tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33214348934819900832024-03-12T16:22:49.476-07:00Cressling TimesMusings on life, love, family, and whatnot....
*Canadian Edition*Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-45321367932301125272011-08-02T12:20:00.001-07:002011-08-02T12:21:22.953-07:00Something new....I've created something new that I'm hoping will become a great place for academic partners to network and share their stories. Check it out here:<br />
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<a href="http://theacademicwife.weebly.com/">theacademicwife.weebly.com</a>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-8958919128705728042011-05-16T13:52:00.001-07:002011-05-17T13:36:33.946-07:00A New ToyClay got a spectacular graduation present today in the mail. We're already benefitting from it's awesomeness as you can see here.<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2oG5hNLpcm1696z81o7c0OdtdGElayFz7lLlzd8gy7gjg-1y3TZ-Kuwv7z09Hd4SqYn6OlraAASEq4T_ygQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-18509472593581173332011-05-04T07:26:00.000-07:002011-05-04T07:55:25.703-07:00It's Official!<div style="text-align: left;">This past weekend we traveled back to Ann Arbor to watch the Brain walk across the stage after being hooded and officially receiving his freshly minted PhD. It was a memorable ceremony filled with politically liberal speeches, borderline inappropriate whooping from the members of the audience and a sentimental sigh from myself as I watched my husband take the steps he's been working so diligently towards for many years. It was unbelievably satisfying. And someday when the bank accounts are a little more padded, I will happily hand the University of Michigan my pound of flesh ($$$) for their beautiful custom fit blue robes with specialized hood & tassel so the Brain can look like the sophisticated academic he is.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfDmUFOoAzH1tlln9W1qudv0XciBXPx5zCsoePaHIjjW-N2bNXqTSGkyKayPdJ8q2SxIk4ecz0xPYLBfpfrtGE2zLg_bRlVGMgF4AdEMOrAyHJ_uogK9__XporVf01qKD2jbporgOnqI/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfDmUFOoAzH1tlln9W1qudv0XciBXPx5zCsoePaHIjjW-N2bNXqTSGkyKayPdJ8q2SxIk4ecz0xPYLBfpfrtGE2zLg_bRlVGMgF4AdEMOrAyHJ_uogK9__XporVf01qKD2jbporgOnqI/s320/IMG_2487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602870524592209922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We also took the opportunity to visit the Henry Ford museum and Greenfield village one more time before our membership expires.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdfoR68YSFD7hyphenhyphendsDCoP6Nvwo012GWN6YGUeCPb-SQjMk4sQzoWfpH_FJ7VW1cThfCHUByvADb7r3wuVPfq02igR4G4kzbZaqQpWqXyVfCUek7fufbkAONMh9PTPfFYAA7FebWumIGLM/s1600/IMG_2513.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdfoR68YSFD7hyphenhyphendsDCoP6Nvwo012GWN6YGUeCPb-SQjMk4sQzoWfpH_FJ7VW1cThfCHUByvADb7r3wuVPfq02igR4G4kzbZaqQpWqXyVfCUek7fufbkAONMh9PTPfFYAA7FebWumIGLM/s320/IMG_2513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602871759210427442" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There were paper airplanes, which made the Chief happy...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LkUsE2gtI3I2bsZJLI73OjS6QXBYko7FOcYs-YfcEow_5vTDh24kiC__gWVOhRsA8_2FXvw5xEIQsqU-s7Bg6y-MM1nkesT_XGbrEQtbF6-eaewr6H2UIhxgWBhGl0iYgoqiW-TGImA/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LkUsE2gtI3I2bsZJLI73OjS6QXBYko7FOcYs-YfcEow_5vTDh24kiC__gWVOhRsA8_2FXvw5xEIQsqU-s7Bg6y-MM1nkesT_XGbrEQtbF6-eaewr6H2UIhxgWBhGl0iYgoqiW-TGImA/s320/IMG_2494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602870529588108450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and other airplanes...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3wxskjFBDOhNofnWwolIfy_aYTwJPnoQcmUCTMw20jgHtJZaWpyWhvSKRyrDPale0_ITOGhMms8o0Xvj4zhwAx3-7TvEjytOHnmUNp2NI9A-ma6LhcTCUdGG0CVO5b0ngtcpoaCFSvQ/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3wxskjFBDOhNofnWwolIfy_aYTwJPnoQcmUCTMw20jgHtJZaWpyWhvSKRyrDPale0_ITOGhMms8o0Xvj4zhwAx3-7TvEjytOHnmUNp2NI9A-ma6LhcTCUdGG0CVO5b0ngtcpoaCFSvQ/s320/IMG_2495.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602871764354662754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and glassblowers, which made Beaker happy...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWcwdcIrkaeTHhylzSbEGGeoAz7pTKSw88IgE_QZl5Q-80-6sPdejDfr4sSM_AE6BP07niiWuPQQpEF_4r7g5A25Bj9ysd0PW0l1wFES9t012rcjxNkycVL4HV2MpcUf3bStjcnzi9NY/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWcwdcIrkaeTHhylzSbEGGeoAz7pTKSw88IgE_QZl5Q-80-6sPdejDfr4sSM_AE6BP07niiWuPQQpEF_4r7g5A25Bj9ysd0PW0l1wFES9t012rcjxNkycVL4HV2MpcUf3bStjcnzi9NY/s320/IMG_2535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602871768332904706" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but, best of all there was time with family...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BwYFJ4Ri7zR3sTyqzI8TS4hFTgapfzm2l0Lkm3OAQAV8j3_bdDcj7gDqnkWTCBXV21JAhJWqehf-gbtoHVG2HZ4oWPcmtlbiHL6zK8qec6zQkg4Hkk7WR87XZJNK_jf3qT2emp2f_Sw/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BwYFJ4Ri7zR3sTyqzI8TS4hFTgapfzm2l0Lkm3OAQAV8j3_bdDcj7gDqnkWTCBXV21JAhJWqehf-gbtoHVG2HZ4oWPcmtlbiHL6zK8qec6zQkg4Hkk7WR87XZJNK_jf3qT2emp2f_Sw/s320/IMG_2515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602872583937198242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't thank Clay's Mom and Step-dad for making the trip to Ann Arbor to be a part of this unforgettable moment in our life. We had the most wonderful weekend visiting with them. My folks also made the trip down and I am ever thankful for their love and support. For those friends and family that could not join us, please know that you occupied our minds and hearts as we celebrated. It has been a great journey, one that continues, and we could not travel it so well without any of you.</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-61327326541701982842011-04-26T07:50:00.000-07:002011-04-26T08:08:47.373-07:00Easter Fun<div>Easter was pretty low key for us this year, since we couldn't make the drive to visit family. We just hung around Kingston enjoying the weather and having fun as a family. Here we are dying our eggs for Mr. Bunny to hide.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXKe8rfvi6BX4g6IsRJftH9qP5fByJFX0XJOjtcDtXDjX12ibOwgDGQ3jyoUsQsVUft3Q0pth6XYgn5DtFLdNndCff1tzbtuJYsmK6K-x7CJ1csHEx5B8wqGhHqaitRXnBJ77bY_uh78/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXKe8rfvi6BX4g6IsRJftH9qP5fByJFX0XJOjtcDtXDjX12ibOwgDGQ3jyoUsQsVUft3Q0pth6XYgn5DtFLdNndCff1tzbtuJYsmK6K-x7CJ1csHEx5B8wqGhHqaitRXnBJ77bY_uh78/s320/IMG_2405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599905874983848786" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXKe8rfvi6BX4g6IsRJftH9qP5fByJFX0XJOjtcDtXDjX12ibOwgDGQ3jyoUsQsVUft3Q0pth6XYgn5DtFLdNndCff1tzbtuJYsmK6K-x7CJ1csHEx5B8wqGhHqaitRXnBJ77bY_uh78/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLfWXH4fNNUbQCFTb2JiQrBJsaQuCYRREY1pL1dRHwIRYSckXHDRRnvKLJXMhQS_GmAhtoj4yO23MoN50_N3oZ0qLnIYOlmSL0R70OT0m5QhFNxLOtFJG-tZg39oxTVV8cwT7Kb_Tj3A/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLfWXH4fNNUbQCFTb2JiQrBJsaQuCYRREY1pL1dRHwIRYSckXHDRRnvKLJXMhQS_GmAhtoj4yO23MoN50_N3oZ0qLnIYOlmSL0R70OT0m5QhFNxLOtFJG-tZg39oxTVV8cwT7Kb_Tj3A/s320/IMG_2402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599905865882828178" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our finished products came our quite lovely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlFnwFoQV7TrvLAitQHStirkD-OTlX56AmatF1sQjanALX4fm-LS4DTZXIAl7U6ryaOJxviTaSBUWJ-flQwtS-33U47AilD0jYwmExWiHOc5rK5ClEaXAMhzX0-s2TjMy6ckxuPrp2Y4/s1600/IMG_2425.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlFnwFoQV7TrvLAitQHStirkD-OTlX56AmatF1sQjanALX4fm-LS4DTZXIAl7U6ryaOJxviTaSBUWJ-flQwtS-33U47AilD0jYwmExWiHOc5rK5ClEaXAMhzX0-s2TjMy6ckxuPrp2Y4/s320/IMG_2425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599908283178897634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Though we had two casualties while we were decorating...the first just a clumsy mishap, the second a curious cat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwnN6aQ-4QNzj6ZXE-lz7m4RK-v4hfYOse7vZIePAUBj2UpaK9tMfauuW3OVshWN_umJIAxN4jsiVNpvtfd3LnqRlmvYQJcxNqntCMy36QEoUFhjSZk4HvIhGNXOCc2_zw6DSOXlKyJE/s1600/IMG_2410.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwnN6aQ-4QNzj6ZXE-lz7m4RK-v4hfYOse7vZIePAUBj2UpaK9tMfauuW3OVshWN_umJIAxN4jsiVNpvtfd3LnqRlmvYQJcxNqntCMy36QEoUFhjSZk4HvIhGNXOCc2_zw6DSOXlKyJE/s320/IMG_2410.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599908286656051538" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both were enjoyed by the kids.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRMcA70D8EfQBimSInJgRhiLHi61ASFTLeF1M6lVgkM2tBoFokq1QigITMiN5c12pGh1H2bXN76tnh4Rlswcnnf687DzKf8THhZkXnthQhW47gaxMtVg0hD4Nv2TH-Sf1P2Nm48XOoqw/s1600/IMG_2409.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRMcA70D8EfQBimSInJgRhiLHi61ASFTLeF1M6lVgkM2tBoFokq1QigITMiN5c12pGh1H2bXN76tnh4Rlswcnnf687DzKf8THhZkXnthQhW47gaxMtVg0hD4Nv2TH-Sf1P2Nm48XOoqw/s320/IMG_2409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599908296058150738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sunday morning the kids woke up extremely early (6:30 a.m.!) to see what goodies the Easter Bunny had left them. They were both excited to get a new stuffed friend, but it was easy to see how exhausted they were.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRhCUroLPbXrfskXdPM55gUg9K_PtCkiCmIs3a7GkfpkaNonXTvazn3kkjXGAU95Xlt3JCcoHsLYYFKQfN5Wx5WH4Bhq0htZalkMH5jhDt7ikD4guZyx1tG9qdTelbdRqwEnNq22U1Cs/s1600/IMG_2412.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRhCUroLPbXrfskXdPM55gUg9K_PtCkiCmIs3a7GkfpkaNonXTvazn3kkjXGAU95Xlt3JCcoHsLYYFKQfN5Wx5WH4Bhq0htZalkMH5jhDt7ikD4guZyx1tG9qdTelbdRqwEnNq22U1Cs/s320/IMG_2412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599906931368790962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully this year begins a new Easter tradition...naptime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday. Cheers!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-50421449876034633182011-03-28T08:00:00.000-07:002011-03-28T08:25:53.230-07:00Wolfe Island<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2EHJfocAmoA77iE4e0P_OtN17yPZit59W4zacZv_Gg-t41HWYxTdxIpkjkzH1_rER9-5lQxGQviIUHG-GQtLvfMMO69Gn6kbjRdwXvHmKw24qgFquxsvviDmi_e-ycw2h4QEPVfgJFg/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2EHJfocAmoA77iE4e0P_OtN17yPZit59W4zacZv_Gg-t41HWYxTdxIpkjkzH1_rER9-5lQxGQviIUHG-GQtLvfMMO69Gn6kbjRdwXvHmKw24qgFquxsvviDmi_e-ycw2h4QEPVfgJFg/s320/IMG_2359.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589147928756405794" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We took advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend and rode the ferry over to Wolfe Island to explore the little town that we can see from our windows. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62sfNK8IQQb1bZQ_cmrEMMqCVRcKRRqBKmv04JcQvLpto5Rx9pgGksMMSYPiMuA1rESwq2BkZCuTrih_fvf25y51J0_dyeS679BDrHy75mRGtsIFHZBTSJLetPk7-_wt3w82HxdDLuhQ/s1600/IMG_2351.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62sfNK8IQQb1bZQ_cmrEMMqCVRcKRRqBKmv04JcQvLpto5Rx9pgGksMMSYPiMuA1rESwq2BkZCuTrih_fvf25y51J0_dyeS679BDrHy75mRGtsIFHZBTSJLetPk7-_wt3w82HxdDLuhQ/s320/IMG_2351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589147916157367634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There's not much to it, considering how large the island is. We wandered around a bit and took some pictures of a few pretty churches, but it's obviously still winter here. Half of the shops are still closed for the season, waiting for warmer weather and tourists before they throw open their doors again. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDzDdgmGxEGUxq2qp0K3AijGw6gzBYwTKh-MBdci4G9l-MQYuMdH9n75H1VXm9pZEneTChkNDrN5QTtade_7U1kYKxulFLk2dfQ05PXbO2wTG2WubuYwSghKuKt6H8V_oFykKFEvsgbQ/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDzDdgmGxEGUxq2qp0K3AijGw6gzBYwTKh-MBdci4G9l-MQYuMdH9n75H1VXm9pZEneTChkNDrN5QTtade_7U1kYKxulFLk2dfQ05PXbO2wTG2WubuYwSghKuKt6H8V_oFykKFEvsgbQ/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589147936760140178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Humorously, there are hockey decorations everywhere since Wolfe Island is in the running to be named Hockeyville. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2yj09yrZx66FR_GG3GQhD5CCLH55EQQhDgmO2LQykMtPbFeOE3b2cCCeTs3iEw-ztx73BOhhStRmZmkDkZlpj06gafTZ9FeV5zV9H6ft96lM-wuZC3eldvH2d7UczkQwQPggBweQ3fA/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2yj09yrZx66FR_GG3GQhD5CCLH55EQQhDgmO2LQykMtPbFeOE3b2cCCeTs3iEw-ztx73BOhhStRmZmkDkZlpj06gafTZ9FeV5zV9H6ft96lM-wuZC3eldvH2d7UczkQwQPggBweQ3fA/s320/IMG_2368.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589147938937774834" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaiAVa9bcgfrzHWxGvGqTRs2oneAi0kGuNoStolXuVn_nOkIDy0L8K4Fu3McD6nmE7CJCdE1FaHTcZkUP_xc5xNcD8x9QWiKgovhwjDqEryxUaUMj4tFqEXAqg1rZBNvI7z4pSy_Tu9k/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaiAVa9bcgfrzHWxGvGqTRs2oneAi0kGuNoStolXuVn_nOkIDy0L8K4Fu3McD6nmE7CJCdE1FaHTcZkUP_xc5xNcD8x9QWiKgovhwjDqEryxUaUMj4tFqEXAqg1rZBNvI7z4pSy_Tu9k/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589150512995687746" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All in all, it was a fun way to spend a few hours of our time on a beautiful Sunday. I'm excited to go back during the summer when we can bike and explore more extensively.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It must have been a good time...even I got in a picture for once.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-9HSE2GCxPSyLbH0StvC3Q5ijgUKJtR65ssStv5UIo8xHjc1isOtkM-U02hdZALqPI6LAmUJzeInw-9Fy3jP5JrJiA3LZSh3v5hdVzFDOWFQAAw_oUecYrdYLQUfIZK79tOmeYNP6gI/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-9HSE2GCxPSyLbH0StvC3Q5ijgUKJtR65ssStv5UIo8xHjc1isOtkM-U02hdZALqPI6LAmUJzeInw-9Fy3jP5JrJiA3LZSh3v5hdVzFDOWFQAAw_oUecYrdYLQUfIZK79tOmeYNP6gI/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589150506634042706" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's the view of Kingston from the ferry. Our building is one of those tall things, uglying up the shoreline.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglckS9AozAL8KprfXjn3O52hYILFdcrchKeOnMc8uQGtZRQVIJXiZ7I8G0SN5CRyhMKw4F7rE388iyBrqtPfRXj2clxk4ylsOlECDzqeW6BJ-QwOa2gy9T2XWmwGWxy7A7z_a1skBZYEs/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglckS9AozAL8KprfXjn3O52hYILFdcrchKeOnMc8uQGtZRQVIJXiZ7I8G0SN5CRyhMKw4F7rE388iyBrqtPfRXj2clxk4ylsOlECDzqeW6BJ-QwOa2gy9T2XWmwGWxy7A7z_a1skBZYEs/s320/IMG_2357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589147925299281266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-25201720263829440252011-03-17T08:44:00.001-07:002011-03-17T09:29:19.968-07:00Bring on Springtime<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTlxDtvl7XrNl-DYAMSksEcfN8F0tYyagQqk7jj6rYKdZ9G1SLq9RCBvXKFI1pc22T-xhDMe-58owCabJ6RLbpH5VmXnxlQQtamdleQjZH99G7aTljdEa-LCDHrJtyyY1a28PwZRRzwQ/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTlxDtvl7XrNl-DYAMSksEcfN8F0tYyagQqk7jj6rYKdZ9G1SLq9RCBvXKFI1pc22T-xhDMe-58owCabJ6RLbpH5VmXnxlQQtamdleQjZH99G7aTljdEa-LCDHrJtyyY1a28PwZRRzwQ/s320/IMG_2348.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585086194611693298" /></a></div><br /><div>I have been waiting for something to write about, but not much has been happening these days. The routine schedule of family life plays out day after day around here with not much variance. Most of the time it is a great comfort, knowing what to expect from life, but it doesn't lend much excitement to writing a blog. </div><div><br /></div>Spring break has finally come for the kids and amazingly it actually feels like spring here in Kingston. The sun in shining and it's a balmy 2.5 C today (for everyone else that's 36 F). Now, I'm certain that some of you are rolling your eyes at the thought of 36 F being spring like weather, but you have to remember everything is relative. We've been suffering an extremely cold winter here the past couple of months, so 36 F feels like heaven comparatively. The lake has mostly thawed, the thick plates of ice giving way to the rolling rhythm of blue waves. Trees are budding, flowers are pushing up from the wet soil and the birds are singing. Yes, spring is definitely in the air and it makes me happy.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm2rA1WA22pbdy1BdCnhTZs7p2zoGdLObmrt20282MynGrQXWd1EZ2VOxSxmTitJJSy8LElnB7RkAExsiMKD_mXVN9TeEdjHyhyphenhyphen7EVskg47O4JO6mVJkpDjYhPf63fwXi8AHvqDI-7OQ/s1600/IMG_2350.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm2rA1WA22pbdy1BdCnhTZs7p2zoGdLObmrt20282MynGrQXWd1EZ2VOxSxmTitJJSy8LElnB7RkAExsiMKD_mXVN9TeEdjHyhyphenhyphen7EVskg47O4JO6mVJkpDjYhPf63fwXi8AHvqDI-7OQ/s320/IMG_2350.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585085877721639074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We had a wonderful visit with my folks this past weekend, who made the long trip out to see their Grandkids. It was so nice to have company though we didn't do hardly anything. Amazingly, we got to watch U of M play Ohio State in the Big Ten tournament. It felt a lot like being back in Ann Arbor.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The kids and I have been enjoying their time off of school by doing absolutely nothing. We sleep in (if you consider 8:00 a.m. sleeping in) and laze around the rest of the day - playing with legos, coloring pictures, and doing other such stress-free activities. Today, I think we'll take a walk/scooter ride and enjoy some time at the park. The Brain is still working hard this week, so maybe we'll pop in and see if we can entice him out of his hole and into the sunshine.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who share my strange affinity for Ireland despite not being Irish....Happy St. Patrick's Day. I, for one, will be going out in search of that illusive pot of gold while the sun is shining.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-23534087231715263522011-02-20T13:36:00.000-08:002011-02-20T13:44:07.171-08:00New additionsWe've added some new additions to the Cressler family. Meet Morris and Bo Peep:<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLxVd6FfkbE4zU-Dhk5hF46neyLT7_hwLRLarll_T6ZD5E6hsirrXY3OTtUuN_wd8m7FIFxcaTk-tWJ3IzE-4sSYoGP019JZ9W8_Rms5R3o73CwusnvdaxSWRo09jrcn104nYvlL581U/s1600/IMG_2327.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLxVd6FfkbE4zU-Dhk5hF46neyLT7_hwLRLarll_T6ZD5E6hsirrXY3OTtUuN_wd8m7FIFxcaTk-tWJ3IzE-4sSYoGP019JZ9W8_Rms5R3o73CwusnvdaxSWRo09jrcn104nYvlL581U/s320/IMG_2327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575889537992035810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2BWQXXMO8Z-8cDw1pzfR0nSQTjc48Km6kwnap18W03HdYSGQHTMcQ7AP19vhZcX1hwI7McnXF8riC5wA5Xt_Xt5a2NbB4wmdkAF4BUwy1Nd8d5jGz-psezRPgC8BWKcIld4Om35omts/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2BWQXXMO8Z-8cDw1pzfR0nSQTjc48Km6kwnap18W03HdYSGQHTMcQ7AP19vhZcX1hwI7McnXF8riC5wA5Xt_Xt5a2NbB4wmdkAF4BUwy1Nd8d5jGz-psezRPgC8BWKcIld4Om35omts/s320/IMG_2334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575889785753228290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There has been a lot of discussion over the past few years about adding pets to the family. Beaker would have loved to have a dog, but the Chief doesn't do dogs. He loves cats though. We went out to the pet store today to check these two lovely felines out and of course the kids fell in love. So our little clan has grown a bit and everyone is excited.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-58611113494016186242011-01-28T13:34:00.000-08:002011-01-28T13:59:01.771-08:00More snow...Thank goodness it's friday. It's been snowing non-stop all day and I don't think I could muster the energy to trudge the snow-caked sidewalks another day....at least until Monday. Everyone here is tired and a bit grumpy so the weekend couldn't come at a better time for us. We need to reenergize. <div><br /></div><div>I'm having a Bridget Jones kind of day. I've been thinking about everything in terms of numbers today. Here's my diary list.</div><div><br /></div><div>Number of walks to school: 3</div><div>Loads of laundry to do: 5 (at least)</div><div>Weight in pounds: 5 less than before</div><div>Pages written: 0</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, hopefully I'm not as neurotic as Bridget Jones, but I do appreciate her simple (yet obsessive) way of looking at things. It's easy to see how life fluctuates on a daily basis when you think in numbers....sometimes for the good, other times not so much. For example, the 5 pounds lost in weight completely makes up for have a mountain of laundry to do and the fact that I've basically written nothing this week. Thank you Bridget for offering a bit of perspective. Now I want to watch that movie.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a whole, I say it's been a very good week. It was literacy week at school and I had to make a yellow cat costume for Isabel to dress as her favorite book character. It's a testament to how far my sewing skills have come because I busted her costume out between the hours of 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. the day before she needed it. That time included picking Cole up from school, making dinner, eating, and washing the dishes. Not bad at all. Here she is:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmQXC-meyeRUIPcyhQiUbSs_A_c-ShPbz9NaksE1zDSkKTqo_dKxI_qRsK4g1ZIoPybfpIyidxEUH4sdM03oNsFrcZ2VdBzUOTrRPcnpHhh31XV3heSREW2Qsz1C74uSj72kSTIu0shE/s1600/IMG_2320.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmQXC-meyeRUIPcyhQiUbSs_A_c-ShPbz9NaksE1zDSkKTqo_dKxI_qRsK4g1ZIoPybfpIyidxEUH4sdM03oNsFrcZ2VdBzUOTrRPcnpHhh31XV3heSREW2Qsz1C74uSj72kSTIu0shE/s320/IMG_2320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567358212314555586" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She loved it so much, she even wore it to bed. I love kids.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-76078294266371833442011-01-24T13:29:00.000-08:002011-01-24T13:43:43.197-08:00I have a confession. Since moving to the frozen north, I have cooked every single meal from scratch. No joke. Every single meal. <div><br /></div><div>Now, for some people this may not seem like a big deal. But, those who know me best know that, while I love to cook, I also love to eat out! Despite that we have sworn off eating out until our first payday at the end of the month, so homemade meals have been taken to new heights. <div><br /></div><div>Here are a few things I've made to eat this month:<div><br /><div>1. Pierogies from scratch (I made the dough and the filling)</div><div>2. Chicken and dumplings (I made the broth using a stewing hen and biscuits from scratch)</div><div>3. Fresh Pasta and sauce</div><div>4. Southwestern noodle bowls,</div><div>5. Sweet potato hash with mortadella</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On top of making dinner totally from scratch, I'm also making bread twice a week to feed the masses of my clan. I'm already on my second bag of flour and will probably need to buy a third during our next trip to the grocery store.</div><div><br /></div><div>The effort of all of this has been worth it. Food has never tasted so good. Maybe that's because we pay for it all ourselves now, but I hope that it's because everyday I'm feeding my family with food that comes from the heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's your favorite home-cooked meal?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On the menu tonight: </b><i>Tandoori Chicken with homemade Chapati bread and Raita</i></div><div><br /></div></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-21414131074070534262011-01-17T07:33:00.000-08:002011-01-17T08:01:31.800-08:00Now I know how Superman feels when he visits Krypton...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_bJoosB0skg0GvymGF0s9Ok_Oqsuvrd2dQBibGI82YrqsxWFAsy_prFNV6D4vR9wDjmUQ7eK8Kbgawi6spu7bjUr0ysj6vUaSF-ezYQmYAH2-DRhLLZ66dYwKfwroTpN9S2mZTSNXxM/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_bJoosB0skg0GvymGF0s9Ok_Oqsuvrd2dQBibGI82YrqsxWFAsy_prFNV6D4vR9wDjmUQ7eK8Kbgawi6spu7bjUr0ysj6vUaSF-ezYQmYAH2-DRhLLZ66dYwKfwroTpN9S2mZTSNXxM/s320/IMG_2315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563181780602110322" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Our own version of Krypton</span></div><br />Woke up this morning to a clear bright sky, beautiful sunrise and freezing temperatures. At 7:30 when I was making the Chiefs lunch the actual temperature was -25 C with a wind chill temperature of -36 C. Now for those of you that can't do the conversion to Farenheit, don't feel bad neither can I. The Brain kindly told me that in USA speak the actual temperature was -18 F with a wind chill of -32 F. I'm not sure how that works out, but he's a math genius so I'm taking his word for it.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we laughed to ourselves as we read online that despite the fact that bus routes may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, school would still be in session. In fact, I get the distinct impression that they don't cancel school around here....ever. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe for the Stanley Cup, but it would have to be two Canadian teams in the finals. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, despite the freezing cold temperatures, we suited everyone up and trudged our way to school this morning. And oddly enough, I kind of liked it. There's something about the cold winter air coming off Lake Ontario. It's refreshing. It's invigorating. I enjoyed the walk to school so much, I came home, grabbed my camera, and headed out to take a few photos.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyUYkunMiUdmfcetndPJmyuR9XuLM8KZzmuqisXiTE8RY1Q6LJ4n-hD4lWjLhCR8MJ34MxC2T-4OgoIZeHVfBKeuy9VMxVXwRRG8xYegJozvNkpNd4HAyaihgVV4iKHy1uuqt0ls7k5Y/s1600/IMG_2312.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyUYkunMiUdmfcetndPJmyuR9XuLM8KZzmuqisXiTE8RY1Q6LJ4n-hD4lWjLhCR8MJ34MxC2T-4OgoIZeHVfBKeuy9VMxVXwRRG8xYegJozvNkpNd4HAyaihgVV4iKHy1uuqt0ls7k5Y/s320/IMG_2312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563181073634162498" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxhYBCT8vb9YdKJSwFrQ1pRvs13xdLFGww89uNGMO6ekb6vW6Jlrl3z2EZFtyz1KNcZNdaRfgCP8BS9pC1I-p0ChP9OSKXx8QCJ8fRUJw4hBu-X6jkvLJVHTxnwlW0APVX0kw-dxu4D0/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxhYBCT8vb9YdKJSwFrQ1pRvs13xdLFGww89uNGMO6ekb6vW6Jlrl3z2EZFtyz1KNcZNdaRfgCP8BS9pC1I-p0ChP9OSKXx8QCJ8fRUJw4hBu-X6jkvLJVHTxnwlW0APVX0kw-dxu4D0/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563181355378942370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, this sign seems rather ridiculous to me. I mean, who in their right mind would try to drive over to Wolfe Island? Are people really that stupid? In fairness, I hear they actually did allow trucks to drive across the ice a while back, but banned the practice after they lost a couple of trucks to the bottom of the Lake. Call me chicken...I would never do it whether it was allowed or not.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All in all, I have to say that I've actually enjoyed winter in Kingston so far. I would have never thought it was possible, considering how much I hated it in Michigan. To all my friends back in the States, I suggest putting on some long underwear and warm mittens and heading out in the cold. You just might enjoy it more than you think.</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-20408178957673686572011-01-04T07:11:00.000-08:002011-01-04T07:17:46.120-08:00Our very own winter wonderland...<div>I'm happy to report the kids survived their first day of school. Much to my surprise the Chief even enjoyed his French class. Both decided they would go back today, although Beaker was reluctant as usual. Nice to know that moving to Canada hasn't changed her opinion of school.</div><div><br /></div>This is what we woke up to this morning:<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrlxPWEVvGT7_01s8gr19cHV8xcQYwGlad0k9UMcrHdnBPtiUuaawriqLn6ZvdEl-KsOx4JUOed7sAZ0esJxRHVSavm6yn1W9sjER0a6VXp2ZkBm9n6hxE0Eh1bSZznELelFKBh29ooI/s1600/IMG_2303.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrlxPWEVvGT7_01s8gr19cHV8xcQYwGlad0k9UMcrHdnBPtiUuaawriqLn6ZvdEl-KsOx4JUOed7sAZ0esJxRHVSavm6yn1W9sjER0a6VXp2ZkBm9n6hxE0Eh1bSZznELelFKBh29ooI/s320/IMG_2303.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558349489577367218" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the swirling snow, the temperature is more bearable today than it was yesterday. The walk to school was kind of slow, but we still made it in time for the bell. Now I just have to motivate myself to go get milk and eggs. Why do we always run out on the days I don't want to leave the house?</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-60352650745964444022011-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:002011-01-03T08:33:57.650-08:00A New Year...a New AdventureWell, it's been months since my last post and reasonably so. In the fall, we started to anticipate the end of our time in Ann Arbor. The Brain worked endlessly to finish his dissertation, so he could take a postdoc fellowship at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. The kids played as much as they could with their friends in Northwood V and I began organizing, cleaning, and packing boxes. Months of hard work have finally come to an end. After a chaotic move from Michigan to Kingston during blizzard conditions, we have enjoyed the holidays with family and survived the trip back to Canada. We've been in our new apartment less than a week, but everyone seems to be adjusting well.<div><br /></div><div>The kids began school today with nervous anticipation. Here they are all ready to go:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTIZkmG9bzB71X3acX8cP7rUIzam_Rsuf98U-9PhoEpfw4b5tmcQG7nP0zGowVSxmLyu41hSofSJ4JWmGrru6PgnrBDnlCcNPBzZU_9KkNaudMtajHN8mvYeNTjY2JMB9z6Lh4DHR1GI/s320/IMG_2294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557993506545363650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>It was short walk across City Park to take the kids to school. From there, I walked the Brain to his office building which is a block from the school and headed back to the apartment for my first morning alone....ever. It's been a little to quiet for my taste, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a few photos of our new place:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xRsk4obRWDs_Ba6coAlXGhDICIBujVLLo1qLxO9UNJF-WJsYfQP25H1csDN0TmoEbvMnRHG_U8v3rG9CTkMd4rT7xqFgQpaZJNe6xW3c37jphQBERaqQ6tBR4651_TH-PITzN5u1zQ8/s320/IMG_2299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557995171446293506" style="text-align: center;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7eXrIG10DIUdA8_O9UXak86t1oNfpodwZElzjp2y4ofnEJMfOmup6sMnqroZZx4ABGUvGwCqiP0lst29n3sOeG62nHNjOie_j-N58nppg7p4EaPxziecgDsnyeNC_ZXDQzt3fk41V6k/s1600/IMG_2300.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7eXrIG10DIUdA8_O9UXak86t1oNfpodwZElzjp2y4ofnEJMfOmup6sMnqroZZx4ABGUvGwCqiP0lst29n3sOeG62nHNjOie_j-N58nppg7p4EaPxziecgDsnyeNC_ZXDQzt3fk41V6k/s320/IMG_2300.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557995485034801346" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgManu5cKlrfEsHN34N8KDzkWUdvJK11UPl4mtsoWFwpjfvZLteRYbO1aFZAIL6mIddFNoRxxfi8VDoW4FJdA4ctBk4U5JdX8pqsk_5jXHUQzUaOG4pw1hMhb6nBWjTqbmrxlcn2Q9lUs4/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgManu5cKlrfEsHN34N8KDzkWUdvJK11UPl4mtsoWFwpjfvZLteRYbO1aFZAIL6mIddFNoRxxfi8VDoW4FJdA4ctBk4U5JdX8pqsk_5jXHUQzUaOG4pw1hMhb6nBWjTqbmrxlcn2Q9lUs4/s320/IMG_2297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557995891195433474" style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkp-0LwCGJOHMQhi8I_0mrkwFdvcjc8gzJjJx8HrDjEUkC8IT-2M1ApSB6X-wIQrk3gEni_jxFFJ4GX413-zBe9yOpsW9Bq-9HYFfKC2E4FQuqs8crcsINhoFcD9X7kRJsZK89SEJeS4/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkp-0LwCGJOHMQhi8I_0mrkwFdvcjc8gzJjJx8HrDjEUkC8IT-2M1ApSB6X-wIQrk3gEni_jxFFJ4GX413-zBe9yOpsW9Bq-9HYFfKC2E4FQuqs8crcsINhoFcD9X7kRJsZK89SEJeS4/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkp-0LwCGJOHMQhi8I_0mrkwFdvcjc8gzJjJx8HrDjEUkC8IT-2M1ApSB6X-wIQrk3gEni_jxFFJ4GX413-zBe9yOpsW9Bq-9HYFfKC2E4FQuqs8crcsINhoFcD9X7kRJsZK89SEJeS4/s320/IMG_2298.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557996217768413938" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The white walls go on forever thanks to our 10 foot ceilings, so something will have to be done about that as well as the terrible 1970s curtains. But you certainly can't beat the view.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiKHQ0_V7Ir7TgPBp1sDf6USvpmrZTdm7bQSb39ZO4XmOIGNd5p5QEa8xFYqR6BDrqb5Vl1z3qY7fGshDtsyWJgY5x1ys1ZX8z8rZh5A39Sapxg9B-96WDbPsZgwyXWIcVnqs7C3OwHc/s1600/IMG_2301.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiKHQ0_V7Ir7TgPBp1sDf6USvpmrZTdm7bQSb39ZO4XmOIGNd5p5QEa8xFYqR6BDrqb5Vl1z3qY7fGshDtsyWJgY5x1ys1ZX8z8rZh5A39Sapxg9B-96WDbPsZgwyXWIcVnqs7C3OwHc/s320/IMG_2301.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557996900570854882" style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzzMk1wMn46W0kxsschmo0FL22YvJfbfh9CCnjE37WHcDF64PYUcA27Yxp6vvx1ZRY6-cb-XbBR6Kyb45PdgsXsy2r4vQq7B8XoMYSDHh2g4YWHF5wJxxeGcYZGBX1HJr9YQxovYc8jQ/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzzMk1wMn46W0kxsschmo0FL22YvJfbfh9CCnjE37WHcDF64PYUcA27Yxp6vvx1ZRY6-cb-XbBR6Kyb45PdgsXsy2r4vQq7B8XoMYSDHh2g4YWHF5wJxxeGcYZGBX1HJr9YQxovYc8jQ/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557997234562802786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The house looking thing is the Kingston Yacht Club building which you can see from our balcony. The other view is from our front windows. That's Lake Ontario and Wolfe Island. It's beautiful and if I'm up early enough I can watch the sunrise.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We really enjoyed our time with family in Michigan, but we're happy to be home and moving forward with our new adventure in Canada. We miss all our friends terribly, so I'm certain we'll be in touch with everyone soon.</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-57444682704588204732010-09-30T06:49:00.000-07:002010-09-30T07:16:08.159-07:00Free time for mom....finally!Well, school has been in session for several weeks now, and I'm happily enjoying the first few hours of free time I've had in years. Monday through Thursday I have the afternoon to myself to do whatever<i> <span></span>I</i><span style="font-style:italic;"></span> want to do - no waiting on children constantly, no putting things off till later because I'm following the kids around. It has been amazing. I've been working a lot on the story that's been stuck in my head for over a year. It may actually get written in its entirety which would be an awesome accomplishment for me. Other than that, the house remains cleaner than it has been in years and laundry gets done regularly. It's a potent thing <span style="font-style:italic;"></span>free time<span style="font-style:italic;"></span>. I recommend it to anyone feeling a bit run down. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done sometimes.<br /><br />In other news, both the Chief and Beaker are enjoying school this year. I'm amazed at how much Beaker has learned already. Just a few weeks ago I couldn't even get her to consider writing her letters. Now she writes her name beautifully. It's not perfect, but at least I can tell what it says. Anyway, we are really pleased with how the kids are doing. Here they are ready for the bus to come.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKO6cUcpGTyA05gjDoNfZGVKdGQG-hwSK7A6VAXsHRMFCgGO9iGzoM6dIncSWSqYPQuC3L6Nyqj9Ew1_AAuumSQ6aHrHoFG8PXxpXEQUswGlUu_O8TYdUzIPqfCh9QnvSOB2YZFf1oFE/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKO6cUcpGTyA05gjDoNfZGVKdGQG-hwSK7A6VAXsHRMFCgGO9iGzoM6dIncSWSqYPQuC3L6Nyqj9Ew1_AAuumSQ6aHrHoFG8PXxpXEQUswGlUu_O8TYdUzIPqfCh9QnvSOB2YZFf1oFE/s320/IMG_2158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522705672115853922" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtXxXO_9ls0R3gLDHHf3KPGdeErN8Dx2Mug1NZDLvdwTNtVIIHLoe5uJzAqFI_PNejGjxNEWE9BAdW1mwGXTFbCjyfWT2Wuanwg4UuIa0lhFpU3SNGOXCzAbF7E2PDnPypMFbg9OiCOI/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtXxXO_9ls0R3gLDHHf3KPGdeErN8Dx2Mug1NZDLvdwTNtVIIHLoe5uJzAqFI_PNejGjxNEWE9BAdW1mwGXTFbCjyfWT2Wuanwg4UuIa0lhFpU3SNGOXCzAbF7E2PDnPypMFbg9OiCOI/s320/IMG_2166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522707712417745202" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes it hard to believe that we've come this far in our life as a family - both kids in school, dissertation almost finished. I'm so blessed to have an amazing family. Furthermore, I've been blessed with so many wonderful, supportive people in my life - family and friends. I can't thank you enough.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheers to all!</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-85654609630931793892010-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:002010-08-30T07:59:10.468-07:00Beaker - the BikerBeaker has learned a new trick....riding without training wheels. It's pretty awesome if I ignore the fact that she seems to think you can only ride at one speed - FAST! We've had a couple of spills that have produced a fair number of bumps, bruises, and band-aids. But, she always gets back on ready for her next hit of adrenaline. Needless to say, a helmet is a must for her. <br /><br />Check her out:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRrpT24-sS3sEHg5hEUiSQqNFyhfwSksVUQIg5NklRkPeZwyQkC2geBk1ONmGPUcCDo2AxvnE6KrSmKEJ29A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />In other news, we're getting ready to head back to school. The Chief is heading into second grade and Beaker will be starting preschool. Just the thought of a few child-free hours has my eyes glazing over at the endless possibilities of projects to finish! I'm sure I'll find my time used up quickly with volunteering at school and keeping the house in order, but I can't help but feel giddy at the chance to have some "me" time after 7+ years of "me+kids" time.<br /><br />Any suggestions of how use your free time when the kids are gone?Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-18554337549482661972010-08-02T12:38:00.000-07:002010-08-02T13:21:51.646-07:00The Annual Summer Camping Trip<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ2Tfq7iIEa8jGSVZvV0X9XmhiPCBH5MzJkxk-pLBHIyAaEswsAq7mt0wMvnqMdK7rSE_60JpPVBRWtOA-eNXV8YxYydeMuywfkoT6BAkThm_p13YwxgEaB-A1I06fdjiskmAhliA628/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ2Tfq7iIEa8jGSVZvV0X9XmhiPCBH5MzJkxk-pLBHIyAaEswsAq7mt0wMvnqMdK7rSE_60JpPVBRWtOA-eNXV8YxYydeMuywfkoT6BAkThm_p13YwxgEaB-A1I06fdjiskmAhliA628/s320/IMG_2011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500904261586896706" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This year's camping trip took us to Muskallonge Lake State Park in Deer Park, MI - which sits blissfully in between Muskallonge Lake and Lake Superior.</div><div><br /></div><div>The campground was wonderful. There were lots of people, but it never felt overcrowded or noisy. (Nothing like my summers working at Holland State Park, where the park is always full to bursting during the summer) There was even a man who brought his wood lathe and was making yo-yos for the kids.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSVwA_dGC3K5S5gjqOFEbNP5a1Y53j1TnxonEM39ThZ6vKlE6zWD_E4AkeoBAx2tIjrwnYfWFUd6HMhyWyK3dmhJL-qxD4wQRSaYVCFmlEk2wHAhZUOp1rkl8CXYvPyg-6QvaEep9PfA/s1600/IMG_2017.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSVwA_dGC3K5S5gjqOFEbNP5a1Y53j1TnxonEM39ThZ6vKlE6zWD_E4AkeoBAx2tIjrwnYfWFUd6HMhyWyK3dmhJL-qxD4wQRSaYVCFmlEk2wHAhZUOp1rkl8CXYvPyg-6QvaEep9PfA/s320/IMG_2017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500906923854461282" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ7IYkYsLuUGBjTDfgh82vFo15nLLubTS275iy1ggExFS6Wg7La1VCC_DW6jIKdQrWp_Muk_Uc7kbIW1n4jZ9fHM4hPUWfeKNj9QWLLmBaNo6FIu8v3eS0jBHX1mQx3RM3Kw4ViSykj4/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJ7IYkYsLuUGBjTDfgh82vFo15nLLubTS275iy1ggExFS6Wg7La1VCC_DW6jIKdQrWp_Muk_Uc7kbIW1n4jZ9fHM4hPUWfeKNj9QWLLmBaNo6FIu8v3eS0jBHX1mQx3RM3Kw4ViSykj4/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500907318185409730" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We spent a couple days swimming in the warmer water of Muskallonge Lake and rock hunting on the shore of Lake Superior. The other two days were spent adventuring to nearby Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2hAKjg742SIhZaCbo1It6gQzXU59KZxO6u9gi5I3W80yQSMNFWUMwSadH8MKTwDndj5C7WQPqeJr4gBZyjNIOxhSbO1J08a0-U8FSizsxjD5jKh3gytRRniLll59oktwa2ulP9QANnY/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2hAKjg742SIhZaCbo1It6gQzXU59KZxO6u9gi5I3W80yQSMNFWUMwSadH8MKTwDndj5C7WQPqeJr4gBZyjNIOxhSbO1J08a0-U8FSizsxjD5jKh3gytRRniLll59oktwa2ulP9QANnY/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500907882892348818" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFk7mEv8ZASHIn0pWwK1Qkyogvd30w8_K1yq52MTPcJynGiwxmSb6kOzP3s-atugwjv9Nk7UvYBbsb3D8uzTaW9-upZ4-xqzZXhOF778k_FpAK6ba7M4m2jEMQlknTLh1l4Cxj5uIfNI/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFk7mEv8ZASHIn0pWwK1Qkyogvd30w8_K1yq52MTPcJynGiwxmSb6kOzP3s-atugwjv9Nk7UvYBbsb3D8uzTaW9-upZ4-xqzZXhOF778k_FpAK6ba7M4m2jEMQlknTLh1l4Cxj5uIfNI/s320/IMG_2077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500908279649567026" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After camping, we spent a night in St. Ignace before taking a morning ferry over to Mackinac Island for the day. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33OTgFzj-X1ie7SoRGSFOD8prTwZWNFPB5ut-qjyouT8RtacnYMXyWw9waeqzSt5DO0s4LPOTHT_8OOskPHLAH_QvRM5U0Y1ZOS0lU2JqwWSuU82kadUCJV8eQZv8ByH-6xgBUJPttLs/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33OTgFzj-X1ie7SoRGSFOD8prTwZWNFPB5ut-qjyouT8RtacnYMXyWw9waeqzSt5DO0s4LPOTHT_8OOskPHLAH_QvRM5U0Y1ZOS0lU2JqwWSuU82kadUCJV8eQZv8ByH-6xgBUJPttLs/s320/IMG_2114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500908944311273970" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our trip ended, with an out of the way jaunt to Cross Village, MI for dinner at the one and only Leggs Inn. (If you've never been there...go.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JxMcsYP7aqigJZMNQd9TEL3xRaj5awfkbqjyPrk9JMwhwwfBLTUHZ-kUAiHLyt60z-wUoNVUZK22bzl0RC9FXi39mnAxVl00cvkWoz9prhxx0LiRyArq3dsVFH-5pShcg363nw-7QPA/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JxMcsYP7aqigJZMNQd9TEL3xRaj5awfkbqjyPrk9JMwhwwfBLTUHZ-kUAiHLyt60z-wUoNVUZK22bzl0RC9FXi39mnAxVl00cvkWoz9prhxx0LiRyArq3dsVFH-5pShcg363nw-7QPA/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500909833661428194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great trip and as always we loved having Grandma and Grandpa with us. It's been about a week since we got back and the kids seem to be readjusting to city life just fine. Now, I can't speak for the Brain, but I would rather be back up north enjoying the peaceful shores of Lake Superior.</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-74499173553229475352010-07-26T05:56:00.000-07:002010-07-26T06:59:29.470-07:00Beaker's 4th BirthdayWell, with the passing of her 4th birthday, my beautiful little Zu Zu has outgrown her first nickname. She has moved on to "Beaker" (like the muppet) which is appropriate since she makes squeaky noises all time. Despite this new nickname being a good "fit" for her, I can't help but lament that we no longer call her Zu Zu. I suppose that's my lot as a mom, watching her kids grow up. They never stay small, no matter how much we wish for it sometimes.<div><br /></div><div>We had a small birthday party while in Alma a couple days before the actual event since we would be camping in the U.P. on the 19th. There was cake and ice cream, presents, and family. A good time was had by all.<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCJR6IVZVQzSSCMPunCs5Hm_qnkVX_BY-ysXalJHLhypSJw0k5RrKLj5JTAi5MG8Ho0SPg7nUpPr7cdR2L4UVyiQSrNDs5ngMNT4i8W1-YaiJKOBLQO8nynMDH3Ly21SfmWka7usumYA/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCJR6IVZVQzSSCMPunCs5Hm_qnkVX_BY-ysXalJHLhypSJw0k5RrKLj5JTAi5MG8Ho0SPg7nUpPr7cdR2L4UVyiQSrNDs5ngMNT4i8W1-YaiJKOBLQO8nynMDH3Ly21SfmWka7usumYA/s320/IMG_2006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498200804093095378" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjk3MN_P6T_MK2OMc4Gm-HCyl7tnIvHQKuq5NJzzuypJNSQkvaT6ibIsFZO1DNY3kW9s1AuxTz2-XkI7UGQ5PdiOQhNz0GoWgw7ejhDxa_wfLDgyMKSG3dsXKefD2r1LCaiU13OMlMME/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjk3MN_P6T_MK2OMc4Gm-HCyl7tnIvHQKuq5NJzzuypJNSQkvaT6ibIsFZO1DNY3kW9s1AuxTz2-XkI7UGQ5PdiOQhNz0GoWgw7ejhDxa_wfLDgyMKSG3dsXKefD2r1LCaiU13OMlMME/s320/IMG_1993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498201228508963794" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Brain and I stayed up all night working on Beaker's new tent. We got all the pieces together, but the finishing touches have yet to be finished. Here's what it looks like right now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8v6mNPs0-uRlXHJ4SNridmFUqKP5cUMUsdM3czcTChE4dhg-gtY9LJfdZkvcq0opb6nyv0aPBOizPmMYPgTK0MA0d9BTA3FhFio6WljoYpneQoyBR1ceR2zW_q0eVAOoU1m4p7GAeSk/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8v6mNPs0-uRlXHJ4SNridmFUqKP5cUMUsdM3czcTChE4dhg-gtY9LJfdZkvcq0opb6nyv0aPBOizPmMYPgTK0MA0d9BTA3FhFio6WljoYpneQoyBR1ceR2zW_q0eVAOoU1m4p7GAeSk/s320/IMG_1999.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498202028437010770" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Probably not all that impressive to some of you amazing seamstresses out there, but we were working without a pattern, so I think it's pretty good. Eventually the front doors with have patches sewn on them to look like the rest of the patchwork and there will be letter's on top that say Beaker's House. I have to add ties and buttons to make all the walls fit snuggly on the PVC pipe. Needless to say I'll be posting more photos of the finish product.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happily, Beaker also got some fun items to play with in her new tent as well, like a bean bag and a Buzz Light Year Pillow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUpzDTG-VFhvhoOi6RQdHSagjNT2xDtdFpKGU_EUA91-krXXhcebTLR5WUAqZWRIy_blROFesUW9Ml47e1yrvubSMN2F0qdYGN9JqKp1ESxQA6cbvI8XQTPWKCm3_9qFd44-zSzx3NTc/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUpzDTG-VFhvhoOi6RQdHSagjNT2xDtdFpKGU_EUA91-krXXhcebTLR5WUAqZWRIy_blROFesUW9Ml47e1yrvubSMN2F0qdYGN9JqKp1ESxQA6cbvI8XQTPWKCm3_9qFd44-zSzx3NTc/s320/IMG_1996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498203678809218722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ4m8jWiSP6uHY9YYTMF3RrTUVkA1TWkP9vC-irJX26qzNcADojyhNMHEWDWTqhB0cRfdw52vN1-_e-tPDLjeIkd1S_e4FqYrvlnKjiFshyphenhyphenWaVCXrwjkSiy3u4sdRhIrN6AsOzBB6-jU/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ4m8jWiSP6uHY9YYTMF3RrTUVkA1TWkP9vC-irJX26qzNcADojyhNMHEWDWTqhB0cRfdw52vN1-_e-tPDLjeIkd1S_e4FqYrvlnKjiFshyphenhyphenWaVCXrwjkSiy3u4sdRhIrN6AsOzBB6-jU/s320/IMG_1995.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498204208868222066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div>Check back for a post on our vacation in the U.P.</div></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-44379635044568280672010-06-03T14:39:00.000-07:002010-06-04T14:01:03.998-07:00If you build it she will come....This Memorial Day weekend was in many ways the same as it always is. We traveled to Alma, MI to spend time with my family and take in the Highland Festival (a fabulous weekend of Scottish games, dancing, and bagpiping). The main difference this year from year's past was that my dad and I spent 2+ sweat drenched days building a bed for Zu Zu. She's been sleeping in a toddler bed for about a year now and it's time to make the step up to a big girl bed.<div><br /></div><div>My friend Emily had told me about a fabulous blog where I could find free building plans for simple furniture (www.knock-offwood.com). I checked it out and after many hours spent searching through the plans I found the perfect bed for her. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqxXKC7at4R9AgsGhVL3Q9hNOF2wriV1IgXP4-fp5ha6nTgVzuBJfgbjcrhlpTchn9wxlJboNRLwyefywuwR-3d7kr4OZHFtl_rcPEAwDmJsbf8uYF1KR9fGUBpKD_hUz2ve3-CTFDFU/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqxXKC7at4R9AgsGhVL3Q9hNOF2wriV1IgXP4-fp5ha6nTgVzuBJfgbjcrhlpTchn9wxlJboNRLwyefywuwR-3d7kr4OZHFtl_rcPEAwDmJsbf8uYF1KR9fGUBpKD_hUz2ve3-CTFDFU/s320/IMG_1911.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479024891702928882" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So here's the fruit of our labor. A beautiful bed for a beautiful little girl. She has requested a red polka dot blanket, so I guess that project is next on my list. It will probably take the top spot over all of the other things I should be doing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Needless to say, I'm more than a little pleased with my handy work and I'm already itching to build a bed for myself...and maybe a dresser or two...and some bookshelves....and a pantry cabinet.....and.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you have an interest in building furniture, or your just a practical person like me, check out the blog listed above for some awesome DIY possibilities!</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-897136603549024062010-05-07T08:08:00.000-07:002010-05-07T08:31:40.463-07:00Climber Girl and Robo BoyIt's been a month since my last post, so it's time to add another. <div><br /></div><div>The days have been passing quickly and everyone has things keeping them busy. The Brain took a job in Canada with a start date TBA, so he's trying to flush out everything he needs to finish while editing a book chapter he's been working on.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Chief has been busy working on his science fair project. We salvaged some parts from an old answering machine and VCR to build a mini-robot. It was suppose to be light sensitive, but we had some issues getting the photocells to work. Right now it just moves forward. Here's the Chief and the Brain working:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUrpGG310OZOS4hb7v95UxFXnu8o2sFH30iTOwFnknkczujm9Zx2j12WQF4pkYl1luB_58dAiCnoEEYtiUnLhFVPIkvvXtmhi4XCghdEHRxDOibDTRLOHEQHcdOv7k-mbjpmChB0tEdQ/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUrpGG310OZOS4hb7v95UxFXnu8o2sFH30iTOwFnknkczujm9Zx2j12WQF4pkYl1luB_58dAiCnoEEYtiUnLhFVPIkvvXtmhi4XCghdEHRxDOibDTRLOHEQHcdOv7k-mbjpmChB0tEdQ/s320/IMG_1881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468547447306547954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The science fair was last night. Everyone thought the mini-robot was a success despite it's lack of light sensitivity. I imagine this is just our first adventure into the world of robot building.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for Zu Zu, she's been taking a rock climbing class for a while now. She looks forward to it every week. Here she is climbing the big wall:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ88YNtO6LlMtenM6hLg03LmN_DPz4qJTDejND0f7D1ZSbxgf2LdQyfZ4mu5-6noAgp3c5SHZ8fsYCUYxi93XcHZMNRqimZsDxnp-aVx4ZUgUkbmup1amQCsjfy1DXEHHkiGRM2vzbJNk/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ88YNtO6LlMtenM6hLg03LmN_DPz4qJTDejND0f7D1ZSbxgf2LdQyfZ4mu5-6noAgp3c5SHZ8fsYCUYxi93XcHZMNRqimZsDxnp-aVx4ZUgUkbmup1amQCsjfy1DXEHHkiGRM2vzbJNk/s320/IMG_1887.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468549454074937682" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiH2gGgTZ2GcerC95xrrt-MDcTBNmBo025rwKLvOehuWmHBUQu1sLahLCLluytdWZrdhalkQ6AlqgmEFeaIfgPsD8GAOL4aFod67A_QjCdLDfnZ0avzHNZFZwbpx5pddky0mLKyHQ7gU/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiH2gGgTZ2GcerC95xrrt-MDcTBNmBo025rwKLvOehuWmHBUQu1sLahLCLluytdWZrdhalkQ6AlqgmEFeaIfgPsD8GAOL4aFod67A_QjCdLDfnZ0avzHNZFZwbpx5pddky0mLKyHQ7gU/s320/IMG_1884.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468549443903954066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to say watching all of the kids in class is nothing short of awesome. It's been great to see her find something she can call all her own. Of course, the Chief wants a chance to try it as well now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for me, I'm just trying to keep the house and family from collapsing into chaos. It seems on the verge very often and I admit that I'm pretty tired these days. It's worth it though when I think of all the things we have going on. Everyone is happy and that's what matters most to me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheers!</div><div style="text-align: left;">samwise</div><div><br /></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-43556023600532707222010-04-07T08:46:00.000-07:002010-04-07T09:00:07.836-07:00Par for me...So, my "Philosophies for Life" list has come to a stand still. Rest assured that I have more than three. In fact, I went to post my fourth philosophy "Cultivate", but I just couldn't wrap my head around everything that I needed to say about that philosophy. So, for now, my list is on hold. <div><br /></div><div>I thought I would let everyone know that I have finished reading <i>The Hunger Games</i> as well as its sequel <i>Catching Fire</i>. I really enjoyed both, although I wish they were longer. There are some really great themes being explored and I wish it went more in depth. However, I realize it's a book for teens, and I think the author does a great job keeping that in mind. You could say that no one ever scoffed at J.K. Rowling for writing long books, but to each there own. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the conclusion to the series that will be out in August.</div><div><br /></div><div>In light of reading those two books, I have not been as diligent about reading my non-fiction picks. That's about par for me. I did go back to reading those last night though which is an improvement from my previous attempts at non-fiction where things get set down never to be touched again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, it's a dismal Michigan spring day. Rain, wind, cool temps...but I can't complain since it has been exceptionally nice recently. I hope life is treating you well, wherever this blog finds you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers,</div><div>samwise</div><div><br /></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-13180859781973539292010-03-25T08:25:00.000-07:002010-03-25T08:52:36.076-07:00Philosophies for Life: Day 3<i>Today's Philosophy:</i><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Celebrate.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I thought a lot about what today's philosophy, and decided that since it's my 30th birthday I should go with Celebrate.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a firm believe in celebrating. I love making a big deal out of holidays and birthdays. I love the decorations and gift giving. I love being together with family and friends. They're specials days of the year that are joyous. However, in the past few years I've come to believe in celebrating the small stuff as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Things like a sunny day or cleaning up the basement. The chief learning to tie his shoes or Zu Zu painting a gallery's worth of pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may seem silly to celebrate things that are so regular, but doing so makes everyone in the family happier. The kids smile more and laugh easier on days when we "celebrate". I'm happier (which makes everyone happier). </div><div><br /></div><div>These small moments don't have to turn into huge ordeals. Order takeout or eat outside. Do a special project. Watch a movie on a school night. Little things like that can make the most normal of days feel special. </div><div><br /></div><div>Big occasions often get captured on film so they can last a lifetime. But the small celebrations make up all the time in between those pictures and I, for one, remember those moments fondly. They are the moments that make up the regular days for our family.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I want to know, what small moments do you celebrate?</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers everyone,</div><div>samwise</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-15347609728029123842010-03-24T06:34:00.000-07:002010-03-24T07:07:16.708-07:00Philosophies for Life: Day 2<i>Today's Philosophy:</i><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Make food. Eat food. Together.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, sounds totally unoriginal doesn't it. I mean, who in this world can go without eating? However, I would argue that not everyone who eats food makes it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just ask the Brain. He's only allowed to cook a few things. That probably seems ridiculous on my part, but cooking brings me inner peace and I don't want to let those moments slip away. Plus, I'm a better cook than he is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I believe cooking is rooted in love. For me, cooking a meal is one way for me to say I love you to my family. We eat dinner together every night and it's a great way to spend time together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I want to equip our children with a healthy understanding of food. We live in an era of fast food and eating disorders, so it's our responsibility to help our kids navigate the chaos of choices out there. We try to emphasize well-rounded eating (though admittedly I'm not always great at it). But, my hope is that the kids will come away from our meal times with a healthy view of food and how to eat that they can carry with them always.</div><div><br /></div><div>My cooking runs the gambit of multi-ethnic flavors and often we'll have to convince the kids to try what's in front of them. The prodding can be annoying, but I like to think that I'm helping my kids learn to be adventurous. Maybe that's just the delusional side of me talking, but I think they'll thank me one day for serving them Bi Bim Bop.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, find a way to exercise your inner cook. For the inexperienced try making homemade mac-n-cheese instead of the blue box. For the more adventurous, take on something more challenging like making pierogies (including the dough).</div><div><br /></div><div>Tell me, readers, what do you love to cook? If you need some suggestions, just ask. Cooking is my specialty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers,</div><div>samwise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-6504203884858419922010-03-23T06:53:00.000-07:002010-03-23T07:25:51.516-07:00Philosophies for LifeI thought I would start a list to get myself to blog a little more. I'm always trying to convince myself that something aught to motivate me, so I'm going to begin with a list on Philosophies for Life. Everyone has specific ideas they view as essential to life. Here's the first of my essentials (in no particular order). <div><br /></div><div><i>Today's Philosophy:</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. Read books. Daily.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I know, I know. It's certainly not a unique idea. But, have you ever stopped to think about exactly what you read during the day? Emails, blogs, online news articles, magazines, newspapers, food labels....the list could go on and on and never once mention a book.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm currently in the middle of reading two books, a task I've never taken on before. Not only is that new for me, but both books are non-fiction which is really random. Those of you that know me best, probably know that I've never finished a non-fiction book in my life (not even in college - much to my prof.'s dismay). Admittedly, I rarely pick up non-fiction material, so this is me aspiring to new heights.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the books I'm currently reading and enjoying are: <i>The Happiness Project</i> by Gretchen Rubin and <i>Reading like a Writer</i> by Francine Prose. On top of those, I'm about to add a fiction book to the mix - <i>The Hunger Games</i> by Suzanne Collins. We'll see how it goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, why is "Read books. Daily" one of my philosophies? Severals reasons actually, but here are just a few.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. I want my kids to love reading. Therefore they should see me reading, often.</div><div>2. Reading expands your knowledge, as well as your vocabulary.</div><div>3. Reading is relaxing. It's one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>So tell me, my few faithful readers, why do you read books? And what books are you reading right now?</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers!</div><div>samwise</div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-65599191592416963082010-03-20T07:42:00.000-07:002010-03-20T15:18:18.873-07:00Chicago Trip<div><br /><div>At the end of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">February</span> we took a trip to Chicago (thanks to Grandpa Doug and Grandma Karen!) for a few days, so I thought I would post some pictures of our adventures.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3StC2jTETX9e3b2BG1aj1k_KNGW989u3yKbUoDg5MoCB8ausdm8NBj8zuadu8H15D6gld5KCilWMhgTZt4zLNw2bOtAqfHIlzqK6VsuET0bgZn42sXtkL77RS8ndHBpHsuQ3-Ah2tUX4/s1600-h/IMG_0557.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3StC2jTETX9e3b2BG1aj1k_KNGW989u3yKbUoDg5MoCB8ausdm8NBj8zuadu8H15D6gld5KCilWMhgTZt4zLNw2bOtAqfHIlzqK6VsuET0bgZn42sXtkL77RS8ndHBpHsuQ3-Ah2tUX4/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450842781617887314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-auS2gGITUJ_wC8hcvJ0BJgVf4kQGZw1TFME3-SOsRxsoLQHHq4WpzubsPwNtA_o9KgRjgDzauN_Vb7udvtnNx7R5tnbMKKOc1BLktRWFKghR4ESLam2rQDzcwTo9CNQf3FyqIfTNI/s1600-h/IMG_0553.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-auS2gGITUJ_wC8hcvJ0BJgVf4kQGZw1TFME3-SOsRxsoLQHHq4WpzubsPwNtA_o9KgRjgDzauN_Vb7udvtnNx7R5tnbMKKOc1BLktRWFKghR4ESLam2rQDzcwTo9CNQf3FyqIfTNI/s320/IMG_0553.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450840682771978850" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFwpsaygSbMrEKCid5zpO7UkYuRum_I3D_vtmbzzrtDWdskbi0d-xvPou2CnS_r3Ai0dHZHQoFYDtK3wkKWXO5MZUHO_22YRNPqmFv2uwm9m-IYPss2wXqQCdVSTxk9We35zR2zonaEQ/s1600-h/IMG_0554.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFwpsaygSbMrEKCid5zpO7UkYuRum_I3D_vtmbzzrtDWdskbi0d-xvPou2CnS_r3Ai0dHZHQoFYDtK3wkKWXO5MZUHO_22YRNPqmFv2uwm9m-IYPss2wXqQCdVSTxk9We35zR2zonaEQ/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450840433905105026" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here we are enjoying the train ride from Ann Arbor to Chicago. In my opinion, it's the only way to travel. There's plenty of leg room, you can roam about the train when the kids get antsy from sitting, the bathroom goes with you (enough said) and you don't have to do any of the driving. I love it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stayed down town, a block from the Magnificant Mile, so there were plenty of things to see and places to eat. The kids, of course, were most taken with the pool in our hotel. In fact, they chose to swim over going to the Aquarium!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We did manage to spend the day (and I mean the whole day) at Navy Pier, playing at the Children's Museum. Here's a few choice pics from our time there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMHuuNGfGx2m8T2DV0ZpTD03nvLSUf5TWI2P9WiQN4SrR1s6ivFTJA3kTE_HBahvtt9s-MR6VmY19bIyCEuHI241Wygv19TUniWAbsfC_dP1iKQRutTuhzOUfAiJ4rUBauP3YNXbaTKE/s1600-h/IMG_0605.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMHuuNGfGx2m8T2DV0ZpTD03nvLSUf5TWI2P9WiQN4SrR1s6ivFTJA3kTE_HBahvtt9s-MR6VmY19bIyCEuHI241Wygv19TUniWAbsfC_dP1iKQRutTuhzOUfAiJ4rUBauP3YNXbaTKE/s320/IMG_0605.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450843462556474082" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMHuuNGfGx2m8T2DV0ZpTD03nvLSUf5TWI2P9WiQN4SrR1s6ivFTJA3kTE_HBahvtt9s-MR6VmY19bIyCEuHI241Wygv19TUniWAbsfC_dP1iKQRutTuhzOUfAiJ4rUBauP3YNXbaTKE/s1600-h/IMG_0605.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNuAL3Zv07fPCqkp-8Qte8noylaKf3B1x3tlE_5eDIChiLIfBATpBfI_KFnkK1XAZWz0CgRaVpOImTJZWjyWlCCAXq_KuHclndh2k0wIJh4TY1Eq9wNesiYENZUlqKTm_DsVNAlO3ok4/s1600-h/IMG_0594.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNuAL3Zv07fPCqkp-8Qte8noylaKf3B1x3tlE_5eDIChiLIfBATpBfI_KFnkK1XAZWz0CgRaVpOImTJZWjyWlCCAXq_KuHclndh2k0wIJh4TY1Eq9wNesiYENZUlqKTm_DsVNAlO3ok4/s320/IMG_0594.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450843448337115490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNuAL3Zv07fPCqkp-8Qte8noylaKf3B1x3tlE_5eDIChiLIfBATpBfI_KFnkK1XAZWz0CgRaVpOImTJZWjyWlCCAXq_KuHclndh2k0wIJh4TY1Eq9wNesiYENZUlqKTm_DsVNAlO3ok4/s1600-h/IMG_0594.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeDbT473XTzh0UJ7FRe8hwUfXVgZsXK8XfnKh-OMF3AD0xULW7qI57F0W7CNPgCRtmYJSFutuPnBOa2yzwNvmfC_i7EpcJyrfpdCC5Ryl13JpAfVJ-YXYh9N8vFr2-tN8dsKw-D15I7o/s1600-h/IMG_0578.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeDbT473XTzh0UJ7FRe8hwUfXVgZsXK8XfnKh-OMF3AD0xULW7qI57F0W7CNPgCRtmYJSFutuPnBOa2yzwNvmfC_i7EpcJyrfpdCC5Ryl13JpAfVJ-YXYh9N8vFr2-tN8dsKw-D15I7o/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450843437750497250" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeDbT473XTzh0UJ7FRe8hwUfXVgZsXK8XfnKh-OMF3AD0xULW7qI57F0W7CNPgCRtmYJSFutuPnBOa2yzwNvmfC_i7EpcJyrfpdCC5Ryl13JpAfVJ-YXYh9N8vFr2-tN8dsKw-D15I7o/s1600-h/IMG_0578.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GVbKXHGimHLsFqt1lWXqct8qSXU3CBsYJ-AoglPcGHhLBqZUsvT4ZcOt6uzAmFStJNME72uRlJW0R2-La_GP75lWD6TURx7MeFGpB7iJI8AZNpjavVbVcUqheOjsTu6Yz-odD7WowqA/s1600-h/IMG_0571.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GVbKXHGimHLsFqt1lWXqct8qSXU3CBsYJ-AoglPcGHhLBqZUsvT4ZcOt6uzAmFStJNME72uRlJW0R2-La_GP75lWD6TURx7MeFGpB7iJI8AZNpjavVbVcUqheOjsTu6Yz-odD7WowqA/s320/IMG_0571.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450843430871598978" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone had a great time, seeing the city, riding in taxis, taking the train, and swimming in the pool. I hope we'll be able to it again sometime.</div><div><br /></div></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-31453699216148337262010-03-13T16:29:00.000-08:002010-03-13T16:58:32.015-08:00Getting Older....but not wiserI have to face the truth...<div><br /></div><div>I turn 30 in less than two weeks and I admit, I can't decide how I feel about it. Thirty years, I realize, is fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of life, but it seems like it should be a big deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems like there should be a huge party or vacation that announces to the world that I've achieved...something. Though I don't know what that would be. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a great deal already. I'm well on my way to an average life. I married an amazing man (almost 7 years ago now) and have two crazy children who keep me on my toes day after day. Mine is a blessed and happy life.</div><div><br /></div><div>So why does thirty feel like it should offer something more?</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe it's the fact that I won't be twenty something anymore. Thirty means I'm well past the carelessness of my youth, but it doesn't necessarily bring with it the wisdom or perspective of being older. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe turning thirty is nothing more than another day of the year. Maybe turning thirty is just about getting older and nothing more. </div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321434893481990083.post-28984459533385116492010-01-04T15:19:00.001-08:002010-01-04T15:47:39.079-08:00Welcome 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyptFy79tSfNjRP01Dd91RmaWqu-cNDm4NlL_oWxj4uQK-2-G0fyMcGlivGxYlhXwdq0XGmuhMkN_7DRbXnLF9oED-WB6eg93rVWIsuymLR5Zn-4g0Gb5NJKpsfRVqbx6R2pC6rq7gcsY/s1600-h/IMG_1734.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyptFy79tSfNjRP01Dd91RmaWqu-cNDm4NlL_oWxj4uQK-2-G0fyMcGlivGxYlhXwdq0XGmuhMkN_7DRbXnLF9oED-WB6eg93rVWIsuymLR5Zn-4g0Gb5NJKpsfRVqbx6R2pC6rq7gcsY/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423033956173121826" /></a><br /><br /><div>Hello family and friends,<div><br /></div><div>I hope this New Year finds you all well. We survived the holidays despite a lot of time in the car. It was such a blessing to see a lot of our family this holiday season. The Brain and I are both thankful for the time we spent with everyone. For those of you we weren't able to see, we missed you greatly and thought of you much.<div><br /></div><div>I, personally, am overjoyed to be back to the grind of A2. The Chief went back to school today, the Brain to work, and Zu Zu and I tried to reclaim the living room as a living space (instead of a present holding zone.) It was a tediously slow process that I relished in. Every once in the while cleaning can make me smile and today was one of those days. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also greatly looking forward to not having anything immediate on my "To Do" list. We have only one thing on the calendar for this month so far, and that's a child-free night out for the Brain and I at the end of the month. *Loud sigh of satisfaction*</div><div><br /></div><div>On a final note, I want to share my top five New Year's Resolutions.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Stay in side during the extremely cold Michigan winter.</div><div>4. Build the ultimate Lego vehicle with the Chief.</div><div>3. Paint a masterpiece with Zu Zu.</div><div>2. Nag the Brain less.</div><div>1. Live a healthier holistic lifestyle (better food, more exercise, more reading, more writing, etc).</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers!</div></div></div>Samwisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14139280156706316263noreply@blogger.com0