tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70958662402954787722024-03-13T21:32:21.805-07:00H.K. Weighs In......on the ups, the downs, the good, the bad, and the miracles of every day life.H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-13888277346735066152015-02-01T18:27:00.001-08:002015-02-01T18:27:54.163-08:00Ready, Set, Go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went down memory lane and read a few of my blog posts and I was amazed at how much time I spent being depressed! It's one thing to acknowledge that I went through several years of depression, it's quite another when you read about it in your own blog!</div>
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I was an emotional wreck! </div>
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Thank goodness I took charge of my emotional and physical health last spring and stopped feeling sorry for myself.</div>
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The journey to to being fit and healthy started with the decision after my surgery in January 2014. After a few months of recovery from surgery, it was time to get fit!</div>
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I started going to Zumba classes regularly in April. After a few weeks of Zumba, I incorporated Body Pump classes which is a strength training class with weights. </div>
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Within two months I was going to the gym 6 days a week and switched to a Paleo diet.</div>
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At the end of July, I dropped one dress size. By October, I dropped two dress sizes. </div>
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In November and December, I was still going to the gym more regularly, but I backed off on the intensity in my training and in my "diet". I started to splurge a little more into the holiday festivities and treats but I<b> NEVER</b> took my eye off my fitness goals. </div>
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I remembered the sweat, tears, and dedication it took to drop the dress sizes and I did not want to go back to feeling weak, tired, fat, and bloated. </div>
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Finally it felt good to feel <b>STRONG!</b> </div>
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When the New Year rolled around, it was the <b>FIRST</b> time that my New Year's goal was<b> NOT </b>this:</div>
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<b>"Start Exercising"</b><br />
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Instead these are the goals I listed for the New Year:<br />
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<li><b>Lift Heavier</b></li>
<li><b>Get Stronger</b></li>
<li><b>Continue getting Healthier</b></li>
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I still have a long way before I reach the fitness goals that I want to attain, but it feels so damn good to wake up New Year's Day and not feel like crap!!! <br />
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And another great thing about my fitness goals? </div>
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I got this big guy to support me.</div>
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He's been great in pushing me to work out harder, smarter, and better.</div>
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I'm a lucky gal. </div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-79311238105111553152015-01-28T19:38:00.000-08:002015-01-28T19:38:52.144-08:00Highlights Christms 2014I know it's almost February 2015 and my first post of the new year is about our Christmas holiday from last year! It's always been fun to read past Christmases so I had to post some of the highlights of our Christmas year before I move on to what I've been up to so far this year.<br />
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Christmas season begins on the day we pick up a Christmas Tree! </div>
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RM and Moe set a family record</div>
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by picking a Christmas tree under 30 minutes! </div>
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Though it's a chilly night, that doesn't prevent my boys from wearing shorts. </div>
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We have a deal every year that if they want me to bake, </div>
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they have to clean the living room and decorate the tree by themselves. </div>
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I think that's a fair deal!</div>
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I made jam pocket pies and jumbo lemon poppy seed muffins. </div>
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We don't do mini desserts in this house!</div>
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I'm in a baking frenzy during the Christmas season! </div>
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This year I made the New Zealand Brandy raisin cake or as most Polynesians call it "fruit cake". </div>
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But it taste so much better than a traditional fruit cake!</div>
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Every Christmas Eve we take a drive to my sister's house in Castro Valley located in the East Bay, less than a 2 hour drive from our home. Traditionally our Christmas Eve is always bigger than Christmas Day festivities. </div>
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This Christmas Eve was nice because my mother was feeling better. </div>
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My nephew Tommy and Moe are both only children. </div>
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So they have a special bond and my sister and I were present at each of our boy's birth's!</div>
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We had so much fun on Christmas Eve we didn't leave my sister's home until 1am in the morning and arrived home at about 2:30am!</div>
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I slept in until 9am on Christmas morning, got into my brand new PJ's (mom always gets me and my sister new PJ's every year) and my new Christmas socks and enjoyed a few hours by myself on Christmas morning before "my boys' woke up.</div>
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Moe and RM finally woke up to open up Stocking stuffer gifts</div>
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and then Moe promptly went back to bed. </div>
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RM and I went to Starbucks for peppermint hot chocolate and pastries</div>
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and came back home and went right back into bed!</div>
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Moe has been working temporarily until he goes back to school </div>
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and bought this beautiful bangle bracelet for me with his first paycheck!</div>
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The boy has good taste!</div>
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The great thing about having Christmas with just our family is that there's no time table! </div>
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We eat when we feel like it! </div>
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Traditionally RM makes the main dishes for our major holidays so he cooked, </div>
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while I relaxed and took pictures!</div>
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We wanted a Polynesian feast for our Christmas dinner. Pictured here is deep fried fish topped with coconut cream and onions. </div>
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RM made a delicious leg of lamb with asparagus.</div>
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We invited a cousin of RM's who lived in the next town for dinner and after dinner sang songs and played music.</div>
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One song that they were practicing is "Hallelujah", it was a beautiful rendition with the lyrics changed to the birth of the savior. Cousin Will is a phenomenal vocalist, RM is a talented musician and is awesome in arranging music, and Moe has become quite an accomplished guitarist.</div>
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As for my musical talent....I'm great at humming!</div>
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Another great Christmas!</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-21777216181155668162014-11-27T19:02:00.001-08:002014-11-27T19:03:11.324-08:00Happy Thanksgiving 2014!<br />
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I took a long hiatus from blogging because as much as I was wanted to write what was going on in our lives, my friend Natalie introduced me to Instagram and convinced me to create an account so we can see pictures of some of the events going in our lives.<br />
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Basically Instagram replaced blogging!<br />
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On Instagram, you get the acknowledgement that your picture is approved and viewed by the amount of likes you get on your picture.<br />
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On Blogging, you get the sound of crickets. When you don't have comments, you have no idea if anyone is reading. However, there is the satisfaction that you can create a blog book at the end of each year for your descendants to read. You hope your descendants are inspired by your story and learn through all your highs and lows.<br />
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I don't think Instagram can achieve that. <br />
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However this is a Thanksgiving post. Here are just a few of the things that I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving. (<i>FYI: The turkey is still cooking and it will take another hour before we eat and I'm really hungry, so to ignore the hunger pains....I'll blog!)</i><br />
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I'm grateful that late spring my mother treated all her girls and their families<br />
for an all expense paid 3 night trip to Asilomar Monterey California. </div>
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We stayed at this beautiful lodge right across the Pacific Grove Beach. </div>
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This was the first time my sisters, their spouses,<br />
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Though we are not related by blood, we are united in our love </div>
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for a mother who gave us a safe haven to call home, a refuge from the chaos, a place where love, and trust, was built steadily over the years.</div>
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I am grateful for my health! </div>
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This picture was taken two months ago and I lost 12 lbs at the time, but </div>
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I gained more muscle and lost inches.<br />
To date, I have lost 20 pounds and counting!</div>
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I'm grateful that our entire family is getting healthy. </div>
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RM has lost 50 pounds and Moe has lost over 50 pounds. </div>
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It helps when you're family is on the same page<br />
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Early this Thanksgiving morning RM and I<br />
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Though it's Thanksgiving, we wanted to get a good work out<br />
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I am grateful for extended family, especially RM's family.<br />
This summer we went to Utah for a family reunion<br />
to meet family members of RM that Moe and I haven't met.<br />
Moe was reunited with cousins he had not seen since he was in preschool.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(sad attempt of a selfie on the Gondola ride, can't seem to keep my eyes from being crossed!)</i></span></div>
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I am grateful for my husband. He is the real deal. </div>
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<i>A man's character is judged not by how he acts in front of the world,</i></div>
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<i> but rather how he acts within the walls of his own home. </i></div>
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After visiting with family out of state for a few weeks, RM took me (sans Moe) to a fun weekend in Lake Tahoe.<br />
Another great thing about RM? He's fun to be with! </div>
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All we did was laugh, eat, and relax. </div>
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I am grateful that Mitchell has cousins that he loves<br />
and that is closer to his age.</div>
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As an only child, Moe's cousins are like his brothers and sisters.<br />
I'm especially grateful for that.</div>
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They're having a fun night out<br />
before they depart to college and church missions.</div>
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I am grateful to discover new hobbies like being a member of Toastmasters to refine my speaking and communication skills and.... being a foodie amateur photographer! We started a Paleo way of eating early this summer and I wanted to take pictures of the dishes that I was making. I wanted to take pictures that looked like they belonged to a cooking magazine. My love for food photography deserves it's own post....more about that in the near future.<br />
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A fun thing to be grateful for....<br />
the SF Giants third World Series Title within a 5 year period!<br />
YES! YES! YES!<br />
(<i>SF Giants championship mantra</i>)<br />
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RM believes that when you watch an important game on TV,<br />
it's important to have your game face on and wear your team's apparel.<br />
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RM has been a fan of the Giants since the 80s,<br />
I've been a fan since I grew up in the SF Bay Area.<br />
And Moe loved the SF Giants before he really knew what they were.<br />
We are definitely not SF Giants bandwagon fans.<br />
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I am grateful that this year, I finally got it.<br />
I finally understood what lay beneath all the<br />
anger, hurt, and disappointments.<br />
In order to start healing physically and emotionally, I had to step away from commitments and responsibilities outside of my family. It was draining me.<br />
RM helped me to realize that there would be people who wouldn't understand my decisions, but as long as I felt at peace with it,<br />
I had to stand firm with those decisions.<br />
It saddens me that for almost 10 years, I've been existing and not living.<br />
I let all the disappointments of life break me. No more.<br />
I am taking charge of my life, focusing on what I can control.<br />
And the things that I can't control? I leave that to Heavenly Father.<br />
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I am grateful for Whole Foods Thanksgiving pre-made dinners! When it's only the three of you for Thanksgiving, it makes more sense to buy your dinners premade. I'm getting used to having Holiday dinners with our little family of three. I'll always be the kind of person that enjoys having big family gatherings more, but I love our tight knit family.<br />
We enjoy each other's company and we have great conversations.<br />
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<b>I am very grateful for my beautiful family of three.</b><br />
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-49605740281870671412014-03-06T18:21:00.001-08:002014-04-02T13:02:33.980-07:00True Friendships<br />
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I have been blessed to have made wonderful friends over the years. I wish I could have them all in one place and keep everyone from moving away. There are friends for every season and even when one moves away.....true friendships remain intact no matter the distance. It takes a little more work to keep in touch, but you know you have a strong friendship when you can go several months to an entire year and pick up where you left off.<br />
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Yesterday, I said goodbye to a dear friend who has been more sister than friend.<br />
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I instantly liked Natalie the moment I met her. She was one of the first persons that introduced herself to us the first Sunday we attended the Folsom ward. I started to get to know her better when we joined a weight loss group, then we became closer as we went to the temple together on a regular basis. It's been a great friendship ever since.<br />
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I also became close to Natalie's girls, especially her two oldest daughters. When RM would travel, and I was alone at home, and feeling slightly depressed, Natalie would suggest that I spend time with her two oldest daughters, Ashley and Katie. It became a win-win situation, I was able to experience girly things if I had my own daughters (shopping, baking,...) and Natalie was able to spend quality time with her other children.<br />
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Natalie and her kids reminded me a lot of my younger<i> sister J</i> and her children. It was a devastating loss when my<i> sister J</i> decided not to talk to me 4 years ago. Her children are also no longer in my life. It was heartbreaking because I was very close to her children especially her daughters. Natalie and her kids helped fill that loss for me.<br />
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My <i>sister J's</i> latest offense will make it harder for me to trust her again, but I'm hoping that one day we can reconcile. When Natalie told me that she was moving to the South, we both broke down crying. I tearfully told her that she reminded me of my <i>sister J</i>, except she was a lot nicer. We both laughed at that sad, but true statement.<br />
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I'm going to miss hanging out at Natalie's home.<br />
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I'll miss going to the temple with her.<br />
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I'll miss picking up her girls to go do something simple as grocery shopping.<br />
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I'll miss that she lived only a mile away.... <br />
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-5332757133406561122014-02-20T17:09:00.001-08:002014-02-20T17:09:36.037-08:00The longest road to recovery....Ever<br />
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Obviously that blog title is a gross exaggeration of how long it's taken me to recover from a surgery that was only 5 weeks ago. But for me, it is the longest 5 weeks of my life.<br />
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I feel like this little sad fish in the glass fish bowl. I'm stuck at home- limited to what I can do or where I go. <br />
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On top of the painful cramps, I look like I'm 6 months pregnant! Apparently that's a normal side effect from the surgery and my doctor assured me that the swelling should go down. I was able to go to church last Sunday after several weeks of absence, and wore a very loose dress to hide my stomach. Of course, one elderly lady asked me if I was expecting. I told her I wasn't and that was our cue to leave church early. <br />
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Later that day, Moe poked my stomach and asked me, "<b><i>So if I poked your stomach, is something</i></b> <i><b>small going to kick me?"</b></i> I told him the only thing that was going to kick him was <b>MY FOOT</b>. <br />
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I'm sure my attitude will improve once the swelling goes down and I'm able to get back to exercising and eating right. <i>(It's easier for me to stick to a healthier diet when I'm exercising)</i><br />
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There have been some advantages to recovering at home:<br />
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* <i>I don't worry about cooking (though I am getting tired of take outs)</i><br />
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<i>* I binge watched all seasons of: Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars, and a reality show Bar Rescue </i><br />
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<i>* I have more time reading. I read an average of 2 books a week.</i><br />
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<i>* I sleep in.</i><br />
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* <i>It was nice to have friends bring goodies home and my friend Natalie would often pick me up so I can get out of the house and we would just hang out at her house.</i><br />
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<i>* RM is a great caregiver and Moe has taken over most of the household chores. </i><br />
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<i>* I have more time blogging! </i><br />
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Wow, after reading all the advantages, I really shouldn't be complaining! I think I need to re-evaluate and enjoy this guilt free time that I have to sit around.<br />
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I may feel like I'm in a fish bowl, but at least it's a comfortable fish bowl.<br />
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-7038243877466455912014-02-14T15:58:00.000-08:002014-02-14T15:58:19.786-08:00This Must Be Love....<br /><br />
- You find yourself craving for chocolate and as you scour the cupboards for a chocolate fix....your hubby magically presents you a King Sized Butterfingers Candy Bar. <br />
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- When you're having a bad day, he's developed the sixth sense when to offer words of encouragement, or just hold you while you're crying and not say a single word.<br />
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- You make a silly joke that you're son thinks is lame, but your hubby is laughing hysterically as if you were the funniest person in the world.<br />
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- You're standing in the middle of the kitchen overwhelmed with thoughts of work and trying to figure out what to make for dinner. He tells you to sit down and orders take out Chinese.<br />
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- He sees you browsing through your favorite online clothing store and gives you his credit card.<br />
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- For the first several years of marriage, he's never complained about your lack of cooking skills or the few bouts of food sickness that he's survived. (<em>I have become a great cook and there has been no food poisoning incidents.</em>)<br />
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- In the middle of a church meeting, he whispers something in your ear that makes you blush and you look around hoping no one can decipher why you look so guilty. Until your son asks you why your ears look so red.<br />
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- When he kisses you even after 21 years of marriage - it still curls your toes and gives you goose bumps.<br />
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- He's dead beat tired after a long day's of work, but when your favorite song is playing....he asks you to dance with him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>This. Must. Be. Love.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><em>Happy Valentines Day 2014!</em></strong></div>
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-45046571416262955052014-01-29T14:40:00.003-08:002014-02-28T18:15:52.778-08:00My first surgery...and hopefully the last<br />
Several months ago, I went in for a routine pap smear. Since I had a blood transfusion three years ago because of a heavy period, my doctor asked me if my periods were still heavy.<br />
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I told him that my periods were still heavy, but I was only in bed for two to three days because of the severe cramping I experienced and the heavy flow of my period. He looked concerned, and I assured him that it took only a few days to get my energy back and that I usually felt better within a week.<br />
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I didn't think anything of this because I was dealing with it for almost two and half years. I came to accept that it was something I would deal with until menopause.<br />
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I was surprised when my doctor said, <b>"<i>You're basically telling me that you're out of commission for about a week and the other three weeks of the month- you're fine."</i></b> He then handed me a brochure of a surgical procedure that could eliminate the heavy bleeding. <i><b>"Take a look at this. This procedure could help you feel good physically all four weeks of the month, instead of only three."</b></i><br />
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I've always had heavy periods, but the cramping and the flow became worse. It's hard to stick to a an exercise and diet plan when you're in bed for a few days feeling bloated, crampy, hormonal, and bleeding so heavily that it reminds you of a gushing red Niagara Falls (sorry for the visual).<br />
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And when the bleeding and cramping finally subsides, it takes a few more days to get your energy back. When you finally feel energetic to perform the more high impact exercise routines and have the mental clarity to stick to your diet- your period arrives.<br />
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It becomes a vicious cycle.<br />
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I knew by having this procedure, it would definitely close the chapter of being able to have more children biologically.
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You would think after years of trying, that I accepted long ago of my inability to have more children. I told family and friends that I was grateful to at least have one child and that I was moving on. <br />
But deep down inside I held on to that slim hope...that maybe....just maybe I could get pregnant again.<br />
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This procedure would definitely remove any possibility of getting pregnant..... and the fragile hope that I was clinging on to. <br />
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Ironically, it didn't take me long to make the decision to have the surgery. As soon as my doctor showed me the pamphlet, I knew it was the right thing to do.<br />
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I went in on a Friday at 6:30 am for surgery.<br />
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RM was with me when I went into a room to be prepped for surgery. He knew that my nerves were very tight and made jokes about my "<i>fashion sense</i>" when I changed into a hospital gown.<br />
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As they wheeled me into the operating room, RM yelled out, <b><i>"Hey, if something happens to you in there and you end up in Heaven- make sure you give me a free pass. I have a feeling you're going to have to sneak me in there." </i></b>I shook my head as the nurses laughed.<br />
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His warped sense of humor helped loosen my nerves.<br />
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It felt surreal to be in the surgery room. There was my doctor, a surgical nurse, and an anesthesiologist. I took in my surroundings and was reminded of episodes of ER. <br />
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When the anesthesiologist put the oxygen mask over my face, he explained to me that I was breathing in oxygen and the next few seconds I would breathe in the anesthetic that would put me to sleep. My nose was itchy and I almost asked if I could remove the mask so I could scratch it.<br />
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And then I thought, <i><b>'Oh what the hell....I'm going to be knocked out in a few seconds anyway'.</b></i> <br />
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That was my last thought before I slipped into peaceful oblivion.<br />
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A few hours later, I felt a hand stroking my forehead and knew immediately it was RM. It was comforting to have him there since he went back to work when I was in the operating room. When I was finally able to open my eyes, I felt groggy. I was surprised that I wasn't in any pain. The nurse said it was probably because the anesthesia had not worn off, but I would experience cramping and more bleeding later in the day.<br />
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As soon as the nurse left, I looked at RM and said, <b><i>"She's wrong, you know." </i></b><br />
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I could tell RM wanted to roll his eyes, but instead he said, <b><i>"Oh, yeah. And why is that?"</i></b><br />
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<b><i>"If I'm not feeling pain now, it's because there won't be any pain later on." </i></b>This time RM did roll his eyes. <b><i>"Every online message board I read, women go about their lives the next</i></b> <b><i>day."</i></b> When I saw his look of disbelief, I continued, <b><i>"It's true. There was a woman on the show Doctors who went out to dinner with her friends the same day of her surgery."</i></b><br />
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<b><i>"Not according to the paperwork your doctor gave me."</i></b> RM took out a piece of paper and pointed to a paragraph. <b><i>"See that last line here, it says NO strenuous activity for the next TWO weeks." </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>"If women in China can have a baby and work in the rice fields minutes after they have their baby; then I can start exercising within two days." </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
"<b><i>I think the anesthesia is clouding your judgment</i></b>."<br />
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I gave RM a determined look, "<b><i>Just wait, two days from now- I'll be shaking my booty in Zumba</i></b>."<br />
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RM patted my head like a parent would give to a difficult child,<b><i> "Uh huh, sure you will."</i></b> <br />
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Two weeks and three days later, I'm finally able to walk a block without feeling any pain or cramping. RM has been kind enough to refrain from saying,<i> '<b>I told you so</b>'.</i> <br />
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I expected a torrent of tears after the surgery. A chapter firmly closed from any future pregnancies.<br />
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There are no more tears because it's already been spent. I finally came to my senses, that my health and well being comes first.<br />
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Our family of three is a complete and whole unit. Yet our family unit isn't finished, it's bursting in the seams ready to add more children. <br />
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Our lives are pretty chaotic right now. The timing isn't right for us to adopt- the Lord will let us know when it's time. <br />
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And when we get the green light; we'll be ready.<br />
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-40180107104101536002014-01-01T22:45:00.001-08:002014-01-01T23:08:47.071-08:00Bring on the New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Usually when New Year's Eve arrives, the last you thing you want to do is to go to a party- at least it has been for me and RM.</div>
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A New Years Eve evening spent lounging on the couch in your PJ's watching a marathon of movies, while eating pizza is absolutely....reeelaaaaaxing. </div>
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Which is why we keep going to the Clark's annual New Year Eve's party. </div>
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Ringing in the new year with close friends is still a lot more fun than sitting on the couch.</div>
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For years, I would make a list of New Year's Resolutions and a few months into the new year- the New Year Resolutions are forgotten.</div>
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This year, I made one resolution for the New Year and it's this:</div>
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<strong>Become a better me.</strong></div>
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That's it.</div>
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I think that's a worthwhile goal- to strive to become a better person every year.</div>
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But I'll start the new goal tomorrow....</div>
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Today I've been lounging in my PJ's all day, watching a marathon of movies, and eating all sorts of yummy junk food.</div>
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That's what I call a very relaxing New Year's day celebration.</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-12326171449945998062013-12-31T13:02:00.000-08:002013-12-31T19:32:05.603-08:00Our Family Christmas 2013<strong></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">CHRISTMAS EVE:</span></strong></div>
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We have had a family celebration on Christmas Eve for over 25 years. </div>
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Our family is fortunate that we have a two day Christmas celebration!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtai16c0JR4/Urypi3Nm7RI/AAAAAAAACpU/TDBGkhdYyPo/s1600/presentsedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtai16c0JR4/Urypi3Nm7RI/AAAAAAAACpU/TDBGkhdYyPo/s400/presentsedited.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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My mom is the Santa that provides the stocking presents. </div>
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Since the number in our family has grown, </div>
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and it's easier to buy only stocking stuffers for two;</div>
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the stockings are limited to my nephew Tommy and Moe. </div>
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Traditionally stocking presents are opened before dinner.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bppOPl8sC6U/UrypjRURB7I/AAAAAAAACpc/QbCVJDa6MZ4/s1600/socksedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bppOPl8sC6U/UrypjRURB7I/AAAAAAAACpc/QbCVJDa6MZ4/s400/socksedited.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A new tradition for Christmas Eve: </div>
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Christmas Socks</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtRqnx6yk-U/Urypj73XAHI/AAAAAAAACp8/h5b0fIkLvSU/s1600/tnedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtRqnx6yk-U/Urypj73XAHI/AAAAAAAACp8/h5b0fIkLvSU/s400/tnedited.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
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RM has turned down promotions that required us to move out of state </div>
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so that we could be home with Moe during his recovery. </div>
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Though I look forward to the day we move out of expensive California, </div>
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I will really miss Christmas Eves with my sister and mother.</div>
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And every Christmas Eve we always remark</div>
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on how each other's children has grown.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHR_7cUZUsA/Urypj9tT9mI/AAAAAAAACpk/HkV3ocMbEOY/s1600/tn1edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHR_7cUZUsA/Urypj9tT9mI/AAAAAAAACpk/HkV3ocMbEOY/s400/tn1edited.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Delicious Food</div>
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Lots of laughter</div>
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Festive Music</div>
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Great Family</div>
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A memorable Christmas Eve 2013</div>
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<strong>CHRISTMAS MORNING:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9S9OXcQI_-g/UsOF0No-GbI/AAAAAAAACrI/4_-F6UJsS10/s1600/amplifier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9S9OXcQI_-g/UsOF0No-GbI/AAAAAAAACrI/4_-F6UJsS10/s400/amplifier.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't remember a Christmas morning where Moe</div>
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would get up before 10am even when he was little.</div>
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Since we arrived home after one am from my sisters,</div>
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I was surprised that he was up before noon!</div>
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The first presents that Moe opened were an amplifier,</div>
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guitar stand, and a cable.</div>
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We tricked him into thinking that he would get</div>
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his electrical guitar next month, when prices were lower. </div>
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He believed us and since he's a bargain hunter himself, </div>
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he thought it made sense.</div>
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Until we asked him to check outside for any packages....</div>
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and there right in front of our door was his </div>
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guitar with a big red ribbon in the front.</div>
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He immediately started to plug in his guitar....and played away.<br />
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<img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Af_LlB436Jw/Ur3kitlu-0I/AAAAAAAACqQ/DhhphqZfi18/s400/jerkyedited.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Duck Dynasty (Moe's favorite show) beef jerky to add to his 72 hour emergency kit.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvBJ7RwlGHg/UrypkKlMmuI/AAAAAAAACps/S6IAUsNbpFo/s1600/willcmasedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvBJ7RwlGHg/UrypkKlMmuI/AAAAAAAACps/S6IAUsNbpFo/s400/willcmasedited.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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RM loves flashlights.</div>
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He lights up (no pun intended)</div>
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when he sees a display of high tech flashlights.</div>
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It was only fitting that he received a flashlight for Christmas.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk8NcWJ2FRY/Ur3lzSHV14I/AAAAAAAACqc/8sWfgS0GMwo/s1600/doves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk8NcWJ2FRY/Ur3lzSHV14I/AAAAAAAACqc/8sWfgS0GMwo/s400/doves.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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I told RM and Moe that I did not want anything for Christmas.</div>
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I did not want material objects.</div>
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All I wanted for Christmas was to have Peace On Earth...</div>
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*** </div>
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RM scoffed at my remark and reminded me that I used his credit card</div>
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several weeks ago on a shopping spree, </div>
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since I was too impatient to wait until Christmas.</div>
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So what if I indulged in a few presents for myself.</div>
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I still want peace on earth and one day....<strong> </strong></div>
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<strong>red Louboutin platform heels.</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas 2013!</span></strong></div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-37132728325104261512013-12-23T22:20:00.000-08:002013-12-23T22:20:52.025-08:00This is Christmas....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You can build gingerbread houses with your kids. </div>
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Decorate a Christmas tree. </div>
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Attend countless festive parties. </div>
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Tour a neighborhood decorated with bright Christmas lights.... and still not feel the spirit of Christmas.</div>
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Then one Sunday you sit in the chapel-</div>
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sing a Christmas hymn, take the sacrament, </div>
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and listen to testimonies of faith, hope, forgiveness......</div>
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... your heart starts to thaw and </div>
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you allow the spirit of Christ to envelope you.</div>
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Later that Sabbath day, you're visited by your Home Teachers who</div>
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bring a plate of cookies and a Christmas message. </div>
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You feel the spirit they bring into your home </div>
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and long after they leave....you still feel it.</div>
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You attend another meeting where members share their struggles </div>
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and the healing power of the Savior. </div>
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The spirit of the Lord is felt very strongly.</div>
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After that meeting, you attend the Stake Christmas sing along concert. </div>
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You listen to a message from the Stake presidency, </div>
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sing songs of praises of Christ's birth.</div>
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The spirit of the Lord flows freely throughout the chapel.</div>
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And when you finally settle into your home </div>
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after a long Sunday filled with meetings. </div>
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You realize, "<strong>This is Christmas."</strong> </div>
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It's not the activities or the holiday traditions</div>
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that can consume you during the Christmas season.</div>
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Christmas is the spirit of Christ. </div>
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I have kept a busy Christmas calendar </div>
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so that I could capture the feeling of Christmas, </div>
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when all along the spirit of Christmas was something as simple </div>
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as going to church and partaking the sacrament.</div>
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It took me a long time to get there....but today I finally felt Christmas.</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-32581678565830803952013-12-11T10:46:00.000-08:002013-12-12T18:13:15.898-08:00Connecting to your Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again, when we look for a Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving.</div>
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This year, RM wants to find a Christmas tree that he feels connected to. (<em>And yes, he was serious when he said that)</em></div>
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Moe wants to find a huge tree that makes a statement. (<em>Our living room ceiling is only 10 feet and we have a small living room</em>)</div>
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I have no preference what kind of Christmas tree we have, my job is to speed up the selection process and help them make a decision quickly. (<em>There is no such thing as a speedy Christmas tree selection in our family</em>)</div>
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RM likes to shake the tree and see if it can still look good after being handled roughly.</div>
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RM wants the tree to look good when you're standing more than 10 feet away. </div>
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According to RM, one must have a great view of the Christmas tree,</div>
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especially when you're washing dishes in the kitchen. </div>
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Since I'm the one that washes the dishes more regularly in our household, </div>
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I thank him for his kindly consideration.</div>
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And most importantly, the Christmas tree must look good from the bottom to the top. (<em>I wonder briefly if that's how he looked at me before we went on our first date)</em></div>
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Moe is adamant that the Christmas tree should not be shorter than him. (<em>He's 6'4</em>)</div>
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Moe gazes longingly at this 7 foot tree. </div>
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Alas, his huge Christmas tree will have to wait when he has his own huge home.</div>
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RM and Moe finally finds a tree that meet all the criteria:</div>
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- RM feels connected to the tree</div>
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- Moe was fine with a tree that was about the same size as him</div>
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- And I was able to get RM and Moe to make a decision in less than an hour.</div>
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** <strong>MISSION ACCOMPLISHED</strong>**</div>
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-7549733823872554432013-12-06T13:07:00.003-08:002013-12-06T13:07:53.467-08:00Thanksgiving in a Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Every time I looked at the calendar and saw Thanksgiving creeping up closer- the dread of shopping and cooking a Thanksgiving meal felt extremely overwhelming, especially with our work schedules.</div>
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RM who usually loves trying out different recipes for the turkey- didn't have the energy to cook and wanted to sleep in on Thanksgiving morning. </div>
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Then RM came up with the brilliant idea of....ordering our Thanksgiving meal! </div>
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We tried one year ordering our meal from Safeway, but the turkey was dry and the sides were bland.</div>
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This time we ordered our Thaksgiving meal from Whole Foods. </div>
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They had a variety of seasoned pre-cooked turkeys and delicious side dishes. </div>
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The meal came with a savory Sage sausage herb stuffing, a delicious mushroom gravy, fresh cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and a pumpkin pie for RM.</div>
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And this is the pre- cooked 10 lb lemon herb diesel turkey. </div>
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This was the easiest Thanksgiving meal ever prepared. The only cooking involved was heating the turkey in oven for two hours in low heat. And while the turkey was cooking- placing the side dishes in the oven along with it. </div>
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I had to make something homemade. So the night before Thanksgiving, I made our favorite desserts. Moe's jumbo vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting and my big oatmeal chocolate chip cookies- we don't do small size desserts in this home! </div>
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And RM wanted English trifle (a British dessert that is layered with pound cake, whipped cream, fruit, and vanilla pudding)</div>
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RM never got to eat English Trifle- I ran out of steam after baking the cupcakes and told him that he least he had pumpkin pie. Poor guy seemed disappointed.</div>
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(I'm surprising him with English trifle on his birthday!)</div>
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On a usual Thanksgiving morning we're up early cooking the turkey and making side dishes or getting ready to drive to the Bay Area to my sister's.</div>
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This year, we woke up at a leisurely time, went to Starbucks, drove to Whole Foods to pick up our meal, and by the time we placed everything in the oven- we watched a movie.</div>
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Here's the traditional nap after consuming large amounts of turkey and mashed potatoes.</div>
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Thanksgiving musical guitar jam session</div>
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And the person who usually doesn't cook....does the dishes.</div>
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Moe complained that we didn't cook. We told him that as his parents, we have the veto power to redefine cooking, which includes driving to and from store to get the Thanksgiving meal.<br />
He remained unconvinced, but still did the dishes.<br />
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This was the most stress free, relaxing Thanksgiving- EVER!</div>
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We just might do this again for Christmas!</div>
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-18223050123241558112013-11-07T11:58:00.000-08:002013-11-07T11:58:37.310-08:00My New Therapy<br />
I was exercising an average of one to two times a week - and that was considered a good week! <br />
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I was stuck in a rut. Exercise seemed like one more item to be checked off my list and my weight wasn't budging.<br />
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Until I found Zumba....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVjUZqvK-Fk/Unvpp_S2LyI/AAAAAAAACiQ/rLbc64ARvVc/s1600/1381180_597693380295383_259189363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVjUZqvK-Fk/Unvpp_S2LyI/AAAAAAAACiQ/rLbc64ARvVc/s400/1381180_597693380295383_259189363_n.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(the following pictures taken at my first pink Zumbathon)</span></em></div>
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It was love at first dance step.<br />
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A few months ago, I was trudging along the treadmill in gym. I felt like a hamster on a hamster wheel- moving but going nowhere with my weight and fitness goals.<br />
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I noticed the women (and a few men) who came out of a Zumba class. There were two things about them I noticed right away. Many of them were drenched in sweat.....and they were smiling!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5KH6llULy8/UnvqXjmnjiI/AAAAAAAACig/blEnaOL-UYI/s1600/1391531_597692673628787_1896842123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5KH6llULy8/UnvqXjmnjiI/AAAAAAAACig/blEnaOL-UYI/s400/1391531_597692673628787_1896842123_n.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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An exercise that leaves you smiling? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzIefslTzCk/UnvqmTe1SKI/AAAAAAAACio/4-O1pvNIWqg/s1600/1395265_597693676962020_1529329503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzIefslTzCk/UnvqmTe1SKI/AAAAAAAACio/4-O1pvNIWqg/s400/1395265_597693676962020_1529329503_n.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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It was time for me to get out of my comfort zone and attend a Zumba class.<br />
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I was nervous at my first class. I was wearing a baggy shirt and stood at the back row and hoped that no one would look at me when the dancing started.<br />
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Five minutes into the class- I felt like I was going to collapse from sheer exhaustion. Though I was able to follow the choreography easily, I didn't realize that dancing could produce so much sweat. It was truly a heart pumping, sweat induced exercise!<br />
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At the end of the class, I was one of many class members who left the class drenched in sweat....and smiling!<br />
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Since my first Zumba class two months ago....<br />
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- I have lost a total of twelve pounds.<br />
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- I have lost two inches off my hips and one inch off my waist<br />
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- My body is more toned.<br />
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- I replaced the baggy shirt with cute tank tops .<br />
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- I don't dance in the back row....I'm dancing in the front row!<br />
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- I take a Zumba class 5 to 6 times a week. I joined a dance studio in addition to my gym membership so I could take more Zumba classes.<br />
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- I've made more friends, I call them my "<em>Zumba sisters</em>". <br />
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- When I am feeling very stressed, I take a Zumba class. Dancing has become my new therapy.<br />
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- I attended my first Zumbathon- A two hour dance marathon raising funds to fight cancer. Who needs to run a half marathon, when you can dance for two hours!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8-WpB7nmTE/Unvq-Sv3CaI/AAAAAAAACiw/FjK2tqjoFl0/s1600/1385826_597693446962043_103257269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8-WpB7nmTE/Unvq-Sv3CaI/AAAAAAAACiw/FjK2tqjoFl0/s400/1385826_597693446962043_103257269_n.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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The Pink Zumbathon I attended was the most fun I've had in a very long time. There were chairs on the side for people who needed to rest in between dance sets- I never used them. </div>
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I managed to stay on my feet for two hours and dance to my heart's content. </div>
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I've lost weight since that picture was taken and my endurance level has improved. I've had a love for dancing since I was a little girl and now I get to dance several times a week! </div>
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Zumba has become more than just exercise for me. </div>
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It's become a hobby, a way to meet up with friends, and it's become my new therapy. </div>
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Who knew that shaking your butt could be so fun?</div>
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-71688446023017288572013-10-31T13:22:00.000-07:002013-10-31T13:22:23.157-07:00A Dark Pioneer Tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was lying on my couch watching TV and outside my window were these people dressed up in black cloaks. I thought they would pass my window, but they stood in front of the window and stared at me.</div>
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I burrowed myself deeper into the couch and held the blanket I was covered in more tightly. I thought if I ignored them, they would pass.</div>
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They stood there and didn't move.</div>
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The groups clothes reminded me of the pioneers that crossed the plains, except their clothes were completely black and their hats covered their faces.</div>
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I wasn't scared of the group, I was more irritated that they wouldn't leave me alone so I could watch TV in peace. I thought if I ignored them, they would go away.</div>
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But as I glanced back at the window- a woman cloaked in black stepped away from the group and knocked on my door. </div>
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I quickly got up from the couch and looked into the peep hole. Her cloak and hat kept her face hidden from me.</div>
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I felt chills running up my spine and knew this group was evil. I was alone at home and the only person home in our small neighborhood block. I realized that the best option for me was to ignore the door and get to the phone and call the police.</div>
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As I turned my back towards the door to get to the phone- I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and a great chill descended over the room.</div>
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I turned my head and there standing inside my house....was the woman in black.</div>
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That was when I woke up from bed and started screaming!</div>
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I looked around my room and realized that I had a scary nightmare.</div>
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As I settled back into the covers, I felt someone sit on my bed and take my hand.</div>
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My eyes were still closed and felt comforted that RM was there.</div>
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But the hands felt wrong....the hands felt thinner, the joints gnarled...and very cold.</div>
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I opened my eyes and there sitting on my bed, holding my hand....was the woman cloaked in black.</div>
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As I lay there paralyzed with fear- she bent down and whispered to my ear, <strong><em>"You can never escape"</em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't you just hate it when you have nightmare within a nightmare? True story!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Happy Halloween!</strong></span></div>
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-72040476199355419752013-08-16T20:56:00.001-07:002013-08-16T20:56:59.935-07:00Moe's Progress<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We found out in March of this year that Moe was still leaking spinal fluid. Moe had his first surgery last year in Spring, to repair the leak, but unfortunately it did not work. When he complained of his headaches to his doctors, they all thought his headaches were a result of withdrawals from the cocktail of pain medications he was using.</div>
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Needless to say, the doctors were wrong. We were told the headaches for withdrawals can last up to a year. So we did our research and gave him the help he needed to deal with that. </div>
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I don't want to blame the doctors for not correctly diagnosing Moe because he has an incredibly high tolerance for pain. And because of that- he was diagnosed incorrectly.</div>
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We finally took him to a specialist who correctly diagnosed the problem- he was amazed that Moe dealt with that type of pain for over a year.</div>
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His specialist said it's almost impossible for people with cerebrospinal fluid leaks to be able to function like Moe did for an entire year. Despite the pain he endured, Moe took over 20 units in college and maintained over a 3.0 GPA. </div>
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Moe said his pain felt as if he was repeatedly being kicked in the head. The only time he felt some relief was when he was lying down.</div>
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It's a testament to Moe's mental discipline to work through pain. Yet, I wish he didn't have to go through that. </div>
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Moe had his surgery the day after his birthday. We took him to the Stanford clinic and within a few hours- he was ready to go home. I was grateful that my mother-in law stayed behind to cook us a home cooked meal and cleaned up the entire house! She was very helpful.</div>
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Moe is doing a lot better and the surgery worked- no more CSF leaks! </div>
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It breaks my heart when he tells me that because of the pain he was in- the past year was a blur.<br />
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We have entered another phase in his recovery. <br />
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Though he looks very healthy- he's dealing with problems with the scar tissue where the surgery was done to repair the leak. And his doctor suspects that he may be having problems with his thyroid.<br />
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We knew that his recovery might take longer so Moe is staying home this semester and taking classes online before he transfers next year.<br />
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He's undergoing more tests, but his doctor's believe that a series of IV treatments will help him get better.<br />
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Moe is optimistic and yes..... he still wants to play football.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtO21dA_6uk/Ug7pc_lKivI/AAAAAAAAChk/i5U_dwJZk24/s1600/20130723_150341edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtO21dA_6uk/Ug7pc_lKivI/AAAAAAAAChk/i5U_dwJZk24/s400/20130723_150341edited.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
RM and I are trying to mentally prepare him that he may need to put his dreams of playing football to rest.<br />
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He doesn't want to quit his dreams of playing football. When I asked him why, this is what he said:<br />
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"<strong><em>I have to give it one more try. I know I'm good. I have to give it one more shot, and if I get sick , or my body fails me....at least I know that I tried</em></strong>."<br />
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My son is my inspiration.<br />
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It's his face that I picture when I'm asked to do something beyond my comfort zone.<br />
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It is his courage and his tenacity that motivated me to give my first speech at Toastmasters.<br />
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It is his faith and endurance that uplifts me.<br />
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I don't know if football is in Moe's future, but there is no doubt, that whatever he pursues in life - <strong>he will be successful.</strong><br />
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-44070164553107657582013-08-15T18:09:00.000-07:002013-08-15T18:09:28.204-07:00Finally....a trip to the Grand Canyon!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9-Hojpbp2I/Ue9Igbj2ZHI/AAAAAAAACeM/3puq52bNX04/s1600/20130723_133806edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9-Hojpbp2I/Ue9Igbj2ZHI/AAAAAAAACeM/3puq52bNX04/s400/20130723_133806edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After many hours of driving, guzzling over a dozen water bottles, stopping every hour and half for a restroom break (<em>I have an abnormally small bladder-at least that's what RM says</em>), and noshing on protein bars - we finally arrived to the Grand Canyon!</div>
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We were on our way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, until we saw a sign directing us to the Grand Canyon Sky Walk - 2 hours less driving time that the South Rim!</div>
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I'm glad that our family was flexible enough to make that split second decision to go on the Grand Canyon Skywalk tour. However, no matter what side of the Grand Canyon you're on - the view is spectacular.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4d91-ha1JI/Ug15h12_jyI/AAAAAAAACg8/NTLaRYhyj_E/s1600/EVENING+RAINBOW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4d91-ha1JI/Ug15h12_jyI/AAAAAAAACg8/NTLaRYhyj_E/s400/EVENING+RAINBOW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is views like this that makes you understand why the</div>
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Grand Canyon is listed as one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World".</div>
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<strong>Note to self:</strong> Don't have your picture taken when your hair has been crushed under your hat. At least we were able to get a picture of the Colorado river into this photo shot!</div>
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"My Boys"</div>
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We visited the Native American Hualapai reservation- only 2500 belong to the Hualapai tribe.</div>
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Here is a 10 year old boy performing a tribal dance while his father sang and played the drums.</div>
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This little girl stole the show. She was too shy to dance, but loved waving to the audience. </div>
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The only way to get to the Sky Walk is to be a part of a tour group. The ticket prices are a lot pricier than if you visited the South Rim, but it was worth every penny! As we got off the tour bus, many of the tourists stopped to take pictures before getting on the skywalk.</div>
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See that transparent horse-shoe shaped bridge suspended over the grand canyon? </div>
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That's the one that we hope will not crumble once we're on it! </div>
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However, the skywalk was built to withstand an 8.0 earthquake - that's a bigger scale than the earthquake that occurred in the bay area in 1989, which caused a part of the San Mateo bridge to collapse!</div>
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When you take your first steps on the Skywalk - it's intimidating. When you see nothing below you - you hope that the bridge you're on doesn't collapse or break!</div>
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The walkway can handle over 800 people weighing over 200 lbs without stressing the structure. At the bottom left of the picture you can see a part of the canyon through the glass floor.</div>
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Moe attempted to lift me- it freaked the photographer more than it did me! (<em>you'll notice that I'm wearing shoe coverings which is required for everyone to wear. It protects the glass</em>)</div>
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The sky was clear. The view...majestic.</div>
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And the weather was perfect....only 98 degrees with a slight breeze.</div>
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We felt like we were on top of the world!</div>
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We were a little late in taking Moe to the Grand Canyon, but I have feeling he didn't mind one bit. </div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-31266966764559223602013-08-08T16:07:00.000-07:002013-08-08T16:07:14.452-07:00On the road to overcoming my fears<br />
I won!<br />
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I did it and I won!!!<br />
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I feel exhilarated.<br />
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I'm on cloud nine and though it happened last night - I still feel a great sense of accomplishment.<br />
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I joined Toastmasters International in January. It's a worldwide club where people from all walks of life and professions join to improve their communication, leadership, and public speaking skills.<br />
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I joined because I have a fear of public speaking which borders on phobia and my listening skills need <strong>A LOT</strong> of improvement.<br />
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Yesterday I gave my first speech which is called an "icebreakers speech". It's the first speech that new members deliver that gives an insight to your background and a better understanding of who you are. The speech can be anywhere from 4 to 6 minutes.<br />
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I decided less than two weeks ago that I would give my speech. I knew that if I set a later date, my nerves would get the best of me.<br />
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Yesterday morning I went to the gym and planned on going to work. I didn't have the energy. I felt emotionally drained. It was hard to focus on work. Though my speech wasn't scheduled until later that day - it was hard not to notice the clock. <br />
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The clock kept ticking faster towards my speech time. I kept thinking it would have been easier not to join - how nice it would be to curl up on the bed and read a novel to escape.<br />
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My stomach was in knots. Instead of working, I stayed in bed and slept until it was time to go.<br />
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I had RM and Moe drive me since I didn't trust myself to drive directly to Toastmasters. I'm pretty sure I would have made a detour to the local bakery.<br />
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I sat by one of the members who has been acting as a mentor. She asks me if I'm alright. The moment she asks me the question, I start to panic. I feel my eyes start to water and I'm ready to bolt into the bathroom and break down crying.<br />
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I take a few deep breaths and answer, "<strong><em>I'm going to be okay</em></strong>."<br />
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There were a couple of speakers in front of me - I had enough time to calm my racing heart and slowly started to relax.<br />
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The person conducting the meeting, introduces me and as I approach the lectern - I feel butterflies fluttering around my stomach. I take my time getting my notes together - take a few breaths and look into the audience....and begin.<br />
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I gave a general personal background and then I shared about my fear of public speaking and the physical toll that it takes for me to prepare for any type of speech. It was a speech straight from the heart.<br />
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After my speech - I received a loud applause. I was surprised by the enthusiasm and the hoots of approval I received!<br />
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I survived my first speech - I was going to be okay.<br />
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Towards the end of the meeting - everyone votes for the best speaker. Guess who won??!!<br />
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<strong>ME!!!!!!!</strong></div>
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The person that evaluated my speech told me that in all the years that he's been in Toastmasters - I gave one of the best "ice breakers speech". I felt incredibly humbled and touched by the compliment.</div>
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Even if I didn't win - I felt like a winner just being up there and conquering my fear.</div>
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My goal in joining Toastmasters is to be an effective speaker and feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience. I know that any worthwhile goal is not going to be easy, but in the end it's worth it.</div>
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I still have a series of different types of speeches to complete which will take me about a little over a year to get my "Competent Communications" certificate. </div>
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Once that certificate is in my hands - I'm going to celebrate BIG!</div>
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I encourage anyone who wants to improve their speaking skills or just to be an overall great communicator - this is the organization to join. Click on this Toastmasters <a href="http://www.toastmasters.org/Members.aspx">website</a> to get more information. The organization is worldwide so there should be a club near you.</div>
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P.S. This is one of the reasons why its been a challenge to keep up my blogging!</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-42958984567453422002013-05-02T17:47:00.001-07:002013-05-02T17:47:48.103-07:00The Busy Bee<br />
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That's how I've been feeling (and looking) lately. <br />
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A deranged bee with wings flapping a hundred miles a minute and only stinging those who get in the way....at least that's what RM tells me.<br />
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I've been having insomnia. I haven't had a good night's rest since...well, I can't remember when I had a full night's rest.<br />
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I'm usually able to sleep by one in the morning, but lately my eyes don't get droopy until four am. The things that need to get done feels overwhelming and just when I think I can't get it done - there's a reservoir of strength that I'm able to tap into.<br />
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So far it's been a crazy and busy year and we haven't reached the six month mark!<br />
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The things that I usually love to do - reading, blogging, and lunch dates with friends have had to take a backseat towards work and family commitments.<br />
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Sometimes I wonder if that's why I don't have any more kids because I only have the strength to focus on one son who is having a difficult year (more on that later).<br />
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This year has also been one of self-reflection. Managing my expectations and working on the weaknesses that have prevented me from becoming the person that God wants me to be.<br />
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When I'm able to get a good night's rest and I can get more than just ten minutes to blog - it would be fun to update you on the happenings of....... my crazy busy bee life.<br />
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-88068938439073535582013-02-24T23:31:00.001-08:002013-02-24T23:31:56.712-08:00Valentines Day 2013<br />
This year we actually celebrated Valentine's Day ON Valentine's Day because two of my favorite people in the world were home!<br />
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I've been accompanying RM on many of his business trips and was with him on another business trip to Southern California for a week and arrived home the night before Valentine's Day dinner.<br />
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The homemade dinner and dessert that I planned to make for Valentine's Day dinner went out the window after being on the road with RM for over a week. Instead we had take out Italian dinner and cupcakes from our favorite cupcake bakery. <br />
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And after dinner, RM and Moe presented me with gifts! </div>
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They knew my love for See's Candy! Nuts and Chews- the only way to eat See's!</div>
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I opened Moe's card first, the front card read: <b>"On Valentine's Day I just wanted to say- As a mom you're not half bad"</b></div>
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On the inside of the card, Moe wrote a handwritten note: "<b>I'm glad I can be home to celebrate Valentine's Day with you. Enjoy the chocolate! Love, Mitch AKA your son</b>"</div>
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And then there was RM's card...</div>
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....his cards always makes me teary</div>
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And who says Valentine's Day is for Sweethearts- it's about friendships too. My good friend Natalie gave me a Sunshine basket filled with all goodies that were yellow- candle, candies, lotion, a funny video, and several sunny quotes.</div>
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Here were one of the quotes that were in the basket: <b>"Turn your face to the sun and all of the shadows fall behind you" </b></div>
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Though it was good decision to cut ties off with my family she knew I was feeling down and that I needed a basket of sunshine.</div>
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And the goodies kept poring in- my friend Barbara brought over a plate of Valentine's Day sugar cookies. </div>
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My friends have become an extension of my family- I'm lucky.</div>
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And RM and Moe will forever be My Valentine.</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-7068526937287132552013-02-08T11:03:00.001-08:002013-02-08T14:20:59.157-08:00A quietness in my soul<br />
RM has been out of town for a week on business. It has given me some time to be by myself, catch up on things that I need to do around the house, and most importantly let everything that has happened to "<em>sink in</em>".<br />
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I've been having dreamless and peaceful sleeps- haven't had those in a long time. I wake up feeling light and rested.<br />
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I was talking to RM on the phone last night. We talked about our day and then we talked about my family and the decision that I made to stay away from them.<br />
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We discussed how our life has been in the short time since making that decision. He's also been affected by my family's antics. I never realized how much my family's negative behavior affected him until he said this to me, "<strong><em>There's a quietness in my soul</em></strong>."<strong><em></em></strong><br />
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That one sentence sums up my feelings.<br />
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I no longer have the negative chatter in my head. <br />
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The burden that was put on my shoulders from my family....is gone.<br />
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My soul was in turmoil.<br />
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But no longer.<br />
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<strong>There is FINALLY a quietness in my soul.</strong><br />
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-77042093884941347972013-02-01T14:12:00.002-08:002013-02-04T18:28:15.217-08:00A Life Changing Decision<br />
I have always been known as the peace maker in my family.<br />
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I am the organizer, the mediator, the first one to reach out, and usually the first person to say "I'm sorry" even if I did not know what I was apologizing for. I felt I had to do those things to keep my family together.<br />
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I realized at an early age that my family was not normal. What my family portrayed to the outside world was vastly different than the ones behind closed doors.<br />
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Acceptance and love from my family became my lifetime goal- I pretended that my family was normal and played the role they wanted me to portray. Pretending was better than facing reality.<br />
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But there's only so much pretending you can do. There's only so many excuses you can make for your family. There is only so much hurt you can endure.<br />
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Every time I try to distance myself from my family- they can reach out and hurt you.<br />
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When I found out about the latest offense - I wasn't angry. I was deeply saddened and hurt by the rage and anger that was aimed at me. This time I couldn't make excuses for this one- it was time for me to cut off that branch and nurture the healthy branch - RM and Moe.<br />
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RM and I decided for my emotional well being and physical safety, it was better to have no contact with my family or extended members. <br />
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I love living here in Folsom. I love the slow pace of the community. I have made some lifelong friends. And yet I always knew that Folsom would not be our long term home.<br />
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We decided that the best thing for our family is to live outside of California and head towards the South or East coast. We don't know where or when, but I'm hoping that we'll settle into our new home later this year. <br />
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It's time to make a fresh start.<br />
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-16042306875904481252013-01-06T20:11:00.002-08:002013-01-06T20:11:32.515-08:00Happiness and Good Health for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We rang in the New Year celebrating with friends. Our good friends, the Clark Family hosted the New Year's Eve party at their home. Everyone was told to get a babysitter for their young kids (<em>which of course doesn't apply to us since our "kid" is 20 years old</em>) and surprisingly many of the adults at the party were able to find babysitters!</div>
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We convinced Moe to come with us for the first hour of the party before he joined his friends for their own New Year's Eve party. Moe stayed at the party for nearly two hours. He was surprised to find that he was enjoying talking to the "<em>older folks</em>" and the good food was enough for him to stay longer.</div>
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We played a game of "<strong><em>Would You Rather</em></strong>" which is a great game with a big group. From that game, I found out a lot of interesting information about myself. For example: <strong><em>I would</em></strong> <strong><em>rather</em></strong> have brown teeth than have a hairline that my extends down to my eye brows- you can always get veneers.</div>
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Though I tend to be more comfortable with parties of small groups (<em>opposite of RM</em>), I still had a <strong>GREAT</strong> time. We came home after two am and it took us another hour to wind down before we went to bed.</div>
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<em>(taken at a restaurant in Lake Tahoe</em>)</div>
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It took a few days to recover from our late night "partying" (<em>hard to believe that I used to be a night owl)</em> and stayed in South Lake Tahoe for a few days to enjoy the snow and be away from home. It was a great opportunity to be away from the distractions to discuss with Moe his goals for school. </div>
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As we discussed our goals for 2013, we also reflected on the ups and downs of 2012. </div>
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I decided not to make a list of resolutions this year- if I did the list would be endless. </div>
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I only have one item on my New Years Resolution list for 2013...."<strong>My well being and happiness comes first before my family and friends." </strong>That may sound like a selfish goal, but I assure you it is far from being selfish. </div>
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It has taken me so many years to realize that when I take care of myself first:</div>
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<strong>I am a better partner and wife</strong></div>
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<strong>I am a better mother</strong></div>
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<strong>I am better friend</strong></div>
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<strong>I serve better in church and in my community</strong></div>
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<strong>I'm a better person</strong></div>
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The stress that I have dealt with extended family members has affected my health: it's a wake up call. In order for me to be healthy and happy, I have to distance myself from those family members, even at the risk that I may come across as aloof, cold, and unfeeling. </div>
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I finally get what RM has told me all these years......the most important people in our life are the ones under our roof.</div>
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I owe it to RM and Moe, and most importantly<strong> myself</strong> to be healthy and happy- that is one goal worth striving for.</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-68939841495033016252013-01-01T15:19:00.001-08:002013-01-01T15:19:52.012-08:00Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For many years Christmas Eve was celebrated at my (<em>adopted</em>) mother's home. Over the years, my mother developed health issues and we moved Christmas Eve to my sister Steph's home. </div>
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Pictured in the middle is my favorite brother in law Eddy. <em>(I actually say that to all of my brother in laws because they're all great!)</em></div>
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My sister Steph pictured with our mother.</div>
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We have a huge Christmas Eve dinner and afterwards we exchange presents. My mother loves to bring Santa's Stockings presents to my nephew Tommy and to Moe and they love opening them!</div>
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After opening presents, it's time for a Christmas music jam session!</div>
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RM on the piano. Eddy on the electric guitar. Moe on the ukulele and vocals. I tried to be a backup singer....and was promptly kicked out out of the band. </div>
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It was another great Christmas Eve celebration!</div>
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We arrived home after midnight. I immediately climbed into bed and fell asleep, while Moe and RM stayed up late wrapping presents for me!</div>
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Before they went to bed, RM watched Moe put out cookies and milk for Santa. </div>
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When RM asked Moe if he was just a little too old for that, Moe shrugged his shoulders with a slight smirk on his face and replied, "<strong><em>Old habits die hard</em></strong>."</div>
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We didn't have a Christmas morning because we all slept in past 10am! </div>
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It was a chilly 30 degrees outside (<em>cold for Northern California standards</em>)</div>
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One of Moe's favorite gift items: rope</div>
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Camouflage hunting masks for Moe and RM. The theme this year for gifts was "<em>doomsday preparations". </em>RM's big gift from myself and Moe was a high tech flashlight- he loved it.</div>
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RM and Moe's gift for me was a set of PJ's from a designer that I absolutely love and some fuzzy slippers- they were perfect gifts!</div>
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Later we had Christmas dinner with the sister missionaries: Sister Angamarau and Sister Vaughn. </div>
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After dinner, we played some board games.</div>
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The dinner was a bust- it wasn't up to the standard that RM and I have for a great dinner. We blamed it on a small kitchen, being overtired and lack of sleep.</div>
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Despite a disappointing dinner menu, there were lots of laughter, smiles, and the spirit of Christmas was felt by everyone.</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-8508606906314800272013-01-01T02:14:00.001-08:002013-01-01T15:34:21.500-08:00Christmas: A month long celebration<br />
This Christmas has been the busiest season for us in a long time. Our challenge this year was to make the Christmas season less stressful, more fun and heartfelt, and more Christ Centered. <br />
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Despite a little hiccup with some family members that occurred early December, we were still able to achieve our goal to have a memorable Christmas.<br />
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Here are the highlights for our Christmas Season 2012:<br />
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We kicked off the Christmas season by having our annual Christmas party. It is our way of showing our appreciation for our friends. We have a big spread of appetizers and we had our guests bring the desserts.</div>
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We don't have a big home, so we invited only three couples. RM loves to entertain and wanted to invited a few more couples- I convinced him to cut the guest list by half. </div>
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We provided games and prizes. It was a fun night! </div>
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We look forward to having another Christmas party next year in a bigger house!</div>
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You absolutely cannot let the Christmas season pass with out decorating sugar cookies! I wanted to decorate the cookies the "<em>correct way</em>" and looked at many recipes and tips on how to decorate a sugar cookie with royal icing. RM and I went to a crafts store and bought all the necessary tools. </div>
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RM appointed himself "<em>Head of Quality Control</em>". Anytime a cookie had edges that looked too brown- he eats them. </div>
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We invited the missionaries and two of my nieces for dinner and cookie decorating. It was one of the sister missionaries birthday, so in addition to the cookies we ate- I made giant vanilla cupcakes for Sister Vaughn's birthday. </div>
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The results of our decorating. I think I only managed to decorate four cookies. It's a lot of work having a sugar cookie decorating party!</div>
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My 11 year old niece Suliana on the left and my 18 year old niece Vanessa on the right. After the end of the evening they were already talking about next year's cookie decorating party.</div>
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RM gave me an early Christmas present: A Kitchen Aid Mixer. It made baking a lot easier, which makes me wonder why I didn't get this useful gadget a long time ago.</div>
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My first Caramel apple pies. RM took these pies to his home teaching families.</div>
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We have many musically talented members in the Folsom Stake Ward. Every year the stake puts together a Sing along Christmas Musical. It's one event that RM and I try to attend every year.</div>
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The Christmas season isn't complete without a trip to Apple Hill for lunch and fresh apple juice. <em>(It took twenty years for us to finally get Moe to take a picture with Santa....better late than never)</em></div>
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We bought a couple of jugs of apple juice for Moe. He plans taking a few them back with him to the Bay Area.</div>
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Our family loves music and theater especially around Christmas. </div>
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Instead of going to S.F. for a concert, we went to a Christmas music concert at the Folsom Three Stages.</div>
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We loved the Christmas goodies we received from friends.</div>
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And the Christmas goodies kept coming in.</div>
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I think home baked goods make the best type of Christmas presents.</div>
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Lunch and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. My plan to stick only to eating salad went down the drain when I saw a peppermint bark cheesecake as an option. And then I took a few bites of RM's caramel cheesecake and then another few bites out of Moe's cookies and cream cheesecake.</div>
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I never did finish my salad.</div>
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With only a few days before Christmas, we finally found some time to decorate Gingerbread houses - a tradition that we stopped several years ago</div>
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until Moe decided we should start that tradition again. </div>
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RM and Moe found an innovative way for the frosting to dry up quickly.</div>
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The walls kept falling down. So RM's solution was to use Automotive Glue to keep the house together. This was definitely not an edible Gingerbread House.</div>
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The glue managed to keep Moe's house together.....</div>
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.....for only a few seconds before it all started tumbling down.</div>
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We assumed that RM's gingerbread house would start to fall apart as Moe's did. </div>
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And it never fell apart!</div>
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RM thought at that moment it was a great gospel teaching moment about building your house on a solid spiritual foundation. </div>
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I told RM to hold on to that thought for another day....our stomachs was more interested in getting fed than our spirits.</div>
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We did alot this Christmas season. And I haven't blogged about our Christmas Eve or Christmas Day yet!</div>
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H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7095866240295478772.post-58697680841669106272012-12-10T00:41:00.000-08:002012-12-10T00:41:32.157-08:00A Christmas Tradition without MoeThe first tradition of the Christmas season has always been getting the Christmas Tree. And this year we got our Christmas tree without Moe- the first time since he was born. <br />
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This year we got our Christmas tree a few days early before December. Over the years, finding the <strong><em>"</em>perfect<em>"</em></strong> Christmas tree is usually a lengthy process. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (</span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>you can read the evidence</em></span><a href="http://hkweighin.blogspot.com/2010/12/picking-perfect-christmas-tree.html"><em> <strong>here</strong></em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://hkweighin.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-funky-christmas-tree.html"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>) </em></span><br />
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However, we broke our family record by finding a Christmas tree less than ten minutes. I actually saw the tree that would be perfect for our home as soon as we entered the Christmas Tree Lot. Of course, RM thought he could find a better tree, but after looking at a few others, he decided to go with the one that I chose. I was surprised. <br />
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When I asked RM why he chose a Christmas tree so quickly, he responded, "<strong><em>It doesn't feel the same without Moe</em></strong>".</div>
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It was a somber realization that there may be many Christmas Traditions without our son.<br />
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We felt some excitement as we decorated our Christmas Tree and tried to forget that our son wasn't home with us. It didn't take long to decorate the tree, mainly because we didn't have a variety of ornaments.<br />
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The excitement we felt quickly dissipated as we sat down and looked at our Christmas Tree- our tree was lacking warmth.<br />
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RM and I realized our Christmas Tree needed <strong>Ornament Therapy</strong>.<br />
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Though it was getting late (almost 10pm), we went to Walmart to buy more ornaments. We were at Walmart for over an hour, taking our time looking for the right type of ornaments.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TadkWKzKJNc/UMWZVBcb82I/AAAAAAAACJE/bG_oLnqwtMo/s1600/shiny+ornamentsedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>When we came home and looked at our stash of ornaments, we knew we needed more- we went back for ornament shopping the next day and this time we went to Michael's Crafts store: <br />
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RM thought our Christmas Tree needed ornaments that were more flashy and shiny.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8pKbcHIovo/UMWaroTW5II/AAAAAAAACJM/U2QYO-rBHMA/s1600/ornamentedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8pKbcHIovo/UMWaroTW5II/AAAAAAAACJM/U2QYO-rBHMA/s400/ornamentedited.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I felt our Christmas Tree needed to be more whimsical and fun.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TadkWKzKJNc/UMWZVBcb82I/AAAAAAAACJE/bG_oLnqwtMo/s1600/shiny+ornamentsedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaw2sDR6Zgk/UMWbjVuRZrI/AAAAAAAACJU/ZIlaT5YsjMk/s1600/ornament1edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaw2sDR6Zgk/UMWbjVuRZrI/AAAAAAAACJU/ZIlaT5YsjMk/s400/ornament1edited.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TadkWKzKJNc/UMWZVBcb82I/AAAAAAAACJE/bG_oLnqwtMo/s1600/shiny+ornamentsedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>The result was this Christmas Tree: A mixture of both our personalities.<br />
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It wasn't our tree that needed <strong>Ornament Therapy</strong>- it was us. <br />
We found a way to create a tradition with just the two of us.<br />
And we actually had a lot of fun.<br />
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<br />H.K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10555156176113515138noreply@blogger.com4