tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37586932673945290962024-03-12T21:28:23.270-07:00The View From My Front Porch The Living in the Midst of our CRAZY Life!!!Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-61275198936903173012020-03-27T13:49:00.000-07:002020-03-27T13:49:23.803-07:00What is Saving my Life Right NowHey there friends! Coming atcha from my dining room table during this lovely Covid-19 quarantine. Staring at the same walls all day long is starting to wear on me, but I'm trying to stay sane in the midst of this incredibly strange last few weeks.<br />
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At the end of 2019, I wrote that I hadn't spent a lot of time writing last year. The words hadn't come so easily, and I didn't have much that I could say- not at least to the world. Older children=privacy barriers. I need to find a way to fix that. Maybe that's my cue to get creative. My kids are a huge part of my life and my identity, but they aren't all of it. I need to get creative on the things I write about because despite not being able to write much about my kids, there are innumerable amounts of things I could be talking about, and writing is so cathartic. I need to keep doing it. Clearly, we have some time to get the ball rolling on that, so......<br />
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With that being said, I thought I'd write a post on the things that are saving my life right now. Jen Hatmaker has a podcast that I like to listen to when I have the time, and she always ends them the same way- by asking her guest what is saving their life right now. Sometimes the answer is light hearted and funny. Other times it is deeper and more meaningful. My hope is to find some positivity in the midst of the struggle. Feel free to add some of yours to the list also!<br />
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1. Journaling every day- Ten years from now, we are going to look back at this time, and I want to remember what we did to pass the time. Some days I set a timer and just write a stream of consciousness- not really caring what I put down. Other days, I just write a bulleted list of what we did. Both are sufficient!<br />
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2. Keeping a morning routine- I still try to set my alarm to wake up when I would for school. That small window of time before my kids wake up gives me clarity and helps me set intention for the day. I use that time to journal, do my devotions, do my gratitude practice, read a book, watch a video, meditate, write my to do list for the day- some of those happen every morning, but some of them I pick and choose different ones to do every day. It definitely helps me stay focused throughout the day!<br />
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3. Move my body- I literally have no excuses now. Shucks. Haha! But really, moving my body clears my head and helps with my stress. I have a few dumbbells, so I do a workout video or go for a walk every day. Many days- both.<br />
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4. Get outside- Having depression and anxiety during a time like this can be very difficult. Too much time has been a trigger for me in the past, so I have to find ways to make sure those things don't take over. Fresh air and working out were two big ones my doctor told me that were key to keeping those demons at bay. So far they have worked!<br />
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5. Finding productive ways to pass the time- I try to have a few things that I can put on my to do list every day to feel accomplished. So far I've cleaned out one storage room and the downstairs bathroom. Lots more on my list, but even if I only get through half of it before we are finished, that's that much less I have to do this summer. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my room, but could have passed for it HAHA!</td></tr>
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6. Stay away from the news and social media- This one is hard for me. If I'm not staying busy, it's so easy to be mindlessly scrolling social media. It's not good for my mental health guys. I try to limit my Covid-19 exposure to the daily press conference from our governor and messages from the CDC. While I am not perfect at abstaining, I am getting better every day.<br />
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7. Doing our part to help our local economy and other small businesses- Dan and I are so grateful that we both are still getting a paycheck during this time. We have continued to try and do our part to help our local restaurants by ordering from them while they are only able to do take out. I've tried to buy my books from small independent bookstores who I'm certain are struggling, buying cupcakes from our favorite cupcake business- Frosted in Sanborn, and then using those cupcakes to bless others. Making someone's day really does help lower my own stress.<br />
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8. Connecting with my family- My kids are a little older, and therefore, the desire to spend time with us isn't as appealing as it once was when they were younger, but regardless, we have found ways to connect even if it's only for a little while at night. Some of those include but are not limited to nightly supper together, puzzles, family kahoot, game night, dusting off our old xbox 360 and playing Rock Band and Kinect Sports, and watching movies. I'm hoping to have us pull off a cooking competition in the next few days.<br />
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9. Staying connected to my people- I'm so grateful we live in 2020 with the ability to stay connected while being apart now more than ever. Between Snapchat, Zoom, texting, e-mail, Google Classroom, and Facebook/Instagram, I am able to stay connected to people while having to stay home. That has been such a blessing.<br />
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10. Making space for creativity- I will never be the craft mom. Not sorry about it, but I do have creative outlets that I don't make time for like I should. Two of those are writing and photography. Like I said, I'm doing more journaling and hoping to blog a bit more. I am taking a mini 8 day photography course by a blogger that I follow, and hoping to document more of our time at home during quarantine. I may even hit up <a href="https://www.skillshare.com/" target="_blank">Skillshare </a>for a class or two and take our camera out to practice.<br />
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What is saving your life right now? I'd love to hear!!Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-59487303210297169892019-12-30T16:01:00.000-08:002019-12-30T16:01:05.633-08:00Decade in ReviewI have to chuckle at the amount of time I didn't spend blogging this year. I'm not sure how on earth I believed I'd find more time than I did, but this year was exceptionally low on the posting. Maybe it was because I have felt so overwhelmed on the parenting front this year, or perhaps it was because the words just haven't come as easily as they normally do, but either way, here I am- wrapping up not only a year in the life of the Wolfswinkels, but also the last DECADE. That seems surreal.<br />
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I thought it would be fun to do a decade review with some of my favorite photos of the past 10 years. The 2010s was an era of littles turned preteen/teen. We put our kids through elementary school, I started teaching at Kinsey, Dan started working at Den Hartog's, I broke my ankle, we took a lot of trips, we got involved with RFKC, we moved to Sioux Center, and in between all of those things, we lived life and had fun doing it.<br />
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I've spent the last few hours looking at pictures, and it reminds me how grateful I am for the life God has entrusted to us. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I get to be the mama to three beautiful children. I get to be Dan's wife, and I get to be an aunt, a daughter, a sister, a teacher, and a friend to some pretty great people. I've experienced so many wonderful things in the last ten years, that I feel guilty for the moments when I am down on myself for life being so hard. While that is true 150%, it's a hard that not everyone gets to experience, and I don't take that for granted for a single second.<br />
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With that....here's our review!<br />
Note: I am well aware that some pictures I chose are grainy and blurry, and I'm AOK with that. It represents how far our photos have come since then. Thank Jesus we no longer oversaturate photos like we did in 2012. HAHA!<br />
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Also note: There was no possible way I could add every picture I loved, so I chose only a few that represent our favorites. I already know I forgot a few things, but that's completely okay.<br />
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2010<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tenley Rose was born May 13, 2010</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer turned one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jae starts Kindergarten</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter started 4 year old preschool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad helping the boys put the ornaments on the tree</td></tr>
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2011<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan Vacay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lili J</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEKghsTm1ns/Xgpyafi6xdI/AAAAAAAAEzE/sMnLle3c7C89tpoAUTRmSHSi0TL95_mBACEwYBhgL/s1600/2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="720" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEKghsTm1ns/Xgpyafi6xdI/AAAAAAAAEzE/sMnLle3c7C89tpoAUTRmSHSi0TL95_mBACEwYBhgL/s400/2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidewalk summer memories</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9E2ypTIvkc/XgpyZ2NvtVI/AAAAAAAAEy0/iqODmfo_Jq0t73TezBbGH5kId5rVORo0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2011%2BHudson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9E2ypTIvkc/XgpyZ2NvtVI/AAAAAAAAEy0/iqODmfo_Jq0t73TezBbGH5kId5rVORo0gCEwYBhgL/s400/2011%2BHudson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson Reed born August 15, 2011</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpON_UCInG4/XgpyZ6gmRlI/AAAAAAAAEy8/zgRh2FlwtPoCnr0Tb0FZAYmAUdK5Igz3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/2011%2BHalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpON_UCInG4/XgpyZ6gmRlI/AAAAAAAAEy8/zgRh2FlwtPoCnr0Tb0FZAYmAUdK5Igz3QCEwYBhgL/s400/2011%2BHalloween.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and Sawyer were UP characters for Halloween </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;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WrFUC2g7TM/XgpybJLnFvI/AAAAAAAAEzI/PJXTTXEYGsgxCD7iOFE8x1lYyVHdtg_mgCEwYBhgL/s400/Broncos%2Bgame%2B2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Broncos game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WrFUC2g7TM/XgpybJLnFvI/AAAAAAAAEzI/PJXTTXEYGsgxCD7iOFE8x1lYyVHdtg_mgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Broncos%2Bgame%2B2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WrFUC2g7TM/XgpybJLnFvI/AAAAAAAAEzI/PJXTTXEYGsgxCD7iOFE8x1lYyVHdtg_mgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Broncos%2Bgame%2B2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixm_My3J6hg/XgpybftZEgI/AAAAAAAAEzM/uOPSfjHxTV0mLN7BXeMDswYfjFXVANFdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Jae%2BChristmas%2B2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixm_My3J6hg/XgpybftZEgI/AAAAAAAAEzM/uOPSfjHxTV0mLN7BXeMDswYfjFXVANFdwCEwYBhgL/s400/Jae%2BChristmas%2B2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan's homemade Barbie house for Jae's Christmas gift</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1qhf3iquQA/Xgpyb9sxNFI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/PcUxu61Ff9Uzr0sJlDitCt7lYImlhmtswCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sawyer%2B2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1qhf3iquQA/Xgpyb9sxNFI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/PcUxu61Ff9Uzr0sJlDitCt7lYImlhmtswCEwYBhgL/s400/Sawyer%2B2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer loved his cars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
2012<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPFXntn-7Y0/Xgp0QrqlYgI/AAAAAAAAE0M/0PhVIhrEtxs6a2IWU9httuuNVPSS3tyPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Griffin%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="643" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPFXntn-7Y0/Xgp0QrqlYgI/AAAAAAAAE0M/0PhVIhrEtxs6a2IWU9httuuNVPSS3tyPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Griffin%2B2012.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The One March 31 that was 93 degrees.</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn-UCbMEuU0/Xgp0N9JBAaI/AAAAAAAAEz0/ZsaDqHSZA1MqCIroreM3x4ligZVdQVYigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2012%2BApril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn-UCbMEuU0/Xgp0N9JBAaI/AAAAAAAAEz0/ZsaDqHSZA1MqCIroreM3x4ligZVdQVYigCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2012%2BApril.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson and I at Easter</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XexKMkK12So/Xgp0Ppcy51I/AAAAAAAAE0E/EoqgktMTjMgMvff-NKxlwKq4MOgPZWX0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Carter%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="960" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XexKMkK12So/Xgp0Ppcy51I/AAAAAAAAE0E/EoqgktMTjMgMvff-NKxlwKq4MOgPZWX0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Carter%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYhbPm4yV50/Xgp0OXNI-VI/AAAAAAAAEz4/zSzSKWb4vAkrf2k-dLWkmXDfClYYtH3SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2012%2Bfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYhbPm4yV50/Xgp0OXNI-VI/AAAAAAAAEz4/zSzSKWb4vAkrf2k-dLWkmXDfClYYtH3SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2012%2Bfamily.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family pics taken by our friend Ashley while visiting in May 2012</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ML1ckINZu8/Xgp0N8tUDkI/AAAAAAAAEzw/4qdznAVmaaYppH6UJ5AlyS7NJzZyvvQ5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2012%2BK%2Bgrad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="722" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ML1ckINZu8/Xgp0N8tUDkI/AAAAAAAAEzw/4qdznAVmaaYppH6UJ5AlyS7NJzZyvvQ5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2012%2BK%2Bgrad.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter- the only one of my kids to have a graduation for kindergarten (Jae didnt have one at Hospers, and Sawyer got sick for his.)</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TUPBoIMsBg/Xgp0Ov-K66I/AAAAAAAAEz8/59QV8e_6Qh8yI9HIbCrEPGEdTjnV0NF9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Birthday%2Bcake%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TUPBoIMsBg/Xgp0Ov-K66I/AAAAAAAAEz8/59QV8e_6Qh8yI9HIbCrEPGEdTjnV0NF9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Birthday%2Bcake%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monster birthday cake</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PebEJYIF6Q0/Xgp0TIHINtI/AAAAAAAAE0g/Tl0JQl09p2MiLxHbnyUdjdGzmCmp8RPbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/buns%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PebEJYIF6Q0/Xgp0TIHINtI/AAAAAAAAE0g/Tl0JQl09p2MiLxHbnyUdjdGzmCmp8RPbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/buns%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love those buns</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-onm8Akd1U/Xgp0wJnjBpI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/vRlrByf-vxEMWrVBwP2Z5NWOukf2fYuQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/warrior%2Bdash%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-onm8Akd1U/Xgp0wJnjBpI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/vRlrByf-vxEMWrVBwP2Z5NWOukf2fYuQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/warrior%2Bdash%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The morning before the worst summer ever.</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azUjp5C02fc/Xgp0wEYlGGI/AAAAAAAAE1M/T1jXp5C3VYshJeX2SXebu806NRpR6Xb1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/warrior%2Bdash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azUjp5C02fc/Xgp0wEYlGGI/AAAAAAAAE1M/T1jXp5C3VYshJeX2SXebu806NRpR6Xb1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/warrior%2Bdash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If only we could see the future....</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K88j2fWuN4/Xgp0ShftJ9I/AAAAAAAAE0c/ebeFfVZaK-sOo6NYYyiG7g3dz6LwHDujQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ankle%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K88j2fWuN4/Xgp0ShftJ9I/AAAAAAAAE0c/ebeFfVZaK-sOo6NYYyiG7g3dz6LwHDujQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/ankle%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 surgeries- 2 plates- 14 screws later....I am bionic woman</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcPgQcloenQ/Xgp0ToTt9_I/AAAAAAAAE0k/j1MRYAQJkdQLI-T4PMRf_cRq3Ut3BETZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/date%2Bwith%2Bgimp%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcPgQcloenQ/Xgp0ToTt9_I/AAAAAAAAE0k/j1MRYAQJkdQLI-T4PMRf_cRq3Ut3BETZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/date%2Bwith%2Bgimp%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one date Dan attempted to take me on. Drive In!</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEqNOXpa66E/Xgp0SIhEmeI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/mlMtoIIzBooQwF9V76kHGpeoikoOrSm6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ankle%2B2%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEqNOXpa66E/Xgp0SIhEmeI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/mlMtoIIzBooQwF9V76kHGpeoikoOrSm6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/ankle%2B2%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom! But I wouldn't be able to walk yet for another month. </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;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AN69Ah99jiQ/Xgp0QHdNJxI/AAAAAAAAE0I/pmvOvQ-h83wpoRfMBE9GoUQAaxb6GriqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Chili%2Bpeppers%2B2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Hot Chili Peppers concert with Dan and friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AN69Ah99jiQ/Xgp0QHdNJxI/AAAAAAAAE0I/pmvOvQ-h83wpoRfMBE9GoUQAaxb6GriqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Chili%2Bpeppers%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AN69Ah99jiQ/Xgp0QHdNJxI/AAAAAAAAE0I/pmvOvQ-h83wpoRfMBE9GoUQAaxb6GriqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Chili%2Bpeppers%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skyqiSstpvw/Xgp0RHBZcgI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/5UX-qX6AZDYXG7bjpaX604QU9-q_dCQDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sawyer%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skyqiSstpvw/Xgp0RHBZcgI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/5UX-qX6AZDYXG7bjpaX604QU9-q_dCQDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Sawyer%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgZ5XtXgEzE/Xgp0PEGLNLI/AAAAAAAAE0A/ZuREbOUtGQUciC6ym9vIYMgjZI8YBPm2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Carter%2B2012%2Bfam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgZ5XtXgEzE/Xgp0PEGLNLI/AAAAAAAAE0A/ZuREbOUtGQUciC6ym9vIYMgjZI8YBPm2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Carter%2B2012%2Bfam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JA2s9b1MRgc/Xgp0Um8ZU0I/AAAAAAAAE0s/lWjhO_areUQB_o2Izgx0_lQ7j7SQkXkbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/kids%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JA2s9b1MRgc/Xgp0Um8ZU0I/AAAAAAAAE0s/lWjhO_areUQB_o2Izgx0_lQ7j7SQkXkbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/kids%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My babes</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgmksUb4DBI/Xgp11Tqp2aI/AAAAAAAAE1g/zO_HRTAjVZs1A9DnmlO_-x_f7kgW2QonQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Family%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgmksUb4DBI/Xgp11Tqp2aI/AAAAAAAAE1g/zO_HRTAjVZs1A9DnmlO_-x_f7kgW2QonQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Family%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family pics</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8QRI6ItXoY/Xgp0Rqv7lbI/AAAAAAAAE0U/i2EBXSbZYtka5FEIV5f6Qmre2Jg6FLAZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Winter%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8QRI6ItXoY/Xgp0Rqv7lbI/AAAAAAAAE0U/i2EBXSbZYtka5FEIV5f6Qmre2Jg6FLAZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Winter%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Tree hunting</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr7bTdTCOI8/Xgp0UGECdWI/AAAAAAAAE0o/Bag8HGdmgrws0IK7k_FwOoVs8B1Lzoe7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jae%2B2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="960" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr7bTdTCOI8/Xgp0UGECdWI/AAAAAAAAE0o/Bag8HGdmgrws0IK7k_FwOoVs8B1Lzoe7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/jae%2B2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning to look like a tween!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
2013<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-embIMmgJ_pk/Xgp2xKrpeWI/AAAAAAAAE18/mHuPqlIG15oAzCSIi77xz79zaGWueCRAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2013%2Bwrestling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="769" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-embIMmgJ_pk/Xgp2xKrpeWI/AAAAAAAAE18/mHuPqlIG15oAzCSIi77xz79zaGWueCRAACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2013%2Bwrestling.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter wrestling while dad, grandpa, and both uncles cheer him on</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzd-co78hqk/Xgp2zqd0UwI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/gl4dBcHwl5IJKsjVg6tggcMpzYq_RHuFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Jan%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzd-co78hqk/Xgp2zqd0UwI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/gl4dBcHwl5IJKsjVg6tggcMpzYq_RHuFACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Jan%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Colin love</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mQJBdi3fUg/Xgp29-eOGxI/AAAAAAAAE3g/XTsgcF2gY-A0oax-RRosbjcIP_8ZhP_oQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/run%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mQJBdi3fUg/Xgp29-eOGxI/AAAAAAAAE3g/XTsgcF2gY-A0oax-RRosbjcIP_8ZhP_oQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/run%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I found my knack for running</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj_LqAUPvKk/Xgp286BxinI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/zTH4AfswBlkoOlUlnJWFty-idHZfTK-SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pics%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj_LqAUPvKk/Xgp286BxinI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/zTH4AfswBlkoOlUlnJWFty-idHZfTK-SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/pics%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxhLLJeDXCQ/Xgp2wL6i1zI/AAAAAAAAE1s/sQgdRR0yKEYPfScTb0nX0ihuLUJatYAhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2013%2BMay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxhLLJeDXCQ/Xgp2wL6i1zI/AAAAAAAAE1s/sQgdRR0yKEYPfScTb0nX0ihuLUJatYAhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2013%2BMay.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lili and Marley</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBuJt7cpd7w/Xgp2wHqrwBI/AAAAAAAAE1w/fQBRV41zCDsaG-Ote9VOPMdw74bugk_YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2013%2Bbirthdats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="960" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBuJt7cpd7w/Xgp2wHqrwBI/AAAAAAAAE1w/fQBRV41zCDsaG-Ote9VOPMdw74bugk_YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2013%2Bbirthdats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday bash</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPfitGEGHvI/Xgp20lmg7JI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/-65OkyCExhUcDG2dMgFEr2bSSX3xyQcQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/coffee%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPfitGEGHvI/Xgp20lmg7JI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/-65OkyCExhUcDG2dMgFEr2bSSX3xyQcQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/coffee%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I miss coffee dates with these three</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmg0sEq0tu8/Xgp211nD3XI/AAAAAAAAE2g/ppU7buXWoG0r7ci1wDf7OE25Mc1WJj8pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dad%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmg0sEq0tu8/Xgp211nD3XI/AAAAAAAAE2g/ppU7buXWoG0r7ci1wDf7OE25Mc1WJj8pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/dad%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool time</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS1UeAo5iP8/Xgp51aZ6KeI/AAAAAAAAE68/69RJWhaalVsn3enKF6MjNPId0O9pHuMrQCEwYBhgL/s1600/boat%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS1UeAo5iP8/Xgp51aZ6KeI/AAAAAAAAE68/69RJWhaalVsn3enKF6MjNPId0O9pHuMrQCEwYBhgL/s320/boat%2B2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New adventure for the family. New boat!</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgbTCVmeyEg/Xgp22gQ1hzI/AAAAAAAAE2o/Q3aD7Ye9P1kPGcksq3aPkbKOovSMC3moQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/father%2527s%2Bday%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgbTCVmeyEg/Xgp22gQ1hzI/AAAAAAAAE2o/Q3aD7Ye9P1kPGcksq3aPkbKOovSMC3moQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/father%2527s%2Bday%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father's Day swim</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxibjbTkKkE/Xgp21Q610gI/AAAAAAAAE2c/t2iaxgHRFEE-BJsMdZiT2Jw5HMWDEMtDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/colo%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxibjbTkKkE/Xgp21Q610gI/AAAAAAAAE2c/t2iaxgHRFEE-BJsMdZiT2Jw5HMWDEMtDACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/colo%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado with the fam</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQEGX31agBQ/Xgp22MByVFI/AAAAAAAAE2k/ekpwa5exEcs2kqcIPD1S4PYvlRbgyfbqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fam%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQEGX31agBQ/Xgp22MByVFI/AAAAAAAAE2k/ekpwa5exEcs2kqcIPD1S4PYvlRbgyfbqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/fam%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yankton</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;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jltdZ7yhp4/Xgp24vC-8PI/AAAAAAAAE24/ZC40sxmG98cOxUBTcrHLoXHtKzE4g7isACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/jeep%2B2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many days hanging out with Amy and the girls. This particular day held much entertaitment by way of crummy driving in this jeep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jltdZ7yhp4/Xgp24vC-8PI/AAAAAAAAE24/ZC40sxmG98cOxUBTcrHLoXHtKzE4g7isACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jeep%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jltdZ7yhp4/Xgp24vC-8PI/AAAAAAAAE24/ZC40sxmG98cOxUBTcrHLoXHtKzE4g7isACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jeep%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTnAXdur31M/Xgp25cmwTmI/AAAAAAAAE28/aUVlQwYTMY81X9mKt85evCF4VlWDYM0wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/kids%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTnAXdur31M/Xgp25cmwTmI/AAAAAAAAE28/aUVlQwYTMY81X9mKt85evCF4VlWDYM0wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/kids%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of few pictures of all my kids on the tube.</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jH7Z29QA6Rk/Xgp251DkN6I/AAAAAAAAE3A/V9Kk1UdBJjwS5yPWO-T1rarUcrqlLQ2WACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/me%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jH7Z29QA6Rk/Xgp251DkN6I/AAAAAAAAE3A/V9Kk1UdBJjwS5yPWO-T1rarUcrqlLQ2WACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/me%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer taking pics of his mama</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GTd7xONmYw/Xgp28VTEyQI/AAAAAAAAE3U/q8iMbxi10I8bIqyYmaxbocAQr3FUunUVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/picnics%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GTd7xONmYw/Xgp28VTEyQI/AAAAAAAAE3U/q8iMbxi10I8bIqyYmaxbocAQr3FUunUVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/picnics%2B2013.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picnic afternoons with dad over lunch break</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbKqvGH0WmE/Xgp20XKL11I/AAAAAAAAE2U/U1sZwmVcdzsT1l-IDUGZw2kaelSixlCVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Potty%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbKqvGH0WmE/Xgp20XKL11I/AAAAAAAAE2U/U1sZwmVcdzsT1l-IDUGZw2kaelSixlCVACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Potty%2B2013.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiley stamps for going on the big boy potty</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB_mTUaGxFA/Xgp2-UV38-I/AAAAAAAAE3k/1WbO7CWB9xIwYb6WTjUUb6ajYeltf79IACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/sawyer%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB_mTUaGxFA/Xgp2-UV38-I/AAAAAAAAE3k/1WbO7CWB9xIwYb6WTjUUb6ajYeltf79IACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/sawyer%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and Sawyer</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcoZj6_YkQE/Xgp2_SpkwQI/AAAAAAAAE3s/jNfSu4k7XaYTGukRbuPiFAvXnhPFhM2SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/summer%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcoZj6_YkQE/Xgp2_SpkwQI/AAAAAAAAE3s/jNfSu4k7XaYTGukRbuPiFAvXnhPFhM2SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/summer%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter catching </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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Msk60O_g07I/Xgp267MJ3dI/AAAAAAAAE3I/J36RWNynbAMli8O1LHZNNlRU_8ePNtDigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/morg%2Bjae%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Msk60O_g07I/Xgp267MJ3dI/AAAAAAAAE3I/J36RWNynbAMli8O1LHZNNlRU_8ePNtDigCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/morg%2Bjae%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgan and Jae</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpy26_CpS-g/Xgp29WOtXHI/AAAAAAAAE3c/eKawTo_hNsEjJBsjDvbaDAWQI47ETH_rACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/presh%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpy26_CpS-g/Xgp29WOtXHI/AAAAAAAAE3c/eKawTo_hNsEjJBsjDvbaDAWQI47ETH_rACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/presh%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy babe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2S5RZIATf4/Xgp2wU8qr3I/AAAAAAAAE10/Fp_MELHiJw8ckKp5apatuU_yNKkXKjoWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2013%2Bsawyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2S5RZIATf4/Xgp2wU8qr3I/AAAAAAAAE10/Fp_MELHiJw8ckKp5apatuU_yNKkXKjoWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2013%2Bsawyer.jpg" width="266" /></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I92vs2HxHhU/Xgp2ykKFCuI/AAAAAAAAE2I/KT7Hg_A6I3Adkw7sDVKu9-ldb21OFWRhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falls%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I92vs2HxHhU/Xgp2ykKFCuI/AAAAAAAAE2I/KT7Hg_A6I3Adkw7sDVKu9-ldb21OFWRhACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Falls%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXL1BW37yE/Xgp26frsCaI/AAAAAAAAE3E/HWWzseW81jAZRnI4Jv2IP4N-UFOJGAg0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mom%2Bdaughter%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="643" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXL1BW37yE/Xgp26frsCaI/AAAAAAAAE3E/HWWzseW81jAZRnI4Jv2IP4N-UFOJGAg0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/mom%2Bdaughter%2B2013.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tenley and Casey at Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URJhrdpuVHM/Xgp3A46HRfI/AAAAAAAAE34/stxI_-CnI4k0HCxnpmspp1kP2Wr01KoLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/texas%2Broadhouse%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URJhrdpuVHM/Xgp3A46HRfI/AAAAAAAAE34/stxI_-CnI4k0HCxnpmspp1kP2Wr01KoLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/texas%2Broadhouse%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas overnighter with the fam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jae and Sawyer's Frosty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lili and Carter</td></tr>
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2014<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTEQEVO4Ogg/Xgp5x8bC60I/AAAAAAAAE64/9DCM2lnRraUEZYSwrXOih2p9J-9WUNlIgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nicholas%2BDavid%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTEQEVO4Ogg/Xgp5x8bC60I/AAAAAAAAE64/9DCM2lnRraUEZYSwrXOih2p9J-9WUNlIgCEwYBhgL/s400/Nicholas%2BDavid%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Date to see Nickolas David from the Voice at Grand Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Valentine's Date</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3E4x-amdbTE/Xgp528fpxMI/AAAAAAAAE7M/cQTUEJFVJAURvZ-FIHcV0LCE9c4Fp-8awCEwYBhgL/s1600/dance%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3E4x-amdbTE/Xgp528fpxMI/AAAAAAAAE7M/cQTUEJFVJAURvZ-FIHcV0LCE9c4Fp-8awCEwYBhgL/s400/dance%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom can I have this dance?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Du0JPknQwrM/Xgp55FF8jkI/AAAAAAAAE64/rAiFmCA15zAIebI71bWE6QoWhHOEmaeBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/grad%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Du0JPknQwrM/Xgp55FF8jkI/AAAAAAAAE64/rAiFmCA15zAIebI71bWE6QoWhHOEmaeBwCEwYBhgL/s400/grad%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Melissa's amazing achievement of getting her Master's. So proud of her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the pup for a walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus hunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUMrGc0L33g/Xgp5zTCK6YI/AAAAAAAAE68/SOC-ohSNf3EQOnz9B-sJcFN9samDQAfTwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ball%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUMrGc0L33g/Xgp5zTCK6YI/AAAAAAAAE68/SOC-ohSNf3EQOnz9B-sJcFN9samDQAfTwCEwYBhgL/s400/ball%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jae taking her shot at pitching</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little league All Star game</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nk8Oqr260_0/Xgp50iX0J_I/AAAAAAAAE7M/JpJXYkmzU7IdFLOLrc1a1iPI0iAvuto1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/board%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nk8Oqr260_0/Xgp50iX0J_I/AAAAAAAAE7M/JpJXYkmzU7IdFLOLrc1a1iPI0iAvuto1ACEwYBhgL/s400/board%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brave boy going off the board</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing with gramps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvIdCPq-l6g/Xgp5v9mqtbI/AAAAAAAAE68/33JoHrD20B0NhLOSYkGM0XVvEI4DqPU3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/3%2Bbears%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvIdCPq-l6g/Xgp5v9mqtbI/AAAAAAAAE68/33JoHrD20B0NhLOSYkGM0XVvEI4DqPU3wCEwYBhgL/s400/3%2Bbears%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Bears resort with the family and Melissa's family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYZxgtGDZp8/Xgp58X40eXI/AAAAAAAAE7A/s3Z7c8Sgyuko3NiLwJ2qJbBViufeIvY7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/linc%2Band%2Bsawyer%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYZxgtGDZp8/Xgp58X40eXI/AAAAAAAAE7A/s3Z7c8Sgyuko3NiLwJ2qJbBViufeIvY7ACEwYBhgL/s400/linc%2Band%2Bsawyer%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lincoln and Sawyer's ball game</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEpYBLr5-i8/Xgp557hl2cI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/T4FI0YJSR9Y-VGqq7o5SYim3QdBpZegEACEwYBhgL/s1600/kayak%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEpYBLr5-i8/Xgp557hl2cI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/T4FI0YJSR9Y-VGqq7o5SYim3QdBpZegEACEwYBhgL/s400/kayak%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the last trips to Potato Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King of the Raft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad's a crazy driver</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKyb6p3CEUE/Xgp5-N3Gp_I/AAAAAAAAE7E/B3V03wvuJjMy11ebgbLNK3Y1IF2j396ZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/summer%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1368" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKyb6p3CEUE/Xgp5-N3Gp_I/AAAAAAAAE7E/B3V03wvuJjMy11ebgbLNK3Y1IF2j396ZwCEwYBhgL/s400/summer%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday celebrations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frGdU3upHjk/Xgp5xRWcV6I/AAAAAAAAE7M/T93jOwetKkUK_TVcxB1u0MrnZL2757lYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Lili%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frGdU3upHjk/Xgp5xRWcV6I/AAAAAAAAE7M/T93jOwetKkUK_TVcxB1u0MrnZL2757lYQCEwYBhgL/s400/Lili%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking Lili home from school</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNaoX5ap5_s/Xgp58JZNegI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/9IjJ5aZ0xckLSeXizC4snn1XAO4aHl2SwCEwYBhgL/s1600/knit%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNaoX5ap5_s/Xgp58JZNegI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/9IjJ5aZ0xckLSeXizC4snn1XAO4aHl2SwCEwYBhgL/s400/knit%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching Jae how to knit</td></tr>
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2015<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running my first 5k in my first team triathlon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSUpisUIREw/Xgp8z7w-I8I/AAAAAAAAE7s/f3o7DZqTYJ4--F8cT-lEpwfvTJKAEoizgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/florida%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSUpisUIREw/Xgp8z7w-I8I/AAAAAAAAE7s/f3o7DZqTYJ4--F8cT-lEpwfvTJKAEoizgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/florida%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anniversary trip to Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hY6kM4vjkAY/Xgp80pcyefI/AAAAAAAAE7w/34vBVLcdDEkGevqPxeF5ISUKayqh9U4iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/june%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hY6kM4vjkAY/Xgp80pcyefI/AAAAAAAAE7w/34vBVLcdDEkGevqPxeF5ISUKayqh9U4iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/june%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Softball </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjvOA4VkeHw/Xgp8yyRUYII/AAAAAAAAE7g/SmgLuhYho0cWknLPEvP_6g2wZl6QlPxtACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/HP%2B2015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fell in love with Harry Potter and finished the series this summer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_Qs1637d9o/Xgp81ZdAcWI/AAAAAAAAE74/Jru4aEWTilAGBs3tyDLjAw01G9A6mqCRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rfkc%2B2015%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_Qs1637d9o/Xgp81ZdAcWI/AAAAAAAAE74/Jru4aEWTilAGBs3tyDLjAw01G9A6mqCRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/rfkc%2B2015%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYzqv0cw3DI/Xgp8ylotq9I/AAAAAAAAE7Y/WLrNCmHs4n07AmSU2FMb3WRmMknuRYa4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/buds%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYzqv0cw3DI/Xgp8ylotq9I/AAAAAAAAE7Y/WLrNCmHs4n07AmSU2FMb3WRmMknuRYa4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/buds%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer's best bud Brent</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father's Day </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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-161bdu2Cwpg/Xgp82cwyL7I/AAAAAAAAE8A/QDRZaybyFzMhtgf7eZtsaY27UTlKNcCIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tree%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-161bdu2Cwpg/Xgp82cwyL7I/AAAAAAAAE8A/QDRZaybyFzMhtgf7eZtsaY27UTlKNcCIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/tree%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting down the tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-OmbOkt2kw/Xgp811i9TkI/AAAAAAAAE78/5rNIH3wKMSY3oJTkJJjBVd-l9ZD-ovV_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/thanksgiving%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1080" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-OmbOkt2kw/Xgp811i9TkI/AAAAAAAAE78/5rNIH3wKMSY3oJTkJJjBVd-l9ZD-ovV_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/thanksgiving%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First year to get together with these old neighborhood friends. Rekindling friendships is so much fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlIIQKkT6sQ/Xgp8yiGTCXI/AAAAAAAAE7c/slw2BGrA6aUaIxPoB_dTcHZAEGTxvLHAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/RFKC%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlIIQKkT6sQ/Xgp8yiGTCXI/AAAAAAAAE7c/slw2BGrA6aUaIxPoB_dTcHZAEGTxvLHAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/RFKC%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner and Dessert Auction</td></tr>
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2016<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnYDntfq20Q/Xgp-WjjZnyI/AAAAAAAAE-E/J7OvkHQu8RQ12u-5sr3a4qDyCdrps6VvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/wrestling%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnYDntfq20Q/Xgp-WjjZnyI/AAAAAAAAE-E/J7OvkHQu8RQ12u-5sr3a4qDyCdrps6VvQCEwYBhgL/s400/wrestling%2B2016.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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrrwFArP5to/Xgp-TKgEJZI/AAAAAAAAE9o/3urN5ymHm_4HuZUCykwHuoctqasGIr9DQCEwYBhgL/s1600/sledding%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrrwFArP5to/Xgp-TKgEJZI/AAAAAAAAE9o/3urN5ymHm_4HuZUCykwHuoctqasGIr9DQCEwYBhgL/s400/sledding%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School wide sledding party</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ckYPHNwtHo/Xgp-L6fuiAI/AAAAAAAAE8s/MOrfuuGtRGsstxw0EVwHQSXoG2-gwFRcACEwYBhgL/s1600/JL%2BBeers%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ckYPHNwtHo/Xgp-L6fuiAI/AAAAAAAAE8s/MOrfuuGtRGsstxw0EVwHQSXoG2-gwFRcACEwYBhgL/s400/JL%2BBeers%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQmykQn3muU/Xgp-L0jABQI/AAAAAAAAE8o/yT7kQnZaJHM0y_pcPnHeHMASuxt0CYKdACEwYBhgL/s1600/birthday%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="895" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQmykQn3muU/Xgp-L0jABQI/AAAAAAAAE8o/yT7kQnZaJHM0y_pcPnHeHMASuxt0CYKdACEwYBhgL/s400/birthday%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual Shopping trip</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01Y8rtxkIC0/Xgp-RrpIdMI/AAAAAAAAE9c/DA6-mYqkrk8WUd1ZWaEMRhk4IxB2TOiQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/play%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="840" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01Y8rtxkIC0/Xgp-RrpIdMI/AAAAAAAAE9c/DA6-mYqkrk8WUd1ZWaEMRhk4IxB2TOiQwCEwYBhgL/s400/play%2B2016.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jae's first and only play performance</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ji38L-bnkpY/Xgp-TrBqdwI/AAAAAAAAE9s/CmlAio4fz4Y3RsfbB1pElGu0ABhU3spRACEwYBhgL/s1600/spring%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ji38L-bnkpY/Xgp-TrBqdwI/AAAAAAAAE9s/CmlAio4fz4Y3RsfbB1pElGu0ABhU3spRACEwYBhgL/s400/spring%2B2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porch hangs</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ovoE_PyD00/Xgp-PH6T7AI/AAAAAAAAE9I/m0yXCiusULctIm6rnnOeO6241Sd8qCd-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/mama%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ovoE_PyD00/Xgp-PH6T7AI/AAAAAAAAE9I/m0yXCiusULctIm6rnnOeO6241Sd8qCd-wCEwYBhgL/s400/mama%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Kpw6_PBVBI/Xgp-NIPSh-I/AAAAAAAAE84/tXUJGvPE-QsnyGiI0ILB2oSyZTcmzNLqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/flash%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Kpw6_PBVBI/Xgp-NIPSh-I/AAAAAAAAE84/tXUJGvPE-QsnyGiI0ILB2oSyZTcmzNLqwCEwYBhgL/s400/flash%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His obsession with the Flash was strong</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3yNyIutFTw/Xgp-Ng3mBUI/AAAAAAAAE-I/xYTMGqktFpo9_9jjxoQQB-lx--qur3MqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/florida%2Bsunrise%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1080" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3yNyIutFTw/Xgp-Ng3mBUI/AAAAAAAAE-I/xYTMGqktFpo9_9jjxoQQB-lx--qur3MqQCEwYBhgL/s400/florida%2Bsunrise%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schelling trip to Florida. Sunrise was beautiful.</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JJQlFARvFs/Xgp-Vcb5A7I/AAAAAAAAE94/dVlV4IJO5GQisbprknTDL5N8d0qHbYaCACEwYBhgL/s1600/universal%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JJQlFARvFs/Xgp-Vcb5A7I/AAAAAAAAE94/dVlV4IJO5GQisbprknTDL5N8d0qHbYaCACEwYBhgL/s400/universal%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Universal studios </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;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1080" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XU9ENKostuc/Xgp-VlXwZeI/AAAAAAAAE98/WfnQ2xYWqWMm0GMAO0teSyFLNDJMNdYyQCEwYBhgL/s400/volleyball%2B2016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud volleyball for Hosper's Celebration days</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93EiRd4fA7s/Xgp-Str5XbI/AAAAAAAAE9k/KFg0aI0U_eUJXshvVEv1h3B4Feggw7pFACEwYBhgL/s1600/sisters%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="952" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93EiRd4fA7s/Xgp-Str5XbI/AAAAAAAAE9k/KFg0aI0U_eUJXshvVEv1h3B4Feggw7pFACEwYBhgL/s400/sisters%2B2016.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenni's wedding</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4yJ8SzyZU/Xgp-ONCqf1I/AAAAAAAAE9A/UiSO_o1axuscYySqpEUArp48tX7exGjGACEwYBhgL/s1600/last%2Bfam%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4yJ8SzyZU/Xgp-ONCqf1I/AAAAAAAAE9A/UiSO_o1axuscYySqpEUArp48tX7exGjGACEwYBhgL/s400/last%2Bfam%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last family picture in front of our home</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlfxqLAswlk/Xgp-PnOefII/AAAAAAAAE9M/ngDVtt6AP_QmhmWc8Dr02tFCeqeMtIwLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/move%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlfxqLAswlk/Xgp-PnOefII/AAAAAAAAE9M/ngDVtt6AP_QmhmWc8Dr02tFCeqeMtIwLgCEwYBhgL/s400/move%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving day</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5a1Cr9HAFs/XgqAVEkC5nI/AAAAAAAAE-o/Grp6fDYnNiEwCPvuHp6gf3bFci-0R-rewCEwYBhgL/s1600/letter%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5a1Cr9HAFs/XgqAVEkC5nI/AAAAAAAAE-o/Grp6fDYnNiEwCPvuHp6gf3bFci-0R-rewCEwYBhgL/s400/letter%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My letter to the new family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9Ui6cRGswA/Xgp-QGex0xI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/3yqHjX3wTrQwDE2bxXz7u5Aru9AcYUn-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/ozarks%2B2016%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1080" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9Ui6cRGswA/Xgp-QGex0xI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/3yqHjX3wTrQwDE2bxXz7u5Aru9AcYUn-ACEwYBhgL/s400/ozarks%2B2016%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual Ozarks trip</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mC_FS84it-k/Xgp-QmHN6dI/AAAAAAAAE9U/0K3WElG45WoeHGEhmKkubeMc3qo9kvKMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ozarks%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1080" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mC_FS84it-k/Xgp-QmHN6dI/AAAAAAAAE9U/0K3WElG45WoeHGEhmKkubeMc3qo9kvKMwCEwYBhgL/s400/ozarks%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wtPFUeac18/Xgp-WECMKuI/AAAAAAAAE-A/Qo3-lQQSaB8-N5UStxx70kiA9YPZyGwiQCEwYBhgL/s1600/winter%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wtPFUeac18/Xgp-WECMKuI/AAAAAAAAE-A/Qo3-lQQSaB8-N5UStxx70kiA9YPZyGwiQCEwYBhgL/s400/winter%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haJgmxpb0NU/Xgp-RNhibSI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/1uq7k4rN6-c9DmvPeMmq-iMLV9T7OPRlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/patty%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haJgmxpb0NU/Xgp-RNhibSI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/1uq7k4rN6-c9DmvPeMmq-iMLV9T7OPRlwCEwYBhgL/s400/patty%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Patty passed away in November from cancer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUqRmhjtuGw/Xgp-OjdOBCI/AAAAAAAAE9E/UUeNktTXwxIAEpn2Afo_Ietp7rzStToYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/love%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUqRmhjtuGw/Xgp-OjdOBCI/AAAAAAAAE9E/UUeNktTXwxIAEpn2Afo_Ietp7rzStToYgCEwYBhgL/s400/love%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Christmas in the new house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-cw_LX8fdM/Xgp-L-fNQxI/AAAAAAAAE-I/3g5TP8Wlf2A5lH6_g9XQQY08oMWgn4l2gCEwYBhgL/s1600/amy%2Bgrant%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-cw_LX8fdM/Xgp-L-fNQxI/AAAAAAAAE-I/3g5TP8Wlf2A5lH6_g9XQQY08oMWgn4l2gCEwYBhgL/s400/amy%2Bgrant%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's birthday to Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith</td></tr>
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2017<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbCpR-PZMls/XgqA4TAZTeI/AAAAAAAAE_k/tE8XBOc92P4EKmvwg4PrpKcYw1281VXKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/snow%2Bday%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="797" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbCpR-PZMls/XgqA4TAZTeI/AAAAAAAAE_k/tE8XBOc92P4EKmvwg4PrpKcYw1281VXKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/snow%2Bday%2B2017.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXjZLu5rxyQ/XgqFJ4_rZYI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/Lb17tkOfE0Al0s163Jey4IV9OjSa8e1zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hair%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXjZLu5rxyQ/XgqFJ4_rZYI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/Lb17tkOfE0Al0s163Jey4IV9OjSa8e1zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/hair%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad doing hair for the dance</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZoEK4jneCI/XgqA5d0TuOI/AAAAAAAAE_s/a2W9lpAJZF4CEp1HFpZZgpGb5j40DoPigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/triathlon%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZoEK4jneCI/XgqA5d0TuOI/AAAAAAAAE_s/a2W9lpAJZF4CEp1HFpZZgpGb5j40DoPigCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/triathlon%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd triathlon with friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-0sozV7Bsk/XgqAzQGfAZI/AAAAAAAAE-8/oLdQTwiWWWsrDQjK8jICkqTtoYqWDAT-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/family%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-0sozV7Bsk/XgqAzQGfAZI/AAAAAAAAE-8/oLdQTwiWWWsrDQjK8jICkqTtoYqWDAT-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/family%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIKAtWlcfCo/XgqAy_PxMXI/AAAAAAAAE-0/di6WdsYKLr0d1NW0d1bBOWyYb3UEl_dpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/brady%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIKAtWlcfCo/XgqAy_PxMXI/AAAAAAAAE-0/di6WdsYKLr0d1NW0d1bBOWyYb3UEl_dpACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/brady%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brady's senior pics</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoCSRaeTUr0/XgqA14NtiqI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/EmSyeZEQdjk3lmxyZ7CpRyUpON1ZcabHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/plunge%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1080" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoCSRaeTUr0/XgqA14NtiqI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/EmSyeZEQdjk3lmxyZ7CpRyUpON1ZcabHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/plunge%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urban Plunge Omaha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tNz4kPf-tQ/XgqAz8bUJMI/AAAAAAAAE_A/MTEAHRfsLMQqq-G_kshhvC1K-GndvieXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/gramps%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tNz4kPf-tQ/XgqAz8bUJMI/AAAAAAAAE_A/MTEAHRfsLMQqq-G_kshhvC1K-GndvieXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/gramps%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa died June 2017</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zc-B6kU7SU/XgqA31i1FkI/AAAAAAAAE_g/pif1uopMp4YGCkjbSdbF4ohLmzTE4WusACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/show%2Bchoir%2Bfreak%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="897" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zc-B6kU7SU/XgqA31i1FkI/AAAAAAAAE_g/pif1uopMp4YGCkjbSdbF4ohLmzTE4WusACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/show%2Bchoir%2Bfreak%2B2017.jpg" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jae in her show choir Wave your Freak Flag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_8SX8uZUEY/XgqA0hZ9ijI/AAAAAAAAE_I/6nsphWlFyxcSUovXWCaCVu2XHuDo9pT8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hatmaker%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="696" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_8SX8uZUEY/XgqA0hZ9ijI/AAAAAAAAE_I/6nsphWlFyxcSUovXWCaCVu2XHuDo9pT8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/hatmaker%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen Hatmaker October</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-865xIAP3Pps/XgqAy-PqqOI/AAAAAAAAE-w/CbEQ0W8cSqIyS34M9B30OeBKu6pOVcD-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/birthday%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="960" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-865xIAP3Pps/XgqAy-PqqOI/AAAAAAAAE-w/CbEQ0W8cSqIyS34M9B30OeBKu6pOVcD-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/birthday%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday at Bracco's</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmlE1b3Idtc/XgqA2cWKH0I/AAAAAAAAE_U/LfuaoSnIfpAknuWxt2KBXLpRlhDug21mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rfkc%2B2017%2Bdrama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmlE1b3Idtc/XgqA2cWKH0I/AAAAAAAAE_U/LfuaoSnIfpAknuWxt2KBXLpRlhDug21mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/rfkc%2B2017%2Bdrama.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9m80R35DPjQ/XgqA24eAGyI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/n2Qdd7KRFt0Emaw3iCHDMX-9YyUhQf2mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rfkc%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="924" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9m80R35DPjQ/XgqA24eAGyI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/n2Qdd7KRFt0Emaw3iCHDMX-9YyUhQf2mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/rfkc%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC dinner and dessert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNdEidQ2-YI/XgqAywJHrPI/AAAAAAAAE-4/g_OosZq2IyEM9KRmLhKe6_JFzlkNFwdeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2017%2Bchristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNdEidQ2-YI/XgqAywJHrPI/AAAAAAAAE-4/g_OosZq2IyEM9KRmLhKe6_JFzlkNFwdeACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2017%2Bchristmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only pic we took as a family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2018<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lbIuMGCHZE/XgqGuy6XxdI/AAAAAAAAFA0/Si8XWJ65onkG7PB_MlvOpLMulZqE3NrcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DR%2B2018%2BShell%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lbIuMGCHZE/XgqGuy6XxdI/AAAAAAAAFA0/Si8XWJ65onkG7PB_MlvOpLMulZqE3NrcACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DR%2B2018%2BShell%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to the Dominican with Rifly</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CzMj8k0XQw/XgqG1EL6mqI/AAAAAAAAFBk/YWUjBJK66_QxW5y0T9-AqadOr3_aPtYJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/shopping%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CzMj8k0XQw/XgqG1EL6mqI/AAAAAAAAFBk/YWUjBJK66_QxW5y0T9-AqadOr3_aPtYJACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/shopping%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping trip</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBzpQ22zfNo/XgqG0C-ZAHI/AAAAAAAAFBc/BatBiKj8zowWOkmq2Eq-maqJTv_Xz22cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/quilt%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBzpQ22zfNo/XgqG0C-ZAHI/AAAAAAAAFBc/BatBiKj8zowWOkmq2Eq-maqJTv_Xz22cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/quilt%2B2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom finished my quilt after 16 years</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Nu58rQxgk/XgqGwKxi7zI/AAAAAAAAFA8/C-dnAnL36n8GYwKGuKpQpzeLZ-fqxiBzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Wicked%2B018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Nu58rQxgk/XgqGwKxi7zI/AAAAAAAAFA8/C-dnAnL36n8GYwKGuKpQpzeLZ-fqxiBzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Wicked%2B018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wicked with my girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ1WvkKp4RM/XgqGuiHcN1I/AAAAAAAAFAw/P6truJut1mUpnEbetZlT1lWJQ2O6WPwFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Black%2BHIlls%2B2018%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ1WvkKp4RM/XgqGuiHcN1I/AAAAAAAAFAw/P6truJut1mUpnEbetZlT1lWJQ2O6WPwFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Black%2BHIlls%2B2018%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC leadership meeting in the Black Hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utlb8fQNA_s/XgqGyfguiBI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/86ljd1W7NvYaKFV3kcD3HJjRjY1Upp0DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/denver%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utlb8fQNA_s/XgqGyfguiBI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/86ljd1W7NvYaKFV3kcD3HJjRjY1Upp0DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/denver%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denver with Dan and Sabrina to visit Shalee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlwQWIKoNk0/XgqGuFJXrGI/AAAAAAAAFAs/udA6L5rUNsYujrIp9xQ81NSBjd7z2skSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BH%2B2018%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlwQWIKoNk0/XgqGuFJXrGI/AAAAAAAAFAs/udA6L5rUNsYujrIp9xQ81NSBjd7z2skSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BH%2B2018%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Hills</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwf2c7P2ZP0/XgqGyOL7RXI/AAAAAAAAFBM/OMeExI9kC88InMqUksmc6UgMNE5PDqdDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/denver%2B2018%2B1%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwf2c7P2ZP0/XgqGyOL7RXI/AAAAAAAAFBM/OMeExI9kC88InMqUksmc6UgMNE5PDqdDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/denver%2B2018%2B1%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denver</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80foEKx699Q/XgqGtx6WH4I/AAAAAAAAFAo/y2TM0yvF__oy0vbTJsxtmWSyI_5Xqjz7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2018%2Bus%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80foEKx699Q/XgqGtx6WH4I/AAAAAAAAFAo/y2TM0yvF__oy0vbTJsxtmWSyI_5Xqjz7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2018%2Bus%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozarks</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggAPUb3rUmY/XgqGzSqh4oI/AAAAAAAAFBY/bn3rClpXpScsybTQ92cgE33up9MKnSmlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ozarks%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggAPUb3rUmY/XgqGzSqh4oI/AAAAAAAAFBY/bn3rClpXpScsybTQ92cgE33up9MKnSmlACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/ozarks%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozarks</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KreVBZtquHc/XgqIqALnLhI/AAAAAAAAFCU/hu1cL8Tibe0XYi52mL5DGSa2HC-G0nv3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DR%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KreVBZtquHc/XgqIqALnLhI/AAAAAAAAFCU/hu1cL8Tibe0XYi52mL5DGSa2HC-G0nv3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DR%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Dominican</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkGdIe3HoVA/XgqIqPrqMYI/AAAAAAAAFCY/jxQxLAt-EtMJZAV0UeKAse8HRmbmX8X5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/KC%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkGdIe3HoVA/XgqIqPrqMYI/AAAAAAAAFCY/jxQxLAt-EtMJZAV0UeKAse8HRmbmX8X5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/KC%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kansas City</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDuz2Ft8YrA/XgqIqhQf5bI/AAAAAAAAFCc/3Jmbb-GtFEs9R1ng_wxneix4Z_SphDJPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mt.%2BRushmore%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDuz2Ft8YrA/XgqIqhQf5bI/AAAAAAAAFCc/3Jmbb-GtFEs9R1ng_wxneix4Z_SphDJPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Mt.%2BRushmore%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Rushmore</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BoUoAtA3qM/XgqIr6VIsxI/AAAAAAAAFCo/SPFkrUMhspYyhiyH4kOSt_11Q3YpMflLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mountain%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BoUoAtA3qM/XgqIr6VIsxI/AAAAAAAAFCo/SPFkrUMhspYyhiyH4kOSt_11Q3YpMflLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/mountain%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfjEkOlECM8/XgqIrbP1tvI/AAAAAAAAFCk/pu772HGP10wjg34WyGTLy7zy9pGSDsTqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fog%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1080" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfjEkOlECM8/XgqIrbP1tvI/AAAAAAAAFCk/pu772HGP10wjg34WyGTLy7zy9pGSDsTqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/fog%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calm before the storm</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgJrDG8q9uY/XgqIqwrO8bI/AAAAAAAAFCg/JsSdQ5tNzNgC9eO2TRhw04oCYPxpqHLjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/christmas%2B2018%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgJrDG8q9uY/XgqIqwrO8bI/AAAAAAAAFCg/JsSdQ5tNzNgC9eO2TRhw04oCYPxpqHLjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/christmas%2B2018%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My happy place between Thanksgiving and Christmas </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;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga-PcinW0YI/XgqIqESI74I/AAAAAAAAFCQ/8wqm35UOB7Ec1HMsD7Zi6bFDkQtnS1ORwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2018%2Bnye%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2019<span id="goog_1530871817"></span><span id="goog_1530871818"></span><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bq9zOD3JdU/XgqJPZTjCrI/AAAAAAAAFDc/lJNN3-Asr0gjFXBChjUjW4G-ajqJ5_gXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bridal%2Bfair%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bq9zOD3JdU/XgqJPZTjCrI/AAAAAAAAFDc/lJNN3-Asr0gjFXBChjUjW4G-ajqJ5_gXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/bridal%2Bfair%2B2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Fair</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HduqUh3yujM/XgqJO52yAKI/AAAAAAAAFDY/6-Ibcc7-19oDYVQWBNCphoNGKfCce6wSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/basic%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1080" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HduqUh3yujM/XgqJO52yAKI/AAAAAAAAFDY/6-Ibcc7-19oDYVQWBNCphoNGKfCce6wSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/basic%2B2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BASIC battleship</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSApBuXiR2E/XgqJOMJLbNI/AAAAAAAAFDI/KOWxWoAd5Q8LXerpNKvhmG4TLJrfuhNbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Arley%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSApBuXiR2E/XgqJOMJLbNI/AAAAAAAAFDI/KOWxWoAd5Q8LXerpNKvhmG4TLJrfuhNbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Arley%2B2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Arley Jo</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UKCiGSvr1c/XgqJPxSQjPI/AAAAAAAAFDg/fBDwEfgPJSczRq9Ne6gVqh9bjaSVHqSOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/chi%2Btown%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="899" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UKCiGSvr1c/XgqJPxSQjPI/AAAAAAAAFDg/fBDwEfgPJSczRq9Ne6gVqh9bjaSVHqSOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/chi%2Btown%2B2019.jpg" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago Christmas Trip- February</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXm7OKcgpR4/XgqJS5xvIYI/AAAAAAAAFD4/Aj1r5Od9IGk2Nsx_DbMN38_ZIZchEiy4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/griff%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXm7OKcgpR4/XgqJS5xvIYI/AAAAAAAAFD4/Aj1r5Od9IGk2Nsx_DbMN38_ZIZchEiy4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/griff%2B2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Griffin's basketball games</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f4XpoMUCLI/XgqJU7m_fwI/AAAAAAAAFEI/_1h_ff9fiN4J5oZgJ3WdlgEdy4ogzEPvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/photo%2Bclass%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f4XpoMUCLI/XgqJU7m_fwI/AAAAAAAAFEI/_1h_ff9fiN4J5oZgJ3WdlgEdy4ogzEPvACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/photo%2Bclass%2B2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography class Flat Lay assignment</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-526JwXxK5kA/XgqJZQLzEqI/AAAAAAAAFEs/uzpi6Kr2-9UqvlIC2adOsKWCgiWfGKKpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/walk%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-526JwXxK5kA/XgqJZQLzEqI/AAAAAAAAFEs/uzpi6Kr2-9UqvlIC2adOsKWCgiWfGKKpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/walk%2B2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's raining flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAMME3aYQOM/XgqJX5g8PLI/AAAAAAAAFEg/hL5k2mSo9uoi4IpmUKgli4OqfTiwY6ZmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/silhoutte%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAMME3aYQOM/XgqJX5g8PLI/AAAAAAAAFEg/hL5k2mSo9uoi4IpmUKgli4OqfTiwY6ZmACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/silhoutte%2B2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silhouttes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wipe outs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozarks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family pictures</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My team</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Christmas Program with a leading role as Balthazar</td></tr>
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<br />So on that note, despite the hard this decade has held, I am walking into 2020 with my heart open to the opportunities and possibilities. I vow to be a light for others and continue to show up for my people and for MYSELF. Intention and wellness will be words I hold in my heart as we flip the calendar in a few days. </div>
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I pray that whatever this decade has impressed upon your lives, that you are able to squeeze the good from it, learn the lessons needed to move into the next year with hope and strength and confidence. </div>
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Happy New Year friends!<br /><br /></div>
Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-53324516692838642162019-09-08T15:16:00.001-07:002019-09-08T15:16:37.128-07:00It is WellThis drizzly weather is giving me all the hygge feels. Anyone else?? We've got candles lit, a good book, possibly daresay even a mimosa?? I'll take the reprieve from the constant go-go of our days. You bet I will.<br />
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It's been a hot minute since I sat at the keys and talked about life. So much happens over the course of two months, good and hard, and yet, more and more things must be kept within these walls. Such is the life of parenting teenagers I guess. What a lonely job, yet all of us who have children will God willing face that journey. All the highs and lows of what that brings. Parenting books teach you about potty training and pre-school, but nothing can prepare you for driver's licenses, social media, societal pressures, balancing the amount of time your kids spend on video games vs real life, overcoming bad choices, and the like. And all the while, so many parents go it alone, trying to protect their children's privacy or hiding inevitable shame that comes from raising tiny humans turned young adults.<br />
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Some days we are struggling to keep our heads above the surface and on others, all we can do is laugh or we most certainly will cry. How grateful I am to have Dan to navigate these waters with me. All we really want is for our kids to make it to adulthood unscathed right? To teach them not to make the same mistakes we did. To save them from the consequences of their poor choices, and praying more than anything to get them through without any life long repercussions. I'm guilty of saying I just want them to <i>survive </i>middle school and high school when what I actually want them to do is <i><b>thrive</b></i>. I want them to be kind and compassionate. To find a passion and advocate for something bigger than themselves. I want them to be good friends and find good friends. To love Jesus and love others the way Jesus does. I want them to be happy overall. Not to just survive this life.<br />
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It's funny because even a few years ago, I prided myself on being a laid back parent. I would NEVER become a helicopter parent. Never in this lifetime. And yet here we are. HA! Parenting teenagers will do things to your psyche that I can't even put into words. 😆😆 What I know with my rational mind is that my kids <i><u><b>will </b></u></i>make mistakes. They will most certainly do things and then get busted for doing said things. They will be the victim of unkind people and at one point or another be unkind to someone else. And you know what? So was I. So did I. My mistakes taught me more about how to live my life than anything my parents could have "warned" me about. I had to live through the consequences to grow. Sometimes those consequences are small in the grand scheme of things, and yet others are life changing. It is sobering and terrifying to know that I have to let go of the bike my kids are learning how to ride. There's a point where failing to let go of their bike seat prevents them from fully experiencing the ride. The brutal truth is that in less than three years, Jae will be graduating and stepping into the next phase of <i><b>her </b></i>life. And at that point, I have to trust that we did what we could to teach her how to live it well.<br />
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There are so many perks of having kids that are more self sufficient, but I wasn't prepared for the sadness that came with letting them take the handlebars. I'm definitely a work in progress, and I can only pray that I'm not screwing my kids up for life. 😏<br />
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With that being said, I'm grateful for each day I get to be their mama. We definitely have good days in spite of some of the hard ones, and those are the ones I want to remember. I'm learning to say "It is well with my soul." (Note- Saying it and feeling it are completely separate. Again, work in progress)<br />
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#thatisall about this parenting talk that I care to write about. I want to sign off with my "End of Summerish" things I'm loving right now.<br />
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1. Dates with our nieces<br />
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2. Camp<br />
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3. Birthday celebrations<br />
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4. Pictures with my whole family<br />
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5. Planning our trips for 2020<br />
6. My colleagues<br />
7. Convincing Dan to workout with me<br />
8. Mimosas<br />
9. Wedding dress shopping<br />
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10. My siblings<br />
11. My parents<br />
12. Morning walks<br />
13. Homemade lattes<br />
14. A sweet group of 3rd graders<br />
15. Fall weather<br />
16. Back to school shopping<br />
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17. Football games<br />
18.Boat days<br />
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Happy September! What are you loving right now?Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-84074025941844567722019-07-14T16:29:00.001-07:002019-07-14T16:29:19.190-07:00Summer Faves<br />
Already over half way through summer, and I'm just drinking it all in! I refuse to lament over the little time I have left to enjoy my sliver of freedom, and instead I am going to live all the moments with as much life and love as I possibly can. The other day, I was doing my morning devotions, and I felt like the author was completely calling me out on all of my BS. I mean. I felt her words like a literal punch in the gut, and it took the wind right out of me....(It also could have been my morning walk, but we're not even going to go there...)<br />
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ANYWHO.. the author goes on to tell a story about some friends of hers who spent some time in a monastery. One of her friends took a vow of silence for three days which was incredibly difficult and meaningful. When he was able to speak, he immediately began to complain about the cold showers, tasteless food, and his aching body. She said "Nothing was that bad until he spoke the words aloud." She goes on to remind us that voicing complaints aggravates every situation. Paul writes in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining and arguing." I mean... c'mon. This was very obviously directed right towards my heart. I honestly feel horrible admitting it, but after THE hardest teaching year to date, I can tell you that I complained A LOT last school year. Like a lot. And I always justified it by saying that it was mentally, physically, and emotionally taking a toll on my body. The author continues on by saying that "voicing complaints sharpens life's edges and increases pain."<br />
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Wow.<br />
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This is such a hard truth. Complaining about the hard never, not once, made me feel better about it. Only while I was complaining did I feel some relief because I felt like I had some camaraderie amongst my teammates. But after I walked away, I continued to dwell on it. The small sliver of relief I felt in sharing my pain, doubled up in agony later when it was all I could think about. I was effectively shooting myself in the foot "getting it off my chest". It made me feel like I was in the wrong profession and that I had made a mistake choosing a career.<br />
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So now that I'm on the other side of the hump and have spent some time reflecting, I am choosing to put transform that negative energy into positive. We get one life right? I'm not spending it irritated and angry.<br />
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Therefore..... Here are my current summer faves.<br />
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That Ball Life<br />
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Soft or Base....we don't care. We're here for it all. We love it.<br />
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Baby snuggles, Surprise parties, and The Ozarks<br />
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Class reunions and Besties<br />
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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>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 years. What is life? (Also. More people were there. We just forgot a picture)</td></tr>
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Sky gazing on morning walks<br />
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A new pool and my favorite lifeguard<br />
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Picking Strawberries<br />
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Silhouettes</div>
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A mini vacation with my tribe</div>
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A Bookclub I am smitten with</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you are looking for something to give you life and you love to read, this Jen Hatmaker book club is seriously for you. I can't speak it's praises highly enough. I'm just here for it all.</td></tr>
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We are enjoying our summer the best way we know how. For the record, I have yet to lose any weight or eat healthier even though I said I would. Don't give me that judgement. ;)</div>
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Have a fabulous end of your weekend! So much love.</div>
Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-61071587833386056852019-05-06T12:08:00.000-07:002019-05-06T12:08:41.033-07:00Here Comes the Sun (doo doo doo doo)Welp, haven't been very faithful in my posting as of late. No good excuses either really. Just living life. It's been a pretty low key spring thus far. We were in a sort of hiatus from sports the last 6-7 weeks since volleyball finished. Jae actually starts softball practice on Monday. (probably today once I get this posted.) Once games start, we will be in go mode, so we are enjoying a little break. I can't say I'm not excited to watch them play ball. It's one of my favorite times of year, but having some time to ourselves hasn't been all bad. The weather is slowly starting to shift. It's still chilly much of the time, but the sun has been peeking out on a much more regular basis as of late, and I have to say, I'm not mad about it. It's given me a chance to sit on the deck with my book and take a few more walks outside. It definitely helps my energy and mood. That's for sure!<br />
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I've gotta say. This school year has been a rough one. I haven't posted a lot of substance on here and definitely haven't been writing regularly. I am hoping to change that when school lets out. I'm just so exhausted once the day is through. Some days it's hard to function when I get home. My brain is mush. We are all ready for a break over here. I am looking forward to spending some time on myself and my family once that last bell rings.<br />
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This is the first summer that we don't have a vacation planned for our family. It's kind of strange but also a little refreshing. Dan and I are trying to plan a 15 year anniversary vacation for next year, so having no agenda this summer takes a little pressure off of us. Hopefully we can do something impromptu and small, but we will see where the summer leads.<br />
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As for me? I'm hoping to write more. Take more pictures. Make it to all the games. Read a lot of books. Lay by the pool. Make time to meet up with friends I haven't seen in a hot minute. Just thinking about it gets me excited to recharge.<br />
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In the meantime, here's what we've been doing recently. :)<br />
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My step-brother got married in March! So we capitalized on photo ops. :)<br />
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Our nieces had a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. We love living across the street from so many activities!<br />
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Dan and Carter went to the Middle School retreat. It was such a great time for them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing a little Gaga ball during the retreat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We played our own games while Dad and Carter were away</td></tr>
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Sawyer played some rec basketball this year to see if he'd like it. Turns out, he loves it!<br />
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Our annual Girls' shopping trip. Such a great time.<br />
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Lots of spring concerts. Last one is Tuesday night!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaedyn's last concert ever possibly. :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely ladies. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer and I made it for Lili's spring concert. </td></tr>
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Easter with the fam bam.<br />
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Supporting my colleague's mission- Midwest Honor Flights by attending a fundraiser at a Sioux Falls brewery with Dan's sibs. It was a great time!<br />
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Dates with these lovelies!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin sandwiches are my favorite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch dates with these two <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attending a gala for a local charity with my bestie. </td></tr>
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One of the best parts?? Our room is pretty well finished, with the exception of wall decor! Carpet is in, and it looks SO good. It feels so homey. My hubby did an AMAZING job! I get almost 0 credit other than helping pick things out. He is so great!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We do have curtains! They just didn't come until after the picture was taken. :)</td></tr>
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We will celebrate our 14th anniversary on Tuesday, so we made a quick getaway this weekend. So needed. Such a great time. Our hotel was downtown and close to everything we did which was nice. We saw some live music, ate downtown, looked at some shops, and hit up the Falls!<br />
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Enjoying our spring so far, and patiently waiting for warm, sunny days to be the norm! Happy May friends!Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-24212425208903022702019-03-08T14:45:00.000-08:002019-03-08T14:45:05.193-08:00Death by WinterOkay. I'm ready to call "time of death" on winter. The cold is just bragging now, taunting me with lies that she is here to stay. Did someone tick Elsa off or what because they need to go find her and apologize.<br />
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I know that I feel this way every year. It's not brand new information. Winter mildly creeps in around December which is festive and full of holiday cheer. In January, we hunker down after the holidays and settle into a cozy month of rejuvenation and relaxation after a month of hustle and bustle. A snow day is a welcome invitation to spend time inside with family, a good excuse to curl up with a book, or binge watch a new series on Netflix. By February, it's beginning to overstay it's welcome. We <strike>secretly </strike>publicly complain because we're tired of scraping our windshields after work or pretending we didn't slip on the ice in front of a slew of people outside the grocery store, but we know that technically, February is still winter, and it hasn't taken its full turn yet. But by March. Get out. You've overstayed your welcome. We are sick and tired of bitter cold days, ANOTHER snow day to make up, influenza A, the stomach flu, strep throat, winter coats, kleenex, hand warmers, inside recess, icy roads, dirty cars, shoveling snow, walking inside, etc. etc. etc.<br />
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Jesus make it warm!!!!<br />
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Okay. I'm finished complaining. I just needed to let it out.<br />
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Here are some things I'm loving about these icky cold months:<br />
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*Our bond issue passed! We will be building a well needed high school starting this spring/summer.<br />
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* Watching my nephew play basketball<br />
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*Cousins giving love after a wrestling tournament<br />
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*a trip to Chicago with my family<br />
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*Meeting Arley Jo- two of our dearest friends' baby<br />
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*Getting asked to be a bridesmaid in my brother's wedding<br />
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*A good book to cuddle up with when it's cold<br />
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*The new dressers Dan is building us for our bedroom redo<br />
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*Our girls' day making blankets<br />
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*Jaedyn's choir concert with a whole bunch of 'Greatest Showman' references<br />
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* Finding these gems of what my kid is searching on the internet. Some days I am literally dying of laughter. Others have included: How can I put my self up for adoption? and Why do I toss and turn all night?<br />
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* Jaedyn and Dan's 12 year adoptaversary- grateful is an understatement<br />
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Crossing my fingers that the snow and ice misses us completely this weekend. A few more bumps in the road the next few days, but otherwise the 10 day forecast looks a little warmer I think, so hopefully the next time I'm on here, we are cruising into spring!<br />
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Happy Weekending!!<br />
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Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-21855465530094213362019-01-30T12:39:00.002-08:002019-01-30T12:39:57.483-08:00Wednesday Wonderfulness-46.<div>
That was the temperature that showed up on my wind chill screen this morning in the middle of the night when I rolled over to check the time. BRRRRRR! When I woke for the day, it said -39, so we're headed in the right direction. I gotta say. My soul doesn't feel like it was made for the cold, but then again, I don't know if it's made for a season of 100 degrees and humidity, so I'm going to refrain from my "it's time to move to Florida schpeel". The grass is never greener on the other side. I know I know. </div>
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I will say that I'm loving a day off in the middle of the week, despite knowing we have to make it up at the end of the year. We get a break AND there's no snow or ice to deal with, and I pretty much am forced to hole up inside my house with my family, my tea, and a good book. Oh ok. It's rough man. Gotta tell ya. Maybe Jesus knew that the 3rd grade teachers were going to lose their everloving minds if we didn't get a little reprieve. Who knows? Either way, the break is a welcome one.</div>
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Although it's been nice and relaxing, I won't say it's completely devoid of productivity. I've done a few loads of laundry, done half a workout, listened to two podcasts, did my gratitude journal, cleaned up my kitchen, and when I mentioned that I was going to make myself a cup of Blueberry muffin tea (yup it's a thing. Click <a href="https://redrosetea.com/sweet-temptations-bundle/" target="_blank">here</a>.), my boys of course heard I was making blueberry muffins. So when there weren't muffins on the stove exactly 18 minutes later, there was almost a revolt, and with no muffin mix or blueberries in the house, pancakes and sausage had to suffice, and so I made those too. </div>
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Currently on my third cup of tea/coffee, and waiting to venture out in the cold to take my boys to the rec center (hopefully it's open). Trying to find ANYTHING that isn't a screen. Amiright moms? Trying to find other things in the winter for my boys to do besides be on a screen is HARD. Unless you are willing to do it with them, and sometimes I just don't. Throw me your ideas mamas. It takes a village.</div>
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Anyways. Just popping on here to wrap up our January. It's been quite nice. Not terribly busy, but I gotta say we are getting bored with the cold weather. Not having our Saturdays filled with sports has made it quite low key. Next month we head to Chicago for our family Christmas get away (pray for warmer temps), and we get to meet little baby Arley Jo DeWit. Can. Not. Wait. </div>
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Our January in photos:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal fair for our newest bride to be :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brief lunch date with Drew who came home from LA for a quick minute</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battleship for BASIC at the pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan being recognized by the Hospers fire department for 11 years of service on his retirement</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan and I took a class called FRAMED by one of my favorite bloggers- Kelle Hampton You can find her on Instagram as @etst Such a fun time getting creative with our new camera that we got at the beginning of this month. It's been a fun hobby to unpack with Dan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Negative space assignment</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layflat assignment (photo cred: Dan)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing up our wrestling season with a 2nd place finish. He has just blown me away with how much he improved this year. So much fun to watch.</td></tr>
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Hoping you are staying warm and cozy, and if you live in a warmer climate, please send help (or at least some warmer temps. :) )</div>
Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-3060884107434144282019-01-06T14:06:00.002-08:002019-01-06T14:06:13.540-08:00New Year Same MeHappy (six days late) New Year!! I hope this finds you well....renewed and refreshed from the busy holiday season. We are back into the swing of things and jumping into 2019 feet first. It's been a semi-different start to the year than we are used to. Jaedyn won't start AAU volleyball until Freshman basketball finishes in February. She's used to starting right when they come back to school. I think she'll like having a little extra time to herself. Carter opted out of AAU basketball this year, so we are only doing the wrestling thing right now. It's strange having only one child's activities to go to at a time. I'm sure we will survive. ;)<br />
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In years past, I have always ended the year with reflections from the year before and intentions for the year to come. This year, I just didn't have the words on my mind to sit down and do it. Not for any other reason than we were just enjoying our break together. We had no big plans other than a few Christmas parties, but other than that, we just enjoyed time spent relaxing and being together. This has been a challenging year for me in school, and so regrouping and relaxing was at the top of my list of things to do over this break.<br />
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But I'm here now. Still don't have well formulated thoughts, but we will throw them up on here and see what comes of it. As I was thinking of ways to describe 2018, I initially felt pretty indifferent about it. It wasn't great. It wasn't bad. It just was. And then I thought to myself....how boring. Is that an accurate representation of how our year went? So I made a list of all the things that happened the past year (using pictures from social media of course because I can't remember a darn thing), and what I actually found was that our year was pretty friggen good- full of lots of memories and trips and time with friends and family, and I thought to myself how much anxiety and the busyness of life can alter our perceptions on things. It reminded me how thankful I am for the ability to document our lives with pictures and words and string together meaning from our every day lives. Perspective is everything, and I definitely need to find it on a regular basis.<br />
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Here's our year in pictures:<br />
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January:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrestling meets for Sawyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impromptu murder mystery date with this crew</td></tr>
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February:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volleyball tournaments for Jae</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketball tournaments for Carter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trip of a lifetime with Shelley to the Dominican</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzYCvdG12V4/XDJz7J8GrMI/AAAAAAAAEUE/p5XzrsNoxYc5Ajz1L4m0Nex67YpTczoewCEwYBhgL/s1600/28514670_880707713629_3781389593216998273_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="1008" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzYCvdG12V4/XDJz7J8GrMI/AAAAAAAAEUE/p5XzrsNoxYc5Ajz1L4m0Nex67YpTczoewCEwYBhgL/s640/28514670_880707713629_3781389593216998273_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An excursion day</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QimmWvb_vLk/XDJz7iQBjII/AAAAAAAAEUQ/Hzb054GMIdoGxt1zmvjXoMTkz9cEVPvrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/28617135_880708512029_35988666639085041_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="1008" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QimmWvb_vLk/XDJz7iQBjII/AAAAAAAAEUQ/Hzb054GMIdoGxt1zmvjXoMTkz9cEVPvrgCEwYBhgL/s640/28617135_880708512029_35988666639085041_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of volleyball played during the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
March:<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vjujgM5xTE/XDJz6-lU3nI/AAAAAAAAEUU/JJNtIu24BN8R3VQpVgRrK6mCg6_tMGe8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/28071333_878025733339_7918084262016356689_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1080" height="544" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vjujgM5xTE/XDJz6-lU3nI/AAAAAAAAEUU/JJNtIu24BN8R3VQpVgRrK6mCg6_tMGe8gCEwYBhgL/s640/28071333_878025733339_7918084262016356689_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Threepeat state qualifiers</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uexiW12AOHw/XDJz7crfe-I/AAAAAAAAEUc/Xm23WDYYRVEVd-hr15SwIN2JgxWsLW9NQCEwYBhgL/s1600/28575930_880148259779_6214944772277347408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uexiW12AOHw/XDJz7crfe-I/AAAAAAAAEUc/Xm23WDYYRVEVd-hr15SwIN2JgxWsLW9NQCEwYBhgL/s640/28575930_880148259779_6214944772277347408_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard fought battle in the championship</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP6Bcw2oXHI/XDJz74ypfBI/AAAAAAAAEUE/WAAm4SPlVPgKWYGogMK9U7UN1r0Ih37TwCEwYBhgL/s1600/29060277_884295618439_7001184890509965361_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP6Bcw2oXHI/XDJz74ypfBI/AAAAAAAAEUE/WAAm4SPlVPgKWYGogMK9U7UN1r0Ih37TwCEwYBhgL/s640/29060277_884295618439_7001184890509965361_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AR Workshop with the Wolfswinkel girls</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toZWVHDGio0/XDJz8K0uUdI/AAAAAAAAEUE/WWAji9V3cr4OuuIBZHrRjuG7PIAEiJl-QCEwYBhgL/s1600/29343261_883121750879_3942636012329508403_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toZWVHDGio0/XDJz8K0uUdI/AAAAAAAAEUE/WWAji9V3cr4OuuIBZHrRjuG7PIAEiJl-QCEwYBhgL/s640/29343261_883121750879_3942636012329508403_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AR Workshop with the "Schelling" girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
April:<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAFNTOBG8Pw/XDJz8gDmyVI/AAAAAAAAEUM/_yt0liARz_khLwTmP_lmYzuM9yJerADlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/30723574_888421285569_7138780588449452304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAFNTOBG8Pw/XDJz8gDmyVI/AAAAAAAAEUM/_yt0liARz_khLwTmP_lmYzuM9yJerADlQCEwYBhgL/s640/30723574_888421285569_7138780588449452304_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle School Retreat at Hidden Acres</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAUYdlQtovM/XDJ0JQ-9YfI/AAAAAAAAEUY/am2JKgI1gZkVdZZDhK3tf4uFDE9wpCNBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/44779572_920293009379_3919305344345440256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAUYdlQtovM/XDJ0JQ-9YfI/AAAAAAAAEUY/am2JKgI1gZkVdZZDhK3tf4uFDE9wpCNBQCEwYBhgL/s640/44779572_920293009379_3919305344345440256_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC leadership retreat in the Black Hills</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Z6808KqrE/XDJz8RIGvII/AAAAAAAAEUY/v4mAOkCaCEEvdrUW9tKdG6aJmUn0wHnzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/30441195_887408305589_1867678425439213762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Z6808KqrE/XDJz8RIGvII/AAAAAAAAEUY/v4mAOkCaCEEvdrUW9tKdG6aJmUn0wHnzQCEwYBhgL/s640/30441195_887408305589_1867678425439213762_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leadership team plus spouses</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01hY71SPXQ4/XDJz8_rwGdI/AAAAAAAAEUY/77VX0TMtFYAXy25_5F_H43Tw5J3P5uAigCEwYBhgL/s1600/30742948_889226901109_497426745244026982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01hY71SPXQ4/XDJz8_rwGdI/AAAAAAAAEUY/77VX0TMtFYAXy25_5F_H43Tw5J3P5uAigCEwYBhgL/s640/30742948_889226901109_497426745244026982_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaedyn's last middle school dance using the convertible borrowed to us by the generous Den Hartogs.</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ4ajkgCmqw/XDJz-HBWyHI/AAAAAAAAEUI/0nJQKMhJYt0MY7FrfTMHQWN2PPNujzRBgCEwYBhgL/s1600/31957228_891614027289_6772519442690605056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ4ajkgCmqw/XDJz-HBWyHI/AAAAAAAAEUI/0nJQKMhJYt0MY7FrfTMHQWN2PPNujzRBgCEwYBhgL/s400/31957228_891614027289_6772519442690605056_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking said car on a date to Kulinary Kings in Rock Valley</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggnoa9PrdZI/XDJz9R0KnrI/AAAAAAAAEUM/a17qyW_WcpMAqhOR1rteaastOwgaTw_AACEwYBhgL/s1600/31417056_890366756829_4612926577470472057_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggnoa9PrdZI/XDJz9R0KnrI/AAAAAAAAEUM/a17qyW_WcpMAqhOR1rteaastOwgaTw_AACEwYBhgL/s640/31417056_890366756829_4612926577470472057_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual Shopping weekend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
May:<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlYj0siBy-o/XDJz-AhowZI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/bGOtbGwlTQgaUFTxyCWg4EIQMe9pLEuKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/31530410_891383025219_8468838693463916544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlYj0siBy-o/XDJz-AhowZI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/bGOtbGwlTQgaUFTxyCWg4EIQMe9pLEuKgCEwYBhgL/s640/31530410_891383025219_8468838693463916544_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couples weekend in Kansas City</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVsPChcfwPY/XDJz-6gBAOI/AAAAAAAAEUY/S2i0NMr-xIov26JHatomPLzaoMJ8jCqYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/33674718_894772971739_1165294296069308416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVsPChcfwPY/XDJz-6gBAOI/AAAAAAAAEUY/S2i0NMr-xIov26JHatomPLzaoMJ8jCqYgCEwYBhgL/s640/33674718_894772971739_1165294296069308416_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to Wicked with Jaedyn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
June:<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gz8EwR4t9cQ/XDJ2hw0EGZI/AAAAAAAAEUk/p3h3wBopZ9ohHDcDYQQQ5ujEFoNof-cVgCEwYBhgL/s1600/34103320_895675682699_7671594747877654528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="877" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gz8EwR4t9cQ/XDJ2hw0EGZI/AAAAAAAAEUk/p3h3wBopZ9ohHDcDYQQQ5ujEFoNof-cVgCEwYBhgL/s640/34103320_895675682699_7671594747877654528_n.jpg" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny Holm in Sioux Center</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZgHlfrGcoQ/XDJ2iPBDn0I/AAAAAAAAEUo/Nac1L9hFpP8Okol1l8S92g_LsBeABhjhwCEwYBhgL/s1600/35991017_899807088329_8159513095811629056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZgHlfrGcoQ/XDJ2iPBDn0I/AAAAAAAAEUo/Nac1L9hFpP8Okol1l8S92g_LsBeABhjhwCEwYBhgL/s640/35991017_899807088329_8159513095811629056_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Softball</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/--inehdI_o4Q/XDJ2iMBxtGI/AAAAAAAAEUs/XP_60qbzPLgx_9WepShsWN0H6I5FXB6bgCEwYBhgL/s1600/36464063_901052392729_2888591765437153280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--inehdI_o4Q/XDJ2iMBxtGI/AAAAAAAAEUs/XP_60qbzPLgx_9WepShsWN0H6I5FXB6bgCEwYBhgL/s640/36464063_901052392729_2888591765437153280_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baseball for both Carter and Sawyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1124591923"></span><span id="goog_1124591924"></span><br />
July:<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MieVTatJ2N8/XDJ3eW_RinI/AAAAAAAAEXY/9taWJd0K_Kw3Bggn0bvReH0LidWitGbZwCLcBGAs/s1600/36990013_10156512730804181_8575656200857714688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="264" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MieVTatJ2N8/XDJ3eW_RinI/AAAAAAAAEXY/9taWJd0K_Kw3Bggn0bvReH0LidWitGbZwCLcBGAs/s400/36990013_10156512730804181_8575656200857714688_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family trip to the Black Hills</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRlXdgKnz0A/XDJ2i4F3sfI/AAAAAAAAEXI/rzHKuxpWQA8tESk7yi00r4m0pFWGpa3RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/37077667_903197239439_6231914567727841280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRlXdgKnz0A/XDJ2i4F3sfI/AAAAAAAAEXI/rzHKuxpWQA8tESk7yi00r4m0pFWGpa3RgCEwYBhgL/s640/37077667_903197239439_6231914567727841280_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of cards</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRGyp5MOzBI/XDJ2iXmNeRI/AAAAAAAAEXM/R0EirikhBNYMtxiq0DGMlQyvemaznnGQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/36904514_902537955649_4164274172781920256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRGyp5MOzBI/XDJ2iXmNeRI/AAAAAAAAEXM/R0EirikhBNYMtxiq0DGMlQyvemaznnGQgCEwYBhgL/s640/36904514_902537955649_4164274172781920256_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Hike</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5KI2841AUA/XDJ2jFj5ixI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/OduvEbEESQsF9z48CDdO1XCNZ0KRLUmEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/37064453_903197334249_2314615101958651904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5KI2841AUA/XDJ2jFj5ixI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/OduvEbEESQsF9z48CDdO1XCNZ0KRLUmEgCEwYBhgL/s640/37064453_903197334249_2314615101958651904_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ATV rides</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex5zRdxYHtU/XDJ2pJmrymI/AAAAAAAAEW8/Xv3oqTU2gQYZBb1M-vIjNc-9JrBoq1AYACEwYBhgL/s1600/41465067_913240108449_8618317844720910336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex5zRdxYHtU/XDJ2pJmrymI/AAAAAAAAEW8/Xv3oqTU2gQYZBb1M-vIjNc-9JrBoq1AYACEwYBhgL/s640/41465067_913240108449_8618317844720910336_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Jumping</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wd0N3RTAz0/XDJ2kONAFDI/AAAAAAAAEXM/TwV_4godVlYLpcDsKqyY-srWOD6sfRurwCEwYBhgL/s1600/37528101_904237370009_5851526850672590848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wd0N3RTAz0/XDJ2kONAFDI/AAAAAAAAEXM/TwV_4godVlYLpcDsKqyY-srWOD6sfRurwCEwYBhgL/s640/37528101_904237370009_5851526850672590848_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to Denver with Sabrina and Dan to visit Shalee</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGOsG4LdsZU/XDJ2jQckWSI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/o43A_BTtrywcrb3TINqhKMxHgxIieZhzACEwYBhgL/s1600/37147482_903527372849_2480959773743251456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGOsG4LdsZU/XDJ2jQckWSI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/o43A_BTtrywcrb3TINqhKMxHgxIieZhzACEwYBhgL/s640/37147482_903527372849_2480959773743251456_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shalee's apartment</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nxth8KAh264/XDJ2jn1jw8I/AAAAAAAAEXM/OipCfohaWUUiEePiCwOV7o2319Iqn5aQACEwYBhgL/s1600/37233535_903590840659_6375522631835189248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nxth8KAh264/XDJ2jn1jw8I/AAAAAAAAEXM/OipCfohaWUUiEePiCwOV7o2319Iqn5aQACEwYBhgL/s640/37233535_903590840659_6375522631835189248_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tandem bike rides to taco bars</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hIebwuxskk/XDJ2j_932rI/AAAAAAAAEXU/qV5EYmf_OoEqWC5VpQXRlxIPwIOaNO69gCEwYBhgL/s1600/37339600_903855400479_2647892813097730048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hIebwuxskk/XDJ2j_932rI/AAAAAAAAEXU/qV5EYmf_OoEqWC5VpQXRlxIPwIOaNO69gCEwYBhgL/s640/37339600_903855400479_2647892813097730048_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard hikes with stellar views</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEr_R97Mk9Q/XDJ2qoxXHHI/AAAAAAAAEXI/6j3uGBh9EKokwzqlJzr8cjbBCeWRGBqhQCEwYBhgL/s1600/44853534_920292754889_3947710784867401728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEr_R97Mk9Q/XDJ2qoxXHHI/AAAAAAAAEXI/6j3uGBh9EKokwzqlJzr8cjbBCeWRGBqhQCEwYBhgL/s640/44853534_920292754889_3947710784867401728_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronco stadium tour</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMtwet-N82w/XDJ2keW4piI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/xD6UpwysNUIG-A6wovNGkidxqrrxBTwfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/37642134_904567643139_3322871598251245568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMtwet-N82w/XDJ2keW4piI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/xD6UpwysNUIG-A6wovNGkidxqrrxBTwfwCEwYBhgL/s640/37642134_904567643139_3322871598251245568_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa's birthday celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
August:<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlncdA7QYPs/XDJ2kagNzCI/AAAAAAAAEW8/EUkJnjTeHOoDLtzGzNJ7OFIC65TcvuU7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/38668213_907379962229_7527768950403235840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlncdA7QYPs/XDJ2kagNzCI/AAAAAAAAEW8/EUkJnjTeHOoDLtzGzNJ7OFIC65TcvuU7wCEwYBhgL/s640/38668213_907379962229_7527768950403235840_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Year 5 at Royal Family Kids Camp</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDsZpMbiPM4/XDJ2kma2UaI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/hRTrb4y8xP0Xa0aRjfaZ0TccmvX1DhOugCEwYBhgL/s1600/38916139_908256166309_6771494895422013440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDsZpMbiPM4/XDJ2kma2UaI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/hRTrb4y8xP0Xa0aRjfaZ0TccmvX1DhOugCEwYBhgL/s640/38916139_908256166309_6771494895422013440_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family date to BWW and a Canaries game</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3vQKj_o5vY/XDJ2lWpKnxI/AAAAAAAAEXU/JTGz0_MOqgg2YRxEnsGjlapx318jQsQlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/39594030_909587837629_519698752282296320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3vQKj_o5vY/XDJ2lWpKnxI/AAAAAAAAEXU/JTGz0_MOqgg2YRxEnsGjlapx318jQsQlQCEwYBhgL/s640/39594030_909587837629_519698752282296320_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult weekend to the Ozarks</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGJLXfVGrgM/XDJ2luMMbAI/AAAAAAAAEXE/KsfDXA2_LNoIYYekRJYfhgo_8LVjJzBKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/39975745_910237470759_7684986284107890688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGJLXfVGrgM/XDJ2luMMbAI/AAAAAAAAEXE/KsfDXA2_LNoIYYekRJYfhgo_8LVjJzBKgCEwYBhgL/s640/39975745_910237470759_7684986284107890688_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of School: Jae- 9th, Carter- 7th, Sawyer-4th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
September:<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqxkGhgpBo4/XDJ2m-SrGSI/AAAAAAAAEXE/yoULWZsNSh4YesK2NaxT1p1IzN-edQKqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/41363478_913125448229_2336651032966201344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="719" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqxkGhgpBo4/XDJ2m-SrGSI/AAAAAAAAEXE/yoULWZsNSh4YesK2NaxT1p1IzN-edQKqwCEwYBhgL/s640/41363478_913125448229_2336651032966201344_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jae's 15th birthday bash in Okoboji</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi9zDtkrpxc/XDJ2oBxfOVI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/ji5ON3nNU1QB6e7DzJQzgT-PkmXAowJfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/41463611_913125233659_6243937508334239744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi9zDtkrpxc/XDJ2oBxfOVI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/ji5ON3nNU1QB6e7DzJQzgT-PkmXAowJfwCEwYBhgL/s640/41463611_913125233659_6243937508334239744_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last boat ride of the season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
October:<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_XBtNHBJf8/XDJ2pRrKPHI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/XrUxkBAyEHgK6Z3VU0ozSODZlpNQ0SaDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/43952943_918349888409_4535841568904445952_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_XBtNHBJf8/XDJ2pRrKPHI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/XrUxkBAyEHgK6Z3VU0ozSODZlpNQ0SaDgCEwYBhgL/s640/43952943_918349888409_4535841568904445952_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titan football for Sawyer</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syKx_sJ5Jsg/XDJ2pOdZS5I/AAAAAAAAEXM/TqOzVvlDbOU2Nt2uOz7uH5dU3u7IqzAFgCEwYBhgL/s1600/43877890_918349783619_987919735951720448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syKx_sJ5Jsg/XDJ2pOdZS5I/AAAAAAAAEXM/TqOzVvlDbOU2Nt2uOz7uH5dU3u7IqzAFgCEwYBhgL/s640/43877890_918349783619_987919735951720448_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7th grade football for Carter</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4UTkFKxMsBg/XDJ2mX4auRI/AAAAAAAAEXE/z-UQcJpdgm0kgbU-7_u4Rn3wPoBtBizGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/40058925_910483617479_3647952939831525376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4UTkFKxMsBg/XDJ2mX4auRI/AAAAAAAAEXE/z-UQcJpdgm0kgbU-7_u4Rn3wPoBtBizGQCEwYBhgL/s640/40058925_910483617479_3647952939831525376_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshman volleyball for Jae</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
October:<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9AXvG1AZ0E/XDJ2rgnTzfI/AAAAAAAAEXI/WKqRHD7jiG4go1a7Gbd98334RE9KOucnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/44948640_920693771249_1424501499437776896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9AXvG1AZ0E/XDJ2rgnTzfI/AAAAAAAAEXI/WKqRHD7jiG4go1a7Gbd98334RE9KOucnwCEwYBhgL/s640/44948640_920693771249_1424501499437776896_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozarks with the family</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-ls8dMlvNM/XDJ2rKapzUI/AAAAAAAAEXI/hu2IWH1-0TocFkRnm8JpyXOFrYb8Q4yrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/44962021_920692648499_4713382181047631872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-ls8dMlvNM/XDJ2rKapzUI/AAAAAAAAEXI/hu2IWH1-0TocFkRnm8JpyXOFrYb8Q4yrgCEwYBhgL/s640/44962021_920692648499_4713382181047631872_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old highschool friends reunite</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5-r0Pwg4Kc/XDJ5dofRzRI/AAAAAAAAEXk/swNRVueDldYIbcmJ6xzoHyrx3sKbfLlawCEwYBhgL/s1600/45055715_920693182429_6295154589612113920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5-r0Pwg4Kc/XDJ5dofRzRI/AAAAAAAAEXk/swNRVueDldYIbcmJ6xzoHyrx3sKbfLlawCEwYBhgL/s640/45055715_920693182429_6295154589612113920_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Potter party</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M75gmLX9V2o/XDJ2r2PAaFI/AAAAAAAAEW8/hnl4h-RYD6chr_TmdQiodhB9vghenro6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/45323533_921385006009_8955849351599489024_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1080" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M75gmLX9V2o/XDJ2r2PAaFI/AAAAAAAAEW8/hnl4h-RYD6chr_TmdQiodhB9vghenro6ACEwYBhgL/s640/45323533_921385006009_8955849351599489024_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd grade Halloween costume- The Price is Right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
November:<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJhQ6WT2nKw/XDJ2s_QA53I/AAAAAAAAEXA/i0LcLoYSlPMzXxyhQ9NII9y1VcAxp5NBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/46520657_924669503849_665497855300993024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJhQ6WT2nKw/XDJ2s_QA53I/AAAAAAAAEXA/i0LcLoYSlPMzXxyhQ9NII9y1VcAxp5NBwCEwYBhgL/s640/46520657_924669503849_665497855300993024_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting down the tree</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anTXTNogjf4/XDJ5dxsO2NI/AAAAAAAAEXw/E3vTztWOsHwkZ6yTe4Y_Ke5anW2qCACLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/46519938_10104638820927658_5448023276032884736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anTXTNogjf4/XDJ5dxsO2NI/AAAAAAAAEXw/E3vTztWOsHwkZ6yTe4Y_Ke5anW2qCACLQCEwYBhgL/s640/46519938_10104638820927658_5448023276032884736_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual neighborhood girls's sleepover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
December:<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrkGtGwakMQ/XDJ2tNkqgwI/AAAAAAAAEXU/gn2XvGIjkYgAIskTzr0y372bQH8jeBgeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/47285162_926643248449_1964401978289160192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrkGtGwakMQ/XDJ2tNkqgwI/AAAAAAAAEXU/gn2XvGIjkYgAIskTzr0y372bQH8jeBgeQCEwYBhgL/s640/47285162_926643248449_1964401978289160192_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC Dinner and Dessert Auction</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgrRm5kGeoU/XDJ2u49VwsI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/H0DL9r2o8sc9Sugd9CGqdqYuTatc9IxKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/49212684_929898325249_5123321678281048064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgrRm5kGeoU/XDJ2u49VwsI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/H0DL9r2o8sc9Sugd9CGqdqYuTatc9IxKwCEwYBhgL/s640/49212684_929898325249_5123321678281048064_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jae's first high school dance</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5R2oTzRJCIs/XDJ2ujerjQI/AAAAAAAAEXM/VRgQXy2RVqYNM4M3WPDPcm5EFbsaBG5ewCEwYBhgL/s1600/49203361_929898190519_3360285621007417344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5R2oTzRJCIs/XDJ2ujerjQI/AAAAAAAAEXM/VRgQXy2RVqYNM4M3WPDPcm5EFbsaBG5ewCEwYBhgL/s640/49203361_929898190519_3360285621007417344_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas with the best</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EolGfjXZfQs/XDJ2t6eWYbI/AAAAAAAAEXE/yz6xe6Z7dkMYu5_n_jJWZR1j1Hs0VxO_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/48420944_929898105689_2059362055936278528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EolGfjXZfQs/XDJ2t6eWYbI/AAAAAAAAEXE/yz6xe6Z7dkMYu5_n_jJWZR1j1Hs0VxO_QCEwYBhgL/s640/48420944_929898105689_2059362055936278528_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendsmas at Blue Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwUYPsjK710/XDJ2uCYKtcI/AAAAAAAAEXU/HdkF_IH17MMYwiENVsrYjQVCpU6oIdEOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/48955943_930128429119_8974586571630051328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwUYPsjK710/XDJ2uCYKtcI/AAAAAAAAEXU/HdkF_IH17MMYwiENVsrYjQVCpU6oIdEOwCEwYBhgL/s640/48955943_930128429119_8974586571630051328_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolfswinkel Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8DsUae2sGE/XDJ2uZOWJxI/AAAAAAAAEXI/MhM9Pnv8l5E6V1sFUk_PQO9EKKHUZCXyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/49094789_930129566839_6872876322838806528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8DsUae2sGE/XDJ2uZOWJxI/AAAAAAAAEXI/MhM9Pnv8l5E6V1sFUk_PQO9EKKHUZCXyQCEwYBhgL/s640/49094789_930129566839_6872876322838806528_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korver Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXhEzxmA2gM/XDJ2tTt6G3I/AAAAAAAAEXM/VGD-FJCl0VsD8LUceet8ycBN6vtfsVGVgCEwYBhgL/s1600/48418912_930154935999_4834408874775674880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXhEzxmA2gM/XDJ2tTt6G3I/AAAAAAAAEXM/VGD-FJCl0VsD8LUceet8ycBN6vtfsVGVgCEwYBhgL/s640/48418912_930154935999_4834408874775674880_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schelling Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRxqLMOW0U4/XDJ2vRNlL2I/AAAAAAAAEXU/qoSJkinfwpcdcLRPY-UWxCjJCZ7xYuHZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/49346016_931307606039_4519273633775878144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRxqLMOW0U4/XDJ2vRNlL2I/AAAAAAAAEXU/qoSJkinfwpcdcLRPY-UWxCjJCZ7xYuHZgCEwYBhgL/s640/49346016_931307606039_4519273633775878144_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas</td></tr>
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Not too shabby now that I look at it.<br />
<br />
So what's to come for 2019? I'm sure there will be challenges. There will most certainly be lots of good, and the question is who do I want to be in 2019? What do I want life to look like?<br />
<br />
Well, for starters. I want to make sure I'm taking care of me. My body, mind, and soul. I've done some excellent ground work in 2018- gratitude journals, listening to podcasts, reading books, and filling my feeds with people who will help me grow. Spending time in the mornings on my own- reading my devotions, meditating, taking a walk, focusing my mind on the day to come. Making time for my relationships-my family, my friends, and making room for new relationships as well. Was I perfect? Surely not. But it was a good start, and I'm excited to continue that work.<br />
<br />
I don't have any resolutions. Resolving something means there is a problem to be fixed, and I don't want to look at myself as a problem that needs fixing, but rather showing up for myself in whatever ways I need to in order to become the best possible me in 2019. I'll continue spending that time in the morning on self care, feeding my body with things that make it feel good, moving my body in ways that allow me to feel energized and strong, refraining as much as possible from negative talk (from my self or others) about myself or others.<br />
<br />
In 2019, I will continue show up for myself and my family. As my kids grow up, I'm finding that my role looks different to be their mom. I can no longer solve their problems by scooping them up and kissing their owies. I'm no longer "mommy" the hero. The one who can solve a problem by feeding them, changing their diaper, or putting them to sleep. I'm "mom"- the one here to listen, to offer advice or direction when necessary. To set boundaries and expectations, and follow through with consequences when needed. Hard conversations are prevalent and quite frankly talk about things that aren't necessarily the most comfortable. I play referee and maid, housekeeper and pocketbook. All without accolades or thank yous. Maybe I'll do another post on motherhood in the future, but let's be real, this parenting gig is HARD. It's hard watching your kids go through dark places and not be able to do anything but hold their hand through it. In fact, today in church, I literally cried the entire service. During one part of a song called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpqSbKYxd9Y" target="_blank">King of My Heart</a>" there is a part that says "When the night is holding on to me, God is holding on." (Fast forward to about the 4 min mark) It is repeated over and over, and today I just wept. My kids are going through some dark places, and I can't fix it, and as a mama, that is hard. Dan is the only outlet I have. There is no talking about it in the midst of friends or family because these are not my stories to tell. My kids are old enough where they are able to vocalize when they need things to be kept private, and I have to respect that. So for me, this is new territory. It's hard territory.<br />
<br />
All that said to say that 2019 will be a year of showing up not only for me, but for my husband. For my kids. Showing up, hunkering down, digging my feet in, climbing under the covers, and doing nothing more than walking the path with them. Reminding them that no matter what, I'm here. That they will never walk through the hard alone. They will always have their dad and me in their corner. And hopefully, when they think of me, they will feel home.<br />
<br />
Where are you headed in 2019? My words for 2019 are Intentional and Show Up. What are yours? Drop me a line.<br />
<br />
<br />Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-61780847963763436722018-11-08T09:04:00.002-08:002018-11-08T09:04:13.860-08:00The Big ThreeYou thought I was referring to <u>This is Us</u> weren't you? Yeah, I see you, and I'm not ashamed to say that it was super intentional, but only to get your attention. :) I love me some <u>This is Us</u> references. No, I was actually referring to the end of the year. My favorite trio. October, November, December. A delicious blend of crisp Autumn air, a kaleidoscope of colors, the gathering of friends and family, the cozying up under the couch on the blankets next to people I love and watching old holiday favorites, the aroma of fir and balsam on repeat, the gratitude journal entries, the playlists of old and new Christmas songs, picked to fit your mood. The lists are endless really, and it's my favorite, absolute favorite time of the year.<br />
<br />
And while I know people find it daunting and full of pressure and expectation, I've learned to just embrace the season for what it is- a time for friends and family and reflection. I don't hold myself to any standards. I don't get my panties in a bunch if I don't check off all the items on my bucket list. Our Christmas lists aren't long. We focus more on the giving than the getting. Twinkle lights are a must, and above all else, and this one is hard for some people.....we don't do what we don't want to do. If it doesn't make us happy, it's out!<br />
<br />
Christmas candy not your thing? Don't do it!<br />
Have a list of 14 different types of goodies and plan to host a party? Awesome!<br />
Hate putting up a tree? Fine by me!<br />
You put up 16 trees in various places around the house? My kinda friend!<br />
Christmas cards not in the budget? Who cares! That's what Instagram's for.<br />
Save money all year to go the fancy route on cards? Can't wait to see em!<br />
Planning a Black Friday shopping spree? You go girl!<br />
Hate malls, so Amazon primed all your gifts this year? GENIUS<br />
<br />
You guys. There is no status quo. Make this <i><u>YOUR</u></i> time of year and be intentional. Do <u>your</u> favorite things and leave out the rest. Make memories. Enjoy your family and friends. Those are the only rules. :)<br />
<br />
On that note, I'll leave you with our happies from the past month and a half, and some of how we have enjoyed the first member of the trio.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KY0cyRLWcFY/W-RDb6754-I/AAAAAAAAEOY/HPvNUoia0cIZNH81LwzHVZxKnDvTFgIsACLcBGAs/s1600/43184100_10157775398989908_3414383938146140160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KY0cyRLWcFY/W-RDb6754-I/AAAAAAAAEOY/HPvNUoia0cIZNH81LwzHVZxKnDvTFgIsACLcBGAs/s640/43184100_10157775398989908_3414383938146140160_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating birthdays with this crazy crew!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol0RxwlFrtM/W-RDcgZPnmI/AAAAAAAAEOg/283r0FTbYNY9HuSFWm0ZKUzYbgg1_PvswCLcBGAs/s1600/43952943_918349888409_4535841568904445952_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol0RxwlFrtM/W-RDcgZPnmI/AAAAAAAAEOg/283r0FTbYNY9HuSFWm0ZKUzYbgg1_PvswCLcBGAs/s640/43952943_918349888409_4535841568904445952_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titan football for Sawyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpATqTHnCb8/W-RDc1-3SvI/AAAAAAAAEOk/DQc1602JJgQah7GlvDQzrhLEFCVXvuI1wCLcBGAs/s1600/44028830_918349723739_80085587993821184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpATqTHnCb8/W-RDc1-3SvI/AAAAAAAAEOk/DQc1602JJgQah7GlvDQzrhLEFCVXvuI1wCLcBGAs/s640/44028830_918349723739_80085587993821184_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter finishing out the 7th grade season</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBiVkG4LYag/W-RDcIb8m1I/AAAAAAAAEOc/-PdEL9FI-l0EHgmgZQP-FFWz94Ics9QRACLcBGAs/s1600/43950125_918349494199_55560354071052288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBiVkG4LYag/W-RDcIb8m1I/AAAAAAAAEOc/-PdEL9FI-l0EHgmgZQP-FFWz94Ics9QRACLcBGAs/s640/43950125_918349494199_55560354071052288_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last game for Freshman volleyball ends in a W</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIpdUg01VBc/W-RDb9foNSI/AAAAAAAAEOU/1QeOZA-NZEgHNF44UcURewsLoqB5jNigACLcBGAs/s1600/43273232_917359742669_8360531257620168704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIpdUg01VBc/W-RDb9foNSI/AAAAAAAAEOU/1QeOZA-NZEgHNF44UcURewsLoqB5jNigACLcBGAs/s640/43273232_917359742669_8360531257620168704_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dates with this guy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTBVYok-XJg/W-RDdBbnaTI/AAAAAAAAEOo/lrlIkHWztsoNiZDtAY25ZC7C7rS0a8HuACLcBGAs/s1600/44486048_919413187549_7627286555287093248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTBVYok-XJg/W-RDdBbnaTI/AAAAAAAAEOo/lrlIkHWztsoNiZDtAY25ZC7C7rS0a8HuACLcBGAs/s640/44486048_919413187549_7627286555287093248_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dates with this guy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0y0Pr6eA0w/W-RDdyJFETI/AAAAAAAAEO0/ZQmemLxOhNEWzzKTTrbQfOoxY80JyyL1wCLcBGAs/s1600/44629799_10157820451739908_1984824247133929472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0y0Pr6eA0w/W-RDdyJFETI/AAAAAAAAEO0/ZQmemLxOhNEWzzKTTrbQfOoxY80JyyL1wCLcBGAs/s640/44629799_10157820451739908_1984824247133929472_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crafting with these lovelies and our tradition of getting together more often</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gF_ktQNLHk/W-RDdUvt65I/AAAAAAAAEOs/nAyQe_UiZ_MnLiZFsS6kW5vSimC-h15agCLcBGAs/s1600/44528237_10156760018529181_7319063243811454976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="960" height="634" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gF_ktQNLHk/W-RDdUvt65I/AAAAAAAAEOs/nAyQe_UiZ_MnLiZFsS6kW5vSimC-h15agCLcBGAs/s640/44528237_10156760018529181_7319063243811454976_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grabbing a few family pics at the Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R096XgqcLTg/W-RDdmWZj-I/AAAAAAAAEOw/jbm9-Fl1-A8LLdFk1OxkX44DXEihj8-6wCLcBGAs/s1600/44597596_10156760020634181_283824048943661056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="960" height="572" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R096XgqcLTg/W-RDdmWZj-I/AAAAAAAAEOw/jbm9-Fl1-A8LLdFk1OxkX44DXEihj8-6wCLcBGAs/s640/44597596_10156760020634181_283824048943661056_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzGhZ506jYA/W-RDgrPQdLI/AAAAAAAAEPM/OGNOzhNbMFctBGAKjeFfHwgMHsJos8u7QCLcBGAs/s1600/44948640_920693771249_1424501499437776896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzGhZ506jYA/W-RDgrPQdLI/AAAAAAAAEPM/OGNOzhNbMFctBGAKjeFfHwgMHsJos8u7QCLcBGAs/s640/44948640_920693771249_1424501499437776896_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney's got nothing on this view in the Ozarks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaU6B-eKLFg/W-RDhFETXcI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/_90q_G2RktUOKHxq23Ge6Wzffi4pOtaKwCLcBGAs/s1600/44962021_920692648499_4713382181047631872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaU6B-eKLFg/W-RDhFETXcI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/_90q_G2RktUOKHxq23Ge6Wzffi4pOtaKwCLcBGAs/s640/44962021_920692648499_4713382181047631872_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The OG</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbsSeWGWSPg/W-RDfEAbnXI/AAAAAAAAEPA/wb4sEXJyiRMbC9IWxMdv9vwRsni7-NnEQCLcBGAs/s1600/44934588_920692942909_6766425330774179840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="960" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbsSeWGWSPg/W-RDfEAbnXI/AAAAAAAAEPA/wb4sEXJyiRMbC9IWxMdv9vwRsni7-NnEQCLcBGAs/s640/44934588_920692942909_6766425330774179840_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat rides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSpS-trb6lA/W-RDev-wFTI/AAAAAAAAEO8/yO_eqHncoaUBSU94l1IivMhdmsRwGHJFQCLcBGAs/s1600/44933992_920692977839_7029432592357130240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSpS-trb6lA/W-RDev-wFTI/AAAAAAAAEO8/yO_eqHncoaUBSU94l1IivMhdmsRwGHJFQCLcBGAs/s640/44933992_920692977839_7029432592357130240_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love her </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1MKhJlebGQ/W-RDfl5f5JI/AAAAAAAAEPE/dpUHrkiEgDQTzgsfKkagH_1Z7OdMxhN5wCLcBGAs/s1600/44939937_920692897999_8778181651374014464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1MKhJlebGQ/W-RDfl5f5JI/AAAAAAAAEPE/dpUHrkiEgDQTzgsfKkagH_1Z7OdMxhN5wCLcBGAs/s640/44939937_920692897999_8778181651374014464_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Carter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZfOIq6fdNE/W-RDjmrAc8I/AAAAAAAAEPk/19pHCSthQnIPLg3W1KZJDVVxhncwQMidACLcBGAs/s1600/45055715_920693182429_6295154589612113920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZfOIq6fdNE/W-RDjmrAc8I/AAAAAAAAEPk/19pHCSthQnIPLg3W1KZJDVVxhncwQMidACLcBGAs/s640/45055715_920693182429_6295154589612113920_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Potter Party feast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PvHNkWFJyA/W-RDiLgfzFI/AAAAAAAAEPY/huRjAwkxAq8qTMV-BUcDdedW4G5GIQN8wCLcBGAs/s1600/44982031_920693072649_432693001312010240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PvHNkWFJyA/W-RDiLgfzFI/AAAAAAAAEPY/huRjAwkxAq8qTMV-BUcDdedW4G5GIQN8wCLcBGAs/s640/44982031_920693072649_432693001312010240_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting the tone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlfYZDnnTq4/W-RDgLACF3I/AAAAAAAAEPI/8oOoA5KCbQwIBUMpfDr6Ibjd_a20UM0MwCLcBGAs/s1600/44942065_920693107579_9139807336372633600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlfYZDnnTq4/W-RDgLACF3I/AAAAAAAAEPI/8oOoA5KCbQwIBUMpfDr6Ibjd_a20UM0MwCLcBGAs/s640/44942065_920693107579_9139807336372633600_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeydukes is now open</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1FuzliDmmc/W-RDkPf1OXI/AAAAAAAAEPo/ry11R5HziEoG-a3PbLm-iQmXlXVWFgucgCLcBGAs/s1600/45148798_10156005616800292_8998240210659573760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1FuzliDmmc/W-RDkPf1OXI/AAAAAAAAEPo/ry11R5HziEoG-a3PbLm-iQmXlXVWFgucgCLcBGAs/s640/45148798_10156005616800292_8998240210659573760_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't force my kids to dress up, but at least I get to have fun with this crew. Come on down to the Price's Right!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNyK9aQmcRU/W-RDkuPQqRI/AAAAAAAAEPs/skxlrOxx7S8OyLHrzTzOylWc_Fgsk4FsACLcBGAs/s1600/45461322_10156791282784181_2731575298762997760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNyK9aQmcRU/W-RDkuPQqRI/AAAAAAAAEPs/skxlrOxx7S8OyLHrzTzOylWc_Fgsk4FsACLcBGAs/s640/45461322_10156791282784181_2731575298762997760_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have the most selfless hubby! He repainted our Computer room while I was at the High School retreat, so it was no longer purple. It set the tone for working in there, and I've gotten so much done because it's no longer a cluttered pigsty! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWd6S231n8k/W-RDlCPuEAI/AAAAAAAAEPw/igQAYJXoRgg8ILvzTCD-Qe1a7r37glPkwCLcBGAs/s1600/45697029_922278535369_1785404766642241536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWd6S231n8k/W-RDlCPuEAI/AAAAAAAAEPw/igQAYJXoRgg8ILvzTCD-Qe1a7r37glPkwCLcBGAs/s640/45697029_922278535369_1785404766642241536_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trivia nights during the school year give me life. :)</td></tr>
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<br />
In addition to all of these things, I've been enjoying a class I'm taking called Framed. It's been giving me inspiration on my photography, and motivated me to organize my pictures on my computer and start doing something with them! It's been a very fun project. I'm also being intentional about creating habits that will motivate me to be my best self. I was feeling like I was deep in a rut, and so I decided to start reading books, listening to podcasts, and follow people online that would help me grow. Getting into the habit of making myself a latte, reading my devotions, listening to a podcast, writing down my dreams/goals, and making a gratitude list every morning has shifted my mentality over the last couple months. I'm excited to see where this goes.<br />
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Next item on the agenda- slowly roll into the holidays. Buy some twinkle lights on Amazon, start to make my Christmas lists, and look for inspiration for Christmas cards. Have a happy Thursday!! Do something that makes you happy- even better- do something that makes you AND someone else happy today. :)Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-57543499624528407092018-09-29T16:55:00.000-07:002018-09-29T16:55:18.781-07:00The Great DivideI've come back and forth to my computer this week, trying to decide whether or not to write about something that, again, has taken America by storm. Something that has divided our nation once more. Something that leaves both sides boiling with anger, and to be perfectly honest, this week I have just become overwhelmed with many many emotions. Many people I love and respect have shared their views. Some people I don't really care for have shared their views. There are others I don't even know, and yet, I still see their opinions scattered over my Facebook feed, and I am overwhelmed to my core. I feel powerless.<br />
<br />
Living in this unbelievably conservative corner of NW Iowa, I know that by saying my own thoughts and views, I am subjecting myself to the probability of getting scrutinized through the ever so easy ability of others to type up their comments rather than saying them to me in person, and perhaps that is why I've stayed relatively silent until now. However, this morning I had a small, but very powerful epiphany. I kept mulling over the fact that I drill into my kids' heads that if you stand around and watch people exert their power over another and don't do anything about it, you are part of the problem. If that's true, then doesn't this issue fit into that same box, or is that only true on the playground or in the cafeteria or the girls' bathroom? I personally don't think so. Therefore, if I expect my kids to stand up for what they know is right. If I expect them to have integrity, then why am I not holding myself to that same standard?<br />
<br />
Because it's scary. That's why. It's hard to have a minority opinion. It's hard to risk having people stop liking you (yes, even as an adult). It's painful to have friends or family decide that your opinion is enough to make them not what to be part of your circle anymore. But you know what's harder? Living with yourself knowing that you didn't stand up for your beliefs. That you have to look at yourself in the mirror every day and feel like a fraud. That you have to explain to your kids that you became someone you try to teach them every day not to become. To me, the price is much greater to stay silent than it is to speak up.<br />
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So my next dilemma was how to go about it. I am a firm believer that shame motivates no one into change. I'm not here to tell you I'm right and you're wrong. And I'm definitely not here to sway anyone into changing a political stance to any one party. In fact, when Dr. Blasey Ford came forward accusing Kavanaugh of attempted rape, politics were the last thing on my mind. Instead, I felt compelled to share my view with the hopes that maybe some of you might read this through a different lense. Maybe I could help someone see a very different perspective. When all we hear in the media and our Facebook and Twitter feeds is what the Dems or Republicans are doing wrong.<br />
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But I warn you. It comes with some major vulnerability. I suppose most things that are worth fighting for drag along the baggage of vulnerability. So I pray that you are gentle. That you don't hear what I'm not saying, and more importantly that you hear what I AM saying. So here it goes.<br />
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I believe her. I believe Dr. Blasey-Ford. I believe her because I was her. No, I was not almost raped, but I was one of the "one in four girls" that was sexually harassed/assaulted before the age of 18. I've never told anyone the whole story, and only Dan knows a few very vague details. But I do feel like that warrants enough to have me bring something to the table in lieu of this national conversation.<br />
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When I look to my feeds and listen to the news, the major things I keep hearing over and over again are <b><i>she's probably lying</i></b> and if she's not, why didn't she come forward until now? Also, how could she remember some things, but not others? Her memory is foggy at best. Maybe it actually happened but not by Kavanaugh. Probably someone else. And finally, my favorite. The one that people are getting the most bang for their buck in the meme department- why are we holding him accountable for things that happened 35 years ago?<br />
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Let's dig into this shall we?<br />
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*Did you know that roughly, only 5% of reported sexual assault cases turn out to be false. This means that 95% of reports are found to be true. There is a higher probability that she's telling the truth than that she is lying.<br />
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<b><i>So if she's telling the truth, why didn't she come forward until now? </i></b><br />
<br />
* 1 in every 100 accused rapists do time. That means that the victim is far more affected by what happens than the person who's actually done the crime. If nothing happens anyway, why say it?<br />
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*In the case of Dr. Blasey-Ford, she felt it was her civic duty to let those making major decisions that affect this country know her truth before giving someone with that history a great deal of power. Coming forward will forever affect her. It would have been much easier to keep this quiet, but again. In my opinion, it's harder to look at yourself in the mirror every day when you know you didn't do the right thing, and you can't take it back.<br />
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*In my situation, I didn't want to make waves. I never come forward because I don't like confrontation. I wasn't even ten at the time, and I was scared to tell anyone. I felt guilt and shame, like it was my fault. Like I could have changed it. Besides, who would have believed a kid? By the time I was an adult, I never said anything because what good would it have done? I don't even remember his last name. Would I love to say something to him today? You bet. But just because it doesn't run my life or my thoughts on a day to day basis, doesn't mean I'm never affected by it. It stays with you forever.<br />
<br />
*Research sexual abuse and the psychological effects. It gives a lot of insight into the mind of a victim.<br />
<br />
<b>How can anyone remember something that happened 35 years ago?</b> Her reports are vague and she can't even remember the details from that night- like how she got home. How in the world are we supposed to trust someone who doesn't remember things like that?<br />
<br />
You guys. I don't remember what I was wearing. I don't remember why he was at my house. I don't remember how it happened, but I sure as hell remember who did it. His face is forever etched in my memory. I remember the incident, and nothing else, and it wasn't 35 years ago. Believe me- I wish I could forget that moment like I can easily forget why I walk into the kitchen a billion times a week. But I can't. Some things can't be forgotten.<br />
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<b><i>Finally- "Are we really going to crucify this man for something that happened decades ago?</i></b> I sure hope nobody looks into what I did as a high schooler/college kid. Better tell my son not to talk to any girl on the playground. It will come back to bite him in the butt later."<br />
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Ok. I really really REALLY hope that if you are saying this, that you weren't out at parties drugging women and forcing their clothes off of their bodies. I sure hope we aren't saying "teenagers will be teenagers". YOU GUYS. This wasn't someone mooning the car behind them. This wasn't whistling at a girl on the street (but still...ew. Don't do that.) THIS WAS SEXUAL ASSAULT. Why does he get a free pass because he was in college? I was married and a freaking mother by the time I was in college. HE WAS AN ADULT. Is that what this world has come to? Are we really willing to die to the sake of a political party rather than call it what it is? S.E.X.U.A.L. A.S.S.A.U.L.T<br />
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What if this happened to your daughter....or son for that matter? Oh yes, it happens to boys/men too. And believe me, it's much less reported. I can't imagine the jokes in the locker room that would come from spilling those beans. Come on guys! We need to wake up! We need to stop picking sides and remember the HUMANITY of this woman. Please take into consideration all the victims that had to relive their old wounds listening to this hearing and all the muck that came with it. Think of how many victims feel as though their voice doesn't matter. Their pain doesn't matter. That they don't matter.<br />
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And then remember that the probability that you love someone who has been assaulted/harassed is very high. Even if you don't know it, and then remember that they are watching what you say......or what you don't. If we don't speak up, we are part of the problem. We need more than just the women to speak up. We need the good men to have our back too.<br />
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(And just a side note....I don't want to rehash my experience. I don't want to relive it. I brought it out to hopefully share a new perspective, but it's still painful even decades later. I just thought it might help someone. Thanks for understanding and being gentle with my story.)<br />
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I hope that if nothing else, you were able to view this in a different light and that maybe you can be more mindful about what you say or post. That maybe you are able to understand differently that what you are posting affects someone you love in a way you didn't realize it did. "Know better. Do better." Let's divide less and come together more. In this day and age, it isn't going to happen on your phone or your computer screen. Not on Facebook or Twitter. Not on CNN or Fox News.<br />
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Let's make a commitment to get out into the world and do our part to bring people together. Listen to someone's story. Hug them. Tell them they matter. That you love them. That their pain is safe with you. Let's tear down the walls that divide and hate....not build them. Be the light.Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-54862575250025655992018-09-06T14:59:00.000-07:002018-09-06T21:29:03.475-07:00Coasting into Fall like............You guys. It was a crisp 51 degrees on my walk this morning. Hate me if you must, but Fall is coming!! And if you don't think I'm wearing cozy sweaters with a top bun, cute glasses, and drinking a pumpkin spice latte any time I get the chance, then you are WRONG. Getting giddy just thinking about the leaves changing colors, and enjoying a cozy fire in my hooded sweatshirt. Yassss!<br />
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Not only am I loving the temperature, but football and volleyball season have begun, and I can't wait to get into that groove as well. I have a Titan, a middle school football player, and a high school volleyball player which means lots of different schedules again, but mostly we just love it!<br />
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Now school on the other hand....That has taken some getting used to. It has been quite tiring on all our ends. Having Labor Day to recoup was super nice. We slept in. Made biscuits and gravy with a side of mimosas and had our favorite slow morning Pandora playlist going while we played cards as a family. That's quickly becoming one of our favorite things to do when we are home and have some free time. That and sinking in to watch some Harry Potter. Never mad about that.<br />
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So besides all the new of starting a new year and transitioning into a different season, we're glad to have slowed down a bit. RFKC was another fulfilling week of serving some well deserved kiddos, and our trip to the Ozarks is always one of the highlights of my year. Lucky for us, we get to go twice this year. We are taking our kiddos when we normally go in the Fall, so I can share my favorite place with them. We are super excited.<br />
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Here are a couple pictures of our last month!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter/Mom Christmas date- Applebees and Thunder Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls' night for the Made for More premiere</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commissioning service for RFKC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Communion service at camp before campers came</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just playing our parts...... #drama</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down on the Farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color me Mine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August Christmas family date to a Canaries baseball game and some BWW</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozark Boating</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just hanging in the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school- Jae- Freshman, Carter-7th, Sawyer 4th</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer's first ever Titan football game. They won! We love #60</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday afternoon funday with my fam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A night out with friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nerts champions.....not sorry<br />
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Lots more to come this Fall I'm sure! Enjoy the beautiful weather!</div>
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Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-49551953005668947922018-07-24T09:52:00.000-07:002018-07-24T09:52:41.587-07:00Yes, I still live here, and No, I'm not home for long. :)"You still live here?" "Are you done traveling for awhile?" Haha. Those are the top two questions I've been asked since we returned home Friday. For those that follow me on Facebook/Instagram, you know that we've just been gone for a couple weeks on vacations. We started out in the Black Hills with family and ended up in Denver with some of my childhood besties for a little reunion. It's been a satisfying few weeks. A good reprieve from the hustle and bustle of busy family life. But it's been really good to be home. <div>
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You know, being a teacher is a different cat. Especially when it comes to vacations. We do a few weekend getaways during the school year, but there isn't a lot of wiggle room for trips unless I want to take days unpaid (I wouldn't recommend it). So once ball is over, we tend to pack in the adventures until it's back to the grind. Honestly, while it is definitely busy, it makes me appreciate my home and this town that much more when I return. It's a good balance for us, and it works out for our lifestyle in this season of life we are in. I couldn't imagine doing the traveling we've done this year if our kids were still little. Back then, get togethers consisted of going to one couple's house and letting the kids play in the basement while we played cards and had a few drinks. Now, I'm lucky if my kids are around when we get together at someone's house. ;) </div>
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As I was visiting my grandma today, we chatted about how life just flies. One minute, your toddlers are hanging from your leg, and the next, you are sending them to high school and teaching them how to drive. This stage of life is by far my favorite. I love their independence (and ours), but I also love watching them turn into little adults with opinions and passions of their own. It's satisfying to me to watch them take the things we've taught them and apply them to life. It's also scary. Very scary. I know that kids make mistakes, and I'm trying to prepare myself for how to handle those as they come too. Nevertheless, we are enjoying the ride. </div>
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I sent Jae to Power Connection this morning for a week, and tomorrow I'll send Sawyer to Inspiration Hills for a few days. And in a few weeks, football and volleyball will start, and we will be gearing up for a new school year. It's all happening so quickly! </div>
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Here has been our summer in pictures thus far:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaedyn Freshman (technically 8th grade) Softball </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter- 6th grade Little Warrior baseball</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry picking 2018</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to fit in our monthly Christmas dates is proving to be harder than we thought :/- June Luverne Drive In Date</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family picture at Mt. Rushmore</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking afternoon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_hT-V2z1uM/W1dUdIgFnCI/AAAAAAAAELc/uSPjXOeNUq8799z2RTmkKrhgsUObwqhqACEwYBhgL/s1600/36999242_903197473969_1191792186996293632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_hT-V2z1uM/W1dUdIgFnCI/AAAAAAAAELc/uSPjXOeNUq8799z2RTmkKrhgsUObwqhqACEwYBhgL/s640/36999242_903197473969_1191792186996293632_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of card games on vacation</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34BpbWmo3HM/W1dUdYMOLuI/AAAAAAAAELc/upTRGcf1_osCi-91qgh4n6V9s7ndK8i6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/37000426_903039116319_1381331112403402752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34BpbWmo3HM/W1dUdYMOLuI/AAAAAAAAELc/upTRGcf1_osCi-91qgh4n6V9s7ndK8i6QCEwYBhgL/s640/37000426_903039116319_1381331112403402752_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and I at Custer State Park</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl14CIVERK0/W1dUeisbHXI/AAAAAAAAELg/YlBEfPeUIT0A1HDwPqsaYMaBSsIPFyjrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/37223553_903338845659_3990232722034393088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl14CIVERK0/W1dUeisbHXI/AAAAAAAAELg/YlBEfPeUIT0A1HDwPqsaYMaBSsIPFyjrwCEwYBhgL/s640/37223553_903338845659_3990232722034393088_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan's favorite part was the UTV</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er2BTClaYLQ/W1dUd3fOoqI/AAAAAAAAELg/O-qS6uIYV1oeXeGlAnKeL1wVb0QRC3vEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/37057233_903037674209_1372165055193284608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er2BTClaYLQ/W1dUd3fOoqI/AAAAAAAAELg/O-qS6uIYV1oeXeGlAnKeL1wVb0QRC3vEQCEwYBhgL/s640/37057233_903037674209_1372165055193284608_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Rushmore</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vSRvvCR7bI/W1dUdhRKIhI/AAAAAAAAELM/E6oBayuzGYMp-4S08w1P_EYvJhQOHcUeACEwYBhgL/s1600/37014721_903037734089_5528674468269916160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vSRvvCR7bI/W1dUdhRKIhI/AAAAAAAAELM/E6oBayuzGYMp-4S08w1P_EYvJhQOHcUeACEwYBhgL/s640/37014721_903037734089_5528674468269916160_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids with dad</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6H_FnnYV8E/W1dUeWYkgOI/AAAAAAAAELg/nEtxKAtaIUUnCbw3C2qkBl_BU6quqE8cACEwYBhgL/s1600/37082403_903338601149_3999551332187897856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6H_FnnYV8E/W1dUeWYkgOI/AAAAAAAAELg/nEtxKAtaIUUnCbw3C2qkBl_BU6quqE8cACEwYBhgL/s640/37082403_903338601149_3999551332187897856_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Deadwood at the Adams Museum- They play the part well. :)</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-HXxXhPzD4/W1dUcNOYaoI/AAAAAAAAELc/OHM_eZdkuUQ7Ogb4gknRbuXh5d45xQcggCEwYBhgL/s1600/36910935_902859117039_428316438227320832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-HXxXhPzD4/W1dUcNOYaoI/AAAAAAAAELc/OHM_eZdkuUQ7Ogb4gknRbuXh5d45xQcggCEwYBhgL/s640/36910935_902859117039_428316438227320832_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Gulch at Lake Pactola</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy7n3nUidVE/W1dVpVBtmdI/AAAAAAAAELk/tGHWRxL3A1EN-JaTXeyE-_9DpWxjV96-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/36925712_10156509986969181_8335720919473324032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy7n3nUidVE/W1dVpVBtmdI/AAAAAAAAELk/tGHWRxL3A1EN-JaTXeyE-_9DpWxjV96-wCEwYBhgL/s640/36925712_10156509986969181_8335720919473324032_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer cliff diving</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqyheGg1cnc/W1dVptsoiJI/AAAAAAAAELs/A1aN1AQpoyQsr93-an9BJVGFvX6ezEkSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/36980964_10156509963879181_4453081015149133824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqyheGg1cnc/W1dVptsoiJI/AAAAAAAAELs/A1aN1AQpoyQsr93-an9BJVGFvX6ezEkSQCEwYBhgL/s640/36980964_10156509963879181_4453081015149133824_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaining a little courage from Uncle Colin- This picture is the sweetest</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxbD_LkSBxc/W1dVqUSgdLI/AAAAAAAAEL4/WOMaPwXbKSMdboI9IBklZyEKqO3t2sm_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/37003648_10156509963964181_5164685855473795072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="960" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxbD_LkSBxc/W1dVqUSgdLI/AAAAAAAAEL4/WOMaPwXbKSMdboI9IBklZyEKqO3t2sm_wCEwYBhgL/s640/37003648_10156509963964181_5164685855473795072_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My entirely too brave for her own good daughter. Had to jump just right.......</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR3BTZ0orOk/W1dVq-OzisI/AAAAAAAAEL8/qKra2IO-9CIU2sqR3ZgceX0Agm1gKTv0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/37040386_10156509964109181_2450671831875584000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR3BTZ0orOk/W1dVq-OzisI/AAAAAAAAEL8/qKra2IO-9CIU2sqR3ZgceX0Agm1gKTv0gCEwYBhgL/s640/37040386_10156509964109181_2450671831875584000_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did it!!! So so proud of him!</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrdPK3EmOPk/W1dVpSHxEDI/AAAAAAAAELo/QszgplsTHM4jSxNu2TLSarErtC9wTpWMACEwYBhgL/s1600/36969658_10156512734019181_3240958600457224192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrdPK3EmOPk/W1dVpSHxEDI/AAAAAAAAELo/QszgplsTHM4jSxNu2TLSarErtC9wTpWMACEwYBhgL/s640/36969658_10156512734019181_3240958600457224192_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildlife loop at Custer State Park</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrB5h0WIz48/W1dVqXvsaaI/AAAAAAAAEL0/yht5no8oYkoA4VmH5FILj-JBizHCSjqPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/37032734_10156512740994181_2302333840544235520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrB5h0WIz48/W1dVqXvsaaI/AAAAAAAAEL0/yht5no8oYkoA4VmH5FILj-JBizHCSjqPgCEwYBhgL/s640/37032734_10156512740994181_2302333840544235520_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUo16lPceSM/W1dVp9gk8MI/AAAAAAAAELw/wcsSO5vPN-QgDRBJWmbK9xms2qyDerzNACEwYBhgL/s1600/37000390_10156512738209181_6134884135455424512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUo16lPceSM/W1dVp9gk8MI/AAAAAAAAELw/wcsSO5vPN-QgDRBJWmbK9xms2qyDerzNACEwYBhgL/s640/37000390_10156512738209181_6134884135455424512_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Country was a favorite for sure!</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOl93iuxHoQ/W1dUfNSFbII/AAAAAAAAELQ/D79vx-BeAyAT0uNndbzFYU3s0ltOtWbAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/37233535_903590840659_6375522631835189248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOl93iuxHoQ/W1dUfNSFbII/AAAAAAAAELQ/D79vx-BeAyAT0uNndbzFYU3s0ltOtWbAwCEwYBhgL/s640/37233535_903590840659_6375522631835189248_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next up- Denver to with these ladies! First item on the docket- Biking to the taco bar!</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKuaGSYN6qs/W1dUf9I9ZxI/AAAAAAAAELc/kh4tEPxRi_AfDVTazDbDSAZmaapRPfLegCEwYBhgL/s1600/37355588_903855225829_65735363523510272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKuaGSYN6qs/W1dUf9I9ZxI/AAAAAAAAELc/kh4tEPxRi_AfDVTazDbDSAZmaapRPfLegCEwYBhgL/s640/37355588_903855225829_65735363523510272_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronco stadium tour </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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep_hjqjz65g/W1dUgfh2X0I/AAAAAAAAELY/C2nbKI-ETDkiAYwe459TqPNnyrIAD6pHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/37370043_903855195889_3145013669629263872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep_hjqjz65g/W1dUgfh2X0I/AAAAAAAAELY/C2nbKI-ETDkiAYwe459TqPNnyrIAD6pHwCEwYBhgL/s640/37370043_903855195889_3145013669629263872_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In his element</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOfG-7iSWEM/W1dUfWEUICI/AAAAAAAAELY/jKwLhzX5pKMIt1b3sCU82bS4QUWoyLTngCEwYBhgL/s1600/37302643_903855320639_1704485804669140992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOfG-7iSWEM/W1dUfWEUICI/AAAAAAAAELY/jKwLhzX5pKMIt1b3sCU82bS4QUWoyLTngCEwYBhgL/s640/37302643_903855320639_1704485804669140992_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful views from our hike in Breckenridge</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVwSfmwwo9A/W1dUfg_dmmI/AAAAAAAAELg/GBssAFF-U-s6yRNJSTLPlv9O7WQ2Egi9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/37339600_903855400479_2647892813097730048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVwSfmwwo9A/W1dUfg_dmmI/AAAAAAAAELg/GBssAFF-U-s6yRNJSTLPlv9O7WQ2Egi9QCEwYBhgL/s640/37339600_903855400479_2647892813097730048_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of many breaks on this hike. Oof</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZuLdH0TIaU/W1dUgLPbp8I/AAAAAAAAELU/MD2fvxZ-mmcjIDPbG6WoJzUIfiyg1QOYACEwYBhgL/s1600/37387633_903855355569_5474980749935378432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZuLdH0TIaU/W1dUgLPbp8I/AAAAAAAAELU/MD2fvxZ-mmcjIDPbG6WoJzUIfiyg1QOYACEwYBhgL/s640/37387633_903855355569_5474980749935378432_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture doesn't do justice the beauty of making it to the top, but it was worth losing my breath for 2 days. ;)</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iP0hLQfTGNg/W1dUgb5qOXI/AAAAAAAAELc/-UI-spQQXrgTfhquAxIyVh0tkOXemvFsgCEwYBhgL/s1600/37390702_904097889529_4388103532964741120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iP0hLQfTGNg/W1dUgb5qOXI/AAAAAAAAELc/-UI-spQQXrgTfhquAxIyVh0tkOXemvFsgCEwYBhgL/s640/37390702_904097889529_4388103532964741120_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real life photography at it's finest. Probably making dad jokes or something....</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjdqRc0Chmo/W1dUg7tOrjI/AAAAAAAAELg/gMzsnI5WN8gtSzmRhusAysUO8b-5Xm-7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/37511958_904316187059_5372065533862608896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjdqRc0Chmo/W1dUg7tOrjI/AAAAAAAAELg/gMzsnI5WN8gtSzmRhusAysUO8b-5Xm-7gCEwYBhgL/s640/37511958_904316187059_5372065533862608896_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't put into words the meaning of this beautiful almost 30 year friendship. I love these women and their hearts. Feeling very blessed to be able to foster this relationship into our adult hood.</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGVrvq4Vd-w/W1dUerz3dtI/AAAAAAAAELY/Ln0BsZbdSf0UxCL6sJoWDCAljhqp7rtKACEwYBhgL/s1600/37210393_904098079149_2999310778172964864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGVrvq4Vd-w/W1dUerz3dtI/AAAAAAAAELY/Ln0BsZbdSf0UxCL6sJoWDCAljhqp7rtKACEwYBhgL/s640/37210393_904098079149_2999310778172964864_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a little country to us---maybe only 2%, but it's there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual boating day and celebrating one of the finest- Melissa Marie. Your birth is definitely a blessing to me. :)</td></tr>
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Spending a couple weeks at home now. Then heading to RFKC for a week, and an Ozark trip at the end of summer to launch us into the school year. I will be ready for a schedule when I need to have one, but for now, I'm enjoying all the adventures! Happy Tuesday friends!! Enjoy this sunshine without the humidity!!</div>
Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-31960696434870561882018-06-08T11:08:00.001-07:002018-06-08T11:41:51.376-07:00Happy Summer and How I am Making Time for MeHey guys!<br />
It's officially summer in the 51250! Well actually, it's officially been summer for 8 days, but that's besides the point. As per usual, we've dove into summer feet first into ball games, ball games, and more ball games. 14 and counting this week to be exact. Jae and Carter are realizing quickly how little of a summer "break" they are actually getting between camps and lifting and practices and games, but I think that nevertheless, they are enjoying a break from school. My boys are at VBS this week which has given me a little more peace and quiet than I'm used to, and while it's very nice to spend some time on me, it feels a little awkward and hard to navigate. I have no idea how I'm going to handle having an empty nest. It's super weird.<br />
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Anyways, I'm sitting out on my deck this morning with a mimosa (gasp), some chill music, and my laptop with an itch to write. It's something I never make time to do like I want to. I'm hoping to change that this summer. It really makes me happy. You know, when I was diagnosed with <a href="http://wolfswinkelfam.blogspot.com/2015/07/on-depression-and-being-vulnerable.html" target="_blank">depression</a> a few years ago, I remember my doctor telling me that I needed to now more than ever find ways to take care of myself- that medication was only part of the solution. I needed to find things that solely make ME happy. Like every other busy mom and dad in the world with two full time parents in the home and kids in all of the activities, it is easy to get caught up into everyone else's schedule and forget that we need to do things to take care of ourselves DAILY- not "once in awhile", not "sometimes", not every month. EVERY DAY. I know that seems extreme. Believe me. I remember thinking, "Okay....seems like you are a little out of touch with how this adulting/parenting gig works, Doc."<br />
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Turns out, she was dead serious. But I promise it's not as "out of touch" as I originally believed. It doesn't have to be a weekend away, a ladies' night out, or an evening of binge watching Netflix (although ALL of those things can be a part of your self care routine at some point). No, it simply meant, setting aside a reasonable amount of time for myself every day. That could be an early morning walk with my mom. A bath. A half hour to read my book. Listening to my favorite station on Pandora. Running to my favorite coffee place for my favorite drink. A bottle of the good wine to share with my husband at supper. Lighting a candle. Writing a blog post. ANYTHING that makes you remember that you are not defined by any single title you are called (mom, wife, teacher, insert title here...). First and foremost, my name is Mandi, and before I was all of these things, I was my own person. Sometimes I forget that.<br />
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As our school year was winding down, I realized that I was in some major need of TLC for my soul. I was breaking doctor's orders by not doing something for myself every day. Some days I was, but even on those days, it felt like a chore. I needed to regroup and get my brain back in line with my heart. So of course, summer came along and problem solved right? Wrong. Believe it or not, even a flexible schedule won't guarantee you peace and happiness unless you go searching for it. Darn. So I've been working on that in the nooks and crannies of our already busy June. I'll tell you a little secret. Come closer. (They tell you that teachers have the summers "off", but that's a little misleading. Do we have a more flexible schedule? Sure thing. And I promise you that if you ask any teacher, para, administrator, daycare provider, etc....time off to regroup and remember why you went into that field in the first place is necessary if you don't want to burn them out.) Anyways, that's another conversation entirely. So even though we've still been super busy, I've been creating my own little self care plan, and I thought I'd share it here because you don't have to be a teacher or have your summer off or be diagnosed with depression and anxiety to enjoy the perks of a little self care. Even if you can't or don't want to use my ideas, they may give you a little nudge to remind yourself to take some time for you in whatever way that looks to you. :)<br />
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One of the things I love to do in the summer is read. I never get the chance to do a lot of it for fun, so summer is a time to get out the book ideas I've been jotting down for 9 months and start reading! One of the books I started reading at the encouragement of a friend was <u>Girl Wash Your Face</u> by Rachel Hollis. She's an entrepreneur mama (don't be scared. You don't have to be selling anything to enjoy her book. I'm not....although if you do, she's a great inspiration for you boss mamas too!). Her book is all about throwing away the lies women believe about themselves, giving us the power to leave our "I can'ts" at the door and take control over our lives. It was a refreshing drink of water that didn't let me wallow in my self pity, but rather reminded me that no one else is going to care about my dream life more than myself. No motivational quote or story can make me happy until I do the hard work to make it happen. It was a great start of the summer book for me, and actually aligned well to some of the other things I'm doing this summer too. Go get it. Read it. Highlight it. Live it.<br />
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Also, Rachel has a podcast called the Dais podcast. A lot of it is geared toward the business minded, but there are a lot really awesome nuggets for the rest of us that are worth searching for. The best part? A lot of them are 15 minutes or less, so you can listen to them in the car when you are running errands or picking up/dropping off your kids at ball practice. She has this one that is called "Do These 5 Things Every Single Day to Change Your Life", and it is literally less than 15 minutes. One of those "things" she is referring to is to keeping a gratitude journal and writing down 10 things Every.Single.Day that you are grateful for. These should be very specific to the day you are in- not vague like- my husband, my kids, my home. While those are great things to be thankful for, they are kind of a cop out, and they kind of defeat the purpose of writing them in the first place. The purpose is to search for happy in your day. It is almost impossible to be anxious or down if you are making it a priority to find your 10 happy things. It's been a really positive addition to my daily routine.<br />
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The other thing that I'm doing this month is participating in this group called "Ordinary Magic" started by one of my favorite bloggers, Kelle Hampton, of <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">Enjoying the Small Things</a> or Etst on Instagram. It's supposed to be a class that is soley focused on us as women and our dreams. What we want out of life. And how to keep that at the forefront of our minds in the middle of our crazy, busy lives. It's a community that has been such a blessing even within this first week- a great reminder that I am not alone in my thoughts or the stumbling blocks that are preventing me from getting there. We've been doing some explorations this week that are preparing us for the fun ones to come. In order to do that though, we need to sift through some of the hard parts of ourselves to make room for the things we want in our lives. I've reflected a lot on what holds me back in life, and too be honest it's been a truly eye opening experience. I've even had the opportunity to name my inner critic (her name is Susan by the way. Not after a particular critic in my life, but because telling her off is so satisfying. ;) ). It's been a great way to keep my mind and soul in check. I'm looking forward to the next few weeks.<br />
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For those of you who have any varying level of anxiety and/or depression, I'd dare bet that you have certain times of the year when one or the other is activated ever so slightly higher than other parts of the year. For me- anxiety tends to take over the nine months of the year I'm in school, and if I don't have a handle on self-care, depression can take over pretty heavily in the summer when I have more time to think. The problem has been that I've been allowing my inner critic to run the show for far too many moments, and I'm realizing that it has been clouding my happy for many years. In order to prevent that, I need to continue to make time for me. I need to acknowledge that my critic is there, and then move on in spite of her. She's never going to go away, but knowing how to keep her at bay will be a vital piece of the puzzle to keeping the depression/anxiety away as well.<br />
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I'm not going to spend so much of my time setting lofty goals and aspirations. Instead I'm going to settle for being aware of my inner critic. Grab hold of the things that I want in this life. The things that make me happy. The things that I need to do because I'm a mom and a wife and a teacher, and I'm going to just do the next right thing. Whatever that means for me. And when I forget to do that, I'm going to give myself grace, brush off my knees, and move onward. I have to stop waiting for the next break, the next bit of relief, or I'm going to spend my life wishing all of it away. It's okay to be excited for things to come, but I can't forget that there is good in <i><b><u>this</u></b></i> day. Today is a day to be thankful for. The cliche that "not every day is a good day, but there is good in every day" is absolutely true. My aim is to find that every day. To make time for myself every day. To find balance in all parts of my life, even when summer ends and a new school year begins.<br />
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Strive to find some "ordinary magic" in your life. What does self-care look like to you? Find it. Embrace it. Be okay with it looking differently than another woman's self care. The best thing we can do is be a beacon of grace and love and kindness to each other.<br />
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I'm going to sign off with a couple of affirmations I've made for myself.<br />
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"I believe in the me I'm becoming."<br />
"I choose to be happy."<br />
"I love my life."<br />
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I'll keep saying them, even when I don't believe them. Even when I truly feel they are the biggest liars. This is how I choose to make peace in my life. I hope you are finding yours, and if you are having trouble, talk to me. Or your mom. Or your best friend. Or your husband. Or your therapist. Or anyone you trust. One of the best antidotes to breaking through your stumbling blocks is to plow through them with someone who has been there or is going through junk too. Happy Friday friends! Enjoy your weekend!! Hope to see you back in this space soon!Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-58986624871682356882018-05-11T21:11:00.000-07:002018-05-11T21:11:38.893-07:00Wanderlust<div class="dDoNo" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large !important; font-weight: lighter !important; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px;">
<span data-dobid="hdw">wan·der·lust</span></div>
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<span class="lr_dct_ph XpoqFe">ˈwändərˌləst/</span><span class="lr_dct_spkr lr_dct_spkr_off" data-ved="0ahUKEwi50OyelP_aAhWk2YMKHaKPDy8QlfQBCCwwAA" jsaction="dob.p" style="display: inline-block; height: 16px; margin: 0px 2px 4px 5px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;" title="Listen"><input height="14" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAA4AAAAOCAQAAAC1QeVaAAAAi0lEQVQokWNgQAYyQFzGsIJBnwED8DNcBpK+DM8YfjMUokqxMRxg+A9m8TJsBLLSEFKMDCuBAv/hCncxfGWQhUn2gaVAktkMXkBSHmh0OwNU8D9csoHhO4MikN7BcAGb5H+GYiDdCTQYq2QubkkkY/E6CLtXdiJ7BTMQMnAHXxFm6IICvhwY8AYQLgCw2U9d90B8BAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==" style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" type="image" width="14" /></span></div>
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a strong desire to travel.</div>
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Okay. Okay. So this is who I am, but for now those desires will have to settle for the Black Hills, Hidden Acres, Minneapolis, and Kansas City. Maybe they aren't treks across the globe, but for now, they are doing a good job of filling up some memory buckets and creating permanent laugh lines, creating new friendships, and keeping other friendships alive. We are in survival mode folks. T-11.5 days left of the school year, and I am so ready. Ready for ball caps and flip flops, slow mornings, spending June on the diamond, at the swimming pool, on the lake, and on my back porch reading my books. I'm ready for memory making in the Black Hills, Denver, and loving up children at Royal Family Kids Camp for the 5th year in a row. Yes, it's time to relax and give my teacher brain a little rest. Maybe I'll even cross off some of my bucket list items- teach myself photography perhaps? Learn how to play the guitar? Start a garden or blog more?! Stay tuned (probably for disappointment...but the thought makes me happy. hahahaha) I'll catch you up to speed on all of our happenings this past month. It's been busy to say the least, and we are finally happy to be home for awhile despite having such a great time away. Now we dive into birthdays, graduations, and yardwork! Hurray!</div>
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Cashing in on some Christmas present fun! We did AR Workshop for both moms for Christmas, and it was such a fun time! A little bit of a splurge, but you walk away with some killer decor and a great time!<br />
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Easter<br />
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Dan became part of the RFK leadership team this past Fall, and one of the opportunities I got to experience was heading to the Black Hills to spend a weekend with the team. While they planned camp, I took advantage of the alone time to do some soul searching, coffee drinking, and podcast listening. Some of my favorite things. Then off to Deadwood we went to have some fun! A quick 36 hours, and a very white knuckle drive home, but it was worth it!<br />
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As a TIC sponsor (JR RCYF) sponsor for church, I got to attend the Middle School retreat this year. This is hands down Jaedyn's favorite place, so it was fun to see it through her eyes and watch her enjoy it. It reminds me of being in middle school when I experienced all this fun stuff in church. Lots of fun times bonding with the girls and getting to know her friends in a different light. Blessed.<br />
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Jaedyn's spring dance- Another night of getting ready in every room of the house with 4 of your friends. Lots of bobby pins, curling wands, make up brushes, and perfume. Oh yeah, and all the moms and a very sweet aunt who came to join in the fun! The cherry on top was the sweet car Dan's boss let him borrow to take her to the dance in.....we got a bonus date out of the deal as well! Yay us. :)</div>
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Annual shopping weekend in the cities. With growing children and busier schedules, this time with the four of us is spread few and far between. Always cathartic and therapeutic. Minus leaving three pairs of shoes, 4 necklaces, 3 pairs of earrings, and my favorite hat.......Alzheimer's much... :( At least they found the shoes.</div>
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Finally, Kansas City! We had a wonderful time with some of very good friends. We stayed in the most perfect little cottage in the most picturesque part of the city. We dreamed about buying our own homes there that had that kind of charm. We enjoyed a little Top Golf, a stroll through the Plaza, an art museum, dining at Coopers Hawk winery, playing cards while laughing until our sides hurt, and a slow morning with my book, a bagel stop, a surprise invasion by what seemed like 47 Star Wars characters in an outside seating area next to a fountain, and all amongst the perfect 90s music playlist. Perfect relaxing weekend for sure. </div>
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Currently I am locked in my room while six twelve year olds run amok in my home shooting each other with nerf guns and swearing up and down there is an intruder on our front lawn. Oh to be a kid again. Here's to conquering another month of shenanigans! Happy weekend friends!</div>
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Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-50240429495795172712018-03-23T13:52:00.000-07:002018-03-23T13:52:39.210-07:00Stay in Your Own LaneI'm not sure about you, but I can't even believe that it's the second half of March right now! Where did the time go? Sometimes I feel like winter drags on, and believe me, I'm ready for it to be over, but I just feel like I blinked and suddenly it's the first week of spring. I couldn't be more ready for sunshine and 50 degree weather. I'm over this "wintry mix" crap.<br />
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At the same time, I'm feeling like the "busy" of my life never really stops. It ebbs and flows a bit, but I don't think there is ever a moment where I actually feel chill. Right now, I'm feeling the pull at work with the end of the quarter finishing and report cards being due, trying to get kids reassessed and finish standards that need to be taught. Having Friday off last week was a well needed breath of fresh air. With Easter coming early, I have a feeling that April on will be a killer!<br />
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If you know me, I tend to be a procrastinator. I don't know if it can really be helped a whole lot. Looking ahead doesn't do much other than remind me of all the things on my to do list, so sometimes, I just have to look at my week and say, "what needs to be done today?" However, when I looked at the calendar this week, I got this all to familiar pang of dread that sweeps in ever so slightly around this time of year. The one that reminds me that I (again) didn't "find my beach body" or at least take care of it like I should. It reminds me that another summer is coming- one where I probably won't shop for a pair of shorts for the 4th year in a row. One where shopping for swimming suits literally makes me sick to my stomach. One where I will forget that this body made three beautiful children when I look in the mirror and instead will add another mark of failure on her imaginary check list for not taking care of it like I should.<br />
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I hate that I feel this way. I hate that I feel guilty for the body I've been given. I hate that I can't see past the stretch marks to the children that God has blessed us with. I hate that I constantly critique my double chin and love handles when choosing an outfit to wear. I hate that I forget to be grateful for a body that is capable to do whatever I ask of it. Some people would only be so lucky. I hate that I let comparison of my friends, family, and strangers rob me of my joy when I feel like I've failed myself for the millionth time. I hate that I don't have the self control or where-with-all to meal prep and stick to a plan.<br />
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Friends, I've come along ways on my journey with depression and anxiety. I'm learning to take better care of myself all the time, but this is an area I really struggle with. Those thoughts^^^^^ are all too familiar in my head. They wreak havoc in my brain on the daily. One of the gals I've followed on Instagram for quite some time says this a lot. "Stay in your own lane". It's not my job to compare my part of this journey to anyone else's. Everyone has different starting points, and most definitely they ALL come with their own struggles and ugly self talk at some point. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm making progress in small baby steps.<br />
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I'm trying to remember that I have a daughter who is watching me. A daughter who is starting to feel the societal pressures of looking a certain way. It's terrifying because I know too many people who let that voice that told them they weren't good enough, skinny enough, or pretty enough rob them of their joy as well. In some of them, it manifested in the form of eating disorders, or like me, depression and/or anxiety. So I'm hoping to let those fears propel me forward. Jae and I are talking about staying fit together- trying out new recipes, working out together. I don't want this to be a taboo subject. I want her to be able to share her feelings and feel validated when she does. I want to be able to tell her that I too feel that way sometimes. I hear a lot of moms sharing about how they watch how they talk about their bodies when they are around their girls/kids. That's a great start, but I want to make sure I'm not ignoring the subject altogether. Instead of having her hear me say "I'm fat" or "I need to lose weight" or "I hate the way I look", I want her to hear me say "I want to feel strong", "I like how my body feels when I eat good foods", "I like this outfit because it makes me feel confident". Reframing how we talk about ourselves will hopefully do more than be a good example for our kids. I hope that it also helps us see our own bodies in a different light as well.<br />
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We are all made differently. Nobody's body reacts the same way to food and exercise. It's not fair for me to compare myself to anyone else even if our workouts and meal plans are similar. Staying in my own lane is definitely a challenge yet a goal for me all at the same time. On most days, I feel like not only am I not making progress, but I feel like I've gone so far backwards that it's hard to gain the momentum to move forward.<br />
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On the flip side, I feel like I'm learning to be more aware- aware of when I eat poorly (for the record, it's when I'm feeling overloaded, so pretty much almost always), aware of how sleep patterns and exhaustion affect my hunger levels and my ability to work out effectively, aware of how stress dictates the course of my day. What I'm finding is not new news. I do poorly when I don't plan because my life is a giant ball of chaos and disorder. I tend to hole up and ignore any responsibilities when I'm feeling stressed and overwhelmed, and those responsibilities include taking care of myself. It's easier to make myself a bowl of mac and cheese or ramen noodles because they are easy and I love them then it is for me to make something more nutritionally sound. It's easier for me to say no to my morning walk when I haven't gotten enough sleep, and I'm exhausted. It's easier for me to have a glass of wine when I'm stressed then to do something more productive. So while the physical evidence doesn't quite show that I'm making progress, being aware is a very small step in the right direction. Remembering that I can't change it all in a week is the next bridge I have to cross. Taking every decision as it comes and trying not to allow myself to live in judgement or guilt will really be a giant step in the right direction into helping me make better daily life choices. I have a lot of trouble with the "all or nothing" concept. I want whatever I do to be healthy to be sustainable and maintainable, and because of that, I know this will be a longer journey than it is for some. I'm learning to be okay with that. The final piece of this puzzle that is mandatory in my opinion, is that I need to learn to love myself as is. I need to be okay with the journey even if I don't "see" progress. I'm committed to staying in my own lane, and while I know I'll need reminders, it already feels like a load is off my shoulders.<br />
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Those are my epiphanies for the day. I hope that if you find yourself in the same position I am in, that you will remember you aren't alone, and that your journey is far from over. There is no "too late" for anyone until we're dead, so keep putting one foot in front of the other, and don't be afraid to share your story with others as well. When we are able to see others be vulnerable and authentic, it creates space for the rest of the world to do the same. That's really what this world needs more of #amiright?<br />
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<br />Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-39278946320108440022018-03-04T20:11:00.001-08:002018-03-04T20:11:45.107-08:00Just Another Day in ParadiseI've been back in the frozen tundra for a few weeks. My fingers are frozen, and I'm counting down the days until spring is here for good. But for five seemingly short days, I was able to escape this place for a small sliver of paradise with one of my favorite people.<br />
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Shelley and I have been friends since high school. She's been around since Jae was tiny. She's seen me through some pretty happy times but also some very dark ones. She holds a very special place in my heart. And even though adulting gets in the way a lot in the stage of life I'm in, the moments we do get to spend together are never dull. So when she asked me to tag along on the trip she worked very hard to earn in her company, I couldn't say no for many reasons. I mean, c'mon. It was -11 degrees here. There's not much that you would need to do to convince me to go to a tropical locale for 78 degrees and sunshine. ;) But more than that, I was excited for some uninterrupted time to focus on a very important friendship that often gets pushed to the side while I try to be a mom and a wife and a teacher.<br />
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Our trip started off with a very snowy drive to Sioux Falls to spend the night in a hotel so we could be up at 2:30 in the morning to get ready to head to the airport. We stopped to grab supper at Applebee's and then a plethora of snacks at Hy-vee before we turned in for the night, crossing our fingers that our flight would not be delayed the next morning due to weather. Thankfully it was not, and we were off for a few days of sunshine, laughter, and relaxation.<br />
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We stayed at the Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana. It was a great resort with lots of entertainment to keep us busy for our stay. We spent lots of time in the sunshine by the ocean and the pool playing volleyball, engaging in activities put on by the resort staff, trying different restaurants, and just enjoying each other's company.One of the best parts was getting to know all of Shelley's people. I love meeting new people. I loved learning a little bit about their stories. They were all truly great people, and I wish I had more time to get to know them more.<br />
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I'll let the pictures do the talking, though, as they are typically better story tellers than myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've never won anything in my life. 50 bucks richer after this night. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese steak house on one of the last nights!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drink of choice in the Dominican. For the record. Ew.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite past times of the weekend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They may have to rebrand with the new spelling. :)</td></tr>
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Thanks Shelley for letting me be your plus one. My absolute favorite part of this entire trip was getting to see you through the eyes of others. I always knew that you put everyone else above yourself, but to see that the people in this company truly love and respect you and talk so highly of you was such an awesome experience. One that I'm honored to have witnessed. You are one of a kind. You have a heart of gold, and I'm truly blessed to be your friend. Thanks Rifly!Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-69921495116781452352018-01-10T10:27:00.000-08:002018-01-10T10:27:17.676-08:00FreshHey guys! I was hoping to blog a bit during break, but I just never made the time to do it. We enjoyed our Christmas as a family. Dan took off the week we were home, so it was very much a family staycation. It was a nice balance of family parties, get togethers with friends, and our family overnighter to Sioux Falls, but we also had a few days to just be home and enjoy nothing on the agenda. Those days are few and far between, so I'll take them any time I can get them!<br />
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I pray your Christmas was a great one and that you were able to relax a bit and connect with friends and family. It's been a hot minute since I've been on here. We've enjoyed the finale of the year pretty well. It's been busy, but we've finally figured out how to make it enjoyable instead of stressful. We spent lots of time with family and friends. I particularly love the end of the year because it means lots of my friends come home for the holidays. I was able to spend Thanksgiving break with my childhood besties again, third year in a row. Many other friends have come home for Christmas, and I also found time to reconnect with some friends closer in distance for lunches, dinners, and coffee dates. Quality time with my people is one of my love languages for sure.<br />
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We also spent time watching Carter play basketball these past few months. He will continue to do that in January and February. It was a little different with Jaedyn deciding not to play basketball this year. She didn't have AAU, but instead filled her time managing the boys basketball team. She really enjoyed being able to watch them play. She will also manage the wrestling team for the next few months. Jae begins AAU volleyball, and Sawyer is in wrestling this winter, so we will have full weekends from now through March. I absolutely love this time of year for that reason, despite the busy schedule.<br />
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Another thing I love about this time of year is that it always feels like a fresh start. I feel like this in January and again when school starts in September. I know that you can always change for the better any time of the year, but it's always a good reminder that we can start fresh and shake off the negative in our lives. While I don't do resolutions, I do reflect on what changes I want to work towards in the coming year. This year God just kept whispering the word "self" into my heart. It wasn't until this week that I realized that giving yourself a "word" for the year was trending, so I guess I hopped on the band wagon without knowing it. I decided that this year was going to be the year of <b><i>Self</i></b>- self care, self love, self confidence, self actualization. I am going to take care of me- mind, body, and soul. What's different about this than an actual resolution you ask? Well, this comes with the knowledge that I will fail at times, but self care will ensure that I give myself grace and hop back up. I'd like to commit to a word each month that I can really hunker down on. I'm not going to make it another to do item that doesn't get checked off, but I'd like to really be intentional about taking this seriously, so I'm not giving myself a list of twelve words for the year, but rather really listen to my own heart and body and figure out what it needs from me. This month, I really want to focus on balance. I don't believe that life is black and white in any facet, so I'm going to be intentional about balancing things in my life and doing what feels right for my family and myself. This includes food, time spent at home and away, money, work, you get the picture. My hope is that this will keep my anxiety and depression at bay and lead me out of the tunnel of survival mode and into the land of the living. No more being paralyzed by fear. Baby steps, but I'm coming for ya 2018. #dontcallitacomeback<br />
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Anways, what's a blog post without some pictures? Here's what you've been missing over the last few months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8ALZsIe4DI/WlYpUrX2GSI/AAAAAAAAD7w/HYNERRYMixo_RqYJaga_W3LnNosnPyVTwCLcBGAs/s1600/22851724_754386098534_5695461964018578938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8ALZsIe4DI/WlYpUrX2GSI/AAAAAAAAD7w/HYNERRYMixo_RqYJaga_W3LnNosnPyVTwCLcBGAs/s400/22851724_754386098534_5695461964018578938_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giddy excited to hear Jen Hatmaker at Dordt College- October 26, 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening to Jen Hatmaker and Nichole Nordeman was the equivalent of coffee and pjs on the couch with a best buddy. Super blessed by them and the besties I went with. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my team- Our Halloween costumes this year were all "Idioms"<br />From Left to Right: It's a piece of cake, raining cats and dogs, smart cookie, wear my heart on my sleeve, hold your horses, smarty pants, and don't let the cat out of the bag. Cute right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Substate Volleyball game- onto State!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8bXhb5sXeE/WlYpbbIjQ0I/AAAAAAAAD84/86LH4PaTG6EBLhL-bj0O60tDsujL_GIRgCLcBGAs/s1600/26696462_870761071779_216334725_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8bXhb5sXeE/WlYpbbIjQ0I/AAAAAAAAD84/86LH4PaTG6EBLhL-bj0O60tDsujL_GIRgCLcBGAs/s640/26696462_870761071779_216334725_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out after our 2nd win. Onto the championship for the first time ever in Sioux Center Volleyball!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKn-9oHynuE/WlYpVYMu3VI/AAAAAAAAD74/kRgE8nEam206QKvsZ9qXets9QWcUwdJggCLcBGAs/s1600/23517629_10156066550854824_1608000269456976589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKn-9oHynuE/WlYpVYMu3VI/AAAAAAAAD74/kRgE8nEam206QKvsZ9qXets9QWcUwdJggCLcBGAs/s640/23517629_10156066550854824_1608000269456976589_n.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All in one week, we went from Cedar Rapids to Nebraska to celebrate Dan's cousin getting married.<br />Reuniting with bridesmaids and family from Jenni's wedding! Fun weekend regardless of the 20 hours spent in the car. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQsGuy73oMs/WlYpb78J-mI/AAAAAAAAD88/6Nq8Ox0VYocskgiykr7xsBBPBdIzvjghwCLcBGAs/s1600/26696741_870761061799_1774544892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQsGuy73oMs/WlYpb78J-mI/AAAAAAAAD88/6Nq8Ox0VYocskgiykr7xsBBPBdIzvjghwCLcBGAs/s640/26696741_870761061799_1774544892_n.jpg" width="354" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite tradition- cutting down the tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TSgC8HNS0E/WlYpV2na3HI/AAAAAAAAD8A/nZR5s9rTJl8ZYF3e_FwNTJ18hi-1MC-SgCLcBGAs/s1600/23622424_10155894324074181_824465955976853600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TSgC8HNS0E/WlYpV2na3HI/AAAAAAAAD8A/nZR5s9rTJl8ZYF3e_FwNTJ18hi-1MC-SgCLcBGAs/s640/23622424_10155894324074181_824465955976853600_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know we posed this with the bundle of wood and the trees in the background. #werelame #lumberjackstatus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annual childhood bestie overnighter on Black Friday! Love these ladies and our shenanigans</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturdays watching Carter play basketball</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed to catch the last tournament our niece Adelle played in this year. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School Christmas program for Sawyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our very first "Friendsgiving" feast. A fun night that I hope will be a tradition to carry on!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC (Royal Family Kids Camp) Dinner and Dessert Auction</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church Christmas program- Only Sawyer left to participate. Makes this mama's heart a little sad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance for a Cause- Jae and the girls had fun getting dolled up at our house with their moms, lots of bobby pins, curling irons, hairspray and makeup! They look so grown up here! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbO_tSL1i3Q/WlYpW0_EPUI/AAAAAAAAD8U/NC4oh0nv2x4w1jz-xb_b-9mIV7CE7RUNwCLcBGAs/s640/25507882_10155977476859181_80318385529173196_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just shy of two years, but the braces are OFF</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee and Matthew came home at Christmas, so we got to have some quality bonding time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree. Cause I like it. (Fun fact: Still haven't taken it down. Needles are dropping. Pretty sure it's dead. Kids and hubby say it's time. I say over my dead body. ;) )</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas at the Wolfswinkels and the ONLY family picture we took in 2017. For as many pictures as I take, this is weird for me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one just feels a bit magical. My kids under a comfy blanket, reading the Christmas story with twinkly lights reflecting in the background. Blessed. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending some time with Grandma on Christmas Eve. I love her so.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory picture in front of the tree. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off for our family overnighter to Sioux Falls- Jae's choices: Shopping and Texas Roadhouse,<br />Carter's choices: Chuck E Cheese and Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sawyer's choices: Air Madness and the food court.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All four of us under the same roof! Merry Christmas to us. Mr. P's Friendsmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve 2017- Love these girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYb-_wBAbDM/WlYpcQOM1jI/AAAAAAAAD9A/I5D647BDeUskGR0uF-J06jjKf2ItelG6gCLcBGAs/s1600/26753878_870761041839_921092311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYb-_wBAbDM/WlYpcQOM1jI/AAAAAAAAD9A/I5D647BDeUskGR0uF-J06jjKf2ItelG6gCLcBGAs/s640/26753878_870761041839_921092311_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First wrestling meet of the year- 3rd out of 4th place. Proud of his growth, confidence, and perseverance this year!<br /><br /><br /><b>Hoping that you are finding happy in the normal nooks and crannies of every day. Trying hard to do that over here! Excited to see where this year takes us! Lots of fun plans already for 2018. Can't wait to enjoy with all of you!<br />-Mandi</b></td></tr>
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Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-57744527100335962052017-10-22T12:38:00.000-07:002017-10-22T12:38:11.332-07:00My Favorite Color is OctoberYou guys. The leaves. The colors. The weather. I can't even handle it. The beauty is so breath taking! October has to be my favorite color. I can't help but be in complete awe of God's handiwork every single time I look outside. We're so blessed. And yes, I still have trouble remembering that. Daily. Sometimes when I step outside, I close my eyes and listen to the trees, and I feel like God is whispering in my ear, " Hey Mandi. Stop treading water. You can swim. You've always been able to swim, so just do it. I've got you.You don't always need to be in survival mode. Stay in this moment. This one. You don't need to worry about your unbelievably never ending to do list at school. The laundry will still be there when you get around to it. The kids will be fed and happy. Just breathe this in. This moment. This feeling. This beauty. Be present."<br />
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And sometimes that's all I need to snap out of it. Other times, I remember when I'm looking at pictures or reading blogs or going for a walk. Sometimes it's when I listen to my kids laugh, or they put their head on my shoulder or when my husband takes my hand in his. I just need a lot of reminders. That's all.<br />
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Fall has delivered in not only breath taking scenery but also in moments well spent with friends and family. Busy as we may be, we are already missing volleyball and football. It came and went in the blink of an eye. So hard to believe it is over. Our varsity football and volleyball teams are both battling it out in the play-offs, and we are excited to cheer our teams on, hopefully onto the state tournaments. We've celebrated a big birthday with great friends, spent time to get to know middle schoolers on Wednesday nights as both EE and TIC sponsors, adventured down to the Ozarks for our 6th straight year of soaking up all the time we miss out on not being close enough to some of our favorite people, chaperoned nine 8th graders to the Haunted House this past weekend and feeling so very blessed our daughter trusts us to be a part of her social circle, celebrated Colin's birthday while Dan and Carter enjoyed some father son time at the Iowa/Penn State game. So many fun things in these last few weeks. And although, school has got me burnt out and stressed to the max, I'm grateful for my students and colleagues (read friends) who make it worth it to come every day. They make me laugh and always make me feel better by greeting me with giant bear hugs that can't help but make you smile. How can you be anxious when your students bring up the most beautiful questions about God and heaven during lunch time?<br />
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This too will pass. The overwhelming tides of emotion will come and go, and I'll make it through. I just need to remind myself to stop trying to "get through life" waiting for the next big thing and start enjoying every part of it. It's meant to be lived to the fullest. Even the small every day moments have things to be celebrated and enjoyed. Find your happy. I will share a little of mine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnaval</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday sweet friend! You are so loved.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father son bonding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seestahs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heart.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh how I miss volleyball</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inkZkF8sLCs/Wezr8xOcWzI/AAAAAAAAD6s/5Rg4y5FBo3cl5Slpz8diUVxGlt_JwRJMACLcBGAs/s1600/22046612_10155765303474181_5281866542075983564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inkZkF8sLCs/Wezr8xOcWzI/AAAAAAAAD6s/5Rg4y5FBo3cl5Slpz8diUVxGlt_JwRJMACLcBGAs/s640/22046612_10155765303474181_5281866542075983564_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Undefeated season! Way to go boys! Next year some of you will be Warriors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_hjQUFwabg/Wezr9eFsNNI/AAAAAAAAD6g/FQr1b5iEyjsZ5GQfsV4tW3ihf5LQEFY7gCLcBGAs/s1600/22365289_854316566699_6476794628338108408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_hjQUFwabg/Wezr9eFsNNI/AAAAAAAAD6g/FQr1b5iEyjsZ5GQfsV4tW3ihf5LQEFY7gCLcBGAs/s640/22365289_854316566699_6476794628338108408_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful chef! Love her...and her food.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUi0Ycm2kCc/WezsBStjkvI/AAAAAAAAD64/HVjD5fgWvJYJ0AiVHlRUZcDdrr5TzaQTwCLcBGAs/s1600/22491501_854316671489_1622946406204203375_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUi0Ycm2kCc/WezsBStjkvI/AAAAAAAAD64/HVjD5fgWvJYJ0AiVHlRUZcDdrr5TzaQTwCLcBGAs/s640/22491501_854316671489_1622946406204203375_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recharging our batteries</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewo4rIXS8v0/WezsAi4AERI/AAAAAAAAD6w/_TKkFizEWr0Tji09g1WaCJmii3X0WEgOACLcBGAs/s1600/22489765_854316516799_5167285559998763085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewo4rIXS8v0/WezsAi4AERI/AAAAAAAAD6w/_TKkFizEWr0Tji09g1WaCJmii3X0WEgOACLcBGAs/s640/22489765_854316516799_5167285559998763085_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting in the water on an 89 degree day while NW Iowa suffered a cold and rainy 34 degrees. Another reason I will have a winter home in Florida when I retire (or one in the Ozarks if Jeff and Amanda still live there :) ).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oz1euZSHp3M/WezsCRSpPgI/AAAAAAAAD7I/r4e96mBwtkU86xecpyYODVD1SYjADB1kACLcBGAs/s1600/22528021_854317819189_1037965641757065960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="466" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oz1euZSHp3M/WezsCRSpPgI/AAAAAAAAD7I/r4e96mBwtkU86xecpyYODVD1SYjADB1kACLcBGAs/s640/22528021_854317819189_1037965641757065960_n.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Captain my Captain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnPgGFcYlGg/WezsA6KQCEI/AAAAAAAAD60/n7-1f8gTMs8mUk_ce_sifTRUSotZB8rOQCLcBGAs/s1600/22489863_854316471889_2144833891550360298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnPgGFcYlGg/WezsA6KQCEI/AAAAAAAAD60/n7-1f8gTMs8mUk_ce_sifTRUSotZB8rOQCLcBGAs/s640/22489863_854316471889_2144833891550360298_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bg2hU9QXbVQ/Wezr_xqsM6I/AAAAAAAAD6k/0JxjHjgJX4IeLi2vIP6CLJ5aolJFWtjPwCLcBGAs/s1600/22384080_10155798753439181_6494050486902284452_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1080" height="394" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bg2hU9QXbVQ/Wezr_xqsM6I/AAAAAAAAD6k/0JxjHjgJX4IeLi2vIP6CLJ5aolJFWtjPwCLcBGAs/s640/22384080_10155798753439181_6494050486902284452_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional fire place photo at SugarLoaf Winery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32TxsB6PM8g/WezsADBsO_I/AAAAAAAAD6o/-3OCWIek3oEJ0PBKx_KVct0CQij4xjVFQCLcBGAs/s1600/22450151_854317080669_6759025828859685011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32TxsB6PM8g/WezsADBsO_I/AAAAAAAAD6o/-3OCWIek3oEJ0PBKx_KVct0CQij4xjVFQCLcBGAs/s640/22450151_854317080669_6759025828859685011_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The epitome of what this weekend was for us. Relaxing and beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda's breathtaking photo of our view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXf4GW59pUA/WezsB5DzzDI/AAAAAAAAD7A/FeaCBF2XTOsOYlMP4Q6erKJVfiEvTlkngCLcBGAs/s1600/22519130_10156642973114908_3421574794227212629_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="625" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXf4GW59pUA/WezsB5DzzDI/AAAAAAAAD7A/FeaCBF2XTOsOYlMP4Q6erKJVfiEvTlkngCLcBGAs/s640/22519130_10156642973114908_3421574794227212629_n.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaedyn Grace- 14</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72BAvFGqeeE/WezsDABWjqI/AAAAAAAAD7U/Bc95vkS9iZsVT7x-s5S4lPlKJ8ug-XapQCLcBGAs/s1600/22548767_10156642973469908_6180053420982359357_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1034" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72BAvFGqeeE/WezsDABWjqI/AAAAAAAAD7U/Bc95vkS9iZsVT7x-s5S4lPlKJ8ug-XapQCLcBGAs/s640/22548767_10156642973469908_6180053420982359357_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter Dean-11</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFhW5oVUy9o/WezsBhvZaMI/AAAAAAAAD68/d0N73I-29MQ2_nQrTr_iPIZN6MtOQh75gCLcBGAs/s1600/22491502_10156642970814908_8087571971168877287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="631" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFhW5oVUy9o/WezsBhvZaMI/AAAAAAAAD68/d0N73I-29MQ2_nQrTr_iPIZN6MtOQh75gCLcBGAs/s640/22491502_10156642970814908_8087571971168877287_n.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer Keith-8</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><3 <3 <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zWPM1snqBo/WezsDSrKE8I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/cxI8GgHjhhwDuCy2_U_cfDUi82WmuA0GQCLcBGAs/s1600/22555198_855376687209_6593861308781490936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="944" height="548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zWPM1snqBo/WezsDSrKE8I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/cxI8GgHjhhwDuCy2_U_cfDUi82WmuA0GQCLcBGAs/s640/22555198_855376687209_6593861308781490936_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haunted House fun!</td></tr>
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<br />Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-56121324587959232752017-09-21T14:00:00.000-07:002017-09-21T14:00:42.658-07:00Back to the Grind- A few weeks lateI think it's quite evident that I would be poor if I depended on blogging to earn a living. I can't even blog in the summer when I'm home. Oh well. Such is life. We're back to reality. Actually, we were back to reality a month ago, but what can I say? Transitions are hard. I wish I could flow into and out of these changes with ease, but alas that is not how I'm wired. Still adjusting over here! Give me a month or so. ;)<br />
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Our summer was nice and low key. Ball took up all of June, and when July came, I finally was able to spend time reading for pleasure or hitting up the pool. We made it to Northern Minnesota for vacation which was so relaxing, and by the time we came home, it was pedal to the medal. We came home to begin volleyball and football. Dan and I spent a week at RFKC again this year, and then it was the week before school and I hadn't even stepped foot in my classroom. Needless to say August flew by , and while I could have used another week to recoup, the fact of the matter is that schedules are good for this girl. I need them in order to be productive, and I can honestly say I used summer to be exactly what it should be for a teacher.....a time of rest and relaxation and recuperation.<br />
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We have finally settled into our new normal for the next nine months. CRAZY BUSY. Jaedyn's in volleyball. Carter's in football. I absolutely LOVE going to their activities, but between games and practices and trying to stay afloat at school, there hasn't been much time for anything else. We have made it to some varsity football games and are looking forward to the varsity girls' first home match since August tonight.<br />
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On another note, Fall is my favorite. So much so that I feel it needs to be a proper noun. I've already started decorating the house with garlands of leaves and pumpkins, pinteresting any decorating ideas in the few minutes before bed. Scentsys are giving off sweet delicious scents of pumpkin spice and hot apple cider. My morning walks and runs are delightfully cool and crisp. I'm seeing a subtle change of leaves from green to yellow on the ends. There really isn't anything better. September is the gateway to the finale of the year- the last three months. We plan to pack them full of adventures and memories and fly our holiday freak flags loud and proud!! I'll sign off with some pictures of the last few months and promise that I'll try to log some more blog time than I have been.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Minnesota adventures</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC tribe performing our Drama set in the Amazon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school- New front door (Jae-8th grade, Carter-6th grade, Sawyer-3rd grade)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqJdznp0ofI/WcQm2rdgkoI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/vm-M0ml4AwQd-oXNJ1AIBa-sTz_iv6BBgCLcBGAs/s1600/21105766_844541271469_1695978939013491506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqJdznp0ofI/WcQm2rdgkoI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/vm-M0ml4AwQd-oXNJ1AIBa-sTz_iv6BBgCLcBGAs/s640/21105766_844541271469_1695978939013491506_n.jpg" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not one but TWO visits from my bestie from LA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC-wh_RFxrE/WcQm2_OC4vI/AAAAAAAAD5o/Jh2kY13VMt4UxBpEdCEuxHt0SBwNtV5ugCLcBGAs/s1600/21232038_845625763139_5247246339747772224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="960" height="592" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC-wh_RFxrE/WcQm2_OC4vI/AAAAAAAAD5o/Jh2kY13VMt4UxBpEdCEuxHt0SBwNtV5ugCLcBGAs/s640/21232038_845625763139_5247246339747772224_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday celebrations at the lake with my people</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My volleyball girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter and his interception!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oldest has a permit. I have high blood pressure.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GARTH BROOKS- I'm not a country girl, but I could belt out EVERY tune with ease. Thanks for the impromptu memory Beans!</td></tr>
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Happy Thursday friends!!<br />
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Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-7196848523960452892017-07-08T10:19:00.000-07:002017-07-08T10:19:46.097-07:00Urban PlungeI've been dragging my feet writing a post about my weekend with Jae for Urban Plunge because in all honesty, I've been struggling to put into words what I took away from this weekend. Let me back up for a moment. Back in April, I was asked if I'd be willing to chaperone my daughter's serve project in Omaha in June. The thought of "Urban Plunge" kind of took me by surprise, and if I'm being honest with myself, I'm not sure I saw it for what it actually was. In my head, I pictured standing in the middle of downtown Omaha passing out Bibles and telling everyone on the street that Jesus loved them. Nah man. That's not my style. I'm not a shove the Bible down your throat Christian. So, after waiting about 3 weeks and talking with some people, I decided that my expectations of this project were a little skewed, and replied that I'd be able to attend.<br />
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I don't think there was ever really a moment where I felt excitement for this trip. In all reality, I felt a little anxious- the unknowns of trying to be a "leader" for a bunch of middle schoolers whilst not embarrassing my own middle schooler (not an easy task) were heavy on my heart. I dreaded the thought of sleeping on a thin dormitory mattress. Lord knows sleep is sacred to me. Beyond all that, I just felt like I was overwhelmed at home. I didn't think that I'd be able to keep my focus on where it needed to be that weekend, and I wanted to be a good example. So, my heart didn't feel prepared as I got on the bus that Friday morning.<br />
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God's funny like that. Funny in the way he moves people despite their current situations. First let me back up a second. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Urban Plunge, it is an organization that works with youth groups like ours to put service projects in the hands of kids and allow them to experience being the hands and feet of Jesus. Our group had a very busy weekend. We spent time at the Cross Training Center helping to take apart TVs, cut down branches, and sort cell phones for a place that works to give people jobs who may otherwise have a hard time getting one. These include ex prisoners, homeless people, or people who have different disabilities. Once we finished there, we went to the St. Francis house, a homeless shelter, to serve people juice and watermelon, pass out socks, and listen to their hearts. On Saturday we went to the Food Pantry where some of us stocked shelves, brought groceries to their cars, sorted and displayed clothes for people to "shop" for, and many other various tasks. The afternoon was spent helping a lady remove a very large tree that had fallen onto not only her backyard, but the backyards of her two neighbors. We spent a few hours cleaning up branches, trimming her hedges, sweeping the cement in her backyard, and taking a part the tree with a chainsaw piece by piece. Finally, we spent Saturday evening helping out at Scatter Joy Acres, a farm that houses more than 100 therapy animals. We did various volunteer work on the farm including ripping out old carpet, tearing down a tarped "shed" that had been destroyed during a wind storm, and moving playground equipment for the animals so that they had room to add a few more animals to their farm. Finally on Sunday we got to attend a church service very different to ones our kids attend back home. Drugs, alcohol, and murder are all words that are all too familiar for this congregation. There was a lot of hurt at this church, but more importantly a lot of hope and a whole lot of Jesus.<br />
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We didn't have a lot of downtime obviously, and so it has taken me a few weeks to reflect on my time there that weekend. What it meant to me. What I took away from it. How I feel God is calling me to respond.<br />
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I think a lot of people expect service projects to be this life changing experience. And for a few it can be. For some, it becomes a platform for how they serve the Lord as they get older. It gives some kids a passion for a certain group of people in God's Kingdom, but for many, it becomes this high that you are on, and once you get home, you don't know how to channel that into the real world. This is so familiar to me. I did many serve projects as a kid. All of them touched me in some way, but I couldn't say that any of them were "life changing". So I'm sitting here trying to piece together my perspective and put into words what I took away from that weekend.<br />
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Here's what I know. I love people. I love to hear their stories. I enjoy being a village to others and definitely appreciate the village that is my own. So I guess for me, it was a reaffirmation that ALL God's people need a village. That village can be as close as your next door neighbor, your brother, or the people in a tiny town an ocean away. God's people are everywhere. On Friday night, Joya and Sharon took us to this beautiful park overlooking the city of Omaha. It was sunset, and we were all in awe. We were encouraged to take 10-15 minutes to silently walk the trails or sit and reflect on the day. The people we met. The stories we heard. So we did. We walked the trails, and oogled at the beauty of the landscape in front of us, and when we all got back together, she told us something that stuck with me. She said that this was such a beautiful picture of what this city looks like from afar, but we had just come from the depths of it where there was a lot of hurt and pain and brokenness. There are places that are so obviously in need of people who are willing to step up and help. To be servant hearted and show people the love of God, yet it's easy to step back and only see what we want to see- the beauty, the silence, the normal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beauty of Omaha from afar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing a little reflecting on the trails</td></tr>
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On the other hand, you could take this symbolically as how our little town can portray itself. We don't have near the amount of "obvious" brokenness that we experienced in Omaha that weekend. Sure there are people who are dealing with drug and alcohol addiction or have been to or have a loved one that is in jail. Do we extend Christ's love to them? Are they welcomed in our churches? Do we have the time of day for them? Are <b><u>we </u></b>the broken ones? Are <b><u>we </u></b>in need of a village? Do we push away our pain or our struggles to save face? It's easy to put on the mask of perfection when you don't feel like you can spill the contents of your heart to those around you. How do we break down these walls of pain, hurt, shame, guilt, and suffering? How do we let people in? Where does it begin?<br />
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With me. With you.<br />
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What did I take away from this weekend? That we are all children of God. That we all have hurt and pain and brokenness, and it's the job of all of us to be a village to one another. Some of us will be called to help the homeless or the widows. Others will be called to feed the hungry and help the poor. Some will be called to the Foster care/adoption front lines. Others will be asked to serve the children or the addicts. At some point, our hearts will break for an injustice. THAT is where God is calling you to go. I've always believed that when God breaks your heart for something, that is where he is calling you to serve. That may look different to each person. God's talking. We just need to listen.<br />
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How is God asking me to respond? He's asking me to Be Still. Listen to his voice. Be compassionate. Compassion is your pain in my heart and back out through my hands. I think that we forget sometimes that we can be His hands and feet every single day in very small ways. Maybe it's asking that single mom if she needs help with childcare or that homeless man you see sitting on the sidewalk. Maybe ask him to lunch WITH you. Get to know him. Maybe it's in your school. That student you have that shows up with holes in his shoes. Maybe buy him a new pair.<br />
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You don't HAVE to leave your town to love other people. You just do it. And if your heart is breaking for bigger injustices around the globe, our country, our state, our county, our town, your neighborhood.....then listen carefully. That's your purpose.<br />
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I'll leave you with a few photos of our weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross Training Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope Food Pantry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning up the tree and debris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping tear down the building at Scatter Joy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making friends at Scatter Joy Acres</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot dog eating contest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group picture at the church before coming home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My roommates. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving Jesus with my lady</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leadership team</td></tr>
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Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-56879004048868447872017-07-07T14:45:00.002-07:002017-07-07T14:45:21.245-07:00Enjoying SummerHow is it July 7 already? It seems like we just let out for the summer. June always seems to fly by between ball schedules for three kiddos, camps, and the 4th of July. We've definitely been enjoying ball games 5-6 days a week! Jaedyn plays middle school ball this year, and because of how it worked out, all the 7th graders played both the 7th and 8th grade games this year. So while it basically takes up our entire morning, it's been awesome watching them get that much extra playing time to tune and refine their skills. We love softball!! Carter played AAU ball this season for the first time with his Sioux Center friends. It was a great year watching him gain confidence and learn new skills also! Sawyer played Rec ball, and Dan got to coach his team this year! What a fun memory for my boys! I can say that it's definitely different going from 5th grade baseball to 1st and 2nd grade baseball. :) It's amazing to think what just a few short years can do to their game.<br />
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The past few weeks have been insanely crazy with ball winding down and Carter and Sawyer going to camp That nicely sandwiched the 4th of July which was go, go, go. We spent Saturday on the boat for our annual Adult Boating Day. It happened to land on the 4th of July weekend this year which I thought would make it overly busy, but we just found a nice little area to anchor our boat and enjoyed the sunshine and great friends. We spent the actual 4th at Paullina with my mom, Dave, Casey, Amy and the girls. It was a perfect day to be by the water. We shot off fireworks at the acreage later that night after supper and some down time. Great food, fun, and family.<br />
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I'm sitting outside in the shade of my little deck highly anticipating a much slower schedule for a few weeks. As much as I'll miss watching ball, I am ready to enjoy a little rejuvenating time for me before I head back to school (which will come much too soon). I'm going to be more intentional about reading, listening to my favorite podcasts, organizing my pictures, spending time at the pool and soaking in life in the slow lane for a bit. Looking forward to sharing that with you! Until then, here is a snapshot of our summer thus far in photos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching up with some old friends on Memorial Day weekend. Spent the day boating, mini golfing, paddle boating and enjoying family and friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tradition of going to the dance recital to watch my nieces and all my students, past and present, dance their hearts out. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufra0XhCPY8/WV_5nBHHfwI/AAAAAAAAD28/ex0Gd-zx5wYK5hm7iBFOPtIHDMpj05jtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/18836056_822131710409_1636623908057886224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufra0XhCPY8/WV_5nBHHfwI/AAAAAAAAD28/ex0Gd-zx5wYK5hm7iBFOPtIHDMpj05jtwCEwYBhgL/s640/18836056_822131710409_1636623908057886224_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting up every morning to walk/run with myself or my mama. Love making it for sunrise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the pool's closed, and your aunt is creative....you swim on a boat ramp because it's hotter than billy blazes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joIoa82DyVY/WV_5nl9mGXI/AAAAAAAAD28/rxzigntiIsYH1FAlOanaeFihV-yMG1RLACEwYBhgL/s1600/18893390_822283740739_3411272266885923825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="960" height="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joIoa82DyVY/WV_5nl9mGXI/AAAAAAAAD28/rxzigntiIsYH1FAlOanaeFihV-yMG1RLACEwYBhgL/s640/18893390_822283740739_3411272266885923825_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great season. Great girls. Great sport.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubtw0DgvY7U/WV_5nuwGHqI/AAAAAAAAD28/F6DM7Ys1WkcfSvMtDX0lZDXQ0rBb_41LwCEwYBhgL/s1600/19030482_10155427433759181_2939684920348000953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="893" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubtw0DgvY7U/WV_5nuwGHqI/AAAAAAAAD28/F6DM7Ys1WkcfSvMtDX0lZDXQ0rBb_41LwCEwYBhgL/s640/19030482_10155427433759181_2939684920348000953_n.jpg" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such fun to watch these boys this season! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2juOQkTntQ/WV_5oa1YyLI/AAAAAAAAD28/3wt80hsNFXIxJ8c8OsEOOpqbvNlFMQ9MwCEwYBhgL/s1600/19060177_824156123469_8600357913519216638_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2juOQkTntQ/WV_5oa1YyLI/AAAAAAAAD28/3wt80hsNFXIxJ8c8OsEOOpqbvNlFMQ9MwCEwYBhgL/s640/19060177_824156123469_8600357913519216638_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting to have your dad as your pitcher. He had a great season!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqNHOQ1m-Ig/WV_5pSdzwZI/AAAAAAAAD28/fnowDnadP1Unm_h88U4h0fuDjWWacB39gCEwYBhgL/s1600/19657179_831821077839_8024349101901861121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqNHOQ1m-Ig/WV_5pSdzwZI/AAAAAAAAD28/fnowDnadP1Unm_h88U4h0fuDjWWacB39gCEwYBhgL/s640/19657179_831821077839_8024349101901861121_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view for 3 hours a day, 2-3 days a week. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOtuDFMA5G0/WV_9DHpOHII/AAAAAAAAD3U/tB87i-W5hv803OqBpV1BV9b861cdJXEhACEwYBhgL/s1600/19814315_832407677289_962493350_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOtuDFMA5G0/WV_9DHpOHII/AAAAAAAAD3U/tB87i-W5hv803OqBpV1BV9b861cdJXEhACEwYBhgL/s640/19814315_832407677289_962493350_o.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My slugger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70A1OZ_0NAA/WV_9ATJ-foI/AAAAAAAAD3E/N1cd2aARS9836il3JzRphnwPnvpR2ILNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/19807449_832407737169_609705935_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70A1OZ_0NAA/WV_9ATJ-foI/AAAAAAAAD3E/N1cd2aARS9836il3JzRphnwPnvpR2ILNgCEwYBhgL/s640/19807449_832407737169_609705935_o.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the saddest moments of summer was saying goodbye to my grandpa. We miss him dearly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-at1qwcNoS7k/WV_5oMkmBxI/AAAAAAAAD28/duvBSIUHJCoCa1cO83wR_4-YRWzv-XnjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/19113998_826468554339_315160923921133102_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-at1qwcNoS7k/WV_5oMkmBxI/AAAAAAAAD28/duvBSIUHJCoCa1cO83wR_4-YRWzv-XnjgCEwYBhgL/s640/19113998_826468554339_315160923921133102_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okoboji teaching conference with these beauties. #Favmoments</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LvU4kWXrnU/WV_5opCO3fI/AAAAAAAAD28/hN1WmTe6qWo4IeATnFfqWL95d0IbB6alwCEwYBhgL/s1600/19400015_828605062759_5255155349312093612_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LvU4kWXrnU/WV_5opCO3fI/AAAAAAAAD28/hN1WmTe6qWo4IeATnFfqWL95d0IbB6alwCEwYBhgL/s640/19400015_828605062759_5255155349312093612_n.jpg" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving with my daughter at Urban Plunge (more about this to come)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga and wine on a HOT Sunday afternoon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbVQLtDKUTg/WV_9F-3gs6I/AAAAAAAAD3s/D5mWc32obvEVXb8TutCwQPUu-ptKI4b2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/19850593_832407268109_1191752381_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbVQLtDKUTg/WV_9F-3gs6I/AAAAAAAAD3s/D5mWc32obvEVXb8TutCwQPUu-ptKI4b2ACEwYBhgL/s640/19850593_832407268109_1191752381_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RFKC get together including Battleship in the pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gettings Garden strawberry picking afternoon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmel VBS week</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_yt0mTt268/WV_9GUbRqNI/AAAAAAAAD3w/r0Orlz647-w74Os36Vg2WRP1VN6Yk3ykACEwYBhgL/s1600/19850731_832407263119_1899270451_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_yt0mTt268/WV_9GUbRqNI/AAAAAAAAD3w/r0Orlz647-w74Os36Vg2WRP1VN6Yk3ykACEwYBhgL/s640/19850731_832407263119_1899270451_o.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp with his bestie Ethan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp with his bestie Kyler and friend Makiah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smores and fires</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short date to pick up Jaedyn in Yankton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WHzKzFveTw/WV_5pscnjGI/AAAAAAAAD28/zJn4XiRdyCofWEhaXIeOeh28Wj0FqUIsgCEwYBhgL/s1600/19748922_831003606059_4195293300814572394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="802" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WHzKzFveTw/WV_5pscnjGI/AAAAAAAAD28/zJn4XiRdyCofWEhaXIeOeh28Wj0FqUIsgCEwYBhgL/s640/19748922_831003606059_4195293300814572394_n.jpg" width="534" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love our adventures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHzqGRrgL3M/WV_5o7B0Y6I/AAAAAAAAD28/vKyASQG_wm0nxCsrUYmEZlAW8hobHxxxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/19554588_830970866669_561680358917515168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="960" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHzqGRrgL3M/WV_5o7B0Y6I/AAAAAAAAD28/vKyASQG_wm0nxCsrUYmEZlAW8hobHxxxgCEwYBhgL/s640/19554588_830970866669_561680358917515168_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing off boat day at Braccos for supper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX4IBOOzCgk/WV_9E_qaujI/AAAAAAAAD3g/LL65sxGwYGgArJU13yX0zDoamHLrM9qHQCEwYBhgL/s1600/19830042_832407008629_854544382_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX4IBOOzCgk/WV_9E_qaujI/AAAAAAAAD3g/LL65sxGwYGgArJU13yX0zDoamHLrM9qHQCEwYBhgL/s640/19830042_832407008629_854544382_o.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks at Grandma and Grandpa's house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemonade stand on a hot summer day</td></tr>
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Hope you are enjoying your summer as well! What's been your favorite part so far?<br />
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<br />Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-53580163939354078252017-06-17T18:42:00.000-07:002017-06-17T18:44:08.394-07:00See You LaterThis has been one of those weeks. A week that seemed to go on for a month. A bad nightmare I couldn't wake up from. Yet, here we are at the end of it. A finish line with no prize.<br />
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My grandpa died just shy of a week ago. A night I'll never forget, and one I'm not sure I want to remember. There's no preparation for that phone call in the middle of the night telling you that your grandpa is gone. There's no cheat sheet for how to drive over to your dad's house to wake him up from his sleep to tell him <i><b>his </b></i>dad is gone. It's not fair, and yet it's life.<br />
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You know, my grandpa and I weren't terribly close in adult hood. We were two very different people. He- stoic, reserved, a man of few words. Me- very relational, wear my heart on my sleeve, forward. And while we didn't speak much, I know he loved me. And I him. I can't help but feel regret that I didn't find out what made Grandpa - well, Grandpa. I wish I'd asked more questions, had more conversations. I don't know that he would have answered all of them, but maybe I'd feel less empty if I had known more about him. Maybe not. Either way, he's gone, and my heart still hurts. Not only for myself, but for my dad. For Marilou-his wife of ten years. I don't like seeing people in pain. It's hard to see it and not be able to fix it.<br />
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Tomorrow is Father's Day. A day where I get to celebrate so many important men in my life who have molded and shaped me or my kids. A day where we get to shower love on all the men who have done their part in fulfilling their part of our tribe. While some of these men I no longer get to hug here in the flesh, I still have the honor of sending up a little prayer of thanks to the ones who have gone before us: Grandpa Dick, Grandpa Teddy, Grandpa Irv, and Grandpa John. How lucky we were to have been loved by them.<br />
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It's ironic that I should feel such regret at not having spent more time with my Grandpa before he passed when right before the end of the school year, I felt this urge to find out all the stories I could get my hands on. I told my mom I wanted them written down, and I wanted to sit and hear them from my grandparents- from my parents, and I vowed that when the school year was over, I was going to make time to do that weekly, but now it's too late.<br />
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We aren't allotted a specific time here. We can get called home at any moment. The time is now. Visit your grandpa. Call your mom. Ask your Grandma to lunch. Send your dad a letter. Get to know them more than you already do. Ask them to tell you stories. Lay your head in their lap and tell them you want to know it all. I'm sure most are more than willing to oblige. All anyone ever really wants is to be heard. Validated. Seen. Loved.<br />
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I read a blog about a month ago where she sponsored <a href="http://www.storyworth.com/" target="_blank">Story Worth</a>, a website that e-mails prompts to a person of your choosing each week for an entire year. You get to choose the prompts and each week, your loved one will answer their prompt, and their response can get e-mailed to as many people as you'd like. At the end of the year, all the responses will get bound into a book that will get sent to you in the form of a keepsake. Check it out! It may be a perfect Father's Day gift. We plan on using it as well!<br />
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In the mean time, I've made plans to sit with my Grandma Van and reminisce with her every week this summer. I can't wait to fill my memory bucket with her stories and some quality time.<br />
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I had some people ask to read the eulogy I gave for my grandpa's funeral, so hear you go!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>For those of you who don’t know me, my name is
Mandi, and I am the 5<sup>th</sup> of Dick’s nine grandchildren. Many of you are here to honor a man that you
knew as a friend, a peer, a neighbor, or maybe even a co-worker. But to us – his 9 grandchildren and many more
great-grandchildren – Dick was known simply as Grandpa. On behalf of our
family, I would just like to say thank you for coming here today to help us
celebrate Grandpa’s life and say our goodbyes.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>It is an honor to be here before you to share
stories of this extraordinary man, but it is daunting to do justice to a life
that has spanned 86 years. Do I know enough about the whole of Grandpa’s life?
Probably not. I couldn’t tell you about him as a young boy living in the 1930s.
I don’t know much about how he met my grandma or their wedding. I know very
little about him as a young father. But I, along with my cousins and siblings,
CAN tell you what it was like to know him as a grandfather.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>Grandpa was a great many things. He was kind,
patient, reserved, funny, hard working. He was humble, dedicated to his family-
a man of faith, but also a man of few words. In fact, I don’t think Grandpa and
I ever had any deep or profound conversations, yet my memories are chalk full
of the impact this man and my grandma made on my life. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>My most treasured memories don’t surround any
extravagant event or particular day. They were simple, but they will be
memories I will cherish forever. These include:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>-numerous weekly visits after
school or church to Grandma and Grandpa’s house where we would grab a glass of
Diet Pepsi and tell them about our day.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>- riding along in the truck with
grandpa <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>- camping at Round Lake….bonus if
you got to ride to the campground with them and not with mom and dad because
that usually meant a trip to the Sather’s candy store and breakfast at a hole
in the wall café in a po-dunk town in the middle of nowhere. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>- catching carp with our bare
hands by the spillway and fishing with Grandpa off the dock. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>- walking down to the store after
breakfast so grandpa could have coffee with his friends while I fed Grandma
quarters for the claw machine and if I was really lucky, leaving the store with
a rainbow sherbet ice cream cone<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>- driving the golf cart around
the circle, making sure to slow down past grandpa or we knew we’d be in for a
lecture about being responsible drivers<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>- how he would check in anytime
we were on a road trip to give us a weather report or make sure we were alright
and telling us to call when we got to our destination safely<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>-his love for pens<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>-his infamous chocolate malts
that he would only make if I begged real nicely or if I got to have a sleepover
at their house<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>And maybe the most subtle memory
I have…the one that has made me reflect a little harder this last week are the
ones of us out for a Sunday afternoon drive with grandma and grandpa. It was
typically a silent drive. Not a lot of talking. I can remember getting bored
extremely fast and always telling myself I would NEVER take my grandkids for
Sunday afternoon drives and go 20 miles per hour under the speed limit.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>But you know what….I get it now.
Grandpa had it right all along. Life passes us by so quickly, and if we’re
lucky, we get 86 years on this Earth, so sometimes we just need to slow down,
drink it all in and take a little time to be thankful for what we have.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>By many accounts, Grandpa was a
very stoic man, reserved in his speech. But years of grandchildren have chipped
away at the gruff exterior, and it doesn’t take long if you look through our
family pictures to see that Grandpa was a family man at heart. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>I know that this week has been
hard. It’s been a week full of sadness and tears, and we are feeling the
emptiness of man who has impacted our lives in such a great way. But to my
cousins and siblings, Marilou, my aunt Gloria and my dad- you need only look
around you right now. Look what Grandpa gave you. It’s not money or land..it’s
family. This beautiful family is his legacy and every one of you are a part of
it. How did we all get so lucky?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i>And to our Grandpa, we’ll miss
you. Send our love to Grandma and Glenn. Don’t forget how much you mean to us.
We love you. Rest peacefully. You deserve it.</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Happy Father's Day! </div>
Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-52799347743905155972017-05-14T15:24:00.000-07:002017-05-14T15:24:11.406-07:00You are EnoughHappy Mother's Day to all you beautiful women out there. I know that this day can be bittersweet for some of us, and it can just be painful for others, so I want you to know that not only am I rejoicing for those of you who are celebrating this day, I am also grieving with those for whom this day is incredibly difficult. Know you are being kept close to my heart today. <div>
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With that being said, I had intentions of writing an inspirational Mother's Day post on the blog and sharing wonderful pictures on Facebook, but the truth of the matter is that today I'm just not feeling it. Motherhood is no easy feat man. In fact, there are moments it's downright painful. Difficult. Draining. Exhausting. This has been one of those parenthood in the trenches kind of weekends. I've had moody, mouthy children. Lots of driving in a car with those moody, mouthy children, and honestly, it's just been hard. </div>
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So can I be honest for a moment? Today...I felt kind of jipped. I can't believe I'm typing that because it feels kind of selfish. But on the same token, I think it's important to be able write authentically and the show the ability to be real, and since this is my space for my feelings, I feel like I can be truthful, and know that I'm probably not alone. You see, I'm not a high maintenance person. At least I don't think I am. Maybe my husband would disagree, but for the most part, I'm a go with the flow kinda gal. My love languages are not planted in gifts or acts of service or even words of affirmation (although let's be honest...they are all very nice). They are rooted firmly in quality time and memory making and relationship building. However, on days like today.....there's always this hope and prayer that maybe today my kids would be perfect angels. It would click for them. They would shower me with love and adoration. They would tell me how much they love me and how thankful they are that I'm their mom. They wouldn't let me lift a finger and tell me to go enjoy some time to myself while they cleaned the house and then we'd all end the day with snuggles and time together and another memory jar would be filled up, and I'd write Mother's Day 2017 on the mason jar with my sharpie and stick it on my shelf next to all the others. I'd smile and say, this is what life is all about. Anyone else have these fantasies?</div>
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Needless to say, that isn't my life. Not today anyways. Only one child said Happy Mother's Day this morning. It was right after he was being scolded about something, so he came up to me, and through gritted teeth said, "Happy Mother's Day. When are we leaving for church?" That was that. One couldn't find any church clothes (because he literally has nothing that fits anymore), and we all left for church crabby. Arms folded. Giving each other the silent treatment. The rest of the day hasn't been much better, and even though we've enjoyed slivers of it spent with family, it's been hard to have a lot of fun when you know that you're kind of faking it til you make it. </div>
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The ride home was spent doing a little self reflecting. I didn't raise them this way. Why are they so ungrateful? What am I doing wrong? Is it because they don't feel like they have a reason to celebrate me? What's wrong with me? </div>
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And then it kind of hit me. There's absolutely nothing wrong with me. This is life. Not a movie. Not someone's social media page. This is the nitty gritty. The trenches. The hard stuff. My kids aren't ungrateful (well mostly), and I'm not doing anything wrong. This was just a bad couple of days because that's life. A constant ebb and flow. There's no planning for which days those will land on. We have equally if not more days of laughter and happiness. Just last weekend, they surprised us for our anniversary with a homemade romantic supper with music and pictures and waiting on us hand and foot. They did that with no prompting. That was all on their own. We are raising good, grateful, kind human beings, but they aren't perfect, nor are we. We, too, have our days when we seem ungrateful or aren't blissful. I am enough. You are enough. I just need to be reminded once in awhile. </div>
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Here are a few happies to help me remember.....</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Axau4p8HNfA/WRjWqWDb7yI/AAAAAAAADzw/YkrDunoSPYQUL2XOMuMdLaGvmn-xi68_gCEw/s1600/17799385_810196823019_7936159270695944154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Axau4p8HNfA/WRjWqWDb7yI/AAAAAAAADzw/YkrDunoSPYQUL2XOMuMdLaGvmn-xi68_gCEw/s640/17799385_810196823019_7936159270695944154_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kulinary Kings with Rifly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gG5Ks02MFxI/WRjWqRWWP-I/AAAAAAAADz4/UohMqj3zNOwS4ozSwljcb3sIxwFeVpzjQCEw/s1600/17884291_811010751899_8618159185361552969_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gG5Ks02MFxI/WRjWqRWWP-I/AAAAAAAADz4/UohMqj3zNOwS4ozSwljcb3sIxwFeVpzjQCEw/s640/17884291_811010751899_8618159185361552969_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini reunions with my high school besties and some of our kiddos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTWJCmXyPd8/WRjWqVKwMLI/AAAAAAAADz0/OiX2nu8otfsmRBJ5M6-qtC5ToGtfXGP5QCEw/s1600/17991187_813494664119_879458117806740297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTWJCmXyPd8/WRjWqVKwMLI/AAAAAAAADz0/OiX2nu8otfsmRBJ5M6-qtC5ToGtfXGP5QCEw/s640/17991187_813494664119_879458117806740297_n.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baby girl's first dance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ca-HEvtOBr8/WRjWqk-GozI/AAAAAAAAD0A/MpdUGOmQFMUpJqj0rkBndR6UBjX_yI2DQCEw/s1600/18056932_813710167249_7335569891453058028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ca-HEvtOBr8/WRjWqk-GozI/AAAAAAAAD0A/MpdUGOmQFMUpJqj0rkBndR6UBjX_yI2DQCEw/s640/18056932_813710167249_7335569891453058028_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional shopping weekend with my besties!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pqh3VtLNSk/WRjWqmXTuxI/AAAAAAAADz8/r7XuQTvVzJkfokZzzAr9oEYzBn4vLK9yACEw/s1600/18157123_814820507119_9006919175140925642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pqh3VtLNSk/WRjWqmXTuxI/AAAAAAAADz8/r7XuQTvVzJkfokZzzAr9oEYzBn4vLK9yACEw/s640/18157123_814820507119_9006919175140925642_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monthly date nights with our tribe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XemntRdGJjg/WRjWqqLWpiI/AAAAAAAAD0E/LTf9MyRMIr8rY5m2tNJya_idCudlWEyuACEw/s1600/18157920_814964214129_4546004224511260496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XemntRdGJjg/WRjWqqLWpiI/AAAAAAAAD0E/LTf9MyRMIr8rY5m2tNJya_idCudlWEyuACEw/s640/18157920_814964214129_4546004224511260496_n.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">celebrating this soon to be mama with a baby shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ-bgb_Xi2I/WRjWq9xqnmI/AAAAAAAAD0I/BQP1ufxEHUs23d_d1hWUxyppkP0-SK3mwCEw/s1600/18198461_814798316589_8780570211739443474_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ-bgb_Xi2I/WRjWq9xqnmI/AAAAAAAAD0I/BQP1ufxEHUs23d_d1hWUxyppkP0-SK3mwCEw/s400/18198461_814798316589_8780570211739443474_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother's last prom!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLHLddiN0dM/WRjWq-OtDUI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/MFV6TCyZr0oBNfEZQjtR-KIxCXlwqcjZACEw/s1600/18268649_816385111639_8733670442085745160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLHLddiN0dM/WRjWq-OtDUI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/MFV6TCyZr0oBNfEZQjtR-KIxCXlwqcjZACEw/s640/18268649_816385111639_8733670442085745160_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A first place win for Jaedyn's track team</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwdihOoLVTY/WRjWqy5k8dI/AAAAAAAAD0M/HJW81CMsuT4O4MH7gj0OaOFUi3u6lyd9ACEw/s1600/18301678_816435036589_8580025878789087630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwdihOoLVTY/WRjWqy5k8dI/AAAAAAAAD0M/HJW81CMsuT4O4MH7gj0OaOFUi3u6lyd9ACEw/s640/18301678_816435036589_8580025878789087630_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Participating in the Siouxperman Triathalon with good friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrVVcZlsUHk/WRjWrHBD0SI/AAAAAAAAD0U/iTyjqXKEqVcpTMeeEacQKp3gtw0TJl2oQCEw/s1600/18341854_816718568389_7536385944055414084_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrVVcZlsUHk/WRjWrHBD0SI/AAAAAAAAD0U/iTyjqXKEqVcpTMeeEacQKp3gtw0TJl2oQCEw/s640/18341854_816718568389_7536385944055414084_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating 12 years of marriage with this hunk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_bu5DxKxEQ/WRjWrMSN3TI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/hrj8ExlnSj8AV_W5MuSlgStL3Cmn295PACEw/s1600/18341928_816718124279_3830107236148158053_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_bu5DxKxEQ/WRjWrMSN3TI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/hrj8ExlnSj8AV_W5MuSlgStL3Cmn295PACEw/s640/18341928_816718124279_3830107236148158053_n.jpg" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Calico Skies because he just gets me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFNrw0EMuBc/WRjWrMxpdtI/AAAAAAAAD0c/rDztM7oIrXE8tPAyvQjrZa6mqZGFAUgUQCEw/s1600/18423780_816981970529_4221984678500017916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFNrw0EMuBc/WRjWrMxpdtI/AAAAAAAAD0c/rDztM7oIrXE8tPAyvQjrZa6mqZGFAUgUQCEw/s640/18423780_816981970529_4221984678500017916_n.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating 11 years of this dude</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcn5PoQsR48/WRjWrTxXGLI/AAAAAAAAD0k/1Il44sDdrf8LBcX0NjORUGtHWivYk-1UACEw/s1600/18424228_817209150259_8282847089229849262_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcn5PoQsR48/WRjWrTxXGLI/AAAAAAAAD0k/1Il44sDdrf8LBcX0NjORUGtHWivYk-1UACEw/s640/18424228_817209150259_8282847089229849262_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">POPS concert was "Out of this World"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YH3Y9MK3sBo/WRjWrVdaXTI/AAAAAAAAD0o/XPDgnHdqNFk7mEdG5RpLYA5epnoBMU7HgCEw/s1600/18446723_817068946229_2826676937921949316_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YH3Y9MK3sBo/WRjWrVdaXTI/AAAAAAAAD0o/XPDgnHdqNFk7mEdG5RpLYA5epnoBMU7HgCEw/s640/18446723_817068946229_2826676937921949316_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding this gem on my walk at sunrise. I think I'll be using this to watch the sun come up more often.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tohxLZgyAVw/WRjWrET2qRI/AAAAAAAAD0g/FfXpbIwsEmM4LF6vg3l0ogcTyApPHmUrwCEw/s1600/18424113_817967006509_9214982078777343578_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tohxLZgyAVw/WRjWrET2qRI/AAAAAAAAD0g/FfXpbIwsEmM4LF6vg3l0ogcTyApPHmUrwCEw/s640/18424113_817967006509_9214982078777343578_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Hailey graduated from Iowa this weekend. So proud of her</td></tr>
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So there you have it. Bad days don't outweigh the good ones. Even on Mother's Day. And remember. </div>
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You are enough. Always.</div>
Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-50189221057870470932017-04-04T14:10:00.000-07:002017-04-04T14:10:23.281-07:00Spring Beginnings and a Bucketlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi friends.<br />
I already have 5,703 steps and it's not even 7:00 am. Yay for husbands who wake up with me to workout. The sun is supposed to shine today, and the forecast for the weekend looks amazeballs (70 degrees on Sunday. Holla!!). We've been dandy the last few weeks. Enjoying our little chunk of freedom before softball/baseball starts. Jae did decide to do track, so I suppose she's busy with that, but at least she can walk right home afterwards. Also, there's no AAU practice at night, so that's a bonus for her.<br />
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Not a whole lot has been happening around here, and I'm kind of okay with that. We've had some lazy weekends with a few plans sprinkled in here and there, but for the most part, we've been able to regroup and relax. I'm looking so forward to full blown spring. I can't wait for fires, Easter break, girls' shopping weekend (woot!!), and many more days outside.<br />
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The past few weeks I've been researching this Keto diet. I've been looking for something to kick start this weight loss and also target other things that would be beneficial for me. It's very low carb and no sugar, but higher in fat. I was terrified to start but soon realized it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I think that knowing I can't have a lot of the foods I would have normally eaten makes it easier to say no altogether. I feel full all day on much less food. Paired with my Plexus slim and my probiotic, I can safely say that my sleep has been amazing. My depression hasn't reared it's ugly head in awhile. My anxiety is manageable. Brain fog is almost gone. Hanger isn't a thing. It's been quite nice. The cherry on top is that I'm actually losing weight. Down about 6.5 pounds, and it feels so good to know that something is working. I know that's not a lot, but for someone who has been CONSTANTLY gaining for the last two years with some steady stalls in the middle, this literally has been an answer to prayer.<br />
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With all that being said...I don't talk about it because I think that this is the only way to be healthy....because it's not. There are millions of ways to eat "right" and lose weight and feel good and yada yada. There are lots of skeptics out there, and I don't blame them. It goes against all of the the things we were ever taught about high fat diets. Know that I have done my research, and am constantly continuing to do so. People are living very sustainably (even on doctor's recommendations) with this way of living with no plans to ever change. Many people in my Facebook groups have talked about going into remission with very serious cancer diagnoses, getting rid of T2 diabetes, and other amazing medical things just by cutting out sugar. (Don't think that I could ever cut out sugar, bread, tortillas, or chips for life though....sorry that can't happen). My plan is to be pretty consistent and strict on it for awhile so that I can see some changes and get rid of the cravings, and then I'll let myself have room to breathe a bit. I don't want to have to say no to things all the time when my friends and family are celebrating or out together. I just want to learn new habits and make sure I'm eating well most of the time. Anyways, enough of that.<br />
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I'm also training for a half marathon with my sister in law and my someday sister-in-law. It's completely crazy starting back from square one. I'm only running three minutes at a time, but I'm feeling great about it, and I'm finally running outside. I'm also doing the Siouxperman Triathlon again this year with my friend Dave who is biking and my little buddy Carson who is swimming. I'll be running the 5K. The last time I participated was three years ago with Dan's brothers and their wives. It was super fun and rewarding, so I'm excited to do it again. :)<br />
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With all this nice weather in the forecast, I thought it would be appropriate to throw out a spring bucket list. So, without further ado..... here we go.<br />
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1. Buy flowers and decorate my house with their beauty.<br />
2. Fires with friends and smores<br />
3. Train and participate in Siouxperman<br />
4. Manage a 10K in practice<br />
5. Blog more<br />
6. Take a photography class<br />
7. Talk Dan into building some raised gardens and plant some yummy things. :)<br />
8. Play in the rain<br />
9. Wake up early on a Saturday or Sunday and watch the sunrise<br />
10. Wear spring colors<br />
11. Go to baseball/softball games<br />
12. Spring clean<br />
13. Make spring crafts from pinterest<br />
14. Ketofy some yummy lemon desserts<br />
15. Hike at Oak Grove<br />
16. Watch my brother and Hailey graduate<br />
17. Host a spring get together with friends<br />
18. Go to the Tulip Festival<br />
19. Read a book outside on the deck<br />
20. Go geocaching with the kids<br />
21. Write a birthday blog post for the boys<br />
22. Plan a birthday party for each of the boys<br />
23. Listen to music that makes me happy<br />
24. Go garage saling<br />
25. Go barefoot<br />
26. Look for shapes in the clouds<br />
27. SHOPPING TRIP!!!!<br />
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I'm smart enough to know that the likelihood of all of this happening is pretty slim, but there's something about the shift from one season to another that signifies a clean slate. A new beginning. The thrill of making a bucket list even if all of the things don't get crossed off is exciting for me. It gives me something to look forward to. Spring is something I look forward to from the day after Christmas until it's here, but it's also in the middle of the toughest part of the school year. We are getting to the end. Once it gets nice for good, we will lose the focus of our kiddos, and that makes it so hard to teach. Therefore, bucket lists are a necessity for me. I need my list of things to look forward to.<br />
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Ending with a few pictures of our happies from the last few weeks!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found some time to get together at Sfumato!!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PBR (Professional Bull Riding) with the Wolfswinkels<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springifying our toes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#Roomiesfolife</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaedyn attended the Middle School retreat in Dayton last weekend. The theme was "Testify". She's loved it both years, and I think it's had a huge impact on her spiritual growth. :)</td></tr>
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Happy Tuesday!! Enjoy this sunshine!Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758693267394529096.post-19199881850092498162017-03-11T04:40:00.000-08:002017-03-11T04:40:14.045-08:00Making HistoryI can finally see the finish line after a two week stint of crazy. One more day of busy tomorrow, but today....finally a day off. Not a day off to go to an appointment or leave on a trip, but a day to have no where to go. Nothing to check off. No agendas to be had. Splendid indeed.<br />
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Last week we were able to witness some history in the making for our amazingly talented Sioux Center Warrior girls. Our family minus Sawyer traveled roughly 24 hours over the span of 3 days to watch our ladies tear it up at the Well. While the ending wasn't what we had anticipated or welcomed, we are proud of our girls nevertheless. If my information is accurate, it's bee 90 years since our girls have made it to the state championship game. In 1927, the first year the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Association was even a thing, our girls made it to the championship and lost 38-37. Last weekend, we took home a 2nd place win again. We are so proud of their tenacity and determination. Watching them on the big screen as they held hands praying a version of an athlete's prayer, I teared up knowing that this week will forever be etched in their memory. </div>
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I can still remember my junior year of high school, when our boys basketball team made it to state. I, alongside many of my friends cozied up at the Embassy Suites, fitting nearly 7-8 girls in one hotel room. Memories of hair braiding, doing make up, making up shenanigans in the bathroom, and lots of laughter were had although the details are fuzzy at best. What I can remember the most is the championship game. Boyden Hull was playing the 1A game first, and their crowd was kitty corner from us. This is when state games were still played at "The Barn". Many of our fans were wearing Boyden Hull shirts, and I can remember cheering them to victory. When the hoopla of their win was over, their crowd took of their Boyden Hull shirts and orange and blue took their place. They cheered us on to our State Championship win as well, and I can remember this feeling of unity that I had never felt before. Here we were, two teams from NW Iowa. Two teams that rival one another in the regular season, coming together to cheer each other on and make our corner of the state proud! To date, this is hands down one of my top five favorite memories from high school. I'm so glad my older kiddos got to experience their first glimpses of state. It's planted some dreams in the heart of my daughter, that's for sure. What a cool experience.</div>
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We even got to reunite with some long lost besties on Saturday night after the game. Brent and Ashley were neighbors of ours when we first got married, and I was still in college. They moved away about a year after we moved in, and for many years, we were able to make trips back and forth to see each other, but such is life. Our kids grew up and became more active. We decided that it had been close to three years since we have seen each other without the use of social media, so it was LONG overdue. How I do miss them. </div>
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Anyways, with three days of state, a Friday night in Emmetsburg for show choir, and a Sunday adoptaversary date for my husband and my daughter, we finally parked the van in the garage and decided to let it sit there for awhile. :) That didn't make this week any less hectic, however. This week I had two days of conferences, a band concert and a choir concert to attend. Tomorrow will be Jae's last show choir performance, so today was a day of relaxation. I finished The Shack. (Loved it is an understatement), ate lunch with my hubby, took a bath, and now I get to finally blog for a bit! Loving every moment of this freakishly cold day. However, Spring can come at any moment, please. We are waiting impatiently for you! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sioux Center 7th and 8th grade Adrenaline (photo courtesy of Mel Pottebaum)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 year Adoptaversary date</td></tr>
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Here's to the weekend! Crossing my fingers that the snow misses us COMPLETELY!</div>
Mandi Wolfswinkelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931005154527914014noreply@blogger.com0