tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54570486105870991762024-03-14T01:46:35.266-04:00Bio GirlSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.comBlogger1713125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-4621812793966928362024-02-08T07:07:00.002-05:002024-02-08T07:07:33.549-05:00Sweet Missy: 11 Years<br /><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Eleven years is a long time. Longer than I ever could have imaged having to live without you. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The other day a memory popped up in my photos of Nick and Henry playing, and I could tell in the background we were in a hospital room. I kept thinking “why was Henry at the hospital?” and then it hit me – 11 years ago we were spending our last days with you. I looked at his smile in that picture and remembered how much love there was in that room – how much love there still is every single day that has you wrapped up in it. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The photo wasn’t about you, but it was because of you. These days we live a lot of our lives because of you. Everyday I go to work and do the things I love, they are because of you - you pushing me out the door to start my graduate program. You telling me it was okay to take that time to learn to do something I might love. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The moment mom and dad moved back to Lexington because they understood time was precious and they wanted to be closer to us and the babies. All those memories made on Lamont Drive – watching football and movies. Sitting around the fire pit or hanging out in the back yard. Nanny having pancakes for Darcy in the morning and pizza for Henry after school – every one of those small moments are in some part because of you. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The time boo and I cherish together – being sure to see each other, to talk to each other, do things together. Not taking moments for granted. That’s because of you. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">How we are raising these sweet babies you loved so much. Making sure to slow down and make memories. Cousin trips to Kings Island. An upcoming trip to DC with Boo and Liz. Darcy and I going to see Taylor Swift. The entire family cheering the kids on at archery, baseball, and dance. Family trips to the beach or the lake or just to meet around the dinner table. You are wrapped up in each of those precious moments. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">When we put too much sour cream on something, and Nick and I laugh and say “Dollop of Daisy!”. When someone overreacts and we say “Table?? What table!?”. The other day when I was with Henry, and he casually mentioned “Aunt Mimi used to let me do that”. Like even still, at 14, he remembers how his time with you was always centered on making every day special – making him feel important. He remembers. And now in moments when he shows kindness or prioritizes someone else’s happiness, those moments are in part because of you too.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Every single day, in large ways and small, you continue to make our lives better. We just wish you were here to see it. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Miss you every single day, baby sister. But always a little more today. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8HykfiVMnKIQLwM4epS2gzXY2Wc-yOuDSoe984gnDT_O5yg2ss8O41Ua4bggRHySq3Y4jtzNxA-BtfpZr8TCLQ7BYD7dAA1tO5g6GJqP2-pyV_OJ1drWAAtrKpjcBv72eyqpwd8fArOhWVERLzCb4tqgcUkVXhQN6-nWpQcJ5N_6kHJ9Ik2HT9MWMlk/s1098/00000024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="786" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8HykfiVMnKIQLwM4epS2gzXY2Wc-yOuDSoe984gnDT_O5yg2ss8O41Ua4bggRHySq3Y4jtzNxA-BtfpZr8TCLQ7BYD7dAA1tO5g6GJqP2-pyV_OJ1drWAAtrKpjcBv72eyqpwd8fArOhWVERLzCb4tqgcUkVXhQN6-nWpQcJ5N_6kHJ9Ik2HT9MWMlk/s320/00000024.JPG" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzxKMRXVC3vta1TDqFntxaO2XgNb7OtFpa2SFxLNhJOysEPpIAsr5hHsIZ9x2nnAuqfxiGJJJBpghmrkJR_mGOisCRDtrRVl3dBLt-kUt4urSm88iWT5E7Myyd-LyUHCIh1kfBaFivIhnaELKC04xqOGL69QV655cQ9vFHqe52cmPmbODL_AVqnonqJs/s1643/00000043%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme1Yp6updnTM4i7z1nzjxJPpTU0fPFIlckaQdUR8LShGRyRi_4bR6s86h4JjjXeFu1cXJcybYTLQxtJ2eJTYgAOC6b_lT_JaWq4JrGUyRE60VjenG2f2vEO6MfY9GGWQnZMT0opZlN0avWRPrAeb2gBX99VaIrCByNapBcPg3QF_oT4-mAo2GFyAftQc/s1024/8450424365_d1031c7dba_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="766" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme1Yp6updnTM4i7z1nzjxJPpTU0fPFIlckaQdUR8LShGRyRi_4bR6s86h4JjjXeFu1cXJcybYTLQxtJ2eJTYgAOC6b_lT_JaWq4JrGUyRE60VjenG2f2vEO6MfY9GGWQnZMT0opZlN0avWRPrAeb2gBX99VaIrCByNapBcPg3QF_oT4-mAo2GFyAftQc/s320/8450424365_d1031c7dba_b.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oAscz4KUKeWFOSBFe6cJ4nuSU2YtdFEs4qu0Ix5mpX8d5cPc2Qi8EbjC1sSwLGFMZ87c7CvRdIrTOL9qZ0_zRI1yhj1hQviubp_cltDgev-bDUUw5psfDUttZqVKh_UllWKTNzj4pZfe87eeCWRJNYvvkk4Mmv_sP0k-Zz9Zs1D7AwTGmfzn5cWhBbQ/s800/Missy%20farm%202%20(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZGPZSytYjBo2otQhnq_vP-LC3rb3Bw-8wJF8As0i9w87c8p1UTXciKn2gaSyZEXiG9aQJ2SpoBksqZFGdwTuSRpTEicstgHTRg3x-3mS_8NwyPBm8n2GjDjupMG6mB4pT8sOcVC0tILUXzBwyvO5sMJxt2k8bNmHzXq8KCzIv1xToNCutpD8oBQXL1c/s1801/IMG_5375.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZGPZSytYjBo2otQhnq_vP-LC3rb3Bw-8wJF8As0i9w87c8p1UTXciKn2gaSyZEXiG9aQJ2SpoBksqZFGdwTuSRpTEicstgHTRg3x-3mS_8NwyPBm8n2GjDjupMG6mB4pT8sOcVC0tILUXzBwyvO5sMJxt2k8bNmHzXq8KCzIv1xToNCutpD8oBQXL1c/s320/IMG_5375.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://s645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/ikesuzy/?action=view&current=biogirlsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="129" src="http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/ikesuzy/biogirlsignature.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-18886580864401657662022-05-13T10:45:00.003-04:002022-05-13T10:45:50.043-04:00Dear Henry: A Thirteen Year Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Dear Henry,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It’s been a while since I wrote you a letter. Last year I
didn’t write you. I thought I may be done with these after the conclusion of
elementary school, but here we are again! Today you are 13 – a teenager. On top
of that, it’s your Golden Birthday, so you are 13 on May 13<sup>th</sup>. A once in a lifetime event! How could I not
write to you to document such a momentous occasion?? So here we are, back on the blog. For at least one more letter from your Mama.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ohkO2s5yo7e9i_mKx9xGX_MvtqUjZV57Om9dt9WZd12EdkaZJ4iq0aZiaksDkF-hK9WX8-r6-JKKjMYzLMN8HWPGD-9pH8TIpFYiaMgijDK_qM9Q9gYG2nOyPyo9t_g0WicDBkWzNVxftqJCUjjb5UVaVrqkqVe11o7xUSKumWaf-q98-rcvReYH/s3448/20220513_084145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="2063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ohkO2s5yo7e9i_mKx9xGX_MvtqUjZV57Om9dt9WZd12EdkaZJ4iq0aZiaksDkF-hK9WX8-r6-JKKjMYzLMN8HWPGD-9pH8TIpFYiaMgijDK_qM9Q9gYG2nOyPyo9t_g0WicDBkWzNVxftqJCUjjb5UVaVrqkqVe11o7xUSKumWaf-q98-rcvReYH/s320/20220513_084145.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It is interesting to write you now, as a teenager. I don’t
need to write down my thoughts so I can share them when you are old enough to
understand. Now I can just tell you, because you aren’t a baby anymore, or even
a little kid… or a big kid. You are a teen.
Which blows my mind and if I am being honest, slightly breaks my heart.
Not because I don’t love you as a teen, because MAN, I do. But at the same
time, my heart hurts just a little with how fast time moves. I ache a little
wanting to hold the younger version of you. Not to replace who you are now, because
I never want to let this go either. I just want to have you with me at all the
ages, all the time. Because you are the
light of my life. My greatest joy – the one thing I love more than all the other
things put together. So whatever your age, I love you in that moment - and I
ache, just a little, for all those moments past with my very favorite person. So
if I try to pick you up today, just let me - so I can believe I can still hold
you, if I really tried. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoNVMAZP9JNMPsnnIx4q-rMubmd8TmaQVIcBGlxfctJef3Kr8eG9pMszTtzWrC9M1JdHsIphnYBMD99nGoKZWTH8KdH29uKkeP3ncH1zrwpAwIVuMNIkMLyxUW3-NaUIQ8URCaWgDyxxsO3il2Zo0HJOFmNNcTpzMNcKMt8iP0EssgBKD93SwqA1-/s650/254622693_10109346960393370_7072609785490639337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="418" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoNVMAZP9JNMPsnnIx4q-rMubmd8TmaQVIcBGlxfctJef3Kr8eG9pMszTtzWrC9M1JdHsIphnYBMD99nGoKZWTH8KdH29uKkeP3ncH1zrwpAwIVuMNIkMLyxUW3-NaUIQ8URCaWgDyxxsO3il2Zo0HJOFmNNcTpzMNcKMt8iP0EssgBKD93SwqA1-/s320/254622693_10109346960393370_7072609785490639337_n.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">But let’s focus on the now, because I LOVE being your mom in
this moment. Long ago, back when you were little and I carried you everywhere,
I didn’t know how I would feel about these teen years. But here we are, and
turns out just like every other year, I love this time with you. And yes, these
days are sometimes hard. Growing into the adult you are going to be is a bumpy
and sometimes bruising road. School is hard, friendships are hard, emotions are
hard. And I know sometimes these middle school years are rough. But every
single day, I am so proud of you. I love being in this space where you are
grown enough to talk about deep and complex things. To laugh with us about the
same jokes and enjoy the movies and shows together that used to be beyond your
years. To share music with, to ride roller coasters with, to debate with on all
things big and small that interest your curious mind. In this time, the land
between childhood and adulthood, I see glimmers of the man you are becoming,
and flashes of your first 13 years that have shaped you into the creative and
thoughtful soul you are. And I have never been more proud to be your mother.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdLZuoEMJH3dGa5aLvOH9r-6Cq661l7hFGWqUCknlCEm2JEk0b5cfd4BAuRAfRaraaEUo3gIX-5IYfce7jOx5NfolLrs1MEZqQqH0cXeaCPe_6PmyXu_65QrslEscQRWZJGVzPG6vWvJnKnp6lCH_pc9pZPWEXrm19K1rwWi9ZnkB1fTWuXXsG2Az/s2048/269688482_10109434028173840_1276820479014872963_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdLZuoEMJH3dGa5aLvOH9r-6Cq661l7hFGWqUCknlCEm2JEk0b5cfd4BAuRAfRaraaEUo3gIX-5IYfce7jOx5NfolLrs1MEZqQqH0cXeaCPe_6PmyXu_65QrslEscQRWZJGVzPG6vWvJnKnp6lCH_pc9pZPWEXrm19K1rwWi9ZnkB1fTWuXXsG2Az/s320/269688482_10109434028173840_1276820479014872963_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Now, let’s do a little rehashing for the record books. What
has happened since your last letter? Well, you started middle school last year,
and are wrapping up 7<sup>th</sup> grade now.
It was not a typical middle school experience, and it’s hard for me to
wrap my brain around the fact that you are 2/3 of the way done with this school.
Last year you spent most of it remote due to Covid. You did not enter into your
school until last March. I think that
time, March 2020 to March 2021, will always feel like a little bit of stolen
time to me. You were on the cusp of this
place you are now. And yet we got to hit pause and spend that time together. This year things have slowly returned to normal(ish).
You returned to school, masked but in person, last fall. Seventh grade hasn’t
been your favorite, but you have made it through and done well. You have picked
up archery and guitar, and enjoy both. You still love coding and gaming. You have grown a love of history, especially world
history since over the past 100 years. You love roller coasters and amusement
parks, and are making sure we put our season passes to Kings Island to good use
this year. You adore your family and
friends. Luke, Darcy, and Wes are all still so important to you, and we are so
happy you have them. You are oh so funny and so creative. You make me smile, every day, with your kind
heard and sweet soul. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I9p8k4NnoT5QDbOBBCSa3e8jhh_8Sea4tB0rK9iWlIVtosoe2EqG-vqLJ3TtJKEagvB5uG140eO9NYb8Z8a0bOKpHdI3-QarKwbrBf8V-s3s-LmmqyxOz4sHR5yJeqUoAjk5iusAO1oRQDBjMEdpdgivVw7EqoeV4JpU2IYFAQXeXLPdlvCgJaEB/s3889/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3889" data-original-width="2724" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I9p8k4NnoT5QDbOBBCSa3e8jhh_8Sea4tB0rK9iWlIVtosoe2EqG-vqLJ3TtJKEagvB5uG140eO9NYb8Z8a0bOKpHdI3-QarKwbrBf8V-s3s-LmmqyxOz4sHR5yJeqUoAjk5iusAO1oRQDBjMEdpdgivVw7EqoeV4JpU2IYFAQXeXLPdlvCgJaEB/s320/19.JPG" width="224" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I feel like I could talk more about who you are now,
documenting your life and our favorite memories, but that feels different these
days - now that you are older and your life is your story to tell. So, I will let those stories be yours, and I
will focus on my prospective. Over these two years I have loved watching you
grow. I have loved traveling with you, watching new shows and movies with you,
talking about things you are learning or questions you have. I have loved
watching you and your Papa laugh and enjoy things together. I have loved
watching you love Sunny, and Oscar, and Crouton and Howie. Every day, on good ones and hard ones, I have
loved being your mom. Thank you for going
easy on me – I feel so lucky you are mine.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTv1JOqOwi45pcMVYRqRmRUCeDR4JYKbE_fLveTdLJKneuzz7CUv4Q2ZYrWnhDYmJNUkZWbn0waeR-tpekA1CR5_zAr7KaQ4Jrks-x9vIqR5Z5HT-a8md8uqMlsDk3bT1PPa5Or1KAgJO1iFJ82NFYy5N7vWrTuQ9egAWZ91XxOB7d2671bM02J6R/s785/255019328_10109349059531680_6241263763006622470_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="785" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTv1JOqOwi45pcMVYRqRmRUCeDR4JYKbE_fLveTdLJKneuzz7CUv4Q2ZYrWnhDYmJNUkZWbn0waeR-tpekA1CR5_zAr7KaQ4Jrks-x9vIqR5Z5HT-a8md8uqMlsDk3bT1PPa5Or1KAgJO1iFJ82NFYy5N7vWrTuQ9egAWZ91XxOB7d2671bM02J6R/s320/255019328_10109349059531680_6241263763006622470_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Happy golden birthday, my sweet boy. Your Papa and I love
you so. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Mama</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">PS. Here are a few more pictures, because we haven't share any here in a very long time :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV-MGwYPX4cF2EEAD2B0m3LeU2IcPg2qQFSISbuAK247mbiZjK8yxSgKFkjzGye4IPCmD4Wjf7ykKaD_Vim3w7ae_4OWpvvrCdbsVQSSFtUcMbpBU_05wvh3DQeyLdOHymdZ-PgFCp4OxyNzHy4BhSFp288lrQmvEIPcKC0V2k1k7eUJxyk2M6uBs/s5360/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3829" data-original-width="5360" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV-MGwYPX4cF2EEAD2B0m3LeU2IcPg2qQFSISbuAK247mbiZjK8yxSgKFkjzGye4IPCmD4Wjf7ykKaD_Vim3w7ae_4OWpvvrCdbsVQSSFtUcMbpBU_05wvh3DQeyLdOHymdZ-PgFCp4OxyNzHy4BhSFp288lrQmvEIPcKC0V2k1k7eUJxyk2M6uBs/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tOQOoll3SzKrTmPwr0nU1NWJFdGrndrD5f2SFZq4R3Rvw9hoS7EMn8BFzAjzbaJWsMQoSbw48NJkf1BMugTGf60cGklhZe07Y_eDLxlioyWQcd8ldhIdk-RF7VIQAWjx3hKybrOvmXt9HYezS3at8Lm3n7b8vFbpKMZOcC2wWYMvLvLrRS9CajUy/s5207/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3719" data-original-width="5207" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tOQOoll3SzKrTmPwr0nU1NWJFdGrndrD5f2SFZq4R3Rvw9hoS7EMn8BFzAjzbaJWsMQoSbw48NJkf1BMugTGf60cGklhZe07Y_eDLxlioyWQcd8ldhIdk-RF7VIQAWjx3hKybrOvmXt9HYezS3at8Lm3n7b8vFbpKMZOcC2wWYMvLvLrRS9CajUy/s320/12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwu9YNdnU7_fPTTuiEowJWz1F_nhRsDV-tfSQ7Qu4NlykxrLsi_cXzd7WUTSkXnXf-CsZj0ZkuBPCdw41P0hTV7gIg4oXgudblMe6to9_QJWnGcXIz91HWdEYSJswFYaG_AQgBJIDVbXGKH95hXNPhL3rgj5_5vkRFNc3L30eRGXbm4GPRytkYDAS/s960/197609626_10109001818590310_1714475097321157380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="960" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwu9YNdnU7_fPTTuiEowJWz1F_nhRsDV-tfSQ7Qu4NlykxrLsi_cXzd7WUTSkXnXf-CsZj0ZkuBPCdw41P0hTV7gIg4oXgudblMe6to9_QJWnGcXIz91HWdEYSJswFYaG_AQgBJIDVbXGKH95hXNPhL3rgj5_5vkRFNc3L30eRGXbm4GPRytkYDAS/s320/197609626_10109001818590310_1714475097321157380_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC3-T-f-LP0tlsm0Di2b8znWIIj3FT5nNajP9jddB4qMPXZZWZikOrtZ1_u2owJuCi_2Hl0OjRqZ-GLJ0QXYrpCUNwcesRs0J75MPfy5g6JMy6rJmLdrn3Vw-IMmsWc03Casq8eg5GYyKgz_YTExGAKQL0nz3uG3Lo8xE9MkH88HS1NUtkIN0lyzc/s960/206122248_10109047407884000_4684845555260196131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC3-T-f-LP0tlsm0Di2b8znWIIj3FT5nNajP9jddB4qMPXZZWZikOrtZ1_u2owJuCi_2Hl0OjRqZ-GLJ0QXYrpCUNwcesRs0J75MPfy5g6JMy6rJmLdrn3Vw-IMmsWc03Casq8eg5GYyKgz_YTExGAKQL0nz3uG3Lo8xE9MkH88HS1NUtkIN0lyzc/s320/206122248_10109047407884000_4684845555260196131_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx37lJYFZ3C8uRD18qL0MRXTZY6hcFr9EWqIPIaXErN9nvMIBQycI6g0JqzI56CPdZ4uvgbCNu6SRxnCIv653p-ojIsYdI1HShw41tdXWIsSGou-2mNCBaD-kGNgeJ70bYb5EhIhvs2XSqLBt5hghPRzTBCrwR46fvMij_eucu0yA3KnGbVk75h069/s960/244816270_10109275026798870_6094302305987625472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8MXO5DFu_n7iec6922tYRDDCqxLfahwpX4zejO3ndxV_RTY9fq1Xyv0yuG0S6ckpy4bXJNnvGa17li9sP3GBMk2yjdK5xu1EUTyi_t-uFmkv-PjU_jax-85MkizOnXY--9KW8qyuhm1ifmNyQ4kGCLOIXvj2Th6_nT4ei8gNokBgtIozj-ec8HKU/s2048/280186902_10109676731279870_1104667177085173011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8MXO5DFu_n7iec6922tYRDDCqxLfahwpX4zejO3ndxV_RTY9fq1Xyv0yuG0S6ckpy4bXJNnvGa17li9sP3GBMk2yjdK5xu1EUTyi_t-uFmkv-PjU_jax-85MkizOnXY--9KW8qyuhm1ifmNyQ4kGCLOIXvj2Th6_nT4ei8gNokBgtIozj-ec8HKU/s320/280186902_10109676731279870_1104667177085173011_n.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div><br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-72402960876817583942020-05-29T13:51:00.000-04:002020-05-29T13:51:11.226-04:00Racism and America<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I couldn’t fall asleep last night. I just kept picking my phone
back up and returning to Twitter to see updates on the protests.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I watched as rage boiled over after another Black man in
Minneapolis and Black woman in Louisville were killed by police.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I watched as protesters were shot with tear gas and rubber
bullets… something White protesters a few weeks ago were not forced to
experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I watched as White protesters created a barrier of protection in
front of Black protesters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I watched as gun violence victims in Louisville’s protest were
treated in the streets for their injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I watched as a police precinct burned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I watched as a president threatened violence against Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I feel at a loss for words, but also understand the importance
of speaking in these moments. I am heartbroken. Heartbroken over the systemic
racism on which our society is built, which disadvantages and marginalizes
people of color in this country. I am horrified by the implicit bias that is so
ingrained in our citizens that when people see Black men and women, they are
afraid. That they do not believe someone when they say “I can’t breathe”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Or do they just not care?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I do my best to teach my students about structural racism and
implicit bias. So many of them are unaware of the impact of these factors on
influencing the nation’s history prior to arriving at college. How can we
change if so many do not even understand the problem?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">It is hard to know what to do and how to help at times like
these. So many people care, but do not know how to act. I struggle with this
too. But what I have learned is the importance of listening to Black leaders of
this movement. To take a step back and learn. To offer support in whatever way
they ask me to, and to stand with them in whatever way I can. I do that by
writing. I do it by teaching. I do it by trying to provide financial support to
organizations that fight this fight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If you are on twitter, I recommend you to follow the individuals
below, who continue to teach me how to be an ally in this fight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/IjeomaOluo" target="_blank">@IjeomaOluo</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/deray" target="_blank">@deray</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/BerniceKing" target="_blank">@BerniceKing</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/michaelharriot" target="_blank">@michaelharriot</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">There are wonderful books available to help you learn more about
this topic. I am happy to provide a longer list, but the first couple I highly
recommend are:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580058825/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=So+You+Want+to+Talk+About+Race%3F+-+Ijeoma+Oluo&qid=1590774178&sr=8-1" target="_blank">So You Want to Talk About Race? - Ijeoma Oluo</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Jim-Crow-Incarceration-Colorblindness-ebook/dp/B086CFB2NT/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1590774210&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The New Jim Crow – Mass Incarceration in the age ofcolorblindness - Michelle Alexander</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Black-Kids-Sitting-Together-Cafeteria/dp/0465060684/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Why+Are+All+the+Black+Kids+Sitting+Together+in+the+Cafeteria%3F+And+Other+Conversations+About+Race+20th+Anniversary+Edition+%E2%80%93+Beverly+Daniel+Tatum&qid=1590774240&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?And Other Conversations About Race 20th Anniversary Edition – Beverly DanielTatum</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Below are links to a couple of videos on structural racism. I
hope some of you take the time to take in these resources to help you
understand the scope of the problem protesters fight against.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETR9qrVS17g&fbclid=IwAR2plwubdU_RjZNfx8kWc2nuBMkim_z1oblyyBO5UXtQ-6_ysTR9-r9I" target="_blank">Redlining </a>– a video by Adam Ruins Everything that does a great
job briefly explaining the racist policy and its impact on the structure of
neighborhoods and school systems in the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aXoBfmSBNQ&t=2s&fbclid=IwAR2YztMJphvZYS0OcV-DqYX8q2T1K_e1H-AudANyq1GYV1ikFCZwn0fFZy4" target="_blank">Health Equity</a> – An outstanding video by Dr. Camara Jones on
Health Equity in America. It’s an hour but absolutely worth the time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">It’s hard work to teach yourself to understand how we got here.
It’s hard work to process that White Americans have benefited from the same
system that has oppressed Black Americans. But it is not harder than being
Black in America. It is not harder than having to live in a system that was
built to work against you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">It is not harder than watching someone that looks like you, or
your child, suffocated for eight minutes because of a police officer's knee on
his neck while he's saying "I can't breathe".<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-37951422166206768722020-05-13T17:08:00.000-04:002020-05-13T17:08:17.753-04:00Henry's 11th YearHappy birthday, sweet Henry.<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-78820540648409899362020-05-13T09:30:00.000-04:002020-05-13T09:30:08.108-04:00Dear Henry: An Eleven Year Letter<br />
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Dear Henry,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh my sweet boy, I cannot believe you are eleven years
old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you were first born people were
constantly telling us to take it all in and enjoy every moment because it would
fly by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time, it felt like unnecessary
advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, babies don’t keep”, I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time moves, as it always does, but thanks for
the heads up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except… I needed the heads
up. Or maybe, even though I was told, I have still found myself shocked with
how quickly time has slipped by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are
you eleven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is this your very last year
of elementary school? How have the hours and days added up to this, a pre-teen
living in my house who is simultaneously my baby and his entire own person? How
can time possibly move this fast, and how is a Mama’s heart supposed to adjust
this quickly? <o:p></o:p></div>
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This year, if I am being completely honest, has not gone
according to plan. Let’s get the big thing out of the way first; we are currently
living through a worldwide pandemic. On March 13 your school closed for a few
weeks to help slow the spread of Covid-19. We didn’t know it at the time, but
that was your last day of traditional elementary school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had so looked forward to finishing out
the year. Your Robotics Team had worked since September to defend their state
title in March, but that was canceled too. You haven’t been with your friends
or family beyond me and Papa for the last two months, and while we hope to see them
soon, we will not be fully back to normal for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have always been so blessed to be
surrounded by so many family members and friends that love you, it has been extremely
hard to transition to not being with them in person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8Kdsqh8vUE/Xrtr2SfILgI/AAAAAAABAMI/O3PXEYOVcCk8b4h_Q-DdcX6RsQoTdHlSACEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s1600/65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8Kdsqh8vUE/Xrtr2SfILgI/AAAAAAABAMI/O3PXEYOVcCk8b4h_Q-DdcX6RsQoTdHlSACEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s320/65.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s been hard, and yet you have rolled with this as you
seem to do most things. You have done well with classes online and are enjoying
your time playing online with your friends. You, Luke, Zeke, Darcy, and other
school friends have spent a ton of time hanging out on Roblox and Discord. I am
so thankful you have that connection with them. Who would have thought your
favorite pastime would have come in so handy during a pandemic?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have also watched a lot of movies as a
family, which we have all enjoyed. You and I have been taking long bike rides every
day the weather is nice and you and your Papa have enjoy baking together and
playing video games. You have also started taking online piano lessons, which has
been fun to listen to, and I hope you choose to stick with it once we get back
to regular life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kffWRt_A0hk/Xrtry5fx6NI/AAAAAAABAME/r7lCEn5FyUMLallQi_y3kj-CVefos4HwQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqya6ZQcp67qoNTtVuDE_Mu14Di7V2VKbrjWVkvoY0hQqkXjmOkXxIwDEsR5yH_7I83LhzGl7BCv5GIp3LREYyigrC7SX0wTo2_-pWqnJMnJVgP-oKomkWlmq6krXZ7rKx8feRPkFvkxZyFs8ZXwn6KeQhcE-c62hj9ipkPU2fCYMUChFl8NtKG8sNXS7AqvB268lAo5zvKc3AOo_-1mJvtW7bY9O0gyorDSWUh0ejYY-xZBLERVpQg_9jr8nQwwe3lUhhcpXyo_MtO2ybavpQKW4U21ys1t862VpIwaI7ipnSOt6ZtKCZctmh0VmbuFeLCxNXDKZ3ud7KLPGDK9mwmDGVBrDE0IBFvMtqdpQ8A9Yx3HluMj3Crj61Ev03sYTgBtG5abSQLOyLozcoh4_hL1I64FEY1_8hjs7XVMNgSQEGyUiPKc5FE80ZbzkOGI0U7EYv-GKm2dykQRoQaNdgwetgYyGhGZBV7aguaXPzq28IqsFSYK3nf_kkSXyl38L8fRGs3Zjy05-W0dPFjWZOSLFRHbV0uWkKJhPGuDaJSqD63i2FDM6mSw39_Oy48NfsH0E3DV2pB44irTY2bVywYJixXESA3hPYYwtd3t9QU/s1600/36a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1145" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kffWRt_A0hk/Xrtry5fx6NI/AAAAAAABAME/r7lCEn5FyUMLallQi_y3kj-CVefos4HwQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqya6ZQcp67qoNTtVuDE_Mu14Di7V2VKbrjWVkvoY0hQqkXjmOkXxIwDEsR5yH_7I83LhzGl7BCv5GIp3LREYyigrC7SX0wTo2_-pWqnJMnJVgP-oKomkWlmq6krXZ7rKx8feRPkFvkxZyFs8ZXwn6KeQhcE-c62hj9ipkPU2fCYMUChFl8NtKG8sNXS7AqvB268lAo5zvKc3AOo_-1mJvtW7bY9O0gyorDSWUh0ejYY-xZBLERVpQg_9jr8nQwwe3lUhhcpXyo_MtO2ybavpQKW4U21ys1t862VpIwaI7ipnSOt6ZtKCZctmh0VmbuFeLCxNXDKZ3ud7KLPGDK9mwmDGVBrDE0IBFvMtqdpQ8A9Yx3HluMj3Crj61Ev03sYTgBtG5abSQLOyLozcoh4_hL1I64FEY1_8hjs7XVMNgSQEGyUiPKc5FE80ZbzkOGI0U7EYv-GKm2dykQRoQaNdgwetgYyGhGZBV7aguaXPzq28IqsFSYK3nf_kkSXyl38L8fRGs3Zjy05-W0dPFjWZOSLFRHbV0uWkKJhPGuDaJSqD63i2FDM6mSw39_Oy48NfsH0E3DV2pB44irTY2bVywYJixXESA3hPYYwtd3t9QU/s320/36a.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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Of course, this year is more than the pandemic. You had ten
entire months of normal life leading up to that moment. So, what has happened
since your turned 10?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, as always,
we did some traveling. We went back to Florida to visit Nana and Grandpa and
spend a week on Anna Maria Island. You love the trip as always and had a
wonderful time with your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
took Nanny to Disney World, which was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Darcy and her family were there too and we had a wonderful time. Beyond
Florida, you took a few new trips this year. We went to Alabama, where you
haven’t been since you were very young. We also took a trip to Washington DC
for my birthday and you loved exploring one of my favorite cities. We also discovered
a new love of renting cabins at state parks here in Kentucky! We went for a
weekend with Grandaddy and GrandVal last fall and you had a wonderful time out
on Grandaddy’s boat. You even managed to talk me into going tubing with you!
You also went to Kings Island three times last summer, so it is safe to say
that is one of your new favorite places. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7IA_zP81sA/Xrtr3Ceh8qI/AAAAAAABAMA/_35PoQ5hXrIcue5MCbUDQtBzZyJnDq-fwCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s1600/86.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1042" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7IA_zP81sA/Xrtr3Ceh8qI/AAAAAAABAMA/_35PoQ5hXrIcue5MCbUDQtBzZyJnDq-fwCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s320/86.JPG" width="208" /></a></div>
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This year you have gotten more into movies and music, and
have found a new favorite video game. You and Papaw have started watching all
of the Marvel movies together in order, which has been really fun. You hate
that you have had to pause the movie series, but don’t want to watch any of
them without Papaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also watched
Lord of the Rings for the first time this year, and with that you discovered
your favorite movie! You also have started listening to the Beetles, who you
really love. You commonly put them on loop to listen to while you sleep. You
continue to love bluegrass, with Mandolin Orange being one of your favorite
groups. You also fell in love with the game Undertale, and you plan to have
that be the theme of your birthday party when we are able to have it later in
the summer. You and your Papa have very similar taste in music, movies, and
games, so that has been fun to share together. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kl-VUeVJR8/Xrtrw-SV0ZI/AAAAAAABAMA/iG_JWZTFyDAiNiRo8bIGCGIeyCBgK_h1ACEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s1600/32b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kl-VUeVJR8/Xrtrw-SV0ZI/AAAAAAABAMA/iG_JWZTFyDAiNiRo8bIGCGIeyCBgK_h1ACEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s320/32b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
You continue to love making video games and moved up in your
Coding Club with Awesome Inc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and Luke
love being part of that group, and you are more sure than ever that you want to
design games when you grow up. You also still love to write stories, and your
skill is truly amazing. You are currently working on a book, Swords of War, and
so far, it is incredible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching your
growth in this area blows my mind, as I can watch your creativity and
imagination pour out onto the digital page. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2_6ngZLmvA/XrtrxUZV5jI/AAAAAAABAL4/sUf0_KlPLQQ6zNdO5J_uF335tMuv360AQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2_6ngZLmvA/XrtrxUZV5jI/AAAAAAABAL4/sUf0_KlPLQQ6zNdO5J_uF335tMuv360AQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s320/120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As we begin your eleventh year, you are wrapping up your
time in elementary school. And while it isn’t ending as we ever would have
wanted, I do want to take just an extra minute to say what your school as meant
to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember on your first day of
kindergarten being full of worry for you. How would you know where to go? Were you
really ready for this big place? On that day, you sat next to a boy named Luke,
and the rest is history. From that moment on, you have been at home at Clays
Mill. You have excelled in ways we never could have imagined. You have had
incredible teachers and amazing experiences each and every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have all have had such a huge influence
on who you are today, it is hard for me to imagine your life without CME. And
as you move into this next stage, I know your new school will be the same. I
worry about you heading off on this new middle school adventure, but deep down
I know you are ready. You are always ready for whatever comes your way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year you have had some illness issues
that have made the year uniquely challenging. As that slowly started to
improve, you found ourselves dealing with the pandemic. And yet here you are, constantly
teaching me how to roll with the punches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are ready, sweet Henry, for whatever middle school brings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for today, I am just a little sad your elementary
years has come to an end. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H278Ke66HK8/XrtrzMBno8I/AAAAAAABAL4/0Qu6hagRqhoQS2kciPASvojAngfzAiyNgCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H278Ke66HK8/XrtrzMBno8I/AAAAAAABAL4/0Qu6hagRqhoQS2kciPASvojAngfzAiyNgCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy6uf1vs-KVg1WxuXBY15HDEiV8DZqiw7hDlJuKLevULjQRfwIYG6DAQ-SWD3byXcldhnAJW9xL321UIfFelo8k3sz_H7-xL8jq7y5q2SY2q4-Za0905L1yBe5ZYKGhENX8lNGjIBI3VpkXZGdRZGj9d6nSoQgB09vzBxzUCsBt35Pga_gejQnRfHJAYFMThdgUNFdF-V-UfL0X4adS4ixbyl_5eykZTBja5dVlZtJ6Qnwo4Cc7p1XCWLEtk4o8CLYgdOtsgiub_LzQyY5UIKGdEKKdI0KsQQuRUObBvTPSgW7rdfcI47XA7VtpYHEXddZ7H_bYrlptpA4cjV-RaoU6Nq6JQNmuTTkYGDWCZXnSUxEyuakOrFuyNrlpmDQttMZFQjrmo7LeYNvpJtAaGNf4GIB-Y24cDlEHXM4FK74dxRjIWnZpa56Qw-aPz1GBPI79E1caX9oIHGSGay9IA65BD_elKndK3uKgpTGkwOI5T2yBj_i7z1mqcrKASd7O6UvJ8dXxHEz2AZaWJWbFnyS708sk6DIMUn8uSTwCkdg0LP3jRHnIXGjItr2tVtMVOROVtYKXOoXehqc7yw_OAvruiPYNh1v3pvsw4d3t9QU/s320/49.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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As always, we love you sweet boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While these eleven<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>years have flown by, it is at the same time
hard to remember life before you. What did we do when you weren’t here to make
us smile? How were our hearts full without you in them? You are always our joy,
and through good times and bad, we are always better because of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Happy birthday, sweet Henry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
xoxo<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mama</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-69811816664711517032020-03-25T11:27:00.001-04:002020-03-25T11:27:49.280-04:00Why Public Health experts are asking people to practice social distancing<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I posted last week on why we are social distancing,
and wanted to post on it again to help encourage people to continue to stay at
home. There is a little math in this post, but hang with me. I believe it helps
to shine a light on exactly why public health experts are asking everyone to
stay home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">An important question with an infectious disease is “how
contagious is it?”. A good way to measure that is to look at how many people
each infected person passes the virus on to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the seasonal flu, that is around 1.5 people. So, on average, each
person that gets the flu infects 1.5 others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For COVID-19, that number looks to be around 3. It may
be higher than that, because our testing is limited and a lot of people may not
show symptoms, but we can go with 3 for this example. So for every person with the
virus, they will give it to 3 additional people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The difference doesn’t seem huge, right? 1.5 vs 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s do a little math, and think through 10 cycles of
infection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, one person gets the flu,
they give it to 1.5 people. Those 1.5 people give it to 1.5 other people,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many people would have the flu
after 5 cycles?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 X 1.5 = 1.5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1.5 X 1.5= 2.25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2.25 X 1.5=3.375<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3.375 X 1.5=5.06<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5.06 X 1.5= <b>7.59<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, let’s do COVID-19.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 X 3 = 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3 X 3= 9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9 X 3= 27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">27 X 3=81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">81 x 3= <b>243</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On the 5<sup>th</sup> cycle of infection, 243 people
would be infected with COVID compared to 7.5 with flu. What if we did 10
cycles? I will not write the math out, but the numbers are staggering. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Flu: <b>57.6 cases</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">COVID19: <b>59,049 cases</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">This is why we are socially
isolating. By reducing the number of contacts people have, we can drive down
the number of people who get the virus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">People do not give the virus to
others on purpose, they spread it when they are unaware they are infected. That
could be ANY of us. You may have it. By going out, you may give it to three
people, who give it to three people… and so on. Or, you may not have it. But by
going out, you may come in contact with someone that unknowingly does, allowing
the cycle to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">The number 3 is too high.
The fewer people we contact, the more likely we are to drop that number. If we
can drop it to 1.5, in 10 cycles of the virus we can reduce the number of cases
by 58,992.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Just something to think about
as you try to stay #HealthyAtHome <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">#TeamKentucky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-71863009744393878582020-03-17T09:33:00.002-04:002020-03-17T09:34:13.365-04:00LuckyLooks like I might be blogging again, at least in the short term :) Turns out, I have a lot to say once I am isolated at home!<br />
<br />
I am doing some short writing that I am posting on social media at the moment. I would like to preserve these posts somewhere beyond a constantly moving timeline. So as if I write, I plan to then move those posts over here for record keeping.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I keep thinking of the families that live paycheck to
paycheck. The ones that can’t buy extra food because they already buy as much
as they can with the money they have. The ones that fear being home for long periods
of time, because risk of harm increases at home. The ones that are desperately
trying to file for government assistance so they can feed their families next
week. The ones that are terrified of what happens when this is over, and they
are out of a job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I keep thinking about the people who have to go to go work
everyday in environments that put them at high risk. Healthcare workers yes,
but also grocery and pharmacy workers. Food
preparation companies and delivery people.
Gas station workers, Amazon workers, and people working to produce the
medical equipment we desperately need. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel so very lucky to be able to work from home and not
worry our bills wont get paid. I feel so
lucky that Henry can complete school activities online, and is safe and healthy
and protected here. I feel so lucky my parents and in-laws are able to
self-isolate, and are reducing their risk of exposure while being immune
compromised. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are so lucky. And I
will tell myself that everyday when I am bored, or lonely, or overwhelmed. I will tell myself that when I am sad for the
things we are giving up. These problems
are so small in this moment, compared to what others are facing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will continue to buy gift cards to local businesses to
support them through this time, and encourage you to do the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would also like to donate directly to people in town who
need support. Does anybody know of support agencies we could donate to
that is helping to coordinate support for those impacted by COVID-19? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIX0ldtlGlA/XnDRUMwYAaI/AAAAAAAA_hM/JKSUojGK6ecws7agRiZKzXLOH0ecXN7_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/90111514_10107453120748200_7862524705817755648_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="960" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIX0ldtlGlA/XnDRUMwYAaI/AAAAAAAA_hM/JKSUojGK6ecws7agRiZKzXLOH0ecXN7_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/90111514_10107453120748200_7862524705817755648_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-90569638726085245252020-03-15T11:24:00.000-04:002020-03-17T09:34:28.419-04:00Coronavirus-19<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Hi all - Long time, I know. But as some of you might remember, I work in Public Health. Over the past few weeks I have had many friends and family ask for information on Coronvirus-19, and I thought some here might also be interested in my response. While infectious diseases are not my primary area of work, I am happy to share what I know. My hope is to help explain why working together to flatten the curve is so critically important at this moment. Many Americans lives will be impacted by how we respond.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Let's start with disease transmission. Research is limited on this COVID-19, but projections estimate each infected person is spreading it to 2-3 additional people. Because of limited testing, that number may be higher in the US. This means for each case that exists, they are likely to cause (on average) 2-3 new cases. This is why we are seeing the exponential growth we have now.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
It is important to note that infection rates can change. We can reduce this number by practicing good hygiene (wash your hands!) and by limiting contact with others. We can increase this number by coming in contact with more people, or not isolating when we show signs of illness.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Numbers out of South Korea, where testing was far more extensive that most countries, found young adults represented a high proportion of positive tests, yet they represent a low proportion of critical cases. This means they are at high risk of actively spreading the disease without realizing it. If people go out to bars, restaurants, and large social events, they are at risk of both contracting and spreading the disease.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Following initial infection, it takes on average five days to show signs of illness. Some individuals do not show signs until up to 12 days, and it appears some individuals may never show clear signs of infection to the extent that they seek testing. As these people move through other populations, they are at risk of spreading the disease.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The virus can live on surfaces for a period of time. Currently that timeframe looks to be 2-3 days. This means if someone whose is sick can leave the virus on planes, buses, tables, desks, chairs, movie theaters, trampoline parks, playgrounds, dugouts, etc. You do not have to come in contact with the person who is sick to catch the virus from them.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Our hospital systems are at high risk of exceeding their capacity. When this has happened elsewhere, it results in a drastic increase in deaths from the disease. While older individuals and immune compromised are at increased risk of severe complications, others are not immune. The average age of critical patients in France is BELOW 60. This is why you are heading so much about flattening the curve. The disease is bad on it’s own, but if we lose the ability to treat the ill, things will get much worse.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
We are all in this together. We must work together to flatten the curve and keep people safe. Stay home if you can. Practice social distancing and good hygiene behaviors if you must go out. We must all do this in order to slow this disease down and save lives.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
We are extremely lucky to live in a world that allows social connections during physically isolating events. Call your friends and family. Video chat. Play online games. Download books and get lost in an entirely new world. Catch up on all those shows/movies you have wanted to watch. Slow down, and understand by doing so, you are literally helping to save lives.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
While some people's lives may slow down, others are not. Many are trying to figure out how to effectively work from home, while possibly also taking care of their children. Many are working in the healthcare field where they will have the most physically and emotionally exhausting days of their career. Some are terrified for what this means for their families and their livelihood. We must also acknowledge the stress this disease will put on people, and work together to support that negative impact that may have as well.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
These are uncertain times, and fear and anxiety are high. Working together to support each other is critical. Pushing for state and federal policy to support workers, families, and businesses is needed. Be understanding with others when they struggle. Deadlines are secondary to health. If you have the resources, think of how to help support others. Consider donations to individuals who need financial help. Or possibly buy gift cards for small businesses in your community. Practicing social distancing will help slow the disease, but our nation will need more than just that to recover. We must find ways to love and support each other from a distance.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Our world will look different for a little while. Be kind.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
*Feel free to leave some book/movie/tv recommendations below. In between reading the news and figuring out how to move my classes online, I would love some distractions.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-90909548196309591442019-05-16T08:56:00.000-04:002019-05-16T11:20:11.131-04:00Henry's 10th YearA few days late, but the last birthday tradition is complete! Of all the things we do, the annual picture montages might have the most staying power. I have created a<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR_sHaCya1aS_begaPZXwMuo7QhrORerN" target="_blank"> playlist on Youtube</a>, and sometimes when I am feeling nostalgic will just watch them all. They never get old (according to his mother). <br />
<br />
It seems like the last ten years have flown by, but watching these videos, we sure have managed to pack them full with a whole lot of love. <br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YtEITwPq-aA" width="560"></iframe>
Happy birthday, sweet boy. Ten looks good on you.<br />
<a href="http://s645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/ikesuzy/?action=view&current=biogirlsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/ikesuzy/biogirlsignature.jpg" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-27505772740726745612019-05-13T12:38:00.001-04:002019-05-13T14:20:51.618-04:00Dear Henry: A Ten Year Letter<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Henry,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today you are ten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>TEN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Double Digits. It has been awhile
since I wrote you a letter. When checking the blog, I realized I never posted a
letter for your ninth year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sorry
about that, but as the blogging slowed, life with you picked up. Over the last
two years, you have grown so much into your own person that it has been easier
to just talk with you, rather than to write down my thoughts and feelings to
share with you later, once you are older… once you are big enough to
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out, you are now big
enough to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can share my
heart with you, and you can share yours with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not a baby anymore, or even a little
kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are just Henry, my smart, kind,
amazing boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so proud of every
single thing about you. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPinGCug02k/XNmaMr4HWKI/AAAAAAAA53k/41j-lXXZlIECdVM0NNdN2cUi2AJloddYQCLcBGAs/s1600/57209085_10106400167983980_4264085162586800128_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPinGCug02k/XNmaMr4HWKI/AAAAAAAA53k/41j-lXXZlIECdVM0NNdN2cUi2AJloddYQCLcBGAs/s320/57209085_10106400167983980_4264085162586800128_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Ten years ago today your Papa and I, along with your entire
family, waited with baited breath to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had no idea who you were going to be, but leading up to that day, <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2009/05/letter.html#.XNmJPMRG2Uk" target="_blank">Iwrote you your first letter</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading
that now, along with <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20Henry?max-results=20#.XNmKwsRG2Uk" target="_blank">all the letters that followed</a>, provide a beautiful
snapshot into who you were at each passing milestone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so today, for the sake of history, I want
to write to you again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To talk about who
you are today and, to take a moment to reflect on how lucky we are to be your
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPZe4yDZwWY/XNmb3kq7_zI/AAAAAAAA54A/gqZJ4WLKLpgaVClTuqU5lmxKOENOyaJOACLcBGAs/s1600/44615241_10105973915148080_4146256510097293312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="795" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPZe4yDZwWY/XNmb3kq7_zI/AAAAAAAA54A/gqZJ4WLKLpgaVClTuqU5lmxKOENOyaJOACLcBGAs/s320/44615241_10105973915148080_4146256510097293312_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the last year, or two I guess, you have changed so
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have truly excelled in school,
and have developed a true love of learning and thirst for knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You continue to love storytelling and
writing. Your mind is a bottomless well of ideas, and those pour out of you
through the books and games you create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
still adore video games, both playing and creating them. You love reading and
fell in love with several book series including The Last Dogs series and, of
course, Harry Potter. You have developed a love of science and engineering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These interests had an opportunity to shine this
year, as you won first place in the district and regional science fair for all
4<sup>th</sup> grade. Oh Henry, your family was so proud of you in that moment.
It was such an amazing opportunity to see you rise to this challenge, and I am
so happy your family was there to support you and cheer you on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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This year you were also lucky enough to be selected as a member
of your school’s Robotics Team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
worked so hard all year with your partner Addy, and that hard work paid off
with your team winning second place in the district and fifth place in the
state robotics competition. I am not sure how to describe how it feels to sit
back and watch you compete at times like this. Your confidence blows me away, yet
I know that confidence is supported by hours and hours of practice and preparation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing to watch.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWejYmMIWZ0/XNmcKZ3qayI/AAAAAAAA54I/X_0k4bkA7w8vOzNnnz_nKvdaESJ-EGQlACLcBGAs/s1600/57468026_10106407943591600_3173823545746653184_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1080" height="208" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWejYmMIWZ0/XNmcKZ3qayI/AAAAAAAA54I/X_0k4bkA7w8vOzNnnz_nKvdaESJ-EGQlACLcBGAs/s320/57468026_10106407943591600_3173823545746653184_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As we discuss teams and competitions, I should also mention
your continued love of baseball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I
last wrote, you played your final reason of coach pitch baseball with the
Giants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure you will ever love
a team as much as you loved that one. It was a special group of kids and
coaches, and cheering you on from the stands will forever be some of my favorite
memories. This year you moved up to kid pitch and are playing on the Reds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, this has also been a great experience,
as you get to be on the same team as several friends, including Hawk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through wins and losses, team changes and
insane schedules, I continue to love to watch you play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as you want to be on the field, I
will always be the loudest parent cheering in the bleachers. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have done some
traveling since I last wrote, spending several weeks each summer in Florida,
which always includes a trip to visit Nana and Grandpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also discovered a love of Anna Maria
Island, a place we will go back to again this summer. We went to LegoLand and
back to Disney. In addition to those trips, we went to Biltmore this past fall
and you had a wonderful time. We also have done overnight trips in Cincinnati
and Tennessee, and have continued with our annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge with
the Cub Scouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever we go, you
always seem to love the experience.</div>
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So far I have talked about things we have done, or teams you
have been on, but that doesn’t really do justice to talking about who you are,
or what is most important to you. When I think of you, the first thing I think
of is how much you love your family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In your heart, nothing comes above those you
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You adore both me and your Papa,
and your heart is full when we spend time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also hold all of your family close to
your heart. You and Darcy continue to have an unbreakable bond, trusting each
other with everything. You are extremely close with your Aunt Boo, who you
spend your after school and summer hours with while we work. Your grandparents,
aunts, uncles, and cousins are also incredibly important to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see them often, and cherish that time together.
</div>
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Beyond your family, you have a few beloved friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specifically, Luke and Zeke top the list. The
three amigos, you all have been close for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and Luke became friends on the first day
of kindergarten and that friendship has never faltered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zeke joined the group in second grade, and
now the three of you are inseparable. With them, you have found kindred
spirits, and I would not be surprised if you remain dear friends for life.
Beyond those two, you seem to be surrounded by friends that love you. From the
classroom to baseball and robotics teams, you have true and loyal friends. It
does my heart good to see you be such a good friend, and to have that
friendship shared with such a wonderful group of kids. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should also mention
the new addition to our family since my last letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In October of 2017 Sunny joined our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had long wanted a new dog, and when the
opportunity arose to adopt her, we couldn’t pass it up. From the moment you
first met, it was love at first sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is your constant companion and a wonderful addition to our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love watching you play
together and know she fills an important piece of your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every boy needs a dog, and she really is the
perfect fit. </div>
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Sweet Henry, I am sure I could write forever about who you
are today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see from the years
of blog posts, I found ways to talk about my love for you in hundreds of
different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For today, as you round
out your first ten trips around the sun, I want to say how proud I am to be
your mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make this parenting thing
easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are kind and have a heart full
of compassion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are driven and you
are loyal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have taken the best
parts of your Papa and I, and turned them into a person uniquely yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2009/05/letter.html#.XNmJPMRG2Uk" target="_blank"> </a></span><a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2009/05/letter.html#.XNmJPMRG2Uk" target="_blank">In my first letter to you</a>, I asked who you
might become, and said I could not wait to know you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I know you now, and I could not
possibly be more proud to be your mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my first letter I also said I cannot imagine loving you
more than I did the day before you were born. That feeling still holds
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you so much more than I did
ten years ago, but it feels impossible I may love you more in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can my heart hold any more love? I guess
time will tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As each year goes by, I
find new ways to be amazed by the person you are becoming. I love this journey,
and I love you. </div>
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Xoxo</div>
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Mama</div>
<br />
A few (lot) more pictures of our boy:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xX6kO0Fycks/XNmhEw4OjEI/AAAAAAAA57U/2htT0amndV4Kg9YERNCZOkEGTIJhl-TLACLcBGAs/s1600/60081091_10106469189763780_7027111815368671232_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1440" height="242" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xX6kO0Fycks/XNmhEw4OjEI/AAAAAAAA57U/2htT0amndV4Kg9YERNCZOkEGTIJhl-TLACLcBGAs/s320/60081091_10106469189763780_7027111815368671232_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/ikesuzy/?action=view&current=biogirlsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu174/ikesuzy/biogirlsignature.jpg" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-77561167049206754052018-05-30T11:53:00.002-04:002018-05-30T11:53:49.075-04:00Sweet Henry's 9th YearMy baby turned nine a couple of weeks ago. NINE. I owe him a letter, which I hope to write this week. I also feel like I owe the blog a birthday party post, because it was amazing. But for today, I will share his 9th year photo montage. Every year we make one, but this one was a little different. It is the first full year of his life where I was not regularly blogging. As time passes I am more and more grateful for the record of his childhood that have been saved in this space. While I know he is growing, and his story has become more his own, and not necessarily mine to share, I struggle with the desire to document every single thing about him. Thank goodness for pictures.<br />
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Nine. It really is amazing, how time moves. Days are long, years are short, and all that jazz.<br />
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Happy (belated) birthday, sweet boy. What a year we have had.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-qhIkBCwzlA" width="560"></iframe>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-62288046789516785102017-11-01T09:59:00.001-04:002017-11-01T09:59:08.076-04:00Meet Sunny (Oh, and hello)Oh hello. <br />
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So it's been awhile. I think about this space every now and again, and consider getting back into the routine of blogging.<br />
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But life seems to be so busy these days. Full of fun and laughter, but also of hard work and concentration. And those things combine to leave very little time for blogging. <br />
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Although I must admit, opening up this screen made me smile. More than I expected, if I am being completely honest. I was going to just post pictures of our newest family member and be done. But damn, this is actually pretty nice. Being back here. <br />
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So maybe today is the start of something... or maybe it isn't. I guess time will tell. For today, it feels nice to be back. <br />
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And with that, let me tell you why opened up this window in the first place. I have pretty big news. Blogging level news. The Bio Girl family has grown by one, four legged, very hairy, member.<br />
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And we are in love.<br />
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Meet Sunny. She is our new one year old Golden Retriever. <br />
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Henry has wanted a dog for a very long time. But the loss of our sweet Ellie girl hit us hard, plus we had a hard time seeing how a puppy could fit into this crazy busy life we have. <br />
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Then, a few months ago, I learned of service dog training program which needs to place well trained dogs in good homes who weren't a good fit for service dog work. So we got on the list. and two weeks ago we got the call that there was a dog available, if we were interested. <br />
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<br />
We were interested. And guys, rarely does one of my crazy ideas work out as well as this one has. Sunny is such an amazing dog, and we are all falling more in love with her as the days go by. <br />
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So happy Halloween from the Bio Girl family. I may not be on the blog much anymore, but know all is well.<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-64815150015856723662017-06-08T14:59:00.003-04:002018-04-24T10:27:09.012-04:00Dear Henry: An Eight Year Letter (A Little Late...)<br />
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Dear Henry,<br />
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Wow, this year’s letter is coming a little late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am really sorry about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually I write these letters on, or within
days of, your birthday. And yet here we sit at the beginning of June and am I
am just now putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard or whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have actually been thinking of this letter
for several weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long before May 13<sup>th</sup>
came and went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew things I wanted to
say, and yet I would lay in bed at night thinking of more and more to talk
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was overwhelmed with the sheer
volume of information to include in our letter this year, which I think made me
keep waiting to get started. Not because it was too much to talk about, but
more because I was worried I would miss something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worried I would fail to capture the
amazingness of your eighth year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because, sweet boy, this trip around the sun has been nothing short of spectacular,
and if I consider it one of my jobs as your mom to write down a summary of each
year for you, I wanted to make sure to capture this one the best I can.</div>
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You have grown so much this year, Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year that goes by allows you to grow
more and more into the person you are, and I swear, each step you take towards becoming
that person makes me more and more proud to be your mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have such a kind heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For your last birthday, and again this year
when you turned eight, you decided to forgo birthday gifts from your friends
and instead asked for donations to the Humane Society so the puppies and
kitties could have what they need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
beyond that, in your daily interactions with your friends, family, and
teammates I see your kind heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
slow to anger and quick to forgive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
find joy in the joy of others, and do what you can to see their joy grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love everyone who is around you, and oh
how they love you in return. I have the privilege of watching you interact with
your peers, and I am so proud of how you love. You are kind, my sweet Henry,
and that, possibly over all other things, is what makes me most proud.</div>
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<br />
This year you had the very special opportunity to be a
second grader in your Aunt Boo’s class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh Henry, what an amazing year you had. Your Papa and I weren’t sure at
first how it would go, but you and your Aunt Boo were positive you wanted to go
through this year of second grade together, and so we agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every single thing about the experience was
amazing. Actually, I think you are probably always pretty great at school, but
this year both your aunt and I got a more inside view of what makes you so
special outside of our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You loved
having her as your teacher, and you loved second grade in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have learned so much and had more fun
than I can ever remember a child having in a single school year. You had the
Native American Arts Festival, the Poetry Café, the Organism Extravaganza, the
Fractured Fairy Tale play, the trip to the Zoo, Star Student, and so so much
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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For the Organism Extravaganza you did a report on an animal,
and the you dressed up as that animal for the party and dance. You did your
report on the arctic fox, so your Nanny made you a costume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh Henry, it was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will forever make me smile to think of you
in that rug of a costume, out on the dance floor with your Jellyfish dance
partner doing the jitterbug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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During the Fractured Fairy Tale play your class performed
“The Emperor’s New Hair”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you came
home with the script you announced you were trying out for the part of the
Emperor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to curb your
expectations, suggesting you try out for other smaller parts as well, but I
should have probably just let you be you, because you knew what you wanted
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you went out there and got it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I hear, your audition was amazing
and you earned the part of the emperor without question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then became nervous for you. You had to
perform in front of so many people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
those were my own fears, not yours, and I need to learn that while maybe some
things would feel too big for me, I do not need to suggest they are too big for
you. You can do whatever you set your heart and mind to, and you proved that so
many times this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were the
emperor, and oh Henry, you were amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Teachers throughout the school told me you were the best emperor they
have seen in years.</div>
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This year you also discovered your love of both reading and
writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have always enjoyed both,
but not like this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year you
have jumped into chapter books with both feet, and will sometimes sit for hours
and read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You read your first complete
series on your own, A Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and oh how you loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also began writing your own book series,
The Adventures of Howie and Darby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
have been writing these adventures for the majority of the year, and they are
so wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Originally, they were
short stories, mostly written at school. You would share them with your class
and even go to 1<sup>st</sup> grade classrooms to share them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, over Christmas, you started writing
your first full length book in the series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, you have amazed me with your passion and dedication for something
you love. You have been working on this book, Howie and Darby and the Dark
Crystal, for months. You are over 50 pages into the story and plan for it to be
around 150 pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry, it is so good!
We love your stories, and cannot wait to hear how The Dark Crystal ends.</div>
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This year has been big in other ways too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took several vacations throughout the
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We of course went to see Nana and
Grandpa in Florida, which you always adore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also went back to Disney World.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This year we went to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in addition to
Magic Kingdom, and we had a blast! We spent half a day in Magic Kingdom with
Darcy, which was so much fun for us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also went to Lake Norman over the summer, where you spent an entire
week jumping off the dock into the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You had just become comfortable swimming in water over your head the
week before, so we weren’t sure how you would do, but you LOVED it! In addition
to our summer vacations, we also went on several weekend trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sent New Year’s Even in Cincinnati again,
going to a Hockey game then to the Children’s museum. Lizzy, Wes and Cory
joined us this year, along with Aunt Boo, Uncle Chris, and Darcy, and we had so
much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and I went to Great Wolf
Lodge with your Cub Scout group in the winter and again had a blast! You love
Great Wolf Lodge so much, especially when Luke is there with you!</div>
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One of your favorite things that remains constant from year
to year is how much you adore video games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You and your Papa love to play together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The new Nintendo Switch came out this year, along with the new Zelda
game, Breath of the Wild, and you two have played it as much as possible ever
since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was your birthday party theme
this year, and it was absolutely epic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition to your love of Zelda, you also love to play Minecraft and
Roblox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are especially great when
you get to play with Luke! The two of you still plan on opening up a video game
company when you grow up. This year also brought about Pokemon Go, which you
and I had so much fun playing together.</div>
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Right around your birthday last year you were wrapping up
your final season in tee-ball as a Cardinal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the fall you moved up to Coach Pitch and got on the Green Hornets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You absolutely loved that team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You made great friends and your personal love
of the game really grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That expanded
when you started spring ball and got on the Giants. It was an entirely new team
with new coaches and kids, none of whom you had played with before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transition to coach pitch is not easy,
and you have worked so incredibly hard to get better at this game you continue
to love more and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have shown so
much heart this season, sweet boy, and we are so proud of your fight to
continue to get better at things, no matter if they come easy or if they come
hard. Your hard work sure is paying off.</div>
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This letter is getting so<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>long, as I thought it might, but I cannot wrap up without mentioning
your love of your family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, how your family loves you, and how you love them back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You continue to spend so much time with
Darcy, and your bond continues to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You love all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins so much.
You got to be in Aunt Candice and Uncle Lucas’ wedding this year, which you
adored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have also continued to grow
in your friendships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke, especially,
holds a special place in your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
call each other BFFs, and sometimes call each other brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never seem to tire of being together, and
the joy you get from each other is contagious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am so happy you have each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But in addition to Luke, you have continued to make other wonderful friends
this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through school, cub scouts,
and baseball you continue to build amazing friendships that add a little more
joy to an already joy filled life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />
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So maybe it’s time to wrap up this letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel there is more to say, but really, I
could go on and on forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have had
an amazing year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not to give
anything away, but are about a month into your 9<sup>th</sup> year already and
things are looking pretty good for your letter for next year as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day in and day out we live very busy
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I worry we are too
busy, but when I look at you, I look at all of that joy, I think we might be
doing okay on our balance of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
are busy, but man, you seem to love every moment of this wild life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Papa and I are so happy to be here,
along for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no place we
would rather be that right here, being your parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love you with our whole heart, to the moon
and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could eat you up, I love you
so, my sweet, sweet Henry.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Xoxo</div>
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Mama</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are a few links to videos of some of the year's highlights!<br />
<br />
Henry's 8th year photo montage:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zPEOgobie24" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
The Fractured Fairy Tale Play: The Emperor's New Hair<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LPB7VAciHX0" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
Giants Game <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4kQrpsSVqm0" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
Organism Extravaganza <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tFeVfAOLJRw" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-73328846757189992982017-05-24T11:10:00.000-04:002018-04-24T10:27:37.525-04:00#GreyForMissy 2017Thank you all to everyone that has worn grey today and thought of our sweet Missy. It means so much to our entire family. I have been blown away by the number of people that have sent pictures and messages today. Truly, blown away. It has touched my heart more than I can put into words to see both old and new faces among the submissions this year. From our family and close friends who knew her and loved her, to dear blogging friends who were here when we lost her, and who have continued to support us year after year. From my coworkers, some of whom are just now hearing about Grey For Missy this year, to Henry's friends, and their families. I am constantly amazed at how much love and support is given to our family on this day, year after year.<br />
<br />
So thank you. Again. Always. Thank you for taking this day to think of our sweet girl. Thank you for loving her, even if you never knew her. Thank you for loving her by loving us. And thank you for supporting us year after year.<br />
<br />
As far as I know, photos are up to date as of 9PM EST. If you have pictures you would still like to share, please tag them with #GreyForMissy or send them my way (email, FB message, whatever) and I will update again first thing in the morning if needed.<br />
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****UPDATED AT 8:30AM MAY 25TH****<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-31944472715657100702017-05-23T08:07:00.002-04:002018-04-24T10:27:48.123-04:00Reminder: The 5th Annual Grey for Missy is tomorrow, May 24th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Please remember to wear grey tomorrow, May 24th, in memory of my sweet baby sister, and in support of Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Tag your pictures on any social media site with #GreyForMissy or #GrayForMissy and I will add them to a post here throughout the day. If you would rather not share your photo on social media but would like to be included, please email your picture to biogirl79(at)gmail(dot) com.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who continues to love and support our family as we continue the life long process of dealing with such a heartbreaking loss. I heard from blog readers as far ass England and South Africa yesterday saying they had their calendars marked and their grey clothes set aside so they could participate. Year after year, this day touches my heart. So thank you. <br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-41879918061087693712017-05-14T14:56:00.002-04:002018-04-24T10:27:22.788-04:00Henry's Zelda Breath of the Wild 8th Birthday QuestHenry and Nick are both pretty huge Zelda fans, and they are loving the new Breath of the Wild Zelda game on the Nintendo Switch. So when it came time to plan his 8th birthday party the theme was pretty obvious...<br />
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Last year, with his <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/05/henrys-harry-potter-birthday-bash.html#.WRilWty1u60" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> party, I got to live my dream of having his party center on something we love together. That was this party for Nick. It was an absolute labor of love, and it came out so amazing! So let's walk through the madness that was this party...<br />
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But first, the birthday boy :) Can you even believe he is EIGHT already? I CANNOT. <br />
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And the birthday boy with Mama and Papa :)<br />
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And most of the members of the Birthday Quest :)<br />
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Oh, and these two. They love each other so much. It absolutely warms my heart.<br />
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Lots more pictures of family and friends to share, but I am going to tell you about the party details first...Henry and his Papa wanted to be as authentic to the game as possible, and as you may or may not know, Zelda is a rather detailed game, so this party had a LOT of pieces. It was all rather complicated, but the kids TOTALLY followed along and were SO into it. Seriously, it was AMAZING! I mean, look at the boss level...<br />
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To start off, each kid got a bag that included a Sheikah Slate. On one side of the slate were food/bug items the kids had to find all around the yard.<br />
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On the other side was a list of 12 Koroks the had to hunt down. <br />
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The food/bug items was one of the actual quests the but koroks was just a filler item/side quest because some of the games lasted way longer than others. (HELLO ARCHERY) Turned out it they LOVED the Koroks hunt! <br />
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Here are the bags with the Zelda symbol ironed on... I know we are insane with these birthday parties... I can't even apologize. Just go with it.<br />
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So the best way to describe this party was to explain that there were four phases. The first phase involved three Quest stations. Each station earned the members of the quest things they will need for levels 2-4. (Yes. FOUR levels. I know, but we were TRUE TO THE GAME!). So level one included (1) hunting for food items and bugs, (2) completing a puzzle shrine, and (3) shooting food/monsters. We split the party into three groups so nobody had to wait too long for each quest.<br />
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For the gathering quest, the items on the sheikah slate were hidden all around the yard for them to hunt down and collect in their bags<br />
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On the hunt<br />
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Working hard on their check list<br />
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Looking, looking...<br />
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After they thought they had all items found, they had to check in<br />
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Next up is the Shrine Quest<br />
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Two kids had to work together to complete a maze using magnets, which is something that happens in the actual game <br />
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This was one of those things I could not picture when Nick described it, and even when it was done I was not positive how it would work, but the kids LOVED it! Once both kids got their metal ball to the center of the maze they triggered a light to go off to show they won.<br />
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Once they beat the maze, each kid would earn a hat.
Earning clothes is a big part of the Breath of the Wild game, and I was
so excited to get to include it in the party. A HUGE thanks to my mom
for making the hats! After the first round the difficulty level increased by doing it with hats over their eyes and having a different kid tell them what moves to make to get through the maze.<br />
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Next up, Archery Quest!<br />
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That's right. We gave eight year old kids weapons. What? At least it isn't a <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2014/05/captain-henrys-pirate-birthday-bash.html#.WRilOdy1u60" target="_blank">cannon</a><br />
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We made targets of characters in the game. When the kids hit the targets they collected meat and monster parts. This becomes important in phase two of the games. <br />
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I have a lot of pictures of kids shooting...<br />
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I will put the rest down at the bottom of the post...<br />
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On to Level Two! Now, the kids have been collecting food and monster/bug items. In the game, Link does a lot of cooking of both food and elixirs. So... Level Two, Cooking and Elixir Stations!<br />
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Up first, cooking. The party was split into two groups for this. Half went to cooking, half went to Elixirs, then we switched. In order to cook, kids had to choose two food items (meat, eggs, mushrooms, peppers, etc) and a seasoning (Salt, herbs). Nick made recipe cards so he had it all planned out what different combinations would make. He had a screen put up, and would them make a food the kids had to eat. It was HILARIOUS. And the pressure to eat things, even when the combination was gross... was so funny. They had so much fun.<br />
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At the same time half the party was avoiding making Dubious Food, the other half was at the Elixir station! <br />
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They had to mix something alive (frog, cricket, lizard) with a monster part (eye ball, horn, guts) to make one of three elixirs.<br />
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On to Level Three: BOSS LEVEL! After all of this, they are ready to fight the boss....<br />
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So Nick built a Guardian. Because of course he did. I do not even know how he got this thing done. We walked out of the house for Henry's baseball game three hours before the party and there were only legs. We came back after the game to this. My husband is amazing.<br />
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And he also made a Master Sword... which the kids used to battle<br />
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When they busted open the Guardian, springs, gears and bolts came out. Because... WE WERE AUTHENTIC.<br />
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On to Level Four! Once all kids collected springs, gears, and bolts, they traded them in for rupees...<br />
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And then headed to Beetle's Shop to spend their Rupees! (in other words, to build their own gift bags)<br />
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And with that, the birthday quest was complete!<br />
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Time for some awesome Triforce brownies :) <br />
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The singing of Happy Birthday was epic... and was likely heard several blocks away!<br />
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All in all, it was one of the very best parties we have ever had. I am not gonna lie, it was a lot of work, and more than once we thought we were going to run out of time on getting it pulled together, but in the end, it was so so worth it. Lifelong memories were made both for our boy, and all of his friends. It was an epic birthday quest.<br />
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Now, for MORE pictures, because seriously, there are so so many more worth sharing. First a few decorations, then last but not least, FAMILY! FRIENDS! PEOPLE WE LOVE! <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-10037572954505738912017-05-13T22:27:00.000-04:002018-04-24T10:27:58.916-04:00Happy 8th Birthday, Sweet HenryWhat a year. I cannot wait to see what eight brings.<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-65409918097768714912017-05-08T13:52:00.000-04:002018-04-24T10:28:08.040-04:00#GreyForMissy and Brain Cancer Awareness Month: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Here we are, on May 8th. Again. And my heart is heavy. I miss her all the time. I miss her every single day. And I continue to be shocked when I think of the fact that this is the fifth May without her. That Henry was three when we lost her, and he will be turning eight this weekend. I am constantly heartbroken over how much living she has missed. <br />
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I had decided to not have an official Grey For Missy day this year, just because I am not blogging much (at all) anymore. But the number of messages I have received asking about over the last few days has shown me how much this means to me, and to all of you. So, even though this blog is mostly quite these days, I will be hosting the fifth annual #GreyForMissy on <b>Wednesday, May 24th.</b> I have to put it that far out because between Henry's birthday and wrapping up the end of second grade, I need it to be near the end of the month. The day is always a little hard on me, and I want it to be a day when I can take time to let my heart grieve over the need for a fifth May without our Missy.<br />
<i> </i><br />
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If May 24th does not work for you, do not worry. You can send me a picture anytime between now and then and I will share it on that day. You can post pictures to social media tagged #GreyForMissy or #GrayForMissy and I will include them on a post here on the blog on that day.<br />
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Please feel free to
share this post with others, and please consider wearing gray this
month in memory of our sweet Melissa.<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-75519749122939576332017-03-28T08:30:00.000-04:002018-04-24T10:28:19.962-04:00Welcome to the big league (AKA, Coach Pitch)I know, two posts in two days. Madness.<br />
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So, we are officially back at the baseball field and Henry is now playing Coach Pitch, rather than Tball. Guys, Coach Pitch is legit. He played in the fall, just to get used to people throwing a baseball at him, but that was in the relaxed world of Fall Ball where they don't even turn on the score board and if you can't hit normal pitches they will come over and soft toss you several balls, to make sure as many kids as possible get a hit.<br />
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This is... going to be different. Six pitches and you are out. And those aren't like, floating pitches. They are speedy. And, you know, terrifying. Also, these seven and eight year old kids can PLAY. I am not sure if this sort of little kid sports world has always existed, and I just wasn't in it, or if this is more impressive than it used to be, but I am floored by how good some of these kids are. FLOORED. Like, they have surpassed my athletic ability by a mile. AND THEY ARE SEVEN.<br />
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Henry is working out the kinks on how to hit (his has his mother's natural athletic talent, bless him), but so far he is really liking his coaches and his team. The official season starts in a couple of weeks. Wish him (us!) luck!<br />
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We had our first scrimmage this weekend, and he managed to get a hit, and then score, during his second at bat. Look at how big he is getting! Gah...<br />
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He looks deep in thought here, but I think he was actually using his bat to draw in the dirt... still, I sorta love this shot.<br />
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Ready...<br />
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On first<br />
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Heading home <br />
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Post game smile :) Love this boy!<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-28525331168842419152017-03-27T11:11:00.001-04:002018-04-24T10:28:30.548-04:00Since We've Been Gone...Wow. It's been awhile.<br />
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Like, a shockingly long while. And I don't even have a good reason to have not dropped back in for a quick post. Nothing major has happened, except life I guess. Life has definitely been happening. In a good way. A great way even. Days move past, we work, we play, we enjoy being together. Sometimes I think of taking a few minutes to blog, but instead I find myself taking a few minutes to be with Henry, or Nick, or just a few minutes to be with myself. And that's nice.<br />
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This isn't a post to say I am never posting again. I will likely be back. It might be later this week, it might not be until May, but I fully expect to post again. But I do like the feeling of not feeling like I MUST post. The feeling that it's a job, something that has guilt associated with the extended lapse in blogging. These two months have helped me understand that nobody was putting pressure on me to blog except myself. And if I decide to blog weekly, that's fine. If I decide to only blog once or twice a year, that's cool too. So, I guess, I will see you when I see you. Who knows, it could be tomorrow.<br />
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For today, here are some pictures of what we have been doing these last couple of months, in no particular order :) . <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-9359829844906403012017-02-08T08:24:00.001-05:002018-04-24T10:28:40.441-04:00Four YearsI missed you yesterday and the day before. I have missed you everyday for the last four years. I will miss you tomorrow and the day after that. I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life.
But every year, on this day, I miss you a little more. <br />
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I love you, sweet Missy. Every single day. Until we meet again. <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-57549696963035098462017-01-17T20:52:00.000-05:002018-04-24T10:28:50.791-04:00Not off to the best start...So I just clicked over to my blog for the first time in a few days (weeks) and it occurred to me that I am epically failing at my first new years resolution. Actually, as I just added Oreos to my grocery list, I might sort of be failing at all of my resolutions.<br />
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On the bright side, we just booked vacation so I am on top of SOMETHING. <br />
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I have nothing more to say really. It just sorta felt like I should say something, so I don't just never blog again. It actually reminds me of the time Missy found my diary. Have I told you all about that? Why cares, if so, I will tell it again.<br />
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So one day we were cleaning out stuff at my parents house and Missy came up from the basement. She had been going through old boxes and came across my diary. She was so tickled, and I was so horrified. She announced she was going to read it allowed to the group. I PANICKED. How could she??? WHAT had I written?? My heart's desires were probably in that book!<br />
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She opened it and cleared her throat. I tried to grab it from her hands. She dodged and began to read...<br />
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"Dear Diary. "<br />
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*Dramatic pause for effect*<br />
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" I am going to write in you every..."<br />
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I look at her. She looks at me. She starts laughing. Hard. I look confused.<br />
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"That's all it says..." she said through her cackling <br />
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"I am going to write in you every..."<br />
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I didn't even get to the word "Day" before getting distracted and NEVER PICKING UP MY DIARY AGAIN.<br />
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I guess, given that track record, I should be pretty proud of this little blog. For better or worse, it has still gotten WAY more attention that my diary.<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-22459508180862699392017-01-01T10:00:00.000-05:002018-04-24T10:28:58.908-04:00Resolutions 2017: Reviewing and RenewingWell, Happy New Year everyone! Doesn't it feel nice to have 2016 behind us? I hope it does. I actually wrote this on the 30th because we are currently out of town celebrating. Fingers crossed the new year transition went off without a hitch, otherwise this post might seem really out of place.<br />
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ANYWAY, HAPPY NEW YEAR! <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/search/label/resolutions#.WGcyPH1pLDF" target="_blank">As always</a>, I will take the first blog post of the year to do a little reflecting and looking forward. Let's get to it, shall we? First, for the review:<br />
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My resolutions for 2016 were as follows:<br />
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1.<b> Exercise at least three times per week: </b>Well well well... this shows that I had NO MEMORY of what was even on this freaking list. Did I actually think this might happen? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? Now, I will at least point out that I did start parking sorta far away from my building (like 3/4 a mile) in order to get some exercise, so I did add a 1.5 mile round trip walk each day, but I would be pushing it to call that "exercising". I mean, sure, it helps but I don't think it get to the heart of the item. I am going to give myself a fail on this one.<br />
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2. <b>Lose Weight </b>- Interesting how last years goals and this years goals might look really similar. I actually specified on this one that anything less than what i weighed last year at this time was a win, and technically I am around 2-4 pounds down, so it's a pass? I am not where I want to be, but I guess I will accept it and be happy that over the year I have not managed to GAIN weight.<br />
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3. <b>Publish three papers in academic journals - </b>Okay, not that I need to EXPLAIN things to you all, but this was set before I knew about my job change. And that job change, along with Corrine's job change, sort of changed this goal. I am happy (THRILLED!) to report we had one article published, and I have another under review. I will consider this a win, given that I had no idea at the time my work life would be altered so drastically (in a good way).<br />
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4. <b>Help in Henry's classroom - </b>Well well well, I actually forgot this one was on here as well, but I am also going to give myself a pass here! It helps that his teacher is Boo, so I am extremely comfortable in her classroom, but I volunteer regularly, and it's great!<br />
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5. <b>Read the first Harry Potter to Henry - </b>Huge Pass! And he loved it! Dreams do come true!<br />
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So in the end, I give myself 4/5. That's not too bad, considering it looked like I might crash and burn after reading item #1!<br />
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Now, on to my new resolutions!<br />
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1. <b>Blog better: </b> I am not going to say blog more, because while I want to increase the number of blog posts, I would actually settle for just writing one or two good posts a month. I can post pictures or do updates, but one of the reasons I have always loved this space is that it helps me clear my head. I still love it when I use it for that, but it happens so rarely now. I would like to try to get back to that place.<br />
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2. <b>UGH with the weight again:</b> I do not know how many years in a row my weight has been on this list, but it is here again. I do better with a specific goal, so I am going to say lose 15 pounds within 6 months and keep it off at the end of the year.<br />
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3. <b>Be mindful of my time at home:</b> With my new job, I have a lot on my plate. And more often than I would like, my work life is taking away too much of my time with Nick and Henry. Sometimes it's because I literally need to be working on things, and that's hard to avoid, but sometimes it's because I am not turning off the part of my brain that is focusing on work. I am home, but in my head, I have not left the office. I want to do better with this, and focus on my family when we are together.<br />
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4. <b>Make it a priority to read what Henry reads</b> - I have been trying to do this, but I am putting it on the list to hold myself accountable. Henry has fallen in love with reading this year, and it absolutely warms my heart. He is reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and wants me to read it too. He keeps wanting to talk about stuff, but doesn't want to spoil it for me. I am on book three, and moving slower than I should. He is on book 7. I need to make our joint reading a priority now or he will stop asking me in the future.<br />
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5. <b>Impact the world around us: </b>We are lucky enough to be in a stable place, financially. With that, we have increased our charitable giving, which I am happy about. But with the recent election, it has settled on my heart to consider if I am doing enough in other ways. I don't know what I want to do to make a difference, but something more than just money. I don't know exactly what I mean by this, but hopefully I will have an answer by the end of the year. <br />
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And as a final update, by book reading total is not officially on the list, but the goal for the year is staying the same as this time at 25. I ended up in the mid 30s for 2016. Not too shabby:)<br />
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And that's it! Bring it on, 2017! <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-45473128445500978862016-12-31T11:16:00.000-05:002018-04-24T10:29:15.037-04:00The Best of Bio Girl: 2016Well, this post will definitely be shorter than the <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/search/label/best%20of%20Bio%20Girl#.WGb4LX1pLDE" target="_blank">last NINE years of Best of Bio Girl posts</a>! That's right. Nine. Which makes this one NUMBER TEN. TEN ENTIRE YEARS OF BLOGGING. I do realize blogging has been nearly nonexistent over the last six months or so. Apparently I have finally found a job that simply does not allow brain space for blogging. I used to feel that I had to have this space to clear my head. I still feel that way sometimes. I miss it here, and I hope to eventually find a rhythm that allows myself a little more time to write in this space, but for now, I have accepted that this type of writing is on the back burner.<br />
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But that doesn't mean there weren't some decent blog posts this year! I mean, I had to write SOMETHING worth reading, right? Let's dive in and see, shall we?<br />
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<li>First thing's first, here is an <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/04/safety-first.html#.WGcjVX1pLDE" target="_blank">actual good blog post</a> (like, a REAL blog post.. not just a picture post) of me telling the story of how I fell INTO the yard waste dumpster. It reminds me of blog days of old, and is totally worth a (re)read. </li>
<li>Here is another good one, this one on <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/08/olympics-and-other-ramblings.html#.WGculH1pLDE" target="_blank">the Olympics</a>.</li>
<li>And here I wrote about my <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/11/stronger-together.html#.WGcvwH1pLDE" target="_blank">post election thoughts</a>. </li>
<li>Ah, here is <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016_01_01_archive.html#.WGb4i31pLDE" target="_blank">a post</a> about Henry and I reading the first Harry Potter together. Man, this is great. We are currently reading Chamber of Secrets and loving it as well. I am not sure there are many things in life better than sharing something you love with your child and having them fall in love as well. </li>
<li>Oh, and it looks like we were still talking <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016_02_01_archive.html#.WGcgLX1pLDE" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> in February, which is FINE BY ME. </li>
<li>And another one from February, this one right after the <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016_02_01_archive.html#.WGcgLX1pLDE" target="_blank">anniversary of losing Missy</a>. Sometimes reading these posts take my breath away, but I always feel a little closer to her too, which is I guess why I continue to read (and write) them. </li>
<li>In March we attended Henry's <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/03/green-eggs-and-ham.html#.WGchFH1pLDE" target="_blank">Green Eggs and Ham play</a>, which includes a video of the kids dancing, which might be hard to watch because I was shaking/laughing so hard. Blogging at it's best.</li>
<li>Okay, the posts I am picking pretty much from this point on might not be quality blogging, but they keep making me smile, which I guess is all it takes to make the top list these days. Along those lines, here is some <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016_04_01_archive.html#.WGciZn1pLDE" target="_blank">art work</a> from Henry's first grade class. </li>
<li>And then on to some tball ball fun with Henry's <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016_04_01_archive.html#.WGciZn1pLDE" target="_blank">game ball winning game</a> in the spring. I know I am insane over baseball, and I am okay with it.</li>
<li>As always, the Birthday madness must be documented in the year end review. Here <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/05/henrys-harry-potter-birthday-bash.html#.WGckH31pLDE" target="_blank">Henry's Harry Potter party post</a>, which I will always be proud of! And here is his<a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/05/dear-henry-seven-year-letter.html#.WGckfX1pLDE" target="_blank"> annual birthday letter</a> and <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/05/happy-birthday-my-sweet-boy.html#.WGckh31pLDE" target="_blank">birthday picture slideshow</a>. I know, but why mess with tradition?</li>
<li>Let's see... we are now really into a slew of picture posts, but some of them I like! Like this one, from <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/06/drop-your-pictures-here.html#.WGcuJX1pLDE" target="_blank">summer/baseball madness</a>. And <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/07/disney.html#.WGcuF31pLDE" target="_blank">THIS</a> one from Disney World, and <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/06/vacation-part-1-of-2016-edition.html#.WGcuJH1pLDE" target="_blank">THIS</a> one from vacation, and <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/07/candice-and-lucas-get-married.html#.WGcuGX1pLDE" target="_blank">THIS</a> one from Candice and Lucas's wedding... lots of great pictures have been taken this year. </li>
<li>I finally had a chance to take Henry to a<a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/08/harry-potter-and-cursed-child-midnight.html#.WGculn1pLDE" target="_blank"> midnight release party</a> for a Harry Potter book, and it was everything I hoped it would be. </li>
<li>And in this one I discuss my <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/08/new-job.html#.WGcujH1pLDE" target="_blank">new job</a>, which is still exciting.</li>
<li>In this post Henry enters <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/08/welcome-to-coach-pitch.html#.WGcuiX1pLDE" target="_blank">Coach Pitch</a> with a bang (also known as a triple on his first at bat)</li>
<li>This may not be the best blog post, but it is a great memory of me taking Cici to <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/09/so-many-blog-topics-so-little-time.html#.WGcvcn1pLDE" target="_blank">Girl Scout Camp!</a> (Also, Henry's giant tooth)</li>
<li>We wrapped up the year with <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/11/happy-halloween.html#.WGcvv31pLDE" target="_blank">Halloween</a>, <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/11/thankful_16.html#.WGcvx31pLDE" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>, and <a href="http://www.biogirlblog.com/2016/12/merry-christmas-just-five-days-late.html#.WGcvzH1pLDE" target="_blank">Christmas</a>, all which seem worth mentioning :) </li>
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And with that, the year in review is done! The number of true quality blog posts may be down, but there were still a lot of great memories shared throughout 2016. Come back by tomorrow for the traditional reviewing and renewing of resolutions. Spoiler alert, one of them may be to spend a little more time blogging next year!<br />
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Happy New Year, everyone! Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457048610587099176.post-72483985293556849552016-12-30T22:24:00.000-05:002016-12-30T22:24:00.706-05:00Merry Christmas! (Just Five Days Late...)Better late than never might as well be my new blogging motto! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their family. Ours has been amazing. This year's video is a little shorter than normal, but still pretty great. I guess short isn't that bad when you are asking people to watch a Christmas video on December 30th :)<br />
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The photos were actually pulled together the day after Christmas, but we had a hard time picking a song this year. We did go back and watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR_sHaCya1aR4hZzcQiAvGqdY-yeMo7mY" target="_blank">last seven videos</a> in order to hear the songs we have used before, and it was AMAZING. And inspired me to take more video/pictures in future years. Nothing like a good binge watching of Christmas past to rejuvenate my picture taking obsession, right when it was finally dropping down to a more reasonable level.<br />
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Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Enjoy the video and come back tomorrow for the annual Best of Bio Girl post. I may not be posting much, I DO take traditions seriously...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z16dVEOiE-w" width="560"></iframe>
If you would like to walk down memory lane of Bio Girl Christmas past, you can find all the previous videos on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR_sHaCya1aR4hZzcQiAvGqdY-yeMo7mY" target="_blank">YouTube HERE</a>. At the very least, you should watch the videos at the beginning of 2010 and 2011. Be still my heart.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248242606378957930noreply@blogger.com0