tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34482897352783920422024-03-14T07:08:44.996-07:00Gilstrap Morning BlendYour daily cup o' Gilstrap Blah..drink it up!Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-33573656107956198272011-02-02T17:20:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:20:46.310-08:00WTH!Seriously, today Wyatt is a terror.<br />
<br />
How many times is he going to complain about how yucky the dog food tastes...but he keeps getting into it.<br />
<br />
He pulled the DVDs off the shelf for the 500th time.<br />
<br />
He managed to de-key the 'Z' key on my computer keyboard.<br />
<br />
He wiped his Spagetti-O'd fingers all over the wall and then his hair...<br />
<br />
He peed on his comforter.<br />
<br />
He figured out the un-lock on the sliding door and runs outside whenever he feels like it now.<br />
<br />
He is now swinging the frames on his wall whilst confined to his crib for driving Mommy nuts while she is trying to make dinner before Daddy gets home...<br />
<br />
No rest for the parent of an 18 month old. Sheesh. Where's the Calgon? Heck, where's the weekend<br />
get-a-way?Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-63875700892937022002011-01-30T20:07:00.000-08:002011-02-17T11:25:54.990-08:00Sending Sweet Valentines<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVep0sg91SLwqk9X0qzFL0ThrF4-J4PiXp4E5-SVNTrveI-1RaCvrDtnRKe1Id-0mcW9EJxmhIkQzysBaTLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-65158024264729049712010-11-01T21:11:00.000-07:002010-11-02T12:01:15.888-07:00Boogety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD_3Yx2KYclIUSdzy7ChAbkNWRII4Vc20XYrn5a4_bryOUXhcfd5_Z0mnDZGTy7Ee7GxGGpkcL1ZB9wYHHtUOVnyiNJqkkIFTZxCcKw98hyphenhyphen-pYpzsuP5BuK2VTaiq79x7oCOmOEu9yQo/s1600/candymen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD_3Yx2KYclIUSdzy7ChAbkNWRII4Vc20XYrn5a4_bryOUXhcfd5_Z0mnDZGTy7Ee7GxGGpkcL1ZB9wYHHtUOVnyiNJqkkIFTZxCcKw98hyphenhyphen-pYpzsuP5BuK2VTaiq79x7oCOmOEu9yQo/s320/candymen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Wild Weekend. Started off with the Hall-OWEN-y Party. Let me just say there is absolutely NO difference between a party of fifteen 8-12 year olds or teenagers. They may just be drinking root beer and juice boxes instead of raiding the parents liquor cabinet. The drama and mayhem is all the same. Trunk or treat is the LAMEST excuse for an activity I can think of, but for some reason kids really like it. And Halloween itself was extremely anti-climactic this year despite all of my preps, but I have learned from the experience...<br />
<br />
1) Start making pumpkins in the summer, when rain won't interrupt drying or painting efforts.<br />
2) At least one child will always change their mind about their costume days before the actual event.<br />
3) Don't make your husband dress up because he will inevitably complain about being "too hot".<br />
4) Cook dinner early on Halloween night so you aren't handing out treats with floured, messy hands.<br />
5) Friends or family make it more fun.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was good fun. Wyatt seemed to enjoy it the most. He was a trooper, continuously wielding his magic wand and submitting willingly to eyeliner glasses. Happy Halloween!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZufa-sPAUYIPunpXyULglH5ELCUeuJeXyZ0d_o3ys-XgZCIUIpIt0pdypHNE2UwoEn5VoV9Jq0MWsby9sUp-wnVUKN6X7g4I83rfTC6FxvyBdUDwBbHuVIeukCE5Lwwdg5yrVbi-mkS8/s1600/wyatt+potter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZufa-sPAUYIPunpXyULglH5ELCUeuJeXyZ0d_o3ys-XgZCIUIpIt0pdypHNE2UwoEn5VoV9Jq0MWsby9sUp-wnVUKN6X7g4I83rfTC6FxvyBdUDwBbHuVIeukCE5Lwwdg5yrVbi-mkS8/s320/wyatt+potter2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-12435957985693323922010-09-20T14:10:00.000-07:002010-11-04T23:59:11.329-07:00Who Needs a $15 Yo-Yo Anyway??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">Owen came home retelling the tale of an assembly at school. As the visitor told the story of NED walking the dog, and visiting the Eiffel Tower, and eating spaghetti; he performed tricks that corresponded to each vignette. The kids were awed at the things you could do with a yo-yo.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">The visitor was actually a motivational speaker. His aim was to motivate the children to "</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">N</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">ever give up", "</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">E</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">ncourage others" and "</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">D</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">o your best". Owen came home motivated to buy a yo-yo. Who could blame him, really? This NED guy was inspiring. He could do cool things. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Maybe the N.E.D. actually stands for:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">Never give up on asking your parents for a yo-yo.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">Encourage others to buy a yo-yo.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">Do your best to get your parents to buy you the yo-yo.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">You may be shocked to learn that the motivational speaker actually...SELLS YO-YOs...after his performance. So, Owen drooled as he watched peers buy the Ned-yo ($6.50), the Boomerang ($10) and the Cosmic Spin ($15). And upon his return from school, the first words out of his mouth as he rushed through the front door: "I NEED $15. If I don't get $15, I won't be able to get the best yo-yo EVER and I only have like, 5 more days until the school won't sell them anymore!"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Wow. This is desperation now, not motivation. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">My first thought? "Sheesh, $15 bucks? Don't you have 5 yo-yos hidden under a pile of dirty socks somewhere? I've just given $40 to your school this week already."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">However maybe I could use this...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">My response? "$15 bucks is quite a lot of money... and I am not going to just fork it over because you WANT something RIGHT now. How about I will let you earn it over the weekend? If you are really wanting this yo-yo, and then you can </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">show me how much by putting in a little effort for it."</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">I'm sure he went to bed thinking about all the yo-yo tricks he so desperately wanted to do. But that now seemed impossible because of the heavy chore burden I was about to enforce upon him.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Okay, I probably shouldn't use 'enforce', but if you don't have first hand experience with it: 10year old + chores = exasperation.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">However, I was pleasantly surprised... Owen worked with gusto and determination I have not seen before. When reminded of the things he had agreed to work on, he gladly did them - even </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">re-did</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"> them when they were not quite passable as having been complete. This must really be some yo-yo.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">So today, as I hand over the envelope with the $15 check, I don't feel like I'm getting totally ripped off by some elementary yo-yo scam. My son learned a good lesson in earning rewards and I have clean bathtubs and streak free mirrored closet doors. Very win-win.</span>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-89975247026716590062010-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:002010-09-20T09:21:10.813-07:00Does Anyone Need a New Dog?Yeah. I have a really great one...she just needs more attention.Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-47022235239868160612010-09-16T15:36:00.000-07:002010-09-16T15:36:20.739-07:00Lady Killers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH_ZqmVT6RGrM4P3fkBujAgFWkeSWti9EUqskss_HB5RQMcUetccnqUuRteO25FsQTSNUfspRRbZ4aekOo-nXiG3IrDUGUkTlkbbQT5WbgXMN5zhOlU2g5X37r_M7oRvac5WiUgO0hkw/s1600/owen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH_ZqmVT6RGrM4P3fkBujAgFWkeSWti9EUqskss_HB5RQMcUetccnqUuRteO25FsQTSNUfspRRbZ4aekOo-nXiG3IrDUGUkTlkbbQT5WbgXMN5zhOlU2g5X37r_M7oRvac5WiUgO0hkw/s320/owen1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHt39ulEauE7kbQ2vyNE_Mbklnfo8th86NkYv7R4B3LTeOuuskHFDZPn2PbK3-271jPe2PjwLexXILyDdDYP6pPGn9mc4bKn7PuGMfp7legSw5NsqIbPyYzrDUGksp682KnwVqpxH-dA/s1600/wyatt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHt39ulEauE7kbQ2vyNE_Mbklnfo8th86NkYv7R4B3LTeOuuskHFDZPn2PbK3-271jPe2PjwLexXILyDdDYP6pPGn9mc4bKn7PuGMfp7legSw5NsqIbPyYzrDUGksp682KnwVqpxH-dA/s320/wyatt2.jpg" /></a></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-16721879511897670002010-09-13T10:40:00.000-07:002010-09-14T12:46:48.117-07:00Things That Go Bump in the Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XteHH4i6ZPr8GaZBW13lHO765yC1wkExnzONJJhu5LrR8nP2iVYnTRC5QbO0GE621oAz9pXK8_loZAirBCA_7iZY9K1GrIZUPQMeRRjm2PPKyCPEZLWP1bLGVYkH5XvKRi0MtW4bcy8/s1600/Halloween+%26+Traci%27s+Wedding+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XteHH4i6ZPr8GaZBW13lHO765yC1wkExnzONJJhu5LrR8nP2iVYnTRC5QbO0GE621oAz9pXK8_loZAirBCA_7iZY9K1GrIZUPQMeRRjm2PPKyCPEZLWP1bLGVYkH5XvKRi0MtW4bcy8/s320/Halloween+%26+Traci%27s+Wedding+059.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Oh, yes. My FAVORITE time of year. I can feel the magic that is coming. The smell of fall, black trash bags, and hot glue in the air... Now, I have been perusing Halloween costume sites for weeks, however last night I became far more interested in how to decorate the entry to our plain and boring mission style condo front for this years All Hallows after some site browsing at my fave, <a href="http://www.grandinroad.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=2759&path=1,2,2759">Grandin Road</a>. My late night web haunts have led me to come across some serious Halloween fanatics that turn their decorating endeavors into year-long projects! I have to say these are some pretty awesome dads. I am quite certain that my newest obsession is going to be paper mache jack o' lanterns. Check 'em out: <a href="http://www.spookyblue.com/">SpookyBlue</a> & <a href="http://halloween.tittivillus.com/">Andersonville Graveyard</a> & <a href="http://www.stolloween.com/">Stolloween</a>.Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-27985111938500512942010-09-07T23:17:00.000-07:002010-09-07T23:17:33.075-07:00Drawing for a Purpose<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLdSKqNnplDgewsQjKmxAbHLavXXLP2D2SbTVaclG9GDrlKu5D5yv1rPxVW5GaooX4zVO9-maI06CJR55r17ne1Ny2qIMJ0wMUH3-t2AvWgqo34jF_VM9qaJR7iJjl8kfo5smqtebsCk/s1600/DSC02774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLdSKqNnplDgewsQjKmxAbHLavXXLP2D2SbTVaclG9GDrlKu5D5yv1rPxVW5GaooX4zVO9-maI06CJR55r17ne1Ny2qIMJ0wMUH3-t2AvWgqo34jF_VM9qaJR7iJjl8kfo5smqtebsCk/s320/DSC02774.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Audrey's Pink Scrumptious Sprinkle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Hello, family. It's me, the self-proclaimed belated birthday wisher. I have a new mission. At one time I had made a New Year resolution to send birthday cards out to all my immediate/extend-O relatives. Needless to say, I have fallen short of that goal time and again. So today I have made an addendum to my original resolution.<br />
<br />
I have decided that I need to find something to do with all this hidden talent wasting away inside of my person. And all of you need to know how much we really do think of you and love you each day, especially on your day-of-days. My artistic hand is wobbly and cobwebbed, needing practice and exercise. For this reason, I propose that I will illustrate a card for each of you, in celebration of you. Should I have missed your special day, consider the card an 'un-birthday' birthday wish. If your day is yet to come, look for our love in the mail.Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-35020326134608078972010-09-07T22:22:00.000-07:002010-09-08T10:25:25.445-07:00Ebay Schmeebay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ejnzPtGZV0oCHhXIPLXOmIR80A3AN2mHvQTFE5l0gfV9uMft83IDS6axjaDgXkfH-4QwdGHHmQ7LEi9RrZRSHiQJRriAsQOY3u8sE9lNxy9Y1mGB0sS1N7OaaYraxkl16C7CJ9InYpM/s1600/harrypotterpotcj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ejnzPtGZV0oCHhXIPLXOmIR80A3AN2mHvQTFE5l0gfV9uMft83IDS6axjaDgXkfH-4QwdGHHmQ7LEi9RrZRSHiQJRriAsQOY3u8sE9lNxy9Y1mGB0sS1N7OaaYraxkl16C7CJ9InYpM/s320/harrypotterpotcj.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I am slow, yes. I have newly ventured out from my Amazon comfort zone to try out eBay... and I'm not so sure I like it. I don't know if I can handle the disappointment that is certain to follow being outbid on an item I have my heart set on!<br />
<br />
Take this delightful cookie jar, for example. I loved it...hoped it to be centerpiece for my Halloween table this year. I sat at the computer watching the hours tick to minutes as the auction came to its close, reveling in the slight bidding war I was sharing with one other cookie jar hopeful. Even upping my maximum bid seconds before the digital gavel slammed...and what! What?? With literally 15 seconds to spare, some unknown bidder swipes in and steals from me my already favorite newest Halloween decoration ever.<br />
<br />
It's heartbreak, I tell you. I wanted to <i>cry</i>. Weep out loud like I had just lost something dear and treasured! This is madness for sure. But alas, you may find me perusing the collectibles listed on this wretched site another day.<br />
<br />
So for now, farewell sweet Harry jar. I will keep and eye out for you in the future. And perhaps someday, this dream that I wish (of you adorning my dining table in Octobers to come) will come true.Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-42043003744463752652010-09-07T20:21:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:21:40.790-07:00Birthday Numba One!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcY67Dsai2BFwdbY8WHCGWWuHFNSmdTP-nuvVM-lQcUBEAsN9WYtiTsqy5znUqDP7ZX_oHMMJ_Mo4qxd1ZE13trdDWk-ovzh3oLIGqQ_XuqAFtn_FoiKUjmJeej4PT6TMl0W-XROVn4w/s1600/DSC02652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcY67Dsai2BFwdbY8WHCGWWuHFNSmdTP-nuvVM-lQcUBEAsN9WYtiTsqy5znUqDP7ZX_oHMMJ_Mo4qxd1ZE13trdDWk-ovzh3oLIGqQ_XuqAFtn_FoiKUjmJeej4PT6TMl0W-XROVn4w/s320/DSC02652.JPG" /></a></div><br />
First of all, babies are a BIG deal. And this kiddo was no exception. His daddy and I waited for what seemed like forever for him to decide on coming. From the first surreal moments of seeing those two pink lines on a test and the nine months that follow, down to those last few days of walking and waiting and wanting to be done... and yet, knowing that THAT is only just the beginning.<br />
<br />
It's a cliche that never gets old - "they grow up so fast". It rings true in the hearts of all mothers. Wanting to keep them small forever, and yet marveling at every first accomplishment that graduates them forward into toddler-hood. Little milestones that might pass in a fleeting second. I have been careful to not miss much.<br />
<br />
I have decided that first birthdays are for mamas. A crowning moment of the past year that has changed your life for the better. A day to recall all the little treasured moments that brought you and this little one to this particular day. A bittersweet reminder that all of those times are now in the past and can only live in pictures and memories. A celebration of all the tears, pains, triumphs, smiles and sleepless nights that have ensured your baby's survival of infancy. This is what a first birthday is.<br />
<br />
That ... and photo ops. Here are some of the best from <i>my</i> Celebration of Wyatt Day.<br />
We so love you, our bubba. Happy Birthday (July 29).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XG10t2rGzT6D9E0cVuU5jZSkHvqxW4JacB8pIO0we_olhGX6uBvRQA1-C9or6iaReGnRlkNxjH2RMEZlUuNHaGuO5vOZ3hl79sP5ZgxzHnr6x6xoIUwNLWipH_TEnCWI9GK-Lyzo2W4/s1600/DSC02642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XG10t2rGzT6D9E0cVuU5jZSkHvqxW4JacB8pIO0we_olhGX6uBvRQA1-C9or6iaReGnRlkNxjH2RMEZlUuNHaGuO5vOZ3hl79sP5ZgxzHnr6x6xoIUwNLWipH_TEnCWI9GK-Lyzo2W4/s320/DSC02642.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-daS7CneQiOYOgUu_-YG0bEBmZmu0XExs5kT9c_VgO4tLmqB9kzkmj_AJ9vcZiNqU329Ryc8Wp_4sA-8dy2NKrWKpS3Vs3KwdAtRiYsj1sm7iPjUDLIqdTeHC5a3NlBr3gnvCSXECoM/s1600/DSC02620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-daS7CneQiOYOgUu_-YG0bEBmZmu0XExs5kT9c_VgO4tLmqB9kzkmj_AJ9vcZiNqU329Ryc8Wp_4sA-8dy2NKrWKpS3Vs3KwdAtRiYsj1sm7iPjUDLIqdTeHC5a3NlBr3gnvCSXECoM/s320/DSC02620.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoxF1EWC2n2nJtgUv3ubMOhXWl-a419fk__mh1yze7NKHzNFHV12Lhl2UVJvM7w6OS0KPgGJqNeA3-4BV379A9bdWj57lATa2ncSx73QxhVC-3fp2HSBSTcW6S9H_ofgZ6Wi2XSRWdX0/s1600/DSC02655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoxF1EWC2n2nJtgUv3ubMOhXWl-a419fk__mh1yze7NKHzNFHV12Lhl2UVJvM7w6OS0KPgGJqNeA3-4BV379A9bdWj57lATa2ncSx73QxhVC-3fp2HSBSTcW6S9H_ofgZ6Wi2XSRWdX0/s320/DSC02655.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKicJO6dZVXFa88mTYXzui8Fz23YbHmMJGVFUtuahMrg4A4X0fcyLBC1KHbew6J5gDHL-EEkRBJzj4wb4IwOpBr9YLLBJzr7DJRDTDTrJsBKiexBDHYe-jnHxkIBPGB6lzWjdSe8GSdRc/s1600/DSC02612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKicJO6dZVXFa88mTYXzui8Fz23YbHmMJGVFUtuahMrg4A4X0fcyLBC1KHbew6J5gDHL-EEkRBJzj4wb4IwOpBr9YLLBJzr7DJRDTDTrJsBKiexBDHYe-jnHxkIBPGB6lzWjdSe8GSdRc/s320/DSC02612.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlIeMqKH8HdaTB6yinCN8K_K8aVtIWgHG2ZYzYBtNKHg9EXGN-BZuDhPBX8pDr0fwdtqgWPS1syrVP7Re8wN03RCfeTAqhps6ijus7j4xirzShxSoqRmX-PmprhnIJ7Gdbpy_GVdaVrE/s1600/DSC02649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlIeMqKH8HdaTB6yinCN8K_K8aVtIWgHG2ZYzYBtNKHg9EXGN-BZuDhPBX8pDr0fwdtqgWPS1syrVP7Re8wN03RCfeTAqhps6ijus7j4xirzShxSoqRmX-PmprhnIJ7Gdbpy_GVdaVrE/s320/DSC02649.JPG" /></a></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-80903959387851982852010-08-26T21:34:00.000-07:002010-08-26T21:34:06.611-07:00Alright Already...sheeshOkay...okay. The T. Gilstraps are back on the grid. After another glorious move and resettlement, I can allow myself a few moments a week to post and share the 'haps' in our neck of the woods, with all you fine people. [Applause all around...thank you, thank you.]Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-33716054937245345402009-12-13T02:19:00.000-08:002009-12-13T02:28:00.160-08:00Love<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wy9I5IQrczTasmU8blrUZ6rbvoM1u2QmZYwpVgAA6r0tVH5RL-7GO5RstPG8SUxpnaQ7UM2g_An4Ft51cSahtE3SgStQ74jzoxzG9E-xL4iHvlacQ1MGMCC7W0Xfe35lLM0UEAMGAyU/s1600-h/owen+and+wyatt+christmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414663873252764514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wy9I5IQrczTasmU8blrUZ6rbvoM1u2QmZYwpVgAA6r0tVH5RL-7GO5RstPG8SUxpnaQ7UM2g_An4Ft51cSahtE3SgStQ74jzoxzG9E-xL4iHvlacQ1MGMCC7W0Xfe35lLM0UEAMGAyU/s400/owen+and+wyatt+christmas.jpg" border="0" /></a> I might be somewhat biased, but I think these are the two best looking fellas out there. </div><div align="center">Like anywhere.<br />Ever. </div><div align="center">Sorry. :) </div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-85223864805375550062009-11-20T12:05:00.000-08:002009-11-20T12:24:49.706-08:00Big Baby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhsIycmaxPXJqkYGAPA6f0uN8dVXjH9oKfHaNMSgSBR_XtUiClsDwWtJsCoSiPIjafRyb8iT5ERVLdR9CKWmEBw5lOpEB5H4E1IPFBtehNaGpi0LrMdWeiQrqXs50bzicgl28seRndZo/s1600/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+154.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406284145267430050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhsIycmaxPXJqkYGAPA6f0uN8dVXjH9oKfHaNMSgSBR_XtUiClsDwWtJsCoSiPIjafRyb8iT5ERVLdR9CKWmEBw5lOpEB5H4E1IPFBtehNaGpi0LrMdWeiQrqXs50bzicgl28seRndZo/s400/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+154.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOjHAeL4aeEJQVgtzqVqV0AfiJhvE0gDHLtWJuVqqnqHm_CF6c-uqd0CRWj98amwHcCx6YoOZqB68sx8X2g9GBpcS0BxSJBPN3BaiNa08YBsN6KNhfh_lR7hUdQUgIHZ-pC2Izo8_OLk/s1600/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+155.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406284155592355554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOjHAeL4aeEJQVgtzqVqV0AfiJhvE0gDHLtWJuVqqnqHm_CF6c-uqd0CRWj98amwHcCx6YoOZqB68sx8X2g9GBpcS0BxSJBPN3BaiNa08YBsN6KNhfh_lR7hUdQUgIHZ-pC2Izo8_OLk/s400/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+155.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTNz1i00h29oH3Mez7xJbEWHjpGwiARoY6u6XjUzNJ3HfDz34-ckaYvgtdaoIEm6nnUgEacLx7iYdpHmw3CKYGakMQKoJ9BKE9cy75My3Wz-LAMkMoLMaQWDaqxOIFwddRyb4EvLgEHE/s1600/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+150.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406284137547221106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTNz1i00h29oH3Mez7xJbEWHjpGwiARoY6u6XjUzNJ3HfDz34-ckaYvgtdaoIEm6nnUgEacLx7iYdpHmw3CKYGakMQKoJ9BKE9cy75My3Wz-LAMkMoLMaQWDaqxOIFwddRyb4EvLgEHE/s400/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+150.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Funny thing about this kid - he was obviously ready for solid foods since he was guiding the spoon to his mouth by grabbing my hand and would yell at me when I would go to scoop more from the bowl...I couldnt get it into his mouth fast enough. Honestly, I'm thrilled. </div><div>(Even though he's getting too big.)</div></div></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-18577681632524940952009-09-15T01:16:00.000-07:002009-09-16T00:47:01.172-07:00Tasty Lil' Morsel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqeGiOnVp9ASH0oeuyho60LGSIyaL-PNEz3N0hWOTZYbmNHlXieefZoROTH8dZjDQcc3ljBLSUEp5_XX03y3XYAFvFtYdHAmeHY1MFiVh5zR0CwAE2ft1wHc1nY-ztS2w9aO_gP9Xids/s1600-h/sept+14+1+smile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381968170502650002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqeGiOnVp9ASH0oeuyho60LGSIyaL-PNEz3N0hWOTZYbmNHlXieefZoROTH8dZjDQcc3ljBLSUEp5_XX03y3XYAFvFtYdHAmeHY1MFiVh5zR0CwAE2ft1wHc1nY-ztS2w9aO_gP9Xids/s400/sept+14+1+smile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yeFdZDKD4TswdgK66uB1XYQYDwSAW4n9XfBdDQtaykaG15QKzy3hNq_At1ePzoRCqljiK_mtx2KHncG3T-ONXIpctr3N36Jc5u9aC-KokfTmIBGMwkvxIBN7NYaDwz3MxE7NYNBuncs/s1600-h/sept+14+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381605727915624018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yeFdZDKD4TswdgK66uB1XYQYDwSAW4n9XfBdDQtaykaG15QKzy3hNq_At1ePzoRCqljiK_mtx2KHncG3T-ONXIpctr3N36Jc5u9aC-KokfTmIBGMwkvxIBN7NYaDwz3MxE7NYNBuncs/s400/sept+14+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Isn't he just delicious? I could just eat him up - even in those little old man pants. Wyatt @ 6 wks. Check out those monkey toes. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381967701365240386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_mVTmvnyNbfJJGXy_WcI7G7zGwcCZIc2L4Y51zZxVoCVoYS1ypuLF8vRcTY8TKiTw_63y_dHwTJOLnWcyKJRVf_BNGKdZx9YNSE8vz_b-BN22baMLh4IRezoaikb-I40NJ9bzSNrwIQ/s400/red+shirt1.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-81927449593899635722009-08-27T21:57:00.001-07:002009-08-27T22:14:17.733-07:00Chunka Munka<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KdMlQCs1mUZsU-3IgH3-Bi4VWCenQN8IGpL2Qpfb0ngRhtgwlgntt1BsBDcjuUw2Nb87XYQnBLpHN58GbkV2YA-EgmYbg1AQCizf8JmLC3uiCCP2NI_zzfM2WLILPsKy69jCy-22SiI/s1600-h/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+185.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374877952706023362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KdMlQCs1mUZsU-3IgH3-Bi4VWCenQN8IGpL2Qpfb0ngRhtgwlgntt1BsBDcjuUw2Nb87XYQnBLpHN58GbkV2YA-EgmYbg1AQCizf8JmLC3uiCCP2NI_zzfM2WLILPsKy69jCy-22SiI/s400/new+baby+wyatt+7-29-09+185.jpg" border="0" /></a> 9 1/2 lbs. and 22 in. @ 4 weeks.</div><div align="center">(and that's my arm, not my boob)</div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-81725846210266640512009-08-14T00:00:00.000-07:002009-08-14T00:10:02.702-07:002 weeks...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp7nX29SA0QzrBhAzNytl5PBnra_Cfvafxd649rcfiF0WzZpd_bFOpe-GNzM3P6nNtftsihxUUqDQi1iUjl69caLASmdr2tOMaJXGhtaVYqSMT129QdUhKRzzArZayLC34BoLsZyRfTU/s1600-h/wy4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369712243965992722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp7nX29SA0QzrBhAzNytl5PBnra_Cfvafxd649rcfiF0WzZpd_bFOpe-GNzM3P6nNtftsihxUUqDQi1iUjl69caLASmdr2tOMaJXGhtaVYqSMT129QdUhKRzzArZayLC34BoLsZyRfTU/s400/wy4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRx0BH8B5H2dbRXWjE_qklDADrteL60zJhuPD7Aw4JfcHoNPoKnwq6NuVLlL3Xnrk9epM8ymdlPkwrbDxKZj4HAmofROvcsfMVWSfxUwwP5nfZWbpIwHO27qbEg8IIs3P-zlM42WGaxI/s1600-h/wy2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369712233193661970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRx0BH8B5H2dbRXWjE_qklDADrteL60zJhuPD7Aw4JfcHoNPoKnwq6NuVLlL3Xnrk9epM8ymdlPkwrbDxKZj4HAmofROvcsfMVWSfxUwwP5nfZWbpIwHO27qbEg8IIs3P-zlM42WGaxI/s400/wy2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykVQ9lVwEdMORaHRu9YvctakVzqhNPZ5kM5DbVMDKkvxrtByNolJm6_xcVzXFlMyvFA9L-A9YPavfgfv01S_Uf_b0fK-bmORs9E2J9TFTsUi0sL0C6nSM9zrhPTmmIqRvvyreHGXOnbc/s1600-h/wyatt5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369712251259901874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykVQ9lVwEdMORaHRu9YvctakVzqhNPZ5kM5DbVMDKkvxrtByNolJm6_xcVzXFlMyvFA9L-A9YPavfgfv01S_Uf_b0fK-bmORs9E2J9TFTsUi0sL0C6nSM9zrhPTmmIqRvvyreHGXOnbc/s400/wyatt5.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center">We are in LOVE. It isn't right how fast this kid is growing. </div><div align="center">Why can't they stay little longer?</div></div></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-56214266937157762932009-08-02T22:02:00.000-07:002009-08-28T12:49:52.431-07:00Introducing...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdyT4siQ3BIGGkz2u7QOn6KgUZf1VIoH-kC3O_El_endX5GYvNEh6CfcF1MUk1tNjA_VpBrBSrUSrOI2i67wqyR9cl65vcOO4wdDMA9yv_gzib-Nbhyphenhyphenduye43St2s3dtY4WUWvdjJCs/s1600-h/snuggled.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365602232859752402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdyT4siQ3BIGGkz2u7QOn6KgUZf1VIoH-kC3O_El_endX5GYvNEh6CfcF1MUk1tNjA_VpBrBSrUSrOI2i67wqyR9cl65vcOO4wdDMA9yv_gzib-Nbhyphenhyphenduye43St2s3dtY4WUWvdjJCs/s320/snuggled.jpg" border="0" /></a> He's here! <div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Wyatt McCrory Gilstrap</div><div align="center">was born Wednesday night, July 29 at 10:13pm. </div><div align="center">7 lbs. 21 in.</div><div align="center">After a short 3 1/2 hour labor (which really began after the Dr. broke my water). We came home Friday afternoon and are loving every second of this new little one. Wyatt has been a dream - almost in a very surreal way. We can't believe he's actually here AND that he's so mellow and easy going. We'll post more info and pics soon!!</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365602239331665490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEu1bgT86dIwFhhm-g_zFzoTAHd1cTDGeb_wV4YOT6s7gKzqYjoyPqYOlPprSMFSaojMOu-arVrFs7lMB7lQxueVAJDk-oXdn5h3ilknjXKO0gBRS3A2w9ywNEQNAgZXfCTgMrZGcZpA/s320/wyatt+face.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-50447497201864496572009-07-14T20:16:00.000-07:002009-07-14T20:17:43.248-07:00WHOA!Does anyone SEE that baby counter over there????!<br />(it's not moving FAST ENOUGH.)Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-30850875625940452842009-06-19T11:51:00.000-07:002009-06-19T11:57:01.890-07:00Um...Super Yum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7WROFNcH6LlKlT1GwRPfjMwHxURpgLCK9JBqD7nwSDf7x_IcjsW_LxfhyphenhyphenlwjYWdg6vvE6VBNxHm4itb83EtIcdhMLg_g2svVy64mQtrEoIuWOmyY5AowZIuE30AWCXO1gZExnOp2ZXw/s1600-h/spunkransomreveals691x1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349113535084545970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7WROFNcH6LlKlT1GwRPfjMwHxURpgLCK9JBqD7nwSDf7x_IcjsW_LxfhyphenhyphenlwjYWdg6vvE6VBNxHm4itb83EtIcdhMLg_g2svVy64mQtrEoIuWOmyY5AowZIuE30AWCXO1gZExnOp2ZXw/s400/spunkransomreveals691x1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">For all my girls out there...just sharing the love.</div><div align="center">Being nine months pregnant and sweltering hot is not much fun, but this gave me a little burst of energy... giddy like a dang school girl. </div><div align="center">Pretty pathetic.</div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-13236197948977185522009-06-09T16:10:00.000-07:002009-06-09T16:42:34.349-07:00Amongst the Birds and Bees<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesApSvwqj1k0zz2fdDTTf4rq1M9XwSyYjQDJGXYWIx2DXnhLVoGdsNdLkWHASZLHOhxtOXbC6OWqlpwlln417TTa0acKI6Nx42XfP9tcuCIIoNhLKJNgomMBGuIlTz4l_HxauxLgHrVE/s1600-h/babyshowerkrish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345471953181950338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesApSvwqj1k0zz2fdDTTf4rq1M9XwSyYjQDJGXYWIx2DXnhLVoGdsNdLkWHASZLHOhxtOXbC6OWqlpwlln417TTa0acKI6Nx42XfP9tcuCIIoNhLKJNgomMBGuIlTz4l_HxauxLgHrVE/s400/babyshowerkrish.jpg" border="0" /></a> Whoa, mama. Nice c'ankles.<br /><br /><div align="center">I just wanted to share a few photos from the beautiful baby shower that Lilian and Niki did. It was so relaxing and enjoyable (for me anyway - especially since they wouldn't let me do a THING for it). I know that they both (including their tired husbands), did so much to make it special. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful friends and thank you to everyone who came. Your cards are in the mail!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345471263991706562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLfCxhtoafBG7gTJXDpBekFhLkalYHNgNhZPB7_RNDiL26pbJ7auU_3Z-MfG5wccQuBkR4tfEO4RnfaKMWq50gxalDY-14Aqze38lnDXHVkyV4GrtOI7lSKjfR9YNNX3YduqXZQAV_dI/s400/babyshower+cake.jpg" border="0" />Yes, it says "Welcome Mother Sucker". Ne'er truer words.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345471611257257714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQDgXjrQt1ZVdcyISMkRSSXtrmGHTtJfp25b9Mf62Bq1ig8tnAezApCIr40DXzk_Chci-Zc_7hx_z27hft8FxmygzmnFqLOHuSt9XKhnlGhoa2n9bJoWKk9-8fsGGm3ykCtwNI3rEq8Y/s320/birds+and+lanterns+2.jpg" border="0" />The paper birds and lanterns adorn.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345472310966817314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUEBjlmHenuFLTLXF8xw5Sh5almjhp1XdE2Vn7f8JI9gM_Wtyo7uE4Sri8iL31oQ8chxorOCjEyqkRIUum9uzOA2tNHlnvW0Yiiyz3lR-HsGWBHIlSYv3CQ0YVE3dPJ1o9NNM7wP-O88/s320/drinks+table+shower.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Pretty flowers and drinks.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345472610735690706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4l2llrHRWWmQU75smORByT1nKi2rCcRfh3NomDKCAxykktLlCBnqd-Qn5NVobg6E_lklQR1yQBw0ZArRH3FEOG-cCexd1OaNvUEaffRNO1U9blcp0m4DyYstn2AOk2kjfaasAS6dsIo/s320/gaea+and++the+gift+table+shower.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Pretty Gaea (whom I have nannied for 6 years) and the gifts.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345474690947066114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrimbSvcDNHhiMcd_hgs1QfEMol8AE8sLPICyrLeJPGvIVZZbZRQFnYt-6-SsSPHUyYP5MxjxC5RoPiArZT4J7v1yo2yNxq0LFV5yZoxx6QufqsdVp80iU3PTwxljZUheEUiobnmtGkI/s320/biggest+gift+baby+shower.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">The biggest gift - our new crib! Thank you!!<br /></p><p align="center"></p>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-24370046386258879402009-06-09T14:26:00.000-07:002009-06-09T15:18:49.882-07:00Our New Adventure (aka: Saddest Day Ever)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WvM_p4A6EcmHT5-NNKL2DsUQ6auN25mSg9zi_lb2j_4ZduoHzsIxSK90MbsTrWeExuBIXIJXKUNhNEfOeqa84JLVHLhaPdB2DsLaOh-UT6ySXgd1Ywff6ZwjdaBAXainzrioKlwe_IY/s1600-h/saddest+day+door.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345451489666091762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WvM_p4A6EcmHT5-NNKL2DsUQ6auN25mSg9zi_lb2j_4ZduoHzsIxSK90MbsTrWeExuBIXIJXKUNhNEfOeqa84JLVHLhaPdB2DsLaOh-UT6ySXgd1Ywff6ZwjdaBAXainzrioKlwe_IY/s400/saddest+day+door.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>I've moved plenty of times, and even moved from places I've lived in for much longer periods of time, but this was probably the hardest of them all. I didn't want to do it - I didn't want to go. (I'm teary and snotty even now, remembering that day.) We loved Pasadena. We loved this house. We love our friends we made here. (Forgive the awful picture, but I had just said a teary goodbye to our sweetest friends ever, the Moore's - and mom wanted a pic of us in front of the house before we got into cars to leave. As you can see, I wasn't even in the mood to get dressed that day.)</div><br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345448731476192146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U_-7j9d6EbwqOWdGXPubLg-8pi6tOXn2I86TmVKJN69RHRyP-Y_Oq10tmWiEQ3I4Va94CMvON1LFAizoD70EBckdUGVIWSjlLU2b_1viaAVlv5qiMqyLbDVCH60_A-PNzybelp1fkBE/s320/saddest+day+car.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br />(The other thing that broke my heart, was seeing this: my poor truck being towed back to Sacramento, after it's made so many trips back and forth. It's final trip back... and $600 later, still broke. So sad to me.)<br /><br />Of course, we will be back, but it won't be the same. Thank you Mike & Lilian for all of your help, sweat, and love. Thank you Niki for saving Owen from boredom and lending us Max. Thank you Sam for driving down to rescue us in our last few days. Thank you Mom & Dad Spohn for breaking your backs and doing all the things that you didn't have to do - but did because you love us. Thank you Mom & Dad Gilstrap for giving us these memories.<br /><br />On to the next adventure...Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-75030371999643599762009-05-04T22:32:00.001-07:002009-05-04T22:34:16.683-07:00Fat Feet...and dry skin...lovely<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNJxFPvOMEZoYOmX3zngXei-pw3c0c97dYnp6zI_3j8UtCrZogeVZWBo2Pw5BqPSYb85jDgJXwGLw29Q9xFO8GjMJdoSbWn-x7kqSvUvlZUlgu3FtDY8Nlenk_u41Z8vw0peIjq4-e0w/s1600-h/sausage+piddies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332208798702042914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNJxFPvOMEZoYOmX3zngXei-pw3c0c97dYnp6zI_3j8UtCrZogeVZWBo2Pw5BqPSYb85jDgJXwGLw29Q9xFO8GjMJdoSbWn-x7kqSvUvlZUlgu3FtDY8Nlenk_u41Z8vw0peIjq4-e0w/s400/sausage+piddies.jpg" border="0" /></a> Just sharing for the enjoyment and disgust of all...<br /><br /></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-5392522011872836022009-05-03T17:09:00.000-07:002009-05-03T18:51:26.064-07:00Falling Apart!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlT5kF8fDnaQ_eukDf9WmDiyZxDz5-OC8P4CtBnHi2U-EF7tFRPcR7wz0RWnSwHf0BKeTVl-slzYHmB1batB2-H_iIFShRF4a-l-s4AfVcmFMMrgTvHHvbxgaZYl-fkbP8rczUnTjSCY/s1600-h/leaky.jpg"><span style="font-size:0;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331775963204023410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlT5kF8fDnaQ_eukDf9WmDiyZxDz5-OC8P4CtBnHi2U-EF7tFRPcR7wz0RWnSwHf0BKeTVl-slzYHmB1batB2-H_iIFShRF4a-l-s4AfVcmFMMrgTvHHvbxgaZYl-fkbP8rczUnTjSCY/s320/leaky.jpg" border="0" /></a> Okay, so Owen and I got back to Pasadena just Thursday night. I woke up Friday to the sprinklers coming on (which I usually do because they are loud) only to hear instead of the usual spitting spray, a river flowing. It was dark still and all I could see was a large puddle - so I turned off the sprinklers and went back to sleep. When I went out later to see what was up, I noticed that there were several spots on the grass that were totally dying from no water...what?? The sprinkler head was laying across the hole with it's top completely missing. It also looked like it hadn't been mowed in that area for at least a week. Could the gardeners have broken it? Then I noticed that two of the sprayers that connect to the dripline out front in the flower bed were broken on the tops and sending fountains shooting into the air. Yesterday I decided since I was home alone, I would scrub the bathroom and then treat myself to a nice bath. A few candles...soft music...lovely. EXCEPT, the hot water would not shut off! It maintained a steady and noisy stream of water flowing the whole time. NOT very relaxing. Not to mention it has been running all night because my wimpy muscles cannot manage to turn the water main off in front of the house! (drip trickle tinkle $$$$$$$....)<br />Most of these little issues would not be a huge deal and could very easily be taken care of in an afternoon - IF TOM WERE HERE! But he's not...I'm here by myself, with a basketball in my belly, waddling around. Packing up boxes that I cannot move from one place to another. Not able to move the heavy furniture around that I need too...not able to get up into the attic to store the boxes of stuff we will be leaving behind until we have a place to put them. I have about 4 doors and jams that need to be painted along with the fireplace mantel, several window sills, kitchen cabinet doors, a garage to pack, an entire house to scrub, a backyard to keep alive and and a livingroom in desperate need of an overhaul all in the next three weeks. I'm officially feeling helpless and overwhelmed. I really wanted everything to be fabulous for Tom's parents to come home too...but I don't think I can do it by myself. With Tom being gone, we are about 8 months behind in the projects we had hoped to complete. Guess it will just look the way it always has and our time here was wasted. I really wish I could be doing more. <div><br /></div><div></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcvwct2T4Qg0sd-H6oT6otIxpEgUKEqpJUt1ViLgYLpy3I6c5HSqPloEE1d2SJXkk7RRplrkOCn3i-aNeFR1cL-W7OeieW1_CbAA9YQzPxKxxoWDQhmB2u-C5NNTG__lDbKGa5N9tgC4/s1600-h/owen+scraping.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331777054458697730" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcvwct2T4Qg0sd-H6oT6otIxpEgUKEqpJUt1ViLgYLpy3I6c5HSqPloEE1d2SJXkk7RRplrkOCn3i-aNeFR1cL-W7OeieW1_CbAA9YQzPxKxxoWDQhmB2u-C5NNTG__lDbKGa5N9tgC4/s320/owen+scraping.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Guess I'll have to hire this guy.</p>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-70782804789001209722009-05-03T00:19:00.001-07:002009-05-03T00:21:06.520-07:00Newest Baby Pic<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw-osGNOHwIQG-jaHPYKxegZRrOGHKK8KzGninYQsQIs_nwh471vab_HZYqqBc2JWqC06qoxeMuIcTPQOFv8zTjJXzY0GOiho4BQP9ZD7SqkwQzUqeLMfm27IKmM41_nVZC8XZ_ttN58/s1600-h/wyatt@20wks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331494170859333106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 327px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw-osGNOHwIQG-jaHPYKxegZRrOGHKK8KzGninYQsQIs_nwh471vab_HZYqqBc2JWqC06qoxeMuIcTPQOFv8zTjJXzY0GOiho4BQP9ZD7SqkwQzUqeLMfm27IKmM41_nVZC8XZ_ttN58/s400/wyatt@20wks.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pretty darn cute.<br /><br /></div>Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3448289735278392042.post-91877749890183434252009-05-02T23:47:00.000-07:002009-05-03T00:06:00.902-07:00ChangeI haven't posted for a long while...mostly due to our changing scenery. Tom has been working out of town in the North Bay Area for eight months now. During that time, we have seen him only about every 2-3 weeks or so. In order to keep my sanity - and probably his also - we have spent a lot of time recently up in Lincoln with my parents so that we could see each other on weekends. (A two hour drive is a lot easier than 8). Since Tom's parents will be returning to Pasadena in early June, we are planning to go and stay with my folks for the summer, have a baby, save some much needed money, and regroup as a family. It all sounds like a smart plan. Not the ideal sure, but upon our last return back to Pasadena...I have been really sad. Not that I don't wish everyday to be close to my darling husband and have a mama close by to help out with a new baby, but because I have truly come to love this place. I love the city, I love our ward, I love this house, I dearly love each of our amazingly wonderful friends that have brightened our stay here, helped us make unforgettable memories and made this place our HOME. Lincoln is teaming with family, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers...even old friends from high school. But starting over, especially in a temporary area will probably make it hard for us to make good connections with new friends. I know I should be optimisitic and have a little faith that it will be fine... But moving stinks. No doubt about that. I'm gonna miss you, Lili.Stars&Strapshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941241021394519946noreply@blogger.com0