tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65793540915307082562024-03-14T01:02:23.127-07:00a mommy & moresonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.comBlogger376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-26701867510889194002013-03-28T16:47:00.001-07:002013-03-28T16:48:30.021-07:00"new" math & more (kids) to loveAfter spending a few hours in the classroom today & thinking about some of my friends' posts about their kids & school, I realized that there is a disconnect in the classroom-home these days. I'm thankful for Barclay's job & our decisions on lifestyle/child rearing, which promote one of us (usually me) being in the classroom & connected to our kids' teachers as much as possible. I know that not everyone can be there as much as we try to be, but I think more parents should try. I do it for my understanding of L's (he's the one in "big kid school" right now, next year it'll be both) education as well as my feel for his learning environment...and more. <br />
I'll address the learning, then get to the "more."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langston, Zora, & Isabella at our new children's library</td></tr>
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Several folks have commented on our kids' "new math" work/homework. Read: what are they teaching kids these days?! I agree that it is different from the way we learned, but that doesn't make it bad or impossible for us to connect with/help our kids. If you see something that looks strange & you don't understand it--ask the teacher! Ask your kid. (!) Most of them are getting it. And here's where I ask the "big" thing of you: take an hour or two out of your work week and go to the classroom. <br />
Since math <i>is </i>taught differently, that might be the the subject to sit in on a lesson. Then you might be able to do what I get to do sometimes & take a group of learners who need help in some certain area & help them. With around 20+ in a class, teachers have children at all different levels (on all subjects) in the room at the same time. If kids who need extra help can get that help (from a parent!), then teacher gets to move others along while the helper helps those needy kids catch up. <br />
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This can happen in other areas, too. Reading one-on-one, helping with different areas of spelling, learning how to do computer research, playing a math game, just being there to help kids who get "stuck" when they are all in a large group is helpful, too. You might not be working with your kid all the time, but you will be freeing up your kid's teacher to do his/her job even better. <br />
Here comes the "more" part. As you get involved and learn about your child's educators, classroom environment, materials, subject matter, specific needs, etc. you will not only become <i>a partner in his or her</i> <i>education,</i> but you will become a mentor to a small herd of other tiny people who need all the examples of caring adults they can get. <br />
I have loved getting to know so many of L's classmates through the years. What you convey might be as simple as "reading can be fun," or as seemingly impossible as "you are worthy of attention." You never know what that kid needs or why. Encouraging and promoting that child's abilities might help them in ways you'll never know. I think we underestimate our abilities to touch lives through the simple things. I encourage you parents, as a parent, to be a part of your child's education as well as his or her generation. Go to school with your kid. Not just for a program, but to be present for a moment in a regular day. You might be the one learning--I know I sometimes am. <br />
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sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-85761845654207983362013-02-07T14:00:00.000-08:002013-02-07T14:00:29.147-08:0015 minutes and no make.upI've got so much to do with a sick boy, a messy house, & family coming in tomorrow. I just wanted to take a break & post an update to my thoughts regarding the "no make.up," "no mirror" week. <br />
So...as a fitness instructor I guess I should've known the "no mirror" thing was impossible. :/<br />
By the time I taught class I gave it some thought & decided that "no judgement" in the mirror would be do.able. Drying my hair mirror.less was hard. And I decided that I needed to smile at myself more often. I smile while teaching, while interacting w most everyone in my life, so why do not smile at or about myself? <br />
I decided that last week taught me I need to do it more. Also, I decided to remind myself that I do not have to wear any form of cosmetics, rather to do it when I feel like it might be appropriate (if I get an interview to a job I applied for, you can bet it'll be more than moisturizer & Dr. Bronner's peppermint chapstick. ;)<br />
Yet, I don't want to feel/teach that make.up or curled hair or any "dressed up" thing has to do with my worth as a person. I am more than my clothes. I am more than my make.up. I am more than my hair.do. I hope I convey love and compassion and so much more with my very being. Many of the people I've befriended and found most "beautiful" through the years may not be magazine cover beautiful, but I think they are more amazing than that. Seeing the light and life in a person exuding joy or feeling comfort from one radiating peace is worth more than any cosmetic covered beauty any day. I hope I teach and become one with light and comfort rather than one concerned over my looks--physical appearance. Peace and light to you, readers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sans make.up, a little tired from staying up with a sick boy, but overall happy me :)</td></tr>
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<br />sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-39790337746335815612013-01-26T15:27:00.000-08:002013-01-26T15:27:06.638-08:00Out of retirement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...and back to the blog. At least for today. It's been a while but I've been thinking a lot lately about this kind of thing here...http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/bdd.html & the message I am sending my kids as a recovering beauty queen. I still care about my appearance--maybe more than I should. It took me years to "get over" not being __ enough (insert "thin," "smart," "beautiful") after being exposed to media, the South in general (yes, people, I've lived in enough places to say that our hair is bigger, our make.up more flawless than in other parts of the nation), & parades of girls being selected as more __ than I. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joni, Lindsay & me (red hair, braces & all)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at our spot in the hall #teenagersbeingcool</td></tr>
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I appreciate every phase of my life because each one has taught compassion, understanding, and sometimes an unfortunate lesson in the general shallowness of people. Take my "grunge" phase for example. For a few years I dressed in my dad's old jeans, my grandma's shirts and some awesome black cons. I parted my hair down the middle, wore very little make.up and hung out at Pegasus Records listening to greasy and wonderful boys and girls strum guitars and smoke. <br />
While my little social circle mourned the loss of Kurt Cobain and tried to navigate all the regular awkward social teen moments, we also had a difficult time with "authority figures." Not all of them, of course. There were the few wonderful ones who took the time with those bright kids who dressed a little differently, but not a lot. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blurry, but there we are: Me with my Lori</td></tr>
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I continued to blossom and attempt to be true to...me. My interests lead to me social extra-curricular activities. I became a cheerleader and began to notice that when I was in uniform with my ponytail, I got a different response from folks as opposed to when I was kickin' it in my papa's rolled up, baggy jeans. Age 14. My concept of social awareness and being "dressed right" began.<br />
<br />By my early twenties my goal was to look like most every other girl who was in her twenties--at least the blonde, thin, popular ones. I ate very little and exercised a lot. I did loose weight, but I also lost my period for a few years and myself for while. <br />
I was processing and pushing through so much at that time. Controlling my size seemed to be one of the only things I was fully capable of controlling. It very nearly tipped my brain over the edge and I, to this day, do not know what or Whom to contribute my sanity to (as I Believer, I am thankful). I do know that I lost a few girlfriends to the demon that is Disordered Eating. I know a few others who are still in the midst of the battle. Thankfully, wonderfully, I know a few who, like me, see the other side of that evil. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin was a good friend while I was a little crazy.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two of the most amazing people I know...my Z & my L</td></tr>
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Fast forward nine years, two children and a lifetime of decisions that make me realize life is so much bigger than my never-recovered-from-childbearing-waistline. I am reading articles and pondering how to instill in both my children (my type A, perfectionist boy and my chill, but sensitive baby girl) a guiding light, an empowered confidence, a strong sense of self that no magazine, actor, person they are attracted to or competing against can shake. <br />
We talk about where "beauty" comes from (inside), what we think is beautiful (they both love babies), and how we eat well and exercise to feel good and keep our bodies healthy. We certainly try to live as positive examples, but sometimes I find myself fussing with my hair, or worrying about a blemish in front of them and I wonder what message that is sending. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coolness embodied</td></tr>
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How important is all that verses spending time with them? Where is my energy going at that moment? What is the frown on my face as I look at my shapeless, growing out hair telling my daughter (or son)? Why am I so worried about a blemish? Am I telling her (or him!) that it isn't okay to have imperfections? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cooking with sweet Z</td></tr>
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I've challenged myself a little before by "giving up" make.up for Lent one year. I'll confess that it was the most difficult thing I've ever done for Lent (which I am mortified to admit). I also haven't done it in six years. I think I've been afraid to do it because I can still remember how un-pretty I felt on so many occasions. I'm not talking about running to the grocery or gym with no mascara, I'm talking about nothing--nada--to work, church, hang out with friends, for pictures, everything. Barclay said he "loved" it. I still don't know if I believe that, but he does love a challenge. So today, as I was soaking my flu infected self in the tub for an hour I thought about all the recent articles I've noticed about people giving up mirrors and I thought, "I don't know if I could do that." So, I'm going to challenge myself again. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most recent pic of me: being silly with my amazing sis.in.law, Leslie</td></tr>
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No make.up or mirrors (except when flossing--can't give that up!) for a week. I'll see where to go after that. I told Barclay in front of Zora, but I think I'll talk to both the kids about it later. I'm sure they'll think it's funny now, but hopefully they'll remember it later--unless I do something even more strange. Who knows? Sometimes I feel empowered like that. sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-21521588265018780352011-11-06T12:16:00.000-08:002011-11-06T12:16:35.450-08:00moving...I am moving my blog to <a href="http://sonyagraykey.wordpress.com/">sonyagraykey.wordpress.com</a> Find me there!sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-61923574472421630822011-02-13T06:51:00.000-08:002011-02-13T06:51:39.445-08:00Yoga for toning<a href="http://health.yahoo.net/experts/healthieryou/make-over-your-body-yoga">This article</a> has a few "quick" Yoga moves worth learning. Yet another reason I love Yoga. It will work muscles you didn't know/forgot you had. :) Namaste.sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-47026232899630892982011-02-11T12:15:00.000-08:002011-02-11T12:15:01.138-08:00Food allergies & breastfeedingThe great food allergy debate: <a href="http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/10/leading-experts-rethinking-food-allergy-causes/?icid=maing%7Cmain5%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk3%7C43421"> new research</a>. I noticed a few things about this article that should be passed along...one of which was the quote,<br />
"Previously, Sampson says, his research in the 1980s looked at whether the problem of allergies could be prevented if mothers continued breast-feeding as long as possible. Laboratory studies reinforced the theory, he tells the magazine."sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-84314844941019282732011-01-31T14:50:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:50:09.695-08:00Black History month: a really busy month when your husband studies & teaches the Civil Rights MovementA few weeks ago my beloved gave a talk on our local NPR station. I just thought I'd post so that I could share. He's slated to give quite a few "talks" in February. We're going to have to rethink the whole "one car family" thing for those dates. :) Love you, babe!<br />
<a href="http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wium/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1749946">http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wium/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1749946</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys in Sept.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-55963916450031239032011-01-29T08:48:00.000-08:002011-01-29T08:48:03.682-08:00good news story from Poland<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12294887">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12294887</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zora "nursing" Freddie :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For those of you who followed our Polish adventure, you might remember me posting about the few comments we got about Zora's baby doll, Freddie, who is a darker skinned brother. (There have not many darker skinned people there since WWII, so even some younger people would say, "I've never seen a black baby doll!") This is a great news story...maybe some things are changing. sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-18709955363625197182011-01-11T12:44:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:44:15.345-08:00fall family pix...better late than never ;)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAKpCc1kI/AAAAAAAACrY/Mfa8tzTR0VE/s1600/For+Posting+Online-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAKpCc1kI/AAAAAAAACrY/Mfa8tzTR0VE/s320/For+Posting+Online-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAMqmiegI/AAAAAAAACrc/iAbJf73Q2XE/s1600/For+Posting+Online-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAMqmiegI/AAAAAAAACrc/iAbJf73Q2XE/s320/For+Posting+Online-03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAOBljRtI/AAAAAAAACrg/nyHBB8WSl4o/s1600/For+Posting+Online-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAOBljRtI/AAAAAAAACrg/nyHBB8WSl4o/s640/For+Posting+Online-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAPuC1CsI/AAAAAAAACrk/OMMauWC59bE/s1600/For+Posting+Online-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAPuC1CsI/AAAAAAAACrk/OMMauWC59bE/s320/For+Posting+Online-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzARozlNZI/AAAAAAAACro/Fe2ba9OoOS8/s1600/For+Posting+Online-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzARozlNZI/AAAAAAAACro/Fe2ba9OoOS8/s320/For+Posting+Online-18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzATd8vylI/AAAAAAAACrs/DfiGAdjYJ4U/s1600/For+Posting+Online-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzATd8vylI/AAAAAAAACrs/DfiGAdjYJ4U/s320/For+Posting+Online-20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAVWeFdDI/AAAAAAAACrw/ET99EAybeCE/s1600/For+Posting+Online-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAVWeFdDI/AAAAAAAACrw/ET99EAybeCE/s400/For+Posting+Online-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this one was B's fav bc the kids were "done" ;)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAXXJvFUI/AAAAAAAACr0/xsK9U5XKGgw/s1600/For+Posting+Online-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAXXJvFUI/AAAAAAAACr0/xsK9U5XKGgw/s320/For+Posting+Online-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAYj2_eFI/AAAAAAAACr4/gLu9yVaAexo/s1600/For+Posting+Online-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAYj2_eFI/AAAAAAAACr4/gLu9yVaAexo/s320/For+Posting+Online-27.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zora: no more</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAa8NHaaI/AAAAAAAACr8/2TCgEZ5WnWA/s1600/For+Posting+Online-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAa8NHaaI/AAAAAAAACr8/2TCgEZ5WnWA/s320/For+Posting+Online-31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAcS-yzYI/AAAAAAAACsA/RVA3By6A0_4/s1600/For+Posting+Online-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAcS-yzYI/AAAAAAAACsA/RVA3By6A0_4/s320/For+Posting+Online-32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAgBym29I/AAAAAAAACsE/F9EJzvErwHo/s1600/For+Posting+Online-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAgBym29I/AAAAAAAACsE/F9EJzvErwHo/s320/For+Posting+Online-38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAkNKJCtI/AAAAAAAACsI/8P5bawruFLM/s1600/For+Posting+Online-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TSzAkNKJCtI/AAAAAAAACsI/8P5bawruFLM/s320/For+Posting+Online-35.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L's personal theme: the peace sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here are a few of my favorites. We rushed our great photographer a little that day...next time I want to devote more time to it. I think the kids felt the "urgency" to get a pic & behaved accordingly (not so great). *sigh* Kids feel our vibes, whether we think they do/want them to. And still...there are some really fun shots here. Cheers, Erica! Thanks for working some magic! ;)sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-63024101679566257602010-11-30T18:35:00.000-08:002010-11-30T19:03:06.859-08:00Pinkalicious by Zora<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TPWw0MSwhtI/AAAAAAAACrA/B2_ZzPTsoy8/s1600/PB271930.AVI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyAt2ZNzDismDe_eG1UuakOIZ8Cc0sAW7CKdrKhIDq8ItzypU2058382M5plXZwxgu8W7OOiLk4lipwkwMMMQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>My sweet gal--"reading." :)sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-26418840919010491512010-11-12T13:58:00.000-08:002010-11-12T13:58:43.359-08:00the mega update...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have had a super, super crazy July-...what month is it now? Ever since I took on the job at WIU, and choose to pursue my doula certification...and continued to teach & sub at the Y...and attempt to keep Z involved in playgroups/sometimes running a playgroup, while helping at L's school...and did I mention I began painting canvases for childrens' rooms?..I've been a little busy. I did complete the kids' scrapbooks for Poland & I've kept up w prep & grading for class, but I had to let something slide, so blogging & any attempt to keep up w current scrapbooking has fallen to the wayside. Apologies, loved ones. Here's a brief, story-through-photograph recap of all I felt I'd missed out on blogging about...from July til Oct. 14th. I plan on picking back up w Halloween & attempting a better balance soon...I'm learning as I go. :) Enjoy! </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2iIkOtb4I/AAAAAAAACnA/xp4joXDsOlE/s1600/P6231295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2iIkOtb4I/AAAAAAAACnA/xp4joXDsOlE/s320/P6231295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all of us(but motion sick dad) on a mini-roller coaster at a fair in Macomb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ibAnnnJI/AAAAAAAACnE/oPL0S99pHwM/s1600/P6231309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ibAnnnJI/AAAAAAAACnE/oPL0S99pHwM/s320/P6231309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fair treats & sweet Amir, L's bf & our other boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2it0VH8fI/AAAAAAAACnI/E59cy83T3_c/s1600/P7051317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2it0VH8fI/AAAAAAAACnI/E59cy83T3_c/s320/P7051317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making dad's b'day cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2i0lYyuLI/AAAAAAAACnM/eRp1yiXOgKg/s1600/P7061320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2i0lYyuLI/AAAAAAAACnM/eRp1yiXOgKg/s640/P7061320.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy B'day to daddy! (July 9th)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2i7EKF_II/AAAAAAAACnQ/Lz5DGVXEOFM/s1600/P7061325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2i7EKF_II/AAAAAAAACnQ/Lz5DGVXEOFM/s400/P7061325.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dad's golf cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jBuIhLtI/AAAAAAAACnU/BWqyU8c7P1g/s1600/P7061328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jBuIhLtI/AAAAAAAACnU/BWqyU8c7P1g/s640/P7061328.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some beautiful things from our awesome co-op (both kids helped harvest sometimes) :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jIOhKQlI/AAAAAAAACnY/uICt5ynnbJc/s1600/P7071330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jIOhKQlI/AAAAAAAACnY/uICt5ynnbJc/s400/P7071330.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">excitement! L. ties his shoes all by himself!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jO8EJunI/AAAAAAAACnc/R5Qqy_ZSENU/s1600/P7081340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jO8EJunI/AAAAAAAACnc/R5Qqy_ZSENU/s400/P7081340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Leslie & Uncle Logan come to visit & we all go "Bonkers!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jWboTPBI/AAAAAAAACng/5UFmrQ1em6I/s1600/P7091352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jWboTPBI/AAAAAAAACng/5UFmrQ1em6I/s320/P7091352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zo convinces Uncle Logan to read "Once Upon a Potty" :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jc7kiWlI/AAAAAAAACnk/RmpGmzIJU38/s1600/P7161354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jc7kiWlI/AAAAAAAACnk/RmpGmzIJU38/s400/P7161354.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zora: I make a mess!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jjhPyauI/AAAAAAAACno/0J_7L3H4i-M/s1600/P7221360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jjhPyauI/AAAAAAAACno/0J_7L3H4i-M/s320/P7221360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we host some exchange students...B. looks crazy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jqjJooyI/AAAAAAAACns/CUwlgFrRSoE/s1600/P7231364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jqjJooyI/AAAAAAAACns/CUwlgFrRSoE/s320/P7231364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">showing off our swim lesson skills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jxnrEEcI/AAAAAAAACnw/uy8HqX-diRw/s1600/P7231368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jxnrEEcI/AAAAAAAACnw/uy8HqX-diRw/s320/P7231368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L shows granddad all he learned in swim class</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2j4zxFUgI/AAAAAAAACn0/JD5P52oa9q8/s1600/P7251380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2j4zxFUgI/AAAAAAAACn0/JD5P52oa9q8/s320/P7251380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of my favorite Macomb homies moves. (Miss you, Jessie!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kAvZSTSI/AAAAAAAACn4/mHLKnM139xM/s1600/P7261383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kAvZSTSI/AAAAAAAACn4/mHLKnM139xM/s320/P7261383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we vaca in St. Louis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kHHTRAEI/AAAAAAAACn8/MwPkXtnCmPk/s1600/P7261386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kHHTRAEI/AAAAAAAACn8/MwPkXtnCmPk/s320/P7261386.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kNog5klI/AAAAAAAACoA/BZWl3qVl6VA/s1600/P7261399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kNog5klI/AAAAAAAACoA/BZWl3qVl6VA/s320/P7261399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from the top of the Arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kUDuenyI/AAAAAAAACoE/0v18yHsnR3M/s1600/P7261406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kUDuenyI/AAAAAAAACoE/0v18yHsnR3M/s320/P7261406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ka1it37I/AAAAAAAACoI/uaNVst-_q-E/s1600/P7271434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ka1it37I/AAAAAAAACoI/uaNVst-_q-E/s320/P7271434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wet kiddos, tired parents: day 2 of zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2khpGldqI/AAAAAAAACoM/tTq9Lcgo78s/s1600/P7281486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2khpGldqI/AAAAAAAACoM/tTq9Lcgo78s/s640/P7281486.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our fantastic friends, the Gartlands, who also lived in Poland last year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ko_S677I/AAAAAAAACoQ/mvi5X-bMOFg/s1600/P7281496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ko_S677I/AAAAAAAACoQ/mvi5X-bMOFg/s640/P7281496.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Keys in St. Louis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kp6u23oI/AAAAAAAACoU/pTmyRz8F_2k/s1600/P7281513.AVI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2kp6u23oI/AAAAAAAACoU/pTmyRz8F_2k/s1600/P7281513.AVI" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">petting the rays!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2i7EKF_II/AAAAAAAACnQ/Lz5DGVXEOFM/s1600/P7061325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jO8EJunI/AAAAAAAACnc/R5Qqy_ZSENU/s1600/P7081340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2jxnrEEcI/AAAAAAAACnw/uy8HqX-diRw/s1600/P7231368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2l_8QSE9I/AAAAAAAACoo/IckD1rhm7eg/s1600/P8101533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2l_8QSE9I/AAAAAAAACoo/IckD1rhm7eg/s640/P8101533.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zora "sets up" her babies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mJdledoI/AAAAAAAACos/e0ZAWbSnWgg/s1600/P8301574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mJdledoI/AAAAAAAACos/e0ZAWbSnWgg/s320/P8301574.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cool L. going to school on "green day" (Aug)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mQHexueI/AAAAAAAACow/lHCKU2FrWAI/s1600/P9031575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mQHexueI/AAAAAAAACow/lHCKU2FrWAI/s640/P9031575.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my 30th b'day gift from my in-laws (Thanks!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mW9Qux4I/AAAAAAAACo0/kX3yWL_bkFw/s1600/P9071590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mW9Qux4I/AAAAAAAACo0/kX3yWL_bkFw/s400/P9071590.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys take in an away game (Sept.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mbibZeyI/AAAAAAAACo4/6iaK7jysQus/s1600/P9081657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mbibZeyI/AAAAAAAACo4/6iaK7jysQus/s320/P9081657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun in Champaign after mom's doula training</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mgZoDovI/AAAAAAAACo8/FZW1cvIOluA/s1600/P9111663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mgZoDovI/AAAAAAAACo8/FZW1cvIOluA/s400/P9111663.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grandmother comes to help out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mlECblKI/AAAAAAAACpA/bTjS6ue0TYc/s1600/P9111673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mlECblKI/AAAAAAAACpA/bTjS6ue0TYc/s320/P9111673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the playground w granny</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mqNpnoYI/AAAAAAAACpE/8sve7BKwCAQ/s1600/P9111685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mqNpnoYI/AAAAAAAACpE/8sve7BKwCAQ/s320/P9111685.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snapped by granny</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2muS-R_dI/AAAAAAAACpI/OWJL4gmHtJg/s1600/P9121687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2muS-R_dI/AAAAAAAACpI/OWJL4gmHtJg/s640/P9121687.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all my kids after school :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mzpBi0iI/AAAAAAAACpM/4RxgbS-mKfA/s1600/P9161691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2mzpBi0iI/AAAAAAAACpM/4RxgbS-mKfA/s320/P9161691.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim & Emily create a kids' triatholan </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2m4LsJZ9I/AAAAAAAACpQ/iKXiWew9UrI/s1600/P9181694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2m4LsJZ9I/AAAAAAAACpQ/iKXiWew9UrI/s320/P9181694.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine visits: mom's nite out! (miss you, lady!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2m8jLMtrI/AAAAAAAACpU/dxQE_lPqwQs/s1600/P9201696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2m8jLMtrI/AAAAAAAACpU/dxQE_lPqwQs/s320/P9201696.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braylon visits: Zora is a "big helper"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nBs-tROI/AAAAAAAACpY/j_HxNCsp8nk/s1600/P9201700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nBs-tROI/AAAAAAAACpY/j_HxNCsp8nk/s320/P9201700.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lincoln school has a fund-raising fair</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nGIZeJvI/AAAAAAAACpc/qdPQv3tCzog/s1600/P9201703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nGIZeJvI/AAAAAAAACpc/qdPQv3tCzog/s320/P9201703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nKl_ZenI/AAAAAAAACpg/1DaKZRdr05g/s1600/P9201705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nKl_ZenI/AAAAAAAACpg/1DaKZRdr05g/s320/P9201705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cotton candy, everyone!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nPs98i2I/AAAAAAAACpk/z9CecNns0lc/s1600/P9201708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nPs98i2I/AAAAAAAACpk/z9CecNns0lc/s320/P9201708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langston gets silly over his prize from the cake walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nVJMXVGI/AAAAAAAACpo/SkWoMh1NhTE/s1600/P9211709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nVJMXVGI/AAAAAAAACpo/SkWoMh1NhTE/s320/P9211709.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIU's homecoming parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2naHQ8_1I/AAAAAAAACps/fMwOVtxPdNQ/s1600/P9241711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2naHQ8_1I/AAAAAAAACps/fMwOVtxPdNQ/s320/P9241711.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tub fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nesjCklI/AAAAAAAACpw/7uDdYPv7SeI/s1600/P9241713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nesjCklI/AAAAAAAACpw/7uDdYPv7SeI/s320/P9241713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">volunteering in the library at L's school</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ni-cHDCI/AAAAAAAACp0/OVTvdoUtAqg/s1600/P9241714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ni-cHDCI/AAAAAAAACp0/OVTvdoUtAqg/s320/P9241714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Z "helping" mom by taking pix while mom works in L's library :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nnRP5tcI/AAAAAAAACp4/ZisrVHMSF6M/s1600/P9271721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nnRP5tcI/AAAAAAAACp4/ZisrVHMSF6M/s320/P9271721.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our parent-created, parent-run Macomb playgroup: going strong this fall!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nscskhhI/AAAAAAAACp8/WNIV0HTPJIg/s1600/P9281725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nscskhhI/AAAAAAAACp8/WNIV0HTPJIg/s320/P9281725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macomb High's homecoming parade: Langston & Amir were in the paper catching candy! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nxPakBcI/AAAAAAAACqA/0xFLn2VrI8M/s1600/P9281728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2nxPakBcI/AAAAAAAACqA/0xFLn2VrI8M/s320/P9281728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Pryor (L's teacher) got dunked as a fund-raiser for MHS's after-prom party. Her daughter is a senior.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2n1RFq2fI/AAAAAAAACqE/s4WmlysSZUY/s1600/PA011732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2n1RFq2fI/AAAAAAAACqE/s4WmlysSZUY/s400/PA011732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mom's 30th b'day dinner (10-4, good buddy. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2n6ebq1QI/AAAAAAAACqI/fj6ce7hWEbc/s1600/PA021735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2n6ebq1QI/AAAAAAAACqI/fj6ce7hWEbc/s640/PA021735.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langston's new bff, Eli</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2n_EegzyI/AAAAAAAACqM/F6wjQAUJKeY/s1600/PA021736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2n_EegzyI/AAAAAAAACqM/F6wjQAUJKeY/s640/PA021736.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Pryor's class on their 1st field trip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oD00cqZI/AAAAAAAACqQ/4OfTTLaYxAo/s1600/PA041754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oD00cqZI/AAAAAAAACqQ/4OfTTLaYxAo/s320/PA041754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oIcykvFI/AAAAAAAACqU/ZBjc7RxDtfI/s1600/PA051761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oIcykvFI/AAAAAAAACqU/ZBjc7RxDtfI/s640/PA051761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall soccer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oM1iO1wI/AAAAAAAACqY/MrSIgfw-p2c/s1600/PA051763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oM1iO1wI/AAAAAAAACqY/MrSIgfw-p2c/s320/PA051763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mom's college roomie, Cassie, visits</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oRqJf3yI/AAAAAAAACqc/wnkFnZccMW0/s1600/PA051765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oRqJf3yI/AAAAAAAACqc/wnkFnZccMW0/s320/PA051765.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L. making a rope at the 4-H tent at the Farmer's Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oWpXLTVI/AAAAAAAACqg/SrNbioyGVTk/s1600/PA061768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oWpXLTVI/AAAAAAAACqg/SrNbioyGVTk/s320/PA061768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mom's birthday mom's nite out</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ob1RHcsI/AAAAAAAACqk/A41pokJgno0/s1600/PA071769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ob1RHcsI/AAAAAAAACqk/A41pokJgno0/s320/PA071769.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandmom & Granddad visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2og1RYr2I/AAAAAAAACqo/zmV5vAiBsmQ/s1600/PA071771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2og1RYr2I/AAAAAAAACqo/zmV5vAiBsmQ/s640/PA071771.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls: mom, Zora & Cassie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2olaQfMWI/AAAAAAAACqs/9MWxfflQr3A/s1600/PA071773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2olaQfMWI/AAAAAAAACqs/9MWxfflQr3A/s400/PA071773.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the roomies, the kids & the colonel (ha!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oqKV50AI/AAAAAAAACqw/FXTIlN3alAo/s1600/PA071776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2oqKV50AI/AAAAAAAACqw/FXTIlN3alAo/s320/PA071776.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our new bedding: made by grandmother! (thank you!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ouoosgrI/AAAAAAAACq0/cWEh7UEq_gE/s1600/PA111779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TN2ouoosgrI/AAAAAAAACq0/cWEh7UEq_gE/s320/PA111779.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fixed a supper dedicated to my late granny gray on what would've been her b'day, Oct. 14th. I miss her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-20322464947812123062010-11-07T16:58:00.000-08:002010-11-07T16:58:38.355-08:00Zora says...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TNdKyOPmfvI/AAAAAAAACm8/k6XZV4j_Wj0/s1600/PA041758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TNdKyOPmfvI/AAAAAAAACm8/k6XZV4j_Wj0/s320/PA041758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pumpkin cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>just so I don't forget. Z says the cutest things lately. For example...<br />
<span id="goog_1395115956"></span><span id="goog_1395115957"></span><br />
"I need dental sauce."`<br />
"Dis my baby lion club."<br />
"I want cereal." (me: What kind?) "Snow flakes." (me<i>: Corn</i>flakes?)<br />
L:"May I be excused [from the dinner table]?" Me: "Yes. Zora, did you hear your brother? What do you need to ask? May I be..." Z:"A Piwate!"<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TNdKEpFKCkI/AAAAAAAACm0/OWztsNnUrps/s1600/P7051315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TNdKEpFKCkI/AAAAAAAACm0/OWztsNnUrps/s320/P7051315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">daddy's birthday cake: as Fudge would say, "Eat it or wear it!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
so much more. daily. this girl keeps us laughing.sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-89355956267135676582010-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:002010-11-02T12:46:31.634-07:00What is a doula?<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A doula is someone who...</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">provides emotional and physical support for a woman during, and/or just after labor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">stays by the side of the woman during the entire labor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">assists the woman and her partner in carrying out their birth plan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">understands the physiology of birth </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">understands the emotional needs of a woman in labor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner & the medical care providers. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>perceives her role as one who nurtures & protects the woman's memory of her birth experience. </i>(I love them all, but I think this is my favorite.)</span></li>
</ul>the above is taken (& slightly revised) from the DONA int. workshop I attended in September. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/Sec8a8pY6xI/AAAAAAAABko/P5QZ1v3s340/s1600/laborwithzora2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/Sec8a8pY6xI/AAAAAAAABko/P5QZ1v3s340/s320/laborwithzora2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pictured: my doula, Tammy, assisting me as I labor with baby Zora. My birth experience wouldn't have been the same without her.sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-3816535945390074172010-10-13T11:50:00.001-07:002010-10-13T11:50:52.646-07:00Yikes in photo form....<a href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/10/13/mcdonalds-happy-meal-didnt-decay-after-6-months-photos-show/?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk3%7C177318">Happy Meal</a> experiment.sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-76935686487206876152010-09-14T14:37:00.000-07:002010-09-14T14:37:44.674-07:00New Blog!<a href="http://servingmoms.blogspot.com/">The Diary of a Doula (servingmoms.blogspot.com)</a><br />
My doula information (books to read, movies to watch, studies, etc.) will be posted on a separate blog. I just got back from my training on Sun. evening & I am SO excited to get started! If anyone in Macomb or surrounding areas would like labor support, please contact me.sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-4326946120874683962010-09-04T09:29:00.000-07:002010-09-04T09:29:05.651-07:00blog from KIN & mom's update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://wiukinesiology.blogspot.com/">http://wiukinesiology.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Good idea. I like my chair. And I'm not in any sort of "loop," so I've got to catch up & keep up a little.<br />
Classes are going well. I love seeing all these really athletic kids sweating it out while doing Hatha Yoga. :) Several of them have told me that: they really like the class, it's more intense than they expected & they will no longer be lifting (weights) before doing my class (say good morning! to holding the plank :)<br />
<br />
In other news, my dance (Zumba) class went well at the Y. Youth Yoga begins next week & I can't wait to see all my little gals again. My in-laws are here right now for the long weekend & my mom will be here on Tues, so that she can help w Miss Z. while I do my doula training in Champaign. I can't wait for that! If anyone is interested in having some labor support, please contact me! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TIJv9SYD1FI/AAAAAAAACmU/oaKL18swy3I/s1600/P8211567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TIJv9SYD1FI/AAAAAAAACmU/oaKL18swy3I/s400/P8211567.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langston & Mrs. Pryor</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Langston continues to get used to Big Boy School. The first few days of excitement wore off & he found that the day was long. By lunch, he was really missing mama & fam. He's come home w daily art for me (& sometimes B.) that says "omo" (mom) & dad & usually has a house/family/kid & mom on it. (Yes, he's not tough to figure out.) His fantastic teacher is really helping, though. She said he was "a good example of a student" for the rest of the kids. :) Sweet guy. I'm missing him, but Z and I are so busy that the 7:45-2:45 time when he's gone is flying by.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TIJw5aGFq_I/AAAAAAAACmc/xAMpquq8qHo/s1600/P8171542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TIJw5aGFq_I/AAAAAAAACmc/xAMpquq8qHo/s400/P8171542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zora's first (non-baby) puzzle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Zora is wearing panties in this pic above! :) She has been too fun on her "just mama & parents" days. She has said the funniest things lately...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TIJyS-fTzzI/AAAAAAAACmk/b1cGHl7t8v4/s1600/P8141540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TIJyS-fTzzI/AAAAAAAACmk/b1cGHl7t8v4/s400/P8141540.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Z going potty at her school</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><li>Even so!--I'm not sure what she thinks this means, but apparently it's bad!</li>
<li>Odd-iously not!--she knows what she means w this one & uses it in a sassy way.</li>
<li>Berenstang--from the Berenstain Bears, but she uses it freely w any bear, esp. the Three Bears story.</li>
<li>Two-pats--Hyland's teething tablets.</li>
<li>something different everyday....;)</li>
</ul>We've been having lots of fun at home lately, too...Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRS0KhSAGolAVzvDY4hZCEu2TqPcD9i3ziAnjdGWwrZZXa7HV21mO56yoQGtABcSLyeb89Ms-lRIKgZli97Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-59517260633606472662010-08-29T13:01:00.000-07:002010-08-29T13:01:00.325-07:00BumGenuis & moreNow that we are "potty trained," it's time to say goodbye to our cloth diapers. We've loved them through two babies & lots of money saved. Please contact me if you want to give these awesome dudes a try. <br />
I have 8 BumGenuis brand (in white, mint, pale yellow, & baby blue) all w stuffers. And all "one size," so they'll fit from a 7/8ish lb. baby to about a 30ish lb. baby. (I used them for L. and Z. at the same time!)<br />
I also have 1 Haute Pockets (in bright yellow) w both stuffers. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THq8V7HnsrI/AAAAAAAACmM/Y_AaiimiaOQ/s1600/june2009+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THq8V7HnsrI/AAAAAAAACmM/Y_AaiimiaOQ/s640/june2009+097.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zora w a "double stuffed" booty :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
If you haven't tried cloth before, I'll give a quick review...<br />
These are as easy as a disposable to use. Just stuff a stuffer in the middle of the diaper & diaper the baby (these have velcro tabs, just like disposables). If your baby is tiny, pre-adjust the diaper to his/her size by snapping down some snappies (across the front of the tummy) to make the diaper smaller. You can also "double" the stuffer inside so that it is smaller (it comes w a snap, too). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THq629sz66I/AAAAAAAACl8/3981I2ICpVE/s1600/IMG_2467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THq629sz66I/AAAAAAAACl8/3981I2ICpVE/s640/IMG_2467.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">here's langston showing off a bumgenuis adjusted for a 30 lb. toddler who only wore diapers when napping. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When soiled, toss these into a container w a lid (I added some vinegar) & then launder w a tiny amount of detergent, but NO FABRIC SOFTENER. You can also dry them on low, but NO DRYER SHEETS. **<i>there are whole websites devoted to cloth diapering, so go to the web w questions.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THq7RLXDcrI/AAAAAAAACmE/_NFAgJgTHSc/s1600/june2009+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>That's it.<br />
Let me know if you want to try them!sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-36133462628447603522010-08-27T05:09:00.000-07:002010-08-27T06:40:00.069-07:00first day of school(s)!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THe1JqgTWgI/AAAAAAAAClc/xE3YEyQ_pp4/s1600/P8191559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THeo___3RBI/AAAAAAAAClM/O9LTQcvhmmo/s1600/P8221572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THeo___3RBI/AAAAAAAAClM/O9LTQcvhmmo/s640/P8221572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THe011DBPxI/AAAAAAAAClU/KqPS0vIP6XM/s1600/P8191557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Sweet Langston's first day of Kindergarten! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THeo1o6NXKI/AAAAAAAAClE/VGGRkDgHo4c/s1600/P8221571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THeo1o6NXKI/AAAAAAAAClE/VGGRkDgHo4c/s640/P8221571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family just before we walked big L. over for his first day.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>It's official! We have a Kindergarten guy in our fam! And his first day, in his words, was, "the best day of my life!" Wow. Can't beat that. ;) *<i>*Quick side note here: His teacher seemed fantastic from the first time I saw here. She was one of the "energetic" ones I remember from a "meet the teachers" thing last spring. And when we saw the great organization of her classroom (we had open house, then "bring the supplies morning" so L. & fam explored the school twice before he really had to go), we were fired up about this lady. She has 22 years of experience. She's from Mississippi (we'll forgive her for being a Bulldogs fan...her hubby did his phD at Mississippi State). I felt like she seemed a perfect "match" for our Langston...and Mama's usually right about these things. :)**</i><br />
When we asked him for the 'recap of the day' he gave us a quick run down of the "stations" they did in the a.m., then quickly moved on to when he saw me waiting to pick him up. :) (Missing: probably the hours b't 8:30 and 2:40! ha! ) So, we were specific: Did Mrs. Pryor read to you? Yes, the Kissing Hand. Were you the line leader? No. Door holder? No. Did you go potty? No, but he tried. Did you eat lunch? Yes, and he chose salad & carrots w his pizza...and drank all his milk. :) (Good job!) Did anyone in your class cry? Nope. Not a one. And his b.f.f., Amir, got to come home w him at the end of the day! <br />
The only "whew" part, to me, was how exhausted this guy was at the end of the day. 7:45 to 2:40 is a LONG day for little people (for any people). He cried over anything that didn't go his way yesterday. I hear 'earlier bedtime' calling!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Miss Z. on her first day of pre-school!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L. loves that sister! He was more nervous about her first day than we were! :) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</a></div> B. called after he dropped Z. off on her first day to tell me that she did great...no tears or anything. I made him tell L. that bc L. had been so worried about her! When we went to pick her up, B. was bringing her out of the classroom & she was SLEEPY, but aside from that great. She ate lunch well, "helped" w a baby. (Her favorite things in life right now are babies and books.) And peed on the potty. (she is officially POTTY trained, y'all!...I think I missed posting that somewhere!) She has the greatest pre-school teachers ever...Ms. Ann & Ms. Sandy...although when I asked her about her teachers I think she combined their names bc she kept correcting me & calling ?them? "Ms. Andy." :) But she did have great things to report. We were all so happy & she was ready for that nap! :<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yea, Zora-bean! Riding to school w Daddy!</td></tr>
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Mondays and Wednesdays are "daddy mornings" right now. B. will bike both kiddos to school on Monday (weather permitting) while Mommy teaches Zumba (Mon. 8:30) and then my Yoga & Pilates class at the University (Mon. & Wed. 10-10:50). Zora will be at her "school" on Monday mornings. I'll pick her up at lunch & bring her home for nurse & nap-time. Wednesdays B. will have her all morning if I sub & then teach or I'll bring her to him when I teach at WIU, then take her home around lunch.<br />
Yesterday I bought this huge dry erase board to put all our "stuff to do" on. B &I are alike in that "if we don't write it down, it doesn't happen." Huge fans of "lists" in this house! I even made L. his own personal tiny dry erase w. his name on it & a pack of dry erase crayons (bc those "low odor" things are still stinky, I think...I don't want him breathing that stuff). His has what happens at school on it (they are beginning "color days" next week, so they will get to wear certain colors...his "share day" is next week, too). He gave me hugs & kisses for that surprise! :) I filled out my classes/PTO meetings/dr. appts./playgroups on the board, then B. filled out meetings/ball games/babysit for friends...and more than I am thinking of right now. :) <br />
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</a></div>Here I am in the gym (we are now in a FANTASTIC dance studio) on my first day of [teaching] class. Don't worry, I didn't ask a student to hold the camera! :) I took this on the "timer" before class began...just to document my first day in yet another experiment of "career choice." Could one make a career of experimenting w careers? Hmmmm. :) My doula training is in a few weeks & I am SO excited about that, too. I think maybe if I didn't enjoy so many things it wouldn't be so tough to choose one...or two. :)<br />
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Anyway, class is going great so far. I have around 20 guys and 4 or 5 gals. (Which I didn't expect, but they are phys. ed. majors & that's traditionally male dominated, so I guess I was just thinking about the whole Yoga/Pilates thing...not Phys. Ed. kids.) So far, we've had one day of lecture &one day of "movement" (which includes explaining, exploring, correcting, etc.). They've been attentive, respectful & a little shocked by how intense Hatha Yoga can be. But four of them stayed after to talk the second day & I feel like almost all were in agreement that it was "more intense & more fun" than they thought. Good stuff. I hope they apply it when they finish. I would LOVE to see some Yoga (& Pilates) taught in the schools.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THe5gH3y1aI/AAAAAAAACl0/ZR9DxHarZCY/s1600/P8191563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/THe5gH3y1aI/AAAAAAAACl0/ZR9DxHarZCY/s320/P8191563.JPG" /></a></div>sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-78202273426188122182010-08-09T10:41:00.000-07:002010-08-09T10:41:16.832-07:00BMIs & early puberty<a href="http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/nm/us_puberty_earlier">http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/nm/us_puberty_earlier</a><br />
Yet another good reason to keep our babies healthy.sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-36751891959959988312010-08-05T13:25:00.000-07:002010-08-05T13:25:40.848-07:00BEingToday when I was reading to the kiddos before nap Langston hit me in the eye. We were being silly and he didn't mean to, but I said (in a serious tone), "Langston! That hurt mommy."<br />
He immediately started crying and said, "Sorry," in this meek little voice. <br />
I hugged him and told him it was okay. I knew he didn't mean to; just try to be more careful. <br />
Then it hit me how wonderful it is to have a kid (or kids, as I do) who feel comfortable enough to open up and cry when they think they might have hurt me. I love to see how honest and real and raw the emotions of children are. They are so beautiful! <br />
I am <i>thankful</i> that these little people can really tell and/or show me how they are feeling. I relate such purity w God. God, to me, (or being w God or relating to God...) is that place where one can just BE. Be completely whatever you need to be...hurting or angry or joyful or even self pitying. Not judging or being judged, but just bringing it all and laying it out there. I think that's one of the many ways we, as adults, are told to "be like children" and also where we miss the big picture. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFsd6eTv2RI/AAAAAAAACk0/q8vPORmxJIg/s1600/P7211358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFsd6eTv2RI/AAAAAAAACk0/q8vPORmxJIg/s320/P7211358.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFseHOI0ZVI/AAAAAAAACk8/eqFqpJdId2o/s1600/P7161354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFseHOI0ZVI/AAAAAAAACk8/eqFqpJdId2o/s320/P7161354.JPG" /></a></div>What if we expressed what we felt or allowed ourselves to feel more often? I can't help but think we'd all be a little better off. I'm not saying "fly off the handle," but I am saying that if someone hurt you, tell them. If someone made you so happy or brings you peace, tell them. And if you might have hurt someone...no matter how meekly it comes out, say "sorry." sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-85683292157670293082010-08-04T06:56:00.000-07:002010-08-04T07:08:09.240-07:00our busy summer...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFlx8SMt3WI/AAAAAAAACks/CnLr0z2o2ys/s1600/P7181356.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFlx8SMt3WI/AAAAAAAACks/CnLr0z2o2ys/s400/P7181356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501553700301036898" border="0" /></a>the girls showering off before "baby swim lessons," which Z loved this time!<br /><br />Forgive me, readers, for not posting. We've had a crazy-busy summer. And the past few weeks have been full. Here's a preview of things to come via blog...swim lessons for both kids, L's 'getting ready for grade K', grandparents Key visit, vaca to St. Louis (in large part to meet our friends, the Gartlands), t-ball, mom's new job(s)**, a visit from Aunt Leslie, Uncle Logan and "cousin" Winston the dog, and I'm sure I'm leaving something out! :) We've had busy days recently helping our good friends, the Ballards, move to their new home, L got sick (from a vaccine, then just a virus, which we shared), Z currently has a cold, and just the usual crazy days. :) I am promising an up-date complete w pix soon! Sorry grandparents, it's coming! xoxo<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFlxvvcCOZI/AAAAAAAACkk/xQvnWVmtCkE/s1600/P7141353.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TFlxvvcCOZI/AAAAAAAACkk/xQvnWVmtCkE/s400/P7141353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501553484811614610" border="0" /></a>shopping for school supplies! he's sooooo ready!<br /><br /><br />**I feel pretty prepared for my part-time at the Y. I'll have one day a week of Zumba and two Kid's Yoga, but I met w a prof in Kin at WIU yesterday about teaching a class ("contemporary activities") of Yoga & Pilates to students who will be phyis ed instructors for grades K-12. I think it'll be really fun and I'm looking forward to it...just not all the prep! :)sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-81633099771056588662010-07-18T13:34:00.000-07:002010-07-18T14:45:11.703-07:00new dances I've taught in the past 2 weeks...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvRNP7_-FaE&feature=related">Ya Llego</a>...very Latin, very fun.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz0rf7jaGaQ">Just Dance</a>...I did change a few things at the end.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yu1AocGsxk&feature=related">Let Me Think About It</a>...easy, sexy, fun. :0)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVXpbcxBV40&feature=related">Shake Your Bon, Bon</a>...I changed one Samba move to a "Zumba shuffle."sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-1683023914295520982010-07-03T13:15:00.000-07:002010-07-03T13:17:21.783-07:00good stuff from EWG<a href="http://www.ewg.org/healthyhometips/cancer_prevention_tips?utm_source=tox&utm_medium=email&utm_content=second-link&utm_campaign=hht">http://www.ewg.org/healthyhometips/cancer_prevention_tips?utm_source=tox&utm_medium=email&utm_content=second-link&utm_campaign=hht</a><br /><br />1 page of great tips for "cancer preventing"...from sunscreen to BPA-less containers (which #s to look for) to which foods to buy organic, etc.sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-13897816977198332332010-06-29T13:00:00.000-07:002010-06-29T13:34:45.736-07:00Parents, please glance for a moment....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCpWsM3FnmI/AAAAAAAACkU/pUDeqkhlUPo/s1600/P4231126.JPG"><br /></a><br />at the toys on <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html">this list</a>. Several of them are pretty common items. Lots are cute & look totally safe...'til you read about all the lead or how one piece pops off to create some kind of knife-looking thing. (That happened to one of the awesome, hand-painted wooden toys that I <span style="font-style: italic;">almost</span> got Z when she was tiny. Thank goodness I looked here first.)<br />Oh, and if you got any of the Shrek glasses at Mc D's, be sure to take those back to the store right away (because of the dangerous chemical akin to lead peeling off of them as well as your $3 refund.:) Here's<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5466840/mcdonalds_shrek_glass_recall_refund.html"> an article</a> explaining what to do.<br /><br />While I'm on the kid-topic, I think I'll post a few pix of what my "final decision" day (which was a while ago, I know) looked like. The day after Barclay & I talked about our decision not to adopt, I cleaned out all the kids stuff that I was saving & sifted through it, keeping only monogrammed items or things that were handmade for them (as well as a couple of things that just remind me of a special time of their babyhood...and of course their "gator" outfits!). It was a long, emotion-filled day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCpWKU2hQ7I/AAAAAAAACkE/HZOWSKpqWE4/s1600/P4231124.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCpWKU2hQ7I/AAAAAAAACkE/HZOWSKpqWE4/s400/P4231124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488293831300432818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the mess...whew. it took a while to drag it all out of storage...then sort & re-box. yet, it was very worthwhile.</span><br /><br />I called a few of our friends (all of whom are as penny-pinching as we are) and found out the size their little people were currently in, then I sorted for season/size/family and made special boxes or bags with the baby's names on them. That was really special, too. We have always been so blessed by so many friends and family providing us with hand-me-downs and other little things that we've not had to buy much "needed" items for the kids. We are SO thankful!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCpWsM3FnmI/AAAAAAAACkU/pUDeqkhlUPo/s1600/P4231126.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCpWsM3FnmI/AAAAAAAACkU/pUDeqkhlUPo/s400/P4231126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488294413270883938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">re-boxed, labeled and ready to be delivered!</span><br /><br />I wanted to do the same for others. I hope to continue to do the same as the kids grow. I also like to include the kids in some of the decision-making with the items they've outgrown because I think it's neat that Langston knows little baby Benjamin is wearing the tiny little green shorts that he once wore all the time (he looked so cute in them, J.!) or that Zora sees little 'Fia looking happy in her pink rain jacket (which she did). I think it helps them see the cycle of giving and sharing and "needs"...vs. our materialistic culture of "wants." I hope to be a better example all the time of that kind of teaching.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCpWUOrwrKI/AAAAAAAACkM/5UHkzShLdDQ/s1600/P4231125.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCpWUOrwrKI/AAAAAAAACkM/5UHkzShLdDQ/s400/P4231125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488294001443384482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the "keep" box. this is just "from the top," so it's not all the kept items, but it contained a few hand-made sweaters, hats, monogrammed onesies (I still use their burpcloths for drying hands in their bathroom), Z's Polish baby boots, a few onesies they both wore their first few weeks, the first outfit I bought when I found out I was pregnant w a girl (yes, a pink dress & bloomers), a few UF outfits & a couple of other things. What would your "keep" box look like? What are some of your favorite baby things?</span>sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579354091530708256.post-74939090804453964082010-06-21T12:02:00.000-07:002010-06-23T05:05:42.299-07:00Zora...very much two (w belated pix)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCETfT9FMYI/AAAAAAAACjY/XarIiHtA8Go/s1600/P4071071.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCETMwbRtcI/AAAAAAAACjQ/rC6X9Y_1E1g/s1600/P4071090.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCETMwbRtcI/AAAAAAAACjQ/rC6X9Y_1E1g/s400/P4071090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485686930992641474" border="0" /></a>Two! w Grandmom in the background<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCES_GaU4SI/AAAAAAAACjI/kmMm18Nugek/s1600/P4071095.JPG"><br /></a><br />She currently is...<br />3ish feet tall (exactly 36" in April)<br />34ish lbs.<br />Things she says or does...<br />E-no (for Uno)<br />See my mouth? (I cannot say that word!)<br />Eh-mo (Elmo)<br />Nangston (Langston)<br />Yuve you so much! (I love you so much!)<br />tisses (she gives kisses on our faces, shoulders & arms :)<br />head, shoulders, knees and foot! (aka 'head, shoulders, knees and toes')<br />'Fia (our tiny neighbor baby, Sofia)<br />'Mir (L's bff, Amir)<br />Jo-nanna (one of my Macomb bffs, Joanna)<br />She loves to read, sing, dance (esp. w her arms bent, knuckles touching as she bounces..."her" dance), watch Elmo-Potty (Elmo Goes Potty), "Fief" (the Great Cookie Theif) & Dora (the Explorer), play w babies, pretend w Langston and "help" mommy cook, clean and check email. She likes to talk on the phone to her family (or "Jo-nanna"), play outside, ride the 'cicle (not cycle) w daddy (B's bike w a baby seat attached). She eats almost anything, has pretty great manners & is a sweet thing to be around.<br />She still nurses during the night (& about 4-5 times during the day) and spends part of the night in her toddler bed & part in mom & dad's bed. She naps for a couple of hours by herself daily. All 24 teeth are officially in (hooray). The only time she poops her diaper is when she's sickly (pee is another story).<br />and finally...only two months late...<br />some pix from Zora's mid-April B'day bash. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCETfT9FMYI/AAAAAAAACjY/XarIiHtA8Go/s1600/P4071071.JPG"><br /></a>It was a family affair, w B's parents and my mom and youngest brother coming in from Alabama. The Grahams and Oden-Shabazz family were also there...as extended "family." ;)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCES_GaU4SI/AAAAAAAACjI/kmMm18Nugek/s1600/P4071095.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCES_GaU4SI/AAAAAAAACjI/kmMm18Nugek/s400/P4071095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485686696376066338" border="0" /></a>kissing the baby...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCEUTa8tNiI/AAAAAAAACjo/MEONKeUM6I8/s1600/P4071091.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCEUTa8tNiI/AAAAAAAACjo/MEONKeUM6I8/s400/P4071091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485688144997987874" border="0" /></a>the one "big" gift...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCET-SkLpxI/AAAAAAAACjg/nD8Bn_uejoE/s1600/P4071075.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCET-SkLpxI/AAAAAAAACjg/nD8Bn_uejoE/s400/P4071075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485687781970388754" border="0" /></a>the family pic never turned out well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCEVlaycnnI/AAAAAAAACjw/RAIUpVrCHpY/s1600/P4071071.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCEVlaycnnI/AAAAAAAACjw/RAIUpVrCHpY/s400/P4071071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485689553704230514" border="0" /></a>my little monkey w her monkey cake.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCEWIH5WmGI/AAAAAAAACj4/zLj9oBKFTBs/s1600/P4071069.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_56XbJsFkel8/TCEWIH5WmGI/AAAAAAAACj4/zLj9oBKFTBs/s400/P4071069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485690149928343650" border="0" /></a>my mom putting Z's bib on & my littlest bro.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpyVrcDOy-CIq9QOSfpJ_VlpwRuY5QL02Dzojiko7QJccaxJubCqg9UDxi7TPt_TJZ5_is5jhWaZsDUxyflQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>sonyagraykeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06595866707410819550noreply@blogger.com0