tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39188241347279576362024-03-13T22:07:56.337-07:00The Beard BunchThe Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-55643807518168298822012-11-10T20:25:00.001-08:002012-11-10T20:25:33.534-08:00Hiking and Rock Climbing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The kids and I joined some friends for a hike in Malibu Canyon. The scenery was beautiful, and there were plenty of rocks to climb and adventures to be had. A fun day for all!!!The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-91141002505360923762012-11-01T11:36:00.003-07:002012-11-01T11:36:49.557-07:00October Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brooke got an early birthday present. In December, she will turn 9. We could not wait to get her new bike to her, so that she could join the boys in daily bike rides. She is ready to go!!!!<br />
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Our neighborhood is very festive for Halloween. It is quite busy in our streets, and we joined the fun by decorating up as mimes. The kids enjoyed holding up their signs, rather than saying "Trick or treat." To be polite, Gary told them to tip their hat as a thank you :)<br />
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<br />The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-54081620507577698512012-10-27T21:25:00.001-07:002012-10-27T21:25:56.132-07:00Bring the rain....I am so excited to be going to a MercyMe concert in one week. A group of girl friends and I from my church are making an evening of it! To prepare myself, I have been downloading and memorizing many new songs. I do highly recommend this group. Many of the songs are just so poignant and can state exactly what one may be facing in his or her Christian life.<br />
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I have recently been struggling with some comments from people regarding the reason why I would choose to live so far from my family. Granted, I do live in the most beautiful place in America, so the reasons may appear obvious, but for some reason, none of them have decided to join me in my personal paradise :)<br />
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However, I have always known that it is better to be far away from family than far away from a place that God can greatly use me. Not that God could not use me in the mid-west; He has just chosen to maximize His service in my life by placing me on the sunny coast of CA. He, not my personal desires, will be the only thing that ever moves me.<br />
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Anyway, all that being said, I have been singing this song today, and it somewhat characterizes this recent struggle. I love the line that says: "And I know there will be days when this life brings me pain, but if that is what it takes to praise you, Jesus bring the rain!" So, in my own version, I say: "And I know there will be days when I wish I was close to family, but if distance is what it takes to praise you, then Jesus, keep me far!"<br />
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Enjoy. It can apply to many situations in life. I pray we all have the trust in Him to pray for the rain!<br />
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<br />The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-15606899051695495822012-10-27T21:06:00.000-07:002012-10-27T21:06:16.607-07:00Time to update......There are times when I think that the world of blogging is dying. Why waste my time putting up a post if no one is going to read it? But then again, I do live thousands of miles away from my family, and they seem to like these posts. So, I post; not that often, but every once in awhile, like today, I decide to give a picture update.<br />
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We took a mini getaway last weekend to Pasadena. Most of the time was spent eating and swimming, but we did stop at a couple of museums, and the kids really enjoyed the military museum. Here are some of the pictures from that time.<br />
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Now, I must let you know that I plan to put up another post immediately following this one. Wow....two posts in one day :)<br /><br />The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-14019159210647898312012-08-09T14:42:00.001-07:002012-08-09T14:42:18.805-07:00A trip to the desert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_0RD7dz5r5De4hoClIoUnqgdD7cQdBnWmA-PzXGNJPojF8uKDjqJut2NnsXcboUukd_secZT-p-yp4UGpwd76fD2HZ9Jex5bojzRg-XBg4rA2D5KQ0fmCImSoeOOEOPYyfa2PgEGF6Yq/s1600/2012-08-08+11.49.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_0RD7dz5r5De4hoClIoUnqgdD7cQdBnWmA-PzXGNJPojF8uKDjqJut2NnsXcboUukd_secZT-p-yp4UGpwd76fD2HZ9Jex5bojzRg-XBg4rA2D5KQ0fmCImSoeOOEOPYyfa2PgEGF6Yq/s320/2012-08-08+11.49.13.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our family took a short trip to the Palm Springs area as an end of the summer get-away. Living in year round 70 degree temperature, I am quick to forget what extreme cold and HOT feel like. Well, we were reminded of hot temperatures. It was up to 115 degrees in the day and down to 98 degrees at night.<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm3qIRwghyfYK7tlgC2fK3zT3Ox3qdr7tHnGvDwO_WMebGEQGXAEe-oI9NJV8UOznZ1UcC4iqzJ4t_RrJBz1nqsO3ohMITTvhU1bJFR_q0zG24iwY3AmTHcV9U0PjqlrT9lHR27_MvbKU/s320/2012-08-07+15.25.45.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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We took the boys to an exotic car museum. Their interest and knowledge of cars has been greatly increasing this year. They both picked out their favorite!<br />
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In between swimming times, Brooke and I did a little shopping at the quaint shops at our resort---La Quinta. Gary and I took an opportunity for an evening stroll. It is beautiful (but still hot!).<br />
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We stopped at the dinosaur exhibits on the way home. <br />
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Everyone of the kids are becoming quite the fish. Wesley is pictured below and has always been our best swimmer. He was teaching me to swim the backstroke/freestyle, alternating between the two. It was interesting. <br />
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I am thankful that we got a good family picture at the top of the post. However, here was the first attempt. Gary set his camera up, but he didn't quite make it in time :)<br />
<br />The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-74380365505304673312012-06-26T13:11:00.000-07:002012-06-26T13:11:09.734-07:00A little surgery....a little history<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been working with a dentist for the past couple of years on doing
some grafting on my gums. He called me up last week and asked if I
would be willing to drive to USC and be the patient that he would
perform surgery on as a lab case to his dentist students. Hey, a free
surgery!! I took him up on his offer. Gary and the kids decided to
drive me down to LA and we made a day of the whole ordeal. We showed
the kids some history of LA items. In the morning, we went to Watts
Towers and Wrigley field in LA (now just a little league field). </div>
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After my surgery, we went to Hollywood, Pinks Hot dogs, Angel Flight,
and the Fashion District in LA. Of course, after my surgery, I was
unable to eat one of those delicious hot dogs, and I walked around with
an ice pack on my face :) Overall, a fun (though semi-painful) day!<br />
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This is the sight that I see every morning when I drop Brooke and Andrew off for school; after dropping them off, they run down to the gate to see me drive by. I love it!!! Wesley started this tradition on his first day of second grade, and it has not stopped. Wesley gets dropped off at the middle school, so I don't see him, but I guess there is a time to outgrow waving bye to your mother each morning :) This picture was the last day of school.<br />
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The Elementary school at VMS had a skate party to celebrate their year of school. Brooke was more than happy to pose with many of her friends, but I could only catch Andrew while he stopped for a quick drink on one of his very short breaks. <br />
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Brooke completed third grade; Andrew is done with elementary school (completed 5th grade) and Wesley is finished with 7th grade and ready to enter his last year of middle school. I am thankful for the good friends and godly teachers that they have had at Ventura Missionary. But....we are ready for summer. No more homework, book reports, and pack lunches (those are just my personal favorite things to be done with).The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-89454379387607376222012-04-14T18:50:00.006-07:002012-04-14T19:21:51.131-07:00Little League Padres<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0w_6xlrSrfpGWxn_sLP5ZT52Xiu4pa4SCpaLsL3uPvcI91fHSSGuvRQvB0OPmNBQMDwaHir92eO7loZhsof7r2Eypc9HdgmmpqO84LWlCdVcPET531U8-SxXYFain5H1p8WUmShGob76/s1600/100_8571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0w_6xlrSrfpGWxn_sLP5ZT52Xiu4pa4SCpaLsL3uPvcI91fHSSGuvRQvB0OPmNBQMDwaHir92eO7loZhsof7r2Eypc9HdgmmpqO84LWlCdVcPET531U8-SxXYFain5H1p8WUmShGob76/s400/100_8571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731442115647643282" border="0" /></a><br />Andrew is my athlete. He has always had a dream of being a professional athlete. The problem is that he has not yet decided what sport he wants to focus upon----the choices have always been football, basketball, or baseball. Well, we are currently in the beginning of his first season in Little League, and he loves it! I think he enjoys practices and games more this season than he ever has in any other sport.<br /><br />We miss his grandparents being able to come to his games, so these pictures are especially posted for them to get a good look at their grandson. Andrew plays short stop or pitcher. The pictures below are from today's game against the Dodgers. Andrew's team won, and they are currently 5-0.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKlDMUh8YmlvGkSOKZGxOHkMVzYcH2pBWRd0XYNmkf1rccKKfzyvlI5bIqDAZBP9Hc6sql4Y34yL-KDRctVgLNTUoUrf-byqXIgWjOTeos6Y4zzB1fXU6t-ftJbdnatH5wJcaAXzOHlPH/s1600/100_8573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKlDMUh8YmlvGkSOKZGxOHkMVzYcH2pBWRd0XYNmkf1rccKKfzyvlI5bIqDAZBP9Hc6sql4Y34yL-KDRctVgLNTUoUrf-byqXIgWjOTeos6Y4zzB1fXU6t-ftJbdnatH5wJcaAXzOHlPH/s400/100_8573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731445393330756386" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEDL29cRPlofj7LOEne04_Kehnj7eW0LI3K9qxMd-J0WWFGAI6xM97maaDyfLgHOS9Tdphw5S4qkZ0mIxJXbf0TwJYZMCDvzaNYSgb8TobSEL6pSNPqnnNnpQOrHTL-DIcVaq3yO4MnjA/s1600/100_8574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEDL29cRPlofj7LOEne04_Kehnj7eW0LI3K9qxMd-J0WWFGAI6xM97maaDyfLgHOS9Tdphw5S4qkZ0mIxJXbf0TwJYZMCDvzaNYSgb8TobSEL6pSNPqnnNnpQOrHTL-DIcVaq3yO4MnjA/s400/100_8574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731446477772998210" border="0" /></a>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-44126163361199030962012-02-26T18:46:00.003-08:002012-02-26T18:55:46.843-08:00A blessing in disguiseAs Christians, we think of blessings as things that God does for us that make our life better. We consider good health, a home, loving family, godly friends, and beautiful things in nature as blessings. I agree that these are blessings from God, and I pray I never forget the source of all that is good.<br /><br />However, I think many of God's blessings don't always FEEL like blessings. I found out this past week that I have an autoimmune disease that may cause me some discomfort in my future. After confirmation of this disease, I had an unexplainable peace. Not just peace that God would be with me (for which I am thankful), but peace that this was a good thing. It will most likely not feel good, but it will be good for me.<br /><br />The following song is one that captures this truth so beautifully. Not always are God's blessings enjoyable things to share with others. Sometimes His blessings cause us physical pain or emotional discomfort. Sometimes His blessings hurt!<br /><br /><br />I think a blessing is any act that God sends our way to make us more into the image of His son that we need to be. I realized that God needs to give me this disease to make me more like Himself. He will better use me because of my weakness. He will accomplish His way in me more if I am dealing with this discomfort.<br /><br />I have many family members who are struggling with all different kinds of pain. Many of them are physical, some related to loss or pain, and others are uncertainties. But, in all of these things I encourage us to know that God is in control (which I think we all like to believe), but if we really believed it, then we would not worry about the future. He is shaping us today for what He has in store for us tomorrow.<br /><br />Thank you God for my blessings......even those that I sometimes don't like to feel :)<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DgxB82LgK7E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-35437167718599751212012-02-10T19:14:00.000-08:002012-02-10T19:33:39.445-08:00Happy Golden Birthday...........Andrew's golden birthday is tomorrow! He will be 11 on the 11th. First, I must say that I thank God every day for the gift of Andrew Beard in each one of our lives. He is an example to me of unselfishness and kindness.<br /><br />His desire for a birthday party was to take some friends to Sky High, a jumping arena in our area, and then to have dinner at In 'n Out Burgers. On Wednesday, we took Andrew and 5 friends to both of these places, and they had a great time. It was nice to be able to take 8 kids out to a rather crazy location and yet not have any "episodes." They were great examples of what a group of Christian guys should be :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EgrZDijw9ehFtbSVEu4DqI8wKIJvU7sEpc_-Nn896AFGnB1THG0qrnMODJPPp1iPqnNcBTL7ANrFdpedcuFz1KDbu4YR2kODidOU-UDXbAm3ThrOT0emIS8Uhd7AuHEspL9JRAUw02UP/s1600/100_8535.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EgrZDijw9ehFtbSVEu4DqI8wKIJvU7sEpc_-Nn896AFGnB1THG0qrnMODJPPp1iPqnNcBTL7ANrFdpedcuFz1KDbu4YR2kODidOU-UDXbAm3ThrOT0emIS8Uhd7AuHEspL9JRAUw02UP/s400/100_8535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707713638565613362" border="0" /></a><br /> Opening gifts after a burger and shake dinner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bXEtf-JpTop5nubm7ukfwBNRsfDEEJ1bcmptFixfw5OjhZUvRiEteitgXWi6VPxgl-NxnpOKLo8-pqGyJHYpV0-hUTPVKo1Ql1veji4Amqz4QWlNfimPRYS_CwqOKhaS9U191vq7beAO/s1600/100_8534.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bXEtf-JpTop5nubm7ukfwBNRsfDEEJ1bcmptFixfw5OjhZUvRiEteitgXWi6VPxgl-NxnpOKLo8-pqGyJHYpV0-hUTPVKo1Ql1veji4Amqz4QWlNfimPRYS_CwqOKhaS9U191vq7beAO/s400/100_8534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707713557213602754" border="0" /></a><br /> Andrew exiting the foam pit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYnhQGvBcbP6XHXQ0GlA4YQaVm1vqt6IMzICArD3l-vC2BbuG-8QJ_iO2p2TRg9sHavaREhqJqXCn_BFrL_8ltiavX2UyKTVzDOqTUqZgXhyphenhyphenWWY91KoLhKrXhDE0q4QE_DDziY3hD3Q6V/s1600/100_8531b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYnhQGvBcbP6XHXQ0GlA4YQaVm1vqt6IMzICArD3l-vC2BbuG-8QJ_iO2p2TRg9sHavaREhqJqXCn_BFrL_8ltiavX2UyKTVzDOqTUqZgXhyphenhyphenWWY91KoLhKrXhDE0q4QE_DDziY3hD3Q6V/s400/100_8531b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707713382470391922" border="0" /></a> Andrew entering the foam pit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO_RMu0ULKTh4wEAjyHN5_7nsRcgwqnhmh3CXlsqtWRFr611RDajHgr61JSGcP1ZqX-IGVUsj89UqxsZNd_uWdNopH7PfjwyqIwCTPVO2aXXyVNngWWilKwqjzJD34oJ8UBSggSn8NBlO/s1600/100_8523.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO_RMu0ULKTh4wEAjyHN5_7nsRcgwqnhmh3CXlsqtWRFr611RDajHgr61JSGcP1ZqX-IGVUsj89UqxsZNd_uWdNopH7PfjwyqIwCTPVO2aXXyVNngWWilKwqjzJD34oJ8UBSggSn8NBlO/s400/100_8523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707713162368343570" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8JKfWtXkAVsSVSU72QJ0veKi1mjRN73MToYtK1qGGAnctXT3Px2Exig3NE14hMbtpJmlHERpsGguofvhqMuo0eQb-wK6OwiBES7Co_KWSPRPJUBP3ZmhGMtTVF1fprBLFU-ZNXCK12WA/s1600/100_8526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8JKfWtXkAVsSVSU72QJ0veKi1mjRN73MToYtK1qGGAnctXT3Px2Exig3NE14hMbtpJmlHERpsGguofvhqMuo0eQb-wK6OwiBES7Co_KWSPRPJUBP3ZmhGMtTVF1fprBLFU-ZNXCK12WA/s400/100_8526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707713264983041762" border="0" /></a><br /> Wesley loved taking the lead on the dodgeball games.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo9MIX5aUGnFz3-DhAKGNyemApAe_B6sWvkJ0s_zYGfIaDob0slhRqGjttRD9W00fTjyF2KTEkaZa0T9TcQp7n_v8DfitrPSLoi9ijgYAFjr_q-wQqdcXjP2WDIpiS1PaGKuD9auWUDs7/s1600/100_8522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo9MIX5aUGnFz3-DhAKGNyemApAe_B6sWvkJ0s_zYGfIaDob0slhRqGjttRD9W00fTjyF2KTEkaZa0T9TcQp7n_v8DfitrPSLoi9ijgYAFjr_q-wQqdcXjP2WDIpiS1PaGKuD9auWUDs7/s400/100_8522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707713067177273282" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O6CQjGG5pLgaUItws_19_IiC6ZfvpH4pAE3ZCBz9oY9U2Bw4CnNoqGjpyt0pUh82FYxFxIiXaOGOhxyKw5QDmlPQ24VCCdU0d8OhJudsP-eX-sbiTDg482Y8ub2XOJyF7g6sp8iVaBBe/s1600/100_8536.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O6CQjGG5pLgaUItws_19_IiC6ZfvpH4pAE3ZCBz9oY9U2Bw4CnNoqGjpyt0pUh82FYxFxIiXaOGOhxyKw5QDmlPQ24VCCdU0d8OhJudsP-eX-sbiTDg482Y8ub2XOJyF7g6sp8iVaBBe/s400/100_8536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707713700972296898" border="0" /></a><br />Sadly, today, Andrew tried to do another front flip, but this time it was on a trampoline. He hit his head. I am thankful that there was no major damage. I do believe he will wake up on his birthday morning with quite a black and blue face :)The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-11534322411767776962011-12-29T10:39:00.000-08:002011-12-29T11:26:17.596-08:00A Christmas surpriseWe have been travelling for Christmas this year. Our entire family flew to the mid-west on December 11th to spend time with both of our families----the Sturgills and Beards. I have so many pictures that it would overwhelm my blog.<br /><br />However, I do have one special surprise. I was looking forward to having a white Christmas. When we got to Wisconsin, it was unseasonably warm (warm in WI is when it is more than 30 degrees). While I was happy to not have to endure the cold, I was disappointed that we had absolutely no snow. Brooke has never played in snow, so I wanted her to get her first experience.<br /><br />We went down to Rockford, IL for a family gathering, and when we woke up one morning, it had snowed overnight. We were surprised, and I was ecstatic. The snow did not last the whole day, but it gave us a morning of fun!<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691623027366773426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Me75XBQQhUjN27kk5qqcRrKG_7MTI3CwCr5gc-Zr_HRubu1PYK-MEyhRUDwy3GQkD2ft8YNtPho5lBUMwfCOrDuaLdkjbvgZxzl7-bYmCoYHBlH3HvGIVMfFzZnV7B9TU_UAyjtgTQ7j/s400/Christmas+2011+011.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691623138921643714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMkLxJHxrE2yWcuG8dYUBkdG0EFdzV3gzscI7I2YHm0VghF5M2UpLg2uFHCWX4UvD4x6Ok6DiPqY8zOhT3oo_PDtsA0mY3xTB2pd8UVPZ7MERPfLHgruJg3z1SpbdyANJmkSmzFHIATBv/s400/Christmas+2011+013.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691622822414419986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDhqkShwyzxOqgYm6XW4uHn2tVOGE_PWsKN96PnNQeL5mPTFOz8RNdD2hMCcxp7UOk9Vlfl4U_3xF276X15iVKeMXY4OarUB0hQ5HkujZkTaStk8ahyphenhyphen1mMVtujgW2uPyu9krPtOi2YcDx/s400/Christmas+2011+010.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691622953433541458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTgwsUnM9V41NarWL0O-ESmf55ZqgpXlpUTAp1HmwCIDjlLZOtQe9Qx45cFNBNgrSK6NhUV9P0Jhe42rGliFtlMwrSnqWTcAW0sSLDSDJo7JOIrm4pdGOz1werdkeNS6RwAKLVFv2ZuFo/s400/Christmas+2011+012.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>We then headed to southern Indiana, and again, there was no snow. The picture of Andrew below illustrates the unusual weather. But, again, one morning, we woke up to snow falling. It was nice to see it actually coming down. Again, it only lasted one day, but gave us plenty of time to enjoy. My mom had people praying that her California grandchildren would get snow for Christmas. Several of them told me that the weathermen were not expecting this snow. Truly, a miracle from God for this California crew!</div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691624202385432018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf0JLPLVvwvApeCLbbowuXGyFKX1EBKP6X-N8XAtMo0K36ix7gtR03LddcyCf6LMY-RduAJx5ezX85YpM2ot-hCfYVCZNFyY-Sch19pq7XPfUFmWFwin0wE7UR05iOPyIHAl2f9rEe37n/s400/Christmas+2011+048.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691624461619719618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5MpSy43RUDNn693t73FOUxp3T9LxN4Q7PEPyKj1s3l8z05AnusPTbSj5YWbscRo6ylm6dgandneaCR0Oli2-cH6LfT3bgxNsHnphv17RyjptHVFh2YM8r_M4P-Cb_6uVHcyYQ-ZN4HYK/s400/Christmas+2011+062.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691626383435404418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjZ6LZr4Pd4xC0DyoCxoZNn4DYL1I8jgfvfSvbPQIa8hPRpUVuzo2oCOCO-mZnAz3HBcgg1rEYQLCTHTguKKj2Slp_hvDkUs-EhjDXpMmEmKeNvvp1JPGUhIAzHZJxPz_I3gXXEm98iUu/s400/Christmas+2011+057.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><br />We got enough snow to make snow cream---YUM!!!!The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-66341835974436315522011-11-18T13:03:00.000-08:002011-11-18T13:48:05.497-08:00Fall Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF7Y8y_gZeidcke-YJvPSLeq-Nrke9MVGr8OzaQMGhu3oxg4UOm_yOfUOhmaJoWJ5yL6sK0uF3ldE3jEFkf7u4MhVIakPs1cV34VqO-E6E401lWNoo35ZYBxqgVECnx_5qh5Yh-veYPY7/s1600/DSC06504.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF7Y8y_gZeidcke-YJvPSLeq-Nrke9MVGr8OzaQMGhu3oxg4UOm_yOfUOhmaJoWJ5yL6sK0uF3ldE3jEFkf7u4MhVIakPs1cV34VqO-E6E401lWNoo35ZYBxqgVECnx_5qh5Yh-veYPY7/s400/DSC06504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676453957202530290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhibXMkuhZ3eiFtn1w0kEjb3pqXxJ29kY0T-RzVf7hfHCDSsHK57ROewUmXBSR5uFd9yV6ONGhIWM4cCVXU4dpVenwCNeRJrSvO_iNwStek1pJGecbziKtNU9y34Rcf1eKlPYwL2kyKZW/s1600/DSC06458b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhibXMkuhZ3eiFtn1w0kEjb3pqXxJ29kY0T-RzVf7hfHCDSsHK57ROewUmXBSR5uFd9yV6ONGhIWM4cCVXU4dpVenwCNeRJrSvO_iNwStek1pJGecbziKtNU9y34Rcf1eKlPYwL2kyKZW/s400/DSC06458b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676451225732669938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_duM6oak_kYmqFqbgCTzxHhspK-X8IF-u7ZD0-1GQZF7Ns_wVqKuqkLQUuJDMpEaserP5gv9QqMjBmRN2ZSudVMwvlLpnXSz3xdcpITusBuOzHb5rVrMTAejQYZKqWX6r6WNz8rTtsiD/s1600/DSC06464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_duM6oak_kYmqFqbgCTzxHhspK-X8IF-u7ZD0-1GQZF7Ns_wVqKuqkLQUuJDMpEaserP5gv9QqMjBmRN2ZSudVMwvlLpnXSz3xdcpITusBuOzHb5rVrMTAejQYZKqWX6r6WNz8rTtsiD/s400/DSC06464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676452492351368290" border="0" /></a><br />As the week of Thanksgiving approaches, I am starting to anticipate our trip to the mid-west. We will be leaving for 4 weeks for Christmas! We are going to be seeing family and friends in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Tennessee. We are all looking forward to the snow. It is the first time in my life I really wanted Wisconsin and Indiana to get TONS of snow!!!!!!<br /><br />So, I realize that I needed to post some of our fall pictures. I love fall! It starts to cool down in Southern CA, and the crisp ocean air is refreshing.<br /><br />The first pictures were from when my parents visited in October.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhWN8g-H8jhbr88x35RG-xNlRT9tUIgiZfTmmTsx0jDm2lG9NFe8AQzuXUsiAq1RU8lb0CAV5SDP_5OlmoWsYj-YlJhX00bEQydPu2RsV0XsVCJDN10Ex9ADRk8IJa_9tGK0Fi3BE1lQj/s1600/DSC06392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhWN8g-H8jhbr88x35RG-xNlRT9tUIgiZfTmmTsx0jDm2lG9NFe8AQzuXUsiAq1RU8lb0CAV5SDP_5OlmoWsYj-YlJhX00bEQydPu2RsV0XsVCJDN10Ex9ADRk8IJa_9tGK0Fi3BE1lQj/s400/DSC06392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676447474303230386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmMPhyphenhypheny4S6-Ib2AcILrWZVm-j03ky3kDyW_rK72sG6G2G9_6mT9VJ8zAxDW9X_QplOsEAQK_khhyuYxUwBn6N_4OgqRjzYz-lOMvWU8ExfMERHRkBwX1IAZedDAq_Fm0NLKd5dvI44QvX/s1600/DSC06408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmMPhyphenhypheny4S6-Ib2AcILrWZVm-j03ky3kDyW_rK72sG6G2G9_6mT9VJ8zAxDW9X_QplOsEAQK_khhyuYxUwBn6N_4OgqRjzYz-lOMvWU8ExfMERHRkBwX1IAZedDAq_Fm0NLKd5dvI44QvX/s400/DSC06408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676448628210085330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPSgEGSuyMaXnfb7e-SG3ycnRLk16TeZDTPgcGPbD5ZW_BhzvOY7P3g7X6kk9EmYjX6ImYnrF8pXS2pm_B_CucJSIyQ1nZOg9IVunrr4ikNF4PKdjN7RQPwnX93chl7T6wZyFiBT-u15K/s1600/DSC06436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPSgEGSuyMaXnfb7e-SG3ycnRLk16TeZDTPgcGPbD5ZW_BhzvOY7P3g7X6kk9EmYjX6ImYnrF8pXS2pm_B_CucJSIyQ1nZOg9IVunrr4ikNF4PKdjN7RQPwnX93chl7T6wZyFiBT-u15K/s400/DSC06436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676449846174098354" border="0" /></a>A friend from college contacted me that she was visiting the area. It was great to get together for dinner with her and her husband. Liesa (Woywoda) Guenther and I were great friends in our first year of college, but it was great to re-connect in person.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC-W1M970ax0wRFsfmwcMLBGsY4Bf5avcecAM8C3UNdzvc_ea4Ze_5ottLNcotmbk8yZ5BUlK-O0yMXTcoA1KbNoozmCmyWKqu5nffl7BPL3aRCyr-Uf9ifQIzCf1S0HNj2YuZPEG2dZ7/s1600/291053_10150545219029867_523829866_11636401_1378654004_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC-W1M970ax0wRFsfmwcMLBGsY4Bf5avcecAM8C3UNdzvc_ea4Ze_5ottLNcotmbk8yZ5BUlK-O0yMXTcoA1KbNoozmCmyWKqu5nffl7BPL3aRCyr-Uf9ifQIzCf1S0HNj2YuZPEG2dZ7/s400/291053_10150545219029867_523829866_11636401_1378654004_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454598801772562" border="0" /></a><br />The kids had Thanksgiving chapel yesterday. Andrew's class was doing some recitations, and they were asked to dress up like either Pilgrims or Indians. Andrew took it upon himself to create a Pilgrim outfit (this is one of my least favorite things to do---costumes), and I was pretty impressed with his results. Of course, Wesley thought he looked more like a black leprechaun, but he was the hit of his class.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Y1uMeD63NJGCYzEg0ZsQQOL9HJ_M_gPMbd6bB0ITYXTdupf73grnZ7AIo7d2a3TwrfoLvrVp5bUrZ8V_eYjVoI5zg8hQwpYfEK3VKp0mr47zi3sjLohzgO_fqAoARSmco5c5juWeA4t/s1600/Photo163.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Y1uMeD63NJGCYzEg0ZsQQOL9HJ_M_gPMbd6bB0ITYXTdupf73grnZ7AIo7d2a3TwrfoLvrVp5bUrZ8V_eYjVoI5zg8hQwpYfEK3VKp0mr47zi3sjLohzgO_fqAoARSmco5c5juWeA4t/s400/Photo163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454308745029330" border="0" /></a>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-72072346044644244462011-10-03T18:55:00.000-07:002011-10-03T19:25:20.865-07:00Brooke gets baptized<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJt1ynuWorZZe2a2nJOWor5ESjFqQ9ByxolUvEkOfmUXXgTVZ4ZwVEo7jqT87HsHqY5kuZa0IK9I5VvvsQ8moen9IQ4uKNicNjD1e4GtmaXeyy7ljdGNwGu6VeccQCzMu8a0taueN-twf/s1600/Jan071968_pg2+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJt1ynuWorZZe2a2nJOWor5ESjFqQ9ByxolUvEkOfmUXXgTVZ4ZwVEo7jqT87HsHqY5kuZa0IK9I5VvvsQ8moen9IQ4uKNicNjD1e4GtmaXeyy7ljdGNwGu6VeccQCzMu8a0taueN-twf/s400/Jan071968_pg2+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659451931971518914" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday was an exciting day for the youngest member of our household! A couple of weeks ago, when I learned that we would be having a baptism service on October 2nd, I asked Brooke if she was ready to be baptized. She had attended the last class for kids on baptism, and she had completed a workbook on it, and we had talked about it with her. However, fear was the main reason that she gave for postponing this event.<br /><br />When I asked her, she initially stated, "I don't know. I think I will be very afraid." I told her that sometimes it is scary to do the right thing, but I wanted her to consider doing it, and I let her think about it. She came back to me a few moments later, with a very brave face, and she told me that she had decided that she should get baptized now.<br /><br />After she was done yesterday, I told her how glad I was to see her get baptized, and how proud I was of her for doing the right thing even if it was scary. She said, "It really wasn't so scary. I am proud of me too.......Well, not too proud :)"<br /><br />I am thankful for her testimony in front of our church and even more in front of her classmates and friends each day.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUWmqiCoHk5_qx3YGvsfzm06MVJBbyypBUt6zzapvdaVEqWLo9lXsW1J8eu3qyh7lYb1rcxUgBLo6FZPjcqWkOAuhcYRH5Nn4m3Mk8YGYp8uce58JGKYoZmDkO_nymnzS8hGDW40D9iyw/s1600/Jan071968_pg2+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUWmqiCoHk5_qx3YGvsfzm06MVJBbyypBUt6zzapvdaVEqWLo9lXsW1J8eu3qyh7lYb1rcxUgBLo6FZPjcqWkOAuhcYRH5Nn4m3Mk8YGYp8uce58JGKYoZmDkO_nymnzS8hGDW40D9iyw/s400/Jan071968_pg2+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659453035085404946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAkJpyN-qi9-5qkWyz311WxF_pNbRP9-BD-xu7GrWwUyeSJvlX0PHZ-veZ5GKW15MpBuHg2skqvGXxoqahv_9I15-2VRRZxUWt4-h6TpJsAe3iI8rdJYmtxDt-xmzlMqPHw0BQiJ4LuSS/s1600/Jan071968_pg2+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAkJpyN-qi9-5qkWyz311WxF_pNbRP9-BD-xu7GrWwUyeSJvlX0PHZ-veZ5GKW15MpBuHg2skqvGXxoqahv_9I15-2VRRZxUWt4-h6TpJsAe3iI8rdJYmtxDt-xmzlMqPHw0BQiJ4LuSS/s400/Jan071968_pg2+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659455057828733874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl-3f9qk3oEH-gEvxP_aDFp7jQpYtGE0tzX-puKRUcAyjOQhaDouLsAzxQ9tNQMZqJayy4j1uY4euPelcGPJz6hb9-5R4BsmpR5RFoDg1PTklhVHAxhhFZQJOgQya96ZyqjvMR908-lUD/s1600/Jan071968_pg2+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl-3f9qk3oEH-gEvxP_aDFp7jQpYtGE0tzX-puKRUcAyjOQhaDouLsAzxQ9tNQMZqJayy4j1uY4euPelcGPJz6hb9-5R4BsmpR5RFoDg1PTklhVHAxhhFZQJOgQya96ZyqjvMR908-lUD/s400/Jan071968_pg2+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659456183073896658" border="0" /></a>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-25238142403718865422011-09-18T20:05:00.001-07:002011-09-18T20:25:16.324-07:00First Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k_C2bKctjr7XQIQ0RhrfoLU4dOAnatJu10l-mid7vOCXLVXQkBR0Q8zY-ODLqcaRTQujhal_jQotCLsDmG4Ycl1IU62An8EqtuOFDnK1NYRekXl4cuWhDTl3z14YGPyzaEbKctewH9ga/s1600/100_8207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k_C2bKctjr7XQIQ0RhrfoLU4dOAnatJu10l-mid7vOCXLVXQkBR0Q8zY-ODLqcaRTQujhal_jQotCLsDmG4Ycl1IU62An8EqtuOFDnK1NYRekXl4cuWhDTl3z14YGPyzaEbKctewH9ga/s400/100_8207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653903750372990978" border="0" /></a><br />I remember each of my kid's first birthdays, vividly. They did not do too much with opening presents, but they sure loved to dig into their cake. Well, we had another first birthday this past week. It was our puppy's first birthday. He had much the same reaction.<br /><br />Yes, we celebrated our dog's birthday. We do not know his exact date of birth, but we did some speculating and calculating and have decided upon September 15th. We were very excited.....he was unaware. I know what you may be thinking, but hey, there does not have to be much reason for us to have cupcakes and a bit of a party!!!!<br /><br />The kids suggested using peanut butter for frosting; yes, Buddy LOVES peanut butter! He licked the entire top of the cupcake before devouring the rest of it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3cFQKrkyQyntHpL_YtpEY2bvghPgfpI5moMBcqsMfWuFRo6nLw8R69s7_cUuuuiuM0EnpUO6ye8zZUuG-lQxiKIw3xh_pyMuz5DAA5l30vEGaiXhfCMO9R5qTjF0B5nErYnltakcBBhe/s1600/100_8211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3cFQKrkyQyntHpL_YtpEY2bvghPgfpI5moMBcqsMfWuFRo6nLw8R69s7_cUuuuiuM0EnpUO6ye8zZUuG-lQxiKIw3xh_pyMuz5DAA5l30vEGaiXhfCMO9R5qTjF0B5nErYnltakcBBhe/s400/100_8211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653904157896845634" border="0" /></a><br />Wesley wrapped his present in newspaper, but Buddy was not interested in the present. He wanted more cupcake. We opened it, and he eventually ran off with the orange bone, a squeaky orange bone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNp3pTYNXUp1CzWUbPrLP_8M3K3zqA9XDU7HHN1sbyCBrMY4r6Xa9xZXzDwUJyTSVIhj_yfUHEzFyyKd3jR-ruZ5yyDnN4ZMRDeDlZXoszc4yIxMeXT4LxeemFsnRy3hGldfWaB6Ant4jP/s1600/100_8215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNp3pTYNXUp1CzWUbPrLP_8M3K3zqA9XDU7HHN1sbyCBrMY4r6Xa9xZXzDwUJyTSVIhj_yfUHEzFyyKd3jR-ruZ5yyDnN4ZMRDeDlZXoszc4yIxMeXT4LxeemFsnRy3hGldfWaB6Ant4jP/s400/100_8215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653905224920095842" border="0" /></a> I think in the picture above he is still licking peanut butter off of his face. Happy Birthday, Buddy! We are happy to have you in our home.The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-64174845220553226952011-08-27T16:40:00.000-07:002011-08-27T17:08:16.728-07:00Beginning of another year of schoolThey are getting older, as we all know happens, but I am most readily reminded of this each year when I send them off to their first day of a new grade of school. It especially surprised me that my youngest is in third grade. I am thankful for the great Christian school that they are able to attend. They all have good friends and amazing teachers with a strong academic program. Wesley is in 7th grade; Andrew now entering 5th grade (last year of elementary); and as I said before, Brooke is going into 3rd grade.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuxtGuVTJJVIus1zlODEtBPFD6cRqcC4roC6oPzjXShzwE2_HoD-uUpVjwmnFiDljSmTv1ViNUht7ljtyKPP5XsmtwHUnwjyPGat-N8NC7SWRUhxoLBCHkFwnn8m9HrbGDF0jWwX6JQkD/s1600/100_8033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuxtGuVTJJVIus1zlODEtBPFD6cRqcC4roC6oPzjXShzwE2_HoD-uUpVjwmnFiDljSmTv1ViNUht7ljtyKPP5XsmtwHUnwjyPGat-N8NC7SWRUhxoLBCHkFwnn8m9HrbGDF0jWwX6JQkD/s400/100_8033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645687052774604770" border="0" /></a>
<br />Though starting school was a big part of their month, I think the biggest hi-light occurred this week. The Cowboys do their pre-season training in our town, and Gary recently learned that the New Orleans Saints would also be doing some of their pre-season training in our city. Wesley's favorite player is Drew Brees, so we were quite excited to tell them about it. Gary took them on Thursday, but they could not get any signatures. Yesterday, I took them after to school to get bracelets that let them in for autographs, and Gary took them back after practice. When I came home Friday night (I had my own girl's night out!), they were ecstatic about their signatures. Andrew got Drew Brees to sign his football jersey, and Wesley caught one of the player's gloves that he threw out to the audience during practice. The pictures below are some of my favorites, but Gary has enough to make a whole album :)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJnX84yXEqkmTOo9rHJmZt1seT2uvOHh25LUHT7J3LUMiZf70-hckloWhY7c4fBPWtFXyMx6eI9GTgGJdAbgjBaAjTXS9Lgca_MpWA-rRjHjw7VXunS7c8EKUZjyFt-xwghIIiYg11oFp/s1600/330823_10150296037344206_749389205_7582855_2195952_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJnX84yXEqkmTOo9rHJmZt1seT2uvOHh25LUHT7J3LUMiZf70-hckloWhY7c4fBPWtFXyMx6eI9GTgGJdAbgjBaAjTXS9Lgca_MpWA-rRjHjw7VXunS7c8EKUZjyFt-xwghIIiYg11oFp/s400/330823_10150296037344206_749389205_7582855_2195952_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645687724672161394" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMAvsu_mPOBEQSbec4updqTONaq1gUlxUaxoQgMBZmIjkf03OxO_1IrQf9-IZj0NwWGCwreW6vXdj0_jpGhtOKTRbXLbIwPP8d26DabY8EB2pCxDqAjqaOzdkwOljKngPz7ZCDxrOkzAe/s1600/336544_10150296033109206_749389205_7582753_5364490_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMAvsu_mPOBEQSbec4updqTONaq1gUlxUaxoQgMBZmIjkf03OxO_1IrQf9-IZj0NwWGCwreW6vXdj0_jpGhtOKTRbXLbIwPP8d26DabY8EB2pCxDqAjqaOzdkwOljKngPz7ZCDxrOkzAe/s400/336544_10150296033109206_749389205_7582753_5364490_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645687577215051314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytnjDn9KPRcgYIEtEgQn1-ho7pF1JaoU8KPZCDNNmeDtbLpXdeYgkKZGTlvlRxPqjMAUZVrSYTvGm0hx2x9i1k-wlpKn11W_IUGkAEA8Vk40YUDzblO2PoSpZplPQug1x-AchdsVpju8M/s1600/330687_10150296032664206_749389205_7582744_7100658_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytnjDn9KPRcgYIEtEgQn1-ho7pF1JaoU8KPZCDNNmeDtbLpXdeYgkKZGTlvlRxPqjMAUZVrSYTvGm0hx2x9i1k-wlpKn11W_IUGkAEA8Vk40YUDzblO2PoSpZplPQug1x-AchdsVpju8M/s400/330687_10150296032664206_749389205_7582744_7100658_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645687483531218418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQMmClzH5pRrVlkj-y6zqNGwPASc-dLpAM0K7oNQZx23t0eu_HK87S1mcKSvNGcZiDc-o2lUaekzwsAlNjrw07VB30KTMuXXIhQTMGleOMwKFEykh5-OlEGML94Oo_C2Na0U9ZYl_Xum-/s1600/322389_10150296039404206_749389205_7582904_5447317_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQMmClzH5pRrVlkj-y6zqNGwPASc-dLpAM0K7oNQZx23t0eu_HK87S1mcKSvNGcZiDc-o2lUaekzwsAlNjrw07VB30KTMuXXIhQTMGleOMwKFEykh5-OlEGML94Oo_C2Na0U9ZYl_Xum-/s400/322389_10150296039404206_749389205_7582904_5447317_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645687392573988706" border="0" /></a> In the two above, the head is Wesley's head. He is getting autographs from Chase Daniel and Drew Brees. "GO SAINTS!" (That is Wesley's call).
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<br />The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-48244858523872847842011-08-15T17:59:00.000-07:002011-08-15T18:06:38.405-07:00Griffith Observatory<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillWu3t-rFfrwrDmeGAu560bCuI2kqHl7IYR1gXDve0-zXSl3dSKjOwt4Z8pKkErzmnDTnnzo8ZNuI64BzKYZR1IQzUjPcfSRrV_J_M-rDcI1cODucYz3YKX7T2GzwZEQMIzp_BGt01K3D/s1600/Photo156.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillWu3t-rFfrwrDmeGAu560bCuI2kqHl7IYR1gXDve0-zXSl3dSKjOwt4Z8pKkErzmnDTnnzo8ZNuI64BzKYZR1IQzUjPcfSRrV_J_M-rDcI1cODucYz3YKX7T2GzwZEQMIzp_BGt01K3D/s400/Photo156.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641253370444290642" border="0" /></a>
<br />It is so often true that a person can live in a place but never do the "tourist attractions." While we live near one of the biggest tourist places in America, we do rarely visit these places. I have been wanting to go to the Griffith Observatory for awhile, so we ended our summer times with a visit. It was a cloudy day, but it gave a beautiful view of LA, and the clearest view I have ever seen of the notorious Hollywood sign. Yes, most of the people who were visiting were speaking foreign languages. We enjoyed our visit, and better yet, did not have to drive far to get home :)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHdTJku7mm2R5yB-ijOUMJYOEvADa7v_n8RPHMJGgwKG3d9l-DaRFMyipG5FkXVdfwOXkDohM6v8_zT0iHyuQZgIYZR2GevG7NPF6s1rWsdTLvedW-erVLMoUN3nwSukm6B00h66WkAkr/s1600/Photo149.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHdTJku7mm2R5yB-ijOUMJYOEvADa7v_n8RPHMJGgwKG3d9l-DaRFMyipG5FkXVdfwOXkDohM6v8_zT0iHyuQZgIYZR2GevG7NPF6s1rWsdTLvedW-erVLMoUN3nwSukm6B00h66WkAkr/s400/Photo149.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641253261392320322" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1DHa9k2-x_LFdvTruGKqFoUlDBGHwBVaSWGpXBuJKlvFlN-pTHVxs7AqgoNCZ4DU1z-HNJuGh4voMgZEvjR7szhtv-U8Br4F5H_Eup8isHfILlykou2RR5ws2TJqrlSL6yqaJstgNBWS/s1600/Photo151.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1DHa9k2-x_LFdvTruGKqFoUlDBGHwBVaSWGpXBuJKlvFlN-pTHVxs7AqgoNCZ4DU1z-HNJuGh4voMgZEvjR7szhtv-U8Br4F5H_Eup8isHfILlykou2RR5ws2TJqrlSL6yqaJstgNBWS/s400/Photo151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641253201009882434" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNS2KlQaHdq0kEzIYYv2758AwWWXfly9iJq2GyuhjpUjM_9oKH5DVw_15eQqptFw_aP-HTsSmyjrUpEy2UBBeF7O9LNmTd59jhUX1NjtqJzzyE8XCdsS5EnCHZzGGWHFT-tVHicLo0KJB/s1600/Photo155.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNS2KlQaHdq0kEzIYYv2758AwWWXfly9iJq2GyuhjpUjM_9oKH5DVw_15eQqptFw_aP-HTsSmyjrUpEy2UBBeF7O9LNmTd59jhUX1NjtqJzzyE8XCdsS5EnCHZzGGWHFT-tVHicLo0KJB/s400/Photo155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641253315819165778" border="0" /></a>
<br />The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-46356674414492021622011-07-22T14:16:00.000-07:002011-07-22T14:29:36.728-07:00Wesley's last year as a kid......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iysWhR-Ihf2kohd4TbumFdhoBRk3d4M2ImnGFAJTOysGIossidnbGUVOMhUCkycoFm7EjXRP2yrQlD3QDrxZPEPxI2WwWTbfARUNlUuQpI9F86e6af5lJ9IcYbwkJxCsK7A7JIRTnWxp/s1600/100_8009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iysWhR-Ihf2kohd4TbumFdhoBRk3d4M2ImnGFAJTOysGIossidnbGUVOMhUCkycoFm7EjXRP2yrQlD3QDrxZPEPxI2WwWTbfARUNlUuQpI9F86e6af5lJ9IcYbwkJxCsK7A7JIRTnWxp/s400/100_8009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632289996625612690" border="0" /></a>July 21st was Wesley's birthday. When he woke up yesterday, I told him, "Happy Birthday!", and I informed him that he was entering his last year as an official kid. After this, he will be a teen or an adult. He just smirked :)<br /><br />Gary and I had been scheming to try to keep a surprise from the kids. We bought mountain bikes for Wesley and Gary. We gave Wesley his bike for his birthday. We also re-did Wesley's old bike and wanted to let Andrew use that for riding. They have plans of riding through many of the mountain trails that they hiked last summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPjO5aOSuZSJdmbeofvyYOp4-wIQQUpQizUCv-uYlPjhMEiiwmM5BC_egW0xHJsIN7UZaJlaHFC3Fc_zn-09CwqUkrNiI82BZnonmj_lrtC_-D5QFxZo1IPRQzrkYUNNTwgq3jBwb2Rcw/s1600/100_7993b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPjO5aOSuZSJdmbeofvyYOp4-wIQQUpQizUCv-uYlPjhMEiiwmM5BC_egW0xHJsIN7UZaJlaHFC3Fc_zn-09CwqUkrNiI82BZnonmj_lrtC_-D5QFxZo1IPRQzrkYUNNTwgq3jBwb2Rcw/s400/100_7993b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632289555219574450" border="0" /></a>We also spent some of the day at one of Wesley's favorite spots: Sky High Sports. We had been there earlier in the summer, but we wanted to revisit. Wesley and Andrew dominated the dodge ball pit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1eTzq6FNW9Ka8TE2jWJd6V5sy7xxskyoqtXNnHr6nY_NZ1ta4WUYoQ8rV5vfbO6k1lM10Ct_Kuh_UdH8x4PQoWBSKtU49BCHP5bwPxd3eRyL0gc78Apvu2po2CCBEGq9ga2fgVpipH6a/s1600/100_7999.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1eTzq6FNW9Ka8TE2jWJd6V5sy7xxskyoqtXNnHr6nY_NZ1ta4WUYoQ8rV5vfbO6k1lM10Ct_Kuh_UdH8x4PQoWBSKtU49BCHP5bwPxd3eRyL0gc78Apvu2po2CCBEGq9ga2fgVpipH6a/s400/100_7999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632290524519860018" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing like a big jump into a pit of foam!!! Sounds like fun no matter how old you are :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpC4vlEfsj7H0yC495XJFCZ9nEVwQJr3_6F1aZ8bIUtXzAj1eA7rdyYnQH3KTeMQspcgm61WyAZWsPcJ2gIIpAk9O53BBh_kOBDYBIZx_qQoexsILkJohVr6w-uZbtVTJdN-DFnY4yvoa/s1600/100_8003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpC4vlEfsj7H0yC495XJFCZ9nEVwQJr3_6F1aZ8bIUtXzAj1eA7rdyYnQH3KTeMQspcgm61WyAZWsPcJ2gIIpAk9O53BBh_kOBDYBIZx_qQoexsILkJohVr6w-uZbtVTJdN-DFnY4yvoa/s400/100_8003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632290720283851330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrixedVnjDncAyXo0fyPk2Kg_UB9XFYARe6_P8W2YIGyZipcAhYmlz1FfVVMK6dL2bDFWp-fvvTK6doXfQUi6b6TfHP290SNT2Ii7tKtGLROoCeYf2J-gK3jUYNc1L3q1dUQ6WQmNdoG-/s1600/100_7995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrixedVnjDncAyXo0fyPk2Kg_UB9XFYARe6_P8W2YIGyZipcAhYmlz1FfVVMK6dL2bDFWp-fvvTK6doXfQUi6b6TfHP290SNT2Ii7tKtGLROoCeYf2J-gK3jUYNc1L3q1dUQ6WQmNdoG-/s400/100_7995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632291342015525330" border="0" /></a><br /> Here is to Wesley and a great 12th year! We love you, bud!The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-442920743117155122011-07-15T18:56:00.000-07:002011-07-15T19:34:23.620-07:00Mid-summer check upWow....the summer is flying by, particularly since we do not have that long of a summer at our house. However, I have been bad at posting pictures, so I want to do a mid-summer catch up to share some of our pictures and events.<br /><br />One thing that has been particularly fun for me was the fact that I, for the first time, have one of my children as one of my students in a college class. Yes, Wesley is only 11, but he was able to take my pre-algebra class for the summer. He has done amazing! Since he is tall and big for his age, he does not look totally out of place. He also has a friend joining him. Now, they want to take Elementary Algebra with me in the fall. I think that might conflict with their normal school schedule, though. He is off to an early start at getting college credits, but I really love his ambition! He has enjoyed having me as a professor, too :)<br /><br />Over the weekend of the 4th of July, we took a get away to Orange County. It was quick, but it was an adventure! I do a calendar for the kids each summer, so they have activities to look forward to, and I have events planned out (which helps avoid the last minute "what are we doing today, mom?"). Enjoy the pictures!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18QQ-n8A6qLA6JoyeKFizvqlP6DeI3XaC5TGp54gknaPYgj8KKP2Jo113INEKWZ7WJ7bsNNCqqeeSEotJFse9RsxtuRnBDde_0NQ1NrShtc7lwCt40f64m-WSzs5cTmqECA5IWTSCcSrn/s1600/100_7912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18QQ-n8A6qLA6JoyeKFizvqlP6DeI3XaC5TGp54gknaPYgj8KKP2Jo113INEKWZ7WJ7bsNNCqqeeSEotJFse9RsxtuRnBDde_0NQ1NrShtc7lwCt40f64m-WSzs5cTmqECA5IWTSCcSrn/s400/100_7912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629767812397282978" border="0" /></a> Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKcb58mL5vdzqqtwUHKGqOVt6oWq7oCPpKzTH7JTsmRcq3blq22gV3JKyZRjFXYt3_tCiitha4Ieg3QwQSRx0hfYd9R_cK_BV3getq1-Lfrw5uXtoFPvNux9UCcU8BtaBx-mAuPafOO6d/s1600/100_7974.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKcb58mL5vdzqqtwUHKGqOVt6oWq7oCPpKzTH7JTsmRcq3blq22gV3JKyZRjFXYt3_tCiitha4Ieg3QwQSRx0hfYd9R_cK_BV3getq1-Lfrw5uXtoFPvNux9UCcU8BtaBx-mAuPafOO6d/s400/100_7974.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629767123951104002" border="0" /></a> Indoor Go-Kart Racing<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiZLv8rkrFQTkQC2kCrDi23vk_Jph6dXU3TTsa-3jmRRwBVIXX6r8jJuY6EUimTFcM91B2HZU9TtXqhRRZY3CRqJsTLEoBDZjLNP1-D52ebgNNExhZbfH-MsQWjXFioYsUiFTEWf8oZnU/s1600/100_7971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiZLv8rkrFQTkQC2kCrDi23vk_Jph6dXU3TTsa-3jmRRwBVIXX6r8jJuY6EUimTFcM91B2HZU9TtXqhRRZY3CRqJsTLEoBDZjLNP1-D52ebgNNExhZbfH-MsQWjXFioYsUiFTEWf8oZnU/s400/100_7971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629766953082379682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiodpMouIuGhFsZynV-fzyJiRoETUsAWJtzOWqEEDMXXpVUmIxJU_2YCNsboRHSKkvhroaQCtlksVDmxRJQRRGp-7s-qSZfN0HHIIZXYpLA2JQldwEM2fRXWOhWZTVXlpDUwVrMhsYJ03F/s1600/100_7951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiodpMouIuGhFsZynV-fzyJiRoETUsAWJtzOWqEEDMXXpVUmIxJU_2YCNsboRHSKkvhroaQCtlksVDmxRJQRRGp-7s-qSZfN0HHIIZXYpLA2JQldwEM2fRXWOhWZTVXlpDUwVrMhsYJ03F/s400/100_7951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629766866920887186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWawp0v-mqjvTH55cNI3qwO2arPlJi-W5jU61HzAca5Wtylxzo7RR0BIyzvzKinfbnxTRbhlCNx3eVw_hrCUsRzTnOkoPfxJR3ugzst15zm6-QGi0YlHo5XOp4N1v6fAp5vDFMn5xzDkSr/s1600/100_7919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWawp0v-mqjvTH55cNI3qwO2arPlJi-W5jU61HzAca5Wtylxzo7RR0BIyzvzKinfbnxTRbhlCNx3eVw_hrCUsRzTnOkoPfxJR3ugzst15zm6-QGi0YlHo5XOp4N1v6fAp5vDFMn5xzDkSr/s400/100_7919.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629766599687432994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hNU2CWJwDkd0yoyZQr05PFxhFxIEAhgYpqWHiV7fdf7fgiZobMR5gAM71GiCzdgq0j_NkD7rUBZYQB4vyewvuYStqaymC_WbBmlZs73cyFVsnVMAZqX8orCrnKeDTJ-J3wCj0BjotIa0/s1600/268568_10150247347689206_749389205_7120186_3711508_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hNU2CWJwDkd0yoyZQr05PFxhFxIEAhgYpqWHiV7fdf7fgiZobMR5gAM71GiCzdgq0j_NkD7rUBZYQB4vyewvuYStqaymC_WbBmlZs73cyFVsnVMAZqX8orCrnKeDTJ-J3wCj0BjotIa0/s400/268568_10150247347689206_749389205_7120186_3711508_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629765938694735458" border="0" /></a> Irvine Spectrum---we all rode on the ferris wheel<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCxCVnogNyqoHsAbkzkCV1_gaTX9OgY_l-bmCg40oJkilXSdN6KARwG2jnNQ32wKBr5zbrn-SgIiDlSR0jwkwdUU6R4KLv8C-njiXz_LnQFwhNh3TV4i0jkqJ09kxMi5SYIDyJ-mcGZ6K/s1600/261263_10150248047209206_749389205_7129378_5348592_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCxCVnogNyqoHsAbkzkCV1_gaTX9OgY_l-bmCg40oJkilXSdN6KARwG2jnNQ32wKBr5zbrn-SgIiDlSR0jwkwdUU6R4KLv8C-njiXz_LnQFwhNh3TV4i0jkqJ09kxMi5SYIDyJ-mcGZ6K/s400/261263_10150248047209206_749389205_7129378_5348592_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629765784443694962" border="0" /></a> Wesley at Univerasal Studios Citywalk<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u6FQsEE-H2oTSXxmGFq3JjL3cBlpxOexUGwbggEPTVU7D7i2RBBT3AAU8M_wFM1SrFLM8b-Kf5XSc-seub5D7w6aHNkmIpJLWi_uhg8VXHsx-sAIKVz-B4-uwBuuuHoBszJYXESJwjrp/s1600/262659_10150245879539206_749389205_7100799_6848934_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u6FQsEE-H2oTSXxmGFq3JjL3cBlpxOexUGwbggEPTVU7D7i2RBBT3AAU8M_wFM1SrFLM8b-Kf5XSc-seub5D7w6aHNkmIpJLWi_uhg8VXHsx-sAIKVz-B4-uwBuuuHoBszJYXESJwjrp/s400/262659_10150245879539206_749389205_7100799_6848934_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629765588563374050" border="0" /></a> Each of the kids got balloons---they were the coolest ever! Andrew got a <br /> spider. Wesley got Buzz Lightyear, and Brooke got a monkey in a banana tree.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_WIqHqDvTmH4cnNFwPWLUWu2pbi9qIfdf5NApR1tnoLVcoGJ3h30IHTjsryvCiZXHbYSkkW_JZrTLgmNqOEbR-WI3XwGCiVmqzSo1cxumHE8BLZGMs9DTAPyIJH8BYBYiPw7RUDAaBX8/s1600/264766_10150246505574206_749389205_7108062_1343844_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_WIqHqDvTmH4cnNFwPWLUWu2pbi9qIfdf5NApR1tnoLVcoGJ3h30IHTjsryvCiZXHbYSkkW_JZrTLgmNqOEbR-WI3XwGCiVmqzSo1cxumHE8BLZGMs9DTAPyIJH8BYBYiPw7RUDAaBX8/s400/264766_10150246505574206_749389205_7108062_1343844_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629765468564486962" border="0" /></a> Sunset at Balboa Island<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOcNPPN-1SmFEGDo44BNUZRxM96IVC-7GqngSKEBObqdP6VmRnlcioczd7OdDHgmB75-HYIHahGQzINohCrCStlffdhG7FEZ0i-M9RY5Bdz54RV-P8Ne4l1W-B3_Si0JYsCxPs75qtWgn/s1600/100_7828b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOcNPPN-1SmFEGDo44BNUZRxM96IVC-7GqngSKEBObqdP6VmRnlcioczd7OdDHgmB75-HYIHahGQzINohCrCStlffdhG7FEZ0i-M9RY5Bdz54RV-P8Ne4l1W-B3_Si0JYsCxPs75qtWgn/s400/100_7828b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629767387318875730" border="0" /></a><br /> One important thing for me each summer is to get a good challenging Bible book. I do Bible studies with my small group through out the year, and I really miss that in the summer. Our Sunday morning group started a study with John Ortberg---"The Me you were meant to be". I ordered the book and started reading it this week. The following paragraph really challenged me, and I wanted to share it with you. I hope you are finding ways to be spiritually challenged this summer. From the book, "Me: the me I want to be....becoming God's best version of you"<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"God designed you to be you. When your life is over, He will not ask you why you weren't Moses or David or Esther or Daniel. If you don't pursue your own life, He will ask why you weren't you. God designed us to delight in our actual lives. When I am growing toward the me I want to be, I am being freed from the me I pretend to be. I am no longer trying to convince people I am important while secretly fearing I am not.<br /><br />Only God knows your full potential, and He is guiding you toward that best version of yourself all the time. He has many tools and is never in a hurry. That can be frustrating for us, but even in our frustration, God is at work to produce patience in us. He never gets discouraged by how long it takes, and He delights every time you grow. Only God can see the best version of you, and He is more concerned with you reaching your full potential than you are!"</span>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-88279046304225582412011-06-17T18:03:00.000-07:002011-06-17T18:57:20.787-07:00Welcome summer!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebZdin4Q3orVkiokvnluRzh-B1mjgeESOw_XIL3VWZvFqcmUbhOWr3hSmgtHR5sURKRqNszP31wV8H2f_1OoNCqI4khJ6c2YBW_HZy0bfNjMdv4o_gmD3_tNG0wqDkj7oviyGTc0J7Tcz/s1600/100_7874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebZdin4Q3orVkiokvnluRzh-B1mjgeESOw_XIL3VWZvFqcmUbhOWr3hSmgtHR5sURKRqNszP31wV8H2f_1OoNCqI4khJ6c2YBW_HZy0bfNjMdv4o_gmD3_tNG0wqDkj7oviyGTc0J7Tcz/s400/100_7874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619371271253098850" border="0" /></a> Wesley tossing one at the Dodge Ball Pit<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvJzGD3FO66g9_dpr7P9dLkZLNs64dHIFr7lIaINnOWK8Hm-gj2dqzQmDOOclghqIc3B5JmbajrJCe4aXCm0_aM5nRsfKegnSYF1SD2zcTq-yX9Q157ZCFhjBLU18QheST0xDet5cY9vt/s1600/100_7838.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvJzGD3FO66g9_dpr7P9dLkZLNs64dHIFr7lIaINnOWK8Hm-gj2dqzQmDOOclghqIc3B5JmbajrJCe4aXCm0_aM5nRsfKegnSYF1SD2zcTq-yX9Q157ZCFhjBLU18QheST0xDet5cY9vt/s400/100_7838.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619371146240011234" border="0" /></a> Brooke's hair raising experience in the trampolines<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk1ojwU5U6fYNGFH53mLElaeZhxPP0HHxBN3VsGG354dn2kXkOjYdeB5pRpznjwZzV_qlgebr9UQBJBNEbDtfjT5xHzvbWgDE-IHVNsPjqULCtRf_rUDIT4zFQMqJgaQpnYAcfWkfKQBh/s1600/100_7856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk1ojwU5U6fYNGFH53mLElaeZhxPP0HHxBN3VsGG354dn2kXkOjYdeB5pRpznjwZzV_qlgebr9UQBJBNEbDtfjT5xHzvbWgDE-IHVNsPjqULCtRf_rUDIT4zFQMqJgaQpnYAcfWkfKQBh/s400/100_7856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619370842747095250" border="0" /></a> Andrew jumping into the foam pit<br /><br />To kick off our summer, I took the kids to one of the new places to play: Sky High Sports. Wesley had been there on a couple of occasions, but Brooke and Andrew were eager to try it out. We had a blast! I realized that my kids are pretty flexible and aerodynamic :) Another good advantage: it is alot of exercise to jump around that much. I think that they will sleep well tonight!<br /><br />Hopefully, I will get many pictures posted this summer. I have been somewhat negligent in posting, but I will get back to it. (That's for you, Mom S and Mom B!)The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-72035890890142404102011-04-21T22:40:00.000-07:002011-04-22T08:44:49.281-07:00A Birthday CelebrationThis week included my 40th birthday. I want to thank all of the friends who sent me greetings on facebook; it was so fun to read through your messages.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaBE6qE7D5sAc4oUxgJCSBKg4Z-TZSOjkZPecWSssM2Mw7V27fRKRwmyjKF6ucIN1XHJVYqT4nz3kV66-gOFuXQI1WggR8H5f87zPJAul7YacyC1HP1DySiPY_l6tM9s4qUungeCjHKSg/s1600/100_7823.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaBE6qE7D5sAc4oUxgJCSBKg4Z-TZSOjkZPecWSssM2Mw7V27fRKRwmyjKF6ucIN1XHJVYqT4nz3kV66-gOFuXQI1WggR8H5f87zPJAul7YacyC1HP1DySiPY_l6tM9s4qUungeCjHKSg/s400/100_7823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598432649959873026" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One of my favorite parts of this 40th birthday celebration was when I received a package from my mother which included 40 cards from family and friends. Some made me cry; others made me laugh; and some made me feel old :) Thanks so much. It was extra special to hear from so many people that I have had the privilege of crossing paths with at some time in my 40 years.</div>I thank God for the many people who have taught me so much about life.<br /><br /><div>All of the 40 cards inspired me to write the following list. 40 things that I have learned about life (in no particular order):</div><br /><div>1. Everyone needs to have a favorite pair of jeans.</div><br /><div>2. If I do not enjoy the exercise, I will eventually stop doing it. I love to walk. I now have a habit of walking 3 mornings a week, and it's a great way to start the day.</div><br /><div>3. Distance is just an easy excuse for not keeping in touch. It is not a legitimate one.</div><br />4. God made family, and extended family is a necessary part of life. I would not trade the Rehfeldt/Sturgill clan for anything!<br /><br /><div>5. If nothing else in your day is going well, you can always get a grande mocha frappucino. It is always good!</div><br />6. Love the job you have (or else start looking for another one). I love what I do, and the fact that I get paid for it is just a necessary benefit.<br /><br /><div>7. I love to sing! I don't do it in the shower (normally), but I do sing everywhere else.</div><br />8. Kids should not be a distraction. They are one of the most important things in a parent's life. I should not be annoyed by them (even though it is nice to use the restroom in peace occasionally).<br /><br /><div>9. Everyone on earth has a place that is their paradise. I am glad I found mine (southern CA) before I got too old to enjoy it. <br /></div><br /><div>10. I need to keep blogging, even if I think that no one is reading it.</div><br /><div>11. Dog's truly are a man's best friend. They are loyal and easy to please.</div><br /><div>12. Living with diabetes gives me a great perspective on our amazing bodies, and my dependence upon God for each moment.</div><br /><div>13. Nothing in life has taught me to be unselfish and patient like marriage.<br /></div>even if the connection is not current.<br /><br /><div>15. I really only need to care about God's opinion of me.</div><br /><div>16. I sleep much better than the average person. I have slept through earthquakes, thunderstorms, children crying, and dogs barking.</div><br /><div>17. Bible study is much better than Bible reading.</div><br />18. I lose my keys way too much.<br /><br /><div>19. People really do like to see a smile or a simple word of encouragement.</div><br /><div>20. I have learned to love coupons. Clipping them is like clipping money.</div><br /><div>21. Every believer needs a supportive church family.</div><br /><div>22. It is good idea to carry a cell phone at all times. It is even more helpful to turn it on!</div><br />23. Bath n Body works is the best store in any mall.<br /><br /><div>24. I am pretty sure that my taste buds are Mexican.</div><br />25. Algebra is not useful in most lives, but as a math teacher, it is good to see the way that the processes teach a person to be logical and analytical.<br /><br /><div>26. It is not necessary to know how things work. It is just good to know how to use them (computers, for example).</div><br />27. 40 may be a good time to start coloring my hair.<br /><br /><div>28. Everyone should take a trip to Europe some time in their life. I am glad I did!</div><br />29. When I am reacting, it is better to just keep my mouth shut.<br /><br /><div>30. When the traffic light says, "Photo enforced," it is best to stop, even at a yellow light.</div><br />31. Do not judge a person based on appearance.<br /><br /><div>32. No matter how hard a circumstance in my life may be, I know that God is always good, and I will be better (maybe not today, but it will happen).</div><br />33. Watching television is the best way for me to relax. It is the only thing that gives my mind a break.<br /><br /><div>34. Sunsets are much better than sunrises.</div><br />35. If I have not worn an item of clothing in a couple months, I should probably just throw it out.<br /><br /><div>36. If I am serious about losing some weight, I am going to have to get used to being hungry.</div><br />37. Pedicures are worth every cent!<br /><br /><div>38. Anyone can get a book published.</div><br />39. Starburst jelly beans are the world's best candy.<br /><br /><div>40. It does not matter how old you are; what matters is how old you act!<br /></div><br /><div>So, which one do you like the best???</div><br /><div></div>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-26043191129311973532011-04-06T15:51:00.000-07:002011-04-06T15:58:24.936-07:00To Know You<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P4xp6ygQoAo" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /><br />Every once in awhile, you hear a song that really captures what you are feeling. I must admit, as a young person, I found this true in secular songs often. I had the same experience this past week. A song that I have had for awhile, just grabbed my attention and the words catapulted in my heart.<br /><br />"More than my next breath<br />More than life or death<br />All I'm reaching for, I live my life to know you more."<br /><br />The song is a "nice song," and I must admit I hurriedly listened to it in the past and thought, "How nice!" Let the words really penetrate your thoughts, though. If this is the true prayer of any Christian's life, then he has much to declare to the world and much to remember each day.<br /><br />"All this life could offer me, could not compare to you<br />Compare to you<br />And I count it all as lost, compared to knowing you<br />Knowing you"<br /><br />The world offers much, and we often get absorbed by what it has to offer. It is nice to have a verbal reminder (in song) that there is so much more. Enjoy, as I have repeatedly over the course of the past week!The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-27939665361370487722011-03-20T14:37:00.000-07:002011-03-20T14:46:22.701-07:00Annual Jog-a-thonThanks to all of the family members who helped support Wesley, Andrew, and Brooke and their school (Ventura Missionary School) as they completed a jog-a-thon. I wanted to post a few pictures of the event and to especially thank my more than generous family members :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNawhfR9d2-qA1k6coF-W1g2QFo7Z9kmaOx4VFuGv6IdvcNQGqbIUwGkqQVP8G0WbaPQQxB1QcpkePtZaoy1AegGvMj3U3JVXYiCFHxKmO0DDpPDc76tAF16THK9OWjR87Uoa4U-Hiynq/s1600/Photo082b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNawhfR9d2-qA1k6coF-W1g2QFo7Z9kmaOx4VFuGv6IdvcNQGqbIUwGkqQVP8G0WbaPQQxB1QcpkePtZaoy1AegGvMj3U3JVXYiCFHxKmO0DDpPDc76tAF16THK9OWjR87Uoa4U-Hiynq/s400/Photo082b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586280057427273474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x9mN6Bi_7rJmP_9608W5tGAWYQfLDqsj3UcCucVGTLDlft-1Ntccn7WXHNVeBtC6sTgQ70kVVPHfwUAhUG-AaKj_kDmOykxTYGtsv9efAqn1d2pTfeRfTdS39MmBGuRXXz-C3UNfN8JB/s1600/Photo080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x9mN6Bi_7rJmP_9608W5tGAWYQfLDqsj3UcCucVGTLDlft-1Ntccn7WXHNVeBtC6sTgQ70kVVPHfwUAhUG-AaKj_kDmOykxTYGtsv9efAqn1d2pTfeRfTdS39MmBGuRXXz-C3UNfN8JB/s400/Photo080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586280128870845474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECIxgWsFdwj_nJ3anD7di2Fy83O5wcE4qr-XRziPDL9a3qBtXkLZXRQHFI-kNEnu3ntptu7dCejQYKsLQ1Z-T46XguH4jk1CdmB7A3sTM6xjwylE6Il-llVsHSADMNfp9EeYeUZVE3tdS/s1600/Photo084.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECIxgWsFdwj_nJ3anD7di2Fy83O5wcE4qr-XRziPDL9a3qBtXkLZXRQHFI-kNEnu3ntptu7dCejQYKsLQ1Z-T46XguH4jk1CdmB7A3sTM6xjwylE6Il-llVsHSADMNfp9EeYeUZVE3tdS/s400/Photo084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586280222370502226" border="0" /></a> Brooke needed a little break after she had completed all 20 laps.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4um0dQgjlKLN_jtfs1aepO7Wv5iiX05-zTaXAo4EUyBrVNS1OM0oRDd3luHnIzHV13jiAR4Y8NJVaCsZkw1lH4NLKvWm5rNd7cmAUHyKvsdtJMq4Us44aOZ0p3168yPTV-r42dP8wq5q/s1600/Photo085.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4um0dQgjlKLN_jtfs1aepO7Wv5iiX05-zTaXAo4EUyBrVNS1OM0oRDd3luHnIzHV13jiAR4Y8NJVaCsZkw1lH4NLKvWm5rNd7cmAUHyKvsdtJMq4Us44aOZ0p3168yPTV-r42dP8wq5q/s400/Photo085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586280285116595122" border="0" /> </a>I was busy counting laps when Andrew was jogging. However, he was more than happy to "pose" for some pretend jogging pictures afterwards. Yes, those are Doritos in his hand! Not too brag to much on the kid (ok, maybe a little), but Andrew was the first one to complete all 20 laps. He was running with 40 fourth graders and 45 fifth graders. I asked Andrew if he was interested in running track, and he said, "No! it was too boring."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQeaLkBx6lrcoZzCubx7OmKq3sEa54yeCIi9rtT3cX3zejiLbnsneg2DLrMsL4NB_kPrUlyspbrzOdfe4xNXun9OVwB3nWuYNKM3XhvosybZkZw6Mo5spmPQUaTJxsFxjgl5qS9VH6yDA/s1600/Photo086.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQeaLkBx6lrcoZzCubx7OmKq3sEa54yeCIi9rtT3cX3zejiLbnsneg2DLrMsL4NB_kPrUlyspbrzOdfe4xNXun9OVwB3nWuYNKM3XhvosybZkZw6Mo5spmPQUaTJxsFxjgl5qS9VH6yDA/s400/Photo086.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586280339275383314" border="0" /></a>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-15211333698753088642011-02-27T14:39:00.001-08:002011-02-27T14:48:10.604-08:00End of another Upward Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l9xSwyjX4kKxKDweQmwMMC9VdVedyZoVHSIlZvCK3f1EiQdQtT7Au1hC7T8G23VsPHGYTTV5dwhIK_RbewKZZq3Os6tR5b8e7KJ_dABbjchT_xRh7LKoUP9AYBuZEaLFE9-oxYKJIBx6/s1600/100_7574.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l9xSwyjX4kKxKDweQmwMMC9VdVedyZoVHSIlZvCK3f1EiQdQtT7Au1hC7T8G23VsPHGYTTV5dwhIK_RbewKZZq3Os6tR5b8e7KJ_dABbjchT_xRh7LKoUP9AYBuZEaLFE9-oxYKJIBx6/s400/100_7574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578503573782166594" border="0" /></a><br />Saturday was our last day of games for the current Upward basketball season at our church. This program is an amazing opportunity for our church to reach out to the community. Andrew enjoyed his 5th season of basketball. His skills improved and his love for the game did as well. Thanks to a great coach who helped Andrew learn the game even better. Andrew was glad to be joined by a couple of friends from school as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGB7Vup36-ttgdKbWIb7UyRaI27wIlLRVYVtaYaDOc-oX8TPfAqAnPvLPNsnqgZOIHNJz_g4-vI26CILkV0IIPpQbaiWxdOpbk67EsLDbhNhVmP3G9h64FF-Z14K9rYYRqPRwJKVeG7Me/s1600/100_7567.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGB7Vup36-ttgdKbWIb7UyRaI27wIlLRVYVtaYaDOc-oX8TPfAqAnPvLPNsnqgZOIHNJz_g4-vI26CILkV0IIPpQbaiWxdOpbk67EsLDbhNhVmP3G9h64FF-Z14K9rYYRqPRwJKVeG7Me/s400/100_7567.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578503397138406338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUN_s157SxqEClcd6hrzIdb11d5b0qCHfdPjTtC_ZrTI65rST62j8_4OeH5A3ifT-foM9OVkkkIGaV7Dr6BLNj9Hlhy6ku4PwvwJPqVmNp0oyluhVNKuVJsZGnXrbetBkJEJ_YE89_4Iv/s1600/100_7564.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUN_s157SxqEClcd6hrzIdb11d5b0qCHfdPjTtC_ZrTI65rST62j8_4OeH5A3ifT-foM9OVkkkIGaV7Dr6BLNj9Hlhy6ku4PwvwJPqVmNp0oyluhVNKuVJsZGnXrbetBkJEJ_YE89_4Iv/s400/100_7564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578503306677404850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkTR2mSqnNjhnRwTqgoMxZ8LxfQO7Ql5bW70rA9WFyDSFbxpbH1DD8T58wPm3WJIDuMXbYqxfd0Tq1RHHpNnAunAw2GakCoXiPjcTOu83pSzPo5VmCdmxuEXJ8Jf4zSnLzDYHbTsoM_cK/s1600/100_7561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkTR2mSqnNjhnRwTqgoMxZ8LxfQO7Ql5bW70rA9WFyDSFbxpbH1DD8T58wPm3WJIDuMXbYqxfd0Tq1RHHpNnAunAw2GakCoXiPjcTOu83pSzPo5VmCdmxuEXJ8Jf4zSnLzDYHbTsoM_cK/s400/100_7561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578503239836523266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzfkjy3928ZJF1-jKGiz-i2eDai9m9_p1Qmlw_i0iwjmWQZR90W4DhTlbbUNhfJCOFOJXHAC69zkzesXh-OG2zwvw9WrqJ81fWTk-taxC4vpalzQ-B8Hsz5V47byhzIABP4l4Db0K1r9t/s1600/100_7544.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzfkjy3928ZJF1-jKGiz-i2eDai9m9_p1Qmlw_i0iwjmWQZR90W4DhTlbbUNhfJCOFOJXHAC69zkzesXh-OG2zwvw9WrqJ81fWTk-taxC4vpalzQ-B8Hsz5V47byhzIABP4l4Db0K1r9t/s400/100_7544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578503130817492770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxwH99vkJeVbeRtkoCQ0SVlnyIeRka0D8wHbDH4zxtqUJC5WV7tRKBpr5kYCe2ORxBSkx03EC-vfs_ydPIxqPxV2j31PrkgPEIlKEZ51ia_migbdJE6i7vDuPbLJEXN6FWwLC8MLE1qMy/s1600/100_7547.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxwH99vkJeVbeRtkoCQ0SVlnyIeRka0D8wHbDH4zxtqUJC5WV7tRKBpr5kYCe2ORxBSkx03EC-vfs_ydPIxqPxV2j31PrkgPEIlKEZ51ia_migbdJE6i7vDuPbLJEXN6FWwLC8MLE1qMy/s400/100_7547.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578503057029196018" border="0" /></a>I had the privilege of coaching a cheerleading squad, consisting of first and second graders. Of course, Brooke was the "best cheerleader" on the squad :) It was our first year of having the cheerleading program included, and I loved it. We learned a pom pom routine to do at half time, and you would have been impressed with their great job! Gary has it on video; maybe, I will get it uploaded some day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvfwrgyUIM3C0UdYJ0HpxAVQHFVq7pIPSKW9mrSDcJ_fFJmtLow9aZbTnuy5zsp8M78DT2xAIuFM0B8rwK63mBZYwqhpQ7nzAMMo5joU3Et770AfMQdCET4VTO2d7r7Tzze4HcgfizKGE/s1600/100_7527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvfwrgyUIM3C0UdYJ0HpxAVQHFVq7pIPSKW9mrSDcJ_fFJmtLow9aZbTnuy5zsp8M78DT2xAIuFM0B8rwK63mBZYwqhpQ7nzAMMo5joU3Et770AfMQdCET4VTO2d7r7Tzze4HcgfizKGE/s400/100_7527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578502948452588626" border="0" /></a>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-88630638851560073482011-02-12T15:36:00.000-08:002011-02-12T15:46:01.349-08:00Another one turns a decadeAndrew turned 10 yesterday. Another one of my children hits the double digits :) Andrew invited three friends over to spend the night. I led the kids in an event of different games from the show, Minute to Win it. It was fun! The kids enjoyed practicing and completing the rounds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3bnpg9QnykO2OOinM2pO4H_Zn62bnviGfnrPv_5ATo3whM84SzGa4jMejAec1l0B1RUcJANbafyDnrlSiRui7uftAM3RdGWDeQyxFZPETj0XSBbonFA9h_16TezW7ETxUeUoUlLQl1a0/s1600/100_7601.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3bnpg9QnykO2OOinM2pO4H_Zn62bnviGfnrPv_5ATo3whM84SzGa4jMejAec1l0B1RUcJANbafyDnrlSiRui7uftAM3RdGWDeQyxFZPETj0XSBbonFA9h_16TezW7ETxUeUoUlLQl1a0/s400/100_7601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572951654316626178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHTK0O03CbTAn913IAPS-t4fgDYco_rq4K4Vqmx0Th4WzHubzvJvOS0VUiKrw-T22lwMsCruoPmMpF6Af-SjzS6OodI2Q6IUKhFVZWJeDxqMLyhxxgxHDhZU4QV5fxzdsJ8CzsmQwbGp4/s1600/100_7607.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHTK0O03CbTAn913IAPS-t4fgDYco_rq4K4Vqmx0Th4WzHubzvJvOS0VUiKrw-T22lwMsCruoPmMpF6Af-SjzS6OodI2Q6IUKhFVZWJeDxqMLyhxxgxHDhZU4QV5fxzdsJ8CzsmQwbGp4/s400/100_7607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572951836450791826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyqBbBWn3-L9KtLxP3fRUF145Pd4F1cmNHj8dI84y9Ur5EPhZPfzQxUUZIWj-78MAhg5Qq7D04oA5BvE0eN3hecXtYOMM-ftKn0-Z-s-89PIHPxUm5VzY-eAMv7OLXf0YhVKX4imWZkSs/s1600/100_7606.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyqBbBWn3-L9KtLxP3fRUF145Pd4F1cmNHj8dI84y9Ur5EPhZPfzQxUUZIWj-78MAhg5Qq7D04oA5BvE0eN3hecXtYOMM-ftKn0-Z-s-89PIHPxUm5VzY-eAMv7OLXf0YhVKX4imWZkSs/s400/100_7606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572951765973815250" border="0" /></a>Stacking the cups and then taking them down without falling was Andrew's favorite feat. <br />When I asked Andrew what kind of birthday cake he wanted, he said "dirt cake." Now, dirt cake is not really a cake. So, we decided to play it up good and tell his friends that I dropped the cake, and that we would just have to settle for eating some dirt. Andrew then proceeded to take a spoon and eat out of the potted plant in the center of the table. The kids loved it! A few moments later, one of Andrew's friends asked me, "Can I have some more dirt!" It did feel weird to have no birthday candles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3LUZsHaA-2J3niim0lqrKl-BoNcFkeAC3_RwESVdX79bga3CM5VWjBQUaj3b6SQ-GSG7qoNoz97UG5ZOUD_l3B5T3qkQiYd9NQwYC2mjAhgnejqlu085mts1jjBlmCrHU2PX0WBdbQ5o/s1600/100_7614.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3LUZsHaA-2J3niim0lqrKl-BoNcFkeAC3_RwESVdX79bga3CM5VWjBQUaj3b6SQ-GSG7qoNoz97UG5ZOUD_l3B5T3qkQiYd9NQwYC2mjAhgnejqlu085mts1jjBlmCrHU2PX0WBdbQ5o/s400/100_7614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572951928606392258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzYq_e7tyh-q2IpIoSdbe9hUjYpm-VynukmyvPMRXWuL-4GSi963X7zqDtDQ0cCqmcDgwJsaeBjPweqSQhSIZpuvti8sPMiUw4j37EvzmDhASHQ7i22Fxet6gOJP8GHZteDv7cNzyErBP/s1600/100_7615.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzYq_e7tyh-q2IpIoSdbe9hUjYpm-VynukmyvPMRXWuL-4GSi963X7zqDtDQ0cCqmcDgwJsaeBjPweqSQhSIZpuvti8sPMiUw4j37EvzmDhASHQ7i22Fxet6gOJP8GHZteDv7cNzyErBP/s400/100_7615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572952007631278162" border="0" /></a><br />I just had to post a more recent picture of our newest addition. This just can't be a good thing (a dog with a balloon) :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBqyafDj78Cw_FRRrXCTxpXpJm8vBuPiJTcdMmjEY7lV71VlIjlfErLlophqVhPO51-3Bc6pmuUm8mOEOe4nfy4Pb7fclkECTrjrCUYQJIurr5LC79xPll_VEWseuafFwNu_wKlJJGILO/s1600/100_7611b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBqyafDj78Cw_FRRrXCTxpXpJm8vBuPiJTcdMmjEY7lV71VlIjlfErLlophqVhPO51-3Bc6pmuUm8mOEOe4nfy4Pb7fclkECTrjrCUYQJIurr5LC79xPll_VEWseuafFwNu_wKlJJGILO/s400/100_7611b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572952081926918258" border="0" /></a>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918824134727957636.post-14115565262229110982011-02-12T15:24:00.000-08:002011-02-12T15:36:19.571-08:00What a super weekend!!!!I have been meaning to get this post up, but it has been a super busy week. Anyway, it was a Super weekend at our house this past weekend. Of course, the most obvious reason to anybody would be the fact that the Packers won the Super Bowl. Our whole house was quite excited for this victory.<br /><br />At church that morning, however, we had a special visitor---Mike Penberthy. He was a former Los Angeles Laker who was on the team with Kobe and Shaq when they won the NBA finals. He is a Christian who is fervent in his faith and loves to share his love of basketball. Andrew is currently in his season of Upwards, so he was looking forward to having Mike sign his jersey.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMwkRDJEPN3-NYaD0YZo8th77AthbEjD1jAKRS-2tNpN0Gx0hkctE2uX_KpPLVckuhuGGFgKmgnWaGvycALrwHnciXUZDtYkSXeC1XT0NxRWnXmQcZErJoasm23_9i1aAaUiGwmzNxI8e/s1600/Photo070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMwkRDJEPN3-NYaD0YZo8th77AthbEjD1jAKRS-2tNpN0Gx0hkctE2uX_KpPLVckuhuGGFgKmgnWaGvycALrwHnciXUZDtYkSXeC1XT0NxRWnXmQcZErJoasm23_9i1aAaUiGwmzNxI8e/s400/Photo070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572949515806794258" border="0" /></a><br />Wesley got to try on the championship ring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwzOUrv4bNQY3LZe53pPof0dFuYUQSsjQpI2QnOeqYs-HfaVwqN606wbuo5IWqik7i_eKkijtggnJd3heNoLC7R6sOLOPse47Cm_XY9ADfQR7PU_T1qMrUahnzxqMVupJdLrIedE54HcI/s1600/Photo072.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwzOUrv4bNQY3LZe53pPof0dFuYUQSsjQpI2QnOeqYs-HfaVwqN606wbuo5IWqik7i_eKkijtggnJd3heNoLC7R6sOLOPse47Cm_XY9ADfQR7PU_T1qMrUahnzxqMVupJdLrIedE54HcI/s400/Photo072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572949571772518290" border="0" /></a>Another big event for our family was the purchase of a new vehicle. We have been needing to get a larger automobile, and the time came on Friday. Our Ford Explorer (which carried all 3 of my kids as babies) was nearly dead. Gary really wanted a jeep, but the practical side won out over the recreational side. See our new Chevrolet Traverse. It has already been so nice to have room to carry a few extra passengers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFLi1CiNrtNg9U2pVTeVHoN8GczcBA7ocA7UzFTQCVq1iu8YFr1ZXBxQ-_yJQd71y5Y_I5FpltCbvxbreYQqrR7kHGhgINAtP1XVFyJYqAcJEKjA5QVgwamVwgOcfTuI4obzE_YSgjXtJ/s1600/100_7597.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFLi1CiNrtNg9U2pVTeVHoN8GczcBA7ocA7UzFTQCVq1iu8YFr1ZXBxQ-_yJQd71y5Y_I5FpltCbvxbreYQqrR7kHGhgINAtP1XVFyJYqAcJEKjA5QVgwamVwgOcfTuI4obzE_YSgjXtJ/s400/100_7597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572949738317033858" border="0" /></a>The Beard Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961225410890610274noreply@blogger.com1