tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215032112024-03-14T09:27:09.445-04:00trillianstalesWelcome to my blog! I'm glad you stopped by to visit. You will hear about all the exciting happenings at the Cooper household, and I'd love to hear from you!Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255263510288167320noreply@blogger.comBlogger608125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-9972503997550444712020-04-02T23:09:00.001-04:002020-04-02T23:09:18.209-04:00My Favorite Seinfeld EpisodesSince Covid-19 is forcing us all inside, we have been watching all of the Seinfeld episodes.<br />
Below is my list of favorites. I'm also going to post some of my favorites list from my old website so I don't lose my important lists!<br />
Favorite Seinfeld episodes:<br />
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<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 48pt;" width="64">Ranking</td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">Season</td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 85pt;" width="113">Episode Name</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="2" style="width: 96pt;" width="128">Description</td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td><td class="xl1513295" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">1</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">8</td><td class="xl1513295"> Pothole</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="13">Jerry's girlfriend Jenna uses a toothbrush that Jerry put in a toilet and Elaine must hide in a closet to order fish from a Chinese restaurant</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="8">Kramer adopts part of a highway and paints over the lines to make wide lanes</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">2</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">9</td><td class="xl1513295"> Puerto Rican Day</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="6">All four are stuck in Jerry's Saab because of Puerto Rican Day</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="6">Kramer accidently sets Puerto Rican flag on fire and gets chased</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">3</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">9</td><td class="xl1513295"> Frogger</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="3">Elaine eats $29,000 cake</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">George has to get across the street to save his high score on frogger</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">4</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">9 </td><td class="xl1513295">Reverse Peephole</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="9">Jerry carrys a small men's carryall and wears Puddy's (fur) coat and Puddy gets an 8 ball coat</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="5">George has so much in his wallet that it explodes</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">5</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">9</td><td class="xl1513295"> Strongbox</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="5">Jerry refuses to admit someone into his apartment</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="11">Kramer hides a key to his strongbox in the parrot's food (the guy Jerry refused to admit into the building owns the parrot)</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">6</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">7 </td><td class="xl1513295">Wig Master</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="12">George finds a car lot for only $75 a month but finds a used condom in the car and questions a prostitute about it as susan walks up</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="14">Kramer wears the backup "Technicolor Dreamcoat" and white hat and the NYPD questions him when he pulls a prostitute out of the back of his car</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">7</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">9 </td><td class="xl1513295">Slicer</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">Kramer gets a meat slicer and Elaine borrows it to feed her neighbors cat</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="14">George tries to get himself removed from a picture on his boss's desk, but the boss is removed from the photo instead then drawn in as a cartoon</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">8</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">7</td><td class="xl1513295"> Soup Nazi</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="5">Elaine is banned from the soup nazi for a year</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="16">Elaine wanted an armoire and had Kramer stand by it but two tough guys took it so he got one from the soup nazi. Gave it to Elaine and the soup nazi's recipes were in it</td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">9</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">6 </td><td class="xl1513295">Jimmy</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="10">Elaine dates a guy who always calls himself "Jimmy" (3rd person) and sells strange looking shoes to Kramer</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="13" x:str="Kramer goes to the dentist and gets novocaine he meets Mel Torme in the street and is a guest at AMCA (able mentally challenged adults) ">Kramer goes to the dentist and gets novocaine he meets Mel Torme in the street and is a guest at AMCA (able mentally challenged adults) </td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">10</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">7</td><td class="xl1513295"> Shower head</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">Elaine gets a physical and fails because of opium so Peterman fires her</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="15">The shower heads in Jerry's building are being replaced with a new low-flow model and the Costanzas move to Florida because the Seinfelds don't want them to</td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">11</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">5</td><td class="xl1513295"> Raincoats 1 and 2</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="12">Jerry's parents are staying with him before they leave for France and he finally gets time alone with his girlfriend during shindler's List</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="15">Kramer makes a deal to sell belt-less raincoats with Jerry's parents a delay makes them miss their flight to France and George sells his father's moth ridden clothes</td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">12</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">5 </td><td class="xl1513295">marine biologist</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="8">Kramer tries to improve his golf swing on the sand at a beach and hits a whale</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="10">George poses as a marine biologist and when a whale washes ashore he is called on to save the whale</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">13</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">3 </td><td class="xl1513295">Note</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="6">Geroge gets a massage from a man and says "I think it moved"</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="9">Kramer thinks he spots Joe Dimaggio in dinky donuts and tries to break his concentration</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">14</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">2</td><td class="xl1513295"> jacket</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="11">Jerry buys an expensive leather jacket with a colorful lining and George can't get the Les Miserables song out of his head</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="8">Jerry and George suffer while waiting with Elaine's father and Jerry's coat gets ruined</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">15</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">8 </td><td class="xl1513295">Package</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="9" x:str="Elaine has a rash and has difficulty finding a doctor so she tries to lift her medical records ">Elaine has a rash and has difficulty finding a doctor so she tries to lift her medical records </td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="15">Uncle Leo signs for a package for Jerry and his oven explodes so the package is damaged. Newman grills Jerry on the package since it is insured through the mail</td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">16</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">4 </td><td class="xl1513295">Implant</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="12">Jerry dumps his girlfriend when he thinks her breasts are a result of implants, but Elaine finds out otherwise in the sauna room</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="9">George accompanies his girlfriend to her aunt's wake so he can get a 50% discount on airfare</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">17</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">8 </td><td class="xl1513295">Yada Yada</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="4">George's girlfriend uses Yada yada often</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="6" x:str="Jerry is accused of being an anti-dentite at Mickey's wedding ">Jerry is accused of being an anti-dentite at Mickey's wedding </td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">18</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">9</td><td class="xl1513295"> Serenity Now</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="4">Elaine finds out she has shiksappeal</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">George's Dad must say "serenity now" to reduce his blood pressure</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">19</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">2 </td><td class="xl1513295">Phone Message</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="11">George leaves nasty messages on his girlfriend's answering machine and convinces Jerry to help him switch the tape out</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">Jerry and his girlfriend have a disagreement about a pants commercial</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">20</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">6 </td><td class="xl1513295">Fusilli Jerry</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="5">Kramer gets a new license plate that says "assman"</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="9">Kramer makes a statue of Jerry out of fusilli pasta and makes the most of his new license plates</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">21</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">6 </td><td class="xl1513295">Race</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="6">Jerry meets a rival who thinks he cheated in a high school race</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="11">Elaine finds out her boyfriend is a communist and Kramer gets hired as a santa and spouts off communist propaganda</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">22</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">5 </td><td class="xl1513295">Conversion</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="14">George becomes Latvian Orthodox for one of his girlfriends and Kramer goes to the church where one of the sisters becomes infatuated with him</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="6">Jerry finds antifungal cream in his girlfriend's medicine cabinet</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">23</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">4 </td><td class="xl1513295">handicap spot</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="5">George parks his father's car in a handicap spot</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">An angry mob trashes the car when a disabled women gets injured</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">24</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">6 </td><td class="xl1513295">Mom&Pop store</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">A salesman convinces George to buy a convertible from Jon Voight</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="9">Elaine wins tickets to Thanksgiving Day Parade for Mr. Pitt who always wanted to be in it</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">25</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">7 </td><td class="xl1513295">Calzone</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="5">Geroge buys calzones for George Steinbrenner</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="10">Kramer likes to wear clothes right out of the dryer and starts using the oven when he runs out of quarters</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">26</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">3 </td><td class="xl1513295">Stranded</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="7">Jerry and Elaine go to a party with George and are stranded by George</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="5" x:str="The host of the party comes to visit Jerry later ">The host of the party comes to visit Jerry later </td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"><td align="right" class="xl1513295" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="">27</td><td align="right" class="xl1513295" x:num="">1</td><td class="xl1513295"> Stock tip</td><td class="xl1513295" colspan="10">Jerry and George get a stock tip from a broker who ends up in the hospital, Jerry sells and the stock rises</td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td><td class="xl1513295"></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-41262616129450688052020-01-08T13:25:00.001-05:002020-01-08T13:25:12.042-05:00Out West Trip 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've been gone for awhile but realized that I had nowhere to store my musings and what is going on in our family. So I'll start with our vacation out west last summer in 2018. Yes that was a long time ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday June 21</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Flew to Phoenix</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Rented a car and drove to hotel near south rim Grand Canyon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Maswik lodge</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The Maswik lodge didn't have a pool which was the one thing we wished it had. We went straight to bed - we were exhausted!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Friday June 22</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Early in the morning we got up to hike the Bright Angel trail. It was HOT so we wanted an early start. We each got a bottle of powerade to drink but halfway through (1.5 miles down the canyon) we filled it with water. Erik brought a backpack filled with granola bars that we ate at the halfway point. The way back up was difficult but we all made it!</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At 5:30pm in the evening we went to the Bright Angel lodge for the sunset tour. This was beautiful and we got to hear some information about the Grand Canyon. I recommend it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Saturday June 23</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We walked the rim trail which was 5 miles. Even though it was longer than yesterday we didn't have any complaining since it was relatively flat. Sarah had a blister but luckily Joel had a bandaid. What a boy scout!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0C6IvFvW5C67Xz8Y2z5krpvkJvoWNOOGs1-UVl1XJn6d6OU5talqMWJuwdN8vyx5E4T2Iqk3n1PuMWoclmryPOwQGkGtl8z7FjBjv16uGBU32KkD1vYju3fnRYDhzn1YQzcq1/s1600/20180622_085947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0C6IvFvW5C67Xz8Y2z5krpvkJvoWNOOGs1-UVl1XJn6d6OU5talqMWJuwdN8vyx5E4T2Iqk3n1PuMWoclmryPOwQGkGtl8z7FjBjv16uGBU32KkD1vYju3fnRYDhzn1YQzcq1/s320/20180622_085947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Sunday June 24</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Left the Grand Canyon at 7am. This got us to Zion around lunchtime. Because of the government shutdown we were not sure if the busses would take us to the different places to hike but they did. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We hiked the Kayenta trail and the lower Emerald Pools trail. Even though the Kayenta trail was listed as a moderate trail it was very rocky and at points there was a dropoff that looked rather precarious. It was a great hike though. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Next we drove from Zion to Bryce Canyon and stopped to take pictures at checkerboard mesa. At each of the National Parks the kids have gotten crushed pennies. It is a cheap and fun souvenir. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Bryce Canyon we did the Sunrise to Sunset point hike. It was a short hike (after a long day that was nice) but we were able to see the Bryce </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amphitheater</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-392c2c4a-7fff-8b6c-14bd-5583d9628560"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We stayed at the </span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #00355f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Best Western Ruby Inn</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Monday June 25</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This was a long day of driving. We stopped at Provo, Utah and met Jenna's friend Lauren for lunch at a gaming restaurant - the Good Moves cafe. We walked around the city and even considered looking for Brandon Sanderson's office at Brigham Young University. </span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Then we drove to Pocatello and stayed at the Pocatello Holiday Inn. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday June 26</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We drove to the Grand Tetons. This was a beautiful National park. We hiked to Phelps Lake and saw the most spectacular views. No we didn't get a picture of all of looking ;).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Erik and Jenna waded through the freezing cold water too. Yikes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next we drove to Yellowstone National Park. We stayed at the Super 8 Gardiner in Montana.</span></li>
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<a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=702+Scott+St.+West,+Gardiner,+MT,+59030+United+States+of+America&entry=gmail&source=g" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #0065b8; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">702 Scott St. West, Gardiner, MT, 59030 United States of America</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday June 27</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yellowstone in a Day tour. This tour I booked (and it was crazy expensive) because I read that parking was difficult in Yellowstone. My hope was that this bus tour would be able to park where we weren't. It was a disappointment. Basically the tour took us around - which was neat! But didn't go to some spots because parking was too bad. They basically told us we need to come back when parking is better. Even so we had an absolute blast! We saw Old Faithful and the mud pots. We saw an area that looked and smelled like a dragon lived there. There was also a rainbow near a waterfall we saw. In addition there were tons of wildlife including buffalo.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Thursday June 28</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We drove through the Bear Tooth Pass. This was simultaneously frightening and beautiful. Erik drove which was great since he may have gotten extremely motion sick if he didn't drive. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">On the way we visited Old Trail Town - old west town: Old Trail Town, 1831 Demaris Dr, Cody, WY 82414. Then stayed in WY.</span></div>
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<a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=2500+N+Federal+Blvd,+Riverton,+WY,+82501+United+States+of+America&entry=gmail&source=g" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #0065b8; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">2500 N Federal Blvd, Riverton, WY, </span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Friday June 29</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We got up early to drive to Colorado. On the way to the house we would stay with the cousins, we went to Rocky Mountain National Park. We did a hike to gem lake. It was a tough hike and we had to take some breaks but it was beautiful. This was our last day of hiking and we loved it. </span></div>
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We stayed at the Colorado house until July 1 when we flew home. We saw Erik's cousins and their families and had a fabulous time together. It was an amazing trip. </div>
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<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-19480698645835861652018-01-05T22:36:00.004-05:002018-01-05T22:36:52.363-05:00December fun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik is Snape</td></tr>
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December flew by in a whirlwind. I'm still not sure where it went. We had 2 birthday parties in December. <b>Sarah had a Harry Potter birthday party </b>complete with a scavenger hunt for horcruxes, potions class, painting wands, and pizza and cake. The kids loved the party and I did too (I'm not a muggle!) Erik was a convincing Snape as well! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblsYW80_ofpWQNbzlh8Cl8aalJwYQ4DA40yhPVJqvjHhXYEAOPA3O0YgFmSMANfoFzmb-qaDZ8-QHe-fNnA2UyAYO_gPvD7DfU-IrHx8yGKVnFQsmyT4zfoCoCL4pz88-s1CG/s1600/20171203_144129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblsYW80_ofpWQNbzlh8Cl8aalJwYQ4DA40yhPVJqvjHhXYEAOPA3O0YgFmSMANfoFzmb-qaDZ8-QHe-fNnA2UyAYO_gPvD7DfU-IrHx8yGKVnFQsmyT4zfoCoCL4pz88-s1CG/s320/20171203_144129.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Platform 9 3/4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For Jenna's birthday party we went to see <b>Star Wars the Last Jedi</b> and then to Bibibop for lunch. I took several girls with me and they all had a great time. These last two Star Wars movies are shaping up to be really good - way better than episodes 1, 2, and 3. Although that's not saying much.....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYJNC6XDKUfPHY8je3scGIeugzTMBHS1hUQXtuf4nPIVLABEWUbfR3R2juoq5E9NpQSITZ-osta1SS3BMptT1ZiI6S5V897YGZwAV9zgubOOjIHoDJNKj9eDk36-Nsr10psQD/s1600/20171216_152047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYJNC6XDKUfPHY8je3scGIeugzTMBHS1hUQXtuf4nPIVLABEWUbfR3R2juoq5E9NpQSITZ-osta1SS3BMptT1ZiI6S5V897YGZwAV9zgubOOjIHoDJNKj9eDk36-Nsr10psQD/s320/20171216_152047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna's party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also snapped a picture of Matthew painting his<b> pinewood derby car</b>. It is something he has been working on with Erik. I love that they are working together on this project. The race is in March so they have plenty of time to get it going fast.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkukDfVDEN2X0AYHV37c_20KxymPOBOu3NoyopEBi4WBUBMXIHcCkeImTaigCR3_Q2r51tnDtAD-i_Zgq0_EPtQHjEPayQST60hY2oCImRf1r0nyonhK1NprTBNhT5HWUoyPh/s1600/20171216_163645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkukDfVDEN2X0AYHV37c_20KxymPOBOu3NoyopEBi4WBUBMXIHcCkeImTaigCR3_Q2r51tnDtAD-i_Zgq0_EPtQHjEPayQST60hY2oCImRf1r0nyonhK1NprTBNhT5HWUoyPh/s320/20171216_163645.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew painting in action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over Christmas <b>Dave, Becca, Charlotte, baby 2 (Alex?), Joel, Megan, and Grandma and Grandpa</b> were here. We had a full house and plenty of fun! It is so wonderful to spend time with with Erik's family - they are amazing! Dave and Jenna happened to be wearing the same nerdy shirt on Christmas morning so I had to snap a picture.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4frq4gbTdGFu8pQ669oZMgLkCGLc_QcvaHRAy6ElC54LypYry83dbJ9ogu5YDKLLrmUyy8UYW-RFCHrvg67qebqfobLn6ZpO_T9kh_aBKepiiWa1JhojqLN6lULELBhgsjSYh/s1600/20171225_100032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4frq4gbTdGFu8pQ669oZMgLkCGLc_QcvaHRAy6ElC54LypYry83dbJ9ogu5YDKLLrmUyy8UYW-RFCHrvg67qebqfobLn6ZpO_T9kh_aBKepiiWa1JhojqLN6lULELBhgsjSYh/s320/20171225_100032.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Jenna are twins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We all received fantastic gifts but the best part was being together. We played tons of games (sometimes until 3:30am!), took the kids to several fun places, and ate a LOT!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzmIpbKGYp5zwJE1Dnc3z4woC8GyZbiHU9FW8qauH9jClmLJ4jdaJCO4XaNYXgsutJmQzk-rS14kMvXqMH1I4fxSzLsJysR3r-ZbfOZwencfpJrUnYuBof8OJpIocuLjhM3VV/s1600/20171225_122507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzmIpbKGYp5zwJE1Dnc3z4woC8GyZbiHU9FW8qauH9jClmLJ4jdaJCO4XaNYXgsutJmQzk-rS14kMvXqMH1I4fxSzLsJysR3r-ZbfOZwencfpJrUnYuBof8OJpIocuLjhM3VV/s320/20171225_122507.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Jenna's favorite signs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Sarah got her ears pierced over Christmas break.</b> They did one ear at a time and in between Sarah teared up. She didn't want the other ear done but finally agreed. Seeing Sarah cry made Charlotte hesitant to want her ears pierced too (it made me hesitant and mine are already pierced!). I'm glad Sarah was brave!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5TTaenopVENTFO6pryodha-nAX36BnWqNqMVhp30Q1kWSrb-Bt5p-gnmkoL8BXxR5k3YUxMcNw4x0Zn1ogrUJIg28IWSxbPl2XgESsfn5VZ5oiivWHT9XyVjbg_ZRNhEErMJ/s1600/20171226_155057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5TTaenopVENTFO6pryodha-nAX36BnWqNqMVhp30Q1kWSrb-Bt5p-gnmkoL8BXxR5k3YUxMcNw4x0Zn1ogrUJIg28IWSxbPl2XgESsfn5VZ5oiivWHT9XyVjbg_ZRNhEErMJ/s320/20171226_155057.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ears pierced!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another important thing we did was have a frappuccino tasting. We got 5 drinks and I made everyone taste them and fill out tasting sheets.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbxXPkMSRLyO76Ble5FVUhTXZrY0vqblQAG-XhyphenhyphenSOycdPEoA4mt4uWzAHMBipCQ2c1l1UhPmZxDPvtth7QSNJiWHGH_AcT7UgZCOdb8u68C9DqD_C3pfp3Su6yuXorVuWgXby/s1600/20171227_151901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbxXPkMSRLyO76Ble5FVUhTXZrY0vqblQAG-XhyphenhyphenSOycdPEoA4mt4uWzAHMBipCQ2c1l1UhPmZxDPvtth7QSNJiWHGH_AcT7UgZCOdb8u68C9DqD_C3pfp3Su6yuXorVuWgXby/s320/20171227_151901.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frappuccino tasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Obviously I created a spreadsheet and calculated that Dairy Queen had the best drink and especially best taste/prize/oz</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 847px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6912; mso-width-source: userset; width: 142pt;" width="189"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3547; mso-width-source: userset; width: 73pt;" width="97"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2048; mso-width-source: userset; width: 42pt;" width="56"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3913; mso-width-source: userset; width: 80pt;" width="107"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3949; mso-width-source: userset; width: 81pt;" width="108"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3876; mso-width-source: userset; width: 80pt;" width="106"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 6729; mso-width-source: userset; width: 138pt;" width="184"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="height: 28.5pt; width: 142pt;" width="189">Drink</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 73pt;" width="97">Price</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 42pt;" width="56">Size</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 80pt;" width="107">Price/oz</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 81pt;" width="108">Average</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 80pt;" width="106">Ranking</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 138pt;" width="184">Taste/price/oz</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Diary Queen</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 4.99 </td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">24</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $
0.21 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">1.875</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">1</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">15.03</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Starbucks</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 5.25 </td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">26</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $
0.20 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2.500</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">12.38</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Tim Hortons</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 3.49 </td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">16</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $
0.22 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2.750</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">3</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">10.32</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">McDonalds</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 3.49 </td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">22</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $
0.16 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">3.625</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">4</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">8.67</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Dunkin Donuts</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 5.49 </td>
<td class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">32</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $
0.17 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">4.250</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">5</td>
<td class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">4.37</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Jon and Michelle</b> came up to visit on Thursday. We loved having them here. Jon lit some brandy on fire and poured it over Christmas plum pudding cake that he made. It was divine! Several other guys came over for a poker night which was a blast for Erik!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_mj7wU_fXhPhpBNQ-5GIGCC7HT_B34Fke-8SsCF_vs8te24xCZYIgSPmKDH3d1s0dJZe_GSGpevtAvitqev7n3JFn2jlmmDyqnWKbLes-3ykNE1pa8EXu3bCI8kSfmtmA0Ri/s1600/20171228_193537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_mj7wU_fXhPhpBNQ-5GIGCC7HT_B34Fke-8SsCF_vs8te24xCZYIgSPmKDH3d1s0dJZe_GSGpevtAvitqev7n3JFn2jlmmDyqnWKbLes-3ykNE1pa8EXu3bCI8kSfmtmA0Ri/s320/20171228_193537.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon lighting up a Christmas plum pudding cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the poker night Jon, Michelle, Dave, Joel, and Erik drank a lot of scotch.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoICMDNTLlugg8ty9s-WHDSvTWZigXPxZ5DGhlp-KmC9jHt4mcsgTDg3UwT_t-OLyUm4XOmgzPDJ7Y7AxDlde14Myz9W1r5Wrk9fDgcVjFDexDNBEFS0TN8bg3vQwzET9EVES/s1600/20171229_005122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoICMDNTLlugg8ty9s-WHDSvTWZigXPxZ5DGhlp-KmC9jHt4mcsgTDg3UwT_t-OLyUm4XOmgzPDJ7Y7AxDlde14Myz9W1r5Wrk9fDgcVjFDexDNBEFS0TN8bg3vQwzET9EVES/s320/20171229_005122.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drinking nasty scotch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Charlotte, Sarah and Matthew</b> enjoy cooking and the three of them made cinnamon bread. It turned out really good even though I left them to do it by themselves. Sarah is a great reader so I assumed it would turn out good (ie no eggshells in the bread).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGTj_vGe3XUMg5BZo6Gh6JYnfWNIT2qu71gEsszt6TFpbdsk8QIMUWyRGDsjnWSfAP29MqFkMsTeqE8e7dlvqLvWqWtGRjxOftyioNRL1VMUNQ4fmWeLTpvh8kWyIY7GhF_qR/s1600/20171230_122206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGTj_vGe3XUMg5BZo6Gh6JYnfWNIT2qu71gEsszt6TFpbdsk8QIMUWyRGDsjnWSfAP29MqFkMsTeqE8e7dlvqLvWqWtGRjxOftyioNRL1VMUNQ4fmWeLTpvh8kWyIY7GhF_qR/s320/20171230_122206.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The last day everyone was here we had a<b> pizza tasting</b>. We got 4 pizzas<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuNg8eiTKZ9B-V13VGDcIvHHEEH_fLXizmuX93qN3HDZl1RIuMYDTVb0HhLIC1EXYhDjFgQqW2r5khKlGfeGbrrTzjbAr0WawwjPHRCUQntXG2mZaKPuimTJWcNNUd4cooSmy/s1600/20171230_181100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuNg8eiTKZ9B-V13VGDcIvHHEEH_fLXizmuX93qN3HDZl1RIuMYDTVb0HhLIC1EXYhDjFgQqW2r5khKlGfeGbrrTzjbAr0WawwjPHRCUQntXG2mZaKPuimTJWcNNUd4cooSmy/s320/20171230_181100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Donatos won this taste test but it was a difficult choice.</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 515px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6912; mso-width-source: userset; width: 142pt;" width="189"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4096; mso-width-source: userset; width: 84pt;" width="112"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3949; mso-width-source: userset; width: 81pt;" width="108"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3876; mso-width-source: userset; width: 80pt;" width="106"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="height: 28.5pt; width: 142pt;" width="189">Pizza</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 84pt;" width="112">Price</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 81pt;" width="108">Average</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 80pt;" width="106">Ranking</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Donatos</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 14.00 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2.000</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Massey</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 17.00 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2.000</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Flyers</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $ 12.00 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2.714</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="38" style="height: 28.5pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="38" style="border-top: none; height: 28.5pt;">Jets</td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"> $
9.00 </td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2.857</td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">4</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As expected, <b>Matthew needs glasses.</b> He actually needed glasses at the beginning of the year but the eye doctor said that he would probably lose them. Now the school called me and said he really needed glasses. We took him to the eye doctor and his eyes were pretty bad. So he got his first pair of glasses today. He was so excited and said he looks smart now. He also said "I think this is how God sees things." SO CUTE! Then at dinner he ate all his dinner (much to my amazement) and said it was because he could finally see his food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD12Y0Yl_Yg9muTHk0QrLNoz1feBEgT3ClVwO-lCVYin87gdUoXUc1JKvwQbnalNIiXM3RMHB3axpmhbEZsHnl-KYnEwSLRvlcIyYNSRFmXyNxIHgsdLAesqK7l_CW-IWOemkB/s1600/20180105_131331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD12Y0Yl_Yg9muTHk0QrLNoz1feBEgT3ClVwO-lCVYin87gdUoXUc1JKvwQbnalNIiXM3RMHB3axpmhbEZsHnl-KYnEwSLRvlcIyYNSRFmXyNxIHgsdLAesqK7l_CW-IWOemkB/s320/20180105_131331.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's glasses</td></tr>
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December just flew by and now we are in 2018. Time to make New Years Resolutions. I have the same resolution to do 2 pull ups. I will have that resolution until I actually accomplish it!Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-74868878082104806682017-11-22T16:32:00.001-05:002017-11-22T16:32:27.299-05:00Our new bedroom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For our Anniversary I got Erik a <b>sword</b>. When we got married I got him a sword, then I got him one on our 10th anniversary and this year another one on our 20th. So he decided he was done with the baby blue color of our bedroom (who knew?) and wanted to make our room into a castle. I'm down with that! Buying one sword turned into scope creep.</div>
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So we got wallpaper that looks like stone for one wall. It actually looks like stone! Then painted the rest of the room gray. We bought a new bed, new dressers, lamps, nightstands, and decorations. Here are some before and after pics:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK7nk5DrU5QTfFBINlg2IAxWbtXfd5ckHlZ4SNe878eX8JooCIOZdedefKsARiC7Nhaxm0-NuQkmFABl4JA1DK2q0MO1EKbx7nImkemdSUHrJtCgeR7o-4eoE115_Ic68cE2_/s1600/20170921_131553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK7nk5DrU5QTfFBINlg2IAxWbtXfd5ckHlZ4SNe878eX8JooCIOZdedefKsARiC7Nhaxm0-NuQkmFABl4JA1DK2q0MO1EKbx7nImkemdSUHrJtCgeR7o-4eoE115_Ic68cE2_/s320/20170921_131553.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bed - we didn't even have a frame!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4t5Hrc4BMmGpIMtWBpUNBxfHn4m4-Dq7IQ8sDSC10R_tg_Rnxa3qZC29gLuzN3mLsSyh7YwZ-cPZldfrqQ671HH9aRzS_peLGS6bg_kZhmV0Ho6l4ZhXF22slHIrc7n30HzE/s1600/20170921_131642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4t5Hrc4BMmGpIMtWBpUNBxfHn4m4-Dq7IQ8sDSC10R_tg_Rnxa3qZC29gLuzN3mLsSyh7YwZ-cPZldfrqQ671HH9aRzS_peLGS6bg_kZhmV0Ho6l4ZhXF22slHIrc7n30HzE/s320/20170921_131642.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old hand me down dressers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwkEhXo4-vpgbH6mY8ftItJwLyAlIOsOJjbloJQl1VCMKxVeF7Fe4_a9djAk9svs5zSRXxJZ2E3ZIdCmLLozFJ2afY-EPFpoKffl_y9ZtMfbpSkIFW7KAAxy-NqbUNAvOy7CO/s1600/20170921_131837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwkEhXo4-vpgbH6mY8ftItJwLyAlIOsOJjbloJQl1VCMKxVeF7Fe4_a9djAk9svs5zSRXxJZ2E3ZIdCmLLozFJ2afY-EPFpoKffl_y9ZtMfbpSkIFW7KAAxy-NqbUNAvOy7CO/s320/20170921_131837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got this dresser used when we got married 20 years ago!</td></tr>
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And we present - the transformation!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUryFY60fSO2D4fwKN7LbXx5bap3-PGDh26zT1ExMtTxzvQmC7hYg0XKh1eRf3EGywWnY5h1nWX6Sd2jK8baRsyZNbx4jUnL8PGvGyrhr3oPsDplnbtdGyOS8qMh9qvqhNm2g/s1600/20171111_092515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUryFY60fSO2D4fwKN7LbXx5bap3-PGDh26zT1ExMtTxzvQmC7hYg0XKh1eRf3EGywWnY5h1nWX6Sd2jK8baRsyZNbx4jUnL8PGvGyrhr3oPsDplnbtdGyOS8qMh9qvqhNm2g/s320/20171111_092515.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the tapestry above the bed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rfrh80Gyh5CXAPM83Mckp58IoTiw4vP55xQfPqpy82MVoKstM_oj-IUanfbJRWmYi2ebgSCaJsS2DFQ0byh6_BjMfLHIUVxQjohePvJUrdEsSekZrBObhXNPnB7q_Yn6qoaF/s1600/20171111_092616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rfrh80Gyh5CXAPM83Mckp58IoTiw4vP55xQfPqpy82MVoKstM_oj-IUanfbJRWmYi2ebgSCaJsS2DFQ0byh6_BjMfLHIUVxQjohePvJUrdEsSekZrBObhXNPnB7q_Yn6qoaF/s320/20171111_092616.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't that wall look sweet!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXCYtKV87SiEzVItWdq3l8i6V9-CiEhKIVnXPZ0_c-nLUv4kqbYROdJA9sXcA8SJVtwWBXgzxPkQVja3BDqXA-hH8tQ2zk_wYk7Kq6JPKMU5XQZK9ZWxBAtsjGDcZWZLgV2lV/s1600/20171111_092627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXCYtKV87SiEzVItWdq3l8i6V9-CiEhKIVnXPZ0_c-nLUv4kqbYROdJA9sXcA8SJVtwWBXgzxPkQVja3BDqXA-hH8tQ2zk_wYk7Kq6JPKMU5XQZK9ZWxBAtsjGDcZWZLgV2lV/s320/20171111_092627.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swords on the wall</td></tr>
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We are pretty excited about how this turned out. The curtains we bought block out the light. And one Saturday I slept in until 10! Yipee!! I actually think I get better sleep with these curtains.<br />
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This is the first year I didn't get a picture of the kids prior to trick or treating. It was because Jenna went with a group of girls, Sarah went with a group of girls and we only had Matthew at home. Erik took him around. They still had a great time and we have tons of candy. <b>Jenna was a crazy cat lady, Matthew was Captain America, and Sarah was a hufflepuff. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe_AilsISPPv_xyrC12sRhRbVvCpSncz7ocF9EERHKuKQGvDOCd34D4IxZsyp1c-1ZmCEZy_HKSkO6VKR_W3BXrFXox5C7p-quNKCKsYGc3X5BGIC4QwFoOsB69bfP1V-GLPI/s1600/20171024_191536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe_AilsISPPv_xyrC12sRhRbVvCpSncz7ocF9EERHKuKQGvDOCd34D4IxZsyp1c-1ZmCEZy_HKSkO6VKR_W3BXrFXox5C7p-quNKCKsYGc3X5BGIC4QwFoOsB69bfP1V-GLPI/s320/20171024_191536.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture is so Jenna</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kyrBppNbJ91896ys2VlGY6YIeQu5YS-wYmroWQOcAlPlTvk37IvnwieGJrUllRBbmN-7k8A6_q39whp554j_KvCtycT7nf5aqeNTgoTZcwg10LxMn5221eKQQffFnppgJ_jl/s1600/20171027_143935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kyrBppNbJ91896ys2VlGY6YIeQu5YS-wYmroWQOcAlPlTvk37IvnwieGJrUllRBbmN-7k8A6_q39whp554j_KvCtycT7nf5aqeNTgoTZcwg10LxMn5221eKQQffFnppgJ_jl/s320/20171027_143935.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew as Captain America</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYMAzDj3m4lMCQRLM6HPOFmUHSKzoYt8UPdh3MPt71YlbwK7A-K90JjyjWmNVOejIVVB_a9xdLbHSCjlxPU6wEWV3WfYpJ-N9GdxfZTuYn8-LLPJ7zJ25etf_sDz9MbfsjyxP/s1600/20171027_144425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYMAzDj3m4lMCQRLM6HPOFmUHSKzoYt8UPdh3MPt71YlbwK7A-K90JjyjWmNVOejIVVB_a9xdLbHSCjlxPU6wEWV3WfYpJ-N9GdxfZTuYn8-LLPJ7zJ25etf_sDz9MbfsjyxP/s320/20171027_144425.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah as hufflepuff</td></tr>
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Our neighbor gave us tickets to the<b> OSU-Penn State</b> game. These were the best seats I've ever had. We had seat backs and were so close to the field. The game was incredible too - we had a great time! Even though it was freezing ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ3FGcR2dAYhbgdCOHv9N-O943YzBnQ0LW2fatQ9Mkz9y19yNWZAJEXYtfe-aKW4NJ2VZYerkBuOnS08jLu2xAIH5DevOMPFiorpw256DEc7JTgpuJS5DFv_BqRpMDu01i_ln/s1600/20171028_143636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ3FGcR2dAYhbgdCOHv9N-O943YzBnQ0LW2fatQ9Mkz9y19yNWZAJEXYtfe-aKW4NJ2VZYerkBuOnS08jLu2xAIH5DevOMPFiorpw256DEc7JTgpuJS5DFv_BqRpMDu01i_ln/s320/20171028_143636.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our seats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In other news:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Erik went to <b>England</b> for 2 weeks for work. He had a fabulous time (I'm not sure he actually wanted to come home). He went to a board game club in the town he was staying twice. He won 3 out of 4 games. He also played D&D with a group of people from the office as well. Who knew there were so many nerds in England? On the weekend he rented a car and drove around to see castles. The only bad thing was that the food was not great. </li>
<li><b>Every 25 weeks Erik and I have a weight loss contest. </b>I have won most of them and have picked activities such as going on the hocking valley train ride, going to transiberian orchestra, taking the whole family to the cheesecake factory, etc. Erik picked buying a doorbell last time. Our reward has to be less than $200. I just can't decide what I want this time. I thought of getting a pogo plus which helps you get pokemon faster or a subscription to kindle unlimited for the year. I just can't decide!</li>
<li>I've rated a few books on <b>goodreads</b> for their annual readers choice awards. The best part was that Oathbringer (Brandon Sanderson's new book) was one of the finalists before it even came out!</li>
<li>Our book club is reading <b>Oathbringer</b>. Yay!!! I'm also reading the newest Shadowhunter book by Cassandra Clare, the Bear and the Nightengale, Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker, the next Monster Hunter book, and Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. So I've got a lot on my reading list now. </li>
<li>This semester I've had a lot of trouble with <b>Android studio.</b> Several students have not been able to get it working on their machines. It actually requires a good machine (not a laptop/tablet hybrid one of my students has - GAH!!). I've been working with IT to set up an environment for students. After testing it this week I think it is good to go! I actually thought about setting up my own server (amazon services) to do this but getting our own IT to do it is better and free for me.</li>
<li>Can't wait for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I love lots of food and lots of family and friends!</li>
</ol>
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<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-49308536153129498142017-10-23T08:06:00.001-04:002017-10-23T08:06:23.387-04:00Lots of trips!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The past several weeks Erik and I have traded traveling. He went to Chicago and Seattle for work, and I went to Geneva on the Lake (for fun) and Indianapolis for work. Now we are finally home, and hopefully home to stay! <b>My Mom came to visit for her birthday. </b>I made her a cherry chocolate cheesecake and zucchini lasagna rollups. She seemed to like it. We also went to spinning and body pump together at the Y. The teacher for body pump walked up to my mom and said she could leave at any time if she couldn't do it. Ha! She doesn't know my mom. My Mom is hard core. She can run circles around some of those 20 year olds. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKZ6OnQf07CmlKtZzYDeMnJe_bVmutIhxvMAyNIdoPnqqnRCPoEk60pSnzUwHq_GnEGdsVt2wszi4sLpYcJN1Q5PZmUlqLCqV7QTIo2wlvVpWTRO7I47Ud8uTzMhb8WYqd_5p/s1600/20171008_183721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKZ6OnQf07CmlKtZzYDeMnJe_bVmutIhxvMAyNIdoPnqqnRCPoEk60pSnzUwHq_GnEGdsVt2wszi4sLpYcJN1Q5PZmUlqLCqV7QTIo2wlvVpWTRO7I47Ud8uTzMhb8WYqd_5p/s320/20171008_183721.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 70th Mom!</td></tr>
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When Erik is traveling we tend to eat a lot of vegetables. Not everyone in my house is as excited about it as I am. I made pea soup one day and leek and potato soup another day. <b>This is Sarah's face when I served the pea soup. </b>She couldn't wait for Daddy to come home so she could eat bacon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sxgOZ3WwBsh10eSUylpj1yyUYUyIq1nd59D0b_gaiXjhEiuAKUrwlFncghFFO33lmeTF0WNb71didMZ35bnHRy3r5cAcofX1fX5jSqZOUKFE4P_eZYlOampFOstxsCZ5kx2P/s1600/20171011_172844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sxgOZ3WwBsh10eSUylpj1yyUYUyIq1nd59D0b_gaiXjhEiuAKUrwlFncghFFO33lmeTF0WNb71didMZ35bnHRy3r5cAcofX1fX5jSqZOUKFE4P_eZYlOampFOstxsCZ5kx2P/s320/20171011_172844.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yum! Pea soup!</td></tr>
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My sisters, neighbor Sarah and her friend Leah all went to <b>Geneva on the Lake </b>for a girls trip. We had a fantastic time. On Saturday we went to 4 different wineries. I'm not a huge wine drinker but I loved the scenery. I tried a little of the wine and some I liked more than others. We ended up not eating lunch because we drank so much wine (probably not a good combination). The five of us stayed in a little cottage right by the lake. The view was spectacular. We also got pedicures which I enjoyed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLLGVryIrIgVXNJNGL-1NVCk-Hdh1HQY6900qcFe6aiT4LTLDhSrdpVPycyTkolFswrsYnn5iIyhCDZv2Fycnc3MP8XWzf3Eas3E_LH1bfiSzuDmU4eQlJN5aWrRPcVjZNREH/s1600/20171014_121037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLLGVryIrIgVXNJNGL-1NVCk-Hdh1HQY6900qcFe6aiT4LTLDhSrdpVPycyTkolFswrsYnn5iIyhCDZv2Fycnc3MP8XWzf3Eas3E_LH1bfiSzuDmU4eQlJN5aWrRPcVjZNREH/s320/20171014_121037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine tasting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBBKz8YzRNBoD-saduHv0AJc06stLxq9Zfn0LnshSmhzfOk3MqO1RMEQviJn-Zq6OwGzJk-Oj_JSC8ZYekCsOR8cbw96_9IKg9Xye1NZobrBzUqSgDWuALDHGPaY6tZhyphenhyphent2Nu/s1600/20171014_132330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBBKz8YzRNBoD-saduHv0AJc06stLxq9Zfn0LnshSmhzfOk3MqO1RMEQviJn-Zq6OwGzJk-Oj_JSC8ZYekCsOR8cbw96_9IKg9Xye1NZobrBzUqSgDWuALDHGPaY6tZhyphenhyphent2Nu/s320/20171014_132330.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at a vineyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For dinner we went to the Old Mill restaurant. For an appetizer they had<b> pierogi pizza</b> which is basically pizza with mashed potatoes and a garlic butter sauce on it. Of course I had to try and duplicate it. I made mashed potatoes and homemade pizza crust. Then I put the potatoes along with some sauteed onions and 3 varieties of cheese on the crust and baked it. The mashed potato pizza was good but not great. Not as good as the restaurant's version. It was very heavy too. I also made a regular pizza for Matthew since there was no way he would eat mashed potato pizza. I'm not sure this experiment was successful.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nviR3-cAJjCPChvhlCcJ7MN4bLkL_nhwJb_fHgwyCbF-lvzj6xw4fj6sHx1wi0RkUuCRLyZEqSnFHRsQ319YoJZf2yRupj5p9doI8dGv6JQUOhwMERBPjMgN9NUJ5UcEctOg/s1600/20171017_174308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nviR3-cAJjCPChvhlCcJ7MN4bLkL_nhwJb_fHgwyCbF-lvzj6xw4fj6sHx1wi0RkUuCRLyZEqSnFHRsQ319YoJZf2yRupj5p9doI8dGv6JQUOhwMERBPjMgN9NUJ5UcEctOg/s320/20171017_174308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mashed potato pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnMNwgOa23rB8oOY5-VUmmFMU4Y4ZBTYmJg_3VwfF3P3z0a4eaKfLmoYVkGIyH-q1JFPGM8H8zrKLKnl3vYq4-NyWi5e5MkUIUukKra2-dvTezlM5c-7AySfntPEhR-LohZWz/s1600/image0000001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnMNwgOa23rB8oOY5-VUmmFMU4Y4ZBTYmJg_3VwfF3P3z0a4eaKfLmoYVkGIyH-q1JFPGM8H8zrKLKnl3vYq4-NyWi5e5MkUIUukKra2-dvTezlM5c-7AySfntPEhR-LohZWz/s320/image0000001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right on the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Those who know me know that I am an <b>oreo connoisseur</b>. I bought the new mystery oreos (which taste like fruity pebbles) and submitted my entry to win oreos. Because I need more oreos. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyklXXCFJX5Gm5sZEzwGTxeiYhNuDflIXix8OgRRLMfceuAty1CCVGefmQjnKQETwsdJYUEWybg8rymKGHH2CH-8T539k9uGFebqyF0U8N_z9GUOVzHHxSw1eRxuulH86ILWq/s1600/20171018_161025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyklXXCFJX5Gm5sZEzwGTxeiYhNuDflIXix8OgRRLMfceuAty1CCVGefmQjnKQETwsdJYUEWybg8rymKGHH2CH-8T539k9uGFebqyF0U8N_z9GUOVzHHxSw1eRxuulH86ILWq/s320/20171018_161025.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mystery oreos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wednesday - Saturday the IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference was held in Indianapolis. This is a prestigious conference for Engineering Educators. I was excited to present my work on adding the raspberry pi to my CEIS100 course. The presentation went really well and I made a ton of contacts. I made several contacts at Ohio State which is good for collaboration or in case I need a job! Actually a woman from the University of Cincinnati tried to recruit me to teach there. She asked if I was happy at Devry. Ha! Not moving to Cincinnati.<br />
<br />
Going to this conference made me realize how big <b>makerspace</b> is now. So many universities are getting 3D printers and giving students pis or arduinos to create. Students like hands on and it really gives them an opportunity to be hands on. I've got some ideas of how I want to use the raspberry pi in my classes as well. In addition <b>gamification</b> is huge in education right now. I would love to figure out a way to add gamification to my online courses.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately as soon as I left Sarah got strep throat. So she stayed home from school. Luckily Erik works from home so this wasn't too problematic.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtDAf0R73abIzdkofe1WBWKx4OB_GyMI9G7KT0t42kpf59XLrKpU8D-UJOO5YVW-VwbMQSaZ59AX5e8L9qlSVPjCn0yDvGmdq4BUgoqxCAQr9dLrVe_H_8dKIktClagPkr9SH/s1600/20171020_101045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtDAf0R73abIzdkofe1WBWKx4OB_GyMI9G7KT0t42kpf59XLrKpU8D-UJOO5YVW-VwbMQSaZ59AX5e8L9qlSVPjCn0yDvGmdq4BUgoqxCAQr9dLrVe_H_8dKIktClagPkr9SH/s320/20171020_101045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A student project, 3D printed light scaffold from University of Florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was in Indianapolis by myself but that didn't stop me from playing pokemon one night. I did 2 Entei raids and then started walking back to the hotel. One of the guys playing started walking with me and we were talking about our legendaries. Then he asked if I was married and said he was lonely. Dude I'm just here to play pokemon! Well and go to the conference. I do hope that my going to this conference and speaking raised the prestige of Devry in academia. That's my goal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kyoEPGmfeYXFdM9ea5OAc1NW0qazTONMDwxDzfzSMyzHzSIz1Pffl3vSh-NTyeG_r6bjGaFZTmQRShQQHXYx-8m-HrCcyUFIFNFLPxUIDLqV05O2FE001K_xsypzDSLdebF1/s1600/GinaRaspberryPi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kyoEPGmfeYXFdM9ea5OAc1NW0qazTONMDwxDzfzSMyzHzSIz1Pffl3vSh-NTyeG_r6bjGaFZTmQRShQQHXYx-8m-HrCcyUFIFNFLPxUIDLqV05O2FE001K_xsypzDSLdebF1/s320/GinaRaspberryPi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the presentation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>This upcoming session and the upcoming January session are going to be HARD! </b>I have a new Advanced Visual basic class I'm teaching. I made videos explaining all the labs but still - it is an online course and that can be difficult (especially the first time you teach it). I'm teaching my mobile app class. This class is SO challenging because Android is quirky and Android studio can be a pain. So I need to meet with each student in a webex. I have 5 hours of webex a week scheduled for this. There are 20 students in the class so this is going to be difficult. I also am teaching a software engineering class I haven't taught before. I'd like to add github into the class because knowing version control is a good thing for students but this class is new and I'm not sure. I am still going to do it though. Finally I'm teaching onsite Friday nights CEIS100. Yuck! Friday nights!! At least this class is only 2 credit hours and I should be out of there at 9pm.<br />
<br />
I need some prayer this session!!<br />
<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-61106527303700909052017-10-05T20:07:00.003-04:002017-10-05T20:07:56.812-04:00Cub Scout Campout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I snapped a few pictures of <b>Sarah and Matthew</b> sparring at tae kwon do. Yes Sarah is sparring in a skirt. That's my girl! The kids are doing great and really getting good at sparring. I enjoy sparring Erik. It should be required for all couples as marriage counseling.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3E9rN_UKEH5EKeE381Rx4ZXvCVeQ7bw6baWIyyoxdJGv-7ko_1mKItVX1ihsUwLQGfFtsxMVyNbvTSHGtkPkzdK9Fz-aG-uc6SozgO4a9mURUE0lnf00B6x-8rIxeICIYhok/s1600/20170920_184001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3E9rN_UKEH5EKeE381Rx4ZXvCVeQ7bw6baWIyyoxdJGv-7ko_1mKItVX1ihsUwLQGfFtsxMVyNbvTSHGtkPkzdK9Fz-aG-uc6SozgO4a9mURUE0lnf00B6x-8rIxeICIYhok/s320/20170920_184001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Matthew sparring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2uVIi1hqVfGi27vuXCN9eyO3bXM5uiW9kWEo2qyO3kIkQGNBHdb89wZf1h9hSmHX_5UZ80Np9gP5JyxKV8lTLfOXk9XGCJqJ4TzqNlGtt-x_Jzzxyq4wCCFY3ea5wwHgmOke/s1600/20170920_184052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2uVIi1hqVfGi27vuXCN9eyO3bXM5uiW9kWEo2qyO3kIkQGNBHdb89wZf1h9hSmHX_5UZ80Np9gP5JyxKV8lTLfOXk9XGCJqJ4TzqNlGtt-x_Jzzxyq4wCCFY3ea5wwHgmOke/s320/20170920_184052.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Matthew is outside ALL the time. </b>After school every day he goes and plays in the backyard making a path through the woods that is poison ivy free. This happened after he got poison ivy twice this summer. All of the kids are doing well in school. Jenna (obviously) is doing fantastic. Sarah is doing amazing as well and Matthew is doing so much better. He got 23/25 on his last spelling test. So he is definitely catching up.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fZfOUmiQ_DTvxVAvu0uAo9zyH5er_VYO4izbOvXiaVEHJ94Vn-l8UJcSh253AqxQJ3qk6BFW47SauxPXs8DRtJL5-fsqfievewl-8oQWNToaCRLVf9kCkTPDmoOrjqor6uSK/s1600/20170923_150958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fZfOUmiQ_DTvxVAvu0uAo9zyH5er_VYO4izbOvXiaVEHJ94Vn-l8UJcSh253AqxQJ3qk6BFW47SauxPXs8DRtJL5-fsqfievewl-8oQWNToaCRLVf9kCkTPDmoOrjqor6uSK/s320/20170923_150958.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's path</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWyWYUlxf9GGbulE4AafeYtT9L95bupo2m-4X9GinTYgJlKuqtcs58HAeWSblVXWsDq2jDCu5fOJ8AM0ncE1yf3CsIGM_p6B8pnHNJXYR8vVSRwam19WdOsMvIC16YqGC3UAH/s1600/20170923_151006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWyWYUlxf9GGbulE4AafeYtT9L95bupo2m-4X9GinTYgJlKuqtcs58HAeWSblVXWsDq2jDCu5fOJ8AM0ncE1yf3CsIGM_p6B8pnHNJXYR8vVSRwam19WdOsMvIC16YqGC3UAH/s320/20170923_151006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew working on his path</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went to <b>COSI</b> and got a picture of Sarah riding the unicycle. She did a great job and wasn't scared at all even though she says she is afraid of heights.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YRqSKjMIcI-a-Zaz7jTbHDRmxvWawo-3ztE4wkIA5nRCFYm7onIwDOCELHlKJz3XY8MTBjxP_U9w-j-KD5ZXzvAcqHxdZuikcVJnmVutBbACWqJKhA_QYZCoFqI758qW6ZH6/s1600/20170930_143355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YRqSKjMIcI-a-Zaz7jTbHDRmxvWawo-3ztE4wkIA5nRCFYm7onIwDOCELHlKJz3XY8MTBjxP_U9w-j-KD5ZXzvAcqHxdZuikcVJnmVutBbACWqJKhA_QYZCoFqI758qW6ZH6/s320/20170930_143355.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah on the unicycle<br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last weekend we had our <b>first cub scout campout</b>. I am the leader for all 22 first grade boys. This campout was for all elementary kids 1st - 5th grade. Our whole family went and we camped in our tent we haven't used in 10 years. It was SOOOO cold! 44 degrees at night. I'm trying to figure out how we can bring the camper next year. Sarah's best friend (and in fact the only person she seems to hang out with now!) is a boy named Alden. He was at the cub scout campout and they played together the whole time. Here is a pic of Sarah and Alden. They write stories together on google docs and get along really well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpggb1UC7qqPOlSDN8YtexMJhx8mZSjEQl41C7eyG461j2tc-acdauARkaFSefzcS9o53jUutsZVsR2TFsFvKRrTTxdEIU5Mdotc3huatio382KB-ZiuVAq4rXRYEyue_q5Ev/s1600/20171001_075320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpggb1UC7qqPOlSDN8YtexMJhx8mZSjEQl41C7eyG461j2tc-acdauARkaFSefzcS9o53jUutsZVsR2TFsFvKRrTTxdEIU5Mdotc3huatio382KB-ZiuVAq4rXRYEyue_q5Ev/s320/20171001_075320.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Alden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The campout was fun. We sang songs, performed skits and our den earned our bobcat badge. This was a HUGE difference from girl scouts. We sit in a circle and do crafts at girl scouts. I couldn't get these boys to even sit still on the bench. They started jumping on the tables and acting bananas.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxsOi935hcL1jNdSv_unfTv3sF9ofv0246KHUtD5t7csjs_abFJOMxwNzUjfoyjM89al9Cf0Jrfw7lWRVrqlydDS18rhgA2sVWv8vSJ2lmfPw6XuViSaqT5aWwB4b-EU506mU/s1600/20171001_075324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxsOi935hcL1jNdSv_unfTv3sF9ofv0246KHUtD5t7csjs_abFJOMxwNzUjfoyjM89al9Cf0Jrfw7lWRVrqlydDS18rhgA2sVWv8vSJ2lmfPw6XuViSaqT5aWwB4b-EU506mU/s320/20171001_075324.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tents!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4EBJb-zFLiBXpRLGkLIV-MJFEBDo2fEwFq38vbkP9tgFm32jZh_acl7eog-GCfprhEWNZBFRwXYZlbnnMPhYmERCu3o5yjJQlu217gllEsyl0D2NO3pGp0X7LGZz1BIP2e4Q/s1600/20171003_184133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4EBJb-zFLiBXpRLGkLIV-MJFEBDo2fEwFq38vbkP9tgFm32jZh_acl7eog-GCfprhEWNZBFRwXYZlbnnMPhYmERCu3o5yjJQlu217gllEsyl0D2NO3pGp0X7LGZz1BIP2e4Q/s320/20171003_184133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing phase 10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other news:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Joel's book is the bomb diggity. I love it!</li>
<li>I'm reading <b>Tower of Dawn</b>, the 6th book in the Throne of Glass series. It is good - not as good as the others</li>
<li>My craft show is Saturday. I have a ton of jam ready for it, and I hope I sell more than last year.</li>
<li>Next session I'm teaching Advanced Visual Basic (a new class), Advanced Software Engineering (another new class), and Mobile App Development (a class I developed but is a difficult one to teach). So next session will be crazy for me. Not to mention the session after that I have 2 new classes as well. Yikes!! </li>
<li>Sarah is now playing the viola. She seems to like it - we will see as the year goes further. I remember when Jenna played the viola. The 4th grade strings concert was not a melodious sound.</li>
</ul>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-64074765039824625542017-09-18T21:56:00.000-04:002017-09-18T21:56:27.580-04:00Outdoor woman again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew is officially a <b>Tiger Cub Scout</b>. Yay! He is also now selling popcorn if anyone wants any??? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am (of course!) leading his den. I also have a nifty shirt to wear. I thought leading two girl scout troops was not enough so I wanted to lead Matthew's den. Yikes! Also I planned on leading his troop the way I lead my girls troops - with crafts and coloring. Something tells me that might not work as well with 6 and 7 year old boys. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HYiUcmQGn4BKcpYaqcG_OdahMyRJ454eWDYC_QIKT2yACPI-HJddiebPKpTSEcdqktc-IuRbZGnKJrqN6xp2Fv7BZQcBeOjc9ur6g_fhZs6TzDZ0HJT7BXEIP8Z-uWTvyQyQ/s1600/20170914_192522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HYiUcmQGn4BKcpYaqcG_OdahMyRJ454eWDYC_QIKT2yACPI-HJddiebPKpTSEcdqktc-IuRbZGnKJrqN6xp2Fv7BZQcBeOjc9ur6g_fhZs6TzDZ0HJT7BXEIP8Z-uWTvyQyQ/s320/20170914_192522.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew as a cub scout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This weekend I went on my <b>Women in the Outdoors</b> weekend with NWTF. It was a blast! I went with Michelle and we had a fantastic time. It was in a new location - <a href="http://www.phoc.org/">Pleasant Hill Camp</a>. I just love the variety of classes at this camp. This particular camp is very gun/hunting focused whereas camps in the past were more watercraft focused. This camp even had a field to freezer class where they actually took a deer and cut it up. I did not take that class.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFCOfiOOdVnhSmqM-mrgGO453nIM5N-s_uMhDK_Pvf4QXPV5Q6kaqoHryJT5zd8dXjKbgfLjj__GwHtJlXM_C0e1CZSaPHdR3ETZCTxrKTXC07Pbo1VtmRwkeJQ0bGpKwocMx/s1600/20170915_195534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFCOfiOOdVnhSmqM-mrgGO453nIM5N-s_uMhDK_Pvf4QXPV5Q6kaqoHryJT5zd8dXjKbgfLjj__GwHtJlXM_C0e1CZSaPHdR3ETZCTxrKTXC07Pbo1VtmRwkeJQ0bGpKwocMx/s320/20170915_195534.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp selfie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp0zcRV7UMljwr5PrL4LRwz2gXb_a1UE53tJZrR29-0dwXP4mKheGe-zsgC41sB938EO2bEYeCsZtG1rhpIH6w3ZwzUaucg12q4_AckNynkV4jmHHOVlSFz4jOgnXy2atWS4-/s1600/20170916_075427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp0zcRV7UMljwr5PrL4LRwz2gXb_a1UE53tJZrR29-0dwXP4mKheGe-zsgC41sB938EO2bEYeCsZtG1rhpIH6w3ZwzUaucg12q4_AckNynkV4jmHHOVlSFz4jOgnXy2atWS4-/s320/20170916_075427.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabin we slept in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The classes I took were:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Defensive knife</b> - This class really made me think about the usefulness of carrying a knife. They are handy in many situations. So I bought one. </li>
<li><b>Shotgun </b>- I like shooting clay pigeons. Out of 18 shots I hit 4. This is not a spectacular percentage but better than last time.</li>
<li><b>Kayak </b>- Yes! I love kayaking but we only were on the water an hour. I would have liked a longer kayak trip. It was still nice though.</li>
<li><b>Archery </b>- boooyah! This is my favorite. I have picked archery every single time we have done WITO. I love it. Please note - I put a bow and arrow on my amazon wish list.</li>
<li><b>Automotive maintenance</b> - this class was ok. I thought we were going to take apart cars. Instead they just talked about how to change a tire, oil, etc. I like hands on better. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNv04rnCgipYxsZbmlzLYGr30bKv0YBJRE0i_88ZjvwFiW5er4dKJrSmt-pzxh_0L7FX_9rLHvGflogYsIDQlUMMElvRVN2LP0wCbMeK1j2v-ib-JWqWREkkJSkIvMKB3ByY/s1600/20170916_105933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNv04rnCgipYxsZbmlzLYGr30bKv0YBJRE0i_88ZjvwFiW5er4dKJrSmt-pzxh_0L7FX_9rLHvGflogYsIDQlUMMElvRVN2LP0wCbMeK1j2v-ib-JWqWREkkJSkIvMKB3ByY/s320/20170916_105933.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle shooting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganoFwk_oWO5QIj4KEPf73Ac2ybO36dElDYIyMBq5NDi4ixCEt87WNL6377MIUq5sIi-WGG5eA9w05pSOM7Q4CxG6BD-2h7lylv5kstVPfCJBKyiNHJOZLMZf-EMvWfZpErnr_/s1600/20170916_110238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganoFwk_oWO5QIj4KEPf73Ac2ybO36dElDYIyMBq5NDi4ixCEt87WNL6377MIUq5sIi-WGG5eA9w05pSOM7Q4CxG6BD-2h7lylv5kstVPfCJBKyiNHJOZLMZf-EMvWfZpErnr_/s320/20170916_110238.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me shooting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXJ-H2aUxF0YivA_1GUcZT3RVJ9DDiHpvJMs6Zk0LNacurkxgdIrezN95onT_sueAFW0MTlf8hef4C74W96glX9pwUVINM6IOfoLcnJzAJPubX_UeCumByA3M02NqqadnfLAV/s1600/20170917_074713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXJ-H2aUxF0YivA_1GUcZT3RVJ9DDiHpvJMs6Zk0LNacurkxgdIrezN95onT_sueAFW0MTlf8hef4C74W96glX9pwUVINM6IOfoLcnJzAJPubX_UeCumByA3M02NqqadnfLAV/s320/20170917_074713.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilarious spatula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuw3_l3bpk_7taxO5nR-UvzXS-bJ7ifp9IX8pcVQ9GpE8GO8pEv8N9EbIet_bo12bzDQvqh6cUZ4WyqoxxZRTyFibGmeDV_2-DAaQzcQFkCQM4TNj5-5BjfLU7vkA79AGwM09/s1600/21586785_10214349360193563_1066278982099561811_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuw3_l3bpk_7taxO5nR-UvzXS-bJ7ifp9IX8pcVQ9GpE8GO8pEv8N9EbIet_bo12bzDQvqh6cUZ4WyqoxxZRTyFibGmeDV_2-DAaQzcQFkCQM4TNj5-5BjfLU7vkA79AGwM09/s320/21586785_10214349360193563_1066278982099561811_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This weekend is always a great getaway weekend for me.The new location is nice however there were only 8 showers for 105 women. Not enough. We had to ration our shower time. However the food was really good for a camp. There was a taco bar for lunch - yum! And french toast casserole with pure maple syrup they made there for breakfast. YESSSSS! I love going and want to go next year too!<br />
<br />
I got back Sunday afternoon and we went over to <b>Matt's surprise birthday party.</b> It was at my new friend <b>Megan's </b>house. She is my secret twin. When I went to her house I saw she had the same bread machine and bread cookbook as me. SAY WHAT? Yes - she truly is my secret twin. Then she tripled her bread dough recipe in her bread machine. I told her she was out of her mind but she did it anyway. Yikes! It turned out great though. She and I have read almost all of the same books. I brought my cookies too and one of her sons said "I knew these cookies would be good because you are my mom's twin so you must be a good cook."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDohj25crRLpcIVZ0uHVMV_S331KFQEYXAsv7BbP8KJh_X7oLUhCARaJOdpUvLqDrAeBE9-h0eqK3AExPA8Php6-o1k8d-u7XKLKsav1KgGfugaP87s2LJ8YWsCi4YIZY-1Cgy/s1600/20170917_152645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDohj25crRLpcIVZ0uHVMV_S331KFQEYXAsv7BbP8KJh_X7oLUhCARaJOdpUvLqDrAeBE9-h0eqK3AExPA8Php6-o1k8d-u7XKLKsav1KgGfugaP87s2LJ8YWsCi4YIZY-1Cgy/s320/20170917_152645.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow that's a lot of ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUwVpQwK5MBNyJzNJ-jWh-1My32D4Eh1s9CQNiPXUDI9cDLcQ1av3jkeP7A0ClBYUqS3T484zZCBjrqqGmDsbR9VC8c7OIW6LshAS3oS5GEc00LqYlD6tDjcG4IaNTckGR0PX/s1600/20170917_152701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUwVpQwK5MBNyJzNJ-jWh-1My32D4Eh1s9CQNiPXUDI9cDLcQ1av3jkeP7A0ClBYUqS3T484zZCBjrqqGmDsbR9VC8c7OIW6LshAS3oS5GEc00LqYlD6tDjcG4IaNTckGR0PX/s320/20170917_152701.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan and the bread machine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In other news:<br />
<ul>
<li>I finished <b>Monster Hunter International</b> by Larry Correia. This is just a silly book and I loved it! I'll be starting on the second book after I finish my new round of books.</li>
<li>The newest book in the <b>Throne of Glass </b>series came out and it is at the library waiting for me. So I'm going to pick it up ASAP. Rumor is that it isn't as good as the 5th book. Bummer!</li>
<li>Instead of sleeping while I was at the Women in the Outdoors weekend I read <b>Legend </b>by Marie Lu. It was a great book! I got the second book in the series on kindle as well.</li>
<li>Our Cooper book club is reading Joel's latest book about<b> Spaceman Steve. </b>This book is FANTASTIC! Seriously! It is his best book and very well written. He could do a series on Spaceman Steve and I would read every book. </li>
<li>I'm preparing for the classes I'm teaching next session. It should be a fun session with Advanced Visual Basic.</li>
</ul>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-73184898972046676942017-09-05T23:11:00.003-04:002017-09-05T23:12:04.700-04:00New School Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the year I have been waiting for. This is it! The year that all my kids are in school full time. Last year Matthew's kindergarten schedule was Monday/Thursday every other Wednesday. Somehow we figured it out. This year in first grade Matthew goes to school every day. It has been somewhat of an adjustment but he is doing well. Jenna is in 7th grade, Sarah in 4th with Mrs. Sheehan and Matthew in first with Mrs. Shaw. Jenna doesn't have just one teacher. She has many teachers and is all over the school with her schedule. It's been a good start of the year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSvKZxnCIOpuvTe1Txn5f0QBe0RuRrEFW-cn-aIi3Lf6OMprIEW_KkZW0E-k8f6A9ThYhGFgy4RJmgvBc06_c1M4feNQLbZmQPYfWL3qSanQ7ayCvs5epS-P6_dNhBAF5MilD/s1600/20170816_070618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSvKZxnCIOpuvTe1Txn5f0QBe0RuRrEFW-cn-aIi3Lf6OMprIEW_KkZW0E-k8f6A9ThYhGFgy4RJmgvBc06_c1M4feNQLbZmQPYfWL3qSanQ7ayCvs5epS-P6_dNhBAF5MilD/s320/20170816_070618.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna's first day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO5BoKuQYHKpxzQP63Ey1cMhGW2lUO_M_W3MUzBa13owBQkXubDpd6sa7p8osCpieEIKBaDBWHU9MQ2Le94PQXQs_j8h2HI_2ba7h2hTCQcFhErUeztkmTft6NiEObZEYsL5f/s1600/20170816_082839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO5BoKuQYHKpxzQP63Ey1cMhGW2lUO_M_W3MUzBa13owBQkXubDpd6sa7p8osCpieEIKBaDBWHU9MQ2Le94PQXQs_j8h2HI_2ba7h2hTCQcFhErUeztkmTft6NiEObZEYsL5f/s320/20170816_082839.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and Sarah's first day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyaDo_fkrBZTJKNV3LVs79BXxfOEGP1St4ZyVrYBgFsD5rTWkuTGiK1JCKSPvSjW9AdyP3NPul84bSQoYmckE6R66azi_1y7Tt69HJYgNXosDcc8bCg3YwXQ7-b9-0Q3alxMf/s1600/20170816_090102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyaDo_fkrBZTJKNV3LVs79BXxfOEGP1St4ZyVrYBgFsD5rTWkuTGiK1JCKSPvSjW9AdyP3NPul84bSQoYmckE6R66azi_1y7Tt69HJYgNXosDcc8bCg3YwXQ7-b9-0Q3alxMf/s320/20170816_090102.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and Mrs. Shaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIo_TcOXglk83A3n3qqfTCeHApKi_h6-nsJDXPn6MzJjy-w13i2VDctNk8dSiy_lDM4XOmlRwPTRVcOT10J2BgdCvHKiUqwzWEK_L2yML1f-W_b0sFnETZ3XjlsU8YIZ5lGPaQ/s1600/20170816_090238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIo_TcOXglk83A3n3qqfTCeHApKi_h6-nsJDXPn6MzJjy-w13i2VDctNk8dSiy_lDM4XOmlRwPTRVcOT10J2BgdCvHKiUqwzWEK_L2yML1f-W_b0sFnETZ3XjlsU8YIZ5lGPaQ/s320/20170816_090238.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Mrs. Sheehan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've been walking to school quite a bit which has been good. I walk to and from school at 0.8 miles each way. 0.8 *4 = 3.2 miles a day. Nice! Although I'm also back in my workout routine so I'm going to the Y every morning and taking all types of classes (bootcamp, body pump, spinning, zumba, etc). It's great since I've missed the Bible study at the Y. We have a 45 minute workout and then a 15 minute Bible study (which is actually always longer than 15 minutes!). Then after that one of my friends and I work on our pull ups. My goal is 2 pull ups and her goal is 1. I love the women in this workout Bible study.<br />
<br />
The <b>eclipse</b> was August 21 and I went to a party at one of my friend's houses. She has a huge telescope and is a big nerd (like me!). She is also level 40 in pokemon go (the highest level). Both women on either side of me are level 40. We go on raids together even though I'm only level 32. They still take me along! I love these women too!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iHdr4lancvMm5FU5enNnt3m8JCuK5ypf4rw73SRMrvO-gmKGkZVjsP65pyyNTGF1645JnY1sdBklVyxGIQWZrs8doI4kuZMOY9jzARiujtireM-RKnyj2BrlkoBloqHUF2GJ/s1600/20170821_142726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iHdr4lancvMm5FU5enNnt3m8JCuK5ypf4rw73SRMrvO-gmKGkZVjsP65pyyNTGF1645JnY1sdBklVyxGIQWZrs8doI4kuZMOY9jzARiujtireM-RKnyj2BrlkoBloqHUF2GJ/s320/20170821_142726.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pokemon buds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know I recently posted about my favorite <b>oreo</b> flavors and now there are two more at the grocery store to try. However these will most definitely not make the top 10. The Jelly donut oreo would be in the bottom 3 in fact. It is not good. However, this will not deter me from my mission to try all the oreos.<br />
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I have been searching for a <b>soup kitchen</b> that will allow kids. Most you have to be 14 years old. We found one called the <b>Bridge</b> which works with refugees and has a soup kitchen on Tuesday evenings. We took the kids and they were really helpful. They served everyone there with a smile and even helped clean up. I'm planning on more trips like this in the future. One of the people we were serving said to the kids "thank you for doing this, you could be out riding your bikes and here you are serving us." That was awesome!<br />
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Jenna may also do her <b>silver award project </b>here. She has to do 50 service hours but they can't just be service hours. She has to include education and sustainability. She thought about fixing up their playground (shown in the picture).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground at the Bridge</td></tr>
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In other news:<br />
<ol>
<li>Our book club just finished <i>All our Wrong Todays</i> by Elan Mastai. It was fantastic. It was a book about time travel and the main character had many faults but it wrapped up so nicely. </li>
<li>I am reading <i>Monster Hunter International</i> and love it! This is a humorous fantasy book that I would call brain candy. It's just silly and a fun read.</li>
<li>Yesterday we went to the <b>Renaissance Festival</b>. I didn't get any pictures but we had a great time. It was hot so we bought 8 bottles of water to cool us down. I think Erik drank 4 out of the 8 bottles. Labor day weekend is the best weekend to go since it is kids get in free. Kids are $10 apiece and adult tickets are $22.50. The shows are so much fun and we always have a great time. </li>
<li>Tomorrow is our <b>20 year anniversary</b>. We got married 9/6/97. SO long ago! We are going to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate. Grandma is going to feed the kids dinner. Their dinner will not be as good as ours ;). </li>
<li>Jenna's saxophone teacher moved to Tennessee. This is very sad since we LOVED her! Hopefully Jenna will like her new saxophone teacher. She is a really good player so we want to continue her lessons. </li>
<li>I am not teaching this session but I have quite a bit lined up. I'm presenting at the Frontiers in Education conference, have a couple of trips lined up including Women in the Outdoors and am selling my jam at a craft show. So it will be a busy session. Not to mention in January I'm teaching 2 new classes. They are graduate classes so they will be wonderful. I LOVE teaching graduate classes. All the students work hard and turn in their assignments. Yay! </li>
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Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-46894435139587210712017-08-13T23:49:00.002-04:002017-08-13T23:49:37.211-04:00Glenlaurel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week we start school! I'm looking forward to this year. I know many people have said 7th grade is the most difficult year but I think Jenna can handle it. She is a top notch student. Sarah found out her teacher this year is Mrs. Sheehan for 4th grade and Matthew has Mrs. Shaw for first grade. He is NOT excited about going to school every day. It will be good for him though. He is VERY close to riding his bike. He just needs to work a little more on stopping with the brakes and not his feet. I'd like to start riding to school instead of walking - that takes a long time!</div>
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The other day we had a <b>cupcake wars challenge</b>! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuxyMTfzHKBQpcCHJixbf5vsZceHPV4A1MrUMfWH_LQE3sjvXhO0qDjqAOyCUD6ym3Jrx2Wj08YJLrY_j_g7RpyljlFbxe0AxwHehIMXkLhkn6q_Yhl6952o_WnvjGaRcCm17/s1600/20170803_182258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuxyMTfzHKBQpcCHJixbf5vsZceHPV4A1MrUMfWH_LQE3sjvXhO0qDjqAOyCUD6ym3Jrx2Wj08YJLrY_j_g7RpyljlFbxe0AxwHehIMXkLhkn6q_Yhl6952o_WnvjGaRcCm17/s320/20170803_182258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was so fun! The flavors were:</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Erik made chocolate caramel coconut (with toasted coconut!) cupcakes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I made smores cupcakes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jenna made lemon mint (and she used fresh mint leaves) cupcakes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sarah made strawberry cupcakes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Matthew made orange cupcakes</li>
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Prior to our cupcake challenge I asked for a list so I could go grocery shopping and buy them whatever ingredients they wanted to make their cupcakes. It was fun and we ate a lot of cupcakes. Yum!!</div>
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We just had our <b>Glow</b> in the Dark VBS last weekend. I was on the committee and was the teacher. Other people on the committee were in charge of snacks, crafts, etc. I loved that it was glow in the dark. The verse we were using was: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For you were once</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29313A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29313A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" ~Ephesians 5:8</span></div>
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I had to snicker since at first the committee wanted to name the VBS "Children of Light". It all worked out well - we even did glow in the dark yoga. Jenna was a helper and Sarah and Matthew were participants.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glow!</td></tr>
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This past weekend Erik and I went to <b>Glenlaurel</b> for our 20th anniversary. My parents took the kids for the weekend and it was glorious! Glenlaurel is very pricey but it was romantic (no one under 21 allowed) and beautiful. We stayed in the Douglas suite which had a whirlpool tub and even had robes for us to wear. The dinner is 6 courses: appetizer, soup, salad, sorbet, dinner, dessert. I loved it! Erik even got a scotch to drink so we really felt like we were in Scotland. Even though we ate so much we did several hikes to burn off all that yummy food! I was stung 3 times on Saturday. Two wasp stings and one bee sting. One of the wasp stings was bleeding too. Bummer. We still hiked though. I'm tough like that....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik drinking scotch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glenlaurel</td></tr>
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For the past 3 weeks several <b>legendary birds</b> have been out in pokemon. I've gone around to try and catch these birds by doing raids with random strangers. Sometimes I take 4 phones with me (mine, Erik's, Jenna's and Sarah's - Matthew is not into pokemon). Anyway - someone caught a picture of me with my 4 phones and I made it on the Facebook site for PoGo. Then today when I went to do a raid someone recognized me and told me I was famous. I am famous among pokemon go players I guess. Regardless, I have all of the legendaries and am up to level 32. The max is level 40.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyjBnO1dapg88WFn_a0NR3reeBAzrHQ5v3SV7pwhCldind3VnkScilop64bWHfdGZvkeJh_8p0RzI8IuZjozg542i8idMAE5pt0RerZerGiVJW26fz2Kzc_6qtDSmnUA9-ffB/s1600/2017-08-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyjBnO1dapg88WFn_a0NR3reeBAzrHQ5v3SV7pwhCldind3VnkScilop64bWHfdGZvkeJh_8p0RzI8IuZjozg542i8idMAE5pt0RerZerGiVJW26fz2Kzc_6qtDSmnUA9-ffB/s320/2017-08-13.png" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pokemon facebook post</td></tr>
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Since our trip was for our 20th anniversary I thought I would post a picture of us on our wedding day and yesterday. We haven't aged a bit lol!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9Sy_AqP3sNhYgJJNjEohvF2XViduzuVrI0kwGWfVYCpzt-e8U4nExjNIQ6C0kiNNkUwRIIfnI9zg2kLHrKCQdEivEi__gjELLt9cSKvDQ7E07zAKZdlUqXWF7i7kA8nLozaA/s1600/twentyyearsCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9Sy_AqP3sNhYgJJNjEohvF2XViduzuVrI0kwGWfVYCpzt-e8U4nExjNIQ6C0kiNNkUwRIIfnI9zg2kLHrKCQdEivEi__gjELLt9cSKvDQ7E07zAKZdlUqXWF7i7kA8nLozaA/s320/twentyyearsCollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 years</td></tr>
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<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-35436901317112063572017-08-11T12:26:00.001-04:002017-08-11T12:26:39.575-04:00Another friend gone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSzAIu9UMHbkEeFO_Ju8oGEJUXDRP7pekUc4w1kYnrGJ9PVYh-y9Wz7bEN0vG-sNLEVkL6PchGnMECPo1kY2RH6rkawqm0WPpjLai4BiTFQ7KZizNKohfxc8BK5t6JjZ0bI5_/s1600/19875371_10100473455523793_4703277685094986137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSzAIu9UMHbkEeFO_Ju8oGEJUXDRP7pekUc4w1kYnrGJ9PVYh-y9Wz7bEN0vG-sNLEVkL6PchGnMECPo1kY2RH6rkawqm0WPpjLai4BiTFQ7KZizNKohfxc8BK5t6JjZ0bI5_/s320/19875371_10100473455523793_4703277685094986137_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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We lost another friend from cancer. Our friend David DiSilvestro passed away from complications of immunotherapy. He had surgery and radiation. The cancer was gone. He was perfectly fine and healthy. They were just doing this last immunotherapy to check for any other cancer that might be there. It killed him.<br />
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He has a 2 year old son and another baby on the way. She is 37 weeks pregnant. I can't even believe this happened. He was the bass player in our worship band and came to poker at our house. We were just starting to get to know them and then this tragedy. Why? He was such a great guy and now the kids will never know their father. He was 32 years old when he passed away. I've been sick to my stomach about this. Lots of tears shed.<br />
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My opinion is not popular but I believe chemotherapy and radiation kills more people than cancer. I think in 50 years we will look back and say "how could they do chemotherapy? didn't they realize it was killing everyone". It will be the same as we view bloodletting now. Of course it is all the doctors have and everyone is too afraid of medical malpractice to try something different.<br />
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RIP David.Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-43243857622221152412017-07-20T23:31:00.002-04:002017-07-20T23:31:46.333-04:00Love Oreos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My<b> birthday cake</b> was epic this year. It is one of those cakes where you say it's the thought that counts. Erik knows I like brownies and peanut butter. So he wanted to make me the ultimate cake. He baked two pans of brownies. Then put peanut butter frosting in between to create two layers. Next he found a recipe for chocolate buttercream frosting online. </div>
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This recipe had 4 sticks of butter and a pound and a half of chocolate in it. My chocolate buttercream recipe has 1 stick of butter and 2/3 cup of cocoa powder in it. YIKES! That is a lot of butter. So Erik channeled his inner Paula Dean to make this recipe. The cake was good but too much. I had to lie down after eating a piece. We also ate the entire thing because we are American. </div>
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I love that he wanted to make me a special cake for my birthday. I told him, never make this again, but thank you. It's the thought that counts sometimes!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeQLyhxwNbHfN_r7qsC40JW7ShY3V90kJJbK65PyyATVRhs_V5Cjz_4VlEnq55M5yG-11JHeUgaXwCavLmvScOpTsv7ArcKtYngFOpkxXdh9TTH7pgMqHmlULH4Txpp4yzDXU/s1600/20170703_200913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeQLyhxwNbHfN_r7qsC40JW7ShY3V90kJJbK65PyyATVRhs_V5Cjz_4VlEnq55M5yG-11JHeUgaXwCavLmvScOpTsv7ArcKtYngFOpkxXdh9TTH7pgMqHmlULH4Txpp4yzDXU/s320/20170703_200913.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and his puzzle!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWxDWA1jGV8FgKV3-e5Nkvq9hFBKfmV764AwJRA5PlWoARJCZfxCLnbLRYwVXjNrxRInRhxBpUHEEh61LNB3PqbVM4t8gLXGlxWIF0jZt9GzT25-EfGN0bxRpawyC_C1gly7l/s1600/20170705_202515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWxDWA1jGV8FgKV3-e5Nkvq9hFBKfmV764AwJRA5PlWoARJCZfxCLnbLRYwVXjNrxRInRhxBpUHEEh61LNB3PqbVM4t8gLXGlxWIF0jZt9GzT25-EfGN0bxRpawyC_C1gly7l/s320/20170705_202515.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ultimate cake!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46WrD6AUTCnWYCwdacWjA2Kw-C_6Gvg4-nOWU4N9Ik8kutQcHEwD7TymXcQ37NdAbQs8FXO00lGYi00Yw7j8ElDXvsFAwMZo3A7K4UVbaFtqV7aG2Y0tyKalpEviAYgqA67GS/s1600/20170705_202845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46WrD6AUTCnWYCwdacWjA2Kw-C_6Gvg4-nOWU4N9Ik8kutQcHEwD7TymXcQ37NdAbQs8FXO00lGYi00Yw7j8ElDXvsFAwMZo3A7K4UVbaFtqV7aG2Y0tyKalpEviAYgqA67GS/s320/20170705_202845.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway gone</td></tr>
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Each year we go on a <b>camping trip with the Masts and Mabrys and Brubakers.</b> We went to <b>Lazy River</b> and had a spectacular time! The kids got muddy, sandy, wet, and loved it. The Mabrys bought a camper and this was the first time they took the camper out for the weekend. It rained (of course) but only one day. For the most part it was nice. We also went to Whit's for frozen custard (after the rain) and that was yummy! Jen, Joy and I got to sit and talk quite a bit this weekend. That was my favorite part of the trip - hanging out with my friends! I hope to continue doing this camping trip every year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P_GQdYMG0WT7oOlRySZo22DIY3_mGgv1WiTSryXhC7jX-ALCO6m2cZ8HPg94gdtdqsTnmvQuRWlfE1pSzH_a9SyTLHA8RuQ7F1xo1vNGj36Xbd5VWe09x-nrHex9qxVUJ79M/s1600/20170708_185119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P_GQdYMG0WT7oOlRySZo22DIY3_mGgv1WiTSryXhC7jX-ALCO6m2cZ8HPg94gdtdqsTnmvQuRWlfE1pSzH_a9SyTLHA8RuQ7F1xo1vNGj36Xbd5VWe09x-nrHex9qxVUJ79M/s320/20170708_185119.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids in the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9AB5LP76ce5rStjt44CBoP9uasA8NFrdjoqKJmP5mXOpdSK2IJpHzp_J40teu_1YgyP7A3_OSVmo2MXL65WssNkgNwCh5iTFXx1k9rL_lZXkON2er3mOCj8f2s9O1yY55WNt/s1600/20170709_093433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9AB5LP76ce5rStjt44CBoP9uasA8NFrdjoqKJmP5mXOpdSK2IJpHzp_J40teu_1YgyP7A3_OSVmo2MXL65WssNkgNwCh5iTFXx1k9rL_lZXkON2er3mOCj8f2s9O1yY55WNt/s320/20170709_093433.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mast, Mabry and Cooper kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA30kSxi4q7mTTo3Nd_aolCL1pzzyYQWrncPTLhGGVMAkATbYBT4ctBXe9RvjlMXw6iwsotFl5bnVma8TVmi5wqUnNmUSmr5BBvd8wvaEUIRMyIrJt-eZ3wtWWiX9qIWQDYxv/s1600/20170709_093523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA30kSxi4q7mTTo3Nd_aolCL1pzzyYQWrncPTLhGGVMAkATbYBT4ctBXe9RvjlMXw6iwsotFl5bnVma8TVmi5wqUnNmUSmr5BBvd8wvaEUIRMyIrJt-eZ3wtWWiX9qIWQDYxv/s320/20170709_093523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids being silly</td></tr>
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Tricia and I took our kids to <b>Young's Dairy.</b> We got lunch and ice cream (obviously!). I got the ultimate peanut butter sundae. It had 3 scoops of ice cream, whip cream, peanut butter and hot fudge topping, reeses pieces, and a buckeye. It was heaven. I couldn't even finish it and I don't back down from a challenge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpA9wziCiJwEXFZW757etvIZ3Ca7YGKWiw4rzxfzF64KJziui2C8ptKDho9TyBSRC3M1xBB_SJjBhKJ_4k8R2DcBZBezhM4SegyymdxsQt3Ahz-MuKv84debziJnHAMxZlrxB/s1600/20170710_131624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpA9wziCiJwEXFZW757etvIZ3Ca7YGKWiw4rzxfzF64KJziui2C8ptKDho9TyBSRC3M1xBB_SJjBhKJ_4k8R2DcBZBezhM4SegyymdxsQt3Ahz-MuKv84debziJnHAMxZlrxB/s320/20170710_131624.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sundae</td></tr>
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The kids liked feeding the goats at Young's Dairy too. I also got some cajun cheese curds - yum!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8c_cQuRpXEj1KUhMJbxaWturG-179Zd7aV-e0eV_eFMx8VbKjKVCfy7IdIzn282dau6hqtKdYw2UVN6_tb5tbufsV2nwvSFc4e_mB3L5J02pLgkNKxs-Dfg0by0GgykuZldpr/s1600/20170710_135352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8c_cQuRpXEj1KUhMJbxaWturG-179Zd7aV-e0eV_eFMx8VbKjKVCfy7IdIzn282dau6hqtKdYw2UVN6_tb5tbufsV2nwvSFc4e_mB3L5J02pLgkNKxs-Dfg0by0GgykuZldpr/s320/20170710_135352.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew, Jenna, Addie, Tyson, and Sarah</td></tr>
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For my birthday I requested to <b>spar Erik at tae kwon do. </b>YASSSSS! While sparring Erik was amazing I found that I was at a disadvantage because I do not have as long of a reach. So I have to get in close to punch him. Usually I spar Jenna but sparring Erik was a lot more difficult. It was still fun to beat up Erik!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yhr-eeJoT7yCl5shtvD_9zmTOWtsaE2q354SCMwpZJRoeq1FunjeJvK-FJJy6c7Y7OAvuV-188fwv4OY4drnSV54F3ZoXwxTasWow-MZTtH0MS_r41PiNrjZ0uZucis1u456/s1600/20170712_200508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yhr-eeJoT7yCl5shtvD_9zmTOWtsaE2q354SCMwpZJRoeq1FunjeJvK-FJJy6c7Y7OAvuV-188fwv4OY4drnSV54F3ZoXwxTasWow-MZTtH0MS_r41PiNrjZ0uZucis1u456/s320/20170712_200508.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPAR!!</td></tr>
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Oreo has a new flavor - <b>Mocha</b>. I think it is really good. After eating these oreos I thought long and hard about the different flavors of oreos I have tried. Unfortunately I have not tried candy corn oreos, gingerbread oreos, neapolitan oreos, fruit punch oreos, swedish fish oreos, and blueberry pie oreos. That is sad since I like oreos and didn't realized I missed my chance!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37LY0kc9NDH42FRoM_UQnlikJAXcZTgJkG-e6r5VT_27ZclCnZ5fEWgytIIyS8L4O9-_TwUfGMtG9VLfvAZfNNi7jI-fYVYHs6zPlwFYEjQajHSCcyZbzv0V2ZRJjPE2NGdT5/s1600/20170717_163604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37LY0kc9NDH42FRoM_UQnlikJAXcZTgJkG-e6r5VT_27ZclCnZ5fEWgytIIyS8L4O9-_TwUfGMtG9VLfvAZfNNi7jI-fYVYHs6zPlwFYEjQajHSCcyZbzv0V2ZRJjPE2NGdT5/s320/20170717_163604.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mocha oreo</td></tr>
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My favorite oreos:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Brownie batter</li>
<li>Chocolate cream</li>
<li>Cookies n cream </li>
<li>Filled cupcake </li>
<li>Mint </li>
<li>Mocha</li>
<li>Peanut butter </li>
<li>Smores </li>
<li>Cookie dough </li>
<li>Firework </li>
<li>Chocolate strawberry</li>
<li>Regular</li>
<li>Lemon</li>
<li>Birthday cake</li>
<li>Double stuff</li>
<li>Golden</li>
<li>Caramel apple</li>
<li>Red Velvet</li>
<li>Watermelon</li>
<li>Cinnamon roll</li>
<li>Peeps</li>
<li>Pumpkin spice</li>
</ol>
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In other news:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Our book club finished the <b>Bridge of Birds</b>. Good riddance. We will pick another book that will definitely be better. I'm hoping for <b>All Our Wrong Todays</b>. I heard it was good. </li>
<li><b>Matthew is riding his bike </b>pretty well in the cul de sac near our house. I've been working with him every day and today he pedaled 8 times without me holding on!! He is SO close!</li>
<li>Sarah went to <b>Y camp this week</b>. She likes swimming every day and the crafts. She doesn't like getting up early and missing her family. I thought that was so sweet!</li>
<li>Last weekend Erik went to Sacramento to spend the weekend celebrating <b>David's 40th birthday</b>. They spent the entire time playing games and Erik won a large percentage of them. He is good at board games. We play <b>Castles of Burgundy </b>almost every night and he wins most of the time. Yet I still keep coming back to get beat up again! They also played golf and drank an obscene about of <strike>disgusting, nasty, wretched gasoline-flavored liquid</strike> scotch. </li>
<li>I have moved my balls to the wall workout to Wednesday. Over the summer the schedules have changed at the Y and now they offer <b>weight lifting</b> on Wednesday. I've really noticed a difference since I've started weight lifting and I actually enjoy it.</li>
<li>My 4 classes have been going really well this session. Next session I'm teaching <b>Visual Basic</b> and I haven't taught that in years so I'm pumped about that. It gets boring teaching the same courses over and over again.</li>
<li>I've finished the first 7 of 9 books in the <b>Fever</b> series by Karen Marie Moning, <b>Silent Songbird</b> by Melanie Dickerson, and <b>Valor's Choice </b>by Tanya Huff. I've been reading a lot of mindless books lately.</li>
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Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-17215102060998986682017-07-03T23:36:00.001-04:002017-07-03T23:36:18.746-04:00Michigan and Henry Ford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last weekend we went up to Michigan for a fantastic camping trip. We stayed at <a href="http://www.michigan.org/property/wm-c-sterling-state-park">Sterling State Park</a> right on Lake Erie. It was beautiful. Except for the mayflies. They were NOT beautiful. And the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant. But other than that it was beautiful!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU77dpidjZXTfEZ1RPK_qSQUsWpYeYIPWyH9W03UxdXCcSfGUEtHm9eckxIrfGY7QJWrck0zwZt187XJNNlUopflLw4zjH-ycCzTNNkC6RRY1wQblYjaLe7MRe6ogtTqP_V1C/s1600/20170622_182353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU77dpidjZXTfEZ1RPK_qSQUsWpYeYIPWyH9W03UxdXCcSfGUEtHm9eckxIrfGY7QJWrck0zwZt187XJNNlUopflLw4zjH-ycCzTNNkC6RRY1wQblYjaLe7MRe6ogtTqP_V1C/s320/20170622_182353.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fermi in the distance</td></tr>
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We arrived on Thursday to a swarm of mayflies. Luckily they were gone by Saturday. On Friday we went to the Henry Ford museum and toured the Ford Rouge plant. Both were really fun! The kids enjoyed seeing the Ford F-150s being built. Then we toured the Henry Ford museum and saw so much history. For dinner we met our friend Brad for Mediterranean cuisine and ice cream (of course!). He is on a summer mission trip in Detroit with Campus Crusade. It was great to see him and catch up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFNW4tuUEn2NxSRi50nrJiqjmj8R0HPN4qrtwF5XeeETYLyHEoca1NR5mPln5-beQwrgWHwLGndQ6FUPPUKcmNVM0EZCCzTG0ztnn0n52-Y7ptetZ1IYk2UtEbQCUjF00B6nZ/s1600/20170623_134739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFNW4tuUEn2NxSRi50nrJiqjmj8R0HPN4qrtwF5XeeETYLyHEoca1NR5mPln5-beQwrgWHwLGndQ6FUPPUKcmNVM0EZCCzTG0ztnn0n52-Y7ptetZ1IYk2UtEbQCUjF00B6nZ/s320/20170623_134739.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry Ford museum</td></tr>
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We spent all day Saturday on the beach. There were so many seashells and the weather was perfect. It was glorious! We built 3 sandcastles together. I named Erik's the Pansy Palace. Mine was named the Stronghold of Artemis and Jenna's was named the House of the Hallows (it contained the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows). What a fantastic vacation!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SIFpZq93VylYHpTNxxOFPqSJMAvVHEseKDXSVvzIohUlA9sTLKM9QdBLI7PLS6aYqHsz1V4x5k1_5o3sq5OctOONv9DobbQMmHiQzC1dncXWCJb5JfLFOCtXGbsClygnRAGq/s1600/20170624_135646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SIFpZq93VylYHpTNxxOFPqSJMAvVHEseKDXSVvzIohUlA9sTLKM9QdBLI7PLS6aYqHsz1V4x5k1_5o3sq5OctOONv9DobbQMmHiQzC1dncXWCJb5JfLFOCtXGbsClygnRAGq/s320/20170624_135646.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Erie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_mLzUffhPgdVQNz9icGWK_pkM52OOm7OEpb_ZEXna9cpTiq1vbNGeI5ZiRDg5q_nX_JI53NbXuuGLEJAntn7239cOMI89vlVIbf24HisN8h2tJUkKoHDHQIpPcSrgV_HLJLu/s1600/20170624_142515%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_mLzUffhPgdVQNz9icGWK_pkM52OOm7OEpb_ZEXna9cpTiq1vbNGeI5ZiRDg5q_nX_JI53NbXuuGLEJAntn7239cOMI89vlVIbf24HisN8h2tJUkKoHDHQIpPcSrgV_HLJLu/s320/20170624_142515%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the sandcastles</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOroauGTr0FGFCMAOav1zE9lnVEi7-7TangIU9rpWjsoz3WRLZDy7_e7sXcp2MSzskaHP_c5n-rHdQx9sesHz4lGqXDRv_QCmm1fDnB5jtZX_1nNGBH7jF2xKkW1E6-lzOyBew/s1600/20170624_163613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOroauGTr0FGFCMAOav1zE9lnVEi7-7TangIU9rpWjsoz3WRLZDy7_e7sXcp2MSzskaHP_c5n-rHdQx9sesHz4lGqXDRv_QCmm1fDnB5jtZX_1nNGBH7jF2xKkW1E6-lzOyBew/s320/20170624_163613.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew is buried!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because I am weird we had a rootbeer tasting with 8 different types. They were randomized so we did not know which cup held which type of rootbeer. The were:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Great value</li>
<li>Diet A&W</li>
<li>A&W</li>
<li>Virgils</li>
<li>IBC</li>
<li>Mug</li>
<li>Stewarts</li>
<li>Natural Brew</li>
</ol>
<div>
I liked IBC, Erik liked Virgils tied with IBC, Jenna liked Virgils, Sarah liked Great Value, and Matthew liked A&W. We (except Sarah) have expensive tastes!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAqzw4QseR75S4AhuDiiFHc7ECsYZbGKjyNCV9Pv62XWFDdnWD7VbGKMfCaum7FAw7stydW-w2zgeDiM2NIj4NHOmMaq_z9unOeuhZ1KNGgSPLiUKp005HnE5wcIbsBBgLLKy/s1600/20170626_180642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAqzw4QseR75S4AhuDiiFHc7ECsYZbGKjyNCV9Pv62XWFDdnWD7VbGKMfCaum7FAw7stydW-w2zgeDiM2NIj4NHOmMaq_z9unOeuhZ1KNGgSPLiUKp005HnE5wcIbsBBgLLKy/s320/20170626_180642.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Root beer tasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other news:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The new session just started on Sunday. And on Sunday I got a new class - yes SO last minute! However it is the Android programming class I have wanted to teach for years. I'm so excited to teach it!</li>
<li>Now I am managing 17 faculty. This is a lot. I am not sure I'm the best manager either. </li>
<li>I took Jenna to see <b>Wonder Woman</b>. She really liked it! I loved it! The actress who plays her is phenomenal. </li>
</ul>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-87936753679595909262017-06-29T18:09:00.004-04:002017-06-29T18:09:47.174-04:00Mammoth Cave and Matthew's birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As promised I am posting a few pictures of our trip to <b>Mammoth Cave in Kentucky</b>. This was a fantastic trip. It was a geologist/hobby rock collector's dream. Note: I have a rock collection. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stayed at the <a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/kentucky/cave-city/comfort-inn-hotels/ky165">Comfort Inn</a> in Cave City. This hotel had a full breakfast and a nice pool that very few other people were in. So it worked well for us! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OrQa49yuRhupQ9ZGqd74zlG_6YpIAMRFq1QweAWheFDcUIMVbmdjhcXEpAAAYqHOtHZDWylbBIDpO7j-IKlCjTzBn5XZVNCqYRKzowLfDGCtSXl9Twd4MAdf32eT73nVrtEz/s1600/20170605_111854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OrQa49yuRhupQ9ZGqd74zlG_6YpIAMRFq1QweAWheFDcUIMVbmdjhcXEpAAAYqHOtHZDWylbBIDpO7j-IKlCjTzBn5XZVNCqYRKzowLfDGCtSXl9Twd4MAdf32eT73nVrtEz/s320/20170605_111854.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cave tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the first day of our trip Erik, Dave, and my Dad went to the <b>Corvette </b>museum while the rest of us went to Onyx cave. It was a smaller tour and the tour guide gave us quite a bit of information about the caves and all caves in KY. I loved this tour. I liked the Mammoth Cave tours but they were crowded and this tour was much smaller. </div>
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Then we went on two Mammoth Cave tours. We went on the<b> Domes and Dripstones tour</b> and the <b>Historic tour. </b>Both were fantastic! Sarah's favorite part was in the Historic tour where we went through an area called "fat man's misery". She giggled the entire time. There were many stores selling rocks and gemstones too. The kids couldn't resist. I almost couldn't resist. I love gemstones!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY540j_-JEYfTQ6GrhcQpbE1CQtwT1VmEvJVg0VI_fmXG0ThRYGLuQbLp655wOvT31JLFop1P-f1u837tFCkFXvQaEeFvpsjYTye7c2G6ikxLUwWADvSv_FxUNZ_vkZVSML2x/s1600/20170605_112913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY540j_-JEYfTQ6GrhcQpbE1CQtwT1VmEvJVg0VI_fmXG0ThRYGLuQbLp655wOvT31JLFop1P-f1u837tFCkFXvQaEeFvpsjYTye7c2G6ikxLUwWADvSv_FxUNZ_vkZVSML2x/s320/20170605_112913.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a frozen waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh969I7a-R_GPsgcqF1e2QAVE0ph5P27hJvpUNA-wjy8elfcF_tHUyoByyS_pM5cI9HyVjGRbCLmnItADpJUjpSr-xu2T9h2imFW_oMxzc6lXD3ssVm2aIG_UkjMz9bJFS_NtZx/s1600/20170605_123621%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh969I7a-R_GPsgcqF1e2QAVE0ph5P27hJvpUNA-wjy8elfcF_tHUyoByyS_pM5cI9HyVjGRbCLmnItADpJUjpSr-xu2T9h2imFW_oMxzc6lXD3ssVm2aIG_UkjMz9bJFS_NtZx/s320/20170605_123621%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At lunch - why is Sarah sticking out her tongue?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBKnfm6Jpit9j7iCzepum3dRMD0CwiVn8IdBCVxltN1XoukaWmtSt-Nf88zsViXd29zZdrIjk_6dENAssln4HAo_aOfKaH1AIc9znF15LsknGI3GTC6kfhPVytQ_-f1OhH7W5/s1600/20170606_150943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBKnfm6Jpit9j7iCzepum3dRMD0CwiVn8IdBCVxltN1XoukaWmtSt-Nf88zsViXd29zZdrIjk_6dENAssln4HAo_aOfKaH1AIc9znF15LsknGI3GTC6kfhPVytQ_-f1OhH7W5/s320/20170606_150943.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky landscape + 3 kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ate really well too! We went to a Mexican place that Erik loved, a steak house that everyone loved, and a buffet with ice cream for everyone. We also stopped at an Amish bulk store that had amazing donuts. This trip was spectacular! Erik and I left early since he is low on vacation days and in the evening we went to see<b> Tom Petty</b> in concert. The good thing about Tom Petty is that you know all of his songs, especially if you're an American girl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGK1H3Hm4wewANHJ9wvxXz0QXYxtc6x3pln6AitCDs__y5IjL_eg-QgYUP-CLehlTgogo6bihfDm0m5-Netwhf44nF3xnsEUf7jCvNkNOwyOY0iW9wjZ1oOnOPbo6Dnpfu2LK/s1600/20170607_211504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGK1H3Hm4wewANHJ9wvxXz0QXYxtc6x3pln6AitCDs__y5IjL_eg-QgYUP-CLehlTgogo6bihfDm0m5-Netwhf44nF3xnsEUf7jCvNkNOwyOY0iW9wjZ1oOnOPbo6Dnpfu2LK/s320/20170607_211504.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Petty concert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <b>peach truck</b> came to Powell and we ended up getting 40 lbs of peaches. I made 44 jars of jam, 3 peach crisps and 1 peach cobbler. So I was a little busy and up to my ears in peaches. They were so delicious too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr2FVJAw0KNDMXv2ogAAN0XvVWSPfuQNHRRy5ytau_dWJ0qqCuwMIDqbpQd5wCF91Z4YSESb0D_2IrT9AiUsmLAlK_V32qkUNsWnRQ_Uwn6aYXT7TWesA5XRtO68I9bihZxoN/s1600/20170608_123258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr2FVJAw0KNDMXv2ogAAN0XvVWSPfuQNHRRy5ytau_dWJ0qqCuwMIDqbpQd5wCF91Z4YSESb0D_2IrT9AiUsmLAlK_V32qkUNsWnRQ_Uwn6aYXT7TWesA5XRtO68I9bihZxoN/s320/20170608_123258.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peach truck peaches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For Father's day we played <b>through the desert</b> and I made Erik some <b>sourdough </b>bread. I have failed many many many many many many times at making sourdough bread. I've tried numerous recipes and even bought fancy wild yeast online in my efforts to make sourdough. Well my friend Megan gave me some of her starter and it worked great! Now I can make delicious sourdough.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD7cBwkKP31AuFzsYDF2TvupzwM406T07lv00WB6Dk80TvPGqbx4FxMNrGvzd_l2TjHIqJT4yZgNbTVk3At4G4IcLdVbmxemN9O_5yFLFdBMslxsnI0zrx3cvQr94vpCjuJVs/s1600/20170609_195353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD7cBwkKP31AuFzsYDF2TvupzwM406T07lv00WB6Dk80TvPGqbx4FxMNrGvzd_l2TjHIqJT4yZgNbTVk3At4G4IcLdVbmxemN9O_5yFLFdBMslxsnI0zrx3cvQr94vpCjuJVs/s320/20170609_195353.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the Desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_lEiXj3P8jGCzaSYPOtOYU3SjK29J9C90W0AK-jOwBy-mDYEDesoirAKrFqgXsgDfoX1arSw1fXEuMxobLIg5g0D6FZRVcq9o3cTnAvjmRSpgqZvpRliMTrKZDPDIztvb8su/s1600/20170611_200400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_lEiXj3P8jGCzaSYPOtOYU3SjK29J9C90W0AK-jOwBy-mDYEDesoirAKrFqgXsgDfoX1arSw1fXEuMxobLIg5g0D6FZRVcq9o3cTnAvjmRSpgqZvpRliMTrKZDPDIztvb8su/s320/20170611_200400.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sourdough! Erik's favorite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When Erik was in Boston and I was in Chicago my Mom came to watch the kids. Then we all went to the <b>zoo and Culvers. </b>It was a great day. The kids love going to the zoo with Nana.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDYppWwl_Gqy9zttxJftoBeBWLrbXjiA_nh1XjzSru2MxmIs5LiOH8DBWe7_v0SdlPIo_MEoujNNfLa2ObAwWSEddCAKwwK-DWQMlqnH23xwxzDA7XdktUvdLB7jMIs-LHxga/s1600/20170616_105205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDYppWwl_Gqy9zttxJftoBeBWLrbXjiA_nh1XjzSru2MxmIs5LiOH8DBWe7_v0SdlPIo_MEoujNNfLa2ObAwWSEddCAKwwK-DWQMlqnH23xwxzDA7XdktUvdLB7jMIs-LHxga/s320/20170616_105205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoo with Nana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> Matthew is 7.</b> I can't believe my youngest kid is 7! On Father's day we had pizza (Daddy and Matthew both like pizza) and on his <b>birthday </b>we had cheese quesadillas, corn on the cob, and orange cupcakes with orange frosting. Matthew also got some great gifts! He got a puppet, a GIANT light bulb, a track, some clothes, magnetic money, legos, sidewalk chalk, color wonder, a slip and slide and more! He was very happy with all his gifts. We also went swimming at the Dublin Rec Center to celebrate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tUvGMOagP1eC8ENaqeg_MkhyphenhyphenD0xUOrUs6Ue7lsTkgyCat4wDnVWoJejDcdvJCWBsgybkCGf932Y-cGB_fLXQL1ldvV-Wb6YIoH0Ob50JYB52OGBMmYEIhCYqDRINbnSgxxWX/s1600/20170616_135308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tUvGMOagP1eC8ENaqeg_MkhyphenhyphenD0xUOrUs6Ue7lsTkgyCat4wDnVWoJejDcdvJCWBsgybkCGf932Y-cGB_fLXQL1ldvV-Wb6YIoH0Ob50JYB52OGBMmYEIhCYqDRINbnSgxxWX/s320/20170616_135308.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew loves his gifts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzPEagmDwMBL393c1aUwmSD_VBEG4ckeNBP73t6n4UB-z1GPiKEiIaSZ_23SPVvECxNOfSw08aXmzbXnL5zxMjXGYSkInr_-naXkkcd9gNQuh0nxcKNL-MLSyG5Htnc2i20AP/s1600/20170620_180620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzPEagmDwMBL393c1aUwmSD_VBEG4ckeNBP73t6n4UB-z1GPiKEiIaSZ_23SPVvECxNOfSw08aXmzbXnL5zxMjXGYSkInr_-naXkkcd9gNQuh0nxcKNL-MLSyG5Htnc2i20AP/s320/20170620_180620.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's orange cupcake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other news:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>We went to <b>Origins </b>on Saturday June 17. We got to go to <b>True Dungeon</b> ran by Jon Cook, Mike Naglee, and Jen Naglee. It was great to see them and participate in TD. We also were put with a group of people who had done True Dungeon many times so we got a good score and some great loot! At Origins we played several family games too. We actually didn't buy any games this year!</li>
<li>The kids took the<b> Summer Enrichment Experience </b>through school. It was two weeks in the morning. Jenna and Sarah both took coding and Matthew took art. They seemed to really like it and Jenna and Sarah both worked on their scratch programs in the evening.</li>
<li>Our <b>washing machine broke.</b> Our dryer has broken a few times and we've always called the appliance repair people. Well both are bad. They are 11 years old so we had to buy new ones. Unfortunately our laundry room is small so we were very limited about what we could buy.</li>
<li>In addition to our washer and dryer that needs fixed, our <b>blue Explorer </b>is also very broken. Erik and Dave "fixed" the brakes but they didn't tighten everything enough and so it became very dangerous and Tuffy said the tire was about to fall off. Yipee! We are NOT doing the brakes ourselves anymore. No youtube videos! This is the second time we've had to bring it in because of these brakes!</li>
<li>Last weekend we camped in <b>Michigan</b>. More about that in a future post!</li>
<li>Devry has moved learning management systems. So next session I have 2 new courses with a new <b>LMS</b>. Yay! Also I have two more faculty I'm in charge of because they needed new managers and I'm good at responding. I'm not a fan of this. I feel like the better job you do the more work they give you!</li>
<li>I'm teaching Tuesday nights next session but only one night a week so it isn't that bad.</li>
<li>I have read almost the entire <b>Fever </b>series by <b>Karen Marie Moning.</b> I've been burning through Urban Fantasy lately. </li>
</ol>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-56533117679333843382017-06-17T00:32:00.002-04:002017-06-17T00:32:49.636-04:00uber summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
School is finally out and we are definitely in summer mode! Look at this adorable face - Matthew (missing his two front teeth) is obviously excited for summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdfJPrGvatML_0xCg6515OUGoZU7t3068n4xkBJ420nWZRgHOl4LCSVp64-4KrdGSXQEFnoOjAwBKLrm9nKVpxHEaSETQlyVlZowa4VZH53Q-9ohD7K9PRg9RGEty_ofAXTxw/s1600/20170511_171557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdfJPrGvatML_0xCg6515OUGoZU7t3068n4xkBJ420nWZRgHOl4LCSVp64-4KrdGSXQEFnoOjAwBKLrm9nKVpxHEaSETQlyVlZowa4VZH53Q-9ohD7K9PRg9RGEty_ofAXTxw/s320/20170511_171557.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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All third graders spend a day dressed as <b>pioneers </b>for <b>Pioneer Day</b>. This year I was on the planning committee and in charge of biscuit making, butter churning and lemonade. It was a LOT of work. I don't know that I want to be in charge of this when Matthew gets to this point. However the kids had a blast. It was a really fun day. They did tin punching, leather stamping, square dancing, candle making, made biscuits, butter, and lemonade, did chores, and so on. They lived as a pioneer and the kids loved it. Sarah really had a great time so I guess the stress was worth it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrN4CnaO7eNaRcm7o3OdwfEIaEvBxvbBG1E1xjgKrCf4xTsJi97Ef1QZdRZabarHltr8Af_QUATJQAFshPTVNQdc3ubMVobnPDLXtMNMXeQaiAtEELz_IO2HSdd8n6ebGu5vQ/s1600/20170518_095221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrN4CnaO7eNaRcm7o3OdwfEIaEvBxvbBG1E1xjgKrCf4xTsJi97Ef1QZdRZabarHltr8Af_QUATJQAFshPTVNQdc3ubMVobnPDLXtMNMXeQaiAtEELz_IO2HSdd8n6ebGu5vQ/s320/20170518_095221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah in a blue pioneer dress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_Qe5PEDwZAWsDU8gIrehis60FysjneqafIopBlo96AV8Gce3Ae2tOY2nQ1VaTVeVpiWyUzgheioZeCMrAx8Q0-pkjKnAy1-r4TWhpnkKJ9m6YY2-n7EMtcf7-Y3ZBRWxnQwk/s1600/20170518_103221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_Qe5PEDwZAWsDU8gIrehis60FysjneqafIopBlo96AV8Gce3Ae2tOY2nQ1VaTVeVpiWyUzgheioZeCMrAx8Q0-pkjKnAy1-r4TWhpnkKJ9m6YY2-n7EMtcf7-Y3ZBRWxnQwk/s320/20170518_103221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah square dancing</td></tr>
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We have had two fantastic <b>camping trips</b> with our new explorer. The car handles SO well and drives smoothly. I'm really happy we have it. The first trip we went to <b>Alum Creek State Park</b> and stayed in the G loop near the camper beach. The kids played in the sand for almost 8 hours while I read <b>Red Rising</b> by Pierce Brown. I have since read <b>Golden Son</b> and <b>Morning Star</b>. Those books were incredible. No wonder they won the science fiction goodreads award. I gave them 5 stars! Anyway, the kids had a great time.<br />
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Our second trip was to <b>Lazy River </b>with Matt and Sunshine and a new family we just met - the Bombas. The Bombas have 4 kids between 10 and 4 with only one girl (8). I assumed Sarah (9) would play with the girl but she struck up a friendship with the 10 year old boy over mutual pokemon fascination. We had a great time and the kids played on the new playground there. We are looking forward to more good camping trips this summer!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMvfrDBEdjUIzr-74CVt_KxrJsYeqM69AgTfwcfmD2_o3HkdMvQSPsCV-iwe82KSlKMLHGLzqTpKy_vHTLd5N3Q7temO36G6ksAFQgG4M_yYbzEfeEc7ul2-_XCpa7YlSAIRl/s1600/20170520_093605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMvfrDBEdjUIzr-74CVt_KxrJsYeqM69AgTfwcfmD2_o3HkdMvQSPsCV-iwe82KSlKMLHGLzqTpKy_vHTLd5N3Q7temO36G6ksAFQgG4M_yYbzEfeEc7ul2-_XCpa7YlSAIRl/s320/20170520_093605.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alum Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMujMdm9S9NiIbwm9CqslMqhVWITm60Sn08dHcz1xOw4a51r29i1u5YmMy58L5PGWOBMWEefe3S22tTG6hrDC1RhW3FWNUhjUhNtqd86o53ctwUO05A_ea_D_dyrW1u4sL1j2c/s1600/20170523_173426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMujMdm9S9NiIbwm9CqslMqhVWITm60Sn08dHcz1xOw4a51r29i1u5YmMy58L5PGWOBMWEefe3S22tTG6hrDC1RhW3FWNUhjUhNtqd86o53ctwUO05A_ea_D_dyrW1u4sL1j2c/s320/20170523_173426.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now these are some good oreos!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzazuH1TfVhrUOxHcfKi6M2LqWPKfndW9qWEZuVzydtO7RVMBPlwZ4AAX4ATjQmKpSfIkfZVTOdXFqjejNjpg7GEFRuafz-SqTr0MlKq7mBgHpozvn9LZGB2m6mYH2Vbe32IaD/s1600/20170527_111644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzazuH1TfVhrUOxHcfKi6M2LqWPKfndW9qWEZuVzydtO7RVMBPlwZ4AAX4ATjQmKpSfIkfZVTOdXFqjejNjpg7GEFRuafz-SqTr0MlKq7mBgHpozvn9LZGB2m6mYH2Vbe32IaD/s320/20170527_111644.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Park at Lazy River</td></tr>
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We bought a new<b> digital piano</b>. It seems to work well. I'm not a piano player so I can't tell but the kids seem to enjoy trying to play. We will expect to be better than Beethoven now that we have this fancy piano I got on ebay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTt8duUKZghGZqvvaZwL7vt2oMeHMJs2hNP8cC_xnkkYwIH4D18klM5e45pZQke-3fgCwtQOe5DioodC67Y6cxCiy1DRz9EznReUicNUxN46A70zu4N1DPd8C3FPxZHKAePZku/s1600/20170530_170716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTt8duUKZghGZqvvaZwL7vt2oMeHMJs2hNP8cC_xnkkYwIH4D18klM5e45pZQke-3fgCwtQOe5DioodC67Y6cxCiy1DRz9EznReUicNUxN46A70zu4N1DPd8C3FPxZHKAePZku/s320/20170530_170716.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">digital piano</td></tr>
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On the first day of summer break I took the kids to <b>McDonalds </b>for breakfast. For some reason this is a huge treat for them. We never go to McDonalds for breakfast so they were so excited to have microwaved pancakes and rubbery sausage. Yum!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem2jdrFLFlxTMJj-OwMLLRSqz1dr7s0QusSnRQuoRQvlgj8mujV0iEjIDCDn051O1ZW4iz2uRCFmmP_qtkxyuSK8nyBpLPyKTsz_CuAUgGO9Dj96rQCuDbH44ebf_YMwDoimu/s1600/20170531_094350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem2jdrFLFlxTMJj-OwMLLRSqz1dr7s0QusSnRQuoRQvlgj8mujV0iEjIDCDn051O1ZW4iz2uRCFmmP_qtkxyuSK8nyBpLPyKTsz_CuAUgGO9Dj96rQCuDbH44ebf_YMwDoimu/s320/20170531_094350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McDonalds for breakfast!</td></tr>
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In other news:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Erik traveled for 2 weeks recently for his<b> new job</b>. I'm hoping he will like his new role and it will not be too stressful. Also I hope this new job will come with some job security!</li>
<li>My paper was accepted to <b>IEEE Frontiers in Education in October</b>. I'll be presenting and I'm excited about it! I've also been talking with a faculty in North Carolina about some collaborative research. I'm hoping it will move forward.</li>
<li>We went to <b>Mammoth Cave</b> (pics in next post) and had an amazing time. I'm hoping to do the wild cave tour with Erik sometime. </li>
<li>I was flown out to <b>Chicago </b>to do an interview on <b>cybersecurity and the internet of things.</b> I hope it went well. I was nervous the entire time - of course there were bright lights and a ton of people in the film crew. They will be putting videos of me on social media now. Yikes! </li>
<li>I took an <b>uber</b> from the airport to the Devry campus and back. It was fun to take my first uber ;). </li>
</ol>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-11437517752524246282017-05-09T22:44:00.000-04:002017-05-09T22:44:10.059-04:00I don't need gasoline to run my car, I'll use scotch instead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My jam business is really taking off! I have an order for 35 jars of <b>apple jam</b>. I tried a few different recipes to find one I liked the best. The one I liked the best was the one I came up with myself. So that gives me joy. Now that the Powell Village Winery has partnered with me to make blackberry merlot jam it is getting busy. Plus I need to ramp up for craft show season. I am thinking of replacing one of my normal jams with the apple jam. It's pretty good and not too sweet since I make it with granny smith apples and put 2 tsp of cinnamon in the batch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbLLQrycAYRsD-uXOo80iLQEJcRsB-zs4BXE7KV9ASysabxhvMnEiQ4a_7Nb_yXN1FQtwThFuMTkIja1B0ESerknPe0-8bMX_yvw_PTDLA3SeWygEWejRxaTyVnEo5iTBlquE/s1600/20170425_142128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbLLQrycAYRsD-uXOo80iLQEJcRsB-zs4BXE7KV9ASysabxhvMnEiQ4a_7Nb_yXN1FQtwThFuMTkIja1B0ESerknPe0-8bMX_yvw_PTDLA3SeWygEWejRxaTyVnEo5iTBlquE/s320/20170425_142128.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy apple jam</td></tr>
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I love to try new recipes. This can be good or it can backfire. Pretty much once a week I make some new recipe I find on pinterest. I made <b>blackberry basil ricotta cheese pizz</b>a. This pizza was on pinterest and I thought it would be awesome. It was something. Not awesome.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAiONarvp45BzVsjpSkb2CTUOPrk7nevCDi6frca5lOU77NyRbuCrq9RoGCC9KN2BZafVUS83CipmlteK9zM6l0FBoncdJdmzrIunftfM6r588I22y8TO2J-hC0rYbEv6H0at/s1600/20170426_173013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAiONarvp45BzVsjpSkb2CTUOPrk7nevCDi6frca5lOU77NyRbuCrq9RoGCC9KN2BZafVUS83CipmlteK9zM6l0FBoncdJdmzrIunftfM6r588I22y8TO2J-hC0rYbEv6H0at/s320/20170426_173013.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackberry basil pizza looks better than it tastes</td></tr>
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May is always very busy with concerts, activities, end of year plans, writing workshop, enrichment day, pioneer day, field day, etc, etc, etc. I'm just crazy enough to add to the craziness!<br />
Two weeks ago my co-leader and I for Sarah's troop took the troop to the <b>zoo for an overnight.</b> It was actually really well done. Sarah was picked to start the festivities. We got to tour the zoo in the evening when it was just us there and took a hike around in the morning by ourselves. They kept the girls busy until 11pm at night. Then wolves were howling all night so it was an interesting time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4LUWL81CwbjyO5anr_N04Cc6WGZr8AryTWTBz3fXBb7PyU5lbLEEr3LYRn2iLqc3N_4x3sMKZlLE_SaY4pomYbR0TsjwcAC34-S5smKWKSwHMbZoaMsrNTXbyOE4QoQWVRVv/s1600/20170429_184435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4LUWL81CwbjyO5anr_N04Cc6WGZr8AryTWTBz3fXBb7PyU5lbLEEr3LYRn2iLqc3N_4x3sMKZlLE_SaY4pomYbR0TsjwcAC34-S5smKWKSwHMbZoaMsrNTXbyOE4QoQWVRVv/s320/20170429_184435.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah at the zoo overnighter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7MK5sTEQKnu21RpMfsP7v5nTZ7EuklzqGeZbyB9wMbXzPEEXY7uPyoE3fH07FhmihN-3XLs-QoZpUXFzAuaOlQ6p5f-5fVvpRauHAUSEkPkpViEdHkhMLfuUlT1g4-xUTva4/s1600/20170503_115111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7MK5sTEQKnu21RpMfsP7v5nTZ7EuklzqGeZbyB9wMbXzPEEXY7uPyoE3fH07FhmihN-3XLs-QoZpUXFzAuaOlQ6p5f-5fVvpRauHAUSEkPkpViEdHkhMLfuUlT1g4-xUTva4/s320/20170503_115111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's class hatched baby chicks</td></tr>
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This past weekend <b>Dave</b> was here for a conference. <b>Jon and Michelle </b>also came by and brought scotch. Jon is a big scotch fan and brought fancy scotch for everyone to try. Duane came over to sample the scotch as well. He brought 3 types: <b>glenmorangie, ardbeg 10, and ardbeg uigeadail.</b> The first type I tried and thought it was the worst food product I consumed in my entire life. It was worse than drinking kerosene. However I was wrong. The second product ardbeg 10 was even worse. I thought nothing could be worse than this. It was the most horrible thing I've ever consumed. I was wrong again. Ardbeg uigeadail was worse than drinking Satan's snot. For some unknown reason, everyone else seemed to like these "drinks". No thank you...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZ05Xe8GrmJTxVrURDjgIY5jmBIaEAW2XmcgrwJVD9T0hl-BzLo0fwGL0cl5HBfPDJV-8S7AZXK3ZvM71QHabApsegEjqH2DIJLJzK8wnGEHDJ4tXMw__NeKoEA-tiPr7AbAb/s1600/20170505_223917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZ05Xe8GrmJTxVrURDjgIY5jmBIaEAW2XmcgrwJVD9T0hl-BzLo0fwGL0cl5HBfPDJV-8S7AZXK3ZvM71QHabApsegEjqH2DIJLJzK8wnGEHDJ4tXMw__NeKoEA-tiPr7AbAb/s320/20170505_223917.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking scotch for the first and last time (for me!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCakGa-F2Fg_dz1zNuRd1NyRyqBXlcG5_jm1ZcShHY_SVRH6iD3TxqizfV_RAwFXNJQLmRjIa_TH0Ixqoyooep7D6bxZz2x_tEZNhkp63hJPjZO_bCn_dITpJgHcZPVgkjO-G/s1600/20170509_143151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCakGa-F2Fg_dz1zNuRd1NyRyqBXlcG5_jm1ZcShHY_SVRH6iD3TxqizfV_RAwFXNJQLmRjIa_TH0Ixqoyooep7D6bxZz2x_tEZNhkp63hJPjZO_bCn_dITpJgHcZPVgkjO-G/s320/20170509_143151.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's kindergarten concert. He is in the back in a blue shirt</td></tr>
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Because I love to add to the craziness - last weekend I coordinated a trip of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from our church on an overnight trip to <b>Skyview Ranch</b>. There were 12 kids and 3 adults. It was actually an amazing time and the kids really loved it. I'm planning on doing this every year because I think it is a great ministry and I believe in building up the faith of middle schoolers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ieaTLMGTVRAfwWlrEgbm9ecu77Fqtba6NGMowankAeDD3Dc9GIu3FxuzZXWI9Kk61bAFZUOd09cWMe4751eE52ja_yExbsK0KSUDoQ-Q0Nfzd1hae_eLRjV_ac_i4DAEVmKr/s1600/20170506_175342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ieaTLMGTVRAfwWlrEgbm9ecu77Fqtba6NGMowankAeDD3Dc9GIu3FxuzZXWI9Kk61bAFZUOd09cWMe4751eE52ja_yExbsK0KSUDoQ-Q0Nfzd1hae_eLRjV_ac_i4DAEVmKr/s320/20170506_175342.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">club456 overnighter</td></tr>
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In other news:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I loved the book <b>Ready Player One. </b>Anyone who grew up in the 80s and played video games would love it.</li>
<li>After the book I finished last night I have currently read all books by Ilona Andrews. I need some new authors to read.</li>
<li>I went to Stir Trek last Friday. It is a technology conference and I loved it! I met some great people and learned some new tips and tricks with C#. </li>
<li>Every minute of the next two weeks is booked. I'm in charge of <b>Pioneer Day</b> for the third grade at our school, I have a conference next week and various other things. It's all good and fun things though so I'm hoping it will go by fast. Then it will be summer where we can relax!</li>
<li>This weekend I want to plant our garden. I'm not planting zucchini this year. Every year the squash beetle has eaten it. So take that squash beetle! No zucchini for you!</li>
</ul>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-44665612331596353322017-04-19T22:38:00.000-04:002017-04-19T22:38:28.389-04:00Spring game surprises!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The scent of lilac as I walk the kids to school is one of the greatest things about spring. Kroger always has managers special flowers for sale and lately they have had <b>stargazer lillies.</b> They are SO beautiful and smell SO good. Unfortunately Jenna may be allergic to them because she has had a stuffy nose lately. Although there is ragweed and pollen everywhere so that might be it too. Who knows? </div>
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Erik and I went on a date to <a href="https://lechocoholique.com/">Le Chocolique</a>. Yum! We got this delicious chocolate decadent cake and devoured the entire thing! Then we went pokemon hunting to work off all that cake!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiid2l84llhdTuuXYrsrlltP0wXyQPsjI2GWpfzlVsuOPYzzsGTNXDLTFYVCMG7wJr8age5QcM3n2qDG6HgeoUejW-iKZ3gOdb8qVSxsManvXso55OH_ssAmuV9F3BcTL2FamQ/s1600/20170323_192642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiid2l84llhdTuuXYrsrlltP0wXyQPsjI2GWpfzlVsuOPYzzsGTNXDLTFYVCMG7wJr8age5QcM3n2qDG6HgeoUejW-iKZ3gOdb8qVSxsManvXso55OH_ssAmuV9F3BcTL2FamQ/s320/20170323_192642.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Now that the weather is nicer we have started walking home from school (and today we walked to school). If it is nice in the morning we walk to school as well. Matthew and Audrey (the neighbor across the street) always run on ahead and Sarah and Alex (her brother) walk together talking about pokemon. Then Jacob walks with me talking about baseball. This morning I walked with 6 kids to school. I felt like a walking school bus!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aUuKDOWvG3g841b5v8JT8bFdWd3s0KzTw0cQxUkli-ARDVkeLpCizAEVaZfvaj3D01_Leb48KNuUspmzBTdHEMdWVIugfQnApxUBQvFaWKq1Pc5QY4Dm0s3TxxCgKl4YgXUT/s1600/20170330_154728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aUuKDOWvG3g841b5v8JT8bFdWd3s0KzTw0cQxUkli-ARDVkeLpCizAEVaZfvaj3D01_Leb48KNuUspmzBTdHEMdWVIugfQnApxUBQvFaWKq1Pc5QY4Dm0s3TxxCgKl4YgXUT/s320/20170330_154728.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking home...</td></tr>
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Jenna's middle school <b>winterline </b>competition was a few weeks ago. Surprisingly her group won second place. That is the highest they have ever placed. I pointed out Jenna in the color guard below. She did fantastic and the entire guard was in sync. They looked great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI89Kxt8Wx_CUkj8rP9Uncxfdz0IcZ-ta7nnzHdztvmG28HQ_z1Udz1bQJZ-vwltyOOoBv6WTl_YTBhvvfNMS6Ev1NJ2o-BRCt8-7iKvFFbJXiHpN1VIlLzwHROs6-zTeRVOmL/s1600/20170402_114205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI89Kxt8Wx_CUkj8rP9Uncxfdz0IcZ-ta7nnzHdztvmG28HQ_z1Udz1bQJZ-vwltyOOoBv6WTl_YTBhvvfNMS6Ev1NJ2o-BRCt8-7iKvFFbJXiHpN1VIlLzwHROs6-zTeRVOmL/s320/20170402_114205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">color guard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KUOY_6OAMbyBF20c4xGMhpoHRFdKT1sLKCH07kvahrlMTS8Iap88mCrAx4Dwovy6G0mvlthTiic0ilZTWQ_RA_H87w5Ce1RYBlUbtLifAIXLvbQtTi1vvfG6tpstlEcyImoN/s1600/20170402_172209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KUOY_6OAMbyBF20c4xGMhpoHRFdKT1sLKCH07kvahrlMTS8Iap88mCrAx4Dwovy6G0mvlthTiic0ilZTWQ_RA_H87w5Ce1RYBlUbtLifAIXLvbQtTi1vvfG6tpstlEcyImoN/s320/20170402_172209.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">entire group</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94z-igmaB0FEjqIZ-PIWYGBN2GMKsuXtjSW44X10hWM1zXgF0BALFeUctitBz6jQf2FER-FCamKQLCxPhyphenhyphenkt1eRT9dEyEFb_EHQ7K5SmwJkXxO8wKwIjPe8Hr40PzeyIAA1LV/s1600/20170403_182131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94z-igmaB0FEjqIZ-PIWYGBN2GMKsuXtjSW44X10hWM1zXgF0BALFeUctitBz6jQf2FER-FCamKQLCxPhyphenhyphenkt1eRT9dEyEFb_EHQ7K5SmwJkXxO8wKwIjPe8Hr40PzeyIAA1LV/s320/20170403_182131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coloring Easter Eggs</td></tr>
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Now that we are all blue belts in <b>tae kwon do</b>, we all have armor, nunchucks, and boards to break. My favorite is nunchucks. I really want nunchuck skills. We are also learning forms which is like a tae kwon do dance (yay! zumba in tae kwon do). We've stepped up our game now. Don't mess with us!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlq_5R5qYJjrqKZNPTHe4vHXyCqyQcf43e8jzugrVTFjDV-W5H9MIq6ePVeWBelJB0X1QvBINlsDt7jXUM5I-mO3vQTUhlDgXTwpKElI9Qz3oV4w9VD-JmF7VMejOXnjoOOcn/s1600/20170406_185449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlq_5R5qYJjrqKZNPTHe4vHXyCqyQcf43e8jzugrVTFjDV-W5H9MIq6ePVeWBelJB0X1QvBINlsDt7jXUM5I-mO3vQTUhlDgXTwpKElI9Qz3oV4w9VD-JmF7VMejOXnjoOOcn/s320/20170406_185449.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew (in red) fighting Carter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQb0MsNHc49EginLhRgMkNOTYFJ8kBO_1WN0lij8_qTU6d3B5W4jvaVaBXPgeA6IBSLLBJHXEfpybNG1PxvSqtYW9FuJysxz5YS3BkUCT4gPtMPQJdsIzCKIKsXHJx9-LV86Z/s1600/20170406_195035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQb0MsNHc49EginLhRgMkNOTYFJ8kBO_1WN0lij8_qTU6d3B5W4jvaVaBXPgeA6IBSLLBJHXEfpybNG1PxvSqtYW9FuJysxz5YS3BkUCT4gPtMPQJdsIzCKIKsXHJx9-LV86Z/s320/20170406_195035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik fighting Morgan (a brown belt!)</td></tr>
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I have the MOST wonderful husband in the world! Out of the blue he bought me lids for my tupperware. Say WHAT??? Yes! He is incredible and I don't deserve that kind of unselfish love. He just recognized my need to have my leftover food covered by lids that were not broken or missing or thrown in the trash accidentally by children. How amazing! This act along has put him in the <b>husband hall of fame.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgminfvavkScnhIEe8dDvBOmL4MzORQKg-6o2pdf2Pv1Z5wj8w5BMNvv40JO0yUtM7QMSkb2FUB-xBvYXAmL3iPqzE8mJ_gtWeSJIvRoXMmsDiOwHryyMMLltYRZTIhil23mID-/s1600/20170413_120457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgminfvavkScnhIEe8dDvBOmL4MzORQKg-6o2pdf2Pv1Z5wj8w5BMNvv40JO0yUtM7QMSkb2FUB-xBvYXAmL3iPqzE8mJ_gtWeSJIvRoXMmsDiOwHryyMMLltYRZTIhil23mID-/s320/20170413_120457.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LIDS OMG!</td></tr>
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On Saturday we took the kids and Lauren to the <b>spring game.</b> It was their first time in the stadium and our first time to spend $26 on lemonade and kettle corn. The spring game is only $5 a ticket which is considerably cheaper than regular season games. We got there early and had pretty good seats. The kids loved the band (as they should!). The best thing about the band was that there were saxophones in it. I didn't realize the spring band had saxophones. Jenna was excited about that. In the middle of the game an announcer said, look under your seat for a gift from Bob Evans. It is a huge stadium. I have seen things like this before. I don't think I've ever been around someone who won. So imagine my surprise when I read under my seat. I have a $20 gift card to Bob Evans. Oh yeah (cue dancing music). Go Gina...it's your birthday.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWjizBjQ5Ci3tKJHzx0gUnNFEcKpyM8ktdSJVgn6EQ7HxEfNkQmKEZC36WteplnXQ_Y1-bLyCKmEAhJ3axRExVnWb9GXH-9ew5PBnUzwkAmOJGQl4YH-PA6DY_FWXupELlmql/s1600/20170415_114931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWjizBjQ5Ci3tKJHzx0gUnNFEcKpyM8ktdSJVgn6EQ7HxEfNkQmKEZC36WteplnXQ_Y1-bLyCKmEAhJ3axRExVnWb9GXH-9ew5PBnUzwkAmOJGQl4YH-PA6DY_FWXupELlmql/s320/20170415_114931.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our seats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTBBiPzMsTBOa6ewORUpLme_2Yk26ABRRdX1AdcxD9Tb1OBwUFobEsKsge4tpJ4uvvGK1d-qwyIlmKHdpjGd6USIA43AYGtwxU2pg3xLu9pNXOzgpJVNYBrIiN_rISTFU-6Zb/s1600/20170415_115014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTBBiPzMsTBOa6ewORUpLme_2Yk26ABRRdX1AdcxD9Tb1OBwUFobEsKsge4tpJ4uvvGK1d-qwyIlmKHdpjGd6USIA43AYGtwxU2pg3xLu9pNXOzgpJVNYBrIiN_rISTFU-6Zb/s320/20170415_115014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah is not as thrilled to go to the game</td></tr>
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Matthew and I went to the <b>Mother Son dance</b> and had a great time. He loves music and was dancing the whole time. He wasn't a huge fan of the electric slide but other than that, he loved dancing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPr35ugLHMo0L0DRX6SedHifCXQaSI5pGtZzXMd8KsNbt_zXj1apg4pQj8SbSVPSnpLK5H49S7rA53Hg1EVmWvOcf9M-s5KJaWPrQ5OfoO1KyInaExZMvkNbvn7XHSrO_ry-K/s1600/DSC_2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPr35ugLHMo0L0DRX6SedHifCXQaSI5pGtZzXMd8KsNbt_zXj1apg4pQj8SbSVPSnpLK5H49S7rA53Hg1EVmWvOcf9M-s5KJaWPrQ5OfoO1KyInaExZMvkNbvn7XHSrO_ry-K/s320/DSC_2401.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>Easter was fantastic! In the morning we went to church, had Easter brunch there and an Easter egg hunt, then drove to my parents for Easter dinner. It was great to see family. This year for lent I gave up coffee, Jenna gave up chocolate, and Sarah gave up butter. It was hard but we all did it! I think Lent is a great spiritual discipline that more churches should incorporate. Jesus fasted all the time but the American church rarely talks about it or fasts from anything. We are gluttons I tell you!</li>
<li> I took the kids to <b>Stations of the Cross</b> at St. Joan of Arc. All kids did really well which is what I was hoping for!</li>
<li>Dave and Missy came to our house for their anniversary. Because where else would you go??? We went to <b>COSI and the zoo</b>. Missy enjoys planetariums so we went to the planetarium at COSI. They came to church with us and we watched a movie in the basement. It was such a great time! </li>
<li>Jenna has had a <b>quarter </b>collection for a long time. Sarah recently started collecting <b>pennies </b>and then Matthew wanted to collect pennies as well. This caused arguments so we encouraged Matthew to collect <b>nickels</b>. So the kids now have coin collections. I'm not sure how long this will last but it has been fun so far. </li>
<li>I just finished <b>Dark Matter</b> by Blake Crouch. It won second place in the goodreads award for science fiction. I loved it! So many twists and turns - I did not guess what would happen next. I'm on the list for the first place book but haven't gotten it yet. Yes, I have read all the teen fantasy and science fiction. Don't judge!</li>
<li>I'm reading an <b>apologetics Bible</b> that I ordered from amazon (I love amazon!). It has some good answers to pressing questions and some lame ones. But I'm enjoying it.</li>
<li>Since I have read all of Ilona Andrew's books I'm exploring some new authors. I've picked up some Mercedes Lackey books and Marie Lu. Hopefully they will be good. </li>
</ol>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-82676838115801209272017-03-23T13:47:00.000-04:002017-03-23T13:47:12.212-04:00Butterflies Everywhere!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKh2Nkd92HQzIEhSVOsLmoKpUbhqImx9Ym8MNneJzbXp15eEoNtTqwrAphd2sJaxerO-vJXGmDQOfC1hak5HiM0qiaV4JcTf6WZ9C2zrWf74_3qJ0hSl7Q7Pw1dNwPXfilt-q/s1600/20170314_171259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKh2Nkd92HQzIEhSVOsLmoKpUbhqImx9Ym8MNneJzbXp15eEoNtTqwrAphd2sJaxerO-vJXGmDQOfC1hak5HiM0qiaV4JcTf6WZ9C2zrWf74_3qJ0hSl7Q7Pw1dNwPXfilt-q/s320/20170314_171259.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackberry pie and raspberry pi</td></tr>
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We celebrated <b>pi day</b> by having pizza and blackberry pie for dinner. I snapped a picture of my blackberry pie along with my raspberry pi B model because they are both pis! Although I only have the pi 2 and apparently there is onboard wifi with the pi 3. I also (in my copious spare time) want to build a retro pi gaming console. I have NO free time now. I'm a manager of 10 faculty and have to do all their reviews and answer all their questions. It's like real work! I'll get to the retro pi though - that is the fun stuff!</div>
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Erik took me on a surprise date to see<b> Bon Jovi</b>! Even after 20 something years I knew all the words to his songs - the oldies, not the ones from the new album. He rocked it! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zyp4bIRnycYL70fActD7sWAtpBYKHbz29IxWQs0VSfUu0VDUsuKS8Ul_tiLTA8enJ2SViljm1Q5VBt9wornAkwXFUXXLq6FiSiixT1tBBJVYvVUw0wQ0osUK1dZrM6GI1QLu/s1600/20170318_203251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zyp4bIRnycYL70fActD7sWAtpBYKHbz29IxWQs0VSfUu0VDUsuKS8Ul_tiLTA8enJ2SViljm1Q5VBt9wornAkwXFUXXLq6FiSiixT1tBBJVYvVUw0wQ0osUK1dZrM6GI1QLu/s320/20170318_203251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bon Jovi</td></tr>
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This week is <b>spring break</b> for the kids. I've almost lost my mind though. On day 3 I yelled at them to get off their lazy butts and clean the house #momfail. Yes - not my best mom moment. On Tuesday we went to the <b>Franklin Park Conservatory.</b> At first it was just a bunch of plants and flowers and I was worried my kids wouldn't care. When we went to the butterfly exhibit they loved it!! Butterflies were flying everywhere and each kid got to hold a butterfly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3T4-Ah2vXSdEE5zQgbLqTvCE5NIdcYU_yiVFbyhCZ24E5WKPCqphvyLgOfcZskDtYYZw354dRDylZe8ZN2W45XW2aNQYwr32PZa1KvSLdRvicONmZCLeMjjneoX__iwgvCGd/s1600/20170321_125929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3T4-Ah2vXSdEE5zQgbLqTvCE5NIdcYU_yiVFbyhCZ24E5WKPCqphvyLgOfcZskDtYYZw354dRDylZe8ZN2W45XW2aNQYwr32PZa1KvSLdRvicONmZCLeMjjneoX__iwgvCGd/s320/20170321_125929.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kids in the tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvpgU4doKeHtzFBcu3VgV3Cj8Yg7mRWpIsAxGbSJflwoo3WYJvekEDJIGzmO_NEm_NzkrNADj4VQmQwqEAps1qRD6rSiiuKM66pKRVz_CTo0wk6O5uVTEVK-KovrjcErUs8Gt/s1600/20170321_141013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvpgU4doKeHtzFBcu3VgV3Cj8Yg7mRWpIsAxGbSJflwoo3WYJvekEDJIGzmO_NEm_NzkrNADj4VQmQwqEAps1qRD6rSiiuKM66pKRVz_CTo0wk6O5uVTEVK-KovrjcErUs8Gt/s320/20170321_141013.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew next to his favorite sculpture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv82xE7BXozyYJVkNxrjMsUscfIAGG9kfLhfHgt0hOVIjTLexxeZjpjHmr4WpupNLCgFWVtdrbTFOfN_ap9BrSrp8bJPpI1MmspVUW39rJf5uVz_xnVDUwvWyvQnfa1prLoFWP/s1600/20170321_141855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv82xE7BXozyYJVkNxrjMsUscfIAGG9kfLhfHgt0hOVIjTLexxeZjpjHmr4WpupNLCgFWVtdrbTFOfN_ap9BrSrp8bJPpI1MmspVUW39rJf5uVz_xnVDUwvWyvQnfa1prLoFWP/s320/20170321_141855.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my favorite butterfly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5zOSDdKDjJxfmmuFPjWnpmKiARit4ZF8F-pE3X-E12aSM_Hk6sTN1QlK-s4Up5Pk06lSOXx6bnYTFn8TuHypzBp-bUWki1gSHg0eHWe3t2zE1TO0KZ66kFS9IbhxlJD4YRAu/s1600/20170321_143027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5zOSDdKDjJxfmmuFPjWnpmKiARit4ZF8F-pE3X-E12aSM_Hk6sTN1QlK-s4Up5Pk06lSOXx6bnYTFn8TuHypzBp-bUWki1gSHg0eHWe3t2zE1TO0KZ66kFS9IbhxlJD4YRAu/s320/20170321_143027.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah with a butterfly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvJPKV0kzvl34cYrfBMRE45juom9PLz5jQKJpA5IxVZH3nb-Cw74KDUB8XGqN460H4jReZFd9LLnGg3gSxAq9gxr2vuHL2uMKc2tLiRKgiCSmLECS5WZqUn6eE1xqb1PE_-_W/s1600/20170321_143818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvJPKV0kzvl34cYrfBMRE45juom9PLz5jQKJpA5IxVZH3nb-Cw74KDUB8XGqN460H4jReZFd9LLnGg3gSxAq9gxr2vuHL2uMKc2tLiRKgiCSmLECS5WZqUn6eE1xqb1PE_-_W/s320/20170321_143818.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna's butterfly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfKY6IA4IEbfO-6QtqpH5dsI-vO1hJV4I1w4ysQ-_wk6kWgnzu8dVcN6CJKcEwCbk1-yZQR-wCmoWSWA0Qlema6PF0JTRLpcV3FPUfa7DEp8bargyQvAu3W4G0oSlQGL1-xGJ/s1600/20170321_144317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfKY6IA4IEbfO-6QtqpH5dsI-vO1hJV4I1w4ysQ-_wk6kWgnzu8dVcN6CJKcEwCbk1-yZQR-wCmoWSWA0Qlema6PF0JTRLpcV3FPUfa7DEp8bargyQvAu3W4G0oSlQGL1-xGJ/s320/20170321_144317.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew actually does have a butterfly on his finger</td></tr>
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My Mom and Dad have saved me the rest of this spring break. They are watching the kids Thur - Sat. I'm not sure why I was more stressed this week than normally. With the kids home, making dinner for We Are cherished at church (I do this every 3 weeks), and the piles of work I have it's been crazy.<br />
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In other news:<br />
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<ol>
<li>I've been reading a lot about the Nephilim lately. I became interested in the Nephilim after reading the <b>Mortal Instruments</b> a few years ago. Now I'm reading the <b>Book of Enoch</b> which is a book considered canon by the Ethiopian Christian church which I found interesting. It contains some good information.</li>
<li>I'm also reading <b>A Court of Mist and Fury</b> which is the second book in this series after a <b>Court of Thorn and Roses</b> by Sarah Maas. Jenna can NOT read these books. They are quick, mindless reads but not suitable for a 12 year old. Although Jenna read the entire mistborn trilogy so I'm not sure there's something she shouldn't read.</li>
<li>The <b>Edge </b>series by Ilona Andrews just came in from the library for me so that's another series I'll be starting soon. I finished the <b>Clean Sweep</b> series (there are 3 in that series) and let Jenna read them. We both really liked those books.</li>
<li>Jenna had several Barnes and Noble gift cards and spent all of her money on 5 books. We went on Monday to buy books. She has ALREADY read all of them!</li>
<li>Our Cooper book club is reading <b>the Blade Itself</b>. It is OK but I haven't gotten into it. I need to step up my game though. I can't have Joel outreading me.</li>
<li>Every day Erik and I play <b>Castles of Burgundy</b>. I have won 30 games and he has won 72 which is not a great percentage. I need to step up my game in Castles of Burgundy too!</li>
</ol>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-5470719761434910912017-03-11T19:02:00.000-05:002017-03-11T19:02:07.068-05:00Erik knows the answers to everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>It's amazing what 12 years will do!</b> This same chair held Jenna and Nicholas when they were very little. One pic was taken March 2005 and the other pic was taken February of 2017. Now they don't even fit on the chair together ;)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddie and Sarah fit!</td></tr>
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<b> Erik turned 42. </b>That is the answer to everything. Of course who knows what the question is? But now Erik has all the answers. He wore the black belt at tae kwon do for his birthday. When we first started tae kwon do he could barely kick. Now his flexibility has improved so much. He can kick pretty high and is much better at stretching. It has really been good for him!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AAnK9STWXaJ9mLoF1LcjdEBGcx4GJx-JCR41pKPr3QKmn4Pb8FBNDOR0dwjppWB-lv1UEbCa_OjcnQZc1ptYtzb6Ucs9gn6oZyPIBz3H73DiUOYbwX27GhoOB7c0PX1r6L6u/s1600/20170223_193238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AAnK9STWXaJ9mLoF1LcjdEBGcx4GJx-JCR41pKPr3QKmn4Pb8FBNDOR0dwjppWB-lv1UEbCa_OjcnQZc1ptYtzb6Ucs9gn6oZyPIBz3H73DiUOYbwX27GhoOB7c0PX1r6L6u/s320/20170223_193238.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik as a black belt</td></tr>
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For Erik's birthday dinner he wanted <b>chimichangas</b> topped with fresh guacamole and chili con queso. Inside the chimichanga was beef, black beans, cheese, and cilantro lime rice. I also made honey wheat bread but since he ate so much chimichanga he didn't have room for the bread.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQkimGv9hL5X56OLtyJYvMleQzf4TUfn6FQJAD045khNIkiEEPvBnbJRBmkGBlPu2HvyIRv6Q98CSi3LeXKbHGaHwuT0WZr2mDNTnmTJO_Eb7Xhj7hacZmJ8vpFmCzQOmUH1g/s1600/20170227_174747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQkimGv9hL5X56OLtyJYvMleQzf4TUfn6FQJAD045khNIkiEEPvBnbJRBmkGBlPu2HvyIRv6Q98CSi3LeXKbHGaHwuT0WZr2mDNTnmTJO_Eb7Xhj7hacZmJ8vpFmCzQOmUH1g/s320/20170227_174747.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday dinner</td></tr>
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Instead of a cake Erik opted for a <b>french silk pie.</b> This pie was delectable if I do say so myself. I made the pie (using pasteurized eggs) and homemade raspberry chocolate whip cream using the raspberry jam I can. Yum!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyxtDJ_Y7_VJKGhe12Msq5mtIs3e1fk_RrcPFgtVzJSdLHNbFkvTpN-3o2y9XHL1mdquGWsoSYLIIgHDZ_unXdThMRG9ROZQQoKJy6Vy3bT72zQqxBZbPEhPGlfvuUbiipvJi/s1600/20170227_180923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyxtDJ_Y7_VJKGhe12Msq5mtIs3e1fk_RrcPFgtVzJSdLHNbFkvTpN-3o2y9XHL1mdquGWsoSYLIIgHDZ_unXdThMRG9ROZQQoKJy6Vy3bT72zQqxBZbPEhPGlfvuUbiipvJi/s320/20170227_180923.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday dessert</td></tr>
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For Erik's birthday I got him the expansion to <b>Settlers of Catan </b>so we can play it 5 player (Matthew can play too).. Jenna got him bacon and made him a very cute card. Sarah got him granola and made him a robot out of shoeboxes, and Matthew got Daddy a light bulb (of course!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfUpew4_hygjWc7FoHVLIgVkXvwMV3AK_DAw-dUDm5gnv_kVmS5jiPBFrXLffG6hHUPWEOOT_zuW7rWcYTqJPOYnq50lyqvwHF0SfbOxc3l_S-yxMLivm7JW5gZxMs13K9K1U/s1600/20170227_183118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfUpew4_hygjWc7FoHVLIgVkXvwMV3AK_DAw-dUDm5gnv_kVmS5jiPBFrXLffG6hHUPWEOOT_zuW7rWcYTqJPOYnq50lyqvwHF0SfbOxc3l_S-yxMLivm7JW5gZxMs13K9K1U/s320/20170227_183118.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">google - world's best dad and inside is....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHtf5bX7B5GemfoINL_Tw_oh9r0NVsFA3LTkPCDNr6REl3_Kqmq0oeYlEL_AN3DP8W9Jlzuvsvriu2KBGsMNSrQgLpYkOSa3b-_WyXu2RBpgBTbDhdYeSMYqTejCi-c09_zFM/s1600/20170227_183138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHtf5bX7B5GemfoINL_Tw_oh9r0NVsFA3LTkPCDNr6REl3_Kqmq0oeYlEL_AN3DP8W9Jlzuvsvriu2KBGsMNSrQgLpYkOSa3b-_WyXu2RBpgBTbDhdYeSMYqTejCi-c09_zFM/s320/20170227_183138.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">robot gift</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimj_cSdTPEdcTs4j2snFku7AvHM92LblAO97RSFzuEN-O3oZm-xxoDHDMr8F4ykT8ILLdw_38_PabK_AqC3Wzau6LJ0GOsSSz44RZBO5AOmM63tCh8kBeWatYRWLz-kRrNJFq2/s1600/20170227_183717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimj_cSdTPEdcTs4j2snFku7AvHM92LblAO97RSFzuEN-O3oZm-xxoDHDMr8F4ykT8ILLdw_38_PabK_AqC3Wzau6LJ0GOsSSz44RZBO5AOmM63tCh8kBeWatYRWLz-kRrNJFq2/s320/20170227_183717.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik's light bulb</td></tr>
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My workout schedule is thus: Tuesday - heart and soul (45 minutes workout 15 minutes Bible study - seriously I love the women in this Bible study!! I feel like I can relate to them so well), Wednesday - spinning, Thursday - zumba toning and tae kwon do in the evening, Friday - body combat and zumba with Lindsay!, Saturday - yoga.</div>
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My FAVORITE day of the week is <b>Friday</b> because <b>I love Lindsay's zumba class</b>. I look forward to it all week. I leave there dripping in sweat and just love it! Well she is moving to California. This is awful. I might move with her. All my favorite zumba teachers are leaving. First Tera now Lindsay. Now what will I look forward to????</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSij1KuWBXAlPH3mitftMQ9fx51wTQqfcwVS5cibIS7NVpy9isDune6-66PDx5RTDNATjVprapelVhO6ufIQwe9tWBmxdbE5c5NdKX7jc6xw-1AE02dwF84i3x1zlQADqb58jB/s1600/20170224_113701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSij1KuWBXAlPH3mitftMQ9fx51wTQqfcwVS5cibIS7NVpy9isDune6-66PDx5RTDNATjVprapelVhO6ufIQwe9tWBmxdbE5c5NdKX7jc6xw-1AE02dwF84i3x1zlQADqb58jB/s320/20170224_113701.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsay and me after zumba</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah working on breaking a board</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0g7Wv02OmFmfISFSngHaD-q46tSH56jTz73JolFi-zoNIOV1KKqP2sOpttViv4ixg7ydrhA99SF6RtK0KqhQKuAvACfFNNRMNMNEv4pjYyHPd2O47G3kAuYDpSpMTHTESC-A/s1600/20170303_201325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0g7Wv02OmFmfISFSngHaD-q46tSH56jTz73JolFi-zoNIOV1KKqP2sOpttViv4ixg7ydrhA99SF6RtK0KqhQKuAvACfFNNRMNMNEv4pjYyHPd2O47G3kAuYDpSpMTHTESC-A/s320/20170303_201325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Erik's new game of Settlers by the fire</td></tr>
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Jenna has been doing really well in the <b>color guard for winterline.</b> She is in the back middle in this picture. She really knows the routine and does a great job. She really dislikes the bumblebee-like uniforms though. Her winterline actually beat a high school winterline in the last competition. We were so impressed!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLA5sw022zjJjGKIgOfk5YE2_ligJ-Hbz8uQHC0UJP9lgZPJX3Gr-n39XDNWiVGO_BCZK35zmUwu3_-Ray07M7c7aG5h2yKg59pLPQtLRF-IdRo31FimrZxWWZ7daJ1vf-qMw/s1600/20170305_144438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLA5sw022zjJjGKIgOfk5YE2_ligJ-Hbz8uQHC0UJP9lgZPJX3Gr-n39XDNWiVGO_BCZK35zmUwu3_-Ray07M7c7aG5h2yKg59pLPQtLRF-IdRo31FimrZxWWZ7daJ1vf-qMw/s320/20170305_144438.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna winterline</td></tr>
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In other news:<br />
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<ol>
<li>We are going to give <b>Theo</b> 6 months. Currently Twinkles is afraid of him and she sprints across the house in fear of him. I think she feels terrorized in her own home and we don't want her to feel like that. If it doesn't get better we might have to find a new home for Theo. I would be so sad since I love him so much. But we can't have Twinkles afraid all the time.</li>
<li>I am teaching <b>Wednesday </b>evenings this session. Actually having to go in to campus and get dressed and showered is kind of a lot to ask. I guess it's okay to have a real job once in awhile.</li>
<li>I've been on a <b>Ilona Andrews</b> reading rampage. There are 9 books in the Kate Daniels series and they are great urban fantasy. I've just plowed through them along with the 3 books in the Innkeeper series. I let Jenna read the first two books of the innkeeper series but no more than that! </li>
<li>I also just finished reading <b>A Court of Thorns and Roses</b> by Sarah Maas. Another urban fantasy book.</li>
<li>Sarah has been playing <b>project spark </b>quite a bit. She has built several worlds and is a very good programmer. She recently showed me something she was working on. A test environment so she can test her characters and enemies. I know seasoned programmers who don't test enough! She's 9! I can't imagine what kind of programmer she will be!</li>
<li>Spring break is coming soon. The kids will go to Nana and Papas for several days and I will sleep in and read books. Win! Win!</li>
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<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-64025103025979480232017-02-16T21:08:00.002-05:002017-02-16T21:08:19.960-05:00New Cat and New Car<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm only a month behind on my blog. That's not too bad. I have more time now than when the kids were little but I'm more lazy now. My neighbor came over with her 2 year old for me to babysit. Wow. I forgot. You have to watch them all the time and pay attention to them. On Matthew's off kindergarten days I sit in the computer room the entire time on conference calls and let him just play by himself. I love the ages of my kids!! They are so easy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgzu7a11qx9_r7AhPCf_SaJ2HsaweyMrQsFiYZTtw0AjVbXnO3wGazZq0Wz65EfFWQhG7JCHmsPzWxWf_rKsOgWsK2mLNBJprvAMMIa2WOsHi7phYR3cjdy9GxzOnIenmHz4o/s1600/20170119_181104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgzu7a11qx9_r7AhPCf_SaJ2HsaweyMrQsFiYZTtw0AjVbXnO3wGazZq0Wz65EfFWQhG7JCHmsPzWxWf_rKsOgWsK2mLNBJprvAMMIa2WOsHi7phYR3cjdy9GxzOnIenmHz4o/s320/20170119_181104.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday</td></tr>
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<b>Jenna had her 12th birthday on January 20th. </b>We celebrated by making a dinner of her choice. Lemon shrimp pasta, salmon (for Grandpa), homemade bread, mashed potatoes, and lemon raspberry cake. The day after her birthday she had a cupcake wars party. We invited a few of her friends and they made cupcakes. Three out of four groups made chocolate. The cupcakes turned out really good. I gave out boxes filled with the cupcakes to each girl. We had a LOT of leftover cupcakes! It was fun and I think everyone had a great time.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtVR905So3wubrGxYHQspIz-R0AIMmsYiytRLLX87589ITF8TXSfYi-tp0rrq3RIDIcAURdeliMIDLwB-2dN-kI-C9wGmSZuClZKe16K7tUgyaI6tR9mtEd4KPOTg3_pjPklp/s1600/20170121_112823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtVR905So3wubrGxYHQspIz-R0AIMmsYiytRLLX87589ITF8TXSfYi-tp0rrq3RIDIcAURdeliMIDLwB-2dN-kI-C9wGmSZuClZKe16K7tUgyaI6tR9mtEd4KPOTg3_pjPklp/s320/20170121_112823.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna cooking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T1T0wWTOxykV2ujcIcb9QVk2R2wDtPksUIT12LskgdU9ulNFQXpG38yNhPhIqowIWFZs3ADhfKCG_FmZa4gxhws06eRo2LuAq0UTc-BrWQqPuRUIoUR1c6Dpb62Rxw4pkgNy/s1600/20170121_112828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T1T0wWTOxykV2ujcIcb9QVk2R2wDtPksUIT12LskgdU9ulNFQXpG38yNhPhIqowIWFZs3ADhfKCG_FmZa4gxhws06eRo2LuAq0UTc-BrWQqPuRUIoUR1c6Dpb62Rxw4pkgNy/s320/20170121_112828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing the cupcakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR8Vfl-Rz-TRq0q2hLptCA3VODCD1r8zQIEFCTRG2mgWQKUH6ZZppyu76WFWipDmVbAxANHwUoO167lLwEr_CGvW-6fxNxjHUbz_3P9ZSHQwMpvlpBTTD3LmQzZhyRJKraTuC/s1600/20170121_132345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR8Vfl-Rz-TRq0q2hLptCA3VODCD1r8zQIEFCTRG2mgWQKUH6ZZppyu76WFWipDmVbAxANHwUoO167lLwEr_CGvW-6fxNxjHUbz_3P9ZSHQwMpvlpBTTD3LmQzZhyRJKraTuC/s320/20170121_132345.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorating cupcakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UMU0ueDF0hBjuZcHVN3eYphSg1538OcmvmeNQtvcHWcR0DQBu4sQJQogYUhyphenhyphen8_F45pIS8UCqQlvHslEumc9fBZeqMV8cwOa5qr6ynQXkBtMJb0lYs8pB2tvE5HRIKXfc2vfV/s1600/20170121_132401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UMU0ueDF0hBjuZcHVN3eYphSg1538OcmvmeNQtvcHWcR0DQBu4sQJQogYUhyphenhyphen8_F45pIS8UCqQlvHslEumc9fBZeqMV8cwOa5qr6ynQXkBtMJb0lYs8pB2tvE5HRIKXfc2vfV/s320/20170121_132401.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting cupcakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilalxJfsvR_GE9-hVat3ylY_tQJ13OEEWcLcYPoiH7H2BdLVOjI1Mj5ByfTBfU8DvxcTGcfLtUDFM7Ib6KHUBWq-fNSOUR9EcfPJ_oPWY25J0GwwNafvx6g2ThzGMfptJgCiKV/s1600/20170121_133038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilalxJfsvR_GE9-hVat3ylY_tQJ13OEEWcLcYPoiH7H2BdLVOjI1Mj5ByfTBfU8DvxcTGcfLtUDFM7Ib6KHUBWq-fNSOUR9EcfPJ_oPWY25J0GwwNafvx6g2ThzGMfptJgCiKV/s320/20170121_133038.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the girls with their cupcake creations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHyrURemV5tfFcK8uQEPzt3WiQHh0NApmLgmOyassciYsePoH0k2HCNKbv9WJ9yUGSNMnBrsXBDn_kXhbUw1uWLssdNQ5FFjUEnipJReEStgIfjTF2mHD0y0y7BnICy_Itnes/s1600/20170121_133214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHyrURemV5tfFcK8uQEPzt3WiQHh0NApmLgmOyassciYsePoH0k2HCNKbv9WJ9yUGSNMnBrsXBDn_kXhbUw1uWLssdNQ5FFjUEnipJReEStgIfjTF2mHD0y0y7BnICy_Itnes/s320/20170121_133214.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah was the taste tester</td></tr>
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The party was a hit. Jenna had a great time. The flavors were: chocolate peanut butter (won for best taste), chocolate mint with edible chocolate rocks (won for flavor combination), blackberry lemon cupcakes (this was Jenna's group, won for uniqueness), chocolate pokemon cupcakes (won for best decoration).<br />
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I had to snap a picture of Sarah in her fighting gear. This gear is expensive and soon we will all be getting some as we will be taking the test for blue belt in a few weeks. I can't wait to beat up Erik! Today in tae kwon do one of the other little boys asked Sarah to be his girlfriend. He is a 1st grader. Apparently he likes older women. Sarah said OK. However Sarah has another little boy who gave her a special valentine who I know has a crush on her. Yikes!! I'm scared for when she becomes a teenager.,...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBVYrN8uYQbOebby0ZSaNn6nu6faW-1dSEA_c8wJne-0RrVGaJSf-GBgC5yNaHWz0hJlP_W6moH0aDb3CHNjQPR4pNk-Uh92BlIRxl9I8Jz549uEayQeZLkvVaeYvD-V6Xr6C/s1600/20170202_191004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBVYrN8uYQbOebby0ZSaNn6nu6faW-1dSEA_c8wJne-0RrVGaJSf-GBgC5yNaHWz0hJlP_W6moH0aDb3CHNjQPR4pNk-Uh92BlIRxl9I8Jz549uEayQeZLkvVaeYvD-V6Xr6C/s320/20170202_191004.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah doing tae kwon do</td></tr>
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<b>The week before Christmas Matt and Sunshine asked us to watch their cat Theo</b>. They were trying to find a new home for him because the dog was biting him. We said sure we will watch him but we couldn't take a new pet. Yeah right. <i>The kids FELL IN LOVE with Theo!</i> We really love Theo but Twinkles does not. She runs away from him and spends all her time on top of the refrigerator. I'm hoping she will start to like him. I'm a little worried he is terrorizing her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlqC8kpu_qflHC0eY91QTt1S0W8_-ATe7ZBERAoXgE49nZg8XgzyBiwNp1O7oCUYloyh6a1BbeGuFWeaHfmYw9MoV0et2MvywH1lotlnCe8qIKG2sJyudhfG4GN4yduf24QiE/s1600/20170204_175815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlqC8kpu_qflHC0eY91QTt1S0W8_-ATe7ZBERAoXgE49nZg8XgzyBiwNp1O7oCUYloyh6a1BbeGuFWeaHfmYw9MoV0et2MvywH1lotlnCe8qIKG2sJyudhfG4GN4yduf24QiE/s320/20170204_175815.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theo</td></tr>
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<b>My favorite zumba teacher is moving to California.</b> I don't think anyone realizes how awful this is for me. My zumba class is kind of like a family. I look forward to it every week and really love the teacher Lindsay. Finding a good zumba teacher is really hard. I'm going to a class called Heart of Soul on Tuesdays at the Y. It is a workout/Bible study. I look forward to that class too but zumba with Lindsay is the highlight of my week. I plan activities around it.<br />
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Last Friday I did a strip club outreach with my church. Me and a team of 4 other women went to 9 strip clubs and delivered gifts to the strippers there. They really loved the gifts and were so thankful. We wanted to show them they are loved by God too. <b>I even got to pray with a stripper! </b>It was so exciting!<br />
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Today we bought a "new" car.<b> It is a 2008 Ford Explorer.</b> We have a 2002 and a 2005 cars so this one is new for us! The car is great and rides really smoothly. We love it! Now we will have to say goodbye to the taurus! No tears here.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F6jiQ7s78zvKa2_osvwOOEGM3pe2pH0Zqsl1Rdejb71hlV2W2Jq9lLkxJFxNqGgwfvK8sqG7E_sEyKrCr_rNIDRVw98Ao7YZhPPaZI2kOBRLrkmYVOTDlDebIRLFBW23i-Cw/s1600/20170216_172512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F6jiQ7s78zvKa2_osvwOOEGM3pe2pH0Zqsl1Rdejb71hlV2W2Jq9lLkxJFxNqGgwfvK8sqG7E_sEyKrCr_rNIDRVw98Ao7YZhPPaZI2kOBRLrkmYVOTDlDebIRLFBW23i-Cw/s320/20170216_172512.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new car!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've made so much jam lately testing new flavors. My jam business is actually doing really well. I have had several people contact me through facebook to buy jam.<b> My new flavors are blackberry merlot, strawberry balsalmic black pepper, and strawberry chardonnay</b>. I'm also thinking of trying a pear cinnamon. I thought of adding fresh ginger to the pear cinnamon but I'm not sure as that is a really strong flavor. I think I'll do one with ginger and one without.<br />
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Next session I have to teach onsite. Bummer. I have to shower and go into the office and dress up. Yuck. Hopefully I won't have to teach onsite in summer.<br />
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<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-80206900063378118872017-01-17T13:45:00.000-05:002017-01-17T13:50:30.682-05:00Family time together<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWeOM9rqM94vpsN25WZS1HpGRFduXqAkJ3YT4lbAwmNLWvL5TLqHqC3Xnj6xQ1awOgq1hwtM2iEQOReHiCvNGIBBCJNDx34leIynYd3KIRn_nAG57zvQsPzCC2Jm91cA-Xrle/s1600/20170101_173536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWeOM9rqM94vpsN25WZS1HpGRFduXqAkJ3YT4lbAwmNLWvL5TLqHqC3Xnj6xQ1awOgq1hwtM2iEQOReHiCvNGIBBCJNDx34leIynYd3KIRn_nAG57zvQsPzCC2Jm91cA-Xrle/s320/20170101_173536.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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We loved having our family here to celebrate Christmas even though it was the first of the year. <b>Dave, Becca, Charlotte, Joel and Megan </b>visited for a week starting Dec.30. We love spending time with them. Unfortunately Erik and I had to work but we still had a great time. We had Christmas dinner over at Grandma's house. She is so good at setting a beautiful table complete with centerpieces and red goblets with fancy serving dishes. I served everyone tacos on paper plates. Go me!</div>
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We played so many games and got some new games. I liked <b>sushi go party</b> that plays with a large group. We played <b>apples to apples</b> and several games after the kids went to bed. Unfortunately Megan's car died so they had to drive our Taurus back home. I was hoping they would wreck it or something bad would happen to it but no such luck. We will get our Taurus back.</div>
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The ladies and I went out to eat to Melt (YUM!), Le Chocoholique (short north), and Panera. We also went out for <b>duck donuts</b> which is a made to order donut chain. I loved spending time with my sisters-in-law. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLdY39_iaRgMBdbSrdIU0dlNe6dBcbbPm1N6OCvu3IuHkxHmIC134K_2JpMkzGxFlyQyd0bP3c19pUiMBkvRObEoNuy5QN4At8aJGAScdRU2axQSthuVXrFVgaHWCnQWLyiGP/s1600/20170106_145307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLdY39_iaRgMBdbSrdIU0dlNe6dBcbbPm1N6OCvu3IuHkxHmIC134K_2JpMkzGxFlyQyd0bP3c19pUiMBkvRObEoNuy5QN4At8aJGAScdRU2axQSthuVXrFVgaHWCnQWLyiGP/s320/20170106_145307.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">duck donuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have long known that my superpower is finding the <b>perfect tupperware for food.</b> I see other people struggle and put leftover food in containers too small or way too big and just shake my head. When I told everyone about this highly important superpower, Sarah made me a leftover woman sign to wear with a giant L. L is for leftover NOT loser....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYCXQH-3xm2aa8NyiqCIRQuiAdNerR4bnAp-uyy_6HsnAdX2oq3SMd0CUuOh9F9HgySrducpl7458JgBBcHC4UJoygnY6bIeQowvb7cWjRlbfg9R10xVUcE9EuYrgKY82NLOy/s1600/20170106_203455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYCXQH-3xm2aa8NyiqCIRQuiAdNerR4bnAp-uyy_6HsnAdX2oq3SMd0CUuOh9F9HgySrducpl7458JgBBcHC4UJoygnY6bIeQowvb7cWjRlbfg9R10xVUcE9EuYrgKY82NLOy/s320/20170106_203455.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leftover Woman!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P9HtizdNuzkhoNz8t46iYz2LSdvBkLL6WiU7JQkwuejodWGw6Mg3_CZXkZ9r9dLJ2ILVv_DHTF9yn8IC9c1hFH3tBsZPBIi5DOotO3JZj6SkLtqjost3y_RYYCi_0FnJ2l1y/s1600/20170107_164422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P9HtizdNuzkhoNz8t46iYz2LSdvBkLL6WiU7JQkwuejodWGw6Mg3_CZXkZ9r9dLJ2ILVv_DHTF9yn8IC9c1hFH3tBsZPBIi5DOotO3JZj6SkLtqjost3y_RYYCi_0FnJ2l1y/s320/20170107_164422.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, Becca, and Charlotte - we didn't get a pic of Joel and Megan!</td></tr>
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After everyone left Grandma broke both feet. She is on her feet quite a bit so this has been hard for her. Hopefully she will heal soon. They had to cancel their trip to New Zealand. Hopefully they can reschedule it for later this year.</div>
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One new game we got over Christmas was <b>Forbidden Desert.</b> This is a similar concept to Forbidden Island - a family cooperative game. However it plays with 5 players so we can all play. We love the game and have played it a few times. The kids really like it too!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMbsSuwNOXYydoxQ90cAdCfBBe24IXiCxPkL8shJsrmQohStIZpaRZ7R03Abuxa86IdgVbxGe9LqpOxfEhJFI-N51TWKQv6hYE7V1RnRM3FvkfhLbFphhuxGeLd4dreJ7BSKG/s1600/20170113_200235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMbsSuwNOXYydoxQ90cAdCfBBe24IXiCxPkL8shJsrmQohStIZpaRZ7R03Abuxa86IdgVbxGe9LqpOxfEhJFI-N51TWKQv6hYE7V1RnRM3FvkfhLbFphhuxGeLd4dreJ7BSKG/s320/20170113_200235.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forbidden Desert<br />
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In other news:<br />
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<ol>
<li>I have two goals this year - to do 2 pull ups, floss my teeth every day. I gave up on no library fines. I just can't keep that goal. #fail</li>
<li>I've finished the <b>Throne of Glass </b>series by Sarah Mass. It is great! I also am on <b>Blood Bound</b> by Patricia Briggs (book 2 in Mercy Thompson) and in the middle of the<b> Kate Daniels</b> series by Ilona Andrews. Just reading through some fun fantasy. </li>
<li>Jenna just finished the <b>Mortal Instruments</b>. I was unsure about letting her read it but I've just given up. She has read so much and I can't keep up with her. I love that series too.</li>
<li>Now I'm in charge of 8 faculty. I am a Senior Professor and just received this promotion in October. It's a great honor but wow - I'm not used to being a faculty lead. This seems like something outside of my comfort zone. </li>
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Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-68892165038729253462016-12-31T12:25:00.001-05:002016-12-31T12:25:46.626-05:00Sarah is 9<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6ZVTU-4zillsBlUDw71BVANBahvJkcw6owT5ABeLk8ZjU7wq3bY6da_4iBzZi82zUCchUSowyy75elh-FQ-n26AkLIe-QL4iRZ28QXW9YVYWmMZlrxGQYoecmxe0jYQwProS/s1600/20161221_195212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6ZVTU-4zillsBlUDw71BVANBahvJkcw6owT5ABeLk8ZjU7wq3bY6da_4iBzZi82zUCchUSowyy75elh-FQ-n26AkLIe-QL4iRZ28QXW9YVYWmMZlrxGQYoecmxe0jYQwProS/s320/20161221_195212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just call us the Incredibles!</td></tr>
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Our whole family has been doing<b> tae kwon do</b> for over a year. We are now green decided belts except for Sarah who is a blue belt. Once we hit blue belt we will start sparring. I can't wait to beat up Erik!</div>
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I've sold almost all of my jam inventory. This is all I have left. It has been successful. I'm not sure I made that much money but I had fun. And I've already thought of several new jam flavors I want to try. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zeF_hb7HptqQq4a52peMV7Wp1Z5SxO2noew98I2TR_GZvzXbYg4hyphenhyphenvrdVY8fkHKNJAJQDUdiT8IUBlIxeR3NMbpLRnjskkFVXgoeRbgJtrm8Csnq-NEjcs8upAdH9pMJ_8-p/s1600/20161223_131829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zeF_hb7HptqQq4a52peMV7Wp1Z5SxO2noew98I2TR_GZvzXbYg4hyphenhyphenvrdVY8fkHKNJAJQDUdiT8IUBlIxeR3NMbpLRnjskkFVXgoeRbgJtrm8Csnq-NEjcs8upAdH9pMJ_8-p/s320/20161223_131829.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my left over jam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Sarah is 9!</b> She had her birthday on the 23rd. Happy Birthday Sarah! Her birthday meal was meatloaf, mushrooms, and pickles. It's an interesting combination but it is what she wanted. She also did not want a cake but instead wanted a caramel cheesecake. I got her a t-shirt that says "All I need is cats and books". Jenna was very jealous because that is exactly the shirt she would want too (we got her one for her birthday in a few weeks!).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSML42fEDBcR1OCCQBfy5pCI77dxTifm08T0kfmVkbwWD-daIt9Mn0czgNxsCtPIf5wkGpbplMFh9yUQ_1H_ysn7-g2NRw6IxWPU85bu5mw73L86ias_7TUM5jmWMztQqgUVg1/s1600/20161223_181228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSML42fEDBcR1OCCQBfy5pCI77dxTifm08T0kfmVkbwWD-daIt9Mn0czgNxsCtPIf5wkGpbplMFh9yUQ_1H_ysn7-g2NRw6IxWPU85bu5mw73L86ias_7TUM5jmWMztQqgUVg1/s320/20161223_181228.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's cheesecake cake</td></tr>
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The next day we went to Christmas Eve service at church. <b>Sarah read a Bible verse in front of the whole church. </b>She did a great job and jumped up and down on stage. Everyone laughed and it was cute. I tried to get a picture but they were all blurry :(.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKghPlnFjMauwyIwCtSsNBip8-1M4YJWAQis-Vr5bmJh2y71XlwgrNa2qZsuwZCt3cv0quK-ggvTefBLRRzc4im2lw-eKx2XH4K7h10HMrzoGzrTFc1BujU-8NBGMgvehTpxp/s1600/20161224_200116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKghPlnFjMauwyIwCtSsNBip8-1M4YJWAQis-Vr5bmJh2y71XlwgrNa2qZsuwZCt3cv0quK-ggvTefBLRRzc4im2lw-eKx2XH4K7h10HMrzoGzrTFc1BujU-8NBGMgvehTpxp/s320/20161224_200116.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every day after school the neighbor boy comes by and trades pokemon cards with Sarah. They are obsessed with pokemon so I made a pokemon cake. His birthday is Dec. 29 so it was for both of them. His sister comes over every day also to play with Matthew. He is in 5th grade and Audrey is in 1st grade so they love playing with Sarah and Matthew.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE7FW_Huz4IAAOftpEKG-0H2ZEheFpkND7o-CupIco5loBpvoQZrQEpRCDM4W1n9xs2u6H7DXl2TX6AXhyphenhyphen5ZpMPP2hKeFOJLSwY-uaO9Kk6HrR91mTGfOlszwUA8JLRArF4Il/s1600/20161226_125504%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE7FW_Huz4IAAOftpEKG-0H2ZEheFpkND7o-CupIco5loBpvoQZrQEpRCDM4W1n9xs2u6H7DXl2TX6AXhyphenhyphen5ZpMPP2hKeFOJLSwY-uaO9Kk6HrR91mTGfOlszwUA8JLRArF4Il/s320/20161226_125504%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Alex</td></tr>
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We made our annual gingerbread house. The kids love decorating it and always make a mess.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKb0kPpu1_KI-IK9w7Oilxzogk1PuuUCxR3CHuUyB6Ky3hd-d1Gcyu2kPFvi0_0986bJYkcemi8TV_AinqQzQo5JMD1mvS7YR4gbpBfJnoMICi6BH-XdwGirt58j1VA70z_y0/s1600/20161227_144514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKb0kPpu1_KI-IK9w7Oilxzogk1PuuUCxR3CHuUyB6Ky3hd-d1Gcyu2kPFvi0_0986bJYkcemi8TV_AinqQzQo5JMD1mvS7YR4gbpBfJnoMICi6BH-XdwGirt58j1VA70z_y0/s320/20161227_144514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gingerbread house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarah's friend birthday party was Thursday the 29th. She had a light up pokemon cake. At her party we made <b>flubber </b>(glue, borax, and water) and <b>slime </b>(cornstarch and water). The kids really liked it and the house wasn't as messy as we thought it would be.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8nNG9Wj0sB1Whn76XKqT3glCltqv41Tvvndf_VNy_ZASA5Ni1BCeo4K4Ff6ZgWmUDyXjKRyIQryuryViXrIK9aoYjfhuTUCvMS8zmo6BF9rVcuX_6T5AIFXnFbqrcLHm1UOB/s1600/20161229_123128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8nNG9Wj0sB1Whn76XKqT3glCltqv41Tvvndf_VNy_ZASA5Ni1BCeo4K4Ff6ZgWmUDyXjKRyIQryuryViXrIK9aoYjfhuTUCvMS8zmo6BF9rVcuX_6T5AIFXnFbqrcLHm1UOB/s320/20161229_123128.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's cake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD0naER8StgRw5LMR79Ox_Rjg8Tn9lvmVmRS5msra5zoOMr3hGC76K1nEzdSD7Kucx3aBuoouJUCSBjgNl_uume-bSbcDZNyvs9k5pOZILk9ombEPrGCqHyh8mvIvC3XkdnvS/s1600/20161229_125936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD0naER8StgRw5LMR79Ox_Rjg8Tn9lvmVmRS5msra5zoOMr3hGC76K1nEzdSD7Kucx3aBuoouJUCSBjgNl_uume-bSbcDZNyvs9k5pOZILk9ombEPrGCqHyh8mvIvC3XkdnvS/s320/20161229_125936.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flubber</td></tr>
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Last night we went to see <b>Transiberian Orchestra. </b>The concert was fantastic. I love Wizards in Winter and Carol of the Bells. The light show was fantastic. The kids really loved it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1JHLLaSmZaowRFP5i2mB5CtNtl3DqrM6GTUa18PLLV0toSvNO3TZcOcFuPI-AiAiBVqmdRA2GYmtpvw5Mmr_AV_aRJxAfltNJGORSodjNTatr_FI3WgZ7mCs7OX6wBylLNfp/s1600/20161229_163224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1JHLLaSmZaowRFP5i2mB5CtNtl3DqrM6GTUa18PLLV0toSvNO3TZcOcFuPI-AiAiBVqmdRA2GYmtpvw5Mmr_AV_aRJxAfltNJGORSodjNTatr_FI3WgZ7mCs7OX6wBylLNfp/s320/20161229_163224.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TSO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The kids have had a great break. It's hard to believe it is almost over and back to school!!Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-12992522218559755262016-12-15T23:34:00.004-05:002016-12-15T23:34:55.660-05:00Christmas time is coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Saturday Erik sold jam at the <b>Made Local Marketplace</b> craft show. I had to teach so poor Erik had to sell my jam. And sell my jam he did! We sold about 170 jars and would have sold more but ran out of three types: Christmas jam, Habanero Apricot, and Raspberry Jalapeno. Many people said they were gifts for men. I thought spicy jam might be a good market for me. My top selling jams were:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Vanilla peach bourbon</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cherry Amaretto</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Strawberry Jam</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Blueberry Lemon</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Raspberry </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Raspberry Jalapeno</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Christmas jam</li>
</ul>
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It will be great next year when all three kids are in school but I have enjoyed this time with Matthew alone while the other two are in school. We have gone to the zoo, COSI, playgrounds, etc. It has been so fun. He is also doing an Art of Music class he really enjoys since he loves music.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDERIS0RKN7LT2VDDiUTjIGPFBnn48oS12jw40OGSG-Nwu3UpQZUq7n-1x_QLj6dOQaJW52o7uPS5bJptgjwpLULXm-clpcALzjK6Smx42fy8ikcvN_TcEQosuowYqhgpDH6Yg/s1600/20161102_110618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDERIS0RKN7LT2VDDiUTjIGPFBnn48oS12jw40OGSG-Nwu3UpQZUq7n-1x_QLj6dOQaJW52o7uPS5bJptgjwpLULXm-clpcALzjK6Smx42fy8ikcvN_TcEQosuowYqhgpDH6Yg/s320/20161102_110618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew at the zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next week Erik, me, Jenna,and Matthew test for our green decided belts. After that will be blue belts and we will start sparring. Sarah has been working hard on breaking her board with a knife hand strike but only broke it once. She has to break it to get the next belt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OnjNAnu5QAFQzhB1f05WQVK-72YZnDFBdPjwnEnoQtZO3KJzywQVhWWvri1f-7hl9EcRvT1CwVf59tZTIgLcsBuackUUvPWvnFJjntzKXQtPkQApEtleRcnQd8qUZSKpAtAZ/s1600/20161102_190815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OnjNAnu5QAFQzhB1f05WQVK-72YZnDFBdPjwnEnoQtZO3KJzywQVhWWvri1f-7hl9EcRvT1CwVf59tZTIgLcsBuackUUvPWvnFJjntzKXQtPkQApEtleRcnQd8qUZSKpAtAZ/s320/20161102_190815.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah (in the red) sparring at tae kwon do</td></tr>
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Matthew has been taking an <b>Art of Music</b> class on Mondays. They offered a one day art class for Jenna and Sarah as well. All three kids love the art class and they create some amazing projects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVpiBugLPm2WywJX0Z4MSDleN4x2VMaFw3x-NoIZ266JpJvAUjfi_d9_nkAJnd7pU4qQndlt_y8O7hYYdY13OPIIKCD_xHIFda4U1si3-5sco0VilXlQovEGwt8_ttTMVEkFx/s1600/20161031_145556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVpiBugLPm2WywJX0Z4MSDleN4x2VMaFw3x-NoIZ266JpJvAUjfi_d9_nkAJnd7pU4qQndlt_y8O7hYYdY13OPIIKCD_xHIFda4U1si3-5sco0VilXlQovEGwt8_ttTMVEkFx/s320/20161031_145556.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew with his art creation - not sure about that face though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8jD0ca3wQNU8BSYQYgqNIudrqIBOFv0TgbYVtP1ioy9GRwXs31w4BdgiGq-hjmPEaxVudOgpXyabzm-HFKapWrivV0KojL4mezfEBf8RVKoVwTDTHA4YCyN3dYVFOeywOldH/s1600/20161107_182801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8jD0ca3wQNU8BSYQYgqNIudrqIBOFv0TgbYVtP1ioy9GRwXs31w4BdgiGq-hjmPEaxVudOgpXyabzm-HFKapWrivV0KojL4mezfEBf8RVKoVwTDTHA4YCyN3dYVFOeywOldH/s320/20161107_182801.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna and Sarah with their pop art</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We wanted to ride the Polar Express in Cleveland. However it sold out immediately! So we went on the hocking valley santa train ride. It was great to ride the train and see the mostly dead trees in southwestern Ohio. Actually this ride would be beautiful in the fall. It was still nice now and the kids had a great time. Matthew wanted to explore the train but we had to stay seated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PNDbk4Axnsb4TqHTbscoRCar1yI0zRIgbE1iobwZTeK74nGF_SZUGZdAabIfJ3ZPbXV7O3Q8BJ_2oKh3WjsgR5k45pNPqGChQwo-Deelsr4xceG_L2XThnTyl-mTXfgcOTN5/s1600/20161127_105836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PNDbk4Axnsb4TqHTbscoRCar1yI0zRIgbE1iobwZTeK74nGF_SZUGZdAabIfJ3ZPbXV7O3Q8BJ_2oKh3WjsgR5k45pNPqGChQwo-Deelsr4xceG_L2XThnTyl-mTXfgcOTN5/s320/20161127_105836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwb7FXp0WwX-MmgSDZTpw7U5CSZn3uQOMg5H82-abPloKXMm3S7AvaZ3aCU9Cbe20Ei2lqeCuoXotGyjmCK3dUZYPt8XSexDzfMYjsvwXBGxFLi-2ya7eyuu-YZeOHTVCQhqF/s1600/20161127_122547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwb7FXp0WwX-MmgSDZTpw7U5CSZn3uQOMg5H82-abPloKXMm3S7AvaZ3aCU9Cbe20Ei2lqeCuoXotGyjmCK3dUZYPt8XSexDzfMYjsvwXBGxFLi-2ya7eyuu-YZeOHTVCQhqF/s320/20161127_122547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE63Ep-MgXlXm0ZMPATLn2YA_0Lc4rhi5rNMFC1K9b7BYYYiTLnwybeqpEJbTxgN7QdXNNBAtMPoPiiP-Xp8NppX_lukx1CEJ4aoXz-pNLTIzyhruf8A1Ie2hlOx89NP0JrE3x/s1600/20161031_175328%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE63Ep-MgXlXm0ZMPATLn2YA_0Lc4rhi5rNMFC1K9b7BYYYiTLnwybeqpEJbTxgN7QdXNNBAtMPoPiiP-Xp8NppX_lukx1CEJ4aoXz-pNLTIzyhruf8A1Ie2hlOx89NP0JrE3x/s320/20161031_175328%25280%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween with Saatvika. Matthew is pikachu, Sarah is a poodle skirt girl, Jenna is a coke can (yes that is my costume!)</td></tr>
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Jenna and her friend Marissa served cupcakes to underprivileged kids at Miracle on Williams street a few weeks ago. She helped kids decorate cupcakes (that she baked) and had a great time serving!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9furB-LWOrYY2eeTDucgFBtg-LuJwOzj6bSFkjoxOT333J7BFOB4kmD2elKJ0nTo5svvJQhTrXAvBJDfwF3Pb04tZWOsarAkPFeJtCpZ7Oh6cULY4pIHVZcxSFj4OVEqDZ7l/s1600/20161203_145515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9furB-LWOrYY2eeTDucgFBtg-LuJwOzj6bSFkjoxOT333J7BFOB4kmD2elKJ0nTo5svvJQhTrXAvBJDfwF3Pb04tZWOsarAkPFeJtCpZ7Oh6cULY4pIHVZcxSFj4OVEqDZ7l/s320/20161203_145515.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna serving cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAhW96n0lC3HFmIq2GgsrguNlt5ZxJxndITlhjtHzQtj83KVIVdnAP3lWkbxklgIOM-nUL4KophDot_HLuMfFvTHMq_z-QgeZo7mf-ENeaLyDFfDExYWiMb2bysKPPnb8Udhyphenhyphen/s1600/20161205_185554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAhW96n0lC3HFmIq2GgsrguNlt5ZxJxndITlhjtHzQtj83KVIVdnAP3lWkbxklgIOM-nUL4KophDot_HLuMfFvTHMq_z-QgeZo7mf-ENeaLyDFfDExYWiMb2bysKPPnb8Udhyphenhyphen/s320/20161205_185554.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Art of Music creation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jenna had her <b>saxophone recital</b> last weekend. She played Hedwig's tune from Harry Potter and a duet with her saxophone teacher to The First Noel. She did a great job! Listen <a href="https://youtu.be/5B3q6UpRfKA">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HQEQ64R9-cZIzMZ4_s0jM8zcSH30u1RahSRMiudrkg-IGQyiuMlmu3XmZOlQVSxVZ584AChFIoChFpTO1k3tuE0KkVZU0FF2oZum6ZLyYLbrZARLsugHJjUngRqLAmwINIQz/s1600/20161211_152455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HQEQ64R9-cZIzMZ4_s0jM8zcSH30u1RahSRMiudrkg-IGQyiuMlmu3XmZOlQVSxVZ584AChFIoChFpTO1k3tuE0KkVZU0FF2oZum6ZLyYLbrZARLsugHJjUngRqLAmwINIQz/s320/20161211_152455.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna playing the saxophone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've made some Christmas cookies but not as many as usual. I've been focused on making jam. We <b>decorated cookies</b> the other night and I have big plans for cookie making this weekend. All the teachers get jam and cookies as gifts :).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCe9K0VSojNo43FzNMzrpmzFv6Bej3iCj71SIS-RESKyNJ5rpELvrhEd7oELfQB8bHnWkUPB3x9-gCRhtEYeI7pgbSNDd-rGUORiWQWvmmx4ZF99HkwsCY8XjNrUlNlzdGLhx/s1600/20161213_192322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCe9K0VSojNo43FzNMzrpmzFv6Bej3iCj71SIS-RESKyNJ5rpELvrhEd7oELfQB8bHnWkUPB3x9-gCRhtEYeI7pgbSNDd-rGUORiWQWvmmx4ZF99HkwsCY8XjNrUlNlzdGLhx/s320/20161213_192322.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">decorating cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFPmtfUWVkHmQmpYW_31AvZqixGPPFdJf3_FMwceBiY3Ro0Qb-g0XX27Mtt6a2nDQs32yK5aBQ9E_bPBYds2u1aAnqeWn2lRPpINmvy0tZuNxfoBrT1XpjApifQIAkT1P88VQ/s1600/recital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFPmtfUWVkHmQmpYW_31AvZqixGPPFdJf3_FMwceBiY3Ro0Qb-g0XX27Mtt6a2nDQs32yK5aBQ9E_bPBYds2u1aAnqeWn2lRPpINmvy0tZuNxfoBrT1XpjApifQIAkT1P88VQ/s320/recital.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna's recital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our church had the<b> Christmas smorgasboard</b> and <b>children's program</b> on Sunday. Matthew really sang loud as usual. He is not shy at all. See the link here: https://www.facebook.com/erik.cooper1/videos/10154876465652318/<br />
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So I'm in finals week now and then moving on to a two week break. This has been a fantastic session and really not too difficult for me. Next session will be fine too. I love my job!!<br />
<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-12009764745544445932016-11-13T23:26:00.003-05:002016-11-13T23:26:35.698-05:00The floor of heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew said the other day "is the top of the sky the floor of heaven?" I love the things kids say! Fall is a beautiful time and we have enjoyed it so much! Especially now that I've convinced Erik to play pokemon go. He is now walking around everywhere with me! I've walked more from pokemon go than I ever have!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTJiG49z112XfD4VYEXFvSPhtSIy2aNeNRo2pTrxgVBCx5T-I5FcSW6p9-iSDiwgJwmDXqdWr2IzmN7LfoRSMU-wxMvpBM4dxjfl6CMTV1y5pkO60LCamH_edUQy6iq-z8A_I/s1600/20161008_114204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTJiG49z112XfD4VYEXFvSPhtSIy2aNeNRo2pTrxgVBCx5T-I5FcSW6p9-iSDiwgJwmDXqdWr2IzmN7LfoRSMU-wxMvpBM4dxjfl6CMTV1y5pkO60LCamH_edUQy6iq-z8A_I/s320/20161008_114204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Apple Picking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some fun things we have done this fall include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Apple picking </li>
<li>Fall Camping</li>
<li>Pumpkin patch</li>
<li>COSI</li>
<li>Sitting by the fire drinking hot cocoa</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO5ZzP3zVpDTtYA5u_bLCumTeVF6N0KK8EWnkDKKoJITqDmrhUhxT8H2dcDTFkod_Sh0p__LV2ya0nF1jqs92vGmBiOoKlKm315y-aRWZAi-d417u08D7JBovMqjSbdF0da74/s1600/20161009_134752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO5ZzP3zVpDTtYA5u_bLCumTeVF6N0KK8EWnkDKKoJITqDmrhUhxT8H2dcDTFkod_Sh0p__LV2ya0nF1jqs92vGmBiOoKlKm315y-aRWZAi-d417u08D7JBovMqjSbdF0da74/s320/20161009_134752.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">COSI fun with Sarah's hair rising!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DRHJoht42tXz2Mu2MTniBB2XAuyh7rr9jtI8vSCZ0RWVFV_A-BbfY_i8bRBK7S8MPDyplqpwapmaRbUNPp-mepbfRGKrB7_XfzfywmAt3ZxLGR5yN98uBRKYjGYUimBTQydf/s1600/20161009_152420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DRHJoht42tXz2Mu2MTniBB2XAuyh7rr9jtI8vSCZ0RWVFV_A-BbfY_i8bRBK7S8MPDyplqpwapmaRbUNPp-mepbfRGKrB7_XfzfywmAt3ZxLGR5yN98uBRKYjGYUimBTQydf/s320/20161009_152420.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna riding the bike at COSI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRQYHqomt29xnSYeUw2iOxGXQIlkEaJsMgQXefKbiF86dB5qG381AY7tioW5DoHoSHBR-Tk5QtyvmY8vY-Tru0w9xTN9n16jRqjGjQDCVDc9X_19kgZnhAoEx2GTii05QjuOH/s1600/20161015_131250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRQYHqomt29xnSYeUw2iOxGXQIlkEaJsMgQXefKbiF86dB5qG381AY7tioW5DoHoSHBR-Tk5QtyvmY8vY-Tru0w9xTN9n16jRqjGjQDCVDc9X_19kgZnhAoEx2GTii05QjuOH/s320/20161015_131250.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping - Matthew in costume with Haven and Ainsley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwy4hqvQ4IEvvNl0OBiDY8cRdRVSxTv1v7rUf1Qz-frmTs99X2kXh1iLFPLpdCWdZ1_TPs0YXYS5X8rKpZKvJyuLzpjst7DM22lcllKMJ7gs87lX8qa92m4hd42eypaIQOk8r/s1600/20161015_131637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwy4hqvQ4IEvvNl0OBiDY8cRdRVSxTv1v7rUf1Qz-frmTs99X2kXh1iLFPLpdCWdZ1_TPs0YXYS5X8rKpZKvJyuLzpjst7DM22lcllKMJ7gs87lX8qa92m4hd42eypaIQOk8r/s320/20161015_131637.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Maddie in costume</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YRFb6FtEEpwEfUTRodKd4zI0WbBLfY4Jwe7b6oVpqYc66yWSizvisGPFgResjEjzxcsMqNYDnyFr0cGch4r13EKC_iUSHkO-HZbWeLrxUmRFvBXQ7pQHvGbJQzJW8vvObecS/s1600/20161015_133013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YRFb6FtEEpwEfUTRodKd4zI0WbBLfY4Jwe7b6oVpqYc66yWSizvisGPFgResjEjzxcsMqNYDnyFr0cGch4r13EKC_iUSHkO-HZbWeLrxUmRFvBXQ7pQHvGbJQzJW8vvObecS/s320/20161015_133013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Joy in costume</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlIOI6W33rim5QtDf7VSV9Gitspbbq5X3j4xJAhGqWPeRrjOHHepOzK2SqTerwK8BDtyVTYXD7YdvJh5f03kVp9-J-0jFOOXxVJdg_in_kY4kbH0xmnv8nCq1EvyW-q0jGnZc/s1600/20161023_183620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlIOI6W33rim5QtDf7VSV9Gitspbbq5X3j4xJAhGqWPeRrjOHHepOzK2SqTerwK8BDtyVTYXD7YdvJh5f03kVp9-J-0jFOOXxVJdg_in_kY4kbH0xmnv8nCq1EvyW-q0jGnZc/s320/20161023_183620.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdFuC_j6foenIaG7yZ-Wk3nkCDCiXJ6YcXyl39vmQFRGSacJRGuPyuHKbtMS_Onl3w0SAIFu_UTP-AxGJNdZoKeHV-1oDOywXt2Xa9_bxk4Sp3_4go_FbayP9CxesidmDPek1/s1600/IMG_2846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdFuC_j6foenIaG7yZ-Wk3nkCDCiXJ6YcXyl39vmQFRGSacJRGuPyuHKbtMS_Onl3w0SAIFu_UTP-AxGJNdZoKeHV-1oDOywXt2Xa9_bxk4Sp3_4go_FbayP9CxesidmDPek1/s320/IMG_2846.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls on the camping trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other news:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We were all surprised Donald Trump won the <b>presidency</b>. All of the polls were wrong. Neither Erik nor I voted for him but we will support him as the president. It was a very odd election.</li>
<li>I can't even count the number of books I've read lately. Pretty much all I've done in the past few months is read. But that is partially because football is on and this is an easier session for me.</li>
<li>I teach on Saturday mornings from 9am -noon. It's fun to teach on site - I've missed it but online is so much more convenient. </li>
<li>Jenna is now part of the<b> color guard </b>in the Winterline at her school. She really likes twirling flags and I'm excited she is enjoying this activity.</li>
<li>We got <b>family pictures taken</b>. I'll upload them sometime soon. Sarah was sad in the pictures because she didn't like the outfit I picked. Next year I'll just let her pick her own outfit.</li>
<li><b>School </b>is going really well for all 3 kids. Matthew is learning some sight words, Jenna is doing fantastic in school, and Sarah is doing great with her multiplication facts. We are also all green belts in <b>tae kwon do</b> except Sarah who is a blue belt</li>
</ul>
Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-59415504475558500282016-10-04T22:46:00.001-04:002016-10-04T22:50:43.181-04:00We be jammin!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Erik and I sold Jam and coasters at the <b>St. Joan of Arc Craft show</b> on Saturday and had a great time! So many people stopped by to sample jam and really liked it. We sold $480 worth of jam. Technically it was $520 but the table cost $40 to reserve so I subtracted that out. Everyone who tried the jam loved it! It was such a success and made me feel good that so many people liked it. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jy7jfr_QVeplNq-LcZT7lQB9fpUYU-Ty6V3gDafwei-voagsmaf5rGbCxnGF-G12nTM8fbPTScO_4jf7BhCZwjYrpRpemr6RrrWADzwaHI0fYj6rXd7oFjgTWi6pRrM_pIkg/s1600/20160229_193504-jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jy7jfr_QVeplNq-LcZT7lQB9fpUYU-Ty6V3gDafwei-voagsmaf5rGbCxnGF-G12nTM8fbPTScO_4jf7BhCZwjYrpRpemr6RrrWADzwaHI0fYj6rXd7oFjgTWi6pRrM_pIkg/s320/20160229_193504-jam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our booth</td></tr>
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I do need to work on my pricing though since not too many people took advantage of the buy 4 get one free. Maybe 5 jars of jam is too much? We sold it for $5 apiece and 5 for $20. Erik suggested $6 apiece and two for $10 to encourage people to buy two jars. </div>
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The flavors I had were:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Blueberry jam</li>
<li>Fiery Habanero Apricot jam</li>
<li>Blackberry lime jam</li>
<li>Blueberry lemon jam</li>
<li>Vanilla peach bourbon jam</li>
<li>Strawberry jam</li>
<li>Raspberry jam</li>
<li>Raspberry jalapeno jam</li>
<li>Pina colada jam</li>
<li>Cherry amaretto jam</li>
<li>Chocolate strawberry sauce</li>
</ul>
<div>
The best seller was <b>vanilla peach bourbon</b>. This show gave me an idea of the good sellers. Cherry amaretto was in the top 5 and I wouldn't have guessed that. The chocolate strawberry sauce was somewhat thick but I didn't think it was thick enough to call a "jam" so I named it a sauce. Whatever it is - it was delicious! We also sold 4 sets of coasters. We didn't sell Erik's pumpkins. I'm sad because they were so cute!! </div>
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Several of my friends stopped by to my booth as well. Joy was my best customer! It was great to see friends and rewarding to have so much traffic at the show. </div>
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<div>
I did have one bad experience before the show. I had talked with several vendors prior to the show and they were all really nice except one. A lady walked up to me and said that she sold jam and she didn't appreciate the competition. I said "ok". I wasn't sure what to say! Then she proceeded to tell me that she has a farm and all her fruit was from her farm is in her jam and I am underpricing my jam. She said that if I'm using the surejell box directions my jam is underpriced. I just said ok to everything she said. How rude! There can be more than one jam vendor at a show! I guess you have people like that everywhere. </div>
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In other news:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I got a promotion to <b>Senior Professor</b> and a raise! Considering all the changes at the university I am so excited that I was promoted.</li>
<li>Next session I'm teaching <b>onsite</b>. Bummer because that means I'll have to go to campus and dress up and all that.</li>
<li>Sarah's troop had a <b>letterboxing </b>activity at a local park and the girls loved it. Letterboxing is like a scavenger hunt through the woods and the kids love things like that. </li>
<li>I like <b>pokemon go</b> however it is hard to find other moms that play. I'm on a pokemom facebook page but locally I haven't found anyone. I'd really like to find some moms so that during the day I can take down some gyms rather than waiting for Jenna to get home from school. Sometimes I just have her leave her phone with me so I can use both phones. I'm a little obsessed I guess....</li>
<li>I have decided not to vote in this election. I always vote so this is surprising but I just can't vote for the candidates that we have to choose from. Really? In all of America these are our choices? Almost every person I know is a better choice!</li>
<li>In a few weeks we are getting new <b>carpet </b>from Home Depot. I can't wait! I wanted new carpet before Christmas when family will come visit. Erik agreed! Yipee!</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br />Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21503211.post-20457830933603806232016-09-21T23:35:00.001-04:002016-09-21T23:35:22.687-04:00Our Orlando TripWe obviously love playing games as a family and since our kids don't play sports, we have more evenings free to play games. I've asked the kids if they want to play sports but they are all home bodies! <b>Lords of Waterdeep </b>is a game the whole family can play and enjoy. It is one of Jenna's favorites. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpXE3BuFcVzKy8CVXukAyKU3ySjNKmJ6VJAmSWBVwk31M1p7tE_pl1FVbsVRZhk6Y9wP1LCXBI_4Bvtj0ngWbSYJO2sINTo_9h0PjL9iIAA8iYjyf_tCyfbYWJ4PNrSZXJxZX/s1600/20160826_205406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpXE3BuFcVzKy8CVXukAyKU3ySjNKmJ6VJAmSWBVwk31M1p7tE_pl1FVbsVRZhk6Y9wP1LCXBI_4Bvtj0ngWbSYJO2sINTo_9h0PjL9iIAA8iYjyf_tCyfbYWJ4PNrSZXJxZX/s320/20160826_205406.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lords of Waterdeep</td></tr>
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I made this glorious <b>tomato tart </b>the other day. Everyone except Matthew loved it. Matthew really only likes cheese quesadillas, pizza, and chicken nuggets :(. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o2la_F5UU3wnJcMJ6DZS3Gs2AP1PlrcxFukmwwRw6oqw8cwmpbcvWYIKDVPzC3cf7-nUmOqFa_bCl-10sfhacYm2IJf9ebZIbn5AJgLQISQh_tIKfdsbs98nFMmwyntMJmSN/s1600/20160830_173446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o2la_F5UU3wnJcMJ6DZS3Gs2AP1PlrcxFukmwwRw6oqw8cwmpbcvWYIKDVPzC3cf7-nUmOqFa_bCl-10sfhacYm2IJf9ebZIbn5AJgLQISQh_tIKfdsbs98nFMmwyntMJmSN/s320/20160830_173446.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tomato tart creation!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-ykCIIgK11TER0LpItvJfjCSEPRxIRZNisPf5dSm-eLujtom08B3ZaxL4tSJO7f8JmFRXsilCpQeCZr26JlACGtknQZlB9xs5wocLB3-vpqpid0xoXdpSYtv7G_oyoBpTxzB/s1600/20160911_143612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-ykCIIgK11TER0LpItvJfjCSEPRxIRZNisPf5dSm-eLujtom08B3ZaxL4tSJO7f8JmFRXsilCpQeCZr26JlACGtknQZlB9xs5wocLB3-vpqpid0xoXdpSYtv7G_oyoBpTxzB/s320/20160911_143612.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding horses with Jenna's girl scout troop</td></tr>
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Yesterday we flew back home from our glorious week in paradise. We love going to Missy's company house in <b>Orlando</b>. It is beautiful and we always have a blast! Although we might not go during the school year in the future. Too much stress missing class. </div>
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On Friday we went to <b>Universal </b>to <b>Harry Potter world</b> again. It was so much fun! We stayed there all day until our feet were blistered and sore but it was worth it! Last time we went to Universal we spent all our time at Harry Potter world. This time we saw the whole park. We rode several rides although no one would ride the roller coasters with me :(. Jenna and I rode the <b>Forbidden Journey ride </b>in the Hogwarts castle twice. That is my favorite ride! We drank a ton of <b>butterbeer </b>and ate lunch at the <b>Three Broomsticks. Again, again!!! </b>Jenna was picked at Ollivander's for the wand. It's great that she has been picked so many times<b>.</b></div>
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We also spent quite a bit of time in <b>Dr. Seuss world</b>. Matthew's favorite ride was the <b>Cat in the Hat. </b>It was a fun ride that took you through the whole book. Dr. Seuss world was fantastic. I dragged Matthew and Jenna on a water ride that was somewhat of a roller coaster. Afterwards Matthew said he had "down motion sickness". </div>
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We bought wands for<b> Sarah and Matthew</b>. Jenna already had a wand from the last trip. They loved using the wands throughout the park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lQRkbH5QuZi4dHMDZI2pGKUB-BHhJDoHUYsPUQg7T7zAU_sPIkG2dN4BlLqo7Kc4UYSqrsq3jeBQRpW7aKbxTVYiDaOSa8wHntZ5FdyuzxcMOXVT3RThpbs822cNXNCeyZEy/s1600/20160916_094459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lQRkbH5QuZi4dHMDZI2pGKUB-BHhJDoHUYsPUQg7T7zAU_sPIkG2dN4BlLqo7Kc4UYSqrsq3jeBQRpW7aKbxTVYiDaOSa8wHntZ5FdyuzxcMOXVT3RThpbs822cNXNCeyZEy/s320/20160916_094459.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmmmmmm butterbeer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGpzJ_bw8IJrMvNQqW4bc9WCPYpKLm4OWvJ2tRpnZeIgH1RtUfQA-N1iOZrGhI_NAtdPZ8k7s0ShUeJ1do1pT1G23ZlQQUwM9qNCh8-e_49oqlLRk-97BixTBbxvwXJOheRFD/s1600/20160916_102529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGpzJ_bw8IJrMvNQqW4bc9WCPYpKLm4OWvJ2tRpnZeIgH1RtUfQA-N1iOZrGhI_NAtdPZ8k7s0ShUeJ1do1pT1G23ZlQQUwM9qNCh8-e_49oqlLRk-97BixTBbxvwXJOheRFD/s320/20160916_102529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture of Jenna drinking butterbeer using her wand</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_h96HrZwen4FUnpaR4W8mOb72lBMnbjiNN_5Oxq9IupnT1Fe8gMZxKz1XABvVabZkdqB5A32NM-4drVOXRc8ACyJFQuMWYWNAtp1Srl52OPABFzIBkpmF2bknH_RGuqr72w6/s1600/20160916_115134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_h96HrZwen4FUnpaR4W8mOb72lBMnbjiNN_5Oxq9IupnT1Fe8gMZxKz1XABvVabZkdqB5A32NM-4drVOXRc8ACyJFQuMWYWNAtp1Srl52OPABFzIBkpmF2bknH_RGuqr72w6/s320/20160916_115134.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew on the caro-seuss-el</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcgn62HAi84LBf2tSRxs_O98pPdtNfvaUHDGgrJ-Sk6okyZkFLK86-spdo3Asi_cBv8vxxnGfoHriHkvxT3bolG4TcGOxwizfLM7g0dHBv1pjuGX73OcxHXsFNS5mRnJHRbgz/s1600/20160916_115137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcgn62HAi84LBf2tSRxs_O98pPdtNfvaUHDGgrJ-Sk6okyZkFLK86-spdo3Asi_cBv8vxxnGfoHriHkvxT3bolG4TcGOxwizfLM7g0dHBv1pjuGX73OcxHXsFNS5mRnJHRbgz/s320/20160916_115137.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah on the caro-seuss-el</td></tr>
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<br />
On Saturday Jenna, Missy and I went to the Orlando Science Museum. Admission was free since we are COSI members. The museum was fun although we spent the majority of the time playing pokemon go. I'm a little addicted.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v6CLm07T1En9JRKCYe3mca0634jd-AwlXWBTC4RZunyCWyv0y3WkJCw7cqnWutA3px5RXs8S3aB0uL3l6EtlJQQvMkiSJWy85LP7-AfrQm2Yq4LsztwCaSuNPDrVoTZDhNmH/s1600/20160916_151540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v6CLm07T1En9JRKCYe3mca0634jd-AwlXWBTC4RZunyCWyv0y3WkJCw7cqnWutA3px5RXs8S3aB0uL3l6EtlJQQvMkiSJWy85LP7-AfrQm2Yq4LsztwCaSuNPDrVoTZDhNmH/s320/20160916_151540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Seuss world viewed from the train ride</td></tr>
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On Sunday we went to the <b>waterpark </b>that is part of the resort where we stayed. It has a lazy river, water slides, and a giant pool. The kids loved it. The rest of the time we spent in the pool at the house. The house has a pool with a hot tub. It also has 5 bedrooms with 3 full baths and 2 half baths. The house is beautiful. The kids played nonstop and were exhausted every night. The grown ups took turns in the pool then the hot tub. It was glorious!<br />
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Erik and Missy ran every day even in the blistering heat of Florida. I'm proud of them.<br />
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Matthew has gotten so much better at swimming. Now our whole family can jump in the pool together. In fact, we did a <b>super-cooper-cannonball.</b> Sarah is already in the water (she jumped the gun - you can see her splash!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbquVlZ6A0WSsvXJqJ0ssu4po-3_CaPRL8nikXbhjT-lcf7LI4laS9ytTSqatx0QjdRTSlcLQAPvER-VrW2fERQFIFaW7xLvFMijbUa5n-DfW7zLQrxD_MKUWrS3VazKJAwFsZ/s1600/20160919_120505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbquVlZ6A0WSsvXJqJ0ssu4po-3_CaPRL8nikXbhjT-lcf7LI4laS9ytTSqatx0QjdRTSlcLQAPvER-VrW2fERQFIFaW7xLvFMijbUa5n-DfW7zLQrxD_MKUWrS3VazKJAwFsZ/s320/20160919_120505.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Cooper Cannonball</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP168m4ilAjG14bn0B4ysmRX0jWLmxkwE4ML6CzKx3fPjaTs4Xwgx82KhczpscOz-v1LQTEKgneB3TSAYk99-ePh3PXAcfSONI0LzNQ6euUok4mnAfQgJCzC3azvAfc0ASHKUj/s1600/20160919_120506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP168m4ilAjG14bn0B4ysmRX0jWLmxkwE4ML6CzKx3fPjaTs4Xwgx82KhczpscOz-v1LQTEKgneB3TSAYk99-ePh3PXAcfSONI0LzNQ6euUok4mnAfQgJCzC3azvAfc0ASHKUj/s320/20160919_120506.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mid-cannonball</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ6hV_uIQXdi6ssKT6LuRUknPAiA0sYCDPsYDaIIG9B4SXu43Vx5x1pdJ1Kb89mFxf5qZ1MjzJqdvEWrzLZye1ntcVcDIvnSVGyUadiDtYIOxUMSO2NEe19g4JqJeT-HSDdeq/s1600/20160919_120606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ6hV_uIQXdi6ssKT6LuRUknPAiA0sYCDPsYDaIIG9B4SXu43Vx5x1pdJ1Kb89mFxf5qZ1MjzJqdvEWrzLZye1ntcVcDIvnSVGyUadiDtYIOxUMSO2NEe19g4JqJeT-HSDdeq/s320/20160919_120606.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful paradise!</td></tr>
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I have been reading like a mad-woman lately. I've been on goodreads and just reading every book similar to other books I like. Some have been good, some haven't been. I've been reading mostly sci-fi though. <3 sci-fi. Jenna has also read some of the books I've stumbled upon as well.<br />
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Prior to our trip I had binge watched the TV show Lost. I probably should not have watched a tv show about a plane crash before flying!<br />
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This has been an excellent trip and I can't wait to go back!Gina Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157263234586243001noreply@blogger.com0