tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47313436765764906192024-03-13T07:34:36.820-07:00The Hojnacke FamilyThe Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-59406097583472748952013-03-13T17:21:00.003-07:002013-03-13T17:21:14.473-07:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4948927/?claim=z7b4v499zhm">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-79880831674323130292013-03-13T17:21:00.001-07:002013-03-13T17:21:05.054-07:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4948927/?claim=z7b4v499zhm">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-18682851952985623222012-08-21T14:40:00.001-07:002012-08-21T14:42:54.553-07:003 1/2 weeks, 6300 miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This summer I decided we needed to head back east to visit my grandfather. Of course, that is a long drive so we would need to make lots of stops along the way. I plotted my course and arranged for all of our stops (at family members' homes). Unfortunately, Jeff didn't have any vacation time yet so we had to embark on our journey without him. Yep, that's right. Me and four kids in a car. For 3 1/2 weeks. Here's how it went.</div>
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The first day we hopped in the car (more like packed ourselves in like sardines) and headed to Parker, Colorado- a suburb of Denver. Elevation, 5869 ft. We encountered some rain in the mountains.</div>
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We stayed at my Aunt Katy and Uncle Paul's house. Paul set up the bounce house and showed the kids how to deflate it while they were inside. They had a blast! </div>
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Later that day we headed to the Lego Store. We checked all the cities in which we would be stopping to see if they had Lego Stores. Sure enough, three cities would have them. We stopped at all three. Drew was beside himself with joy.</div>
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After a nice day off from driving we piled back in the van and headed to my dad's house in Olathe, Kansas. Elevation, 1050 ft.</div>
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This is what it looks like when you are living out of luggage on the road.</div>
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We stopped at the Lego Store in Oak Park Mall on our day off of driving. Then we headed to Louisville, KY to see my Uncle David and his family. We passed the St. Louis Arch along the way and I snapped a couple pictures while trying not to get in an accident in crazy traffic.</div>
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Pretty good shots for not really looking at what I was doing.</div>
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Then I tried to get a shot of the Illinois sign while crossing state lines. It wasn't even close to us!</div>
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In Louisville (elevation, 462 ft), we had just enough time to eat a quick dinner before heading downtown. We went to an old theatre and watched North by Northwest. It was fun, but Drew didn't really want to cooperate.</div>
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The girls sitting in their seats, ready for the show. </div>
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Drew didn't want his picture taken! </div>
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The old theatre was beautiful and grand. </div>
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It had little statues all over. </div>
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The ceiling had little heads all over it. </div>
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Alona wanted a picture outside of the theatre. </div>
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The girls loved playing in Uncle David's humongous backyard, but were too afraid to find the creek back in the trees. We even enjoyed a nice walk around the neighborhood (it was a few miles) in the humidity that evening.</div>
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Of course, we only stayed for a day and then had to pile back in the car to head to Virginia- where we would finally see my grandfather.</div>
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The mountains of West Virginia and Virginia were beautiful.</div>
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When we arrived at Grandpa's house (elevation, approx. 300 ft), the kids were greeted by his dog, Gretchen. </div>
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In the morning, Grandpa took us all out to breakfast at IHOP.</div>
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He assured us that we must go down to Charlottesville (elevation, roughly 600 ft) to visit my Aunt Heidi, so I called her up and arranged it. We spent a few hours at the country club pool. </div>
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Drew fell in love with her log Lexie. </div>
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The girls fell in love with the cats (they had six of them!!!!). </div>
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We headed to Monticello the next morning before heading back up to my Grandfather's house. </div>
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The garden was to die for- but would be more work than one person could handle. </div>
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Natalie found a chair in a little structure that overlooked the orchards. </div>
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Everyone rested at the garden tables.</div>
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We picked out some snacks at the gift shop. </div>
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They had some fun little activities for the kids down in the stable area. </div>
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We even checked out the underground tunnel and cellars. </div>
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My sister is also in the D.C. area, so we spent some time with her. Together, we took our kids to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Jeff was a Tomb Guard there, so I wanted to take the kids to see his old work. </div>
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Here we are in front of the badge board, with some of the kids pointing to Jeff's name.</div>
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Natalie didn't want to stand there for this picture and Drew didn't want to be seen either (as he was still not fully awake and was very grumpy). This picture just shows theirs personalities. Right?</div>
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Back at Grandpa's house, the kids enjoyed some juice boxes. </div>
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We also got to swim with Catherine and some of her kids.</div>
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Natalie and cousins. </div>
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Drew found a pink guitar and rocked out.</div>
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We stayed in Virginia for 4 days and then it was time to head to my brother's house. Ben lives in Ohio. That drive took us through West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.</div>
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Ben has a nice yard (elevation around 900 ft.), so the kids spent lots of time outside. They liked pushing water around on the patio with brooms. Go figure. </div>
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Ben made ice cream and the kids helped turn the crank. We also took two of my sister's kids along with us (as we were headed to our family reunion back in Colorado).</div>
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Somehow they decided to tie Ashley up to the basketball hoop pole.</div>
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The kids even played with Mr. Potato head (and his wife).</div>
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We were sad to leave, as we don't get to see Ben and his family all too often. </div>
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My nephew Adam.</div>
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It was too bright for him to read, so he had to borrow my sunglasses. </div>
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After a long day of driving, we arrived at my Dad's house back in Kansas. This was the only time we stopped and only stayed overnight. We had to get to Colorado for all of the reunion festivities. </div>
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Back in Colorado, my cousin Paul (Uncle Paul's son) made balloon animals, er cars, for the kids. Drew got McQueen. </div>
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We all headed to the airport for my cousin Daniel's arrival home from his mission in California. The brothers (Paul and Dan) sang together. </div>
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I tried on my brother Joseph's sunglasses. Way too big. </div>
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We headed up to a cabin (elevation, 9500 ft!!!!) somewhere west of Colorado Springs, high up in the mountains for our family reunion the next day. We had to drive almost 23 miled on a dirt road to get there. It was lined with patches of grazing cattle. They liked to stand right by the road. </div>
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And even cross the road right in front of you (objects are closer than they appear in camera). </div>
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Before taking off for the cabin, Alona and cousins decided to play on Aunt Katy's treadmill. Alona didn't make out so well.</div>
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So she had to be carried around a lot. Here Cousin paul is helping her get situated for family pictures.</div>
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And Uncle Joseph carried her on his shoulders. (I have the best family ever!!!) </div>
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At the family reunion, we took a little trip (also a long drive on the dirt road) to a spot where we then hiked to a little watering hole. The water was freezing, or so I was told. I didn't get in, but others did.</div>
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Drew and Uncle Joseph </div>
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Drew wanted to play with my phone, so we took a picture together.</div>
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The creek (or whatever body of water it was) was beautiful and lush. The scenery was gorgeous. (click on the pictures if you want to see them bigger)</div>
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My sister Rebecca and her daughter Megan. </div>
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There were occasional flowers along the way.</div>
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And prickly weeds that were almost beautiful. </div>
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This rock had great fissures.</div>
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This was kind of gross- the water skippers or whatever they are called. </div>
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To get to the water, we had to cross the creek. I wasn't so sure about it. </div>
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We made it, but the water came up in a wave over the van! This is us on the other side.</div>
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We had a family dance in the dark.</div>
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Back at Uncle Paul's house the sisters were congregating. Sorry sisters, I had to post this. See, Rebecca, we found a good angle- but only for you. Where is Ruth, anyway??? </div>
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After an extra day at Uncle Paul's house (which allowed for an extra trip to the Lego Store!!!!!) due to a sick child, we headed to Utah. Off to see my sister, Aurelia.</div>
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We got to go through more tunnels (the kids love them). </div>
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About to enter.</div>
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Inside the tunnel.</div>
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Our last stop. Springville, UT. Elevation, 4500 ft.</div>
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We were pretty tired at this point in our trip. It had been 3 weeks and over 5000 miles. I had a terrible cold and I was hoping no one else would get the stomach bug Ashley had on Monday in Colorado.</div>
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I caught some sweet moments of Drew sleeping in the morning.</div>
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We stayed a couple of days so we could visit family and friends.</div>
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We had dinner at Carrabbas. The kids loved it.</div>
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I took my brother Joseph out to lunch at Cafe Zupas. It was so delicious. I'm glad he recommended it. </div>
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We met up with some friends (who once lived in Oregon with us) at the Pleasant Grove Promenade. It wasn't as big as I thought it would be, but we had a great time. There was this picture board there. We stopped at our friends' house the next day on our way home and picked tons of basil. I'm making pesto this week.</div>
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It was finally time to head home.</div>
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Home!!!!! </div>
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My trip odometer. Didn't start it until at least 100 miles on the road, so I didn't get the exact mileage, but this is close enough. </div>
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I am so grateful for all of our family! We enjoyed seeing everyone and appreciate all of their hospitality. I especially appreciate having my coolant, oil, and power steering fluids checked regularly. I was worried about the van making it and I'm glad it did. It was nice to have people looking out for us along the way.</div>
<br />The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-2973253239629213522012-07-10T18:07:00.000-07:002012-07-10T18:08:47.745-07:00It's been forever....<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't really been up to blogging a whole lot lately (can you tell?), so I thought I'd share pictures from the iPhone since the last post. Maybe some videos as well.</div>
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Warning: THIS IS LONG.</div>
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Alona is queen of the pout.</div>
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Drew is too cool. </div>
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Alona the devil at Halloween. </div>
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Thomas and Hera. </div>
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Supergirl. With powers. And ring. </div>
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All our trick-or-treaters. </div>
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The kids and I headed down to Arizona to visit my sister for Veteran's Day. The van broke down on our way home- 30 minutes into the trip. So glad it wasn't out in the middle of nowhere. It was a Sunday, so we had to wait till Monday when things were open. Rebecca had to go to work so she dropped us off and we waited. These next few are in the little lobby.</div>
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The van in the back up on the lift. </div>
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Alona selling friendship bracelets with her friend at Going To Town night. </div>
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The kids dug a hole at the park and Drew climbed in. </div>
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Ashley all dressed up.</div>
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Ashley trying some raw vegetable curry. </div>
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The best raw pasta ever. </div>
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Jeff. </div>
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I flew to San Diego to visit my friend Jen.</div>
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We had hot chocolate on the beach. </div>
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And watched the sun set. </div>
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We saw some gorgeous plants. </div>
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Back at home I shared green smoothies with the kids. </div>
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Drew sure can sport a green smoothie 'stache. </div>
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After 3 days at home I flew to Oregon to surprise a friend. At her surprise baby shower. We were hoping all those surprises would make her baby come out, but no luck.</div>
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We stopped at Fred Meyer and I had to get a picture hugging the avocados.</div>
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I also bought some Chucks in that same shopping trip. </div>
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When I came home I made more green smoothies to share with the kids. </div>
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Drew loves his trains. His collection is still growing. </div>
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Rebecca and family came to visit and we went to the Bass Pro Shop. </div>
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We got new living room carpet. This is what they tried to bring us.</div>
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This is what they ended up giving us. Much better.</div>
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My friend and I participated in The Color Run. Such a blast!</div>
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I helped Alona's class make stuffed owls for their class business. They sold out very quickly.</div>
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I dropped my phone and got a 4S. We had fun with Siri.</div>
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Ashley, Alona, and I completed a 5K together.</div>
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They had food for us when we finished.</div>
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I made the BEST veggie tacos. YUM.</div>
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Alona continues to be a wonderful artist.</div>
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Natalie turned six. A friend made a Hello Kitty cake.</div>
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I had an ultrasound on my thyroid. It's huge. I am avoiding having it removed.</div>
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Herbs are a part of that plan to keep my thyroid in tact.</div>
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We went to visit Rebecca and family for Anthony's baptism.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">My sister Anna was there. </span></div>
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We hung out in the park with my niece.</div>
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Drew loves to sit with his momma. </div>
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Natalie likes to sit in laundry baskets. </div>
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Drew likes to do whatever Natalie is doing.</div>
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Natalie on Crazy Hair day. </div>
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Drew is addicted to the iPad.</div>
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Ashley went to the 5th grade dance. It was a sock hop.</div>
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Ashley is done with elementary school. Here she is with her teacher.</div>
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Natalie finished kindergarten. She cried because she will miss her teacher.</div>
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I made a leek and swiss chard tart. It was sooooo delicious!</div>
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I also discovered roasted, curried cauliflower. Awesome!</div>
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We went to the lagoon and got sunburned.</div>
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I made myself a new dress.</div>
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It rained on the 4th of July and the kids danced around. (It really only sprinkled a little.)</div>
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This boy loves pictures.</div>
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And his mom.</div>
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At Natalie's kindergarten celebration they all said what they want to be when they grow up. (first grade teacher)</div>
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Natalie receiving her kindergarten certificate.</div>
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Drew being so cute and acting like a train.</div>
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<br /></div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-30722551384042439482011-10-14T20:54:00.000-07:002012-01-20T19:56:39.131-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">I think we have started a new tradition.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today was my mom's birthday.</div><div style="text-align: center;">She would have turned 58 years old today. Today also marks 8 years since she passed away.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was breast cancer. Stupid cancer. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't want my kids to forget about their grandmother. So I am trying to find ways to bring her into their lives. I decided that celebrating her birthday was a start. So we headed to the store to get the necessary ingredients. The girls helped me make the cake. They suggested something pink to represent breast cancer awareness. We found pink jelly beans. The girls helped put them on the cake- we just dropped them randomly on the top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next year I'm think we should come up with gifts. Not gifts you wrap up in packages, but gifts of spirit. Thinks like treating others kindly, or giving up a bad habit. Something each one of us thinks mom would appreciate. We could plan ahead a bit more and make it a real event- not just a last minute cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think it would be nice to have stories to tell the kids about mom. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Collecting new ones each year would be fun.<br />
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Happy birthday, Mom! </div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-31875165838824134252011-09-11T18:23:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:23:27.136-07:00tenI was working at the Rainforest Cafe in Kansas City. It wasn't that busy in the morning and suddenly everyone was leaving, headed to the break room. I went back to see what was going on. The television was on and there was news of a plane hitting a building in New York. I stood there, watching it all unfold on the tv. Then they reported a plane hitting the Pentagon- about a mile from my husband, who was working that day as a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. I couldn't get through to him for several hours. I think I left work at that point and headed back to my parent's house where Ashley (then 8 months) were staying- it wasn't like masses of people would be out shopping at the mall that day anyway. The price of gas was going through the roof at several gas stations that morning as I headed home. They went back down later that same day. I remember just kind of standing around in shock at home with my mom. I kept trying to call Jeff. It was killing me, being 1100 miles from him during this tragedy that was right there next to him. It was the next days and weeks that were really difficult. I may not have been there, I may not have lost a loved one, but it affected our family in a very intimate way. Jeff, as were pretty much all the troops at Fort Meyer, was assigned to clean up at the Pentagon. Some people may say that being in the armed forces these boys- because most of them were still boys- are trained to deal with that kind of thing, but it doesn't matter what line of work you are in, what training you are given, it still affects you. I am grateful for all of the people who had to do that devastating work. I fear that they are forgotten when we remember that day. I pray that they can all be healed from the things they saw in the days following. <br />
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I will always remember the victims, the ones who lost their lives or their loved ones and the ones who's lives were forever changed by what they experienced.The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-28387222495015928222011-05-25T21:44:00.000-07:002011-05-25T21:44:43.026-07:00Party.Last month Natalie turned 5. (Remember the <a href="http://hojnacke.blogspot.com/2011/04/five.html">rainbow cake</a>?) Well she also had a party with friends. It had a Power Puff Girls theme- well, the cupcakes were that theme anyway. My friend <a href="http://positivelyperfectparty.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a> made the cupcake toppers. Natalie absolutely LOVED them! Here are some pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC-v0IvQOUQ/Td3aj7YJkEI/AAAAAAAACZ8/5YobrdtJsVk/s1600/natalieparty3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC-v0IvQOUQ/Td3aj7YJkEI/AAAAAAAACZ8/5YobrdtJsVk/s320/natalieparty3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6umJVVxf9Y/Td3akgzFwfI/AAAAAAAACaA/iEUZrGfj8F4/s1600/powerpuffcupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6umJVVxf9Y/Td3akgzFwfI/AAAAAAAACaA/iEUZrGfj8F4/s320/powerpuffcupcake.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-19145847271979521362011-05-13T16:41:00.000-07:002011-05-13T16:42:50.449-07:00It's been a while.I feel like I've been ignoring my blogs. I guess life is just busy. Hectic even.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1M4I74x8EE/Tc3ArNIH3TI/AAAAAAAACYU/zt6SxbM9Njo/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1M4I74x8EE/Tc3ArNIH3TI/AAAAAAAACYU/zt6SxbM9Njo/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>You see, I have this little boy. He likes to get into everything. Wherever he goes, a mess ensues. He likes to open the dishwasher and stand on the door. He likes to climb up and sit on the table. If there is nice stack of anything he just has to knock it over- or sometimes he takes each piece, one by one, and throws it on the floor. Needless to say, it is hard to get anything accomplished around the house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMtpF0M0iOo/Tc3A_zSjnjI/AAAAAAAACYs/nO9QGsEN25I/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMtpF0M0iOo/Tc3A_zSjnjI/AAAAAAAACYs/nO9QGsEN25I/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Then there is this five year old girl in the house. She is constantly hungry. She longs for play dates. I try, I really do. It is just hard when everyone her age is in kindergarten or preschool. So she gets bored- and we all know that boredom in a five year old means creating messes. Or maybe you didn't know that. Well, it does for this one!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klA8rCzF6pQ/Tc3Asxy5OzI/AAAAAAAACYY/uU4meJM8-DY/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klA8rCzF6pQ/Tc3Asxy5OzI/AAAAAAAACYY/uU4meJM8-DY/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Then there is the seven year old pirate loving girl. She just wants to swashbuckle. Which isn't really even a word. It really is just acting like a swashbuckler- which is a swaggering or daring soldier or adventurer (or a novel dealing with a swashbuckler- as in; it was a swashbuckler of a tale). How can you be swaggering or daring (or a soldier or adventurer, much less) without making a mess? Oh, and she also loves art. Art is most assuredly messy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoHfL7WDpEI/Tc3AyK1JGMI/AAAAAAAACYk/PWjhFG7HyOc/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoHfL7WDpEI/Tc3AyK1JGMI/AAAAAAAACYk/PWjhFG7HyOc/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Last, but not least, is the ten year old bookworm girl. Her messes have changed a bit. She doesn't play with toys so much anymore. She loves to use her imagination. She too loves art (you know-that messy business we were just talking about). She is all about mythology since reading the Percy Jackson series of books. Crazy about it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soGERpGiRsQ/Tc3A1ipDStI/AAAAAAAACYo/0nSm6WvXB9Y/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soGERpGiRsQ/Tc3A1ipDStI/AAAAAAAACYo/0nSm6WvXB9Y/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Oh, and lets not forget this guy who lives here. He got a motorcycle. He loves it. He has been fixing it up for a while now. He is almost finished. Although, when it comes to cars and motorcycles is anyone ever really finished? There is always more that one can do to them. At least he counteracts all the mess making with some dishes, laundry, and vacuuming. He even cleans the bathrooms. Sometimes he fixes things around the house. Once he even killed a swarm of bees- or were they wasps? Whichever, he is keeping us safe! Oh, and he has a full time job. That one keeps him a bit busy. (One might say that I am really lucky to have a guy like this hanging around. I would be inclined to agree.)<br />
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Okay, so I'm pretty sure I add to the mess quite a bit. I mean, I have to cook and bake. With a kitchen as small as ours (and it isn't even as small as some that I've had in the past) it is pretty easy to make a huge mess. My sewing (which is an art - you know, that messy business) is definitely a mess maker. One day I might just figure out how to be organized enough not to make a huge mess when I sew. Probably not, though. (Hey, I'm just being realistic.) Of course, travel adds to the hectic lifestyle. I don't travel on a regular basis- it is usually a last minute thing. Which makes it even more hectic than normal travel. I flew to Virginia to see my grandparents last week. I was able to see her one last time. She passed away last Saturday.<br />
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Things are beginning to slow down now. I am settling into a routine again. We set up a new cleaning schedule. Fridays after school (yes, we stole this from my sister). Then we can have pizza and a movie night when they finish. It isn't just them cleaning, I have to clean as well. I think having the movie as a reward for cleaning will really help motivate them. Maybe then when people stop by I won't feel bad when I open the front door! It might also free up some time so I can get some sewing (and blogging) done.<br />
I might even have time to pull out my camera.<br />
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Parting shots- artwork via the girls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRCdtPLX_M0/Tc3Au6k1icI/AAAAAAAACYc/XBPEk9ey-p8/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRCdtPLX_M0/Tc3Au6k1icI/AAAAAAAACYc/XBPEk9ey-p8/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><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;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQu5r8OYkY8/Tc3AwQMf4EI/AAAAAAAACYg/gBNWLBjK7l0/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQu5r8OYkY8/Tc3AwQMf4EI/AAAAAAAACYg/gBNWLBjK7l0/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>All pictures courtesy of the children on my iPhone.The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-32145738857706523212011-04-18T14:47:00.000-07:002011-04-18T14:47:00.840-07:00For Betty.I was lucky growing up- I had three grandmothers. My dad's dad got married to Betty before my parents got married, so she has always been my grandmother. I lived close to them- even with them for a time- for several years before I was married. I enjoyed getting to know the grandparents that had always lived far away. I have fond memories of visiting for several weeks in the summer as a teen. I enjoyed spending a few weeks one winter when I got to help in the barn with the horses they bred. She was one of the first people to hold Ashley at the hospital when she was born (besides myself and Jeff).<br />
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She didn't like having her picture taken, and would probably hate that I put one up here. I even had to sneak the picture (that's why my nephew's head is in there).<br />
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She has always been energetic and active. Now she is sick. She has cancer. Please pray for peace and comfort for her and her loved ones at this time. I know we would all appreciate it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ6oCzdafWw/TayvwHsZVMI/AAAAAAAACXo/oFeEFdw0BEA/s1600/IMGP7247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ6oCzdafWw/TayvwHsZVMI/AAAAAAAACXo/oFeEFdw0BEA/s320/IMGP7247.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa with some of the great grandkids.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you, Grandma and Grandpa!</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-23408366911726497262011-04-17T12:37:00.000-07:002011-04-17T12:37:36.721-07:00I Heart Faces Photo Contest - Wind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5wWY3zt4ow/Tas9RjLsxDI/AAAAAAAACXc/T8MPBK0ITKI/s1600/Natwind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5wWY3zt4ow/Tas9RjLsxDI/AAAAAAAACXc/T8MPBK0ITKI/s640/Natwind.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This week at <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">I Heart Faces</a> the photo challenge is "Wind." When we lived in Oregon our favorite thing to do was to drive to the coast. So naturally we went back to the coast when we were visiting. We hiked up to the lighthouse and were met by some pretty strong winds. The kids always run around while I take pictures. It seems she only ever stays still when a camera is pointed at her!<br />
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We really enjoyed visiting the coast of Oregon with its lush vegetation, cool weather (and plenty of wind), and beautiful views. The kids could run free and we, the parents, could just relax and enjoy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-jVhyvZ2DM/Tas-E36loPI/AAAAAAAACXg/oLj5yxpM7OE/s1600/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" /></a></div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-68088885267633519162011-04-06T23:52:00.000-07:002011-04-06T23:52:09.404-07:00Five.She picked five layers for her cake.<br />
Fitting.<br />
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She picked the colors. It just fits.<br />
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My colorful girl. Natalie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2tqIdN1FcA/TZ1dZHKmyGI/AAAAAAAACWM/eg8ucgJ3ddc/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2tqIdN1FcA/TZ1dZHKmyGI/AAAAAAAACWM/eg8ucgJ3ddc/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> She can't wait to start school. I think she thought she would start the day after her birthday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRBixvqUlfk/TZ1dcTzLB7I/AAAAAAAACWQ/ilTPqdBs_uU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRBixvqUlfk/TZ1dcTzLB7I/AAAAAAAACWQ/ilTPqdBs_uU/s320/cake.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> She chose these colors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLLbefEgcIc/TZ1de5TmYvI/AAAAAAAACWU/c9bIfMQ3dpY/s1600/pieceofcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLLbefEgcIc/TZ1de5TmYvI/AAAAAAAACWU/c9bIfMQ3dpY/s320/pieceofcake.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> She lost her first tooth last week. Before she turned five.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyVhC87UYT0/TZ1djkzLiPI/AAAAAAAACWY/trCjSEYPN-c/s1600/peekin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LyVhC87UYT0/TZ1djkzLiPI/AAAAAAAACWY/trCjSEYPN-c/s320/peekin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> She has the best smile. You can see it in her eyes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz-HXnKdw2A/TZ1dlLxk6aI/AAAAAAAACWc/-10tBO0DlEM/s1600/smilepieceocake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz-HXnKdw2A/TZ1dlLxk6aI/AAAAAAAACWc/-10tBO0DlEM/s320/smilepieceocake.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> This is Natalie. Colorful. Energetic. Determined. Loving. Precocious. Wonderful. MyNatalie (pronounced as one word- muhnatalie). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYwRuHBJ5Ps/TZ1dnongk6I/AAAAAAAACWg/tEcbbZroIOY/s1600/rainbowcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYwRuHBJ5Ps/TZ1dnongk6I/AAAAAAAACWg/tEcbbZroIOY/s320/rainbowcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Happy birthday!The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-64262108848544057752011-03-25T00:25:00.000-07:002011-03-25T00:25:41.602-07:00Winner!<div style="text-align: left;">...and the winner is...</div><div style="text-align: left;">Donna</div><div style="text-align: left;"> who said</div>Where did my comment go? I love the fabric, the way it's put together and the bag's size. Laura, you are so talented.The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-30861044287186763512011-03-20T18:58:00.000-07:002011-03-20T19:08:31.788-07:00The Giveaway Bag<div style="text-align: center;">I finished the bag for the giveaway on Thursday evening, but I was hoping to take a picture of it Friday morning in the sunshine. Of course, I didn't get it done before we left for the weekend. So here it is Sunday and I am finally getting it done! Because of this, I am extending the deadline to enter til Thursday, March 24th, so go and enter!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hojnacke.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FBFIaQOwlmU/TYawKXUMiKI/AAAAAAAACVw/L29NjhQlrm8/s320/_IGP8301.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hojnacke.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway.html">Click here to the giveaway post and comment to enter! </a><br />
Or click the picture to go to the post and enter.</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-26194293205494361662011-03-16T22:09:00.000-07:002011-03-25T00:20:03.680-07:00Giveaway!! <b>THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.</b><br />
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Okay, here it is! I am giving away a tote bag. This bag is approximately 13 inches wide, 16 inches tall, 4 inches deep, with 21 inch handles (making it a 10 inch drop). It will have a pocket inside. I was going to have a picture of the bag I made for my sister (same style but different fabric), but I don't have it yet. The bag for the giveaway is under construction at the moment- I just finished fusing the interfacing to all of the pieces. I will post a picture of it as soon as I am done (which will be by Friday afternoon).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RqWNHQkrq1A/TYGUg1UMUrI/AAAAAAAACVk/BVtnT8PCxvM/s1600/_IGP8288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RqWNHQkrq1A/TYGUg1UMUrI/AAAAAAAACVk/BVtnT8PCxvM/s320/_IGP8288.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the fabric. The pieces are all cut out and ready to be sewn together. The blue fabric is the outside and handles. The green is the lining. This bag will be perfect for a myriad of uses; carry your laptop, books, use it for shopping or work, as a travel bag, take it to yoga, use as an overnight bag or diaper bag, or a church bag. It's up to you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To enter the giveaway just leave a comment on this post OR the giveaway post at my other blog <a href="http://miymdiary.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway.html">A Make It Yourself Mom's Diary</a>- no need to leave a comment on both, though. If you don't have a blog please leave an email address (you may leave it as address(at)mail(d0t)com if you would prefer). Sorry this is only open to US residents. I will announce the winner right here on this blog on Thursday, March 24.</div><br />
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</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-27908187644382265302011-03-15T20:29:00.000-07:002011-03-15T20:29:21.616-07:00Blogiversary= GIVEAWAYWow! I've been blogging for four years now. I can barely believe it. March 3, 2007 was my the day my blog was born. I wasn't on the ball enough to post on the actual blogiversary date, so we'll celebrate the month and not the actual day. In honor of this, I am going to do my very first giveaway. What should I give to some lucky person in the United States (sorry, international shipping is just not in my budget)? Hmmmm.... Come back tomorrow and I will have all the details!The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-64538980271916112222011-03-08T22:16:00.000-08:002011-03-08T22:16:42.211-08:00The other visitors. The ones from my camera.Over President's Day weekend we also had some friends from Oregon visit. We managed to get a few pictures at my house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w0VB-IZe-sY/TXcaLEfI4cI/AAAAAAAACU4/Ob34I1bkBlk/s1600/_IGP8245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w0VB-IZe-sY/TXcaLEfI4cI/AAAAAAAACU4/Ob34I1bkBlk/s320/_IGP8245.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kristi modeled for the camera because Jeff had to test the settings. She gave us her sexiest pose!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y_uhkiFEMfU/TXcaLyvehmI/AAAAAAAACU8/DpmMVraFU9o/s1600/_IGP8247_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y_uhkiFEMfU/TXcaLyvehmI/AAAAAAAACU8/DpmMVraFU9o/s320/_IGP8247_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some little girls didn't want to be left out so we let them join us for a few pictures. Then I made them leave.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bUMcoLTg23Y/TXcaMgHWCRI/AAAAAAAACVA/3PWqx8VG22o/s1600/_IGP8254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bUMcoLTg23Y/TXcaMgHWCRI/AAAAAAAACVA/3PWqx8VG22o/s320/_IGP8254.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been too long. I have to say that we always have a great time together. Can you tell?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5LjWpMtSd5Y/TXcaNjXv06I/AAAAAAAACVE/x2V_gEysvoU/s1600/_IGP8265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5LjWpMtSd5Y/TXcaNjXv06I/AAAAAAAACVE/x2V_gEysvoU/s320/_IGP8265.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We managed to take a normal picture in there as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love you Kristi and Celina!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-41036557767822948652011-03-03T00:00:00.000-08:002011-03-03T00:00:51.165-08:00Family- that's what it's all about!Over President's Day weekend we had a big gathering. We had Dad, Uncle Paul and Aunt Katy, Grandma, Rebecca and her family, Joseph, and cousins Paul, Julia, Nicole and Clayton come for a visit. We also had a couple friends from Oregon in town. We had a great time with all of our family and friends. There was more food than we could eat and lots of fun times! Here are many, many pictures (all taken by Aunt Katy) to show how much fun we had.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vAUYrz1Le4s/TW9Ec0qev5I/AAAAAAAACSk/CUN7T3GPCDo/s1600/DSCF0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vAUYrz1Le4s/TW9Ec0qev5I/AAAAAAAACSk/CUN7T3GPCDo/s320/DSCF0696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cousins chillin on the couch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QOKwEzpRUMM/TW9Ed6M4oLI/AAAAAAAACSo/6QKoNHCwTrc/s1600/DSCF0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QOKwEzpRUMM/TW9Ed6M4oLI/AAAAAAAACSo/6QKoNHCwTrc/s320/DSCF0697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hanging out around the kitchen (not mine).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K-0YxQMpBKw/TW9EewvrdfI/AAAAAAAACSs/zt1mHm2svsY/s1600/DSCF0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K-0YxQMpBKw/TW9EewvrdfI/AAAAAAAACSs/zt1mHm2svsY/s320/DSCF0701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew was blessed while everyone was in town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hcl_Ge3HrB4/TW9Eg9rUy5I/AAAAAAAACSw/mkeQTlmGz5U/s1600/DSCF0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hcl_Ge3HrB4/TW9Eg9rUy5I/AAAAAAAACSw/mkeQTlmGz5U/s320/DSCF0704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids loved their mom's cousins. (Doesn't it show?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ax7T6iBioUE/TW9EifJp5QI/AAAAAAAACS0/KJQ6NWP1GSQ/s1600/DSCF0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ax7T6iBioUE/TW9EifJp5QI/AAAAAAAACS0/KJQ6NWP1GSQ/s320/DSCF0705.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew and his daddy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BoAfQKLD4BI/TW9EkA8QA5I/AAAAAAAACS4/fn610VnV9gY/s1600/DSCF0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BoAfQKLD4BI/TW9EkA8QA5I/AAAAAAAACS4/fn610VnV9gY/s320/DSCF0706.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone got in on the reading fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c60nfKBOn0c/TW9Emak7B6I/AAAAAAAACS8/2IcN56k4d5E/s1600/DSCF0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c60nfKBOn0c/TW9Emak7B6I/AAAAAAAACS8/2IcN56k4d5E/s320/DSCF0710.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My cousins.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XPWI_vI41Kg/TW9EoLMgY8I/AAAAAAAACTA/P3OrNht4DSA/s1600/DSCF0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XPWI_vI41Kg/TW9EoLMgY8I/AAAAAAAACTA/P3OrNht4DSA/s320/DSCF0712.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet boy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BnEf_rxZYK8/TW9EpdiaXFI/AAAAAAAACTE/bPpmWke1sDs/s1600/DSCF0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BnEf_rxZYK8/TW9EpdiaXFI/AAAAAAAACTE/bPpmWke1sDs/s320/DSCF0713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the cutest!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AigpnqTVTC0/TW9Eq0fd1II/AAAAAAAACTI/DRBGdDs0pW0/s1600/DSCF0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AigpnqTVTC0/TW9Eq0fd1II/AAAAAAAACTI/DRBGdDs0pW0/s320/DSCF0716.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Could they look more angelic?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_EowYQKQbHk/TW9EskT7R8I/AAAAAAAACTM/TiKXQCoulfw/s1600/DSCF0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_EowYQKQbHk/TW9EskT7R8I/AAAAAAAACTM/TiKXQCoulfw/s320/DSCF0717.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe they know how cute the are.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9Z4r83oCHY0/TW9EwRRMrxI/AAAAAAAACTU/3BBZA2PF-JY/s1600/DSCF0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9Z4r83oCHY0/TW9EwRRMrxI/AAAAAAAACTU/3BBZA2PF-JY/s320/DSCF0747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My cousin from the area even came with her family to hang out for a bit. Natalie really enjoyed playing with their kids.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rqy16jSUKjM/TW9EyO5NTNI/AAAAAAAACTY/9V7Dxr_3xLE/s1600/DSCF0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rqy16jSUKjM/TW9EyO5NTNI/AAAAAAAACTY/9V7Dxr_3xLE/s320/DSCF0749.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm cute. You must love me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdG-1kZsYOg/TW9E0OmzufI/AAAAAAAACTc/nkaY-gRjxLo/s1600/DSCF0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdG-1kZsYOg/TW9E0OmzufI/AAAAAAAACTc/nkaY-gRjxLo/s320/DSCF0751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cousins (the ones of my generation).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sMrP1gcCRFU/TW9E2IqmuCI/AAAAAAAACTg/bgZvJm9sstk/s1600/DSCF0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sMrP1gcCRFU/TW9E2IqmuCI/AAAAAAAACTg/bgZvJm9sstk/s320/DSCF0753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Julia.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rfx7CY1N89k/TW9E4OJl8UI/AAAAAAAACTk/dkqHQz1URy0/s1600/DSCF0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rfx7CY1N89k/TW9E4OJl8UI/AAAAAAAACTk/dkqHQz1URy0/s320/DSCF0754.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We went to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The kids loved it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2YAYULTIbU/TW9E50rQ3tI/AAAAAAAACTo/3fRuj6LpqdM/s1600/DSCF0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2YAYULTIbU/TW9E50rQ3tI/AAAAAAAACTo/3fRuj6LpqdM/s320/DSCF0757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">None of the girls wanted to touch the Manta Rays, so we only got pictures of strangers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vU4MvZBVyI0/TW9E7edmQAI/AAAAAAAACTs/Nm50soHiBug/s1600/DSCF0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vU4MvZBVyI0/TW9E7edmQAI/AAAAAAAACTs/Nm50soHiBug/s320/DSCF0761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The jellyfish were beautiful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ec3tQBENIGw/TW9E84uJUCI/AAAAAAAACTw/wSGGQTI0P-I/s1600/DSCF0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ec3tQBENIGw/TW9E84uJUCI/AAAAAAAACTw/wSGGQTI0P-I/s320/DSCF0764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lion fish just wouldn't hold still for a good picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VTNMaLWahM0/TW9E-tbpqnI/AAAAAAAACT0/ZkYQgvnpbnY/s1600/DSCF0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VTNMaLWahM0/TW9E-tbpqnI/AAAAAAAACT0/ZkYQgvnpbnY/s320/DSCF0769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sharks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_-26dG8M_1g/TW9E_0xt6QI/AAAAAAAACT4/Hk0SEOgwh8s/s1600/DSCF0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_-26dG8M_1g/TW9E_0xt6QI/AAAAAAAACT4/Hk0SEOgwh8s/s320/DSCF0771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More sharks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VKo0JONS_Sg/TW9FC5Biz1I/AAAAAAAACT8/3mqXF5GRNB8/s1600/DSCF0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VKo0JONS_Sg/TW9FC5Biz1I/AAAAAAAACT8/3mqXF5GRNB8/s320/DSCF0775.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We then headed to the Bellagio to see the gardens and the fountain show.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YW-7kVa1QMI/TW9FE5D0y1I/AAAAAAAACUA/duy6luGoUUw/s1600/DSCF0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YW-7kVa1QMI/TW9FE5D0y1I/AAAAAAAACUA/duy6luGoUUw/s320/DSCF0776.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sF4dhsDE8Lw/TW9FHPQE7KI/AAAAAAAACUE/qiuS2CUnVjA/s1600/DSCF0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sF4dhsDE8Lw/TW9FHPQE7KI/AAAAAAAACUE/qiuS2CUnVjA/s320/DSCF0777.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really wanted to go on this bridge, but it is just for looks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_lsBNQGrZ8/TW9FJmTdgyI/AAAAAAAACUI/I-SGgEbT7ew/s1600/DSCF0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_lsBNQGrZ8/TW9FJmTdgyI/AAAAAAAACUI/I-SGgEbT7ew/s320/DSCF0778.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h6KRRVJ2A-c/TW9FLgtlLOI/AAAAAAAACUM/nSM5BX2T7CE/s1600/DSCF0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h6KRRVJ2A-c/TW9FLgtlLOI/AAAAAAAACUM/nSM5BX2T7CE/s320/DSCF0779.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved this boat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H6PdnnTxMwQ/TW9FM7eeEkI/AAAAAAAACUQ/xcTuFAIaXr4/s1600/DSCF0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H6PdnnTxMwQ/TW9FM7eeEkI/AAAAAAAACUQ/xcTuFAIaXr4/s320/DSCF0780.JPG" width="253" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew took a nap. Gardens are just too boring for an active little boy like him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DXVLRqN1uzc/TW9FOmFTHpI/AAAAAAAACUU/iQT7bzJl_f8/s1600/DSCF0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DXVLRqN1uzc/TW9FOmFTHpI/AAAAAAAACUU/iQT7bzJl_f8/s320/DSCF0781.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p_uvgzDLUyw/TW9FQiOEyQI/AAAAAAAACUY/YMd-Wt6VYyA/s1600/DSCF0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p_uvgzDLUyw/TW9FQiOEyQI/AAAAAAAACUY/YMd-Wt6VYyA/s320/DSCF0782.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2whOo6WeLd4/TW9FSnSfjaI/AAAAAAAACUc/C4KKWeuDF2Y/s1600/DSCF0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2whOo6WeLd4/TW9FSnSfjaI/AAAAAAAACUc/C4KKWeuDF2Y/s320/DSCF0783.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-osPL5FNZxAI/TW9FVMdHifI/AAAAAAAACUg/8xx3mbr7EWU/s1600/DSCF0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-osPL5FNZxAI/TW9FVMdHifI/AAAAAAAACUg/8xx3mbr7EWU/s320/DSCF0784.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The mirrored horse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DNNzBTN8fAI/TW9FWVHUtFI/AAAAAAAACUk/yObHByb8I4E/s1600/DSCF0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DNNzBTN8fAI/TW9FWVHUtFI/AAAAAAAACUk/yObHByb8I4E/s320/DSCF0785.JPG" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Paul, Ashley, and Grandma.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bm780rWtRRc/TW9FYHSbh4I/AAAAAAAACUo/OqWkPoJgQRQ/s1600/DSCF0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bm780rWtRRc/TW9FYHSbh4I/AAAAAAAACUo/OqWkPoJgQRQ/s320/DSCF0793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fountains at the Bellagio.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbdB1O8lwG0/TW9FZ0-EtJI/AAAAAAAACUs/ULe93jZhP_c/s1600/DSCF0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbdB1O8lwG0/TW9FZ0-EtJI/AAAAAAAACUs/ULe93jZhP_c/s320/DSCF0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls were enjoying all the extra attention (even when the attention wasn't on them).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ohjhQfDO_OY/TW9Fbb2l1LI/AAAAAAAACUw/cqbILqW5MRE/s1600/DSCF0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ohjhQfDO_OY/TW9Fbb2l1LI/AAAAAAAACUw/cqbILqW5MRE/s320/DSCF0795.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If there is a camera, Natalie will be there- ready and posing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Sx53TqACV64/TW9FdG9keRI/AAAAAAAACU0/5r5o1eiHjUA/s1600/DSCF0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Sx53TqACV64/TW9FdG9keRI/AAAAAAAACU0/5r5o1eiHjUA/s320/DSCF0797.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And Alona right behind her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a great time with all of loved ones! We hope more of them will come to visit us soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-49081536643596000752011-02-17T13:22:00.000-08:002011-02-17T13:22:40.540-08:00Crazy.That's how it seems to be right now. Crazy. <br />
<br />
With friends and family coming in town for the weekend, we were hoping to get our house clean and organized. Now we are just trying to get the house dry and have hot water again.<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning Jeff came downstairs and walked into the living room. A few steps in and water came up over his toes. The carpet was soaked. Our water heater had sprung a leak, water seeping through the walls and soaking part of our living room. We called the property management company. They called the home warranty company. Of course, we couldn't have someone out to fix it til the next day. They did, however, send someone to dry out the place. We have fans in the garage and in the living room, along with a dehumidifier drying it all out. They tore out the pad under the carpet, so our living room floor looks really funny. We are hoping they replace the carpet because it is old and gross anyway!<br />
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Today they sent someone to fix the water heater. Of course, it isn't up to code anymore so they said that would cost wouldn't be covered. The property management company finally got things worked out and a new water heater is being installed as I type. I've never missed showers and baths so much!The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-34048133997653292592011-01-30T17:27:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:19:28.187-08:00music to my earsI was sitting in my chair and it occurred to me just how lucky I am. I could hear all three of my girls in the kitchen getting along. Not only are they getting along, but they are loading the dishwasher as well. Working together. Not fighting. While my dishes are getting done! What more could a mother ask? The sound of them working together is music to my ears. :)The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-55038743107553181132011-01-24T00:09:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:20:08.777-08:00Thankful.We are all sick. Well, everyone except Ashley so far. This bug is a doozy! Poor little Drew got it the worst. Jeff and I were so worried about him. He didn't even have the energy to whine for two days. He was losing weight. He barely kept any liquids (let alone solids) for four days. Thursday night we decided that if he wasn't showing signs of improvement in the morning we would take him in. Friday morning he woke up hungry! That was an improvement. We had to give him tiny little sips of water every 10-15 minutes for most of the day to help him get a little more hydrated. He actually cried and whined (normally this would not be appreciated). He doesn't have his old appetite back, but he's working on it. I am so grateful that he is recovering.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TT0u1KiI1-I/AAAAAAAACRc/6BxpHnlJtIs/s1600/_IGP8163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TT0u1KiI1-I/AAAAAAAACRc/6BxpHnlJtIs/s320/_IGP8163.JPG" width="227" /> </a> </div><br />
Natalie was also very sick. I walked in to the house on Wednesday afternoon and could tell just by looking at her that she had a fever. Jeff said she hadn't moved from the chair since I left 6 hours earlier. That is extremely unusual for her! That night I noticed hives on her wrist from across the room. I decided to investigate. I found hives all over her back. They continued to spread. Her eye was even affected- swollen so much she couldn't really see out of it. It was heartbreaking. Her fever broke a little bit later and the hives began to die down. The next day she was almost completely her normal self.<br />
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On Monday evening Ashley crashed her bike and sprained her thumb, injuring her wrist as well. On Tuesday it was worse. She had scrapes on the back of her hand, but we hadn't noticed the thumb and wrist the evening before. We headed out to Herbally Grounded to get some herbs for a poultice. She was eager to try it out. She slept with it on her hand/wrist that night. When she woke up in the morning the bruises were gone, the swelling was hardly noticeable and range of motion for her thumb was much better. We did a poultice the following night. On Wednesday morning she was practically good as new!<br />
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I am so grateful that God gave us things on this earth to help us, heal us. I am thankful that I am able to learn about them. I am grateful for so many others who are willing to share their knowledge!<br />
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Jeff and I got sick later in the week. On Saturday Alona started showing symptoms as well. We are dosing ourselves with Infection Fighter (a tincture). I feel that it is helping and hopefully it will shorten the length of this. Hopefully we will all be back to normal very, very soon.The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-91258527419456894672011-01-22T16:38:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:20:58.313-08:00The big 1-0I'm feeling old right about now. I can't believe my little girl is turning 10! Not for a few more days, mind you, but we had her party today.<br />
My friend made her a wonderful cake. She met with Ashley to get ideas for it. Then she met with her again- this time bringing a sketch of the cake. Ashley was thrilled. The theme? Why, Percy Jackson of course! She fell in love with the books this autumn and her obsession has continued to grow and branch out. She knows almost everything there is to know about Greek mythology (ok, maybe not almost everything, but she does know a lot). So she decided that she wanted her cake to feature the symbols of the gods.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The PJ stands for Percy Jackson, with lightning bolts around it for Zeus and the first book of the series. The key is for Hades, the trident for Poseidon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt28BdeWKI/AAAAAAAACQc/-1aYYau5Wq8/s1600/_IGP8132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt28BdeWKI/AAAAAAAACQc/-1aYYau5Wq8/s320/_IGP8132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A dove for Aphrodite. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt284H4MCI/AAAAAAAACQg/zH7YdCEXl8Y/s1600/_IGP8137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt284H4MCI/AAAAAAAACQg/zH7YdCEXl8Y/s320/_IGP8137.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The bow and arrow for Apollo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt2-BtBWbI/AAAAAAAACQk/cMzN39HSZNQ/s1600/_IGP8138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt2-BtBWbI/AAAAAAAACQk/cMzN39HSZNQ/s320/_IGP8138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> A snake for Hermes. The white fabric is representative of their robes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt2_mAAauI/AAAAAAAACQo/bSUc5XuoEZk/s1600/_IGP8139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTt2_mAAauI/AAAAAAAACQo/bSUc5XuoEZk/s320/_IGP8139.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Ashley absolutely loved her cake! It was tasty, too. Thanks, Danan!The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-55102170707529939662011-01-14T16:39:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:22:30.427-08:00Irresistible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTDsbtOYLRI/AAAAAAAACPc/FV5bFZDhH_o/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TTDsbtOYLRI/AAAAAAAACPc/FV5bFZDhH_o/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Found this on my phone. One of the girls must have taken it. He is just too cute holding his orange!</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-2676760851065202172011-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:22:30.428-08:002010 Review2010 was a year of many changes for our family.<br />
It began with us still in L.A. for our Christmas with my sisters. We started the new year off with a day spent with family, followed the next day at Disneyland. What an awesome way to start the year, right? Then we had a long drive home (which was riddled with vomiting - the tail end of the horrible plague of Christmas 2009). Not such a great way to start the year. :(<br />
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In January Ashley turned nine. Andrew became known as Drew and started smiling. <br />
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February was a busy, busy month. After months and months of waiting and praying, we came to the decision that it was time to move. We set a date- March 1st. Jeff notified the company. The moving money came. We reserved a truck. Packing ensued in full force. I taught a class on making fabric headbands for all my friends. I made skirts for the girls to wear for Valentine's Day. (Yes, when things are crazy and I really don't have time I always sew- it must be my coping mechanism.) I squeezed in as much time with my friends as I could before the big move. We changed the date of our move to the 8th of March to make things a little easier.<br />
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March was the big month. We spent the first week of March trying to get everything packed completely. Friends came over and helped us load the truck. We finally found a place to live (the day we were packing the truck). Leaving was hard- our house, which we labored for hours and hours to make beautiful, our friends, our family. We spent two days driving to our new home. We were welcomed in our new place by our new ward. We started the long process of unpacking and settling into our new lives. Ashley and Alona started at their new school. It was a rough transition for them.<br />
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In April I started blogging with a friend on her blog. I mostly blog about sewing and crafty stuff. Natalie turned 4. We also drove up to Utah for my sister's senior recital (piano) at BYU. She rocked! We got to see quite a few members of my family while we were there.<br />
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<br />
In May Drew learned to scoot and roll to get where he wanted to go.<br />
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June brought about the end of the school year for Ashley and Alona. I headed to my hometown for my sister's wedding. The whole family was there. I spent a bit of time with my grandmother while I was there. I was so grateful that I was able to go because she wasn't doing well and I felt that I might not see her again. Drew started crawling and climbing.<br />
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July was more eventful than I had planned. We headed down to Arizona to visit my sister for the 4th of July. We had a blast! Then Jeff and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. It doesn't really seem like it has been that long. I decided that we should eliminate as much processed food from our diets as possible- a bigger undertaking than you would think. Rebecca came up later in the month to meet her husband and get her kids (as he was working up in Utah for a few months and they were spending time with his family while he was there). While she was at my house we got a call from my dad. His mother passed away. I flew out to Kansas for the funeral. We got to see all of the family again- this time without all the craziness of a wedding. <br />
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August was an exhausting month. Jeff worked what seemed like 24/7. It was hard to be stuck inside during the hot summer with no pool or grassy yard to set up a sprinkler while the kids are out of school- especially when it is just you and your husband is working well past the time you put your kids to bed. It was difficult. I thought I wasn't going to make it. Then they finally released the game they had been working on for months and months. Jeff took time off work so we could head up to Oregon for his sister's wedding. We spent just over a week there. We visited with his family and all of our friends. We tried to cram in as much time with everyone as possible and got very little sleep. Alona got strep throat. Good times! We really enjoyed spending time with the ones we love! We even got to go to the coast. Drew started walking. We made it back late on the 29th. Just in time for school to start on the 30th. That day Alona turned 7 and Jeff also celebrated his birthday. He did not turn 7.<br />
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By September the kids were settling in at school. We met their teachers. I turned another year older. Made tons of zucchini bread-YUM! <br />
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October was the month we cut the girls' hair. They all had crazy long hair. Natalie kept asking to get hers cut so it wouldn't get stuck in the stickers she puts on her shirts (love 4 year old reasoning) so I finally got around to doing it. It is a tiny bit sad to cut all that off, but it is just hair. They absolutely love their new do's. I headed to DC to watch my sister's kids while she headed to Italy, taking Natalie and Drew with me. I even got to see an old friend after 9 years! Got home and headed up to Utah for by brother-in-law's fall opera (he was the lead in The Magic Flute). It was my first opera and it was pretty funny! Came home and made Halloween costumes for the kids- 2 pirates and a Medusa. Switched from zucchini bread to pumpkin bread- can you tell I love to bake? <br />
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November was election month. Jeff and I voted. I made tons of pumpkin bread. We are addicted. On Veteran's Day, Jeff called me from work. I was just leaving Albertson's with my haul of brownie and cake mixes (at 49 cents each you would too!). He asked me to come pick him up. They had a company wide meeting where they announced that they were closing. So we started a new phase in our lives. Unemployment. It was initially very shocking. There wasn't much sign of this happening beforehand. Luckily, they were all technically still employed through the end of the month (with a paycheck and all but not working). With severance (ha.ha.ha.) and 2 1/2 weeks of vacation pay, we figured that would take us through January. Natalie enjoyed having her daddy to play with all day everyday! I took advantage of having him home and tried to get out and do as much as I could. We headed down to Arizona for my nephew's baptism. My dad was there too. There was a huge birthday party at the park after the baptism. It was a short trip (we were there just about 24 hours) but it was so much fun. The next day I sang a solo with our choir in church. First time. It was scary, but I survived- and didn't do a horrible job! The week of Thanksgiving was a tough one for me. I think all the stress really weakened me. I was in terrible pain and started getting sick. I also got a clogged milk duct and had a horrible fever. I am thankful for a good chiropractor who was able to relieve some of my pain. I learned that I need to take it easy sometimes. We spent our first holiday (Thanksgiving) without any family since we got married. Drew turned one!!<br />
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December has been a month of gratitude. I know November is usually the month for that, but our family has been so blessed this month in particular. Jeff started a contract job. We got gifts from so many people (some were anonymous even). We seem to have all our needs met and then some. Our children are doing well in school (we had parent-teacher conferences). We are all healthy. We have beautiful sunshine! We have wonderful friends and loving family. Why wouldn't we be grateful? I think Jeff losing his job has made us (well at least me) more aware of just how blessed we are. We baked a lot of cookies. We fell in love with gingerbread cookies- I was skeptical, but they are SO good. We spent Christmas by ourselves for the first time. We even got snow, thanks to some friends! We spent New Year's eve with some friends. Best part- my kitchen and living room were clean!<br />
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We hope 2011 is a good year with a great job for Jeff, lots of sewing for me, much learning for our children, and lots of great time together as a family!<br />
The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-22639716494709253142010-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:23:47.246-08:00Christmas MorningHere are pictures of the kids opening presents.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbSVgNl0lI/AAAAAAAACOc/bXRksxeUXlU/s1600/drewcars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbSVgNl0lI/AAAAAAAACOc/bXRksxeUXlU/s320/drewcars.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew with some of his matchbox cars.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(sorry for the grainy picture- bad lighting)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbSadztjGI/AAAAAAAACOg/dpCTYa3ZOaE/s1600/natalie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbSadztjGI/AAAAAAAACOg/dpCTYa3ZOaE/s320/natalie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Natalie being Natalie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbScBLYv6I/AAAAAAAACOk/uOSO_uEII3M/s1600/Nataliepiratetoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbScBLYv6I/AAAAAAAACOk/uOSO_uEII3M/s320/Nataliepiratetoy.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Natalie with her favorite toy- a pirate girl from Aunt Katy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbS9fQhgQI/AAAAAAAACOo/0SlyHtG3aVE/s1600/_IGP8018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbS9fQhgQI/AAAAAAAACOo/0SlyHtG3aVE/s320/_IGP8018.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Alona opening emptying her stocking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbS-xI0QlI/AAAAAAAACOs/6sigOp8XIZs/s1600/_IGP8028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbS-xI0QlI/AAAAAAAACOs/6sigOp8XIZs/s320/_IGP8028.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ashley with her books (tons and tons of books) from us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTAqMXfDI/AAAAAAAACOw/Clpw40NqPLQ/s1600/_IGP8029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTAqMXfDI/AAAAAAAACOw/Clpw40NqPLQ/s320/_IGP8029.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Alona got a CD player with quite a few CDs from us. She was so happy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTDO95VOI/AAAAAAAACO0/xA914tHFJr0/s1600/_IGP8031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTDO95VOI/AAAAAAAACO0/xA914tHFJr0/s320/_IGP8031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Natalie got a 24 pack of playdough from us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTFy1u5fI/AAAAAAAACO4/-K7F383HJCU/s1600/_IGP8032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTFy1u5fI/AAAAAAAACO4/-K7F383HJCU/s320/_IGP8032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew checking out a card from grandma and grandpa.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTH2W6-jI/AAAAAAAACO8/eaJM4kOUUCs/s1600/_IGP8035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTH2W6-jI/AAAAAAAACO8/eaJM4kOUUCs/s320/_IGP8035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The scene in our living room this morning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTKlVaCAI/AAAAAAAACPA/2p8UYdbnsK8/s1600/_IGP8038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTKlVaCAI/AAAAAAAACPA/2p8UYdbnsK8/s320/_IGP8038.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Alona with her gifts and eating her slim jim.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTM2bErzI/AAAAAAAACPE/nAUoo9uFnTc/s1600/_IGP8040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTM2bErzI/AAAAAAAACPE/nAUoo9uFnTc/s320/_IGP8040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Natalie's haul.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTQaFUHHI/AAAAAAAACPI/iYl6EgZ6WWM/s1600/_IGP8045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTQaFUHHI/AAAAAAAACPI/iYl6EgZ6WWM/s320/_IGP8045.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ashley with the majority of her gifts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTT7fqiyI/AAAAAAAACPM/KyLUi30tckI/s1600/_IGP8052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTT7fqiyI/AAAAAAAACPM/KyLUi30tckI/s320/_IGP8052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">SNOW!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Las Vegas. Can you believe it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTWaKvbBI/AAAAAAAACPQ/Z535yF-Yx1k/s1600/_IGP8053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbTWaKvbBI/AAAAAAAACPQ/Z535yF-Yx1k/s320/_IGP8053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, so it was just imported. Thanks to our wonderful friends for making it a white Christmas!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you all enjoyed your day and were able to spend it with loved ones.</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731343676576490619.post-42515171501859543642010-12-25T21:27:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:23:47.247-08:00What we did today...The kids all got something to ride from Santa. Alona and Ashley got bicycles. Natalie got a big wheel tricycle. Drew got a little toy he can push or ride on (he can't quite get on and off of it himself yet but he loves to push it around). So we took the pedals off the two bikes and went out to teach the girls to ride. Now I know they might seem a little old to be learning to ride without training wheels, but we lived in Oregon- where it was almost always raining. <br />
I searched YouTube for videos on teaching kids to ride. What I found- take the pedals off and let them learn to balance on the bike without them interfering. So we did just that. We made sure the seats were low enough that they could put their feet firmly on the ground with their knees slightly bent when sitting on the seat. Then they started just scooting along with their feet on the ground. They got used to the feel of the bike and then started lifting their feet to coast. It started out with about a half second of their feet off the ground. Eventually Alona got up to 24 seconds of coasting and Ashley got up to about 7 seconds. Ashley got bored and went in while Alona kept at it- that's why Alona has progressed more than her. Then we set up a little course (using old water bottles because we didn't have cones) for them to practice turning. That is as far as we got today. Once they are comfortable with turning and coasting we can put the pedals back on and get to really riding them! It is very exciting for them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbOzLrqgOI/AAAAAAAACN8/MxIbhG9Zn3E/s1600/alonabike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbOzLrqgOI/AAAAAAAACN8/MxIbhG9Zn3E/s320/alonabike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by the snow in the background, it wasn't very cold out (57) and the snow was imported (a Christmas surprise by some friends).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbO1aF701I/AAAAAAAACOA/20pm-y30tBE/s1600/ashbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbO1aF701I/AAAAAAAACOA/20pm-y30tBE/s320/ashbike.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cruising down our street.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbO2hJNLNI/AAAAAAAACOE/7GYdwg9Nbcc/s1600/ashley1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbO2hJNLNI/AAAAAAAACOE/7GYdwg9Nbcc/s320/ashley1.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm too cool for this. (not really, but it comes across as this)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</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;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbO_9-868I/AAAAAAAACOI/PcwSZg7SZbA/s1600/nataliesnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbO_9-868I/AAAAAAAACOI/PcwSZg7SZbA/s320/nataliesnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Queen of the snow mountain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPDPye7iI/AAAAAAAACOM/g7Iyld14Hpk/s1600/natbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPDPye7iI/AAAAAAAACOM/g7Iyld14Hpk/s320/natbike.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Queen of the road.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPGGKm60I/AAAAAAAACOQ/Hq0B93_ddpM/s1600/natster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPGGKm60I/AAAAAAAACOQ/Hq0B93_ddpM/s320/natster.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not sure how to do this. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPIPN_SVI/AAAAAAAACOU/o9IppL6fYUk/s1600/riding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPIPN_SVI/AAAAAAAACOU/o9IppL6fYUk/s320/riding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPJiC8ccI/AAAAAAAACOY/JjvKFlekvak/s1600/snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Qvqc0Yg3mZ8/TRbPJiC8ccI/AAAAAAAACOY/JjvKFlekvak/s320/snowman.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The snowman, and yes it is really tiny (maybe a foot and a half).</div>The Hojnackeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831225232147068760noreply@blogger.com1