tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81957834544689017672024-03-13T11:05:23.622-07:00Baham AdventuresLesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-23921757935524934322011-04-23T13:45:00.000-07:002011-04-23T14:14:15.801-07:00Vegas at Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVwVTE0gN2A/TbNBGZ-i-_I/AAAAAAAAAE8/KP_1aP9oyec/s1600/img_4190.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVwVTE0gN2A/TbNBGZ-i-_I/AAAAAAAAAE8/KP_1aP9oyec/s320/img_4190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598890340059905010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvWFA-Jo-Ik/TbNADpDBKtI/AAAAAAAAAE0/xvERcVrnYPo/s1600/img_4189.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvWFA-Jo-Ik/TbNADpDBKtI/AAAAAAAAAE0/xvERcVrnYPo/s320/img_4189.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598889193053956818" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QptDaXhGEl4/TbM7DgymjUI/AAAAAAAAAEs/zUDJM3kAVK0/s1600/img_4187.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QptDaXhGEl4/TbM7DgymjUI/AAAAAAAAAEs/zUDJM3kAVK0/s320/img_4187.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598883693279481154" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-16803795156545891192011-04-23T13:09:00.000-07:002011-04-23T13:38:49.734-07:00Las Vegas Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGeGYboizrc/TbMy5foWIsI/AAAAAAAAAEE/FPXRIYuk8rY/s1600/img_4097.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGeGYboizrc/TbMy5foWIsI/AAAAAAAAAEE/FPXRIYuk8rY/s320/img_4097.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598874725076312770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This was the view from our hotel room. We stayed at South Point<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD9W4IqJPEQ/TbM0xuRgRcI/AAAAAAAAAEU/AJ7AiQ6ccQE/s1600/img_4103.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD9W4IqJPEQ/TbM0xuRgRcI/AAAAAAAAAEU/AJ7AiQ6ccQE/s320/img_4103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598876790591342018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">A Statue of Liberty</span> made of Jelly Beans!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIofhZZzGe4/TbMzm9ucOjI/AAAAAAAAAEM/PoIPvo8tX9w/s1600/img_4101.jpg"><br /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-27204150118737901022011-04-23T12:27:00.000-07:002011-04-23T13:09:20.945-07:00And An Adventure It Was<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I thoroughly enjoyed going to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas, NV with my best friend. He was there for a work related conference. I went along for the ride. Actually, I went along because he wanted me to.<br /><br />We've been married just over 20 years and had never taken a trip of that distance. When I say distance, I mean leaving our kids with friend and traveling well over a thousand miles for several days.<br /><br />Arriving at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Las</span> Vegas Air Port had me feeling very overwhelmed and wondering what possessed me to leave my kids at home so I could have some fun and one on one with my hubby. I was glad Anthony had been to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Las</span> Vegas before. He had everything taken care of ahead of time so getting from the Air Port to the Hotel was a smooth transition.<br /><br />If I wasn't overwhelmed at the Air Port, I definitely was upon arriving at the Hotel. People can explain what a gambling hotel is like but the experience is another thing entirely. O.K. I admit, I don't gamble and am a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">naive</span>. The noise from the slot machines was a bit much for me. I was glad to get settled in our room.<br /><br />There is a two hour time difference between Louisiana and Nevada so we decided to turn in and get up early for the next days adventures.<br /><br />The morning of day 2 we quickly went down to "The Strip" so we could decide what show and attractions we wanted experience. After selecting a few and booking a tour of Hoover Dam, we were off and walking "The Strip". I guess here is a good place to post some pictures.<br /></span></span></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-1821704176835388812011-03-18T16:12:00.001-07:002011-03-18T16:12:43.637-07:00The Adventure BeginsEmergency contact and medical release forms signed, witnessed, and notarized. Home instructions both emailed and left typed for the sitter. Three precooked meals left in the refrigerator. One very trusted friend entrusted with the care of my kids for the next 5 days. What am I thinking leaving my kids to accompany my husband to Las Vegas! The big kids have assured me I should go. The little guy says to bring him back a surprise. I guess that means I go with their blessing. And so I will try. Plane leaves in 10 min. <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-30952934128568528652011-02-23T20:54:00.001-08:002011-02-23T21:11:24.876-08:00Kitchen Science<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TWXkeGz6KoI/AAAAAAAAAEA/fg85OSb49zs/2011-02-23_13-05-21_7.jpg"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TWXkeGz6KoI/AAAAAAAAAEA/fg85OSb49zs/s400/2011-02-23_13-05-21_7.jpg" /></a></p>Seth has fun with with baking soda and vinegar. <div style="clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-76402942444610564382011-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:002011-02-22T21:40:47.663-08:00Friends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-yfiseq0r8/TWSbbR5c4aI/AAAAAAAAADo/ATW9gpHKwgI/s1600/Picture%2B334.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiVE-LIR_8A/TWRHa4eniMI/AAAAAAAAADI/RxeX2AzouWE/s1600/IMG_3777.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiVE-LIR_8A/TWRHa4eniMI/AAAAAAAAADI/RxeX2AzouWE/s200/IMG_3777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576660765754493122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Seth finds friends every where he goes. It doesn't matter whether he knows their name or if he will ever see them again.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSnHiBq1ZA0/TWSdg-jzP8I/AAAAAAAAADw/ggDlAnItwZY/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSnHiBq1ZA0/TWSdg-jzP8I/AAAAAAAAADw/ggDlAnItwZY/s200/IMG_3904.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576755428466048962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Some friends are furry!</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5TRa66IawU/TWSW0_Wa8VI/AAAAAAAAADQ/FwnP6XleA6k/s1600/image74.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5TRa66IawU/TWSW0_Wa8VI/AAAAAAAAADQ/FwnP6XleA6k/s200/image74.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576748075694354770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some are beautiful!<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyOA5roIdRE/TWSZ7WFQ6jI/AAAAAAAAADg/YZNvCnDcqU8/s1600/Picture%2B320.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyOA5roIdRE/TWSZ7WFQ6jI/AAAAAAAAADg/YZNvCnDcqU8/s200/Picture%2B320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576751483410508338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /> Big Brothers can be crazy friends:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-yfiseq0r8/TWSbbR5c4aI/AAAAAAAAADo/ATW9gpHKwgI/s1600/Picture%2B334.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-yfiseq0r8/TWSbbR5c4aI/AAAAAAAAADo/ATW9gpHKwgI/s200/Picture%2B334.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576753131554660770" border="0" /></a> Some Friends pray for you!<br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-74710051289282609112011-02-19T21:17:00.000-08:002011-02-19T22:09:09.487-08:00Queens Contest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jA9Q_kawyFQ/TWCvp4bTzdI/AAAAAAAAADA/vK0td1bLsQk/s1600/IMG_3948.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jA9Q_kawyFQ/TWCvp4bTzdI/AAAAAAAAADA/vK0td1bLsQk/s320/IMG_3948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575649472741101010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">For weeks Elizabeth has been practicing for the Queens Contest at the Atchafalaya Bit and Bridle Club. Today was the big day. The Contest was not a beauty pageant. Had it been, I would not have allowed her to participate. The Contest was an exhibition of horsemanship.<br /><br />The Duties of a Queen: Represent and be proud of your club. Always be kind and willing to help others. Wear your crown and banner to every event you could possibly make. Ride in Parades, Ride in grand entries. Help to raise money for next years contest.<br /><br />Winners will be announced at the first ABBC Horse Show in March. Will she win? I don't know. What I do know is that she did her best. Regardless of the out come, she is my Queen. Whether she wins the contest or not, I pray that she exhibits the traits worthy of a Queen.<br /><br /><br /></span></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-37685386305499056872011-02-15T11:20:00.000-08:002011-02-15T11:49:41.308-08:00Don't Judge By The CoverDon't judge a book by it's cover. Heard that a million times. In regards to people, what about first impressions? In a job interview, the first impression is so important. How you present yourself, how you dress, how you speak, not say too much, not say too little, be yourself, sell yourself.<br /><br />I was thinking lately about family and friends and what makes them who they are. If you are looking at their covers, you might see covers that are skinny, fat, gray-haired, funny, insecure, boisterous, wealthy, blue collar, or needy. Underneath these covers are some beautiful people.<br /><br />I would like to zoom in on one little boy for a minute. He comes across loud, ADHD (not actually diagnosed), and mischievous. He has two speeds; full throttle and crash. He gets fussed at lot. He gets lots of rolled eyes. I get lots of looks from others that I interpret as, "Cant, you do something with him?" But all these things are just his cover. Underneath, there is a soft hearted little boy that can't stand the thought of people being mad at him. A little boy that wraps his arms around me every night and tells me, "Mommy, I love you as big as the earth!" A little boy that cried his heart out while watching "Letters To God". I just have to add that this little boy is only 6.<br /><br />Remember as you go about, don't judge people by their covers. Look deeper.<br /><br />God Bless,<br />Leslie<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Av7odkO7DF8/TVrYMIo5sNI/AAAAAAAAAC4/u-ZBRGvv5-0/s1600/img_2888.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Av7odkO7DF8/TVrYMIo5sNI/AAAAAAAAAC4/u-ZBRGvv5-0/s320/img_2888.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574005191813476562" border="0" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-54963488690381830682011-01-05T16:43:00.000-08:002011-01-05T17:00:00.009-08:00Remembering Mom<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">All three kids have been sick. Not fun. For me or them. Caring for them takes me down memory lane a bit. Mind if I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reminisce</span> a bit? I think I will anyway:)<br /><br />When my brothers and I were sick, Mom would have us sleep on the sofa in the den. She would pull Dad's recliner over so she could be close to us just in case we needed her during the night. Being a light sleeper, she was right by our side should we make a move, cough, sneeze, or just need to know she was still there.<br /><br />When we would feel better, Mom would ask us what we felt like eating. Nothing would be too much trouble even if it meant she would have to make a trip to the grocery.<br /><br />Mom would keep us home one extra day from school just to make completely sure we were well enough.<br /><br />I can't say I have my kids sleep on the sofa and me in a recliner. I did keep the kids near me when they were babies. I do sleep lighter when I know they are sick should they need me. I do take food requests for when they are feeling better. Since I home school, the kids don't get that extra day off from school. I guess you could say I did learn a few things about nursing the sick from my mom.<br /><br />I hope my walk down memory lane helps you take one too. I must go now so I can attend to that cough I just heard. A trip to the grocery might be needed as well.<br /><br /></span></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-82914595910182507262011-01-01T20:04:00.000-08:002011-01-01T21:21:15.217-08:00Already?It's a new year already. I feel as though the past year has zoomed past. Did I accomplish the things that were most important? Did I keep my priorities in order?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span><span><span>A</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span><span><span>s I reflect 2010 and look forward to 2011, I pray that I not cry over spilled milk but rather keep my focus on what is most important. God, family and friends.<br /><br />I would like to share a few high lights from the year.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TR_-RaU0jrI/AAAAAAAAABM/xEIqPD4JMAU/s1600/img_0971.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TR_-RaU0jrI/AAAAAAAAABM/xEIqPD4JMAU/s320/img_0971.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557440040276364978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TR__3k4yTxI/AAAAAAAAABU/V_XXkJ7BwPo/s1600/img_0286.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TR__3k4yTxI/AAAAAAAAABU/V_XXkJ7BwPo/s320/img_0286.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557441795458223890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAEeEOEdfI/AAAAAAAAABk/8BLzxVmgKgg/s1600/img_3113.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAEeEOEdfI/AAAAAAAAABk/8BLzxVmgKgg/s320/img_3113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557446854750533106" border="0" /></a></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAFo5WFNUI/AAAAAAAAABs/hFcuy_TTIRo/s1600/img_1411.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAFo5WFNUI/AAAAAAAAABs/hFcuy_TTIRo/s320/img_1411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557448140321535298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSADAAA5FfI/AAAAAAAAABc/awbWEaIG_sA/s1600/img_2140.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSADAAA5FfI/AAAAAAAAABc/awbWEaIG_sA/s320/img_2140.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557445238713816562" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAKRWFEkfI/AAAAAAAAACM/8gEdujhKQ5E/s1600/img_2966.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAKRWFEkfI/AAAAAAAAACM/8gEdujhKQ5E/s320/img_2966.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557453233276097010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAJgm9_g-I/AAAAAAAAACE/ZRzxJiOm0S8/s1600/img_3147.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAJgm9_g-I/AAAAAAAAACE/ZRzxJiOm0S8/s320/img_3147.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557452395996218338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAIp3idT3I/AAAAAAAAAB8/t5Gv_pJiztI/s1600/Picture%2B133.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAIp3idT3I/AAAAAAAAAB8/t5Gv_pJiztI/s320/Picture%2B133.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557451455551328114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAHiGlfd-I/AAAAAAAAAB0/mOsMW5aTSNY/s1600/Picture%2B142.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TSAHiGlfd-I/AAAAAAAAAB0/mOsMW5aTSNY/s320/Picture%2B142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557450222640003042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for viewing!<br /></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-68232747300601658952010-12-11T20:29:00.000-08:002010-12-11T21:12:59.374-08:00Traditions aka Memories<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Building memories with my family is very important to me. I want Lizzy, Anthony and Seth to have stories to rehash over and over when they are grown up. As much as I want them to stay my little ones for ever, I know we will all laugh at stories that begin with, "Hey guys, remember when...?"<br /><br />At Christmas we build memories by having our own special time to exchange gifts together. We build memories with special friends when we attend Christmas Eve service in Decatur, IL at Grace Methodist Church. The past few years we begin our Christmas season with a stop in Mountainburg, Arkansas to visit with Uncle Joe and Aunt Gina. <br /><br />Some of the activities each Christmas is dependent upon schedules, and travel time. However, there is one tradition that takes place every year. It's our annual Christmas Date Night. Each Christmas my husband takes Elizabeth out for dinner and a night of shopping. Anthony Jr. and I have our night out to dinner and shopping too.<br /><br />We began this tradition when Lizzy and Anthony were about 5 or 6. It began as an opportunity for me to finish shopping for daddy and Lizzy without them being with me. Then, we learned from a parenting program that the best way teach your kids about dating is take them on special dates. That way they learn how to treat and be treated.<br /><br />Tonight was date night for Anthony Jr. and I. I have to mention that since he has been earning his own money for the past couple years, he pays for these dates out of his own money. This year was special as Anthony was able to really escort me properly having his driver's permit. We took our night out on the town to Houma. Watching Anthony pick out presents for his sister and younger brother just makes me so proud of him. Every year is more special that the last.<br /><br />Realizing that Seth is now 6, I am going to start making these yearly memories together as well. With his out look on life and unique personality, I should be able to blog a book as we make and share the coming years together.<br /><br />I end todays ramblings with a word of encouragement to my family and friends to make some memories this Christmas season.<br /><br />Merry Christmas!<br /></span></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-32006010592817245272010-12-04T16:09:00.000-08:002010-12-04T16:36:15.876-08:00She's Still My Baby<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TPrc2fLVzxI/AAAAAAAAABA/MkcUseI89ZU/s1600/DSC00486.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TPrc2fLVzxI/AAAAAAAAABA/MkcUseI89ZU/s320/DSC00486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546988719700299538" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TPrZXaLs_LI/AAAAAAAAAA4/iC40R4omELs/s1600/img_3109.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0Sb0JLWKYAA/TPrZXaLs_LI/AAAAAAAAAA4/iC40R4omELs/s200/img_3109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546984887248813234" border="0" /></a>Elizabeth celebrated her 17th birthday November 30. I can't believe she is almost all grown up. I only have a few short years left with her living at home before she takes life by the reigns and trots off.<br /><br />I will never forget the day she was born. Her Grandma's screams of delight upon learning she just received her first granddaughter was thrilling. Let's not forget about the red hair!<br /><br />Elizabeth and I have laughed, cried, prayed, camped, shopped (a little), and played together. She and her siblings are my best friends. I just can't imagine what my life will be like when she is all grown up. So I've decided she will always be my baby.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-25734489082989718772010-11-28T22:17:00.000-08:002010-11-28T22:33:37.536-08:00Christmas Wish Lists<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When Elizabeth and Anthony (now 17 and 15) were Seth's age (6), they were always wanting something. The good parents we are (lol) started them making lists. If they had something they wanted, they put said item(s) on a list. Then, they could work toward getting the prized possession. The other option was to put said item(s) on their 'Birthday Wish List" or "Christmas Wish List".<br /><br />This idea has worked wonderfully. Over the years the wish lists have just become "The List". With the understanding that you may or may not get said items, Daddy and I would use these lists to give us an idea of what was important and of interest.<br /><br />While driving to church the other night, Seth and his friend, Jonathan, were discussing what they wanted for Christmas. Seth told Jonathan about his list . Jonathan says, "Oh, you mean a wish lists?" "No!" Seth replies, "it's not a wish list, it's a list of things I'm getting." I realized instantly that I was in deep trouble. How did he misunderstand?<br /><br />I have my work cut out for me this Christmas Season. We will have to do a lot of talking about "Wish Lists" and what they mean. We will have to go back to "Birthday Lists", "Christmas Lists", and "Want Lists". <br /><br />I want to forever have a place set aside in my home for all three kids to write their wishes upon. They will always be my babies no matter how big they get. Shh.....don't tell them I just said that.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195783454468901767.post-41865161026382014192010-11-28T22:03:00.000-08:002010-11-28T22:11:39.192-08:00Here Goes Nothing<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First of all, let me just go ahead and say it. I'm a terrible writer. I've wanted to start a blog for a while now. But then that would mean every one else would know what a terrible writer I really am.<br /><br />Today, I decided I may as well take the plunge. Good or bad. Spelling errors. Grammar problems. Whatever. It's more important to share and record the happenings of my life than to always wish I had. I'd love to be an eloquent writer. Maybe my writing skills will improve. Either way I'm going for it.<br /></span></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01216424619035196439noreply@blogger.com1