tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307340512024-03-23T11:05:24.407-07:00Obladi Oblada, life goes on! Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-44035773853695634432016-09-05T05:51:00.000-07:002016-09-05T05:51:28.637-07:00Hey friends, I've hesitated to share this but many of you have been asking questions so I thought I'd update my blog (something I haven't done in a reeeeaaaallly long time!!!).<br />
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So, some of you know I've been sick. Some of you don't. For those of you who have no clue what's going on, I've been...not myself...for a while now. After months and months of not feeling right, Chad finally pushed me to the doctor and this summer, blood work revealed that I'm in a *re-infection* of Lyme disease. <i>*I was bitten by a tick at 15 yrs old and treated in the hospital for this, but am learning I wasn't treated nearly long enough, nor were the doctors aware of any of my co-infections, thus, the re-infection 20 years later)</i>. So, yeah...3 Co-Infections (apparently quite commonly seen in Lyme patients)... Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Typhus...if you're interested in what these are, feel free to Google. </div>
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Oh, and yes, all 4 infections came from one. single. tick bite. One teeny-tiny lil' insignificant deer tick. Mind boggling.<br /><div>
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Because I've been ignoring my symptoms for so long, these infections are now deemed "chronic" and will be much more difficult to treat. My diagnosis is <b>"late stage Neurological Lyme Disease + Co-infections"</b>. It's neurological based on my symptoms (not sharing that here but if you want to talk about this, again, PM me), and based on MRI findings revealing my Central Nervous System, Brain and Heart are all affected at this point (again, not sharing on here, PM me if you would like more info). In other words, it's not as simple as a 28 day antibiotic. It's now going to be more like 6-12 months of multiple antibiotics. I've been told many chronic Lyme sufferers never fully recover and am choosing to believe and hope that will not be my story. But if it is?...we'll cope with that, just as we're coping now.<br /><div>
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I really want my friends and family to understand what this is and what it all means, but honestly, it's taken MONTHS for us to fully comprehend what we're dealing with and hours upon hours of research. And it cannot be explained in a simple post. If anyone is confused or needs more information, again, please pm me. I don't want to be evasive or secretive at all,...but also don't want to bombard anyone with details they don't want. :-) </div>
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Many of you are probably wondering how I could be so sick when I typically look pretty normal. Right??? Truth be told, I can go out in public and be "me" for about 1 hour...maybe 2 if I focus extra hard and use all my reserves. But if my friends and family are around me long enough, they'll begin to see the new and what I jokingly call the UNimproved Lindsey. It is what it is folks, sometimes laughing is better than crying. ;-) A friend recently sent me the below article and I'm sharing it here, b/c it explains why I smile...why I laugh...why I'm applying make-up and jewelry and trying to be "me" to the absolute best of my current ability. I don't ask anyone to understand what I'm feeling, or what Chad is feeling. I don't even ask you to try. But this is our reality and for those of you who can accept it and simply offer moral support, we thank you. </div>
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https://themighty.com/2016/08/response-to-those-who-dont-understand-why-im-smiling-and-sick/</div>
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We've been referred to an LLMD who specializes in Neurological Lyme Disease + Co-infections this week. He's in New York, so we're making quite the trek to see him, and taking quite the leap of faith that God can use him to help me be fully me again. Thank you in advance for your prayers moving forward!<br /><div>
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-Lindsey</div>
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Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-55734007252142524292013-08-13T13:51:00.001-07:002013-08-13T13:51:49.063-07:00Just keep swimming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I keep hearing Dory's voice in my head...yes, I do realize that hearing a fish voice in my head could be a sign that I've officially lost my mind, but at least the voice is speaking positive words, right? ;-). "Just keep swimming...just keep swimming...just keep swimming." </div>
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In the summertime, I swim. No, not in a pool (although I do that some too)...I swim through life...sometimes with my head down, coming up every now and then for a deep breath, then head down for a few more laps...sometimes I just doggy paddle. Sometimes I even get to lay on my back and float for a few days (those days are rare but so very nice). :-) I've been swimming, swimming, swimming and am finally beginning to see an end to the laps....or tunnel...or, whatever - <i>no more metaphors. </i></div>
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Last year, I began feeling a very strong calling placed on my heart. A calling to work with children. I know, I know...I was in the midst of homeschooling so that "calling" may seem a bit odd to some seeing as how I was working with children <i>every day</i>! But, I was feeling a very specific burning in my heart to work with children who need extra help...kids who learn in special ways...kids who upon opening a book see a jumble of letters rather than a series of words. I've always loved to read and over the years have begun to recognize that I also love teaching children how to read. It's been a blessing teaching my own kids and there have been a few littles in our community who I've had the pleasure of working with as well. All that to say, <i>THIS</i> is what I want to do and <i>this</i> is something I know I can do with passion and joy. So, beginning in September, I will begin my Masters program for K-21 Special Education, with the long term goal of getting a Reading Specialist License. </div>
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Mid-year, Chad and I sat the kids down and discussed this with them. Their eyes got big and they seemed amazed at the idea of their mother going back to school! But what struck me was their enthusiasm and encouragement for me pursuing this...Rauly told me "mom, you need to do this...you can help kids who need it." So, alrighty then! We're doing this! </div>
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We'll all be swimming, swimming, swimming our way towards our goals. Shep and Rauly, 4th and 2nd grade - Lils in VPK. Me in my Masters. Chad, continually building the business. Our family, continually growing and leaning on one another to support and encourage dreams and hopes and a bright future. It's a beautiful thing! </div>
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Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-51560825726550539832013-08-13T08:55:00.002-07:002013-08-13T08:55:35.492-07:00Summer time...and the livin' is easy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4 months?!?! Has it really been that long?!?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>Well, considering summer is officially over and the school year has begun (at least in our neck of the woods), this will be a quick recap. </div>
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Let's start with this <strike>crazy mama</strike> adorable toddler. <br />Omiword, don't even know where to start with our lil' firecracker...she makes us laugh and makes us crazy, all at the same time. A mess with a capital -M-! She's turning four in 2 weeks and is starting VPK this month...and yes, I'm sure to be a total blubbery mess on the day she starts school. I won't think about that today though....</div>
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It's rare for any of the kids to get "one-on-one" time with any of our family, so when it does happen, it's special! This summer, Dennis took Lil's on her first fishing adventure...the fish must've heard her coming from a mile away because they didn't catch any! But, boy did she have fun! :-)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Swim team was a success and both kids are already saying they can't wait for next season. We were most proud of the award Shep received: The Coaches Award. We've honestly never seen him work so hard...this summer he dug deep and was very invested which made it that much more fun to watch!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And another awesome summer of basketball with the Tiger Sharks - they had an undefeated season! Whoop-whoop! No pics from the season... fail. </span> </span></span></span></div>
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Another "first" this year....Florida Bible Camp!! This was a very big deal in our family...Chad grew up attending this camp, so in a way we felt like we were carrying on a tradition. But more than that, it was just a huuuuge deal to send our kiddo away for a full week without us. Thankfully one of his best friends, Jackson, wanted to participate in the week too, so Shep had a buddy. I signed up to be a cook for the first half, which I think gave both the little guys some peace of mind and certainly made it easier on Jenn and I. :-) </div>
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Rauly-girl travelled to stay with Gigi for a week (Shep went last summer so this summer it was her turn)...they went to Louisiana and Arkansas, and between all the places we traveled through, she wound up seeing 5 different states in the course of 7 days. Very cool. :-) She also lost 2 teeth...should make for some adorable fall pics! </div>
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Chad and I were both road warriors...he due to our business (summer is "crunch time" and he's typically gone each week, <i>all </i>summer long), and me due to traveling to Alabama twice.</div>
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4th of July was celebrated with friends in Cocoa Beach - we wound up staying two days and looking back, I realized this was our only "family vaca" this summer. Thankful to have spent it with the Euler family and in such a beautiful place! They rented a beach house right on the ocean and let me tell ya', if you ever want to experience fireworks done right, go to Cape Canaveral! The displays were gorgeous...we were surrounded by beauty in every direction. It was a truly memorable 4th! </div>
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<strike> In a moment of insanity</strike> After several days of talking and thinking, we decided to bring these two cuties home with us. Let me introduce: Ringo (yellow) and Shadow (black). Truly, they have been the sweetest most tender additions! They seem to adore the kids and actually seek them out throughout the house...no they are not your typical skittish/snobbish cats that hide when company comes along, which is GOOD because that would not work for our family. </div>
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Another "first" (there seems to be a theme of firsts in this post) - a Jags game! Ok...so the highlight was a night with friends (as you can see below, Chad was underwhelmed by the score)...but the game was fun and glad we got to experience it with Jeff and Jennifer! </div>
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Overall, it was a summer filled with sports, fun and friends! And I can.not. believe. it's. over. <br />
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Sweet baby Mary Graston - Rauly's (and my) new lil' love! Isn't she beautiful??</div>
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Lils with her besties, Aubs and Caroline...yes, Publix deli rocks - they basically fed those three girls an entire meal of meat and cheese...Aubs would just bat her baby blues and they'd offer all the kids more. Fabulous....and Shan, I've decided I'd like to bring Aubrey with me every time I grocery shop. She's got mad skillz. ;-)</div>
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Sleepover with Grant!</div>
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Beach with Melis, KK and B!</div>
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Day of back-to-school shopping...(sigh)...next post will be about Orientation and 1st Day of School....can't believe I now have a 4th, 2nd grader and VPK'er! </div>
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Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-49867489676715899762013-04-05T14:49:00.000-07:002013-04-05T14:49:18.758-07:00Spring Fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's Spring time...despite the weather turning cooler again, in typical ever-changing-Florida fashion. Last week though it was beautiful - the sun and flowers all seemed to know it was time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ - beauty abounded. </div>
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My mom flew in to visit (ie: lavish the grand-kids with her attention and her love) and the sun smiled down on us as she landed. And when the sun is out in Florida...you do as Floridians do...you go to the beach. :) So we headed to Little Talbot Island and soaked in the rays - it was gorgeous! This is one of my favorite places in northern Florida - each time we go we find the coolest things...this trip we discovered Sand Dollars and a Sea Turtle...last time we found a Clam that was alive and saw a pod of dolphins. If you haven't visited Little Talbot - GO!</div>
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Me and my lil' loves....</div>
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Chad and Shepherd were the only two <strike>crazy</strike> brave enough to dive in - despite the sunshine and beautiful weather, the water was frigid...I'm talkin' GLACIER kinda cold! My feet were numb after stepping in the water for a few minutes - not sure how they handled it but they did with a smile on their faces and loved every second!</div>
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Easter Sunday 2013</div>
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Linda hosted Easter lunch this year and it was wonderful, as always! I feel so repetitive when blogging about our gatherings at her home, but it's consistently beautiful and the food is consistently healthy and delicious. She's such a gracious hostess and we're always so grateful for the love she pours in to our family. She always adds little extra touches to holidays that somehow make each special occasion feel <i>that much more </i>special. </div>
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This picture cracked us all up...Linda kept trying to show Lillie where a particular Easter egg was hidden and Lils' was clueless...it took Linda physically grabbing LA's head and turning her directly to the egg for her to find it. If it'd been a snake... ;-)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Sweet sweet Chase...</span></div>
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Chad fell asleep in this position...seriously wish I could look so stylish while sleeping. ;-)</div>
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It was a week of fun...lots of board games and card games, lots of laughter. Feeling grateful today for the special memories made!! I'll end with this picture - it pretty much sums up the whole week and makes me smile each time I see it. :-) The day mom left, the sun went away and the rain clouds brought a cold front...Shepherd said "Gigi took the sun and the fun right back to Arkansas." We miss you already, Gigi!!</div>
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-71492195848141377512013-03-26T08:32:00.000-07:002013-03-26T08:32:09.448-07:00The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Hello, old friend. And how are you?? This sweet, cherished blog of mine has been sadly neglected...so many thoughts and memories I've wanted to jot down...but I find myself completely consumed and swallowed whole by my kitchen these days. And this kitchen of mine that has sucked me in has unfortunately taken my creative mojo,...I've laughed a few times as I've sat in front of this blog of mine with a blank stare, till finally I shrugged my shoulders, patted my computer and promised I'd return another day. I have such little brain matter left for anything else it seems...so much energy spent on not poisoning my 3 year old....so much energy trying to give our older two kids a "normal kitchen" so they don't wind up in counseling one day with nightmares of grain-free meals and resentments of their weird mom who regularly placed strange food in front of them. ;-)<br />
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This kitchen of mine that sucked me in does occasionally spit me out throughout the day...long enough for me to ricochet back-n-forth between homeschooling, being a room-mom for Lillie Anna's preschool class, managing the security desk at church and getting the kids to their extra-curricular activities (dance, piano, CBS, and our current sport of choice: soccer....soon to be followed up with football, volleyball and my all-time fave, swim team). My house is a wreck most of the time. End of story. <br />
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Chad is still running our business full-time and is seeing it continue to expand...he's a very busy guy but somehow manages to coach and/or assistant coach nearly every sport our kids play. I'm honestly not sure how he does it??...but <em><u>boy am I grateful</u></em>!! His presence at practice allows me much needed time at home to...lol...<em>you guessed it</em>...cook. <br />
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Our family had a small window of opportunity to travel to Disney a few weeks ago and grabbed it. We're not a crazy spontaneous family...at. all. We can't be! It usually takes me days to pack and prep for a trip due to having to shop, prepare safe snacks and meals for Lils and research safe restaurants along the way that we can stop at if need be. But I knew Disney/Orlando would have plenty of options, plus we're very familiar with the Whole Foods there,...so we packed up our car and headed out. The trip was lovely...we made sweet memories curled up on the couch laughing, and had such a fun time at Magic Kingdom...probably the best Disney trip we've ever made (and I say that with a heart FULL of gratitude!!). Amidst all the fun though, gluten still managed to rear it's ugly head...despite our careful planning and precautions. We ordered a pizza from a local restaurant we had eaten at before that had a delicious gluten-free menu. The last time we ate there, their gluten-free pizza only contained rice flour, so without asking questions, we ordered it and served it to her. Within 20 minutes, she became so violently ill that she couldn't even make it to the toilet. We were cleaning her up for several hours while she clutched her stomach groaning. We contacted the restaurant immediately and were told that their gluten-free menu had changed and that they now use corn starch, whereas before, they did not. It was OUR fault...not theirs...as her parents, it is OUR job to be those "<strike>crazy weird annoying</strike> assertive, well-informed parents" who ask <u>every</u> <u>single</u> <u>time</u> we call what their food ingredients are. I can't tell you how many times I stroked her hair from her face that evening, looked her in the eyes and told her how sorry I was....we had accidentally and unintentionally poisoned our daughter and she was suffering. Ugly.<br />
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It's moments like that where I want to cry, but I don't. Good grief, someone has to be strong for this kid! Someone has to put a smile on her face and tell her it's going to be ok!...someone has to rub her back and look on her with compassion when she can't eat the cupcake her friends are eating...or the birthday cake at the party...or the Easter candy hidden inside each egg...or the snacks at church... This girl is stoic and strong, but I've seen her silently processing her sadness at not being able to eat the treats at school and recently witnessed her push her chair back from a table to crawl in my lap and lay her head on my chest when her peers were chowin' down on yummy b-day cake that she couldn't eat. All I can do is look her in the eyes and tell her it's ok...that I understand and love her more than life itself. <br />
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It could be worse, but I tearfully vented to Chad last night that this thing called gluten has consumed every single part of our lives and I hate it. The stress has affected our marriage and caused fights between the two of us that I never thought possible...it's exhausted us and drained us and caused us to worry over things we never in a million years would've imagined we'd worry about. The past few years we've found ourselves snapping at each other over unimportant things, slamming doors and turning our backs on issues that we just didn't have the energy to address. Honestly, we can only handle so much and isn't it in our human nature to try to do it in our own strength?!?! So many times I forget to cry out to God and hand my cares and concerns of this world to Him. I can just imagine Him waiting patiently with his hand outstretched...so ready for us to lift our head and recognize that He is the only One capable of giving us peace that surpasses our understanding. It's like I get sucked in to this vortex and round and round I go...a crazy train that I forget I can get off...all I have to do is drop to my knees and whisper "Jesus...TAKE this.". After 7 years of King Nebuchadnezzar living like an animal in the wilderness, all it took was Him lifting his eyes to the Heavens and acknowledging/understanding who God was, for his crazy train (literally) to come to an abrupt ending and to find restoration in his life and in his kingdom. Thank you God that our crazy train didn't last 7 years!!! Chad and I are out of the vortex...and let me just say -<em>gosh</em> I love this man and his unwillingness to give up...he loves me through and through and has proven that in more ways than I could or would ever share on such a public forum. God heard my soft quiet whispers for grace and instantly...I mean - INSTANTLY He began fortifying our marriage with His strength. <br />
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All that to say, gluten has tested us and tried us in so many ways...this goes far beyond a mere allergy. It's affected us all mentally and spiritually and emotionally...it's not just a physical "thing". But God in His continual goodness has not left us stranded or alone. He's given us this online community of families through whom I find encouragement. Fellow grain-free families who candidly share their lives via their blogs...they don't worry over people finding their random "ventings" melo-dramatic or ridiculous...they don't care if people not walking in their shoes simply can't relate or lack compassion. These blogs IMO are like a ministry...they encourage and motivate and build me up. When I read these random ramblings, I'm no longer standing outside a window holding my daughters hand wishing to be included...but rather, I feel I'm sitting at the table of a woman who first of all, has a plethora of food my daughter can eat ;-), and who "gets it"...and I told Chad when and if I get a chance to meet one of these blessings, I'm gonna kiss her right smack on the cheek! ;-)<br />
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So this is my life now...my beautiful, crazy, chaotic and...<em>did I mention crazy?...</em>life. I'm overwhelmed on a regular basis but I've learned an invaluable lesson that all I have to do is lift my eyes to God and He will take it....whatever "it" may be. Doesn't mean the allergy disappears...but the guilt and the stress and the angst...poof...be gone. :-) I love my husband, I love my children and I'm continually accepting and learning to love our new way of life. For those of you who are tired of hearing about gluten, I get it...I am too! lol! <u><strong>But in accepting our life, I am finding the courage to speak out on what it looks like.</strong></u> The good, the bad and the ugly. This is me...take it or leave it. :) <br />
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<em>“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”</em><br />
<em>-Teddy Roosevelt</em>Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-78778014418326820332012-12-24T20:41:00.000-08:002012-12-24T20:41:47.328-08:00Christmas Eve with the Easons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Eason's have a tradition of spending Christmas Eve at Callaway Garden's in Georgia, but this year we decided to stay home for the holidays. We knew we wanted to continue our tradition of being together as a family, so for Christmas Eve, we went to Chad's parents house. I'm <i>soooooo</i> on a roll with my camera the past few days ;-p, so I snapped a few pics before we headed out the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shep putting his photography skills to practice again ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The girls gravitate to Jenny and spend every moment practically attached to her hip...they're so blessed to have her in their life!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The part of the evening our kids were itchin' for...the presents. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyBplDCL27V9G0G9e3tA9u10rG4VVilslHUtKHO5r2968J04cmcmGVfoU8wTIL5f5ObhRZgkFUTs8aVaLfnSqqwwQLD0XLZ219xC_3bn_iJ-d9kUQua8BSn8an5ctgqwkIYwR/s1600/IMG_4080+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyBplDCL27V9G0G9e3tA9u10rG4VVilslHUtKHO5r2968J04cmcmGVfoU8wTIL5f5ObhRZgkFUTs8aVaLfnSqqwwQLD0XLZ219xC_3bn_iJ-d9kUQua8BSn8an5ctgqwkIYwR/s400/IMG_4080+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Linda's house is always cozy and charming, but at Christmas time, it makes me sigh...it's so magical! Every room has a loving touch added to it with Christmas quilts, cinnamon candles and a country/cottage charm that Linda does beautifully. I absolutely love her style...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Linda gave each of the girls an apron to wear while they assisted her with dinner preparations...they kept them on all evening. And dinner??...oh my. It was a feast fit for a King! 5 hours later and I'm still stuffed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Linda had prepared a special activity for her and the grand kids. She took them outside for a while and when it was dark, the kids called us outside to walk down the windy driveway which was lit with beautiful candle luminaries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We ended the evening with a Charlie Brown Christmas and waved goodbye to prepare cookies for Santa...the kids are all snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug and are fast asleep. Shep has already told us he's setting his alarm clock so as to not sleep in tomorrow morning...as if that's necessary. ;-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you again, Dennis and Linda for planning such a special evening for our family! We love y'all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas Eve, from our hearts to yours!</span> </div>
<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-68590118431046742282012-12-23T12:36:00.000-08:002012-12-23T12:36:35.279-08:00Appreciation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Disclaimer: I print my blog and make it in to books, so from time to time I dote on my kiddo's - I want to remember their idiosyncrasies that make them unique . This is one of those times. :-) </b></i></div>
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We're on Christmas break and for the first time in a long time, we've been basking in family time! It may seem as if homeschooling would allot for plenty of family time, and it's true that we do spend a lot of time together. But, most days are spent going from one subject or activity to the next...and many days I feel like I hardly even looked at the kids...you know...<i>really really</i> looked at them with <u>appreciation</u>. So for me personally, the past few days have been spent basking in their freckles, their goofy big teeth (which will most definitely require braces before long...), their chipmunk cheeks and their awesome personalities. It's been wonderful...lots of cuddling on the couch, dancing in the living room to Christmas carols, leisurely meals around the kitchen table and snuggling under the blankets until mid-morning. </div>
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I know I usually lean towards sarcasm - humor and sarcasm helps me get through each chaotic/stressful day! But the past few days have involved pure unadulterated joy in my <strike>babies </strike>children. I love them. I'm grateful for them. I'm proud of them. And I'm enjoying them tremendously!!</div>
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Lillie Anna...the runt of our group. I think right now she is bringing us the most joy...laughter and smiles are a by-product of being in her company. Who needs television when you have Lillie Anna?! ;-) We all remember the misery and suffering she experienced less than a year ago before we knew what was causing her to be so ill. So to see her blossoming and developing both physically, emotionally and spiritually, brings us so much joy...sometimes I look at her and feel as if my heart could burst. Gluten-sensitivity has been her miracle diagnosis that has given her (and subsequently, our family) the gift of healing and peace, but she's so much more than a Celiac diagnosis! She's our accessory lovin', nail polish paintin', joke tellin', mischief maker who finds joy in singing <u>loudly</u> and making others smiles...we absolutely adore her!!</div>
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<i>Singing "You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm tellin' you why..."</i></div>
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Shepherd...my mini-me. :-) He's the first to offer to carry groceries inside for me and is the first to attempt to make peace between his sisters when they bicker. I've told the kids many times that being a peacemaker is one of the biggest gifts they could give their momma' and he's taken that to heart! He's just a good boy...I've been around enough children to know that his sweet spirit should be appreciated! He's not perfect, but he's so teachable and desires to please. Compliant and easy going...and a rule follower to a fault (sorry Shep, you got that from me...). He came in to our room a few weeks ago with his phone and with tears in his eyes, he confessed to Chad and I that he had been playing games on it for 10 minutes each night that week (this was against the rules). He was wiping tears from his eyes as he told us that "a phone being kept in his room at night was just too much responsibility". <<let a="a" and="and" belittle="belittle" biting="biting" breaking="breaking" chad="chad" cheeks="cheeks" feeling="feeling" from="from" he="he" here="here" i="i" in="in" insert="insert" insides="insides" it="it" just="just" keep="keep" laughing="laughing" loud...we="loud...we" me="me" my...="my..." no="no" of="of" oh="oh" our="our" out="out" over="over" precious="precious" remorse="remorse" rule...but="rule...but" seriously="seriously" so="so" taking="taking" that="that" the="the" this="this" thought="thought" to="to" wanted="wanted" was="was" way="way" were="were">> So we agreed to keep his phone in our room at night to remove the temptation. ;-) Super sweet and I LOVE his honest heart that is tender enough to be convicted! He still never stops moving...but we're beginning to see his constant motion and high energy serve him well as he exceeds in sports and as he channels his energy in to studies. Deeply proud of this lil' guy...who's not so little anymore...I'm betting in two years he'll be taller than his Meemaw. ;-) </let></div>
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And our Rauly-girl. I saved Rauly for last because she makes me think. I can easily define Lillie and Shepherd's personality, but Rauly in many ways is my mystery child. She's takes me off guard on a regular basis (and I mean that in a good way). She's feisty and spunky and confident. She doesn't know a stranger and I have to watch her like a hawk in public places because no amount of warnings seem to prevent her from gravitating to people she doesn't know. Her feistiness shows through in her temperament and her ability to go from happy to run-fast-or-I-will-kick-the-fire-outa-you in .2 seconds continues to crack us up...Chad and I have said many times that Rauly is a very. easy. target. when it comes to pushing her buttons. ;-) Chad relates very easily to her. Which is a blessing because so often I find myself unsure of how to handle her temperament but when I look to Chad with a deer in the headlights look, he can immediately take over...because he "gets her". She's the first to pop a gasket when she's mad, but she's also the first to offer forgiveness when I've offended or hurt her. She's the first to "play the victim" with her siblings which in the past has made me worry about insecurities, but she's the first to rush over to hug her old friends or walk in to a group of strangers to make new friends. When she's in her comfort zone, she's over-flowing with personality and "spunk" but is also an extremely calm child...sits still and speaks softly (usually) and that my friends is something I REALLY appreciate these days... She's tough as nails and rarely cries, but she's the first to feel compassion for others when they're sick or in pain. These are just a few examples of why I say she's a walking contradiction and often leaves me scratching my head. But I couldn't be prouder of her and am thankful for the ways she stretches me as a parent. She's a special and unique little girl and I love the layers that make her who she is!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These three children light up my life!! </span></div>
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-91944668535511307322012-12-23T10:52:00.001-08:002012-12-23T10:52:20.426-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preschool Christmas Program</span> </div>
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Lillie's Christmas Chapel and Party were last week...such a special day for her and our family! It was her first time to experience a "program" and so our family got the biggest kick out of seeing it all through her eyes. The excitement and wonder of all the children was ridiculously cute!! Chad and I are soaking in these moments...it is passing so quickly and this little girl brings us so much pleasure. She makes us laugh and causes our hearts to swell. So grateful God gave us this lil' one to complete our family! </div>
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Mrs. Frances (our teacher who we dearly love!!) with her class of cutie's...this sweet group sang their hearts out and were so well behaved throughout the entire program. I can't say enough good things about the children and families who make up Lillie's class. We're blessed!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mrs. Knotts (the music teacher/chapel leader)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Genuine enthusiasm and joy!!!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Getting love from her big sis :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chick-Fil-A gluten-free nuggets and grain-free cupcakes were part of the festivities...</span></div>
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Shep and Rauly were helpers to Mrs. Frances. They helped entertain the children while the parents visited and assisted in passing out all the food. Also helped with set-up and clean up before and after the party...I was grateful they could be there to make some sweet memories with their lil' sis.</div>
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-89409515733086667042012-12-16T14:21:00.000-08:002012-12-16T14:21:56.244-08:00Hustle bustle to and fro!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Shepherd stepped up this morning and volunteered his photography services. :-) </i><br />
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It's Christmas time and we're hustling and bustling to and fro. It seems I can't hardly keep up with life anymore, much less pictures! My camera has sat in its bag for months without me even pulling it out...the thing wasn't even brought to Arkansas. Needless to say, my IPhone camera has been my saving grace when it comes to documenting special events in our family's lives. But, this morning the stars aligned and we were all dressed and ready for church with a few minutes to spare. That my friends is a modern-day miracle. ;-) So I grabbed my camera, dusted it off and snapped a few pics. Seeing as how pictures from our camera are so rare, I figured I'd post them to our poor neglected blog.<br />
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I miss my camera. I miss my blog. And I really. really. miss feeling like I'm organized and on top of things. Seriously, every closet in our house looks like the Berenstain Bears closet. My car is covered in toys and mismatched shoes. And the laundry...<i>oooooh</i> the laundry. I've gotten to a place in my life in which I'm ok with chaos, and I'm ok with messes. Good grief, I <i>have</i> to be...I have 3 young kids for goodness sake! But the level of disorder I'm currently living in is pushing my limits and making me twitch. To all of you organized folk out there who have clean grout between your tiles and actual <i>folded</i> panties in your undies drawer, <strike>I hate you</strike>....good for you! ;-p<br />
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This is life though. And honestly, after the tragedy and horror in Connecticut this week, I've tried to look at my chaos through a different lens. I know each of those families would give anything in this world to have their child back in their lives making messes. (sigh)<br />
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I wish I had things of interest to say, but honestly, life is pretty ordinary these days and I find God telling me daily to find contentment in that. The most exciting moments are when I see a light bulb going off while teaching a new concept in one of our school subjects (and I don't mean to minimize those moments because they are HUGE and bring me so much joy!!), and the moments spent on the football/soccer fields or b-ball courts when magic happens and scores are made or blocked (again, don't mean to minimize those moments because those too are HUGE and light me up from the inside out!!). Between homeschooling, Community Bible Study, the kids sports and play dates, our days stay filled. Most evenings I fall in to bed and realize I hadn't sat down all day except while driving. I do good to eat before 1pm, and that's usually grabbing a few pieces of my kids discarded lunch. I've become the quintessential stay-at-home mom....the one who ricochets back-n-forth between the dishwasher, washing machine, fridge and car...cleaning things, cooking things and driving <strike>things</strike>, er, kids. Most days I'm energetic and bouncing through my day just fine, until it's time to tuck the kids in bed...and as I bend over to kiss their cheeks, I realize how ready I am to tuck <i>myself </i>in to bed!<br />
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The kids continue to be good students and we're breezin' through our school year. Having said that, I fluctuate between thinking I could do this for the rest of my life, and moments of thinking my friends should shoot me if I ever say I'll home school again. ;-) It's an all-consuming commitment that requires a lot of planning, energy, patience, and passion. Planning, energy and passion I've got!...patience...well, I struggle in that dept just a tad-bit. But, nevertheless, we're truckin' along and making good progress.<br />
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And YAY, our Christmas shopping is done and presents are wrapped. The lil' stinker in the pic below seems to think she's getting a puppy for Christmas. Poor lil' love,...not happenin'. Oh, and remember how I mentioned I'm falling behind on things?...well, this blog post is as close as we'll get to a Christmas card this year. I'll do better <i>next</i> year! :-) SO, from our hearts to yours........<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!!</span></b></div>
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The kids, giving me their "Silly Lillie" faces... ;-)<br />
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-43963856233651007492012-11-30T08:53:00.003-08:002012-11-30T10:24:49.634-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy 7th birthday, Rauly!! You continue to keep us on our toes and we can't imagine life wihout you. We love your tender heart, the sparkle in your eyes, your contagious laughter and your sweet spirit. May you always know how deeply loved and valued you are!!</div>
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-17302806287200976392012-11-29T10:44:00.000-08:002012-11-29T10:44:43.120-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chad has reminded me from time to time (during moments when I was home sick) "Linds, home is <em>here</em>...in <em>Florida</em>...with me and the kids." And I've nodded my head in agreement (because of course he's right - my home is where my immediate family is, <u>without a doubt</u>) - yet every time I refer to Arkansas, the word "home" flows from my lips. I say it, than grimace and quickly follow it up with "oh ya know,...my<em> childhood</em> home.". But truth be told, Arkansas will forever be a home to me. I grew up there. I know what lies over each and every hill. I know where the river flows. I've learned to read the clouds and know when the leaves turn silver, rain is soon to follow. I have unconditional love waiting for me in Little Rock like a beacon on a dark night...and I won't lie that during a rare moment of pain or sadness or loneliness, my heart aches for my 1st home. College, falling in love, getting married, the birth of our first child, purchasing our first home...all of this took place in Arkansas. So I think it's safe to say I have two homes...Florida <em>and</em> Arkansas. I'm a lucky girl. :-) <br />
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We went <em>home</em> ;-p<em> </em>for Thanksgiving. It's our annual tradition that we've all grown to love. The family and familiar surroundings we adore...the drive, not so much. ;-) It took us 17 hours to drive there...17 hours to drive back. Lawd have mercy, but that was BRUTAL! The kids were wonderful - truly! But 17 hours is tough. It's always worth it though. Why? <br />
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Because of this:<br />
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this....<br />
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and this...<br />
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We made many special memories! This was Lillie Anna's first year to eat a gluten-free Thanksgiving meal. My mom spent countless hours and dollars planning and preparing this meal so that Mike (my step-dad who has Celiac Disease) and Lillie Anna could eat everything that was served. And let me tell you - it was delicious!!! Nobody can say that gluten-free means taste-free. Every single item was yummm-mmmy! Tears sprang to my eyes watching LA enjoy rolls, and dressing, and desserts. It's so enjoyable to watch her eat and not be sick afterwards - makes my heart sing. Thank you for that gift, mom!<br />
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Chad and I were very limited on what we could do that week...several trips to Searcy, Beebe and Cabot kept us occupied when we weren't at my mom's house. Unfortunately we weren't able to see any friends :-(, but we did have a really special time with my family. A few days were spent at my dad and Judy's new home and we enjoyed a b-fast at Cracker Barrel the morning we were heading out of town. Lots of football throwing and soccer playing took place in their huge yard...one of the perks of living in the country! The kids always enjoy their time with Papa and Judy - thankful we got to spend quality time with them on their "off" days.<br />
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My Uncle Craig and Lauren drove up from Louisiana to be with us - something we were all grateful for! These two hold a very very special place in my heart. My Uncle calls me on a regular basis to see how me and the family are doing...never misses a birthday...and is the type of man who wants you to KNOW how loved and special you are. Since he left to go back to Louisiana, he's texted and FB mssged me (yep, he's cool like that) to tell me that he's already missing my ragamuffins. I'm deeply blessed to have an uncle as kind and thoughtful as he is. Not only that, but he's just a cool guy. Successful in every area of his life,...vivacious and outgoing...he lives life to the fullest and is optimistic about everything. A total go-getter. He's a good example to me and I have tremendous respect for him. <br />
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And Lauren?...my sweet "baby" cousin. :-) She's grown in to a GORGEOUS young lady who (much like her daddy) is successful at everything she strives for. I couldn't be prouder of her and am so thankful for the time we had last week to visit and catch up. Love you, Lauren!!<br />
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Our tradition of seeing the Twilight movies came to an end this year. Kinda sad! My mom, Lauren and I have had a lot of fun seeing these movies together in the theater each Thanksgiving. Now I guess we'll have to find a new series to get hooked on! </div>
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On our last day there, Chad and I took the kids to Natural Steps Baptist Church. This is where we were married...it's right down the road from Pinnacle Mountain so we let the kids play at the base of the mountain before heading back. </div>
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Overall, it was a great trip! Here's a few snapshots of memories made...</div>
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Thanks, mom for ALL you do. We love you, appreciate you and look forward to next year!! </div>
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Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-35973049790651662642012-09-03T16:41:00.000-07:002012-09-03T16:48:22.470-07:00Turning THREE with Mickey!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwThAOMCUMBtl5xTJ6kTutbB3ce2FmnVk5ax7T2nHhx3tS9hEfmfp2GIarAw7sP98xiOvbrE8030vjfFfD_3qCOCC57EjBZ220gOoUaGbu93TojS9Mzt1hlmtWgchkssXrk6_2/s1600/Scan1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwThAOMCUMBtl5xTJ6kTutbB3ce2FmnVk5ax7T2nHhx3tS9hEfmfp2GIarAw7sP98xiOvbrE8030vjfFfD_3qCOCC57EjBZ220gOoUaGbu93TojS9Mzt1hlmtWgchkssXrk6_2/s640/Scan1.JPG" width="486" /></a></div>
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Our Labor Day was spent at the Polynesian Resort in Orlando. The kids and I went <a href="http://shepandraulyeason.blogspot.com/2008/05/play-date-with-rogers-family-today-i.html">several years ago</a> with a friend of mine from college (we thought of you a lot today, <a href="http://rogersfamilyupdate.blogspot.com/">Hannah</a>!). Our last Character B-fast was very memorable and affordable thanks to Hannah's savvy tips on navigating Disney DIRT CHEAP!! We've been looking forward to an opportunity to return ever since, and Chad and I decided LA's 3rd b-day would be perfect. Dennis, Linda and Jenny joined us which made it so much more fun! I'm so glad we got to experience this as a family!</div>
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I really can't put in to words what a relief it was to travel with Lillie Anna knowing that our travels wouldn't make her sick. Or how much fun it was to watch her eat in a restaurant that went above and beyond to ensure that she had a yummy, well-rounded meal that was completely 100% safe (Disney is AMAZING with grain-free/gluten-free lifestyles!). The Chef came to our table and went over the ingredients that are in their "gluten-free" flour mix and then took notes on foods she enjoys, and proceeded to bring plates of food made special just for her. He even made a plate of steamed vegetables when we told him she loves broccoli. :-) After months of seeing her set apart because of her dietary restrictions, it was truly a gift to know someone was working behind the scenes to help her feel included. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poor Pluto got mauled...Lillie squeezed his neck for quite a while. But, she kissed his nose a lot to make up for it! ;-) </span></div>
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Shep is laughing about the fact that he would have to participate in the parade with Lillie...I'm pretty sure he was saying "Seriously??" to Chad. Because dude...he is waaay too cool for that kind of stuff these days. ;-)</div>
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After breakfast, a parade and time with Lilo & Stitch, Pluto and Mickey, we rode the monorail around the park a few times and then took a ride on the Ferry. The kids ate cupcakes (thanks to "Cookie Momsters" for their awesome grain-free treats!) while we all enjoyed the breeze and then it was time to head back home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYA0C3KwG3ltZClas0iDOGw80Ih9b8DyMCxUkKahmgkO1xw6Wk6-seNp5TfPDcJ1T_v2FQBpWAXNuwdDmYDuYLjj7T6Lnddvura6Y2qylJEVNXi55ng6XvE1d89ecfc68aA-C/s1600/IMG_3969+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYA0C3KwG3ltZClas0iDOGw80Ih9b8DyMCxUkKahmgkO1xw6Wk6-seNp5TfPDcJ1T_v2FQBpWAXNuwdDmYDuYLjj7T6Lnddvura6Y2qylJEVNXi55ng6XvE1d89ecfc68aA-C/s400/IMG_3969+copy.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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Attempt #1 at a family picture....could someone please explain to me why children feel the need to make silly faces, blink their eyes, or slouch in every. single. picture???</div>
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Final attempt at a family picture...it'll do. ;-)</div>
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Have you ever seen an aunt/niece look more alike then these two?? I love that they are twinkies!</div>
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Thanks again Dennis, Linda and Jenny for joining us today and helping to make LA's 3rd birthday extra special! And happy birthday to our spunky bundle of joy! <span style="font-size: large;">We love you, Lillie!!</span></div>
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-34258955997548412532012-08-26T10:43:00.000-07:002012-08-26T10:43:30.930-07:00Week 5 and we're still alive! Tomorrow marks Week 5 of homeschooling....and we're still alive!!! And BONUS - we all still love each other! ;-) And here's the real kicker - my house is actually clean....that is, if you ignore the 3 loads of laundry sitting on my bed waiting to be folded <i>and</i> the 20 pillows in my living room that were used for a landing zone as the kids practiced flying off our fireplace...safety first, right? <div>
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Here are a few snap shots of our mornings...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grammar work in the dining room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rainbow letters....</span>finding fun ways to learn spelling words.<span style="font-size: large;">..</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ-JE-Kqw9CydDe_i1OXPsJwDFq47Z6cmh3NTvn2ZJQpWv0fT5NB_kWtL225_C5t0fnENpkATwkMZNx_Kcfmdo-FPz2-VFL8l-f-1dKX31qss6qifZWlwbUJ5ocdvhMStY6p9/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ-JE-Kqw9CydDe_i1OXPsJwDFq47Z6cmh3NTvn2ZJQpWv0fT5NB_kWtL225_C5t0fnENpkATwkMZNx_Kcfmdo-FPz2-VFL8l-f-1dKX31qss6qifZWlwbUJ5ocdvhMStY6p9/s640/IMG_3870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dictionary work</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apologia Science - learning about our Solar System.</span></div>
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And this may be my favorite thing of the day...History (Story of the World) on c.d. My voice has been going hoarse the past month and after only a few days of reading history, science and bible aloud to them, I realized my voice would never survive the school year. SO, I found our history program on c.d. and the kids have LOVED it. They get comfy on the floor with their books and follow along...while I sip on coffee and listen. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you guess what the kids practice here? ;-p</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this is where I <strike>regain my sanity</strike> do <i>my</i> work. Notice the cup of coffee next to the computer?....I only take a few sips at a time, but that cup is getting refilled all. morning. long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids enjoy a portion of their literature here as well...they're currently being read to by a program called Librivox (check it out - it's awesome!). Swiss Family Robinson fills up our home each morning as the computer reads the book aloud (again...saves my voice!). Oh, and the kids also use the computer to "veg out" for a while after school is done...</span><i>Plants vs. Zombies - <u>such a weird game</u>....do any of your kids like it as much as mine?? I honestly don't understand the draw at all!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So that's our day in a nutshell!! So far so good...</span></div>
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Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-46822935282208424142012-08-26T10:01:00.000-07:002012-08-26T10:01:19.129-07:00Flying the nest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My baby is flying the nest! She starts school tomorrow morning and in prep for that, we attended Orientation last Friday. Our preschool has held a very dear spot in our family's heart the past several years...Shep started there at the age of 3, Rauly was 2, I worked as the Director there and now, it's Lillie's turn to fall in love with the school! </div>
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Her fabulous teacher - Mrs. Frances! Lil's didn't much feel like standing that day, so Mrs. Frances was kind enough to bend down for this picture. As you can see, Lillie was more interested in the book...<br />
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The awesome "do-it-all" 2's/3's Assistant - Mrs. Bergin. We love you, Laura - so glad Lil's will be near you each week!! </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Watch out world - here Lillie Anna comes!!!</span></u></b></div>
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-24976479758682160452012-08-25T17:46:00.001-07:002012-08-25T17:58:23.645-07:00Life is just a tire swing...Tonight was perfect. It was cool and breezy and lovely. I sat on our back patio sipping a glass of wine feeling blissfully content. Facing forward I could hear bursts of laughter and could see my two oldest throwing a football back-n-forth. Pure joy on their faces. If I turned around and peeked through the blinds, I could see my baby...toddler?...almost 3 year old?? (sigh, the years are <em>flying</em>)...sleeping sweetly on our couch. And to the side, charcoal and burgers were permeating the air - such a great smell. Chad had cranked up the grill and I had to sit back in my chair and take a mental snapshot. Truly, life is good. <br />
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And THIS tire swing started it all. <br />
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It's true! I didn't like this house. It fit our family...meaning it was big enough (that was before we got pregnant with Lillie Anna), but it was an older home that needed a lot of TLC. I was kind of "over" giving houses TLC. We had moved more times than I can count and had painted, updated and renovated each time...I felt it was high time we move in to a house that had been given lots of love and care <em>prior</em> to our moving in. ;-) But, the price was right, the size was right and the location was perfect. Still....I just wasn't sure. <br />
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I remember critiquing the outside of this house...walking around and thinking to myself "I just don't know...". And as I was thinking this, the kids sprinted past me to explore the backyard. That's when we heard it. Whoops and hollers and the kind of child-like enthusiasm that's contagious. I hurried to catch up to them and a smile spread across my face as I saw them jumping on this tire swing and screaming over their shoulders "MOM!!! DAD!!! We have to buy this house!!!!". Chad assured me the <strike>swamp</strike> yard had potential....he assured me the house did too. And I trusted him.<br />
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Tonight, I had to chuckle as Chad flung the kids high in to the sky. He was right...they were too. This home has not been my "dream" home, but while living in it, our dreams have seen fruition. We've lived here...truly lived. We've laughed, we've cried...we've fought and we've had peace. We've matured and grown and learned to be content in good times and bad. <br />
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Tearing tree's down, hauling them off and/or burning them, truck-loads of dirt, leveling, hours of planting seed and laying down sod,...yes, I'll admit - this yard has brought me to tears on more than one occasion. And now, I look at our yard and think we probably have one of the best yards in Fleming Island. It was worth it. The sacrifice and work, the time and doubt and the leap of faith was worth it. <em><u><strong>Life</strong></u> is kind of like that</em>. <br />
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It was refreshing to realize my blessings tonight. :-) <br />
<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-8007708758609337312012-07-21T19:59:00.000-07:002012-07-22T15:20:41.643-07:00Eat my bubbles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What'd we do this summer? We swam!...and we swam....and we swam... I love swim team, but more importantly, our KIDS love swim team! I know it might be hard to believe that 8am practices 4 days/weekly and long hot hours spent swimming away every Saturday could possibly be appealing. But here's why I love it: you don't swim to beat your neighbor...you push and you pull and you dive and you give every single ounce of energy and strength and determination that you've got to beat yourSELF. When you finish each race, if you've beat your previous week's time, than you can pat yourself on the back, my friend. </div>
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The above pic is Shep (next to him on the left is one of his best friends, Jake - who just happens to be a strong athlete in every sport, especially swimming!). Shepherd totally rocked it this year! He took 1st place in <i>every</i> Butterfly and Backstroke event in <i>every</i> competition in our District for the U8 age bracket. He improved a lot from last year and it was so much fun to watch him and his friends compete! </div>
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This year, both kids were exceptional, but Rauly blew us out of the water (<i>pun intended</i>). ;-p Last year, she would swim a few strokes, doggy paddle a bit, take time to look around at the girls in the other lanes,...well you get the idea. We'd pretty much decided Swimming may not be Rauly's strong-suit. ;-) But this year, the girl became a swimming machine! Not only did her skill level improve, but her competitive spirit came out too. I'm proud to say she won 1st place in every competition for Backstroke, Butterfly and Freestyle for the U6 age bracket. Way to go, Rauly!!! </div>
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Did I mention Floridians take their swimming seriously?!?! We've got District and State champions on our team, year-round swimmers for Bolles (the school that Olympic hopefuls from our area train with), and people with real heart! The pic below is just some of the families who turned out for Championships today - it was way too hot to traipse around this facility to capture images of everyone on the other side...you get the idea - there were a ton of families involved in today's events! The tents are where we hid from the sun as much as we could for 8 hours today...did I mention it was hot?...really <i>really</i> hot? </div>
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There is just something about the kids on swim team...they're just <i>good </i>kids. Really. There have been many times on a soccer/football field or basketball court where I've been appalled by a child's behavior or poor attitude during a game. But that hasn't happened - <i>not once</i> - at a swim practice or event (not to say it never happens, I've just personally never seen it - and we've been doing this for 3 years now). I'm not quite sure why that is, but I think it has something to do with the time commitment...most parents are not going to sign their child up for this unless they know their child's heart is in it...otherwise, it'd be a miserable experience, and who wants a miserable summer??? The kids formed some strong bonds with several of the children, and have already said they're bummed about swim team coming to an end. </div>
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The U6 Rugrats...Nate, Courtney and Rauly</div>
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Shep and Rauly's #1 fan, Aunt Jenny! Thx for sweating all day with us - you deserve a trophy too!</div>
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Congratulations King Fish on another fantastic summer season - looking forward to seeing you all again in 2013!!!</div>
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<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-66378632460318817312012-07-19T12:16:00.000-07:002012-07-19T12:16:13.677-07:00...life's a dance you learn as you go...<em>...don't worry about what you don't know...lifes a dance you learn as you go..</em><br />
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Oh how I wish life could be that easy<u>..."don't worry about what you don't know".</u> This statement is something I can't do. I can't <em>not</em> worry about what I don't know anymore. Everywhere I go I worry about what Lillie is eating. Worry worry worry. <br />
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This week has been hard (as in, bang-your-head-in-to-a-wall hard). Lillie started acting like she was coming down with a "cycle" this past Thursday...we now know her "cycles" aren't cycles at all, but her bodies way of reacting to gluten. The only thing is, I've been really strict with her diet and couldn't think of anything that might cause her to react that way. So, I swept my concerns under a rug and kept moving forward. But, Friday evening she began getting violently ill...waking up in vomit, horrible accidents, sensitivity to light, lethargic, food not digesting at. all. ...all the same symptoms. I knew. I didn't want to admit it to myself, but I knew. But, because this is life and well, life is just <em>rarely</em> black and white, Shep got sick on Monday. Followed by Rauly and I being sick on Wednesday. It was mild compared to what Lil's had been dealing with for 5 days straight, and our symptoms only lasted for 12 hours or so, but still...it left me scratching my head and thinking maybe this was all just a stomach bug?? However, day 6 and Lil's is still sick. And I know...I just know. She's reacting to something she's eating. Probably she had a stomach bug at some point, but everything about this week has screamed "cycle" to me.<br />
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So, back to researching and sure enough, I confirmed what I already knew. Our family has to give up the last grain I've allowed in the house.<strong> Rice</strong>. Wheat contains 67% gluten...corn contains 55% gluten...rice...sweet wonderful rice...contains <em>only</em> 5% gluten. I have hoped against hope that Lil's could stomach rice. There's all kinds of "traditional gluten free" food that contains rice...frozen waffles, frozen pizza's, crackers, kid-friendly cereals and an assortment of snacks...Rice has made this transition SO MUCH easier to bear. And I'll admit that I cried a nasty cry this afternoon as I accepted the fact that our family is going to have to say goodbye to all these foods that have made Lillie feel more normal...and have made my life so much easier. <br />
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After less than 10 hours of me cutting out all grain from her diet today, she has improved drastically. No bad diapers, no vomiting, no gagging, no stomach cramps, no sensitivity to light (which means no migraines)...it's amazing and heart breaking all at the same time as it confirms my suspicions.<br />
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People, I don't cook. Food has never been something I've focused on...maybe I'm too adhd?..maybe I'm too lazy?...I'd eat frozen pizza or cereal for every meal if I could get away with it! I've come a loooong way since this journey began, but I still have a looooong way to go! So the realization of having to shop, prepare and cook grain-free meals that will interest 3 kids and their plethora of friends for the next two decades scares the bejeebers outa' me! I so badly want to pass this burden on to someone else...like say, someone who maybe enjoys cooking??... (hey, I never claimed to be a saint!). <br />
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Some of you might be thinking that these ramblings are over-dramatic and maybe even a bit selfish, but before you pass judgement, <em>you</em> try cooking grain-free for a family of 5 in a <em>grain filled society,</em> <em>you</em> try telling your children they can never eat at McD's or Chick-Fil-A, or Domino's or the Loop again (or at least they can never eat their when they're with their lil' sister)<em>...you</em> try cooking meal after meal only to have your kids turn their noses up at you and say "thx mom, but I'm actually not hungry" when you know that meal they don't like cost you $30 bucks and lots of time to prep and cook...do all that<em>,</em> and<em> then</em> get back with me.<br />
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This is life for us now. Below you can see us at a friends gathering - these are all the kids (including Shep and Rauly) eating normal food...just chips, crackers and salsa (normal stuff that 4 months ago we were eating every day). And below is Lillie Anna...eating her seperate food (<em>which incidentally is rice crackers which I now have to elimate from her diet</em>) at the opposite end of the table by herself. She's adjusted really well...she picks up popcorn off the floor at the movie theater, holds it up and says "momma, this hurt my tummy?". I trust that she won't try to sneak foods any more, or cry when I tell her she can't have something she sees her friends eating,...but let me just state this frankly...as a mom, seeing your child seperated like that, sucks! <br />
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I know I sound frustrated, and honestly, I am. I'm frustrated my sweet little girl is having to deal with this. But then I remember her name...Lillie. We named her after the lilies in the field. And I hear God whispering to me that He loves my little girl. And I believe that. And I'm grateful that she's able to eat good, nutritious food and that there is an abundance of vegetables and fruits and meats and nuts that she can tolerate. Truly, I'm grateful for that. </div>
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I've been told that accepting a gluten free/grain free lifestyle can take years.<em> "Life's a dance we learn as we go...".</em> My heart is heavy, but I'm thankful for the fact that Lil's has a bright future and a healthy diet we can follow. <u><strong>Prayers please</strong></u> as I move forward...prayers for a renewed spirit and a zest for cooking! </div>
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<br /></div>Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-29038619997852688962012-07-16T10:27:00.001-07:002012-07-16T10:27:24.249-07:00Playing catch-up...<em>I know I'm way behind on blog posts, but since I print my blog, I want to make sure and record some of the special things we've done this summer. Which leads me to our Portland trip...I had to take a few pics from FB since my mom still has all the pics from our trip. </em><br />
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<strong>“To be one's self, and unafraid whether right or wrong, is more admirable than the easy cowardice of surrender to conformity.” </strong><br />
<strong>― Irving Wallace</strong> <br />
<br />This is what I found in Portland, OR. A very large group of individuals who are striving with all their might NOT to conform...to be unique...to be who they're meant to be. This fact left my jaw dropped, and me saying "huh" on a very consistent basis. I think I tilted my head, squinted my eyes (as if that would help me to better understand) and remarked "that's interesting" about 20x a day. But I have to admit, I was really impressed with all the people who do their own thing in that town - there's a lot of very cool, interesting (in a good way!) and creative Portlandians!!<br />
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Fleming Island and Portland...you couldn't find two more different cities! While Florida is manicured and clean, Oregon is wild and untouched. The beauty of Oregon takes my breath away and I found myself while in the plane and in the car just gazing out in to the horizon...soaking in the forests of Evergreens and the snowcapped mountains. Below is Mount Hood...you can see Mount Hood from pretty much anywhere in Portland - it's a breathtaking site!<br />
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Below is images of Mount Tabor...an inactive volacano which is about 5 miles from Jacob's house. These steps are a popular cardio work-out for people in this area...my Nannie (my moms sis) runs them on a regular basis. She's one tough cookie! And the boy on the skate board?...I'm pretty sure he nearly killed us as we were making our way down the mountain. Skate boarding is a fun pass time on this mountain, but walkers beware!!!</div>
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Gigi and Rauly bonded over nails, see-saws, Go-Fish!, and of course, sweet lil' Oliver Ryu!</div>
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There was a lot of loungin' and relaxin' and lovin' on Oliver and Amelia!</div>
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This pic was taken just a few days ago...had to include it, Oliver looks adorable!</div>
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We got to experience several neat parts of Portland while we were there. Thursday we took Amelia to the zoo, and on Friday we went to Cannon Beach. It was windy, cold and GORGEOUS!! Rauly couldn't get over the differences in Florida's beaches and Oregon's beaches...ours are flat and HOT while Oregons are mountainous and FRIGID! Rauly was bummed we didn't swim, but she put one toe in that water and yelped. lol!!<br />
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Jacob and I got to spend one evening together - just the two of us! He took me to an annual event in Portland called "Last Thursday". This was my introduction to the weird side of Portland. Below are a few of the sites we saw. The weirdness factor did NOT dissapoint! <br />
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We had one evening at my cousins house. Justin, his wife Adrienne, and their daughters Callie and Zuma. Such a fun-loving family - it was a great night! I had to take this first pic from Facebook - it shows how much fun they are. Seriously, you can't be in Justin's presense without laughing so hard you cry! </div>
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Nannie and Zuma</div>
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Rauly and Amelia</div>
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Rauly and Callie </div>
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Again, had to steal this pic from FB. So here's my cousin, Brook! We got to spend a few nights with him - such a good guy. Love you Brookie-poo! I've said this before, but I grew up surrounded by guys who made me feel loved through-n-through and I thank my lucky stars for Justin and Brook and the way they looked out for me when we were kids. You couldn't find two more loyal guys!!</div>
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Our last morning there, John and Akiko came to visit (Kate's parents) and we enjoyed a b-fast together. Kate let Rauly help her cook...one of the many reasons I adore Kate...she's incredibly laid back and seems to have never ending patience with the kids. Rauly pretty much thinks she hangs the moon. :-) </div>
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<strong> Thanks again Jacob and Kate for a wonderful stay with your family and we look forward to our next trip!</strong></div>
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<br /></div>Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-43468719127012466732012-06-22T07:59:00.000-07:002012-06-22T07:59:06.284-07:00Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRt9fUyR2D7QizWjbQWihYnqBXlxEBQp5FMbYS5CED47m-n49x8vqSWPpwC38nDYItNKqKdUxjYyAsgqhPrMmD-h4lftALETDj5VO42DweT0Ow06Qr73pXovACwY_TIBz0paV/s1600/summer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRt9fUyR2D7QizWjbQWihYnqBXlxEBQp5FMbYS5CED47m-n49x8vqSWPpwC38nDYItNKqKdUxjYyAsgqhPrMmD-h4lftALETDj5VO42DweT0Ow06Qr73pXovACwY_TIBz0paV/s400/summer.JPG" /></a><br />
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When in Florida, do as the Floridans do. Swim. Lillie is treadin' water like a baby fish, while Shep and Rauly are attacking it with every fiber of their being in swim team. I was hoarse after watching their first competition last weekend - it occured to me at one point that screaming is pointless as our children's heads are under water practically the entire time their racing...but, that was a fleeting thought as I realize they are looking at ME each time they lift their heads for a breath and gosh-darn't, you'd better believe they're gonna see their momma cheerin' them on with every fiber of my being as they give it all they've got! <br />
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After two weeks of parenting solo I've gone a bit bonkers. We've been going non-stop between all the kids activities and I'll confess to having put the kids in the backyard once or twice and locking the door to get a few moments of QUIET! It's amazing what just 5 minutes of peace can do for a fried brain. But when they start plastering their faces on the windows and banging to be let back in, I sigh, square my shoulders and let the <strike>little monsters</strike> sweet angels back in to the air conditioning. <br />
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Wednesday needed a little bit of lazy...we still did swim team at the butt-crack of dawn (sorry...my southern slang comes out every now and then), but when we got back home, we got back in our p.j.'s and watched t.v. for hours and hours. Vegetation. It was pure awesomeness! <br />
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<i>Remember how I said I was going a bit crazy?...</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ISYvXQXcTvCd8cv9ukcqn1taMl1VtlNMXapS8TMUd_j3METEJKLSeHHvbWFn76CTOy8FJERDUi7eX37kBjel4ZddEK61ZQaw9Kfulk76CKzKWtKNjFAqB3z08GQ11PNslsuI/s1600/summerb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ISYvXQXcTvCd8cv9ukcqn1taMl1VtlNMXapS8TMUd_j3METEJKLSeHHvbWFn76CTOy8FJERDUi7eX37kBjel4ZddEK61ZQaw9Kfulk76CKzKWtKNjFAqB3z08GQ11PNslsuI/s400/summerb.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>Day at the Zoo with the Graston's. As I'm typing this, Rauly just brought me a necklace made out of paper clips...ah, summertime...</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoIRU6jh3luBcoUqb7RzA3PbUePBG2tXJtDmULZMstUMJvpCiheGyCKwOHFVKufUKidPxbYuSDb-9MvkcKSlIw0meOjQQrMFkK4ziwkipqCbxJEN8U6hPfIteR_C3ciErKBwR/s1600/summerd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoIRU6jh3luBcoUqb7RzA3PbUePBG2tXJtDmULZMstUMJvpCiheGyCKwOHFVKufUKidPxbYuSDb-9MvkcKSlIw0meOjQQrMFkK4ziwkipqCbxJEN8U6hPfIteR_C3ciErKBwR/s400/summerd.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>This is how my first born wakes up. Every morning. Chirpy. Perky. <strike>Annoying.</strike> I love him. ;-) </i><br />
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Chad has been gone for two weeks now. He came home for a few hours on Sunday, and between laundry, cleaning and work that he needed to do, he still managed to connect with me and the kids. I had planned a date night for us that night, but about 30 minutes before our babysitter arrived, he realized his trailer had a flat tire. My heart sunk as I knew that meant I'd need to cancel our date night, but Chad refused to do that...he knew we both needed time together (away from the kids). And so he and his dad worked it out and I think Dennis sprouted Angel wings that night. He replaced our flat tire while we were sitting in a restaraunt holding hands...seriously...Dennis became a saint in my eyes and certainely deserves the "Best Father" award. <i>(Thank you Dennis for blessing us in that way on FATHER'S DAY! We love you!)!! </i><br />
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<i>Now, come home already Chad - we miss you!!! </i><br />
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And this is what our dining room looks like. Curriculum, books, binders. Can you guess what that means?...do you care?...no? ;-) We've decided to homeschool this Fall. Shep and Rauly are ecstatic. Is it possible to feel excited and terrified all at once?...cause' those two feelings pretty much sum it up for me. Between all our activities this summer, I haven't had much time to focus on the upcoming school year so I decided to plop all our curriculum out, thinking that would force me to make time for it. Hasn't happened yet. Although seeing the books each time I walk by the room is helping me to wrap my around what's coming...ready or not! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm2ZR0cY-r3T6cDLr5LgM9Pk7CXMglk9KLzxVheH9h1vVoQma11B5y3-pz9WKBGmB3WgK4lvLKJMASDRJO1YoVSmVPEg7UI9b5sqmLBDJuNyeAbobA01b0YI8PPFzIYgEmxDW/s1600/summere.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm2ZR0cY-r3T6cDLr5LgM9Pk7CXMglk9KLzxVheH9h1vVoQma11B5y3-pz9WKBGmB3WgK4lvLKJMASDRJO1YoVSmVPEg7UI9b5sqmLBDJuNyeAbobA01b0YI8PPFzIYgEmxDW/s400/summere.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>I'm a dork...this kind of stuff makes my heart speed up with excitement. :-) </i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIFqMYEeThXxZ625-vq83NKrDB7PEP1yZzK6dXqy4g9lYIWVNA5EG85Z13Kzltnn-Cw3kcSxj0uq1VQIcd5bJ9F7NucpCpLBhcHfyHUbQyCsXGJDRn52RgkYwzOFM2wpB7T4i/s1600/summerf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIFqMYEeThXxZ625-vq83NKrDB7PEP1yZzK6dXqy4g9lYIWVNA5EG85Z13Kzltnn-Cw3kcSxj0uq1VQIcd5bJ9F7NucpCpLBhcHfyHUbQyCsXGJDRn52RgkYwzOFM2wpB7T4i/s400/summerf.JPG" /></a><br />
<i>And I'm ridiculously boxed in...I love tabs, organization and schedules in charts...it's the little things that make my heart sing.</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuLO7bPDgC3p_G-4FY1rG4EjmyEmpFNiFToecX6FSLI7xRPE9brxJIx-bVCZygbS9CD5WaZby7CIjeXPA_yASMm5SGkcGRIxKX-wqzU2ZKVlZjWRwcuhgHmDTSCeWxXL_TGpx/s1600/summerg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuLO7bPDgC3p_G-4FY1rG4EjmyEmpFNiFToecX6FSLI7xRPE9brxJIx-bVCZygbS9CD5WaZby7CIjeXPA_yASMm5SGkcGRIxKX-wqzU2ZKVlZjWRwcuhgHmDTSCeWxXL_TGpx/s400/summerg.JPG" /></a><br />
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Playdates, Basketball, 3v3 soccer, Camp, swim team, lazy-hazy-crazy summer days...that's us in a nutshell. <br />
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OH, and did I mention I have a new nephew?? I will be loving on him in Portland,OR in approximately 4 days, 10 hours and 20 minutes. But who's counting? ;-) <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz7MMhD9SbdOrABECyvIUGKsXKF2Ixp3j0jaZyl9dZw_xI97uEEuaQZKwmZQZ-IZZS2AY1nfjxv41TKYB2f08eIeR2UH-BYvF0JCUZ-9VQ-TUIEkt5UPsZf4COEvkNqDuivtC/s1600/summerh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz7MMhD9SbdOrABECyvIUGKsXKF2Ixp3j0jaZyl9dZw_xI97uEEuaQZKwmZQZ-IZZS2AY1nfjxv41TKYB2f08eIeR2UH-BYvF0JCUZ-9VQ-TUIEkt5UPsZf4COEvkNqDuivtC/s400/summerh.JPG" /></a>Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-89661555178756423732012-06-15T06:35:00.002-07:002012-06-15T06:35:35.777-07:00<i>For the sense of smell, almost more than any other, has the power to recall memories and it is a pity that we use it so little. </i>– Rachel Carson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnODMTn5FEBaQMh5f3dEwT7wJ3yR2ZVBR0FmJu3_rEjjyXsqXQ_914FE4CYeuNveB6g6hD_zvxrnm_P6DdNVb5omiE-1OxpaZR2s8NEvgwAlZWHP1ComEFqaPNYhTE50ocSbDQ/s1600/Ivory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnODMTn5FEBaQMh5f3dEwT7wJ3yR2ZVBR0FmJu3_rEjjyXsqXQ_914FE4CYeuNveB6g6hD_zvxrnm_P6DdNVb5omiE-1OxpaZR2s8NEvgwAlZWHP1ComEFqaPNYhTE50ocSbDQ/s400/Ivory.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have found myself lately needing the comfort of home. I've been desperate for the familiar and missing the time when I could curl up in my Papa's lap and know someone with bigger and stronger hands was in charge. <br />
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One night this week I ran in to CVS to pick up a few toiletry items and while I was quickly scanning the aisles for what I needed, I remembered I needed soap. So, I jogged to the soap aisle (I had a babysitter at home with my kids and time is money people!), and quickly began picking up packages of soap to smell (yes, the best smelling one is the one I always snag). Dial, Dove, Caress...nope, nope, nope. But then a package stopped me in my tracks. I smelled again. And again and again. Tears filled my eyes and I immediately turned to make my purchase. Ivory Soap took me down memory lane. <br />
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Delight. Comfort. Safety. Love...lots and lots of love. Those are a few of the emotions I felt each time my moms car pulled in to my grandparents Louisiana driveway. And like a black and white video reel, my memory pulls up short visions...my Maumi whispering softly to me in french, her delicate manicured fingers reaching out to pat my arm as she lay weakly in her hospital bed. My Mimi's boistorous and gravelly laughter floating through her house always origonating from the kitchen. The wonder and awe I felt each time I tip-toed through my Mimi's elegant sitting room...the ornate french furniture that I would run my fingers over. Easter Eggs hunts in the front yard, giggling with cousins who I believed truly hung the moon, and wishing we would never leave. I remember my Uncle Craig and our cousins bringing a barrel of crawfish and the excitement in knowing the most fun and lively party was about to start. Bright red nail polish, the sweet endearment "Sha" being spoken each time my name was called, and endless smiles between me and my Papa. <br />
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But one of my most special memories was crawling in to my Mimi and Papa's beautiful old bath tub and being washed with Ivory Soap. There was something magical and safe about that soap...and when I smell it, all is right in the world. <br />
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I miss my Mimi so much it hurts at times...she was one of my best friends. And since her passing, our family has scattered a bit. She was like the glue that held everyone together. I miss her laughter, I miss her joy and I miss her cajun cookin'! ;-) I miss her bright red lip stick and watching her limp around the kitchen. I miss seeing her Danielle Steel books lying around the living room and hearing her call out "Jaaay!" (my Papa's name) when she needed something. She will always be one of my greatest memories in this life and I'm incredibly proud of the fact that Rauly Marie will forever carry her name with her. <br />
<br />
I hope one day my life will impact my grandchildren just as much as my Mimi did me. And I hope Ivory soap never goes out of stock. :-) <br />
<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-73771623777140876392012-05-26T10:39:00.001-07:002012-05-26T10:39:44.278-07:00Dancing Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-qoBCC18RDBTF1Afpk1x4uo-MXdv8cKbhfgOpLYk5f4t4nXx72XiSnUatZuUVpC8WDNVBJdGs5XuDm-R8Xmr8nh38Vs8d_r_hDfpBedANmWhbkhdWEsQsCsoN6dM298sNuOn/s1600/IMG_3702+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-qoBCC18RDBTF1Afpk1x4uo-MXdv8cKbhfgOpLYk5f4t4nXx72XiSnUatZuUVpC8WDNVBJdGs5XuDm-R8Xmr8nh38Vs8d_r_hDfpBedANmWhbkhdWEsQsCsoN6dM298sNuOn/s400/IMG_3702+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This morning was Rauly's Dance Rehearsal (her performance is this evening). This being our first year in the midst of dance culture, neither of us knew what to expect...so we held hands as we walked up to the big building with bright lights and bling/glitter galore. We searched for the cluster of matching costumes and set about getting make-up, hair and shoes ready. And while she giggled and warmed-up with her adorable girlfriends, I stared. I was literally choked-up all morning long just looking at my beautiful girl! Where have the years gone?...when did she develop in to this lovely young lady? I struggled with guilt this morning as it hit me like a freight train that I am NOT making enough time for Rauly-girl -something I plan to correct. <br />
<br />
Anywhoo, eventually I was ushered in to the auditorium to watch all of the groups of girls rehearse. And let me tell ya', you know you're hormonal when every single dance routine filled with girls you don't even know makes you cry - thank heavens it was pitch black so nobody could see me drying my eyes! I had to keep reminding myself after each performance that this is NOT a soccer game or swim meet...you do NOT whistle or shout after a ballerina bows...you clap politely. Did I mention we're new to the dance scene? ;-) <br />
<br />
<br />
Stephanie and Rauly<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGZA5IW6QedHKron53Ol9FO7bZFDNBB_u-wPUzZJuWHdHwd-jETKVBc9M2vEl1dqmj1ajw1KYeQoYL-XMNz-KFLvZH2XeSxPoqJbYWC0NFan6akaTPMtvjqtNuYgYAJuZzbPo/s1600/IMG_3694+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGZA5IW6QedHKron53Ol9FO7bZFDNBB_u-wPUzZJuWHdHwd-jETKVBc9M2vEl1dqmj1ajw1KYeQoYL-XMNz-KFLvZH2XeSxPoqJbYWC0NFan6akaTPMtvjqtNuYgYAJuZzbPo/s400/IMG_3694+copy.jpg" /></a></div>Makenna, Hayden, Stephanie and Rauly - friends since preschool<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXh5tG5HwFtwSj9vbyNzB6R8DASXN2Hs3TkIf5P7-psLL9fRyuAAhCJfEnI4mXGUN4Vy0vzynJyTP1Pvgy5NYbgH6jblQbtJHnCI-EXz2fFBbfFG4LeYkMf0-PhWVuYVVgoS7/s1600/IMG_3697+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="254" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXh5tG5HwFtwSj9vbyNzB6R8DASXN2Hs3TkIf5P7-psLL9fRyuAAhCJfEnI4mXGUN4Vy0vzynJyTP1Pvgy5NYbgH6jblQbtJHnCI-EXz2fFBbfFG4LeYkMf0-PhWVuYVVgoS7/s400/IMG_3697+copy.jpg" /></a></div>Practicing a bow :-) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UX6sX73_FAwtv_7QZx5Zaoki0-LvEaK-tz8WBSLTY8QLhv1zqxao3n9zWTmVCIEy8ZkpX3jBxfBNLJ-ozPcmSWNrvhlgXQrLxhHCzACYFLvoNXXzW_RSAsirN9CEmlM-GM-8/s1600/IMG_3698+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="294" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UX6sX73_FAwtv_7QZx5Zaoki0-LvEaK-tz8WBSLTY8QLhv1zqxao3n9zWTmVCIEy8ZkpX3jBxfBNLJ-ozPcmSWNrvhlgXQrLxhHCzACYFLvoNXXzW_RSAsirN9CEmlM-GM-8/s400/IMG_3698+copy.jpg" /></a></div>Rauly and Makenna are church buddies and now, dance buddies. :-) Sweet girls!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VsvgHTcOJiNK7MSI0ibMJzcAkX7oBpSHAawkoMq4tNKR_Sya9DO1JUUm1dmH893JbJV_UBLsKmdol6zZpYb87gLPPk2mWhF_cemxjVfuZru4GG5MsPjimp9DLDixZ2Ige8Dr/s1600/photo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VsvgHTcOJiNK7MSI0ibMJzcAkX7oBpSHAawkoMq4tNKR_Sya9DO1JUUm1dmH893JbJV_UBLsKmdol6zZpYb87gLPPk2mWhF_cemxjVfuZru4GG5MsPjimp9DLDixZ2Ige8Dr/s400/photo+copy.jpg" /></a></div>That right there...my heart. Love her dearly and am so proud of her!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFAOLkCItcHRg9wUi8sQixIE0diaRlm0c6iXWSwCh3o2mBWefjGTDX4INmQqkxJW2bdQIdNip2Q2fcqMjANRVXBxAATb1dRAepztnDf-rjroeGUcRA2j3NM3v_bbvFXl8L5Qg/s1600/photoa+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFAOLkCItcHRg9wUi8sQixIE0diaRlm0c6iXWSwCh3o2mBWefjGTDX4INmQqkxJW2bdQIdNip2Q2fcqMjANRVXBxAATb1dRAepztnDf-rjroeGUcRA2j3NM3v_bbvFXl8L5Qg/s400/photoa+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-13273001263286722662012-05-25T08:02:00.000-07:002012-05-25T08:02:40.969-07:00Mystery solved?Moms and Dads, you do realize you are your child's best advocate, right?<br />
<br />
We got our first round of answers yesterday and I've been in a bit of a funk ever since...it's good to have answers, but some answers are hard to swallow. We have an appointment scheduled to see a Geneticist at Nemours on May 30'th - this appt was scheduled about 6 months ago and we were unable to push it up. <br />
<br />
<i>**A side note, I requested our GI doctor move this appt up, as I felt in my spirit that THIS was where we'd get answers...but he assured me that Lillie had "CVS" and that he had only scheduled this appt as a precaution...that he did NOT believe AT ALL that she had any genetic predisposition towards anything. In an effort to not be "that mom"...ya know, the one who is annoying and pushy and claims she knows more than her doctor, I said ok and dropped the issue.** <br />
<br />
Hmmm...nope, sorry, not done ranting. Do you all know that "CVS" is a diagnosis they give you when they've exhausted all other tests and basically have NO STINKIN' CLUE what is wrong with you?? Seeing as how genetic testing had not taken place, I feel as if it was irresponsible NOT to push up this genetic testing and completely inaccurate to diagnose Lillie with "CVS" when our doctor had no way of knowing that <i>without</i> pursuing genetic testing. Grrrrr. (Insert a short scream from me...slightly better now...) Ok...I'm done.<br />
<br />
....grrrr....no, I'm not done. This same doctor (who I honestly think is a good man and is doing his best with the knowledge he has) told me that it would do Lillie no. good. to change her diet. I asked him multiple times at multiple appointments if he could offer any nutritional/dietary advice, to which he had none. The ONLY reason we took grain out of her diet, was because of an inner nudging (thank you God) and hours of research that pointed to grain-free diets assisting in intestinal healing. I would've done this 2 years ago had I been told by ANY medical professional that it would help us. Again...you. are. your. child's. best. advocate.</i> <br />
<br />
Needless to say, Chad and I didn't want to wait for May 30th and moved forward with Enterolab in Dallas,Tx to find out for ourselves if she carried genes for Celiac and Gluten Senstivity.<br />
**************************************************************************************************************************<br />
<i>Date: 5/24/2012<br />
<br />
Name: Eason, Lillie<br />
DOB: 8/31/2009<br />
<br />
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test<br />
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0201 <br />
<br />
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0301 <br />
<br />
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 2,3 (Subtype 2,7)<br />
<br />
Interpretation Of HLA-DQ Testing:<b> HLA-DQB1 gene analysis reveals that you have one of the main genes that predisposes to gluten sensitivity and celiac sprue, HLA-DQB1*0201 or HLA-DQB1*0302.</b> Each of your offspring has a 50% chance of receiving this gene from you, and at least one of your parents passed it to you. <b>You also have a non-celiac gene predisposing to gluten sensitivity (any DQ1, DQ2 not by HLA-DQB1*0201, or DQ3 not by HLA-DQB1*0302). Having one celiac gene and one gluten sensitive gene, means that each of your parents, and all of your children (if you have them) will possess at least one copy of a gluten sensitive gene. Having two copies also means there is an even stronger predisposition to gluten sensitivity than having one gene and the resultant immunologic gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may be more severe. </b>This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the American Red Cross - Northeast Division. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.</i><br />
<br />
<i>For more information about result interpretation, please see http://www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/FaqResult.aspx <br />
<br />
Stool analysis performed and/or supervised by: Frederick Ogunji, Ph.D., EnteroLab<br />
Molecular Gene Analysis performed by: American Red Cross<br />
Interpretation of all results by: Kenneth D. Fine, M.D., EnteroLab</i><br />
*******************************************************************************************************************<br />
<br />
We received her results yesterday (see above in italics). Lo and behold, she carries genes for Celiac AND Gluten Sensitivity. Am I allowed to say "told ya so"? From what I understand, this means Chad or I (or both) carry these genes and we passed them down to her. We've been encouraged at this point to test both Shepherd and Rauly as it is very possible that one or both of them carry the genes as well. <br />
<br />
<i>Does it make me a bad parent or person that after the kids got in bed, I asked Chad to go to Five Guys and order a hamburger with a big side of cajun fries?? We locked our bedroom door, poured ourselves a glass of wine, enjoyed our first "fast food meal" in 6 weeks while we discussed the results and quietly mourned our love of gluten! Seriously, this is going to be DANG HARD to give up!!!!!!!!! Holy guacomole...I love bread. Really. It's pathetic. wimper wimper and big ol' sigh. Ok. Getting back on track....<br />
</i><br />
<br />
It is possible to carry the gene but not have any problems...basically carrying the genes means you are "pre-disposed" to develop Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity. However, if you are currently reactive to gluten, (as we believe Lillie is), than gluten = poison. It is not something you can occasionally eat without very real short-term and long-term consequences. It is not something you outgrow (like a dairy or peanut allergy)...this is something she will carry with her for the rest of her life. <br />
<br />
<br />
What could happen if she WERE to rebel and decide she wants to eat Chick-Fil-A, Macaroni Grill and Pizza Hut or just plain ol' normal wheat bread on a consistent basis? Infertility, cancer of the intestines, severe anemia, osteoporosis, decline in dental health, diabetes, neurological disorders, not to mention the immediate discomfort of vomiting and diahrea that she's been experiencing these past two years, etc, etc, etc. My point?...Gluten-Free may currently be a "fad diet" but it is NOT a "fad-disease or illness" and she will need to take this very seriously...which means our entire family will need to as well. <br />
<br />
So what's the next step? The only way to 100% confirm that she has celiac is to do an Endoscopy - <b>something we will not be doing. </b>Chad and I both feel this is unnecessary at this time. We will however be doing a "gluten/dairy/soy/egg" panel that will test to see if she is currently showing sensitivities to any of those four food groups...I'd be willing to bet a million buckaroos that the gluten will come back positive. Any takers? ;-) We will also be moving forward with further genetic testing on May 30th at Nemours. <br />
<br />
Thank you for your prayers these past two years...it seems we've finally solved the mystery. And thank you in advance for the support in the years to come. <br />
<br />
These articles are for family (and friends if you'd like to read them) who need more info. :-)<br />
<br />
http://glutenfreenetwork.com/faqs/symptoms-treatments/gluten-intolerance-symptoms-how-do-you-know-if-gluten-is-making-you-sick/<br />
<br />
http://www.foodrenegade.com/the-rise-of-gluten-intolerance/Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-13850355096116883962012-05-10T03:39:00.000-07:002012-05-10T03:39:01.408-07:00We go together, like rama lama lama...The day went by in a blur...water proof mascara, hair curlers, nail polish, a white dress, photographs, a few winks from the ushers (my soon-to-be-husbands best friends), and a whole bunch of tummy flutters. I held my dads arm in anticipation right before the doors opened. And I walked down that aisle with a smile a mile wide...I truly felt as if the people in that church building had never been happier for anyone. Because I was the lucky one! I had found a man far better than I thought I deserved. Chad Eason. My husband. My protector. My best friend. <br />
<br />
Nancy Chandler sang along with the rest of Joyful Noise, Dennis Eason prayed over us, and Jim Woodell presented us to the audience while the choir sang "...come in to his presence singing Alleluia...". It was perfect. We walked down the aisle and might as well have floated off in to the sky in a cherry red convertible like Sandy and Danny in Grease...everyone waved goodbye as my heart soared high to the sky. :-) It was a day I will forever hold in my heart. <br />
<br />
Well, the story didn't end that day. :-) 10 years of life happenings have gone by...wow! Chad has been an incredible testament to the power of the fruits of the spirit. He's made me laugh and feel joy when I was ready to spit nails...he's spoken words of peace over me in times of very real anxiousness and emotional pain. He's been forgiving and patient, kind and good. He's taught me that men can be faithful. Chad has been a tangible life long lesson in how much God loves me. And I like to think that God thought Chad needed me too. ;-) <br />
<br />
Happy 10th Anniversary to my breakfast makin', football coachin', joke tellin', mess makin' ;-p, totally awesome husband - I love you! <br />
<br />
We go together like<br />
rama lama lama <br />
ke ding a de dinga a dong<br />
remembered for ever like<br />
shoo bop shoo wadda wadda yipitty boom de boom<br />
<br />
<br />
Chang chang chang-it-ty chang <br />
shoo-bop<br />
That's the way it should be<br />
Wha oooh yeah!<br />
<br />
[All]<br />
We're one of a kind<br />
Like dip di-dip di-dip<br />
Doo-bop a doo-bee doo<br />
Our names are signed<br />
Boog-e-dy boog-e-dy boog-e-dy <br />
boog-e-dy <br />
Shoo-by doo-wop she-bop<br />
Chang chang chang-it-ty chang <br />
shoo-bop<br />
<br />
We'll always be like one<br />
Wa-wa-wa-waaa!<br />
<br />
When we go out at night<br />
And stars are shinin' bright<br />
Up in the skies above<br />
Or at the high school dance<br />
Where you can find romance<br />
Maybe it might be lo-oh oh oh-oh oh-ove<br />
<br />
Ra-ma la-ma la-ma ka ding a da ding de dong<br />
Shoo-bop sha wad-da wad-da yipp-it-y boom de boom<br />
Chang chang chang-it-ty chang shoo-bop<br />
Dip da-dip da-dip doo-wop da doo-bee doo<br />
Boog-e-dy boog-e-dy boog-e-dy boog-ed-y <br />
Shoo-by doo-wop she-bop<br />
Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na yip-pit-y boom de boom<br />
Ra-ma la-ma la-ma ka ding-a de ding de dong<br />
Shoo-bop sha wad-da wad-da yipp-it-y boom de boom<br />
Chang chang chang-it-ty chang shoo-bop<br />
Dip da-dip da-dip doo-wop da doo-bee doo<br />
Boog-e-dy boog-e-dy boog-e-dy boog-e-dy <br />
shoo-by doo-wop she-bop<br />
Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na yip-pit-ty boom de boom<br />
<br />
<br />
A wop ba-ba lu-mop<br />
<br />
<br />
A wop bam boom<br />
<br />
We're for each other like <br />
A wop ba-ba lu-mop and wop bam boom<br />
Just like my brother is <br />
Sha na na na na na yip-pit-y dip de boom<br />
Chang chang chang-it-ty chang shoo-bop<br />
We'll always be together <br />
Wha oooh yeah!<br />
We'll always, be together <br />
We'll always be together<br />
We'll always be together [End here or fade out]<br />
A wop ba-ba lu-mop a wop bam boom! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-45769271969601635752012-05-09T08:20:00.000-07:002012-05-09T08:20:42.871-07:00Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive!We've been <i>nearly </i>100% gluten free, dairy free and sugar free, (LA can add Grain free to that too), for almost 4 weeks now. Am I allowed to toot my family's horn for actually making it this far? Toot-toot! :-) <br />
<br />
And look at this beautiful girl....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgCiL4xkVs-QiyyYwrh7FQjA5e2w3NdFsrIW7F1mgMq5p6gxpNIhOz6TgnLMggEDCkn8cKkA31d7Vo7vjkSCZw3zbAWo-4Ihkn797N6waMRd8yu1oTtsiO4ialX-eaWaUaT8F/s1600/IMG_3654+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgCiL4xkVs-QiyyYwrh7FQjA5e2w3NdFsrIW7F1mgMq5p6gxpNIhOz6TgnLMggEDCkn8cKkA31d7Vo7vjkSCZw3zbAWo-4Ihkn797N6waMRd8yu1oTtsiO4ialX-eaWaUaT8F/s400/IMG_3654+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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...she's practically beaming with health! She's not perfect...she's had a few gagging bouts and a few bad diapers over the past month. But, TONS better and we're incredibly encouraged and hopeful. <br />
<br />
This month has been a learning experience. I've learned that one could probably have a stroke when checking out at Whole Foods...the food ain't cheap! I've learned that I actually can cook...even though it doesn't come easy. I've also learned that I may have the most supportive and encouraging husband in the world - he has stuck with the plan and hasn't complained at all nor has he flipped out when he's seen the weekly receipts for our groceries. What a good man! <br />
<br />
We're currently in the process of genetic testing. We sent tests off on Monday to check for Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity genes. And later this month we will be testing for more (I have no clue what the Geneticists at Nemours will be looking for). I don't know (yet) if the diet is the solution to all these problems, but after countless hours of research this month, we're confident that regardless of whether it's the solution or not, it's certainly helping which means we'll be sticking with it indefinitely (much to Rauly and Shep's dismay!). ;-)<br />
<br />
Funny story: This Sunday at church, Rauly handed Linda (my MIL) a note that said "Wen will we be dun with this diyet?". My poor deprived kids. ;-p We've all gone through withdrawals...cranky and irritable pretty much summed up our family for the first two weeks. But the withdrawals have passed and we're all beginning to enjoy Goat cheese, Pumpkin seeds and gluten free bread. There are some things on this "diet" that have been VERY easy to adjust to...like grass fed meat (YUM!) and organic vegetables and fruit (yes, they actually DO taste much better than non-organic). So, it may seem as if we're deprived, but honestly, we're eating pretty darn well....macadamia nuts, luscious strawberries and rack of lamb...yeah, don't feel sorry for us. :-)Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30734051.post-57274572050488815662012-04-18T14:28:00.001-07:002012-04-18T14:28:23.924-07:00Spring Break Camp with Pap and Gigi!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXZvNql-e_TO10Y_gpcyJ9CuG_nFFM1uv48mehtoLKorOnLxoNdkmukZQZDjZIF7QvIQC_8zEuQxmjCFMa1HoKgeiRZc2WQFt07KE7B9c-aH5fBMCO_lRnKBKh-e-dsgfTJx7/s1600/Gigi8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXZvNql-e_TO10Y_gpcyJ9CuG_nFFM1uv48mehtoLKorOnLxoNdkmukZQZDjZIF7QvIQC_8zEuQxmjCFMa1HoKgeiRZc2WQFt07KE7B9c-aH5fBMCO_lRnKBKh-e-dsgfTJx7/s400/Gigi8.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Did I mention my sweeeeeet momma who flew all the way to Florida and took off work for an entire week to come take care of our kids (so we could go to Jamaica), wound up falling and breaking her elbow on her FIRST day here? Did I mention it was due to Lillie Anna's CVS?? The first night my mom was here, Lillie began vomiting...and vomiting...and vomiting. She puked all. night. long. and I went through every single towel in our house! The next morning, she threw up again and I had to bathe her - but this time, I had no towels to dry her off with. So, she pitter-pattered across the bathroom floor with wet feet. I closed the door behind us and completely forgot about the wet tile, but about 15 minutes later, my mom found it. She slipped, broke her elbow and we wound up having to fly in Pap to save the day! <i>(I realize I'm making it sound as if she broke her elbow and that was the end of it. Truth is we spent the day at the hospital with her in agonizing pain while LA gagged and had diahrea...and I think I gained about 10 gray hairs that day!)</i><br />
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<i>Mike enjoying peace and quiet at the Library.</i><br />
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Thankfully Mike (my step-dad) was more then willing to fly in to sunny Florida to help us. Bless his heart. It is inCREDibly hard to believe this is the same man who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bone Cancer last year!!! I mean, truly...it's a miracle! With a lot of prayer and a lot of diet changes, he has regained his strength, grown back his hair, regained his energy, and grown his faith. He's a walking testimony to God's faithfulness! And I think the week of Spring Break, he may have earned a few jewels for Heaven. ;-) He wound up having to change LA's awful diapers all week, clean the house, entertain all three kids, get them ready for church, make 3 meals and multiple snacks a day, give baths...etc...etc...etc. He is a TROOPER and Chad and I are so thankful for his willingness to drop everything and come to our aid! He went above and beyond by really getting on the kids level - they thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him and my mom and I know many great memories were made. <br />
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<i>The girls utilizing my moms IPad.</i><br />
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<i>Mike on "Kitchen Duty".</i><br />
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<i>Rauly cleaning out her drawers because...and I quote..."she couldn't take it anymore". A girl after my own heart - love it!</i><br />
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<i>I'm really not sure how one with a broken elbows helps a 6 year old bake muffins, or tickles squirmy two year olds, but somehow, my mom did just that - and I have pics to prove it! ;-) </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjva5QWgEon6xE7R7pCXzhZbAtprlZiHRNNqEcf6x0t0stCE1tiGQZdU-ndilhhIUX537S6oC_BnFv5aoiba3eNZjCap029XDaZpAX1RrwWn_UfGbbKx_ziC3vdFwGTBS1BX81D/s1600/Gigi6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjva5QWgEon6xE7R7pCXzhZbAtprlZiHRNNqEcf6x0t0stCE1tiGQZdU-ndilhhIUX537S6oC_BnFv5aoiba3eNZjCap029XDaZpAX1RrwWn_UfGbbKx_ziC3vdFwGTBS1BX81D/s400/Gigi6.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1uwC3dk4wj9bF3tS3NqSFDLMUWp1ozXDxC19AVOBQUk0DRhgmqz2Qngq1mVaHvaTG2nX8YjN6ABE8WiM5IXT22Fy5nCrSolAJPcBTJhOra0m0reWbQnmg1f47thGHgFF5qr8/s1600/Gigi5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1uwC3dk4wj9bF3tS3NqSFDLMUWp1ozXDxC19AVOBQUk0DRhgmqz2Qngq1mVaHvaTG2nX8YjN6ABE8WiM5IXT22Fy5nCrSolAJPcBTJhOra0m0reWbQnmg1f47thGHgFF5qr8/s400/Gigi5.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PUJftbQZP7YKgwlRI8YGXnty0QqQ9qFvuvX0CvV-FEtS_K9vBFl_41j3mrrt8pXf_yxWxuMMVEQRHOkqEtVKdhyphenhyphen5b4PvbJxdZIZyHML96sZFqVl19ftqcXkw_4Xu35HNf8Zd/s1600/Gigi4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PUJftbQZP7YKgwlRI8YGXnty0QqQ9qFvuvX0CvV-FEtS_K9vBFl_41j3mrrt8pXf_yxWxuMMVEQRHOkqEtVKdhyphenhyphen5b4PvbJxdZIZyHML96sZFqVl19ftqcXkw_4Xu35HNf8Zd/s400/Gigi4.JPG" /></a></div><i>Here's LA after a "tickle attack" from Gigi. :-) </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6RgNberJyy2dk-cVrAij2m-YMU5IZSegKLjGYZUwvhcXo_2TKbBPmnjmyk9nRfXo4mn61HDXfm5Wg0JhW5TlLg0ChXZGT34DQ-Nkj264WcFrNzCsLIAuFXzTXHESiq5FIcxz/s1600/Gigi9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6RgNberJyy2dk-cVrAij2m-YMU5IZSegKLjGYZUwvhcXo_2TKbBPmnjmyk9nRfXo4mn61HDXfm5Wg0JhW5TlLg0ChXZGT34DQ-Nkj264WcFrNzCsLIAuFXzTXHESiq5FIcxz/s400/Gigi9.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Thanks Pap and Gigi for the special week you gave the kids...me thinks a "Camp with Pap and Gigi" should be an annual tradition!...any takers?? yes?? ;-) <br />
<br />Lindsey Easonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17780000454905625099noreply@blogger.com2