tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316481462024-03-13T07:11:43.249-07:00To Everything There is a SeasonUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-30370218830968738922011-09-27T07:43:00.000-07:002011-09-27T11:44:19.645-07:00Slideshow of Salzburg<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a59354d5445794d444d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a59354d5445794d444d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">Customize a <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/slideshows.html" target="_blank">free slideshow design</a></td></tr></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-20917654455540802332011-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:002011-09-07T19:39:51.693-07:00The final sessionWell, this wonderful experience has come to a close and I find myself back home again wondering if the last 6 weeks were just a dream. I honestly still can't believe that I had this opportunity! This experience has made a deep impact on me that will affect the rest of my career and journey in music. I will forever be grateful to dear Charlotte Shedd and the Austrian American Society of Wilmington, DE. I am also deeply grateful for all of my wonderful friends and family that either donated money or time to help me take care of my children while I was gone. With that said, I suppose I'd better give you an update!<br /><br />Originally, I was signed up for Barbara Bonney's Masterclass. I didn't realize at the time of enrollment that she would only be available for one week of the last two week session. During the second session I received some valuable information that led me to change professors. I changed to Kurt Widmer's Masterclass and will forever be grateful for that decision! The things I learned from Prof. Widmer made such an impact on me in so many more ways than just my singing technique. He reminded me of the reason I do what I do! And that is to communicate with others and hopefully make a positive lasting impact. He taught me to give myself permission to get out of my head and tap into my heart. When working with him, I became free from the pursuit of perfection and was able to allow my soul to lead. Ironically, by just letting go it was amazing to see the difference in the quality of my sound. It was a magical experience that is really hard to describe unless you had been there. I literally witness miracles every day I went to class. I observed students from all ages and abilities completely blossom under his touch. It was quite moving actually. I'll never forget the tears coming down the cheeks of one of his students after one of my sessions. I felt the same watching him work with others. I've never seen a teacher of singing with such patience, gentleness, and genuine love and caring for people. He worked tirelessly to make sure each student had his fair share of time with him. A difficult feat with 24 students!<br /><br />Kurt Widmer's approach is completely revolutionary! Besides his obvious love for his students and teaching, he has created an approach to teaching technique that gets to the very heart of what making music is all about. Rather than focusing on mistakes and correcting them, he provides an environment in which the student can allow the sound to come organically. He believes that if a student is too caught up in perfection, he/she will be too much in the head thus becoming more tense and not able to access the maximum beauty of sound. Since he spoke very little English, my German skills were put to the test and I had to work extra hard at listening and watching in order to understand his philosophy. If one were to come and observe a session without knowing anything about him, they would think his approach a bit silly at times. He will go through great lengths using various props and physical actions to keep the student flowing freely within his/her body. As I observed other students I began to see a pattern with the props he used and realized that he had this method down to a complete science. He knew just what each student needed in order to get them singing freely. I hope the pictures I've posted gives a bit of an idea of what I was doing.<br /><br />There was one particular session that really made an impact on me. He had me singing Csardas with one leg sticking out behind me balancing on my right foot. With my left hand on the table for stability, he had me articulate the rhythms on the table with my right hand using a wide range of space on the table. I was sweating profusely as it was really difficult. Periodically he would push my leg up higher into the air with out warning. Obviously, I wouldn't be doing these crazy antics while I'm actually performing, but it forced me to be completely free in my whole body while adding the necessary energy. I was really amazed at how differently my body felt when singing this way. The sound was much more brilliant yet I could hardly feel a thing in my larynx/jaw/mouth. It was almost like an out of body experience where I was sitting across the room watching myself and marveling at the sounds coming out of me. I remember thinking to myself, "I didn't know you could do that!". At first I found myself fighting against him as I didn't trust that my voice would speak while doing all these crazy things. But as soon as I had the courage to let go and do something different, I experience a complete transformation. Little did he know that one of my biggest struggles in life was learning out to let go and let God. I can be a bit of a control freak and and inhibit myself in the process. When I say that his work with me touched me on many levels, I mean that I could apply what he was teaching me to how I approach my whole life. Again, it's a bit difficult to explain.<br /><br />I was able to sing in another Academy concert on Monday night the 24th. I sang really well and felt that I was able to apply my work with Prof. Widmer. It as also fun to have a large crowd of friends in the audience cheering me on. Brian Stone, one of the judges of this year's competition, happened to be in Salzburg on a scholarship of his own from and Austrian American Society in New York. He was able to attend both concerts of mine this summer and attended several of my masterclasses. It was very nice to have someone from home for support. I also had several people that I had become friends with at the church in Salzburg come to my concerts.<br />For this last session, Prof. Widmer had given me a P which meant that he was recommending me for the final prize concert. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the concert. At first I was upset but in the end remembered that all things happen for a reason. Widmer made a point to pull me aside and told me I have perfect technique and am a beautiful singer but that my age may have been a problem. It was sweet of him to say. I mostly felt bad because I wanted to make the Society proud and bring an accomplishment home with me. What I have gained from this experience is far more valuable then singing on any prize concert or competition. I don't know what my future holds in the professional world, but I know that this experience has been instrumental in preparing me for whatever lies ahead.<br /><br />I was able to continue my work with Giovanni Ceto. He was so generous with his time and did not charge me a penny for our work. He took me under his wing and completely transformed my Italian pronunciation. My work with him has definitely taken me to the next level. It was a blessing that I wasn't at all expecting. He will always be a dear friend and I was very sad to say goodbye to him.<br /><br />Here are some final thoughts on my experience in Salzburg:<br />I love the food especially the chocolate, bread, and cheeses. I love the beauty and richness of culture and history in that little city. I love the legacy that Mozart left for the entire world that will last until the end of time. I'm amazed how one man could make such a lasting impact on the world. I want to be like that! I love all of the lovely people that I met and will hopefully remain friends with. I loved the exposure to so many cultures and languages under one roof. Image this, a Bulgarian Soprano talking to a Venezuelan in German, who would then translate the information into English for the Taiwanese Student at the piano! Totally amazing! I love the discoveries and changes I made in my voice and in my spirit. I come home to my family a new and improved version of myself. Forever changed for the better. I'm looking forward to seeing the members of the Austrian American Society again and performing the "Danke" concert this Fall. Stay tuned for a slide show of pictures!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-38016362803471328862011-08-13T12:24:00.000-07:002011-08-13T14:54:05.102-07:00Session 2-Mozarteum Summer AcademyWell, I said goodbye to my husband who went home to relieve the grandparents. I moved into a new apartment and felt like I was starting all over again with this second session. These past two weeks I feel that I've undergone a transformation emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It's hard to describe how certain periods of your life can be both aggravating and enlightening at the same time. But I'm sure that many can understand what I mean. For it is through the struggles that we see the most growth in ourselves.
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<br />I have learned not to place expectations on anything that hasn't happened yet. I am learning to allow life to flow more freely rather than try to force or prod unnaturally. I have learned that sometimes when we approach life with too much force and intensity we can look beyond the mark and find ourselves far way from our target. It can go the other way as well. If we are too timid and live our lives in constant fear, we fall short of our target. Finding a balance is truly the key. I have found tremendous comfort in my relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. Living the single life these past weeks has given me time to reflect and nourish the relationship with them and myself. I have been blessed to witness small miracles these past two weeks. Not only in myself but with others. This has testified to me that there is a God in heaven that loves and is mindful of each and every one of us.
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<br />I am filled with gratitude that God has blessed me with the gift of song. It brings me so much joy and it never ceases to amaze me the sounds that the body is capable of producing. I have enjoyed the tremendous talent of those around me as well. I have made some wonderful friends that I hope to be in contact with in the future and perhaps collaborate with professionally. I have been so blessed to have worked with such wonderful talent and brilliant individuals such as Piernay and Anna Tomowa-Sintow. Anna is truly amazing as she still sings amazingly well for a woman in her 70's. She is extremely alert and incredibly knowledgeable. Her ability to vocally demonstrate difficult passages to illustrate what she wants a singer to do is really quite amazing. I found Piernay to be the same. Absolutely brilliant! Most singers their age no longer have any voice. I feel that my voice has gone up yet another level even since Prof. Piernay. I should tell people that I actually went to "finishing" school this summer. For that is how I truly feel! I feel that this experience is giving me the finishing touches that will prepare me to be successful in the professional world. When I approach the audition circuit this fall, I will feel completely ready and confident.
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<br />The first week of this second session was very rough. I found myself with a very bad attitude as the week progressed. I suppose Piernay left me spoiled with the amount of time he worked with me. Ms. Tomowa-Sintow auditioned us on Tuesday and didn't start class until Thursday. We only had 3 1/2 hrs per day with 14 singers to share that time. In the end I only got 4 lessons of about 20-25 min. each. It was difficult to communicate with her because her english is not good and my german and italian is even worse. I felt like I didn't connect with her as I did with Piernay or other teachers in the past because of the language barrier. So, I was very irritated the first week. It's not really like me to be so negative but it was really eating at me. And to make matters worse, I really don't appreciate diva behavior. It doesn't matter how famous a person is, it's not all about them! So, you get the picture that I had a really bad attitude! In spite of that, I made sure to be prepared and I sang well for her and really tried to apply what she was teaching me. I make it a regular habit to steer clear of negative thinking. So, I made a sincere effort to get off my high horse and really focus on the small amount of time I did have with her. When I changed my approach, my level of performance improved immensely when I became teachable. I'm so grateful I did because now I can walk away from this experience with no regrets. I owe it to myself and all those that made it possible for me to be here to make the most of this experience.
<br />Part of the stress also came from me putting pressure on myself to get noticed while I am here. The past two sessions, I have felt somewhat overlooked since I was not considered for the academy concerts where they choose individuals to participate in the culminating competition that will happen at the end of August. I have been getting attention from many but it seemed that the person that makes the final decision, has not had an opportunity to hear me sing. I really want to get some positive exposure while I am here that can open some doors for me professionally. I eventually came to the conclusion that if I do my best, than what is meant to happen will happen. I've always felt that God had a purpose for my voice. He's ultimately in charge and I can't try to force things.
<br />Although, I was very proud of myself because yesterday, I made some really good networking contacts. One particular individual has noticed me throughout the weeks and has some influence with the director of the summer academy. I basically asked her what I needed to do to be considered for the final concert/competition. She said that I was not on the prior concerts because they were aware that I was here on scholarship and could not be considered for the stipend prize that was being given away. She agreed that because of that, the Director of the Summer Academy had not had an opportunity to hear me as a result. She has agreed to speak with him and to find a way for me to sing for him. We also discussed other possibilites of working with each other in the future. I'm not typically very good at self promoting, but the opportunity presented itself and I was proud of myself for taking advantage of it!
<br />I realize that all I can do is continue to work hard and sing well every time I have a chance to perform. And that's what I intend to do.
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<br />Now, for a few details on Anna Tomowa-Sintow's teaching style. Her main focus was for all of us to begin singing a Mozart piece. She says "Mozart is very eemportant for za pozition" in her lovely bulgarian accent. What she means is that Mozart helps the singer find the right alignment in the voice which then prepares them for the rest of the operatic repertoire. She really focused on getting every singer to keep the voice in line throughout the scale without changing vocal position. She taught mostly by demonstration and images. She was very efficient and really got incredible results in all of the singers in a very short period of time. She had a very intense diva energy about her that was a bit interesting. But her approach with the student was loving and encouraging yet strict. During our final class concert this evening, she was very mother-henish with everyone, which I find a bit intrusive at times.( But that's just me). She went around to everyone and gave them their pep talk. Then when each person sang, she was in the wings mouthing the words and making faces or commenting about the tempo being too slow or fast. Then afterwards, she had words of wisdom for each individual. I'm sure she said something nice to me because she was smiling, but it was in Italian and I didn't understand a word. I think she might have said something about contining with the freedom of sound. The only words I picked out were "continuomo" and "Libera". I really need to brush up on my language skills! Ah well,...perhaps that will be my next project.
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<br />Now I must tell you about my new friend Giovanni Ceto. He is this wonderful crazy Italian that kind of scared me at first. After my audition for this session, he made the point to congratulate me on my beautiful instrument. Then he proceeded to tell me that my Italian pronunciation stinks! I didn't quite know how to respond to that because no one has ever told me that! But of course coming from a native Italian, I'm sure it seems pretty bad. Anyway, I sort of forgot about him and went about my week. We'll one day, I am standing outside of the old Mozarteum building and here is this man hanging out the window flagging me down, motioning for me to come to him in his office. I went, apprehensively because he was kind of intense. I find out that he is actually a professor/teacher of Italian pronunciation who coaches singers and has studied with all kinds of famous people in the business. He asked me why I never came to him for lessons after he talked to me that day. I proceeded to tell him that I had no money to pay him for his services. He said that he came to me and would like to help me. He has been coaching me on the side out of the goodness of his heart. In the short time I have worked with him, my Italian pronunciation has improved immensely and it has really transformed my singing and my approach to learning music. In the past, I have been more prone to learn the notes and rhythms first then the words and then the translation. When you approach the music from the text first, it completely changes things. I almost feel silly that I didn't know this sooner! Better late than never I say!Although I have known him only a short while, I think I have found a friend for life as I will always be grateful for his gift and generosity.
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<br />I'm loving my Yoga class as well. I'm becoming very zen these days. I love the whole philosophy and it makes such a difference in my singing technique and my approach to the psychological aspect of performing. I'm seriously considering becoming certified in Yoga. I feel it would be a tremendous supplement to my performing.
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<br />So, all in all, I have had a lovely experience this second session. I have grown so much in many aspects. I'm starting to feel like a regular citizen now. I know the city well and still marvel at it's beauty. The food is absolutely marvelous! Especially the bread and cheese. There are quaint little cafe's and bakeries around every corner. I'm trying to stick to the groceries in my little refrigerator so that I don't come home bigger than when I left! the public transportation is extremely convenient and always on time. I also haven't been too homesick as I have seen how happy and well taken care of my children have been. My in-laws did an incredible job of taking care of them! I will be forever grateful to them! I'm so happy that my children had that bonding time with them. I found that my biggest fears of this experience have not been an issue at all. And I really owe that to my in-laws. My favorite words that I receive in a text message often is Palmer says, "skype Mommy!". That's when I know I have a skype date that evening. I have pictures but will not be able to post them until I get home because the memory card in my camera only fits my husband's computer. Perhaps I will do a slide show of my summer when I get home for all to see.
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<br />Well, on to the 3rd and last session! Stay tuned!
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-16087031369883352542011-07-31T08:45:00.001-07:002011-07-31T08:53:01.323-07:00Salzburg Update<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLTXw1N55hQ/TjV5uepw4wI/AAAAAAAAAqI/RlKquM38HiI/s1600/DSCF0898.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLTXw1N55hQ/TjV5uepw4wI/AAAAAAAAAqI/RlKquM38HiI/s320/DSCF0898.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635544348133221122" /></a><br />The last two weeks have been a whirlwind and a total dream! I have enjoyed walking the streets of this beautiful city everyday to and from class. Music is in the air in every direction. And the diversity of people is fantastic! However, I really need to avoid the Backerei's on every corner!<div><br /></div><div>My voice has essentially experienced a revolution. Thanks to Rudolf Piernay, I feel I have the final piece to the puzzle that I have been missing in my singing. This revolution has also opened up a plethora of repertoire that I never thought possible before. It has been so nice to work at such a high level. Prof. Piernay really focused intensely on every little detail. I feel that I can approach my music with a greater depth of understanding that I did not possess before. During the last two weeks, he has uncovered my true voice and has given me more understanding of the possibilities of the beauty of sound that my instrument is capable of. It's really quite exciting! It is kind of like carrying around a beautiful rock all your life only to discover that it's a diamond or a ruby! I feel so blessed and find so much joy in this discovery.<div><div><br /></div><div>I should back up and explain a bit better what happens with these masterclasses. The first day of the two week session, all of the singers enrolled in the class audition for the teacher/professor. The Professor then decides who will be an active participant and who will not. At that point, a schedule is made where each student will get private lessons, coaching/rehearsal with the pianist, and masterclass performance time. Everyday is full of getting instruction, observing other students, and practicing. Most of the Vocal masterclasses are held in the old Mozarteum building which is right next to the famous Mirabell Garden where parts of The Sound of Music was filmed.</div><div><br /></div><div>The students in the class were from all over the world including Romania, Russia, Korea, Switzerland, and Poland. It has been so interesting to see so many cultures in the same room trying to communicate about the universal language of music. In the end, we are all very much the same. We just speak different languages. I have enjoyed observing lessons in German and French as well as English. Although my German language speaking skills are very limited, I'm starting to understand more and more. The Austrian's speak German very differently than the Germans so they are harder to understand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along with the voice instruction, I had the opportunity to take an Alexander Technique class along with a few Yoga sessions. Both classes have made a tremendous difference in how I approach the act of singing. I have a completely different perspective of the way my body should be engaged physically while I am performing. I've learned how to be more efficient in my movements in order to make the optimum quality of sound possible. I also love how I feel as I am being encouraged to become more centered in both body and soul.</div><div><br /></div><div>This last Monday evening, we were delighted to run into our dear friend Brian Stone who is also in Salzburg on a grant from another American Austrian society in New York. He conducted the orchestra for the recent Die Fledermaus I performed at UD this past Spring. It was really fun to see a familiar face!</div><div><br /></div><div>We were also surprised by a brief visit from Bob Demers the president of The Austrian American Society of Wilmington, DE (the society that has granted me this opportunity). The just popped in to one of my classes one day. I wasn't at all expecting him to be in Austria! It was quite a surprise! He was here visiting his daughter. My husband and I were joking that he came to make sure I didn't take the money and run! (Just teasing Bob!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I finished this first session by performing in the final Academy Concert that was on Friday evening. I sang Come Scoglio from Cosi fan Tutte by Mozart. I felt really good about the performance although I certainly didn't remember everything that Prof. Piernay taught me. In the end, I chose to commit to my character and connect with the audience. That is where the most fun is for me. After the concert, I was walking out the door and going over my performance in my head making a note of the all the things I didn't do properly. I am always my own worst critic! Anyway, a young girl and her mother stopped me and asked for my autograph. I didn't quite know how to respond to that but it certainly gave me a nice self esteem boost! I absolutely love performing but I get somewhat uncomfortable with the attention I receive afterwards. My greatest thrill is the magical connection between myself and the audience. I'm always happy to know they received something positive from my performance.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will be saying goodbye to my husband in two short days and will begin another session. I will also be changing apartments so I feel like I'm starting all over again in a way. I am missing my children but have been happy to know they are having a blast with Grandparents back at home. How blessed I am to be having this experience! Who would have thought that a country bumpkin from Deer Park, WA and a mother of three would be granted a dream opportunity like this! Thank again to everyone that has helped make this possible!</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-78663102618608759202011-07-15T10:21:00.001-07:002011-07-16T00:44:12.873-07:00Jet lag stinks!<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8KNDpE_jS4/TiB7I7Nz8dI/AAAAAAAAAo4/j39y-I7VRA4/s320/DSCF0853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629634927477912018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div>Since I have never been outside of the United States, I didn't really know what to expect when it comes to jet lag. I have to say that getting one's body on a new clock is kind of a weird experience. Anyone that knows me very well, knows that I don't handle no sleep. I had to force myself to stay awake yesterday and go to bed Austrian time. After spending the day getting to know the city, registering at the Mozarteum, and buying groceries, I could only make it to 7pm Austrian time before I hit the pillow hard. I woke up at 2am only to realize I should still be sleeping! Now if I can just get used to the new mattress, that will be great!<div><br /></div><div>Also, when I realized that most everyone speaks mostly German it was a bit of a culture shock. I'm kind of regretting that I didn't find more time to study the language. It's really weird when you walk through a crowd saying "Excuse Me" in English and everyone looks at you with a totally blank stare. I'm sure I'll catch on to more of the basics as time goes on. I'm a person who thrives on connecting with people so this will be tough at first.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel a little better this evening (24hrs. later). We made sure to get out and about to see a few things before the real work begins on Monday. Today we hiked up to the Festung Hohensalzburg which is the big fortress on the hill above the city. It was quite a hike bu</div><div>t it felt good to get some exercise in. We also found a cute little cafe on the cliffs near the fortress called, Gasthaus Stadtalm. The food was delicious and very authentic. While I enjoyed some wonderful Weinerschnitzel, Rob tried not to get stung. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the bee on the rim of Rob's glass of water. It was getting too friendly with our food so I killed it with our Rick Steves' travel guide.(I'll have to clean off the guts before I return it to the library, oops!) I don't think Rick will mind as it was a cafe Rick Steves himself recommended.</div><div><br /></div><div>We just discovered that there are practice rooms in the basement of our student housing complex. No piano, but a place to rehearse and vocalize nonetheless. I was co</div><div>ncerned that we wouldn't get to rehearse much before the Audition on Monday. We have to audition for the masterclass for the professor to decide whether we will be active participants or not. If we are deemed worthy to actively participate, then we are authorized to purchase practice room time in the Mozarteum facility.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm kind of anxious for Monday. I'm hoping all goes well</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXNhEZdr80I/TiB-BaknC-I/AAAAAAAAAqA/jG9VvcvhNBw/s320/DSCF0892.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629638096990964706" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh11vsLvXVE/TiB9o49Q3xI/AAAAAAAAApw/4XIDeG8K04g/s1600/DSCF0886.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh11vsLvXVE/TiB9o49Q3xI/AAAAAAAAApw/4XIDeG8K04g/s320/DSCF0886.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629637675650703122" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmZWLh0Jtyo/TiB9LA_darI/AAAAAAAAApg/8kw9Guhrr9o/s1600/DSCF0877.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmZWLh0Jtyo/TiB9LA_darI/AAAAAAAAApg/8kw9Guhrr9o/s320/DSCF0877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629637162411322034" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFOlte8or00/TiB8wFeS6FI/AAAAAAAAApQ/BEGIV-AN88Q/s1600/DSCF0873.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFOlte8or00/TiB8wFeS6FI/AAAAAAAAApQ/BEGIV-AN88Q/s320/DSCF0873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629636699757930578" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWCjzIsuPXc/TiB8hHsZwzI/AAAAAAAAApI/4qZzcNjFUkA/s1600/DSCF0858.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWCjzIsuPXc/TiB8hHsZwzI/AAAAAAAAApI/4qZzcNjFUkA/s320/DSCF0858.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629636442655933234" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-73635330354012299882011-07-13T13:08:00.001-07:002011-07-13T13:34:11.056-07:00A new season beginsI'm sitting in the Dulles airport waiting for my plane to depart to Salzurg, Austria. I have no diapers or baby wipes in my bag. My carry on is not stuffed full of snacks, toys, and extra clothing for possible blow-outs or mishaps along the way. I keep looking around with the feeling I'm forgetting something then to realize that no, I'm not, everything is fine. I just had a fabulous meal at the Chipotle Mexican grill. I ate slowly, savoring every bite. For there were no mouths to feed except my own. The feelings I am experiencing are mixed. I have this strange sense of absolute freedom yet I'm not sure if I feel at home in that feeling. I fight back the tears as I remember how Palmer held me tight and long as I said goodbye to my little munchkin that will be turning two while I am gone. I know they are all in good hands with Grandma and Grandpa, but I will have the challenge of discovering my identity without my children.<br /><br />A new season is beginning for me. The events that have led up to this day have been a whirlwind. I marvel as I contemplate on my life. I have seen the pieces of my puzzle slowly form to make this beautiful scene that is my life and my soul purpose.<br /><br />I have never been one to go at life via traditional methods. I would classify my approach as unconventional to say the least. As unconventional as my path has seemed, I don't regret a bit. In fact I celebrate in how God has led me on my particular path for very specific reasons. I don't believe in accidents. And I truly believe that God's timing is the best timing.<br /><br />I look forward to this new adventure and am grateful to see a life-long dream of studying music in Europe coming true. I will miss my three little boys terribly. But hopefully, I will come home to them with so much more to offer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-39818514838552525732009-09-18T16:48:00.001-07:002009-09-18T17:04:09.973-07:00Palmer 8 days old pictures<span style="text-decoration: underline;">thanks Jeff and Maren for awesome pictures! </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe_fkVP1I/AAAAAAAAAn8/EcsXkJf_3AM/s1600-h/Palmer+070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe_fkVP1I/AAAAAAAAAn8/EcsXkJf_3AM/s320/Palmer+070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382961530769063762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe-ydUm1I/AAAAAAAAAn0/gsj96aajAZQ/s1600-h/Palmer+068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe-ydUm1I/AAAAAAAAAn0/gsj96aajAZQ/s320/Palmer+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382961518660066130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe-q7o-qI/AAAAAAAAAns/c6lXWQfqGNA/s1600-h/Palmer+056.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe-q7o-qI/AAAAAAAAAns/c6lXWQfqGNA/s320/Palmer+056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382961516639746722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe-OJSGHI/AAAAAAAAAnk/99-7m4jXMLA/s1600-h/Palmer+067.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQe-OJSGHI/AAAAAAAAAnk/99-7m4jXMLA/s320/Palmer+067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382961508912339058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQeAzHUsmI/AAAAAAAAAnc/LTyfjk0zFuc/s1600-h/Palmer+055.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQeAzHUsmI/AAAAAAAAAnc/LTyfjk0zFuc/s320/Palmer+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382960453684343394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQeASddFKI/AAAAAAAAAnU/5M2vSNm_M5A/s1600-h/Palmer+045.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQeASddFKI/AAAAAAAAAnU/5M2vSNm_M5A/s320/Palmer+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382960444918797474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQd_wyxGwI/AAAAAAAAAnM/F5O-EWypoJs/s1600-h/Palmer+005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQd_wyxGwI/AAAAAAAAAnM/F5O-EWypoJs/s320/Palmer+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382960435881384706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQd_af9c8I/AAAAAAAAAnE/xVLqnZDpumQ/s1600-h/Palmer+013.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQd_af9c8I/AAAAAAAAAnE/xVLqnZDpumQ/s320/Palmer+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382960429896922050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQd-7aFWYI/AAAAAAAAAm8/-sHMocsLepE/s1600-h/Palmer+001a.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SrQd-7aFWYI/AAAAAAAAAm8/-sHMocsLepE/s320/Palmer+001a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382960421550774658" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-24022560206499765872009-09-06T15:07:00.000-07:002009-09-06T15:40:24.981-07:00Palmer Joseph Brandt has arrived<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2xmTcmFI/AAAAAAAAAls/lDj-N6ORFG8/s1600-h/IMGP5183.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2xmTcmFI/AAAAAAAAAls/lDj-N6ORFG8/s320/IMGP5183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484080710817874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2yNt58bI/AAAAAAAAAl0/kDYAfe0_ZWM/s1600-h/IMGP5189.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2yNt58bI/AAAAAAAAAl0/kDYAfe0_ZWM/s320/IMGP5189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484091290775986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2zGpCk6I/AAAAAAAAAmE/yPsu8sgS0EI/s1600-h/IMGP5192.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2zGpCk6I/AAAAAAAAAmE/yPsu8sgS0EI/s320/IMGP5192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484106571191202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2yrwa6XI/AAAAAAAAAl8/0IBUW-JR_I4/s1600-h/IMGP5190.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2yrwa6XI/AAAAAAAAAl8/0IBUW-JR_I4/s320/IMGP5190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484099354388850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2zpQKFiI/AAAAAAAAAmM/CUatzvwiGCc/s1600-h/IMGP5219.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ2zpQKFiI/AAAAAAAAAmM/CUatzvwiGCc/s320/IMGP5219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484115862066722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3g71eFlI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Alt1bwVLefk/s1600-h/IMGP5214.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3g71eFlI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Alt1bwVLefk/s320/IMGP5214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484893944518226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3hcP8L0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/NKtjGzM5Hj4/s1600-h/IMGP5206.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3hcP8L0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/NKtjGzM5Hj4/s320/IMGP5206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484902645477186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3hxHJjDI/AAAAAAAAAmk/i2H_wfbSs2o/s1600-h/IMGP5209.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3hxHJjDI/AAAAAAAAAmk/i2H_wfbSs2o/s320/IMGP5209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484908245748786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3iX4os8I/AAAAAAAAAms/3cQ6d5xYOMM/s1600-h/IMGP5230.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3iX4os8I/AAAAAAAAAms/3cQ6d5xYOMM/s320/IMGP5230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484918653858754" border="0" /></a><br />It's been over a week an high time I put it on my blog. My number 3 boy, Palmer Joseph Brandt, was born Friday August 28th at 7:59 am via scheduled c-section. He was 8 lbs. 20 inches long. This was by far the best experience of the 3. I was much healthier this pregnancy and was able to be very active throughout. In fact, the day before we had the inspector come so Rob and I were out nailing side rails and brackets onto our back steps that morning so they would pass inspection. I can confidently tell all those men in my ward that I knew what I was doing shoveling compost out of trucks at 5 and 6 months pregnant. My body just doesn't go into labor on it's own, period. I might pull a muscle or two, but not a single contraction will occur. Anyway, I was very relieved when Palmer first emerged and let out a healthy cry. My other two were promptly wisked away to special care for breathing problems and I didn't get to hold or feed them for several hours after. This time, I was able to hold him in my arms as they wheeled me out of surgery to recovery. What a blessing to have that experience for the first time. I also didn't throw up at all after surgery when I typically endure several hours of relentless vomiting. So I was perky as a peacock all that day! Of course when you start taking care of baby and nursing around the clock, you're not so perky and lack of sleep catches up to you. We had bit of a rough go at nursing in the beginning but are doing great now. He is such a precious little guy! His two brothers love him so much and can't get enough. Especially Adam. He'll just stare at him and say, "Ooooohh! He's sooooo cute!" I can't describe the feelings of love and gratitude I feel being a Mommy again. There's nothing quite as hard, nothing quite as special.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3iod_1jI/AAAAAAAAAm0/I8JJw_pt0MI/s1600-h/IMGP5279.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SqQ3iod_1jI/AAAAAAAAAm0/I8JJw_pt0MI/s320/IMGP5279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378484923105531442" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-32181114121789552862009-08-08T15:49:00.000-07:002009-08-09T15:29:16.286-07:00First lost tooth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4B2xgcA4I/AAAAAAAAAkc/rvUTGwT5R8c/s1600-h/Adam%27s+first+lost+tooth.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4B2xgcA4I/AAAAAAAAAkc/rvUTGwT5R8c/s320/Adam%27s+first+lost+tooth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367729846386164610" border="0" /></a><br />Adam finally lost his first tooth a few days ago. All of his friends his age have been losing teeth left and right. He was beginning to feel pretty left out. He was very excited to have a visit from the tooth fairy. (Although the tooth fairy and his assistant had a bit of a disagreement on how much money to leave under the pillow. His assistant, thought a dollar would be more than generous. Mr. Fairy suggested five dollars with the argument of inflation! After his assistant choked a bit on her water, she reminded him that he would have to give 5 dollars every time he lost a tooth. The assistant won.) I overheard Adam saying this to his dad, " Dad, I believe the tooth fairy is real but you know it's not really real so you put the dollar under my pillow." He is such a smart kid. So imaginative yet such a realist. I remember pointing to the sky one time and saying, "look Adam! I see a bunny rabbit!" Adam's response, "Mom, that's a cloud." No use arguing. Seems like just yesterday that he was getting that very tooth in!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4FCEy-3JI/AAAAAAAAAkk/hwifTPIBy0Y/s1600-h/100_0217.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4FCEy-3JI/AAAAAAAAAkk/hwifTPIBy0Y/s320/100_0217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367733339077663890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn9Notc3g_I/AAAAAAAAAlk/LtMSgiyt4uo/s1600-h/100_0667.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn9Notc3g_I/AAAAAAAAAlk/LtMSgiyt4uo/s320/100_0667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368094642639700978" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-3315546363522481932009-08-08T15:47:00.001-07:002009-08-08T16:14:31.561-07:00Birthday Boy!Today was Adam's birthday. I can't believe my baby is 6 years old! Time really has flown. I love this kid so much it hurts! Happy birthday Son! I'm so proud you're mine and I love you! Here are a few pictures of him opening his presents from us and Grandma and Grandpa Brandt.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GDIbyzrI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PvzmEVShGRs/s1600-h/abday5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GDIbyzrI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PvzmEVShGRs/s320/abday5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367734456745643698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GMK8tQ6I/AAAAAAAAAlc/LvWEp1_ROOc/s1600-h/abday7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GMK8tQ6I/AAAAAAAAAlc/LvWEp1_ROOc/s320/abday7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367734612039386018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GMBFqJrI/AAAAAAAAAlU/7piCz_56X3Q/s1600-h/abday6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GMBFqJrI/AAAAAAAAAlU/7piCz_56X3Q/s320/abday6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367734609392576178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GCFT8dpI/AAAAAAAAAks/6EzGAgaes2s/s1600-h/Abday%60.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GCFT8dpI/AAAAAAAAAks/6EzGAgaes2s/s320/Abday%60.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367734438727546514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GCiYoEII/AAAAAAAAAk8/r6lKE6SFP_o/s1600-h/abday3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GCiYoEII/AAAAAAAAAk8/r6lKE6SFP_o/s320/abday3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367734446531809410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GC4KDmZI/AAAAAAAAAlE/vkaDYu3o2jM/s1600-h/abday4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GC4KDmZI/AAAAAAAAAlE/vkaDYu3o2jM/s320/abday4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367734452376279442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GCUKq3WI/AAAAAAAAAk0/FDjMxD4nY1g/s1600-h/abday2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sn4GCUKq3WI/AAAAAAAAAk0/FDjMxD4nY1g/s320/abday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367734442715176290" border="0" /></a><br />P.S. Grandma and Grandpa Brandt, Adam has been playing Clue Jr. non-stop for the past 45 min. I guess it's a hit! Thanks so much for making his birthday special!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-80990230685064845422009-08-03T15:00:00.000-07:002009-08-03T15:03:35.542-07:00My Golfers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndepY1jOuI/AAAAAAAAAkU/aMQWhoZMDPQ/s1600-h/IMGP4963.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndepY1jOuI/AAAAAAAAAkU/aMQWhoZMDPQ/s320/IMGP4963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365861546169940706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndepKnyU9I/AAAAAAAAAkM/tpQMPr1lYzE/s1600-h/IMGP4962.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndepKnyU9I/AAAAAAAAAkM/tpQMPr1lYzE/s320/IMGP4962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365861542354113490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndeotepeqI/AAAAAAAAAkE/k-3kcARzV_k/s1600-h/IMGP4959.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndeotepeqI/AAAAAAAAAkE/k-3kcARzV_k/s320/IMGP4959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365861534531156642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndeoZboPdI/AAAAAAAAAj8/TN_d_uu8DBE/s1600-h/IMGP4957.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndeoZboPdI/AAAAAAAAAj8/TN_d_uu8DBE/s320/IMGP4957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365861529149783506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndenyVWYLI/AAAAAAAAAj0/0GtkTo8u3cA/s1600-h/IMGP4956.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SndenyVWYLI/AAAAAAAAAj0/0GtkTo8u3cA/s320/IMGP4956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365861518654464178" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-87177178358441044222009-07-30T19:26:00.000-07:002009-07-30T19:36:44.930-07:00Stressed but still smilingthings are pretty stressful around here these days. I'm 4 weeks out from having baby number 3. We're trying to buy the house we live in hoping that we have a place to live right after baby. Rob's trying to finish his dissertation so that he gets his pay raise in September. And many other things that I could list but it would take too long. Don't get me wrong, these are all wonderful things, just so much is hanging in the balance and it takes alot out of you to muster the faith that things will work out in the end. Remember, faith without works is dead, and we have been working really hard! Since I'm practically on the verge of a nervous breakdown every day, I've decided that I need to focus on the things that make me smile in order to relieve stress.<br /><br />Things that made me smile today...<br /><br />1. Adam said to Rob, "When Mom kisses me it's like she's giving me the stamp of love!"<br /><br />2. Walking into the boys room and catching them lip singing and jammin' to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas CD.<br /><br />3. Walking in the door from a late grocery trip to see that my husband had been a white tornado cleaning the house while I was gone.<br /><br />Whatever happens, I know I'm blessed with a beautiful family that brings me joy beyond words!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-42164662716357298412009-07-27T19:21:00.001-07:002009-07-28T08:23:13.955-07:00Smart MomA message Adam's primary teacher sent me today on facebook. Totally made my day! I sure love this kid!<br /><br />"So in Primary today we were talking about how parents help teach their children about the gospel. We were asking the kids in general what their parents teach them and Adam said "My mom teaches me everything in the whole world!" Throughout the course of the lesson he and Elli were arguing about that even being possible and then Adam looked over at me really sad and said "Ellie doesnt believe that my mom taught me everything in the whole world!" It was SO cute! I told him "Well, its not really possible to know everything in the whole world, but Ill bet your mom teaches you everything she knows and that is a lot of stuff because she is pretty smart." He just looked at me and said "ok"... didn't seem overly convinced but at least wasn't still upset at Elli :)<br />It was really sweet tho that he was so upset that someone didn't believe that you knew everything in the whole world and taught it all to him. Just thought I would share :)"<br /><br />I'm so glad Adam has such amazing teachers! Thanks Tiffany for being so patient with him!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-8325630788517384692009-07-06T16:53:00.001-07:002009-07-06T17:01:52.845-07:00Nesting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SlKQH1wQpeI/AAAAAAAAAjs/uoNqkvoItgQ/s1600-h/Crib+quilt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SlKQH1wQpeI/AAAAAAAAAjs/uoNqkvoItgQ/s320/Crib+quilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355501371259921890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SlKPI5opOCI/AAAAAAAAAjk/79M5Z4W0jYs/s1600-h/IMGP4923.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SlKPI5opOCI/AAAAAAAAAjk/79M5Z4W0jYs/s320/IMGP4923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355500289969960994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SlKPILzk2WI/AAAAAAAAAjU/6BE9cRvN2tQ/s1600-h/crib+bedding.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SlKPILzk2WI/AAAAAAAAAjU/6BE9cRvN2tQ/s320/crib+bedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355500277667780962" border="0" /></a><br />Despite a nasty cold this weekend, I managed to sew the crib bedding for the baby room. I think my nesting instinct is stronger than my desire to lay down and sleep. Actually, I find that these types of creative outlets are meditative for me. I enjoy just zoning out and hearing the whir of the machine. Sometimes I'll listen to conference talks or something. Anyway, I enjoyed my weekend of therapy and thoroughly love the result! The subtle theme is turtles.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-85799297907876107222009-05-30T14:57:00.000-07:002009-05-30T15:00:58.985-07:00Help!Okay everyone! I need to take a poll. Hopefully this will help convince my husband to name our baby what I want! So, after hours and hours of scouring name lists, I finally got that special feeling. Are you ready? I want to name our new baby boy Palmer Allan Brandt. Rob is not a fan but I'm sure I can convince him if the rest of the world is on my side! I want honest opinions here. And if you don't like it, feel free to share your brilliant ideas! Because we are at a standstill!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-46655643853156487092009-05-26T17:25:00.000-07:002009-05-26T17:38:44.678-07:00RottenWhen I was little I remember a motivation technique the was used often. Whoever was in charge would motivate us to be somewhere or do something by saying, "Last one to the car is a rotten egg!" or, "Last one to get ready for church is a rotten egg!". You get the picture. Anyway, I started using that one day with my boys because I was getting desperate to get them to listen. I thought I would make it fun but I think they got a little confused. You see, my boys LIKE to be rotten. I figured this out early on and instead of saying, "LAST one" I say "FIRST one to get dressed is a rotten egg!". When I say it that way, they both clamor to be the first one. Usually Adam wins because he's the oldest, biggest, and fastest of the two. He'll gain victory and shout, "I'm rotten!" Then Lincoln will droop his head and cry, "Oh man! I wanted to be rotten!" He gets really upset so I have to say ," the next one is rotten too!" This usually makes him happy and then he'll run and do whatever it was I asked of him. Well, today I was trying to get the boys to come down for dinner. They wouldn't come, and wouldn't come. So I yelled up the stairs, "First one to the table is a rotten egg!" Of course, Adam has to win so he comes bounding down the stairs. Lincoln on the other hand was not responding to my motivation technique this time. Because Adam is the oldest, he feels it's his job to make sure everyone else is doing what they are supposed to do. He was getting very frustrated that Lincoln would not come down. I overheard him yelling up to Lincoln, "Lincoln! Don't you WANT to be rotten?" No answer. I guess not!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-35375812230603553222009-05-10T15:26:00.000-07:002009-05-10T15:43:44.746-07:00A Tribute to My MothersI have been so blessed to have the most wonderful mothers in my life. I want to thank my own mother, who bore 13 children into this world, baked thousands upon thousands of loaves of bread, used old-fashioned cloth diapers for ALL 13 children, and did countless other things to care for her children, for always believing in me. Mom, you have always been my biggest fan in everything I've endeavored to accomplish. Thanks to you, I have inherited your love for music and hopefully can instill that in my children. Thanks to you, I pretty much believe I can do anything I put my mind to. Thanks to you, I am a better mother as I remember and utilize the things you taught me. Thanks to you, I have the gospel in my life and am sealed to you for all eternity. Thanks to you I truly have a testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father's plan for us. I love you Mom!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdYVneabCI/AAAAAAAAAjE/R91li14HTFk/s1600-h/100_3836.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334329412040682530" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdYVneabCI/AAAAAAAAAjE/R91li14HTFk/s320/100_3836.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I want to thank my wonderful Mother-in-law for so many things. I love you like I love my own mother. Thanks to you, I have the most amazing husband a girl could ask for who has given me two (almost 3) beautiful children. A man who takes his patriarchal role very seriously and treats me like a queen even when I'm not. Thanks to you, your son had the gospel in his life and was worthy to take me to the temple. Thanks for listening to the spirit all those years ago when investigating the church. Thanks to you, I know I'm always cared for. I don't know what I would do without you when I have my babies. Thanks to you, my boys have made many memories of playing endless hours of hide-and-go-seek, various make believe games, building forts, etc... I cherish our friendship and feel very fortunate to have you in my life!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdYWNPtcUI/AAAAAAAAAjM/eNvQ7prqHZM/s1600-h/100_2734.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334329422179561794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdYWNPtcUI/AAAAAAAAAjM/eNvQ7prqHZM/s320/100_2734.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-77224713642410872782009-05-10T14:22:00.000-07:002009-05-10T14:59:15.230-07:00Treasure boxesA few weeks ago, we had a visit from Rob's Great Aunt and Uncle Dorothy and Lyle Feisel. So they would be our boy's Great-great Aunt and Uncle. They live about 1 hr and 30 minutes south of us and it has been such a joy getting to know them. They have become so dear to us and we are so grateful to have such wonderful people in our family. Growing up, my dad always made a huge effort to help his children know the legacy and heritage that we came from. Even to the extent of a 16-18 hr. ride with 9 kids in the back of an S-10 Chevy pickup truck. We spent that trip playing with cousins, visiting gravestones and bonding with the generations that have gone before. I remember sitting at the feet of my Great uncle Paul as he told us stories about my Dad. And listening to my uncle Roger sing us silly songs while playing the guitar. I can't speak for my siblings, but the memories that I still have of those summer vacations/reunions are of the importance of knowing where you come from. Rather than the long miserable car rides throwing up from motion sickness and trying not to kill each other in the process. Since then, I am a sentimental fool when it comes to learning about my ancestors. I want my children to have a strong knowledge of the legacy that they have come from on both sides of the family. With that said, you can imagine my joy when Great Uncle Lyle shows up with the most special gift for my two boys. Lyle is an extremely gifted woodworker. He made a treasure box for each of my boys. In the inside of the box was this picture of Rob's Great Grandfather Clyde Feisel Holding Rob's dad Steve when he was a baby in about 1954. I cried when I read the story below the picture. Here's the story:<br />About 1935, Clyde Feisel and his family were renting a farm about three miles southwest of Tama, Iowa. It was the depth of the great depression and while farmers were well supplied with food from their own labors, there was no market for crops or livestock so there was no cash available to pay the rent. The farm was owned by the Meskwaki Indian nation and they were very happy to barter for the rent since no one else had any cash, either. They made a deal with Clyde that if he would cut down trees on the farm, have them milled into lumber in a nearby sawmill and then build a barn, they would accept that in lieu of rent. Clyde cut the local hardwoods-elm, ash, cottonwood and hickory-for the barn. At the same time, he cut and had sawn some walnut trees that he didn't use in the barn but instead stacked and dried for later use. As the five feisel boys grew up and went to high school, they all used this walnut lumber for shop projects. A small amount of this lumber still survives and Lyle now uses it for inlays in projects for the descendents of Clyde and Clara.<br />Clyde Feisel is Adam and Lincoln's Great Great Grandfather.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdGDrvxX8I/AAAAAAAAAi0/URBCK8Y8PEw/s1600-h/Clyde+Feisel+and+Steve+Brandt0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334309312740286402" style="WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 341px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdGDrvxX8I/AAAAAAAAAi0/URBCK8Y8PEw/s320/Clyde+Feisel+and+Steve+Brandt0001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The diamond in the center of the lid is the remnant of walnut that is spoken of in the story.<br />Thank you Dorothy and Lyle for sharing this incredible gift with us! We love you guys!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdGEGbx6uI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cuooODvkfV0/s1600-h/IMGP4663.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334309319904193250" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SgdGEGbx6uI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cuooODvkfV0/s320/IMGP4663.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-17664768496792867872009-04-19T17:08:00.000-07:002009-04-19T17:26:02.270-07:00How does your garden grow?Lately I've been a bit obsessed with self reliance. I'm the Enrichment counselor in the Relief Society presidency in our ward so have been trying to incorporate activities that will encourage the women to become more self reliant. My current baby is the beginning of a community garden. An awesome family in our ward donated a huge plot for us to use. It has been so exciting to see others buy into my vision of what this garden can do for the families in our ward. I don't have pictures of the garden, but here are some starter plants that my boys and I planted several weeks ago that will be transplanted into the community garden. It's sort of hard to see some of them. This is the first time I've tried to do starters , so we'll see how successful they are. At any rate, it's been fun for the boys to learn and help me watch and care for our "babies". In fact, Adam and I had an awesome conversion that began with an observation he had. He observed that Lincoln's flowers were growing faster than his at first, but then his caught up and seemed to be growing faster now. I mentioned briefly that people are kind of like that. In that we all grow at different speeds depending on our personalities, circumstances, talents, and abilities. Sometimes we forget to "feed" our bodies, minds, and spirits and it halts our growth for the time being and we can even begin to wilt and die. Adam thought for a moment then his eyes brightened. He said, "Yeah! Kind of like when the Lamanites and the Nephites took turns being wicked and righteous!" He understood. It prompted me to ponder about what I am doing to feed my mind, body, and spirit. How is my garden growing?<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Seu9T9FjYtI/AAAAAAAAAik/7FpIXeu_ZaA/s1600-h/IMGP4623.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326559134808761042" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Seu9T9FjYtI/AAAAAAAAAik/7FpIXeu_ZaA/s320/IMGP4623.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Seu9UO_RJ-I/AAAAAAAAAis/1Fies1i4xMc/s1600-h/IMGP4624.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326559139614238690" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Seu9UO_RJ-I/AAAAAAAAAis/1Fies1i4xMc/s320/IMGP4624.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Seu9Tou-D9I/AAAAAAAAAic/Avpy6zpADvw/s1600-h/IMGP4625.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326559129345331154" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Seu9Tou-D9I/AAAAAAAAAic/Avpy6zpADvw/s320/IMGP4625.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-91465491947908156172009-04-16T17:52:00.000-07:002009-04-16T17:58:00.808-07:00My own Dr. SeussIn homeschool we've been reading alot of poetry by Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. We found books that tell about the authors and how they became writers of children's books. We are also learning about how poetry works and how it has a musical rhythm to it. Anyway, Adam was inspired and wanted to write his own book of silly poems. Here they are! I can't help but giggle when I read through them.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Spooky Tales<br /></strong>A book of silly poems<br />By Adam Brandt<br /><br /><strong>What Day Will I Be Flat?<br /></strong>What day will I be flat?<br />Maybe it might be Saturday or Friday.<br />Or maybe it might be on my birthday.<br />Maybe on Christmas.<br />When I get flat, I would like to play the piano.<br />But when I played the piano, I didn’t want to play it anymore.<br /><br /><strong>I Would love to be a Ghost in the Attic<br /></strong>I would love to be a ghost in the attic.<br />If I were, I would climb down the stairs to the attic<br />And go haunt people.<br />Would you want to be a ghost in the attic?<br />What’s that you say? You say that today is the day<br />that I’m going to the attic?<br />Goodbye, I’m going to the attic.<br /><br /><strong>I Cannot Go to Preschool Today</strong><br />I cannot go to preschool today.<br />What? What’s that you say? You say today is Saturday?</div><div align="center">Goodbye, I’m going out to play.<br /></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>4 Men in What Tub?<br /></strong>What tub has 4 men?<br />Do you know what I like to do best?<br />Math. If you make a 4 into a 5, you might want to<br />Write in the word “blim-blim” as in “tub-tub”. Or<br />If you put a 4 to a 6 then it might end up as the word<br />“piano”. Did you know that pianos have hair?<br />That’s a very odd question you say, “why did they have hair?”<br />Because F, 5, and 4 make the words “pianos have hair”.<br /><br /><strong>What Do Chickens Do at Night?<br /></strong>What do chickens do at night? I know what<br />Chickens do at night. What’s that you say? You say you want to<br />Know what chickens do at night? I’ll tell you. They make<br />words out of music notes or numbers. They might put a 4 and a middle C<br />to make the words “Lamps and pianos have hair”. Did you know<br />that computers and lamps and pianos eat cereal and oatmeal?<br />Well, that’s all of my story. Goodbye, I’m going out to play.<br /></div><div align="center"><strong>What is in that Spooky Cabin?<br /></strong>What is in that spooky cabin? Are there lamps or spooky ghosts?<br />I do not know. Go ask your dad. What is in that spooky cabin?<br />Is there a cat or lanterns? I do not know, go ask your pop.<br />Maybe there is a mysterious ghost. I do not know, go ask your mom.<br />Goodbye, I’m going out to play.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-70611483434186263702009-04-09T07:00:00.000-07:002009-04-09T07:10:01.061-07:00Our lovely blissfully happy lot in life!Well, it seems that our lot in life is destined to remain in the male variety. Yep! That's right! We found out today that we are having boy #3! We are so excited. Picking a name is going to be tricky though. Any ideas?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-34689506695696898382009-04-07T12:26:00.000-07:002009-04-07T12:54:14.807-07:00Mt. Puanana (Pooh-uh-nah-nah)This is our latest science project. Adam wanted to make a volcano diorama like his friend Connor. We got on Youtube and found instructions and went to work. At first he was disappointed that it would take several days to complete the project and he had to stop and "rest" a few times because he thought it was SO exhausting! Once it began to take shape though, he was very excited.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Phase 1-Newspaper tower</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqIgwrBXI/AAAAAAAAAhk/ztnqFNGXLlw/s1600-h/phase+1+volcano.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322034447878129010" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqIgwrBXI/AAAAAAAAAhk/ztnqFNGXLlw/s320/phase+1+volcano.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Phase 2-Plaster<br />Adam was not too thrilled about the flour and water slop we used to plaster the paper. He'll pick his nose then put his finger in his mouth but he doesn't like to touch flour and water. Go figure!<br />He thought it very important to go to the draw/erase board and "record" notes about how volcanoes work. A real scientist documents his work.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqIn6YVrI/AAAAAAAAAhc/UOzN3o04FKY/s1600-h/IMGP4618.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322034449797895858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqIn6YVrI/AAAAAAAAAhc/UOzN3o04FKY/s320/IMGP4618.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqJLwcsvI/AAAAAAAAAh8/fjSo3-0_Bps/s1600-h/IMGP4616.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322034459419914994" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqJLwcsvI/AAAAAAAAAh8/fjSo3-0_Bps/s320/IMGP4616.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqI5KZxxI/AAAAAAAAAh0/oj97JbZwumI/s1600-h/IMGP4622.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322034454428501778" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SduqI5KZxxI/AAAAAAAAAh0/oj97JbZwumI/s320/IMGP4622.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Phase 3-Painting</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdurzzYxpaI/AAAAAAAAAiM/l16ME03oaDI/s1600-h/IMGP4629.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322036291124176290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdurzzYxpaI/AAAAAAAAAiM/l16ME03oaDI/s320/IMGP4629.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sdurze7TqrI/AAAAAAAAAiE/hSWVgcyowxU/s1600-h/IMGP4628.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322036285631867570" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sdurze7TqrI/AAAAAAAAAiE/hSWVgcyowxU/s320/IMGP4628.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sdur0Rg_nXI/AAAAAAAAAiU/aStqlClR1pE/s1600-h/IMGP4632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322036299211709810" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sdur0Rg_nXI/AAAAAAAAAiU/aStqlClR1pE/s320/IMGP4632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Phase 4-Eruption</div><div>It was a bit disappointing this first time, so I guess we'll have to practice.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwDP9FHhzN9LPOs6Nvogwx7NcDAHSsmiUkrfdSADEPKJmnsNYYOhp3h456spPNCI30R8v1WElDClQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-11574313285604668102009-04-06T14:05:00.000-07:002009-04-06T14:10:09.183-07:00So Proud!I just wanted to announce that my sweet husband finally passed all of his exams and sang his last recital in Indiana this past week. He is officially ABD (All but dissertation)! I am so proud of him! It has been very tough to be working a full-time faculty position and trying to finish a doctorate degree at the same time. I always appreciate how he keeps his priorities in order. I hope my boys remember that their dad always took the time to be with them and never studied on Sundays. I love you and am so proud of you hon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-27301934506769010772009-04-05T05:59:00.000-07:002009-04-05T06:11:27.437-07:00An ongoing frustrationI'm starting to wonder if this kid is going to be potty trained by the time this baby comes! All the cards seem to be in place for it to happen but Lincoln is just too darn busy having fun. He wants to wear "big boys" but doesn't want the trouble of going to the bathroom so usually opts for pullups. I remind him that wearing "big boys" mean that he needs to sit on the potty to practice periodically. When I tell him that he usually says, "Uh,..I'll wear pullups". We started this process several months ago and several times it seemed to be a go. We've tried several things. I even read a book about it which was totally unnecessary for Adam who essentially trained himself by the age of 3. I'm not going to push it but pray hard and cross my fingers that he's done by August!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdisSS4y2VI/AAAAAAAAAhM/eO2RjqJovEc/s1600-h/IMGP4581.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321192390045915474" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdisSS4y2VI/AAAAAAAAAhM/eO2RjqJovEc/s320/IMGP4581.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdisR_TsxQI/AAAAAAAAAhE/CjAhxWKexVo/s1600-h/IMGP4582.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321192384790054146" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdisR_TsxQI/AAAAAAAAAhE/CjAhxWKexVo/s320/IMGP4582.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's a good thing you're so cute buddy!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdisSm_ZHwI/AAAAAAAAAhU/IM2MRnJVmgo/s1600-h/handsome!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321192395442298626" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdisSm_ZHwI/AAAAAAAAAhU/IM2MRnJVmgo/s320/handsome!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31648146.post-48072404166691153262009-04-05T05:45:00.001-07:002009-04-05T05:58:58.854-07:00Tee Ball<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><div>We put Adam in Tee ball this year and he is very excited about it. He really loves baseball and we feel it will give him some good socialization and physical activity while homeschooling. It's been fun watching him do something that he is really quite good at and to see the pleasure he gets from it. It's so funny to watch the kids at this age. Adam always wants to be in the action, otherwise he starts to daydream and watch the dandelions grow. He got to play pitcher for an inning in his first game which made him very happy he did a little jig when he got to his position.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdipUQla22I/AAAAAAAAAgs/ospPC6w2hoI/s1600-h/IMGP4611.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321189125252635490" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdipUQla22I/AAAAAAAAAgs/ospPC6w2hoI/s320/IMGP4611.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdipUV25ePI/AAAAAAAAAg0/yegTGRCP99I/s1600-h/IMGP4603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321189126668122354" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdipUV25ePI/AAAAAAAAAg0/yegTGRCP99I/s320/IMGP4603.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdipUC3Mu0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/oIiaeQpCAbM/s1600-h/IMGP4610.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321189121569110850" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/SdipUC3Mu0I/AAAAAAAAAgk/oIiaeQpCAbM/s320/IMGP4610.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sdip0nFslrI/AAAAAAAAAg8/jEQG6y6PYYA/s1600-h/IMGP4609.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321189681049409202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8p7ikq7XVQ4/Sdip0nFslrI/AAAAAAAAAg8/jEQG6y6PYYA/s320/IMGP4609.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0