tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176570697513155092024-03-14T04:49:31.930-04:00She Makes Me Smile, She Tries to SingExploring Our World,
One "Why?" at a Time!Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.comBlogger286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-33440641277332320212012-05-18T17:29:00.000-04:002012-05-18T17:29:36.517-04:00A Proposal...<br />
Today, May 18th, marks the 14th anniversary of the day Mike proposed to me. We celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary 10 days ago, and while discussing all that has changed in our lives since, I was reminded of how much fun Mike made the engagement for me and also realized that many of our friends and family don't actually know <b><i>how</i></b> he did it!<br />
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It all started as a multi-media, 10 Stage Multi with a diamond ring being the final cache. Yes, Mike was way ahead of his time creating this event a full 2 years before Geocaching was born and became another important part of our lives....<br />
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I was working part-time at a law firm in downtown Grand Rapids and had just finished my Junior year at Grand Valley State University. I left work as usual and reached my locked car, parked in the adjacent ramp, only to find that something looked awfully fishy. When I went to get into the car, there was my portable CD player sitting on the seat, a map, a pencil, a piece of paper with an anagram on it, and a CD with a note reading, "Play Me". <br />
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I truly had no idea what was going on but thought it would be fun to play along! So, I popped the CD into the player, turned up the volume on my old stereo, and heard Mike's voice come on (how did he manage that?!), telling me that a clue to solve the game could be found at the intersection of Plymouth St. and the unscrambled street on the piece of paper. So, I worked out the anagram, which was Michigan Ave., and headed over there. Once there, I found a piece of paper with another anagram nailed to a pole and the voice on the CD gave me another street. Off to another intersection I went! This continued on for quite some time, with me crisscrossing all over town, until I reached a particular intersection in Kentwood, where I checked every pole on every corner and there was...nothing. Nada. Zip. We had no cell phones at the time so I was completely lost as to what to do next!<br />
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All of a sudden, this old couple pulls up along side my car and they roll down their windows while motioning for me to do the same. I was baffled but did as they indicated anyway. I did not know these people but the little, elderly lady leans out of her window and says, "The clue you are seeking has sailed away with the breeze. The next clue that you are looking for is "East Beltline". Good luck!". Then, they drove away. I was dumbfounded. This was crazy....<br />
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So, I traveled to the last intersection, the East Beltline and Lake Eastbrook (given to me on the CD) only to find another piece of paper, but this one was different. It was a puzzle where I had to take certain letters from the anagrams I had solved and put it into the puzzle in order to reveal a secret message. It read, "Mountain Jacks". That's it. I was so confused but I then realized that Mike must be taking me out for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and wanted to surprise me! It was a full 2 hours since I had started this process and frankly, I was starving! My only reservation about heading straight over to this restaurant was that it was a pretty nice place and I wasn't exactly dressed in my Sunday best. Oh well, I was hungry and I definitely didn't want to go all the way home and back at this point, so I drove over, went inside and headed to the hostess stand.<br />
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The hostess was expecting me and showed me to my seat, where Mike was patiently waiting with a huge grin on his face. No sooner had I sat down, when up pops Mike, gets down on one knee, presents the ring and asks me to marry him. I was shocked, surprised and giddy! Of course I said yes! Then, I glance over and realize that there is a person literally hiding under the next table, in the dark, with a video camera....our friend, Justin. These 2 goons had been recording my every move the entire day without me having the slightest idea! So, this entire episode is on a VCR tape somewhere...I'll have to make a concerted effort to find it one day. <br />
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All in all, I've heard of some pretty great proposals, in some pretty great locations, but I think mine takes the cake. Thanks to my creative hubby, it's a day that I will definitely never forget! <br />
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<br />Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-30787715436125643332012-02-08T16:12:00.005-05:002012-02-08T16:28:58.836-05:00Snapshots of life...<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have been making progress on the new house but not enough to post any real before/after pictures. We've painted the living room, kitchen, hall and foyer thus far, with the dining room, library/office and master bath not too far on the horizon. We've painted almost all of the trim on the main floor, changed out all of the light switches, upgraded most of the lighting, replaced all of the bathroom fixtures, added window treatments to all bedroom windows and numerous other small projects. It's starting to feel more like home as we continue to add our own personal touches.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my favorite ways to personalize our space is adding photos. Mike gave me a wonderful photo-collage frame set for Mother's Day last year and I finally had an opportunity to use it! I decided to add photos that depicted many of the places that we have traveled to as a family in the past 3-4 years. I'm very happy with how it turned out!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DufnvlQ-ApI/TzLWrXRNnNI/AAAAAAAABsc/jL5H_ixKA2s/s1600/Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DufnvlQ-ApI/TzLWrXRNnNI/AAAAAAAABsc/jL5H_ixKA2s/s400/Collage.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>How many different U.S. States are on display here?</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also have been admiring the picture ledges that I have been seeing in many catalogs and online. I figured that instead of spending the money that I could make them myself. With Mike's help, we made 2 - 4ft wooden picture ledges, painted them to match the trim and installed them above our piano. Love seeing our friends and family from virtually every spot on the main floor! </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lU3ZPvdR39g/TzLYmYnDbII/AAAAAAAABsk/LVDUbO7hjZM/s1600/Picture+Ledges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lU3ZPvdR39g/TzLYmYnDbII/AAAAAAAABsk/LVDUbO7hjZM/s400/Picture+Ledges.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Are you on our wall? Still space for more photos!</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I've always wanted to hang a collage of frames down the wall of our stairs. I was a little intimidated by the process but I found some great frames for a great price at IKEA and my idea started to take shape. I wanted to use some of my favorite photos that I've snapped during our travels and them get them printed to size. Here is the result....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRWbn7h35jQ/TzLahpx-3sI/AAAAAAAABss/_OQ4EOFipqI/s1600/Stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRWbn7h35jQ/TzLahpx-3sI/AAAAAAAABss/_OQ4EOFipqI/s400/Stairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Palm trees, sunsets and the bluest waters...</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We have high ceilings in the new house and when we installed our bookcases in the office, the area above it just seemed so empty. I decided to use some old maps that we had laying around, cut them up and put them in frames. I used</span><i> </i></span><span style="font-size: small;">5 different maps: a US map of Michigan to Florida (a favorite route), a aeronautical chart of Grand Rapids, MI, a collection of Caribbean islands, a road map of Eastern Iowa and a map of Barbados. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Gq6D0xADk/TzLfl5SbaVI/AAAAAAAABs0/3eD8OMpB89Y/s1600/Maps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Gq6D0xADk/TzLfl5SbaVI/AAAAAAAABs0/3eD8OMpB89Y/s400/Maps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everything has been coming together and the more we accomplish, the better I feel about the house and the space. The pictures and artwork really help! Just one more shot of the front foyer and hall so you can see how it's all coming together...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9sG09AIX1k/TzLj0uTSRAI/AAAAAAAABs8/LAnrZMMyP1I/s1600/Corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9sG09AIX1k/TzLj0uTSRAI/AAAAAAAABs8/LAnrZMMyP1I/s640/Corner.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ta-Da!</span></span></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-91410744669578025632012-01-23T17:29:00.000-05:002012-01-23T17:29:21.428-05:00House for Sale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7j1vxma9Sk/Tx3dyD6JG8I/AAAAAAAABpM/Tr4m47bfHt4/s1600/Half+Bath+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7j1vxma9Sk/Tx3dyD6JG8I/AAAAAAAABpM/Tr4m47bfHt4/s400/Half+Bath+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zw66T6hwxY/Tx3dyeG2V4I/AAAAAAAABpU/oKNQQKuvBiU/s1600/2nd+Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zw66T6hwxY/Tx3dyeG2V4I/AAAAAAAABpU/oKNQQKuvBiU/s400/2nd+Bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouXAK7umduk/Tx3d0LRE8yI/AAAAAAAABqM/KcxrRkuXg3I/s1600/Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouXAK7umduk/Tx3d0LRE8yI/AAAAAAAABqM/KcxrRkuXg3I/s400/Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xh1WEgp_mc/Tx3d1Rqy7iI/AAAAAAAABqs/6OExPCa4Nuc/s1600/Half+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xh1WEgp_mc/Tx3d1Rqy7iI/AAAAAAAABqs/6OExPCa4Nuc/s400/Half+Bath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJB8_qa530A/Tx3d2HD9hqI/AAAAAAAABq8/vneWeF_HxHY/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJB8_qa530A/Tx3d2HD9hqI/AAAAAAAABq8/vneWeF_HxHY/s400/Kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvjVnDmoYVg/Tx3d4GRroEI/AAAAAAAABrs/GYHgTYJm1zI/s1600/Master+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvjVnDmoYVg/Tx3d4GRroEI/AAAAAAAABrs/GYHgTYJm1zI/s400/Master+Bath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTBrPqg6QCU/Tx3d4Uk-0hI/AAAAAAAABr8/yTYvEmmx51k/s1600/Office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTBrPqg6QCU/Tx3d4Uk-0hI/AAAAAAAABr8/yTYvEmmx51k/s400/Office.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1-bCXdrLUk/Tx3d47r7r4I/AAAAAAAABsE/GZyKjijfl1o/s1600/Shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1-bCXdrLUk/Tx3d47r7r4I/AAAAAAAABsE/GZyKjijfl1o/s400/Shed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJB3l3XzrHs/Tx3d1yRDcnI/AAAAAAAABq0/noZXxmeKtm4/s1600/Wooded+Lot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJB3l3XzrHs/Tx3d1yRDcnI/AAAAAAAABq0/noZXxmeKtm4/s400/Wooded+Lot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-9307461643558963002011-09-23T17:01:00.000-04:002011-09-23T17:01:17.181-04:00Daddy & His Daughters The girls have been missing Daddy a lot while he's been away in Iowa. I was perusing some old pictures the other day and I thought that maybe I could grab some of just Mike with the girls. That way, I could create a little slideshow for not only the girls, but Mike as well. Enjoy!<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FReviewerTiki%2Falbumid%2F5655639379149530753%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCMuWheiIxdbO7AE%26hl%3Den_US" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-51739108114282979212011-09-05T16:46:00.000-04:002011-09-05T16:46:20.030-04:00Root, root, root for the TIGERS!When it comes to sports, I grew up with a father who is addicted to them. Golf, hockey, bowling, football...you name it, my dad is knowledgeable enough about just about any sport to amaze the socks off of me. There is no way I would ever consider <i>myself</i> a "sports person"... <br />
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However, watching football and baseball, along with many other sporting contests on TV, with my dad, afforded me the opportunity to learn about the games, the rules, the players, etc. If I had to pick only one thing to take away from that experience, it would be my love of the Detroit Tigers.<br />
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I can remember my parents taking me to my very first game at Tiger Stadium. Seeing the field for the first time live and being enveloped by thousands of fans all there to share in the excitement of the game. We went several times while I was a kid and it had such a lasting impression on me. I can still remember one game where we were sitting out in right field, in the upper box seats, and the Tigers were playing the Oakland A's. Jose Canseco was standing on the field right below us and my Dad yells out, "Hey Jose!" and he turned around and looked up at us! I also remember going to have Alan Trammell autograph one of his baseball cards for me when he was in town for a special appearance and thinking it was the coolest thing ever...<br />
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So....Friday night the Tigers were on TV and Verlander was pitching, so I wanted to watch the game. The girls decided to watch it with me and were really into the game. Lauren asked me when they were going to get to see the Tigers play "for real" and I thought, why not? Tickets were still available for Saturday's game @ 4pm, and with a quick check-in with Mike, I bought us tickets and parking. I was over-the-moon thinking about taking my children to see the Tigers play for the first time....<br />
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The drive was uneventful, the parking a breeze and getting into Comerica Park was trouble free. We got drinks, found our seats, and settled into them for a great game of ball. Did I mention it was 95 degrees out? In Michigan? In September? We were a little warm but kept cool with plenty of drinks, several well placed clouds and a light breeze. The Tigers evidently forgot that we were coming though, because they were down 8-1 by the 5th inning. It was so bad that at one point, I yelled at Tigers Pitcher, Brad Penny, that his pitching was pathetic. Lauren then politely leaned over and asked, "Mom, what does it mean to be "pathetic"?"...oh boy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rcAtTSjAXIw/TmUyvJAd4UI/AAAAAAAABbo/VvZ2SbK-0no/s1600/IMG_5050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rcAtTSjAXIw/TmUyvJAd4UI/AAAAAAAABbo/VvZ2SbK-0no/s200/IMG_5050.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLZO6wTW1sA/TmUyzZEHjjI/AAAAAAAABbs/2yOplvrWjyk/s1600/IMG_5051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLZO6wTW1sA/TmUyzZEHjjI/AAAAAAAABbs/2yOplvrWjyk/s200/IMG_5051.JPG" width="111" /></a>The Tigers rallied a bit but by the 7th inning, things weren't looking good. Not the team, but the weather. All the stadium lights were on and the sky was black. Lightning was flashing all around us and the wind started to really smash us. Trash was flying everywhere and hitting us in the face and eyes, sheets of rain were falling and they forced us out of the stands and onto the concourse level to wait out the crazy weather. Most people left. Like, over 90% of the people, but Mike said that we were sticking it out and I was secretly very proud of him for making that decision. We stood there with the other die-hards, dripping and disheveled. <br />
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After about 30 min, they allowed us to go back to our seats but since almost everyone had left, we grabbed the front row in our section, straddling 3rd base. Great seats, especially for the amazing plays that were to come. Needless to say, after 2 home runs in the 9th inning, the Tigers made a huge comeback and beat the Chicago White Sox in a game that I will never forget. It was AWESOME! And seeing the girls jumping up and down, cheering for the home team...PRICELESS!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bezj6OOlIPI/TmUyqag96oI/AAAAAAAABbk/uGYYNbnxLLk/s1600/IMG_5067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bezj6OOlIPI/TmUyqag96oI/AAAAAAAABbk/uGYYNbnxLLk/s640/IMG_5067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> GO TIGERS!</b></div><br />
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</a></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-78476522202022905382011-09-02T18:07:00.000-04:002011-09-02T18:07:54.697-04:00A time of transition...In my short 34 years, I have never even once thought of living in Iowa. Iowa? No. What's in Iowa? Corn, of course, and not much else. At least, that's what I've always thought. When aviation giant Rockwell Collins came calling though, we couldn't help but answer...<br />
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I have never lived anywhere but Michigan. Mike has the same story. Although we have both been <i>through</i> the state, I know that I have never personally gone to Iowa just for the sake of visiting. We'll now be calling <i>Cedar Rapids</i> home, which sounds odd to my ears, mostly because it's so similar to <i>"Grand"</i> <i>Rapids</i>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sx03s3DZY0/TmFOulAD6WI/AAAAAAAABbM/rChqLORHvyg/s1600/900px-Grand_Rapids_Michigan_Panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sx03s3DZY0/TmFOulAD6WI/AAAAAAAABbM/rChqLORHvyg/s640/900px-Grand_Rapids_Michigan_Panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>Grand Rapids Panorama</b></u></div><br />
Like my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI, Cedar Rapids is the 2nd largest city in Iowa. It sits on the banks of the Cedar River and is a manufacturing hub, not only for the state, but the United States in general. While Grand Rapids is known as the "Furniture Capital", Cedar Rapids is the largest corn-processing city in the world. They are also: <br />
<ul><li><span></span><span>The second largest producer of wind energy in the United States</span></li>
<li><span></span><span>One of the leading manufacturing regions in the United States</span></li>
<li><span></span><span>One of the leading bio-processing and food ingredient centers in North America </span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdHl3V_nHmo/TmFPzZ3xBAI/AAAAAAAABbY/lC7q_7R5rxs/s1600/vfiles28841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdHl3V_nHmo/TmFPzZ3xBAI/AAAAAAAABbY/lC7q_7R5rxs/s320/vfiles28841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>Cedar Rapids, IA</b></u></div><br />
Cedar Rapids is home to Rockwell Collins (one of the largest providers of aviation and information systems & services to<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government" title="Government"></a> governmental agencies and aircraft manufacturers), General Mills, Quaker Oats, Cargill and Nordstroms. They value technology and Midwestern values such as a strong work ethic, quality family time and an honest life. The schools are top notch and their parks and recreation options are pretty great too!<br />
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Like Grand Rapids, Cedar Rapids is a city with that small-town feel. And compared to the city of my birth, it <i><b>is</b></i> small. In the 2010 Census, the city population of Grand Rapids, MI was 188,040, the metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, (Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland) population of 1,321,557. Compare that to Cedar Rapids, IA where the city population was to 126,326 and the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor had an estimated population of 423,353. It's a big difference but not big enough that I feel like I'll be living in the boonies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bI3MIy7_KTE/TmFQn637gZI/AAAAAAAABbc/y6eJVMkHDz0/s1600/intHeader-placeholder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bI3MIy7_KTE/TmFQn637gZI/AAAAAAAABbc/y6eJVMkHDz0/s400/intHeader-placeholder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Grand Rapids</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It will certainly take some getting used to and some major adjustments in my mind, but I think that this new adventure will be good for our family and help us to appreciate what we have now and what could be in the future. I plan on writing here much more frequently to keep everyone updated! Stay tuned! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_manufacturer" title="Aircraft manufacturer"></a>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-56912003226347965072011-06-02T10:14:00.000-04:002011-06-02T10:14:04.250-04:00The Top 5 Regrets That People Have When Dying<div class="KonaBody"> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I ran across this article when a friend posted a link to it on Facebook. It really struck me. I get it. I need to be true to myself, let people know how I really feel, play harder than I work, treasure my friends and family and most of all, just allow myself to be happy. </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This really is what life is all about, or at least it should be....</span></b></div><br />
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<a href="http://thenextweb.com/lifehacks/2011/05/31/the-top-5-regrets-people-make-on-their-deathbeds/2/">Original Article on The Next Web</a> <br />
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When <a href="http://www.inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html" target="_blank">Ms. Bronnie Ware</a>, a woman who worked for years with the dying, wrote a list of the top 5 regrets people say aloud on their deathbed, we teared up a little bit here at TNW.<br />
She posted the top 5 regrets along with her commentary on <a href="http://www.inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html" target="_blank">her website</a>, and we’ve recopied them for you here below. But instead of just the grandmotherly bits of advice about dreams having gone unfulfilled, we’ve supplemented each regret with some rockstar advice on how to not have these regrets in the digital age.<br />
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<strong>1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.</strong><br />
<em><strong></strong>This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.</em><br />
<em> It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.</em><br />
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<strong>TNW Advice: </strong>We interview so many entrepreneurs here at <a class="zem_slink" href="http://thenextweb.com/" rel="homepage" title="The Next Web">The Next Web</a>, some of whom will succeed, most of whom will fail. But it’s about going out and creating a reality out of what was once just an idea in your head. Today, due to the Internet’s accessibility, smart people are discovering that instead of getting the next big paying cog-in-a-machine job that they are able to start their own company and they’re receiving a lot of satisfaction from doing so.<br />
<blockquote>“Yesterday, I had an epiphany that for the first time in my life, who I am and who I want to be are virtually one in the same. It’s so much more effective to be yourself than to pretend to be something your not because doing the latter is so emotionally taxing, you’ll never be someone that is fully committed. Being yourself pays dividends.”<br />
-Brett Martin, the CEO and Founder of <a href="http://thenextweb.com/apps/2011/05/24/the-world-just-got-smaller-with-sonar-a-hyperlocal-realtime-networking-app/" target="_blank">Sonar</a>, a hot new social, location-based mobile application.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzPqYWMhRd8/TeeaBr9KCSI/AAAAAAAABZw/5cHztOhTp44/s1600/P9090085new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzPqYWMhRd8/TeeaBr9KCSI/AAAAAAAABZw/5cHztOhTp44/s400/P9090085new.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>2. I wish I didn’t work so hard. </strong><br />
<em>This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.</em><br />
<em> By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.</em><br />
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<strong>TNW Advice: </strong>We are really hard workers here at The Next Web, in fact, I am pretty sure that <a href="http://www.twitter.com/zee" target="_blank">@Zee</a> hasn’t slept in the past 36 hours. But being a Dutch-based company, our roots are in relaxation. We know how to unwind after hard days.<br />
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If you need some literary inspiration, read up on <a href="http://tnw.to/16soV" target="_blank">How To Disconnect, A Primer</a> and <a href="http://tnw.to/17Fuq" target="_blank">The value in jumping off the social media train.</a><br />
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<strong>3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. </strong><br />
<em>Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.</em><br />
<em> We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.</em><br />
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<strong>TNW Advice: </strong>Expressing your feelings to loved ones and blogging or tweeting your thoughts are two different things. People often use Twitter as a soap box to express their anger or resentment over things they can not control. We’d like to take this time to remind you that as much as we love living in the virtual world, sometimes a hug, a long chat over a glass of wine or a phone call to a loved one far away is more valuable than any social media valuation, <a href="http://thenextweb.com/industry/2011/05/19/in-the-biggest-ipo-since-google-linkedin-now-trading-at-520-times-its-2010-net-income/" target="_blank">no matter how ludicrous</a>.<br />
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<strong>4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.</strong><br />
<em> Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.</em><br />
<em> It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.</em><br />
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<strong>TNW Advice:</strong> At first glance, this is a relatively easy problem to tackle as social networks, namely Facebook, have allowed us to keep up with too many friends and social connections. My best friends always say, “Thank god for Facebook, because I know you’re alive.” And this is slightly concerning. My best friends have to follow me on Facebook to know I’m alive? Use Facebook to keep in quick contact with friends, but defer to real life for those that matter. Pokes, Likes and Comments are not the same as ladies’ lunches, beach trips and dinner parties. Make the time.<br />
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<strong>5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.</strong><br />
<em>This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.</em><br />
<em> When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.</em><br />
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<strong>TNW Advice: </strong>If you’re reading this, chances are you have a long way to go before you die. So, please, allow yourself to be happy. Smile in the sunshine, kick the ball around with your son, have a glass of wine with your wife in the afternoon, move to Argentina, buy yourself a Kindle for the love of reading; whatever it is, be good to yourself.<br />
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</div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-26474341650072436782011-03-15T11:29:00.000-04:002011-03-15T11:29:28.316-04:00What's Happening?I know that I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping up with my blog...it's sad. One of my favorite parts about blogging is being able to go back in time and read about what was happening at that time in our lives. Nothing to read if I don't write anything....<br />
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Life has been lazier than normal and although I've enjoyed it while it was here, I'm ready to get back into the swing of life. The girls have their first school Carnival this Saturday, which should be a lot of fun for the whole family! I have a new niece set to arrive any day now-so exciting- and we are traveling to Milwaukee soon to celebrate with my cousin, Kelsey, as she weds her handsome Brit.<br />
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Once April hits, life really starts to speed up. Spring break, Caribbean Cruise, Easter...and May is always crazy! I am honestly looking forward to all of it, especially the weather warming up, sunshine and the outdoors coming to life again. Winter is so dark and dreary that the brightness of Spring is like walking into a rainbow-too bad that pot of gold is never around! :-)<br />
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I'll leave you with a pic of the girls from Easter last year...it certainly makes me long for the brighter days ahead!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t4H85RoNiKs/TX-FcFqtJVI/AAAAAAAABZM/Qbs02EE-suM/s1600/IMG_1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t4H85RoNiKs/TX-FcFqtJVI/AAAAAAAABZM/Qbs02EE-suM/s400/IMG_1029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-88034163272673492011-02-23T17:08:00.000-05:002011-02-23T17:08:42.571-05:00Keeping the Fairy Busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiZHdxQmvGU/TWV-aCQfkrI/AAAAAAAABZI/W1Im4ICIRTI/s1600/toothless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiZHdxQmvGU/TWV-aCQfkrI/AAAAAAAABZI/W1Im4ICIRTI/s400/toothless.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The girls have been losing teeth faster than I even thought possible! Lauren currently stands at 6 and Tara is at 5. Their 2 permanent bottom teeth have come in but the ones on either side are still missing. Lauren's top 2 permanent teeth are just starting to poke through and I think that they will be in soon! And, on top of that, they are just starting to get their 6 year molars popping up as well!<br />
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Now, Daddy has had the "pleasure" of pulling or removing all the girls teeth for them. Honestly, I think the girls are super brave and have personally asked Mike to pull each tooth when it got too bothersome for them or painful while eating.<br />
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However, while I was helping Tara remove her sweater on Monday, her upper lip got stuck on her loose tooth and yanked it upwards. I don't think it felt very good...poor thing! So, I had the tremendous task of pulling it out for her. Yay. Not.<br />
<br />
Those who know me know that I am not a "blood" person. I usually feel like fainting (and I have) or throwing-up (that too) at the sight of blood. I think I handled the tooth removal pretty well but the blood almost did me in...blah.<br />
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So, The Tooth Fairy has been making frequent stops to the house to exchange those little, white nuggets for gold, shiny ones. The Fairy leaves a $1 golden coin and a Chuck E. Cheese token each time. Who would have thought? I remember getting a big, silvery .50 cent piece from The Tooth Fairy when I was little and I thought it was the coolest thing! <br />
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What did The Tooth Fairy leave under your pillow?Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-46150978775944837792011-02-16T14:32:00.000-05:002011-02-16T14:32:28.276-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Daddy/Daughter Dance 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2x3p_Ewuq6E/TVwl9beOPjI/AAAAAAAABZE/IY_0lsP4fbY/s1600/Daddy+%2526+Girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2x3p_Ewuq6E/TVwl9beOPjI/AAAAAAAABZE/IY_0lsP4fbY/s640/Daddy+%2526+Girls.JPG" width="457" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My three blue-eyed babes...</b></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-20734760579041489652011-02-12T21:39:00.000-05:002011-02-12T21:39:02.406-05:00Another Project Completed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5k8welDq_A/TVc86Qw9CyI/AAAAAAAABY0/nqctQAgSzbk/s1600/IMG_0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5k8welDq_A/TVc86Qw9CyI/AAAAAAAABY0/nqctQAgSzbk/s400/IMG_0370.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Kitchen as it looked when we bought it... (2009) </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCSdaBbsWNM/TVc88mUFY7I/AAAAAAAABY4/UV3ykXXaPtE/s1600/IMG_1414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCSdaBbsWNM/TVc88mUFY7I/AAAAAAAABY4/UV3ykXXaPtE/s400/IMG_1414.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Kitchen in May 2010 after just about everything had been replaced... </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGG_uh3XoAY/TVc98gzwhdI/AAAAAAAABY8/B6QaSrLtHVU/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGG_uh3XoAY/TVc98gzwhdI/AAAAAAAABY8/B6QaSrLtHVU/s400/IMG_3730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Kitchen after this past week! </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmRPzih9tWQ/TVc-AmtccLI/AAAAAAAABZA/-0F7YijUV-E/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmRPzih9tWQ/TVc-AmtccLI/AAAAAAAABZA/-0F7YijUV-E/s400/IMG_3728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>No more drop ceiling or florescent shop lights for us! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Projects, projects, projects...there's always more "projects" to be completed than we have the time, money or energy for. The kitchen, in particular, was pretty much complete after we gutted it back in '09. We finally added the mosaic stone and glass backsplash in the middle of last year but there was still one main thing left to do. It was really bugging us that the kitchen still had the original lighting and drop ceiling look of the early 80's. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So....it was "Good Bye!" to the transparent light tiles, the drop-ceiling tracks, the ugly fluorescent shop lights and the bulkhead that separated the kitchen from the eating area (which was the most work). We had a lot of demo, even more drywall and patching work, new electrical, a couple gallons of paint and primer, and a lot of measuring! We installed new recessed lighting fixtures and a new light bar with pendants over the island and sink. We also replaced the outdated gold & tulip ceiling fan above the kitchen table, which was immediately more soothing to the eyes...at least mine anyway!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so happy with how it all turned out and that we can now cross off one of the "big" items from "The List". I also have to say that without my handy hubby, none of this would be possible. I'm so grateful for his know-how, willingness to learn to do something new and be patient with me as I change my mind 10x before settling on the final option. I think we make a great team.... :-)</div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-84524477748827600312011-01-24T17:02:00.000-05:002011-01-24T17:02:19.664-05:00The Lights Shone Brightly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TT31oA_wcwI/AAAAAAAABYk/89lT9h-U_UA/s1600/lithouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TT31oA_wcwI/AAAAAAAABYk/89lT9h-U_UA/s640/lithouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">These are the lights and decorations that garnered the 2010 Neighborhood Association Award for the best "Outdoor Holiday Decor". You can't see the garland, wreaths and bows very well in the dark but you get the idea! Can't wait to go spend that $50 Gift Card at the local hardware store!</div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-21605701610517364792011-01-19T14:42:00.000-05:002011-01-19T14:42:34.108-05:00The Vehicular UnitsWhile having dinner with our friends at Uccello's a couple of weeks ago, some nice person backed into our Yukon XL, smashing part of the bumper, rear quarter panel, tail light and adding some nice scratches down the side. They took off of course, so we were left to speculate what happened, when and why. We have a big, solid vehicle...I can only imagine what their car looked like!<br />
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The car is at the shop this week, getting the body work completed. That leaves us with only our '95 Thunderbird. Not the best car for maneuvering through Michigan's snow and ice, not to mention that it leaves me without a car all day. Such a strange feeling! Not being able to leave makes me want to get out of the house even more!<br />
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It did make me realize though that we really need to start saving for a newer car. Something that both Mike and I will like driving and can easily seat all 4 of us. Maybe a small SUV like an Escape or crossover vehicle like the Equinox. The 2-door sporty car from the mid 90's just isn't cutting it anymore...Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-76397300678748618162011-01-06T14:50:00.000-05:002011-01-06T14:50:43.072-05:00Go Boyne!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's that time of year again where our family gathers all of our cold-weather gear and bundles it into the 4-Wheel Drive sleigh for our annual trip up north to <a href="http://www.boyne.com/BoyneMountain/index.html">Boyne Mountain</a>. We do normally go in February but it didn't fit in the schedule this year...so January it is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSYXioxoXWI/AAAAAAAABYg/a4UYF1RxhaU/s1600/2010+666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSYXioxoXWI/AAAAAAAABYg/a4UYF1RxhaU/s320/2010+666.jpg" width="178" /></a> If you have never been on a "Ski Vacation" before, I highly recommend that you make a list. The amount of stuff that we have to bring for this one trip is at least double that of any other vacation destination. Not only do you have to have your coat and snow pants and boots, etc. but you need the "ski" versions of the stuff as well. Ski poles, ski boots, ski gloves, hats, skis, goggles, helmets, face masks, boot dryers...you name it, we bring it. You even have to bring your warm-weather gear (like bathing suits and shorts) because the resort has Michigan's largest indoor water park (<a href="http://www.avalanchebay.com/Waterpark/index.html">Avalanche Bay</a>) that they keep at 84-87 degrees daily. It's crazy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mike learned to ski at Boyne when he was a little guy and the girls are loving the experience as well. It's so much easier to learn at this age, when the snow is only inches from your bottom! Falling and getting back up is not the chore for them that it is for the adult learner, that's for sure...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully it will be a fun and enjoyable week for all with plenty of pictures to follow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-10366531522086500592011-01-04T10:32:00.000-05:002011-01-04T10:32:36.996-05:00Christmas Photos Over the Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2ekJs-NI/AAAAAAAABYQ/e-ZexRdfdJk/s1600/xmasfam005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2ekJs-NI/AAAAAAAABYQ/e-ZexRdfdJk/s400/xmasfam005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><b>Chistmas 2005 </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">(this one is my favorite...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2bdsQqfI/AAAAAAAABYM/bxaUdkARShM/s1600/Xmas06a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2bdsQqfI/AAAAAAAABYM/bxaUdkARShM/s400/Xmas06a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><b>Chistmas 2006 </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">(we didn't make the cut that year)<b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2qS_9GEI/AAAAAAAABYU/HxaN_Q7JRzE/s1600/XmasFam007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2qS_9GEI/AAAAAAAABYU/HxaN_Q7JRzE/s400/XmasFam007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Christmas 2007 </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(my least favorite although the girls are adorable)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2bdsQqfI/AAAAAAAABYM/bxaUdkARShM/s1600/Xmas06a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2WC40kDI/AAAAAAAABYI/37pePf2_SqA/s1600/FamilyHorz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2WC40kDI/AAAAAAAABYI/37pePf2_SqA/s400/FamilyHorz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Christmas 2008</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(are you noticing a trend with Mike's shirt?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM3JB9edvI/AAAAAAAABYc/UXfW3uM8ZqE/s1600/dscf3898_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM3JB9edvI/AAAAAAAABYc/UXfW3uM8ZqE/s400/dscf3898_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Christmas 2009</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(yes, I'm wearing the exact same jewelry as last year...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM2bdsQqfI/AAAAAAAABYM/bxaUdkARShM/s1600/Xmas06a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM26BbsX_I/AAAAAAAABYY/EpYd8xdro-c/s1600/BraceFam2010-13ver1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TSM26BbsX_I/AAAAAAAABYY/EpYd8xdro-c/s400/BraceFam2010-13ver1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Christmas 2010</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(the girls are wearing the same headbands as last year...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's fun looking at the kids and how they change from year to year! Mike and I....not so much. Although, I clearly need to be more diligent next year and make sure that we don't have any repeats of the same clothes or accessories. I had no idea that Mike wore the same shirt for 3 years or that my choice of jewelry would be so boring! Not that it looks bad, it just makes me laugh when I look at it now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We love sending out Christmas Cards every year and I think the photos add a personal touch. We love receiving cards too, but it seems like we get fewer in the mail every year. I know that there can be a significant cost involved in sending them out but it may be the only contact with have with some of our friends and family all year, so it's totally worth it for us! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wonder what we'll do for our picture next year? Maybe we'll try a tropical theme? At least I've got 11 months to plan!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span id="goog_1505546098"></span><span id="goog_1505546099"></span>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-7802680346189665522010-12-14T10:51:00.000-05:002010-12-14T10:51:02.861-05:00Santa's Coming Soon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TQeHteDUoAI/AAAAAAAABXw/Ckf_lf9nCj8/s1600/IMG_3252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TQeKgCCUepI/AAAAAAAABX4/6Ga8kRKgOM4/s1600/SantaGirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TQeKgCCUepI/AAAAAAAABX4/6Ga8kRKgOM4/s400/SantaGirls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TQeHy72Np9I/AAAAAAAABX0/pwqIbAZne3E/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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I'm still looking for a way to find more time in a day. Items and events are continually being added to that proverbial plate and I'm worried that it's so heavy, I'm going to drop it! :)<br />
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We were finally able to order our Christmas cards and it will be shocking if they get here and then get out the door to be delivered by Christmas. Oh well...I'm not going to fret about it. I like getting mail any day of the week, anytime of year (except bills) so a couple of days late isn't going to upset anyone, right?<br />
I do do a lot of shopping online and I have to say that I've been keeping my UPS man pretty busy lately! He even brought a huge load of boxes into the house for me the other day! How nice...and the post office I keep hopping as well! It always amuses me to see how they try to stuff the biggest packages into the mailbox without coming to the door...and I don't blame them! But it still amuses me...<br />
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The tree is up and decorated, as well as the rest of the house. I finally hung curtains in the dining room and we have been finishing little projects all over the place. It feels so good to be getting things accomplished that have been on the list since last year...like finishing the living room ceiling! No more black screw holes and blue chalk grid lines everywhere you look....ahhh, it looks so nice now. If no one notices the ceiling, that would mean a job well done!<br />
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I do love this time of year, though. Decking the halls, hanging the stockings by the chimney with care, Christmas trees and Jack Frost nipping at our noses. The kids are excited about seeing friends and family and what surprises are waiting for them under those lovely branches. Buying gifts for others is fun for me as well as making gifts with our own hands...and let's not forget the baked goods and decorated cookies! Yum!<br />
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Lastly, we're hosting 3 major gatherings at our house this year, three weekends in a row. I have to say that I'm a little overwhelmed but undaunted! I think that once we get past the first one, we'll be in really good shape for Christmas and beyond. Being able to share the Holidays with our closest loved ones is really what it's all about and being able to enjoy their company in your own home is like putting the Angel on the tree.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Holidays! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TQeHy72Np9I/AAAAAAAABX0/pwqIbAZne3E/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-30908402201967017742010-12-01T14:51:00.000-05:002010-12-01T14:51:30.674-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Polar Opposites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TPamfSXbjVI/AAAAAAAABXo/CFh2rFjEZEA/s1600/Sunset+Walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TPamfSXbjVI/AAAAAAAABXo/CFh2rFjEZEA/s400/Sunset+Walk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Last week Wednesday.....</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TPamnzMsLjI/AAAAAAAABXs/HUsP0xG1_Ww/s1600/Snow+bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TPamnzMsLjI/AAAAAAAABXs/HUsP0xG1_Ww/s400/Snow+bunnies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This week Wednesday...</b></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-22685462015316872482010-11-19T16:20:00.000-05:002010-11-19T16:20:39.257-05:00Sunshine On My Shoulders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOboJSHgp3I/AAAAAAAABXg/Ymujd5uSk6U/s1600/forecast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TObosWF_OwI/AAAAAAAABXk/gvodIMtw6k4/s1600/forecast1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TObosWF_OwI/AAAAAAAABXk/gvodIMtw6k4/s400/forecast1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">How's that for a forecast! I can't wait to be down in Panama City Beach, FL next week, soaking in those last rays of sunshine for the year before we have to return to Michigan and the doom and gloom that is our winter. Sunshine State - Here We Come!!!!!</div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-14281127011158046732010-11-17T13:32:00.000-05:002010-11-17T13:32:51.465-05:00Wedding Bells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The girls have been asked to be Flower Girls in my cousins wedding! I'm really excited for them although they're kinda pro's at this now. They had a whirlwind year in 2007 where they were Flower Girls in 3 weddings! It was a crazy year, but what's new, right?<br />
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Kelsey, my only cousin on my Dad's side of the family, is getting married at the end of March in Milwaukee, WI. We'll travel over there a few days early and hopefully get to see some Wisconsin friends and have plenty of time for wedding prep. So exciting! Congrats to Kelsey and Dave and thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQaZzCJexI/AAAAAAAABXU/Z12I6pK18IQ/s1600/Kelsey+%2526+Dave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQaZzCJexI/AAAAAAAABXU/Z12I6pK18IQ/s320/Kelsey+%2526+Dave.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>My beautiful cousin, Kelsey, and the man who is so lucky to have her, Dave.</b></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQaYTbEeQI/AAAAAAAABXQ/8iDBplNobDY/s1600/0819_KateandDanny+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQaYTbEeQI/AAAAAAAABXQ/8iDBplNobDY/s320/0819_KateandDanny+B%2526W.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Flower Girls for Kate & Danny (Mike's cousin) in Texas</b></i> <i><b>'07</b></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQagWeoWlI/AAAAAAAABXY/xmba8_Wh1Lo/s1600/P9290020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQagWeoWlI/AAAAAAAABXY/xmba8_Wh1Lo/s320/P9290020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Flower Girls for Renee & Kevin (Ren's Brother) </b><b>'07</b></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQalkzCaGI/AAAAAAAABXc/kJnfSfDQN_0/s1600/PB030031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TOQalkzCaGI/AAAAAAAABXc/kJnfSfDQN_0/s320/PB030031.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Flower Girls for Kara & Mark (Mike's Brother) '07</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span id="goog_622495317"></span><span id="goog_622495318"></span>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-85744946460831552942010-11-11T10:35:00.000-05:002010-11-11T10:35:16.607-05:00Superman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwI5jp2hyI/AAAAAAAABXI/guEAE8nfz4Y/s1600/FFF-+Hope+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwI5jp2hyI/AAAAAAAABXI/guEAE8nfz4Y/s320/FFF-+Hope+3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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My husband is so awesome. He purchased tickets for us to see <a href="http://www.fiveforfighting.com/"><i><b>Five For Fighting</b></i></a> in concert at <a href="http://www.thecrofoot.com/">The Crofoot Ballroom</a> in Pontiac, MI. When we bought the tickets, we were a little unsure about it, since it's a good 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive, it was during the week, at an unknown venue and in November. I really wanted to go though...and it was totally worth it to see this guy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwKejEMOUI/AAAAAAAABXM/-0xlcmI7zr4/s1600/FFF-+World+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwKejEMOUI/AAAAAAAABXM/-0xlcmI7zr4/s320/FFF-+World+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mike's parents graciously agreed to watch the girls for us and get them on the bus the next morning, so at least we didn't have to worry about that! <br />
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We had an uneventful drive over, found a parking space fairly quickly and didn't even have to pay for it! There was a line to get in so we had to wait outside for awhile, but no biggie. Once inside, we were shocked to see chairs set up for maybe...200 people. Yup, that's it! We just walked right up the center aisle and grabbed a spot dead center, 4th row. We couldn't believe our luck!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwH3cwROjI/AAAAAAAABXE/_fnNpIroe-k/s1600/FFF-+Chances+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwH3cwROjI/AAAAAAAABXE/_fnNpIroe-k/s200/FFF-+Chances+1.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>In case you didn't know, <a href="http://www.fiveforfighting.com/"><i><b>Five for Fighting</b></i></a> isn't a band. It's just one man, and a super talented one at that, John Ondrasik. He came out on stage, played all of my favorite songs (like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRz4FY0ZcwI">Superman</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR-qQcNT_fY">100 Years</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JDY1KvoQYk">World</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BtqElO1OX4">The Riddle</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8cfbBgXIow&feature=fvst">Chances</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Slice-Five-Fighting/dp/B003QU5XYO/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1">Slice</a>), told us the story behind each song and let the audience members freely take photos. SOOOO glad that I decided to bring my camera at the last minute!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwHrxMDz8I/AAAAAAAABXA/phdtIevtqd0/s1600/FFF-+If+God+Made+You+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwHrxMDz8I/AAAAAAAABXA/phdtIevtqd0/s200/FFF-+If+God+Made+You+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> After the show was over, we stuck around for a moment and lo and behold, here comes John out to talk with and meet the fans! How cool is that?! He graciously signed our ticket stub, said "Hi" to us and let Mike snap a picture of us. I have never had an experience like that...I'm still on a high from it all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwHahM8vlI/AAAAAAAABW8/JafEjedJE20/s1600/John+%2526+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwHahM8vlI/AAAAAAAABW8/JafEjedJE20/s200/John+%2526+I.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
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I didn't think that I could like <a href="http://www.fiveforfighting.com/"><i><b>Five for Fighting</b></i></a> anymore than I already do, but John proved me wrong last night. I couldn't have been more impressed!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwHAonhoxI/AAAAAAAABW4/9O3LbBLNlP0/s1600/Signed+Ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNwHAonhoxI/AAAAAAAABW4/9O3LbBLNlP0/s200/Signed+Ticket.jpg" width="133" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-88426680350787174712010-11-04T11:21:00.000-04:002010-11-04T11:21:16.505-04:00It's All About the Numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHIwOzG1I/AAAAAAAABWY/ln1TnLsfVCg/s1600/P8260068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHIwOzG1I/AAAAAAAABWY/ln1TnLsfVCg/s320/P8260068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our 1000th Geocache find at the "Age of Discovery" Event in Jenison, MI. (2006)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The owners of this Event got us into caching.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHiYiorCI/AAAAAAAABWo/3QrbUhGsWAY/s1600/2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHiYiorCI/AAAAAAAABWo/3QrbUhGsWAY/s320/2000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our 2000th find at our 1st Hosted Event - Grand Rapids, MI (2007)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHbO188DI/AAAAAAAABWg/PtlhlxJwKh4/s1600/CIMG1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHbO188DI/AAAAAAAABWg/PtlhlxJwKh4/s320/CIMG1018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">#3000 was up near Big Rapids, MI. One our favorite caches ever! PB-2 Pirate's Quest (GCZRXE)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The owners of this cache met us at the start and did the whole thing with us, along with our friend, Deane. (2008) Thank you, Dar & Terri!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHhQmJdWI/AAAAAAAABWk/kEfqPRaoEs4/s1600/GEDC0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHhQmJdWI/AAAAAAAABWk/kEfqPRaoEs4/s320/GEDC0539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We found #4000 in downtown Detroit on a cold and blustery March day. (2009)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The owner of this cache, our dear friend Tim, took us on an escorted tour!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHPXSsK0I/AAAAAAAABWc/NgRpbgxGucc/s1600/5000%21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNGHPXSsK0I/AAAAAAAABWc/NgRpbgxGucc/s320/5000%21.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Geocache #5000 was at this years Chili Cook-Off Event in downtown GR.</div><div style="text-align: center;">One of our favorite annual events!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNLNlGw89KI/AAAAAAAABW0/VqxFVsQVEwI/s1600/66049_1620264781867_1093833942_31765922_6995855_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TNLNlGw89KI/AAAAAAAABW0/VqxFVsQVEwI/s320/66049_1620264781867_1093833942_31765922_6995855_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">6000 finds later and we're still going strong!</div><div style="text-align: center;">One the coolest hikes we've ever taken -Ice Glen- near Stockbridge, MA.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">And still, after all of that, it's really our friends Deane and Linda (DeRock & The Psychic Cacher) who say it best:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>"</b><b>It's All About the Numbers</b><span id="ctl00_ContentBody_ProfilePanel1_lblProfileText"><b>"</b><br />
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<b>"After a lot of miles and time pursuing geocaches, we've come to the conclusion that it's all about the numbers. The number of good friends we've made, the number of good times we've had with them, and the number of great places geocaching has taken us."</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-40918933423545938372010-10-30T14:16:00.000-04:002010-10-30T14:16:43.822-04:00Photos Make Me Smile!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxQY3yFSWI/AAAAAAAABVs/JieRuVyvslg/s1600/The+American+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxRP8JMeoI/AAAAAAAABV4/g_jGkLU6Dps/s1600/Panorama+Nigara+Sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxRP8JMeoI/AAAAAAAABV4/g_jGkLU6Dps/s400/Panorama+Nigara+Sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Evening of Day 1: Niagara Falls taken on The Rainbow Bridge</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxX_Mv90MI/AAAAAAAABWA/U323qOTPXDs/s1600/Iconic+VT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxX_Mv90MI/AAAAAAAABWA/U323qOTPXDs/s400/Iconic+VT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Afternoon of Day 2: Picturesque Vermont</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxRXQ-JNCI/AAAAAAAABV8/Duu4psdR-qI/s1600/Plymoth,+RI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxRXQ-JNCI/AAAAAAAABV8/Duu4psdR-qI/s400/Plymoth,+RI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Late afternoon Day 3: Plymouth Harbor, MA</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxYRbYpYuI/AAAAAAAABWE/TaCtcuRV2yk/s1600/October+Mountain+MA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxYRbYpYuI/AAAAAAAABWE/TaCtcuRV2yk/s400/October+Mountain+MA.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Morning of Day 4: October Mountain near Lee, MA</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxYVdJNLOI/AAAAAAAABWI/Vi2hAXAgCVY/s1600/Sunet+over+the+bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxYVdJNLOI/AAAAAAAABWI/Vi2hAXAgCVY/s400/Sunet+over+the+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxbSE0c-LI/AAAAAAAABWQ/VsUySnP_Ix4/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><i>Sunset on Day 5: Heading into New Hampshire from Maine </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxQ7W-gk1I/AAAAAAAABVw/3jRjGR5o-9s/s1600/The+Girls+2+Ice+Glen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxQ7W-gk1I/AAAAAAAABVw/3jRjGR5o-9s/s400/The+Girls+2+Ice+Glen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Day 6: Ice Glen in Stockbridge, MA </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxRL0tb3KI/AAAAAAAABV0/VZOfveAwJuw/s1600/Mt+Greylock+Path2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxRL0tb3KI/AAAAAAAABV0/VZOfveAwJuw/s400/Mt+Greylock+Path2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Day 7: Mt. Greylock hike in North Adams, MA</i><br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxX_Mv90MI/AAAAAAAABWA/U323qOTPXDs/s1600/Iconic+VT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxbH_3FRcI/AAAAAAAABWM/Rcs5ONxCqkU/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxbH_3FRcI/AAAAAAAABWM/Rcs5ONxCqkU/s400/IMG_2730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Day 8: Centerport Aqueduct (original Erie Canal) Weedsport, NY</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxYRbYpYuI/AAAAAAAABWE/TaCtcuRV2yk/s1600/October+Mountain+MA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxbSE0c-LI/AAAAAAAABWQ/VsUySnP_Ix4/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxbSE0c-LI/AAAAAAAABWQ/VsUySnP_Ix4/s400/IMG_2743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Day 9: Waiting on the Blue Water Bridge to cross from Canada back into Michigan!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMxYVdJNLOI/AAAAAAAABWI/Vi2hAXAgCVY/s1600/Sunet+over+the+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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If you follow me on Facebook, then you might have viewed most of these pictures before. I just wanted to share one of my favorites from each day of our trip to New England. We had a wonderful time, spending quality time together as a family, geocaching (hitting #6000!), checking off more States and exploring. I could have stayed for a month with all the rich and wonderful history in the area!<br />
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We have one more trip planned this year, when we head to our favorite home-away-from-home in Panama City Beach, FL for Thanksgiving. And then, frankly, I'm done! :) I think that will make 33 States for the year, 3 Canadian Provinces and more miles than I can comprehend. Our poor Yukon XL....<br />
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It's going to be interesting to see what next year brings us! I love to travel, don't get me wrong, but I think I could use a little more down time in 2011. We'll see! :)Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-31653225947908239032010-10-27T13:56:00.000-04:002010-10-27T13:56:28.861-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Fall Family Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMhnRFqyOAI/AAAAAAAABVo/6FJSKSu7ato/s1600/Tikibirds+Fam+2010+Maine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TMhnRFqyOAI/AAAAAAAABVo/6FJSKSu7ato/s400/Tikibirds+Fam+2010+Maine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Taken in Maine on our trip last week...</i></b></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-86358285846392350742010-10-15T14:35:00.001-04:002010-10-15T14:41:07.132-04:00Crazy Season!It's about that time of year again when all the craziness is about to begin. I know that some are going to cringe when I say this, but it's only another <b>69</b> days till Christmas. That's right folks....2 months. That's it. It's not time to panic yet, but it is time to start prioritizing.<br />
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As I mentioned previously, we're leaving soon for New England and that will take up an entire week. Then we have Halloween and all the festivities that go along with it. Following all that fun, my hubby is leaving for a business trip to Georgia for another week. A little break is in there somewhere and then it's off to Florida for Thanksgiving!<br />
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Once we return from Panama City Beach, we'll have 3 weekends left before the <b>BIG DAY</b>. December is by far the busiest month of the year for us and I see this year as being more of the same. At least Christmas is on a weekend (Saturday) this year, which is kinda nice for a lot of folks who will be able to have Christmas Eve and Christmas day off without any extra vacation days being used. Bonus!<br />
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And then....it's the big push for our New Year's Geocaching Party. This is an annual event that we host in our home and it's really a riot. However, it takes a lot of work and planning to get ready for it and I basically feel like collapsing by the time it's all over! I love doing it, don't get me wrong, but at this point, January 1st is looking like not only the first day of the new year, but a much needed break as well!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TLif9CnnafI/AAAAAAAABVk/S5uP5AWj_WA/s1600/Rattrak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQRixFhUnIU/TLif9CnnafI/AAAAAAAABVk/S5uP5AWj_WA/s320/Rattrak.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> Me and my friend Tim at last year's party....</i></b></div>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117657069751315509.post-24171977305116840912010-10-13T16:53:00.000-04:002010-10-13T16:53:17.155-04:00Falling for My Girls...<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FReviewerTiki%2Falbumid%2F5527614047448109553%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCNXs2Yz5tt6TKw%26hl%3Den_US" height="520" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed>Renhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07413521802233643582noreply@blogger.com3