tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43856166868093800862024-03-05T01:34:05.820-06:00Endless VineCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-16924497429491539942014-01-18T19:45:00.002-06:002014-01-18T19:45:34.930-06:00Wow! I haven't posted here in over a year! I came to share the link to my new website with you. I started my own photography business and with that came a new web page and a new blog. Naturally, I got a little nostalgic and started looking through my last few posts, which quickly turned in to the last couple of years of posts! Wow. Some pretty fun memories, and some pretty hard ones. I'm keeping this blog so that I can keep up with my friends that use blogger, but I won't be posting here, unless I need a place to share some of my thoughts. You can keep up with my photographic journey at www.frolicimages.com/blog God Bless!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg0p14PLmE5wWER5TtQsE3zt6okYpBO4GRvSdVaIHRqIFh_3APfcfH5hDEjy1dhvyhgR5cUA9n9JY4kp7bPuWE0EXDsaq20-dx7KZ9QsZbkH4J8kcR-ifaiHhLNUeJCZaTf1eqVQg14dL1VDK_FPjyyllk-KOY_AcED7G5lkadRQAWBkj7nfzopilS2YrPAWgdTe9I=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg0p14PLmE5wWER5TtQsE3zt6okYpBO4GRvSdVaIHRqIFh_3APfcfH5hDEjy1dhvyhgR5cUA9n9JY4kp7bPuWE0EXDsaq20-dx7KZ9QsZbkH4J8kcR-ifaiHhLNUeJCZaTf1eqVQg14dL1VDK_FPjyyllk-KOY_AcED7G5lkadRQAWBkj7nfzopilS2YrPAWgdTe9I=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
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I hope you enjoy my submission! It cracks me up every time I look at it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGAI2F-t4di6ugxU2X2yaFZHS-76XteqdNMvv3TZFr9qfv8oXIrAZVO7PH9xjQcapN0cfrEn6d2oqU_kQeQc-OE8-XQHySbJiIWC-5PLhi8h4mNNfU7DtcXfrlsbHM4it0biwsren9tg/s1600/042912_6966-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGAI2F-t4di6ugxU2X2yaFZHS-76XteqdNMvv3TZFr9qfv8oXIrAZVO7PH9xjQcapN0cfrEn6d2oqU_kQeQc-OE8-XQHySbJiIWC-5PLhi8h4mNNfU7DtcXfrlsbHM4it0biwsren9tg/s320/042912_6966-web.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo Challenge Submission" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" title="I Heart Faces Photo Challenge Submission" /></a><br />
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This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">www.iheartfaces.com</a><br />
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Have a wonderful day!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-50894550531232155052012-07-30T16:04:00.000-05:002012-07-30T16:06:04.865-05:00More puppysitting adventures!Well, the week and a half of puppy sitting is over. My house has been deep cleaned and furniture has been put back in its place, scraps of toys/stuffing have been collected and disposed of, and I have finally caught up on my sleep.<br />
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Waking up before 6:15 everyday makes me very cranky.
I had forgetten how puppies need a lot of attention, and not a lot of sleep. I was trying to do the opposite...let's just say I lost that battle.<br />
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We took a trip to the park to try to wear the girls out. It worked. We ran a mile with them and they were done. We snuck a little photo shoot in there, but the girls were so hot and tired, it didn't last long.<br />
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On our way home we opted to drive through some neighborhoods and look at landscaping. Just to get some ideas for what to do with our flowerbed (that's a whole other story). We came across a field and I've been dying to get some pictures of Hazel in front of whatever crop is growing all around here. So we hopped out and got a picture of the girls.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7672237250/" title="Friends in a Field by EternalVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Friends in a Field" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7672237250_149ce58398.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Across the street were some hay bales and the hubbs was like "I bet I could get Hazel on those hay bales!" He's such a supportive hubby. ;o) So we ran across the street with Hazel, popped her up on the hay bale, and snapped some pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7672238548/" title="Hay Bale Re-Edit by EternalVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Hay Bale Re-Edit" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7672238548_5575840209.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The pups were passed out for the rest of the day. It was AWESOME! I woke them up late in the evening for more experimenting with my camera and snagged a few great shots of the puppy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7672234260/" title="Too hot to trot by EternalVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Too hot to trot" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7672234260_9dcb5ca614.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This one is my favorite.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7672241216/" title="Lucy eyes by EternalVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucy eyes" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7672241216_e42e10b001.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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She's such a sweet girl. I think Hazel's going through withdrawals! Our next playdate is Thursday, so she doesn't have to wait long. ;o)<br />
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As you can tell, I'm playing with editing and trying to figure out which style I like best. I took a photography course over the weekend and learned some fun things in light room and had to test them out. Thanks for stopping by! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-47344332057343621292012-07-25T07:11:00.000-05:002012-07-25T07:11:02.410-05:00PuppysittingThis week we're puppysitting a 7 month old german shorthair pointer while our friends are on vacation. Let me just say, that if you can find someone to pet sit your pet while you go on vacation, it is by far the better option over boarding or kenneling them. Staying at a friends home, or having a friend stay at your home, is much closer to your pet's normal routine and will therefore reduce the stress of you being absent for several days. And of course there are exceptions, some dogs just love playing at the boarding facilities and that's awesome. Its like vacation for them too!<br />
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So this week our schedule pretty much starts at 5:30 am...puppies don't really care about sleeping in...especially on the weekends. Everybody gets up, romps around outside, eat breakfast, more romping around inside, growling contest, more romping outside...the romping inside and outside alternate for the next 8 hrs...dinner, walk through the neighborhood, barking contest, more romping around inside and finally bed.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7633049640/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Best Friends by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Best Friends" height="358" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7633049640_680e9fc868.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Hope your day is as fun as ours!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-83196032698412234562012-07-12T12:25:00.003-05:002012-07-12T12:25:42.186-05:00Happy Thursday!I haven't shared a bully picture in a while, so here's to it being Thursday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7537615034/" title="My Favorite Bully by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="My Favorite Bully" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7537615034_62be6f7cd5.jpg" width="326" /></a> </div>
The weekend is almost here! Hurray!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-31678742820313170242012-07-03T18:52:00.000-05:002012-07-03T18:54:19.810-05:00a little yellow, a little country, and a little girly<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7497804022/" title="Baby shower by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby shower" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7497804022_c66679a706.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
One of my coworkers is having a baby later this month and we all love a good reason to party, so we got together and threw her a baby shower. I couldn't actually attend, but I put together some decor. I tried to incorporate things that she could reuse. Mom is a down to earth, country girl, so I focused on a little yellow, a little country, and a little girly.<br />
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The name banner is a staple. I haven't made one in a while, but they're are very fun and easy to do, and make a great gift. I clipped some hair bows on the banner for added interest, and a fun little gift.<br />
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The floral centerpieces were pinterest inspired, and really easy and SUPER CHEAP! Hobby Lobby had the mason jars on sale, so I knew I had to do it.<br />
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The card was inspired by a card I saw on a blog somewhere. Its a great use of scrap paper.<br />
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And the gift, well, diapers never looked so good! ;o) I love the kraft paper. Lately I'm obsessed with kraft paper, its so versatile. I added some lace, a little yellow ribbon and of course a little hair bow.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by! <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-38413470495666546592012-06-15T11:05:00.000-05:002012-06-15T11:05:25.841-05:00Why I run..Part 1I am a runner.<br />
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Not a very fast one, but still, I am a runner.<br />
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I never imagined I would say that...never really thought I would <i>want</i> to say that.<br />
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You see, in high school, running was punishment. I was in the colorguard then and when we couldn't get our sets right, or we dropped too much, or we were giggling and chatting too much...we ran. It was usually just a lap around the football field, but I distinctly remember one day that we were having a particularly hard time with all of the aforementioned offenses. We were also practicing with the band that day, and it turns out they were having trouble too. We ran a lot that day. <br />
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Clearly, it has affected me deeply. I just can't let it go.<br />
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And that is probably why I had detested running for so long. It was punishment. And even though I was in really good shape back then, I was slow and it was hard.<br />
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Then my husband got it in his head to do a marathon after he graduated from A&M. I thought he was crazy. <br />
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Still do in fact. That's just too far to run...unless someone is chasing you.<br />
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He's completed dozens of races; marathons, half marathons, 5ks, 10ks...and in training for those races he was spending long hours away from home...running. If you know someone that has trained for a marathon, then you know that they disappear for hours on end, especially for those long runs. And I got tired of it. I wanted to see my husband, so like any good wife, I decided I would try running too.<br />
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And it was <b>awful</b>.<br />
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I started huffing and puffing my way through training for my first 5k. The couch-to-5k program is amazing by the way. I gave up on that in week 6 or 7 though. <b>I sucked at running.</b> I completed my first 5k on Thanksgiving Day in 2010...and thought I was going to die. And then I ate a lot for dinner that day. ;o) I had earned it.<br />
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After a few months, I decided to give the running thing a try again. I signed up for the Houston El Paso 5k because all finishers get a medal, and if I was going to subject myself to torture I might as well have a medal to show for it. Plus, the hubbs was racking up medals left and right and I was getting jealous. Just being honest here.<br />
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I started the couch to 5k again. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, right? This time, the hubbs would run with me occasionally. This was the whole goal in taking up this crazy sport...romantic evening runs with the hubbs. We could even take Hazel. It was fun for the whole family!<br />
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Not so much. <br />
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More huffing and puffing, and getting really red in the face, and muttering unpleasantness under my breath. He'd try to carry on a conversation with me while we were out running through the neighborhood and all I could do was gasp for air and grunt in response. It was horrible. And I was only up to running 1 mile. Its almost embarrassing how much I sucked at running.<br />
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This horrible scene continues for a couple of months, until finally, we arrive at the Houston 5k in January 2011. It was my first race by myself. The hubbs was doing the full marathon. I was nervous...and I had only been able to run 1 mile prior to the day of the race...and I had been sick and busy with the holidays and had stopped running all together for 3 weeks leading up to the race. This was going to be ugly. But I wanted that medal darn it. Then I could hang up my running shoes...or light them on fire...either way.<br />
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The plan was to run the 1st mile, walk the 2nd, and run to the finish. If you've read this blog for a while, you know how it went. I armed myself with Pink on Pandora, and set off. I found someone to draft off of, and ran the entire thing. It was slow, but it was steady, and I didn't feel like I was going to die when it was over. And something weird happened during that race. I distinctly remember running down one street in downtown Houston, just trying to breath and keep my feet moving, and the thought hit me, "This isn't so bad...in fact...wait...this is kinda nice..."<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-70125123046190743482012-05-07T20:09:00.000-05:002012-05-07T20:09:00.583-05:00Holy moly!<div style="text-align: left;">
There was a pleasant surprise waiting for me when I logged into blogger the other day. I passed 5000 views and 300 posts! Wow! I'm so excited that I just had to share a sneak peak from my photo shoot last weekend with my two favorite bullies (Bull Terriers for short) in the whole world. This one is the lovely Champion Covered in Rasberries.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7155029906/" title="Asbury 1 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Asbury 1" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7155029906_01a8318d43.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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I'll have some pictures of her and her brother soon...I hope. I think there's a lot of editing ahead of me. We did the photo shoot in Deep Ellum, TX and so they had to wear their leashes and collars. I'm doing my best to edit them out, but my editing skills are not so awesome. Its fun though! I have some shots I'm really proud of and can't wait to share with you!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-9205682855299707462012-04-28T16:31:00.000-05:002012-04-28T16:31:52.975-05:00LucySome of our dearest friends got their first puppy in March. We were so excited for them, since they had been wanting one for a long time, and were waiting until they had moved into a house to get a pup. They decided on a German Shorthaired Pointer in hopes that she'd someday make a good hunting dog. She is a spunky little furball that absolutely loves life. I was overjoyed that they brought her by the house the day they picked her up, and had to snatch a few quick pictures. She and Hazel are best friends now and have weekly play dates. I can't wait for our first camping trip together!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6976361376/" title="Lucy 3 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/6976361376_ed64e0e6bb.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="Lucy 3"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6976361224/" title="Lucy 5 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/6976361224_018acd0c9a.jpg" width="500" height="346" alt="Lucy 5"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7122441701/" title="Lucy 1 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/7122441701_e8144c7e4a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Lucy 1"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7122441541/" title="Lucy 4 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7122441541_5227fe9140.jpg" width="500" height="354" alt="Lucy 4"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6976361426/" title="Lucy 2 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/6976361426_1b794566a1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Lucy 2"></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-69877770145304757862012-04-19T15:58:00.002-05:002012-04-19T15:59:00.841-05:00Blessed 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5Foslijk0LpqcA3RmeqiAoevUk-VHc7XmvXYvZytiTjlHcL4RuBrK-NJyimxpegODj6fwqQNynIfq9Gbl8kJLKj46dL7VAWYx8ekScPCTQL19JPmBnkf-7kuBybhzBegYEOL-lJHVRY/s1600/030112_6829a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5Foslijk0LpqcA3RmeqiAoevUk-VHc7XmvXYvZytiTjlHcL4RuBrK-NJyimxpegODj6fwqQNynIfq9Gbl8kJLKj46dL7VAWYx8ekScPCTQL19JPmBnkf-7kuBybhzBegYEOL-lJHVRY/s320/030112_6829a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A couple of months ago our church held a women's event called Blessed. Men from our church volunteered to serve us dinner and then we went into the auditorium and had some great worship and listened to a speaker. At dinner we were seated at these large round tables. People could sign up to decorate them around one of 3 themes that would benefit a local organization. The choices were The Pregnancy Resource Center, the Food Bank, and the Genesis Women's Shelter. Unveiled elected to host 2 tables and chose to decorate them to benefit the Pregnancy Resource Center. I put together the diaper cakes and helped the other girls decorate the tables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZQqY1bFjnOxJ5M-MsOE_NCQK0xejxbwr4tJYqIBL5AfAnYM4MUfoN8mlPe4fEfS3GoyB-fnSSd3V0dA4SyxzkANT7od0B9h1BdluAlkm_5w88AUTT-4PBGWJzcEzUmNqzmNV0H6eOKM/s1600/425263_382266951791971_100000260071038_1327793_1183364557_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZQqY1bFjnOxJ5M-MsOE_NCQK0xejxbwr4tJYqIBL5AfAnYM4MUfoN8mlPe4fEfS3GoyB-fnSSd3V0dA4SyxzkANT7od0B9h1BdluAlkm_5w88AUTT-4PBGWJzcEzUmNqzmNV0H6eOKM/s320/425263_382266951791971_100000260071038_1327793_1183364557_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft-xQGYjkmEX_MvuPy9-QDyFGvNtNz-tyu9ZilW4xrwfjMs6rdo3E-9ZPofXZ9f0FyyciwZle6wpSU9x0Q_5Mg3pBTgNUi4oTYnGCtkJA8LMxlm1fO-P9yWDkUKuiZ9HFC9v__mWJU30/s1600/421902_382267291791937_100000260071038_1327801_2130405757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft-xQGYjkmEX_MvuPy9-QDyFGvNtNz-tyu9ZilW4xrwfjMs6rdo3E-9ZPofXZ9f0FyyciwZle6wpSU9x0Q_5Mg3pBTgNUi4oTYnGCtkJA8LMxlm1fO-P9yWDkUKuiZ9HFC9v__mWJU30/s320/421902_382267291791937_100000260071038_1327801_2130405757_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All decorations were then donated to the Pregnancy Resource Center. It was a great event and a really neat way to decorate and help out local organizations.
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-58386129595690607562012-04-09T20:30:00.001-05:002012-04-09T21:00:12.294-05:00Torrey Pines State ReserveA couple of weeks ago we took a little vacation to San Diego, CA. This was our 2nd trip to San Diego, and just as fun as the first time around. We actually spent most of our time in La Jolla, CA. Its a beautiful place just north of San Diego. <br />
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We visited the San Diego zoo and Balboa Park of course, and then spent a lot of time eating delicious food and enjoying the lovely weather. <br />
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My favorite beach is called Torrey Pines State Beach, just north of La Jolla. I wish we had devoted an entire day to hiking, but we just spent an afternoon there. It was lovely nonetheless. It makes my heart happy just to look through the pictures again. I think I love it because it combines mountains and pine trees with the soothing sounds of the ocean. Who doesn't love the feeling of sand between your toes? And there's something about the way the light plays off the cliffs and sand and water here...its just beautiful. Here are a few shots I snapped of one of my favorite places on earth.<br />
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This view was from the top of the hill in the state reserve.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7062802195/" title="Torrey Pines by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Torrey Pines" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/7062802195_6ea11af5f9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We took the beach trail..<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7062802353/" title="Torrey Pines State Reserve by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Torrey Pines State Reserve" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/7062802353_a1e207a301.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The limestone cliffs were just breathtaking and dangerous too...don't get too close. They crumble without warning, but are so interesting to look at.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7062802529/" title="Torrey Pines State Reserve by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Torrey Pines State Reserve" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/7062802529_8ef508c364.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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At last, we made it down to the beach. It takes my breath away every time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7062802941/" title="Torrey Pines State Beach by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Torrey Pines State Beach" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/7062802941_72c30637b8.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
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A close up of one of the cliffs<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7062803643/" title="Torrey Pines State Beach by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Torrey Pines State Beach" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/7062803643_7932c74288.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
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I had a little creative fun with these last two shots.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7062803445/" title="Torrey Pines State Reserve by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Torrey Pines State Reserve" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/7062803445_01be5d9532.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/7062803179/" title="Torrey Pines State Beach by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Torrey Pines State Beach" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/7062803179_a60d8c57ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I'll share some more pictures from our adventures soon. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-62389082435480293492012-03-15T12:25:00.000-05:002012-03-15T12:25:11.742-05:00SpringThings I love about spring...<br />
<ul><li>gardening </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdqeEKt4XwuOm9ThIilOvShVMo6MVB6Ld0PycEFADYqxG1w4iAVqF7OeAjGuEWvJiTKJR9XVkPQSIK8Q5A-6L-P0135S-2fmFMhpb3GgJQSI4A0Ih0qHdjf5le7NMgklRx9KrjooRPBA/s1600/031711_6017a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdqeEKt4XwuOm9ThIilOvShVMo6MVB6Ld0PycEFADYqxG1w4iAVqF7OeAjGuEWvJiTKJR9XVkPQSIK8Q5A-6L-P0135S-2fmFMhpb3GgJQSI4A0Ih0qHdjf5le7NMgklRx9KrjooRPBA/s320/031711_6017a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>wild flowers lining the highways</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz8NtjbE6eNT7KtuB9OYMIhvBb_H64DRo03EdfW0a1kE2EBk1CGn3l15TS7lUP2wazkK7besfbHE1gi3Eccoj6VhBowKCVxAzTCjsMTZHzr6f7dVvUTENib081x-omg28MYtmHhebzfU/s1600/042610_1809bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz8NtjbE6eNT7KtuB9OYMIhvBb_H64DRo03EdfW0a1kE2EBk1CGn3l15TS7lUP2wazkK7besfbHE1gi3Eccoj6VhBowKCVxAzTCjsMTZHzr6f7dVvUTENib081x-omg28MYtmHhebzfU/s320/042610_1809bw.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>Later Sunsets </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bAnZEGzXPMJXbg0ppAfuKzLasN94EEEzBaVhhGJDDoalUQk-hmDUkcaNE5hmlNgrn1Nlxnhug7ADEDhbZeu-rfKSUxhKjzM0NR7Qxp6D0CCSD8gHRI3VS9m6iHiz6Tl5ggqvTGF_iQM/s1600/042010_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bAnZEGzXPMJXbg0ppAfuKzLasN94EEEzBaVhhGJDDoalUQk-hmDUkcaNE5hmlNgrn1Nlxnhug7ADEDhbZeu-rfKSUxhKjzM0NR7Qxp6D0CCSD8gHRI3VS9m6iHiz6Tl5ggqvTGF_iQM/s320/042010_1499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>Birds</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX65La5sc4SYj9mqxYZWJbSPQis3QLw7dEsQFBGySpt4XAde2OJ3IVzbeqFqsDyIS-t7-MReF-Hsqo0PJTuWf7sg_3_rgM8QIMNgsVI3Zq-c-0bBTc48QhDdPXHmb9lr7NBQfHEE8UcTk/s1600/022410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX65La5sc4SYj9mqxYZWJbSPQis3QLw7dEsQFBGySpt4XAde2OJ3IVzbeqFqsDyIS-t7-MReF-Hsqo0PJTuWf7sg_3_rgM8QIMNgsVI3Zq-c-0bBTc48QhDdPXHmb9lr7NBQfHEE8UcTk/s320/022410.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>Rainy days</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieesYkoNjL80xuVQwjP5aym6u-HuKciXdqTq-k3oA28I88aY7KfosgxG18C_O55E9HeLqPbam9WmTkqD5YgaHi4gbv8R2druqgfmp_kIUSIll6r7zgz6Y_2eKogBdYS8suomOJBEuTx5o/s1600/Blog+Header+Rainbootsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieesYkoNjL80xuVQwjP5aym6u-HuKciXdqTq-k3oA28I88aY7KfosgxG18C_O55E9HeLqPbam9WmTkqD5YgaHi4gbv8R2druqgfmp_kIUSIll6r7zgz6Y_2eKogBdYS8suomOJBEuTx5o/s320/Blog+Header+Rainbootsa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What I do not like about spring...<br />
<ul><li>ALLERGIES!</li>
</ul><ul><li>BUGS!</li>
</ul>I didn't include pictures because 1) Nobody wants a picture of me sneezing ;o) and 2) bug pictures make me squirm. Overall spring is pretty awesome. Fall is still my favorite! <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-89942199290774395052012-03-09T11:48:00.001-06:002012-03-09T11:49:02.204-06:00Fun Photo Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw6oSAzRIrSTo6mfxsWVj3IKsAhUUDkQ31M0kXJmk5EVCxpXwpc5shXLmid6Wzb3mMu9-t6Gtyr2hw2lLMPpTIKYnL0J-P2Wex-XthO9LAYm5yV_mee7h0fOwWJIEXsCQvWDhIl13jFA/s1600/Lucy-Hoffman_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw6oSAzRIrSTo6mfxsWVj3IKsAhUUDkQ31M0kXJmk5EVCxpXwpc5shXLmid6Wzb3mMu9-t6Gtyr2hw2lLMPpTIKYnL0J-P2Wex-XthO9LAYm5yV_mee7h0fOwWJIEXsCQvWDhIl13jFA/s320/Lucy-Hoffman_w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Happy Friday everyone!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-72420693211593937022012-02-09T09:03:00.000-06:002012-02-09T09:03:24.850-06:00MerciJust got some new stamps from Stampin' Up! during their Sale-a-bration sale and decided to post a card I made right after Christmas. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6846653763/" title="Merci by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Merci" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6846653763_aa469b9269.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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You would think that someone that loves making cards would be really great at sending them right? Not so. I am the WORST at sending thank you cards. That should have been a New Year's Resolution!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-30884896656657323412012-01-31T20:23:00.000-06:002012-01-31T20:23:23.913-06:00Week 3: MeatWell last week was an epic fail. <br />
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Our challenge was to eat ONLY 3-4 servings of meat for the whole week and for that meet to be raised within 100 miles of our home. We had chicken at just about every meal, and it definitely wasn't grown locally. Fail.<br />
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I guess we'll be having a do over on that week sometime in the future.<br />
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This week isn't looking much better. We're supposed to avoid fast foods and deep fried foods...apparently tortilla chips aren't allowed...ate half a bag yesterday. DOH!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-27913712821779315692012-01-24T07:01:00.000-06:002012-01-24T07:01:25.745-06:00Week 2: Real DrinksI'll be perfectly honest, I was DREADING week 2. The rules for this week were only real beverages, meaning coffee, tea, and water. 1 cup of 100% juice was allowed for the week and red wine was allowed in moderation. The real trick was that you could only sweeten these drinks with pure honey or pure maple syrup.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemJZkw6jh723O0nELMiFJ5K9s9uNJeO1WRKfJNIyEb7rZCWEiI09YrWiST58RG1Thu6ir7cpSFQ_li1F9oNfCLBsB4IM9W3DlOMiTvU-bDTxE_CUwOl1RDlF4jm61nBdQNCI60YmbJnE/s1600/tumblr_looiggRMis1qcxieko1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemJZkw6jh723O0nELMiFJ5K9s9uNJeO1WRKfJNIyEb7rZCWEiI09YrWiST58RG1Thu6ir7cpSFQ_li1F9oNfCLBsB4IM9W3DlOMiTvU-bDTxE_CUwOl1RDlF4jm61nBdQNCI60YmbJnE/s320/tumblr_looiggRMis1qcxieko1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now, I normally drink unsweet tea and water, s no biggie there...but I had to cut out the creamer in my coffee and THAT was no easy. I love my Fat Free Hazelnut creamer. Then i discovered half & half has less than 5 ingredients so I decided it was allowed.<br />
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And the world is right again. ;o)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-27039407617488149392012-01-23T08:09:00.000-06:002012-01-23T08:09:52.802-06:00Houston Chevron Marathon & El Paso 5kTwo weekends ago we traveled do to Houston for the Chevron Marathon and El Paso 5k. The hubbs enjoys running this marathon because its one of the flattest. Its a qualifier for Boston, so you see some really good runners from all over the place. And as we discovered this year, when the weather is good, the spectators are awesome. <br />
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That makes a big difference to the runners. So if you get the chance to watch a marathon/half marathon, cheer! Yell "go runners!" and clap...don't just stand there and stare at them like they're crazy, they already know that, and are definitely thinking that at that very moment...Anyway, the hubbs ran his best race yet at 3:51:08. So Proud!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RdZ8QEMZu2K8XDo7gHbSrrX893bmp2LKpWIwLoVZK23ehyaw2OVp1C-5ooEpmGco_-1OIS3e4BWnfUYVJL1uIM_rQhk2t0VZmiALwSbiWOuILcH1NAvGYnWxdZMRJ-H47fAPShyphenhyphenaWsg/s1600/Houston+Marathon%253A5k+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RdZ8QEMZu2K8XDo7gHbSrrX893bmp2LKpWIwLoVZK23ehyaw2OVp1C-5ooEpmGco_-1OIS3e4BWnfUYVJL1uIM_rQhk2t0VZmiALwSbiWOuILcH1NAvGYnWxdZMRJ-H47fAPShyphenhyphenaWsg/s320/Houston+Marathon%253A5k+2012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I ran the 5k this year because I wanted a medal. The hubbs has a nice collection and I was feeling a little left out, so I signed up for the Houston 5k because ALL finishers get a medal. My training leading up to it was less than stellar. I was training consistently before Christmas, but then the holidays showed up and I caught a cold so I didn't train. The week before the 5k I was running 1 mile total and walking the remaining 2. My goal for the race was to run the first mile, walk the 2nd and run the 3rd. <br />
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Did I mention I did all of me training on a treadmill? <br />
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So my biggest fear was getting out there and not being able to pace myself. Turns out I'm a rockstar and found someone that ran a comfortable pace to draft off of and ran the WHOLE thing! My time was 41:04, which is a little slower than I normally run, but I don't care! I earned that medal! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06CMv2CXYL5FJ3b83kgApeJTaPD4BpsAeMKDpFwFnLmTKv5PrJwyn5tiruqksLHWEMzfXq137AibGpB5IIzT-lW-HgNa_mwnzaahnWqxgVZH7-uDrLFMVrieZbgOwrz5iWs9TvTCQT1I/s1600/HoustonMarthonand5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="212" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06CMv2CXYL5FJ3b83kgApeJTaPD4BpsAeMKDpFwFnLmTKv5PrJwyn5tiruqksLHWEMzfXq137AibGpB5IIzT-lW-HgNa_mwnzaahnWqxgVZH7-uDrLFMVrieZbgOwrz5iWs9TvTCQT1I/s320/HoustonMarthonand5k.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I've got another 5k coming up in February, so I'm hoping to shave off 5 minutes. Its the <a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/dallas/">Hot Chocolate 5k</a> in Dallas. I sampled the hot chocolate at the Expo for the White Rock Marathon and was sold. Plus you get a wind resistant running jacket just for registering.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-90858743889755690232012-01-17T07:54:00.000-06:002012-01-17T07:54:02.657-06:00Week 1 of 14 complete!Week 1 of the challenge went pretty well. I missed a few fruits/veggies here and there, but I ate less junk...and I ate less at my meals because I just felt full.<br />
<br />
This week we are only allowed to drink coffee, tea, milk, and water. One cup of juice is allowed for the week, and red wine is allowed as well. These beverages can only be sweetened with honey or maple syrup.<br />
<br />
I normally only drink water, unsweet tea and coffee, so its not a big change for me. Except for the coffee part...can't have my creamer. I've been using milk, and its ok. Atleast I can still have the coffee...that might not be good for anyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-6553437067903112392012-01-10T12:44:00.000-06:002012-01-10T12:44:46.167-06:0014 weeks of mini pledgesThis year, the hubbs and I decided to start cutting processed foods from our diet by starting 14 weeks of mini pledges. You've probably seen <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/">the blog 100 days of real food</a> on pinterest and maybe on facebook. It was started by a wife and mother of 2 that wanted to cut the crud out of her family's diets. She is way braver than I, and considerably more disciplined. She has different challenges on her site to help you cut out processed food and fill your diet with better nutrition. We chose the <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/category/100-days-of-real-food-mini-pledges/">14 weeks of mini pledges</a> because it was the easiest and most manageable option. We didn't want to aim too high, and be disappointed with ourselves, and we didn't want to have to throw everything in our pantry/fridge out because we (shamefully) eat A LOT of processed foods. <br />
<br />
We're doing our challenge weeks on a Monday-Sunday schedule to allow for grocery shopping on Sunday(this just works best with our schedule).<br />
<br />
We started on January 9th with week 1 - "Two fruits and/or vegetables per meal – Eat a minimum of two different fruits or vegetables (preferably organic) with every breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal."<br />
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Can I just say that's a lot of fruit and veggies? That's a lot of eating period. Ok, moving on.<br />
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Day 1 went pretty well. We had stocked up on fruits and veggies the night before, and were excited about the new challenge. I had blueberries with toast at breakfast, and planned to have a fruit as my mid morning snack. <br />
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Then someone brought donuts to work. Dunkin' Donuts. <br />
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I resisted the urge to stuff a donut in my face ONLY because I STILL hadn't eaten my tangelo, and as I told my co-workers, "I can't fail this new challenge on the FIRST day with the FIRST meal!"<br />
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Lunch rolled around and I added broccoli to my shirmp fettuccine alfredo and took an apple with me to work for a snack in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
I forgot about the apple until after dinner.<br />
<br />
::facepalm::<br />
<br />
So I had an apple for dessert after our pizza dinner. Tomato sauce counts as a veggie right? ;o)<br />
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I will say that I was not as hungry on day 1 as I usually am, and I obviously avoided unhealthy snacks due to needing to meet my quota. <br />
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Score 1 for the challenge.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-3165965858947500342012-01-09T16:00:00.000-06:002012-01-09T16:00:36.092-06:00Senior PhotosLast week I shared the family pictures from my recent <i>people</i> photo shoot. After about an hour in a mild drizzle with temperatures in the 40s, we took some "senior portraits" of one of Tressa's nieces. Naturally at this point it REALLY started to rain. So we worked fast. <br />
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This girl is seriously gorgeous. She had a photo shoot with a real photographer recently and said that her pictures didn't turn out, so she wanted me to try. I couldn't believe that a girl this pretty could take a bad photo, but I'm so glad that I got the opportunity to work with such a beautiful subject!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6669358891/" title="Senior 1 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6669358891_c7c6b172a7.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Senior 1"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6669358741/" title="Senior 2 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6669358741_a52bffab79.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Senior 2"></a><br />
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Its pouring in this last one. We really wanted to try to get a picture by the lake, so we ran over, she sat down and I snapped a few quick shots. You can kinda see the droplets in the background hitting the water. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6669358635/" title="Senior 3 by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6669358635_e42244039c.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Senior 3"></a><br />
<br />
Definitely made for some great memories for everyone involved! Thanks again to this fun family for being my test subjects. ;o)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-62591387537787433872012-01-05T10:21:00.000-06:002012-01-05T10:21:14.975-06:00Family Photo ShootHappy New Year! The last few months of 2012 were crazy, and I haven't gotten to use my camera as much as I would like. But the day after Christmas a good friend asked me to take some family photos for her. I was very excited and honored and down right nervous about the shoot. I tend to shoot animals versus people, so it was a fun chance to stretch my creativity and experience what its like to tell your subject to do something and they actually listen! Her family members were SUCH good sports about the whole thing, because its was freezing and drizzling during the shoot. I think everyone still had a good time, and I hope they enjoy the photos.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6641721361/" title="Siblings by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Siblings" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6641721361_f69e16527c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6641721067/" title="Grandkids by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Grandkids" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6641721067_49ec371882.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6641721245/" title="Couple shot by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Couple shot" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6641721245_e83ab72a19.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6641720851/" title="The whole family by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="The whole family" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6641720851_99a7bcb239.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Thank you to this beautiful family for letting me TRY shooting people for once! And thank you for stopping by today!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-67502137560620968402011-10-10T09:29:00.000-05:002011-10-10T09:29:16.795-05:00Busy...busy...busy...I've decided that life is just busy. And I need to embrace that. I often find myself saying "life has just been so busy lately," but quite honestly, I think THAT is the norm and when life slows down for a bit, THAT is the exception. I've decided I will embrace it, instead of fight and sometimes even dread it...and I will try to be a little more organized and better at time management...ha!<br />
<br />
Its been a few weeks, so I better catch up...<br />
<br />
-hanging out with my dear friend Allison<br />
-finding out she will get to go home sooner than she thought<br />
-honoring my dad's memory with the family<br />
-getting to hear so many wonderful memories of him<br />
-just getting to laugh with a family I haven't gotten to know before, despite them being MY family<br />
-Tennessee<br />
-rain!<br />
-cooler temperatures<br />
-getting my rear out of bed in the morning and running a mile...and feeling proud of it<br />
-so many choices for food<br />
-crafting<br />
-watching girly movies<br />
-Bible study<br />
-snuggling with puppies<br />
-the hubbs having a great time in Austin despite his race being canceled<br />
-making awesome decorations for Unveiled (pictures to come)<br />
-an even bigger room for our life group<br />
-2 new pregnancies<br />
-sweet baby Camden finally got to go home!<br />
-actually making it to "big church" ;o)<br />
-birthdays with the family<br />
-crafting with my mother-in-love<br />
-Getting to plan a bridal shower<br />
-an incredible group of women in our Esther bible study<br />
-getting to hang out with Ashley and catch up on life<br />
-being able to intercede before the throne for others in need<br />
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I can't believe its been a month since I recorded my blessings...shame on me! There have been so many that I know I forgot...funny how its so easy to let those slip from memory. <br />
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Be blessed this week!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" ></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-69653308455496509472011-09-28T18:44:00.000-05:002011-09-28T18:45:50.734-05:00Senior Pet PortraitsSorry I haven't been around much. Life's hard right now. Mostly busy, but also hard. Time will heal the pain. And staying busy helps to dull the ache. Here are a couple of shots I took in the past couple weeks.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6182752227/" title="Sasha by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Sasha" height="451" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6182752227_c3768d9207.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11617769@N02/6182752411/" title="Buster by EndlessVine, on Flickr"><img alt="Buster" height="406" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6182752411_7db6a39cbd.jpg" width="290" /></a><br />
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They're senior pets that were sweet enough to pose at work. September is Senior Pet Month, so I was offering free portraits with a check up.
Thanks for stopping by!
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-3226211779021382862011-08-30T19:53:00.000-05:002011-08-30T19:53:09.540-05:00Multitude Monday...on Tuesday<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" ></a><br />
<br />
-Dinner with the family<br />
-celebrating the birthdays of 3 special people<br />
-watching babies "swim"<br />
-catch phrase<br />
-mandarin orange salad<br />
-cooking experiments<br />
-dinner exchange<br />
-planning for the fall bible study<br />
-getting to go to my growth group<br />
-rest<br />
-rain<br />
-clouds<br />
-cooler temps<br />
-seeing a mom's pride in their child <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4385616686809380086.post-7651801627507723852011-08-25T12:53:00.000-05:002011-08-25T12:53:38.997-05:00Camera StrapMy super sweet husband bought me a sewing machine! It arrived yesterday (naturally it would be delivered on the day we actually get some rain, and therefore get soaked) and I ripped it out of the box quickly to make sure it was ok...and then rushed out the door to bible study. TODAY was my day off so, like a kid on Christmas morning, I jumped out of bed and put it together as quickly as I could and started playing!<br />
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I bought this flirtatious fabric from Stampin' Up! back when I was a demo (yep, I quit that gig, still love SU though) and have been DYING to make a camera strap cover since the moment I held it in my hands. <br />
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I took a sewing class with some dear friends a couple weeks/months back (time sure flies doesn't it) and made a pretty basic cover during the class. I really wanted ruffles though. So naturally, when I got my machine, I knew exactly what my first project would be!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nfU7XDmN-CGaFQ3nnMGxVWzE2nGLmwyfEDrQtDgjdx2JFyJX5GM3bpNSVK4ccXDx7uxscDayXfx0x0yKqeHHDzpZWTCUyiHeSSpsvKXcmtgC26DoyLVjfocEDcvjpj1n5fgoS2p3Jus/s1600/082511_6249web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nfU7XDmN-CGaFQ3nnMGxVWzE2nGLmwyfEDrQtDgjdx2JFyJX5GM3bpNSVK4ccXDx7uxscDayXfx0x0yKqeHHDzpZWTCUyiHeSSpsvKXcmtgC26DoyLVjfocEDcvjpj1n5fgoS2p3Jus/s320/082511_6249web.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I love the purple and the pink together, and the prints are just adorable!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB5lCJHMTSDc2-7_F11NtrT5OsiKDj8HOuDlF9Rir8rt8j4R-uGRMrCry3YXasJrElCQ3MfetLLWgQA7xqi0d0vQyCDv_PLV-uonmWDqvjlST1xfbOjaZ2adfvb8dNQtXn6Qzq9ke7DI/s1600/082511_6247web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB5lCJHMTSDc2-7_F11NtrT5OsiKDj8HOuDlF9Rir8rt8j4R-uGRMrCry3YXasJrElCQ3MfetLLWgQA7xqi0d0vQyCDv_PLV-uonmWDqvjlST1xfbOjaZ2adfvb8dNQtXn6Qzq9ke7DI/s320/082511_6247web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
For my first attempt at sewing all by myself, I think it turned out ok. Its a little baggy. I'll have to work on that for the next one. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKpESnO3NBmtTcVU5uSX39FcjN0h02PbLZDvLr_K5oX6e2aqFmcmva8SSnIVT5hsdfreoILSQbNerh8i4lJ5fzcKpOicNoZ2lR0TAZDFeHiYHC5lZbznxr8vnKW7z4eLxsbrVhC9gqUs/s1600/082511_6250web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKpESnO3NBmtTcVU5uSX39FcjN0h02PbLZDvLr_K5oX6e2aqFmcmva8SSnIVT5hsdfreoILSQbNerh8i4lJ5fzcKpOicNoZ2lR0TAZDFeHiYHC5lZbznxr8vnKW7z4eLxsbrVhC9gqUs/s320/082511_6250web.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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I can't wait to make one for every season and outfit!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarbM7-hUkR-erM-k1ERI_DUowUzUbiB3_CO8iYS297kdcrj1m-DhyphenhyphenNoEDBm8b8OVko1P023P_IIv8mfw2n0_pdzPY19dT8kdK7i7Gmye0QE4xI5TwXvbSG4PWCuwyAgQfP3SiwZEJmmg/s1600/082511_6248web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarbM7-hUkR-erM-k1ERI_DUowUzUbiB3_CO8iYS297kdcrj1m-DhyphenhyphenNoEDBm8b8OVko1P023P_IIv8mfw2n0_pdzPY19dT8kdK7i7Gmye0QE4xI5TwXvbSG4PWCuwyAgQfP3SiwZEJmmg/s320/082511_6248web.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/95/FD53DFAD1BE8AAFD5AF4E71BD3339E09.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07724504282853296027noreply@blogger.com1