tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-276703982283893222024-03-18T22:37:38.092-05:00Colleen's Green GrassMy mental oasisColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.comBlogger440125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-87044453693602690102013-02-23T13:49:00.000-06:002013-02-23T13:49:50.895-06:00My Sisters the SaintsI recently finished the book <i>My Sisters the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir</i> by Colleen Carrol Campbell, the first book I chose from my earlier <a href="http://www.colleengreengrass.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-i-want-to-read.html">What I Want to Read</a> post. And what a book it was! I loved it.<br />
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<i>My Sisters the Saints</i> is the story of Colleen's life beginning in college until about her mid-thirties. During that time she faces many struggles including overcoming the emptiness of living a lifestyle focused on temporal pleasures, her father's more than a decade long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, searching for what it truly means to be feminine and how that affects work/life choices, as well as a long, difficult struggle with infertility. Throughout this time she discovers the lives of 6 different women saints who show up in her life (usually in the form of a book given to her) at just the time she needs them. Through their life stories she discovers insights into how to deal with the very real difficulties she was then facing. For instance, the father of St. Therese of Lisieux also battled and died from Alzheimer's. The example of a very holy woman facing the exact same cross in her life provided unmeasurable consolation and strength for Colleen as she watched her dad's condition slowly degenerate. You'll be inspired, as well, by Colleen's dad himself. If I can be a parent to my children the way her dad was to his and suffer with as much love and dignity as he did, then I know I will have done well and pleased God with my life. <br />
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This book is very well written, seamlessly weaving the details of the lives of saints into the narrative and making Colleen's personal struggles come alive. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and often had a hard time putting it down so that I could get some sleep. I very highly recommend it!<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-84233369015850600742013-01-28T13:50:00.001-06:002013-01-28T13:50:29.473-06:00What I Want to ReadSo many good books. So little time.<br />
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My goodreads "to-read" shelf is just busting with good books that I want to read. Almost all of them are recommendations from bloggers, podcasters or friends so I have no doubt that every one of them is worth my time. So, these days my problem isn't trying to find a good book but trying to make up my mind as to which good book to read next.<br />
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To help me focus, I'm going to make a list of the books I would like to read this year in several different genres. I may or may not get to all of them, but I'm going to try to give some kind of short review of each of them on the blog as they are finished.<br />
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<i>Fiction</i><br />
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<b><i>Okay for Now</i> by Gary D. Schmidt</b>. I read <i>The Wednesday Wars</i> by the same author and loved it. Mr. Schmidt is an excellent YA writer and I'm really looking forward to reading this book. <br />
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It looks like I need some more light fiction recommendations. Anything? Anyone?<br />
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<i>Non-fiction</i><br />
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<b>Something by C.S. Lewis</b>. I'm not sure if I'll read <i>The Problem of Pain</i> or <i>The Great Divorce</i> (oops, this one is fiction, isn't it?) or <i>Mere Christianity</i> or maybe something else. What's your favorite book by C.S. Lewis?<br />
<b><i>J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century</i> by Tom Shippey</b>. Continuing on my Tolkien kick. <br />
<b><i>The Inklings</i> by Humphrey Carpenter</b>. Have I mentioned my fascination with Tolkien and Lewis? <br />
<b><i>Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking </i>by Susan Cain</b>. As an extreme introvert, I need to read this one. <br />
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<i>Catholic</i><br />
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<b><i>My Sisters the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir</i> by Colleen Carrol Campbell</b>. Memoir and saints? I'm there. It doesn't hurt that the author is named Colleen. <br />
<b><i>Introduction to the Devout Life</i> by St. Francis De Sales</b>. I'm very intimidated by this one. But, I'm determined to give it a go. <br />
<b><i>The History of the Catholic Church: From the Apostolic Age to the Third Millenium</i> by James Hitchcock</b>. I think this would be a good follow up to the <i>Walking with God</i> book I mentioned in my last book post and just finished last week. <br />
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<i>Read Alouds</i><br />
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<b><i>The Princess and the Goblin</i> by George MacDonald</b> and <b><i>The Princess Academy</i> by Shannon Hale</b>. Elizabeth and I have been enjoying princess books and both of these were highly recommended. <br />
<b><i>The Marvelous Land of Snergs</i> by E.A. Wyke-Smith</b>. I think both my older kids should like this one. <br />
<b><i>The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict</i> by Trenton Lee Stewart</b>. A fun prequel to the Mysterious Benedict Society books. My kids are <i>begging</i> me to read this one to them. <br />
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<i>Classics</i><br />
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<b><i>The Great Gatsby</i> by F. Scott Fitzgerald</b>. I read this in high school and don't remember much except that it was very hot and the characters were all sweaty and uncomfortable. I want to read it again before the movie comes out this year. <br />
<b><i>A Tale of Two Cities</i> by Charles Dickens</b>. I like to read a Dickens book every year. <br />
<b><i>Ruth</i> by Elizabeth Gaskell</b>. Elizabeth Gaskell is one of my favorite authors. Every book of hers is a treat. <br />
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What else do I<i> need</i> to read this year?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-58807922066956308792013-01-27T09:25:00.000-06:002013-01-27T09:25:01.195-06:00What I Wore Sunday: vol. 2<br />
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At <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/">Fine Linen and Purple</a></div>
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So last week I decided to join this link up on a whim. I didn't think too much about my outfit, just snapped a quick picture of what I was wearing before heading out to church. Well. This week I've been planning all week to do this again and for some reason I decided to put all this pressure on myself about it. I was determined to come up with an original outfit that I have never worn before (even though none of you would know if I've worn it before or not!). So silly. But, I did it. So here's my outfit, a combination of clothes and accessories that I haven't put together before.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8420405180/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8420405180_7279379857.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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We're at an odd place seasonally in Texas right now. It's still January (i.e. the middle of winter!), but temperatures were near 80 degrees! I wouldn't normally wear this linen dress this time of year, but this weekend it was appropriate. I could have easily worn sandals as well, but I went with boots in memory of the cool weather that seems to be long gone.<br />
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Dress: New York & Co. </div>
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Belt: Kohl's</div>
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Cardigan: New York & Co.</div>
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Watch: Timex</div>
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Boots: Dillard's</div>
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Earrings: JC Penney</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-63873647048582128642013-01-20T19:56:00.003-06:002013-01-20T19:57:27.434-06:00What I Wore Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/">Fine Linen and Purple</a></div>
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I've been watching this "What I Wore Sunday" link up from the sidelines for quite awhile; I love seeing other people's posts but I hadn't really thought much about doing it myself until today when I saw that <a href="http://blairandsteven.blogspot.com/">Blair</a> was participating. Well, that did it. One of my friends was doing it so I decided to do it, too (I always have been a follower). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8399699853/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2013 01 20_2853_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2013 01 20_2853_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8399699853_d4b96c3157.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: Jonathan</span></div>
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So, here I am before mass this evening. We attending the evening mass because Eric and Jonathan were camping with the scouts this weekend and didn't return until mid-afternoon. My hair is getting really long and is overdue for a significant haircut. We had beautiful weather today (upper 60s) so I pulled out a shorter skirt that I haven't worn since the weather got cold. Lavender is becoming a staple in my wardrobe. It's a color that I'm drawn to more and more often when I am shopping. I'm pretty conservative when it comes to accessories so, as you can see, they're pretty basic.<br />
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Shirt: New York & Co. (a great store for all you tall girls out there!)</div>
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Skirt & Belt: Kohl's</div>
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Shoes: Dillard's (a birthday present this year)</div>
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Watch: New York & Co.</div>
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Necklace: A four-way medal, a gift from my parents when I was a child. I wear it always.</div>
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Earrings: James Avery (simple hoops)</div>
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This was really fun to do. I hope to do it again soon!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-40793132947394193822013-01-19T14:58:00.002-06:002013-01-19T14:58:51.196-06:00I took a picture!I took out my big-girl camera and took a few pictures yesterday. I think it may have audibly groaned when I turned it on, being a bit stiff from it's long hibernation in my camera bag. I am determined to get my creative juices flowing again and turning on the camera and snapping a few pics while the kids played in the backyard was a good start. The temperatures are back up in the 60s again, perfect for some outdoor play for kids and grown-ups alike.<br />
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And the light was beautiful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8395272251/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bathed in light by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Bathed in light" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8395272251_53bccd3da4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I got a little artsy-fartsy with the processing of this one. What do you think? (Honestly. Does it look too processed?)<br />
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Here's the original to compare:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8396357414/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2013 01 18_2770 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2013 01 18_2770" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8396357414_f6fe8350ba.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wanted to keep the light, airy feel of the original but improve the overall color and punch it up a bit. I also wanted to de-emphasize the less than beautiful background of our backyard fence and playground. <br />
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A note for Jill (or anyone else interested in post-processing): I edited this one by overlaying it with a texture in photoshop as well as adding some brightening, adjusting the contrast and warming up the colors. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-37840119351623742822013-01-09T13:46:00.000-06:002013-01-09T13:51:28.464-06:00Favorite books read in 2012According to my "read" bookshelf on Goodreads.com, I read 64 books in 2012. At the beginning of the year I had set a goal for myself to read 25. I guess I got on a roll. Here is a short review of some of my favorite books from the past year. <br />
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<i>Read-Alouds</i><br />
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Clara, Gustin and I have thoroughly enjoyed the <b>Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems</b>. The illustrations and humor are delightful and they are at the perfect reading level for my little Kindergartner who is learning to read this year. I gave a pack of these books to my four year old nephew for Christmas. They are wonderful books.<br />
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Elizabeth and I loved reading <b><i>The Little White Horse</i> by Elizabeth Goudge</b> and <b><i>The Borrower'</i>s by Mary Norton</b>. Both these books fire up the imagination and are simply lovely, especially for young girls. Elizabeth also really enjoyed <b><i>The Invention of Hugo Cabret</i> by Brian Selznick</b>. This book is unique in that the illustrations are not merely a companion to the prose, but rather they actually advance the story. It's a fascinating book that is great for both boys and girls.<br />
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Both Elizabeth and Jonathan eagerly sat through <b><i>The Mysterious Benedict Society</i> by Trenton Lee Stewart</b> as well as the other two books in the trilogy. The books had them thinking hard trying to figure out the different puzzles and mysteries in the story and often laughing out loud in delight. <br />
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<i>Non-fiction</i><br />
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I've been on a literary analysis kick lately fueled by great books like <b><i>How Harry Cast His Spell</i> by John Granger</b>, which discusses the Christian symbolism of the Harry Potter books as well as the fascinating structural and stylistic choices that J.K. Rowling made while writing the books, and <b><i>Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit</i> by Corey Olsen</b>. I've posted a number of times in recent months about my admiration for Professor Olsen's podcasts and I found his book just as fascinating.<br />
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Eric and I both read <b><i>Unbroken</i> by Laura Hillenbrand</b>. Wow, what an amazing true story and Laura Hillenbrand (the author of <i>Seabiscuit</i>) has the unique ability to make a work of non-fiction flow and engage the reader as well as any fiction author. Highly recommend. <br />
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<i>Catholic Non-Fiction</i><b><br /></b><br />
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A Catholic book I read this year, gave as a gift to friends, and am sure to read again is <b><i>Style, Sex and Substance</i> by Hallie Lord</b>. There is so much to learn from this book and the writing is so good that it immediately earned a spot on my mental list of "books to read again". <br />
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I took my time reading <b><i>A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms</i> by Lisa Hendey</b>. The book is formatted to read about a new saint each week with prayers and reflections for each day of the week about the saint. I followed the format and loved my time spent meeting and praying with so many wonderful saints.<br />
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I'm about 2/3 of the way through <b><i>Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible</i> by Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins</b> but I had to include it as one of my favorites. The book walks you through all of salvation history bringing richer meaning to old Bible stories and unraveling the confusing or obtuse sections of the Old Testament to create a clean, coherent story that leads up to our redemption by Christ. I often found myself stopping and reading particularly fascinating sections aloud to my husband. <br />
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<i>Catholic Fiction </i><br />
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I read two light-hearted, fun, but still Catholic, books this year that I thoroughly enjoyed. <b><i>Looking for the King</i> by David C. Downing</b> is a mystery novel with references to Arthurian legends and the characters interact with several members of the famous Inklings (C.S. Lewis, J.R.R.Tolkien). <b><i>Catholic Philosopher Chick Makes Her Debut</i> by Rebecca Bratten Weiss and Regina Doman</b> is Catholic chick-lit that is quirky and fun yet also intelligent. It was a great summer read. <br />
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<i>Fiction</i><br />
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My list of favorite fiction books is too long to go into each one individually, but I really loved all of them and did not want to leave any out. My favoites include: <b><i>The Scent of Water</i> by Elizabeth Goudge</b>, <b><i>The Language of Flowers</i> by Vanessa Diffenbaugh</b>, <b><i>The Blue Castle</i> by L.M. Montegomery</b>, <b><i>Bleak House</i> by Charles Dickens</b>, <b><i>Mary Barton </i>by Elizabeth Gaskell</b>, and <b><i>Wednesday Wars</i> by Gary D. Schmidt</b>. <br />
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Two others could also be considered great Catholic literature with their complex Catholic characters, moral dilemmas, and insights into the nature of sin, grace, human nature, and God. They are<i> <b>Kristin Lavransdatter </b></i><b>by Sigrid Undset</b> and <b><i>Gentian Hill</i> by Elizabeth Goudge</b>. These two books are probably my top two books of the year, though I feel compelled to include <i>Bleak House</i> as well, so instead I'll say they are two of my top three books of the year. <br />
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<i>Favorite Re-reads</i><br />
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Since I am often drawn back to my favorite books because they seem to have more and move to give with each reading, I decided to re-read <b><i>The Lord of the Rings</i> and <i>The Hobbit</i> by J.R.R. Tolkien</b>, <b><i>Pride & Prejudice</i> and <i>Sense & Sensibility</i> by Jane Austen</b>, and <b><i>The Hunger Games</i> trilogy by Suzanne Collins</b>. <b> </b><br />
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Now, I'd love for you to share. What are some of your favorite reads from 2012 that I simply must add to my "to-read" bookshelf in 2013?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-4003302302323242682012-12-14T13:22:00.000-06:002012-12-14T13:22:45.998-06:007 Quick Takes Friday: vol.18<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt1"></a><b>--- 1 ---</b></div>
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<b>Advent accident.</b> We almost had a catastrophe at breakfast yesterday morning. We light our advent wreath candles for every family meal and so Eric had them lit before the kids came down for breakfast. When Gustin came downstairs he was getting settled into his seat and while wrapping a blanket around himself he leaned forward over the table and managed to catch his hair on fire! I was in the kitchen and heard him scream and turned around to see flames on the side of Gustin's head until Eric quickly patted them out. Thankfully he was standing just a few feet away from Gustin at the time. Though shaken up and with a patch of hair singed away, Gustin was fine. Somehow the skin of his scalp was not burned. I guess I should call this take an Advent miracle! <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt2"></a><b>--- 2 ---</b></div>
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<b>Silhouettes.</b> At our last Cub Scout campout I was able to capture some wonderful silhouettes of my kids by the lake. Silhouettes is one area of photography that I haven't experimented with much so I was very happy with how these turned out! I only had a few minutes of lovely sunset light to work with and, for once, my girls decided to be willing models. Serendipity! Please humor me while I share a bunch of them. <br />
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I happen to love that these are not complete silhouettes; the kids' forms are not totally black. A bit of light still falls on their round cheeks or on the folds of their clothes.
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt3"></a><b>--- 3 ---</b></div>
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<b>Zoom lens.</b> My photography output has really slowed to a trickle these days. I pretty much share all the pictures I take here, and you know how rarely I post to this poor little blog these days. Part of the problem is a bit of frustration over my lenses. I love my prime lenses for good photo quality, but I really need the flexibility of a zoom lens. But, whenever I use my cheap zoom lens I'm always disappointed with the results.<br />
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So, I'm thinking about getting a nice zoom lens, a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520637-USA/Nikon_2164_AF_S_Nikkor_24_70mm_f_2_8G.html">Nikon 24-70 f/2.8</a>. The only problem is that it is a very expensive lens. I've been saving my money that I have been earning from selling my photos through Getty Images and I now have enough saved to buy it. But, I'm scared. It somehow seems wrong to spend so much money on a hobby. On myself.<br />
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Any thoughts? Should I go for it? <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt4"></a><b>--- 4 ---</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8272068365/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2010 03 31_2684_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2010 03 31_2684_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8272068365_b255393b24.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<b>Nope, not me</b>. The other day Gustin was taking off his socks and he noticed a long hair on his sock.<br />
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"Oh, that must be one of mine," I said.<br />
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"No, Mommy," he replied, "this can't be your hair. It's gray and you don't have gray hair. It must be a string from my sock."<br />
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Such a smart, smart boy.<br />
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(The above photo is from 2 years ago. There may be a wee bit more gray now.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt5"></a><b>--- 5 ---</b></div>
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<b>Consumable Christmas.</b> I'm all about consumable Christmas gifts this year. I know we have way too much stuff around our house and I don't want to be the one to make other people's homes even more cluttered. So, the kids on my Christmas list are getting lots of art supplies: coloring books, markers, crayons, playdoh, paints and notepads. The adults are getting chocolates, salsas, beer, marinades, coffee, trail mixes and pickles. Of course all of them are special brands that most people don't get to consume on a regular basis. To top it all off, these gifts were really fun to shop for!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt6"></a><b>--- 6 ---</b></div>
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<b>The Hobbit!</b> Eric and I have plans to see The Hobbit movie this weekend. It will be one of the two times all year that we actually go to a movie. I'm expecting to be impressed. I really enjoyed rereading the book several months ago. To further feed my hobbit appetite I also really enjoyed Prof. Corey Olsen's new book <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13343283-exploring-j-r-r-tolkien-s-the-hobbit"><i>Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit</i></a>. It's great literary analysis for those of us who don't hold advanced degrees in literature. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt7"></a><b>--- 7 ---</b></div>
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<b>Merry Christmas from our family to yours!</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8243909593/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 12 03_2682_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 12 03_2682_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8243909593_311d62bb5d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-15806495163276434462012-10-19T12:48:00.001-05:002012-10-19T12:48:31.636-05:007 Quick Takes Friday vol. 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" height="195" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt1"></a><b>--- 1 ---</b></div>
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<b>Unplanned candids.</b> My favorite kind of photograph. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7964777886/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Peek-a-boo by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Peek-a-boo" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/7964777886_c13c3f235d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Peekaboo!"</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt2"></a><b>--- 2 ---</b></div>
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<b>Brain food.</b> I love being a stay-at-home mom, but it can be a challenge to keep my brain from turning to mush during all the hours of laundry and cleaning and potty training. The discovery of podcasts a year or so ago completely changed my life (a great place to start is with any of the fantastic podcasts at <a href="http://sqpn.com/">sqpn.com</a>). My current favorite, though, is <a href="http://tolkienprofessor.com/wp/">The Tolkien Professor</a>. You can find his feed in iTunes and he has a variety of series including recordings of classes he teaches at Washington College. Right now I'm listening to a <a href="http://tolkienprofessor.com/wp/lectures/courses/the-undergraduate-tolkien-survey/">series on the Lord of the Rings books</a> (episodes labeled WC Tolkien Course, Sessions 22-40 in iTunes). They are totally nerdy, but also completely accessible to people like me who do not have a background in literature or literary analysis. Fascinating stuff. <br />
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Also, if you're interested in the upcoming Hobbit movies, check out Professor Olsen's series, <a href="http://www.mythgard.org/exclusives/riddles-in-the-dark/">The Riddles in the Dark</a>. In these podcasts they discuss particular aspects of the book, <i>The Hobbit</i>, how they might be adapted to the big screen, and make predictions as to how these themes/characters/back stories may be portrayed in the movies. Lots of fun. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt3"></a><b>--- 3 ---</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8101286199/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Hi! Bye! by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi! Bye!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8101286199_395d7d4538.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<b>A local gem.</b> I am frequently surprised by some of the simple, cheap family activities that surround us but are so often unknown. We recently visited <a href="http://www.mattfamilyorchard.com/">a local orchard</a> (persimmons are in season though we didn't pick any) where my kids had a blast playing on the playground and haystack, going on a long hayride, and just getting lots of sunshine and fresh air. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8102659940/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Riding through the orchard by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Riding through the orchard" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8102659940_9cedf06963.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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The highlight of the day, though, was the huge tire swing. You could hear my kids' screams and laughs echoing through the entire orchard. Fun times and good memories. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8103124494/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 10 18_1935_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 10 18_1935_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8103124494_8b08c66b89.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8103122600/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 10 18_1955_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 10 18_1955_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8103122600_41dcd5a7e1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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All that fun and we also supported a local, family owned business. It can't get any better than that!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt4"></a><b>--- 4 ---</b></div>
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<b>Second time around.</b> I picked up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kristin-Lavransdatter-Penguin-Classics-ebook/dp/B002GEDEKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350665891&sr=1-1&keywords=kristin+lavransdatter"><i>Kristin Lavransdatter</i> by Sigrid Undset</a> again. I began the trilogy a number of years ago but somehow got distracted and stopped reading somewhere in the middle of the second book. I was enjoying it the first time around, but this time has been even better. I love stories that are both interesting and make me think and Sigrid Undset's medieval Norwegian novels definitely fit the bill. I was struck by this wonderful discussion between Kristin and Brother Edvin:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"... the Devil only [seems] big as long as we harbor fear within ourselves. But if a person seeks God with such earnestness and desire that he enters into His power, then the power of the Devil at once suffers such a great defeat that his instruments become small and impotent. "</blockquote>
Brother Edvin continues:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"There is no one, Kristin, who does not love and fear God. But it's because our hearts are divided between love for God and fear of the Devil, and love for this world and this flesh, that we are miserable in life and death. For if a man knew no yearning for God and God's being, then he would thrive in Hell..."</blockquote>
So much good food for thought. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt5"></a><b>--- 5 ---</b></div>
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<b>Kids' Portraits 2012</b>. Here are some of my favorites from this year's portrait session. I made some mistakes photographically speaking that I am forcing myself not to enumerate ad nauseum (even after 4 years of pursuing this hobby, I still have so much to learn!), but overall I'm pleased with the results.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7977755440/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 09_1470_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 09_1470_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8441/7977755440_f15faedcc6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Clara, age 2</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7976436051/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 09_1653_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 09_1653_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/7976436051_1a449eec57.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Augustine, <span style="font-size: x-small;">age 5</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7976433512/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="My sweet 8 year old by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="My sweet 8 year old" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/7976433512_ff07417712.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Elizabeth, age 8</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7976459867/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 09_1490_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 09_1490_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/7976459867_e5263dc009.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jonathan, age 10</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt6"></a><b>--- 6 ---</b></div>
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<b>Just ask.</b> At our Mom's group at church we were recently discussing how difficult it can be to get to confession when you have young children. The times that confession is available can be inconvenient to young families and it's difficult to keep children quiet and entertained while their parents are receiving the sacrament. One of my fellow mom's then casually approached are associate pastor and asked if he would be willing to hear confession's during the meeting time of the Mom's group since we are already there on the church campus and our children are being cared for in the childcare ministry. Well, our priest enthusiastically supported the idea and was there to hear our confessions during our October meeting where at least two dozen moms received the sacrament of confession, some for the first time in more than a decade! He also committed himself to being available for confession during every one of our scheduled meetings for the rest of the year. It's amazing what can happen if we only ask!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt7"></a><b>--- 7 ---</b></div>
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<b>A few more candids</b>. I just love it when I can capture them laughing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7986338181/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 09_1662_edited-2 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 09_1662_edited-2" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7986338181_36c9884dbc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7989143302/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 09_1506_edited-2 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 09_1506_edited-2" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7989143302_1e540ee073.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-67605349393520716482012-10-12T13:54:00.003-05:002012-10-12T13:54:55.832-05:00Cooking in the SandboxWe recently visited Eric's hometown for the birthday party of his triplet niece and nephews. I love weekends in Eric's hometown. It's small, quiet community and we always leave feeling renewed and refreshed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8080421838/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 24_1782_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 24_1782_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8080421838_4714c4f74f.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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My kids, of course, love visiting grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles but I love that they spend most of their time outside in my in-laws wonderful backyard. Tree swings, sandboxes and pogo sticks are the main sources of entertainment. Sunshine and fresh air abound. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8080435956/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 24_1734_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 24_1734_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8080435956_0c2c8600d0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And simple toys. Like old pots and pans in the sandbox. The kids absolutely love them, much more than the plastic shovels and pails in our own sandbox at home. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8080416332/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 24_1787_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 24_1787_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8080416332_3bc5cff88b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The way kids' imaginations explode after being handed a pot, a pan, a serving spoon, and a big pile of sand blows my mind. To find such joy in simple things . . . such a blessing. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8080437383/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 24_1771_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 24_1771_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8080437383_4174572c2a.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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And a sun slowly sinking in the autumn sky with delicious, soft, golden light . . . more beautiful blessings. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/8080410206/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 09 24_1796_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 09 24_1796_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8080410206_03f4197df6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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There are some moments in life when your heart just about bursts with gratitude and all you can do is savor the moment by expanding your lungs with a deep breath and then exhaling a most sincere, "Thank you, Lord."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-26849329415453112512012-09-01T19:30:00.000-05:002012-09-01T19:36:09.877-05:00We Made it to September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7907537358/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Little Woodland Sprite by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="A Little Woodland Sprite" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7907537358_4a08c97a1c.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<br />
What a week. My mother's surgery (mastectomy and reconstruction) was this past Wednesday and (praise the Lord!) it went very well. The doctors believe they were able to remove all the cancer and she has not had any complications (again, praise the Lord!). She was able to move from ICU to a regular room today, Saturday, so my kids were finally able to visit her. I think that visit raised all of our spirits. Isn't it amazing the blessing a few vivacious, care-free children are to stressed-out adults? Their being there at the hospital also testified that we are past all of the scary/worrisome stuff and now Mom just needs a little time to get back to her old self. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7868275998/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mr. Sweaty Head by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Mr. Sweaty Head" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7868275998_c5a69289b3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Thank you to all of you who prayed for my mom and my family during this time. I was amazed at the sense of peace I had while waiting with my dad during the hours and hours of Mom's surgery. I know that peace was a gift from God and a direct result of all the many prayers offered up for us.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7876713294/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fishergirls by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Fishergirls" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7876713294_e9bd22522b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'm about brain-dead now and better finish off this post. Hopefully tonight I'll get a good night sleep with no worries, kids with bad dreams, or obnoxious, repeat, 3 a.m. prank callers to interrupt my slumber. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7868285078/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 25_1328_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 25_1328_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7868285078_3ea62b7609.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy these pictures of my kids from a recent fishing outing with the Cub Scouts. The beauty of nature never fails to remind me of God's great goodness.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7901626378/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 25_1297_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 25_1297_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7901626378_9fb966d144.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7907558256/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Exploring by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Exploring" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7907558256_17cfd83171.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7901606296/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 25_1355_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 25_1355_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/7901606296_1e770681cf.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Until next time,<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-81312217042323418032012-08-23T19:41:00.001-05:002012-08-23T19:43:51.657-05:00Embracing the Wide SideWhen I got my first DSLR camera (about 4 years ago, has it really been that long?!) I was amazed at all the capabilities it had that my point-and-shoot did not. Most especially I loved that I could get so close to my subject. It was heavenly to be able to fill the frame with my beautiful kids' faces, their eyes sparkling back at me in the photographs just as they do in real life. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7832897844/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mustang Island, TX by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Mustang Island, TX" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7832897844_aa64f2c048.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I found shooting nature and flowers close up to be a awe-inspiring experience, as well. So many details! All the amazing colors and shapes and beauty to be found if you get down close to a simple wildflower or moss growing on a rock. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7832886040/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0985_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0985_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7832886040_d39930ca06.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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However, before long I found myself firmly in a photography rut. All of my photos began to look the same and my inspiration was waning. My photographs looked tight and cramped to me and I was feeling a bit cramped myself. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7767663528/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Wave jumper by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Wave jumper" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/7767663528_19b12d70c3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Elizabeth is jumping over the waves in this photo. </span> </div>
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Finally, I learned to mix things up and breathe some new life into my photographs by embracing wide angle focal lengths. For me that meant shooting on the 18mm end of my 18-105mm kit zoon lens or shooting with my 24mm prime lens.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7847459328/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sisters and Flip Flops by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Sisters and Flip Flops" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7847459328_475ae43116.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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All of these pictures were taken on our recent vacation during a brief visit to Mustang Island State Park using the wide end of my 18-105mm zoom lens. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7847453404/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0989_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0989_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7847453404_323220a6ac.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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In these photos there is room for my subjects, be they children or husbands or birds, to move and interact with their environment. It's also easy to see there different sizes of the kids relative to each other. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7687652458/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_1092_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_1092_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7687652458_7905470223.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I particularly love capturing so much of the sky in a photo so you can see the beautiful natural gradation of the blue. Capturing the surroundings as well as the subject in a photo adds so much more interest. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7847450100/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0993_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0993_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7847450100_a78aafbdf3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It's a whole new world on the wide side. <br />
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I won't stop taking those close ups of my kids' precious faces, though. I just now know to mix them up with a few shots that capture their entire bodies and their surroundings, as well. <br />
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-24546771704702570812012-08-19T14:33:00.002-05:002012-08-19T14:39:09.457-05:00A Summer Wrap UpWell, here we are turning the bend toward the end of August and it's about time I did a little update on my blog. This summer has screamed by (as it always does) and my kids have been back in school for an entire week already. But, before I get ahead of myself, here are some of the things we've been up to this summer:<br />
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1. Our sweet Elizabeth turned eight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7521939526/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 01_0550_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 01_0550_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7521939526_8ef88196da.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And when I say she is sweet I really mean it. She's fairly quiet and shy but loves to help whenever I ask. She's a voracious reader (are there any books left at the library that she <i>hasn't</i> read?) and is always quick to pray for the people she loves and those in need. This little girl is such a blessing in our lives!<br />
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2. We shot a few fire works for the Fourth of July.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7522216058/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 05_0677_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 05_0677_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7522216058_71d2e486e0.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Gustin and Jonathan had a fierce head-to-head battle with their firecracker tanks. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7522230926/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 05_0658_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 05_0658_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7522230926_6b0245774d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Gustin won. What joy it is when the little brother wins!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7522222918/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 05_0660_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 05_0660_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7522222918_4453bae41e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Both my girls were happy to watch from the sidelines. They're not big fans of explosions. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7522240264/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 05_0650_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 05_0650_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7522240264_6f919b4470.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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3. We went on vacation!<br />
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Every year we go on vacation with Eric's extended family and this year, for the first time, we went to the beach. We stayed together in a beach house (all 27 of us, including 9 kids under the age of 5) and had a terrific time.<br />
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We frolicked in the sand and water every day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7687660692/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mustang Island State Park, Texas by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Mustang Island State Park, Texas" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7687660692_454da864b5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7719802958/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0792_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0792_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7719802958_18f04d4de5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7767668588/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_1067_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_1067_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7767668588_5b13c59d88.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We also visited the Corpus Christi Aquarium. Somehow I didn't take many pictures at the aquarium besides the obligatory ones in front of the wingspan sign. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7803102484/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0895_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0895_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7803102484_8fd8b5ebf5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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When we drove up to the aquarium we discovered that the USS Lexington is permanently anchored right next door. We had to visit it, too!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7803241282/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0903_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0903_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7803241282_1880ff827f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7803240018/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0940_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0940_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7803240018_0edf1885c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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What an amazing experience. We hope to go back another day when we will have more time to explore and without a tired, cranky two-year-old who was already pooped out from the visit at the aquarium. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7803237704/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0946_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0946_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7803237704_0903152c51.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7803233184/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 07 28_0961_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 07 28_0961_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7803233184_d895a812d9.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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4. Back to school!<br />
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Here's our traditional picture of the school kids by the front door. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7777358488/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 13_1229_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 13_1229_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7777358488_a42670740c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Jonathan is a big 5th grader. He gets a locker at school now and can play on the school sports teams. Soccer tryouts were already on the second day of school and I may not be able to stop to breathe again until the season is over in October. Gone are the slow days and wide-open schedules of summer time!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7777368760/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 13_1226_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 13_1226_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7777368760_25bcf18162.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Elizabeth is thrilled to be in third grade. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7777349782/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 13_1238_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 13_1238_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7777349782_becc97190a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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But, even Elizabeth's excitement can't eclipse how ecstatic Gustin is to <i>finally</i> be in Kindergarten. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7777334628/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 13_1247_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 13_1247_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7777334628_a9c0631f33.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This little face at his desk on the first day of school pretty much says it all. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7777319148/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 13_1257_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 13_1257_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7777319148_9684498742.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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There's only one baby at home with me during the day now. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7777324000/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 08 13_1251_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 08 13_1251_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7777324000_8b9ca4d551.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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It's wonderful and melancholy all at the same time. Gustin told me on the first day of school that I wasn't allowed to cry because I missed him; I was only allowed to be excited for him since he was so happy. I tried, Gustin, I really did.<br />
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5. A prayer request.<br />
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My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. She will undergo a mastectomy on August 29th. They caught the cancer early and her prognosis is good, but please pray that they are able to remove all the cancer and that there are not any complications. Also, please pray for my dad who is experiencing some complications with his diabetes. Pray that these complications can be resolved quickly so that his health problems don't interfere with Mom having her surgery as scheduled. Thank you so much for even the smallest prayers that you can offer for my family at this time!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-86811049886799200772012-07-03T05:29:00.000-05:002012-07-03T05:29:00.106-05:00July Photo Challenge<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7457038920/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Swing with flare by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Swing with flare" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7457038920_b95eca04b7.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo Challenge Submission" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" title="I Heart Faces Photo Challenge Submission" /> </a></div>
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I'm submitting this photo as part of the July photo challenge, "Enjoying Life", at iheartfaces.com.
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-33704595519789129752012-06-29T16:18:00.001-05:002012-06-29T16:18:42.925-05:00Just the PicsIs it bad if I write a post where I don't really write anything?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7450167792/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 24_0462_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 24_0462_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7450167792_1ea41164ce.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Because, at this moment, I don't have much to say. At least, I don't have much time to say what I would like to say, nor the pictures to go with it. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7450099176/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Swing away! by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Swing away!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/7450099176_826709ee25.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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So this post is just the pics from a lovely day spent with family, celebrating the birthdays of two adorable nieces.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7450123872/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 24_0479_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 24_0479_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7450123872_3f71518cda.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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This amazing swing in my sister-in-law's backyard cried out to me, begging me to set a cute child on it, capture it on film (well, actually, on an SD card) and then show it off to the world (hopefully my little corner of the blogosphere will do). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7450151910/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The big, big, big swing by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="The big, big, big swing" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7450151910_9754f481e7.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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And I was happy to oblige.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7457038920/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Swing with flare by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Swing with flare" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7457038920_b95eca04b7.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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Happy swing. Happy Clara. Happy Colleen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-37596291080725448022012-06-21T19:16:00.000-05:002012-06-21T19:21:34.472-05:00The Sweet Life<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7416978404/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sisters by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Sisters" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7416978404_572af4f9e9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I am a mess of contradictions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7416970158/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 20_0458_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 20_0458_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7416970158_5a235b5846.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I love slow-paced days with lots of book reading, stopping to smell the flowers and giving the kids plenty of time for imaginative play. I also am task driven and work best--and seem to be happiest--when I check off all the items on my to-do list and keep my family to some semblance of a schedule. At the same time, I'm a terribly untidy person and hate housework (or at least I hate doing it with the kids around, it's not so bad if I'm left alone to focus) so I struggle with the daily tasks (even though they are on my task list) required to keep our home from being declared a trash dump instead of a habitation fit for human beings.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7416217228/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 20_0416_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 20_0416_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7416217228_488c563a62.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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The result is that I focus too much on my task list without actually getting much done, I feel guilty about taking time to read or to gaze at the wonders in my own garden, and I am constantly annoyed by the the rooms of my home being littered with child-created debris.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7416973698/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 20_0454_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 20_0454_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7416973698_6c275066a0.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
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All that introduction establishes the importance of the following statement: This week I took the time to watch the thunderstorms roll in--I so love a good summer thunderstorm--and allowed the kids romp and play in the puddles for as long as they wanted... and I did not feel guilty about the untended task list for a single second.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7416214416/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 20_0425_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 20_0425_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/7416214416_b50d29fba4.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
Life is a constant push/pull between what is important and what is urgent, between what I want to do and what I think I should be doing. And, frankly, I find it mentally exhausting. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7416210830_b7a46a20aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2012 06 20_0429_edited-1" border="0" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7416210830_b7a46a20aa.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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But for this one day there was no interior debating or counting how many tasks were left undone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7416201980/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The Puddle Run by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="The Puddle Run" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/7416201980_92a38d7be3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
We just had some good, old-fashioned (guilt-free) fun. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-43223600761448810382012-06-15T07:50:00.000-05:002012-06-15T07:55:26.313-05:007 Quick Takes Friday vol. 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" height="195" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="290" /></a></div>
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<b>--- 1 ---</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Captured.</b> We went on a Cub Scout family campout a few months ago at a gorgeous state park with almost perfect weather and I took an appallingly few number of pictures. I guess we were too busy enjoying the moment. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6971134390/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 04 24_9686_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 24_9686_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/6971134390_5dd9d061a4.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I did manage</span><b> </b><span style="font-size: small;">manage to get one picture of the resident 10-year-old camera hater. Eric had to trick him to get into photo range with a request for "special help" planning the weekend's scavenger hunt. I think the resulting action shot of my husband and son and Jonathan's best bud (wearing the coon skin cap) is kind of fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6971135600/" title="2012 04 24_9539_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 24_9539_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/6971135600_1ec7483eb1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<b><br /></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They look so serious--as if they were planning their next away mission. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt2"></a><b>--- 2 ---</b></div>
<br />
<b>Toddler piety.</b> During the sign of peace at mass last Sunday,
Clara turned to Eric, stuck out her little hand and said, "Dee dee dih
doo, Daddy." Translated as: "Peace be with you, Daddy."<br />
<br />
At
the end of prayers with the kids last night Clara piped up with, "Dod
dess baby dawls. Dod dess daddies." Translated as: "God bless baby
dolls. God bless daddies." <br />
<br />
Can there be anything cuter?<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt3"></a><b>--- 3 ---</b></div>
<br />
<b>A new favorite blog.</b> You must go check out Bobbi's <a href="http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/">Revolution of Love</a>
blog if you have not already. This sweet mom of four has been blogging
for 9(!) years and I just love her style. She's smart, funny, honest and
inspiring and she blogs about movies, organizing, parenting, books...
so many of the things that I love. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt4"></a><b>--- 4 ---</b></div>
<br />
<b>Fantastic books.</b> I've been on a roll lately. Book after book that I've read over the last few months has been a home run. Here are a few quick thoughts on my recent faves.<br />
<br />
<i>Wish You Were Here</i> by Amy Welborn: Sad, inspiring, hard, beautiful, hopeful, made me a more empathetic person.<br />
<br />
<i>The Scent of Water</i> by Elizabeth Goudge: Lovely, refreshing, thought-provoking, an explosion of imagery.<br />
<br />
<i>The Wednesday Wars</i> by Gary Schmidt: The way all YA fiction should be, funny, smart, respectful, touching. <br />
<br />
<i>The Running Dream</i> by Wendelin Van Draanen: More fantastic YA fiction, skillfully written, engaging, inspiring, made me cry (in a good way).<br />
<br />
<i>A Damsel in Distress</i> by P.G. Wodehouse: My first experience with P.G. Wodehouse, hilarious, fun, a great summer read.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt5"></a><b>--- 5 ---</b></div>
<br />
<b>In awe.</b> I'm am continually amazed at the number and beauty of the state parks within an easy drive of the Houston area. I grew up in semi-arid west Texas where the only things to see for miles around were yuccas, tumbleweeds and oil pump jacks. Though, I have to admit, we did boast some amazing sunsets.<br />
<br />
What we did not have was this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7197130698/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 13_9956_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 13_9956_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/7197130698_42e91c4f4e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A living map complete with oceans and continents.<br />
<br />
Nor this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7197116018/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 13_9947_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 13_9947_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7197116018_44ef4dc980.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
An alligator eying us from a mere few feet away. And, no, there were not any fences or barriers of any kind between us and the alligator. <br />
<br />
Nor this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7256835170/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 13_0019_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 13_0019_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7256835170_389107c1b8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
A mysterious substance that is strangely available in large quantities.<br />
<br />
It's called <i>water</i>.<br />
<br />
If you're ever in the area, go check out Brazos Bend State Park just minutes southwest of Houston. It's too beautiful to be missed. <br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt6"></a><b>--- 6 ---</b></div>
<br />
<b>Garden serendipity.</b> I actually took my camera out the other day. I've only done so about 3 times in the last six weeks. (<i>All</i> the pictures I've taken in that time period are in this particular post. Pathetic.) Every time I follow through with picking up my camera and pushing the shutter release button a few times I mentally lambast myself for not doing so more often. Because if I did, I'd capture more serendipitous photos like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7359493230/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Aaaahhhhh! by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Aaaahhhhh!" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7359493230_3e7b72b700.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
And this:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7359478028/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 09_0198_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 09_0198_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7359478028_ebc29fb7c0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
While this last pic is far from perfect (not tack sharp, my 24mm lens was not ideal in this situation, the background is not exactly beautiful or interesting), it captured a neat moment. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27670398228389322" name="qt7"></a><b>--- 7 ---</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Where to start?</b> I am very curious about the authors G.K. Chesterton and Flannery O'Connor. I see people quoting them, alluding to them, referencing their works all the time, but I've never read anything by either one of these authors. The problem is that I don't know where to start. Any recommendations? </span><b><br /></b></div>
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-16169990951364478742012-06-13T12:34:00.000-05:002012-06-13T12:34:17.256-05:00A Recipe for a Happy Summer AfternoonI totally stole this idea. Margaret of <a href="http://patentsgirl.blogspot.com/">Minnesota Mom</a> posted about it several years ago. She totally stole the idea from someone else. You totally have permission to steal it from me. And the cycle goes on...<br />
<br />
The ingredients are simple and I bet you already have them around your house.<br />
<br />
- Dish soap<br />
- Water<br />
- A shallow pan (or two or more, depending on the number of rug-rats in your household)<br />
- Straws<br />
- Someone with a lot of air to expel<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7174255325/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 09_0149_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 09_0149_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7174255325_df73e2c771.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
(I'm guessing that you can devise the what to do with the ingredients from seeing the above picture.)<br />
<br />
This activity easily entertained children of both genders ranging from the age of 2 to 10 for an hour or two (though not continously). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7359488478/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 06 09_0171_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 06 09_0171_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7359488478_fd5d65a4cc.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<br />
After Clara got a real life lesson on the necessity of blowing through the straw rather than sucking, she wasn't too keen on trying to create the bubbles herself. Luckily her older siblings were generally happy to oblige, as was her mother.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7174259045/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bubbles by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Bubbles" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7174259045_bedc159ec1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And a fun, bickering-free afternoon was enjoyed by all. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-24853780992997892202012-05-06T17:45:00.001-05:002012-05-06T17:45:27.814-05:00Our First Communicant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7149312345/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 06_9729_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 06_9729_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7149312345_226c89048f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Elizabeth celebrated her first communion on Saturday and I have never seen a little girl so excited. She counted down the days and then she counted down the hours. She practiced holding her hands correctly and saying, "Amen," with her goldfish almost every single day. She <i>begged</i> me to do more lessons with her in her first Eucharist preparation workbook. Watching her received Jesus for the first time as been an absolutely joyous experience.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7149306303/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 06_9724_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 06_9724_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7149306303_eec88396b3.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Elizabeth and my mom began special preparations months ago on Elizabeth's dress. They perused dozens of first communion dresses online and using them as inspiration, designed Elizabeth's dress together. The whole process was such a joy for both of them: the designing, the sewing, the choosing of fabrics and embroidered details, the fittings--and the final reveal. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7003233648/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 06_9742_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 06_9742_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7003233648_4895176417.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
We even managed to use the occasion to get a family photo. I didn't get one at Easter so I didn't want to miss this opportunity. Gustin was so good during the entire first communion mass, but as soon as we pulled out the camera he turned into Mr. Grumpy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7003231114/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 06_9740_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 06_9740_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7003231114_43c463ac74.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I'm sure he's going to be teased for years to come about all the grumpy faced photos from when he was four-years-old!<br />
<br />
Here's another photo from just before mass began.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7003208596/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 06_9709_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 06_9709_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7003208596_afa2cbb9f0.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
<br />
He'll smile as long as he has his hands covering his face. Silly boy. You can't help but love this kid.<br />
<br />
When I think back to Jonathan's first communion, I remember the intense feeling that my little boy had just grown up before my eyes. He even looked taller to me as he walked back to his seat after receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7149327179/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 05 06_9772_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 05 06_9772_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7149327179_e6fac043e2.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With Elizabeth, I will always remember the joy that flowed out of her so freely and abundantly and spilled over into the lives of her siblings, parents and grandparents. We are all so blessed to have this precious soul in our lives!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-78913970989716671482012-05-02T19:58:00.000-05:002012-05-02T19:58:47.233-05:00No More Excuses!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6970979506/" title="2012 03 12_8932_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 03 12_8932_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/6970979506_9609114b36.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
Lately (as in the last several <i>years</i>) I've been bemoaning my lack of progress on sewing projects. For instance, I began I quilt for Elizabeth <i>6 years ago</i> and I still haven't finished piecing the top. I finally realized that a big part of the problem was that I didn't have a place to keep my sewing machine. Evey time I wanted to sew I would pull out my machine and set it up on the kitchen table and then would have to put it away again before the next meal. It was enough of a hassle that I rarely sewed unless it was absolutely necessary. <br />
<br />
For Christmas my wonderful parents bought me this craft table to use for my sewing. It's set up in a corner of my room near the window just waiting to be used. But, as you can see, that corner still looks a bit... unloved. Boring. Blank.<br />
<br />
I'm notoriously slow with decorating my home and it was high time to give this corner a bit of attention. I wanted to create an inspirational environment that would fuel my creativity and would make this corner personal and inviting--a place where I wanted to sit down, relax and spend some time. So, I started collecting items from around the house that are meaningful to me but that had not yet been hung on our walls.<br />
<br />
I laid the hodgepodge of items out on the bed and tried several different arrangements.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7117054939/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 03 12_8930_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 03 12_8930_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7117054939_5d3ca09f21.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
<br />
And I finally decided on this one:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7117054305/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 03 12_8931_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 03 12_8931_edited-1" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/7117054305_f73a01cb62.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
I included some of my personal photos that I plan to change out from time to time.<br />
<br />
The icons are my confirmation saint, St. Catherine of Sienna, Eric's confirmation saint, St. Gregory the Great, and one of our favorite saints and Gustin's namesake, St. Augustine.<br />
<br />
The gold framed picture is a gift from my parents and is a collage of images of Blessed Pope John Paul II--a man I admire so greatly. It's beautiful in that it contains images from the early years of his papacy when he was so energetic and engaging as well as images from his declining years when he suffered so much but with great dignity. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6970981572/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 04 24_9703_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 24_9703_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/6970981572_9d206ee345.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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My favorite piece by far, however, is this image of the Madonna and Child. Isn't it gorgeous? Kristin of the <a href="http://mysmalltreasures.blogspot.com/">Small Treasures</a> blog briefly had an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mrslaurence">etsy shop</a> where she sold these wall reliefs and when she posted that she was going to stop making them I quickly snatched one up before they sold out. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6970981038/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012 04 24_9698_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 24_9698_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6970981038_afe17885f6.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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Here's the finished space all ready to tackle some sewing projects. I'm very happy with it even though St. Gregory refuses to hang straight. See, even a saint who has earned "Great" at the end of his name isn't perfect. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-19161544206322151732012-04-13T06:18:00.000-05:002012-04-13T06:18:00.219-05:007 Quick Takes Friday vol. 15<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" height="195" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="290" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=27670398228389322&postID=1916154420632215173" name="qt1"></a><b>--- 1 ---</b></div><br />
<b>I couldn't resist.</b> The kids didn't have school on Easter Monday so we spent most of the morning at our favorite park. Not only does it have a large pond, ducks, squirrels and lots of playgrounds, it's also the lovely location that we've used for many of the kids portraits over the last few years. While we were there, I wanted to use the opportunity to recreate the photo you see in my blog header.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6921627526/" title="2012 04 11_9299_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 11_9299_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5151/6921627526_a05c2ef12b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Technically speaking this new image isn't up to par with the original. The bright, mid-day light was not ideal and I didn't have my "pretty" lens with me. But it's interesting to see how much the kids have changed in the almost two years that have passed since I snapped that original shot as well as how much they <i>haven't </i>changed. Notice that Elizabeth has both her hands and feet in almost identical positions. They even arranged themselves in the same order on the bench! Of course, all the kids' legs have grown considerably. <br />
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Can you guess what Gustin's attitude was during this (extremely) brief photo shoot? If the fact that he defiantly kicked his shoes off and is slouching doesn't give it away, here's the more incriminating photographic evidence:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6921634672/" title="2012 04 11_9300_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 11_9300_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/6921634672_dfd61ac870.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Sometimes photos are much better when you just eliminate the grumpy faces from the frame. :)<br />
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<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=27670398228389322&postID=1916154420632215173" name="qt2"></a><b>--- 2 ---</b></div><br />
<b>I love two-year-olds.</b> It really is one of my favorite ages. There is almost nothing a two-year-old does that is not cute (except maybe throw a fit). The way they run is cute. The way they chew their food is cute. The way they try to mimic their older siblings is cute. And their emerging speech is absolutely adorable.<br />
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According to Clara the members of her family are Mommy, Daddy, "da boy", "Dih-duh-deff" (Elizabeth), "Duh-din" (Gustin) and "da baby". Jonathan does not yet warrant a name, he is simply "da boy". In fact, all boys (except Gustin) are called boys and all girls are called Elizabeths (or I should write Dih-duh-deffs). She also only speaks about herself in the third person and always calls herself "da baby".<br />
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"Da baby do dat!" <br />
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"Dat's da baby's toy!"<br />
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"Da baby dit dessed!" (get dressed)<br />
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Such a fun age!<br />
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<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=27670398228389322&postID=1916154420632215173" name="qt3"></a><b>--- 3 ---</b></div><br />
<i><b>Style, Sex & Substance</b></i>. I finished Hallie Lord's new book last week and it was wonderful. It is full of fresh ideas and really challenged me to examine my attitudes toward motherhood, my marriage, my prayer life and the culture. The group of women assembled for this project are so tremendously gifted and intelligent; it would be impossible to not have learned a thing or two from this inspiring book. Highly recommended. <br />
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<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=27670398228389322&postID=1916154420632215173" name="qt4"></a><b>--- 4 ---</b></div><br />
<b>Simply lovely.</b> My sister-in-law and I threw a bridal shower for my sister a couple of weekends ago. My clever sister-in-law came up with a simple and lovely flower arrangement to decorate the tables.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7068286267/" title="2012 04 11_9485_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 11_9485_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/7068286267_5660696dde.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />
She placed a single hydrangea stem in a vase and then added colorful tulips, slipping them in through the hydrangea blossoms. She then added a few springs of a small accent flower and--viola!--we had super simple, pretty centerpieces.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6922205900/" title="2012 04 11_9510_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 11_9510_edited-1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/6922205900_b1b1a18448.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><br />
I wish theses pictures did them justice. They were lovely but the light at the restaurant was terrible!<br />
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<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=27670398228389322&postID=1916154420632215173" name="qt5"></a><b>--- 5 ---</b></div><br />
<b>An Easter miracle.</b> This Lent has been a real struggle, though the struggle had nothing to do with prayer, what I gave up for Lent, or fasting. The struggle has been Clara at mass. She is by far the chattiest child we have ever had and for the past few months she seemed to really turn up the frequency and volume at mass. We worked so hard to get her to be quiet and often had to take her to the back for large portions of the mass. Then there were the comments and evil eyes we got from other parishioners. A woman stopped me after mass and told me it "wasn't fair" that my child was making it so difficult for others to concentrate and another women loudly shushed us from across the aisle <i>during</i> mass. I was so humiliated and thoroughly humbled (rather appropriate for Lent, don't ya think?). <br />
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Our Easter miracle came a bit early on Palm Sunday. That's the day that Clara finally learned how to whisper! She was fantastic at mass that day (still fidgety like a two-year-old but she did so quietly) as well as on Holy Thursday and she even behaved for the entire Easter Vigil until she quietly fell asleep during the consecration. A very difficult Lent transformed into one of the loveliest Easter Triduums we've ever experienced!<br />
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<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=27670398228389322&postID=1916154420632215173" name="qt6"></a><b>--- 6 ---</b></div><br />
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<b>A new favorite.</b> Elizabeth and I recently finished reading the loveliest book. I saw <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-White-Horse-Elizabeth-Goudge/dp/0142300276/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334238475&sr=1-1"><i>The Little White Horse</i></a> by Elizabeth Goudge recommended in the comments of a blog post I read somewhere along the way. It intrigued me because it's set in 19th century England (all of my favorite books seem to be set in 19th century England), has a touch of fairy tale magic and J.K. Rowling said it was her favorite book as a child. We absolutely loved it! Elizabeth would beg me to stop my chores so we could curl up together and dive into the world surrounding Moonacre Manor. And it made it even more special since Elizabeth and I were discovering it for the first time together. I predict <i>The Little White Horse</i> is a book that will be read many, many times in our house. <br />
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<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=27670398228389322&postID=1916154420632215173" name="qt7"></a><b>--- 7 ---</b></div><br />
<b>Clara's shoe obsession.</b> I know all kids go through the stage of clomping around in other people's shoes, but for Clara this stage has turned into an obsession. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7070568193/" title="2012 04 12_9531 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 12_9531" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/7070568193_996cd5f6a2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
She's changes shoes at least half a dozen times a day not including her own shoes. That count only includes other people's shoes she confiscates. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7070567609/" title="2012 04 12_9530 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 12_9530" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/7070567609_c83f84a4cf.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
It seems that every time I turn around, she has a different pair of shoes on her little feet. And it's been this way for months and months. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7070567065/" title="2012 04 12_9529 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 12_9529" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/7070567065_c4acf63d64.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
This week I tried to capture all her shoe choices in a 24 hour period. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6924488080/" title="2012 04 12_9527 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 12_9527" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/6924488080_3acb33a197.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
These are only the ones I managed to capture on camera.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7070565795/" title="2012 04 12_9526 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 12_9526" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5235/7070565795_918f439bd7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
She's also a quick change artist and often a pair of shoes has come and gone before I can hunt down where I left my phone this time. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6924486478/" title="2012 04 12_9525 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 04 12_9525" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/6924486478_a44646f958.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
This obsession sure is cute now but I'm beginning to wonder what it will mean when she's a teenager!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-13669319482196205592012-04-10T11:35:00.000-05:002012-04-10T11:35:02.483-05:00AgainI apologize to all my non-photographer readers. This is yet another photography post. I tried to write about something else--I spent days trying to formulate into words some thoughts on God, heaven, and creativity--but the resulting post just wasn't very good. So, it will remain a draft for awhile until I either do the work to make it better or scrap it all together. In the mean time, another photography post it is. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09168808776950608457">Jill</a> and I were recently in a discussion over email about the merits of using actions or presets when editing. Actions (in Photoshop) or presets (in Lightroom) are a series of edits that can be applied to a photo with a single click of a button. Some actions allow the user a lot of freedom to make adjustments, others do not.<br />
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Jill asked to see a photo with a simple, clean edit and then edited again with actions/presets. I have Photoshop Elements so these photos were edited with actions or with textures (when a photo is overlaid over another photo and then the two are blended together). I ran the actions or added the textures after I had done my initial clean edit (in other words, I didn't apply the action to the original, straight-out-of-the-camera photo). <br />
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Here's the original of Clara playing in our front yard (with a toothbrush??):<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7064771053/" title="2012 01 19_8212 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 01 19_8212" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7064771053_18b81e3b0c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
This following is my clean edit. I adjusted white balance, cropped, straightened, brightened, adjusted the contrast and sharpened. It sounds like a lot but all those adjustments can be completed in about 2 or 3 minutes or less.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7064791361/" title="2012 01 19_8212_edited-4 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 01 19_8212_edited-4" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5035/7064791361_f1f985168d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Here's an edit with an action (the free mini fusion action from <a href="http://www.mcpactions.com/">MCP Actions</a>). Funky tones. Not a typical edit for me. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6918698888/" title="2012 01 19_8212_edited-1 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 01 19_8212_edited-1" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/6918698888_d3b6471725.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
It seems as though creating a black and white photo should be easy, but I find it to be fairly challenging and I appreciate the help of an action. This black and white was edited using a free action by <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/category/photoshop-actions/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. A bit contrasty for me in this photo, but okay. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7064780537/" title="2012 01 19_8212_edited-2 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 01 19_8212_edited-2" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7064780537_bf932346a3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Next I applied a free texture by <a href="http://jessicadrossintextures.blogspot.com/">Jessica Drossin</a>. It slightly changed the tones and contrast and added a bit of a vignette to the edges. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6918707990/" title="2012 01 19_8212_edited-3 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 01 19_8212_edited-3" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/6918707990_88eba01a92.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Finally, here's another texture, this time from <a href="http://sarahgardnerphotography.blogspot.com/">Sarah Gardner</a>, applied to reduce contrast and to soften and lighten the entire photo. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7064796591/" title="2012 01 19_8212_edited-5 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 01 19_8212_edited-5" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/7064796591_c9da51b141.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
So, there you have it. One photo edited 5 different ways using a few of the free actions/textures I have collected over time. Feel free to shout out a favorite in the comments. I generally like clean edits, especially with photos of people, but I'll use other editing tricks at times.<br />
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And, if you are a photographer, what is your opinion about the use of actions/presets? Are they good or bad for photography or neutral?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a><br />
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P.S. If you want to see some truly amazing photography and dramatic editing, click on the links for Jessica Drossin or Sarah Gardner. They are amazing artists!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-57110792533046548862012-04-03T07:29:00.003-05:002012-04-03T07:35:23.404-05:00Photo challengeMy good bloggy friend, Jill, gave me a little nudge and so I'm trying something new...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6949537205/" title="Tearing around the neighborhood by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Tearing around the neighborhood" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6949537205_2254fcb773.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><br />
I'm entering this picture of Gustin in the <a href="http://iheartfaces.com/">iheartfaces.com</a> photography challenge for April. The theme is "happiness". <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img alt="Photo Challenge Submission" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" title="I Heart Faces Photo Challenge Submission" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-49502466544297388372012-03-27T21:22:00.002-05:002012-03-28T07:37:20.439-05:00Well, hello!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6873440022/" title="Fresh spring green by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Fresh spring green" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/6873440022_decc356085.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
It's been a little while. We're all good around here, just enjoying the lovely spring weather with lots of time playing outdoors (for the kids) and going on long walks with a camera in tow (for me).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6855527752/" title="Texas Mountain Laurel by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Texas Mountain Laurel" height="357" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/6855527752_3d55099702.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Texas Mountain Laurel</span></div><br />
Spring is my absolute favorite time of year. Nothing thrills me more than little green shoots poking out of the ground, leaves unfurling, and fresh spring flowers. The beginning of spring lifts my mood like few things can and I'm reveling in the delight of it all.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6873419148/" title="Crimson clover by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Crimson clover" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/6873419148_344fe90fc0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Crimson clover</span></div><br />
Wildflowers are tops on my list of spring time favorites. I love road trips at this time of year when I can ogle all the lovely colors just outside my car window. I think Eric and the kids get tired of me pointing out every pretty patch of coreopsis or blue bonnets or Indian blankets along the Texas roadsides. I just can't help myself!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6838758650/" title="Delicacy by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Delicacy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6838758650_f6c756dd7b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
I go a bit shutter crazy this during springtime as well. I give my camera and photoshop a real workout. While when it comes to portraits I usually try to keep my edits fairly clean and true to life, when it comes to wildflower pictures I let my inner editor go a bit crazy. I love playing with colors and tones and textures--wildflower photos are the perfect canvas.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7019572683/" title="Unidentified by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Unidentified" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/7019572683_ae8b98db42.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
I'm slowly identifying the wildflowers in my area. I've checked out half a dozen different books from the library at various times and scoured pages and pages of images online trying to discover the name of each one. The name of the little blue guy above still eludes me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/5055057534/" title="Blooming beauty by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Blooming beauty" height="500" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/5055057534_ac8a58426b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Indian blanket</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/7006718129/" title="Wild Verbena by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Wild Verbena" height="357" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7006718129_b960bcc4c5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Verbena</span></div><br />
Others have become good friends. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/4523184858/" title="Prettiness by simply colleen, on Flickr"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="Prettiness" height="500" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4033/4523184858_cf9d3d43fd.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Persian clover</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/4537199901/" title="Good Morning! by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Good Morning!" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2746/4537199901_707e3dc9eb.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blue-eyed grass</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/4545001641/" title="Yellow bliss by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Yellow bliss" height="357" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4003/4545001641_30a4ddb2f8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bristle-leaf dyssodia</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you, Lord, for the beauty and diversity of springtime. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-26156201120197667142012-03-08T16:44:00.001-06:002012-04-03T07:23:14.041-05:00An Introvert's Dream Come True<i>Note: As an exercise to force me to grow photographically, I took all the pictures in this post with a 24mm prime lens (wide angle with no zoom). Roll over the photos with you mouse to see the unedited versions. </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6818585100_1da8c5c957.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6964700769_b1ae273faa.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6818585100_1da8c5c957.jpg" /></a></div><br />
At this moment I am sitting in a perfectly quiet, empty house. And, it is heavenly. <br />
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After an unexpected series of events early Wednesday morning, I picked up the older two kids from school that afternoon and drove a couple of hours to drop all four of them off with Eric's parents (their school has an extended spring break starting today). All of a sudden, I have 48 hours all to myself. It's not often that a mother truly gets a couple of days off, and I intend to take full advantage of it. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6818589164_3f7b7ab0b6.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6964708181_4087def8cb.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6818589164_3f7b7ab0b6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm also excited for my kids; they are getting some quality time with their grandparents, something that I really didn't experience as a child. But, I have to admit, I'm a bit anxious as well. I always worry about my kids when there away from me. One of my worst fears is that something would happen to them without me being there, so this is a big exercise in trust. To help me through it I have the Blessed Mother on speed dial. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6818593768_8daa09ac51.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6818591608_f85aa06ed3.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6818593768_8daa09ac51.jpg" /></a></div><br />
But, as an extreme introvert, I'm reveling in the quiet and solitude. This morning I lingered over my prayers, slowly ate breakfast on the front porch while reading blogs on my kindle and went for a long walk before this afternoon's rains. Today has been so renewing, body, mind and soul. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6964718637_11116ef46e.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6964716879_abc81cb7ed.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6964718637_11116ef46e.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I do miss my kids, of course. But, I so needed some silence. Of course, if I didn't daily experience the great energy and noise of my children, these quiet days wouldn't be nearly so sweet. So, my children continue to bless me even if they are not physically with me. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6949537205_2254fcb773.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6964738741_10bd2c1978.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6949537205_2254fcb773.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to going to daily mass (and actually listening to the readings and homily!), doing some organizing and a decorating project (photos to come), and hopefully more blogging and lots of photo editing. I'm trying to squeeze in all the things I love that I find difficult to do with the kids around. I <i>do not</i> plan to clean anything unless it's absolutely necessary. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6818611138_9de7796d5d.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6818607564_84583b163f.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6818611138_9de7796d5d.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And then I'm looking forward to joining my kids for the weekend to spend it with cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents mostly in the great outdoors. And, that will be wonderful, too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6818616646_d36b02598b.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6964733531_c8508f4750.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6818616646_d36b02598b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
By then I'll be more than ready to see my kids. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a><br />
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P.S. I entered the pic of Gustin riding his trike in the April photo challenge at <a href="http://iheartfaces.com/">iheartfaces.com</a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670398228389322.post-33288518653597932152012-03-04T17:32:00.001-06:002012-03-08T16:51:49.674-06:00Instagraming and potty trainingDo you instagram?<br />
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I downloaded the free app on my iPhone about a year ago, but have only really started using it over the last few weeks. I've been trying to make myself take more pictures again and the handiness of my iPhone makes it a perfect fit. I can't take my DSLR everywhere but I always have my phone with me and it's fun to play with all the different filters that instagram provides. <br />
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One thing I noticed about my instagram pics is that the are heavily weighted with Clara pictures. As evidence I submit the following:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6944401857/" title="Clara instragram by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="Clara instragram" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6944401857_c0e9a9f6c2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
But my current favorite is the picture of my newly potty training two-year-old. Her (newly potty trained) big brother is taking his potty-training-teaching job very seriously and he's getting results!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6953865817/" title="2012 03 04_8715 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 03 04_8715" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6953865817_026d048716.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
On to my photographically neglected older children. I scoured my phone and came up with a couple of Gustin. <br />
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Here he is at gymnastics:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6942740585/" title="2012 02 29_8565 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 02 29_8565" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6942740585_55c5d1f3b7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
And here he is showing off the reward he earned for finally being potty trained! Yay!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6950361847/" title="2012 03 02_8674 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 03 02_8674" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6950361847_2432874977.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
By the way, doesn't he have a sweet smile?<br />
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I don't have a single instagram photo of Elizabeth (I really need to fix that!) and only one of Jonathan. This next pic was taken at Jonathan's Cub Scouts awards banquet. Some very special guests arrived who helped hand out the badges and awards. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplycolleen/6950362241/" title="2012 03 02_8675 by simply colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 03 02_8675" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6950362241_6422409529.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
These guys made quite the entrance. The Star Wars Darth Vader theme was playing and they marched in in an extremely menacing way. It was very intimidating! Poor Clara did not like them at all and sobbed every time they were near and every other child there under the age of 3 was in tears. So sad. But, the scouts absolutely loved it. One of the boys got a storm trooper's autograph. It was signed XT-8475. Too funny!<br />
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I have one more photo to share that is not from instagram (but with a rollover). Here is Gustin showing off his new Lego plane that he spent half the morning building all by himself:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.colleengreengrass@blogspot.com"><img onmouseout="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6807671300_eb6f139ef5.jpg'" onmouseover="this.src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6953783569_c1a763ccf0.jpg'" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6807671300_eb6f139ef5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm so proud of him! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54485/256/41954B96050CF19506A3B0BC77133525.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a><br />
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P.S. You can find me on instagram as simplycolleen.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14318595988087482161noreply@blogger.com3