Year in Review

<p>2010 was a great year, filled with accomplishments, trips, additions, and much more! Sit back & enjoy my year in review!</p> <p><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010starting-again.html">January I started back on track</a>…for the millionth time! ;) In my mind that is a great accomplishment in itself, making the commitment to get back on track!</p> <p>February was a great OP month! And we have squeezed in a <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/weekend-chicago-trip.html">trip to see Kyle’s sister & her hubby</a> in the windy city, Chicago!<img alt="DSC06084" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCSExJuSGf7lTvcyrVFPh5cpzUTKHq6d-J6WHm_i6aLnwpp-2_6T8N0JPouZDArxHgz1MHOP117yjVUrP5CZPTSIM7meVR958j2-V-6HPRtMuUV4fSnpdernKGDtqNmPb6kI3MISvVHqf/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06084" width="404"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjWAmL-Kji-ZLcsYY3HsX9AgSzgYDVWgIVvdRh3KpFTSadMrv6fvr6yydLHRRJXKqxaVDGjXaLzMbjCET6X9IwLXc_CYxWSkOGox2OLi-psCWTOyEGRXAPzEP2wN1BSOR8sVW2HuFHu0n/s1600-h/DSC06147%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06147" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7FOqboFxeSIk1_8TYr_EowqNO4EJpHwhprro95xd6wrJzqRMJw364mGQ7B0qUs-whEAJJdDfqpfmfbXLpFW0GZ5M-_MfaGTzQgLgfMLbuw_IMo1hNw8aKt6tDu-1DfSDrErj1umnkc4d/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06147" width="404"></a></p> <p>March marked the 7th year in a row I made the trip to Florida to see my Grampo (pronounced Gram-poo) and sister, Wendi, over spring break. Click here to see <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/day-1-in-florida.html">Day 1</a> and if you want to see more Florida posts, just click “newer post” at the bottom of the page. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UsAyXVieZMAtnuGJFVJkSPE7akHy9bzqDrBDVdKBE1En8zH2_r4grimIz0S8ZG4EfpMts2Q3zjjVpZwlNb6zv2rcx2HvZoELd4JKeSIk-zoP0PLssgn7Y4h4JssY8HHCIAFHBjfQp857/s1600-h/DSC06463%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06463" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3_cqBpIvms1DLBDyB2sGI8lHmQq-Ow7nNHopaRsAz0Dp7BV8Cl9oTYgMGf8lp-M-I7o_TlkR71HT9H2iKSYWqaPVkCX8qmeHlV4CK3dXJiuNcasu8pTIsRb5pv0sX8EpdLInGSHuoV6o/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06463" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb5jnvk5P51tpXTtANq59DnLLcdbfkoS2GVd9oxmkemixvgDTvl-LRkVpJRq00jO93yEIml9mXVNh4000_M9CmMaLP9tPr-Cm8HnBu1F6bOPHJI1Cv51O_RVnSe1GTYpOx67Orb8bvkC5/s1600-h/DSC06543%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06543" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOPz_pPFtDW4WenBSf4p5ePH_tkqFzma_LdlAJczg8D-8X5ZxGm7MFL-h_McLdl09YLvIyWKoaOYZJYdazYj_1Cv8jkTVpwbLV508N19ZrEWlFpaC7KlK_wb_83htMoitmxheNOR6uLT2/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06543" width="404"></a></p> <p>April was <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/ram-5k-park-time.html">my first race of the year</a>! It was a 5K in a small local town. I finished in 28:38, not a PR, but still a great time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygWqkEogzRGWphUCr-AiVv8cP_hNAJzjEMV-NTE3fa3J4XNqVWFvG02NarjuVy2a9FE8sp4XYiHWSDnEEn55zxpGlLCqrdd8BwLrh272FoM6Ri4ZnMRW96_mcD6l3I_-yB1ZG4TX4MIEi/s1600-h/DSC07015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07015" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_K9q3fELknjjNXhFaagrGrKpbqbc5NvXTMKo0lZEB582WPFag7p9cWotHme5rc3yot0wda2Xo5Sh9b2PdrNKMRWp1IYnRgA28m1glcsuSUmHhrXKea8P6HNYaioZehApcWFEjNYwRJQF/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC07015" width="404"></a></p> <p>May marked a big change in the Bangert house, Kyle left his job. It took lots of careful thought & consideration over a very long period of time, but we decided you cannot put a price on time off. No amount of money is worth what he was doing. And he started back to school full time. Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/announcement.html">here</a> to read more. <img alt="DSC07141" border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA33cZme7CHcBne7TcnnG8ST4CTU4467YbK9vEPA9t5lw1_FUTCY7l3vDwSylkjp2X4A3L_j27zA5yxb0gwTJC1G3qeINLMxpu1i7duPgc_fHc9cXQFV9Zr4KmLOfVNdscwwVhIOmRsLX/?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="DSC07141" width="300"></p> <p>It was <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/kyles-birthday.html">Kyle’s golden birthday</a>, he turned 26 on the 26th! I was super sneaky and threw my main man a <a href="http://bangertfam.blogspot.com/2010/05/surprise.html">surprise golden birthday party</a>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcuGs6Wovn6u0AWc6-GtWwTU95VZGUdBSndrKcF3Pyozu7S6nNa4iN71ZZxgvsb-HHLGSLTAJhYBw1c_zb6Te1BdiRjrvD4uBrBIQ0seMiGiu5KV5yw8lqOn1eWKGcevtWasEKRgfDMgN/s1600-h/DSC07364%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07364" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f9AmvJE8KCh1s40LX0Tye2n-jVnLlX3AZmdYgOATuD8oEL38d-lDq3Kp8bblsP09QXqz9Fxsaq3aTSDnOTuIxzAeX9t0Z9RGXIKXe2GZsUPu2qGpjJ7G8RqRY0LR4hof1unpcFv7BsVB/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC07364" width="354"></a></p> <p>June started out with a <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/06/austin-texas.html">work trip to Austin, TX</a>! I think we did more recreation that work things though, ssshhh! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNQHIpmGSn80fvrZPg0MNo_7-6EKD9ulWHM2DpAiWb5mdZxv2kMW3E-zaaww8beXe3jTKFXmLB-qIKeZAWDG6MNybQmjOA1UiR6Vg3-vgR27UbyfdjVqcn8lFA294TmGuZ7F6dPC9qdqY/s1600-h/DSC07420%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07420" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAfcqXY9UJNKm5BjlK6udMhiLhUKpg89rqTpRthK56GNl5Kkx7atIuMGUgvSXZSdvStUB7iroYMWExPsmBWmrlbSsa41W0mM0fhLVBdvpNzAkgQsYluQW_cy8MkPq5GBCMCFBYhfDNSeo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC07420" width="404"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>I squeezed in a few runs exploring downtown!</em><em><img alt="IMG00037-20100530-0722" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvGKZ4GCBU1EobgvFaOw18MVZW1ZKiDpiat56sdwzrEUtfI4XRjvazgIowqHoqHCyhyJ0IyulYwntIjJS0QAVaJeoi5Q49Qx6tqt70xrGopON7LSBxg5j7x-Xie_7zY6C7V91L3bj2S-5/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="IMG00037-20100530-0722" width="404"></em><em></em></p> <p align="center"><em>And tried a few new things, including alligator! ;)</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfAxkOniLW6FpqYDyb2PuhVkE_AbCJu6zbIHdJO25y_hRl5rZQM4aaGWiRPrGzecwksBLmixh5mXuscsg4D0vcDoqQqNVbojt6CcMloDhehYIMEyrwLkgcMd26IjBc5kYhr7daFzNBfI3/s1600-h/DSC07487%5B3%5D.jpg"><em><img alt="DSC07487" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDioiO57psiCC8O6n18z7IhbJx5-IzK0DLslrsiXZAa07aGuekjfmfc4z7Coatp2Slz40ybBqUluDU_LPADRTzIe1tXuIO2hyphenhyphenlGWUf9FC4etMdpAJEOXgi8BxUoo49zDKqlja-FlqmLOfC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC07487" width="404"></em></a></p> <p align="left">In June I also ran my first 20K, the Dam to Dam in Des Moines. The big side note on this though is that I was completely un prepared! But I pushed through and finished the 12.4 miles, couldn’t have done it without Kyle! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5PWFR8xDzBXR-uvAShmeRSwNzr-ah-IdjULka8eexrHzf9ZUHK2I6yUP-kZ9Ea4kD6x9yhV2osctwk9_hGXUuYh84u2mf1wVTuUepaUzu5Ux9Fk3JN_BMsgRqFc-g9sDxqU24m0XU6jw/s1600-h/DSC07500%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07500" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDkCdEYqxiBpaRd3NadORN9QVujBGmAoq2b_bdu5rIK69GmPPl-8mefWojpKrCghvC79BS6INoSsK9zOb-W2VoMRrjGVZXY7DzGvzS26UBnam1gAf5Rfjw-DPEezY8HvCKZDgrvFm0Xgv/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC07500" width="304"></a></p> <p align="left">In July Kyle had multiple interviews and <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/07/big-news.html">accepted a job at the community college</a> in the town where we live, which also happens to be where I work! ;) Of course we had to go out to celebrate!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RBwVpks0WpnVkXvhcnWKEbn7uKKCJaNd7KozptRocHogpT5TWgGYKEO9AQSJ3t-0yn0s3H6VjciSiqa-BFX_VTMvOnK4UmO1cWDjXDd-W_TyaehhbXMSARvB9r8gKIZxOtDy7eHdhReM/s1600-h/DSC07886_thumb%5B1%5D%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07886_thumb[1]" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YcF_yfDp8CWtP4_r7g5t28NXQvp2J1qOi-N1yQudCc9yB7PXR3Xq253HTra7H-IB3rMvi1H55MILY8dMopc2MezLUubdhHqt_ZPwrIvf3pj8C4zX2V7GqC-aU1doTU7bjcuhfIb-GY-0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC07886_thumb[1]" width="404"></a></p> <p>And that next week he started his job, M-F 8am-5pm, can’t put a price on that!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcztW89W-3XYfjge4LJWqVp57Yd76E_5m1Z4iO_mWw-FPJwXg6dKSxBVQz6CqahyphenhyphenZL9VjdLc0r-Qmz4zH_koNIX3UDA9Q3TlC4DnQGUbKreEY0CSr98bsI0nwOfmpYGTCjEHdK7MaJb4Z/s1600-h/DSC08049%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08049" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYJZG0H0_Fn0SFHoYX_ujiQQ1FfPWu56PDJFCfYDi5VWxwtT_u2ULBwp7JuQyDkXSgC7jV_5r9rjPf6HiJfb3OxKFZs03fZ6EVM5WkuR33B2Hdbf_ilLRJkzCJCe9C0__ErGHqU2qsRT2/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08049" width="304"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>August was a rough month. We lost Kyle’s Grandpa. We miss him dearly, but were so thankful that we had the ENTIRE family together over the 4th of July weekend. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqHR6MaNXFwWiUfEadAjfNQfVuMWhL9dgcNupIbWegwRRkKxTPe3_bfnF0xh73fRbqAY_VKMkN84wbZxqvs-QF5gvDqjg4rK0M7q2WspXgc0u6yRS5xnuhJr2cPs9xAQxU-gwgozNEhh9/s1600-h/DSC07792%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07792" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnthfB2COPFWgM7wifpoERXMFW0NI2XYBpeWYTrWlV3NaSydGSMj8YffivuiIJ3Brzv8WcTMt1P54qKiCahK9_lLHBhkRPPMgOb1aapYfJedEte989axMeMRFnCKTduJuLNbqdBKq7GmY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC07792" width="404"></a></p> <p>One good thing about August is I marked another year in the books, yep I’m now 26! <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/08/early-birthday-celebration-saturday.html">We celebrated a day early</a> because…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2GUQFpPQwxtEXfkYdM5bHcGrfnL9N8J3Bho6shOM7c37W3Vm1u7slgl3ByaCi12n0YBLRQ74U7tNL2GedwUm61y-2bTEFQyK21hg3cIuqU_rf5g_7KgwnXaA0aDlgsw4Fq_rjVxNj4pJ/s1600-h/DSC08255_thumb%5B1%5D%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08255_thumb[1]" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7yViE1uH512ZAMQa0iRLkuhaG2dsEALnKxjaNCnhhvE5eEqfVRvXConCw0H8lIo-a1PWUPV4uc3asR44IEcU9XJh2MIShA6sxlEAPUGprCmy9xVm_1ANhjzoUzf8z6A4AqDeoCw09aCz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08255_thumb[1]" width="404"></a></p> <p><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/08/another-year-in-books.html">I had to work on my birthday</a>, but my staff did well with making the day extra special!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2XMIwEyOAvxGUVMG9KjK4ZqPSYqCkkjm5imzQ6dgpXG-e3TnIRZA3R_jUeDjiDcDobt6scOVyWlEy3MXde-QLlHZASvbd0t3Qrjq-yrPrelRZzvmqmjjv1X71darPsKi0GccY_1IlElp/s1600-h/DSC08282_thumb%5B9%5D%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08282_thumb[9]" border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZj0Ftqh_36JBwMut27ubi8M53bl1SfNIPvXWNjTJJGs9LQBoHIKz8PjRqi9Z3X-bt68wDyLnlH-pN1WLlztsBaIFlmIRxYGLrL9gjC8F5mos9oWeBxztuVjsq9AIRVMS5Rn15hBDaBce/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08282_thumb[9]" width="304"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>September was an extra special month, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/09/hes-here.html">my nephew finally arrived</a>!! Hayden James, born 9.12.10!<img alt="DSC08548" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Fegcx9TIKPXF3w5ByjkuIYocQiwUAKTCInnlscRKNvLkZB95w68quTKYw-s38o9OAWmdluQSiz9FOqG93bCTN3MaEgDLyF28tmw1fnEFLmYWYiSLDva8q8q1lxk8i7B-KRsUUZ_Yq-BJ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08548" width="404"></p> <p>It was extra special because my sisters & Mom all got to be there for the birth. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRfhWf1fD4kMqOXkzA5bvWb_6zCXI0ieykdrVj9UZg2K0Hk0d4yatJzxjqHXNtBdc3fBrhSJVl5N9q0UycBABHoReFVNNw4zuO5Ma52uuuh-FfhHayD-eLhEdCuUdRYMTzWxZwIzt_s2X/s1600-h/DSC08564%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08564" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOn9-eu_05J1r65gdc1m3IoF8_gC9iV0xBlD0C2DiABqMTkDBknEcIoIRxuVZNJCroVGvNDxHcYzR5yvAoHGiTwdSnkR25VzTum5iQ3cG9SnvJhHjqA-9jSFmLzGjZGrXLJUqcAaS6gjA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08564" width="404"></a></p> <p>I sure do love this little guy. <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/09/im-proud-to-introduce.html">He spent the first week of his life in the NICU</a>, but is now a healthy growing boy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxTKVfnFSvHNW-R77VqzWq_m3Rjhbnsaz53AoD5Phyphenhyphen4DxVC11TakjBkv4nC99dKyorT4YGrUtAIU3tlFbI3xkUqB4MUcuwAbP2CMd3FOQ2nHJutiUzZuj1im1u8dRSug1EMw5mFpjq8LJ/s1600-h/DSC08544%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08544" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Dsj-czTD9ECOQnf787MYupBARz8bmHw6O9mezDaOs6sHkDcNWU9wUIRwTjRaG7YFgbyrq7mIAJ7zO9NRgaJ2pRrfTHxhMGUu64-HqeEJfqpLv9GDfEzHHyWXPL0uxQAJ-5cBUB4ptqZS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08544" width="404"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Of course we all spent many weekends in Iowa City cheering on the Hawkeyes! This was our 3rd year as season ticket holders.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdHhJHOCYUW0MipZ8WUhLDUeEczGnkdcDRkw2fzKH8AH4SHceRdZGxUMtaBxe2xfnSTRWKwgcouOjnTWp7pTZI5svVM7TzKLOXGkDugk2JVtpSrjx5KMhLxGRPoiuWfTFkyEdl1SAsaZ9/s1600-h/DSC08463%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08463" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGpTKEQiQ-ypLCn0k431f_eIy3cpACsBQmyy4o-D59lF0zRZwJ5rLZi5_0okcc7cwJIQWWFHFW3qK3dag0icuMtQfg1wlSeZaLEyK9vAnfJyLBeb6XiynDHoQjmKSmv2kSvDV9uIl7eaa/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08463" width="404"></a></p> <p>October started out with our final race of the year, the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/applefest-5k.html">Applefest 5K</a>. It was our first race in our hometown! Little did I know…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OTTdadfUoStM4PBUaqBWAN1ae99zcChz_X-CUYSs8-rkM5DX7fcAdhUoIaIkHVkqur9NFUf7TxUISUeiHyMP_jEzmOKTm2LWBI9X0bPW_Hz13uEu1aKQEzyjNi-oqN7yxDZLun-57AQC/s1600-h/DSC08875%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08875" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvva2Y9UktA7z3NH4JpPABOISktfOuMDBnZHkiy34HX1ZglLMzqJL05NqSrhyphenhyphenCVgvs9-mQAk6yDSo2ERyum6CpKKcHgnTQYB-xtmU11uLU_JtJKdRUKfeFP9yZ0tgLvAKkqjOYdK7aLZ7/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08875" width="404"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I was pregnant at the time! We didn’t find out till 10.16.10, a day Kyle & I will forever remember! Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/12/101610.html">here</a> to read all about that day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31Bwpn-WXoYF0818U0lgYZxkrBeJprbwxr_GAdLHpYNMzOfMp_Z6N8AeCebjr2Ks5b5Oq5ayJe0VWoLJmiVpkrY9DHYGOOWJsozfkJXwyO_OzOrqDZsh4L-QR-BPGHt6SwC37Pn9MgI04/s1600-h/DSC09069%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09069" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FMdgKO3v-vm1PaMNTaP90edVptfDNz7RiGmC8c8GMSmbcTMr8OZRhItpUdj3P80wzIrUua-0z_WBl_wproil8jAInEVuA1fXQc9khGgrHvfAAx4xo9cwlToOd-42NIqSIRtZrKSXNwIl/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09069" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUdzLwNpBCaP4TH2-9PaU_DMuObT2umiZIqBa5nU1b_0XFjzYZKBBXYm1TRBxtC9KNql_RknghSrZZwIzKVAztDk3sdmlHG_amGExPOE727d-23f2rlXTV8BUvpCOKMAvhqGCfyK9qG0P/s1600-h/DSC09052%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09052" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM-RL_uEZPy8L91TAiufCP0d8sQLlehq5JVhpmBRpMeKZrCPiCvx1pMHdIvBKBPm4qq-qSLUuoBr5HWJDIv-wexWpWtDnIHKWvzj1YKQXd3XVZ-RfVfUJkxSU2heZA9pNQFLU02N8ZfZt/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09052" width="404"></a></p> <p></p> <p>November was a fun month! November 4th marked 2 years that I have been on this journey! It was fun to look back to see what I have accomplished over that time! Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/11/2-year-blogiversary.html">here to read my blogiversary pos</a>t. </p> <p>We also enjoyed <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/12/sharing-news.html">sharing our “news'’</a> with our immediate family over a few weekends! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj485WXUAtTVy-f-133Q0iN4_cUDKqtYVSe8FE9tmx8LQ0HT4mkZ_HxYcHtcDNEXi82lTwso82icY4hEFmzK8SVvthY-wrW29tajlZaRuFWS8xLhyphenhyphenVG-VADHtMdYcpkI0n7r4vRc1p7quC_/s1600-h/11.14.10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="11.14.10" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjkqDUi3i_K6R9FWjdempFdK5grOcQM1MGyT5tE3PVbbFjaq4Zf0-RfvKqNyHRnM25ye0lu2IxwD4y6VPZ7yyfbzTWkdl5mXh7Fl_KCPmglBpxt5i7-LHPQfxWf7rShRXNCj2N2rJgJsR/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="11.14.10" width="404"></a></p> <p>And we finished the month off with an awesome 5 day cruise with family & friends! Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/12/family-fun-cruise-days-1-2.html">here for the 1st half</a> & <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/12/family-fun-cruise-days-3-4-5.html">here for the 2nd</a>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonZBCoSo0i8xvuC2vVWJhVF_-R6h1indNxkKINOFRd-G3nJfAxj1IqMD5pVfspLRti-Umbl5e2tkQtqTagqOVYuKciJqKE9sBGvwlAcI_bqA-jFLFfw2OB90jpcaTmiFVDYoCeNtrVfVS/s1600-h/DSC09483%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09483" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBN6kFS1RZG4QB0i0bTk9jWkizs_ECOsnZk3realxmgFqKXh5OQcgezwvDBbj0ZJeNjl77pB-qBRRVh0TwXQR9clcBEG77etCTydljHM1WWF6BetZgE_z-Zxr7-YM_UQTh0ws9Vh3Eboq/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09483" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UmkIept8T7vNOqPQ4B25BZvW1RRcdGOoODp5-ZA27SK3QT_X1JyWNz4X3b6si8seGc3YMdjqcB0Z1nQt5lWctJXGEe0O-jOvqZp-pIrT8fygSBWzrezEhl_5-aB6MbLXkwSkgG4m8SQO/s1600-h/_DSC2377%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="_DSC2377" border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUEGEMO0SWxbHtFoiomjEgA5Td7Zlk8gSaK8rHNo_R6qRi4cd62R4hnShBq1AmHo7r6dTX1WpNKiwu88AFgeq78YQEkgeXpQw1QNfwIllqaGQgv_msLjLZrLfGci0yPOEACcdtI7yvsgH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="_DSC2377" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRBGqq9q7Yba5m2o6zvP3h6_GAlgPzKSG2-dTYxSkIThQc0Kzqml0DlhyAzRnrLRI4pCVeRwF7KqOOUMwqeulodZnVv1fUyJ2hsGBXDtWkmeKR7aIbUKazk5alRjyuMyeEt8eET7u534q/s1600-h/_DSC2349%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="_DSC2349" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_a7qm2bBkcqdpWc2Ab_JD0BcaaLQQrSx02Ned9J95TPHBfwM4boQv-qVabQcKXUkY1Hp0sP-yvFN-xFHcn4XOGNLZP2hOioui0tTqzPs26izQiNx86x91O1oj6R6EYtIsdaO_XbGUkeiX/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="_DSC2349" width="404"></a></p> <p>In December we got to see our little one for the first time! Not to mention also hearing that heartbeat! Priceless! Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/12/sharing-news.html">here</a> to read more!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERdmFWTuBikAgseUR-ksz6COXqpkeLo0yHiXCHrkOC5tWmoituBGIEt-Lbrj5bsRV9bHHvR65eooQHI1iBeXv-icA1dV1lZB_BhnoD12cmZze21J2vwfHjcyndSulA1k4XVNOoW5K8Bxe/s1600-h/ultrasound1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="ultrasound1" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlvb3PQscHMrBnY0XRGye1N03AY7AqnCTboRXP8WWii07ITXIm5m5D9-xipt7-csd7fX5bV9J8gWnZufe35jFpZRXo5nPXFcCO5UAdXM9wTe-GstjbVTfCzuD8091CI0Tsaoz9G62p-rF/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="ultrasound1" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oZAt0Wx3BA7HkwAU8cdAuSTP1uB1MbOLLt6fWibjKFtmjBC_HwsMXOJhPiZ62LChsKBHN2dMH_eTtOSFF19xaH0H9qSqYYwlNb73wVEXhGqqLtN9wj0rOkRJ4zHTom2bozYUI6iyred3/s1600-h/ultrasound%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="ultrasound" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKP-Ws3JeHC_4UqB1DZmtmBLPe-e9i5t_WaW0GvD6mCLtknxcCNc_TmTX4DeijRhejuv0Gu4L7r0q9_LUBHqTPG1wWXPpEbU-wfKQKdSXHO-e1NtnLzgd1xDk1DJKUL2ZcUZVQKQXKJDg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="ultrasound" width="404"></a></p> <p>December we also made the 10 hour drive to my cousin’s wedding in Oklahoma!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4okZjPj_ttX8gw1GonLqdMY-PTKR1KtyzmFuW-snj4QgXtut72jbYTH4GTvbfvtTxw6DMCL6D7-nwi1Vju4Qul7vFwV0h146mPkWHC_SfdZzwVU85UqFNEMHxBwWy79M4wMt8Y_p0ekx-/s1600-h/DSC09529%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09529" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreF-PzsMm2keFtXcgFuqSlCrbRulVcnYBmMRxsKGfEKjrxKzW2n7t_JTwj-fdFOxYmoRuWu9unlkhCgh1mguAWUjBpIjFz0SVB-FLic2bLhMVAMZGfgAh54cIXYXA3Pm1GFp64KwSv17V/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09529" width="304"></a></p> <p>My entire family made the trip!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkzx0VpN9jcDcnZFx8RPfdLwHOkzC-55OYXpHYxJ5IgDbFzK2M7j1hZzHEgxLsGg0cMWA4cP5sP22YipGbpy6WSngL0ndvz27jQfkkQO5lSAUnCj_urRapV_Q5hGnPINM__u-YTyoXVoQ/s1600-h/DSC09541%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09541" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dcQoynjJiQYTrur7hpHL2zTrbaQjLxe4n35ZDyP3McXVW92LgywjNn0j5boDrG3oVxZ7nLELIMulpKqcw54RaNJaometbXQ7tr5DMCAsZS-PZLAC5MF5OPkt7KBwy5kqPSmPqKPlzfWX/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09541" width="404"></a></p> <p>And of course we can’t forget <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-recap.html">Christmas</a>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mVMX9x_WeJbGYIoovHqFPcLDL44MIn4ZMhwndjjqAEQe3NxAilS6cAySaCpSHRDRNbCrC5QvI4QB3tVFr8AEvqCS_Myj-kiibMgZibonJRxlk3lCf99-H6uxOKdI_mM61YmhDwDvg1MB/s1600-h/front%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="front" border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGSEAU6v_HVVoIFZ549UyscuXd8ggIgKHUdaB38sftRU4_MsXf33IY-nhReTTyaO9WgDYtj8IUAEOuvaZviI98UGhffE-Rd6oaa2XxtAuIN_UiLdPakbGzfjsZOkoj9KsfUC9kr1NBj-y/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="front" width="479"></a></p> <p>And now we are ringing in the new year in Kansas City with some great friends!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRI49JaJUiuCXubBiqRTDhDTCwr8np3A4uwDa-f2qvgQ95xIjost7V9Hn83Iso8HimUMjRqNRSAjpNv9ONeFvvK9QOAEY5a4ElYBJE-7O1ERj8z0lDnXkbSF_mXVCPmAGlwxIs0ASETOk/s1600-h/DSC01652%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC01652" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64uKdxrMQup4nTYTRI_J2qXYv4TeJkrLTBBaWJMN9EaG86JTSzjNpEGKSAct6eD3pNWk-HNA6Bq_l8ACINbMF35_F1zqDD_d9_rddujvejidu_T7c2M_BfBVIYIQ_M1B3aKt1XwwOnJM1/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC01652" width="404"></a></p> <p>I know that 2011 has lots to offer, can’t wait! :) See ya next year!</p>

Year in Review

2010 was a great year, filled with accomplishments, trips, additions, and much more! Sit back & enjoy my year in review! January I star...

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Happy New Year! A Year's Worth of Good Behaviors.

It's so hard to believe that it's almost 2011 already.  It seems the older you get, the faster time goes by.  So, we sit and make some New Year's resolutions that often involve exercise or eating right or enjoying life more.  And, how long do we stick with them...probably till about mid-February if we're lucky.  So, how does one start healthy habits and KEEP them? General consensus says that if you can do one thing at a time and do it for a month, then the habit is more likely to stick.  So, here is a whole year's worth of monthly healthy habits you can do for yourself, your students, your family, and the outdoors:<br /><br /><strong>January--Plan a Garden!</strong><br />Growing your own veggies is fun and healthy.  This can be done in your own backyard or on your school grounds as part of your life science curriculum, art curriculum and family and consumer science courses.  Pouring through all the seed catalogs that come out this month is a great way to budget and plan what you'll grow the rest of the year.  And it's a great way to spend a quiet hour at home on the couch!<br /><br /><strong>February--Swap For a Healthy Snack!</strong><br />Small steps are the key for eating healthy.  There is a lot of discussion over which is better, local or organic, when it comes to produce.  But, either is good if you're making the choice to eat a fruit or veggie everyday instead of something from the vending machine or convenience store.  This small step could save you several hundred calories everyday, which can add up to losing a pound or two a week.  Try a cup of blueberries instead of a handful of chips, or an apple instead of a candy bar.  Your waistline will thank you at the end of the month.<br /><br /><strong>March--Start the Seeds!</strong><br />If you're planning a garden and want to start your plants from seed, this is the month to do it in Ohio.  Most plants take about 6 weeks to get to a height that's appropriate to transplant.  This is also a fun activity to do with your children or students.  They get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing the first little leaves poke out of the soil, and even more when they get to transplant them in May or June.<br /><br /><strong>April--Get Outside for 15 Minutes Everyday!</strong><br />Again, starting small will make the difference in your success.  If you're someone who doesn't like to exercise, walking in nature is the easiest and cheapest type of exercise you can do.  And, there are plenty of free parks and nature trails in Ohio to access.  Take a pair of binoculars or a camera with you, it will seem less like work and you'll get to see some birds or take some photos of some of Ohio's beautiful spring wildflowers while you're there.  And you'll be amazed what it can do for your frazzled state of mind! <br /><br /><strong>May--Plant That Garden!</strong><br />One of the best forms of exercise and relaxation is gardening.  It can be a peaceful yet challenging way to spend a few hours outdoors.  And, with how many forms of exercise do you actually get to eat your efforts?  And again, this is an excellent way to spend time with your children or students.  Kids love to get dirty and what better, safer place to do that than in the garden.<br /><br /><strong>June--Get Outside for 45 Minutes Everyday!</strong><br />With the warm weather and the kids out of school, now is when you can really take the time to get outdoors.  Take the dog, take the kids, take the Frisbee, fishing rods, bikes or GPS and Get Outdoors!!<br /><br /><strong>July--Swap For a Healthy Drink!</strong><br />With the hot weather, keeping an eye on what you're drinking everyday can really make a difference if you're trying to lose a few pounds.  Sodas, juices, flavored water and sports drinks are loaded with sugar and calories.  Swapping out a glass of water for even one or two bottles of these high calorie drinks can lead to shedding a couple of pounds a month.  If you just can't take water, try adding some lemon to it.  Drinking diet versions of sodas and sports drinks is better than full sugar versions, but water is the best source of hydration on a hot summer day.<br /><br /><strong>August--Swap for a Healthy Meal!</strong><br />It's state and county fair time and there are a lot of delicious but VERY unhealthy foods to indulge in at these events.  So, one thing to do this month is to swap out a high calorie meal for one that's more healthy.  And, with the produce in your new garden coming on right now, this will make it even easier to try new recipes that are loaded with veggies and herbs.  You can even go meatless for one day a week! And, with all the good produce available at the farmer's markets this time of year, you should have plenty of tasty alternatives to try.  Experiment with new veggies and fruits in your kitchen.  There are a lot of great resources online for trying new cooking ideas.<br /><br /><strong>September--Feed the Birds!</strong><br />This time of year is perfect for starting a bird feeding station in your yard or schoolyard.  No matter where you live, you'll attract some birds with even the simplest feeding station.  All it takes is one feeder that's located near a window and some cover for the birds, such as a bush or tree, and you'll enjoy the beginning of a regular cast of visitors for the coming winter months.<br /><br /><strong>October--Start a New Hobby!</strong><br />The days are getting shorter, the kids have settled back into their school routines and, if you're like me, this is the time of year when you're looking for something to do.  So, find a new hobby, preferably one that gets you outdoors.  Whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, geocaching, cross country skiing, canoeing or any other activity, this is a good time to get the ball rolling on any new hobby.  Having a hobby that you enjoy is proven to reduce stress and anxiety.  So, ease your mind by getting outside with a new hobby!<br /><br /><strong>November--Eat at Home at Least Twice a Week!</strong><br />Eating a home cooked meal is not only satisfying, but it's typically healthier than any take-out, fast food, or restaurant meal you can buy.  You can control the portion size, the amount of salt and fat, and you get to spend some time with your family knowing you're giving them a good meal.<br /><br /><strong>December--Find an Environmental or Conservation Group to Join and/or Support!</strong><br />One of the best indications of a person's support of the environment is their willingness to put up or shut up, so to speak.  If a person is willing to spend their time and money on a cause, that is a true mark of support.  So, if you're willing to give of your time, energy, expertise and funds, December is an excellent time to join any organization.  Many groups are looking for support this time of year to raise awareness of social and environmental issues.  And, an end of the year donation to a charitable or non-profit organization can be a tax benefit in the following year.  So check out the websites of your favorite organizations and see how you can help their cause, and make it your cause too!<br /><br />I hope this list gives you lots of ideas and challenges you to make some healthy and positive changes in your life.  I know I'll be doing a few of these myself.  I hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! A Year's Worth of Good Behaviors.

It's so hard to believe that it's almost 2011 already.  It seems the older you get, the faster time goes by.  So, we sit and make so...

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The Los Angeles Philharmonic Performs Bernard Herrmann...

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fuZmHXT7cBUDQug3GbNkCKNlDlIey7KjXcqHPT8sqIv-uqpGwnhmaxKVH5fkQr_8Fad0x7h9oe1hC6hqBH95wVEaLd0rpQkW4rnvARMS-wcRtWGq0twfjRpsKEL-gxeR9j6g3YDZkzGF/s1600/avert2%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fuZmHXT7cBUDQug3GbNkCKNlDlIey7KjXcqHPT8sqIv-uqpGwnhmaxKVH5fkQr_8Fad0x7h9oe1hC6hqBH95wVEaLd0rpQkW4rnvARMS-wcRtWGq0twfjRpsKEL-gxeR9j6g3YDZkzGF/s320/avert2%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Stewart and Kim Novak in <strong>Vertigo</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>While perusing <em>YouTube</em> the other night I happened on the video below of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, performing Bernard Herrmann's "Scene d'Amour" from his score for Alfred Hitchcock's <strong>Vertigo</strong>. I watched and listened several times, swept up in it...and then, afterward, remembered something I'd nearly forgotten...<br /> <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKqK7HtkC4m9Kk-K5ak39mBwbU2A9ZBAj6QN43c3lrC94gaLi4BK8MYDtF9yRN7C1Cn9BpeBwrknQappVWCbJhfgLWjy1H5dCQqsK2Mpq70ag0kuQw4PWbnS-oY26dlCuZORVzLPNcbEG/s1600/900%252520Lombard%252520entry%255B1%255D%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKqK7HtkC4m9Kk-K5ak39mBwbU2A9ZBAj6QN43c3lrC94gaLi4BK8MYDtF9yRN7C1Cn9BpeBwrknQappVWCbJhfgLWjy1H5dCQqsK2Mpq70ag0kuQw4PWbnS-oY26dlCuZORVzLPNcbEG/s200/900%252520Lombard%252520entry%255B1%255D%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">900 Lombard, San Francisco, today</td></tr></tbody></table>Just about a year ago a videographer friend and I toured and shot footage of San Francisco film locations. I later recorded a voice track and hoped to post the video online, but had problems uploading it. Naturally, we got footage of <strong>Vertigo </strong>sites (the film includes many locations in the city) and I also took some still photos of 900 Lombard St., "Scottie Ferguson's" apartment in North Beach. The building had changed so little in the 50+ years since the movie was made that I almost expected a vintage green Jaguar to pull up and an elegant, ethereal blonde to slide out...<br /><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_naJH44Lk3I?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_naJH44Lk3I?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Alfred Hitchcock Bernard Herrmann Esa-Pekka Salonen Los Angeles Philharmonic The Lady Eve (author) Vertigo The Los Angeles Philharmonic Performs Bernard Herrmann...

James Stewart and Kim Novak in Vertigo While perusing YouTube  the other night I happened on the video below of the Los Angeles Philharmonic...

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Christmas Recap

<p>Hello everyone! Before 2011 gets here I wanted to give you a quick recap of our busy, but wonderful Christmas weekend!</p> <p>It started on Christmas Eve. Kyle and I went down to my sister, Wendi’s house. We spent all afternoon doing our Christmas baking, including oreo balls, peanut butter ritz crackers dipped in almond bark, chocolate star cookies, and puppy chow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhsFmXAq-j4MAWaK3PFRRA02zb_rjuLSra2t3asefiSm1aUExhT4SY_55f0M4bCX4J-sIul5LRYt2ZB9ypGOqlPwdKznkKLiYkO33AtdIuukp5lvWzJysLApSjIZZB-nE__6J-PZR5sRe/s1600-h/DSC09593%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09593" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQnwQYjtT6fjWiohWii2nw3klbUqsS3572d04-24w6saZDcAjzcg_kZniG5E6hCeW2AQleK89qZrFqrHWXx771y8w6Mo-FQpp7KU2PdXqKH7zamT1VwnjSb06QMcO0-BGeEgv-x1dc8TD/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09593" width="404"></a> </p> <p>In the midst of all that we got he house ready for extended family Christmas that night! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61coAqRx0PMSyZr_yCcfwOI-X2OghTMHI6xA21mQOPfZgAWejlpdcgRhRii3xaDrKXG1GS3ufY7fsZsSKkQhM7BJ9glmPznISiCaSWcSGdCul7RuB3Me9PPqseA7X56DwTSmJ2EvuQQYl/s1600-h/DSC09578%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09578" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr0iq8jA_rw-317byWbKbzFWefP4VDSAaPQD4J0A32uTq5ZFBrG0ZNnrlBYUHmmxWRf98NSxrpEy3HcubnTvA-K8cHVuL35dR95En1dxp6MZOV7VxqrgcYNh3kCGQSt-GNFxoHL4_mh4w/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09578" width="404"></a></p> <p>And what else do you do at Christmas family gatherings, but eat!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil961m7SBzYYr8c2HE9-mj1_jf-Uw13JH_o674WlTcqEbImhdpUYIFIk4HxUpG1sX9PG5iLP0vzts_8tIwkfNKZ5E2Jgmgw_oEf1Abo95dSiAQJDQFVGpHXaIGaI2yB_beP8YiU-v3x3-6/s1600-h/DSC09580%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09580" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEfsfTg9lLr8iuiaogNb2LRr8LRHL0gvuWwceTxxCWuo1pwb-UjTz0azsBZI8ufuUI2w1b2gsA16gZKCAVlzgqmA6MalmLl-37zO_Yh9pCkeUx-IsqOB4V_f6q89Y4rDGpweLbg1GwMzg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09580" width="404"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytv3HfC0RNc4FaSL0K9Rj8455Ms56UiQ9a1n5OvvU2s8T7_TdvSkT2_iii_OgzX0ivepHnGxRQy2WRfHEYpMwUcON88AI_9VLH-K8khy__ogvef17J-r7hc_zsFjMKPCVL5LwnuN1e3fN/s1600-h/DSC09581%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09581" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7UIAmlZF6jZqSKGBtK2LFdQGCdVs_wmUo3i1H-iXkBgK8ziYRkUzoCXQEZcCWVqzxR8BfjBCq4cklrVJTaN3k-5PPQmfVreiwdAXhlNkuqWWOVHtco7R7rg8mHG_kTnqsgaQb35_bAAn/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09581" width="404"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRchQaY8khqb16wCN1TfvUikCc6m1ikJU_WaJgIb3WS5ZK316kfqKYt5Rea89f5L0nk0U96n0roTFOHGsBDKqkqs4pDvqf9n7NIXU3ME98Bb-QylpKQu0GeOLO_cLxmwktd3NTfnQ_MLJG/s1600-h/DSC09583%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09583" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf6VNkPOsJR-ZenJjqWVx33adFt_LrlCp2DZv6t1tVExOmumWmKghYdeXY32idu7OuClf7DzHZq9ieOAEPIn6yGPHON86qH3AzQCAqR4i7yjlrxYXxSzjUMDpLBRbrA7isx8-LBq-TQ1W/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09583" width="404"></a></p> <p>A delicious Christmas dinner: ham balls, deviled eggs, cheesy potatoes, strawberry pretzel salad, green bean casserole, and scalloped corn! Not pictured is dinner rolls, oreo salad, and of course all those yummy deserts!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbSfgNfjwf8mG-ZuY3Dpd69ah8UIDln4MAqay138ze3_oYt1uVuzoqrvmFHaRNzHSS0ob4YFPh8mYJ4BOVDuTm5KlvD-ad75Mrf01_9zP8YeTPAZDh8I0d2H8iSMqdu3Iwfl5zTxJjiKg/s1600-h/DSC09584%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09584" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghC2jZtm1XiC6IV6nCIfC5AFCUZJOkxgOz10QOzdk-FEa71Vyju9g1YKk4tecCSPBoasQ2_LyKkHUu0G0u492icZHdL67UNgyWD-quryUXSSX5dPkoR2vuPLi15Hhg3ghi3ShYaOQ_1IIP/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09584" width="404"></a></p> <p>And what else do you do at Christmas family gatherings? Open presents!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_zbH6ZI1A7su_6LnRMhome23dw3Xmit_2aP8QvFRTDOUiH1jcOMvGMOdMFFXmtAXUC4vk4RVrCnhG3Gra4vJm_4glYrgN0uQoe2iF7kzpLFCPA3ypBQR9cQvlJrR9c_2ArSneEiOoB-G/s1600-h/DSC09585%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09585" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryIFoiDBHXD1SAj0d8NUYOMhyrij-pfZtdFXQOzXkTPTVdtOmFdfvZ8nxrAF6ruJwXyAHk0XDY7OsoHnQvD2VKqcdb9Y53rdPEWwTPQSBDs9hdPlu3UOjMAm0XhhEYiMixZD7D9gcMp4L/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09585" width="404"></a> </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="537" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><img alt="DSC09586" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdDXuJT5c3XrhIdr0c4ObqE2-ysNgzRbJ5oxF7HHpO1iyl_aejAaa8F4w6u6Dmw00iFVvipcbKdjTTapayLyjrKpBzR2qs_JgQMC-Aibs51U2tXRJ4Dn1gY523poRhPcV8zq8IZRCPd-6/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09586" width="262"></td> <td valign="top" width="268"><img alt="DSC09587" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTwHdNbnbgb7Qw1yBIgAz6PaaawLRZk80tx4zyaikyG4Wrl10ZlGvzvGfSjeh5J0tf03CUue-IgvNDMytDHVJiac2hq8LBfdTY1mEMkJfzssjSERETpVIv4IF_k3biOHgA7ZFknw156Ox/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC09587" width="262"></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>And then play with your new gifts!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hFXMBGA2i9wkVsowDb8OAdzspeRIjSim4v7__e_ourlJUBpRIcix2hHrsyAlQGufBDTYZBF6boMhL6BEf1igJT8fayUvYSKqPWITza5wTPdZ1LTYfIYEX5exaMw2N9XXsBZ6UyP6BvQo/s1600-h/DSC09588%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09588" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum53MNQp_TjGBpsNxdfrZl2-V_h8Hy5kt8yk_LIiUFZ3BuUrVSGiYy0bigCZI94rSa4mk3ahbNsChHn60flXCQW9jGYVW5V3Fz5N3vF2yruL429UWrYJHZdqFC1yEIvsO3kjJLKlKEqRz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09588" width="304"></a></p> <p>Only if you can figure out how to get the batteries in the toys! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj1X8fVOYCTVf7KGgGNq-LGpmhNaW32qvclcFAIYIWq3_UTS3Cnb8GmOKZhjoSy4sEx6L4JelyZKTDuqCP_W99FLq82_xI65yP1HLDoAS5xxdZJoOSAsysnRAi71SpsASHJmgyhfWuRaD/s1600-h/DSC09591%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09591" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx6rq62IT8Jf2ptH97Y4lJ-l4V_Xq-NekcCz6CnK15GWTthEbGUb6h_V_C3E_KZp1T4yeMfvYWN3KQMtY4s8SJnEpSQWXBZJYsNttFCwhLwcqkAEvLuLTSgdPodjvhB2FmBAPMtTWENEi/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09591" width="404"></a></p> <p>We went to Christmas Eve service at church that night and then set up the Christmas present we got for ourselves: a new tv!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp1zTe-rzWzCR-dl35niUljNHoA1QI8NBl-RRS2_h6ZBg2zwAdxb6qOyd6Ls12qWwDgoyX7pY4g5TGMo7bQ0Ekwb3Z1w3NGQK1biraBjWHE4AaWOjX6AfbioV9uEsqKBl4LuOPrl_a95A/s1600-h/DSC09637%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09637" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHjaiMr5X33MQEaYf90wYAiQO4jTZ5mmqMDM_1_kVanv7CXiXIWnzj0DoAkeqlyrV8BVcjT2yW7b2NXd45qfkr54QtWR1rvObxc2vvq7FcPA01hVdgR3KTcAHQyWxEWJjhZyYWvOH2umV/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09637" width="304"></a></p> <p>Football games will never be the same in the Bangert house!</p> <p>Christmas day we went to Mom & Dad B’s house for our immediate family Christmas. Mom B made her yummy homemade pizza, not the traditional Christmas dinner, but still delish!</p> <p>After lunch we did our gift exchange! Mom & Dad B must have been good this year! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-j8d5kCbMt39Cl_Rw40v2ZHg9Nw7Y55_CAZJcE8dyLtsDnX3CVHHkm1rxgnAYh58VvBMzSRb3cKuxJqJcFCMq-5LyrsH9smihdx5iWhElCbVBl8DOqQ5klgiv_wRqYwOhlJ8cwXJpoCQ/s1600-h/DSC09598%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09598" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXeB2-gSApmaW1F8OYQ1zZJNU5WIZp6QZ4bCYq5wj3QIEyc0XsVHSXgC5_L25EFL9HnK2DkYhPZiduFcEnV9RrHj22KrxGtJS9Uyna-sSATPo_GSuSzwEmAerj3lwEUbguiCWMyR22YOx/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09598" width="304"></a></p> <p>Abby even got in on the fun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBGAl9Si5UJ75omm9kxE9XFks7Cfp9hHcRdUqL_iekk3-L9C6naL9YfT3CvL1UtKJkrXX9_6eDwxkW4PkUG0YrpKIdx853xFHt8gvOSZkd5qkuzx3G2GXZb_lMP3GaOtv0jyDkEdivgjs/s1600-h/DSC09599%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09599" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvFZFsseddtZGpMuq2TDDNsGrcKeCWXtJVJbu3qib84jBKEe1Mb7UV2yl0NGwIdulO3Hn-z94BUNjXuksfDJyPWXkt2NMepJpCGJkGDZ5Sq-OQSBldF1hyXnBOKNZ5dJV5QojEAvqtzgS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09599" width="404"></a></p> <p>Travis was anxious to rip off that beautiful bow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qy4KCjPlnU2USyuo_-5L-yco5aB4a7mLlSJVMZUTmSC4F9ZuELFU2IXHRDXDheZW1C-KVwDAMHRvpDjJGW4_OUJeduRuD0EmG5iGdxMG5ItvneSW7gNY6_amqGeIPncvLzJPqfCDL6rT/s1600-h/DSC09600%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09600" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR_q275tON7aa9g6reTUhakrlDtmhSviQ4x4SftLKH51VO_RpwalHBCQxrLparr0v7uGLb1L3yTD9KJE2lMYqmfZpHarMRc3JZTMSET_Ou4i-WwMYwEpe_CD7uJApiT_ootlXgA3_dvPR/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09600" width="304"></a></p> <p>It was fun to have Mel & Steve home from Chicago! We keep telling them then need to move back here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMiITAMTFGv6CikBntqjrtpGz74_mxNfIlXu7ODbBP6wlymkL9EivZpc5Z6fEptOSbwBhmUQh7I8pIh-pn5RO7kFxBgLdP2PWO6b8n4kZi-V0nbKL0YP2RMgr7h2twEYVELxzHcHInjEO/s1600-h/DSC09602%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09602" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbfVwKf5lhQcWJku0LVTDZEyL3jQW_xkC61_gVY9c6fiA8ZZUTcJbMg-yt3uuChTO4602nt4C5pw4V8xe_EW-9ORq_VqIXEMm42AV2K19Sav8QzLF45010BLENUwDLZFtHxpYZoxWR5mM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09602" width="404"></a></p> <p>Grandma joined us for the day too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACamjxB_isoWwQXllFb4sJmaanM39D56B0jhyphenhyphen-rdJfam6VFwgS4hTlGphxSJehlVd2G8eXEQsbiShUouCXamuqnGY-VBfhVq8CQHhex2WavcoKWg_ry5PEU7BapTcCVn94j4x7_a_E5lw/s1600-h/DSC09603%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09603" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichGfRHb5LBWpLwcB0K_Xk1TCvznRg4XWz3UrziHGaQSW9a4wMi5pu3OOnnyKbMl56YmhajDYmvf2zuSNd7BlOWp04B_8oHU53EkNl1sf2EoMJdSQjxknrVLBKYLZp_Sm4g0liqachY4JH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09603" width="304"></a></p> <p>Mom & Dad B got us a big Geroge Foreman, now we can make more than 1 chicken breast at a time! Our small George Foreman just wasn’t cutting it anymore!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrUHaxZTyAkCaALutHGhgl_vUywXdWLgVTc5ZGWYlgTZ2M-UZgie_nw9MMW5mtJhHVkFqPuVg88WdELQvGGh2vItC-1xn8J1pRWaOlzGZuKuX4I6n-bv6tMpyQI8GNPqcsCaJWjMGDbNd/s1600-h/DSC09604%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09604" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5-6bwgT0i1Wu7m36777tNfA4aQPAOXGb505CeiZXRg2bOEIdGGqd_O7Tsfdnkp7f3Q_QBhDFtcbpqKGN8CkaOoKW6wOYbkPhkhSSNCJXTE5ABce_T_vrh_y1_Xxi1ZRFlZZHzjB5PsGP/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09604" width="404"></a></p> <p>Laura was pretty excited about her new Twin’s jersey, she’s a HUGE Joe Mauer fan!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopVQkK1goj0ov_FAShoRoRHSlCjZxIHtbhL48xC8dtQQotWO4EGSqzvrGd0WxGOf43elDcXV-MH8_29kqh74LO3_nFkbBX7ScGfAtM4PK0MGri6ajHxg3aiS3s8YRxAj1KsNDdkRjmN-W/s1600-h/DSC09607%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09607" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U2wcU2Yzy3kkARxOvXGlj8ixtaFXH66iYdG9aUU1MmIomFXa18PXj2SAKo61R7MkuO8pQ9RGHG_VWWboG0jmIoEj1eKZKCmEHJEEwhEMTXHZut-W8pZ3ows1ganlRpCkOnESZJMKQWAz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09607" width="304"></a></p> <p>And Mel, the baker, can now make Hawkeye cakes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSBRH0GSC1NJ7VEsklXD7BMdzU3LL9z_d5MI73TG0NS4E2AVhJpHEo38ydHk-6FjI2E2a52xsbjM63XpOVr2OrAu2K-E-jIfIZiOqHXPKbmm8frGOHceIstFWe_NGY99neUE0ulWlPcRL/s1600-h/DSC09609%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09609" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ4hsolTfe4dyOkVEbeDoC3KkjL2LwaWDRjtryG9VHeaDi4e05xcDkiVbXlNTqDMG0u6su5GV9p-v_yjyJjBJlts6pk_G4EshMvvG5yiE53MgSCUu7Q0t6X_Lsua0c6LzwurraMUI54oo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09609" width="304"></a></p> <p>We spent the afternoon playing cards & other games!</p> <p>The next day our headed to Kyle’s aunt’s house for extended family Christmas. I didn’t get many pictures of the day, but it included more food, gifts, and family time! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUxan6mE6n5SQOEQsUtlyy82ZRvRIXMhk89mggaPl_Ob_f96wMd-WO650sh_Wb3fLKBLCiii49QjaRPQwlzOIQMRAm3592ohQPB_5DLLrBk77Z7M-yHXP57vxbBiR4X4GFuqDRYdvCbZ5/s1600-h/DSC09615%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09615" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUI8AHCOPHYzR-4LqFpTZgzyWezToLVsKTdxhXaXl-ph2BRybVIWiWtSn8wncqldOb85JjXOAkoFti-8ouwljJCHcZbpGNUmjRBWqG-mQqv-Wczh80UtgTMTDAvXFdYt75SfXKYnSM_hs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09615" width="404"></a></p> <p>One special gift we got was from Grandma. Grandpa passed away this summer and she had each of his ties made into a purse for the all daughters (& in-laws) and grand daughters. Such a neat way to remember Grandpa! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt6v4LxkqUBzMHL4o9G4Y1_47ONRanpI5xAZL5Ekgskzo5jAHJ0lmZWMqfyH1yn3JxFUigUNFCsvQR4R12TP6qAxEVSqJxGLJFyGefiqWK9CBrTZYmA1Ec8E9akw78nmT7Kg7tw0Bb3tB/s1600-h/DSC09624%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09624" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BZIDICCTZSpkOsE_7m6maUwANyzVtC0RME5aAv9M16OeThufmwhMV_hBQiv5c55kfOHv432lXcpCnVpYwCcTpKI7u5AvCa3CwOvpKrUSR2L4d6xKpJs5ZObtiiBw2LZcRYok_1linVA9/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09624" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDAoOL8Su7AJdzO-fWKoF9nwhMVjfDkII2UIkjq3ao3kEXOa-wwCmOOip1lPCajnlYNUmFcQuIU5FlOCNE3udZZYKXaxNEKoBM2qhSQJ5fllLn26Fbou6Gfd8OaAJZereuT2RjFIQgCM4/s1600-h/DSC09631%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09631" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih70g7erFboWRKn5Iiux9umEvHi2-5p60xIiQvTB9Wmkf35IHK9WRNv0CFAZA-cMldnYlrAAD0o1FMDOfMKmQCh_F_AFl37W1m3tTGPEXUYvazwmRBol6nRoQZVBTbHEKf8PZR4ZFAoVN5/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09631" width="404"></a></p> <p>Grandma knew just the one for me, black & yellow! There is a long strap that is tucked inside, it will be perfect to take into Hawkeye games!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkzopsNGKUu6OzbWa1dM68oN53BkMQIzQnSOQVOZ5dEEBRlfcYZGE_MXwjss5LfdJvLKDVk3D28h9uLVVd93_EChW52mNHCJ5Fvzhg9-qX5SGYtqWFzIHtSpTp7hCErgTav13uhwL4i7Q/s1600-h/DSC09632%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09632" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7R7mzttYLpAHdfi2UMxi6uGc2ftttwt-fTqaVOeGbtthXm_Je_gJp-CfRUOlhQiukL5tqFDI6NYhG8FxhhIJLWSZqvsqLr1OOdhdAe1GKyRrtPbPLTOCexJk1Aqq_KvgeSULd1DjI-G8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09632" width="404"></a></p> <p>Other than family & food, we enjoyed our cousin’s little 3 year old boys! They are always on the go and kept us entertained with funny things they say!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHb9suX6uOl66SaGbFAzFS_vnF1VWPFyE85g9wv-JFjiK0tifjEKgNbKS6nKUe8sMeJWa3Y3ym9TatY3JwFBp8FgL1sCgIvvkat6_ytBeQ_BEXu3XoL9RG1n4-S_8Mz-eCratpV7PTgXJ/s1600-h/DSC09622%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09622" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3OkLYnaDSUyDagyN9kWdf1uPqrmLPZYAEHy1VxrqoG9aznyhBkPPRSDKFGpEa1sU2oRf0BvF2mmsUnMXjS54Jehrw7eYwJA0SN6EIwMCrQiH2wuiZYDEoBMHJ3_JOJZ-aKDLNRSbR5gE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC09622" width="404"></a></p>An overall wonderful Christmas weekend! I hope you were able to enjoy it with the ones you love! Now let’s get ready to ring in 2011! Can’t wait for all that 2011 has for us! ;)

Christmas Recap

Hello everyone! Before 2011 gets here I wanted to give you a quick recap of our busy, but wonderful Christmas weekend! It started on Christ...

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