tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37129896383277650452024-03-13T22:28:15.499-07:00BrinkFamUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-72870193392919824922008-09-23T10:24:00.000-07:002008-11-18T13:36:06.663-08:00We've MovedIf you have us "Bookmarked" or "Favorited", you might want to change the link! <br /><br /><a href="http://thebrinks.wordpress.com/">http://thebrinks.wordpress.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-59328655437376381422008-09-07T16:33:00.000-07:002008-09-07T16:34:53.708-07:00Additional photos (see below post)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRlF0EbZkI/AAAAAAAAAsI/Zp3FCP60EEM/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRlF0EbZkI/AAAAAAAAAsI/Zp3FCP60EEM/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243427016717067842" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRlGPdYO5I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/JAhLfKxPo2E/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRlGPdYO5I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/JAhLfKxPo2E/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243427024069475218" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRlGMO8teI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bcwF_fE6WMY/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRlGMO8teI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bcwF_fE6WMY/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243427023203644898" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-75993892471092568422008-09-07T16:13:00.001-07:002008-09-07T16:33:15.435-07:0034 weeks!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRksWIVzPI/AAAAAAAAArg/0MlUsInsiF0/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRksWIVzPI/AAAAAAAAArg/0MlUsInsiF0/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243426579183684850" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRksj-LdxI/AAAAAAAAAro/ork0zO1dOPo/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRksj-LdxI/AAAAAAAAAro/ork0zO1dOPo/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243426582899160850" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRksvBmxOI/AAAAAAAAArw/yEWN4RrRLwE/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRksvBmxOI/AAAAAAAAArw/yEWN4RrRLwE/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243426585866323170" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRkszQsQuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/1UOnAZnBBwU/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRkszQsQuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/1UOnAZnBBwU/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243426587003339490" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRktfOqhKI/AAAAAAAAAsA/stWLKlH9jb0/s1600-h/Labor+Day+Week+2008+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SMRktfOqhKI/AAAAAAAAAsA/stWLKlH9jb0/s320/Labor+Day+Week+2008+033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243426598805996706" /></a><br />As the title of this post indicates, I am now 34 weeks along in my pregnancy and still feeling well. I am somewhat ready for our baby boy to arrive and am facing the normal difficulties associated with living life with a belly. But we are so thankful that the pregnancy continues to go well! We have decided to have a repeat c-section, and we've set that date for October 8. I go to the doctor tomorrow, and we hope that things are still going well.<br />Since Annabelle's trip to Jackson/our vacation, we have pretty much just been around the house doing normal activities. I just wanted to post a few recent pictures of Belle (to satisfy the interests of those who check this blog regularly). The other precious girl you see in a few of these photos is Susanna Brink, Belle's cousin. They are almost exactly the same age, and we love having Susanna come play. Watching the two of them grow up together will be such fun!<br />The seemingly odd pictures of Belle on a large machine were taken at our church's Labor Day gathering at the farm of one of our elders. The kids at this annual event look forward to rides on this "glorified golf cart," and Annabelle took an interest in it as well. At one point in the evening, I looked up from my dinner to see Daniel, Belle, and another elder from church headed off for a ride. According to the reports I received, Annabelle had a wonderful time (despite the fact that her facial expression was stoic the entire time). <br />I guess the one interesting "process" we've been through over the past couple of weeks is the removal of the pacifier from Belle's life. For a LONG time she had only used it in the car and the bed. After our trip to Nashville in July, we took it away from the car with NO problems. We knew we wanted to have it totally gone by the time she was 2, and I also knew that I didn't want to be dealing with it when the baby arrived. So two weeks ago we decided to take it away from the bed (the remaining area). I would say that we are pretty much past the transition, and as everyone says, it wasn't as bad as I thought. But it WAS hard, especially for the first few days. Her naps got very unpredictable, and she would wake up crying and unable to sleep but still clearly tired. She also spent less time playing happily in her bed after naps and in the mornings and would want out sooner (which affects me more than it does her). We are still dealing with a little of the latter issue, but we are all adjusting. :) Clearly she drew more comfort from it that I realized. But I am thankful to have that step behind us!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-49561334072479202332008-08-28T07:32:00.000-07:002008-08-28T10:48:45.814-07:00MS150<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLa8s8_F3SI/AAAAAAAAArY/6iKSyBruyUk/s1600-h/MS+Pic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLa8s8_F3SI/AAAAAAAAArY/6iKSyBruyUk/s200/MS+Pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239582696963169570" /></a>In two weeks (Sept 13-14) I will be riding in the Memphis edition of the MS150, which is an annual bike ride to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society. My company forms a team each year for the event, and this will be my first time to participate. Medtronic is also sponsoring a "water stop" along the way which will provide food and beverage to the hundreds of riders passing through.<br />The ride begins at Graceland on Saturday morning and heads 75 miles south to Tunica. The next morning we start the 75 miles back Graceland. <br /><br />I have a bit more training to do to get ready for the 150 mile weekend, but I should be fine. This will be my first extended ride since our <a href="http://thebrinkfam.blogspot.com/2007/11/ten-days-and-counting.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Natchez Trace excursion</span></a> we completed <a href="http://thebrinkfam.blogspot.com/2007/11/tour-over.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">last November</span></a>. <br /><br />Anyway, the main purpose of this event is to raise money for a worthy cause. Each rider is doing his/her part to round up support, and if you feel so inclined to contribute, you can do so at <a href="http://biketns.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=5334553&pg=personal&fr_id=9290"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daniel's Support Page</span></a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-85303956124320590082008-08-26T19:00:00.000-07:002008-08-26T19:03:01.792-07:00More photos from Jackson<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1yKi7KtI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vyzIR1ErCDM/s1600-h/IMG_0894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1yKi7KtI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vyzIR1ErCDM/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239012139967654610" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1yb0ZWnI/AAAAAAAAAq4/OaVNkb9acKg/s1600-h/IMG_0899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1yb0ZWnI/AAAAAAAAAq4/OaVNkb9acKg/s320/IMG_0899.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239012144604338802" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1ybjE7XI/AAAAAAAAArA/XaSvqxjvjdI/s1600-h/IMG_0922.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1ybjE7XI/AAAAAAAAArA/XaSvqxjvjdI/s320/IMG_0922.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239012144531697010" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1ycU5sGI/AAAAAAAAArI/ewiTSiWEFco/s1600-h/IMG_1046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1ycU5sGI/AAAAAAAAArI/ewiTSiWEFco/s320/IMG_1046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239012144740675682" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1yuoQ5XI/AAAAAAAAArQ/pAMbTWiNMn8/s1600-h/IMG_1066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1yuoQ5XI/AAAAAAAAArQ/pAMbTWiNMn8/s320/IMG_1066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239012149653726578" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-37519216434793396962008-08-26T17:57:00.000-07:002008-08-26T19:05:38.509-07:00Vacation Update<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1EL6WdGI/AAAAAAAAAqI/SQQni5xj7gQ/s1600-h/IMG_0836.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1EL6WdGI/AAAAAAAAAqI/SQQni5xj7gQ/s320/IMG_0836.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239011350060364898" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1EnKDHgI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/eSP3fI79S3M/s1600-h/IMG_0845.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1EnKDHgI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/eSP3fI79S3M/s320/IMG_0845.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239011357373963778" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1G7HIWPI/AAAAAAAAAqY/pnMZt03CaBM/s1600-h/IMG_0852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1G7HIWPI/AAAAAAAAAqY/pnMZt03CaBM/s320/IMG_0852.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239011397090171122" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1HEpQQmI/AAAAAAAAAqg/M8RuAIPb06U/s1600-h/IMG_0878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1HEpQQmI/AAAAAAAAAqg/M8RuAIPb06U/s320/IMG_0878.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239011399649215074" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1HD5FDlI/AAAAAAAAAqo/QEi4WZf9XY0/s1600-h/IMG_0882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SLS1HD5FDlI/AAAAAAAAAqo/QEi4WZf9XY0/s320/IMG_0882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239011399447154258" /></a><br />Well, once again, I am slow to update the blog. Maybe I should just quit saying that I am slow and just accept that speed as the norm.<br />Anyway, our "vacation" is over. Belle spent a week with my parents in Jackson, and she had a fabulous time. My parents really were delighted to have her, and despite the physical demands of running after her, they were quite sad to see her go. She got to play with so many fun toys, and she had many visitors come to see her. She played in a park, went swimming, and even went to the mall (and discovered the world of elevators and escalators). Daniel and I thoroughly enjoyed our "stay-cation" here. We went out to eat twice and took our time doing so. I was able to get lots accomplished around the house, and I also just enjoyed doing things when I wanted to do them. As great as the joys of motherhood are, I relished not having to fix Belle's meals, change her diapers, get her dressed, etc. But I did miss her, and Daniel and I were both glad to see her when we arrived in Jackson. <br />I will post some pictures that my mom took of her activities in Jackson.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-47044432039508518762008-08-06T18:59:00.000-07:002008-08-06T19:12:16.727-07:00Sitting Around<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpZ-9dnIhI/AAAAAAAAAds/lOfKubG6v-w/s1600-h/Reading+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpZ-9dnIhI/AAAAAAAAAds/lOfKubG6v-w/s320/Reading+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231592855329776146" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpZ_CawmMI/AAAAAAAAAd0/_c5auYDRVCU/s1600-h/Reading+016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpZ_CawmMI/AAAAAAAAAd0/_c5auYDRVCU/s320/Reading+016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231592856659990722" /></a><br />I wanted to capture Belle doing something she rarely does -- sitting still. She is such an active child, but she has recently gotten into the habit of getting a book or toy and plopping down in the middle of the floor to enjoy it. She sticks her feet out in front of her (as shown) and reads or plays. These beautiful moments don't usually last too long, but they are precious and quite humorous. <br />She is going on an adventure next week (or maybe I should say that my parents are going on an adventure). Sweet T and Granddaddy (my parents) are coming to Memphis this weekend for a wedding, and they are taking Annabelle back to Jackson with them Sunday for the entire week! In case anyone has failed to make the connection of what that means for me, it means that I will be in my house alone all next week. Daniel and I are so excited about our "vacation," and my parents are thrilled about their undertaking (definitely won't be a vacation for them). I plan to do work around the house, get the nursery much more ready than it currently is, rest, and just enjoy doing the things I'd like to do when I'd like to do them. We will probably go to a movie one night...but hey, we can be spontaneous about which night that will be because we won't have a child to think about! I will miss her and will probably be a bit sad when they pull out of my driveway Sunday afternoon, but I have a feeling that I will quickly ease right into the childless week. My parents are so kind to give us this break, and I will enjoy every minute of it -- and be so glad to see Belle on Friday when we arrive in Jackson for our weekend there!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-84701385763870097512008-08-06T18:52:00.000-07:002008-08-06T18:59:26.616-07:00Birthday Partying<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW9n5AP8I/AAAAAAAAAdE/9fidAj18fF0/s1600-h/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW9n5AP8I/AAAAAAAAAdE/9fidAj18fF0/s320/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231589533824335810" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW98vfN9I/AAAAAAAAAdM/XC52gs10s_I/s1600-h/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW98vfN9I/AAAAAAAAAdM/XC52gs10s_I/s320/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231589539421566930" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW-CtCF4I/AAAAAAAAAdU/yFkcjtdwczg/s1600-h/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW-CtCF4I/AAAAAAAAAdU/yFkcjtdwczg/s320/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231589541021882242" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW-HoKFMI/AAAAAAAAAdc/ChMZ6vcHzb4/s1600-h/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW-HoKFMI/AAAAAAAAAdc/ChMZ6vcHzb4/s320/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231589542343611586" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW-WxGTdI/AAAAAAAAAdk/MTKy5WhJ184/s1600-h/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SJpW-WxGTdI/AAAAAAAAAdk/MTKy5WhJ184/s320/Warren+Barnes+1st+bday+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231589546407644626" /></a><br />Recently, Belle was invited to her first non-family birthday party. Warren Barnes II was turning 1, so we all went to celebrate his big year. Belle had a blast eating food and playing around their house, and once the temperature cooled from about 110 degrees to maybe around 95, we went outside and played on the swingset. Here are some photos from the occasion.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-89573715159272430732008-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:002008-07-30T11:09:23.267-07:00Four YearsKaty and I celebrated our 4th anniversary this past week. In what has become sort of a tradition, we returned to Erling Jensen for dinner on Friday night. I guess it's our favorite restaurant in Memphis--I don't know if the restaurant is that much better than everything else, or we are just associating it with a special event. In any case, it is easily the meal of the year we most look forward to, and I can't imagine that if we are in town next year that we will go anywhere else. <br /><br />I've written about Erling Jensen once before on this blog, one year ago to be exact. The only thing that rivals Erling's food is Erling's service. The staff treats you as if you are really special. I appreciate that, because I think I'm pretty special too. Some high-end restaurants treat their customers well, but with a side of snootiness (if that's a word). It's as if you should feel privileged to eat there. It's not like that at Erling. The staff treats you as if <i>they</i> are privileged to serve <i>you</i>. I especially like that they show you which of the 9 utensils you are supposed to use for each course. Even though I'm pretty certain what goes with what by now, they step in to remove any doubt. That's helpful.<br /><br />There are two things we make sure one of us orders each year: the crabcake appetizer and the chocolate soufflé dessert (neither can be topped in our opinion). In between, we always try out different entrees. There are three "tastes" along the way, complimentary of the chef. We received our complimentary pre-appetizer-appetizer soon after we ordered (I don't know the official name for this course, but I don't have to because, again, I'm special). It was a small citrus-smoked salmon tart, topped with a pesto butter. Yum. From there we moved into our appetizers. To accompany Katy's crabcakes, I got the foie gras. First-timer with the foie gras, and it won't be the last. Mmmm...boy.<br />After we woofed down our appetizers, we were treated to a pineapple sorbet. I look forward to the sorbet, even though my pallet always seems clean enough. For our entres--Katy had the monk fish (one of the specials) and I got the rack of lamb. I was told the lamb was Erling's signature dish, but that's the first I had heard. The lamb was really good--easily moved into the 2nd slot for my favorite Erling entree (the first slot is firmly held by the ostrich).<br />We only got one dessert. Weak, I know, but that's all we could stomach at this point. Of course it was the chocolate soufflé. Chocolate and I are good acquaintances, but my wife's relationship with the sweet is much more rich. I could try to describe Erling's soufflé, but I'm not sure it would match Katy's standard. Our complimentary after-dessert-dessert was some sort of chocolate candy. A little too bold for me. In Katy's words, "that's pretty hard-core," and that's pretty high praise.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-64766143476508775602008-07-22T11:53:00.000-07:002008-07-22T11:58:52.031-07:00A future typist<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYttQUcfFI/AAAAAAAAAco/Py1gIp5Mbkw/s1600-h/July+08+055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYttQUcfFI/AAAAAAAAAco/Py1gIp5Mbkw/s320/July+08+055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914673108122706" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYttpIJvrI/AAAAAAAAAcw/k57Ls_qZ8W8/s1600-h/July+08+056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYttpIJvrI/AAAAAAAAAcw/k57Ls_qZ8W8/s320/July+08+056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914679767449266" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYtt8PMkyI/AAAAAAAAAc4/Xhu4Oxe3Yfc/s1600-h/July+08+057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYtt8PMkyI/AAAAAAAAAc4/Xhu4Oxe3Yfc/s320/July+08+057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225914684897268514" /></a><br />I also wanted to post some pictures of Annabelle practicing her typing. I am sure she will be a better computer-navigator than her mother in no time. <br />On a different note, I had a good doctor's appointment yesterday. I am about 27.5 weeks along now and am still feeling well! I passed my glucose test, meaning that our baby boy doesn't have gestational diabetes. My blood pressure is still great, and we are hoping that it stays that way! I go back in 3 weeks for another check-up and then will go every two weeks after that! Time is passing right along!<br />Two special "people" have birthdays today. Happy Birthday to Halley Williams and to our dear dog Dugg. Halley is 25 and Dugg is 3.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-88228699714187736622008-07-22T11:23:00.000-07:002008-07-22T11:46:38.958-07:00Reunion and Wedding<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqXbEPooI/AAAAAAAAAcA/yOcJjuPEOMA/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqXbEPooI/AAAAAAAAAcA/yOcJjuPEOMA/s320/002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225910999500956290" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqYAZU2oI/AAAAAAAAAcI/gGVilH-z1tU/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqYAZU2oI/AAAAAAAAAcI/gGVilH-z1tU/s320/013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225911009521490562" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqYk5cWRI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/B6I1Jo4Ljho/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqYk5cWRI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/B6I1Jo4Ljho/s320/028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225911019319875858" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqY3Ik8lI/AAAAAAAAAcY/u949pA9b9xY/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqY3Ik8lI/AAAAAAAAAcY/u949pA9b9xY/s320/034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225911024215192146" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqZUnu0hI/AAAAAAAAAcg/nqC1AnYajb4/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SIYqZUnu0hI/AAAAAAAAAcg/nqC1AnYajb4/s320/051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225911032130490898" /></a><br />I have been slacking in my updates (what else is new?). I feel like I have spent the past 7-8 days recovering from a very busy 8-9 days we had in mid-July, but I do think that life is now back to normal. We spent the July 4th weekend in Nashville at a family reunion for Daniel's mom's side of the family. Daniel hadn't even met many of these family members, so the weekend was filled with new faces as well as a few familiar ones. All of the "Memphis Brinks" were in attendance, and we all stayed right around each other at the hotel. Hotel-living with a young child is tiring, but we were so glad that we made the effort to go and meet family. Belle was so exhausted by the time we left on Sunday that she slept for about 40 minutes in the car (which is long for those of you who are unaware), and she did sustain two minor bruises to the head due to exhaustion-reduced motor skills. But she had a great time playing with her cousins (both first and second ones), and I've posted a few pictures from the weekend.<br />My dear friend Meg Daughdrill was married on Saturday the 12th to the wonderful Brian Flowers. The weekend was filled with happy celebrations, some of which Belle participated in. I posted a picture of us at the wedding-day lunch; Annabelle was in the process of eating a delicious bit of peppermint ice cream! The ceremony was beautiful, and my dress fit! I shouldn't have tried to wear tall heels and definitely did knee-bends during all of the prayers, but I made it! I was so thankful to be a part of the festivities, and of course Meg was such a beautiful bride. Many happy wishes to Dr. and Mrs. Brian Flowers!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-72518383489888548672008-07-02T08:29:00.000-07:002008-07-02T08:46:05.038-07:00Happy July<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SGuiaDHwxuI/AAAAAAAAAbo/z50dMm3u4gk/s1600-h/June+2008+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SGuiaDHwxuI/AAAAAAAAAbo/z50dMm3u4gk/s320/June+2008+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218443161637013218" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SGuiaVhtM3I/AAAAAAAAAbw/ahvoEFhcmw4/s1600-h/June+2008+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SGuiaVhtM3I/AAAAAAAAAbw/ahvoEFhcmw4/s320/June+2008+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218443166577668978" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SGuiauG63gI/AAAAAAAAAb4/r1TO46Pyr7M/s1600-h/June+2008+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SGuiauG63gI/AAAAAAAAAb4/r1TO46Pyr7M/s320/June+2008+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218443173176204802" /></a><br />I realized it had been awhile since I last posted, so I'll just give a quick update and include some recent photos. We continue to rearrange/organize/clean out our house as we prepare for Baby #2. It's a slow process, but we have made some progress. I am growing and now definitely look pregnant, but I am still feeling pretty well (aside from the usual discomfort that comes with an expanding belly). <br />Annabelle has had a couple of trips to the pool, and she is not sure what to think about it. We hope to keep working with her so that she will become excited about the water. I bought a maternity swimsuit for our swimming outings because I decided that the "belly poking out of the tankini" look was not for me. Belle continues to be very active and is looking more like a "little girl" rather than a baby. One of her new tricks is shuffling around the house in my slippers (see photo), and she is pretty good at getting around. When she walks in them, she looks like she is an old man (somewhat hunched over) wearing snow shoes.<br />We are headed to Nashville this weekend for a family reunion (Daniel's mom's side), and next weekend is my dear friend Meg's wedding. We'll start wedding festivities towards the end of next week. I took my bridesmaid's dress to be altered yesterday, and it was quite humorous. The woman had kindly agreed to alter the dress at the last minute since I am constantly expanding, and I am SO glad that I decided to order the dress 3 sizes bigger than my normal measurements. She is letting it out across the middle so that I can breathe! Let's hope I don't grow too much over the next ten days or so.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-80002729241057294222008-06-16T13:30:00.000-07:002008-06-16T13:51:28.253-07:00Top Chef<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ1drXcbI/AAAAAAAAAbI/qXBLJZPHp0k/s1600-h/New+Kitchen+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ1drXcbI/AAAAAAAAAbI/qXBLJZPHp0k/s320/New+Kitchen+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212583235646091698" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ3w6HS7I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/4j5BFNjs_aw/s1600-h/New+Kitchen+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ3w6HS7I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/4j5BFNjs_aw/s320/New+Kitchen+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212583275167959986" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ454jyMI/AAAAAAAAAbY/raM7sNjJFrQ/s1600-h/New+Kitchen+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ454jyMI/AAAAAAAAAbY/raM7sNjJFrQ/s320/New+Kitchen+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212583294757226690" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ5uQvXeI/AAAAAAAAAbg/9YXVtsazhMQ/s1600-h/New+Kitchen+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SFbQ5uQvXeI/AAAAAAAAAbg/9YXVtsazhMQ/s320/New+Kitchen+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212583308817292770" /></a><br />Annabelle's favorite toy right now is her new wooden kitchen. Her Oma and Opa (Daniel's parents) were planning to get a kitchen for her at Christmas, but we had noticed that whenever we went to a child's house who had a kitchen, she was fascinated with it. Opening and closing the doors, putting things in, taking things out...all of this was so entertaining for her. So Daniel and I approached Oma and Opa with the idea of getting her the kitchen now as an EXTREMELY early Christmas gift. They were kind enough to do so, and after much searching to find a good deal, a kitchen arrived via FedEx last week. The FedEx man backed into the driveway and propped the box against the garage, and I figured that because of its weight, he hadn't wanted to bring it up to the front door. I was correct. I opened the garage door and pulled with ALL MY MIGHT to move it about a foot into the garage, hoping the whole time that none of my neighbors could see. :) Anyway, Daniel got it in the house that night, and we opened the box and found a 24-step instruction manual and about 50 pieces of kitchen to assemble. Sweet Daniel spent about 3 hours putting it together, but his time was well spent. She absolutely loves it and has played so happily with it. The pictures are of her when she first saw it and played with it. In case you are wondering about the funny-looking part next to Belle in the last picture, it's a removable dishwasher rack. They really do think of everything.<br />On a different note, I had the treat this past weekend of going to Pickwick (a lake near Memphis) for a celebration of the upcoming wedding of my dear friend Meg Daughdrill. Nine girls came, and we had the best time relaxing, laughing, eating, sunbathing, etc. You get the picture. Daniel was kind enough to be "extra fatherly" on Father's Day weekend while I went to be carefree, and I enjoyed myself so much.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-5787798371614715272008-06-10T12:12:00.000-07:002008-06-10T13:50:58.212-07:001.5When Belle hit 18 months, we decided to get some pictures done for her. If you're familiar with Germantown, we had these done in the caboose garden (or whatever you call that place) over on Poplar Pike. <br /><br />If you know Belle, you know that she is not prone to stay in one place for long. Getting a good shot requires the photographer have stamina, quick feat, and a fast camera. Thankfully our photographer, Brenda, has all of these. Belle was not as cooperative as we had hoped, but we got some good shots regardless. She did a lot of smiling, but it was usually as she was running away from the camera. Next time, maybe we'll get one camera to use as a decoy, and then have another to get the great shots of her running in the other direction.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7nTm2qD4I/AAAAAAAAAbA/kmeerkw0Mw4/s1600-h/0022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7nTm2qD4I/AAAAAAAAAbA/kmeerkw0Mw4/s320/0022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210356142947569538" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7nFm6sjvI/AAAAAAAAAa4/uoeAvmH1KeE/s1600-h/0055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7nFm6sjvI/AAAAAAAAAa4/uoeAvmH1KeE/s320/0055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210355902446341874" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7m5_P-MLI/AAAAAAAAAaw/_sJcGRk-nNk/s1600-h/0108.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7m5_P-MLI/AAAAAAAAAaw/_sJcGRk-nNk/s320/0108.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210355702819598514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7mc6zOL0I/AAAAAAAAAag/KrcHvUpHYtg/s1600-h/0167.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7mc6zOL0I/AAAAAAAAAag/KrcHvUpHYtg/s320/0167.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210355203409063746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7mPvLwKJI/AAAAAAAAAaY/T747tR_4Ge4/s1600-h/0168.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7mPvLwKJI/AAAAAAAAAaY/T747tR_4Ge4/s320/0168.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210354976952428690" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7l7ma55_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9ZHYjhR9TJc/s1600-h/0227.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7l7ma55_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9ZHYjhR9TJc/s320/0227.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210354631002679282" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7lLhz8dPI/AAAAAAAAAaI/w6Wc6bDOiYs/s1600-h/0241.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SE7lLhz8dPI/AAAAAAAAAaI/w6Wc6bDOiYs/s320/0241.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210353805131805938" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-12230924415373680432008-05-28T17:29:00.000-07:002008-05-28T17:43:25.620-07:00We're Back<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38IFiWsvI/AAAAAAAAAZk/YrD8z864BvA/s1600-h/IMG_0502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38IFiWsvI/AAAAAAAAAZk/YrD8z864BvA/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205593960165585650" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38IViWswI/AAAAAAAAAZs/GtB_1WOWgaY/s1600-h/IMG_0564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38IViWswI/AAAAAAAAAZs/GtB_1WOWgaY/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205593964460552962" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38IliWsxI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/I5Lf96gpGzQ/s1600-h/IMG_0594.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38IliWsxI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/I5Lf96gpGzQ/s320/IMG_0594.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205593968755520274" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38I1iWsyI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/612KLamupkU/s1600-h/IMG_0610.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SD38I1iWsyI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/612KLamupkU/s320/IMG_0610.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205593973050487586" /></a><br />We are back from our vacation, and we had a wonderful time. Daniel and I really enjoyed getting away to New Orleans and having a few days to ourselves, and our main activity while we were there was eating. We ate some wonderful food and could have stayed longer just to eat at other restaurants! For those of you familiar with New Orleans, we frequented places such as French Market Cafe, Gumbo Shop, Camelia Grill, Dick and Jenny's, Cafe Maspero, NOLA, Croissant d'Or, and of course, Cafe Du Monde. So we definitely didn't leave the city hungry. <br />Annabelle also had a wonderful "vacation," though hers was a bit different from ours. She spent those days in Jackson with my parents, and she had a blast. My parents had some new, exciting toys for her, and I really don't think that she noticed that Daniel and I were gone until we got back. :) My parents enjoyed having her, and I am sure that she wore them out. But Daniel and I returned to a happy, well-rested, well-fed child, and we were so pleased! The pictures are a few that Mom took while Belle was with them. <br />Changing the subject a bit...I am still having a great pregnancy. I have "expanded" over the past week, though I am relieved that the growth is because of the baby and NOT the New Orleans food. Daniel and I went for our ultrasound today, and we are pleased to say that we have a healthy BOY growing. So Belle will have a little brother. We are thrilled, though it does seem strange to think about having a boy when all we've known is a girl. But it will be a new adventure, and we are just thankful that HE appears to be growing normally.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-30486512005808790942008-05-15T17:38:00.000-07:002008-05-15T17:55:05.671-07:00COOKIES!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbUhbj2wI/AAAAAAAAAY8/QG9Alt38Bv4/s1600-h/Pics+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbUhbj2wI/AAAAAAAAAY8/QG9Alt38Bv4/s320/Pics+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200772815323912962" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbVBbj2xI/AAAAAAAAAZE/CgXPbAm7lJk/s1600-h/Pics+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbVBbj2xI/AAAAAAAAAZE/CgXPbAm7lJk/s320/Pics+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200772823913847570" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbVRbj2yI/AAAAAAAAAZM/1eecBAdTF-g/s1600-h/Pics+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbVRbj2yI/AAAAAAAAAZM/1eecBAdTF-g/s320/Pics+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200772828208814882" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbVhbj2zI/AAAAAAAAAZU/LKo3bIuEgMY/s1600-h/Pics+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbVhbj2zI/AAAAAAAAAZU/LKo3bIuEgMY/s320/Pics+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200772832503782194" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbWBbj20I/AAAAAAAAAZc/rRK4FwKNEls/s1600-h/Pics+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCzbWBbj20I/AAAAAAAAAZc/rRK4FwKNEls/s320/Pics+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200772841093716802" /></a><br />I thought that it might be time for some pictures of Annabelle (for those of you who enjoy them). Daniel has been working hard on his homebrewing, but Annabelle and I have not participated in that activity. She has been very busy learning how to climb, and she has pretty much mastered ascending every chair in our house. She's actually quite good at it, and I taught her how to turn around and slide down when she's ready. We just have to make sure she doesn't stand up in the chair once she gets up in it. <br />She has also been enjoying chocolate chip cookies. The photos of her chocolate-covered face and hands were taken right after she devoured a freshly-baked, gooey cookie, and she chased it with her cup of milk. I told her that she was enjoying one of life's simplest but most wonderful pleasures. :)<br />Daniel and I are REALLY looking forward to a vacation next week! My parents offered to keep Belle for a few days, and we are headed to New Orleans to stay in a family friend's apartment for three nights. We plan to eat, walk, rest, eat, shop, eat, etc. My parents are thrilled about having Belle stay with them, and we are thrilled about letting them. <br />On a heavier note, we are sad to report the loss of a friend to cancer this week. Catherine Hutton went home to be with her Savior after a year-long battle with cancer, and we do rejoice that she is in the presence of the Lord! Daniel and I actually know her three precious siblings better than we knew her, but their entire family would covet your prayers at this time. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints..."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-79227125110617721062008-05-12T10:12:00.001-07:002008-05-12T11:50:35.453-07:00Mmmmm....homebrewA few weeks ago I took up homebrewing as a hobby. It's something I have wanted to do for years, but just never made the investment until now. I love beer, and I love <i>good</i> beer even more. As my tastes and preferences have evolved over the years, it has become increasingly expensive to purchase the beer that I like the most (oh, this is Daniel by the way). So that brings us to homebrewing. A former college roommate of mine started brewing a few years ago and inspired me to do the same. After purchasing my homebrewing equipment, I recruited a couple friends to split the cost of ingredients in payment towards splitting the output of beer. <br /><br />For batch number one, we went with a basic American Wheat. Meeting in the Brink kitchen a little over 3 weeks ago, we sanitized the equipment, boiled the wort, pitched the yeast, and left the five gallons to ferment in the study closet. (I don't have a picture of this process, sorry). Five days later our wort was finished fermenting, officially becoming beer. It didn't look all that great (as you can see) but it smelled divine. The next step was to siphon it into a glass carboy to allow all of the sediment to drop.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPzhbj2uI/AAAAAAAAAYs/REnAqYCez-s/s1600-h/Fermenter.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPzhbj2uI/AAAAAAAAAYs/REnAqYCez-s/s320/Fermenter.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199563885109304034" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPyhbj2tI/AAAAAAAAAYk/jC3gP3RYNuM/s1600-h/Siphon.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPyhbj2tI/AAAAAAAAAYk/jC3gP3RYNuM/s320/Siphon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199563867929434834" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPxxbj2sI/AAAAAAAAAYc/uXYrCLgWyhY/s1600-h/Carboy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPxxbj2sI/AAAAAAAAAYc/uXYrCLgWyhY/s320/Carboy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199563855044532930" /></a>A few days later the beer had cleared up considerably, so we added some priming sugar (to start the carbonation process) and moved it into bottles. 52 in all. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPwxbj2rI/AAAAAAAAAYU/MK6d-qL7IEA/s1600-h/Bottles.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiPwxbj2rI/AAAAAAAAAYU/MK6d-qL7IEA/s320/Bottles.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199563837864663730" /></a>About two weeks later, we popped open the first few. The satisfaction of drinking my own homebrew outweighed the actual beer. It was good, but it wasn't great. Since we used such a basic recipe the flavor is lacking complexity. Right now it is very similar to a Blue Moon. It will probably change a bit as it continues to evolve in the bottles.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiP0Rbj2vI/AAAAAAAAAY0/ycEfMa21j9Y/s1600-h/Glass.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCiP0Rbj2vI/AAAAAAAAAY0/ycEfMa21j9Y/s320/Glass.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199563897994205938" /></a>While savoring the first batch, we began the process for the second. An English nut brown ale is currently fermenting in the same study closet, so I'm looking forward to its completion in a few weeks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-27804526401114554342008-05-08T08:25:00.000-07:002008-05-09T07:44:14.634-07:00Oompa loompa, doompadee dawesome, Dwight is now gone, which is totally awesome.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCMl0X4A7QI/AAAAAAAAAX8/tHFcuKfjOa4/s1600-h/Office+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCMl0X4A7QI/AAAAAAAAAX8/tHFcuKfjOa4/s320/Office+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198039976608066818" /></a>Let's take a break from the family for a bit. <br />I’m getting a little frustrated with NBC’s <i>The Office</i>. I used to think it was one of the (if not THE) best programs on TV, but I am having second thoughts. It’s not that I’ve lost interest; it’s that the show has gotten worse over time. Allow me to vent a bit...<br />First of all, the characters have changed. Not developed—changed. Take Jan for example. She used to be a very intelligent, professional, and successful woman. But like all of the characters, Jan had a quirk. She was unexplainably attracted to Michael. Considering her other qualities, it was incredibly odd that she found Michael irresistible, yet detestable. It was funny. The current Jan is completely different. She is now sloppy, irrational, paranoid, demanding, jealous, and flat out weird. Maybe it all started with her “alteration”, but whatever the case, I find it much less funny.<br />Here’s another—Ryan. Is he supposed to be funny? In the first couple seasons, he was just “intern”. He got picked on and resented everyone he worked with. I liked that character, but then it all changed. I’ll admit, it was funny when he was shockingly promoted ahead of Jim, Karen, and Michael. But ever since then I find him incredibly annoying. And not annoying in a good way. Dwight is annoying, but it’s just his character. I think the writers (one of whom is B.J. Novak, the actor who plays Ryan) are trying way too hard to make Ryan a bad guy. OK, so he’s a bad guy, but he’s not a funny bad guy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCMmMH4A7RI/AAAAAAAAAYE/pv1-g3Jrq-s/s1600-h/Stanley2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCMmMH4A7RI/AAAAAAAAAYE/pv1-g3Jrq-s/s320/Stanley2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198040384629959954" /></a>Another thing that bothers me is the minor characters getting too much attention. I’m talking about Stanley, Angela, Kelly, Roy, Phyllis, etc. These characters do not need to be developed any more than they are. They are MINOR characters. I don’t want to watch Andy and Dwight fight over Angela, because Angela just isn’t that important. Let her remain over in the accountants’ corner, planning parties, and being bossy. Nothing more. <br />And Stanley…oh Stanley. Why do we have to get all dramatic? I don’t want to see tear-jerker confrontations with Michael. There’s no denying that Stanley is funny, but it’s the little bits and pieces that are funny. Just keep him as the “urban” teddy bear who sits in meetings, working his crossword puzzle, and occasionally offering the “I don’t give a *darn*”. <br />The only minor character I think is worth the development is Andy, and I really don’t consider him “minor” any longer. I put him up there with Michael, Pam, Jim, and Dwight as a lead character. And with all of the boohooing that Dwight has been doing over Angela, it has opened the door for Andy to overtake him as the funniest character in the office. I’m sure many disagree with me, but tough. He’s been promoted. <br />Now break me off a piece of that fancy feast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCMmdH4A7SI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ni9_wfegURs/s1600-h/Andy1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SCMmdH4A7SI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ni9_wfegURs/s320/Andy1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198040676687736098" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com366tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-72812000662488666592008-04-29T07:25:00.000-07:002008-04-29T07:34:02.446-07:00Flowers<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SBcxyYF6frI/AAAAAAAAAXk/-gTDuh6gr20/s1600-h/Brewing+Beer+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SBcxyYF6frI/AAAAAAAAAXk/-gTDuh6gr20/s320/Brewing+Beer+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194675436725632690" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SBcxzYF6fsI/AAAAAAAAAXs/Flozc1kJc00/s1600-h/Brewing+Beer+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SBcxzYF6fsI/AAAAAAAAAXs/Flozc1kJc00/s320/Brewing+Beer+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194675453905501890" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SBcx0IF6ftI/AAAAAAAAAX0/OuoPDF5JIWs/s1600-h/Brewing+Beer+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SBcx0IF6ftI/AAAAAAAAAX0/OuoPDF5JIWs/s320/Brewing+Beer+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194675466790403794" /></a><br />This post is just a celebratory note on God's goodness and the great reward that I feel when I see our flowers blooming. Somehow all the painful time spent watering last summer in the 105-degree heat becomes worth it when the bushes burst forth in bloom. I do wish the flowers lasted longer, and I will say that not all of these bushes are the ones with which we started last summer. But it's glorious to see the evidences of Spring, and I will need to remind myself of this feeling during watering time this summer!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-53027957765706703442008-04-21T17:08:00.000-07:002008-04-21T17:19:03.183-07:00Baby in the basket<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u4YF6fnI/AAAAAAAAAXA/hDGePqTYSB8/s1600-h/Playing+April+08+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u4YF6fnI/AAAAAAAAAXA/hDGePqTYSB8/s320/Playing+April+08+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191857491502857842" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u44F6foI/AAAAAAAAAXI/7_gylF_41KI/s1600-h/Playing+April+08+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u44F6foI/AAAAAAAAAXI/7_gylF_41KI/s320/Playing+April+08+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191857500092792450" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u5YF6fpI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6xhRu-ulhU4/s1600-h/Playing+April+08+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u5YF6fpI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6xhRu-ulhU4/s320/Playing+April+08+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191857508682727058" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u5oF6fqI/AAAAAAAAAXY/7Wd2FCmfQIE/s1600-h/Playing+April+08+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SA0u5oF6fqI/AAAAAAAAAXY/7Wd2FCmfQIE/s320/Playing+April+08+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191857512977694370" /></a><br />A few weeks ago, when I was in the kitchen and realized that the house was completely quiet and that I had NO idea what Annabelle was doing, I walked into the living room and discovered her as you see her in the first picture, sitting in her toy basket. She had removed all of her toys, climbed in and was just sitting quietly (those of you who know her will understand how unusual those last two words are). Anyway, I thought that it was funny, laughed with her, and took her picture. Well, enter a new game!! Now, she takes all of her toys out of her basket and "asks" me to put her in it. Then she wants all of her toys BACK in the basket, piled all around her. Funny what children think is so entertaining.<br />Anyway, we have been enjoying the nice weather. Belle LOVES being outside, swinging in her swing, and walking around the backyard holding my hand. She also gets very upset when we have to go inside. But I am thankful that she enjoys the outdoors.<br />I had my 14-week OB check-up today, and everything is looking great. We are so thankful for another good pregnancy and are praying for a MUCH less exciting delivery than last time. :) But we are confident that the Lord will provide and sustain us through whatever He chooses to send our way!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-31424174019879068802008-04-14T06:01:00.000-07:002008-04-14T06:12:24.324-07:00How to rock Belle's world<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SANYLBMIEiI/AAAAAAAAAW4/Q5JLoJwTwQU/s1600-h/Baby+Brink.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/SANYLBMIEiI/AAAAAAAAAW4/Q5JLoJwTwQU/s320/Baby+Brink.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189088141982044706" /></a><br />Number two is on the way. Lord willing, we will have a new baby Brink in October. Katy is past the 13 week mark and into the second trimester--so far so good. We are praying that the delivery will be less eventful than number one. <br />The grandparents and the rest of the family found out this past weekend. Not too many surprised faces.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-18299035434734368632008-04-08T17:08:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:35:49.994-07:00Adventure, Anyone?I am not generally an adventurous person, but last week I decided that Annabelle and I would go on a roadtrip to Starkville, MS, for a night. For those of you unaware of the existence of Starkville, it is home to Mississippi State University, Daniel's and my alma mater. It is God's country. Anyway, our dear friend (and my former MSU roommate) Anna Duggan was going there for her sister's art show, and we decided to accompany her! We were able to stay the night with my other former roommate, Jeannie Turnage, and her husband and precious baby Lucy. Of course Annabelle and I looked like we were staying for 3 days, but I wanted to be prepared for anything. Armed with enough animal crackers to last for days, we pulled out of our driveway Thursday morning. Annabelle did not sleep a wink on the way down, and we were very relieved to arrive at Jean's around 1:00. That evening Annabelle and I had the pleasure of eating dinner with a former professor of mine, Kelly Marsh. She and I have kept in touch, and it was such fun to eat with her.<br />Friday morning Anna, Jean, Annabelle, Lucy, and I ate breakfast at one of Starkville's best-loved places, City Bagel Cafe. Then we drove on campus to check out the newly-remodeled student union, and it looks amazing!! This remodeling was WAY overdue, and the new union really improves the look of the campus. We then spent some time at Anna's sister's house before getting on the road in the MONSOON that was hitting Starkville. We were very thankful that once we headed north, the rain eased and made our trip back to Memphis much more pleasant, although Belle again did not sleep at all. <br />Although Annabelle and I were both very tired Friday evening, I am SO glad that we made the trip. Spending time with friends I rarely see was so precious, and I hope to get back to Starkville again relatively soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-4286450454233670152008-03-29T16:07:00.000-07:002008-03-31T09:25:12.072-07:00Easter<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QO1imLgI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/JmPEdZE4AcA/s1600-h/Easter+2008+006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QO1imLgI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/JmPEdZE4AcA/s320/Easter+2008+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183309174458953218" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QPlimLhI/AAAAAAAAAWY/OFqk6BGtS0Q/s1600-h/Easter+2008+012.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QPlimLhI/AAAAAAAAAWY/OFqk6BGtS0Q/s320/Easter+2008+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183309187343855122" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QP1imLiI/AAAAAAAAAWg/eqQB6FVzaY4/s1600-h/Easter+2008+015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QP1imLiI/AAAAAAAAAWg/eqQB6FVzaY4/s320/Easter+2008+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183309191638822434" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QQVimLjI/AAAAAAAAAWo/SwAekptFVXo/s1600-h/Easter+2008+021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QQVimLjI/AAAAAAAAAWo/SwAekptFVXo/s320/Easter+2008+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183309200228757042" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QQlimLkI/AAAAAAAAAWw/67vRlcMEMq8/s1600-h/Easter+2008+026.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R-7QQlimLkI/AAAAAAAAAWw/67vRlcMEMq8/s320/Easter+2008+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183309204523724354" /></a>As usual I am tardy in getting pictures posted. We had a wonderful Easter weekend. My family came Saturday and stayed until after lunch Sunday, and we all enjoyed the visit. We watched a lot of basketball and enjoyed the pretty weather. My parents took us out for a nice meal Saturday evening, and Annabelle loved her fine dining experience. :) Sunday's church service was wonderful: we were blessed to reflect on our Savior's resurrection. Annabelle was exhausted from the busy weekend, and she went to bed as soon as we got home from church. So my family and I enjoyed a nice, calm meal together, and she woke up shortly before they had to leave. Daniel had made a Boston Creme Pie, and Annabelle LOVED it. She had a whole piece Sunday afternoon and cleaned her plate. We then took her outside to "hunt eggs." We scattered the eggs on the ground and showed her how to put them in her basket. She proceeded to pick up two eggs and run to her swing. After swinging for awhile, she got down and tried the "hunting" again. She caught on and loved the activity. <br />We tried to get some pictures of her in her Easter dress, but none of them were just great. The one shown here at least gives a view. And here are a few shots from "the hunt."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-74493145980707291792008-03-17T11:52:00.000-07:002008-03-19T13:35:57.736-07:00Down and Dirty<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_XeyfcII/AAAAAAAAAVw/PeyJ0nvsw4c/s1600-h/Playing+in+the+Dirt+015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_XeyfcII/AAAAAAAAAVw/PeyJ0nvsw4c/s320/Playing+in+the+Dirt+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178787031645384834" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_X-yfcJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/M1LLIB2aAhc/s1600-h/Playing+in+the+Dirt+019.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_X-yfcJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/M1LLIB2aAhc/s320/Playing+in+the+Dirt+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178787040235319442" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_YeyfcKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/aAPRaVfUkMA/s1600-h/Playing+in+the+Dirt+022.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_YeyfcKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/aAPRaVfUkMA/s320/Playing+in+the+Dirt+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178787048825254050" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_YuyfcLI/AAAAAAAAAWI/AflEUVEGloU/s1600-h/Playing+in+the+Dirt+023.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R96_YuyfcLI/AAAAAAAAAWI/AflEUVEGloU/s320/Playing+in+the+Dirt+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178787053120221362" /></a>Annabelle loves to play outside. She has discovered that her swing IS actually fun for longer than 20 seconds, and she enjoys walking around the yard and exploring. At times she still wants to hold a hand, but if she gets brave, she will walk off alone. These are some pictures Daniel took of her when she discovered the dirt.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3712989638327765045.post-40047186913621642342008-03-10T05:02:00.001-07:002008-03-10T12:00:26.439-07:00Pictures from Snow (see below post)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WFPOyfcHI/AAAAAAAAAVk/-KJqkNrdAtE/s1600-h/March08Snow+068.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WFPOyfcHI/AAAAAAAAAVk/-KJqkNrdAtE/s320/March08Snow+068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176189843446657138" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WE9-yfcGI/AAAAAAAAAVc/zVbbp5F0mfw/s1600-h/March08Snow+061.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WE9-yfcGI/AAAAAAAAAVc/zVbbp5F0mfw/s320/March08Snow+061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176189547093913698" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WEsuyfcFI/AAAAAAAAAVU/LJi2rcXSHGg/s1600-h/March08Snow+064.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WEsuyfcFI/AAAAAAAAAVU/LJi2rcXSHGg/s320/March08Snow+064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176189250741170258" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WEaOyfcEI/AAAAAAAAAVM/wwCD75HtMug/s1600-h/March08Snow+085.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WEaOyfcEI/AAAAAAAAAVM/wwCD75HtMug/s320/March08Snow+085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176188932913590338" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WEHeyfcDI/AAAAAAAAAVE/f62YAU4y6ww/s1600-h/March08Snow+077.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N7I04p2hmq0/R9WEHeyfcDI/AAAAAAAAAVE/f62YAU4y6ww/s320/March08Snow+077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176188610791043122" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2