tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70002334055018329092024-02-19T12:16:44.328-05:00Poop For CandyFor anyone who might be interested in the mumblings of a fluffy suburbanite with three kids, a great husband and a large dog.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-17402195698196368262010-04-18T09:46:00.008-04:002010-04-18T10:27:37.581-04:00Better Know a Playground, Part 3<div><div><div>While <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wii</span> Lego Indiana Jones does a fabulous job of babysitting my children, I am bringing you (my 3 readers) the next installment of Better Know a Playground. Today's feature is:</div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scioto</span> Park</strong></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461474189385422386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmEvLN3HTTWG5GZN9kNkuNOSOYuiHLxNi3ISeYXbXxmd7b717mtc8YwfQm-6XINqNgWGkwMCnRBGjjP8P31sEXVwrdorEOc0Omp57sc25lb3cvNhFFAy8acObeC4tqbH_bXZi4nme7AU/s320/Park.JPG" /></div><br /><div>This is a park that is part of the Dublin Parks and Rec system. It is con<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">veniently</span> located on the way to the zoo, so we have been known to stop there on our way home from staring at the gorillas.</div><br /><div>The most interesting part of the park isn't the playground, or the scenic view along the river, or the way cool sledding hill. It is the giant rock statue of Chief <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leatherlips</span>.</div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461474988334176450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVLMehlH5CnQku3x9xQWVKV-dl2eDUPDc8EinER1vioEICfmBn-XhMc13HqOjNtbMqJfHn-dw04kfFoW0L4MnoMAE9QQrgR2_Dc3oFh382N1J7AJKNIc4zbVNjOcquKPW-hnU68is4HQ/s320/head.JPG" />Yes, that is Sarah at the top and Leah hanging off the side. The Chief is just one of many crazy pieces of outdoor artwork commissioned in Dublin. </p><p>The park also has a small creek running through it that drains directly into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scioto</span> River. The girls were far more enamoured with playing in the creek than on the playground.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461476005610471362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1k3oaivI-s4-4OZakvp0GP3VdfUjBGRrvTdHL1dWNRFwGuUo4YqjkAlEnCpe-i_1m9zG87W2KcH2cD3p8i5RkPvfhiLeo3ro1H1rgqmhYXRxxGJp9KG5var2idX-HpUrA6qSMia3-WI/s320/threeinacreek.JPG" /><br /><div>Even with all the other distractions, we did manage some playground time too. There is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-requisite rock wall experience.</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461479868328558290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx5US3fnv2cJwb16kHr-9YtaNPYxhkEVVAyGcvE1ec0v1_vKXZAlQa1xgFIY70P_bIj0sqe4HzyeFDpaFLe-5HYg_aRmelW14uidjlLQ6ITO6UEIgNORdkW4KvDxzTls3kgJQKbxtcxg/s320/sarahrockwall.JPG" /></div></div></div><br /><div>There is also a ladder tunnel that leads up through the middle of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">playstructure</span>. Mary and Leah both thought that was pretty cool.</div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461481992777227010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nerb9xOAuMdIHhzo4dILq8Ci8HcH30_BfD0qUogS04lT00_Ov5YU4XU4NlM4C9Vj7yzHdur2YKGZs0p2NvfHvSZR4Bq3FAu-Pb1yb1NNAu3V1X7hZ4pHuAJwKZanRXXjCrcF7hWKjMw/s320/tunnelladder.JPG" />Nana was along with the ride too. She busied herself with with swings while the girls were sloshing around in the creek.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461482915861412546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlZ7nuzoD7DuQKGCqyoLsXNVbih4r4QQf-afIGzUdWwo7DBGadm9tzh7q2ERZVq4e19-Y_hl2CENuHe89-1pDrFKvuBgb0YqLUOVDu6kQkrQx9CS8TTsoe48XzAXrjDloZd9zkhsq63o/s320/swings.JPG" />All-in-all, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scioto</span> Park has a lot to offer. Crazy sculpture, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">creeking</span>, playground, picnic shelter. It also has an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">amplitheatre</span> for summer concerts. One HUGE drawback is that the bathrooms are pretty nasty (this is after a few different trips to them). I know it must be difficult to keep them clean, but they are pretty gross.<br /><p></p>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-85402676573186992042010-04-16T16:57:00.002-04:002010-04-16T17:07:03.394-04:00I stink at keeping New Year resolutions!I had only two resolutions this year: 1) blog a bit more and 2) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">papercraft</span> one hour per week. I am currently 0 for 2. I suppose you could say that is a perfect record!<br /><br />I HAVE re-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">discovered</span> my love of reading lately. At heart, I am a 12 yr old boy, so I have been enjoying re-reading Harry Potter. While in a holding pattern after Goblet of Fire (Sarah is slogging through Order of the Phoenix so I'm waiting for her to finish), I started my first read-through of the Percy Jackson series. I finished the fourth one last night (I should say early this morning) and I'm waiting anxiously for the 5th one to arrive from Amazon. Oh, and I was suckered into reading the Twilight series too. I much prefer Harry and Percy to Edward and Bella! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>!<br /><br />One thing I have yet to master is my compulsion to read a book from start-to-finish in one sitting. It makes for some very bleary-eyed days at work! It doesn't matter what time of day I start a book, I will stay up and read it in its entirety. I seriously need to find a way to combat this!<br /><br />Anyway, you could say that today is a successful New Year's resolution day because not only am I actually blogging, but I am also going to be doing some card-making tonight! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Woot</span>!<br /><br />In the meantime, if anyone has any suggestions on another series of books that I should read (in lieu of sleeping), just let me know!Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-50494568723231059842010-03-03T06:30:00.006-05:002010-03-03T06:46:30.966-05:00But where's the tumbleweeds?I swear that a swarm of locusts live in my house. Really and truly. No matter how much grocery shopping I do, I can't seem to keep food in the house.<br /><br />Now, I do confess that grocery shopping hasn't been one of my favorite things these days. Back before I had a hoard of picky kids (OK, only two of my kids are picky), I used to really enjoy picking up unusual ingredients and experimenting with them. I don't have that opportunity as much these days.<br /><br />Back to the gripe at hand...where in the world does the food go? Not only is our snack cupboard bare, but the fridge is too!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444370433458667778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ3NNPGhXw5T3lzJ_EMAwHeVeOaztRLKLh_r6szaKCndYVSZnOjz0NGDNZnGFDlJCYmcAF8rVFoDmr6Gf4lrbkzU0ZQ-sybJ4TYwlHs2jT0G-isqumJb8YtGv6ufR4Stgm9gF3mfiVH0/s320/DSC03567.JPG" /> So you can see after three trips to the grocery store last week, that I still have bald spots in my fridge. What IS there are drips and drabs of things that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">aren't</span> quite enough on their own for a meal for five people. All it is missing is a tumbleweed or two blowing by.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-52173158515005147232010-02-28T17:44:00.009-05:002010-02-28T18:35:39.184-05:00Chihuly Glass<div><div><div><div><div>Because the girls were crawling up the walls this morning, we decided it was a good day for a visit to Franklin Park Conservatory. We have a membership for these types of emergencies. It is a nice place for a lovely stroll when it is yucky outside. You can see the whole thing in about 1 1/2 hours, so it is just perfect for the girls.<br /></div><br /><div></div><div>I had completely forgotten that there was a special <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chihuly</span> glass <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exhibit</span> going on right now. What a lovely surprise! I really love how they tuck the artwork in amongst the foliage. The bright colors against all the greenery is just striking!</div><br /><div>Before we ventured into the gardens, we took a gander at the pieces on display in the hall. I especially loved this vase:</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443430944706393554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpANTA4gaWkAtZBnk4KEhyphenhyphennkA-YHLA4RlP1T6QjIKRVE_KYFWIU6HlT5Cp9gGT2xxP5fsocb21U0qAuEoQ_u8pfOb1BJI4w3htpuHkJA4d5_pwTNUFjVZ3nwyrSqzqyMOLca22o_SC-1s/s320/DSC03484.JPG" />If I had a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bazillion</span> extra dollars hanging around (and didn't have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">houseful</span> of kids), I would totally be all over it! The blue in this one was very vibrant, pictures just do not do it justice:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443431603000200514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn8gdVRljRgRUyhtAQ5U-QQ4ogxscsGzaU0VXh3uofSOb675tB7eJLIgTejdCLCMuTPkdab7JS6TJTuYdM_I1azbp2o0w0COlFSX60tWtoZfwNWyEPxJhcrQma1zTVt_bWgaKPSyoqXs/s320/DSC03485.JPG" />Mary really liked this one. She "needed" to have her picture taken with it: <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443432589328455330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gOr6yQsCfinFWof3cqlilj0Uryys3JQFhaA134Nn8_oezKO9NlyApMCNd-TNI2HpXqiussOJvU3Rx-vWL59bktN7a3VSVjhaHhH6OsHQJ6apUgJ2FNzatr5cLLZd694NHjLT_Uh9acc/s320/DSC03487.JPG" />This one is permanently on display at the conservatory. I think it is really fun. It reminds me of the Heat Miser's hair. I'm sure that is what Dale <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chihuly</span> had in mind when he created it! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443435341437978482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSDAZ0BJPHEF-jqM0HUkzj6PIBvcqtYETI08kcBRfYbyNA-y4AffKygD-ahNsSMT1ttNX172WgaGWUtLP6y2TRtSvD4goAX1mDmMOwHZe7HL9KH9AT-1EsADytGxHjBTJ8I-QQ5CJfPI/s320/DSC03524.JPG" />We thought this one looked like a dinosaur egg:</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443437900028218530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PMS7tIbZWKhfqzoEeD4U_JQLaYhD4faDJvEMbZUXpWENQbnTec-7pCLkAeA81sQNrr24jQstMcacNgbh5W3te4AhaIu5dSz2esKnxzHdJDxeFzT8EY-jHl2uCi7y0tUu-TUq3gDYfP0/s320/DSC03533.JPG" />This display was a boat filled with blue glass. Leah didn't feel much like posing with her sisters today. She is conspicuously absent from most of the pictures I took! </div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443438794785948722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVPA_sMu8DlcDXgygq4BbyGVQ6bO5Q948ki1Tphjeji3IaWVaC6MyjXfzMg4-cAlq_rfgCuIbGSRkKH_q49xH3wH5cEc-dScT78Y7I-HgxbzSyOrhs9WSCLQP5D8aCoDXTxFfAzNt-n8/s320/DSC03540.JPG" /></div></div></div></div>Last but not least, here is a wall of glass.<br /><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443439623231796706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ_y8Ppvk9OkT73ivdE-al3XnxBcfdqywoonyDuvr13rMjoSK6Yp4x3lc1hqo0xYdX7-T4mce7LdeLGZ8J0KNNhHMZbLajb9tObsuw1Wba6w1DCMuqrhoCQzNNteA0XIvQgXdAHrp8IU/s320/DSC03561.JPG" />If you haven't been to see the glass yet, I highly recommend it!<br /><p></p>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-79670869727072212932010-02-27T20:24:00.008-05:002010-02-27T20:51:43.835-05:00I rock! Or maybe I'm a lunatic...Each year I get this bee in my bonnet that I should bake cupcakes for the spring birthday fest and each year around mid-March I remember why I vow to just buy cake next year. <div><div><br /><div>Once again I was suckered into homemade baked goods for Leah's fourth birthday party. This year the birthday girl picked flowers as the theme. Easy enough. There are tons of ideas for a flower-themed birthday. Then last Sunday hit and she decided she wanted to do a ladybug theme. After I sent out the invites and already had a plan in my head. Fine...I decided to incorporate both.</div><br /><div>My first fit of insanity was when I had the great idea of making lady bugs for the cupcakes. I took red hot candies (you could use m&ms, but I had red hots on hand) and used an edible marker to make them into ladybugs. It was totally cool, but took an entire evening. My hands are just not cut out for small delicate work like that. Here is the bug infestation:</div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443100655802775666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnT_YLnJfnHi7WWPoW-umblsZqXyf43HUs_tZphHN9maF1sGo0DNdUE7s1ig-oRsOBh7Xbzhs3nw4KLEeAP32EDNevcI2swErTrSDd5ynj3nwSd_Xl_7dtlp4FZEoMo3XB7z5CP_yhS1U/s320/DSC03306.JPG" />Phase two involved making flower cutout cookies. On a stick. Why do I dream up these crazy things? Actually, Marcie#2 was the evil genius. I just implemented the idea. Sarah said the cookie pops were beautiful. I think they look like something dreamed up by a five yr old. Check them out:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443102292024191602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC8b0Z8LTg4yJBzGPsrjgw_JslbRr_JiwSE_26fabU9McFF_Bacy97C25lZs6-BfpYLE3RjFhnrLOtD3QXhthcb7YINA_4u40N6LZvMYOwISpIKyMB_J93x3tEFNR1B9zLnudrUbp2yk/s320/DSC03312.JPG" /></p></div><p>You would think that making cookie pops would be enough, but OH NO not for me. I have to make things way more complicated than they need to be. So we needed some cupcakes with green frosting to be "grass" for the flowers:</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443103363137786274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DrWMQbiGGBw2XpSbfd_phK5Dloc9fl4oNeWRz8riua2LUbpFQ8I5vDX4dowvIl1f8Uy7N49vhE8ru_iI4H7iymc73t74vGFagdvU-sHVzlVw-g-6ihuOkRGPwutmtDBgBR0oiI18Lx8/s320/DSC03315.JPG" />So once I finished all phases and put them together, I was pretty darned happy with the result. You might even say that I rock!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443104442115529314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uUeWQna16PlZqgAf2Kc2s5dXyeAjRdeSEqs3ZsWKpO2mXPxZ_sFvpm1_fESkLOEZ-pzBZq-3kV4vd-vnkeK34q_cSVkNIThYMw0VvKzhiISU_irN1cMyJV2pX1R6TVVZH9RFE56xeoY/s320/DSC03316.JPG" /> <p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443105585772132978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta0muIit7O8PfqOcQpHN_-w7STEk1ksN8HFLbxMZ94GHz_ALKPigibY8JFLKqEd5AE1F4_o_IkY2kqcmwgfcEA4xSgLHakbVi7U_3ekYJVmpWXJ1gWV4WThZkL9ik2nAAy3YverSPOJY/s320/DSC03319.JPG" />Or you could say that I'm a lunatic!</p></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-29892395694807733762010-01-28T21:55:00.003-05:002010-01-28T22:05:06.675-05:00The Big Craft PurgeWe recently re-did a good chunk of our first floor in an effort to make our space more usable. Part of the big move involved moving my computer desk/scrap table/spot for everyone else's junk to another room. In my mind, moving stuff = purging stuff!<br /><br />It was really horrifying to see all the (for lack of a better word) crap that was lurking in the nooks and crannies of my desk. The girls completely enjoyed the fruits of the purge. They acquired a ton of old, "what was I thinking" patterned paper (apparently, that is my favorite brand because I had a lot of it). They are also going to take possession of some old stamps that I am ready to remove from my stash.<br /><br />I just decided after moving everything around, that I wanted to be able to have a space for everything. Once I max out the allotted space, something must go. I'm hoping this philosophy will help me keep the crafting expenditures under control. It especially seems silly that I buy craft supplies when I hardly ever touch the stuff! <br /><br />In theory, having a smaller stash makes it easier to craft since you know what you have and where it is located. I think my real problem with crafting is that my computer shares the same space with my supplies. It is far less effort to waste time poking around the internet than it is to create something.<br /><br />I would post a picture of my new-and-improved workspace but it is already covered with a bunch of junk. I think it was cleaned off for 3.2 milliseconds.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-30991133359070870802010-01-09T11:18:00.008-05:002010-01-09T11:41:06.840-05:00Pantene Beautiful LengthsMary has been interested in getting her hair cut for a while now. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Everytime</span> she would ask, I would say "just another 1/2 inch". Well, her hair finally got long enough to donate. Samantha told me about the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pantene</span> Beautiful Lengths program that only requires an 8" ponytail rather than the 10" length required by Locks of Love. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pantene</span> also accepts hair that has been colored, so their program is a bit more liberal than Locks of Love.<br /><br />Here she is this morning before the big chop:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424775533703519794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEqyFZhHFJmsN7lNn62UjXEL_zDvdDjih273TDNRzxcr0VxIDvVNKdg4bCpAX-ChSrINIB4jwkE5OeA2kjkHVn682Mf0pVystOyL4KemLGIc-Tq3M_EY6hFaXAehlPDcPr9ov6WbGaic/s320/long.JPG" /><br /><p>and here she is after she has been chopped and sprayed and gelled and all that:</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424775883043355570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn4e4k1XWOhJHyOLMPW8T10VK9rmTCv7NPxdYYY0MuUUOB-l7TvRvlikMx7tL82U8YVC9WYrHrDSQwquf2-acDyJiv5MCDzE2zb49DiA4jZ34zWAn7YG44RoALpn-phk3R-9NyXKRJ6g/s320/short.JPG" /></p><p>Mary is mostly excited that she will get a new patch for her Daisy vest, but I suppose the motivation isn't as important as the outcome, huh?</p>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-66816926059345844172010-01-03T14:31:00.003-05:002010-01-03T14:39:37.906-05:00FatheadsHey, I'm not insulting you! Really, I'm not! I have spent my entire holiday vacation painting and re-arranging my house. Well, not the entire house, just the first floor. That's all. ;-)<br /><br />One room that was moved and completely re-done was the office. I let Joe pick the color and the decor. He chose very light gray to coordinate nicely with his two favorite sports teams (the Buckeyes and the Crew). Because he is the ultimate sports fan, we are probably the only people in America to purchase one of these:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fathead.com/mls/columbus-crew/columbus-crew-logo/">http://www.fathead.com/mls/columbus-crew/columbus-crew-logo/</a><br /><br />I'm just that crazy. I ordered it last week and it will be here tomorrow. Oh joy of joys! If this isn't proof that I love that guy, I don't know what is!<br /><br />When I finally get everything back on the walls and the way I want, I will post some pictures. I'm still trying to decide what to do about my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">scrapbooking</span> stuff. I somehow managed to acquire a lot of it. I don't know how that happened. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Heh</span>.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-75623079660389925542009-12-20T10:26:00.013-05:002009-12-20T12:23:10.422-05:00Boy have I been a slacker (and other holiday ramblings)I had no idea that it has been almost 2 months since I last posted. Time really seems to be slipping away from me these days. I would love to say that I have been busy doing all sorts of fun things, but alas, I think I have just been working and doing laundry. Oh and dishes. Lots and lots of dishes.<br /><br />Enough of my whining! I can't believe Christmas is approaching so quickly (see time warp rambling). I'm looking forward to the end of this week when I can enjoy my family and be done with work for a bit. All three girls have really embraced the Christmas spirit this year so it has been extra fun to have them around. Some high points of our holiday season:<br /><br />1. We have been to see Santa. Twice. First time was our annual trip to the Worthington Square Mall to see the lonely Santa who sits there by himself with no line. He is an awesome Santa too. Then we decided to go to the Christmas in the Park celebration to see Santa. In the pouring rain and 35 degree temperatures. Such a pleasant evening. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>. Anyway, I was pleased that with both Santa visitations the girls asked for the same stuff that they have been asking for the last few months. Santa should be able to handle the load which is only 2 L<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">eapsters</span> and an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPod</span>. The tree won't have much under it, but I am very thankful that my girls aren't asking for everything under the sun.<br /><br />Here is the Santa from the mall:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 203px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417349382856502514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSF2yQ-Gv0BrSyKRDMYXjII7FyRTODqrxTse-7C1mdy0H9pvkDrA7kOOVVE5Egf0lNp7s4OSi9vcNzqqU1575r0I0e_hdRmKILbIlLH2lvgsdwrLDKxYDwIZbbufv51qn1njbZQfqiW0/s320/Santa+1.jpg" /><br />The cool thing is that the same guy has been Santa at this mall for a long time, so our annual Santa pictures always feature the same person.<br /><br />Here is the crowd after getting soaking wet waiting for their audience with Santa:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417348712396909682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dhDD4Hhjrok6uDtuuUMoHt78S2TXz50hwXEp6gsQ6c-ArdETM-457ryRtI3Qb7tllxsBgk4eJK8Ib9DnJx9qUGSQcdFNcrQ23NOus6JZgmsTF5ZCNKBhQ9Q7zLUXw09dHnyA-d33_O0/s320/Santa+2.JPG" /> 2. Sarah came home from school one day last week announcing that we "needed" an elf. So she emailed Santa (nice that he is wired these days) and very politely asked if he could send an elf our way. We now have Bernie the Elf hanging out in our house. They leave him notes and he answers them. Every night he finds a new hiding spot and they hunt for him in the morning. It gives them something to do while they anxiously wait for Santa's arrival. Here he is hiding in the laundry room:<br /><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417347893265302482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_UXOo_MkgEcZdAfdYaSsKhV8dnpkjk_oSJlvkm5uM5Gx8cWYuTXKg0-ZacMQaP0V_S7FpGrCKYNfLw_WN_9YfZd0hyCIZ8AAI4c5pDRfJmHkOv0IlMqHdrY5XID1iVjOLG5oRiXOLgw/s320/Elf.JPG" />I'm hoping he will do a few loads while he is in there today. </p><p>3. Sarah also got a bee in her bonnet about making some gifts for her friends, so we found some links on no-sew fleece scarves. It is a very nice project that only takes about 15 min per scarf. Of course, we ended up making 18 of them because each girl wanted their own yard of fabric and you can get 6 scarves per yard. All of their friends will be getting them as gifts and the extras will be put on the PIN (People in Need) tree at church.</p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417347237019788978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzYn9LVplGfiU7oqIDRoD34g94FZy_-lFDqWImKw9bZozEDCcKfExkQfJKQO6mN6xUo7XGMb2AN9H88Sz2noDbdto_lKLeOeyxHBHhzFsbRGezexhvtPgOneBtJx7QS29sa_rhwbr-Uw/s320/Scarves.JPG" />4. The girls actually had enough snow yesterday to build a snowman. There wasn't much snow left in the yard by the time they were done, but she turned out awfully cute! They named her Snowflakes. What can I say, my girls are very imaginative. ;-) Snowflakes is not just any kind of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">snowwoman</span>. She is a gourmet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">snowwoman</span>. Not many of her species have dried cherries as eyes and a parsnip for a nose. Actually, I think the birds have already pecked her eyes out for the yummy treat.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417346544640357986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycML3rQnyOf4rlR0s0CPgoYaRAgZzyCage8htL5EEcUUgK7AcyjKVdFv0maFHNCCRZM8pn5_rXRp3DVXoygzvl74KfyQIxr3yN-6GGtahjj2T-apeDLCFeeGwmjE5IqPsdeYdqxtpES4/s320/Snowman.JPG" />Mary was especially pleased at their handiwork.<br /><br />One of my New Year's resolutions is to do more fun crafting and to blog more. Both are things I enjoy doing and both are things that fall by the wayside when times get busy. So for all 3 of my readers, hopefully you can look forward to more posting in the new year! Happy Holidays!<br /><br />PS - in case you are interested, I have lost 15 lbs so far. Only 60 more to go! Sigh.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-51775695881684014162009-10-25T20:58:00.016-04:002009-10-25T22:09:23.468-04:00Better Know a Playground, Part 2Here it is folks, the post you all have been waiting for! Another installment of Better Know a Playground! This evening, Mary, Leah and I along with the Jessica's headed out to do some field research. Tonight's playground is located at:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>MILLER PARK</strong></div><br /><br /><div><div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396707543389090482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yBbwVRyoE4PCe7dKL7i_im3kVP9-2Of71zTtbOo7q5p5HN5nyUQLkLHOppDXs1bf4jVWpVl0ljW6oggHOMC9Rl5wQJJGu4H6M74kUQC325BQd_wWyPV5eUa09KgIrl4okWvhJvPagBs/s320/1_MainView.JPG" /> Yep, this little-known playground next to the tiniest library ever features the climbing tunnel of death, the nearly vertical rock wall, and the dangling thingamabobs that Leah has had a hard time mastering. <div><div><div><div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, the girls really love this playground because it is slightly more challenging than most. When the sign says "Ages 5 - 12" for the main play area, they truly mean it. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>The toddler playground is fairly expansive. There is plenty to do for the just-started-walking crowd.</div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396717351755343778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uDONJt3UYzf3NxoIMHEbKKxX4jEEztmB60I22ssblXo4TUODLc_PXCKcBYStbce2JVnLu6u09UAXcxWvCBdG2lJxTnsJ2iryRqskaQ8hDWPJy0sc2sPrRzqjwDnK03Q3Ch4dWmW0HKE/s320/2_Toddler_View.JPG" /><br /><div></div>Not only is there a toddler play structure, but there are some rocking structures and some swings for the wee-ones.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Since we brought along not-wee ones, we spent most of the evening at the big kids playground.</div><div></div><div>I actually hauled my arse up to the top of the play structure so I could take this picture:<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396714783109094162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebLzTxSsm_gZmy4sc6vLys_iGZ6m0VCFmyAFz_cA1Vu58zp-7YB_BUAWRX3aPNAeHCXNz-tkHRv1zMUbm1hH77obSDj7L7A6moOKug-QbuaCURZOTDGelis6WoFKGPOX1VRSQt_r7VJ8/s320/99_View_From_Above.JPG" /></div><div>Mary, Lilah and Leah climbing up the curly slide:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396713928255143154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxvPCrrmeDbmqdA1i8SYgzgK6VmBhtLu3bt6qdf0eJW_PKXzTFC-uNsDW-cNYNo86f2-WEFiedJNqKV9ir5VsKrrrvDU9XZ4x9coOCqln4T_iGU4tr_QZLX8UXOGENKMEJd1hMbtSKM4/s320/9_Walking_Up_Slide.JPG" /></div><div>Mary and Evie striking a pose:<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396713349666613474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJIAltrBAeGeV8jRR5qKnMZmXn9Z505_EvsBJZ-faI2OG-XJk0LMDj5pmPg-Y6tpWMzkp5nhkJyNKhq9vcTjEZ8oeR0nG9p7GN9ZMG6z-K0qhQpfUCV-kpLlWg3rNqm5jHgc2ptwOxPA/s320/8_Mary_and_Evie.JPG" /></div><div>Lilah taking one for the team and climbing up the tunnel of death:</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396712475682125330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-VICYZLob6feVyeiguKLfcxEHGScGI1MOsinJ1KLsURr2iz7NYKprlVnXnuccL-egVqE6T8iqgWMJ7CgQ_ir7JaUZhPOuY4m91Hg_3VGjpo_B38SnMi9COOW2LIgPORfhutRmIFxch0/s320/7_Lilah_In_Danger_Tunnel.JPG" /></div><div>Leah and the required rock wall shot:</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396712028751950690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fHv6sBgSp8QZbKfvdySzGnFj4HDc4KzOUbE2L9kMcWBoJX9uoD-XdoK8E6ZWDs6-yTqN9LbGn8GB1oyPN9Dx74Y79HduuljJwr-UCqxma5F63fOEsLZbG6aqMmyn9qx4tJzcfVn98iU/s320/6_Leah_Rockwall.JPG" /></div><div>Mary and Evie on the rocking fire engine:<br /></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396710289441637650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg1Mxx5W5Txz32LCEMG0zqHaC8O3dsM49sBbfwXajuOtC7ralfpUcDoIffdJw3kOesFrVJnGX6qHewNxMNA1cxbSWq67pcUUKs1EFIdGsFNNAr1UPMTObCUykUWTVpJWBGRafAvxfwX0/s320/5_Mary_and_Evie_Firetruck.JPG" /> </div><div></div><div>Mary trying out the dangling thingamabobs (I wonder if they have a real name?):</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396709816825433586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yv3pFd4zc_1H4eNKQL4L7t6-3cQa20Dd-S0UNDG8hMMSP57hEmuQOXAyBoBRgV66NsB2mMulkTj7CxAKVJZBM5vdVDAXyk-GTfwSZ4l-NJ4np7zQMCfurC7BhL4_9Eb66DBygGcVTgk/s320/4_Mary_Hanging_Thingys.JPG" /> </div><div>Mary practicing to be a future fire fighter by sliding down the pole:<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396709167113053378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV4V-ifQWAmG8yh7kUd_-pRi3ZyPe1mDz0ruyelXnwtPgaw5Dh7gIdwqFbzU1N7ney1Vtp4kGPJG196eo9U5ce4HpreGZKRQNyeh4nOM-TyZUUBB4Xj0lk9JGQZXZWovFTE4xP0GQf8g/s320/3_Mary_Pole.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>All-in-all, my girls rank this playground pretty high on their list. It is nice that Sarah feels a little challenged by it as most playgrounds don't do much for her anymore.</p>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-19722711342484098152009-09-29T20:27:00.004-04:002009-09-29T20:43:02.392-04:00Newest crafting obsession!Yes folks, I have been two-timing my inks and stamps with another crafting obsession. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shhhh</span>...don't tell them, but I have started down the path of no-sew fleece <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">blankies</span>! Actually, I have been looking for a craft that Sarah and I could do together to make useful Christmas gifts for Nana, Grandma & Grandpa and Aunt Lori.<br /><br />I think we have zeroed in on a choice!<br /><br />These blankets are so easy a caveman could do it. Well, perhaps that takes it too far. Anyway, we did three test blankets (can't do just one when you have three kids!). I really like how they turned out and the girls all love that they have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">snuggly</span> blankets for the couch. Just in time for our house to be set at a balmy 67 degrees for the winter.<br /><br />Here are the three test subjects:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387051865542529554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cXGby6kuZ2KSn7EiTBIgi1qW_HwjIrCsya1gbfb_byTRumZFSp_pMgqBFQ4lLdFJBjMwwBA9CSYsKTAfT_OeKrYuNY2O3gB8487DnReMMDVgmPq3SmOu9LAHh5Y9rGtnpu7X0hy09DM/s320/DSC02645.JPG" />Mary's is on the left, Sarah's in the middle and Leah's on the right. I intended for these blankets to be used for couch dwelling during the winter months, but Mary & Leah have kidnapped their blankets and are holding them captive in their room.<br /><p>As for the details, I made each one 2 yards (supposedly the size of an adult blanket). Each cut for the tied fringe is 5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide (because I'm lazy and wanted to get away with the least amount of labor possible). All in all, it only took me about 1.5 hrs per blanket. Not too shabby! I just hope that everyone on my Christmas list this year is prepared to receive one!</p><p>PS - First weigh-in today and lost 7.8 lbs! Yeah for water weight!</p>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-32264556674712429362009-09-20T20:06:00.002-04:002009-09-20T20:15:24.424-04:00Adios Ben and Jerry!It is time. Time to finally break down and join Weight Watchers yet again. I have done it before, with great success. Each time I got down to a manageable weight, I would get pregnant and gain 70 lbs (no seriously, I gained 70 lbs when I was pregnant).<br /><br />Ever since Leah's birth, I just haven't felt the urge to take the plunge yet again. It is just so much work and that third kid just pulled all the last vestiges of energy right out of my bones. <br /><br />I will be starting on Tuesday, so for the last week I have been having the farewell tour of all my favorite bad-for-you foods. I think I'm at the point where I welcome the idea of only eating fruits and veggies for a while. I think I have done some serious artery clogging this week!<br /><br />So I'm saying ADIOS to Ben and Jerry. I wish it was Au <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Revoir</span>, but I think I need to just come to the realization that my life will be better without you. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>!Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-5418112999517211702009-09-13T19:43:00.016-04:002009-09-13T20:52:41.675-04:00Better Know a Playground, Part 1It has been requested that I share some of my playground knowledge that I have gained in my multi-part series entitled "Better Know a Playground". I can't tell you how many parts this series will have because I really don't know how many playgrounds we have tested out. It seems like a zillion, but probably more like twenty. For all you Steven Colbert fans out there, this series was indeed inspired by his 435 part series "Better Know a District". <div><div><div><br /><div>The playground of choice for today: Northwest Park. I don't name 'em folks, I just drag my children to 'em. BTW, this is about as busy as I have ever seen it on a non-soccer day. During soccer games, the place is packed. It is located just south of Henderson Road, West of Coach Road.</div><div align="center"><strong>NORTHWEST PARK</strong></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381104892571916402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkw4bemuhg2_0WTrRh66ROHpehR82RLqcL2N1VWnSKIo75_9HzSS3Gf-vjoLjyg2J7_QAcjXY51y_mehZMkp5l9bJ_vHW2wPqS1fHWP3ozZW7mOABPSuw8ySHiBwBGuTcokJiHaHxxc8/s320/AerialView.JPG" /></div><div>This is a playground we haven't been to for a while. In fact, I don't think we have been here at all this summer. The play structure is actually very tall as far as playgrounds go. I took the girls there a couple times last summer but decided it was WAY too tall for a then 2 1/2 yr old to be using. It was definitely heart-attack inducing watching Leah play on it. </div><br /><p>Fast forward to this summer, and Leah is perfectly capable at 3 1/2 to climb over the entire structure and go down the slides without fear she will fall off the side.</p><p>Here she is demonstrating her new favorite playground equipment, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">rock wall</span>.<br /></p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381106413211092674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJulKlO2o1PFCIYgTgofGIxkm8mnUYAY963L93-HpO8AldLBW0e7F1MdFEWT9tbCvtaR8wPxXM5Ep711x0jZZIiEUEXHOXpNn41ps5wpswx0-HIaB8XNDFMuKXuw1pOwc1Ia5SXKfu70/s320/Rockwall.JPG" /><br />The slides on the main play structure are quite tall. Mary thought they were the greatest thing ever, for today. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381109009684500514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBqN6PhyphenhyphentOya_WXUH25Qoz_xn1trzXQA7C_eKRA5yCRkQVsdUvZRm9cGEjyLLT3RirwxfCTE55wC-iDIJsDoVE-oeC-zZ4wmKlh1TXens7UI4tkPegxIlstUNifA3l80OuWIKDO30lSs/s320/BumpySlide.JPG" /></p><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381109372160223458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EocOpAk1iQgp2dUZ2YCae1ea2ygOTjGgZI3B7ntqW2pjWlT_48Dq6gHzhKhyphenhyphenMCJnNnXM74qE30vwtOcGKdGEgDgyygTClUhyphenhyphenkVwnfCXId2voLBsg6NlnTyItO8DfOaQUlXbizu4vvyk/s320/CurlySlide.JPG" /></div><p>Yes, I am one of those parents that let my kids walk up the slides.</p><div>One of the major drawbacks to this playground is the toddler area. It is seriously lacking. We have better stuff in our basement. </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381110910769092354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3uoXW4n5couxZcofGCMuxEfdGwbntJP7rXOLdG5cLlAb6S0fM-BTLymdYePsXbg9dscm_Te7_RuMqngaMtbx9CeuEB4AMY7jP9q4_2lVVAWjfa8ktjM5AQhm2EkNIN1eJeOQ6vYdCNI/s320/ToddlerPlayground.JPG" />That is the entire toddler playground. I didn't even have to step back to take the picture.</div><br /><div>My girls absolute favorite part of the park is what I call the Little House on the Prairie hill. They run up and down over and over and over to the point of exhaustion. It is great!</div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381113923788503858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUR9FDSPCJp4ytpBHmRR0-xsyiDSy2w9PNetvfmbx8Xb3CWgtC9fh0E7Sy97jnXA2Zt1V7-TSU5t_Wse2Oi00HAXAKDIztzWIPwsPDZBz2r7a3eTnoX8AvMxMjNbVePQBUlUTe6JE1zc/s320/Hill.JPG" />Can't you just hear that theme song in your head? </p><p>While we were perched up at the top of the hill, the girls decided to pick a few flowers. I have to say that I always appreciate photo ops that involve my kids and nature! </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381115063474123666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-rMPaIDUZIPpjdQTJoyxAd69m83Tw-B46YwfJb2sevLoERx6b1VQDkRicnl94wrZvGPbfFlcHfY_mpJZh5Y1Dg7pCUrvXrwwBBb2tu33U9YjADFppqYvsGXiBT3JSuX8S1j7WiZUozk/s320/MaryPickingFlowers.JPG" /></p></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381116387270824226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWkAQX4H92ox5bop9OloBdE750WJ5i6Sk6hClHaN2gT7YwuIlDDzZrU7AHmcX9569o3rxfysID-H_t7xygXcCs4FGbmfr_1XogLvT4KJ5yO9AIJUQF9NNeH0YnGzVSD7G2OqxS_O5w3c/s320/LeahPickingFlowers.JPG" />All in all, it is a nice playground to spend an hour, but it isn't going to keep them entertained for a long period of time. If you hit it when there aren't soccer practices or games, it is nearly empty, which is a major bonus. The walking path around the park is very long and actually connects to Burbank, so you can give it some bonus points for that feature too.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-2056179682126929232009-09-09T05:18:00.011-04:002009-09-09T06:20:24.457-04:00Mirror Lake<div><div><div><div><div>One of the things that has been on our summer to-do list for years is to have a picnic at Mirror Lake. For anyone who has never suffered of Buckeye Fever, Mirror Lake is a lovely little spot on campus at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">OSU</span>. To make it extra fun, The Jessica's also have been meaning to show their girls the joy that is Mirror Lake, so we made it a picnic party.</div><br /><div>Over Labor Day weekend we finally took the plunge and picnicked (is that a word) our brains out.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379399945257027010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZqZUCCSMAvxy_cWacMxmdXB89EWrBZ9s50UQBRmcYCiRGnauk6QUajqoFTT50BHnKJRbh93DR0_XewIY4Zc7vhoRWwz8R7FXpcBlJJZ7k7LKL7EhLt9mP3JXgL5Wisi9zkRVgO7IikM/s320/Mirror_lake.JPG" /></div><div>Supposedly, the water is so clear that you can see your reflection (thus the name "Mirror Lake"). I think perhaps it should be renamed to "Murky Lake". Or even better "Murky Pond". Don't think I didn't find the area beautiful. It was quite lovely. I just couldn't see my countenance in the water. </div><br /><div>Now, you can't live here without eventually either falling in love with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">OSU</span> or totally hating it. There is no in-between. I don't get the haters because <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">OSU</span> gives our city so much rich culture. That must be why those haters root for Michigan. They have no culture.</div><br /><div>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">OSU</span> brainwashing starts early around these parts.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379401707813524114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItframsgmr9Yqt64V42qQ3Pk8vIME5WRjezqGj7u1QXJvNRYjyiHw_Cxf0BvPHI7QligKtrAMBNjBMkMntnPbRSugHYTU7LvQrFSnql4Hij3DxJD9GuYt5XZR1RmPsD6Q6vH-68FQXWg/s320/O1.JPG" /> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379403223279886994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvSB_yZcFyM-crTALRTpwvHYHR3LuU5N5id_VvQmaIRLY7v8PAFxIolVt_vvpDX4YTGKyeweNivsRmwkmiikIRd2_RjAJhhXvdbKZdkHxAJzf-QFkpPKL4FfAw5kKOT4Vdf03nO8h-_8/s320/H.JPG" /> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379403770839594338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXRiXzzKeDXXIbsHGWewPyppBLQ89dlSHE4oMRVUEPUQjWo4NC2Ho8EXbMGjabFWOzAr-ksxQ2qYq3uWZuKO_TByDsjDfG4l0rRb_kxsQTRVNHS7pn9KJiGpgNHNkaCpwu8E0vj6i-iU/s320/I.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379404751532618194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXezA_u8YUggfrUOXbvpclppQTmZNDCf9sNB7m0m22Q6woZ6eAuAIpaqAY4z3qxYpZVSSKf517HwQllg2_KU1RFi_S6ssr95-OIgCM8NCgjkBr0m1i3EtWnY-bEt4nr1wKcqCCOi72QI/s320/O2.JPG" /> <div>No trip to the campus is complete without dragging five kids to the newly renovated library. You know, the place where college kids are trying to do research and study and stuff? In quiet? The new library is gorgeous! </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379407110486337538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUkaCLph_Nma9HdoTaJwUdgzG5R6LbxQyJ6vjC3o4YeHjAJoV6KHGx6s9zcbuz9WTyaJK2Me-UN8q_C7tkeWXkt2GesA6GadaeZry3EGhVNQ-kgUGliGI1kCFSitRtzwGIL9_qCOnN2s/s320/Oxley.JPG" />There is a fantastic look out spot on the 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> floor that has great views of the campus and the surrounding area. I had to include the west view that has what some would say is the most important part of campus. Mary says this is where they have the soccer games with Dippin' Dots. I think Woody might have turned over in his grave. </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379408714954955394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZq7sCZizPam7XBFtyDWMkWk7Z3Fj77ScRWzb4395T_b9m8N9ssHW0DEPjjgApYBTv1-HMCdkdc62_JVMUMw5pJ15vkXBuELjxMCKLhD5-lkLkR9MhN-y1j0b4a6u-GrzJqg0FrOcLOo/s320/Stadium.JPG" /></div><div>On that note, here's hoping for a very successful day on Saturday for our beloved Buckeyes! GO BUCKS!</div></div></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-64369269880878697502009-08-25T21:19:00.013-04:002009-08-25T21:51:05.082-04:00First Day of School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeFFajkSzIjJjr5jh8rfedgfAfQthLllmjXrox83BrgX5N8Qe2aJOnw_Tznq13oFqqr4XoJkgwVQqyUQVo-l4R_Akfaf2fVroW2br4aSzMIVnMjIrjACVkcOtundDYcL9gHhY6hjyLV0/s1600-h/Wolf.JPG"></a> <div>Today is one of the three most highly anticipated days of my life - Mary's first day of Kindergarten (Sarah and Leah's being the other two). Actually, I don't know if you could technically call today the first day of K. She was only there for an hour and fifteen minutes. They do this lovely staggered-start thing to drive the parents insane. Her first day with the entire class for the entire time (a whopping 2 hrs, 45 min) is actually on Friday.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Either way, she was really excited to officially meet her teacher, Mrs. M. She is the same teacher that Sarah had for K and she is fabulous. Mary also told me she met a new friend, but didn't know his name. That's par for the course for her. It took her a few weeks to find out the names of the kids she was regularly playing with when she switched preschool. I can just picture her calling everyone "Hey You!". </div><div><br />Sarah also had her first day of school today. She was very nervous and hardly slept last night. I think after finding out that she knew most of the fourth graders and a good chunk of the third graders in her class that she felt a lot better (it is a 3rd/4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> combo class). One major disappointment to her is that she didn't get her best bud in class with her. Of course, her older brother is in her class (he's in 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>).</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Here they are...all spit-shined and ready to go!</div><div><br /></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374079669415933154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ60g_rP7C-BtzFvqM37jceOhFn3bqCj5GaDkjDvW_KQprzazZ46iwxX9v4VqQSoYuk6O0Fejwj2HKC_SPE9pslxzjq0dRrQdh22KCQhf1dIkh0sLrpMTda4x3zBqPSKNgIrt6R4vDuJI/s320/together_front_stoop.JPG" /></p>Mary in her backpack that weighs almost as much as she does:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374080099014006370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVcqX5iijmM-etgSG9hLa4hC52tTwD2fIDXeqYGHVDEmnm4-Q2m_mZk5vz6RcmD5Fai5ynxQLKX5l-Svkivr6b4EIr_5JCQulSZ8-BiycwPdNs_rbVvCkWR7KadD5XH55FmLUqsf1cgE/s320/Mary_backpack.JPG" /> <div>Here is Sarah with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wickliffe</span> Wolf. Every school needs a old statue of a wolf with sharp, rusty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">faux</span>-fur.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374080793330786418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH8-VU-zu2_Ho5ViKQfqnbiAOnUKOY2J9-GRhr86GiADrCuOP_gHJ60fdF8kHmHWj4neFxna1gGCNTtU2Ymk9aFq-wzhijMUxd9YMijui-Mv2zfCA0LzuvrvYj553i4tZ1AlkCEuzAlQ/s320/Sarah.JPG" /> Here are both girls. Mary isn't as enamored with the tradition of the wolf-photo on the first day as Sarah is.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374081255681603218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeFFajkSzIjJjr5jh8rfedgfAfQthLllmjXrox83BrgX5N8Qe2aJOnw_Tznq13oFqqr4XoJkgwVQqyUQVo-l4R_Akfaf2fVroW2br4aSzMIVnMjIrjACVkcOtundDYcL9gHhY6hjyLV0/s320/Wolf.JPG" /> <div>Of course, the best part about school starting is that I am *THIS CLOSE* to being part time again. Can't wait until September 1! Woo-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">hoo</span>!</div></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-37044083884685359942009-08-22T15:05:00.013-04:002009-08-22T15:35:30.241-04:00Zoo!I just LOVE the Columbus Zoo. We are so fortunate to have such a nice facility so close to our home. On a nice crisp day like today (yes, I realize it is only Aug 22...but it was still cool this morning), the zoo is an ideal place for a nice stroll. The nice thing about having a membership is that we can just go for an hour or two, see a few animals and go home for lunch. The girls usually end up taking a nice nap in the afternoon, too. Can't beat that!<br /><br />Because three kids aren't nearly enough, we brought along a couple extra. Actually, we haven't had Rachel and Becca for a long time so it was really nice to have all the girls together.<br /><br />When we arrived, Leah kept talking about all the cowboys around. We finally figured out that she meant the huge contingent of Amish folks because of the hats the men wear. I can totally see how she would mistake an Amish guy for a cowboy. HA!<br /><br />Here the girls are with Baldy the Eagle. We actually didn't see him until our way out of the zoo, but right before we walked up to him, he was completely mobbed by Amish kids. Thankfully by then, Leah was over the "cowboy" thing.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVCpR60omH8AscHaWsEjIPr4SoensoZf4wT5hDHKq0K3Eo4b3RNLR22r6MJnXzhsnq2JstWvTQYc9VcGA4I4scuOVK5_Hl1Cm-O51gSDRHt3nJ1LbZGO8quloMTMDIs5JWxFVMU06gqU/s1600-h/AllWithEagle.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372866860219860194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVCpR60omH8AscHaWsEjIPr4SoensoZf4wT5hDHKq0K3Eo4b3RNLR22r6MJnXzhsnq2JstWvTQYc9VcGA4I4scuOVK5_Hl1Cm-O51gSDRHt3nJ1LbZGO8quloMTMDIs5JWxFVMU06gqU/s320/AllWithEagle.JPG" /></a> Here is a picture of three apes. You might recognize the ape in pink as one of my crew.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372869564993237954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mLsX-inUcBlhMMpACdiOnU_NtpldFvE9QxY5uaJZ0RqkVQOO_iS0W-WkhhTZAz4maEW1Hs9vxndOKSkfHol0dZqtLyBhy4N0Wm7fVXAi7QxNEmhuQUwKK4vC4jKiyQahkGBeoTQcAPc/s320/LeahAndBonobo.JPG" /></div><div>I just liked this picture. It was shocking that all five girls managed to get on there at one time. I didn't even have to pose them! Bonus that there aren't any extraneous kids on it too.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372869047547096994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwa-hpPIwhjMQ_Gbivi50dhpEImfdqjy8lXXzUS8eDVlsqVpnUJyvM4SCVVPwkOQv0pYl1mMa2rAz3R-8W1vL9d4HBj9PbFwA37mDKnvNWv_QKdNP5f56iyk0uxxWaSEWiWOb40Xl_es/s320/Shelter.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div>Speaking of posed...Sarah really wanted me to take this picture. It does make you wonder why there is a giant ladybug on the food though. Kinda makes you lose your appetite.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372868441268532018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMqhqQlQWTBtETfCPZIXwVYlcQRzCCuHcmupH8CHSZ2T4doPkJpaqQaKrkPl54oRlrOmQZt8ZOLd8jHFRYtL7xzwBZ-XhtHcoOUkT3y9_6QRSn6jT8lJe2phfXepS8PAVI9OsTU6sH4Q/s320/SarahFood.JPG" /></div>Here are Mary and Becca hanging out on the Hammerhead Shark. For some reason, I can never get both of them to look at the camera at the same time. I wonder if that is bad <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">mojo</span> for them or something. <div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372867800445641410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIAzrAiMmYbQBZmbGBVwhPA2Lwg1VMRvk2pFIhY7UESnF7yLoxvs5hQwecD51t4C129uaji4hgpK3lYgi2xrmbCPXuzNV3YCjETqNErodNYiprFfkZ07uLHUySjIs0l4wefEWKSg3374/s320/MaryBeccaShark.JPG" /></div>Sarah and Rachel have no issues with posing and looking at the camera.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372867345037868898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C2JCr3hjCotMgT8DYm7QV78zX4ytfTEttI8aTv1uFp-KPtLfTYHz1ay5F0udgvTUitRSAHJ7e7pf0KQyRRgiBZAJpcnehigf29V0cUd1YQ4t5_v9-9PhXjoEgAa9xBdB_viMGqRXEC0/s320/SarahRachelShark.JPG" />We trekked through the zoo for a few hours and I STILL haven't seen the baby elephant. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beco</span> will be full-grown by the time I finally get around to his part of the zoo! </div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-32849123788613848852009-08-21T23:58:00.007-04:002009-08-22T00:21:17.528-04:00Pool vs. Pond<div><div><div>Last weekend we went to Joe's cousin's house for a birthday party. The 80<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday of his Aunt to be exact. At their house, they have a picnic shelter, large pond, play set, outdoor potty facilities, and on and on and on. Actually, their "house" is really more like a "compound".</div><div><br /></div><div>As the girls were getting into the pond for an afternoon swim, I was struck by how little they cared about swimming in a pond. Well, once they got over the mucky bottom that is.</div><div><br /></div><div>I personally think that any place I'm submerging myself into should be highly chlorinated and only contain human life forms. Ponds in general have a high "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ICK</span>" factor for me. I don't mind skirting around the edges and wading a bit. As long as I can see the bottom and know that no giant monster fish is going to attack me, I'm OK. Much farther into the water than that and it takes a cattle prod or something.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we went to Lake Cumberland for vacation this summer, I did jump off the boat and swim a bit, but that was only after substantial peer pressure. I could have been quite happy sitting on the boat and taking pictures of everyone else. Being in lake water that was 100+ feet deep wasn't all that appealing. Who knows what kind of horrid creature was lurking in the depths? I shudder to think about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some pictures of the girls at the pond last weekend. You can see that there was a killer crocodile there. Or was it an alligator? I never remember how to tell the difference.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372637346767553890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_KQFKE221tTMLHBQNzKUZB5lV69vJ_eEqE4A8Etuoe8k3YNghuqcAOIS0hF5k5CBCfZ8_k0iHqc_LWdDmly_Zoz1ZeByEtjxRsx4oOSAhWe_JggohyphenhyphenLHoRtY3C9w1EyHJ1c8gtoeTBg/s320/Leah_Croc.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372636471505602194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7HX4crpTrNBG8z33sUAVkCPAFwNhfgyiia-LTX7ZXCn97YDSIgmVPyFylvkT4oSexvewXYt6h_yLuLV84xENw0okYeJ6ObmC21OCzmIvTZ0In522Anyc2Nua0w2-YcaCLEZzOfgu1Ko/s320/Sarah.JPG" /></div></div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372635244123304930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_2TXXnzcaZpnCbWsX7gr5qs2dUsVJNYBAb6BIqw-2ZF-bzh4xr2RGiNRW8JLy6Q5Ks1s-PKMjv1uRhPowIfAIk61t1rxdBqP3eDuhwwKMi-A6Etqfmy2M6x_q8nBZV5ydpUXhGEss_g/s320/Mary_Sarah_Croc.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372635595522111586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW72GUCPoJsyvxbltlA9SDEW_gSKvQQI4o6YwqotmOK9leJLdViVbJ132JDxab_Q4dIt-LQByml-_q-QNurQumMvw5b2e0ejCdkCwvwd11edp4RX7-8XulNGcPyBR1Ztd2irryBjKAVsE/s320/Leah.JPG" /><br /><div></div></div></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-88431515091403043032009-08-09T09:24:00.008-04:002009-08-09T10:19:57.214-04:00T-shirt ObsessionLike any good mom, I resort to bribes when I'm really desperate. Over time, I have discovered that the most effective bribe is dangling out a new t-shirt purchase. My girls LOVE "cool" t-shirts. I'm not sure what the criteria is to be deemed "cool", but each of them seem to have their own t-shirt rules.<br /><br />Sarah has been really trying to get out of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> pink/purple mode. Actually, the girl has a really nice sense of style. I will never fear that she will be one of those <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">shlumpy</span> teenagers. Of course, I can see her as the one who has to have all the latest trends. <br /><br />Mary is really into anything Super Hero. The really nice thing is that Old Navy has come out with a line of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> super hero t-shirts. Right now Mary has two of them but I suppose that over time she will end up with the entire line. <br /><br />Leah just likes anything that the other two tell her to like. She's pretty easy (for now).<br /><br />Here are the girls modeling their latest t-shirt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">acquisitions</span> (Aunt Lori purchased them yesterday):<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFMrguzlbdIgw9Yn7H5BzJvyfIvGrbbqLADEnmn5VZlcDUkzsw60-dABmLvfT3Es6P5M2ofWqTjGrSmXm45h_56LggznjheS9dS21CvuA4R2xUCrmnL-84Nq3absFqusbgp5ux1P4vUU/s1600-h/1_Sarah.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367962910420151794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFMrguzlbdIgw9Yn7H5BzJvyfIvGrbbqLADEnmn5VZlcDUkzsw60-dABmLvfT3Es6P5M2ofWqTjGrSmXm45h_56LggznjheS9dS21CvuA4R2xUCrmnL-84Nq3absFqusbgp5ux1P4vUU/s320/1_Sarah.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqAe96THGK7ZqYqr9kcMapgdzQk5TwsqoUMXDmzhcZBY5pBiwrFzlZdp71xrjap6tIJy8K9rdwYbGCv61MeqarUq_ZoB7uU6u5F2PWyjSUGLAXhMUy0aGRlddd_vwsg20a5XL9IPqiRc/s1600-h/2_Mary.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367962639504326850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqAe96THGK7ZqYqr9kcMapgdzQk5TwsqoUMXDmzhcZBY5pBiwrFzlZdp71xrjap6tIJy8K9rdwYbGCv61MeqarUq_ZoB7uU6u5F2PWyjSUGLAXhMUy0aGRlddd_vwsg20a5XL9IPqiRc/s320/2_Mary.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGkLvw8m1cwqCD-_TGTL4W4M-y7J3scqGHE3jTsThieC2pp-CeUJ6lunuFO348h-tHvsFt8o7Itj5v8E9QxkDokXPFsrNBTJeyMnMLG8vHw4stE91hEQDSufM3s41FgVafwl4vFjCrvo/s1600-h/3_Leah.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367962162376327314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGkLvw8m1cwqCD-_TGTL4W4M-y7J3scqGHE3jTsThieC2pp-CeUJ6lunuFO348h-tHvsFt8o7Itj5v8E9QxkDokXPFsrNBTJeyMnMLG8vHw4stE91hEQDSufM3s41FgVafwl4vFjCrvo/s320/3_Leah.JPG" /></a><br />I thought this shot looked like a pose you might see in the Old Navy weekly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">flyer</span>. Look at those girls having a great time in their t-shirts! Don't you wish you were them? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW6RlXiNDpuAgCzvM2hbGNBRyZyNI6veYqC0RBdUxnFTICEteRC8G7xmO3-ADBis6STWhPqQrmaMJTFbKoceNtmRlZ81Q6QZlv_SnFtVy1KgHUKSpmYMErw6FMYZ0H5qXEjkPC8eUO0g/s1600-h/4_AllThree.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367961620023574914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW6RlXiNDpuAgCzvM2hbGNBRyZyNI6veYqC0RBdUxnFTICEteRC8G7xmO3-ADBis6STWhPqQrmaMJTFbKoceNtmRlZ81Q6QZlv_SnFtVy1KgHUKSpmYMErw6FMYZ0H5qXEjkPC8eUO0g/s320/4_AllThree.JPG" /></a><br />Sarah wanted to get some pictures of them while on the swing set. Here is one shot that I particularly liked of her:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wxrRTu-NdKI0Aw-9bUuImgrZHZUfTy2tRoJwphDDBckHD_huFvKR1dav6YVwYoofcETRuoG3RBEc3-dp5Hccp09OeKV7qHSduxL8AMOskLraWPWagf5_21gy8WQM1MKU5NdZizSUshs/s1600-h/5_SarahSwing.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367961271012169458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wxrRTu-NdKI0Aw-9bUuImgrZHZUfTy2tRoJwphDDBckHD_huFvKR1dav6YVwYoofcETRuoG3RBEc3-dp5Hccp09OeKV7qHSduxL8AMOskLraWPWagf5_21gy8WQM1MKU5NdZizSUshs/s320/5_SarahSwing.JPG" /></a><br />and here is Mary hanging out on the swings:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83GuiMeAfezpnYj6Bdgd-yoj7hcMLhfvegE1MkVdBR1zQSuERtYn7lGU2B3uJjtMkINZv-odj-GWMalvduS0Lzz8o7A0zejNA7_fPnJL1vsDgARXsJOCqdCJL1aYlmAk5xqnasvTCWTA/s1600-h/6_MarySwing.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367960944217336386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83GuiMeAfezpnYj6Bdgd-yoj7hcMLhfvegE1MkVdBR1zQSuERtYn7lGU2B3uJjtMkINZv-odj-GWMalvduS0Lzz8o7A0zejNA7_fPnJL1vsDgARXsJOCqdCJL1aYlmAk5xqnasvTCWTA/s320/6_MarySwing.JPG" /></a> Leah decided she wanted no part of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">swingset</span> photo op. She's that way, ya' know!</div><div> </div><div>Now they just need to start acquiring some bottoms to go along with all these tops!</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-79501297492313452472009-08-07T19:02:00.013-04:002009-08-07T20:32:54.595-04:00State FairThe Ohio State Fair is one of my favorite events of the summer! Today Joe and I took the girls after lunch time and headed out for an afternoon of food, rides and cow manure. It was a blast!<br /><br />Here are the girls before we set out. Notice that they are clean.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJVuH0ShUoJ0uRR6etz_cytNzlUMa7Fr3b1aKZst-lcgc5JUi1yvUGlH1sOlAE8JKKXWb8gLJyxjPYfizubK1mf4gbCho4RdD8mnZj5CVikZfQCHaUi8FSBr0BRPn3Hvzd0sztvWRPYs/s1600-h/clean_kids.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367379375483082882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJVuH0ShUoJ0uRR6etz_cytNzlUMa7Fr3b1aKZst-lcgc5JUi1yvUGlH1sOlAE8JKKXWb8gLJyxjPYfizubK1mf4gbCho4RdD8mnZj5CVikZfQCHaUi8FSBr0BRPn3Hvzd0sztvWRPYs/s320/clean_kids.JPG" /></a> We started our afternoon by visiting Smokey the Bear in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ODNR</span> park. His a scary bear. He is a hairy bear. I believe the girls were not nearly as impressed with him as I always am.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2jSEndbm0L1fJa_JcQDrtlUIaErT-x1Qee4yyE_2QaCcYLLdgO-NpA3vj9oqcTzAAJTsWu-5G33QX8yBsO759oU9xDL1W8EwuESsGRTKSvDw3qEd7SbQ5nU3ITBPjiF2yFycFuAiZKk/s1600-h/smokey.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367378774120949122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2jSEndbm0L1fJa_JcQDrtlUIaErT-x1Qee4yyE_2QaCcYLLdgO-NpA3vj9oqcTzAAJTsWu-5G33QX8yBsO759oU9xDL1W8EwuESsGRTKSvDw3qEd7SbQ5nU3ITBPjiF2yFycFuAiZKk/s320/smokey.JPG" /></a> One thing people always talk about is how wonderful the food is at the fair. I have to confess - I usually only eat some ice cream from the Dairy Products building and that is it. I really detest fried food, which is surprising for a chick who is as fluffy as I am.</div><div></div><div>Joe snapped a picture of Mary and me eating our tasty frozen treat. Mary is a big fan of any food that can leave enough of a mess on her face that you have the impression that she has a goatee.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZAkannWnlSl7ufOkRyYSnBAaJwsd6Onu_cxzeGmSmtCr537MXHgxqAnzUBXec7mxtYDifG-idskWgxXYfAaPx7swoBDrrbfZ5rmmNPljKuQlqDDC75yTCIlJiJlQfX35bwzixGlU-KE/s1600-h/rona_and_mary.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367377875810636242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZAkannWnlSl7ufOkRyYSnBAaJwsd6Onu_cxzeGmSmtCr537MXHgxqAnzUBXec7mxtYDifG-idskWgxXYfAaPx7swoBDrrbfZ5rmmNPljKuQlqDDC75yTCIlJiJlQfX35bwzixGlU-KE/s320/rona_and_mary.JPG" /></a><br />After ice cream, we ambled around the various animal barns. Leah liked the cows the best. Actually, she really enjoyed the rabbits and chickens quite a bit too.<br /><br /><div></div>Finally we went to ride a few rides. While Joe was taking Sarah on the "big" coaster, I took Mary and Leah over to the kiddie rides. Here they are on the Frog Hopper before take-off.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH3Tpzy5a9T_yRSiV8A4i7Q6eZjOZQ0JHJIDaE6o77sWnDsvRreV7BFV0RUJjRAjHNiUleb4PpqYcbkTWKoPm-pZO6KYUFvNu2JzZkB7BEQFg9xoCixQEDclX1-YH2LwZ5NLSUgJD4vo/s1600-h/frog_hopper.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367377231545354386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH3Tpzy5a9T_yRSiV8A4i7Q6eZjOZQ0JHJIDaE6o77sWnDsvRreV7BFV0RUJjRAjHNiUleb4PpqYcbkTWKoPm-pZO6KYUFvNu2JzZkB7BEQFg9xoCixQEDclX1-YH2LwZ5NLSUgJD4vo/s320/frog_hopper.JPG" /></a><br />Leah really, really, really wanted a ride on the giant slide, so I took all the girls. Joe was the smart one and stayed behind "to watch the stroller". Yeah, right. I was about two-thirds of the way up when I realized we were pretty high in the sky and the stairs were flimsy and rickety. After a small panic attack and a bit of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vertigo</span>, I finally managed to drag myself all the way to the top.</div><div></div><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aXwVEJz1U0kuOVXDXvAA2y_N6hi4TSv3CciTF2gbJUxTJn5vxgCR8jOvmXsrggbDudGhVD9RGXRWu1mJwGEFSGmQYnjihrC_IWJVQ9A3fWiHLGYy93IyE4lmf4ijvaYvCZW6Ce0Yw54/s1600-h/giant_slide.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367376795667161810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aXwVEJz1U0kuOVXDXvAA2y_N6hi4TSv3CciTF2gbJUxTJn5vxgCR8jOvmXsrggbDudGhVD9RGXRWu1mJwGEFSGmQYnjihrC_IWJVQ9A3fWiHLGYy93IyE4lmf4ijvaYvCZW6Ce0Yw54/s320/giant_slide.JPG" /></a><br />Good thing Joe was at the bottom to take some pictures and provide proof that I actually went on it.</div><div></div><div>We walked around a bit more and then finally called it a day. The girls were all troupers! No major fits or anything. Leah was totally pooped by the time we left. She actually slept through me putting her in the car and then slept through me putting her to bed.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vGDPoMhv5N3TQomngtfSgwnVa8_FJxnG5qicrtIKP1aHHPhaKYVbadKZH7jC42V9ILLhvZ6QqYwIZGXcSkFZbbigDnzSM28QunwIGLiPqUhBzuiWeqUw5-8qd7mahuaCJkeTPD0uSfI/s1600-h/sleeping_leah.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367376474823885874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vGDPoMhv5N3TQomngtfSgwnVa8_FJxnG5qicrtIKP1aHHPhaKYVbadKZH7jC42V9ILLhvZ6QqYwIZGXcSkFZbbigDnzSM28QunwIGLiPqUhBzuiWeqUw5-8qd7mahuaCJkeTPD0uSfI/s320/sleeping_leah.JPG" /></a><br />I'm looking forward to joining her in dreamland tonight!<br /><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-62151860750581732872009-08-06T21:29:00.004-04:002009-08-07T20:33:14.537-04:00Orthodontia Ho!It has finally started. I was pondering back in January how much Sarah's mouth would cost me...and now I know.<br /><br />Actually, I only know what PHASE 1 will cost me. Yes folks, this is going to be a multi-phase process.<br /><br />We went in on Monday and she had a bunch of molds and x-rays done. Her top jaw was too small for the smallest mold they had, so it was difficult for them to get a good imprint. While we were there, they went ahead and put in the spacers.<br /><br />She has been whining ever since.<br /><br />I keep thinking that if having some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">rubberbands</span> wrapped around her teeth is going to be this painful for her, what is it going to be like when the palette expander is put in a couple weeks from now? Heaven help us all!<br /><br />Anyway, she has been blessed with what they call a cross-bite. Basically, her lower jaw is growing faster than her upper jaw and that is a bad thing. It is the likely cause of the headaches that seem to plague her. The good news is that once her bite is corrected, the headaches will probably go away. The bad news is that correcting the bite will take a long time.<br /><br />The palette expander is going to hang out in her mouth for the next four or five years or so and then she will get braces for a couple years. I suspect that the orthodontist and I will become best buds. The funny thing about her orthodontist is that he looks suspiciously like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Smilin</span>' Bob from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Enzyte</span> commercials. I can't seem to get over that.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-81354520979409845692009-07-28T18:18:00.002-04:002009-07-28T18:29:53.742-04:00Turning 40!<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, perhaps this is a bit late, but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">geesh</span>! I'm 40 already. How did that happen? As far as I'm concerned, I haven't hit 30 yet.<br /><br />I do have to say that my bones feel 40. I suppose it is a mental thing for me. In High School I remember thinking that 35 was ancient. I thought you might as well end it there. I think the crazy thing about being 40 is that I'm probably truly middle-aged now. It is likely that I will have approximately another 40 years or so in my future. That is a strange thing to ponder - that you are starting the downhill journey of life already.<br /><br />Having small kids probably helps keep me feeling young. I know people my age who have high <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">schoolers</span> or even <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">grandkids</span> (perish the thought)! I bet they don't get to play on slides and swings and frolic in the water. That sort of stuff HAS to keep you young, right? RIGHT? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">C'mon</span> folks, work with me.<br /><br />I was actually wondering the other day if I'm finally getting old enough that I can say whatever pops into my head and people around me just chalk it up to me being old. That is definitely one aspect of aging that I'm looking forward to. I can't wait to be able to tell the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">youngun's</span> exactly what I think! I can feel that I'm already getting cranky, so speaking my mind shouldn't be that far behind!<br /><br />If you are going to be old, you might as well enjoy it.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-70844325602876937892009-07-02T21:13:00.002-04:002009-07-02T21:16:42.462-04:00SleepWhat is wrong with me? Lately I have been staying up late and then naturally waking at 5 or 5:30. I'm getting very frustrated with my lack of sleep. I'm trapped in this viscious cycle of staying up late, getting up early, drinking bucketfuls of coffee to stay away during the day and then it starts all over again.<br /><br />Last night I HAD to stay up to get some work done so I downed some caffienated beverage at 8:00 at night. Boy that was stupid. I maybe got 4 1/2 or 5 hrs of sleep. So today I had a ton of coffee to make up for it and here I sit, tired but not tired enough to sleep. GRRRR!<br /><br />I think I need to go into coffee detox, but I fear for my kids and husband if I try to do that.Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-28251705813935685002009-06-28T15:28:00.006-04:002009-06-28T16:48:10.931-04:00Bunny ParkThree posts in one day? Say it ain't so! Since I have been getting guff about not posting enough...I'm doing a blogging marathon to catch up a bit. Apparently one post per month isn't frequent enough for people to keep following you!<br /><br />Anyway, today we went to the Bunny Park in Dublin for our friend Theresa's oldest son's 2nd birthday. Theresa was our wonderful home day care provider until the point where it was time for the girls to move on to a formal preschool program. She is a wonderful lady and has been blessed in the last couple of years with 4 babies through the foster program. That's right...she has 4 kids two and under. I'm just letting that soak in for a bit.<br /><br />Dublin has a rich history of commissioning crazy outdoor artwork (corn field anyone? <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9527">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9527</a>). The splash park we went to has three giant dancing bunnies cavorting on the top of a hill. At the bottom of the hill is a lovely little splash park.<br /><br />Here are some pictures:<br /><br />All the girls cavorting in the fountains:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352469191103355314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2vRjFJwgniID_hDgxx1DhypzY6EO2VYDcRHWJnA2onLKtDa_A-uc8X9WLpykv2OUh1B08mAFbPNukiJtMc00lTJrM3fO_UdT_aC5CY_MitalmMYAcdzWFJAEB3-wIXo0psPlnTRIwEg/s320/AllTheGirls.JPG" /> Leah having a bit of water fun with her new bucket and shovel:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352469194639072786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH54t_oTXlPt9gKNwSSmopVzWEZD0XutLvNFBozgWeJZOfSE7-h3l4KAY9gV-5v1cu0PhyphenhyphenTZd-yHHJdvKmPCfHYRH5SmxOWn0_yvZvW8M9F7l678E32jphBCgDXxngnG_iPXlo83RYK8/s320/Leah.JPG" /> Sarah and Mary throwing water at each other (bonus...they aren't fighting!):<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352469196707585986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhruydc9ZJXXfbIHB5VjIa84_DpcGrn3-7CHaqe25ETCny5La_IqBhuJK1SeEGOfn30PG734myieIjt60B6jHUYCaMDiTYFJFYmlLkURRChBjkT9BgN7wAkDYLC70w717bHaXfRGdO-K4/s320/MaryAndSarah.JPG" /> I liked this picture of Becca alot:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352469203455597026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaoa65bA-bO-z6rtdWtFO7lb5C2_5ARUa3TY1f6aaYV3k2dwC9HlIdZC5dZKldkYU6MNe97S71vWeHxY8eH6ahmfs81bSdYgAcIH-MyLhGYPAgiRx9Pi6wVkG1qDRzV4YXMG4awIQofM/s320/Becca.JPG" /> The funky bunny sculpture (thank goodness for 15X zoom!):<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352469209431239138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyoOcN-QO3cTxp8DiWEKGh-l_IcWef-FJlSaWBZgsqJWCttmuzMCmjkE6o8sXRNDD9vfnLvQVEq0DTkV66H4BAJKQsyKH8nKUXAA9Q9duhGFUhYShT1tToKORz6mKAr5WgJe9Z9SEA10/s320/Bunnies.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-42020601330230645692009-06-28T15:01:00.009-04:002009-06-28T15:34:20.628-04:00Mascot Soccer!Woo-hoo! Last night's Crew game hosted my most favorite half-time event: Mascot Soccer. <div><br /><div>Each year, the Crew rounds up some of the areas best Mascots and forces them to hang outside before the game in sweltering heat while scads of screaming kids swarm around them for a picture. </div><br /><div>Joe managed to snap a couple pictures of Mary before it was time for them to go to their seats. You know...can't miss pre-game warm up or anything. As an aside, we have two season tickets and Joe alternates which girl goes with him to the game. The lure of dippin dots is very strong for my children. They are quite content to sit through the whole game if they have a bowl of icey goodness to entertain them.</div><br /><div>Back to the mascots.</div><br /><div>Here is Mary with either Gravy or Biscuit...don't know which is which:</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352457568008011682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq3_L8SXGqGL7uswl2ZeQyq5_x3Q_wcpyTgFJaTunyFkdSPmaxIDITNBOVGLZ-3rHqwvyZ1kSQghCrocZU0DTHO-u7BnY5ov0E16jVQBpcc4BNG15TZ-JuMw7BpXTZK6QONDrnR6UAX0/s320/DSC02183.JPG" /></div><div>Biscuit or Gravy or whoever it is is from one of Mary's favorite restaurants, Bob Evans.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>As a shout out to my childhood, Joe managed to get Mary with the penultimate mascot, Scooby.</div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352458551775312482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VTZRSzLDm2sUDUGj8GTvIaB32bmu8vXSlu_MdfVYb4PlMyA_ytBuAh05v33E6zrTJkgBwvoM20E9JDc0cBD_8moIyTZcCqD4qfbX0c38K8zGWvRud9Nj_uzvg7mOBfJZ9q4bcpFik5E/s320/DSC02182.JPG" /><br />And because you haven't really lived until you have watched Mascot Soccer, Joe took a snippet of video. Don't tell the people in the Ohio State football department, but it appears that Brutus might have a talent for the Beautiful Game.<br /><div></div></div><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1xMrdNPXN9xWMaYxfM_9WOgnKRUhPE1q3WT4yeKuDvH6YMC560v3Ur-8Bc2A37_uAdYpggMQkN9Sa0QE_8Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>For some reason I could really go for a Frosty right now.</p>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7000233405501832909.post-87013834665974712582009-06-28T14:04:00.007-04:002009-06-28T15:00:08.311-04:00A graduate in our midstWell, the day finally came! Mary graduated. <div><div><br /><div>From Safety Town.</div><br /><div>I have to say that of all the extracurricular activities that I throw money into, Safety Town is the most useful. It is a two-week program that focuses on a different area each day (although they do two days for fire safety). </div><br /><div></div><div>Now that there is an additional safety pup in the household, I'm feeling SOOO much more secure. I truly enjoy being lectured by a five year old on how unsafe I am. It is amazing I have lived this many years without having Mary here to remind me that you shouldn't open a door if you can feel fire on the other side.</div><br /><div>Not only do they learn in a classroom setting, but they also get to do fun things like ride a school bus around the block (wheee!) and go through Sparky's Fire House while the smoke machine was running. No worries folks, Sparky was conveniently "on vacation" when they set his house ablaze.</div></div><br /><p>Here is a picture of the new graduate (in front of her favorite Safety Town building): <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352450268659932962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5106AiRhirMSYmkjmvLWfmGtAvqX2AorVz0ZG_s3vTqC1LFjZoAP_Tizh2ImW0r6z7NvoT4meNu70-vHtyjHXVmyG1ohH2IPzQGomCfM_kXHuyh97WV1SNUzGvkG3LSv8-Lfg9RX9n2c/s320/Firehouse.JPG" /></p><p></p><p>And here she and Becca are with the two rock stars of Safety Town graduation, Sparky and McGruff the Crime Dog. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352454061467822834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhws6JpofIjdiuTaEhLCYbVv63MwfGAUBQn4sXk6bYWOz5_eAzFMJxgNjWTzy0uFSHlkEr-ng3r0zA4ji2ReqZcY9PWZzkrpPSOj7hArEaNM5ONB6tavBZY2eSMBm0X_yLJQ0WStXs8Ouk/s320/McGruffandSparky.JPG" />What a coincidence that Sparky returned from his "vacation" just in time for graduation!<br /><p></p><br /><p></p></div>Rona Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246273108262096132noreply@blogger.com0