tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61538017914313414352024-03-24T19:32:04.553-04:00lilytateIf You're Happy and You Know It...TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-35772218708027994492019-04-12T23:51:00.000-04:002019-04-13T00:23:40.135-04:00Take the Day<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve had this weekend marked on my calendar. Every time I came across it, I took in a deep breath. Truth is, even oxygen can’t prepare you for this range of emotion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Change isn’t easy and to be honest, the past few months have been hard. I have found myself in tough situations and needing mama’s advice. Quite simply, there is absolutely nothing like the soothing comfort of your mama. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I had a breakdown in the doctors office yesterday. Seems there is a plot twist in this life with a Lord who has a great sense of humor. Apparently I have gallstones and had a meeting with my surgeon this week to have my gallbladder removed. This with the upcoming anniversary of mom‘s passing from gallbladder cancer came to me all at once in the doctors office and I became a blubbering idiot. In one of my pitiful pleas to my husband, I said, “I just need my mama.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Take the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Buy the shoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Eat the cake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">That’s what mama said. As early as I can remember, she always encouraged me as a young mother to take time out for myself and enjoy life. She knew the demands of work, wife, and family far too well. She didn’t just say it, she lived it. So much so that we made a shirt the summer after her diagnosis to promote the lessons we had learned from her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Take the Day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In classic form, as today approached I kept thinking about what to do. The weather wasn’t cooperating with chances of showers all day long. My vision of riding with a convertible top down or hiking at Goforth Creek quickly diminished. So I decided to try something totally new.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">No agenda. No expectations. Just a day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you know anything about me, you know I’m a planner. If you knew my mother, you know why. The idea of having no plans is foreign to me. I just don’t quite know how to do it. Apparently neither do my people as evident in the number of times Robbie asked me what we were going to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I woke up this morning, I was hoping I would be ready to jump out of bed for a day adventure. Instead I just wanted to lay in the bed, cuddle with my pups, turn my phone off, and wait until Monday arrived. I finally talked myself into a shower and we decided to head to Chattanooga with our best dog Max. Turns out all I needed was a good steak, sunshine, and a patio at the Daily Ration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course my day had to involve good food and the people I love. As I sat there on the patio, I tried to remember when a good lunch with good people became therapy for me. It’s hard to trace it back. My entire life has been built around being with those you love and enjoying great food. Some of my most fond memories are with my mom in the kitchen as she made me stir the chocolate chip cookie batter so that she could prepare multiple dozens to deliver to friends and family. I remember many times talking about boyfriend troubles, friend drama, school challenges and all of the other things that teenagers struggle with. It seems she tricked me. I guess I opened up because I didn’t realize that I was bearing my soul while I was helping her in the kitchen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Eat the Cake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our next stop was pivotal in our day adventure and we found ourselves headed to the Frothy Monkey for some dessert. Mama believed there wasn’t much that couldn’t be cured by some flour and sugar. I have to be honest, the past few years have brought more challenges than I would like to recollect. The sheer reality of those challenges made me reflect on how drastically our lives have changed. The dynamics of our family are ever changing and it was quickly evident our lives didn’t work the same without mama. She was my go-to...the voice on the other end of the phone who always knew what to say and would reassure me in my faith and love for my life. I have found myself wrestling with the new me - the woman who has to find a new voice in her life. I never had to “open up” with mom. She knew when I was hurting and exactly what to say. I miss her guidance more than anything. As my slice of lemon cake arrived, I could hear mama’s voice “Auts, one should never waste calories on a dessert with fruit. Save them for the chocolate.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Buy the Shoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our last stop was Academy Sports for me to buy a pair of turf shoes. I am 100% certain, these are not the kind of shoes mama was talking about. But it was shoe shopping nonetheless. As we finished our cake and prepared for our final destination, I looked down at Max and noticed he had started to shake. We quickly realized he was about to have a seizure. So instead of shoe shopping, we found ourself racing back to Cleveland to take Max to our vet. {For those Max lovers out there, he is resting comfortably at Taylor Animal Hospital overnight and has been seizure free tonight}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It wasn’t the way I planned it, but today was perfect. I didn’t get to “buy the shoes”, but I ended the day comforting our family pet of 14 years. It reminded me of the day mom passed. We were driving through Ohio when we got the call. As I heard my dad’s words through the phone, I heard my daughter start to cry in the back seat. Robbie immediately pulled over for me to climb in the back seat with her. I instantly went into mom-mode and held my broken-hearted 12 year old. At that moment, I wasn’t Paulette’s daughter. I was Lily’s mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will never be half the woman she was. The profound impact my mother had on this world never ceases to amaze me. She was a pastor’s wife and secretary who changed this big world with her faith, her love, and thousands of chocolate chip cookies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow I will spend the anniversary of her death the only way she would want me to...on the softball field with my daughter. And coincidently we’ll be wearing red. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">#teamred #april13th</span></div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-46399898763366200822018-09-25T22:09:00.000-04:002018-09-26T06:02:44.597-04:00{sixty-four}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: -apple-system; font-size: large;">Its kind of funny. This spring, my facebook feed was obsessed with a giraffe named April who was about to give birth. I would see posts sharing the live feed of April pacing and sitting and pacing and sitting. Here lately, I feel like April . Something just doesn't feel right and I can't quite get settled. I also feel like everyone is watching and waiting. Watching and waiting for the big moment. To be honest, so am I. In my experience, this kind of wait always ends with a great explosion before picking up the pieces and moving on. I'm not sure that's the case this time. I think this wait is permanent.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; font-family: -apple-system; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: -apple-system;">I have a hard time admitting it. I’ve lost joy. I know life isn’t over and there are plenty of happy times ahead, but I truly can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard it hurt. Wait. Yes I can. It was Christmas 2016. It was one month after mom’s diagnosis. My nuclear family was gathered together for the first time in many years.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: blue; font-family: -apple-system;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; font-family: -apple-system; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;">We were dressed in Santa #teamred shirts and headed to my Aunt Lynda’s for Christmas dinner. We arrived and realized Mom and Dad were delayed. When they arrived, daddy had a very guilty look on his face. After much teasing and suggestions on why they were late, we learned the real story. Turns out they had spent the whole day wearing the wrong #teamred shirt. They were actually wearing each other’s shirt. Mom’s was a little too big and Dad’s was a little snug. What a perfect problem. So what does a married couple of 44 years do? Pull over on the side of the road and swap shirts!<br /><br />I don’t know why but this story brought me so much joy. They were both so proud they’d swapped shirts in the front seat of their Cadillac. It was much fun and we had a great chuckle about it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> I remember watching my dad laugh until he cried (dad's signature move), and thinking I was glad we could all still laugh after mom's diagnosis.</span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; font-family: -apple-system; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMq0aHiB3XYT8T11KgnVH_kVzJvG02z-l32ua8-sP_Des99k3za86QjZ-jc6oBpbnTrcEwwzVI9prKF34sNP-Uufnh92g1FGzLvXMlKpAsCzagtHG8YQ4onpmDYtv6Ozr1TRDQgZBuRO8/s1600/IMG_4794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMq0aHiB3XYT8T11KgnVH_kVzJvG02z-l32ua8-sP_Des99k3za86QjZ-jc6oBpbnTrcEwwzVI9prKF34sNP-Uufnh92g1FGzLvXMlKpAsCzagtHG8YQ4onpmDYtv6Ozr1TRDQgZBuRO8/s320/IMG_4794.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; text-shadow: none;">This picture was taken on the return flight from mom and dad's 40th anniversary trip to Punta Cana. Tate and Lily were continuing their flight from Atlanta and going to spend a few weeks with mom and dad in NY. I remember thinking as they walked away that I couldn't imagine missing something more than I did in that moment. I felt my heart was walking away from me, one step at a time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; text-shadow: none;">I was wrong. I could miss something as much. And in this case, the missing is permanent.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; text-shadow: none;">I remember her 40th. I drove home to TN. We had an argument at the end of the weekend. It’s the last argument I remember between us. The only arguing we did over the past 20 years was about me taking care of myself. She would tell me I needed to eat better and get more rest. I would give anything to argue with her again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; text-shadow: none;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;">Life moves on and so do people. The truth is I’ve had a hard enough time putting one foot in front of the other so I’m not quite sure how to actually move on. I woke up<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><ddresult attribute-name="__kIMCalendarEventAttributeName" ddlightlink="yes" guid="p:0/E0D9EFA1-341E-4142-92D9-6EC6DC9D25B1" location="1350" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: -webkit-standard; text-decoration-line: underline; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; font-family: -apple-system; text-shadow: none !important;">Sunday morning</span></ddresult><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and realized I had to celebrate. The fact of the matter is Mom would far rather celebrate her birth than remember her death. I have a wonderful husband, two amazing kids, and more loving friends a</span><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;">nd family than I deserve. And the truth is, that's more than enough. I'm in this new place where I can feel so much happiness and so much emptiness all in the same breath. And that's perfectly okay. It makes me value the things I have so much more.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; text-shadow: none;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: blue; text-shadow: none;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;">Happy 64th Mama! You lived 15,895 beautiful days.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; text-shadow: none;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="--font-size: 13px !important; text-shadow: none !important; text-size-adjust: auto;">You are loved. You are missed. And I'm so glad you were born.</span></span></span></span>TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-90546198752429257782018-05-12T16:51:00.002-04:002018-05-12T16:52:35.483-04:00Red<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOF1Z-ndfKnscZe-JVQRsoNRXguRLknjelwhwSQhlQyvQ7ehyphenhyphenlfyjN0yPV9KHlwvI8x82anG_rrzr3ntIfnUEDmlO2wvZvu-yZRWP4l5OLalXYVP9vB9Z7Psb_O5HvaPr7ksYhZtVWNTK/s1600/IMG_0661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOF1Z-ndfKnscZe-JVQRsoNRXguRLknjelwhwSQhlQyvQ7ehyphenhyphenlfyjN0yPV9KHlwvI8x82anG_rrzr3ntIfnUEDmlO2wvZvu-yZRWP4l5OLalXYVP9vB9Z7Psb_O5HvaPr7ksYhZtVWNTK/s320/IMG_0661.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven’t written in awhile. And to be honest, I don’t really feel like writing now. My head has somehow convinced my heart that writing will give my words an exit from the whirlwind they’ve been on lately. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s been a month. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A month without our morning talks. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A month of sorting out paperwork. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A month without her Facebook comments. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A month wearing her wedding band. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A month of our new normal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The thing is there was nothing normal about being her daughter so it’s incomprehensible figuring out how to live without her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know people often say their mom is their best friend. I would never say that. To me, she was so much more. I had the blessing of a mother who was the greatest human on the planet. Today, I found something she had written down. I assume she read it and wanted to remember it. For me, it summed up her life perfectly.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16px;">"May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I only saw her angry once in my adult life and it was last year. Dad tried to sneak blueberries in her morning smoothie and she was NOT happy about it. She stormed through that living room like there was a bee in her bonnet. Poor daddy didn’t stand a chance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do recall some instances when we were young where her red hair got the best of her. They almost all revolved around her kids and sports. I remember my senior year we played in the sub-sectionals at McAvoy Park. I stole second and slid into a hard tag. My helmet flew off and by the time I came to, mama was standing over me in her heels and suit. Apparently she had bounded down the bleachers and had choice words for the shortstop who, in her opinion, used “excessive tagging”. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She had a laugh that would fill up a room. It was a head tilted back, mouth wide open, belly laugh that made you feel her joy. I heard it most often in the presence of my brothers. They would say something inappropriate, she would laugh hysterically and then scold them and tell them they were “not right.” I heard it just last week coming from my daughter while she was FaceTiming a friend. It makes me happy that I can hear mom’s vivacious laugh through my twelve year old. Her spirit is nestled way deep in our Lily Bean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I learned my greatest lessons from her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She taught me to not only love, but to say it often and love unconditionally. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She taught me to not only laugh, but to laugh so hard that tears roll down my face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She taught me to not only play, but to dance whenever I got the chance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She taught me to not only pray, but to believe in my prayers and trust his hand in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other day I was driving down the road when one of her favorite songs came on the radio. It immediately took my breath away. As I sat in my car sobbing, the final verse came through loud and clear...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Just remember in the winter, far beneath the bitter snows</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lies the seed, that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I miss her. I miss her so much that my heart sometimes feels it will burst out of my chest. And just when I feel the tears well up, I hear her voice “Don’t cry sis. I’m right here.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I know she is. </span>TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-49958617495908975312016-10-12T22:46:00.002-04:002016-10-12T23:06:21.703-04:00Climb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD44TwdEDh2TyB96235qkZxhvP9N6gh6VafiUclNzz6QkrFnQmKJ6ZKtPiSU_fw3MB4mkETzU0wXKx1tANURcl0e75mDu0s_u0wqYsmZPPKYqmpvfXtFHLfjElsZ_PGchPETwGeru-WKj/s1600/IMG_1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD44TwdEDh2TyB96235qkZxhvP9N6gh6VafiUclNzz6QkrFnQmKJ6ZKtPiSU_fw3MB4mkETzU0wXKx1tANURcl0e75mDu0s_u0wqYsmZPPKYqmpvfXtFHLfjElsZ_PGchPETwGeru-WKj/s320/IMG_1475.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I don’t think I can do it, mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Baby girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know you can.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGbXsAz7HDyZU2GdRnEuJ6vojMRS2FSxeq81v6Fiy1FW6eQIX8j1OBrTo3vd81l3eWg5YWM5lWDrLtAvOSjhyphenhyphenFBIrgtXurHqykpinPi_6kHIe9M9jHrtcdD9_VqHIWh55a_FvmgLRwM-i/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGbXsAz7HDyZU2GdRnEuJ6vojMRS2FSxeq81v6Fiy1FW6eQIX8j1OBrTo3vd81l3eWg5YWM5lWDrLtAvOSjhyphenhyphenFBIrgtXurHqykpinPi_6kHIe9M9jHrtcdD9_VqHIWh55a_FvmgLRwM-i/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And just like that, she amazes me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Time after time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Words are hard to find when it comes to
describing a life with my Lily Bean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every second with her is like a really deep, cleansing breath.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Determined.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Funny.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Confident.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thoughtful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When she was a baby, I always said we could
leave for the weekend and she would be fine, as long as she had food, her
blankie “Bay” and her two fingers. It’s actually amazing to think about
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something about her was just so
calming, even as an infant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She brought
such a balance to our family that was desperately needed. That remains true to
this day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On this past Sunday, her confidence
wavered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had brought four of her
dear friends to a climbing facility to celebrate her birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think she thought through the fact
that she had never been rock climbing before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Immediately in her first climb, I could see an unfamiliar look in her
eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do I do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You can’t give up now, girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just take it one step at time. Remember. If
you fall, there is something there to catch you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPL_0-ELUdcqWnghEI7C5MaEK1QV8Nl9xx8NiLhwUZna_tLt6YB1JVb5u9n1Sx2W1dAv7jzetoPbyWHCzRVAcVNoM1fFCOOOZPrRoZhgWQNu0vF7hl0LXK9yItrmOctEb9QEmOfX8qGm2/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPL_0-ELUdcqWnghEI7C5MaEK1QV8Nl9xx8NiLhwUZna_tLt6YB1JVb5u9n1Sx2W1dAv7jzetoPbyWHCzRVAcVNoM1fFCOOOZPrRoZhgWQNu0vF7hl0LXK9yItrmOctEb9QEmOfX8qGm2/s320/IMG_1471.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The first step was the hardest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each reach for the next rock, her pace
increased and her strength improved until she finally reached the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then she climbed to the top over and over
again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is something else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYrR_Ix5GWd3L2t6W3NICoLCNUUwW3ZseSeba1PYnzDhnB9kvDDafZSBkuPZLbHYUGFlUZfzRuA90ozG_XOcXLwQuuzkZsM6bQNqLkdv43ryN4WZhIxcyXF3NVWhnPWY9X47GF3NNKfp_/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYrR_Ix5GWd3L2t6W3NICoLCNUUwW3ZseSeba1PYnzDhnB9kvDDafZSBkuPZLbHYUGFlUZfzRuA90ozG_XOcXLwQuuzkZsM6bQNqLkdv43ryN4WZhIxcyXF3NVWhnPWY9X47GF3NNKfp_/s320/IMG_1459.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I think of being the mother of Lily
Katherine O’Bryan, I think of lyrics from one of my college favorites:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feet on ground</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Heart in hand</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Facing forward</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<span style="color: #222222;"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Be yourself</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~Jann Arden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Birthday, my sweet Lily Bean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you never stop climbing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4yXyKFi6xfbvc7GQYtqtK-bFMYZulOXHHdufbebayD9J50YQc9TN6lpjuHlPUgQmNDdbBIKG3kW5Hru2d09-KC4RxgbXDZb4G4VdBJlh8XWaGkbvAbcoU3KlSs5k5Nnoihbw06I1utR5/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4yXyKFi6xfbvc7GQYtqtK-bFMYZulOXHHdufbebayD9J50YQc9TN6lpjuHlPUgQmNDdbBIKG3kW5Hru2d09-KC4RxgbXDZb4G4VdBJlh8XWaGkbvAbcoU3KlSs5k5Nnoihbw06I1utR5/s320/IMG_1477.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ao</span><o:p></o:p></div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-88386133330133469482016-09-17T21:02:00.001-04:002016-09-17T21:18:56.232-04:00Redemption Ride<div class="MsoNormal">
I had been looking forward to this specific ride all summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there were ever a year I need to refocus,
it was this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Partially because I
finally took some significant time off <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this summer and enjoyed three weeks in New
York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But mostly due to the fact that
last year was the most difficult of my professional career.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every year, I take a long bike ride before the beginning of the
school year to clear my head and set goals for the new year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year was delayed for a variety of
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a full week of school, I
finally found the time and energy to take a Sunday afternoon ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqkjq7vj1w4oZhQ0wPOFgzM9YpjnKe0nI3w61TRkPbaH0IavGNYMf_0aZTKX658iCgCUi__6P16hNwOS0GUESXDR7xyRy8sRcfB3V0EmlechGymaEMOqqLOVhV-dOIMlJTITxQ5oDnb8N/s1600/IMG_0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqkjq7vj1w4oZhQ0wPOFgzM9YpjnKe0nI3w61TRkPbaH0IavGNYMf_0aZTKX658iCgCUi__6P16hNwOS0GUESXDR7xyRy8sRcfB3V0EmlechGymaEMOqqLOVhV-dOIMlJTITxQ5oDnb8N/s320/IMG_0907.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Earbuds In.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Playlist on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eyes to the path.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It started like any other ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started off slow, gaining speed with each
push of the pedal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pedaled faster
hoping to clear my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quickly
evident, the Lord had other plans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Redemption.</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just
couldn’t get it out of my mind and I wasn't exactly sure why. For some reason, I had a replay of every redemption story I had encountered. I couldn't help but wonder if the Lord was preparing me for something or settling something. Either way, he had my attention.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I witnessed my first redemption story at a young age. I remember watching the story unfold and
wondering if I would ever see things the same way again. Since then, I’ve seen it happen over and over
again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluOCh3j0YgbMffuUhJhVnvapa_ycZV3JkGu0xe8ks5vsxbCXlGJVtfxdg_FX2d6M5yPX89Kf0HAaP_8-JlpYl7mbTTTbVb20aws7zD9C1sIJ_YibC25JJMTEORiOt4YDVqrk7o6Wa6jaN/s1600/IMG_0903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluOCh3j0YgbMffuUhJhVnvapa_ycZV3JkGu0xe8ks5vsxbCXlGJVtfxdg_FX2d6M5yPX89Kf0HAaP_8-JlpYl7mbTTTbVb20aws7zD9C1sIJ_YibC25JJMTEORiOt4YDVqrk7o6Wa6jaN/s320/IMG_0903.jpg" width="240" /></a>Fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suffer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Redeemed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a high school principal, I watch the redemption story
happen daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s face it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teenagers screw up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over and over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just recently, I have watched the most
amazing transformation of a student that couldn’t get out of his own way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fall after fall after fall, he just couldn’t
stand back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was finally able to claim his redemption
story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one thing I have learned over the years is that
redemption is a journey and it doesn’t happen overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that’s the hardest fight we battle as
Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We expect that once we accept
Christ as our savior, that our struggles should be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t that make for a simple story?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A friend of mine once told me, “Forgiveness doesn’t show
weakness, it exhibits the greatest of strength.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I firmly believe if you can’t love through
adversity then you never really loved at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Redemption is not simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ’s
love for us is just a great example of what he expects from us. I’m thankful he
loved first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful he forgave
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful he died for that which
he forgave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-7165195085586021122015-08-30T23:45:00.000-04:002015-08-30T23:45:00.223-04:00Fall for 45<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQuxyMBO8hmu1pifFa8RnYy-ryyDQp5Em8CNeg7h-2F6JUosEvy0tNJcaABQo0jG4sbPkkZxmxJlfzequQwUS4bnMKJabnxCAaqrWssupSHUhTbWkGlY-LLNWU6aqcP5Yf8j0d81XK_lF/s1600/IMG_5470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQuxyMBO8hmu1pifFa8RnYy-ryyDQp5Em8CNeg7h-2F6JUosEvy0tNJcaABQo0jG4sbPkkZxmxJlfzequQwUS4bnMKJabnxCAaqrWssupSHUhTbWkGlY-LLNWU6aqcP5Yf8j0d81XK_lF/s320/IMG_5470.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I finally made it back to the trail. After a busy few weeks of the start of
school, I was anxious to find my way back for a long ride. My bike would classify in the “oldie but
goodie” category. When I turned 40, I
explored the possibility of purchasing a new bike. I was advised to keep the one I had. In the words of the bike serviceman, “They
don’t make them like this anymore.” He
encouraged me to take good care of it and have it serviced throughout the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks ago, I took my Cannondale into the local bike
shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was once again reminded of the
character of my bike as I was greeted with, “This is a great bike…a
classic.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit, it made me
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like the guy at the car
show with a classic mustang.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I started my ride, I couldn’t help but notice that
something felt different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure
if it was the new tires or a freshly created playlist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were just a few pedestrians and even
fewer bikers and it made for a perfect course for speed work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the music got faster, my pedals joined the
beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great day for a ride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wind in my hair<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cool temps<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No time frame<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As motivated as I felt, my mind was cluttered. I tried to sing along to some of my favorites
and pedal faster, but I couldn’t refrain from focusing on the burdens of my
people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The friend fighting for their marriage<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The student running from their homelife<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The co-worker trying to find their place<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What started as a highly motivated time of exercise quickly
turned into a place of prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I
didn’t solve any of their problems, I found myself lifting their names up to
the one that could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ye4gRvIuadRzlQF8gJI_8ztD5MTPiDY2cVs62dvkYJmAL8g4eSfSpAikBgMlteRwdX2GGV_jOC5Xm2BeCvuFeQOrBkY741MmwG2B2yBGkWTqqJ8sjfY6qTYaQouV8gOvw6l6eU2AxC8n/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ye4gRvIuadRzlQF8gJI_8ztD5MTPiDY2cVs62dvkYJmAL8g4eSfSpAikBgMlteRwdX2GGV_jOC5Xm2BeCvuFeQOrBkY741MmwG2B2yBGkWTqqJ8sjfY6qTYaQouV8gOvw6l6eU2AxC8n/s320/IMG_5480.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I loaded my bike on the back of my car, I paused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am realistic enough to know that those prayers
could have just as easily gone up for me at some point in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was quickly reminded of the words of that young bike
serviceman, “Take good care of it and have it serviced often.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We only have one life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Live it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Love your people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Remember the one that gave it to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have set a goal to ride 45 miles each week throughout the
Fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> While there are definite health benefits, t</span>oday, I clarified that goal to
include spending that time to pray for those around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord knows I need someone doing the same for
me.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBIrfqLwJ2co03-SlFwqVFuz849EhWQzjjUQVfADrPW1JyKGH3kc6hTX1pY_q3aADWxSDWGUx9o_Ke3pxZOQoq-0cm2Qd7m0_lhyphenhyphent58dL1bGwZcDyyNPaWvwr970jdp8ofBtHeie0o_gD/s1600/IMG_5467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBIrfqLwJ2co03-SlFwqVFuz849EhWQzjjUQVfADrPW1JyKGH3kc6hTX1pY_q3aADWxSDWGUx9o_Ke3pxZOQoq-0cm2Qd7m0_lhyphenhyphent58dL1bGwZcDyyNPaWvwr970jdp8ofBtHeie0o_gD/s320/IMG_5467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#fallfor45<o:p></o:p></div>
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ao<o:p></o:p></div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-89681598525637608672015-08-03T21:30:00.000-04:002015-08-03T21:33:18.127-04:00527 Miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LVEIRKr1AFXOh6CiZAdHSSaNJzAoyvdgyRixUUnA28MOGcjx8BzC5-8L2EqZUFAjYMjHVsMYSupLvLR_S9mDkBcVxQy-mEB4ksdSSr3S3g6S6dSPkQoK4eM0H_UTc8A_om_ZqJ-L2UZ0/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LVEIRKr1AFXOh6CiZAdHSSaNJzAoyvdgyRixUUnA28MOGcjx8BzC5-8L2EqZUFAjYMjHVsMYSupLvLR_S9mDkBcVxQy-mEB4ksdSSr3S3g6S6dSPkQoK4eM0H_UTc8A_om_ZqJ-L2UZ0/s320/IMG_5198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every mile mattered ~ all 527 of them. For within each pedal, I found the beauty of
the human spirit and the nature of God’s creation all wrapped up into one. I rode many trails this summer. All of them were a little different, yet
still very much the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Smiling people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Quality time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I noticed it first on Dawkins Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a long trail that used to be a railroad
track and runs about 20 feet from my in-laws house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could think of nothing better on my first
weekend after school ended, than to take a long ride in the eastern hills of
Kentucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It didn’t take long on that trail to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A community that had been ravaged a few years
ago by a tornado, had suddenly found its spirit again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun glistened off the trees and a breeze
ran down the trail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would see them standing in their yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would pass them riding their horses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would wonder if I smiled, would they smile to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at
every human being I encountered (and even a deer and a sly fox that bolted into
the bushes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to approach it
like a game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would smile and wait to
see how long it would take for them to smile back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With every smile I received, I wanted to give
ten more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I rode 50 miles that weekend and I realized something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could ride 50 more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set a goal to ride 500 miles on a variety
of trails over the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course
there were health benefits, but at the core of my motivation was the
opportunity to enjoy God’s country and his people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This weekend I hit mile #527.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I accomplished something I never thought I
would want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, every mile
mattered ~ all 527 of them, but the last 15 were rode with more intention than
the others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This Saturday, I rode miles #513 - #527.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six years ago, I was named the principal of
Cleveland High School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I found out,
I was so shocked and scared, I jumped on my bike and rode 15 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then it’s become an annual tradition
for some reflection and goal-setting before I start each school year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday, with each mile I pedaled, I thanked God for
blessing me with the gift of a job that I don’t deserve and am blessed to
serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set one goal on that ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>Be more present.</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The 2015-16 school year is upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure time won’t allow as many miles to
be ridden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What time does allow for is
joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to make eye contact, shake
hands, and engage more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to hear
their stories and know their dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And of course, I want to smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~ao</span><o:p></o:p></div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-58246245653015990362015-06-28T21:13:00.000-04:002015-06-28T21:13:01.580-04:00Wonderfully Fearful<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>A few months ago, I was asked to be a monthly contributing writer for www.meghancobble.com. In my first piece, we were asked to write our story. Enjoy! </b></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“I
praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Psalms
139:14<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5eXNq4DKZOxdcEG9Cgx52S0_osqGAgqlMR5zdEJHmRWkEh_pha9aIMN9__IfC5cfoclVivHdzdWLmUDs-R_NdUSSY8I2V7rG_5nMNctXIfP-iCWH4E5yJfkxjVBm-WGx7d37z_cEX8hw/s1600/Story1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5eXNq4DKZOxdcEG9Cgx52S0_osqGAgqlMR5zdEJHmRWkEh_pha9aIMN9__IfC5cfoclVivHdzdWLmUDs-R_NdUSSY8I2V7rG_5nMNctXIfP-iCWH4E5yJfkxjVBm-WGx7d37z_cEX8hw/s320/Story1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The thing is, everyone just wants to be loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s my story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plain and simple.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My story begins peering out my kindergarten classroom
window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As blurry as those days are,
life became crystal clear at Marion Elementary School in upstate New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my first broken bone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched with envy as the rest of my class
played outside in the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I distinctly
remember feeling disconnected and I didn’t like the feeling one bit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKGFf61rlwfRHTy45NPqBOQmK3KJHTWJSR_K58zUYP4MNCSUF0jn8TNH8BN5_hkgkFDjc_IGUs5PuKmdm966bgvopI22fcdYANXCF91lXWhZUMWqEdB0rdEbr9cvjR8atDvQPPx3qHpyw/s1600/Story2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKGFf61rlwfRHTy45NPqBOQmK3KJHTWJSR_K58zUYP4MNCSUF0jn8TNH8BN5_hkgkFDjc_IGUs5PuKmdm966bgvopI22fcdYANXCF91lXWhZUMWqEdB0rdEbr9cvjR8atDvQPPx3qHpyw/s320/Story2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Actually, my journey begins in my birthplace, five years
before, in Sodus, NY. My parents were
young and self-proclaimed “unprepared” parents.
They struggled through the usual stuff…finances, family dynamics, and
the future. I was their first attempt at
writing their own stories as adults. My
memories of those times roll through my brain like a very broken movie
reel. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A puppy named Angel<o:p></o:p></div>
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A Red Rocking Chair<o:p></o:p></div>
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Birth of my First Brother<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cutting down Christmas Trees on Austin Road<o:p></o:p></div>
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The broken movie reel became a continuous thread as I
watched my friends sled down the hill from inside my classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess it’s my most vivid early memory
because of the feeling attached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I was sad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few apartments and several classrooms later and my parents
bought a home in Flint, NY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
crying the entire ten-mile trip in the moving truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t be excited about the move because
it was located in a new school district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a nine-year old girl, I hated to leave my teachers and friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A month later, I walked into Gorham Elementary wearing a
white and blue lace dress that Grandma Dee had bought at a yard sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had shiny white shoes and my mom had curled
my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of those things made me
feel better about the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
missed my old school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My principal, Mr. Young, had kind eyes and a big smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he led me to my classroom, he told me all
of the wonderful things about the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t hear much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted
to find my desk and sink into it until the end of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I was alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My home on 5 and 20 was an adolescents dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a one hundred year old farmhouse with
eighteen rooms on five acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
plenty of places to disappear and create a world far from that of a struggling
young person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mowing the Lawn Listening to Bon Jovi<o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing in the Goat Barn<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bike Rides down Goose Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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My parents always promoted an open home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would treat anyone that walked through
the door like they were family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
included my group of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On any
given night, mom would have cookies coming out of the oven and dad would fire
up the grill for some Zweigles hots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I spent my time as a teenager involved in everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played softball and soccer, participated in
marching band and winterguard, and had a booming social life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I craved spending time with those I loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent every Wednesday night and Sunday
morning seated on the front pew of my dad’s church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a life that was polarized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved every minute of it, but yet found
ways to struggle through those times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was because of this culture that I was apprehensive to
leave when the time came to select my college destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After many tears and arguments, I abruptly
decided to attend Lee College, a small Christian school 800 miles away from my
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I was scared.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Change is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
natural that with change comes feelings of sadness, loneliness, and fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think about my story, there is a
distinct separation of the times when I didn’t know and the times I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The rest of the story…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“For
you created my inmost being;</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You
knit me together in my mother’s womb.</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Your
works are wonderful,</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I know that full well.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Psalms
139:13-14</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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It’s quite simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
story is completely wrapped around a beautiful love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After many heart breaks and bittersweet loss,
his proclamation of love was my only redemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped searching for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped trying to get attention for
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped seeking comfort from those
that couldn’t give it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I found in
that place was a tremendous peace and faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remain <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">wonderfully
fearful</span></i></b> of his works in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQQO4Khbwg2r6ww0iFqQNvxfucV6FTLREaLhNcL5Sz0vi8bIhuz1oj_-sfIVrhkCl2968e6fsE-OsyySMK2ZVvOOdS3Up2Sq0eTthqW4z2Ehc1QTqNJxA84nhXL-QtrLMOSv8rDUVL0Yd/s1600/Story4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQQO4Khbwg2r6ww0iFqQNvxfucV6FTLREaLhNcL5Sz0vi8bIhuz1oj_-sfIVrhkCl2968e6fsE-OsyySMK2ZVvOOdS3Up2Sq0eTthqW4z2Ehc1QTqNJxA84nhXL-QtrLMOSv8rDUVL0Yd/s320/Story4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Beautiful Family<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Job I Love<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A life I Don’t Deserve<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Woven by Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0biR2oCLdWqxLanKdwEhd_t6EjP8PigfMeb5FPwci3etzEMcFU9546RusnecWRgQPmUDOb0adt3tTIxLJ_E-l_jyU7s-E1pkFvrxB36-m_P5mhNWZk4fbFvNzIniHpncECt1CawovkCa9/s1600/Story5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0biR2oCLdWqxLanKdwEhd_t6EjP8PigfMeb5FPwci3etzEMcFU9546RusnecWRgQPmUDOb0adt3tTIxLJ_E-l_jyU7s-E1pkFvrxB36-m_P5mhNWZk4fbFvNzIniHpncECt1CawovkCa9/s320/Story5.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had my share of disappointments and despair over the
past 41 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pale in comparison
to the joy I experience daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not
a bubbly, giddy elation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
blessed, content peace that despite my hopelessly-flawed, human self… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
HE LOVES ME.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And he loves you too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ao</div>
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TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-31695169995041816352015-06-21T16:06:00.000-04:002015-06-21T17:13:18.385-04:00Enjoy the Ride!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCABU-0IzTpcPoIlJ5dPssokQg439kXjrxgXEFMDx1IvFg2K2gJyE1oXhSReezGQV9jai2aC0H52yX8r4TD5oUKD2988UDz-AC7d8EXQXm3GSo1pZTmrSCWFGAxUoIjcj4v_QpgXllxySw/s1600/IMG_9398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCABU-0IzTpcPoIlJ5dPssokQg439kXjrxgXEFMDx1IvFg2K2gJyE1oXhSReezGQV9jai2aC0H52yX8r4TD5oUKD2988UDz-AC7d8EXQXm3GSo1pZTmrSCWFGAxUoIjcj4v_QpgXllxySw/s320/IMG_9398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I had everything I thought I had ever wanted,
but couldn’t find a glimpse of who I was.
Some might call it a mid-life crisis, although I’m not quite sure I was
there yet. Others could say it was the
result of being a stressed, overwhelmed mother.
Again, it just didn’t feel like that was it either.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went through the motions, convincing myself that it would
get better. It’s funny. Looking
back at pictures, it’s so obvious. But
at the time, it seemed that I was living the life that was meant for me, but it just didn’t fit right. I did the only
thing I knew to do. I stopped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I stopped writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I stopped feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I stopped dreaming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Life is like learning to ride a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>~Albert Einstein</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NSc4H-vYDP1yby6aiJ5fdLOOR456EYeuLzgzmMkRpTmtG1Ni2tO1fHIMiwqqEwA6tr18XzhLeD8-NpA2A4rDKKEeJnSozDmCKbZ2TwDTox8WTfFt7np6BOZne033CycR4yLgz8RYHxy7/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NSc4H-vYDP1yby6aiJ5fdLOOR456EYeuLzgzmMkRpTmtG1Ni2tO1fHIMiwqqEwA6tr18XzhLeD8-NpA2A4rDKKEeJnSozDmCKbZ2TwDTox8WTfFt7np6BOZne033CycR4yLgz8RYHxy7/s320/IMG_4411.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That February, I embarked on the annual garage
clean-out. Just like each year before
it, I grumbled about having too many Christmas decorations and nagged my
husband to put shelving to add storage.
I remember hearing my voice and thinking how miserable I sounded. I decided to take a break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sitting there in my dusty, cluttered garage, I thought,
“Lord, it just has to be better than this.”
I mustered up enough energy to continue, committing to work in silence to
spare anyone from the casualties of my foul mood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At some point that afternoon, I found my old Cannondale
leaning in the corner covered by crushed cardboard boxes. For some reason, I pulled it out of the
corner and leaned it against the garage door.
The rest is history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get
on." </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>~Lance Armstrong</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWPxYO9tqsTGoRuavqiNNI6GbwkdErdE4ukkrnz6_By2Llg_vJG7vm_iS9SUOeTX7IVJNRDjCyV4zudBRFnkYa8PIZneI99F6tqd2gNDNh-g9DTw5XHwhrmEPfmpxtM1XW1H0NLPPixzs/s1600/IMG_9397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWPxYO9tqsTGoRuavqiNNI6GbwkdErdE4ukkrnz6_By2Llg_vJG7vm_iS9SUOeTX7IVJNRDjCyV4zudBRFnkYa8PIZneI99F6tqd2gNDNh-g9DTw5XHwhrmEPfmpxtM1XW1H0NLPPixzs/s320/IMG_9397.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have always loved to ride. Some of it is my DNA. I mean, every average Dutch girl likes to
ride a bike, right? I’m sure growing up
in the middle of nowhere helped that too.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favorite stories from childhood was when Grandpa Ike finally taught me how to ride. He took me to the top of the hill by the house, gave me a pep talk and let me go. Down the hill I went, bike teetering with each pedal as I would slowly, but surely, steer my way right over the new tree that Grandpa had planted at the bottom of the hill. It didn't matter where he started me, I always ended up riding right over that same young tree. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few year's later, sitting in the front yard at our new house on Routes 5 and 20, I looked up to see three boys, about my same age, leaning on their bikes in the middle of the road. I hadn't made many friends in my new home, so I was eager to meet them. The O'Hora boys lived a mile down Goose Street and became instant friends. I spent many summer days biking back and forth to their house. Occasionally, our moms would give us permission to ride to Flint or Gorham to buy a pop or ice cream. It was my first test of freedom on the road and I loved it!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One summer, my dad was convinced he had met my soul
mate. He introduced me to an avid biker. We spent that summer “riding the lakes”. It didn’t take me long to recognize that avid would definitely NOT describe me
as a biker. My rides are more like
hiking with two wheels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take in the Scenery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ride again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>~
John F. Kennedy</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was nervous at first. After
all, I hadn’t ridden in a long time. My kids made it easier. They loved spending the time together and I loved being with them. My heart felt like it was beating again and I looked forward to hitting the trail every chance I got.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I eventually found my pace again. My short rides with the kids slowly turned into much longer trips. I recently reached my personal best with a 20 mile day trip. With every pedal turn, I smiled knowing it meant something. My soul had returned.</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seems the old adage is true. Riding a bike does actually come back very easily. You just have to start pedaling. Apparently, the same can be said for moving through the crossroads of life. Enjoy the ride!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-9533465322083735592014-12-25T13:38:00.000-05:002014-12-25T13:52:20.989-05:00Why No Christmas Letter this Year?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWA5EEJV0vIP9WHs-Qpr4I3Y3T0VNkj0iEqjEnDS-rPiUCdbuB4SmtjZ-m4k3AFwCl8_pmbW5lF4uhz9nITg5mVK652OAZtxG3rGf6ezDVQ-jc2qaQoXeiSUpoVN8SsR7FhtIkxAs2py1/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWA5EEJV0vIP9WHs-Qpr4I3Y3T0VNkj0iEqjEnDS-rPiUCdbuB4SmtjZ-m4k3AFwCl8_pmbW5lF4uhz9nITg5mVK652OAZtxG3rGf6ezDVQ-jc2qaQoXeiSUpoVN8SsR7FhtIkxAs2py1/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>One of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions is writing. I wait until most have gone to bed and hunker down in my Christmas PJs to reflect on the gifts of my life. I always find myself in a state of prayerful insight as I jot down the blessings of this holiday. I have carried the words for this year's post in my "think tank" for the past month.<br />
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I have sent Christmas cards since I was 13. Every year, I would love the event of gathering addresses, stamps and my favorite pen to write a message to those I loved. There have been years that my words flowed smoothly. The stories and memories from the prior year flooded my soul with happiness.<br />
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And then there were other years. Those years, the words were more difficult to find. I would wrestle with finding joy in my memories. At times, I would question if anyone cared what I had to say. But still, I would write. It would start slow, almost forced, typing a paragraph and then deleting half of it. Letter by letter I would build my story for the year and with each word, my spirit would lighten and my heart would swell. Fondly, I would think of those I shared my words with and know that there was purpose in my words, even if for one reader.<br />
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This is my Christmas - reflecting on the year to prepare for the season. And then there's this year. My journey to Christmas Day has looked different this December. A few weeks ago, Robbie carried the dozen boxes down from the attic and I started the day-long task of decorating for Christmas. I have loved Christmas my whole life, so you can imagine the vast amount of stuff I have accumulated over the years. Its a favorite time for me as I unpack each item and remember the story attached to it. <br />
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My sentiment towards each item was more present this year than in year's past and I'm not quite sure why. One ornament in particular struck me. Its story has stuck with me throughout this month.<br />
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<o:p>This child ornament is part of a set of three. Each child wears a glittery suit and appears to be frolicking in the snow. The sentiment of these ornaments carries a big weight to start. They were hand-painted by one of my dearest childhood friends almost twenty years ago. If you look closely, you'll see there's more to this ornament's story. The dusting of soot on the face and feet were not painted there. Instead, they're remnants of a Christmas several years ago.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Christmas of 1998 was a rough one for me. I was a poor, college grad in the midst of relationship blues. The question loomed over my head "What are you going to do with your life?" "Is this all there is?"</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Life wasn't all that bad. I had rented a house with two friends near campus. It wasn't fancy, but it was OURS. We painted it and found treasures at the local junk store to make it our home. I was especially excited to put up a Christmas tree. I came in from work one night, made a bowl of soup and hunkered down on the couch to decorate the tree with the ornaments I had brought back from NY. Despite my personal struggles, I was proud to decorate that tree. It felt like a rite of passage in my new home.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>It started as a peaceful night. </o:p></div>
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Alone time journaling.</div>
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Twinkle lights twinkling.</div>
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And then suddenly, there was no peace.</div>
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The smoke rolled in....slowly at first and then so quickly it was suffocating. I forgot every preventive word I had heard growing up. I ran straight toward the smoke and opened my bedroom door. Immediately, the heat was so intense, I fell to the ground and crawled outside.</div>
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I remember very little from the following days.</div>
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Friends and strangers cleaning out our burned things.</div>
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No renter's insurance.</div>
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Desperately wanting to go home to my mom and dad.</div>
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I lost a lot that night. I didn't have much, but what I did have, I treasured. There wasn't anything in my room worth a lot, but to me, it was worth everything.</div>
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A bible from my parents.</div>
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Ornaments from my grandmother.</div>
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My original Cooper softball glove.</div>
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My perspective changed from that fire. Everything is replaceable, except the people that make the things special. A bible is just a book - until its written with an inscription from your parents and filled with highlighted verses from many years at youth camp. An ornament is just something you hang on a tree until its the only thing you have with your grandmother's handwriting. A Cooper is just a glove until its used to work on "soft hands" with your grandfather and aunt.</div>
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I have lost people over the years from both death and disagreement. There have been times in my life that I have invested in the wrong people. Other times, my life's circumstances have prevented me from investing in anyone at all. As a relationship person, the absence leaves a whole in my heart, regardless of the reason. What I have experienced over the years is that I will find new treasures and will treasure new finds, but there is nothing that can alter the dynamics of my life more than a change in landscape of the people in my life.</div>
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This revelation comes to a crossroads, specifically this year, when it comes to sending Christmas cards. Earlier this week, I came to the realization that I had run out of time and sending the letters felt more like a check in the box than a celebration of the season. As we sat at Dunkin Donuts with my family, I blurted out, "I don't think I'm going to mail a Christmas Letter." As the words came from my mouth, I was flooded with a sense of relief and I knew I had made the right choice.</div>
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I had fought the internal battle of not sending them because it means a lot to me to touch base, once a year, with our family and friends from all over the country. I am certain its a temporary decision and I have not written my last O'Bryan Christmas Letter, but for this year, my Christmas story looks a little different than it has the past 30 years. Christmas 2014 is about baking melted snowman cookies and staying up late chatting with my husband after everyone has gone to bed.</div>
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I'm perfectly ok with it.</div>
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Yesterday, the six of us went to Target and spent the money we would spend on cards and stamps and bought gifts for a family that lost everything this week in a fire. </div>
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We didn't know them, but read about it on our Facebook newsfeed. Its kind of serendipitous, don't you think? </div>
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We took this picture at church last night. If you can't tell, my heart is beaming! <br />
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Enjoy those you love and remember the greatest gift of love born on this day.<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
ao<br />
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TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-68757130405956802672014-11-27T16:51:00.000-05:002014-11-27T16:51:21.651-05:00BEAN Post: A Table Fit for a Bean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WELCOME TO THE BLOG, MISS LILY BEAN...</span></b></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today is Thanksgiving and I am very excited to see my family at 5:30, but before then we have to get a lot of things done so our guest will be welcomed. This is what our tables look like. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made a lot of things to decorate the house and tables. Let’s get started on telling what I did to decorate the table and house. First off I made these Tom the turkeys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All it needed was feathers, a glue gun, a foam ball, orange and brown paint, a paint brush, and googly eyes. All I did was I painted the foam ball brown and let them dry. Then I painted a beak orange on the foam ball. After all the paint dried I glued the eyes with a glue gun. Then I took the feathers and I took out all the orange, red, and yellow feathers so they would be Thanksgiving colors. I cut the feather into thirds so they won’t be too big and made holes on top of the the foam ball then I glued the bottom of the feather with a glue gun so it would stay and I stuck them in the holes. Then I let them dry and there were tons of Tom the turkeys on the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next I made the edible turkeys. They look like this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All you need to make the edible turkeys is any Oreos of your choice, Rice Krispies cereal, salted butter, any kind of chocolate, candy corns, and mini marshmallows. All you have to do is melt three tablespoons of butter and wait till it is all melted. Then you add three cups of marshmallows and wait till they are melted and together. Next you add three cups of Rice Krispies cereal and stir. Then put Rice Krispie mixture in a cake pan and put in fridge for about five minutes. Then you take it out of the fridge and roll the Rice Krispie mixture into balls. Then you take your Oreos and take out as many as you need for your guests. Then you take the same number of Oreos out again. Then you melt the chocolate and then you cover one group of the Oreos and cover them with chocolate and then put them in the fridge for about five minutes. After you take the Oreos out of the fridge you take some of your melted chocolate and put a handful on the bottom of the Rice Krispie ball. Then you put the Rice Krispie ball and put it on the Oreos that don’t have chocolate on them. Then you take the Oreos that do have chocolate on the back of the Rice Krispie ball with chocolate and leave a little bit of space on top of the Oreo so you can put the candy corns for the feathers. Then you use chocolate to stick the candy corns on the space that you left. Then you put a candy corn on the front of the Rice Krispie ball and add little eyes and you are done! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just decorated the table how I wanted. I am so thankful that I get to spend time with my family!</span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!</span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-Lily Bean</span></span></div>
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TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-26786233088823929512014-11-27T14:47:00.000-05:002014-11-27T15:22:00.439-05:00Thursday's Child ~ Welcome to the World, Sweet Davy Karol<br />
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She was born on a Thursday. It was a normal Thursday for most. But for some, it was a day that life changed forever.<br />
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David Bowie sang about Thursday's Child,<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>"Lucky old sun is in my sky</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 16px;"><i>Nothing prepared me for your smile</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 16px;"><i>Lighting the darkness of my soul</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 16px;"><i>Innocence in your arms."</i></span></div>
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The birth of a child. There's nothing like it. It is the one single moment that demonstrates not only the existence, but the pure omnipotence of God. The miracle of it is both humbling and fascinating all at the same time. <br />
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Innocent.<br />
Delicate.<br />
Tender.<br />
Sweet.<br />
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And created by our Father with an absolute purpose. Psalms 139 says it perfectly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>For you created my innermost being</b></i></span></span><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-139-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you knit me together<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16253R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in my mother’s womb.</span></span></b></i></div>
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</span><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 12px; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span></span></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">I praise you<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16254T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">
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Words danced around in my head as I held all 6 pounds of her in my arms. I have waited a long time for it. After all, we all know how special my aunties are to me. I love her sweet baby scent and the crease in her lips. I love the way my Lily girl adores the very thought of her. I love her soft baby breath as she sleeps.<br />
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I'm not David Bowie, but I also savor moments with writing. In honor of my first baby niece...<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They counted her fingers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They counted her toes.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They watched each breath through her cute, button nose.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They held her tiny hands </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They held her tiny feet</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They listened intently for her precious heart beat.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They cried and they smiled.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They hugged and they kissed.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They cherished every moment of their sweet, baby bliss.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In memory of her uncle, Davy is for David.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A brother and a fighter who will always be remembered.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Karol is for Papaw and her Dad's Brother.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Two strong men who will love her forever.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Knit together by him to be loved by us.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Welcome to the world, lovely baby girl.</i></span></div>
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I am swooned.<br />
~ao<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span>TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-68493147276870067332014-11-27T13:37:00.000-05:002014-11-27T13:37:14.449-05:00~ Thanksgiving TRO ~<span style="font-family: HelveticaNeue; text-shadow: none !important;"><b>Welcome to the blog, Tatum Robert O'Bryan:</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="text-shadow: none !important;">Today is Thanksgiving so I thought I should write about it. The first Thanksgiving was in 1621. The Thanksgiving feast was held to celebrate the harvest. The pilgrims and the Native Americans feasted together and ate lots of food like turkey and pumpkin pie. Yum! Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving to be thankful of all that we have. The pilgrims and Native Americans were thankful for the harvest and all the food before them. I am thankful for my family, Jesus, and God. My family has supported me my whole life from school to sports. Jesus because he died on the cross for everyone's sins. I wouldn't be alive today without Jesus dying on the cross. God because he created everything, and I love to be alive. As John </span><ddresult attribute-name="__kIMCalendarEventAttributeName" guid="p:0/C9A43130-5E55-4342-93C7-FC0E70142AB1" location="726" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-shadow: none !important;">3:16</span></ddresult><span style="text-shadow: none !important;"> says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." He sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Have a happy Thanksgiving! </span></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="text-shadow: none !important;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Bye!<br />-TRO</b></i></span></span>TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-63189450632605705602014-11-26T00:15:00.002-05:002014-11-26T00:29:34.942-05:00~GATHER: A Hike for all Ages~<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I put on my hiking boots and my new #SS15 tshirt.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I climb in the car with five of my favorites.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are very different people.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are quiet and reserved.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are outspoken and opinionated.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are tall, short, lean, curvy, blonde,
brunette, and red-headed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our struggles are real and our accomplishments are
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our conversations range from
divorce to mammograms to raising children and caring for our parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We represent a kaleidoscope of lives that could be featured
in any modern women’s magazine. We are real live women doing our best to
survive and build our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is our 15<sup>th</sup> year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t take us long after graduating from
college to realize we NEEDED each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a small group at first, but each year it grew as we recognized
the value in this time together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we gather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We gather to laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We gather to rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We gather to reflect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We gather to grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But most importantly, we gather to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I step out of the car, I know we are quite the sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Big sunglasses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Matching tshirts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loud mouths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We start our hike walking down a trail, talking a mile a
minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re like a group of teenage
girls that haven’t seen each other in ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We stop talking long enough to capture the most amazing view from our
first overlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instantly, we turn in to
photographers and their subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Look at that single red tree in the middle of all that
green.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Don’t fall over the edge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Did anyone bring water?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I need a picture with someone!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We find a sweet couple to take a group shot and then pause
again to admire the little red tree in the canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We encounter our first story on that
overlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her name is Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a photographer and outdoor
enthusiast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is impressed with our
matching shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hearing our
story, she tells us she graduated from college 40 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We leave Mary and wish her a wonderful
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our minds start imagining what our
girls’ weekend will look like 25 years from now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, it looks an awful lot like Mary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrWK7ODeW16sos3bM-yqdRl2dbxVFocGWyiCIfMzCMzvo5XhhSW9d55anG8z7C_ag_DWdgorXT5E8g0CjwgLZZwp1Fm7rjPSvs47ljMFCvC-DkilYYrC0WqPTQanv2CfvTfo-W6feslU0/s1600/10712752_10205005159074141_4836726211979412540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrWK7ODeW16sos3bM-yqdRl2dbxVFocGWyiCIfMzCMzvo5XhhSW9d55anG8z7C_ag_DWdgorXT5E8g0CjwgLZZwp1Fm7rjPSvs47ljMFCvC-DkilYYrC0WqPTQanv2CfvTfo-W6feslU0/s1600/10712752_10205005159074141_4836726211979412540_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We start across the rim trail and pause briefly at the next
overlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sweet couple compliments our
shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tell them our story and
quickly find out they are celebrating their 25<sup>th</sup> wedding
anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We offer to take a picture
to remember the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I somehow
imagine they don’t take pictures together often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also imagine a day they look back at that
picture and remember their hike and their first 25 years together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We continue down the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Its quickly evident that every step we take down, we will have to take a
step back up at some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pass many
“resters” along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One resting
couple inquires about our shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tell
them our story and they declare they are “empty nesters”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine their thoughts as they heard our
conversation coming down the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
certain there is no judgment, just an awareness of our different places in
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The trail widens as the sound of running water gets
louder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its as if there is a magnetic
force that stops our voices and opens our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Immediately, we each find our place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8ujsDGkpNXkAAV1hvoXcg1tScX9zyrdKPLI_y5ZeNvRqIr66dvmc4Z-qLRg_MbWUgxfv4Z5SXSNOSUHnwKMglh9TshoZ7rszHTFTvQ076ZHUfryIkaqcSD0VBOcG6ONyOTCIj_9kqrku/s1600/10290604_10205005293837510_5560578787915741479_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8ujsDGkpNXkAAV1hvoXcg1tScX9zyrdKPLI_y5ZeNvRqIr66dvmc4Z-qLRg_MbWUgxfv4Z5SXSNOSUHnwKMglh9TshoZ7rszHTFTvQ076ZHUfryIkaqcSD0VBOcG6ONyOTCIj_9kqrku/s1600/10290604_10205005293837510_5560578787915741479_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of us pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of us reflect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of us write.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each of us is in a totally different place while sitting at
the same place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of one of
my favorite quotes about relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"The most beautiful discovery
true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart."
~Elisabeth Foley</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many people will hike the Rim
Trail in 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them will have their
own story, capturing their perfect images, while reflecting on their place in
the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Its certain, on this beautiful
October day, we know our place in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least at that exact moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so we gather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Always the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yet just a little different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And still, we are complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so we gather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank god we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~ao</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Due to an abundance of doing "nothingness" (aka laziness), I have no other pictures from SS15. Probably a good thing to spare you from pictures of almost middle-aged women in yoga pants.</b></i></span></div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-49756549819805134032014-10-12T14:10:00.001-04:002014-10-12T14:11:05.612-04:00~Dare to Daydream~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzCzDqLgJsZUCh4IzaHGfqcqDeqBUCxrh-z0d6plgfhITU0zyZEJz6KrY0HUHsgXSI4p5ae_PayP4gPyn1PjuxfBHV-XDc-4l8tSqTGF76NdJ3ZsMF5IZOAOnQwqGcH0UsrBsevxE-Ruz/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzCzDqLgJsZUCh4IzaHGfqcqDeqBUCxrh-z0d6plgfhITU0zyZEJz6KrY0HUHsgXSI4p5ae_PayP4gPyn1PjuxfBHV-XDc-4l8tSqTGF76NdJ3ZsMF5IZOAOnQwqGcH0UsrBsevxE-Ruz/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She takes my breath away.
There’s no other way to describe it.
I don’t render myself speechless often, but when it comes to her, she
takes me to that place where words leave and the soul slows down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2reCSISQFudQ_6RUNNhBIlawPOmEaEwYXXkURYKq01iS032IXE6LzSdUr29gMWq4bmjnWl23-ualhqb7cUSS6lYgR1_Mzy9XMi6wJSVX4C9VNE3qgxkgQqEQNyZ1szQdEzOBUVMh-BrPF/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2reCSISQFudQ_6RUNNhBIlawPOmEaEwYXXkURYKq01iS032IXE6LzSdUr29gMWq4bmjnWl23-ualhqb7cUSS6lYgR1_Mzy9XMi6wJSVX4C9VNE3qgxkgQqEQNyZ1szQdEzOBUVMh-BrPF/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Big blue eyes.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blonde whispy hair around her face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Small dimples in the crease of her smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlwOxiquYnt_z0m8ViG0yLXOd-PZ-p7y5TB5gkhPu8LIB1EVDzACFBWYc3exPq14tNGWUMHCbmLgfz5qaOJ0-q4aknm7QdapRZIfwy_ymqMgAAFnr7EAAVVwf89qcyXUSQaAInejlIMim/s1600/DSC_0117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlwOxiquYnt_z0m8ViG0yLXOd-PZ-p7y5TB5gkhPu8LIB1EVDzACFBWYc3exPq14tNGWUMHCbmLgfz5qaOJ0-q4aknm7QdapRZIfwy_ymqMgAAFnr7EAAVVwf89qcyXUSQaAInejlIMim/s1600/DSC_0117.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
I think she goes there too.
I will catch a glimpse of her in the rearview mirror, gazing into
nowhere while the wind blows through her hair.
She makes eye contact and gives me a sideways grin. She knows that I am all too familiar with
that place.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgei9MLlWTozXreTqaYzh9M3iNbiIZzgxSzAKzswKfJWCAxhDZtimS60PQsNaEhch5fL8SJN4INjNGAFd3VmbHLJakK2ZzEf3CITC-rJ9WjdMkkR_H-c4frWarbeCPA6rUxvr6uUnfuZa/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgei9MLlWTozXreTqaYzh9M3iNbiIZzgxSzAKzswKfJWCAxhDZtimS60PQsNaEhch5fL8SJN4INjNGAFd3VmbHLJakK2ZzEf3CITC-rJ9WjdMkkR_H-c4frWarbeCPA6rUxvr6uUnfuZa/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We hear too often how she’s my “mini-me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure in my younger day, it could be
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While, I appreciate the
compliment, I have to say, she’s so much more than I could have ever dreamed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyCsc7JmA7HGmfBcqNArLOjRM8PDryiM3j4jdFyV4PHmQYH62r1gLdNI-5TYsLBHLL1QLaueFT78Fd_Qq_VPlCoZsWaOEOTpK_4gfm7-HHOGqorRJ4DV9NYWkAeMsw_sNhshCedbZmUX3/s1600/100_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyCsc7JmA7HGmfBcqNArLOjRM8PDryiM3j4jdFyV4PHmQYH62r1gLdNI-5TYsLBHLL1QLaueFT78Fd_Qq_VPlCoZsWaOEOTpK_4gfm7-HHOGqorRJ4DV9NYWkAeMsw_sNhshCedbZmUX3/s1600/100_3946.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thoughtful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Strong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sensitive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her life lullaby, Daydream Believer, almost appears
intentional, like a slow molding of her soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only it were that
easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">“Cheer up, Lily Bean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Oh, what can it mean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">To a daydream believer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And a
homecoming queen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She came in to this world on her own terms, early and with
little preparation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She simply wasn’t
going to wait around until everyone arrived, including the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once she made her grand entrance, she barely
let out a whimper and immediately found her self-soothers, her two middle
fingers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvBhgKVTmsfJQZLipwL8T8fh1cv8j6FrUMJg6UdsDyWSP8BUwsWyHCl657rvrsz82cTZaVLgKZw3xnuQUo34lQg-EFyIHJWXQA_htZ4Pk_o3iXzLP6cxYl4WChxL383qHqmq2zMCjV8qv/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvBhgKVTmsfJQZLipwL8T8fh1cv8j6FrUMJg6UdsDyWSP8BUwsWyHCl657rvrsz82cTZaVLgKZw3xnuQUo34lQg-EFyIHJWXQA_htZ4Pk_o3iXzLP6cxYl4WChxL383qHqmq2zMCjV8qv/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Lily girl, is a spirit all her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is bold when she needs to be, and then in
one swift move, she nestles into her calm place, like a comfortable blanket.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow she celebrates her 9<sup>th</sup> birthday, the
last in single digits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the next
several years have the potential for an extreme amount of turmoil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayers are simple.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May she know she is loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May her life shine bright.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May she never stop daydreaming.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJNQOVqU-QBrvu0YvvY5uvjJ3M6QM_KR9Zzf0eoEgn1oKxvmngG2dfOWYgPrFhvBpqSRKMtDbj17DqZ1t6JiqvjZA-bhWyNUp0aVLbEMXcqs_SR-RkyY6-ocWeGcbguhkl7GKPbqGeViY/s1600/IMG_6785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJNQOVqU-QBrvu0YvvY5uvjJ3M6QM_KR9Zzf0eoEgn1oKxvmngG2dfOWYgPrFhvBpqSRKMtDbj17DqZ1t6JiqvjZA-bhWyNUp0aVLbEMXcqs_SR-RkyY6-ocWeGcbguhkl7GKPbqGeViY/s1600/IMG_6785.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy 9<sup>th</sup> Birthday Bean!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
~ao, aka Mama</div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-35975038978100966642014-10-10T00:34:00.000-04:002014-10-10T01:41:29.439-04:00~1994~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-0m9rvqitSNJBp6uiuu-m_HXhCDxJ9hEmL24So8ZSC-UbLVyZT2XlTqD4cu9SmcQUhF4hlcrhwjbb0a-9JE8q6wCujkgXL2xu8oWZPOVFD4YMXzDHJHcMnHEfZ1e3oJl7Bg1h1nqCxHV/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-0m9rvqitSNJBp6uiuu-m_HXhCDxJ9hEmL24So8ZSC-UbLVyZT2XlTqD4cu9SmcQUhF4hlcrhwjbb0a-9JE8q6wCujkgXL2xu8oWZPOVFD4YMXzDHJHcMnHEfZ1e3oJl7Bg1h1nqCxHV/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was the year of the MLB Player Strike and Forrest
Gump. Millions also watched as police
chased OJ Simpson in a white bronco. I
was twenty years old and settled in to my first off-campus apartment. I was starting to gain momentum on my new life
in Cleveland.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The call came on a normal October day that started with
class and work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as I heard my
mom’s voice, I knew something was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My childhood friend, Brad, had been killed in a tragic motorcycle
accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I met Brad in the 4<sup>th</sup> Grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was immature and completely
ridiculous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the kind of kid that
would pick his nose and wipe it on you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately for him, he had a charm that far exceeded his grossness and
a smile that made you feel like the most important person in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We became instant friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spent our summers bike riding and playing tennis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the winter, we would play hockey and inevitably,
he would make me goalie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said I was
great in the goal because I had “good hands”, but I’m sure he just liked
watching people shoot pucks across the ice and toward my face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had the kind of friendship that felt like family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He protected me like a brother would and I
nagged him with sisterly love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
parents made me feel adored and like a part of their family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since he was an only child, I felt like the
daughter they never had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His mom, Mary Ann, would sit at the table with me, drink
tea, and tell me the most fascinating stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His dad would always greet me with that famous Anderson smile. He would walk in the room, wink, and call me
“dollface”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious where Brad
got his charm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We maneuvered our way through the awkward junior high years
and our unique bond grew stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
kept me honest in who I was and didn’t let me get too far from the younger
version of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are not many
memories from those years that don’t include Brad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both quirky, fun-loving teenagers who
connected in a way that was special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
we both knew it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember a day at the Prendergast’s Lake House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had spent the day on the water with all of
our friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brad walked down on the
dock and pushed me in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s
take the paddle boat out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirty
minutes later, we had paddled ourselves to the middle of the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We jumped off the paddle boat and swam
around in the deep waters of Seneca Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will never forget the look on his face as it started
pouring on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled really big and
said “Looks like we need to paddle faster.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We paddled back to the closest shore and ran back to the lakehouse in
the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed the entire way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brad was so many things to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Risk-taker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Confidence builder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adventurer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loyal and true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was the obvious choice as my Homecoming Court
Escort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked him, he smirked and
said, “Well, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who else would
you ask?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked me up wearing a
mauve sport coat and tan suede shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were both unusually nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two friends
dressed to impress and making a date of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We were two kids playing grown-ups and it felt j</span>ust plain weird.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my lifelong, favorite books is <u>Bridge to
Terabithia</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the beautiful
story of two friends, Jesse and Leslie, who struggle with the everyday trials of
adolescents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would swing across a
creek to a make-believe land in the walls of a forest behind their house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an escape from their regular
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then one day, Leslie suddenly
died in a tragic accident in the creek.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #131313; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">“She had tricked him. She
had made him leave his old self behind and come into her world, and then before
he was really at home in it but too late to go back, she had left him stranded
there--like an astronaut wandering about on the moon. Alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #131313; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">―</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #131313; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span></i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1949.Katherine_Paterson"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #535502; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Katherine Paterson</span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stranded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spoke about that word at his funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fought back anger at the idea that he was
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew a part of my heart would be
gone forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think of him often and wonder what he would be like
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see him, standing in front
of his locker with his boombox blaring music between classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart aches to think of never seeing the
twinkle in his eye or hearing the convincing way he laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxreoKQDylPtZ558XER7-fDbgKR36EhiFIu1A9W1Ix7GHL18FnvLXOtd7XoB6fQxTuilqIYMn6NekLGvkXgCyvuHJztg6s_hyCgDLHN54Nb77ynAvlY2vKzAovz42uXR42RJwyE02svHW/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxreoKQDylPtZ558XER7-fDbgKR36EhiFIu1A9W1Ix7GHL18FnvLXOtd7XoB6fQxTuilqIYMn6NekLGvkXgCyvuHJztg6s_hyCgDLHN54Nb77ynAvlY2vKzAovz42uXR42RJwyE02svHW/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s hard to believe he’s been gone for half my life. While I was in NY last week, I reminisced
with friends about our times with him.
His memory is never far from us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twenty years ago, on October 11, 1994, my life changed forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned the value of life, true friendship,
and laughing in the rain. I learned that life can change in the turn of a wheel and leave you staring at old photos and grasping for memories.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
In our senior Last Will and Testament, he said he wanted to be remembered for "laughing all the way." He is most certainly remembered for that and so much more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVmt0fZSMvKAC2SA-FxfhZjFw469xZ5v79NBsWaUpXIy9_qI0PWg88ui6wuux1MFaYf5liCSJsCJ3_XcXuOD1gwdppWjxodW0-fDiWXTo8WFfuS1rvNO0E2M_IfMDkeE-He4KGpe1r-Gr/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVmt0fZSMvKAC2SA-FxfhZjFw469xZ5v79NBsWaUpXIy9_qI0PWg88ui6wuux1MFaYf5liCSJsCJ3_XcXuOD1gwdppWjxodW0-fDiWXTo8WFfuS1rvNO0E2M_IfMDkeE-He4KGpe1r-Gr/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In loving memory of George Bradley Anderson, IV</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Forever in our hearts,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ao<o:p></o:p></div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-50914101315622747222014-10-07T23:52:00.001-04:002014-10-07T23:54:00.653-04:00~Song Sung Blue~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOcJYCYTAgOcWZz7DJySMZsPito6z07fKdbAGWiCSXHGrzzPWe6PRzl-CXYjOoRju5UIO7fo8nBeLk2ReqqEi1qMiS50gPdAeew1g6hBojGyfg-KsjEr3-KXPriswP-6TrhEFpBzLclZ-/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOcJYCYTAgOcWZz7DJySMZsPito6z07fKdbAGWiCSXHGrzzPWe6PRzl-CXYjOoRju5UIO7fo8nBeLk2ReqqEi1qMiS50gPdAeew1g6hBojGyfg-KsjEr3-KXPriswP-6TrhEFpBzLclZ-/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">It follows me. It
seems it has always been around no matter what stage in life I am in. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">I went to high school at Marcus Whitman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The school colors were <b>BLUE</b> and gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a junior in college, I joined a sorority,
Sigma Nu Sigma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their colors were <b>BLUE</b>
and white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became the softball coach
at that same college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They added <b>BLUE</b> as
an accent to their maroon and white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
married a die-hard Kentucky fan and became an involuntary member of the Big
<b>BLUE</b> Nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">I started my administrative career at Red Bank High
School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their colors were not in the red
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were <b>BLUE</b> and white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would think I applied for the job at
Cleveland because of their school colors ~ <b>BLUE</b> & white, with a little bit
of red.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6nv1_Zh_ODTNnf1JhGCcBKt6rCdzppoymT-rqR3brNlLE1XvzcJXkLrwj6DWdD99QsSbc3EU8uptN4AxHmGvNBXwx8AgqU5Tjj4RJ9mVEXv5L1QGjws58qDuSdHvk-Yr5I_fmpg7vG5a/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6nv1_Zh_ODTNnf1JhGCcBKt6rCdzppoymT-rqR3brNlLE1XvzcJXkLrwj6DWdD99QsSbc3EU8uptN4AxHmGvNBXwx8AgqU5Tjj4RJ9mVEXv5L1QGjws58qDuSdHvk-Yr5I_fmpg7vG5a/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">It’s a cheesy thread of my journey ~ a pride for all things
<b>BLUE</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could be forced to adorn yellow, orange or
any other hue not in my color palette. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately for me, <b>BLUE</b> looks halfway decent
on a person with my hair color and skin tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of this, my closet is overflowing with every shade of the color
that falls somewhere between green and violet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">Google compares the color <b>BLUE</b> to “the sky or sea on a sunny day.” If you ask me, it’s the perfect
definition. I tread lightly in this post
to not come across as a “fanatic”, but the simple fact is, when it comes to the
color <b>BLUE</b>, I’m in. All in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">Neil
Diamond says it best…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But when you
take the <b>BLUES</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>And make a song<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>You sing 'em out
again<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">This weekend we
cheered for the <b>BLUE</b> and white at two venues.
Friday nights feel like home to me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The band plays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The cheerleaders
cheer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The fans sing the
alma mater.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-JjMqejIEv1pDAJ14QFMhzJ0gSUt72dnxNTHrQpsVrSFQgNDq9FizbGaxxohpRaVRmnhowZ_-uY84W18DRktjl9UrZGzobsc1AJrGgn731o0sRNaUixpOgObtFD2XV88xBpdoAmOR859/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-JjMqejIEv1pDAJ14QFMhzJ0gSUt72dnxNTHrQpsVrSFQgNDq9FizbGaxxohpRaVRmnhowZ_-uY84W18DRktjl9UrZGzobsc1AJrGgn731o0sRNaUixpOgObtFD2XV88xBpdoAmOR859/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">And while all
these things are awesome, I sit back and revel in the idea that we all belong
to something bigger ~ a tradition that has cheered for the mighty <b>BLUE</b> Raiders
for fifty years strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I am not
from here, I, too, feel the pride that surrounds every Friday night when the
<b>BLUE</b> Raiders take the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more
so, I have a heart swell as I watch my husband and two kids cheer from the
sidelines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more than just a
football game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a community brand
that has been tested and cherished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">I wake up on
Saturday morning and drive 3.5 hours north to Lexington, KY to experience
another version of pride for the <b>BLUE</b> and white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, again, watch my husband and kids as they
celebrate with the Big <b>BLUE</b> Nation and cheer their UK Wildcats to a victory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LXuX7URbZduaTT6HnxUUSIHvXnHEPI24k3v6kdzKYXnSUXELVgg93wyRNoQblzdNvkQj3VPNGdWibHDt1uTYVdl3XTFoKRaC9uAfRJNA6QPgEY8LUNomVvIWwKjemvRewvSsuFKaCz0g/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LXuX7URbZduaTT6HnxUUSIHvXnHEPI24k3v6kdzKYXnSUXELVgg93wyRNoQblzdNvkQj3VPNGdWibHDt1uTYVdl3XTFoKRaC9uAfRJNA6QPgEY8LUNomVvIWwKjemvRewvSsuFKaCz0g/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Tailgates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Cats Walk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Shiny, Silver
Helmets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">We stormed the
field for a second time in 24 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
kids jumped up and down meeting players and mascots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband flashed his prideful grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-EBVtJMqeklUTd0SeE-8O4kdFFRW0tSegcu58QPs-slks4SjOFT8LlFqhGEuYI56bV9ZE7ntMTmOSx9uIdRNroZAmseR6Nz5ErZvpB5WwL2tl_C-kOnPjRbMLVdu3pT5yxd6Vc0XxPHW/s1600/IMG_1265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-EBVtJMqeklUTd0SeE-8O4kdFFRW0tSegcu58QPs-slks4SjOFT8LlFqhGEuYI56bV9ZE7ntMTmOSx9uIdRNroZAmseR6Nz5ErZvpB5WwL2tl_C-kOnPjRbMLVdu3pT5yxd6Vc0XxPHW/s1600/IMG_1265.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">There are no
words to describe a sense of belonging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am lucky to experience school spirit at its finest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a world that says our children are lost on
the traditions of our past, I know differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each Friday night, after the third quarter, I beam with pride as our
student section sings the alma mater.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">We lift our hearts in song and
praise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">For our school, Cleveland High.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">In love and gratitude we’ll sing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">As days and years go by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">We love the white and <b>BLUE</b>,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">We will be loyal, true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">So Alma Mater, here’s to you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Algerian; font-size: 16.0pt;">Our own school, Cleveland High.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">This week our school is on Fall Break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many will take vacations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others will work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But on Friday night, there will be no other
plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">The fans will show up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">The bleachers will fill up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">The players will gear up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">It’s just a game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s how some define it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to
me, its an opportunity to show pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every pom-pom, instrument, and jersey signifies a love for something
that reaches beyond the color <b>BLUE</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxhWK3cRw_8QDHTjv9lJf2P7Fa4Rcj8RjVQartyUgERamV2XMRIPpTEEzdFLalyDEaCaGgfDXQ-9HQOi6tLWxFLmpeLyesNicxmiXFKSUHBFI0lc4CjCxmKKV-4I0Igv5XdgxKjmAhUQz/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxhWK3cRw_8QDHTjv9lJf2P7Fa4Rcj8RjVQartyUgERamV2XMRIPpTEEzdFLalyDEaCaGgfDXQ-9HQOi6tLWxFLmpeLyesNicxmiXFKSUHBFI0lc4CjCxmKKV-4I0Igv5XdgxKjmAhUQz/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">History.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">Tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">Legacy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">And hopefully, a win!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>GO BIG BLUE!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">~ao</span><o:p></o:p></div>
TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-91916003234225821082014-10-06T17:23:00.001-04:002014-10-06T17:26:33.202-04:00Eat. Bike. Write.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wYfejLNblzg_bMUBBwiNI3E0kxxYkV5cYbnYMPfdu01Z6nJSOc3zNHhT0NyrvP39lX54y19fXSQuNXe1m1yzF7T-FXxpaOGz_T4COprOw4yADMkLrhsue_pd4m38Z_n7X9s4qs5-2L5V/s1600/IMG_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wYfejLNblzg_bMUBBwiNI3E0kxxYkV5cYbnYMPfdu01Z6nJSOc3zNHhT0NyrvP39lX54y19fXSQuNXe1m1yzF7T-FXxpaOGz_T4COprOw4yADMkLrhsue_pd4m38Z_n7X9s4qs5-2L5V/s1600/IMG_0721.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't watch movies often. I can usually tell you exactly where I was when I watch something, especially when its a movie with which I connect.<br />
<br />
I remember laying on the couch. It was a Friday evening. Robbie was on the back porch watching a sports event. Kids were in bed. The scene was set perfectly for a chic flick.<br />
<br />
Julia Roberts is one of my favorite actresses. I think her smile is captivating. For this reason, I knew Eat, Pray, Love was a must-see in my book. There was something about the story of a woman my age, searching the globe in search of the woman she once was. That, coupled with the fact that I loved everything about my trip to Italy a few years ago.<br />
<br />
The movie did not disappoint. I loved the story-line. I loved the characters. I even loved that each of the countries she visited started with the letter "I". Ironic? While searching for yourself you visit countries that all start with "I". Maybe I'm grasping at straws for meaning, but I found it incredibly quirky. I especially loved this idea that sometimes you just have to get away from your life to find yourself. Again, incredibly ironic.<br />
<br />
Stay-cations are really not for me. I know they have their time and place. Some that are closest to me would argue a staycation is EXACTLY what I need. I fear the "stay" part of the cation turns in to organizing tupperware and cleaning out closets. This notion does not relieve my stress one bit.<br />
<br />
However, it appears the stage is set for a week of staycation for me.<br />
<br />
Kids are at the grandparents.<br />
Husband is working.<br />
Biggest high school rivalry in the state of TN.<br />
<br />
Before I could bury my head in the lost sea of tupperware lids that don't match their containers, I grabbed my computer and started this post.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned this week for my version of eat, bike, write. There might be some scenes with organizing and errands (just to fill in the gaps, of course).<br />
<br />
#eatbikewritefb14<br />
~ao<br />
<br />
<br />TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-30172083149177682682014-07-14T17:34:00.002-04:002014-07-14T17:34:32.531-04:00TRO Post: Daddy's Birthday
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIODDZB8dczyQYi2VUDRqB2p1lX-rn3ucCYfXYybWLuWoTY7L27rHg_4vAgbbGWh0jmgASGRHuTx6LSppfw69vo_WsbHQZWdMBZetbaXAn0k6hFJucCvpXUIo6WkUhAmfjhEfq_W_E3_fg/s1600/_DSC7765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIODDZB8dczyQYi2VUDRqB2p1lX-rn3ucCYfXYybWLuWoTY7L27rHg_4vAgbbGWh0jmgASGRHuTx6LSppfw69vo_WsbHQZWdMBZetbaXAn0k6hFJucCvpXUIo6WkUhAmfjhEfq_W_E3_fg/s1600/_DSC7765.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Today is my dad’s birthday and he is turning 40 years old,
and I do mean OLD. </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5os1UMof33DudUqEGV_CNYEd3GMevTJSCSKr0Z9hOC6S-QelohymdF_28pHXVj-gBhZ1DVFi5fsyRB_NIXlpnSPii3hg8Dnv2yb4G_xPoLG2FjXXHXdDWZgJmpeQ1QuQtHidmcu7cAPRa/s1600/IMG_6521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5os1UMof33DudUqEGV_CNYEd3GMevTJSCSKr0Z9hOC6S-QelohymdF_28pHXVj-gBhZ1DVFi5fsyRB_NIXlpnSPii3hg8Dnv2yb4G_xPoLG2FjXXHXdDWZgJmpeQ1QuQtHidmcu7cAPRa/s1600/IMG_6521.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought that it would be a good time to write about him. </div>
<br />
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My dad is the best dad you could ever have. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is funny, smart, and nice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHHlV_TOM8YNWr3x0tbSsV-7TKRv8AqDRrRtg7D1NskMo0n3mpNtNeSq3kWYX29lzdx7nzCZKTcL5XRM8s6Sdip1FkVFakAFmo3rx6xUeeXE0vKVAklldEwIf861tnERGy6S-QyxQOJFu/s1600/DSCN0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHHlV_TOM8YNWr3x0tbSsV-7TKRv8AqDRrRtg7D1NskMo0n3mpNtNeSq3kWYX29lzdx7nzCZKTcL5XRM8s6Sdip1FkVFakAFmo3rx6xUeeXE0vKVAklldEwIf861tnERGy6S-QyxQOJFu/s1600/DSCN0162.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There
are so many more things I could tell you about him. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He and I are alike in many
ways. We both like basketball.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv88L1PS-42pYR_vS_1T4XD-Gam_ntV3vxj5rWOre1mSu5xFw-6b2SRRU0Ua6cEOfVReTX0btsSwId9lRQc6LUZHOxjZpNOsfxs_afZX2j_5gU-57pikPaDPaURwxNochMg6S3Eoz9aLdI/s1600/IMG_8669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv88L1PS-42pYR_vS_1T4XD-Gam_ntV3vxj5rWOre1mSu5xFw-6b2SRRU0Ua6cEOfVReTX0btsSwId9lRQc6LUZHOxjZpNOsfxs_afZX2j_5gU-57pikPaDPaURwxNochMg6S3Eoz9aLdI/s1600/IMG_8669.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We both like the Kentucky Wildcats. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAwO6-QkvsWUdB0-bwI1C4PmiCGU3MlpjbpeAoiOI0UpXNgdT7Cyg7wIoPNo84kj0HV8epdg1MVrKNckbcm41ZFyvZt6iGFhS5cn6a-MZGoPBgZmV-uXDEs5KoWcpu5ACFYi9HZ3oe3VL/s1600/IMG_6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAwO6-QkvsWUdB0-bwI1C4PmiCGU3MlpjbpeAoiOI0UpXNgdT7Cyg7wIoPNo84kj0HV8epdg1MVrKNckbcm41ZFyvZt6iGFhS5cn6a-MZGoPBgZmV-uXDEs5KoWcpu5ACFYi9HZ3oe3VL/s1600/IMG_6075.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are both
impatient. We both like some of the same music. I could go on and on about how
much we are alike. I mentioned we both like basketball. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x_qHBtCrZtlkmBRFewUJ1EUpRYM4L6xh4l50mY07r8vVOIJ6QroD7i5U872iV9Jg-QeJqKzLea2S_v4D8U0CkPbGewiEtYVRllvIPMPP8LZem9_yYINImbZQ4gl9yl93pR-0duirTOD0/s1600/IMG_7686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x_qHBtCrZtlkmBRFewUJ1EUpRYM4L6xh4l50mY07r8vVOIJ6QroD7i5U872iV9Jg-QeJqKzLea2S_v4D8U0CkPbGewiEtYVRllvIPMPP8LZem9_yYINImbZQ4gl9yl93pR-0duirTOD0/s1600/IMG_7686.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has basically taught
me how to play the game, and I think I’ve gotten pretty good. He’s been my
coach for most of my life, so that has some advantages. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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My dream is to play
basketball for the University of Kentucky, and with his help I think I can get
there. He is my hero. I look up to him
with basketball, and with life. He is such an amazing dad. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DADDY!</div>
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Love, TRO</div>
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TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-61937796839259099492014-07-06T23:04:00.000-04:002014-07-06T23:05:35.751-04:00Cannonballs on Canandaigua Lake<div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was listening to an NPR podcast once featuring a female refugee from Vietnam. She spoke of her first steps on new soil after leaving her country. Her mother told her and her sister to bend down and touch the ground as it was special. The two young girls knelt down to feel the ground, expecting it to be different than the ground they had left. When they turned to question their mother's statement, she said, "You now have a chance to make it special in your own mind."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Every community has them. Those things that make living there unique. Growing up in the Finger Lakes didn't feel all that extra special. I guess I didn't pay attention to a lot while maneuvering through adolescence. I believed that everyone lived the same kind of life that I did. That was, until I moved 800 miles away, into a new community, that was nothing like the one I came from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I tell people that I grew up in NY, they always have a similar response. "Oh, I LOVE New York." I always chuckle as I listen to them tell me about all the shows they have seen on Broadway and their experience with the subway. I recently had a friend that was visiting the city, text me and ask me the best places to eat. Seems like a logical question for someone from New York.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The fact of the matter is that I have only been to the "city" a handful of times in my entire life. I rode in my first taxi cab when I visited South Florida with my college roommate. I was 22. The New York that I come from has less concrete and tall buildings and more barns in the middle of fields. The locals call it "Upstate" or the "Finger Lakes". In the egocentric way of a two year old, I call it "My NY". Each visit is customized like a personal order to refresh my affections for the beautiful place I called home for so many years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">About a year ago, I had a really bad day. I was at a pretty low point and searching for a way to dig myself out. I left my house that morning and told my husband I would be back later that day. I had no real destination, but a very clear purpose. I needed to clear my head and find myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I drove for several hours, many songs and a few tears. At one point, I pulled over on the side of the road, leaned my seat back, looked up at the sky, and started praying. It wasn't long before that feeling came over me. The feeling that everything was going to be ok.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It doesn't take hours or even a drive in the car for me to find that place in New York. A slice of pizza with my dad, a hike on my grandparents acreage, a ride on a familiar trail, or a swim in the lake are all simple things turned special. Those moments are quite substantive really. It </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">helps me maintain my sanity the other 11.5 months of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">While visiting NY recently, I ordered pizza and wings at my favorite pizzeria. As I pulled out my checkbook, the young guy working behind the counter said "We don't take out of state checks." I turned around looking for an ATM since they didn't take debit cards when a familiar face came from the back. He smiled and said, "We'll take that out-of-state check. We know where to hunt her down." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Every Friday night after our high school football game, my friends and I would cruise the plaza and end up listening to AC/DC while chowing down on the best pizza and wings in town. It was our place and we made sure everyone knew it. Its amazing that in an age before cell phones and social media, everyone still knew where to go and what time to be there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It remains one of the first places I visit when I pull in to town. The same folks are still there slinging dough in the air, but now instead of giving me quarters to play AC/DC on the jukebox, they're giving my kids quarters to play video games. The pizza can be (and should be) folded in half to eat. The wings are crispy and dripping with sauce. The Italian assorted sub maintains its place as my favorite sandwich EVER. It's the kind of place where a meal that should be rather quick can turn in to a couple of hours of conversation and laughs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">On any given weekend in the Finger Lakes, you can find people making their ground special. One Sunday in June, I joined some of my oldest friends on their boat for a day on Canandaigua Lake. When it comes to lakes, Canandaigua is quite spectacular. It is sparkly blue like the ocean and you can actually see the bottom. The captain of the boat was my friend, Chris. I have known Chris since I was my daughter's age. He was my neighbor and my ride to school on many occasions. He is married to one of my closest friends from high school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chris and Amy are two wonderful people. I've known them as a couple for a few decades and they just work. I've never heard a cross word out of either of their mouths. This day was no exception. As always, they were gracious hosts that day. It was perfect weather, the kids loved their time together and the adults loved their time even more. At some point, my son asked Chris what we were going to do all day. Chris told him the Cannonball Contest would be at 3:30. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I caught my son practicing his cannonball off the back of the boat. As promised, that afternoon, a similar sound repeated itself over and over on that boat deck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Step, step, step. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Squeal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Splash. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cannonballs in Canandaigua Lake with old friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A slice of the best pizza in town with my parents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A waterfall hike with my brothers and nephews. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chocolate custard with rainbow sprinkles with the grandparents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A trip to Wegmans to stock up on marinades for the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Four Wheeling at Austin Road with my kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ground made special by me, for me. And I'm quite certain, everything will be ok. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Until next time. #iheartmyny</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">~ao</span></div>
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TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-39991852079855251682014-06-30T20:11:00.003-04:002014-06-30T23:56:30.362-04:00Red and the Bread Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One morning, while I was visiting my parents in New York, I woke up at 5:30 in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep. I assumed it was from sleeping in a strange bed. I got up to go to the bathroom and decided to take the dog outside.<br />
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I walked down the stairs and froze in my steps. There, I saw a familiar sight. My dad, aka The Rev, on his knees in prayer.<br />
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Just think about that. How often have you found your dad on his knees in prayer? Its a pretty familiar sight for me and one I took for granted for many years.<br />
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They call him the Bread Man. For years, he has delivered bread and other food to needy families. He does this, not because he wins awards or gets any accolades, but because he has been called to serve.<br />
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Another morning, I woke up to the smell of chocolate flowing throughout the house. I came downstairs to investigate and found a hot pan of brownies in the oven. My mom appeared out of the laundry room. "Good morning, sweetie. I thought you and the girls would like some brownies for the boat. And these brownies, they are my best yet."<br />
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Today my parents, Rev and Red, celebrate their 41st Wedding Anniversary. It would be a fabrication if I told you its been a cookie cutter marriage. There is no such thing.<br />
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What it has been is a consistent example of prayer & care for others before themselves. It makes me extremely proud to know the stock I am from. They are easily two of the most thoughtful, giving servants of the Lord that I have ever met.<br />
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When I was younger, I undervalued their calling. I thought it made me weird to have parents that made us go to church and pray before meals. I was embarrassed because they still held hands and kissed each other goodbye.<br />
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For their 30th anniversary, we gave them a scrapbook entitled "Thirty Years and Three Kids Later". It was filled with letters from family and friends on what their marriage has meant to them. Obviously we've added some spouses and grandkids to that title, but the common themes in the letters still ring true.<br />
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"Thirty years of commitment to God, family, and especially, each other..."<br />
"But most of all, I have learned to love."<br />
"You live, you love, you marry, even though sometimes love is scary."<br />
"Modeled servanthood."<br />
"Your marriage represents to me a pillar of strength."<br />
"The Lord shines on you."<br />
"You lend a helping hand, no matter the occasion."<br />
"God bless you richly for all of your loving, caring, sharing and endless giving."<br />
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When I got engaged, my mom gave me one piece of advice. "Serve the Lord and Serve Robbie." It is advice I have to remind myself of regularly. Today I was blessed to sit at the dinner table with my parents and celebrate their marriage. <br />
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Happy 41st Anniversary, Red and Rev!!! Keep on smooching and keep on serving!<br />
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~ao<br />
<br />TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-7352610540683352822014-06-29T22:22:00.000-04:002014-06-30T23:59:01.150-04:00Bean Post: Genesee Country MuseumHope you enjoy Lily's first blogpost!!!<br />
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I can't wait to go to the Genesee Country Museum!!</div>
I heard that people at the Genesee Country Museum act like old times!<br />
We planned a FUN day with my cousins, AJ and Jaxson, my grandparents Mamie and Pops, my mom Autumn, and my brother Tate.<br />
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I took this AWESOME selfie at the entrance of the Genesee Country Museum!!!<br />
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I love quilting!!! Quilting is so interesting back in the days!!</div>
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Sheep Sheering!!! Only happens once a year!! Lucky us!!!!!!!! :)</div>
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Buddies making cornmeal!! They taught us how to cook in the older days!! Love spending time with my brother!!!<br />
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Carving wood so the side of the wood isn't so sharp. Then they attached to the oxen rake!!<br />
AJ is enjoying the museum!<br />
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Pottery!!!!!!! My FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!! Checking out the pottery with my cousin Jaxson!!!<br />
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A beautiful church!!!!!!!!! My Pops likes the church because he is a pastor. LOVELY!!!!!<br />
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Had a wonderful day at the Genesee Country Museum!!! So sad to leave!! :(<br />
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Hope you can visit it someday!!!<br />
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:)<br />
Lily BeanTateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-16728442670547705222014-06-29T18:45:00.002-04:002014-06-30T00:27:38.881-04:00Time for Me to Fly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I document our lives a lot. I don't owe anyone an explanation on why I share my life happenings on social media. No one really needs to understand why I post some of my most treasured memories on a blog. There are many schools of thought on this, but for me, I intend to live a life that is wide open. That's not to say, I don't have privacy. There are many things that I hold near and dear to my heart that are not for public consumption. Some are painful. Some are just sacred. These things are protected and documented in a more private venue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I don't share my pictures, places and things because I think I am so interesting and there are people who want to know about me. It is also not for social acceptance. Quite simply, in a former day, I was a scrap booker. I would spend hours cutting, cropping and journaling my life's happenings. Many things happened to change this practice. To start, I lost everything I owned in a house fire right after graduating from college. I didn't have much, but what I did have was treasured. This type of event quickly shapes how you preserve your memories. So does having two kids and a demanding full-time job. Hence, the end of my scrapbook hobby.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Therefore, I do it in a way that makes sense to me (and keeps my mama who lives 800 miles away from her grand babies happy). My 2014 word is <a href="http://www.lilytate.blogspot.com/2014/01/capture.html" target="_blank">CAPTURE</a>. I could say this is also a life theme. I don't want to forget life. It gets busy. It gets blurred. And then there are moments I want to go back and remember. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Call me historian. Call me </span>paparazzi. I call me "one that needs pictures and words to help remember the details of my life." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm addicted to moments. The moments in your life that don't really feel like moments. Instead, they feel like a scene from a movie. One of those scenes that you rewind over and over because of the way you felt at that exact time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I love these times because they most often reflect "game changers". They are the "2 roads diverged in a forest" events that change your life perspective or purpose. I write about these moments often. It is my way of remembering them forever, although I'm quite certain I couldn't forget them if I tried.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">There was a lot of drama that surrounded my move to Tennessee when I was 18. My dad wanted me to go to Lee. I couldn't imagine living that far away from everything I knew. I didn't want to leave my family. I knew I would miss my friends. And of course, there was a boy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I caught everyone off guard when I abruptly decided to attend Lee. I can't even tell you why I did it, but I just came home in April and said, "Fine. I'll go."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The months following my decision were some of the happiest in my life...a successful softball season, memorable marching band trips, high school graduation, concerts, </span>lake time, and summer parties. Every day felt bittersweet as I tried to celebrate, savor, and say goodbye all at the same time. I felt time slipping through my hands and I desperately tried to hold on to it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then, it was my last day. My friends and I tried to cram as much in 24 hours as we possibly could...dinner, a concert, a campout. There were a lot of wonderful moments that day. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moments of laughter. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moments of tears. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moments of regret. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moments of hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">But one moment will always be THAT moment. The moment I knew everything was changing, but would always remain the same. </span><span style="background-color: white;">There I stood, at a concert, with my neighbors and friends, preparing to move 800 miles from everything I knew.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bodies Swaying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Voices Carrying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tears Flowing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We sang an anthem that night and I knew my life would never be the same again.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for me to Fly</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh I've got to set myself free</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for me to fly</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's just how it's got to be</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it hurts to say goodbye</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but It's time for me to fly</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning, I loaded up my parents' car and made the move to Cleveland, TN. I cried the whole way there. I cried for the people I was leaving. I cried for fear of people I hadn't met yet. I cried because I wasn't sure if all of my "moments" were done. In my 18 year old mind, I envisioned my movie scenes ending. I couldn't imagine loving my life any more than I did the night before.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I, of course, have had a lifetime of beautiful moments and wonderful people. My life has moved far from that 18 year old girl and yet, I still crave those moments that make me scared and hopeful all at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beauty of true friends is that time and distance can't separate you from those moments that connect you. The other night a few of my high school friends decided to have a Girls Night Out while I was in town visiting. We laughed and reminisced like teenagers, even though each of us will celebrate our 40th this year. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These ladies helped define me. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We froze our bras at sleepovers. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We broke our first rules. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We snuck out of the house (shhh don't tell our parents). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We swore we'd be friends forever.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After dinner, as I pulled out of the parking lot, a familiar song came over the radio and I was quickly transported to that night when NY became a place I visit and no longer my home. I turned to my friend, Amy, and we both knew what to do. Within minutes and several driveways later, all of us were together again. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRLDpGwmnezggnF4Gi2g_LWvaDKsGSkiucvaj9P-8M1TIQsrr7cOcYIPtXupQB2wqr6SxYqUM0EsqoqJPCz3i4RVpCA9Vh8rV6G3Fb3BmS62ZrI23a5pCsHE0KcQ1o7_sRm7eQmQF9qPc/s1600/girls4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRLDpGwmnezggnF4Gi2g_LWvaDKsGSkiucvaj9P-8M1TIQsrr7cOcYIPtXupQB2wqr6SxYqUM0EsqoqJPCz3i4RVpCA9Vh8rV6G3Fb3BmS62ZrI23a5pCsHE0KcQ1o7_sRm7eQmQF9qPc/s1600/girls4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their husbands thought we were nuts taking a convertible ride at 11:00 at night. There we were, creating a moment, four 40 year old women cruising down Route 5 & 20 scream-singing an all-too-familiar song.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for me to Fly</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh I've got to set myself free</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for me to fly</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's just how it's got to be</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it hurts to say goodbye</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but It's time for me to fly</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwgT-K5dvO1uVy3jMRBN2SOrlVvS_D6hjjQbZp3X56yP9Stdqwuwg2U0Spj9oGdR0JBW9tOxncwBykQZLATEBrKx-Ba7K_ww633AccSOQsq9F6hIvgeyk9MlnKCnGS79V9tIKHXrU_pJ3/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwgT-K5dvO1uVy3jMRBN2SOrlVvS_D6hjjQbZp3X56yP9Stdqwuwg2U0Spj9oGdR0JBW9tOxncwBykQZLATEBrKx-Ba7K_ww633AccSOQsq9F6hIvgeyk9MlnKCnGS79V9tIKHXrU_pJ3/s1600/girls.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twenty-two years ago, it was my time to fly. But as we know, having roots is as important as having wings. Over the years, I am so thankful to have both. Thirty year old friendships don't happen over night. They happen over long distance phone calls, letters in campus mailboxes, random text messages, and late night convertible rides.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ao</span></div>
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TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-81753449264469216072014-06-24T23:20:00.001-04:002014-06-25T08:26:05.989-04:00Silk PJs with a White Out Stain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSK18s-_9O_27puyj9lR1MtfDFhNPBP5a3NqfzYNb7tX3R56dQMJOA3Uwzt1ZWIL2qlvGJnRHfxQDvx8_fzUi7xFW3HD-Vj7WU18V9uqh-YxOVPjfsXmyrM-T5KJDLyFLu3j151ZNxmhv/s1600/IMG_8948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSK18s-_9O_27puyj9lR1MtfDFhNPBP5a3NqfzYNb7tX3R56dQMJOA3Uwzt1ZWIL2qlvGJnRHfxQDvx8_fzUi7xFW3HD-Vj7WU18V9uqh-YxOVPjfsXmyrM-T5KJDLyFLu3j151ZNxmhv/s1600/IMG_8948.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was August of 1992 and my first day in my new hometown. I was excited and slightly nervous as I realized I had completely failed in the outfit selection process. I can assure you there was never a lesson in the good ole 14561 that taught girls like me what to wear to college registration. On top of that, I got to the end of the registration line and the man asked me how I was going to pay my bill. Again, I was stumped. I quickly came to terms with the fact that I was totally unprepared for this college gig.<br />
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I came into the laundry room at my dorm to see this girl with the most beautiful white hair I had ever seen. It was curled up in ringlets like Nellie Olson. I thought they were fantastic. Her makeup was flawless, her shoes were spotless, and she had a gleam in her eye. I couldn't tell if the gleam was friendly or cruel, but either way, I was intrigued.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllHSPU8wFsJfxB6S0gWuLQCAvtSVlu-_YANkS9IktkBzt-ehEFB3oDdlhXLxx1vl8K0OXL_-JlRy13X3AicJYb4oBaTLNvdyu2d0focvX8s9uAtr2erWbxWERQDJdn3mwCe9r5oLVPf-P/s1600/IMG_9050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllHSPU8wFsJfxB6S0gWuLQCAvtSVlu-_YANkS9IktkBzt-ehEFB3oDdlhXLxx1vl8K0OXL_-JlRy13X3AicJYb4oBaTLNvdyu2d0focvX8s9uAtr2erWbxWERQDJdn3mwCe9r5oLVPf-P/s1600/IMG_9050.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My nervous energy went on full throttle as I rambled on and on about my day...the guy that hit on me in line, my new work-study job, and the comfort level of my new shoes. All while her eyes looked me up and down. She couldn't get out of that laundry room fast enough. She later told me she couldn't tolerate one more word...I simply talked too much that day.<br />
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It didn't take long before we met up again and eventually became college roommates. For ten semesters, we shared a room; me on the bottom bunk and her on the top. She had a matching ensemble for her room. She had Precious Moments dolls that were probably worth quite a bit, even though I found them rather scary. She had a white stereo. <br />
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She was messy and liked to sleep in. She survived on Cracker Barrel and Velveeta Shells and Cheese. She listened to Color Me Badd. She sang in the choir. She had a necklace with her name in cursive letters. She matched her shower gel color to her outfit for the day. She was from South Florida.<br />
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Twenty-two years later, and there is still absolutely no reason we should be friends. I could tell you story after story that would leave you in tears. She is one hilarious chick who finds herself in the oddest predicaments. We had one fight. It was over her erratic behavior after a break-up with her boyfriend. She slammed a dozen roses in the parking lot and I thought that was just not kind.<br />
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The thing is, she was bold and didn't take crap from anyone. I think that may have been why I was drawn to her. My courage was on the short end at the time and she was not afraid to tell anyone what she thought. One time, her favorite pajamas came up missing from the laundry room. She came back to the room in a rage, "I'm going to find those pajamas. You know they'll be easy to track down. There's a white out stain near the collar." Sure enough, ole girl searched the dorm, tracked down the pjs and had a great night's sleep that night.<br />
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One late morning in college, we were all sitting on the couch watching tv, when we heard this commotion rolling down the stairs. We looked up to find Michelle, in her pjs, sprawled out at the bottom of the stairs from her tumble. She shook her head, smiled and said, "And good morning to you!"<br />
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It is one of those friendships you see in the movies. We have both grown so much because of and in spite of each other. There are times I push and she stands still. There are times she pulls and I turn the opposite direction. The best friendships are made, not on what you expect or want from a person, but from what they are to you, at any given moment. For me, Michelle was my biggest fan who always made me feel that I could conquer the world.<br />
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A few weekends ago, we both found ourselves in unfamiliar territory. She, Mrs. Career Driven, was not working over the summer, and me, Mrs. Overplanned, had nothing on the calendar. <br />
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One of my dear friends, Leslie, quickly offered to host a brief get-away for me, Lily, Michelle and her daughter Anabelle at one of my favorite places, Howe Creek. <br />
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We had never been on a beach trip before this. I cherished every moment of sun kissed splendor filled with convertible rides, wildly inappropriate stories, great music, and late night tears. Each night we forced ourselves to bed, well past midnight, as we knew the young ones would awaken early. <br />
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We talked about the books we wanted to write. Hers is dark and twisted. Mine is hopeful and encouraging. She said, "You probably wouldn't read my book." I said, "You're probably right, but I'd throw you one heck of a book-signing party."<br />
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Before falling asleep each night, she would say, "I love you Auts. Thank you for a great day." She knew just what this girl needed. Loved and thankful. That I am.<br />
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~aoTateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153801791431341435.post-7724250176039865922014-06-24T20:44:00.002-04:002014-06-24T21:17:23.733-04:00E. A. T.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was not one of those people. You know, those girls that have their children's names picked out. The truth is, I never really imagined raising kids. Just last week, Tate was asking me questions about our lives before he arrived. Most of his questions would fall in the "typical" category. That is, until he asked, "Did you and daddy plan for me?" I'm still not sure what the appropriate answer to the question is, but I'm sure "Hey kid, you were a complete accident," is wildly out of appropriateness. So, I pulled something out of Paulette's playbook and mumbled about the Lord always having a plan before quickly changing the subject.<br />
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Now, before you call the Department of Children's Services on me, you should know that I 100% love being a mother. However, I would be lying to you (and to my 10 year old son), if I pretended it was something I orchestrated. Looking back now, I'm certain I felt inadequate to do the job. I felt like there were more promising potential parents out there with far more skills than I. I envisioned completely wrecking someone's life and hearing about it for the rest of mine.<br />
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One would think I was prepared. After all, I had <a href="http://lilytate.blogspot.com/2013/11/run-red-run.html" target="_blank">Monster #1</a> and <a href="http://lilytate.blogspot.com/2014/01/spaghetti-arms.html" target="_blank">Monster #2</a> dragging me through their childhood. Those boys exposed me, their untrained caregiver, to any gross object or inappropriate action known to man. It was almost a hazing (or birth control) of sorts for anyone that imagined being a mother of boys. Within ten minutes, you not only knew how unprepared you were, but you also questioned your desire for kids EVER!!!<br />
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That being said, I have certainly embraced my parenting years. Each twist and turn is exciting and exhausting all at the same time. Most recently, raising a 10 year old boy has been interesting, to say the least.<br />
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The one thing I learned from babysitting my brothers, is that boys are wildly unpredictable and non-communicative. Earlier this month, my son left us for two weeks to stay with my brother and his wife for basketball camp. This has become a yearly tradition, and while, its an awful way for this mama to start the summer, it is something my brother and son absolutely cherish.<br />
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I love a lot of things about kids ages 7-12. In fact, my preferred grade to teach was 5th or 6th grade. They are awkward and interesting and extremely inquisitive. It is the perfect formative age. There is one item that baffles me. Hygiene. I can say this without embarrassing either of my children. I have never met a child at this age that smells better than they think they do. Yes, read that again. Its as if their noses stop working. <br />
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You can imagine my anxiety, as I prepared to send my son to camp, knowing that he would probably not entertain an idea to change clothing or wash regularly. As he climbed into my brother's car, I reminded him of our acronym. "Don't forget to EAT!!" I said. My son giggled knowing I was talking about cleaning his Ears, Armpits, and Teeth.<br />
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He had a great time at camp. I beamed with pride the afternoon Rusty called me to tell me that Tate had just come in from shooting free throws as a result of missing the last one at camp that day. <br />
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It was a quick reminder that I didn't need to be there to tell him what to do. He was built with good stuff and no longer needed his mama to guide his every decision.<br />
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I remember when my kids were younger, a friend of mine asked me, "Doesn't it bother you that your kids don't miss you when they're away from you?" It didn't take me long to answer. My view of parenting is to prepare my kids so they are absolutely ok without me. I want them to be confident and secure in themselves. The act of being missed is not the measure of their love for me. My life was enriched by relationships with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I love that my kids are experiencing that same kind of love.<br />
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We would FaceTime each night. The words were few but the smile was great. He was absolutely having the time of his life. I had snuck a care package in his bag with a note for each day and some snacks. <br />
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In typical 10-year-old boy fashion, he seemed less than impressed. Every night I would ask him if he liked his note. I got the same response. A shrug followed by "Yeah." That all changed one night, during our FaceTime, when he leaned forward, kissed the screen, and whispered, "I miss your guts too." I felt like that giddy girl that was just asked out on her first date. <br />
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I'm not sure that anything could prepare me for a love like this. I'm just thankful the Lord took a chance on me with my pitiful parenting potential and gave us this precious boy to raise - smelly armpits and all.<br />
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~ao<br />
<br />TateandLily'sMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16520442555579163364noreply@blogger.com0