tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89078506276059721042024-03-05T22:45:12.707-05:00On a Wing and a PrayerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.comBlogger1337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-78878400584970489012016-12-01T10:48:00.000-05:002016-12-09T11:14:19.098-05:00Bible Journaling Kit from Ellie Claire<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">The winner of the Bible Journaling kit is Diane, who commented on Facebook that her favorite verse is: <span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Congratulations, Diane! </span><br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Bible Journaling has become quite a popular thing these days. I'm not much of a drawer, so I never embraced the idea fully. I do underline or highlight things though. However, after recently been given the opportunity to review a Bible Journaling Kit, I am now becoming a convert. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/519PKHWCHHL._SX429_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="273" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cB6hsKT6Fz0FgJon5_6_MyTrYhC4BlxNuswxzVjYuhUdAY1H7ZCIAIVmX_mBURLf1_xoW4kQkxIptkNUP4MBSSmC0C_VyaYzvS06Dzlfyl9YkkTkac1UAnVBefLokLQti5-1JaUvlcAu/s1600/DSC_3361w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cB6hsKT6Fz0FgJon5_6_MyTrYhC4BlxNuswxzVjYuhUdAY1H7ZCIAIVmX_mBURLf1_xoW4kQkxIptkNUP4MBSSmC0C_VyaYzvS06Dzlfyl9YkkTkac1UAnVBefLokLQti5-1JaUvlcAu/s320/DSC_3361w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This kit contains a journaling pen, 8 colored pencil twists (no sharpener needed!), 4 sheets each of word stickers and alphabet stickers, 24 tab stickers, a ruled page protector mat with tracing lines, and a lovely pouch to hold everything in. Everything you need to get started. Well, except for a Bible, but you probably already have one. If not, there are many journaling Bibles to choose from. I have one on my wish list for Christmas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still can't draw well, but I'm trying. It's like a person who can't sing but loves to and makes a joyful noise to the Lord. :) Well, I'm spending time in God's word and doodling some in my Bible. That can't be a bad thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are just a few of the things I have drawn/written in my Bible with this kit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqST_tyPmS_l-oz-OMb50lhJqoTOGmH9HmnDzCls0iqIGiPxPd3ZrVpmtmsv4DcjasbMuCq8TpgGhetCmsLg8LnjqRj7mXUBfggCXn_nVIZ7A939eMsyIxi9V_t9z2j1AY4gW10owxu0K/s1600/DSC_3357w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqST_tyPmS_l-oz-OMb50lhJqoTOGmH9HmnDzCls0iqIGiPxPd3ZrVpmtmsv4DcjasbMuCq8TpgGhetCmsLg8LnjqRj7mXUBfggCXn_nVIZ7A939eMsyIxi9V_t9z2j1AY4gW10owxu0K/s320/DSC_3357w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuz8LyBSR2-ZxVSlwVzt2SGNluP3j2cJq4HmJvWmpTmVS2Nk53LTZ3q3No1q-yfN1gqJzkAkz3RiNccj5fA0__wqH2W798vrH9SUO3BSFsp8_wqlXNGKKrf86BP3U4hTB0bOEP3alcRn_/s1600/DSC_3358w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuz8LyBSR2-ZxVSlwVzt2SGNluP3j2cJq4HmJvWmpTmVS2Nk53LTZ3q3No1q-yfN1gqJzkAkz3RiNccj5fA0__wqH2W798vrH9SUO3BSFsp8_wqlXNGKKrf86BP3U4hTB0bOEP3alcRn_/s320/DSC_3358w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GsfkWO94zL1uEYghvJbUnlSj3oGYb2iMBNhxsE1nuDNzCy-Pjcpf9p6dkWcGG6Z23XYR4X1hF7UsvEdhF0T7zJO6w6_N-d52zO5LnvCuJ-9u52JmklUbFdRAMZ_84YyvlzEAHdTADcUr/s1600/DSC_3356w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GsfkWO94zL1uEYghvJbUnlSj3oGYb2iMBNhxsE1nuDNzCy-Pjcpf9p6dkWcGG6Z23XYR4X1hF7UsvEdhF0T7zJO6w6_N-d52zO5LnvCuJ-9u52JmklUbFdRAMZ_84YyvlzEAHdTADcUr/s320/DSC_3356w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sro94drD8aoFL66yQFcwXhW3CBpoBxsFaAG4Ap0n_VcN4c8Eml1Uq7Vt8PrBGEQ7s7qEPWa4qssMAe7KVFrwV8Y9EcpIz7zqlE1iOHy_NNWC7UtADjX05bcjiuWoJ4vD1r-6tHR84z6N/s1600/DSC_3354w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sro94drD8aoFL66yQFcwXhW3CBpoBxsFaAG4Ap0n_VcN4c8Eml1Uq7Vt8PrBGEQ7s7qEPWa4qssMAe7KVFrwV8Y9EcpIz7zqlE1iOHy_NNWC7UtADjX05bcjiuWoJ4vD1r-6tHR84z6N/s320/DSC_3354w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like I said, I'm not one whose strength is drawing (remember, I'm a photographer), but I'm willing to give it a try if it helps me to remember God's word better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have ever wanted to get started with Bible journaling or know someone who would, now is your chance. <b><i>You can enter to win your very own kit! </i></b> Simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Bible verse. Mine is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win the kit.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>The last day to enter is Thursday, December 8. I will randomly draw a winner on Friday, December 9, and announce it here.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, Worthy Inspired and Ellie Claire are giving
away 5 kits on their website. Check out this link to enter: <span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><a href="http://bit.ly/BibleJournalingKitGiveaway">http://bit.ly/BibleJournalingKitGiveaway</a>. </span>And while you are there, be sure to download the free coloring pages.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few links to check out for more information or to purchase the kit:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Barnes & Noble: <a href="http://bit.ly/BNBibleJournaling"><span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">http://bit.ly/BNBibleJournaling</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amazon: <a href="http://bit.ly/BibleJournaling"><span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">http://bit.ly/BibleJournaling</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Books-A-Million:
<a href="http://bit.ly/BAMBibleJournaling"><span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">http://bit.ly/BAMBibleJournaling</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Christian
Book Distributors: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/CBDBibleJournaling" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">http://bit.ly/CBDBibleJournaling</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i class="yiv7830283815" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: start;">"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the<br class="yiv7830283815" />Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-80841716275430801062016-09-24T21:20:00.001-04:002016-09-30T21:42:44.986-04:00The Afters ~ Live On Forever ~ Review and #Giveaway<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The winner of this CD, drawn randomly on random.org, is Julie! Thank you for entering!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love good Christian music, so when given the opportunity to preview The Afters' new CD, I jumped at the chance. And I am so glad I did. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="Live On Forever" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2BTZQRWemL._SS500.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The CD is wonderful! I listened to it again and again and quickly picked my favorite songs. Shadows, Battles, Wake Up My Heart, and Time of My Life top the list of faves. But really the whole CD is fantastic!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, if you are thinking that you don't really know who The Afters are, remember the song, "Light Up The Sky"? Yeah, those guys. I love that song too. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Their latest effort, <i>Live on Forever</i>, began during a season of
tragedy. Cancer diagnoses, illness, and death all hit close to home for the group. But despite all of that the band chose to find their shelter and strength in God. According to Josh Havens, guitarist and lead vocalist of The Afters, “<i>Live on Forever</i> is about moving
us to trust God, to stand up against fear. It’s an ‘ante up’ record, an anthem
for people’s lives: ‘God you are with me in all this. I’m not alone.’”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You should go check out some websites to get to know these guys better:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Official
website: </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theafters.com%2F&h=HAQEHdDtkAQEcxKiLOQF1E2nQPLOD4ZCl3pehlFHrzGPdXQ&enc=AZNGTkjgLGRlsngXZsfWdt94a0wpktTrVdZ3ThVypnASdHsPjmYM7YBKkXxh9bGwEuyQA_ivetZF3EOGEhOJybac8Xq8iHVLm2DyXQ9uC0UhhsauDfPupkdLppu1hyV1l0SR8itWrq2xjt5OyOs1x_yCvTuHQLD-vbUPqjIFNNkM4XaOTJ3d65BbWkeXghI4JGz8Y964SKfFsYNASK76HPtM&s=1"><span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">www.theafters.com</span></a><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Twitter:<span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Ftheafters&h=8AQFsE6W8AQGdVn7Sp_FMW6L7y7EULWkE59NG_qwteftSOg&enc=AZPkejQYYivKo2rkHtDA_ww7f608b1P-FBTq2WePP_MMbt6fGVUl_5BpMj-AH2nlSyg62Sb_P9K6SWYpOTRdDTsNmxd20HUxcQDPv_enVIBMk23VYlDhkLimct1yQnlpjROsbcu7NKd99x1OFyjf39qbz4N4NgevcVJfiojfZPY4XmzLh_sxS_6iHtenTT-B6tATAP4KdLRyYQGEEbmjxUjJ&s=1">twitter.com/theafters</a></span><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Facebook:<span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> <a href="https://facebook.com/theafters">facebook.com/theafters</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Instagram:</span><span style="color: #294387; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <a href="http://instagram.com/theaftersofficial">instagram.com/theaftersofficial</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />And go watch some of their music videos:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Battles (Official
Lyric Video)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/MQJWT017Jwc"><span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">https://youtu.be/MQJWT017Jwc</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Battles (Heart Of
The Song)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-7IXh-P_lnY"><span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">https://youtu.be/-7IXh-P_lnY</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Live On Forever
(Heart Of The Song)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/t_qz_U0YbrY"><span style="color: #386eff; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">https://youtu.be/t_qz_U0YbrY</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Live On Forever
(Official Music Video)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <a href="https://youtu.be/OdS7EWMNrWc" style="color: #386eff; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">https://youtu.be/OdS7EWMNrWc</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now that you love their new album and want to purchase their music :) here are some options:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">iTunes: </span><a href="http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-iTunes"><span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-iTunes</span></a><span style="color: #16191f;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";">Google </span><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Play: </span><span style="color: #16191f;"> </span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smarturl.it%2FLOFAlbum-GPlay&h=TAQGeiA92AQEEXQ3K5i-gFTZlgJEUq-pq-uTHNjTvneVT4Q&enc=AZPbNIH73WytQnTqmuy-2HgUZ5AzucTpkqt-1v7Fd2NIN9TQAPgUUs7Z845fIDP3q-4nSaOHUOnfyDpWVSizJSqIa81A00TkNvvN2jivNWOre4Wp1punybgr6to3EAAMFc3noQJa9jp3eJjPqu6NU8gQExdt5Vz3gufkNQgVazHTdGZKYSokj59VJ1NHwso06__RZIRr_wRpu7qx2qKZSnLE&s=1"><span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-GPlay</span></a><u><span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Amazon:
</span><a href="http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-Amazon"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-themecolor: accent1;">http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-Amazon</span></a><u><span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Spotify: </span><span style="color: #294387; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4sVbYL5y6d2nMX2H5LggGx">https://open.spotify.com/album/4sVbYL5y6d2nMX2H5LggGx</a></span><span style="color: #16191f; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />You won't regret purchasing their music! <br /><br />Finally, if you would like a chance to win your own copy of this CD, here's your chance. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know your favorite music genre. Are you a Rock and Roll kind of person? Do Blues make you happy? Do you prefer Jazz? Or perhaps you are a Country girl/guy? Just shout it out in the comments! Easy peasy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />The last day to enter is Thursday, September 29. Winner will be chosen and announced at the top of this post on Friday, September 30.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides
Concerning the<br />Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many
thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.
Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary
compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review
and post. Only one entrant <wbr></wbr>per mailing address, per <wbr></wbr>giveaway. If you
have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30
days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another
blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-44231195342783989712016-06-03T17:23:00.003-04:002016-06-03T17:23:54.446-04:00Phil Wickham "Children of God" CD Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you heard the new album by Phil Wickham? It is called "Children of God" and it is incredible!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Children of God" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/910XM4DXNpL._SX425_.jpg" width="200" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After discovering a vocal polyp - a small lesion on his vocal cord - in 2014, Phil Wickham didn't know whether he'd ever be able to sing again. Surgery removed it, but the healing process would take time. During that time, Phil cried out to God and felt a strong sense of God's presence with him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He began writing songs not knowing whether he would ever be able to sing them. The reawakening of his heart is shown in song after song on his new album. And, obviously, he is able to sing again. In fact, according to his bio, two weeks into his healing process, the doctors told him they didn't see any scarring on his throat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God is good!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I listened to his songs, I enjoyed the worship that he conveyed through his words. I started writing down my favorite songs so I could highlight them here but found myself liking one after another. There were, however, a few that stood out a little more than the others, such as <i>Awakens Me</i>, <i>The Secret Place</i>, <i>Wide Awake</i>, and <i>My All in All</i>. But the whole album is just wonderful. We will definitely be listening to it over and over.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are interesting in learning more about Phil Wickham's new music, check these links out:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">iTunes: <a href="http://smarturl.it/PW-COGiTunes"><span style="color: #386eff;">http://smarturl.it/PW-COGiTunes</span></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amazon: <a href="http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Amazon"><span style="color: #386eff;">http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Amazon</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spotify:
<a href="http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Spotify"><span style="color: #386eff;">http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Spotify</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YouTube
Video: <span style="color: #386eff;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyXsJMkUPg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyXsJMkUPg</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What's your favorite music these days? Feel free to share in the comments!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I received this product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-11841669465150536152016-05-05T20:12:00.000-04:002016-05-12T14:19:58.884-04:00The League and the Lantern ~ Book Review and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The giveaway is now over. The winner is Alisha! Congratulations!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi there! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Long time, no see, huh?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been telling myself for months now that I really should write something on my blog, but then I never got around to it. I could give you a gazillion reasons why I haven't posted, but I won't bother. Let's just say it wasn't exactly a priority in my life and leave it at that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So now here we are at that awkward stage. Long-time silence. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For those of you who stuck around, thank you. I hope to post more regularly from here on out.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyway, my reason for posting today is pretty exciting! I just finished reading the book The League and the Lantern and I wanted to tell you about it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="the league and the lantern book" height="200" src="https://dot-dash-client-files.s3.amazonaws.com/leagueandlantern/img/the-league-and-the-lantern-book.png" width="176" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About the book:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a disastrous sixth grade, Jake Herndon is anxiously awaiting his Big Do-Over, starting with his new school's notorious seventh grade sleepover. Awkward team-building games and forced fun quickly become the least of his problems, however, when a dangerous organization invades and the night takes a shocking turn. Jake and two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, barely escape, only to find themselves in a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 48 hours they unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War and an incredible secret about Jake's family.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Full of unforgettable characters and unexpected twists, <i>The League and the Lantern</i> is a jaw-dropping ride of mind-bending revelations and laugh-out-loud humor. If Jake and his new friends can make it through this weekend, they just might have a shot at seventh grade.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this debut novel, family television executive producer and dad Brian Wells has created an epic, rip-roaring comedy adventure that's also about courage, family and friendship. The result is an engaging mix of great characters, crackling wit and unexpected twists that 9- to 14-year-olds, entertainment executives and family groups are applauding.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wells works from the belief that great entertainment is driven by memorable characters and imaginative writing, and it shows. The League and The Lantern delivers all of this and more without objectionable language or inappropriate themes. Throw in a plot that traces back to real historical figures and you've got what some are calling Percy Jackson meets National Treasure.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As an extra bonus, the book also invisibly weaves in 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle school success. A free downloadable study guide is available on the book's website.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started reading this book to my 10-year-old son and we got through the first couple chapters. He's happy with me reading a chapter or two a night, but I was hooked and kept on reading without him. (Don't worry though. I will continue reading it to him until we finish.) :) I finished the book in two days! I couldn't put it down!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes, it is geared towards middle-schoolers, but it is a great story that even adults will enjoy. The best part is that there is no foul language and no inappropriate scenes. Just good, clean action and adventure. With some surprises along the way, of course.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Actually, that's not the best part. The best part is that for every book you buy from the website, they will give a copy away to a child in need!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you have a son or daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew, whomever; get this book for them! It is the first book in a new adventure series for middle schoolers. I can't wait until the next book comes out!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here are a few ways you can learn more about the book and the author:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22.4px;">Website:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://leagueandlantern.com/">https://leagueandlantern.com/</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Facebook:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeagueAndLantern">https://www.facebook.com/LeagueAndLantern</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now for the giveaway part. Since I agreed to read and review the book, I have been given permission to also give a copy away to one lucky reader! All you need to do is answer a simple question - who is your favorite children's author? Easy peasy! Thanks for entering!</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Winner will be announced here once the giveaway is over, so be sure to check back. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b7b999e94" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7b999e94/" id="rcwidget_osd4gpe1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #10171f;">"<b>Disclosure (in accordance with
the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising”):</b> Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for
providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100%
my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of
the product in exchange for this review and post.</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. </span></span></i><i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you have won a prize from our sponsor
Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.
Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win
it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-69016794102756132202016-01-09T20:34:00.001-05:002016-01-09T20:34:38.426-05:00Memories, Dreams, and Reflections ~ 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know it is has been a while since I last posted here. Let's face it ... blogging takes time. And I have just not taken the time to post anything. Summer 2015 was incredibly busy with raising Monarchs. And dealing with our house being hit by a car. (More on that soon). Then fall was incredibly busy with photo sessions and editing. Then the holidays. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And even now, when I typically have time to get caught up and work on projects that I didn't have time to do during the summer and fall, I have been blessed with more work opportunities. A family session between Christmas and New Years and a wedding on New Year's Day. I'm currently working my way through the wedding images and hope to have them finished up this weekend. Especially since I need to report for jury duty selection on Monday morning. Ugh. Praying I don't get picked to be on a jury.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, I always like to participate in <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2016/01/memories-dreams-and-reflections-2015.html">Ashley's Memories, Dreams, and Reflections</a> recap each year, so I made a point to seek out the photos this year. I will be honest and tell you that I took less photos of my family. I had a tough time finding a photo for a few of the prompts. Between butterflies and photographing clients, I apparently didn't pick my camera up as often as I would have liked. I plan to change that also in 2016.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So here are my selections for 2015's memories, dreams, and reflections ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{me}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23605984313/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="01 Me"><img alt="01 Me" height="700" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1467/23605984313_24de1b2793_o.jpg" width="467" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you know me, then you know I hate selfies. But I did want to share a pic of a new t-shirt that I bought last summer. So this is me. Kind of. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{i love you}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23605984143/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="02 i love you"><img alt="02 i love you" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1603/23605984143_937169955f_o.jpg" width="601" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doug and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary in November. I had Keira take some pictures of us while we were both dressed up before we went out to dinner. However, none of them turned out very well. So we tried again on Christmas Eve.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{still laughing}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23937208720/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="03 still laughing"><img alt="03 still laughing" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1714/23937208720_774f5465f4_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since I realized that I hadn't taken many photos of my babies in a while, we set out one evening to remedy that. Of course, the boys started getting silly. Nick first, then Alex followed his lead. I giggle every time I look at this photo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{winter wonderland}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24206697526/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="04 winter wonderland"><img alt="04 winter wonderland" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1581/24206697526_584d724d38_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Honey loves the snow. Although this particular day it was super cold and windy and even she didn't want to stay out long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{birthday}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23937208290/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="05 birthday"><img alt="05 birthday" height="700" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1712/23937208290_f295be1569_o.jpg" width="467" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nick asked for cold, hard cash for his birthday. So my sister-in-law made sure to make that happen. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{friends}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23937208230/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="06 friends"><img alt="06 friends" height="700" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1680/23937208230_4fed5b1065_o.jpg" width="467" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My friend, Sharon, and I met on Facebook through a photo-a-day group. When we discovered that we lived close-ish to each other, we decided to meet up. First at Phipp's Conservatory then at the zoo. We both love photography and both places are great for photographers. We both love the polar bears at the zoo also, so this was a perfect place for us to hang out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{i was inspired}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23864967539/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="07 i was inspired"><img alt="07 i was inspired" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1619/23864967539_f351deb9a4_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been raising Monarchs for 6 years now and I had yet to take a photo of a Mama laying eggs or a couple mating. Well, this year I got both. The mating pair was taken with my phone though, so I still need to get a good shot of that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{spring fever}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24232805015/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="08 spring fever"><img alt="08 spring fever" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1477/24232805015_722f48d69d_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing says spring like tulips. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{travel or vacation}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24206698486/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="09 travel or vacation"><img alt="09 travel or vacation" height="450" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1516/24206698486_ff0b66e92c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We didn't take a vacation this year but we did go on several day trips. This is a phone pic from one of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{summer days}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23937207690/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="10 summer days"><img alt="10 summer days" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1480/23937207690_1736147c05_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Butterfly season started a little later than usual for us this year thanks to all the rain, but once it got started, it consumed my summer days. And some of my fall days. We raised and released 1,062 Monarch butterflies along with some Black Swallowtails and Spicebush Swallowtails. For a while there it was like a full-time job. But one I wouldn't trade for anything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{a day in my life}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24150240751/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="11 a day in my life"><img alt="11 a day in my life" height="386" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1624/24150240751_36044331e2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These guys are always part of my days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{all smiles}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23605982583/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="12 all smiles"><img alt="12 all smiles" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1609/23605982583_33887bd20f_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kobe appears to be smiling for me. I just love her!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{autumn harvest}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24124735212/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="13 autumn harvest"><img alt="13 autumn harvest" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1452/24124735212_7bf7c9eae1_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fall was such a busy time for me that I didn't seem to take many photos other than clients. However, we did take a family day to go to Elk County to see the elk. We came up empty in the morning but after lunch we were fortunate enough to see a few elk including this bull.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{family or home}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23605982013/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="14 family or home"><img alt="14 family or home" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1498/23605982013_87e0f6344a_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I mentioned above our house got hit by a car in September. I had planned to write a blog post about it (and I still might), but short story is the guy fell asleep at the wheel and our house ended up in his path. This happened on a Saturday around 1:00 a.m. The kicker is that we live about 100 feet off the road and up a hill. Not a house that you would ever expect to get hit by a car. This photo shows the wall that he took out. Our homeowner's insurance had to cover the repairs since the driver didn't have insurance. The house repairs just got finished on Tuesday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{celebrate}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23605981723/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="15 celebrate"><img alt="15 celebrate" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1687/23605981723_5e3d033ab5_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My in-laws celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They didn't want any gifts, just a nice gathering of friends and family. I offered to take pictures for them. This photo is of Doug's two sisters, his parents, and him. It had been a while since they had a family photo taken.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{let's do it again}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24150239091/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="16 lets do it again"><img alt="16 lets do it again" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1533/24150239091_0ee5fbd2e0_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Can't wait for butterfly season to start again this year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{i miss you}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24232803115/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="17 i miss you"><img alt="17 i miss you" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1654/24232803115_73629d3720_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kobe is so much fun to play with at the zoo. It has been a few months since I visited her and I miss her. Must get back to the zoo soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{beautiful}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23937205670/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="18 beautiful"><img alt="18 beautiful" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1684/23937205670_2cb6fb6043_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira participated in a princess day at a local banquet hall. All the "princesses" (and the "queen") looked so beautiful. Keira is 2nd from the left, beside Mary Ellen, the owner of The Gathering Spot, and the host of the princess day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{dress up}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23604558014/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="19 dress up"><img alt="19 dress up" height="700" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1640/23604558014_6b365ec768_o.jpg" width="467" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We're pretty much past the days of dressing up (for play anyway). However, they do still have a fun costume party at youth group. Keira dressed up as a Geisha girl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{macro}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24150238231/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="20 macro1"><img alt="20 macro1" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1641/24150238231_099c31ae78_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24124732832/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="20 macro2"><img alt="20 macro2" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1459/24124732832_aeaa898aa7_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to my macro lens and my stalking this Black Swallowtail egg, I was able to capture the tiny caterpillar hatching out of its egg and then turning around and eating the egg casing (the baby caterpillar's first meal).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{holidays}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23605980043/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="21 holidays"><img alt="21 holidays" height="600" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1460/23605980043_8829a70921_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My babies on Christmas Eve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{my favorite}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24232801505/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="22 my favorite"><img alt="22 my favorite" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1630/24232801505_9648d5cb53_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is really hard to pick one photo as a favorite, but I'm pretty happy with this one. A Black Swallowtail (one of my babies perhaps) depositing an egg on my parsley plant. They are super quick, so I was excited to capture her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{don't ever change}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24232801265/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="23 dont ever change"><img alt="23 dont ever change" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1609/24232801265_4c8b3e8da4_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Silly, funny, loving, helpful. I hope he never changes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{just because}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/24281318315/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="24 just because"><img alt="24 just because" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1481/24281318315_f6787f8825_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love her! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{hopes and dreams}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/23604556384/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="25 hopes and dreams"><img alt="25 hopes and dreams" height="601" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/23604556384_22e74fe8b0_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, I have lots of hopes and dreams. For my family, our home, my business. But I had to pick just one photo, so my hope is to help the Monarch population even more this year by raising LOTS more butterflies. If you've never raised one, you should give it a try. But be warned, you will be hooked. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you made it this far, congratulations! And thank you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be sure to stop over to <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2016/01/memories-dreams-and-reflections-2015.html">Ashley's</a> and see her gorgeous pictures!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope to be back to blogging soon. In the meantime, wishing you a blessed and Happy 2016!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-42165172365490566532015-11-09T19:05:00.000-05:002015-11-20T19:31:33.543-05:00Faith of Our Fathers ~ DVD Review and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Taking the entries from the blog and Facebook, the winner of this DVD is Lindsey! Congratulations, Lindsey! I'll get your DVD out to you soon. Thank you to everyone for entering!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**********</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello there! Just popping in to share about a great movie I had the pleasure to watch recently ... Faith of Our Fathers. And just in time for Veteran's Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZWimoAczbAtwHQhiy6P8U9a2RQZ9Q71dkuyTGbSGe6yMfeRJPOL27GJS24kUsfyTYylV8pZBgkVl8g2huHcXLZ6N_huIPfhzqJU_ePHba3bpE6KlcZQwScVjW5OZmw0LerC_wuloo7dA/s1600/faith+of+our+fathers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZWimoAczbAtwHQhiy6P8U9a2RQZ9Q71dkuyTGbSGe6yMfeRJPOL27GJS24kUsfyTYylV8pZBgkVl8g2huHcXLZ6N_huIPfhzqJU_ePHba3bpE6KlcZQwScVjW5OZmw0LerC_wuloo7dA/s200/faith+of+our+fathers.png" width="114" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About the movie:</span></b></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John Paul and Wayne are two young men in search of their fathers. Problem
is...their fathers have been dead for 25 years. Eddie and Steven are two young
men in search of their sons...whom they've never met. In 1969, Eddie and Steven
are with their squad deep in the jungle of Vietnam on a five-day mission to
retrieve fallen comrades. They write letters to their wives, often mentioning
their love for their sons, one, who is an infant and one yet to be born. In
1994, John Paul and Wayne go on a five day road trip to the Vietnam Wall in
Washington DC to see their fathers' names. Along the way, reading those
letters, they begin to get an understanding of who their fathers were and how
they died. Trials and mishaps, both funny and sad, complicate the road trip for
the boys. The horrors of war and the testing of faith manifest themselves for
the young men in Vietnam. Ultimately, in parallel stories - 25 years apart -
the fathers and sons are bound together forever. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Runtime:</b> 96 minutes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Genre: </b>Drama</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Rating: PG-13 </b>(for brief war violence)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Starring: </b>Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Downes, David A.R. White, Rebecca
St. James, Si Robertson, Candace Cameron Bure, Scott Whyte, and Sean
McGowan.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Special Features of the DVD:</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-The Heart of Faith of Our Fathers</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Honoring Father's Day</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Commemorating Memorial Day</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Si Robertson Interview</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Stephen Baldwin Interview</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<b style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">SOCIAL • CORNER</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://faithofourfathersmovie.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">OFFICIAL
WEBSITE</span></a></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/faithofourfathersmovie"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FACEBOOK</span></a></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/FaithFathers?lang=en"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">TWITTER</span></a></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://youtu.be/-x5o7ZfJB0k"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">OFFICIAL TRAILER</span></a></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My thoughts:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This movie is a MUST SEE! It has </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">mystery, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">drama, humor, and a great story line. It caught my interest from the very beginning. I laughed out loud several times. I may have even cried once or twice. Or three times. :) The story really touched my heart. I hope you will buy it, rent it, stream it, whatever, and see what I mean.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my readers has an opportunity to win their very own copy of this DVD movie. Just leave a comment on this post. Easy peasy! Winner will be chosen randomly on Monday, November 16, and announced at the top of this post. So be sure to check back to see if you are the winner!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you for stopping by!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #10171f;"><b>Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning
the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):</b> Many thanks to
Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of
winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary
compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review
and post.</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #10171f;"> Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. I</span></i><i><span style="color: #10171f;">f you
have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30
days, you are not eligible to win. </span></i><i><span style="color: #10171f;">If you have won the same prize on another blog, you
are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.</span></i></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-77668542654995710392015-10-07T22:53:00.000-04:002015-10-07T22:53:11.886-04:00Finding Noah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBVSgdd5-Wz9fok7pIMpH8Pb5lvKraFypFRP-fYMgUanA7eRkFGgjPNldcMn0RATXqyX32H8hGvCTTuP30Jl28jip3vuhk0fTF3qXVzuA367kKKGeUD4yLXX60p6aOIrVysS3OzZriOKO/s1600/Finding+Noah.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBVSgdd5-Wz9fok7pIMpH8Pb5lvKraFypFRP-fYMgUanA7eRkFGgjPNldcMn0RATXqyX32H8hGvCTTuP30Jl28jip3vuhk0fTF3qXVzuA367kKKGeUD4yLXX60p6aOIrVysS3OzZriOKO/s320/Finding+Noah.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For over 2,000 years, man has been searching for the final resting place of
Noah's Ark. Though there have been many attempts, few have been able to fully
explore the one place specifically noted in the Bible: Mount Ararat. Located in
Eastern Turkey, Agri Dagh or "The Painful Mountain" is the tallest mountain in
the region and lies in the very center of a centuries old, geo-politically
unstable hot spot. With constant threats of deadly rock slides, hidden
crevasses, and glacial ice falls, the Kurdish Rebel held mountain poses great
risk to any explorer, let alone those performing a thorough scientific
investigation. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Join director/producer Brent Baum and the <i>FINDING NOAH</i> film crew as
they follow an expedition of intrepid explorers on a perilous trek up to Mt.
Ararat's desolate summit. There, using state of the art technology and
real-time satellite imagery, this team of archeologists, scientists and
professional mountaineers will begin a grid work of exploration unlike any
before, hoping to finally resolve the age-old question: did Noah and his Ark
actually exist? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Shot in never-before filmed locations in the harshest of conditions, this
unprecedented feature-length documentary shows just how far men are willing to
go to discover the truth. Narrated by Academy Award nominee Gary
Sinise, <i>FINDING NOAH</i> is more than a quest for answers, it is a testament
of the human spirit, where belief and the need for exploration transcend risk
and limitation. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.findingnoah.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">OFFICIAL
WEBSITE</span></a></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/findingnoahfilm?_rdr=p" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FACEBOOK</span></a></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/FindingNoahFilm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">TWITTER</span></a></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingNoahFilm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YOUTUBE CHANNEL</span></a></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.findingnoah.com/tickets" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PURCHASE
TICKETS HERE</span></a></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WOW! This documentary film was eye-opening for me! I was not aware that so many people have been searching for Noah's Ark for so long. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amazing people who risk their lives in search of the truth.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The footage in this film is great. Breathtaking views. Spectacular skylines. As a photographer, I was in awe of the beauty. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And all of this is coming to a theater near you for one night only. Thursday, October 8. Check the link above to see if it will be playing near you. And if it is, be sure to go see it! I bet the spectacular views look even more amazing on a big screen. :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you do go see it, I would love to hear about it! Comment on this post your thoughts of the film. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-6457607913368083992015-09-09T23:36:00.000-04:002015-09-09T23:36:50.641-04:0090 Minutes in Heaven ~ Review and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A True Story of Death and Life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtFPOBbj1CjBXuevA0wONBzghsYf7ahB9pp05YUoYnjjnV5pDdA6gAlLKAf8alkz_5aF4CdU1FgAdCXXDqJ94-CYVk0yWMEdlGco4XBp3YUy88yiIdPJ2D9ZPler2H9E9a208Z0CJLNco/s1600/90+minutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtFPOBbj1CjBXuevA0wONBzghsYf7ahB9pp05YUoYnjjnV5pDdA6gAlLKAf8alkz_5aF4CdU1FgAdCXXDqJ94-CYVk0yWMEdlGco4XBp3YUy88yiIdPJ2D9ZPler2H9E9a208Z0CJLNco/s320/90+minutes.jpg" width="218" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The true story that sold over 7 million copies is now a major motion picture!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed
his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene,
Don's body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don's soul, meanwhile, was
experiencing love, joy, and life like he'd never known before. Don was in
Heaven. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When another pastor's prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a
living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven's
bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support
and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don
clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous
life. The Piper family's incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming
the challenges of life - and death - will bring hope and encouragement to all
who see it. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After given the opportunity to watch the opening scene of the movie, I can't wait to go see it! In the meantime, I was also given the opportunity to read the book. While I haven't gotten through the whole book, what I have read so far has definitely kept my interest. I look forward to picking it up and reading more.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About the movie presented by Giving Films:</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Releases in theaters everywhere September 11,
2015</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rating: PG-13 (for intense accident and injury
images) </span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Starring Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of
the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith), Kate Bosworth
(Remember The Titans, Blue Crush) Michael W. Smith, Fred Thompson, Dwight
Yoakam, and Jason Kennedy, <i>90 Minutes In Heaven</i> is based on the inspiring
New York Times best-selling book that has sold 7 million copies. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About Giving Films:</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Giving Films is passionate about sharing hope-filled movies
and donating <b>ALL </b>of their profits to charities and ministries who serve
those in need. Beginning with their first film, <i>90 Minutes In Heaven</i>,
Giving Films is allowing all of us to be a part of making a difference. Anytime
you go to a Giving Films movie in theaters, visit <u><a href="http://www.givingfilms.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.givingfilms.com</a></u> and select which
charities you want to receive the profits from your ticket. Their charitable
organizations are Christian Alliance for Orphans, Faith Bridge Foster Care, Hire
Heroes USA, Hope International, LifeWater, Street Grace, and World
Vision. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<b class="yiv9984899733"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<b><a href="http://90minutesinheaventhemovie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE</span></a></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/90minutesinheavenfilm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">FACEBOOK</span></a></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/90minutesheaven" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">TWITTER</span></a></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<b><a href="http://90minutesinheaventhemovie.com/givingfilms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">GIVING FILMS</span></a></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOko8hlVAlM&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OFFICIAL TRAILER</a> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you will go see the movie! But in the meantime you have a chance to win your own copy of the book. Just leave a comment on this post. That's it! Easy peasy! <b>Last day to enter is Tuesday, September 15.</b> Winner will be chosen and announced at the top of this post on Wednesday, September 16.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once <a href="http://www.kimberlyvensel.com/2015/09/my-poor-neglected-blog.html">butterfly season</a> (< -- click here to see what I'm talking about) is over I'm hoping to have more time to finish reading this book. And to read a few other books that are on my list. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for your time! Don't forget to comment in order to be entered to win your own copy of this book!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-53179226081601956332015-09-08T10:18:00.000-04:002015-09-08T10:18:09.525-04:00My Poor Neglected Blog<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took an unexpected hiatus from blogging. These lovelies have been keeping me very busy lately.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21057390980/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Monarch male"><img alt="Monarch male" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/620/21057390980_e5b45c5ba5_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21057596268/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Monarch female"><img alt="Monarch female" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/573/21057596268_86dc42e043_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21058643109/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Monarch caterpillar"><img alt="Monarch caterpillar" height="601" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5684/21058643109_fb58901fb6_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21057390230/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Monarch female"><img alt="Monarch female" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/594/21057390230_b9a45eee74_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/20622825374/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Monarch laying egg"><img alt="Monarch laying egg" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/639/20622825374_b117fa5ece_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This male has a unique coloration on his wing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21235033412/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Unique Monarch Male Butterfly"><img alt="Unique Monarch Male Butterfly" height="601" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5827/21235033412_edc52246a7_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are looking at possibly raising over 1,000 Monarchs this year. If all the caterpillars/eggs that we found make it to butterflydom. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our local newspaper interviewed me last week and the article was in the weekend paper. That was exciting! I don't know if you will be able to read the article. I took pictures of it with my phone. But here it is. We got a whole page and then some!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21219560106/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Butler Eagle1"><img alt="Butler Eagle1" height="847" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/630/21219560106_f084dbce21_o.jpg" width="476" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21219560116/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Butler Eagle2"><img alt="Butler Eagle2" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5721/21219560116_557bfaf867_o.jpg" width="540" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition to Monarchs, we also have Black Swallowtails.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21057602588/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Pretty Black Swallowtail girls"><img alt="Pretty Black Swallowtail girls" height="601" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5678/21057602588_af3d11426f_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21057396980/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Black Swallowtail - female"><img alt="Black Swallowtail - female" height="601" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5772/21057396980_95f6fac4e8_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21057595558/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Black Swallowtail male"><img alt="Black Swallowtail male" height="600" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5812/21057595558_6c4225f5c8_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the different markings of these two caterpillars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21245505735/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Black Swallowtail caterpillars"><img alt="Black Swallowtail caterpillars" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/759/21245505735_7f8b3906cf_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And we have some Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars. They will go into chrysalis, spend the winter with us, and emerge next spring. Something to look forward to! The caterpillars are brown, then green, then turn yellow or orange right before they pupate. This one was ready to form its chrysalis when I took its picture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/21245513505/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar"><img alt="Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/671/21245513505_1c47680c4c_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is now in chrysalis. I will share a photo of it someday. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gotta run. Feeding so many caterpillars takes A LOT of time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/">Tamar </a>today.</span><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnS_JtWHgIRcbWomM2-jjs1rlvI1VqL-McMCf370_OPVkMpnJzOz1mfABcp1n8BZikc3knFIOZiDaf2djQTN95n7tgVvuAmJjCUeDAItx_e0QWCHBzbpkt5aje8lsMLCOWzE5A0Y8sRQ/s1600/GRF.2015.png" /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-11237688120651578912015-08-05T15:37:00.001-04:002015-08-18T14:36:05.758-04:00Patterns of Evidence ~ Exodus ~ DVD Review and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congratulations to Sam, the winner of this DVD!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently I was given the opportunity to preview the DVD Patterns of Evidence. However, due to being super busy with the photography business and butterfly raising, I set it aside and forgot about it. :( So today's review is brought to you by my teenage daughter, Keira, who graciously agreed to help me out with it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFinwaW4n-zaTLir85h-Nh52cx1ST1gP04Qazd3LKAM3PW49V4_tOeb9Uh2fB08wwS42tysFyKYmttgvBWBdXnVIfr809chg38GVPfAfl9kwMgbzxCN_Vgrf5pQPTxfRgFK1Vo5WA3L8jN/s1600/Patterns+of+Evidence+Exodus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFinwaW4n-zaTLir85h-Nh52cx1ST1gP04Qazd3LKAM3PW49V4_tOeb9Uh2fB08wwS42tysFyKYmttgvBWBdXnVIfr809chg38GVPfAfl9kwMgbzxCN_Vgrf5pQPTxfRgFK1Vo5WA3L8jN/s320/Patterns+of+Evidence+Exodus.png" width="227" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First:</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About Patterns of Evidence Exodus</b>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more than 50 years, the vast majority of the world's most prominent
archaeologists and historians have proclaimed that there is no hard evidence to
support the Exodus story found in the Bible. In fact, they say that the
archaeological record is completely opposed to the Bible's account. This view
of extreme skepticism has spread from academia to the world. The case against
the Exodus appears to be so strong that even some religious leaders are labeling
this ancient account as historical fiction. Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney begins
with the questions, "Is the Bible just a myth, or did the archaeologists get it
wrong?" He decides to tackle this issue wit a deliberate scientific approach.
After examining the details in the biblical text, he journeys across the globe
to search for patterns of evidence firsthand. The result is the most in-depth
archaeological investigation into the Exodus from Egypt ever captured on film.
This scientific documentary's goal is to communicate the TRUTH of the Bible and
help equip believers with defending their faith and the Bible. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The DVD features stunning animations and a cast including narrator, Kevin
Sorbo (God's Not Dead, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), interviews with
leading archaeologists including Israel Finkelstein, Kent Weeks, and David Rohl,
and guest appearances by Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Released on DVD August 4, 2015 </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Run Time: 119 minutes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Special Features: Cast Profiles & 17 Extra Interviews</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span> Behind
the Music</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span> From
Film to Book</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
Additional Books and Resources</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span> Host a
Patterns of Evidence Movie Event</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
Trailers </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Genre: Documentary </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rating: NR </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2eAbmKKuyapCv2tXoHUUK-cMgT63D7UvKZyfR7WlDr9CPm3b54S4Ajy2R6jl6OC1N3Lh2oDJKirxr2uexVUYSNv9PcpUnADjOhgZFpHL8zoonQtlTZ8HBwhVdvo502SuJWC3sbZaUxm5/s1600/Dove+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2eAbmKKuyapCv2tXoHUUK-cMgT63D7UvKZyfR7WlDr9CPm3b54S4Ajy2R6jl6OC1N3Lh2oDJKirxr2uexVUYSNv9PcpUnADjOhgZFpHL8zoonQtlTZ8HBwhVdvo502SuJWC3sbZaUxm5/s1600/Dove+award.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And Keira's review on the film:</span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I very much enjoyed this take on the history of the
Exodus of the Israelites as slaves from Egypt to Canaan and finally as an
independent nation. The director/filmmaker Timothy Mahoney was an excellent
guide into this view; his determination to prove his faith and the
archaeological evidence he was able to uncover were just tremendous. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The most
interesting point that he made in the film, in my opinion, were the claims
against the </span><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">credibility</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> of the chronological timeline of the Egyptians. His
view that the timeline was warped a few centuries was a mind-boggling claim
that he supported with the alignment of the biblical, the Canaanite, and all the
other cultural timelines that depended on the Egyptian’s events in history by
cutting out unnecessary time in the Egyptian Dark Age after the New Kingdom
period. So many scholars and historians who study this particular time in
history say there is no evidence to support the actuality of the Exodus because
of this warped sense of time in the last Dark Age after Egypt’s New Kingdom.
But through the biblical timeline, Mahoney shows the series of events in
Egyptian history. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This film shows the different views of many different </span><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">archaeologists</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue;"> and historians who both support and oppose such an Exodus in the
Egyptian and Israeli history. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow! I can't wait to get time to sit down and watch this DVD myself after reading Keira's thoughts. And I'm thinking I should have her do more reviews for me in the future. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more information about the film, check out:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Twitter: </b> <span style="color: #0056d6;">@PattofEvidence</span></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Facebook<span style="color: #0056d6;">: </span></b><span style="color: #0056d6;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PatternsofEvidence?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/PatternsofEvidence?fref=ts</a></u></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Official Website</b>: <a href="http://patternsofevidence.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0056d6;">http://patternsofevidence.com</span></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Trailer: </b><span style="color: #0056d6;"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2assFIyLInE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2assFIyLInE</a></u></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Official Website to Purchase</b>: <span style="color: #0056d6;"><u><a href="http://shop.patternsofevidence.com/">http://shop.patternsofevidence.com</a></u></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blog featuring interviews with director Tim Mahoney and an article by Anne
Graham Lotz: <span style="color: #0056d6;"><a href="http://patternsofevidence.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">http://patternsofevidence.tumblr.com</a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And now for the fun part: <b>giveaway time!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In order to enter to win, just leave a comment on this post letting me know what fun stuff you have done/are doing this summer. Easy peasy! <i>Last day to enter is Tuesday, August 11. </i> I will randomly pick a winner and announce it here at the top of this post on Wednesday, August 12. If you don't follow my blog and wish to be notified if you win, please leave an email address in your comment. I promise not to SPAM you. No time for that! :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lastly, the legal stuff:</span></div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #10171f;">"<b>Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16
CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising”):</b> Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this
prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT
influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in
exchange for this review and post.</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #10171f;"> Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. I</span></i><i><span style="color: #10171f;">f you
have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30
days, you are not eligible to win. </span></i><i><span style="color: #10171f;">If you have won the same prize on another blog, you
are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.”</span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-69479060894678543692015-07-29T00:04:00.000-04:002015-07-29T00:04:20.228-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 7/5/15 - 7/11/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spent the week prepping for a Monarch presentation on Saturday. I presented to the Christian Women's Artistic Connection group and a few guests. They are a great group of ladies that get together every couple months to learn a new art. Monarchs aren't art, but the ladies wanted to learn about them, so they asked me to present. And we made a few greeting cards that I designed. Nothing fancy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did okay keeping up with my photo a day challenge. I used a couple recent archive photos this week. It happens. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{July 5: Begins with "W"}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18905434694/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 5: Begins with "W""><img alt="July 5: Begins with "W"" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/383/18905434694_0495fce6cb_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And soggy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And gross. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those are the words you can use to describe our month of June. So. much. rain! 16 out of the 30 days in June had measurable rain and I suspect there were a few sprinkles thrown in there during those other 14 days. Now that July is here the weather seems to be shaping up some. Still some rain but this weekend was super nice! We actually had several nice days in a row. Yay!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway this photo was taken a couple weeks ago right after we had a heavy rainfall. The sun came out and made everything sparkle. And since I needed to take advantage of the little sunshine we were getting, I walked around outside with my camera. Our tiger lilies were blooming and looked so pretty glistening in the sun.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{July 6: Rule of Thirds}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19532204851/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 6: Rule of Thirds"><img alt="July 6: Rule of Thirds" height="700" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/521/19532204851_e630d2cc4a_o.jpg" width="467" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots of the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{July 7: Vanishing Point}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19501853556/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 7: Vanishing Point"><img alt="July 7: Vanishing Point" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/307/19501853556_d8a5f4e3c9_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the sun is dipping below the horizon - nearly at its vanishing point - marking the end of another day. Hope to see it again tomorrow!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{July 8: Bedtime}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19657338060/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 8: Bedtime"><img alt="July 8: Bedtime" height="600" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/275/19657338060_22ae30b3d6_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira obviously stayed up past her bedtime. Or else that was a very uninteresting book. Maybe a little of both. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{July 9: Alphaphotography}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19657358980/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 9: Alphaphotography"><img alt="July 9: Alphaphotography" height="401" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/329/19657358980_070458e8fd_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You know I had to figure out a way to include one of my Monarch caterpillars into a prompt somehow, right? Don't ask how many tries it took to get him to stay in the shape of a C for me. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{July 10: Just Another Day}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19845376215/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 10: Just another day"><img alt="July 10: Just another day" height="601" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/19845376215_51a3aa12c0_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just another day of searching milkweed looking for Monarch eggs and/or caterpillars and finding none. frown emoticon I did see lots of blossoms though and several other butterflies, moths, and skippers. I will search again tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{July 11: Technology}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19850296581/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 11: Technology"><img alt="July 11: Technology" height="571" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/19850296581_1f74b4a548_o.jpg" width="571" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to technology, I was able to photograph and instantly share the photo of this super cool-looking caterpillar I found this evening. Ah, smart phones. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a Promethea Moth caterpillar. The first I have ever found.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/">Tamar</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXmMfybi0S4jDxE8_VrI4d04ngTLwIPVdSzjtnlNMl0xG3LoyYRjcl4VEsbluB4vf45JSl8BNjY6z0lDh68iQYArSzbFkalXVjjMauxULFBlCeHpONmtl66jeYGSBZPkFLm1r_bYQz6CN/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Monday I met with Sherry to discuss the details of my Monarch presentation. We met at Panera and were able to sit outside - it was so nice!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had a couple things rescheduled due to weather and emergencies. A family photo session was supposed to happen on Tuesday morning but the rain interfered once again. And on Thursday I was to meet with my friend, Sharon, about the upcoming wedding she was helping me photograph, but she needed to make an emergency trip to the vet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday I did my Monarch presentation to the CWAC ladies. I was a little nervous because I was so used to talking to kids about Monarchs. But I told them they were my guinea pigs for an upcoming talk to a garden club. :) Everything went very well and they all enjoyed my presentation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday afternoon I stopped by a graduation party of one of my senior photo clients. Her mom and I have become friends and they invited me to her graduation party. It was a nice time and another beautiful day. We had so much rain in June, it was great to have nice weather finally.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-27682419467506944682015-07-20T22:58:00.002-04:002015-07-20T23:00:00.141-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 6/28/15 - 7/4/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a couple weeks behind in posting. Again. {sigh} </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But we're having a great summer! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Plenty of fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of busy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hence the lack of blog posts. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just enjoying life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am keeping up with my 365 Photo challenge though.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 28: Timeless Beauty}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18631981083/in/dateposted-public/" title="June 28: Timeless Beauty"><img alt="June 28: Timeless Beauty" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/299/18631981083_2cf31ee58d_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know about you, but I think this Black Swallowtail is quite beautiful. Or in this case handsome as it is a male. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 29: Let's Go}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19341375579/in/dateposted-public/" title="June 29: Let's Go"><img alt="June 29: Let's Go" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/350/19341375579_2d73155044_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Friday I said to my husband, "Let's go to Ohio tomorrow to pick up some Monarch eggs and caterpillars." He, knowing how much it meant to me, agreed to drive. We met up with a very generous lady who so graciously shared some of her babies with me. I now have 16 tiny caterpillars and 6 eggs. Late last night 4 eggs hatched and I stayed up to watch 2 of them. This little guy seemed to take forever to chew his way out of his egg. But, tired as I was, I stayed up to witness his entrance into this world. Here's hoping they all make it to butterflydom. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
{June 30: Thankful}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19339952930/in/dateposted-public/" title="June 30: Thankful"><img alt="June 30: Thankful" height="810" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/334/19339952930_f349a9bd6c_o.jpg" width="540" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like many I am thankful for many things. My faith, my freedom, my health ... but today especially I am thankful for this crazy crew that I call my family. We spent the day at Idlewild and had a super fun time. We came home exhausted, which means it was a great day! Keira took this picture with her phone since mine was running low on battery and is being used for my pic of the day with her permission. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
{July 1: Wonder in the World}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19527915935/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 1: Wonder in the World"><img alt="July 1: Wonder in the World" height="600" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/257/19527915935_5036abedff_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Or in this case, a wonder out of the world. Tonight's full moon is spectacular! Have you seen it? If you missed it, there will be another at the end of July. The only month in 2015 with two full moons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
{July 2: Adventurous}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19341428239/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 2: Adventurous"><img alt="July 2: Adventurous" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/388/19341428239_30e1701767_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The kids and I love to be adventurous and go for walks and hikes to see what we can find. This particular evening Alex and I saw hundreds of these damselflies while out exploring. A few of them were nice enough to be still while I photographed them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
{July 3: Leadership}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19339999118/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 3: Leadership"><img alt="July 3: Leadership" height="700" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/19339999118_2c21453013_o.jpg" width="467" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of my three children Keira has the greatest leadership traits. She was born a leader. I can remember when she was in 3rd grade her teacher asked me what her strengths and her weaknesses were. My answer was the same for both. She's a natural born leader, which is a great trait, but that also makes her tend to be bossy and other kids don't like that too much. :) She's a great person who has a bright future ahead of her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots of the day! WOOT! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
{July 4: A Reflection of Me}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19341444049/in/dateposted-public/" title="July 4: A Reflection of Me"><img alt="July 4: A Reflection of Me" height="601" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/315/19341444049_2f3f58224a_o.jpg" width="900" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you know me, then you know that I am a butterfly lover. I raise Monarchs every summer and this year am raising Black Swallowtails also. This gorgeous girl decided to arrive today. Our 4th butterfly on the 4th of July. :) I have had people tell me that when they see a butterfly, they think of me, so it may be a stretch, but this beauty is a reflection of me. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/">Tamar</a>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnS_JtWHgIRcbWomM2-jjs1rlvI1VqL-McMCf370_OPVkMpnJzOz1mfABcp1n8BZikc3knFIOZiDaf2djQTN95n7tgVvuAmJjCUeDAItx_e0QWCHBzbpkt5aje8lsMLCOWzE5A0Y8sRQ/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A rundown of our week:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June 28-30</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nick got home from his Bible Quizzing trip in Boston Sunday night. He had a good time and earned a silver award. The quizzers don't compete against each other. They try to answer the questions as best they can and are basically graded based on their answers. Nick's voice was very scratchy when he got home so I suspect he was shouting a lot. :/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday the boys had their 6-month dental check ups. Both got two thumbs up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cupcake, one of our Black Swallowtails, decided to join us. We had kept Rocky a couple days because of the weather and once we set him free, Cupcake eclosed. He had to stay with us until Wednesday because of the rain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira had a violin lesson Monday evening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doug took a vacation day on Tuesday and we spent the day at Idlewild. We had a great time! Nick decided to be brave and try riding some things that always frightened him starting with the roller coaster. Once he got off that first ride, he got right back on. In fact, the lines were so short that we rode it several times in a row before moving on to other things. He also road the ferris wheel with me. He freaked out a little but I helped calm him down. We prayed and talked about how safe he was and then he was fine. We even got stopped at the very top and he did great! It clouded up a couple times and sprinkled on us a little but overall we had a great day. Not too hot and no downpours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July 1-4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday we had an appointment at PA Cyber to get Keira enrolled for the fall. We had a little trouble finding the place. We turned at the correct turn but couldn't find the office, so we stopped and asked a woman who was outside having a smoke break. Turns out we were at the right building, just on the wrong side. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since we were already in Wexford, we tried to find Trader Joe's which is just down the road a few miles but I went left when I should have gone right and we didn't find it. And our stupid GPS is no help at all. I think we need a new one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the way back we stopped at Barnes & Noble so the boys could use gift cards that they had. Oh the drama! Wanting to buy toys instead of books. And not having enough for what they wanted. I'm such a mean mom sometimes. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July 2 was the 30th anniversary of my dad's death. I shared some pictures on Facebook. I don't have very many pictures of my dad, so the few that I do have are precious to me. It is hard to believe that he has been gone for 30 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doug had Friday off for the holiday. We didn't really do anything. Puttered around outside. He pulled weeds in the vegetable gardens and I pulled weeds in my butterfly garden.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday we were going to visit Doug's parents but they were coming our way anyway, so they visited us instead. Doug cooked dinner and we had a nice time talking about their upcoming 50th anniversary party. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pickle, our 4th Black Swallowtail butterfly, had eclosed before they came so I hung onto her until they got here so they could see her. We set her free shortly after they arrived.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We were going to go see fireworks but everyone wanted to stay close to home. Our neighbors up the road set them off so we could see them a little. There are trees in the way. Honey doesn't like fireworks so she was very close by the whole night.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-70391059484137528362015-07-08T12:51:00.000-04:002015-07-08T12:51:25.879-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 6/21/15 - 6/27/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vacation Bible School week! Fun. Long. Exhausting. But oh so worth it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 21: Performance}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18629980264" title="June 21: Performance by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 21: Performance" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/269/18629980264_04df710d14_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alex's performance in yesterday's kickball game wasn't stellar, but he still had fun. Until he decided that jumping on the trampoline would be more interesting. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 22: Loud}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18630005694" title="June 22: Loud by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 22: Loud" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/522/18630005694_0e2675b8c6_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nick definitely lives life out loud. He can have fun in just about any situation. He can also get himself in trouble in almost every situation. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 23: Tickled Pink}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19066351839" title="June 23: Tickled Pink by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 23: Tickled Pink" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/526/19066351839_5032e0c3e9_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was tickled pink to see these two Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies loving on my milkweed blossoms this afternoon. They aren't Monarchs, but I'll take what I can get right now. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 24: Photographer}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19226413546" title="June 24: Photographer by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 24: Photographer" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/288/19226413546_bb235dc85e_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One from the archives. During Vacation Bible School week my time is not my own. Plus I hate taking selfies. That is probably why I became a photographer ... so I could spend time photographing other people. :) This particular photo is my profile pic on my Facebook photography page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyVenselPhotography">Kimberly Vensel Photography</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 25: Stands Out in a Crowd}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19066378879" title="June 25: Stands out in a crowd by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 25: Stands out in a crowd" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/516/19066378879_faaed637e2_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This gorgeous lady, who surprised us with her arrival, most definitely stands out in a crowd. Say hello to Frances, formerly known as Rambo. :) We came home from Vacation Bible School to find this beauty had emerged from her chrysalis. Then we walked up to show her to our recently-widowed neighbor and asked her if she would help us rename her since Rambo isn't a good girl name. Her sister's name was Frances, so we blessed her day by allowing her to name our first Black Swallowtail butterfly. (Posted this in the group on Friday due to being so busy with VBS stuff on Thursday).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 26: Tick Tock}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18631967953" title="June 26: Tick Tock by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 26: Tick Tock" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/519/18631967953_78f42f43b8_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The window of time to capture a gorgeous sunset is limited. Although sometimes when you slow down, sit, and enjoy watching the sun setting, God treats you to an even more beautiful sky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 27: The Big Day}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19064923298" title="June 27: The Big Day by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 27: The Big Day" height="700" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3949/19064923298_72f1e00045_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The big day for this incredible couple is in just under a month. I have the honor of photographing their wedding in July. I can't wait!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots of the day! WOOT!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I posted in time to link with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-good-random-fun-v-27.html">Tamar</a>! :)</span><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjOjH-sLV6PyI3JPD-FTvqxDAII35K7j2FbkY5sJ1nk89ngxlCt14nyNJseK4QR9y3-42aamAdrevaLyp9JTQbYaCax4WgIAKkxLXLhNuwo0ihF2C0PUKuAm0Acffu72hbczQV_hlOzSO/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Sunday we celebrated Father's Day. Doug cooked dinner, as he often does on the weekends. I offered but he said he didn't mind. That way he can cook what he wants (corn and sweet potatoes). :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday VBS started. Need I say more? :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We actually had a great week at VBS. Everyone who helped was right where they were meant to be. Everything meshed together nicely. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had an average of 40 kids each day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also on Monday my sister-in-law sent me a cell phone picture of a Monarch butterfly she saw while out walking. Yay! It was about 10 miles from my house. I have yet to see one with my own eyes. Soon, I hope! If this stupid rain would ever go away for more than a day at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Thursday after VBS Nick left for Boston. He qualified to go to the Regional Bible Quizzing event. It was kind of tough letting him go alone but I knew he was in good hands. They got to the college in Quincy around 2 a.m.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was up until almost 2 a.m. finishing up the slideshow for Friday's VBS. I always take pictures all week and make up a slideshow to show the kids on Friday. They love seeing their pictures up on the big screen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The last day of VBS we always host a picnic in the fellowship hall for the kids and their parents. Everyone had a great time. We had been raising money all week to help dig water wells in Burkina Faso, Africa. On Friday at the end of VBS, Jenn announced that we had raised $3,000! But then during the picnic she announced that someone had put in an additional $1,000 taking us up to $4,000 raised! It costs around $6,000 to dig a water well so the villagers can have clean drinking water. We plan to continue to raise money until next year when missionaries from Burkina Faso come to visit our church. I can't wait to present them with the amount we raise!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira had made chocolate chip cookies for the picnic. They were a huge hit! Several people asked for the recipe and there were NONE left at the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we got home from VBS, we had a wonderful surprise. Our first Black Swallowtail butterfly had eclosed! She is pictured above as the June 25 photo. I didn't get to post my photo on Thursday because of VBS busyness. Some days are like that. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday we got up early (instead of sleeping in like I usually do after VBS week) and Doug drove Alex and me to Ohio to get some Monarch eggs and baby caterpillars. A very generous woman that I met on one of the Monarch butterfly groups on Facebook offered them to me. And since she was just over 3 hours away, we made the drive out. It rained and poured and rained some more, which made me very thankful that Doug was driving. :) Sarah, the butterfly lady, was so gracious. She took us to lunch at a local diner called The Nutcracker. We loved the place! They had nutcrackers all over the place and an old jukebox where you can play 3 songs for a quarter. And very cool retro decorations. We didn't let her pay for lunch though. After her generosity with the Monarchs, I couldn't let that happen. :) Buying her lunch was the least we could do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the way home we stopped at Cabela's. I bought a tent for butterfly rearing. Got the idea from Sarah. I am hoping to breed some Monarchs this year and have eggs and cats to share with others. Wish me luck! We made it back home around 7:00, exhausted but excited to be back in the Monarch raising swing of things!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday I also got word that Nick was awarded a Silver medal at Bible Quizzing Regionals. So proud of him!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's hoping for another great week!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-71551863728297164612015-07-03T00:34:00.000-04:002015-07-03T00:34:20.592-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 6/14/15 - 6/20/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our first week off from school! Finally! Thanks to all the "snow" days, which were more like "too stinkin' cold to go outside" days, the kids' school year got extended by a week. After losing almost their whole Easter break. :/ It was another busy week (aren't they all?) but we had some fun in there too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 14: Within My Reach}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18628166109" title="June 14: Within My Reach by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 14: Within My Reach" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/314/18628166109_e234135661_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My camera is almost always within my reach so when I see something cool, like one of my Black Swallowtail caterpillars eating while upside down, I can snap a quick pic. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 15: Masculinity}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19256219301" title="June 15: Masculinity by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 15: Masculinity" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/368/19256219301_f71fcaa77c_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Apparently the proper way to show their masculinity was to scowl at the camera. No smiling allowed when you are trying to look manly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 16: Hat}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19066289459" title="June 16: Hat by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 16: Hat" height="700" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/541/19066289459_be76e6bb8a_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About this time last year Nick learned how to make paper hats. This is one of his creations. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 17: Begins with "C"}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19066298539" title="June 17: Begins with "C" by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 17: Begins with "C"" height="788" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/314/19066298539_dcec7c9cc0_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was pondering what to photograph for this prompt and then it hit me. Caterpillars and Chrysalises ... in a Collage. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are my babies right now. As of today, we have three Black Swallowtails in chrysalis, one getting ready, and two still munching away. Their names are (top row - left to right) Cupcake, Sylvester, and Stallone; (bottom row - left to right) Rocky, Pickle, and Rambo. Nick named four of them and Alex named the other two. I'll let you figure out who named whom. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{June 18: Inside}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18629971744" title="June 18: Inside by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 18: Inside" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/305/18629971744_cc7218cc25_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alex bought a new toy at our church's rummage sale today and then we went to buy batteries for it. He loves it! However, he's not allowed to play with it inside because it makes a lot of noise. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 19: Casual}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19226358396" title="June 29: Casual by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 29: Casual" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/284/19226358396_996cf23736_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just a casual, make-believe phone conversation on a cool, old-looking phone that doesn't work. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 20: All Dressed Up}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/19064848758" title="June 20: All Dressed Up by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 20: All Dressed Up" height="700" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/396/19064848758_f3ce158fca_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How convenient that Keira was participating in a Story Book Princess day today and the prompt is All Dressed Up. She certainly was all dressed up and had a great time playing princess with some sweet little girls.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About our week:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doug cooked supper on Sunday. I love when he cooks! Even if it does usually involve sweet potatoes and corn. :) I'm actually starting to like sweet potatoes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday morning I taught a friend how to use her camera in manual mode. We had a fun time learning and exploring her property. Alex came with me and had a great time playing with some trains she has for her grandkids. After that we went to my friend Sam's to fill up her bird feeders. She was away on vacation and wanted to make sure the birds didn't go hungry. :) Keira's violin lesson in the evening wrapped up our day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday we lost power for 9.5 hours. It went out while I was in the shower. I was almost done so it wasn't a big deal. But it is so dark in the bathroom when the lights are out! :) We were gone for a lot of the down time. I had a meeting regarding VBS prep work. And we finally had a day that was nice enough to get in Abby and David's engagement session!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday we did more VBS stuff. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday too. And the youth group's rummage sale started. Keira helped with it all weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday morning Keira got to dress up like a princess and help entertain some little girls. She had a great time. I stayed to help with registration for a little while. I went home for lunch and then the boys and I piled in the car with my sister in law and one of her girls and drove to Pittsburgh for my cousin's birthday party. The kids had a blast! The rain held off until almost the very end. My mom and sister were there along with a bunch of other people I didn't know. :) The boys swam and played kickball and had a really great time. We all came home exhausted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to add that I am proud of Keira for making the tough decision not to go to the birthday party. She had already agreed to help tear down the rummage sale and didn't want to go back on her word.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-22670645256261209362015-06-19T18:06:00.000-04:002015-07-02T09:55:00.311-04:00Pirate's Code: The Adventures of Mickey Matson ~ Movie Review & Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since no one entered to win here on my blog, I took the giveaway to Facebook and Jennifer S. is the winner! This giveaway is now closed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are big movie watchers in our house. Friday nights have been designated "popcorn and movie night" so we can make a point of getting together as a family, if only for a few hours. Although now that the kids are on summer break, they watch a movie almost every night to unwind after a fun and busy day. Some nights I join them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night I did just that and we watched <i>Pirate's Code: The Adventures of Micky Matson!</i> again. The boys really like this movie.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9Dhqya0kqts7sDTMxRnbpBC-lbzgtZVv2QI3nZBzBfY9pG5WBz5TdxWWqsnNElzqVkCZMTAiGGUCQ9aM5jzO_AkZke6hidzeGCdtzAieXYvo5W5VWzWAf57BdSLjfkqp53-BtU91YOCh/s1600/Mickey+Matson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9Dhqya0kqts7sDTMxRnbpBC-lbzgtZVv2QI3nZBzBfY9pG5WBz5TdxWWqsnNElzqVkCZMTAiGGUCQ9aM5jzO_AkZke6hidzeGCdtzAieXYvo5W5VWzWAf57BdSLjfkqp53-BtU91YOCh/s1600/Mickey+Matson.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About the movie:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In this follow up to <i>Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure</i>,
Mickey Matson is at it again; this time pitted against the evil Admiral
Ironsides and his gang of pirates who are intent on destroying civilization.
They're new invention, the Tesla Coil, is a weapon of mass destruction that
will send an electromagnetic pulse throughout the world, destroying every
electronic device in existence. With the help of a secret organization, Mickey
and his best friend Sully embark on a mission to stop the pirates from taking
over a submarine and stealing the last part needed to complete their devastating
weapon. If Admiral Ironsides succeeds in his plan, civilization will be sent
back to the Stone Age. It's a race against time, and the fate of the world
hangs in the balance. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Released on DVD June 2, 2015</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">91 Minutes // <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Genre:
Adventure // </span>Rating: NR</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nick give the movie 1.5 thumbs up because the fight scenes aren't quite convincing to him. :) Alex gives it 2 thumbs up. He loved the movie! I liked it, though it is definitely geared more towards kids. If you have younger kids in your house that like adventure movies, they will love this one. Oh, and Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) is in it. I love him! And the movie is Dove approved for all ages.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtOWPj8c3otoY3BIwUBwBfS72DfCRFkLqhZFarb5dGwa2uqsroe4dFaR8tcgkqGmtX3YbUzAH8TwhK-VvN5-sVnqPDaygxHGvb8VlsgkI6iFy0p679cO2gofOE6AIw8ImNJ8Si1vf_Mwv/s1600/dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtOWPj8c3otoY3BIwUBwBfS72DfCRFkLqhZFarb5dGwa2uqsroe4dFaR8tcgkqGmtX3YbUzAH8TwhK-VvN5-sVnqPDaygxHGvb8VlsgkI6iFy0p679cO2gofOE6AIw8ImNJ8Si1vf_Mwv/s200/dove.jpg" width="100" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some places to find out more about the movie:</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Facebook: </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mickey-Matson/211224175604758?fref=ts">Mickey-Matson</a></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Official Website</b>: <a href="http://mickeymatson.com/">http://mickeymatson.com</a></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Trailer:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UMBliD1W3I">You Tube Mickey Matson</a></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Official Website to Purchase</b>: <a href="http://pureflix.christianbook.com/adventures-mickey-matson-the-pirates-code/pd/03738X?event=ESRCG">http://pureflix.christianbook.com/</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my readers has a chance to win a copy of the DVD movie! Just enter via Rafflecopter:</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b7b999e93" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7b999e93/" id="rcwidget_35mihjvr" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last day to enter is June 27. A winner will be chosen and announced right here on this blog post, so be sure to check back. If you include your email in your comment, it will be easier for me to notify the winner. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for stopping by!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt; position: static; z-index: auto;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #10171f;">"<b>Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16
CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising”):</b> Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this
prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT
influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in
exchange for this review and post.</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #10171f;"> Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. I</span></i><i><span style="color: #10171f;">f you
have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30
days, you are not eligible to win. </span></i><i><span style="color: #10171f;">If you have won the same prize on another blog, you
are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.”</span></i></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-11424320038354413872015-06-18T10:22:00.001-04:002015-06-18T10:22:34.258-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 6/7/15 - 6/13/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I realize that it is already Thursday and I am just now getting a chance to post my weekly pics, but I didn't want to have a super huge post next week. Besides, VBS starts on Monday so who knows if I'll get a post up next week. :/ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Between VBS prep and having no power for almost a whole day on Tuesday, I'm just a little behind. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{June 7: Inspired}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18614545772" title="June 7: Inspired by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 7: Inspired" height="700" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/352/18614545772_b2eed9b4fa_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A friend first inspired me to raise Monarch butterflies several years ago. She gave me 4 big, fat caterpillars to take home and raise. It was the coolest thing. Since then I have raised approximately 250 Monarchs over a 5 year span. This year I am branching out to raise other butterflies. Like this black swallowtail. Sylvester, our largest caterpillar, is getting pretty big and will be pupating soon. I can't wait to see if Sylvester is a male or a female! :) I also can't wait to start finding Monarchs to raise! Hope they get here soon!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 8: Urban Geometry}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18809247382" title="June 8: Urban Geometry by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 8: Urban Geometry" height="462" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8850/18809247382_c0d53dfba3_o.jpg" width="462" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This prompt taught me something about myself. I very seldom take photos of buildings and such. I'm such a nature lover and people person. However, I did take a few photos with my phone when we went on my son's field trip last month. (I actually left my big girl camera at home). And since we went to the city and this photo has geometric shapes in it, I'm using it. :) The artwork is made entirely out of license plates.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 9: Smile}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18788022776" title="June 9: Smile by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 9: Smile" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/267/18788022776_9001fed2f6_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Somehow I got a "smile" out of Kobe during a recent visit. :) She's so much fun!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 10: Balloons}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18191726944" title="June 10: Balloons by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 10: Balloons" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/310/18191726944_97f1524088_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Or in this case ... balloon. I ordered these "light-up balloons" to try and they just so happened to come in the mail today. Alex couldn't wait for it to get dark(ish) so we could try them out. However, we were a bit disappointed as they don't light up very well. At least this one didn't. We will try the others tomorrow night when the kids can stay up later and enjoy them if they do work. Tomorrow is the last day of school before summer break. Yahoo!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*** This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT! ***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{June 11: Jagged}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18626611470" title="June 11: Jagged by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 11: Jagged" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/329/18626611470_2554fb18db_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The jagged look of a future coneflower that is ready to bloom in my garden.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*** This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT! Two days in a row! ***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{June 12: Forced Perspective}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18193672193" title="June 12: Forced Perspective by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 12: Forced Perspective" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8829/18193672193_7d1841ace2_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was not my original plan but rain keeps interfering with that idea, so when the sun actually came out for a bit today, I ran outside to capture this.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 13: Clever}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18628164319" title="June 13: Clever by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 13: Clever" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/366/18628164319_7df00664f0_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira is so clever. She sees something she wants to make and figures out how to make it. Like this crocheting project which she says will be a shawl when it is done.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*** This photo was chosen among the Top Shots for the day! WOOT! That makes three in one week! ***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Normally I link up with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tamar </a>but I missed the link up this week. I think things will be hit and miss around here this summer. Spending time with the family and in my garden instead of on the computer seems more important. :) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Instead I will link up with </span><a href="http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/06/island-welcome-labadee-haiti.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">image-n-ing</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> this time and see how that works out. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/" title="image-in-ing"><img alt="image-in-ing" src="http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah125/image-in-ing/pebble_zps8ecf6b7b.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My quick rundown of the week:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday after church Keira and I went to my friend Rainey's for some crafting and girl time. We did more girl time stuff than crafting but that's okay. We had fun and got away from the boys for a few hours. :) We ran to Panera to pick up dinner. Yum!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday was all about VBS. Met with Sharon, the leader, about what still needs done. We were supposed to take Abby and David's engagement photos in the afternoon but Mother Nature had other plans for us. Just at the time we were to start (after we had already decided to reschedule), the skies opened up. I did manage to get some weeds pulled in my garden before and after the rain though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday I made cupcakes for the 6th grade awards ceremony and Keira had a violin lesson. And I spent more time pulling weeds. So.many.weeds! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday I attended the 6th grade awards ceremony at Nick's school. Honestly I wasn't expecting him to get much in the way of awards based on his performance and attitude this year but I was pleasantly surprised that he received a few. Even an academic one! And every year the teachers give candy awards based on the kids' personalities ... Nick got the Whoppers award for being quite the story teller. :) At the end they showed a slideshow of photos from the year. I somehow managed not to cry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The kids brought home the yearbooks on Wednesday also. They turned out great! Diane did a wonderful job designing it. It was fun being a part of making the last Oakland yearbook the best one yet!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday was finally the last day of school. The kids only had a half day. I picked Keira up at 11:15 and we zipped home to be here when the boys got home. Once they did we hopped in the car and went to eat lunch at Valley Dairy. I usually try to do something with them on the last day of school. The restaurant was</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> busy and the kids were whining about it taking so long to get our food. I joked with our waitress when she finally brought our food that I wasn't going to be able to take their whining much longer. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Later in the day Alex managed to get a wire stuck in his mouth. Apparently he was trying to straighten a wire that was in a circular shape - like a key ring - with his teeth, and managed to get it through his bottom gums. I took one look and knew it was more than I could deal with - beyond my mom expertise. :) So off to the ER we went. They were really great. The PA that took care of him was incredible. She answered all his questions and made him feel at ease. She numbed up his mouth and wiggled the wire out. We were in and out of the ER in just about an hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the meantime Keira was supposed to be at worship practice at 6:00. But we were at the ER. Thankfully Doug got home just after 6:00 and took her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we left the ER, we zipped home, picked up Nick, and went to the church for a pasta dinner fundraiser for MS. I wasn't all that hungry after eating lunch late, but I ate anyway. The boys both took a few bites and went off to play so we ended up taking their dinners home. Along with a couple to-go dinners for Doug and Keira.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday I spent a good part of the day in my garden pulling weeds. So.many.weeds! Wait, I think I already mentioned that. My strategy is to dig up everything and pitch the bad stuff and save the little milkweed seedlings that are growing. I have way more milkweed than I will ever need so I plan to give some away to friends. I'm about 1/3 of the way through the garden.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The sun actually came out on Friday for a while. We have had so much rain and so many thunderstorms, it was so nice to have some sunshine! Even if it didn't last.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also went up to help our neighbor with her pool. She told me that if I helped her get the pool ready to swim in that the kids could swim in it whenever they wanted. With all the rain and thunderstorms, however, it has been hard to find time to get it going. And now with VBS coming up, it may not be ready until July. She shouldn't have to worry about the water getting low though. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday was spent pulling weeds (when it wasn't raining) and doing stuff in the house (when it was raining). I made gnocchi soup for supper. Yum!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, I think that's about it. If you made it through all of that, thank you for stopping by!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will be posting a movie review and giveaway either later today or tomorrow so be sure to check that out.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-86617304030783655162015-06-09T23:24:00.000-04:002015-06-09T23:24:27.798-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 5/31/15 - 6/6/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey look! It's Tuesday night and I'm just now getting around to posting my weekly pics. {sigh}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday is the last day of school. Then we're gearing up for VBS. Then hopefully things will slow down a little. Although then photo sessions will be picking up. Oh well. In the meantime, here are last week's photos from the 365 Photo challenge on Facebook.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 31: Iconic}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18364807965" title="May 31: Iconic by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 31: Iconic" height="700" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8811/18364807965_9dbe1b0af9_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Digging into the archives for today's shot as I haven't shot anything "iconic" lately. And this week was way too busy to go searching.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyway, the American bald eagle is certainly an iconic symbol. It was officially adopted as our national emblem in 1787 because of its association with authority and statehood. (Yes, I looked that up). :) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This particular photo was taken in June 2014 in a zoo in Virginia.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo got chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT! Two days in a row!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{June 1: This is where ... }</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17998448543" title="June 1: This is where ... by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 1: This is where ..." height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8859/17998448543_97321a37c8_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is where I embarrassed my daughter because I pulled over to photograph these flowers I have been admiring. They are in the front of our local VA hospital. She waited in the car. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 2: Leading Lines}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18431417480" title="June 2: Leading lines by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 2: Leading lines" height="596" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/406/18431417480_045f00643d_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing much to say about this except that I need to take more leading lines photos. It is a concept I don't practice often. :/</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 3: Generations}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18431358248" title="June 3: Generations by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 3: Generations" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/336/18431358248_f6b744ba86_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the 2nd time that I am aware of there are two generations of gorillas at our zoo. The first baby that was born a few years ago unfortunately passed away. But this little one looks to be very healthy and happy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{June 4: Barrier}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17998473133" title="June 4: Barrier by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 4: Barrier" height="700" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8856/17998473133_b0913552b9_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I am glad that there is a glass barrier between us and the polar bears, Kobe probably wishes there wasn't so she could get my backpack. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sharon and I met up at the zoo again yesterday. This time we didn't stay with the polar bears the WHOLE time; we did actually walk around. And we discovered that our zoo actually has other animals there! It was the craziest thing! :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{June 5: Evolution}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18432950629" title="June 5: Evolution by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 5: Evolution" height="700" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/504/18432950629_244a4b039f_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many believe in the theory of evolution - that humans evolved from apes. I believe that we were made by our Creator, God, in His image. I do like to visit the apes at the zoo though. They are interesting animals. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(From Wednesday's zoo trip.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{June 6: Bucket Listed}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17998485083" title="June 6: Bucket Listed by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="June 6: Bucket Listed" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8844/17998485083_a1655991c4_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's prompt was a tricky one - without going into the archives for an old photo and with no plans to travel to any of the places on my bucket list today. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But I did get to see something I haven't seen before. One of my Black Swallowtail caterpillars happened to be shedding its skin as I walked past. I have seen Monarchs shed their skin as they form their chrysalis many times, and I've seen caterpillars AFTER they have shed their skin, but never before have I watched one wiggle out of its skin. It was really cool! Now the only other things on my butterfly bucket list is photographing them mating and a female laying her eggs. I think. There may be more cool things that I just don't know about. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linking with Tamar:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdS-WH0PNF9xFl0AW36l3n2mev5Cp-H6QaP8byGMHuFwUIUaQBkJHU1ZmpiA0o-ibVblKw0v1R_C_x7397VYXWDO35e7AxYHmG4L-vURz9ZcWdP5VAya_BuNyS94TuVCB3aCDCTMRMX8p/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm going to try to keep this short and sweet as it is late and I need to get to bed. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday we had our Bible Quizzing fundraising dinner after church. The kids did a pretty good job helping, although I think the parents did most of the work. I have no idea how much we raised, but I'm sure it is enough to get the kids to Boston and back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I didn't have to be somewhere this week, I spent time in the garden weeding. When we first decided that my garden would be my butterfly garden, I thought it wasn't very big. And then I started weeding it. Now I think it is huge and overwhelming. :) But I'm making good progress. A little at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday we had a VBS meeting to discuss plans. It is all starting to come together!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira had her dental cleaning in the afternoon. Everything looked great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday Nick had his field trip. Tuesday night my friend Sharon asked me if I wanted to meet her at the zoo on Wednesday. I didn't have any other plans (except weeding) so I said yes. We had another great day as you can see from the above photos. One of these days I'll post more from our visits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Thursday I went with my friend Sam to an art boutique to see if they would sell some of her paintings. She does gorgeous watercolor paintings. The lady was excited about having them there. When Sam got to my house in the morning, she told me that I should bring some photos to see if they wanted to sell them also. I wasn't at all prepared so I grabbed a bunch of 8x10s and sorted through them in the car on the way there. I showed them to the owner and she loved them. I have to get them ready for display and take them down. I'm excited to have some photos on display in an actual shop! Here's hoping they sell!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also shopped at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods while we were in the area. That was actually why I was going along in the first place. I had never been to either place and wanted to check them out. I bought some things at Trader Joe's, but Whole Foods is quite expensive, so we just ate lunch there. Lunch was expensive too. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday afternoon the boys and I went to a local greenhouse to buy some more dill for my hungry caterpillars. One of my potted plants isn't doing so well, so I wanted to move the caterpillars off of it and get it outside in the sunlight. The greenhouse was really cool and the folks there were super nice. The owner's mom helps out and we talked for a while. I gave her a quick lesson on raising Monarchs. :) I also bought a Monarch picture that they had in their little gift shop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nick was finally done being on restriction on Saturday. He was so excited. He couldn't wait to start breaking the rules again. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday morning we had our Christian Women's Artistic Connection gathering. Kim showed us how to make altered dominoes. They are like little pieces of art. Very cool! It was a fun time, as always. Next month I'm teaching the ladies (and maybe some kids) about Monarchs and other butterflies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's it for me! I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow is another busy day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great week!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-76396269784681710402015-06-01T22:50:00.000-04:002015-06-01T22:50:25.300-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 5/17/15 - 5/30/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me just say - I apologize for slamming you with two week's worth of photos. Memorial Day came and went and we had a great time parading and visiting with family, so blogging didn't happen. Then the rest of the week was super busy - all with school-related activities, so yeah. I really should try to get the posts ready on Sunday night. Someday I'll be that organized. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 17: Windows}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17742035594" title="May 17: Windows by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 17: Windows" height="601" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7755/17742035594_1f7b4cca34_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another photo from our trip to the zoo on Wednesday. (Sorry, not sorry!) :) Kobe, the female polar bear, swam up to the window to say hello to my friend Sharon and me. You can see Kona, the male, in the background. We are hoping the two of them make beautiful baby polar bears together.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 18: Laughter}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18366211131" title="May 18: Laughter by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 18: Laughter" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/405/18366211131_1cae063364_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, so I have been back and forth all day about whether to share another polar bear photo and, as you can see, I decided yes. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our day with the polar bears was filled with smiles, laughter, oooohs and aaaahs, and even some squeals of delight from the kids passing through. I think I'm going to have to go visit them again soon. I'm having withdrawals. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{May 19: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18176856308" title="May 19: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 19: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8792/18176856308_52fd880bbd_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When these Black Swallowtail eggs hatch, my dill plants will become breakfast, lunch, AND dinner for the hungry caterpillars. I'm so excited to be a caterpillar mama once again! Hoping this is the beginning of a great, butterfly-filled summer! :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 20: Running}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17744013403" title="May 20: Running by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 20: Running" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8780/17744013403_ba83680203_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have never considered running for an elected office, but I will be sure to exercise my right and privilege to go vote on Election Day. Yesterday was a Primary Election Day in our area. I almost forgot to go vote but thankfully remembered just in time!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 21: Odd}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18176865198" title="May 21: Odd by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 21: Odd" height="700" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7779/18176865198_45350d742a_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This odd, unusual thing caught my eye the other day. I believe it is a cluster of leaves waiting to open up. Nature is so fascinating!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 22: Brilliant Invention}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18178515449" title="May 22: Brilliant Invention by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 22: Brilliant Invention" height="700" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8880/18178515449_dafdc4138c_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The key fob is a brilliant invention in my opinion. Being able to have your arms full of groceries or whatever and still be able to unlock and open your car doors comes in very handy! Must have been invented by a woman!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 23: Tree}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17742057414" title="May 23: Tree by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 23: Tree" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7746/17742057414_46621efc31_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I really loved the way the sun was peeking through this tree. And I love that there are leaves on it again!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{May 24: Daily Habit}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18176947710" title="May 24: Daily Habit by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 24: Daily Habit" height="900" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7744/18176947710_2b4aea3808_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have several daily habits, as I'm sure most of you do also. Of them is, of course, photography. I try to take at least one photo a day. Usually for the 365 Photo prompts. Most days I take many more photos. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 25: Street Art}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18178537819" title="May 25: Street Art by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 25: Street Art" height="700" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7779/18178537819_29623823f2_o.jpg" width="464" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spent this Memorial Day holiday with family so I had to pull a photo from the archives for this prompt. We came across this mural painted on the side of a building a couple years ago. Since my youngest is crazy about trains, we had to stop and take a photo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 26: Fresh}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17742110734" title="May 26: Fresh by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 26: Fresh" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/277/17742110734_e129eba0e7_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so excited to announce that I now have a freshly-hatched Black Swallowtail caterpillar happily munching on my dill! Actually I have two, but the one pictured is the first little guy to hatch today. So happy to be a butterfly mama again!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 27: Parallel}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17742115674" title="May 27: Parallel by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 27: Parallel" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8756/17742115674_72ab58a32a_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Had a bit of fun with today's prompt. Alex agreed to help me. He wanted to look like he was behind bars. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 28: A Dime a Dozen}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17744115073" title="May 28: A Dime a Dozen by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 28: A Dime a Dozen" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8822/17744115073_57c6aa4753_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Canadian geese are everywhere around here these days. I have mixed feelings about them. I like seeing them around, but they make such a mess everywhere they go.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 29: Close}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18364794105" title="May 29: Close by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 29: Close" height="601" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7745/18364794105_bfbd5ce149_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to my lovely macro lens I was able to get up close to this newly hatched Black Swallowtail caterpillar and watch him enjoy his first meal, his egg shell. I actually had the pleasure of watching him hatch. I was giddy like a kid on Christmas morning! :) We now have 6 babies happily munching and growing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 30: Valuable}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/18366359411" title="May 30: Valuable by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 30: Valuable" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8828/18366359411_b4254ae534_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, I think value is also. We all have different perceptions on what is valuable. My family knows what is valuable to me. Life. Even the life of a small caterpillar. My 12YO son brought this caterpillar to me this afternoon, so excited because he knew I would be excited. And I was, of course. It is another Black Swallowtail. The 7th and now the largest of the babies that I am currently caring for. (He's only about half an inch long - my macro lens makes him look much larger). I'm so excited to be a butterfly mama again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with the lovely <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tamar</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdS-WH0PNF9xFl0AW36l3n2mev5Cp-H6QaP8byGMHuFwUIUaQBkJHU1ZmpiA0o-ibVblKw0v1R_C_x7397VYXWDO35e7AxYHmG4L-vURz9ZcWdP5VAya_BuNyS94TuVCB3aCDCTMRMX8p/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since I have two weeks to summarize, I'll try to be quick and just hit the highlights. Of course, that's what I usually do anyway. :) Feel free to skip this part!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doug was away the 18th through the 21st - in Scottdale working on his plant. Fun times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Tuesday I watched a Black Swallowtail butterfly lay an egg on one of my dill plants! So I checked the other one and found two more eggs! WOOT!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alex brought home a letter he received from his pen pal at his new school. Turns out it is from my friend Julia's son. What are the odds?! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, and I voted in the primary election. I'm happy to say that several of the school board members that voted for the consolidation are no longer board members.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My friend, Sam, and I went to lunch after our walk on Wednesday. It was nice to sit down and enjoy each other's company.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday evening was Family Fun Night at the boys' school. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Before we left Doug gave both boys a Gatorade. I was thinking I should have let him take them to FFN if he was going to sugar them up like that. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the days that Sam and I don't walk, I try to go to the bike trail for a change of pace. On Friday Honey and I went and made it as far as the golf course (1.5 miles from where we parked) and saw a family of geese. I didn't have my camera (can't carry it while I run) so I snapped a cell phone photo. Instead of the geese being scared and moving away from us, they hopped in the pond and swam closer. It was pretty cool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira had a youth group sleepover on Friday night. Then on Saturday morning the teens served at a prayer breakfast. It was good food and a great message.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday afternoon I went to a Lemongrass party at my friend Rainey's house. Our friend, Kim, is a new consultant and this was her first solo party. She did great! They have some great products! I wish I had more money; I would have bought more stuff. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday after church Doug, Alex, and I went for a bike ride on the trail in Emlenton. We weren't even 1/4 mile down the trail when Doug's phone started ringing - trouble at work. He told them he couldn't help them right now and we kept right on biking. It was a beautiful day and a really nice trail to ride on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday was Memorial Day so we went to the parade, as always. Then my mom, sister, sister-in-law, and nieces came to visit for the day. Doug cooked for us. We played UNO, as usual, and just had a great day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Tuesday my first Black Swallowtail egg hatched! I also spent a good part of the day shopping and prepping for our school's staff luncheon which was on Wednesday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had our last Wednesday night kids' class at church. We celebrated with a pizza party and I spoke to the kids about Monarchs and other pollinators. It was the fastest presentation I have ever done since I only had 30 minutes once they got done eating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday was spent at the school once again for Field Day. I was the official yearbook photographer so I could walk around freely. It was nice since it got really hot in the afternoon. We had a pot luck lunch (so much food!) and everyone had a great time. At the end of the day, I got to climb a ladder to the roof in order to take a whole-school photo. Going up wasn't too bad; going down was a little scary. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Doug and I went out to dinner at Applebee's Thursday evening. I received a couple gift cards from helping at church and doing my presentation, so we ate for free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday I spent the day editing the field day photos. Thanks to Lightroom it went very quickly. Then we had the 6th grade dance that evening. I can't believe Nick is finishing up 6th grade this year! The kids had a blast! Once again I walked around taking pictures for the yearbook. We don't usually get to include 6th grade dance photos in the yearbook but thanks for all the extra days added at the end of the year (snow days!), we have time this year. Which is great since our school is closing forever on June 11.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was able to finish editing all the photos from the dance on Saturday and getting them to Diane so she could finish up the yearbook and get it sent to the printer. I can't wait to see it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found more Black Swallowtail babies on my dill, parsley, and rue plants. That put us at six so far! Then, as I shared above, on Saturday Nick was helping me weed one of the flower beds and found another caterpillar on some wild carrot. The biggest one yet! He is now inside happily munching on my dill plant. Once I have a series of photos of the beauties, I will post them. Gotta wait for a butterfly first. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, so maybe that wasn't so short and sweet. If you made it through all of that, good for you! Now that school is winding down, I shouldn't be nearly so busy. A few photo sessions here and there and a wedding or two, but this summer should be pretty relaxing. I hope! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-79549369024817780792015-05-18T15:14:00.003-04:002015-05-18T15:14:32.475-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 5/10/15 - 5/16/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had another busy, fun week! Mother's Day was great! The boys (aka Doug) made me breakfast in bed. French toast and tea. I'm not a breakfast eater - usually just drink a protein shake - but for them, I ate and enjoyed every bite. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week I mentioned a Plumb CD giveaway. I got busy and forgot to choose the winner, so thanks to random.org, I chose it today. The winner is Jennifer Pittman! Congratulations!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven't mentioned it in a while but if you ever want to check out my Facebook photography page, here it is: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyVenselPhotography" target="_blank">Kimberly Vensel Photography</a>. I'd love it if you'd go over and give me a 'like'. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now onto last week's pics:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 10: Something Orange}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17342916948" title="May 10: Something orange by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 10: Something orange" height="601" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7755/17342916948_00f0a3b75b_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The sun glowing behind a dogwood tree at golden hour. {love}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 11: Eyes}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17578412281" title="May 11: Eyes by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 11: Eyes" height="601" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5455/17578412281_9eb72300fe_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Somehow I didn't manage to get a photo of eyes today, so I'm sharing a photo from last week. The eye(s) of this Julia Longwing butterfly look like a checker board. Pretty cool! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 12: Pieces}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17552243836" title="May 12: Pieces by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 12: Pieces" height="601" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8867/17552243836_fc8138ef42_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many little pieces make up this dandelion fluff.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 13: Lucky}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17801057961" title="May 13: Lucky by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 13: Lucky" height="601" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7705/17801057961_da67308f0a_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I really don't believe in luck, in the spirit of playing along with today's prompt ... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel super lucky (blessed) to have spent several hours with my friend, Sharon, and the polar bears today. They were in the water MUCH longer than normal and Sharon and I had a blast interacting with them and taking pictures. This is Kobe. She's 14 years old and is AMAZING!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{May 14: The Human Condition}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17800582835" title="May 14: The Human Condition by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 14: The Human Condition" height="700" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7741/17800582835_634c8aa1c5_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The connections we make and the emotions we feel aren't always with other humans. Love and admiration for God's creatures is indeed part of the human condition. After all, He did put humans in charge of them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 15: Under Pressure}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17774328196" title="May 15: Under Pressure by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 15: Under Pressure" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7673/17774328196_6469073025_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nick was under pressure this afternoon during his 1600 meter race. He was determined that he "wasn't going to get beat by a girl. No way. No how." :) Boys!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He did great and finished in 5th place! He was in the back of the pack in the beginning - starting out slow - but he really picked up the pace and passed several of the other kids during the 3rd and 4th laps. I'm so proud of his effort!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo was chosen among the Top Shots of the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{May 16: Connections}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17613080280" title="May 16: Connections by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 16: Connections" height="596" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5454/17613080280_130223014b_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would have to say these two frogs were feeling a connection, don't you think? :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tamar</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfenDbZecpPujqOcghdbfQFWeJSBOlGhJkDWVZH0QKyjpqHWu46OZ5je0CpBz88dpkWbW3sib-4bhAJS5gScHX0rsJ9ecyb_9byJfsbhaErm_CmedFrr49S4zRfUiirUoKbtaeltp43VE/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday afternoon my mom and sister came up. Linda made an incredible apple pie. I broke my sugar fast for the day just so I could have some. And some chocolate chip cookie pie that Keira made. I had a slight headache on Monday - probably because of all that sugar. :) We played UNO as usual. The kids love playing UNO with them. Doug made dinner. It was a great day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday night we attended Keira's National Junior Honor Society ceremony. She wasn't really into it. I guess knowing that she's going to be cyber schooling next year (her choice) is making this year's events less exciting to her. Either that or she's just ready for school to be done. Maybe a combination of both. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday morning I went to the boys' school to take some pictures for the yearbook. A couple students and staff members needed their photos taken. The kids are much more cooperative than the adults are. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday I met my friend, Sharon, at the Pittsburgh Zoo where we spent the entire time with the polar bears. Fifteen minutes or so after arriving, Kobe, the female, jumped in the water, followed shortly by Kona, the male. They were in and out for the next four hours. That is the longest they have ever been in the water while I've been there. Sharon, who visits them more often than I do said the same thing. They were so fun to interact with! So playful! Kobe was very interested in my blue back pack. She tried to bite it through the glass many times. (That is what Sharon is holding in the photo from the 13th). She must have thought it was one of her toys. I can't wait to go back and visit them again! Hoping to post photos of our visit soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday I went to get my car inspected and fixed (again!). The same thing they "fixed" back in April. Which still isn't fixed. :( Good thing it is under warranty. While there I had the pleasure of meeting a World War II veteran, Chester. He's 91 years old and was a joy to listen to. We told him he should write a book about his life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a PTO meeting, I had to dash out to a Monarch presentation. I spoke to 22 Girl Scouts about Monarchs and other pollinators. It was fun. Every time I speak it is a completely different set up that I need to adjust to. This time I actually took notes to refer to. I had written them out while waiting for my car to get inspected/fixed. It went really well. Several of the kids there had raised Monarchs in 1st grade at school. And I believe I inspired several of them to try to raise more outside of school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday evening Nick ran the 1600 meter race at the 6th grade track meet. (See the photo above). He likes running and thinks he'll stick with it. Afterward we stopped and ordered pizza, then met Doug at Home Depot so I could pick out a toilet for our newly-remodeled bathroom. The original one that I had picked out wasn't going to fit. :( Then Nick and I stopped to pick up a couple half gallons of ice cream (instead of going to DQ to celebrate his effort at the track meet), picked up our pizza, and went home to relax.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We rented the movie UNBROKEN and watched it Friday night. Wow! An amazing story. If you haven't seen it yet, you must watch it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday morning Honey and I went for a walk, came home and did some planting. Doug helped me plant my Spicebush trees and Black Cherry trees - both host plants for butterflies. :) After a shower, we headed over to the Spring Garden show at a local park. We made sure to visit the Master Gardener's area and talked to the ladies we had met last month while volunteering at another local park. I bought some dill plants (another host plant) and some Shasta Daisies. Then we went to my niece's birthday party. It was a bowling party. The kids had fun bowling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, and I did week 2 of couch to 5K over again since I had missed running all the prior week. Today I started week 3.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a fun week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-65589221906117430862015-05-12T21:18:00.000-04:002015-05-12T21:18:29.062-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 5/3/15 - 5/9/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not much to say today so I'll get right to the pictures from last week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will mention the giveaway that I am hosting though. Go check out <a href="http://www.kimberlyvensel.com/2015/05/exhale-by-plumb-music-review-and.html" target="_blank">this blog post for your chance to win a CD from Plumb</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 3: Color theory}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17356727422" title="May 3: Color Theory by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 3: Color Theory" height="601" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7706/17356727422_789ce1ef01_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not sure if I got this one right, but the soft greens and purples in this photo are very soothing to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 4: Rough}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17385605431" title="May 4: Rough by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 4: Rough" height="700" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7660/17385605431_3fc011de58_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don'tcha think? Ouch!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 5: Falling}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17385603741" title="May 5: Falling by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 5: Falling" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8778/17385603741_4a159f1b03_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided to dig into my archives today and share a photo of the famous Fallingwater house that Doug and I toured in 2011. It was built by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufmann family between 1936 and 1939. It is built over a waterfall and is one of a kind. Now owned by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, it is a much-visited national monument. If you'd like to learn more, check out fallingwater.org.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 6: Inanimate object}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17209159288" title="May 6: Inanimate object by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 6: Inanimate object" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7762/17209159288_ece7809777_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's nothing like a fresh, new box of Crayola crayons.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surprisingly, this photo was chosen among the Top Shots for the day. WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{May 7: Tickle the senses}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17344372619" title="May 7: Tickle the senses by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 7: Tickle the senses" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7787/17344372619_7e874c1581_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My neighbor's lilac bushes are starting to bloom and they smell divine!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 8: Minimalist landscape}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16908146764" title="May 8: Minimalist landscape by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 8: Minimalist landscape" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8752/16908146764_c7214f254b_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is hard to get minimalist landscape pictures without trees in the background when you live in western Pennsylvania. All these rolling hills. Not many big wide open spaces. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 9: Cars}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17530555081" title="May 9: Cars by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 9: Cars" height="601" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5350/17530555081_50f4c772ab_o.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This rusty old car is part of a bigger display of antique items on a road that we traveled today. I have passed it before but today I was brave enough to stop and take a photo. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo was chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT! Two days in a row!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tamar</a>: (late again - sigh)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnS_JtWHgIRcbWomM2-jjs1rlvI1VqL-McMCf370_OPVkMpnJzOz1mfABcp1n8BZikc3knFIOZiDaf2djQTN95n7tgVvuAmJjCUeDAItx_e0QWCHBzbpkt5aje8lsMLCOWzE5A0Y8sRQ/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday we had a meeting about the upcoming Bible Quizzing trip to Boston. Nick is pretty excited to go. I have no desire to spend 14 hours in the church van again. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday I spent the day at Phipp's with my once-Facebook, now in-real-life friend, Sharon. We "met" in the FMS PAD Facebook group and realized that we lived near each other. We both love photography and Phipp's so we decided to meet up and spend the day shooting. It was great meeting her! In fact, we are meeting at the zoo tomorrow. She is the "polar bear whisperer". Her photos of the polar bears in the water are spectacular! So I'm hoping that she'll rub some of that off on me and I'll get some more good shots of them. She calls me the butterfly whisperer. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday I spent the day gardening. Weeding and planting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday was Grandparents' Day at the boys' school. My in laws came to visit with the boys. I was having a rough morning so I decided to stay home. I usually go to help with PTO stuff, but they had plenty of help so it was all good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday was Alex's field trip. I was picked as a chaperone so I got to go to this one. It was fun. We saw an IMAX movie at the science center. That was a new experience for both of us. We saw the movie, Born to be Wild. After lunch we walked over to Heinz Field and took a tour. It was neat. The kids certainly enjoyed it. None of the Pittsburgh Steelers players were there though. :(</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday night was Keira's school orchestra concert. Doug brought the boys and my in-laws came also. I had to take Keira early so she could make sure her violin was in tune.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday the kids had a day off of school - an Act 80 day. Since the consolidation was voted in during Wednesday's school board meeting, the teachers needed an opportunity to meet at their new schools. We didn't do much. Stuck around home most of the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday evening I had a prom photo session with one of the seniors I photographed back in the fall. She looked like a princess. :) Hopefully I will share those photos soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday Keira and I went to my mother-in-law's church for a mother-daughter banquet. It was really nice. They had a medieval theme. There were grapes and bread with comb honey on the tables for appetizers. Then we had this super delicious salad and shepherd's pie for our meal. The shepherd's pie was like a turkey pot pie except with mashed potatoes on top. Yum! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the way home I stopped and took the photo of the car that is pictured above. I have never been brave enough to stop. I'm not one to trespass on someone's property for the photo. Knowingly, anyway. :) But I was assured that the owners put all that stuff there for the purpose of people to stop. No one yelled at me, so all is good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we got home, I changed into my gardening clothes and went back to pulling weeds and planting. I planted my dahlia tubers in the front. I still have more to plant but this week is so busy, I don't know that I'll get a chance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that about covers last week. I'm sure I forgot something but this is long enough. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-63869944358411985072015-05-08T22:06:00.002-04:002015-05-18T15:28:45.307-04:00Exhale by Plumb ~ Music Review and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">UPDATE: My apologies for getting busy and forgetting to choose a winner until today. According to random.org, the winner is Jennifer Pittman! Congratulations! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have another music giveaway opportunity for you today! It will be my last for a while. May is getting busier and I hate to let something fall by the wayside because I got too busy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm sure you know the singer/songwriter Plumb. Well, she has a new CD out called EXHALE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUxC3Uj0TqGqR4zB2MjsBUmXFAHnyA3uBIQpm3e6HzLJ6T7yq4PWowCCddwVolID6MpHzZFhKMmO47nF-hnE7-L5untu1DAoF2rw2Q1wc1_mCchXYsygM_jCDSHtOuBdL92QqtAnmQKV/s1600/Plumb+Exhale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUxC3Uj0TqGqR4zB2MjsBUmXFAHnyA3uBIQpm3e6HzLJ6T7yq4PWowCCddwVolID6MpHzZFhKMmO47nF-hnE7-L5untu1DAoF2rw2Q1wc1_mCchXYsygM_jCDSHtOuBdL92QqtAnmQKV/s320/Plumb+Exhale.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About the album:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">EXHALE, the seventh studio album
from acclaimed multi-genre singer, songwriter and author PLUMB, expresses a new
focus and vision. After the runaway success of NEED YOU NOW (the album, title
track and book), which coincided with her own moving story of brokenness and
ultimately healing, Exhale brims with worshipful songs of gratitude and
hope.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The defining concept of EXHALE was born from a sermon at Plumb’s
home church, wherein her pastor Pete Wilson expressed the notion that the
Church doesn’t exist for itself. Rather, believers come to church to breathe in
grace and truth, be changed, and then go out and “exhale” that hope into
their surrounding community.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“That idea of exhaling hope hit me right
away and I couldn’t get to the Notes section on my phone fast enough. I started
writing the chorus of Exhale right then and there,” explains Plumb. “I have been
made new by the ultimate hope, and I want to share and exhale that hope in
everyway I can.” </div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About PLUMB:</b>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, better-known by her stage name Plumb, is a
songwriter, recording artist, performer and author. Plumb has sold more
than 500,000 albums and over two million singles worldwide, co-penned songs for
numerous other artists, including Michelle Branch, Mandisa, Mandy Moore, Jaci
Velasquez, and Natalie Grant, and had music placed in many films and television
shows.Originally signed as a Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) recording artist
in 1997, Plumb is now known as well as or better in alternative rock, electronic
dance music, and for the use of her music in film and television than she is in
the CCM market.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>S O C I A L • C O R N E R</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://plumbmusic.net/"><b>Official Website</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/plumbmusic"><b>Official
Facebook</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/plumbmusic"><b>Official
Twitter</b></a><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://instagram.com/plumbmusic/">Official Instagram</a></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://smarturl.it/Plumb">PRE ORDER on iTUNES</a> </b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I enjoyed this CD. You can feel the emotion in every song - the way she poured her soul into these songs. And she has such a beautiful voice! I expect this will be music that gets played often here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now for your chance to win a copy of this CD ... just leave a comment telling me the last music CD/digital download you purchased. If you haven't purchased any music lately or can't remember, you can just say hello. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Last day to enter is Thursday, May 14.</b> Winner will be chosen randomly among the entries and announced here on Friday, May 15. Be sure to check back to see if you won!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #10171f;">"<b>Disclosure (in accordance with
the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising”):</b> Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for
providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100%
my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of
the product in exchange for this review and post.</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. </span></span></i><i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you have won a prize from our sponsor
Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.
Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win
it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-55968477130628258662015-05-05T23:14:00.001-04:002015-05-05T23:16:45.650-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 4/26/15 - 5/2/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First of all, I wanted to mention a giveaway that I am having. Head over to <a href="http://www.kimberlyvensel.com/2015/04/christy-nockels-let-it-be-jesus.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a> to enter for a chance to win the digital download album from <a href="http://www.kimberlyvensel.com/2015/04/christy-nockels-let-it-be-jesus.html" target="_blank">Christy Nockels - Let It Be Jesus</a>. Today is the last day to enter and no one has entered yet. :( Which is good for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">********</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May has arrived! Let the craziness begin! :) As we wind down the school year, May always brings with it many last-minute things. Some fun. Most fun, actually. Things like Grandparents' Day, Family Fun Night, and Field Day. Not to mention Nick's 6th grade celebration at the end of the month. And Alex's field trip this week.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also have orchestra concerts, NJHS ceremonies, Mother/Daughter banquets, and prom pictures. My nieces birthday party is this month also.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did manage to squeeze in a day at Phipp's Conservatory yesterday with my friend, Sharon. We met on Facebook, discovered that we lived in the same area and both love photography, so we decided to meet. We had such a good time yesterday. We're already planning our next outing. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, I'm short on time, so I'll get to last week's photos ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 26: Down}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17106150040" title="April 26: Down by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 26: Down" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8801/17106150040_ecf47c818b_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes it is necessary to get down on the ground to get the photo you have visioned. Yesterday the kids and I volunteered at a local state park pulling an invasive, non-native plant. While in the woods, Keira found these fiddlesticks and called me over as she knew I would be interested in seeing them. My kids are trained well. :) We marked where they were so I could come back with my camera when we were done with our work. They were only a few inches off the ground, so down I went to get my photo. A position I find myself in often in order to "get the shot".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 27: Strong}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17149170320" title="April 27: Strong by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 27: Strong" height="596" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8746/17149170320_51175db747_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bumble bee wings must be pretty strong in order to carry such a large body around.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 28: Weak}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17150509719" title="April 28: Weak by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 28: Weak" height="596" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7733/17150509719_bf04c3e9d0_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The light from the moon during the day is pretty weak. (I realize the moon doesn't actually give off light, but I had to come up with something for today). :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 29: Is}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17148960848" title="April 29: Is by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 29: Is" height="596" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7718/17148960848_627451a64b_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is my first butterfly capture (photographically speaking) of the year. It is called an Eastern Comma. Looking forward to many more butterflies this spring/summer!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 30: Was}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17336357781" title="April 30: Was by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 30: Was" height="596" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8710/17336357781_558670a85d_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This guy was flying overhead, probably looking for his next meal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 1: Rectangle}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17149388008" title="May 1: Rectangle by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 1: Rectangle" height="700" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7696/17149388008_1bdc9833f0_b.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing too exciting. Just a plaque I have on my wall and my little mirror hanging under it. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{May 2: Beginning with "S"}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16728851263" title="May 2: Beginning with "S" by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="May 2: Beginning with "S"" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8829/16728851263_2f32c48212_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sun flare. {love}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This photo got chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tamar</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfenDbZecpPujqOcghdbfQFWeJSBOlGhJkDWVZH0QKyjpqHWu46OZ5je0CpBz88dpkWbW3sib-4bhAJS5gScHX0rsJ9ecyb_9byJfsbhaErm_CmedFrr49S4zRfUiirUoKbtaeltp43VE/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week I:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did some more Couch to 5K. Week 2 is complete. However, week 3 will probably have to wait until next week. This one is super busy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Walked several mornings with my friend, Sam. I actually ran Monday and Wednesday before she got there and then walked with her for a bit. I thought that would be better than the other way around. I wouldn't feel like running after walking 30 minutes with her. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Played in the dirt quite a bit. Weeding and planting. Love it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Had lunch with my friend, Amy, at Rachel's. It was great getting together with her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday morning I attended a workshop at a local greenhouse. Like really local. Like I walked there. :) (Sorry for all the "likes"). Bob, the greenhouse owner/operator, was gracious enough to teach us about flowers and planting and watering/fertilizing. It was a gorgeous morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Went to Preston Park with the boys on Saturday evening. Even though Nick is still on restriction due to his grades and his 12-year-old-boy attitude :) I wanted to get his pictures taken. His birthday was April 13 and we hadn't done them yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that's pretty much it. It was a great week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-64004631790947651952015-04-29T17:50:00.000-04:002015-04-29T17:50:42.576-04:00Christy Nockels - Let It Be Jesus<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you enjoy good worship music? I know I do. Well, I must tell you how impressed I am with Christy Nockels' new album, <i>Let It Be Jesus</i>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41WdEzqoIUXm6QszLoMt_ihun7P1J-kCED1ypgUID1vORA-jH39cHA1-E3kxlEJ6wlbb2V7oHH5sk35MEuDGc_Ex-RHstApm8PWDcG_7MVviLJkYLX2ytWOEdNqqaZjorn7YsZBtAIFS1/s1600/Christy+Nockels+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41WdEzqoIUXm6QszLoMt_ihun7P1J-kCED1ypgUID1vORA-jH39cHA1-E3kxlEJ6wlbb2V7oHH5sk35MEuDGc_Ex-RHstApm8PWDcG_7MVviLJkYLX2ytWOEdNqqaZjorn7YsZBtAIFS1/s1600/Christy+Nockels+cover.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After previewing the songs on this album, I can wholeheartedly say that you <i>must </i>purchase this music. Her voice is amazing and the songs are inspiring. She leads you into worship and praise in such a wonderful way. I just can't get enough of this album. It will be on repeat on my phone. One song in particular that I love is called "The Wondrous Cross". And "Freedom Song". And "My Anchor". Okay, I pretty much love them all. :) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About
Christy:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-size: 13px;">As
a worship leader for many years, she has been an integral part of Passion
Conferences from its inception in 1997. She's seen first hand music sweep
people into the presence of God in a powerful way. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-size: 13px;">A
pastor’s kid, who was born in Fort Worth and raised in Oklahoma, she grew up
singing in church. She met her husband, Nathan, in 1993 at the Christian Artists
Seminar in Estes Park, Co. They recorded an independent record with fellow
worship leader Charlie Hall under the name Sons & Daughters that led to an
invitation from Louie Giglio to participate in the first Passion conference in
Austin. </span><span style="border: 0px; color: #373737; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christy’s
voice gained a national platform when she and Nathan formed the duo Watermark,
recording four acclaimed albums before that musical season ended, paving the way
for Christy’s solo career. In 2008, the couple moved to Atlanta to become part
of Passion City Church where she serves on the worship team with sixstepsrecords
labelmates Chris Tomlin and Kristian Stanfill. The following year, Nockels
released her acclaimed solo debut, </span><span style="border: 0px; color: #373737; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Life
Light Up</span><span style="border: 0px; color: #373737; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
and spent much of the next two years touring with Tomlin and
Passion.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This album was just released yesterday, April 28. You can find it on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/let-it-be-jesus-live/id982617845" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. However, I am able to extend a chance for you to win a digital download of the entire album. So before you go out and buy it, enter for a chance to win it here first. And then if you don't win, be sure to go <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/let-it-be-jesus-live/id982617845" target="_blank">buy it</a>. I promise you won't regret it! :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In order to enter, just comment on this blog post telling me your favorite type of music. Are you into country? Rap? Jazz? Just shout it out in the comments. Last day to enter is Tuesday, May 5. Winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Wednesday, May 6.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! May starts on Friday! WOOT! Getting closer to butterfly season! :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; margin-left: -4.5pt; margin-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #10171f;">"<b>Disclosure (in accordance with
the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising”):</b> Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for
providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100%
my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of
the product in exchange for this review and post.</span></i><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Only one entrant per mailing address, per
giveaway. </span></span></i><i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If
you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last
30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on
another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to
eligibility verification.”</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-81487226925248173262015-04-27T22:14:00.001-04:002015-04-27T22:14:31.851-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 4/19/15 - 4/25/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another fun but busy week. I started the Couch to 5K training program. I hadn't planned to start but my friend Rainey said she was going to start so I offered to do it with her. Last week went pretty well. The one-minute running intervals mixed with the 90-second walking intervals weren't too bad. My shins kept cramping up though. I had to stop and stretch them multiple times. To think I used to run a full 5K once upon a time. Oy! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did I mention that I stopped eating sugary junk? The Monday after Easter was the last time I ate something like that. So far I have lost 5 pounds. I usually weigh myself on Mondays but I forgot today, so I'll do it tomorrow. Hoping I'm down a couple more!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Continuing with 365 Photo's challenge ... opposite month is proving interesting.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 19: Mine}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16596012663" title="April 19: Mine by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 19: Mine" height="601" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7719/16596012663_d2907cf6c0_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This magnolia tree, that is just beginning to bloom, resides at a local school. But every spring I wish it was mine. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo got picked as one of the Top Shots of the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{April 20: Theirs}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17032325909" title="April 20: Theirs by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 20: Theirs" height="596" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8765/17032325909_d05b7e7aa3_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our maple tree is theirs, as long as they wish to stay. I love seeing all the different birds in our tree.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 21: Neat}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17202713706" title="April 21: Neat by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 21: Neat" height="900" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7609/17202713706_9f078e811d_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tiny flowers growing in the middle of the bigger flower look really neat to me. (This "flower" which is probably actually a weed is not all that big. Maybe about the size of a nickel.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 22: Messy}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17054278739" title="April 22: Messy by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 22: Messy" height="596" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8765/17054278739_3f6d0dcd2e_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Squirrels are just plain messy. Especially when they get into my bird feeders. I don't mind them eating the bird seed on the ground, but I get upset when I see them in my feeders making their messes. This one is kinda cute though. Looks more like a chipmunk than a squirrel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 23: Fast}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17107493239" title="April 23: Fast by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 23: Fast" height="601" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7667/17107493239_898310091e_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had to be pretty quick on the shutter button in order to capture this "Dory" fish at the aquarium. They move really fast!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 24: Slow}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17291873812" title="April 24: Slow by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 24: Slow" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8780/17291873812_a508f97ef2_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had to use a pretty slow shutter speed in order to show the movement of this pinwheel. Alex was happy to help me achieve my goal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 25: Up}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17107497809" title="April 25: Up by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 25: Up" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8793/17107497809_b99b6cfb35_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our dog, Honey, will often go look up our maple tree to see if there are any squirrels hanging out up there.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tamar</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7Un2suTT4iuUljLXf1GzkkPUYbEWDZrp93st0mhENUPGa9MHiN6o4EQjkBLGPgTHHHVeuABSpcPMh5ID7UQqIO2hnFHS_bn4x0GWnfmf-lTd8tNucrb9NPlRE6TFq84MkngHauD3vG4/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I said, I started the Couch to 5K training program on Sunday. I ran again on Tuesday and Friday. So far, so good. I bought myself a new pair of running shoes after the first run. I felt like I needed more cushion if I'm going to do this. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday I dropped my car off to get a couple irritating noises fixed. My friend, Jenn, came by to pick me up and we went to Panera for lunch. Our friend, Kiersten, joined us a little late. The garage said they fixed the noises, but now that I've been driving my van for a few days, I don't think so. Good thing it didn't cost me anything. But now I will need to make another appointment so they can actually fix it. Hopefully.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Wednesday I went to St. Luke's Lutheran School to talk to a 6th grade science class about Monarchs. My friend, Melissa, their teacher, invited me. That was the oldest group I have spoken to (formally) about Monarchs. They were really a great group of kids. Lots on input and questions. One girl in particular caught the bug. No pun intended. She was like, "I'm gonna do this!" Meaning raising butterflies. Yay! That excites me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few days this week I spent repotting some of my starter plants. I needed to thin some out. I'm nowhere near done yet but I don't know where I'm going to put everything. If it would only warm up and I could plant outside! I told my husband that I need a greenhouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday the kids and I went to a local state park to help with some work they needed done. They were pulling an invasive, non-native plant. We showed up with our gloves and willingness to learn and help. The kids did pretty well. They started to get a little grumpy near the end because they were getting hungry - despite all the snacks that they ate while we were working. So we went to lunch afterwards. A late lunch. Or an early supper. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ladies we were pulling weeds with are part of the Penn State Master Gardeners group. I was telling them that I will be speaking to their group in July about raising Monarchs. They were excited to hear that. They tried to talk me into joining the Master Gardener group. I told them that I'm not a gardener (yet) and have much to learn about all of it. That didn't seem to matter to them. So we'll see. Several of the ladies said they have butterfly gardens at their homes but have never actually raised a butterfly. I can't wait to teach them how!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That was pretty much my week. Hope you had a great one! And this one is even better!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907850627605972104.post-60227264040140049612015-04-20T20:02:00.000-04:002015-04-20T20:02:27.480-04:00Weekly Summary ~ 4/5/15 - 4/18/15<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My apologies for not posting last week. It was a week of deadlines and blogging just wasn't high on the priority list. So that means you get two week's worth of photos today. Oops! :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Continuing with the month of opposites in the 365 Photo group on Facebook ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 5: Black}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16871609998" title="April 5: Black by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 5: Black" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8793/16871609998_94d7c520f4_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After celebrating Easter all day with my family, I realized I hadn't taken a picture for today's prompt. So I used my fall back - a silhouette of our neighbor's tree at dusk.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 6: White}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16440967323" title="April 6: White by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 6: White" height="601" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/16440967323_fae0401d29_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tulips I bought from a friend recently are two-toned white and pink. They are so pretty!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 7: Ahead}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16885578560" title="April 7: Ahead by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 7: Ahead" height="601" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/16885578560_cc5e8e4b9a_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring is always such an exciting time. So much potential lies ahead. It is like the slate has been wiped clean and we can start anew. I love spring.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo got chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{April 8: Behind}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16916699228" title="April 8: Behind by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 8: Behind" height="700" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16916699228_71909f5b68_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My first blooming daffodil looks much better from the front than from behind. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 9: Brave}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17078522276" title="April 9: Brave by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 9: Brave" height="900" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8688/17078522276_01deca32d0_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have several necklaces that I wear from time to time. This was today's choice, which ended up being the right one. Not only for this prompt but because we had a tornado warning in our area this evening. And now that it is still thunderstorming, I keep telling my dog that she can be brave too. I don't think she's convinced though. :) Guess I know what tomorrow's photo will be. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 10: Scared}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16916699118" title="April 10: Scared by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 10: Scared" height="601" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7722/16916699118_da123cc9e2_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Honey was so scared during last night's thunderstorms. She couldn't seem to get close enough to me. At one point she decided it was safer to lay under my desk at my feet. The storms continued through the night and finally subsided this morning. She's feeling much better today. Although she still followed me around all day. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 11: Many}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16490093624" title="April 11: Many by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 11: Many" height="601" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7596/16490093624_6ee30f0289_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Honey and I went for a walk on the bike trail this morning. We saw many of these "weeds" along the way. It was a great morning for a walk!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 12: Few}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16532176383" title="April 12: Few by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 12: Few" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8760/16532176383_e92e1f7849_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Imagine my surprise when I discovered a few of my Johnny Jump Ups survived our bitterly cold winter and are growing in our flower bed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 13: Hot}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17150742192" title="April 13: Hot by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 13: Hot" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8757/17150742192_0bbe59c3a0_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today was an absolutely glorious day! The temperature got up to about 77 degrees F and the sun shone most of the day. The kids and I spent most of the afternoon out in the sun, which felt pretty hot, but oh so good. No complaints here after the record-breaking low temperatures we had this winter. I hope we have many more days like this!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 14: Cold}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17152345935" title="April 14: Cold by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 14: Cold" height="700" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8824/17152345935_3ac77b0634_b.jpg" width="467" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snakes are cold-blooded animals. This particular one was caught by NIck while we were out on a nature walk back in the fall.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorry for the archive pic today but it has been a busy one!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo got chosen as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{April 15: Tame}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17216205155" title="April 15: Tame by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 15: Tame" height="601" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/17216205155_bbff34be6c_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our sweet golden, Honey, is very tame. Not much gets her worked up. Except maybe chasing an occasional squirrel. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 16: Wild}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17008780477" title="April 16: Wild by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 16: Wild" height="601" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7618/17008780477_832ea36de7_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found these cute little flowers growing on our hillside yesterday. I don't know if they are wild flowers or if we planted the seeds to grow them. Either way, they are a welcome sight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This photo got picked as one of the Top Shots for the day! WOOT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{April 17: Curly}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/16596012773" title="April 17: Curly by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 17: Curly" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8809/16596012773_3942eb4fc8_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Found this little curly cue plant while walking around the yard today. I have no idea what it is, but I was happy to see it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{April 18: Straight}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kianve/17215644721" title="April 18: Straight by Kimberly Vensel, on Flickr"><img alt="April 18: Straight" height="601" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8766/17215644721_07e1c4ecc5_b.jpg" width="900" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My church's steeple points straight up to the sky.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking with <a href="http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tamar</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7Un2suTT4iuUljLXf1GzkkPUYbEWDZrp93st0mhENUPGa9MHiN6o4EQjkBLGPgTHHHVeuABSpcPMh5ID7UQqIO2hnFHS_bn4x0GWnfmf-lTd8tNucrb9NPlRE6TFq84MkngHauD3vG4/s1600/GRF.2015.png" width="125" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A quick rundown of our weeks: (feel free to skip this part) :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Easter Sunday I hosted everyone at our house. We celebrated Easter and Nick's birthday on the same day since everyone was here - instead of asking them to come in two weekends in a row. The weather was pretty nice and everyone had a good time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monday I attended a community meeting at our school regarding the proposed consolidation. It ended up being a big pep rally about consolidating. I didn't really learn anything new. I did get to put a face with a few names though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PTO meeting on Thursday - making plans to end our school year with a bang, which might be the last one ever at our building. :(</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After PTO the boys has Bible Quizzing practice. I was supposed to help but ended up not having to so I had a couple hours of peace and quiet at home. Keira was at worship practice. Doug was home but he was working on the bathroom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday Doug put the tub and shower walls in the bathroom. We ended up missing the last symphony concert of the season because we couldn't get showered beforehand. Not a big deal, but I was kind of bummed. We were finally able to shower late that evening. It is nice having the new tub/shower in!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also on Saturday Alex and I were outside enjoying the nice weather when an ambulance and several first responders went to our neighbors' house behind us. We prayed immediately for the situation but didn't hear anything until the next day when Charlotte called. Turns out our neighbor, Ken, passed away. He'd been having renal failure for a while and was doing dialysis. He laid down for a nap Saturday afternoon and never woke up. :( My heart breaks for his wife, Charlotte.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday after church the kids and I walked back to visit Charlotte and offer our condolences. She gave me a big hug and cried and cried. They didn't have any children but they do have family nearby - nieces and nephews and cousins - so she is not alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monday was Nick's 12th birthday. We went to Arby's for dinner, ran a few errands, and then went to Dairy Queen so the kids could get ice cream. I was tempted to get something but resisted the urge. Yay me! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday, April 14, I visited Community Women, the Bible study that I have been attending for a couple years. I took a break this semester and was missing the ladies. Tuesday was a work day so I told them I would come. It was great seeing everyone. Even though I had to leave a little early to go to Ken's funeral.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The funeral was a nice service. Very private. Only family and close friends were there. Charlotte was surprised to see me, but I had told her I would be there. She invited me up to her house afterwards where they would be having "coffee and donuts". I don't drink coffee or eat donuts but I went anyway. :) They ended up having pizza, donuts, and pie. Honey came with me and stayed outside the door the whole time. After about an hour she barked to let me know it was time to go home. :) It was nice meeting Charlotte's family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I forgot to mention that the Monday after Easter was the last time I ate sugary desserts. I ate too many between Sunday and Monday and decided it was time to take a break. So going to Charlotte's where there were donuts and pie was a bit of a challenge, but I stayed strong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Charlotte introduces me as her neighbor who raises Monarch butterflies. It makes me chuckle. She wants me to teach her about Monarchs this summer. That makes me happy. She has about 22 acres - lots of room to grow milkweed. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Wednesday we got hoagies for dinner. A friend was having a fundraiser for her girl scout troop. They were really good hoagies! And I love not having to cook dinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also had the privilege of speaking to a Daisy troop and a Boy Scout troop about Monarchs that evening. A friend invited me to come. The kids were adorable. So attentive and well behaved. Mostly. They love asking questions and telling their stories. Hopefully a few of them will catch the "bug" (no pun intended) and start raising their own butterflies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday was a repeat of last week. The boys had quizzing practice and Keira had worship practice. Except this time Doug wasn't home. He was helping with a plant shut down all week, which means long days. Hopefully they got everything fixed that needed to be fixed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Friday morning I met my friend Nikki on the community trail and we walked for about an hour. She had asked me to have breakfast or lunch with her and I suggested that we walk instead of eat. It turned out to be a great idea. I hope we do it more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had my 6-month dental cleaning at 1:15. Walking in the door of my dentist's office I got my happy buzz. When I reach my 10,000 steps on my FitBit, I call it my happy buzz. :) I think that is the earliest I have ever reached my goal for the day since I have been wearing this thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keira stayed after school to help set up for an art show so we picked her up at 5:30. We ran to Sam's to pick up some ice cream treats for her to take to a sleep over and some dinner rolls to have with supper. I had made chicken noodle soup and promised Charlotte I would bring her some. She was coming down with something - probably from all the stress she had just encountered with Ken's illness/death. We took the soup and rolls up to her and she was so grateful. She wanted to hug me but decided not to so she didn't give me her germs. :) Alex and I dropped Keira off and then went to a local elementary school to check out their magnolia tree. It was just beginning to bloom. You'll have to wait until next week to see some photos from it. I used one as my photo of the day on Sunday. Unless you follow my facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyVenselPhotography" target="_blank">Kimberly Vensel Photography</a>. Then you can see it sooner. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday morning the boys had their Bible Quizzing Invitational. Alex earned a Bronze award and Nick a silver. Nick qualified to go to Regionals in Boston in June. Quizzing days are long days. I have a hard time sitting there doing nothing for hours and hours, so this time I took my sneakers and walked around the cul de sac for about 45 minutes in the morning. It was actually getting hot being out in the sun. No complaints here! I ran to Panera to get a salad for lunch (didn't want to eat a hamburger or hot dog there) and came back and ate lunch with the kids. Then I hung out with the younger kids while they did their memory verses and went outside to the playground. I ended up getting sunburned on my arms and neck. It was such a nice day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were supposed to go to the art show that Keira helped set up for but she was tired from her sleep over (you know they don't sleep much at sleep overs) and ended up sleeping through most of it. So we missed it. Alex wanted to go without her but that kind of defeated the purpose. She had photos in the show and I wanted to go see them WITH her. Oh well. We popped popcorn and watched a movie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, if you made it through all of that, I'm impressed! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for stopping by! I'll try not to miss another week. It is hard to remember everything when I go that long between posts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634642713559547536noreply@blogger.com3