tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142600232024-03-07T02:55:09.335-06:00LilyGrayLittle Tidbits about the Little OnesMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.comBlogger714125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-31721865919681908302013-04-06T19:34:00.000-05:002013-04-06T19:34:05.846-05:00A dedicationSince my very first race 7 years ago, I have dedicated my races. I remember reading that it helps you to focus on something else. Lisa and I dedicated our miles to different people when we did our first half. For me, it stuck. I love to run and pray! My friend Joy and I run and pray at least two days a week. In my opinion it is one of the better ways to pray- eyes open, moving fast, in nature. Sometime I dedicate the whole race and sometimes different miles. God always seems to press people on my heart for the race. <div>
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In December, my friend Matthew's father died. We went to the funeral in Memphis to be with Matthew and Genna. It was a sweet time with friends and a good bit of it was spent at his cousin's house. Ashley, William and their 3 young children hosted countless people for dinner the night before the funeral with amazing ease and grace. Peter and I were very taken with Ashley and William. William spent the whole night waiting personally on people. We left Memphis and on the way home commented on what absolutely delightful people they were. As it turned out, we had several common friends. We left saying they should come to St. Louis sometime. </div>
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A few weeks ago, Genna called me on a Saturday afternoon and told me that Ashley's sweet husband had been killed suddenly in an accident. My heart has been broken for Ashley since that moment and I've prayed many prayers for Ashley and her sweet family. So when it came time to make a dedication, God put Ashley on my heart. I often do this race in memory of my mom who died very close to the time of this race, but this year is going to be 100% a prayer run for Ashley. Not sure that my little run or prayers effect much change. I thought I might ask any of you who follow me to spend from 7 am for 2 hours or so praying for Ashley and her children. When you are stuck in traffic because of a marathon or getting ready for church or drinking coffee. Please join me in lifting up this sister and her kiddlets. Pray that God is very near to her and that He will provide for her. Pray for sleep for all of them. Pray for peace even when life super stinks. </div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-65133938822726634412013-01-29T21:37:00.001-06:002013-01-29T21:37:12.668-06:00Teeth are a weird thing!I'm not a huge fan of the loss of baby teeth. I just think it is gross! I recently had a conversation with some other mothers who keep all of their children's teeth. They asked what I did. My response, "I take them out of the tooth fairy pillow and throw them in the trash." The other mothers were horrified, but what the heck are you going to do with those baby teeth I ask? I certainly do not want mine. Tonight, Lillian lost the first tooth in a very long time. She asked if I keep them, I honestly responded, "No". She left this note to the tooth fairy with her tooth in Grayson's tooth fairy pillow.<br />
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<i>Dear tooth fairy,</i><br />
<i>I have lost a tooth. But this time I would like to keep it. If that is not possible, you can take it. Please give me extra money because I'm very "excided". and you gave Grayson extra money. Also, I've lost my pillow. I'm very sorry.</i><br />
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<i>Lillian Maynor</i><br />
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My response<br />
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<i>Dearest Lillian,</i><br />
<i>This is an untraditional request of the tooth fairy. Rarely do children request to keep their teeth. I will, therefore, grant an untraditional gift. On the day of <u>your choice</u> you may ask your parents to take you and your brother out for frozen yogurt. Make sure you choose the BEST toppings. I LOVE THAT YOU THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX.</i><br />
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<i>Love,</i><br />
<i>The Tooth Fairy</i><br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-1039848444667738472013-01-08T15:23:00.002-06:002013-01-08T15:23:49.115-06:00Out of the mouth of babesI decided to cook only vegetarian dishes and fish/seafood for the month of January. Just to push us a bit and kick off the year healthy. I don't really think we will become vegetarians, but thought it would help us move away from a meat based diet. Last night I made a roast beet, spinach, orange and quinoa salad for dinner. When I handed Grayson his plate, he said, "I don't eat this." I replied, "You don't know that you have never had it. We are trying it. Now, who wants to pray?" Grayson offered to pray.<br />
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"Oh please Lord don't let me mom ever make this again for dinner and thank you for our day."<br />
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The kids were not fans, but Peter and I loved it. It may be a long month for some of us.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-12176748076905870782013-01-02T21:32:00.001-06:002013-01-02T21:32:59.536-06:0014 years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At this time 14 years ago, I was dancing at my wedding. I had NO idea the grand adventure that would follow. We often joke and say that our first day of marriage was our worst day of marriage. 14 years ago this time tomorrow, I was sleeping in a 3rd world country with my brand new husband. Peter from the first 24 hours has made my life an adventure. I will be forever grateful to God for making Peter my man. He continues to make my life super interesting. The gift of a vintage camper this year just proves that the grand adventure has barely started. Peter remains my very favorite person in all the world to hang out with and lets face it a lot of marriage is hanging out. Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-50628321702046942772012-10-15T22:27:00.001-05:002012-10-15T22:40:23.992-05:00Chasing HeavenA little over a year ago, my friend Lisa started talking about running a marathon in her 35th year of life. She asked me to join her in the goal. I put her off for weeks as we trained for the Rock and Roll half marathon last Fall. A marathon was not on my life goals. When she picked up her race packet for last year's race, she found out that we could sign up for the marathon at a sale price. She called, it was on sale. I said yes because the truth is I love a good sale. That half went great. We spent the winter doing our normal workouts and come Spring the marathon talk began. Four other friends signed up and in May the training started. Five days of running a week every week for 6 months. Yikes! I tried to just look at the next day and not worry about the whole schedule. I repeatedly told Lisa I was running this for her. Just a few weeks in she looked at me very seriously and said, "You can't run this for me. It is going to take a huge commitment and you need to do this because you want to do it." That proved to be an excellent point.<br />
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School ended and it turned out to be one of the hottest summers since I have lived in St. Louis. It is easy to find someone to run with during the school year, but come summer we all had kids and vacations. I started having to run alone 4 of the 5 days. I had to get up early and go alone. This was new territory for me. I'm not an early riser and I don't always push myself. The running started to go really well and I began to crave it. It was like my personal time alone with the Lord and His creation. I prayed and listened to beautiful music. And just about every time I start a run, I think to myself... I can't do this, but almost every time I do. <br />
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Running meets me at the core of my fears and questions about life. I often operate with the belief that God is asking more of me than what I am capable of doing. The secret I'm finding is that He knows I can do way more than I believe I can. Every time I get to the end of a run whether it was fantastic or a huge struggle, I feel like the Lord says, "I told you that you are capable in ways that you don't believe." I don't really mean that I am a more capable runner than I believe although I finding that is also true. Running is a microcosm of my life. The thing about the running is it is a place where the Lord meets me. It is a place where I fight out my insecurities of the gospel. And in this season it is a place where the Lord meets me. <br />
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Around July, I was feeling like a running rock star and then the kids and I got what I refer to as the "death bug". We got the worst stomach bug of my life. I was seriously sick for almost two weeks and lost 9 pounds. It was awful and I was sure that I could never recover the running equity I had gained. Slowly, but surely I started again and eventually caught up with the group just in time for my friend, Lisa, to have a race ending injury. So it really did become my own thing. All of my major runs have been with Lisa and it was her idea after all. At this point, I was convinced this was a goal I really wanted to meet for myself. <br />
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So, I continued the training with any of the other 4 in the group who wanted to run. Getting up at 4:30 or 5 am countless Sundays to do the long run with the group before church. Trying my best to get in 40 to 50 miles a week and somehow love my family well. We have gone from a long run of 6 miles to a long run of 20 miles. We completed 20 miles 3 times. Crazy stuff! You get to the crazy level one mile at a time one foot in front of the other and at some point it doesn't seem crazy at all, but rather the thing you do before church on Sunday. All the while hoping the sermon will be good so you don't fall asleep when you finally get to sit down in church with a bottle of gatorade and a snack no doubt.<br />
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So, this Sunday is the marathon. I'm six months into my training. My entire life style has changed. I function like a pregnant woman. I'm either starving, sleeping or waddling around because I'm so sore. I logged somewhere in the range of 640 miles. Could have almost run to my dad's house at this point. When I think or talk about the marathon at this point, I feel like a might just throw up. It still seems a little bit crazy. I want to complete and I want to do my best. I have some ideas of what that would be. Come Sunday I'm just going to try to put one foot in front of the other one mile at a time til I can see the Arch again and get to that glorious 26.2 mile mark. Along the way, I have fallen completely in love with running. I think about it so much. I have finally come to a point where I can call myself a real runner. I suspect this marathon thing could happen again. Who knew? If you had asked me a couple of years ago if I would run a marathon, my answer would have been a resounding "HELL NO!" Apparently, people change. <br />
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I'd love for you to join me in this adventure. I love to dedicate my miles to people. I'm working on my list. Let me know if you want me to run a mile for you and which mile. Mile 21 will be for Lisa and her mom. Lisa's mom died on October 21st, the day of the marathon. I'll be doing mile 21 for my crazy friend who talked me into this and her mother, Linda. Wishing both of our mothers could see the women we became. Our running careers started by running the Race for the Cure to honor our moms. We have come a very long way.<br />
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I'd love to sharpie my arms with words of encouragement from the people I love. It will be like you are there along for the journey. Leave them in the comment section or email me with them. Peter will sharpie me up the night before. There has been so much joy in this journey that I really want to share it with all of you. Almost every time I run, I think of the <b>The Last Battle</b> by C.S. Lewis. In the end, the characters that you have loved dearly throughout the series have this time when they go heaven. They keep going further up and further in realizing as the walk then run that they are arriving in that Holy place. There is a moment when they look around and realize they are keeping up with the centaurs (half horse/half man). I think of that moment often when I run. A moment when I am running and running fast toward my sweet Lord knowing the journey is done. What will it be like to look around and be in my redeemed state. I can only imagine that it will be a glorious moment much crazier than running a marathon. This marathon thing is me chasing heaven. I'm chasing a moment when I get a taste of myself redeemed. Those moments are few and far between this side of heaven, but they are so rich you can't stop chasing them. For me running is worship and while I will not be in church on Sunday, I will certainly be dancing with the King.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-64562704251498339762012-05-19T21:31:00.001-05:002012-05-19T21:31:15.200-05:00G, oh GMe: G, are you going to miss Miss K (his teacher) this summer?<br />
G: No, she gave me a packet of homework for like the whole summer. I didn't even tell you about the one from last summer.<br />
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What a crack up!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-28044074397992293152012-05-02T19:58:00.001-05:002012-05-02T20:01:47.362-05:00G's 7 year check upTook Grayson for his 7 year check up today. He weighed in at 46 lbs and was 47.5 inches tall. The doctor said he appeared to be more than healthy and a very active boy. The best news was that his allergy medication that is needed from about September to March is going generic in August. Praise the Lord this is good news for us.<br />
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I will leave you with one of the interchanges between G and Dr. Holmes.<br />
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Dr. Holmes: Grayson, how are you doing in school?<br />
Grayson (with a totally serious face): Well, I'm very funny and that gets me in trouble a good bit at school.<br />
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At least he is honest. I'm very glad to have a healthy, happy 7 year old.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-19269074063034427802012-04-08T19:56:00.001-05:002012-04-08T19:56:36.279-05:00He is Risen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Loved worshiping at Grace and Peace with my family.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-64738399297535046982012-04-03T20:10:00.000-05:002012-04-08T20:10:54.632-05:00Grayson is 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Grayson's birthday is almost always over the kid's Spring Break. This year he wanted to go camping to celebrate his birthday. We headed with our pop-up camper, 4 bikes and 3 kayaks down to Orange Beach, AL. It took about 13 hours, but it was so worth it. We arrived Wednesday put up the camper and quickly grabbed boiled crawfish/shrimp. We ate on the beach. Why don't we live at the beach? Not sure. We spent the next few days riding bikes, kayaking and playing on the beach. The weather was perfect. G could not have been happier. He could ride his bike for miles and learned to ride with no hands. On his birthday, we met friends at this super fun restaurant complete with huge sand pile, foaming bubble machine, games and bouncing bunggy swing. Grayson was thrilled. We had such a great time! I feel like we were completely able to celebrate Grayson's spirit of adventure.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-57928952144166835832012-03-27T08:32:00.001-05:002012-03-27T08:32:33.324-05:00Oh GraysonThis morning Grayson came up to snuggle me in bed. He was supposed to distract me while Lillian made me coffee and brought it up. Love that kind of team work.<br />
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Me: Grayson, I can't believe you are almost 7.<br />
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Grayson: I know and my pits already stink.<br />
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If I'm going to parent this kid, I definitely need to start my day with coffee in bed.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-81142282802090287182012-03-23T22:00:00.001-05:002012-03-23T22:00:58.082-05:00Big Day at School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was a big day for both kids at school. Lillian's class (the 3rd grade) led chapel for the school. They used their Rainforest Unit to talk about God's Mosaic. They did a beautiful job of showing God's love of beauty in nature. Lillian's job was to close chapel in prayer. Sweet girl did a wonderful job. Grayson's class has been studying the arctic for weeks. G studied the Arctic Fox. Today the first grade hosted a polar museum where each child talked about things he/she learned. They had costumes, written speeches, books, and posters all created by the children. They ended the presentation by singing All Creatures of our God and King with lyrics written about the arctic. It was truly amazing! It is such a treat to see what your children are learning and what they can do. It is even more of a blessing to see how they are learning about the world thru a Christian worldview. We are profoundly thankful that God has put us in this place at the time in our lives.<br />
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We picked the kids up at the end of the day and kicked off Spring Break. We headed to the mall to do a little shopping for our upcoming camping trip and to just walk around on a rainy day. G's birthday is a week away. We also kicked off the week of celebrating G. He talked his daddy into making his first Build a Bear. He picked a dog, of course. He was more than thrilled and it was more than clear that Peter is a sucker for his kids. He is a wonderful daddy!<br />
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It was a great day for our family and I didn't even mention that Peter and I worked in lunch and a viewing of <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Hunger Games</i> in the afternoon. Friday afternoon dates are our new favorite thing. I'm feeling like my life is very full of sweet mercies.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-63261072432792767462012-03-20T21:10:00.003-05:002012-03-20T21:11:43.629-05:00A word of encouragement...Today was one of those days when I just struggled to feel comfortable in my skin. Grayson has always been a very active kid and sometimes I feel like others think my rope it just too long with him. Today was the kind of day where you question your mommy skills. I was internally struggling with how to love Grayson well and listen or let go of other people's thoughts on my parenting style. Ugh!<br />
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Grayson has a new friend who comes home with us two days a week. He is a delightful child and has a wonderful mom. She came to pick up Elijah and while we were talking Grayson climbed to the top of the tree in our front yard. (NOT UNUSUAL)</div>
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Danielle said, "Grayson is just so courageous. I love that about him!"</div>
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It was just what I needed to hear. He is active and courageous and delightful. And I get a front row seat to lots of courageous acts.</div>
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<br /></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-53399965612858688242012-03-04T22:07:00.001-06:002012-03-05T08:13:51.333-06:00A Sweet Day!Had a sweet, sweet day yesterday. It was a double date kind of day at our house. The boys went to a Motocross event and I took Lillian to see HUGO. Both dates were super fun! Lillian and I laughed so much at dinner and being out. We loved HUGO, but sadly the 3D movie left Lillian with an awful headache. 3D and regular glasses don't work well together. She still gave the movie two thumbs up.<br />
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Friday had been a late night, so I told G to lay down with me for a bit Saturday afternoon. He immediately fell asleep complete with snoring and drooling. A sleeping boy on your chest is rare when your "baby" is almost 7.<br />
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Both left my heart so very full.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-33516034135545318852012-02-06T20:44:00.001-06:002012-02-06T20:44:11.601-06:00Addition pictures!Check out the pictures of our finished addition on our architect's website <a href="http://www.core10architecture.com/index.cfm/portfolio/residential/cwe-attic-renovation/">here</a> I'm thrilled with the finished space!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-61412497460243142952012-01-25T16:52:00.000-06:002012-01-25T16:52:01.259-06:00Lillian is definitely getting a cell phone!Lillian woke with a high fever in the night and was confused. Poor kiddo had a fitful night. I guess she has the flu. High fever and achey. Oh and almost silent. This is the part the rest of us are having the hardest time bearing. Her happy constant voice is the soundtrack of our house. Grayson can be silly, but doesn't talk quite as much as Lillian. She has spent the day sleeping or laying on the couch silently. I tried to talk to her as we rested, but didn't get much out of her. Peter called and I told him how very strange it was for her to be quiet. He agreed. I found myself thinking of her moving out one day and was very sad thinking of how quiet our lives will be without her one day. I suppose with cell phones she will call us a ton each day and I found myself profoundly glad for them.<br />
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Grayson clearly was sad to go to school without Lillian. He saved his fortune cookie from his hot lunch at school. It was clearly a special treat at hot lunch, but he wrapped his up and brought it as a present for Lillian. Oh, they each have such a sweet place in my heart. Just last night I was praying that they would always be good friends.<br />
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It is rainy and cold so we are snuggled up in our new playroom on our guest beds listening to <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe</i> radio show. Lillian was too sick to read or watch tv, but was more than pleased to listen to her favorite story. I hate for her to be sick, but slowing down is always nice.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-75093402059179848272012-01-11T20:04:00.002-06:002012-01-11T20:06:14.851-06:00Grayson really says a lot of good stuff..."Mom, if your grown up teeth fall out do you get gold teeth or what?" - GraysonMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-85987318370975075752012-01-09T19:42:00.002-06:002012-01-09T19:47:38.416-06:00A word from the G-man...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Grayson wore a bolo to school today that my grandfather (PapPa) gave him a few weeks ago. It made me smile. As I was helping him get ready for school he said....</span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><i>Mom, PapPa is just so cool! I mean he fights in wars and everything!</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><br /></span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-47215135508077090152011-12-03T22:50:00.002-06:002011-12-03T22:54:14.427-06:00A little Christmas crafting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16KuFmTlEicujZqoZs5b6l5Lau-GIiDyE7xnBXXGqqMSWXPfXO8V1kSb20H-bMx_fSJnfCJgy_fn-YhkUO2gLxDrEZdDlL2f0KRruxm3gu5u54pH0J3Lt0sWb6wNSG5st5zJm/s1600/IMG_1253.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16KuFmTlEicujZqoZs5b6l5Lau-GIiDyE7xnBXXGqqMSWXPfXO8V1kSb20H-bMx_fSJnfCJgy_fn-YhkUO2gLxDrEZdDlL2f0KRruxm3gu5u54pH0J3Lt0sWb6wNSG5st5zJm/s400/IMG_1253.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682131873907374370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo2Ni_HvNdYqsDHe_qZ_6Gh9A70UzKxuvGlT8XEiuoupMtGM0UhFThc2rjNU4aR-RtingQkwo1I2VWhIpHQxsmtRYJtxeodpIhc1dvi1Pl7fXK7M9b9JfSeUgRVQKd42yJgM4/s1600/IMG_1252.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo2Ni_HvNdYqsDHe_qZ_6Gh9A70UzKxuvGlT8XEiuoupMtGM0UhFThc2rjNU4aR-RtingQkwo1I2VWhIpHQxsmtRYJtxeodpIhc1dvi1Pl7fXK7M9b9JfSeUgRVQKd42yJgM4/s400/IMG_1252.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682131869027804338" /></a><br />It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. Our tree is up and all of our other decorations. I just love my new and improved house! I made this snowman for fun the other day. I hear we have snow in our weather tomorrow night. The kids are dying for snow!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-9523472193211881372011-10-31T20:27:00.002-05:002011-10-31T20:30:33.122-05:00Happy Halloween!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTDDN8giOaGelY2r7KX9q-mID4ISUAj-A_92MSnWBCn0ZFkibFHI9X0vhJOdfjBn6YqakyLJIkB0PRJiNsX3uBx8fT-z6qU3tgAkbR-NdowHajTGW0dbqwfTxXIDMyV6xQYa-/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTDDN8giOaGelY2r7KX9q-mID4ISUAj-A_92MSnWBCn0ZFkibFHI9X0vhJOdfjBn6YqakyLJIkB0PRJiNsX3uBx8fT-z6qU3tgAkbR-NdowHajTGW0dbqwfTxXIDMyV6xQYa-/s400/IMG_1061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669833670911518322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6sQF_WqGrXf7BZIJdlyY5wKulMVTuJupWkunMB6Rcukn6Ipki_MooiknyKQvzSzBVibXOcrplW19iPwsA8NQHOAR9XUursWwHBz83xGxIjGjbpx3ZSmSYeUdw_OA11kQSrjD/s1600/IMG_1057.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6sQF_WqGrXf7BZIJdlyY5wKulMVTuJupWkunMB6Rcukn6Ipki_MooiknyKQvzSzBVibXOcrplW19iPwsA8NQHOAR9XUursWwHBz83xGxIjGjbpx3ZSmSYeUdw_OA11kQSrjD/s400/IMG_1057.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669833663266056786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K4_lGGlfvP31K2o2CcQYyt73K7PS2WcvqRDFxXq_acItmSL9s6eKFGUy0uCZstEySkk2d4VGkaiLxtk_fx163PO6IJ80EL9FvL48_Jntg9DldhkhhzmnYRsdRbqI4oavjAPI/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K4_lGGlfvP31K2o2CcQYyt73K7PS2WcvqRDFxXq_acItmSL9s6eKFGUy0uCZstEySkk2d4VGkaiLxtk_fx163PO6IJ80EL9FvL48_Jntg9DldhkhhzmnYRsdRbqI4oavjAPI/s400/IMG_1053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669833658141740914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0RXE-lZtedNXs00tdCJ8Hp5UClT90N8ElvUGDBrI_49taBeRoVmpwKS2dmUBnggNumet0CiYY8ZndTdUe96GljeUZOhudWNiZxjmOyIH8t8OdhTy0w_IjJLIEbIWrwdcj0Cg/s1600/IMG_1080.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0RXE-lZtedNXs00tdCJ8Hp5UClT90N8ElvUGDBrI_49taBeRoVmpwKS2dmUBnggNumet0CiYY8ZndTdUe96GljeUZOhudWNiZxjmOyIH8t8OdhTy0w_IjJLIEbIWrwdcj0Cg/s400/IMG_1080.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669833657169428082" /></a><br />We had a fun night! We went to a party with friends! Sarah had chili and games. It was so fun! We came home and trick or treated for a few blocks. So fun!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-86777007178227918022011-10-23T14:22:00.004-05:002011-12-03T22:56:08.843-06:00Grayson scored a goal!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLmHEfNGQGOqZsHqYwTdFUBKp0tlzE5-NK0w_NaHgjP5FTq8Kr6saaCICLTnQVYNHUihGG03ysTAb4FkhPV3o3jyCZ0fnYyMOyPqlW3A_ipJov01rACaRIR4au_HTXqXCa0Q1/s1600/IMG_0997.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLmHEfNGQGOqZsHqYwTdFUBKp0tlzE5-NK0w_NaHgjP5FTq8Kr6saaCICLTnQVYNHUihGG03ysTAb4FkhPV3o3jyCZ0fnYyMOyPqlW3A_ipJov01rACaRIR4au_HTXqXCa0Q1/s400/IMG_0997.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666771772256503506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7HUCKFxQbnFnv7ii8vryTftdQsYXBKDmG9tEvH13uWOD9JOfbs5fjc0oRRhqYJEDp8282Jl7-dT-OM6YlWYsEnZgsM_hBBfgIRzw_Dx6e_pMOo34-fwvAP6IPgAxhWjeSMu9/s1600/IMG_0992.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7HUCKFxQbnFnv7ii8vryTftdQsYXBKDmG9tEvH13uWOD9JOfbs5fjc0oRRhqYJEDp8282Jl7-dT-OM6YlWYsEnZgsM_hBBfgIRzw_Dx6e_pMOo34-fwvAP6IPgAxhWjeSMu9/s400/IMG_0992.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666771770731006450" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEZ_C073U6ykT1MoU4606EvuEze4aTnEwNOvi-0p3cdKjcBDtp715OKt_dv2-6fd0C9TDVHW3eMZWZNOaUf96CMZf9323C3n_iP5xEDXp7SQMgcpJYh3RAzbRt8hgnGQfpM7l/s1600/IMG_0994.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEZ_C073U6ykT1MoU4606EvuEze4aTnEwNOvi-0p3cdKjcBDtp715OKt_dv2-6fd0C9TDVHW3eMZWZNOaUf96CMZf9323C3n_iP5xEDXp7SQMgcpJYh3RAzbRt8hgnGQfpM7l/s400/IMG_0994.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666771766031082082" /></a><br />Grayson has been working so hard at soccer this year and has made progress with Peter as his coach. The kids are really playing so wonderfully this year and the games are really fun. G has been wanting to score a goal. We told him we would go out for ice cream when he scored. Yesterday was the day! It was SO exciting! He started running toward the goal and kicked it in. A little later, he scored another goal. Are you kidding me? It was unbelievable. Needless to say his parents freaked out. Final score, 2 to 2. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-79185061271214152122011-10-23T14:15:00.004-05:002011-10-23T14:31:26.362-05:00It was great!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn-p1TyfbjrBr1ZLeJOgKrERc0mqZ6WLl-xm8mI4l0NBx0UufvlBhnhDFxq4so2f5a5oz6hvDXEc7xnoNwxeR6Cn6Qa5bOXPM8oswpinIIONbz5PaUVnJGNAfaOJ4hrsK3Pw-/s1600/IMG_1012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn-p1TyfbjrBr1ZLeJOgKrERc0mqZ6WLl-xm8mI4l0NBx0UufvlBhnhDFxq4so2f5a5oz6hvDXEc7xnoNwxeR6Cn6Qa5bOXPM8oswpinIIONbz5PaUVnJGNAfaOJ4hrsK3Pw-/s400/IMG_1012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666769873003213506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqn6YzanfDz3l8z8_ErHSbO_BTDlLwo29mbv3Kk32JSOyIu-RVyCME18MjQGISJVDM6nLWr8RtPb01cCfqonk_QrKQAHxtWQRxABa59jWmmPTPC8qKlUWy2gyrXPtTPnjeR2v/s1600/IMG_1004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqn6YzanfDz3l8z8_ErHSbO_BTDlLwo29mbv3Kk32JSOyIu-RVyCME18MjQGISJVDM6nLWr8RtPb01cCfqonk_QrKQAHxtWQRxABa59jWmmPTPC8qKlUWy2gyrXPtTPnjeR2v/s400/IMG_1004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666769866426253218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78wJejOi-ZVfinLLm_m4BWvrtNEtBj7QPNjO9NZ6V3lJI91YVf9SWgIey4tfNaJeOEj77vP_KmMj_4iuBei5F7uXkxpV3mWwi9___O7rSq3l0DaC_uWA05AXxa09GJnGePf1v/s1600/IMG_1016.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78wJejOi-ZVfinLLm_m4BWvrtNEtBj7QPNjO9NZ6V3lJI91YVf9SWgIey4tfNaJeOEj77vP_KmMj_4iuBei5F7uXkxpV3mWwi9___O7rSq3l0DaC_uWA05AXxa09GJnGePf1v/s400/IMG_1016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666769862528886626" /></a><br />I had an awesome half marathon this morning! I told Peter I felt like I was in a dream. I knocked 17 minutes off my previous time. I don't think I have ever been this proud of a physical accomplishment. All those early morning training runs paid off, today. Thanks to Lisa Smout my most excellent trainer/running buddy, she told me she could make me faster and she did. Previous time 2:31. Today 2:14 BOOYAH!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-5923913096307300152011-10-22T20:10:00.002-05:002011-10-22T20:15:00.747-05:00Rock and Roll Half MarathonGonna do the Rock and Roll Half Marathon all through the South part of St. Louis city in the morning. I think it will be a scenic run. I'm looking forward to it and have hopes to beat my previous times. Several of my friends will also be running. Race day is always so fun. I love watching all these people do more than they think they can do. So, come out and cheer us on or give a wave if you in the area. I'll let you know how it goes.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-26611302251825724032011-09-29T19:36:00.002-05:002011-09-29T19:39:18.378-05:00Quote of the day!The message was left on my voicemail about 2:45. I got it about 4 while with a client.<div><br /></div><div>"Melanie, this is the school. Lillian was apparently dared to eat a leaf in class by another student. It was poisonous. We are calling poison control. Please call us as soon as possible."</div><div><br /></div><div>Really? Really! Good grief! Unfortunately it did not make her vomit or get the squirts. She was fine. </div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-7847416202179150772011-09-10T21:16:00.002-05:002011-09-10T21:25:30.498-05:00The sound track of my life...If you could listen to the soundtrack of my life, it would be the dog barking constantly. Me screaming "shut your pie hole" to the dog and Grayson saying potty words. All I can figure is that boys have a set amount of potty words to be said in a day and Grayson can not get them out at school. He says bootie more times that I can count not to mention all private parts and poop. Poop is an endless funny word for a 6 year old. I lead a silly life. The bonus is that we have tenants who I am quite sure hear a good bit of it or workers. The other day our carpenter was subjected to Grayson singing a song about his tallywacker. Peter taught him that word. Thank you Peter! I apologized as I could not make it stop. The carpenter said he found it amusing. I've started to think my life is a reality TV show with all of these people in our house. Sadly, they have been here so long we have forgotten to consider them. Thats the state of the union. Stop by if your bored.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05115577095527962149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14260023.post-57123205690652754072011-08-24T19:13:00.002-05:002011-08-24T19:15:26.711-05:00Bedtime with GAt the end of what I thought was a sweet and meaningful bedtime routine with Grayson, he said "Hey Mom, you want to making toot noises with me." Then he laughed his contagious laugh. I did, however, refrain from making toot noises.<div>
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