJa0ayDZ7t_jc_KbXofmX4ptszQ8xzwsqg/s200/IMG_0191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535505381303661730" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ms. Ella Lorraine was born at 8:27pm, October 29th, 2010.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-_ewxe_qRJqri26cIJ4AsCVnyrZDtpOPWOE6Cr2incIY6dUTJf0x75ChpC1Yp6SXgE-5AUbu7WyxwEhCnzVnfFu_Gabe9Nbb7eRCnHSORDjVMnEmwC1B1tsVjdMnRMe7zg-iJ2JGjw/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-_ewxe_qRJqri26cIJ4AsCVnyrZDtpOPWOE6Cr2incIY6dUTJf0x75ChpC1Yp6SXgE-5AUbu7WyxwEhCnzVnfFu_Gabe9Nbb7eRCnHSORDjVMnEmwC1B1tsVjdMnRMe7zg-iJ2JGjw/s200/IMG_0207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535505385601574530" border="0" /></a></div>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-20993440454291592702010-11-03T08:27:00.004-06:002010-11-03T08:43:35.310-06:00Pictures by Cora KempBefore we talk about the glorious expansion of our blessed family we must reveal some fabulous pictures taken by our friend Cora at <a href="http://corakemp.com/">CkempShoot Photography</a>. We spent a few hours at Chatfield Botanical Gardens capturing Sam's 2 year Birthday and Mom's 8th month pregnant belly. Please enjoy and if anyone in Colorado wants a fun photographer please consider Cora!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaM0gNV7Ibm6c8EUpYFqxotIIDAwcHgiBOnnigzaPUwtFXSCt1wazEUtFPxQ2DASyDf6NZ8v9V2uprW4D_27eVc0-zIddYiK9kl53u3TRrXS6C6D64NPEjwHUqq2IkNCNeGVrNtqDeg/s1600/092710_Kelli-41_2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaM0gNV7Ibm6c8EUpYFqxotIIDAwcHgiBOnnigzaPUwtFXSCt1wazEUtFPxQ2DASyDf6NZ8v9V2uprW4D_27eVc0-zIddYiK9kl53u3TRrXS6C6D64NPEjwHUqq2IkNCNeGVrNtqDeg/s200/092710_Kelli-41_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535332944514657650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY5NFh-N8B_Kay16AR_MFESGH82zUK3uzszbiK6wYgT3o66j7d0ZuaXiA9lvw_4V6kH6fbEJ3T4OCbHjiEKQjymLUVo9Q1J-4nGe2FXtBfwJdKJsZfEkBhVvbi9G0uVS_dweDZ5Q__g/s1600/092710_Kelli-75_2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY5NFh-N8B_Kay16AR_MFESGH82zUK3uzszbiK6wYgT3o66j7d0ZuaXiA9lvw_4V6kH6fbEJ3T4OCbHjiEKQjymLUVo9Q1J-4nGe2FXtBfwJdKJsZfEkBhVvbi9G0uVS_dweDZ5Q__g/s200/092710_Kelli-75_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535333691066013906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LXGCgR4oQiZBIiczSvLbg4MLBMCQ5JI35YUurPLgyfh7Cq1997Oa2aXRpF58HdSCOigm8yCgtzT8AA_gpqgMvB31hkL9m_s5dbYdq1K4qwEWtroMBzmNj_KoXU9T4zRyZqUJ0LnypA/s1600/092710_Kelli-57_2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LXGCgR4oQiZBIiczSvLbg4MLBMCQ5JI35YUurPLgyfh7Cq1997Oa2aXRpF58HdSCOigm8yCgtzT8AA_gpqgMvB31hkL9m_s5dbYdq1K4qwEWtroMBzmNj_KoXU9T4zRyZqUJ0LnypA/s200/092710_Kelli-57_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535332961270516450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxQPgzfF9ScZ6yyRdRbSIfDREIg9TUjLSG2zLhESvst6a41RqTHfcXsztiG-HJlZ_YkqdeFgQgxAAiQ_lFrvuxxmycBwptviUI4cnxQ4h7XY34VTUww5tSqCQ7Y2Xt2dfJvWfLnLHvQ/s1600/092710_Kelli-14_2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxQPgzfF9ScZ6yyRdRbSIfDREIg9TUjLSG2zLhESvst6a41RqTHfcXsztiG-HJlZ_YkqdeFgQgxAAiQ_lFrvuxxmycBwptviUI4cnxQ4h7XY34VTUww5tSqCQ7Y2Xt2dfJvWfLnLHvQ/s200/092710_Kelli-14_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535333705845674130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU53GDAJa5ipSIjJJ9EvEavg-hqQ_-Fn0gwUc89Hx6GrK0g5sqs4qlhBlxiuYEWPSiaxQd8npIx_qvhXScg5-szbctxCYzglDXbaBZkC9Kq7fy83Qb24wgLaszttG-UKlKXkbEWDdiQ/s1600/092710_Kelli-142_2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU53GDAJa5ipSIjJJ9EvEavg-hqQ_-Fn0gwUc89Hx6GrK0g5sqs4qlhBlxiuYEWPSiaxQd8npIx_qvhXScg5-szbctxCYzglDXbaBZkC9Kq7fy83Qb24wgLaszttG-UKlKXkbEWDdiQ/s200/092710_Kelli-142_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535332953874557314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3vDl21NL0ob89Lmq-0nF7GjjE3GFy6AJvD2dYrOdCnzr7KJ-naDl_95E109pin4pwwB_M6RZaf-EzN5U1BLRb8u_sNG6TNDVzLDj0Gt_5cyP0mjrIhmWbDRjyuphxIf2fXTpkc4zyg/s1600/092710_Kelli-164_2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3vDl21NL0ob89Lmq-0nF7GjjE3GFy6AJvD2dYrOdCnzr7KJ-naDl_95E109pin4pwwB_M6RZaf-EzN5U1BLRb8u_sNG6TNDVzLDj0Gt_5cyP0mjrIhmWbDRjyuphxIf2fXTpkc4zyg/s200/092710_Kelli-164_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535333711786508658" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-45852838517230995312010-11-01T10:41:00.004-06:002010-11-01T10:43:30.960-06:00Ella Lorraine Arrived!!!We will post stories and pictures in the next few days. Thank you to everyone for the notes and especially THANK YOU to Grandma and Grandpa Cribley for their help with Sam, Sadie, feeding us for 2 nights and just being around:) I'm off to rest with Ella, Dad and Sam attempted Storytime to get Sam out of the house for some sort of normal.O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4558752877858354748.post-70818296154925154272010-10-13T17:43:00.002-06:002010-10-13T17:46:29.309-06:00Pictures of the GirlsJust wanted to take an almost 37 week belly picture and then Sadie and Sam wanted in on the action!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2Ql5lq83a3OriDJZivHTpTiWOAj_f5rHu6SGTmisBqXwfs5Umc-f_a82Yc0Ca4bQ9QjNwHr3kY6_6t1G8A0XE8jGnXhrhzuMB7g-81WZpl1tP9BKjb2GK6NReVKrSVK99DULCgtA-g/s1600/MyPicture-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2Ql5lq83a3OriDJZivHTpTiWOAj_f5rHu6SGTmisBqXwfs5Umc-f_a82Yc0Ca4bQ9QjNwHr3kY6_6t1G8A0XE8jGnXhrhzuMB7g-81WZpl1tP9BKjb2GK6NReVKrSVK99DULCgtA-g/s320/MyPicture-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527681185994568034" border="0" /></a>O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18385689859965073018noreply@blogger.com1