tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41270632234040083642024-03-05T20:23:03.973-07:00rubowhappeningsMaking memories one day at a time!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.comBlogger1123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-26776122925252145942016-02-20T09:15:00.001-07:002016-02-20T09:18:44.588-07:00Taking A Stand on Grey Matters<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5wRaIZSKK5QAZTve1GupQzS0dp6lEq5G0cbbfMkb_VTcIGJV5qFasIvda4OHlQK-nMv0z3YqTcOgXyrpBOpgJLfftsH7D3ZMnRRaRAQaMtZZn2D0FfKCvg8Py5oZblC8iu7WXzWa_Zc/s1600/GreyLadyFood%25C2%25A9NicoleBarker-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5wRaIZSKK5QAZTve1GupQzS0dp6lEq5G0cbbfMkb_VTcIGJV5qFasIvda4OHlQK-nMv0z3YqTcOgXyrpBOpgJLfftsH7D3ZMnRRaRAQaMtZZn2D0FfKCvg8Py5oZblC8iu7WXzWa_Zc/s640/GreyLadyFood%25C2%25A9NicoleBarker-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image taken from<a href="http://www.greyladyaspen.com/" target="_blank"> here</a></td></tr>
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I've cut my hair. Really really short. The Natives are having a blast teasing me calling me, "Dad" and other such goofy nonsense. I did do it for a reason/purpose. Maybe not quite the haircut I was given.... but, that's another matter. It's hard finding someone who can cut short hair on women with naturally curly hair and do a good job I am finding.<br />
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Anyway, the reason behind the <strike>madness</strike> shortness. Grey. I have been going grey since I was in high school. I remember finding my first one, two, three...... and yanking them out. I've been steadily adding to them to the point that if one continued to yank them out, I mine as well get a wig as I'd have no hair left. <br />
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For years I have been dying my hair. There is a reason it is called <i>dying</i> by the way. I've always hated the process! Well, I'm done. I've wanted to stop dying my hair now for years but have been told by many that I am too young, I don't have the right coloring in my skin to go grey yet, and many other reasons that I listened to and continued to dye my hair for. So, I went short and am going to let it grow out in it's natural color. <br />
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Honestly, I do love my dark hair but, my hair isn't dark anymore! It's grey, or shall we say, silver. Silver sounds prettier. For years, I have colored my hair for other people.<br />
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My Henny Penny is getting older. She's becoming a teenager and saying horrifying things, like, "I'm fat. I hate my hair. I wish I didn't have or had (insert what ever it is she isn't satisfied with with her body). It's horrifying because I taught her that!! She's listened to me berate myself for years and years and call myself fat and ugly and not good enough, etc. She's learned! <br />
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So, I am taking a stand. I am no longer going to color my hair because <i>I</i> don't want to and I am going to try to be a better example to my sweet daughter that we are good enough, we are pretty enough, we are smart enough, we are good (insert adjective) because we know who we are. It doesn't matter what others think at the end of the day because at the start of the day and throughout the day, we are daughters of a King. Daughters of God, and that's all that matters!! <br />
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P.S. Just in case there might be a misunderstanding, I am not trying to start a movement where women stop coloring their hair and we all go grey although having the youth thinking grey hair is awesome and coloring their hair that color does help make me think that when my hair is grown out, I will be quite hip and trendy! Thank you youth of today!!! That isn't the point of this post. The point is, do what makes you happy and feel good about you! Don't let outside influences influence you. Heck! Who knows! I may grow out this grey and decide it needs to be electric blue! I do love color, just not coloring....... I was never very good at staying in the lines. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-12975824348987836922016-01-25T11:17:00.000-07:002016-01-25T11:17:20.797-07:00Monday. Say No More. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know it is going to be a Monday from hell when you wake up and your nostrils are assaulted by a horrific smell. You know it has got to be something from the zombie apocalypse if the smell is coming from somewhere in your house and your bedroom windows are open.......... <br />
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I open my bedroom door and am hit in the face with something so rank that I want to shove tampons up my nose as I launch myself out of my bedroom window. Who cares that I am two stories up and haven't taken off the screen first. Everything in me is screaming, "Noooooo!! Run!!! Far, far away!!!" There are some days when big girl pants aren't big enough and I don't want to be the adult anymore.<br />
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I have to get Levi off to school. The bus is coming in a half hour so I have to get him breakfast, feed him, dress him, get his teeth brushed, make him lunch, and to do this, I must venture forth where ever the smell is emanating from! At this point, it is so vile I am surprised that radiation or nuclear alarms haven't gone off in the city.<br />
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With nose covered and eyes watering, I descend the stairs into the living room and am confronted with the source. Cinder. The big black Labradoodle is whimpering in her kennel and there is carnage everywhere. She has gotten sick and diarrheaed in her kennel and if it is possible for a 60 pound dog to stand on her tipsy toes in the farthest corner trying to get away from death, she is doing it. I will give her credit. She did do her darnedest to keep away and out of the mess but how one keeps out of the mess of an obvious explosion is beyond me and quite impossible. We're not talking a little squelchy drivel or squirt here. We're talking someone put Mentos in a Coke bottle and shook it up and let it rip! <br />
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How in the world am I supposed to carry and get this behemoth of a dog up into the bathroom to get her cleaned up, never mind the kennel mess and REALLY???? This had to happen in the winter so I can't just haul everything out into the yard and hose it all off??? And did I mention that the bus is coming in a half hour and I have to get Levi on it??<br />
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I get the dog up into the tub and scrub her down and then promptly leave her in the bathroom. She wants to know what in the world she did to deserve a time out and I am wishing I could have a time out. I get Levi up and scramble through his morning routine all the while trying to answer Levi's question as to why it smells so bad, why the mess is still sitting there, why haven't I cleaned it up??? Because it smells so bad!!! <br />
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"Be grateful kid, you get to get on a bus and leave this mess"! <br />
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Levi finally is on the bus and I continue to detox the house and carpet. Hours, yes, hours later, it is finally done. <br />
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Two things. I literally went to hell this morning and I didn't cuss once!! I am so proud of myself! I thought it and I was close and I wanted to!!! But, I didn't. I think the fumes got to me because I still don't know how I managed that what with it being such a crappy morning and all........<br />
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And second, I have never been so grateful for a nose full of boogers in all my life! Woke up with a nose that needed honking and I tell you what! I kept those things lodged good and tight all morning until after the mess was cleaned up and THEN, I honked my snoz! <br />
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Other than babies and toddlers, who knew boogers could be a beautiful thing!?<br />
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Hey! When you're in a war, you take what ever you can to fight back!!! Don't judge!<br />
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P.S. I'm going to go and take a bath now and celebrate boogers, not cussing, and essential oils I can diffuse and get rid of radioactive smells! Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-77351045388372150612016-01-23T08:58:00.002-07:002016-01-23T15:25:07.318-07:00Ewwww Dee Toilet! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I do not like perfume. Much. When I walk in the mall and those lovely people try to give me a sample I'm one of those that scurries over to the other side averting my eyes. Please don't spray me! The stuff gives me a headache and to me, it smells something awful. Usually. I don't like strong floral smells and perfume has this, this....... I don't know, SMELL! I just don't like! It's strong and it's not pleasing to me. So, I don't normally wear perfume!<br />
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About a week or so ago, I was in the mall in the store, "Sephora". No, I wasn't lost. Believe it or not, I was actually there on purpose! I know! Me, in a store that sells make-up and beauty products. Go figure. But alas, there I was buying some stuff for my daughter........see??? You thought I was there for me......... anyway, I was paying for the stuff I was buying and the cashier slipped in some samples into my bag . When I got home and looked, I noticed one was this little tiny vile of perfume! <br />
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Huh. Do I dare? Sure! I'd already gone to a beauty supply store, I was feeling reckless and brave so I sprayed the stuff and gave a sniff. Hmm. Felt my forehead. Am I feeling okay? I sprayed and then sniffed again. Is this possible?? Have I actually found a perfume that I like? I sprayed some on my neck and went searching for The Scout Master. Found him busy at work and leaned in waving my hands around my neck because I learned that whole, "whiff thing" in Chemistry class back in High School. You don't smell-sniff, you whiff. You take your hands and direct what ever it is you are trying to get up your snuffleupagus and you whiff. So, I'm trying to help The Scout Master whiff and he's looking at me puzzled. "Whiff"! I tell him as I am waving my hands in front of his face with my neck extended. "What do you think"?<br />
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I think he thinks that this is yet more proof that crazy reaches all sorts of levels. Still puzzled, I have to explain to him that I've tried on perfume which makes his eyes bug out as he knows how I feel about perfume. I ask him what he thinks of the scent and does he like it because I really really like this one. It isn't strong. It isn't flowery. It's subtle. I like it!! The SM's response isn't very encouraging. The perfume is okay he guesses but in typical man fashion he says it isn't his favorite but if I like it, he'll learn to like it because he'll associate it with me. Good. Cuz I like it!<br />
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I wear it all week. I am so excited about this tiny little vile that I don't want to waste even one tiny spritz. I make sure it is positioned just so before I spray it because heaven forbid I should spray and miss my neck and hit the wall behind me. I'd have to turn around and rub my neck all over the wall to try and transfer and can you imagine how that would look to The SM if he caught me?? "What in the world are you doing??" "Hellooooo! I'm necking the wall! What does it look like"? And then, I'd have to flounce past him like that was the most normal thing in the world. Rubbing one's neck on the wall like a cat rubbing back and forth on a person's leg trying to get them to pet them. <br />
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The inevitable happened. My little sample ran out. That's okay though! I know where to buy some because I AM going to buy some. There is something in this perfume that seriously, I am in love with. Not only does it smell good to me but I want to wear it! I want to whiff it all day long! I'm obsessed with it! I love the smell that much!! <br />
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Date night last night. The SM takes me to dinner but not before we head to "Sephora" to buy me some perfume. We walk into the store and yes, this is twice now that I am in a beauty store. Don't get lost on stupid details. Just because I don't know how to use the stuff!! Back to the store. I head straight to the wall full of Women's Fragrances and, do you find that name, "Women's Fragrances" funny? I do. Sorry. I know. I digress. I'm a mother of a lot of boys. This is why I'm not allowed in beauty shops! <br />
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Walking the displays. The SM and I are searching for the perfume. The SM asks me what the name of the stuff is. I tell him that I don't know. The writing is in white and it's hard to see but there is a big number 1 on the bottle and the word Million. "Just look for a 1 and a Million babe!. Hahaha! I am sooo funny! Get it?? Get it?? Oh wait! You can stop looking. I'm right here!" <br />
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The SM isn't amused. It's the "fragrances". They are getting to me. We look. And look. And look. We can't find it! It's not there! How can this be?? They gave me a free sample which means they want me to buy it! It has got to be here. We look some more. It isn't there. Are you kidding me? Of course I finally have found a perfume that I absolutely love and dream about and now I can't find it. I start to hold my little sample vile in my hands super tight and wonder if there is some way to preserve the fumes from the little tiny drop I can see left in the bottom. <br />
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I turn around desperately looking to see if there are any more, "Women's Fragrances" that we might have missed and look straight into the display of, "Men's Fragrances" and a box with a big 1 and the word, "Million" on it. I look down at the little vile I am holding clutched in my hand. I look back up to the box and slowly start to walk over to the "Men's Fragrances" display. I read the box. "1 Million Cologne". I look at the little tiny vile and squint at the white writing. "1 Million Cologne". <br />
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COLOGNE????? Are you kidding me??? Everything starts to make sense. Me, wanting to lick the very contents of the bottle I am holding. The SM being less than thrilled with my new 'perfume'. I had been wearing men's cologne........... oh the defeat! The anguish! The.............. I turn and look at The SM. My eyes are gleaming. The SM does that uncomfortable shift and looks towards the exit because he knows the gleam... I'm scheming. All is not lost! I start to grin. I still do not like perfume, but cologne on the other hand......... "Hey honey!!! If you rub your neck on my neck then we can transfer the Cologne on my neck onto yours! We'd be necking!!! Get it?? Get it????" Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-73708975717343048962016-01-18T21:11:00.005-07:002016-01-19T11:24:50.456-07:00Piano Recital 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not quite sure how this has happened but it has. We are down to three. Do you remember when I had five natives in piano?? I do! I thought it was yesterday!<br />
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Henny Penny!<br />
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Mr. J<br />
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Mr. M<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-61290052646835049462015-11-08T11:02:00.001-07:002015-11-08T11:49:30.780-07:00Levi's First Triathlon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cold. Early. No, not cold. Freezing! That is how our day started. Race day means get up at some unheard of hour before the sun, stand around in the freezing cold, (doesn't matter what time of year it is) and wait for the race to begin. When I looked at the temperatures on my phone, it said it was 25 degrees Fahrenheit. I helped Levi get his number and then I went and sat in the truck with the heater high and blasting.</div>
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Meanwhile, The SM, stayed in the cold and helped Levi get his bike ready and the other equipment that would be needed. The stroller, the bike trailer, and the raft. All of this special equipment was donated for our use by a non-profit organization called: <a href="http://teamkidcourage.org/" target="_blank">Team Kid Courage</a> . If not for them, doing races with Levi wouldn't be possible. The equipment needed is so expensive and is purchased by donations from kind giving people. It overwhelms me how amazing and incredible people are and the things they do for others.</div>
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Meanwhile, back at the truck. Even Levi has abandoned The SM for warmth. I wish I had taken pictures of the 'behind the scenes' that took place getting the equipment ready for Levi. Those besides The SM who were out in the cold assembling bikes trailers, strollers, and blowing up the rafts. But alas, I was too busy sitting in the truck keeping warm. <br />
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As was this gremlin and the photographer who never gets photographs of herself, Miss Henny Penny, but was very much appreciated for documenting this whole experience. Miss Henny Penny should get a medal for all of the hours sitting in the cold waiting, waiting, waiting for fleeting moments of picture taking, running from event to event to try and stay ahead of us so she could get the perfect photos. That girl, she is a treasure!<br />
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Do we look cold? We may be smiling but it is through clenched chattering teeth! Who thinks of racing in the cold months of fall, spring, and winter?? Then again, when we're dying of heat in the summer we'll be complaining that it is too hot! We're fickle that way. </div>
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Finally! Time to begin!! We start to head to the starting line! The running part of the triathlon is first.<br />
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We had Levi get in the stroller for a picture at the beginning of the race. When it started, he jumped out and ran about fifty yards by himself. Sprinted more like. He was so excited and rearing to go! <br />
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This little girl next to Levi. Her name is Izzy. We had the privilege of competing with her. <a href="http://teamkidcourage.org/" target="_blank">Team Kid Courage </a> as I've written before, not only supplies the equipment for these events but also the athletes. Izzy is being helped by an athlete who's name is Dan. Again, humbled by the goodness and kindness of so many willing to help others. What a blessing!<br />
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So, we're off and running. Literally!! Meanwhile...... back at the ranch........<br />
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The waiting begins. Sitting in the freezing cold waiting for Levi and I to run our 3 point something or other miles. Waiting....... and waiting............<br />
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And waiting........ entertaining one's self as best they can...............</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWIUIpNX4CUz5afhZt2MyTwYJId-9A8euEq8EbSDKAqD3VK2mUJ80Qzvz8Kydo7Pp1sWTmZeFcCwtc6_t3YPzCbdbFoekanMbd2JDIuVYcA6S5UC_o4_IgBf8SnUrIhWcmuSoLyrXvEA/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWIUIpNX4CUz5afhZt2MyTwYJId-9A8euEq8EbSDKAqD3VK2mUJ80Qzvz8Kydo7Pp1sWTmZeFcCwtc6_t3YPzCbdbFoekanMbd2JDIuVYcA6S5UC_o4_IgBf8SnUrIhWcmuSoLyrXvEA/s640/DSC_0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely. You can see Levi waving both hands in the air waving to the crowd. He's in his element!</td></tr>
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And then! A glimpse! I wave frantically to Miss Henny Penny to get the camera ready because here we come! Levi sees the crowd of people and decides that he wants to get out of the stroller and run for the crowd. Go Levi! He cracked me up. At the beginning of the race he ran for the crowd. As soon as we left the crowd he was done. And rightfully so. He'd sprinted in his excitement and gave all he'd had there at the first. I knew the run would be the hardest event for Levi so was not surprised that most of the run I needed to push him in the stroller. I was prepared for that. As we were running, Levi chatted with me non-stop about this and that, things he'd see as we passed, laughing when we'd pass people and say that we were winning, ask why other's were passing us and for me to hurry it up, seeing some chickens and needing to stop and watch the chickens for a minute....... <br />
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Hands are still in the air. Levi is sprinting to what he thinks is the finish line!<br />
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Wait! Hold on a second!! Where's the finish line? </div>
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Still looking for the finish line. Levi can see the end of the run, the transition spot for the biking up on his left but.........<br />
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<i>Levi! We still have further to run! We still have a loop to go around before we can get on our bikes!</i><br />
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<i>Stay in the cones, Levi! What?!! Where's da finish?</i><br />
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<i>Come with mummy. I'll show you. Do you want to get in the stroller? </i><br />
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<i>No, not yet. I wanna still run. </i><br />
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<i>Okay. We'll run together. Hold mummies hand.</i> We run a bit further and Levi has again given his all in the run. He hops back into the stroller and we continue around the loop. As we get closer to the transition, Levi again sees the crowd and hops out of the stroller and sprints to the transition spot.<br />
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Go Levi!!<br />
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Time to get on our helmets and onto our bikes. </div>
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The Mum. Not the fastest at transition. Need to work on that.<br />
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Part of the pit crew helping Levi and I with our bikes and equipment. Always supporting us and loving us through our crazy endeavors. <br />
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The salute. I have to stop for a second in my story telling and tell you about one of my favorite things in the race that Levi did. Since we are out racing in traffic, the local Orem, UT police department helped by standing at intersections of these busy roads directing traffic so that the athletes could be safe. As I would pass through the intersections, I would call out to them, "Thank you"! and Levi sitting either in the stroller or in his bike trailer would do just what you are seeing in the photo. He would salute them. It was so adorable! He'd put his hand up to his helmet and then give a nice sharp salute! <br />
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<i>What in the world is taking your mummy so long???</i><br />
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Okay. See the man in the photo on the right? He's making sure I don't run something/one over with the bike trailer. He's the reason we are able to do all of this! His name is Allan Sumnall and he is the man behind Team Kid Courage. He's the one who early in the morning showed up and helped us get ready for the race with all of this equipment. He's the one who before the race, let the race who ever they may be's that are in charge of the race know that we were coming, he set everything up. He's the one who when Levi and I got on our bikes, got in his car and followed us around and around the course making sure we were okay and when Levi got tired, took Levi's bike and put it on the back of his car and continued to follow Levi and I around. Talk about amazing. His entire Saturday morning was a gift to us. <br />
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Here he is making sure the seat belts in the bike cart are ready for Levi when Levi needs to get in. Lovely shot of his back. Seriously, I am the lamest for not getting better photos of Allan and all he did for us! What I can do though is encourage you to go to <a href="http://teamkidcourage.org/" target="_blank">Team Kid Courage </a> and make a donation. Also, he is the owner of <a href="http://www.sbrutah.com/" target="_blank">SBR Cycles</a> here in Orem, UT. If ever you need anything bike or triathlon related, go to his store. He and his staff will take fantastic care of you. <br />
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Eventually, we do make it out on the bike part of the course. Well, Levi does. I'm still back at the ranch sitting by the fire roasting marshmallows and having a cat nap apparently. <br />
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I think I forgot the memo that this was a race. La-dee-daaa!<br />
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Okay, for reals. We're finally off. The bike part of the race is a course that we have to do 3 loops on. It is like, 12-14 miles. I can't remember how far. Doesn't matter. What matters is that Levi did almost an entire loop by himself! I was so proud of him. I could see he was getting tired at the end of his first loop and would ask him if he needed to rest. He would tell me no, and he would go a few more feet. You need to understand that at the end of each loop was a massive hill. I'm talking, massive. And from where it started, it was a bit less than a quarter of a mile. A long massive steep hill. Several of the bikers we passed were off their bikes and pushing their bikes up the hill. <br />
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About 3/4's of the way up the hill, Levi needed to rest so we set his bike on the side of the road where Allan picked it up and put it on the back of his car and I pulled Levi in the bike trailer. <br />
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And......... through all of this............. the photographer, Miss Henny Penny and Mr. J sit in the cold and try to amuse themselves while waiting for us. The photographer starts to take random pictures...... <br />
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I'll save you from the photos of open mouths showing the back of throats, up noses, and other random photos that obviously were quite amusing to the person pushing the camera button. <br />
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Here we come. First loop. And here is where it gets really cool/neat/emotional. The crowd starts cheering and calling out Levi's name. What? How do they know Levi's name??<br />
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I later found out that at the beginning, before the race started, (where was I?? probably still sitting in the truck trying to stay warm) Allan had told the crowd about Levi and to call out his name when ever they saw him! <br />
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Not only did the crowd of spectators call out encouraging words to him but also athletes. As they would pass us, they would call out to Levi. Levi loved it!<br />
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Look at the smile on Levi's face! He's just had a large crowd of people yelling out his name. <br />
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Thumbs up. Team Levi!<br />
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You can see Levi's little hand waving to the crowd as we pass. <br />
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Still waving!<br />
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Loop number two. We've made it to the top of the hill. Where that street light is there in the back, that is where the road disappears. Down. Did I mention steep? And long?? So, back story to this photo. The first loop around, The SM rode in the car with Allan keeping an eye on Levi and I. When Levi started to struggle on the hill coming up, The SM got out of the car and came over to Levi and walked next to him encouraging him. He got behind Levi and helped push him a little bit. When Levi was needing to rest, The SM helped grab his bike as I continued on with Levi in the bike trailer. <br />
What I didn't know, is that The SM didn't get back in the car. Allan continued following Levi and I but The SM walked back down to the end of the hill and waited for us. When he saw us coming, he came up behind us and started pushing from behind. He helped push me and Levi up the hill. It was a real struggle for me to do by myself. I was so grateful for The SM's help!! As we got closer to the top, I told The SM we were good and he jumped back in the car and was driven back to the race site because he needed to get ready for the swim part of the race where he'd be helping Levi. (I still can't swim......... gonna fix that this winter......). Anyway, like I said. So many behind the scenes things that didn't get photographed that I want to make sure people are recognized for!! <br />
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I'm going to digress here for a second and embarrass The SM but I have to. What he did yesterday. All of the quiet behind the scenes things. That is The SM to a 'T'. Always pushing and supporting us, his family, and loved ones. Quietly going about doing good. I love that man!<br />
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Thank you for divulging me that moment of shmarmy. Back to the race. Here we are coming to the transition spot where we will dump our bikes and then run to the swim. Actually, I didn't dump the bike. Allan came and got it for me and told me not to worry, he'd take care of everything and to go with Levi. See?? More behind the scenes goodness!<br />
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Again, Levi waving to the crowd. I think Levi thinks he's in a parade.<br />
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Oh wow! Both hands up waving!<br />
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Getting out of the bike trailer. He's still smiling! Having a blast!<br />
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Running to the pool to get geared up.<br />
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Thumbs up! We're ready to go! Oh wait! Where's Levi's goggles??? I know I packed them!! Can't find them. Another friend and support who you can barely see on the right of this photo, well, you can see her hand holding goggles, came to our rescue. She let Levi use her goggles. Thank you, Amy!! Guess what?! Found Levi's goggles later in the truck. See?! I knew I'd brought them! Pfffft. What ever!<br />
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The SM jumps into the pool with Levi following. Time to swim the 350 meters! We were going to have Levi ride in a raft that The SM would pull when Levi got tired but decided it might be easier to put a life jacket on Levi and when he got tired, for The SM to pull him along.<br />
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I love this sequence of photos. <br />
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Such a caring, loving, daddy guiding his son along.<br />
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Right there if needed but letting Levi swim on his own offering words of encouragement.<br />
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First lap down. A few more to go!<br />
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And go he did!! Levi swam pretty much the entire 350 meters all by himself! He was given the option to take short cuts and swim less laps but he didn't want to. He wanted to do the whole course.<br />
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Our friend Amy jumped in and swam with Levi the last length of the pool. So much support. So neat!<br />
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And then, the finish!! Here's Levi finishing his triathlon!! Way to go Levi! You won!!<br />
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I'd been given a heads up the night before the race that medals were only going to be handed out to those who placed in the race. I was so grateful I'd been warned. I grabbed one of my medals and gave it to Allan to give to Levi when Levi finished because we all know. Racing is about the medals, right?! <br />
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Fun surprise! Guess who came to support Levi and cheer him on?? Grandma Kaye!! The Natives adopted grandma from down the street. She came and stood in the cold and cheered on Levi and brought him balloons.<br />
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It was so funny. Levi caught site of the balloons while he was swimming and that is all he'd look at for awhile. We were cheering him along and his eyes were riveted on the balloons. Stopped in the pool. Cool! Balloons! <i>Levi! Keep swimming!! </i><br />
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We are so blessed to have so many who have adopted our family and loved us and supported us.<br />
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Finally!! You get to see the beautiful Henny Penny who took all of these photos. Another behind the scenes blessing and sweet heart. I could see her running her little legs off with the camera through out the race as she'd see us so she could get from place to place to take pictures. She's a gem!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUu0RAx1coNFsxMPLC0FpUyksMPSZp8QwNkF3BQhS_z1lM78BjBcAGUxSo4SczQN91Y6BWo0csFla8Wld49MwYtNplVpVXT3KxRPuSJ03FxccVrAtF9WQaHX8rwY8hxxIW4rcdhf18gMQ/s1600/DSC_0275+double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUu0RAx1coNFsxMPLC0FpUyksMPSZp8QwNkF3BQhS_z1lM78BjBcAGUxSo4SczQN91Y6BWo0csFla8Wld49MwYtNplVpVXT3KxRPuSJ03FxccVrAtF9WQaHX8rwY8hxxIW4rcdhf18gMQ/s640/DSC_0275+double.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not pictured: Levi's bigger brother, Mr. B who came with his friend Darren at the beginning of the race to tell him, "Good luck" before he had to run to work. </td></tr>
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Family. Loved ones. Friends. Complete strangers willing to offer support and cheer. This is what it's all about. <br />
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Our champion that inspires us each and everyday.<br />
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Another funny Levi story. We wanted to get photos of Levi up on the podium but needed to wait for everyone to get their awards and to clear out a bit. Levi saw a dog that he wanted to go and pet.<br />
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He kept asking, "Can we be done wiff pictures? Can I go pet dat dog?" Another Levi lesson. He could care less about ceremony and details. He wants to enjoy the moment, in the moment, when it is happening. What ever that moment is. Put the camera away mum and enjoy the moment! Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-86236727847499504202015-11-06T13:01:00.001-07:002015-11-06T13:40:48.347-07:00The Why. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Levi has a big day tomorrow. He has his first triathlon! Say what?! How is this possible? And, why?!<br />
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Very valid questions. Questions as I sit here in my warm and comfy house I am asking myself. Are we sure we want to go in the cold tomorrow to do this thing?? Are we crazy? Yes. Yes, I believe we are. <br />
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When Levi got the diagnosis of Prade Willi Syndrome, one of the things we were told was that it is oober important that Levi exercise. Riiiight. That's gonna happen! It's not that Levi isn't active, it's just. (Insert mommy whining voice). More work for meeee! Coming up with a whole new set of rules for eating alone has been over whelming. Add routine exercise to the mix that isn't the typical kid play that Levi does.......... I don't wanna!<br />
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Time to start thinking how to make this possible. It's got to be something Levi loves to do. It's got to be something Levi is motivated to want to do. It has got to be something that isn't going to result in a huge meltdown and me hiding in my closet consuming even more chocolate than I already am.<br />
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Brain starts to sound like a rusty unused lawn mower refusing to start come spring. A little coaxing and we don't get quite a purr but something is blipping and choking along and thoughts start to produce a plan.<br />
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There is a local bike store that is involved with a non-profit program called, <a href="http://teamkidcourage.org/" target="_blank">Team Kid Courage.</a> They help children with special needs participate in triathlons. They provide the equipment and the athletes. Cool! Intriguing. Getting closer to what I am starting to imagine. I talk to the man behind <a href="http://teamkidcourage.org/" target="_blank">Team Kid Courage</a> and tell him my idea and does he think it is possible. YES! We have lift off! Not only possible but we have his support and Team Kid Courage's support! <br />
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Levi loves the Special Olympics. He loves to compete and more importantly, because let's face it, this is the real reason why we do crazy stuff like races, the medal at the end. Levi loves getting medals. Who doesn't?!<br />
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The Special Olympics has been through the schools that Levi goes to so he gets to participate 'maybe' once a year. Not often enough. Enter triathlons and Team Kid Courage that happen all year long excepting, rather than have athletes do all of the work pushing and pulling Levi, I want Levi to be able to do as much of the running, biking, and swimming as he can. We know that at first he won't be able to do much, but the hope is that over time, he'll be able to work towards and do more and more on his own.<br />
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And, here's the insane thing. Don't ask me why in the world I want to do this when there are athletes in far better shape and more able to help Levi than myself............ I want to help Levi. And so does the rest of his family. We want to be the athletes who help Levi. It's a family thing. <br />
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So, let the insanity begin! Tomorrow morning, when it is freezing cold, when I will still want to be asleep in my warm bed, IT'S SATURDAY!! Sleep in day!!! What am I thinking??? I'm not obviously. The rusty old lawn mower has been put away for the winter. No engine cranking here.<br />
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Anyway, tomorrow morning in the freezing cold, have I mentioned how cold it is going to be?? I will be running with Levi and when he gets tired I will run behind him pushing him in a stroller. We will then transition to the bike part of the race and again, Levi will bike as far as he can and then we'll put him in a bike cart and I will pull him the rest of the way. After the biking part, we enter the swimming where Levi's daddy will jump into the pool with Levi and help him swim and when Levi can't swim any further, then The SM will put Levi in a rubber boat and pull him. <br />
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Honestly, we're excited for this new adventure. It's crazy. It's insane. But, would you expect anything else from us??<br />
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Go Team Levi!!!<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-54409182320051086162015-09-24T19:33:00.003-06:002015-09-24T19:33:29.268-06:00Nature Friday with Mr. JI am home schooling Mr. J this year. On Friday's, we have Nature/Field Trip Day. <br />
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Yesterday, Mr. J said he wanted to go on a hike. When he told me that, I had originally planned on taking him to a place called, "Stewart Falls" here in Utah but when we got to the entrance to the hike, it was all closed off. There was a hiker reported missing and Search and Rescue were out looking for the missing hiker. Thankfully, I was told that she was found. <br />
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So, we drove a little further up the mountain to a place called, "Cascade Springs". It's a lovely, relatively easy hike. <br />
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Mr. J thought it was funny that there were benches at the beginning of the hike. I explained to him that we'd parked and started our hike at the top of the springs but there is another parking lot at the lower end so if someone started at the lower end, by the time they found this bench, they would probably be happy to see it. <br />
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The springs are amazing. There are signs posted that say you shouldn't drink the water but we have water bottles with filters in them. Yes, I'm admitting we've drunk the water before..... and it is ice cold and delicious. I wouldn't recommend you drink though unless you have a filter...... just sayin'..... or you may really REALLY be grateful when you see the 'facilities' at the beginning of the hike. That is, if you can make it there in time......<br />
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I digress. As usual.....<br />
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Mr. J wanted to see if he could cross the springs jumping from rock to rock.<br />
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He was making pretty good progress....<br />
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And then, I noticed a sign asking people to not get in the water. Oops!<br />
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Time to turn around and come back.</div>
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There are signs posted all along the hiking trails which have a lot of information on them like this one. We stopped and read them all. Cuz, ya know. We were in school, right?!</div>
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The little acorns aren't quite ready to drop off yet. We did find some on the ground which Mr. J put in his backpack to bring home and put on his nature table. He thought the acorn tops looked like little bowls. I thought they looked like little gnome hats.<br />
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Okay. I am an absolute ding bat. I can remember taking photos of oak tree leaves with these things on them before and I didn't know what they were then, and I couldn't remember what they were now.<br />
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These two looked like buttons on a shirt to me. Drat! What are they??? Internet to the rescue!!! <br />
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What Gall!!! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CzXccvoJThI" width="560"></iframe>
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Talk about a creepy parasite!<br />
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The fall leaves were just beautiful. I love the reds and oranges best.<br />
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This is at the top of the springs. There are signs that say not to drink the water. We may or may not have drunk the water from here before and it may or may not taste amazing. <br />
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Mr. J was hoping he could find some fish in these little pools. I'm sure there are some, we just couldn't find any.<br />
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"Take a picture of this"! I asked why and was told that it reminded Mr. J of Christmas. Red and green. His favorite holiday.<br />
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Care to take a walk with us?<br />
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Or perhaps you'd like to just sit and take in the view for awhile.<br />
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It's the Maple's that are turning the beautiful reds and oranges. I had no idea there were so many different varieties of maples!<br />
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Bridges. We had to find and cross all of the bridges. Mr. J's favorite part I think. </div>
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We didn't see any willow buds but we did find the plants. It wasn't the right time of year to see flowers. We'll have to go back in the spring/summer.<br />
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And then....... we found the Columbine. One of my most favorite flowers! When I was growing up in Montana, there were some Columbine's next to my Dad's garage. They were growing in the most awkward of places. A place that didn't look like anything could grow in it but the Columbine flourished. <br />
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So dainty. So pretty. So magical and woodland.<br />
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Monkshood. I wish we could have seen the blooms on these because they are pretty cool. Not a chance this time of year. Drat!<br />
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Still, the leaves are quite interesting. Feathery.<br />
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See?? Another maple tree! Who knew?? <br />
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The Natives call the seed pods, helicopters.<br />
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When they fall to the ground, they look like helicopter blades.<br />
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I loved this tree! It looked like a hand to me. It reminded me of the book, "My Side of the Mountain". I asked Mr. J if he would think it would be fun to live inside the tree for a year.<br />
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He didn't think so but, he thought it would be a lot of fun to climb!<br />
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So he did.<br />
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And then I told him to get down from there before you break something!! Not that I was worried truthfully. Not when this native has spent 99.9% of his life climbing things!<br />
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Mr. J thought this was cool, how it has so many thorns down at the bottom and they thin out towards the top.<br />
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Surely if we look hard and long enough we'll find some fish?? The signs say there are fish! We didn't find any. Just water skeeters.<br />
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How cool are these stairs??<br />
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Until next time, The End!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-64201513189574693382015-09-08T14:29:00.001-06:002015-09-08T14:29:36.121-06:00Mr. C Two Years <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I look through these pictures. I can't believe that it has been almost a week now since we said goodbye. I feel like I was just posting the photos of <a href="http://rubowhappenings.blogspot.com/2014/07/mr-t-thats-whats-been-happening.html" target="_blank">this boy</a> saying goodbye to him for two years! <br />
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On Wednesday morning of last week, Mr. C was getting in a last few card games with his baby brother, Mr. J while I was running around like a basket case trying to take care of last minute things. <br />
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And then, it was time. Time to load up the luggage that my son would live out of for the next two years as he serves a two year mission for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.<br />
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He submitted his papers several months ago to the leaders of our church, saying he was willing and wanting to serve and then we waited to hear where he would go. The call came, he opened it, and found out he will be serving in the Chesapeake, Virginia USA mission. <br />
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P.S. Thank goodness for stronger older brothers who can help you carry your big heavy suitcases to the truck! I love Mr. C's stride in this photo. He's excited, he's moving forward, he's taking a big step.<br />
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Last desire before you leave?? Brick Oven Pizza. Gotta have some good pizza before one heads off into the unknown.<br />
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Is it possible we are standing here taking these photos again?? Why yes, it is because Mr. T isn't in any of these photos. He's still in the Philippines where he is serving his two year mission!<br />
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And so it begins. The final hugs goodbye. <br />
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And then, he's off. He has his luggage and off he goes! A few times looking back at us to wave with a huge grin on his face.<br />
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One last time looking back. As the rest of us fall apart as we pile back into the truck and drive away.<br />
I am so proud of my natives. If I didn't truly know and believe in what they are doing for two years, being representatives of Jesus Christ serving and caring for others, there is no way I'd be able to let them go like this. <br />
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But I do. And as much as it hurts having them gone, it's so worth it, knowing the joy they are bringing to other people all over the world. <br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-83587512263218581182015-08-25T16:24:00.000-06:002015-08-25T16:24:37.533-06:00Time Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, The SM, Levi, and I met with a dietitian from Primary Children's Hospital. The appointment was one I have been looking forward to ever since we heard the words, "Prader Willi Syndrom" three weeks ago. Has it been three weeks? <br />
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I have felt like I have been shooting in the dark in regards to what Levi can eat, what he can't eat, how to manage public situations, exercise, a target calorie count for the day, target weight loss, etc. Help! <br />
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I have been counting down the days to today for answered questions. So many questions! The visit went great. These last three weeks have been incredibly hard. Hard in trying to figure out what to cook for dinners, what to put together for school lunches, what snacks in between that Levi needs because he needs to eat every three hours, and how much daily exercising. To say this has been consuming my thoughts and actions for weeks is an understatement!<br />
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But, it's been worth it! Today, Levi weighed in and in the last three weeks, he has lost seven pounds! Go Levi! That part is wonderful news. I'm now left with more dilemmas and questions though. The biggest being, time management. Anytime you have a child with special needs of any sort, they require more of your time. Levi already has taken a lot of my time. Now, he's taking even more. <br />
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I told The SM that I feel like I am feeding an infant again. Levi needs a meal every three hours. The difference is that instead of hooking him up to the ol' "dairy bar" <strike>me</strike> I have to prepare a meal/snack for Levi every three hours. On top of that, I need to make sure he is exercising everyday which means long bike rides or walks or visits to the pool. <br />
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Here's the concern/worry. The other natives. They need time with mommy too! So, more to figure out. I know once I get a schedule of monthly meals put together that things will get easier and we will get into a pattern. In the mean-time, all of my flowers that require me watering them by hand have died, the bathrooms haven't been cleaned in a day <strike>I'm lying it's been way too long</strike>, laundry is piling up, the training of Henny Penny's dog hasn't happened, yet....... my house looks like me, a mess! <br />
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So, bottom line. What we are doing with Levi as far as food and exercise is concerned is working wonderfully. Now we have to figure out how to make sure the other natives get their personal time with mummy too!<br />
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Don't you just love how answering some questions leads to more questions??Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-66394631351570833342015-08-24T22:09:00.000-06:002015-08-24T22:11:44.539-06:00Cauliflower. It can be edible!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ_WGEEfp1XCOzC8cvC_yqeL44cVeSieJDmYtMe99zMQYH5foiYWhaUdp5CkNjOesAfe13LOFhwnnmfZhgdEk-O8Dn3WBfH6ybiCU-x2wSq35LH3hTWBVST8K_51xbPsZVLuJK09P4_c/s1600/DSC_0461+double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ_WGEEfp1XCOzC8cvC_yqeL44cVeSieJDmYtMe99zMQYH5foiYWhaUdp5CkNjOesAfe13LOFhwnnmfZhgdEk-O8Dn3WBfH6ybiCU-x2wSq35LH3hTWBVST8K_51xbPsZVLuJK09P4_c/s320/DSC_0461+double.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In my quest to find foods that are healthy and that Levi will love, I was told to check out this recipe (<a href="http://cooklisacook.blogspot.com/2012/07/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html" target="_blank">click here to see recipe)</a> for Cauliflower Pizza.<br />
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Cauliflower Pizza? Are you kidding me? I don't like cauliflower. I know. Big surprise. It's a vegetable! And, it's gross. I did NOT want to taste a 'pizza' that tasted like cauliflower. But, Levi absolutely loves, adores, dreams about........ you get the idea. Pizza!!<br />
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So, we tried it. And......... it was really really good!! I did what the recipe said and squeezed the living daylights out of the cooked cauliflower. I mixed in the seasonings, eggs, and cheese. Cooked it for about 30 minutes in a 450 degree oven. I wanted the crust to be nice and crisp. I then added pizza sauce, salami, red and yellow bell peppers, onion, and bacon. I turned my oven up to 'broil' and keeping the rack in the middle, put in the pizza to cook the veggies until they started to get little black edges. I then added more Mozz. cheese and put it back into the oven just a minute or two until the cheese melted. <br />
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Oh my heavens! There is actually a way to eat cauliflower besides smothering it in Velveeta cheese! And!! The natives liked it and more importantly! Levi liked it! Success!!<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-71728133550906196512015-08-15T13:31:00.001-06:002015-08-15T13:31:43.895-06:00Closet Eaters<i><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Closet Eater:</b> An abnormal eating behavior in which a person binges on food when alone. Closet eaters usually eat normal meals in front of other people, but when alone, the binging begins. A closet eater sneaks foods and hordes goodies in a bedroom, car, or other secret place. </i><br />
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Closet eating. Every father or mother knows that it is a right of passage! When one needs a <strike>treat</strike> break from the natives, one goes into their closet and <strike>eats some chocolate</strike> takes a deep breath and regroups. It's a very select group. We take our membership very seriously. <br />
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I'm a horrible mum! I've broken the code. This is a parents only group! One must go through the initiation of parenthood to get into this group. There are laws I tell ya! Laws for a reason!! I broke them. I hang my head in shame. <br />
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Because Levi is on such a strict diet of what he can and can't eat, we all have to be strict with him. It's not fair to eat donuts and cookies and ice cream and truffles and brownies and candy and chips and crackers and scones and could you hold on a second? I need to go in my closet for a minute. Just typing this has made me realize I need to take a break for a minute.<br />
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Phew! Okay, I know I said a minute but a minute turned into a nap. Yes, I was napping that whole time in my closet! Who's asking?????<br />
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Anyway, as I was saying. One shouldn't eat things in front of others who can't. It's just not nice. So, in the argument of being kind, I've divulged the secret of the closet society. I know! I'm sorry!!! What's a mum to do?? The other natives were starving I tell ya! They were having with drawls and foaming at the mouth! I had to do something. <br />
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Yesterday, Levi was at a friends house. I was craving some sanity. Oh was I craving it big time. Over the top big time. I climbed up on top of my island and reached far back into the cupboard above the fridge and grabbed a sugar cone. It wasn't good enough to just sink my spoon into a tub of ice cream and eat out of the tub. Ohhhh no. Yesterday, I wanted a big double decker ice cream cone with fudge on top. Levi was gone! I could! I could sit in my kitchen and indulge myself! So, I did. I also scooped a bowl of ice cream for Henny Penny and how we relished those first bites. And then....... we heard it........... the front door. WHAT?! HOW THE?!! IT CAN'T BE!!!! HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!!!<br />
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I put on my super <strike>sneaky</strike> hero suit and flew across the kitchen! Ripped the bowl of ice cream out of Henny Penny's hands, slammed my ice cream cone into the bowl on top of her ice cream, (had a silent sob, it was a beautiful cone), yanked open the freezer door, and hurled the bowl of ice cream with my cone into the back of the freezer with a slam of the door shut. Levi walked around the corner and asked, "Watcha doin"?<br />
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Oh nothing honey! Just teaching your sister to hide and hoard food. Just giving your sister one more thing to work out in therapy as she gets older. More bad habits!!!<br />
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One doesn't want to waste one's money or the therapists time so I am giving them plenty of things to work on!<br />
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Dear Natives,<br />
You're welcome<br />
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Love,<br />
Mummy<br />
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The End!<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-29621854088224530952015-08-12T14:55:00.000-06:002015-08-13T06:01:25.917-06:00Prader Willi Syndrome and Levi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cKAMVuZVCNOtsBB2TL17fLlQTMmN71Pg50snqeYhYfs2hsTyKbkrNepdEv-u0d71hFtz7KtGEyxNyvWP_M8KYlJLh99WZyyMKGLzzU3G-RBD3zEAqSVIcD2yfe9ihS0U24u10fIWA88/s1600/Rainbow-Vector-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cKAMVuZVCNOtsBB2TL17fLlQTMmN71Pg50snqeYhYfs2hsTyKbkrNepdEv-u0d71hFtz7KtGEyxNyvWP_M8KYlJLh99WZyyMKGLzzU3G-RBD3zEAqSVIcD2yfe9ihS0U24u10fIWA88/s320/Rainbow-Vector-3.jpg" width="320" /></a>I am going through all sorts of emotions today. Yesterday I had a good cry and then wondered why in the world I was crying! Nothing has changed. Levi is still Levi, right?! Another label. Something else to worry about.<br />
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I took Levi to the doctor for a routine physical and his latest immunizations required by the schools to enter Junior High. The doctor wondered if Levi had ever been tested for Prader Willi Syndrome. No. Why? After the doctor's suggestion that I go home and look it up, I am quite convinced that Levi does in fact, have Prader Willi Syndrome.<br />
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<i>Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, this condition is characterized by weak muscle tone (hypotonia), feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. Beginning in childhood, affected individuals develop an insatiable appetite, which leads to chronic overeating (hyperphagia) and obesity. Some people with Prader-Willi syndrome, particularly those with obesity, also develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (the most common form of diabetes).</i></div>
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<i>People with Prader-Willi syndrome typically have mild to moderate intellectual impairment and learning disabilities. Behavioral problems are common, including temper outbursts, stubbornness, and compulsive behavior such as picking at the skin. Sleep abnormalities can also occur. Additional features of this condition include distinctive facial features such as a narrow forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and a triangular mouth; short stature; and small hands and feet. Some people with Prader-Willi syndrome have unusually fair skin and light-colored hair. Both affected males and affected females have underdeveloped genitals. Puberty is delayed or incomplete, and most affected individuals are unable to have children (infertile).</i></div>
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It's as if these two paragraphs were written about Levi. Excepting the light hair. Pretty much everything else applies. So what now? The usual. At first, it's just information. Okay. Deal with it. Then it slowly starts to sink in and I find myself emotional and crying not understanding why until I talk it out with my baby sister. It's another big thing to absorb. It's no longer, "Levi has a weight problem". It's a life threatening weight problem. On top of the AHC that he already has! And the way we do things, the food we eat, all of that has to change. Drastic! Huge! It's overwhelming and I've no idea where to start! </div>
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A dietitian with Primary Children's Hospital is going to work with me. I have to keep taking big breaths and reminding myself that this didn't just happen in a day. Levi will be okay if we work into this. Yes, we need to be aggressive and make huge changes but it doesn't all have to happen today. </div>
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I start to print all the information I can get my hands on from the Internet. I'm pouring over papers trying to get ideas and suggestions. I'm brainstorming thinking about what will work for Levi. I keep praying asking for guidance and inspiration and I am writing down my thoughts and taking notes as the inspiration comes. </div>
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I think the biggest thing I am worried about is the emotional toll this is going to take. Not just the hard work to put this all into place, but the emotional. Having Levi crying and telling me he is hungry and wants more to eat and not giving in. He doesn't understand. He doesn't feel full. I already deal with this and I've always given in and given him what I thought were healthy alternatives but from what I am reading, I won't be able to give him in the future! Even healthy isn't necessarily healthy for Levi. </div>
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If Levi didn't have siblings at home, this would be a lot easier. Their lives are going to change too. Everything will need to go into a lock down and anything Levi can't eat, they'll have to eat in private where he can't see them. Do you get the magnitude of this? It's not just home. It's at friends houses, school, church, parties. How does one do Thanksgiving? Levi can't eat a lot of what everyone will be eating. We can't live in a bubble! We can't seclude ourselves. These are things I have to figure out because it is no longer just a weight problem. This is Levi's life on the line. </div>
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I have no idea how this will all workout or come into play but I do not doubt that it will. I have faith that it will. Levi lived with our Father in Heaven first before he came to The SM and me. He knows Levi best and what Levi needs. I know He will continue to guide us and help us find our way on this journey. In the meantime, there are tears still to shed. It's a process. Grieving. And that is okay. There's always a rainbow after the storm, a beautiful thing. </div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-28145426201486306912015-05-20T13:40:00.002-06:002015-05-20T16:24:48.094-06:00A Lazy River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Why is it that all of my stories somehow have a bathroom experience involved??<br />
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The one moment that I sit down to take a break in my 'oval office'. I'm sitting there and all of a sudden I am hearing a noise in the plumbing, the actual plumbing, not mine, and I am thinking, "That doesn't sound good"!!<br />
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Next thing I know, Miss K is running into my 'office' and telling me that Mr. C has broken a sprinkler and it is flooding all over. Really??? Seriously??? This had to happen now?? When I can in no wise do anything about it until nature has taken it's<i> doo</i> course???<br />
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I finally get done with my business and come outside to see a lovely river in my front yard! I'd asked The Natives to dig up the paving stones that we walk on that were getting eaten by the grass and could hardly be seen so that we could make our front walk look nice.<br />
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Guess us joking to Levi that we were making a lazy river in our front yard when he asked what we were doing yesterday became a reality! <br />
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I hate it when pipes explode! The timing is never convenient!! Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-79702968810424741182015-04-23T13:52:00.000-06:002015-04-23T13:54:54.428-06:00Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.875em; line-height: 1.375em;">YARN~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.875em; line-height: 1.375em;">: a long, thin piece of cotton, wool, etc., that is thicker than thread and that is used for knitting and weaving</span><br />
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: an exciting or interesting story; <em>especially</em> : a story that is so surprising or unusual that it is difficult to believe</div>
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I have had this particular yarn for several years. I bought it to use in a mystery sock group. Each week, we were given more to the pattern so as we knit the sock, we had no idea what it was going to look like when we finished. I happily knit week after week loving the sock I was making until I got to the end and realized I'd made a sock big enough for some man in the NBA who has to order his shoes special because his feet are so big! I could have worn it as a thigh high!</div>
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So, like a lot of my knitting projects, I ripped it all out and re wound the yarn for a later use. That use came along a few weeks ago when I found a pattern in one of my knitting books for a scarf. </div>
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Here is a link for the book on Amazon. (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/60-More-Quick-Knits-Collection/dp/1936096218/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429818323&sr=1-1&keywords=60+more+quick+knits" target="_blank">Click here</a>). The pattern is called: <i>Lace Panel Scarf</i></div>
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I wish I could tell you what yarn I am using but I didn't keep the tags on the yarn. I bought it at my local yarn shop. It is a sock weight washable yarn. My bad.</div>
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I can however tell you about the book, <i>A Long Way From Chicago</i> by Richard Peck. Have you read this book?? It was recently given to me. I had just finished a book and was looking for something else to read, so decided to give this one a go. Oh my word! I was laughing too many times and have decided that this is a book worth reading around the dinner table to your family after everyone is done eating! The grandma in this book is a hoot and the <i>yarns</i> she tells! Well, you'll just have to read and find out for yourself!</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-53309855249145759232015-04-20T21:15:00.002-06:002015-04-20T21:15:44.411-06:00Hijacking of the Camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What do all of these photos have in common??? Absolutely nothing other than this is what one finds when they go to upload photos off of their camera and find out that natives have stolen the camera once again without The Mum's knowledge.<br />
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Thankfully, the snow has melted. It lasted about a day which was a day too long in my opinion. It is April. April showers bringing May flowers and all of that. Not April snows...... The tulips are pretty hardy and survived as did all of the weeds that seem to survive an entire winter and come back all the more tenacious in the spring. They say the wicked never rest. I think 'they' were talking about weeds. <br />
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Miss Cinder is now 8 months old and continues to make us laugh with her antics. One shouldn't put forth too much effort when eating. I think she learned this from my boys. This is how they all sit at the dinner table. Arms/hands on either sides of their plates, heads inches away from their food, looking all the world like they are sitting up to the trough instead of the table. We're working on that..... they all insist the good Lord invented elbows to be used at the table, for what other purpose is there?<br />
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As for the Lego's and the stacking blocks........ I have no idea other than this speaks Mr. J all over it and since he is the baby<strike> (turning 10 years old in a month) </strike> I think pretty much anything/everything he does is adorable. <br />
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I'd write a post about the latest book I read that I deem worthy of reading around the dinner table after meals as a family because it is quite funny and my latest knitting project but found these photos in process of looking for my photos and got side tracked. Guess my original post will have to wait for another day!<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-31803968027519686192015-03-29T19:27:00.001-06:002015-03-29T19:27:20.610-06:00My Big Back Yard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I awoke to a loud noise I'd not heard before. It sounded like it was right outside my bedroom window! I knew it was a bird, what sort of a bird, I knew not! We have pheasants that live in the field behind our house and they can get quite noisy. This was not a pheasant! What in the world was it?<br />
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A Sandhill Crane. Who knew? I don't think they normally stop on their migration here in central Utah. They do in Northern Utah, but I don't think they are normally seen around here. I could be wrong. I was wrong once. Many years ago. So long ago I can't remember when or what it was about!<br />
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This evening, The Natives informed me that there are now four! Two in the alfalfa field and two in the field next to it that has been recently turned. P.S. I love seeing/smelling newly turned soil. <br />
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Levi is enamored by the Sandhill Cranes. He has been watching them all afternoon. How often does a boy see a bird that stands about as tall as him? <br />
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It's spring. New things to see, hear, and smell. So much to add to our <a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/blog/the-secret-of-the-nature-notebook/" target="_blank">Nature Notebooks</a>! Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-69126201519890909162015-03-16T10:24:00.003-06:002015-03-16T17:51:32.728-06:00One of the Many Things We Love About Levi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In our church, we don't have a preacher over the congregation that speaks each week. Our congregation is called a ward led by a bishop. Each week, members of the ward are asked if they would be willing to speak on Sunday. A personal invitation is given by a member of the bishopric (the bishop, his first counselor, or his second counselor-- depending on which one is conducting the meeting).<br />
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Two Sunday's ago, the second counselor came and asked me if I would be willing to speak. I said that I would and was given the topic, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Yeah. Not an easy subject matter. <br />
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Yesterday, as I sat up on the stand looking down into the congregation, I watched Levi. My eyes were drawn to him because A) my eyes are drawn to my family, and B) Levi was very emotional. <br />
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The entire meeting was based on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My talk, a musical number, and another talk by another member of our ward. Through the whole meeting, Levi couldn't get a hold of his emotions. <br />
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This happens often when the topic is Jesus Christ. Levi becomes very emotional. He doesn't know why and it confuses him, he just knows that he can't stop crying. Those of us who know Levi, know it is because he has a very real and personal relationship with his older brother, Jesus Christ. <br />
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There is no doubt in my mind that before Levi came to this earth, he was one of the 'great ones'. <br />
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Happy 13th birthday Levi!! I am so grateful for the gift Levi gave me 13 years ago today. Having Levi in our home is a gift to all of us. He is so loved as shown by his older brother, Elder Trevor Rubow who sent this early this morning all the way from the Philippines to Levi. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-54794358269399831272015-03-10T21:35:00.001-06:002015-03-10T21:35:44.567-06:00Levi Does Community Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR2NbkfNvU1qeRA0iOMMeiWqEI4UX93qbG8S2ZV6_4oUL5pWwZWtZHLikeT1BT7zHHfES4gYo5JtqBVq0qWY0KRKKjte1_t4A8L0Awmbi1cmREpDmmDOmc-7SVoCwPwd1XceEeTqJuBw/s1600/canstockphoto13521231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR2NbkfNvU1qeRA0iOMMeiWqEI4UX93qbG8S2ZV6_4oUL5pWwZWtZHLikeT1BT7zHHfES4gYo5JtqBVq0qWY0KRKKjte1_t4A8L0Awmbi1cmREpDmmDOmc-7SVoCwPwd1XceEeTqJuBw/s1600/canstockphoto13521231.jpg" height="320" width="177" /></a></div>
Having older brothers in the scouting program, earning merit badges, ranks, and their Eagle Scout rank is something Levi has been watching ever since he was born. <br />
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When he was old enough to join the scouting program he wanted to do what his brothers have done. It's always been this way with Levi. He sees and he wants to do/copy.<br />
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Levi is working on his Citizenship in the Community merit badge right now. One of the requirements is 8 hours of community service. Yes, 8 HOURS!! We've done 3 so far. 5 more hours to go! <br />
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Today walking the river trail picking up garbage:<br />
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Me: Levi! Look! There's a piece of garbage! <br />
Levi: Look! Dares a duck! Why iz dat duck swimming dat way?<br />
Me: Levi. You need to pick up this piece of garbage.<br />
Levi: I hear dogs barking. Why are da dogs barking?<br />
Me: That is how dogs talk. They are saying hello. Now, let's pick up more garbage.<br />
Levi: Can we be done wif diz? When iz da clock gonna be 6? (I told him we'd finish at 6:00 PM)<br />
Me: Levi, we still have 45 more minutes! Let's keep walking and finding garbage.<br />
Levi: I'm hungry. I'm hungry for lunch.<br />
Me: No, you already had lunch. You are hungry for dinner.<br />
Levi: No I didn't!! I didn't have lunch! I'm hungry for lunch!!<br />
Me: (The dialogue continues about lunch and how he didn't have lunch, yes, he did..... at school.......... no I didn't.......... I'm hungry for lunch!)<br />
Me: Levi, we need to keep walking and finding garbage.<br />
Levi: What do I get when I finish picking up diz garbage?<br />
Me: Dinner. We'll go home and have dinner.<br />
Levi: I'm hungry for dinner. I'm ready to go home now.<br />
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Sigh.................. 5 more hours to go before Saturday's merit badge pow wow when these requirements are supposed to be done so Levi can sign them off.......... Heaven help me............... <br />
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And why pray tell, you all are wondering, are we helping Levi to earn these merit badges when he has no concept of why or what any of these mean?? Because he wants to be just like his brothers and get merit badges and have them on his sash. Sashes are cool! He wants his sash covered in merit badges just like his brothers. So, The SM and I continue to sit and take notes for Levi in classes that he is oblivious to and could care less about and we walk river trails picking up garbage that he could care less about because in the end, seeing Levi smiling and proud of his sash filling up with merit badges makes it all worth it. At least that is what I keep telling myself. <br />
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Note to self: Remember this sweet thought as you do the next 5 hours of community service...... and up the reward when finished. Dinner doesn't cut it. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-70115980245572266362015-02-27T13:53:00.001-07:002015-02-27T13:53:08.381-07:00Philippines! Weekly Letter!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">So I tried to send you a video but I made it a bit too big so you will need to wait till next week to get it. I wasted most of my email time trying to get it to you and its so annoying that it didnt work...sorry.</span><br />
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Crazy week you had though haha! Your sense of humor is just different thats all nobodies perfect as you right? :)</div>
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Tell C----- to get those papers in ASAP and let me know what happens! I am so so excited to see where he ends up haha, and how far out of his comfort zone.... <i>(Mr. C is putting his papers in soon to serve a mission for our church as well!! Exciting times!!)</i></div>
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Well I love you too and I am sorry that I wasn't able to send you anything big....dumb video but I know what I have been doing wrong so you will get one tomorrow alright? Love you tons as well and Cannot wait till mothers day as well. I don't even know when that is actually.</div>
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We had an amazing week this week which should bring many people to the waters of baptism! We are very excited and we are seeing some good things coming for the future. To start off we have been failing at finding new investigators. We talk to people but they aren't very interested most of the time. So we realized that we needed a new way to find people so we decided to find Less Actives. We found a Ward Directory and just started going through names of people that lived in the ward but we no longer recognized and then with a few members went out to find them. Many of the people had moved to other places but many were very accepting of us and many promised to return to church. As well as that, many of their families were not members and were interested in coming as well and the kids of these less active members. One of these families was a testimony builder for me. <div>
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We had one more family on the list that we wanted to visit and upon arriving we tagbalayed the house to see if anyone was there. We could see people looking through the cracks of the bamboo house but it wasn't for a good 5 minutes till the father came out to talk to us. He was a member and recognized us as missionaries but we could tell he did not really want to talk to us. I continued to do so anyway and after some basic talking we found out that his son was very sick with a high fever and could barely move. The father invited us in and we offered to give a blessing to him. Right after the blessing he was able to stand and the fever was gone. After a few minutes the father then said they would go back to church even though we had not yet committed him to do so. The priesthood is a true power and I testify that it is indeed here upon the Earth and it was given to Joseph Smith, a true prophet of God and it was given to him by the three Apostles Peter, James, and John. </div>
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That was our week really, we do have a baptism this <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_453015542" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">coming Saturday</span></span> which I am so very excited for and I cannot wait, we still have a lot to do to help with that and the work will continue! I miss you lots of course but I just love the Philippines and there is no where else I would rather be right now.</div>
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Elder Rubow</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-49091101228389389172015-02-25T20:09:00.001-07:002015-02-25T20:09:06.070-07:00Pizza!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq0ROPhnPN7J6qIaoMPS8Z5YlnxFPGpVSveTkeimwqdT5erHgdWQUBelBufK92QagyOW8NOWIdQdrq-16e6ygCGsh5i-xkorBdV_2IlGm91oXFIvGjB4wCztqwWm9jcfvEHYj-d3AkLI/s1600/Pizza+01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq0ROPhnPN7J6qIaoMPS8Z5YlnxFPGpVSveTkeimwqdT5erHgdWQUBelBufK92QagyOW8NOWIdQdrq-16e6ygCGsh5i-xkorBdV_2IlGm91oXFIvGjB4wCztqwWm9jcfvEHYj-d3AkLI/s1600/Pizza+01.gif" /></a></div>
The other night, The SM bought our family pizza for dinner. Horray! No cooking for me! I love pizza night! So does Levi. Levi absolutely loves, adores, eats, sleeps, dreams about pizza. Pizza, pasta, donuts, and gum. He would live solely on pizza if I let him. Pepperoni and sausage. None of this just cheese stuff. Nope! Gotta have meat on it and lots of meat.<br />
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When ever there are enough left overs for another dinner, The Natives are told to leave it alone! Don't touch! If you value your life, you won't even THINK about taking those left overs with you to school/work for lunch the next day. Save them for dinner! Levi has caught onto this. <br />
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He loves to take the left overs from dinner and put them in a Rubbermaid container and put them in the fridge for me. Levi also delights in left overs. Especially left over pizza! <br />
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So, again, back to the other night. Sorry, tangent. It happens. It's been a long day. SQUIRREL!<br />
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Anyway, we had pizza the other night. There were some left overs. Not a ton but enough for Levi to put the pizza in the fridge and more importantly, make an interesting observation and then use it to his advantage. The next morning, Levi observed his brother, Mr. C getting his lunch ready for the day. Mr. C was going to take some left over pizza with him. Levi saw this and figured something out on his own. He told Mr. C that he needed to put the pizza back in the fridge because Dad said we were saving it for dinner! (Dad didn't say anything of the sort.) Mr. C promptly put the pizza back in the fridge and made himself a different lunch and then left for work.<br />
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As soon as Levi saw his brother leave for work, he went to the fridge, took out the left over pizza, and ate it all himself!<br />
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The End!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-46414917334790419082015-02-18T07:19:00.000-07:002015-02-18T07:19:40.110-07:00Philippines!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder C. and Elder Rubow</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">so the computer crashed and I am out of time. It took me half an hour to fix it and the time is far spent here. So this one will be quick and rather boring to be honest. I completely forgot it was valentines day! Shows how much I pay attention. Not that it matters here anyway really. I always shower/deoderant/brush/floss and all that. You would be proud of me!</span><br />
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So I gave B. a challenge this week so you can talk to him about it if you want. Rather simple really. Thanks!</div>
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Not much to say this week really. It was just busy busy busy. I had a bunch of meetings today which meant no proselyting this week. Well we worked <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1405394136" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> actually but other than that I have been traveling and mostly alone at that which was so weird! I had district meeting on Tuesday, left for Iloilo that evening with my companion which took 5 hours to get to the mission home. The next day was trainer trainees meeting because I was training and then President sent my companion back to our area but I had to stay for District Leader Committee. I met with a lot of other district leaders and we had a lot of fun going out and talking to people before going out to eat. I learned that it is not good to go out to eat with a missionary from Tonga and a missionary from Samoa. I got beat so badly and I was hurting all the next day at the meeting. After all the meetings (which were pretty fun) we went back to our respective areas. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1405394137" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> was so fast and we visited a lot of our recent converts here in the area so that was good! <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1405394138" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> morning we had interviews with President and Sister Aquino. Those were alright but it was mostly just 'I am good and thats how I am." So that was easy. Later that day we had Stake Conference where they talked about the importance of family and ward council meeting. That was that! Really simple week really. I learned a lot though about how I could do better as a district leader so that will be very nice to put into application.<div>
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That really is my week. It was very boring but I got to know my zone a lot better and the missionaries in it. I love it here and I cannot wait to be able to get back to work this week and go find new people. Thats really about it so thank you very much for everything and I will catch you next week.</div>
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Elder Rubow</div>
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I love you!!</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-48874517845858944552015-02-13T09:17:00.001-07:002015-02-13T13:30:58.537-07:00A Monumental Moment in the Life of Levi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Valentine's Day. How does one explain Valentine's Day to a child like Levi. You don't. You help him make his little Valentine cards knowing that the concept means nothing to him. To Levi, it is another party at school where he will get treats.<br />
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I found a site on the Internet that makes bug Valentines. Perfect for Levi! He might not grasp the concept of Valentine's Day (what elementary kid does??) but he does grasp bugs and they are cool! <br />
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A few days ago we sat down and glued bugs onto what looked like a jar printed on card stock. I wanted to print on the jar: Happy Valentine's Day! Now bug off! Or, Happy Valentine's Day! Quit bugging me! The SM didn't think that was a very good idea so we went with the cutesy "Love Bug" saying that was already printed on the jar. (If you are needing a visual, <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2012/02/love-bug-valentines.html" target="_blank">here is the link</a> to what we made). <br />
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Bugs happily glued onto the jars. Now time to write names on the tops of the Valentines. Who do you want to give Valentines to Levi besides your teacher and classmates? The bus driver and bus driver aid. Swell! Not a problem. We carefully write their names on top of their Valentine's. Levi talks about his bugs for the rest of the week in anticipation of today.<br />
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This morning arrives. Oh happy day! It's time to get ready for school! I put Levi's bug Valentine's into a bag for him but leave out the two for his bus driver and aid. We look at the Valentine's and carefully go over which one he hands to the bus driver and which one he hands to the aid. Look Levi! What is your bus driver's name? Yes, that is correct. What does (insert name) start with? We say the letter and sound out the letter. We go through the same with the aid's name. We do this several times so Levi can see the first letter in their names, know how it sounds, and hand the Valentine's to the correct person. Over and over we do this so Levi can be successful. <br />
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The bus comes. I stand on the porch and tell Levi to have a good day. He hesitates. He doesn't leave the porch. I look from him to the bus, and then I notice what Levi has already noticed because anything different/change is always on the radar. The bus driver is different today. All of that work practicing who to give the Valentine's to! Argh!!!<br />
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I tell Levi it is okay and to give both Valentine's to the aid. She'll make sure the bus driver gets hers. It's too much. It's not what we practiced. Levi continues to hesitate. I give him a little prod. Finally, he walks to his waiting bus. He holds onto the Valentine's not sure what to do. Looking out the window now he looks to me in confusion. What to do?! It's all changed! I motion for him to give the Valentine's to the aid. He looks from me to the aid and back again. Go ahead Levi. Everything is going to be okay! <br />
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Eventually Levi gives the Valentine's to the aid. Both of them. And then he looks back at me. We do the usual wave and blow kisses goodbye. As the bus pulls away I give Levi the thumbs up. You did it!! You worked through something really hard! You worked through the unexpected! You worked through change! Something that is no big deal to most, was monumental to Levi! I wish I worked through the unexpected/change/difficulties as well as Levi did this morning........ Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-23211265543867989262015-02-09T07:40:00.000-07:002015-02-09T07:43:47.827-07:00Philippines. And Pictures!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Crazy crazy week and the next one is going to be twice as crazy! And I only have a few minutes to share it. I am in my new area President Roxas in the jungle/ocean! Love my new area a ton! But it has its own challenges though such as distance. The transportation is very limited and very expensive so we walk most of the time unless we catch the lucky bus going pass. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We also have boats because we get to travel to a bunch of islands which is way fun! I love the ocean and the mountains so now I have both! </span>I am still district leader and I am finishing the last 6 weeks of another missionary. That has been going alright but other than that nothing has changed much in that aspect.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: start;">Elder Rubow and Elder Bartolome</span></td></tr>
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So the big thing for this last week. We have been doing some finding in the islands and we came across a member from the Iglesia ni cristo and he has invited me to talk to his ministers and such so I am super excited to see how that turns out in a week or two. I still don't know if it will even happen but I told him I would have no problem but I won't be able to visit him till after this coming week. We have a ton of meetings which means a lot of transportation because I am so far from everyone so that will be fun. That really wraps up my week and I hope to have something better for next week. </div>
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Keep doing good things and always choose the right! I love having the Spirit with me and having the opportunity to follow his guidance. He will never lead us astray and neither will the Prophets. Those be some smart people. Love ya all! </div>
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That is about it! I love you and I cannot wait to hear from you next week! Till then love you!! And I always always wear my deoderant. (<i>I often tease him about wearing deodorant in my letters to him.)</i></div>
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Elder Rubow</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-54346588491777021572015-01-26T09:57:00.002-07:002015-01-26T09:57:52.397-07:00The Philippines!<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
January 25, 2014</div>
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Transfers is this Thursday now. So I
have three more days to work here! This week was very interesting
for missionary work. A couple of things happened this last week to
make things a lot of fun. For one, the Pope came to the Philippines,
and two we had the Degagyan Festival both of which are of Catholic
origin. So we pretty well lost all of our investigators this last
week and they won't get back until tomorrow. Made for a lot of
getting punted and trying to find investigators who are interested.
Not very many were with us. But I have no worries. This week will
be tons better. I am super curious where I will be going next week.
I have heard almost everyday for a week now I will be leaving the
area and so I am now very curious.</div>
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Two big things happened this week
though. Ill start with the change of Bishopric. We got a new
Bishop! It was incredibly unexpected and even the old Bishop didn't
know until earlier that Sunday morning. Even better was I had just
met with him last Friday and we made a bunch of new plans for the
year of 2015-2016. Now we have a new one and I know he will be a
very good Bishop for La Paz Ward.
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Two. I hate spiders...I don't mind
little ones here, they are super fun to play with and hold. And they
like to fight eachother which I find super awesome! They don't have
any real pokemon here so how kids play is they will go out and find
spiders in the trees,bushes, etc. and then place two of them on
opposite sides of a stick and let them at it. Its way cool and way
fun! The loser then has to find a new spider because his is now
dead. But those aren't the ones I am talking about.....I hate the
big ones the size of my hands. But good things for all of us, they
die very easiliy with fire. Got an awesome flame thrower here.
Lighter and an arsenal can full of bug spray. Works so well.
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Other then that it has been a lot of
teaching and preparing the area for a new missionary to take over.
My companion has decided to stay though he really doesn't want to
100% but I am very glad that he has decided to stick to it. He has
so much to learn and I know he will learn a lot of things from his
mission that will keep him active. I can sorta understand Cebuano so
we can talk pretty well but he is just so shy its hard to get him to
say anything. I really hope his next companion can help him with
that.
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For my spiritual experiance I have been
learning a lot about sacrafices. From Adam till now we have been
commanded to sacrifice. No, I did not sacrifice anyone other then
that big spider.
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When one hears sacrifice what are the
first things we think of? For me it is like the kind Moses gave to
the Isrealites, or giving up something important for something even
more important to us. In 3 Nephi Chapter 9 verses 19 and 20 we learn
we are to no longer give blood sacrifices. But instead we are to
sacrifice ourselves through a broken heart and contrite spirit. If
we truly want the blessings of repentance and forgiveness, we need to
mean it. It must be sincere. And above all it must be for the Lord.
These steps here from lds.org I think are the best way to accomplish
this.</div>
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1. All of us in our natural, carnal,
and fallen state on earth have sinned and transgressed the laws of
God, for which a punishment is designated by the law of justice.</div>
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2. Jesus Christ is holy and pure. He
lived a perfect life and was therefore the person least deserving of
punishment for sin.</div>
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3. Because of his great love for us,
Jesus Christ paid the price for all our sins. He suffered the
punishment for the sins of all people.</div>
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Jesus Christ did not need to pay for
our sins. He was perfect and thus forth was entitled to eternal
glory. We on the other hand are, from the words of King Benjamin,
lower then the dust of the Earth. Why? Because even the dust will
obey the voice of the Lord with exactness. Thus the need for a
Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit.</div>
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So that is about it for this week. I
am so thankful for this time that I have had here in my area and I am
very excited to see what happens next. Next week I will have a brand
new companion with a brand new area.
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Elder Rubow</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127063223404008364.post-82383597792091375082015-01-25T12:24:00.000-07:002015-01-25T12:28:46.739-07:00Toilet Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was little, the toilet was the perfect step stool to reach things in the bathroom. I'd stand on it to reach the sink to wash my hands. I'd stand on it to look at myself in the mirror examining my lack of bangs after taking scissors to them. <i>Sorry mom. I get it now.</i> The toilet was also where apparently my brother on his way to bed, would find me fast asleep and carry me back to bed. Often. Why?? I don't know!! Why the fall asleep while using the toilet. Not why my brother carried me back to bed. <br />
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As I've watched The Natives grow up and also use the toilet as a stepping stool to reach objects they shouldn't or more appropriately, to wash their hands after using the facilities, it never crossed my mind that someday, I would again, be using the toilet as a stepping stool. What adult does??? Well, unless you are painting your bathroom and refuse to move the ladder all over so you walk from ladder to toilet to bathroom counter and try to perch on anything else you can find only to find that you are still too short so disgruntled you climb down and get the ladder. <br />
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Fast forward to the future where Levi is almost as tall as me. Have you ever tried to shower and wash the hair of someone who is taller than you? As I type/write this, the thought does occur to me that I could just have Levi sit down in the shower so I could reach the top of his head but where is the fun in that? Much funner to once again stand next to the shower, nozzle in hand, precariously (I don't have the balance I once did as a kid) standing on the toilet lathering shampoo on Levi's head telling him not to open his eyes or it will sting!!! <br />
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This morning I got the giggles, I had this vision of me as an elderly old shrivel standing on the toilet trying to reach up (despite standing on the toilet) to wash Levi's hair juggling both the nozzle and my walker with the tennis balls. I'm going to need to invest in a really really big toilet............. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904348716444211746noreply@blogger.com6