tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62838271481593982802024-02-19T16:55:24.815-07:00Jeremy & Sara's StoryFollow along on the exiting adventures of a young, married couple who are tackling life one escapade at a time; all while trying to control their chocolate Lab. Jeremy loves sports and aviation; Sara loves cooking and reading; Diesel loves chewing on bones and eating socks.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-31678500386966996852013-06-04T10:04:00.000-07:002013-06-04T17:11:11.509-07:00One Month of Logan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can it really be? We've had our baby boy for a month (well, over a month by the time I've blogged about it) now? Let's have a quick review in pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkK2FdWCcAHWgerXcPs55TSmlRuP1Cpr8bipcpSV51rc3olwmnOXcWuEW5bYbWOR8N5b-UmXFS0qkneZHcnO_5aVWuFQGIm6PtJHi6HjbXa_xxGFkcxitw7fLRTHZjU7omaPVv5ZX1TBZ8/s1600/IMAG0178.jpg" height="320" width="191" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
About to leave the hospital.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gfBrvMJzzo7oZSbWq8Qnbc_pEbTN4xNTDozCTfigRjgtiWAFG0V2Fuv4-DpYv_3m2UwUTN0SJ-z1lMb5ZLZrhx0jjblj6s-DrjW6Dy-vsSJg5Kq2A4s62kiQ6kmTL8iuFaTrtkao20zz/s1600/IMAG0189.jpg" height="320" width="191" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First day at home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT2I8zA3Vd3m-YTEegY1VwGm84OVYiesWzKHXrKxAnmKN1me3NimiSLNmnfV46MY_0OcV24fRB8AfUgRnvwmD9Q12eG5-7pa5BiJGybn28Jlhb-BTFYvZs2p24xVOFz0PKcQd2l-geOQj/s1600/IMAG0223.jpg" height="320" width="191" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A favorite pastime - sleeping on Daddy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBStlsXcK-44uDxE5gEwCb5H2A4O8wnR1gPwpyZ3jnwhfQ78ZCinVJ3jJEJKo67RlAk_wWHM-tVaBjuvff8KM4sKiv-NMjYvjjRUwwlC-rvItR3fi_X6Hm70OAIr-KajRisgyGm0sevlgk/s1600/20130527_115256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBStlsXcK-44uDxE5gEwCb5H2A4O8wnR1gPwpyZ3jnwhfQ78ZCinVJ3jJEJKo67RlAk_wWHM-tVaBjuvff8KM4sKiv-NMjYvjjRUwwlC-rvItR3fi_X6Hm70OAIr-KajRisgyGm0sevlgk/s1600/20130527_115256.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTajdb1M4o38H9gqWV_vOH_tYpk9uvcrFyXOyhmUf3ADRF8GoIzOVziFAuvM4v0aMjYbpOWctqBkW5edgxL8G9hnxAARoGGfCiiUv-XgewoBudV47Jd6zKFOKSKFxd1PUhrmQcTSoLXjDF/s1600/IMAG0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTajdb1M4o38H9gqWV_vOH_tYpk9uvcrFyXOyhmUf3ADRF8GoIzOVziFAuvM4v0aMjYbpOWctqBkW5edgxL8G9hnxAARoGGfCiiUv-XgewoBudV47Jd6zKFOKSKFxd1PUhrmQcTSoLXjDF/s1600/IMAG0235.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0_rWSzxcH7z82wadGhY0E3Oi7wmg1IjWo4ZGtS4GOYB8MB9h-JNQqFHTb08sjMFImnrXpWNyg6qEhixdLrCPBReOBAHPkcdIiIFGaoafB4rgwLD6p3Kat6Oti-VmNUghlq44sMxnUcQm/s1600/20130524_120800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0_rWSzxcH7z82wadGhY0E3Oi7wmg1IjWo4ZGtS4GOYB8MB9h-JNQqFHTb08sjMFImnrXpWNyg6qEhixdLrCPBReOBAHPkcdIiIFGaoafB4rgwLD6p3Kat6Oti-VmNUghlq44sMxnUcQm/s1600/20130524_120800.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rvYF86jpG6DLj1OdNo_kCaFe7htmfYsaf-Rfh5FlHMiKZXmxis_NwQXVEMTvvkJR0My0lw9J-SKeeZcCdLg1ix2e7T8QRJwcQuFO78lC0TV6viDWxr45JVbjN54stOe5ZRV6Kw3W2_w-/s1600/20130523_170612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rvYF86jpG6DLj1OdNo_kCaFe7htmfYsaf-Rfh5FlHMiKZXmxis_NwQXVEMTvvkJR0My0lw9J-SKeeZcCdLg1ix2e7T8QRJwcQuFO78lC0TV6viDWxr45JVbjN54stOe5ZRV6Kw3W2_w-/s1600/20130523_170612.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX_6Vge4CE504ROLM-sI1EHnv4L67droUOBMq-1hXKDayZUGOD_wKYLV8cVO2bbBRzLO79kIW2tw-bsO36Yrm_UIFBZ5ilainMD9zClezpSIWT1fYKBD4joa5fXpIGE-XRI5N1fEYxRpl/s1600/20130523_171725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX_6Vge4CE504ROLM-sI1EHnv4L67droUOBMq-1hXKDayZUGOD_wKYLV8cVO2bbBRzLO79kIW2tw-bsO36Yrm_UIFBZ5ilainMD9zClezpSIWT1fYKBD4joa5fXpIGE-XRI5N1fEYxRpl/s1600/20130523_171725.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a difference a few weeks makes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHKWQuQGLMNwPVZ3dBTh-axfI1WTKU9BpYcTEHenIskSJEEnAvJmB4n7J5DUG7qmyyEDWXslpoZBKX-iuP61qyYzhNRii-RM8xSCD2kp9FHrr4kvTX_HkZBhwsDkARvGJvE85jyGYT6ms/s1600/20130523_170832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHKWQuQGLMNwPVZ3dBTh-axfI1WTKU9BpYcTEHenIskSJEEnAvJmB4n7J5DUG7qmyyEDWXslpoZBKX-iuP61qyYzhNRii-RM8xSCD2kp9FHrr4kvTX_HkZBhwsDkARvGJvE85jyGYT6ms/s1600/20130523_170832.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy one month birthday!</div>
<br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-47737386850281398482013-05-06T15:12:00.001-07:002013-05-06T15:12:42.194-07:00We Have a New Family Member<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Logan Isaac Bofferding was born on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013, at 1:42pm. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8lbs, 15oz, 22 inches.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNlkwYLJp3agCc6a7zcRnMncj29WAyEQpQQ5nQ742TvMw88guQpQeGj6abmVBmegqTn7fBcDJXdM_ddtN1G51g-7QLqj23e1e9ZsmSU2zZa-vAj0_IELDpr-M4npFBr-JAZOqUPqhswcT/s1600/403MEDIA36IMAG0148.jpg" height="320" width="191" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And our world will never be the same.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafGAQu7x4KK7-BTAcvtBVWGoIMKNvDJ_Fh0aJ9JuuN64e4cqr3b2Qcx4BVwRIWdNSbIr9GRiw5pLrPB2xDWXhJhGbx3FvH1dRJ1-7I_B1M1ln-j__wSpIs0Uz79F4HcVtlLBnOMq7S6hA/s1600/IMG955688.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-63532700170906724962012-12-14T11:44:00.002-07:002012-12-14T11:44:57.186-07:00A Blog Resurrected?<div style="text-align: center;">
Possibly. What would I blog about though? Hmmm, I might be able to come up with something....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQDRcRmrCfliVBF8-xEiVbDZ6rkTjHCBsPV1vBlOzNAKvvuimJ8Np_KtQZQtVYmjOphseZZIjiTBUei0O0DpRNKJ4J9aUnFzMK4zZitnOZ6zaIAYorVJ0PVhZc45jJOApRq_7HrcVOmAH/s1600/556727_925339151158_863313281_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQDRcRmrCfliVBF8-xEiVbDZ6rkTjHCBsPV1vBlOzNAKvvuimJ8Np_KtQZQtVYmjOphseZZIjiTBUei0O0DpRNKJ4J9aUnFzMK4zZitnOZ6zaIAYorVJ0PVhZc45jJOApRq_7HrcVOmAH/s320/556727_925339151158_863313281_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-90762749250072928832012-01-01T20:34:00.000-07:002012-01-01T20:34:26.470-07:00Happy New Year!I can't believe that is 2012 already! Perhaps it is time for me to get my act in gear and start blogging again. What do you think? Sound good? Ok!<br />
<br />
Posts to come soon! I promise. :)Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-72805794636578163222011-09-30T07:22:00.001-07:002011-09-30T11:04:21.877-07:00Litfuse Blog Tour and Review: Heiress<div style="text-align: left" align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m7Z4VtsrpFM/ToXQrcDWr-I/AAAAAAAADWc/jWfabAf8d24/s1600-h/Heiress%252520coversm%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Heiress coversm" alt="Heiress coversm" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QY0muJ2vINs/ToXQr8kHHlI/AAAAAAAADWg/BzTjegLy0ns/Heiress%252520coversm_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="355"></a> <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609362187/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1609362187&adid=1JF1JHWKFXYX80AEG4NY" target="_blank">Heiress</a></strong></em></div> <div style="text-align: left" align="right">by Susan May Warren</div> <div style="text-align: left" align="right">Published 2011</div> <div style="text-align: left" align="right">Summerside Press </div> <div style="text-align: left" align="right">368 Pages</div> <div style="text-align: left" align="right">ISBN: 1609362187</div> <div style="text-align: left" align="right">Historical fiction</div> <div align="center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: left"><strong>About the book:</strong> </div> <div style="text-align: left">They can buy anything they want—fame, power, beauty, even loyalty.</div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">But they can’t buy love.</div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without an enormous price tag attached? When one sister betrays another for the sake of love, will she find happiness? And what happens when the other sets out across the still untamed frontier to find it—will she discover she’s left it behind in the glamorous world of the New York gilded society? What price will each woman pay for being an heiress?</div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, two women discover that being an heiress just might cost them everything they love.</div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left"> <strong>My Review:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: left"><strong>“</strong>Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.” That quote kept resonating through my mind as I read this book. In <em>Heiress</em>, Susan May Warren transports the reader into the Gilded Age and a plot that is full of emotion – betrayal, anger, guilt, heartache and redemption. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but it immediately grasped my attention and didn’t let go until the very end.</div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">The story of Jinx and Esme is a complex tale that dragged my emotions from chapter to chapter. This book was hard to put at times, but at a certain point, I’d hit an emotional wall and would be forced to stop reading because I couldn’t handle anymore drama. The heartache that these characters endure and overcome is what makes this book so great! Also, I was also fascinated by the time period of this book and the angle that Susan approached it from. Many historical fictions books in this era focus on the “clean/safe” side of the period – the debutantes, the extravagant balls, the beautiful gowns, or the courting of a young lady; while Susan looks at the “gritty/dirty” topics – the corruption, the deceit, and the hurt. Though I did enjoy this book, I was a bit surprised that the faith element really didn’t come into play until the last 1/4 of the book. It isn’t until the final section of the book, when we see the characters reunite with one another and finally understand their blessings, and that they are loved by God. </div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">Susan May Warren is one of those authors that I would read ANY book from! She’s incredibly talented and always entertaining from her whimsical and comical stories, to her suspenseful one and now to her dramatic books. I’m anxious to see what the next book in this series, <em>Baroness,</em> will be like. Many thanks to Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this blog tour! I received this book from them in return for my honest review. <strong><em>Sara’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.</em></strong></div> <div style="text-align: left"><strong><em></em></strong> </div> <div style="text-align: left"><strong>About Susan</strong>: </div> <div style="text-align: left"><strong><strong><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9AjCwayrSPc/ToYD_KPQthI/AAAAAAAADWk/C12sd_9TkJw/s1600-h/susie%252520chairback%252520new%252520sm%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="susie chairback new sm" border="0" alt="susie chairback new sm" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MNV2b7t92Rw/ToYD_SPr1wI/AAAAAAAADWo/LThtdzbyHmQ/susie%252520chairback%252520new%252520sm_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="193"></a></strong></strong></strong>Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband a reactive in their local church.</div> <div style="text-align: left"><br>Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com,a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.</div> <div style="text-align: left"><br>Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: <a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com">www.susanmaywarren.com</a>.<br><br></div><strong></strong> <h3>Win an opulent Gilded Age Prize Pack fit for an Heiress from Susan May Warren!</h3> <div style="text-align: left"><strong><br></strong><a href="http://susanmaywarren.com/">Susan May Warren</a> is thrilled to announce the release of her latest historical book, <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609362187/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1609362187&adid=1JF1JHWKFXYX80AEG4NY">Heiress</a></b></i>!<br><br><b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13429072">Find out what the reviewers are saying here!</a></b><br><br><b><i>Heiress, a </i>richly complex historical romance, is the first in Susan's three book Daughters of Fortune series. In honor of<i> Heiress’</i> debut, Susan is hosting a FABULOUS Gilded Age Giveaway and giving away an opulent prize pack fit for an heiress!</b><br><br><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/156641"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/60/FileItem-126266-heiress_300x250.jpg"></a></div><br><b>One grand prize winner will receive:</b><br> <ul> <li>A $100 gift certificate to ModCloth.com <li>A sleek silver iPod™ Shuffle <li>A beautiful strand of Pearls <li>Titanic DVD <li>Speakeasy Compilation Music CD from Starbucks™ <li>Heiress by Susan May Warren</li></ul><b>Click one of the icons below to enter. </b>But do so soon - this giveaway ends 10/5/11. The winner will be announced Thursday, October 6 on <b><a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/scribbles-blog/">Susan’s blog</a></b>.<br><br> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/156641" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via E-mail" alt="Enter via E-mail" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9yHFaN_N_-dYME5WCrAVBe8gmWstJg-gSd7WwJxc4Pzoj-4DZAKMq-Ap7Rg1qgvVW0Z4gjfqAMifOzUSEB-b4C5PdWsS1CAX1pZOV0FjX8WZ8iF5q9BSCZi4GfpZafrp2rBVbtiLAYFG/s1600/email_icon.png" width="48" height="48"></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/156641" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via Facebook" alt="Enter via Facebook" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohRjSH4cLyWhMNYPMWVRTqCdLmYB-kTL_2t4DcmMa4nRLZVkEas6ZigN3t7QncHQkVwsYO3pIsRyOLNGLBGVeYQAuthfwEc5jVISXH9I33zH15L9PYibqowOlcHG1ovCsfWnP1XiUrWDQ/s1600/Facebook_icon-300x300.png" width="48" height="48"></a><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/156641" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via Twitter" alt="Enter via Twitter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MkmoMiCJ7KSqXh-IE1Qg3WlshvAoMAvy2Dy8mR2TAV6UqcnuW9Al16ITqThCHYFUA4MXA8s-vYOL6WbQoDA42tZHfE5oZ-UfVG9WzZFdWdeJVwl47kP25U7nUdnQBowTyipWw9CsI-W9/s1600/Twitter_button.png" width="48" height="48"></a></div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-84002695987207148332011-08-31T21:35:00.001-07:002011-08-31T21:36:23.427-07:00We're Alive! Alive!<div style="text-align: center;">Hi there! This is going to be one of the most random posts ever...but hey, ya gotta do what you gotta do. Here's what's been happening in the lives of Jeremy, Sara and Diesel over the past few months.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Diesel stole my pajama shorts and ran upstairs with them.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpQAHI5bJXJ4hN-tlhcshCs7ZgzaAkrsLn-SN6c3SN2eRMrqBYTxcF9n85_y4C5wc5xleGjhzo8v37RgHARgcds5OmoE-B13UcYAJjZzcVY_0THdBkMtx3x8T9WdU6Ngyw_GROdjgMvcc/s1600/diesel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpQAHI5bJXJ4hN-tlhcshCs7ZgzaAkrsLn-SN6c3SN2eRMrqBYTxcF9n85_y4C5wc5xleGjhzo8v37RgHARgcds5OmoE-B13UcYAJjZzcVY_0THdBkMtx3x8T9WdU6Ngyw_GROdjgMvcc/s320/diesel.jpg" width="191" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I co-hosted a baby shower and it featured a dessert bar with many pink accents. Would you expect anything less from me?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orVkFbamLso/Tl8KRUnC1aI/AAAAAAAADWY/YFJrw6u5jWw/s1600/shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orVkFbamLso/Tl8KRUnC1aI/AAAAAAAADWY/YFJrw6u5jWw/s320/shower.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We bought Diesel a pool! It's a lot of fun to play in it with him.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqZPZIiQBsGeLVjr767xbDHohcIk8QczcOZq4PvYiD6RhzCGURldXr5N86T5Jt0Mcx8k4UX60YLS24cmpYHDH1-7_9D6A8bWLcB0wZo9KR73Zk6UUhb6cZA-0-kTnOuqiIVejghMOoPyq/s1600/pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqZPZIiQBsGeLVjr767xbDHohcIk8QczcOZq4PvYiD6RhzCGURldXr5N86T5Jt0Mcx8k4UX60YLS24cmpYHDH1-7_9D6A8bWLcB0wZo9KR73Zk6UUhb6cZA-0-kTnOuqiIVejghMOoPyq/s320/pool.jpg" width="191" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Our friends, <a href="http://jsbofferding.blogspot.com/search/label/Jayla">Jayla</a>, had a baby!! Meet our God daughter, Emma. She's cute, huh?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsmRfEoJrsU/Tl8IYOYNyNI/AAAAAAAADWI/exg2nLN3v0U/s1600/emma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsmRfEoJrsU/Tl8IYOYNyNI/AAAAAAAADWI/exg2nLN3v0U/s320/emma.jpg" width="191" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I saw a bat at work! Seriously! Like a real, live (but sleeping) bat! Ewww.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rRyE0jTmwM/Tl8IZa2wejI/AAAAAAAADWM/YzqmvsSrq1o/s1600/bat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rRyE0jTmwM/Tl8IZa2wejI/AAAAAAAADWM/YzqmvsSrq1o/s320/bat.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our friend, Noel, is in town for the weekend! Jeremy and him are playing video games, as we speak...and I have a feeling they'll be doing that all weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9-ReTskn8RzZ0JWrgc108o1me3nZbMJAEvSe50bO5kzyZF58MpDl8-rmaEbiNRmh0vexFSvAFgL5eEDvoboDJJl61KvOad9WySi_sxWT2pZaQANEjRfNWQkAOGiTcBzFrcAWN2R6qpUM/s1600/noel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9-ReTskn8RzZ0JWrgc108o1me3nZbMJAEvSe50bO5kzyZF58MpDl8-rmaEbiNRmh0vexFSvAFgL5eEDvoboDJJl61KvOad9WySi_sxWT2pZaQANEjRfNWQkAOGiTcBzFrcAWN2R6qpUM/s320/noel.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That, among other stuff, has been occuring in the exciting lives of the Bofferdings. More too come soon! I have watermelons, a trash compactor and a vaccum to tell you about. :)</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-78473465840604444822011-07-14T09:02:00.000-07:002011-07-14T09:02:36.216-07:00Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows, Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow is the BIG day! Well, tenchinally tonight at midnight is the BIG day. The 8th and final movie of the Harry Potter franchise is being released and I am BEYOND excited to see this movie. Though I won't be joining the crowds of crazy fans at midnight tonight, my dad and I will be seeing it on Saturday morning!! Woo hoo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Just for fun, let's take a look at the trailers and check out the Harry Potter awesomeness, shall we? Also, I came across the last video in my search for my the trailers and I just had to include it. I'm not gonna lie...it made me a little teary eyed. I know...I'm a TOTAL nerd. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="314" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mObK5XD8udk?hd=1" width="500"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="314" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5NYt1qirBWg?hd=1" width="500"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="314" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A0u_MKJZKlE?hd=1" width="500"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-74668728861475141082011-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:002011-07-06T08:48:32.462-07:00Book Review: Wolfsbane + GIVEAWAY<div style="text-align: center">Ladies and gentlemen, I now present you with my book review for my most anticipated book release of 2011. This book is #3 in the Discarded Heroes series, by Ronie Kendig, and if you recall my review of book #2, <a href="http://jsbofferding.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-review-digitalis.html">Digitalis</a>, you know that there was quite the expectation that this one needed to live up to. So, let's get on with it, shall we?</div> <div style="text-align: center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9534741-wolfsbane"><img alt="Wolfsbane (Discarded Heroes #3)" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1287451155l/9534741.jpg" width="268" height="400"></a></div> <div style="text-align: center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: center"></div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wolfsbane-Discarded-Heroes-Book-3/dp/1602607842">Wolfsbane</a></div> <div style="text-align: center">by Ronie Kendig</div> <div style="text-align: center">Published July 2011</div> <div style="text-align: center">Barbour Publishing, Inc. </div> <div style="text-align: center">320 pages</div> <div style="text-align: center">ISBN: 1602607842</div> <div style="text-align: center">Fiction</div> <p><strong>From the Publisher:</strong><br>Embark upon a danger-laden mission within the pages of Ronie Kendig's riveting Wolfsbane. Demolitions expert Danielle Roark thought escaping from a brutal Venezuelan general was a challenge. Now she's charged with espionage and returned to the jungle where a new nightmare begins. Will Dani survive or become just another political pawn destined to be lost forever? Former Green Beret Canyon Metcalfe is disgusted with the suits on Capitol Hill. Still wrestling with the memories of a mission gone bad, he and Nightshade launch a mission to find Dani. Can Canyon rescue Dani, armed with nothing but raw courage?<br><br><strong>My Review:</strong><br>Wow! That seems to be what I say whenever I finish one of Ronie Kendig's books. I'm not even sure where to begin this one...but simply put: this book ROCKED my world! Ronie continues to amaze me with her depth of characters and plot, her heartfelt writing and her ever present message of faith. She just keeps getting better and better.</p> <p>In the previous books, Canyon is known as "the quiet and easy-going one", yet there were so many things that caught me by surprise in this book as we get to know him. My favorite scene is when the Nightshade team has returned from their failed mission. Canyon is in the hospital and he realizes that Dani isn’t with them. He’s struggling to overcome his addiction, he’s riddled with guilt and he basically goes crazy. He starts a fight with Max (never a good idea) and breaks down in tears with the weight of the world on his shoulders. The emotion in this book was off the charts! Ronie has a talent for making her heroes SO, SO flawed and SO real, yet in the end, they always realize that God is in control and loves them. </p> <p>Ronie possesses the unique skill of capturing the readers attention and provided a vivid background. I adore how she can transport the reader from a family get-together in the backyard, to being stuck in a Hummer during a mudslide in Venezula, to a secluded hotel room and even to a tense court room hearing. I really feel like I’m there and apart of the story. Plus, probably what I loved most about this book is that her characters deal with “real” issues and make “real” mistakes. This isn’t your typical walk-in-the-park, boy-meets-girl/they-fall-in-love, Christian Fiction. This book brings up suicide, sex slavery, addiction and premarital sex. That's raising the bar, and Ronie nailed it!</p> <p>After <em>Digitalis</em>, I didn’t think this would happen…but <em>Wolfsbane</em> is my new favorite of the series! I highly recommend it. Go out and buy this book now. Or if you live near me, come over and I’ll let you borrow it! January 2012 cannot get here quick enough and I can’t even being to imagine how awesome <em><a href="http://rkendig.com/books/firethorn/" target="_blank">Firethorn</a></em> is going to be. Many thanks to Ronie Kendig for providing me with a signed copy of this book (I won a giveaway! Whoop, whoop!) <strong>Sara’s Rating: 6 out of 5 stars…yea, this one was that good too!</strong><br></p> <div style="text-align: center"><strong>The GIVEAWAY:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center">I was extremely lucky to win the whole Discarded Heroes series by Ronie Kendig; however, I already owned copies of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nightshade-Discarded-Heroes-Book-1/dp/160260777X">Nightshade</a></em> and <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Digitalis-Discarded-Heroes-Book-2/dp/1602607834/ref=pd_sim_b_1">Digitalis</a></em>, so....I've decided to give them away!! I’ll be randomly selecting one lucky reader to win these two fabulous books. Here's what you need to do! </div> <div style="text-align: center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: center"><em><strong>To enter (main entry) - </strong></em></div> <div style="text-align: center">Leave a comment telling me why you love Ronie Kendig's books or if you haven't read any yet, why you are looking forward to reading them. Don't forget to include your email address!</div> <div style="text-align: center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: center"><em><strong>For ONE bonus entry -</strong> </em>Head over to Twitter and tweet the following statement: </div> <div style="text-align: center">"@saraboff is giving away copies of @roniekendig's Nightshade & Digitalis and I want to win! <a title="http://goo.gl/2Sras" href="http://goo.gl/2Sras">http://goo.gl/2Sras</a>”</div> <div style="text-align: center">Then, leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.</div> <div style="text-align: center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: center"><em><strong>For ONE more bonus entry -</strong></em> </div> <div style="text-align: center">Head over to Ronie's website, <a href="http://roniekendig.com/">RonieKendig.com</a>, and leave a comment telling me what your favorite thing about it is! It could be anything - the blog, the font, her bio - anything. I personally like the different page titles, but let me know what you think is cool.</div> <div style="text-align: center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: center">Good luck!</div> <div style="text-align: center"><br></div> <div style="text-align: center"></div> <div style="text-align: center">**Contest closes for entries July 16, 2011, 11:59pm PST. Winner will be chosen using random.org on July 17 and notified via the email address left in their comment. If I do not hear back from the winner after 48 hours, another name will be drawn....cause if you snooze, you lose!</div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-27105352143522234592011-07-05T20:33:00.001-07:002011-07-05T20:35:25.937-07:00Saremy's Vacation 2011: Day 7<div align="center">And now, our last full day of our Vacation-O-Fun…</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><b>Day 7 – Walt Disney’s Hollywood Studios</b></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">This was my close 2nd favorite of the Disney parks, as Hollywood Studios is like Universal Studios, but with a Disney twist. This was also the most memorable day of our vacation for two reasons.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">#1. This was the one day out of our whole trip where it was about 95 degrees with about 95% humidity. I just about died. I can take the heat. In fact, I’m fine with Phoenix in July, but add humidity and I turn into a very, cranky girl. Ask Jeremy. There was one point of the day were I was on the verge of cussing and shoving people. True story.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">#2. This was the day that Star Tours was re-opening. We planned to attend this park on this day, for that specific reason. Little did we realize that the hard-core Star Wars fans would come out in droves. Dressed as storm troopers, jedis and other characters. We also didn’t anticipate that the wait for the ride would be 4 hours!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cx1F5HVXcw/ThPUWEUVQTI/AAAAAAAADU8/viJnATtrL1A/s1600/IMAG0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cx1F5HVXcw/ThPUWEUVQTI/AAAAAAAADU8/viJnATtrL1A/s320/IMAG0111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6283827148159398280"><br />
</a></div><div align="center">Chewbacca!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6283827148159398280"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcbrEjMF9Ew/ThPUd-2IYUI/AAAAAAAADVA/ID82kz6vlfQ/s1600/IMAG0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcbrEjMF9Ew/ThPUd-2IYUI/AAAAAAAADVA/ID82kz6vlfQ/s320/IMAG0112.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div align="center">Mickey as a Jedi.</div><div align="center">Besides those two things, we had a good time here! Good rides/attractions at this park include the back lot tour, The Tower of Terror, the Aerosmith roller coaster, Star Tours (we made it on after only having to wait for an hour), Indian Jones stunt show and Toy Story Mania. They also have a great show here called “Lights, Motors, Action” and you can’t miss the closing show Fantasmic!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZectEZWUXA/ThPUuCMr33I/AAAAAAAADVI/RO4jxP2O7ZU/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZectEZWUXA/ThPUuCMr33I/AAAAAAAADVI/RO4jxP2O7ZU/s320/IMG_2941.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGlaVREiBnw/ThPU5NGtcsI/AAAAAAAADVM/a3Tqe8R8ya8/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGlaVREiBnw/ThPU5NGtcsI/AAAAAAAADVM/a3Tqe8R8ya8/s320/IMG_2942.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KUKtKvoCx8/ThPVvEMxcHI/AAAAAAAADVg/eELw37w1AVY/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckNmIFtSZ2I/ThPVO4GdExI/AAAAAAAADVU/jrHu4TfPiwo/s1600/IMG_2944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckNmIFtSZ2I/ThPVO4GdExI/AAAAAAAADVU/jrHu4TfPiwo/s320/IMG_2944.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJe6ICFzOg/ThPVFnJEAoI/AAAAAAAADVQ/-A7VeMN8GjM/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJe6ICFzOg/ThPVFnJEAoI/AAAAAAAADVQ/-A7VeMN8GjM/s320/IMG_2943.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DqW97xcqYY/ThPVimpLFDI/AAAAAAAADVc/3j3-fhYsCuc/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DqW97xcqYY/ThPVimpLFDI/AAAAAAAADVc/3j3-fhYsCuc/s320/IMG_2948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6283827148159398280"><br />
</a></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Indiana Jones!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ur4LJseKuE/ThPUjR8QVpI/AAAAAAAADVE/iYhb02Xcuxs/s1600/IMAG0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ur4LJseKuE/ThPUjR8QVpI/AAAAAAAADVE/iYhb02Xcuxs/s320/IMAG0118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6283827148159398280"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Belle & the Beast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, that wraps up Saremy’s Vacation-O-Fun! When we got home, we decided that we needed a vacation from our vacation. Seven days of theme parks takes a lot out of you, but boy, was it fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hydg1rmgraA/ThPVYN8CnPI/AAAAAAAADVY/SZltACEWzgs/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hydg1rmgraA/ThPVYN8CnPI/AAAAAAAADVY/SZltACEWzgs/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-87512516595105647902011-07-04T19:30:00.002-07:002011-07-05T20:12:36.933-07:00Saremy’s Vacation 2011: Day 6<div style="text-align: center;">As we approach our last few days of our Vacation-O-Fun...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 6 - Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tV_IPSB72BI/ThJ4RE9-YnI/AAAAAAAADS4/uPIpHHatJp0/s1600-h/IMAG0100%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0100" border="0" height="193" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f8sbOAfC9GE/ThJ4ReKqSCI/AAAAAAAADS8/GTMWjPr4DJE/IMAG0100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0100" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v4rcmIkzANY/ThJ4SOqtVSI/AAAAAAAADTA/wlj_aUckDzY/s1600-h/IMAG0101%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0101" border="0" height="193" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BuATyE4FbhE/ThJ4St7uwcI/AAAAAAAADTE/pnSLBxFZZxg/IMAG0101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0101" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The next Disney park that we stopped at was Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. I'm suprised and sad to say that this was my least favorite of the Disney parks. Why? Because the majority of Magic Kingdom can be found in Disneyland California...and it's better there! Pirates of the Caribbean - much shorter than the one at Disneyland. Space Mountain - not as fast or long as Disneyland, I'd even go as far as to call this ride "boring." Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - funner and possibly a bit longer at Disneyland. It's a Small World - HUGE disappointment! One of the best things about Small World Disneyland is the outside of the building, the clock and the part of the track that starts outside in the water. Small World Magic Kingdom was short and all inside = lame!! And also, there is no Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!! That's just blasphemy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hlGegVp11jU/ThJ4UgrjKVI/AAAAAAAADTQ/6R0nI9e-t7o/s1600-h/IMG_2922%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_2922" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qbf_FfmGsTE/ThJ4UxjwzqI/AAAAAAAADTU/KjDh9DMV_dc/IMG_2922_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2922" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nlwfcXlPhAc/ThJ4V85IYNI/AAAAAAAADTY/k_71LneL41E/s1600-h/IMG_2923%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_2923" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HbJ-2gm6e6c/ThJ4WBXT_pI/AAAAAAAADTc/_l27XqyI6YI/IMG_2923_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2923" width="244" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
On the positive side though, there were a few things. First of all, Magic Kingdom still has the People Mover, which we haven't had for years in California. Secondly, the outside area around the Haunted Mansion had a lot of fun things to play with. Finally, at Magic Kingdom, they have the Electrical Parade!! I remember seeing the Electrical Parade when I was a little kid and it was so fun to see it again...even if we did have to camp out about 1 1/2 hours before the show started.</div><div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iORRSxOeTlI/ThJ4YGnTsjI/AAAAAAAADTo/CZeZmrNO6d0/s1600-h/IMG_2927%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2927" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cFQNod6EJGg/ThJ4YSoCECI/AAAAAAAADTs/9QcK0SFNWIk/IMG_2927_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2927" width="320" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hBWqZa-6moM/ThJ4ZDHyyBI/AAAAAAAADTw/5Sup2SZJ_Vg/s1600-h/IMG_2928%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2928" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RENHotUcBR0/ThJ4Zov3F4I/AAAAAAAADT0/5CkdKWsDn2o/IMG_2928_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2928" width="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QPuTwJGeX1A/ThJ4cx1CUHI/AAAAAAAADUA/Ft-sqRslz4Q/s1600-h/IMG_2930%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2930" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-imGZEoO06as/ThJ4dTl-FTI/AAAAAAAADUE/-UChmkYKt7s/IMG_2930_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2930" width="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bbRl6gDQZHo/ThJ4f81loTI/AAAAAAAADUQ/cC7CcZWYSm8/s1600-h/IMG_2935%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2935" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eHi7F8e05NU/ThJ4gbCW9kI/AAAAAAAADUU/y9okShqtP6k/IMG_2935_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2935" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DmZPgoZAihg/ThJ4g-wRHZI/AAAAAAAADUY/ISmlaln4KdE/s1600-h/IMG_2936%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2936" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rjWzoYSowlE/ThJ4hQCovwI/AAAAAAAADUc/EY9T3M3N2Hw/IMG_2936_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2936" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zynn-rm_Xfo/ThJ4mJylJDI/AAAAAAAADUw/6ofNIfol7LY/s1600-h/IMG_2939%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2939" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zeKlBp-GR8A/ThJ4md_gkmI/AAAAAAAADU0/cVujXF1VEuA/IMG_2939_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2939" width="244" /> </a><br />
<br />
So, that wraps up Magic Kingdom. Stay tuned for our last day of vacation...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_BjhFTbeiw/ThPNNi9qN4I/AAAAAAAADU4/T2uDLc5eWV4/s1600/IMG_2921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_BjhFTbeiw/ThPNNi9qN4I/AAAAAAAADU4/T2uDLc5eWV4/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-22253869479974252372011-07-01T19:30:00.001-07:002011-07-04T20:09:32.721-07:00Saremy’s Vacation 2011: Day 5<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Up next on our Vacation-O-Fun...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>Day 5: Universal Studios Orlando</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lr7s_7bMsdg/ThJ3A5ydwdI/AAAAAAAADRg/MkYxv7GNSB0/s1600-h/IMAG0083%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMAG0083" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ewraSN7byJs/ThJ3BIMWkKI/AAAAAAAADRk/9K53FIKZKO8/IMAG0083_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0083" width="193" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Day 5 of our vacation lead us to Universal Studios Orlando. I love Universal Studios. I think it's the theme park that people tend to forget about, but I love it! From the classic "Jaws" ride to "Twister" to the backlot tour, it's a fun park that transports you into the sets of many movies.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A72ydusZoog/ThJ3CyWOC3I/AAAAAAAADRo/8Wddnwp8QAE/s1600-h/IMAG0084%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0084" border="0" height="148" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PcXuxF99vNY/ThJ3Dawo7oI/AAAAAAAADRs/uTcFnrx9UlY/IMAG0084_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0084" width="244" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mixhpkuHqLw/ThJ3EzDSQEI/AAAAAAAADRw/f2KUEkRnnuA/s1600-h/IMAG0085%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0085" border="0" height="148" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z8inJq9wHxE/ThJ3FB8HNiI/AAAAAAAADR0/_Ng58shxpyo/IMAG0085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0085" width="244" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HtS1YFLFCx8/ThJ3HIV8zVI/AAAAAAAADR4/Lw6ujwz_pOg/s1600-h/IMAG0086%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0086" border="0" height="148" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JH4bWQnG5VY/ThJ3HXcmCaI/AAAAAAAADR8/J0hRoWgAM5s/IMAG0086_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0086" width="244" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">My two favorite rides at this park were "Revenge of the Mummy" and "Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket." Though I've never seen The Mummy, I know the general idea and the ride is pretty fun. It's all indoors and has moments of complete darkness, while it goes up and down. With Rip Ride Rocket, you got up to 65 mph and climb 17 stories! Plus, the coolest thing about the ride is that you get to pick your our soundtrack. There are speakers near your ears and a bunch of songs to choose from, so your ride can always have a different theme! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ggdp0vFVHDA/ThJ3JUJII0I/AAAAAAAADSI/Q4Z2cKpoF8U/s1600-h/IMAG0088%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0088" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KzipfIhAdbI/ThJ3K8cNDxI/AAAAAAAADSM/M1oieEE9bPs/IMAG0088_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0088" width="148" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-78PTrWKKALw/ThJ3LcLUsdI/AAAAAAAADSQ/QvEpJIXE1mA/s1600-h/IMAG0089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0089" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QCQ7AGA8rIg/ThJ3Lpx5nBI/AAAAAAAADSU/fpu4b3kV338/IMAG0089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0089" width="148" /></a><img alt="IMAG0090" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0VpBuBxDeYs/ThJ3NsBH9mI/AAAAAAAADSc/jXgOiSzhi8A/IMAG0090_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0090" width="148" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">One thing that I always LOVED about Universal Studios California, was the "I Love Lucy" store...though sadly, I don't think they have it anymore. However, Universal Orlando has a Lucy Tribute store that we just HAD to check out and on the way there...we ran into Lucy and Ricky!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PVkfRbOqQ9w/ThJ3O03V56I/AAAAAAAADSg/g-CLsJIgxb8/s1600-h/IMAG0091%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0091" border="0" height="148" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HNkY1-kmsgw/ThJ3PSZ856I/AAAAAAAADSk/BQ-L0EdPT1k/IMAG0091_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0091" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6gD23T4Jxds/ThJ3RHFdpzI/AAAAAAAADSo/j_SUZfRzth0/s1600-h/IMAG0092%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0092" border="0" height="148" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EmIQbu3r3uw/ThJ3RR2HhII/AAAAAAAADSs/43TCAlAxvuA/IMAG0092_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0092" width="244" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We were able to finish up at Universal by about 3pm and since we had a park hopper ticket...we went back to Universal Island of Adventure, specifically to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for more butterbeer and rides!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cetqW85LFiE/ThJ3TcDCl3I/AAAAAAAADSw/FvuXYie9SZw/s1600-h/IMAG0093%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0093" border="0" height="148" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KiTmMsD3TjM/ThJ3ToeR5XI/AAAAAAAADS0/71mlByEXU-w/IMAG0093_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0093" width="244" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T8ydldnWav0/ThJ3HzuMZCI/AAAAAAAADSA/s9C-ZDSryHw/s1600-h/IMAG0087%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMAG0087" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sDxf7qF1tn4/ThJ3IPs7hQI/AAAAAAAADSE/C46zAXcBpqY/IMAG0087_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0087" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun times on Day 5! Where did we go to next...</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-70362955065955408932011-06-27T06:39:00.001-07:002011-07-04T10:20:02.686-07:00Saremy’s Vacation 2011: Day 4<p align="center">Continuing along on our Vacation-O-Fun…</p> <p align="center"><strong>Day 4 – Sea World</strong></p> <p align="center">On the fourth day of our vacation, we decided to preserve our sanity and take a break from the Disney parks.  So, we headed over to Sea World.  If you remember from one of our prior <a href="http://jsbofferding.blogspot.com/2009/03/vacation-days-8-9.html" target="_blank">vacations</a>, we like Sea World.  In fact, Jeremy has always told me that he wants a Killer Whale as a pet.  Diesel is almost as big as a Killer Whale, so we’ll just call it good.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T8t9_q88gP4/ThH123a8EbI/AAAAAAAADP0/vP93TxeZE3Q/s1600-h/IMG_2887.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2887" border="0" alt="IMG_2887" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dikmIGJ6NtY/TgiHsLkZKgI/AAAAAAAADP4/wRC-9TOKsYM/IMG_2887_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="226" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FPfGlKgHPhA/TgiHtWUbmMI/AAAAAAAADP8/tum1Mt0cwOQ/s1600-h/IMG_2895.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2895" border="0" alt="IMG_2895" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2zRa7skxv_Y/TgiHt0xD5iI/AAAAAAAADQA/tdHCDXvafxA/IMG_2895_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="222" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SMNHF2qsRTg/TgiHw4fY7DI/AAAAAAAADQE/5Ok_SngxdAQ/s1600-h/IMG_2897.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2897" border="0" alt="IMG_2897" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aA5Vl-o-sN4/TgiHxQ1a0-I/AAAAAAAADQI/HbyhXDHVa90/IMG_2897_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="228" /></a></p> <p align="center">Our day at Sea World consisted of the typical things: the dolphin show, the whale show, Wild Artic, the water ride: Atlantis (which we got drenched on) and the seal lion and otter show.  However, we also fed Sea Lions and I even got to feed a dolphin!  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wnt-mw2s5W8/TgiHy5LnWfI/AAAAAAAADQM/kGG4JGECPaU/s1600-h/IMG_2900.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2900" border="0" alt="IMG_2900" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-io_saww_WgM/TgiHzTlq2gI/AAAAAAAADQQ/hk1aETPrhYE/IMG_2900_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="247" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lxPpg9E83QY/TgiH6rm-c4I/AAAAAAAADQU/jdluszX5sXg/s1600-h/IMAG0075%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0075" border="0" alt="IMAG0075" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wFY-3tMst7M/TgiH6z7gE_I/AAAAAAAADQY/QyU-4Ex-fUE/IMAG0075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="317" /></a></p> <p align="center">One really cool thing that Sea World Orlando has that our Sea World San Diego doesn’t, is a roller coaster.  And not just any roller coaster, but a really cool Manta Ray coaster that straps you in and then hangs you parallel to the ground, while going through ups and downs and loops!  Very cool ride.  I highly recommend it.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qb5v_TX8N1M/TgiH0Dd4lAI/AAAAAAAADQc/UBeai-T6g1c/s1600-h/IMG_2909.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2909" border="0" alt="IMG_2909" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BmXq90a3ldY/TgiH0TMUI4I/AAAAAAAADQg/GOgIuBrjDZI/IMG_2909_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zzPfnHaXaaM/TgiH1TQeE1I/AAAAAAAADQk/HIQnREFvyWI/s1600-h/IMG_2914%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2914" border="0" alt="IMG_2914" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d-NOhhihE14/TgiH1vDYQwI/AAAAAAAADQo/lJc5TjPMF50/IMG_2914_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="250" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOD_9Gj0MqMcG9uRboWeOWT8rvqlKXQC7bNGRaOEzn3HLGYs9U7ZKjA6ICX8naghpa_FiK4jO23h_KQTdlQXMqW5MK6ruH0YjYHLncsZwWP5cnVhBv6Pgw2EpgyqBxP3qKGKrKb7NSuryZ/s1600-h/IMAG0063.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0063" border="0" alt="IMAG0063" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BtW-0rKA-0U/TgiH54JZsII/AAAAAAAADQw/8w-OCcQzw54/IMAG0063_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="314" /></a></p> <p align="center">And that wraps up day 4.  Where did we go to next??</p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-86459475210664621262011-06-15T16:44:00.000-07:002011-06-15T16:45:19.501-07:00Saremy’s Vacation 2011: Day 3<p align="center">Moving right along on our Vacation-O-Fun…</p> <p align="center"><strong>Day 3 – Disney’s Epcot</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ncWwl29qSkE/TfbP2ipBJbI/AAAAAAAADNM/M77DyZYLzHA/s1600-h/IMAG0054%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0054" border="0" alt="IMAG0054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RMzycTcq3Nk/TfbP3Oqd4bI/AAAAAAAADNQ/XYS_6S92UsI/IMAG0054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="329"></a></p> <p align="center">I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this was my favorite park of Disney World. Epcot is a combination of a future world and something called, “World’s Showcase.’ The future world has a lot of cool attractions, such as: Spaceship Earth, which is a ride inside the Epcot “ball,” Soaring (one of our faves from Disneyland!), Test Track, where you go up to 60 mph, Caption Eo, and Mission:Space. They also have an environmental area and ride where you see some of the “magic” that Disney is up to, which include growing it’s own plants to serve in some of the restaurants. Plus, they have a short environmental movie called “The Circle of Life,” featuring the characters from The Lion King, that discusses what we can do to help better our planet! Lastly, they have an “innoventions” building that is “interactive play space for kids of all ages where you can imagine, invent, inquire and be inspired while exploring amazing innovations that make our lives better.” So, not only was it fun…it was educational!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-suBgOutoQvI/TfbP8bsOQUI/AAAAAAAADNk/xe07uLYv2Do/s1600-h/IMAG0057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0057" border="0" alt="IMAG0057" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v9QOvZ9wayY/TfbP8rWI55I/AAAAAAAADNo/n4pqciCJaJ0/IMAG0057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="251"></a></p> <p align="center">The World’s Showcase was really unique area that wraps around a lagoon. It features 11 countries which replicas of their buildings, shops, attractions and restaurants. In fact, we ate lunch in Mexico and dinner in Italy! Where else can you do that, except at the happiest place on Earth? </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Zj4_rI4Du4/TfbP9bLoCyI/AAAAAAAADNs/1PQIkkSC_EM/s1600-h/IMAG0058%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0058" border="0" alt="IMAG0058" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ED7F20N42Jo/TfbP9m9km-I/AAAAAAAADNw/v_6jgYICens/IMAG0058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="151" height="257"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VT11BUpYJ4I/TfbP-T9fcSI/AAAAAAAADN0/cuiEztDEXdI/s1600-h/IMAG0059%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0059" border="0" alt="IMAG0059" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x1tq1U75JBE/TfbP-0wsJII/AAAAAAAADN4/c_0cSbrBoa4/IMAG0059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="254"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yWbhMeh4CcE/TfbQA3OuBFI/AAAAAAAADOE/BMVn00wyXUo/s1600-h/IMAG0062%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0062" border="0" alt="IMAG0062" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pg6x8uGZmjU/TfbQBO55pII/AAAAAAAADOI/z5_lZML3kpg/IMAG0062_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" height="255"></a></p> <p align="center">Italy. China. UK.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OnZTzH6emao/TfbP_jZ6_FI/AAAAAAAADN8/qyChd8BfKhM/s1600-h/IMAG0060%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0060" border="0" alt="IMAG0060" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ejgKUKhNbPY/TfbQADeCnAI/AAAAAAAADOA/P5tcky3-JaU/IMAG0060_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HT4_4G1swdc/TfbP663lsyI/AAAAAAAADNc/gnQAtSbbnY8/s1600-h/IMAG0056%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0056" border="0" alt="IMAG0056" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZkhkZ_1FS94/TfbP7QLxQeI/AAAAAAAADNg/kkqDVAcBKqE/IMAG0056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lC_x57uXm4I/TfbP49BQYaI/AAAAAAAADNU/AP4o_qKSwVE/s1600-h/IMAG0055%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0055" border="0" alt="IMAG0055" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5lrpOgts90w/TfbP5IbNJfI/AAAAAAAADNY/CgdUOJbCSl4/IMAG0055_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></a></p> <p align="center">Cool Disney character plants throughout the park.</p> <p align="center"><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mAzAwNpijHs/TfbQDF7hJ2I/AAAAAAAADOU/S83R5R3SQJU/s1600-h/IMG_2885%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2885" border="0" alt="IMG_2885" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S4_IL_3nbag/TfbQDUcvgaI/AAAAAAAADOY/-zoFZgES_bA/IMG_2885_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="278"></a></p> <p align="center">Epot was a lot of fun and we had an enjoyable day there! Stay tuned to see where we went to next…</p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-763431224180331892011-06-07T21:23:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:29:04.093-07:00Saremy’s Vacation 2011: Day 2<p align="center">Continuing along on our Vacation-O-Fun…</p> <p align="center"><strong>Day 2 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom</strong></p> <p align="center">This park was my 2nd favorite of Disney World.  It’s a mix of a zoo and an amusement park, with a big splash of Disney throw into the mix.  When we first entered the park, you know that I had to stop by guest services to get my birthday pin.  It was the day after my birthday, so that totally still counted as my birthday (plus, they don’t even ask for ID).  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xflcnlzoyJo/Te75huNcxGI/AAAAAAAADLQ/fcE3AljEbgk/s1600-h/IMAG0050%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0050" border="0" alt="IMAG0050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WLv2mcpNrFg/Te75iBqM09I/AAAAAAAADLU/cS6cOukv1Tc/IMAG0050_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="342" /></a></p> <p align="center">As you continue your way into Animal Kingdom, you can’t help but notice this gigantic tree in front of you, the Tree of Life.  This thing is so cool.  Jeremy and I have actually watched a show about the making of this park and this tree is man made.  Plus, when you get up close to it, you see that within the bark are carvings of a bunch of animals!  Only Disney…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eW5wZlcyxsY/Te75jPszGZI/AAAAAAAADLY/WzYkxFQGYxA/s1600-h/IMAG0046%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0046" border="0" alt="IMAG0046" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vDDDBG2pHgw/Te75jlfXxRI/AAAAAAAADLc/PX_ZxH1nDdk/IMAG0046_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="341" /></a></p> <p align="center">Further into the park you’ll find the one roller coaster here, Everest.  It’s similar to the Matterhorn bobsleds at Disneyland, but it’s actually a bit cooler.  Part of this coaster goes backwards through the dark because the “Yeti” tore up the track!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zMJGDwFDYJk/Te75kdSNnBI/AAAAAAAADLg/dQJrfJqG44A/s1600-h/IMAG0047%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0047" border="0" alt="IMAG0047" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x3nSnHnKZQQ/Te75kn9nW_I/AAAAAAAADLk/Z3VCiI5iYQQ/IMAG0047_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="289" /></a></p> <p align="center">Also, within the park is a dinosaur/prehistoric area, where they have a dinosaur ride which is very similar to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, in fact…it even felt like it was the exact same track, building and car.  Oh well, I still thought it was fun!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CPdX9dArbz4/Te75lnNX6sI/AAAAAAAADLo/wZlacJzrzRI/s1600-h/IMAG0048%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0048" border="0" alt="IMAG0048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q9zVcIM48y8/Te75mEdBfdI/AAAAAAAADLs/gryYnLgL1XU/IMAG0048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kSIycYXNSr4/Te75m8OF00I/AAAAAAAADLw/nvazQaxza90/s1600-h/IMAG0049%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0049" border="0" alt="IMAG0049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q348YWce-qw/Te75nEJZT_I/AAAAAAAADL0/CZJH-O6W34w/IMAG0049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">Lastly, probably the coolest feature to this park is the safari type ride.  You get onto and open bus/car and head out into Disney’s African plains.  What made this so neat was that there were no fences!  It wasn’t like a zoo where you’re looking through glass cages to see the animals…they were right there!  From giraffes (at one point there was one about 6 feet from the car), to elephants to lions.  And when we went on this, there were actually some ostrich blocking the path ahead and we were held up for about 15 minutes while the park people came and shoed them away.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nSkS2srNl3k/Te75nwMfG_I/AAAAAAAADL4/Jz5LPO_Kcf8/s1600-h/IMG_2875%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2875" border="0" alt="IMG_2875" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81bMgGFBGQk/Te75oE_kxoI/AAAAAAAADL8/oHDgVBCjmmo/IMG_2875_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="284" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FYn_BHoO01s/Te75p8fT_KI/AAAAAAAADMA/YBsKdI4NU14/s1600-h/IMG_2878%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2878" border="0" alt="IMG_2878" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I8G9eaKCEPM/Te75qDptPAI/AAAAAAAADME/91JTgbC_btk/IMG_2878_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l2vXKHmDuIk/Te75yCIcg7I/AAAAAAAADMI/tx5_axWRtVA/s1600-h/IMG_2879%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2879" border="0" alt="IMG_2879" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-84hySbf3SxU/Te757FgJP3I/AAAAAAAADMM/765MKp6xAuQ/IMG_2879_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wle1QbIrwao/Te759Il-LgI/AAAAAAAADMQ/e1G8L96D5Cs/s1600-h/IMG_2881%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2881" border="0" alt="IMG_2881" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2DayQ1o23Co/Te759Yk6oXI/AAAAAAAADMU/oDmAeK6OCss/IMG_2881_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OeuzbeWKHYw/Te75_ceEQLI/AAAAAAAADMY/5v1sCa3K0q8/s1600-h/IMG_2883%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2883" border="0" alt="IMG_2883" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4Cb4TuMYbMw/Te76FTx9y1I/AAAAAAAADMc/e2Ma5deo0Kc/IMG_2883_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">Overall, this was another fun day on our vacation!  Where did we head to next…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zWt3bdm04wY/Te76GPNAWCI/AAAAAAAADMg/XQbCRWz5OYE/s1600-h/IMG_2882%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2882" border="0" alt="IMG_2882" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nShYcvqTvH8/Te76Ge-_PtI/AAAAAAAADMk/JWfvJEcBIr0/IMG_2882_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-15605288398306461142011-06-01T15:28:00.000-07:002011-06-01T16:07:27.619-07:00Saremy's Vacation 2011: Day 1<div style="text-align: center"> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Hi there! Boy, do I have some exciting posts coming up! You see...Jeremy and I went on vacation a few weeks ago. But it wasn't just any vacation. We went on a MEGA vacation to Disneyworld, Universal Studios and SeaWorld! We had seven glorious days to take in the wonder of the Happiest Place in the World, to ride roller coaster after roller coaster, eat churros, drink Butterbeer and see the whale that ate his trainer last year. So please, join me as we recap our vacation, one fabulous day at a time.</div></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><strong>Day 1 - May 14th (MY BIRTHDAY!!) - Universal Studios Island of Adventure</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center"><strong></strong> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UYzxWsHd9_Y/TeY_KgupjKI/AAAAAAAADJg/tp7eYGfAgDo/s1600-h/IMG_2860%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2860" border="0" alt="IMG_2860" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XtPfuMvfRY0/TeY_LMNxYoI/AAAAAAAADJk/DQBXYmvxZYA/IMG_2860_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="256"></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj8qKpaR2Sc/TeY910R-WCI/AAAAAAAADJc/mtcp9QxX0Ak/s1600/IMAG0037.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj8qKpaR2Sc/TeY910R-WCI/AAAAAAAADJc/mtcp9QxX0Ak/s320/IMAG0037.jpg" width="217" height="352" t8="true"></a></div> <div style="text-align: center">We started out our vacation here because I was really, really, really looking forward to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and may have made Jeremy promise me that he'd take me here this year. Little did we know, that this would be our favorite park of the whole trip. Though Harry Potter is the main draw to this park, it also has: Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, the Lost Continent and Dr. Seuss Landing. We rode all the big rides throughout the park and even got soaked on the water rides, but since Harry Potter is THE attraction here…let’s just focus on that.</div> <div style="text-align: center"> <a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p17T1_3ugzQ/TeY9rQKg3RI/AAAAAAAADJY/95_NgU6yhZM/s1600/IMAG0034.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p17T1_3ugzQ/TeY9rQKg3RI/AAAAAAAADJY/95_NgU6yhZM/s320/IMAG0034.jpg" width="191" height="320" t8="true"></a></div> <div style="text-align: center">So, I’m just going to start out by saying…this portion of Universal was AWESOME. Simply awesome. It was, obviously, my favorite park of our trip. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you’re going to feel like you got transported into the books. From the queue area of the rides, to the characters, to the props and even to the Butterbeer, it’s all just as I imagined Harry Potter’s world to be. Even Jeremy liked it and he’s only read part of the first book and seen part of the first movie! </div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xaH7nh9CTy4/TeY_Uh1tS9I/AAAAAAAADKY/AP9ykgP6ydw/s1600-h/IMAG0042%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0042" border="0" alt="IMAG0042" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--VzzNNhG-AA/TeY_VH0F7XI/AAAAAAAADKc/2Nqc06V9PZ4/IMAG0042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ivstGpoNSog/TeY_TjGiPQI/AAAAAAAADKQ/eoxMoMXrtps/s1600-h/IMAG0041%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0041" border="0" alt="IMAG0041" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OSaMmYO3AVs/TeY_T5JPy1I/AAAAAAAADKU/yB1-FRD7-XA/IMAG0041_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VteQEk0cLpI/TeY_Vg8pctI/AAAAAAAADKg/j-3xBLflCSA/s1600-h/IMAG0043%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0043" border="0" alt="IMAG0043" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WbvnqQJdqm0/TeY_WIwJaTI/AAAAAAAADKk/ETHsO0ER9kc/IMAG0043_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-23rxLcGxQjQ/TeY_Wk-07PI/AAAAAAAADKo/6uljYfUV1GI/s1600-h/IMAG0044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0044" border="0" alt="IMAG0044" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UNmxOKypSLw/TeY_W-_fBSI/AAAAAAAADKs/F3B3Cb2dJJ0/IMAG0044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244"></a></div> <div style="text-align: center">As for rides, there are two good ones here: the Dragon Challenge roller coaster (sit it the front row, it’s the best!) and of course, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (HPFJ). HPFJ is a great ride, where you follow Harry, Ron and Herimone around the ground of Hogwarts, through the Forbidden Forest, to a Quiditch game and fight dementors. We seriously rode it about 6 times. In fact, Jeremy even said that HPFJ was his favorite ride out of our whole trip! </div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7zx0QQcK4bY/TeY_MEmCQBI/AAAAAAAADJo/XgKykq-r9qA/s1600-h/IMG_2862%25255B3%25255D.jpg"></a> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GucHwiRaxQw/TeY_OHYaIfI/AAAAAAAADJw/r882PTJ4xik/s1600-h/IMG_2866%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2866" border="0" alt="IMG_2866" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ECOesfzgg2U/TeY_Om8QY5I/AAAAAAAADJ0/vbVq3S-qzRg/IMG_2866_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="222"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7zx0QQcK4bY/TeY_MEmCQBI/AAAAAAAADJo/XgKykq-r9qA/s1600-h/IMG_2862%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2862" border="0" alt="IMG_2862" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zDVsDycxNGc/TeY_MbwwHkI/AAAAAAAADJs/XUpyl7p9mRs/IMG_2862_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="224"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G_nPCY1WFQ8/TeY_PICuMKI/AAAAAAAADJ4/97mTpZNcQmI/s1600-h/IMG_2870%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2870" border="0" alt="IMG_2870" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W_wVkMR6EbA/TeY_PncKeJI/AAAAAAAADJ8/SE2WVq07JxE/IMG_2870_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kcQFqtnXYKU/TeY_Qcs9uLI/AAAAAAAADKA/DAnXwvGlUsE/s1600-h/IMAG0038%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0038" border="0" alt="IMAG0038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xQgMLff11C4/TeY_QlAjyNI/AAAAAAAADKE/A56ZpmHZFaA/IMAG0038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244"></a></div> <div style="text-align: center">Besides the rides, the whole area of this section of the park was just cool and there is so much to look at. The major shops that you read about in the books are there in Hogsmeade. You can buy a chocolate frog at Honeydukes, or perhaps a wand at Olivanders. Plus, be sure to check out the bathrooms to listen to Moaning Myrtle. And the one must of this park: try the frozen Butterbeer! It’s a delicious drink that is cold, refreshing and tastes like a butterscotch shortbread cookie. Umm, yum!</div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pZMtDePsG0E/TeY_Y9mdkyI/AAAAAAAADK4/MXqr_D4gsyE/s1600-h/IMAG0095%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMAG0095" border="0" alt="IMAG0095" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WUpljS5mnx4/TeY_ZHdrYDI/AAAAAAAADLA/5Uuzh1cXxFo/IMAG0095_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="216"></a></div> <div style="text-align: center">I loved The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! It was a great way to spend my birthday. Stay tuned for Day 2 of our vacation!</div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-76575832052954869342011-05-23T22:35:00.000-07:002011-05-24T11:17:24.973-07:00Litfuse Blog Tour and Review: Missions of Mercy<p><b></b></p>Thanks to the fabulous people at <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/" target="_blank">Litfuse Publicity</a>, I’ve been given the chance to review not just one book…but three! Exciting, right? So, here we go: <p><strong>The Mercy of Missions series by Susan May Warren:</strong><i> </i><b></b></p> <p><i>Three heroes, all on missions of mercy, who discover that God not only saves us from evil, but from the darkness inside.</i></p> <p><b><i></i></b></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg03-qGoI/AAAAAAAADJA/4_pzt2Ek7xE/s1600-h/Point%20of%20No%20Return%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Point of No Return" alt="Point of No Return" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg1KbGloI/AAAAAAAADJE/ARRMVU1BS3g/Point%20of%20No%20Return_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="141" height="215"></a>Point of No Return</a>: </i></b>An American boy and a warlord's engaged daughter have disappeared-together-in an Eastern European border country. Only one man can find them in time to prevent an international meltdown-Chet Stryker. But Chet is taken aback when he realizes the boy is the nephew of Mae Lund, Chet's former flame. When Mae insists on rescuing her relative herself, Chet knows he has to protect her from the enemy on their trail. Yet can he protect himself from falling for Mae again?<b><i></i></b></p> <p><b><i></i></b></p> <p><b><i></i></b></p> <p><b><i><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg1UWXCmI/AAAAAAAADJI/59YPPaF7QUI/s1600-h/Mission%20Out%20of%20Control%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Mission Out of Control" alt="Mission Out of Control" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg1viE7mI/AAAAAAAADJM/ciHmWMayCgE/Mission%20Out%20of%20Control_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="212"></a>Mission: Out of Control</a>: </i></b>Brody "Wick" Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security agent-with a 100 percent mission success rate. No way is his new assignment changing that. Even if it's protecting a diva American rock star while she's on tour in Europe. Except Veronica "Vonya" Wagner isn't just a beautiful celebrity used to having her way-she's the daughter of a U.S. Senator. And she's hiding a dangerous secret. When Wick discovers what's at stake, how far over the line will he go to keep them both alive?<b><i> </i></b></p> <p><b><i></i></b></p> <p><b><i></i></b></p> <p><b><i><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg1ksAX8I/AAAAAAAADJQ/xaYOt156up0/s1600-h/Undercover%20Pursuit%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="Undercover Pursuit" alt="Undercover Pursuit" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg2J0pcMI/AAAAAAAADJU/Q7w70gY1k-s/Undercover%20Pursuit_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="226"></a>Undercover Pursuit</a>: </i></b>The only way to get security agent Luke Dekker to a wedding? An undercover mission as groomsman. He'll bust the groom, a drug cartel heir, before anyone can say "I do." Then Luke can escape all this love and romance nonsense-and the too pretty bridesmaid/agent assigned as his "fiancée" for the weekend. Until Luke discovers that sweet, vulnerable Scarlett Hanson isn't his contact. Isn't an agent. Isn't trained for the high-stakes mission now trapping them both. And worse, Luke's falling for her-which is not part of the assignment. </p> <p><em><strong>My Review:</strong></em></p> <p>I adore Susan May Warren! She’s one of the best romantic suspense authors that I’ve read. Susan has an excellent way of transporting the reader into the settings and filling them with the conflict, emotion and heart of the characters; plus, always including the love of God into the story.</p> <p>Of the three, <em><strong>Point of No Return</strong></em> was my favorite. Why? Because it was the perfect combination of high action suspense, faith and romance. Plus, how can you not love a strong willed female lead like Mae? She’s a hot shot helicopter pilot, after all. It doesn’t gets much cooler than that. :) I also feel that this was the most action-packed of the three. Mae is trying to save her nephew, Chet is trying to save her, all in a country where he is public enemy #1. Throw in a couple of explosions, a daughter that Chet never knew he had, an understanding of God’s love and forgiveness for both Mae and Chet, followed up by an intense final battle scene… I loved it! <em>Sara’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!</em></p> <p><em><strong>Mission Out of Control</strong> </em>picks up the series not too long after the first book ends and it follows Wick on an outside job, while Chet is on his honeymoon. I love Wick, but in all honestly, I didn’t like Vonya as much as the other female leads in this series. She was just a bit too crazy for my tastes, but I did like how she “fit” Wick’s personality and they balance each other out. The suspense in this book was enjoyable and it was fun to try to figure out who was behind everything. <em>Sara’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!</em></p> <p><em><strong>Undercover Pursuit</strong></em> didn’t have as much suspense as the first two books, but I found it very entertaining and it’s my second favorite of the series. I loved the plot concept of “mistaken identities” from both Luke and Scarlett, and then, following them as they try to figure out what to do about it. Also, this book has a strong faith element. Luke is struggling to realize that he can be forgiven by God for his past mistakes, while Scarlett is trying to realize that she is worth something in Gods eyes and not just a shadow of her sister. Lastly, I loved how the whole Stryker team shows up near the end to “save the day” and I loved the epilogue. If you’ve read my reviews before, then you know that I’m a sucker for a happy ending. :) <em>Sara’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!</em></p> <p>Susan May Warren has yet to disappoint me. I thoroughly enjoyed all these books and many thanks to Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this blog tour! I received the 3 books in the <em><strong>Missions of Mercy</strong></em> series from them in return for my honest review. </p> <p><strong>About Susan:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg0IGJMWI/AAAAAAAADI4/Vdn0rt3GHaQ/s1600-h/head%20turn%20sus%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="head turn sus" alt="head turn sus" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Tdmg0nd8rjI/AAAAAAAADI8/1fgpL1kOk1c/head%20turn%20sus_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="166"></a>Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of <a href="http://www.mybooktherapy.com/">www.MyBookTherapy.com</a>, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. </p> <p>For more about Susan and her other books, please visit <a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/">www.susanmaywarren.com</a>.</p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/121866"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/b2/FileItem-66857-mercy_300x2502.gif" width="253" height="213"><span id="goog_295144413"></span></a><span id="goog_295144414"></span></div> <p><b>To celebrate the series, Susan is giving away a Missions of Mercy Prize Pack worth over $200! One grand prize winner will receive:</b> </p> <p>* A brand new FLIP HD Camera </p> <p>* The entire Missions of Mercy series </p> <p>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. You may enter once per email, facebook, and twitter. The contest ends on May 31st. Tell your friends! Winner will be announced on June 1st at the <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13307091">Litfuse Publicity</a> site and at Susan May Warren's <a href="http://susanmaywarren.com/">website</a>. (While you're there, check out her rockin' new website!) </p> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/121866" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via E-mail" alt="Enter via E-mail" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9yHFaN_N_-dYME5WCrAVBe8gmWstJg-gSd7WwJxc4Pzoj-4DZAKMq-Ap7Rg1qgvVW0Z4gjfqAMifOzUSEB-b4C5PdWsS1CAX1pZOV0FjX8WZ8iF5q9BSCZi4GfpZafrp2rBVbtiLAYFG/s1600/email_icon.png" width="48" height="48"></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/121866" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via Facebook" alt="Enter via Facebook" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohRjSH4cLyWhMNYPMWVRTqCdLmYB-kTL_2t4DcmMa4nRLZVkEas6ZigN3t7QncHQkVwsYO3pIsRyOLNGLBGVeYQAuthfwEc5jVISXH9I33zH15L9PYibqowOlcHG1ovCsfWnP1XiUrWDQ/s1600/Facebook_icon-300x300.png" width="48" height="48"></a><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/121866" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via Twitter" alt="Enter via Twitter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MkmoMiCJ7KSqXh-IE1Qg3WlshvAoMAvy2Dy8mR2TAV6UqcnuW9Al16ITqThCHYFUA4MXA8s-vYOL6WbQoDA42tZHfE5oZ-UfVG9WzZFdWdeJVwl47kP25U7nUdnQBowTyipWw9CsI-W9/s1600/Twitter_button.png" width="48" height="48"></a></div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-60706007568542940992011-04-19T21:34:00.000-07:002011-04-19T21:41:40.972-07:00CSN Stores Product Review - Waffle Maker<div style="text-align: center"><font size="2">Thanks to the fabulous people at <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/" target="_blank">CSN Stores</a>, I have a new waffle maker!  Not just any waffle maker, mind you, a Belgian Waffle Maker.  Oooooh!  Aaaaah!</font></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2"></font></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2">  </font><a href="javascript:openimgpopup('http://www.csnstores.com/asp/show_image.asp?pr=0&sku=CUI1270', '700', '590')"><font size="2"><img id="lgimage" alt="Cuisinart - WAF-100 - 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker" src="http://common2.csnimages.com/lf/1/hash/2358/3049535/1/Cuisinart-4-Slice-Belgian-Waffle-Maker.jpg" width="286" height="286" /></font></a></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2">I travel a lot for work and most of the hotels that I stay at have Belgian waffles at breakfast.  In Texas, they even have waffle makers in the shape of Texas!  It's true.  Anyways, I enjoy the waffles when I travel, but then when I return home, I'm sadly without any waffles...until now!  </font></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2"> <br /></font></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Ta5kAfc8v-I/AAAAAAAADIs/vRDUcxVTeAE/s1600-h/IMG_2772%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2772" border="0" alt="IMG_2772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/Ta5kA2ywskI/AAAAAAAADIw/UQPLBTiej_E/IMG_2772_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="258" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><font size="2"></font></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2">This </font><a href="http://www.csnstores.com/Cuisinart-WAF-100-CUI1270.html"><font size="2">Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker</font></a><font size="2"> is wonderful!  It makes four 1-inch deep Belgian waffles and has a five setting browning control, so I never have to worry about how long to cook my waffles.  Plus, there is an audible alert for when it is heated up and when the waffles are ready to eat.  It is just so easy to use!  </font></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2"></font></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2">The only issue that I’m having with it is that I don’t know how much batter to use (so really that is user error not a complaint about the product).  I’m worried about it leaking out the sides if I put too much, so I’ve ended up with round waffles. Oh well, I’ll figure it out eventually and even though they may not look normal, they sure do taste good!</font></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqHFY0wvLSY/Ta5iPZALLaI/AAAAAAAADIk/wCBcFTKgYzo/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" imageanchor="1"><font size="2"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqHFY0wvLSY/Ta5iPZALLaI/AAAAAAAADIk/wCBcFTKgYzo/s320/IMG_2773.JPG" width="354" height="277" i8="true" /></font></a></font><font size="2"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZDYMC6GKvo/Ta5gImso2sI/AAAAAAAADIg/xhSAAffaStI/s320/IMG_2774.JPG" width="336" height="260" i8="true" /></font></div> <div style="text-align: center"><font size="2">Thanks again, <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/" target="_blank">CSN Stores</a> for letting me do this product review!  My weekend breakfasts will now be more enjoyable.</font></div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-12296479876809173472011-04-07T20:14:00.001-07:002011-04-07T22:20:16.602-07:00Hello? Anyone Home?<p align="center"><font size="2">Hello there!  </font><font size="2">Just in case you've forgotten me, I'm Sara, this is my blog, and yes, I am still alive.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2"> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6TUjVwY6I/AAAAAAAADHY/91fHuMPQFHc/s1600-h/IMG_2836%5B20%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2836" border="0" alt="IMG_2836" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6TVEz8DZI/AAAAAAAADHc/cnXN1UERq0I/IMG_2836_thumb%5B17%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">(Please don’t mind my hair, it was very windy outside today!)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2"></font> <br /><font size="2">Over the past month and a half that I've been absent, I've been rather busy, so my excuse is totally legit…I haven’t just been lazy about blogging.  Well, ok, maybe I have been a little lazy, but for the most part I’ve been in busy.  Anyway, since I’ve last blogged:</font></p> <ol> <li> <div align="center"><font size="2">It snowed!  That’s right for the 2nd time in 2011, Prescott, AZ got snow.  It was absolutely terrible!  I live in Arizona for a reason and snow is not one of them!</font></div> </li> </ol> <p align="center"><font size="2"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6Sc63h1nI/AAAAAAAADGs/USSq2ON6xKo/s1600-h/IMG_2760%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2760" border="0" alt="IMG_2760" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6SdTSNbKI/AAAAAAAADGw/9KcuNBS2TNQ/IMG_2760_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="232" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6SeHMyH9I/AAAAAAAADG0/3xFZj16grec/s1600-h/IMG_2762%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2762" border="0" alt="IMG_2762" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6Se7vYqkI/AAAAAAAADG4/17EzcDgjxeU/IMG_2762_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="236" /></a></font><font size="2"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">2.  Four of my past five weekends were spent in Reno, Hawaii, San Diego, Valencia, Ontario, Orange County and back to San Diego all for work.  I barely saw Jeremy and Diesel.  In fact, it's quite possible that they temporarily forgot what I looked like.  But oh yea, Hawaii was awesome.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6Z0q7W8oI/AAAAAAAADH4/gLsN8b8M4nI/s1600-h/Rainbow%20Hawaii%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rainbow Hawaii" border="0" alt="Rainbow Hawaii" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6Z1I6ZHVI/AAAAAAAADH8/0iNK1wzAlQs/Rainbow%20Hawaii_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6Z1gzhKnI/AAAAAAAADIA/V5pcRFghDYA/s1600-h/Spring%20Hawaii%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring Hawaii" border="0" alt="Spring Hawaii" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6Z2M7_C8I/AAAAAAAADIE/NGbiNoej8vY/Spring%20Hawaii_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="237" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">3.  Jeremy has been busy with physical therapy with his knee and he's on his way to recovery.  He’s actually a bit ahead of schedule and is working out hard.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6SgLsFDvI/AAAAAAAADG8/DkZgxlMszYo/s1600-h/IMG_2841%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2841" border="0" alt="IMG_2841" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6SgZ3UM1I/AAAAAAAADHA/ByEX65cL1oY/IMG_2841_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><font size="2"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">4.  Diesel took Obedience Class and contrary to popular belief…he passed!!  Yay!  Though we did get banished from one class...yea, let’s not talk about that one. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6ShCyFEJI/AAAAAAAADHI/xnZ1lZJzjfo/s1600-h/IMG_2842%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2842" border="0" alt="IMG_2842" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6ShRjkhlI/AAAAAAAADHM/rzSgkXjBXzc/IMG_2842_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="172" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6SiLm4R0I/AAAAAAAADHQ/4QtplNBHfs8/s1600-h/IMG_2843%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2843" border="0" alt="IMG_2843" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TZ6Siq-tWYI/AAAAAAAADHU/wdU6UlcQuuA/IMG_2843_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="168" /></a></p> <p align="center">Yea, good boy, Diesel…chew on your certificate.</p> <p align="center">That’s about all that’s new and exciting, but do stay tuned!  I’ve got some new books to review and my CSN Stores product review will be posted soon!</p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-67236470118611006742011-03-08T21:10:00.000-07:002011-03-08T22:00:56.067-07:00Book Review: Save the Date<div align="center"><a href="http://brb.thomasnelson.com/art/_240_360_Book.322.cover.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://brb.thomasnelson.com/art/_225_350_Book.322.cover.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Save-Date-Jenny-B-Jones/dp/1595545395"><em>Save the Date</em></a></div> <div style="text-align: center">by Jenny B. Jones</div> <div style="text-align: center">Copyright 2011</div> <div style="text-align: center">Thomas Nelson</div> <div style="text-align: center">307 pages </div> <div style="text-align: center">Fiction</div> <div style="text-align: left"> <br /><strong>From the <a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=9781595545398" target="_blank">Publisher</a>:</strong> <br />When Alex and Lucy pick out wedding invitations, they wonder if they can be printed in vanishing ink.</div> <p>Former NFL star Alex Sinclair is a man who has it all--except the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy will find her heart on the line--and maybe even her life. When God asks Alex and Lucy to scrap their playbook and follow his rules, will they finally say, "I do"?</p> <p><strong>My Review:</strong></p> <p>This book was just too cute!  I had heard great things about Jenny B. Jones and had high expectations before I even received this book to review, but let me tell you…it met everyone single one.  </p> <div style="text-align: left">There were so many things that I loved about this book!  First, I really enjoyed the plot of an engagement for convenience and how the reader gets to see the relationship between Lucy and Alex blossom from “pretend and for show” to something meaningful, real and sweet.  Plus, I liked the faith element and how the characters had to grow in their faith in God, in order to overcome their past and create a relationship for their future.  But perhaps what I enjoyed the most was how funny this book was.  From Lucy and her <em>Lord of the Rings</em> obsession, to Clare and her assistant Julian, to the witty dialogue between the main characters.  There were moments where I was giggling to myself and others were I was laughing out loud.  This book was overall a super, cute story with memorable moments and characters and I loved it.</div> <div style="text-align: left"> <br />Funny?  Yep.  Sweet?  Very.  Romantic?  Oh yea.  And entertaining?  Definitely! I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted and fun read that will leave you with warm-fuzzies inside and a smile on your face. <br /> <br />Many thanks to Booksneeze for sending me this complimentary copy for my review! Sara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars</div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-90166481708277002072011-02-19T10:19:00.001-07:002011-02-19T10:22:25.230-07:00Product Review Preview, Valentine’s and a Knee Update<p align="center">Those fabulous people at CSN Stores has given me another opportunity to review one of there products!  Yay!  If you look back through my blog, you’ll see that I’ve reviewed items such as shoes and kitchen products, but CSN Stores has so much more.  From <a href="http://www.swingsetsandmore.com/">swing sets</a> to bedroom sets, they have thousands of products to choose from.  Talk about one stop shopping!  Stay tuned to see what item I select this time.  Also, if you’re interested in winning a CSN Stores gift certificate, be sure to stop by my other blog!</p> <p><a href="http://www.csnstores.com/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="CSN Stores" src="http://common.csnimages.com/lf/logo/hash/p11/49~ffffff/1/CSN_Stores_Logo.gif" /></a></p> <p align="center">Moving right along, I wanted to talk about Valentine’s day.  Did you all have a good one?  I sure did.  Jeremy and I are pretty laid back, so we aren’t the type of people to go out to a fancy dinner and buy expensive presents for each other on Valentines.  We must just love each other SO much throughout the whole year! (Ha! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-nyahnyah" alt="Nyah-Nyah" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7igmKUDI/AAAAAAAADEY/LTeXS86p6L0/wlEmoticon-nyahnyah%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" />)  Anyway, since Jeremy hasn’t been able to drive due to his knee surgery, I didn’t even expect a card from him this year.  Well, he pleasantly surprised me and when I got home from work…I found that he had baked me a <font color="#ff0080"><strong>PINK</strong></font> Valentine’s cake, had Hershey kisses all over the place and had gotten me a card.  Awwww!  As my mom would say, “What a guy, huh?”  Apparently, the Friday before, he asked our friend, Jake, if he was available to take him to Walmart, so they did a little Valentine’s shopping.  Anyway, we exchanged cards, went out to dinner at a little steakhouse in our po-dunk town, watched TV and ate cake.  In fact, I’ve been eating cake all this week.  Best. Husband. Ever.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7jgoABGI/AAAAAAAADEc/rv4THtvs6yE/s1600-h/IMG_2756%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2756" border="0" alt="IMG_2756" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7kG7FkAI/AAAAAAAADEg/c3dHLy5Nh0I/IMG_2756_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="257" /></a></p> <p align="center">Not gonna lie…I’m really surprise he even knew where the cake pans were.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7k6xN_dI/AAAAAAAADEk/5g30Yiob5Og/s1600-h/IMG_2757%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2757" border="0" alt="IMG_2757" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7ldMr0KI/AAAAAAAADEo/qqn_QrrsSNs/IMG_2757_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="258" /></a></p> <p align="center">PINK funfetti Valentine’s cake!  Drool…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7mfRZqBI/AAAAAAAADEs/l6kuZ0ZXPyA/s1600-h/IMG_2758%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2758" border="0" alt="IMG_2758" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7mzKEmgI/AAAAAAAADEw/OnyIBolM074/IMG_2758_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="248" /></a></p> <p align="center">Kisses! (And yes, I’m almost 28 years old and I keep my childhood teddy bears by my bed)</p> <p align="center">Lastly, I wanted to post a knee update.  Jeremy’s knee is doing really well and the Dr. is proud of his progress.  He’s getting his permanent brace soon (which he’ll wear for about the next year) , he off his crutches, and he’s started physical therapy.  He’s taking one more week off of work, but he’s definitely on the road to recovery! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7nsoqixI/AAAAAAAADE0/QnVUIKP4DmM/s1600-h/IMG_2755%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2755" border="0" alt="IMG_2755" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7oKH1l0I/AAAAAAAADE4/Giyy96o6oZM/IMG_2755_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="227" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7o9JAa4I/AAAAAAAADE8/pN5wXzD9DbM/s1600-h/IMG_2754%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2754" border="0" alt="IMG_2754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TV_7pFNM3BI/AAAAAAAADFA/QV9aUDAlug4/IMG_2754_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="230" /></a></p> <p align="center">Ewww! It still looks funny.</p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-65670181259902321782011-02-15T18:51:00.001-07:002011-02-15T18:51:37.136-07:00Happy Birthday, Jeremy!<p align="center">27 years ago today, my husband was born.  Yay!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVstpKsNUUI/AAAAAAAADEM/QB58v4-M5QA/s1600-h/1257%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1257" border="0" alt="1257" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVstpvkH3jI/AAAAAAAADEQ/hpABsgpqz0Q/1257_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="329" /></a></p> <p align="center">Happy Birthday, Jerm!  I love you. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-redheart" alt="Red heart" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVstqDt7d2I/AAAAAAAADEU/HKCt1zkJx4Q/wlEmoticon-redheart%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-81350088265651085382011-02-13T21:54:00.000-07:002011-02-13T22:16:35.197-07:00Jayla and Saremy's Vacation 2010 - Caribbean Cruise<div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none">Hi friends!  Are you ready for an exciting post that will make you want to go someplace tropical, kick your shoes off and lay in the sand?  Alright then!  Here we go...<img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5kcDkoCI/AAAAAAAADA0/3SGL3pUUU8c/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none">As you fine readers know, we hang out with our friends Jake and Kayla (lovingly referred to as "Jayla") a lot.  We usually have dinner with them a few times a month, we have video game and movie nights, and we go on vacation with them.  If you refer back to our prior vacation <a href="http://jsbofferding.blogspot.com/2009/03/we-baaaaackfrom-our-vacation.html">posts</a>, you'll see that we have plans to go on an annual vacation with them.  Last year (that sounds so long again, but really it was in December, and I'm just now catching up on blogging about it), we decided to go on a cruise through the Western Carribean!  So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I present you with: Jayla and Saremy's Vacation 2010!</div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IACzGb9jijU/TVi0kLvvSJI/AAAAAAAADAk/L1eiHEvx0rM/s1600/SJ.bmp" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IACzGb9jijU/TVi0kLvvSJI/AAAAAAAADAk/L1eiHEvx0rM/s320/SJ.bmp" width="320" height="240" h5="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none">We departed for our cruise, aboard the Celebrity Eclipse, out of the port of Miami on December 11th and set sail for 7 glorious days of vacation.  Our ports of call were: Grand Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras; along with 2 full days at sea.  At each port, we did excursions such as: going to Hell and the turtle farm in Grand Cayman, doing zip lines in Cozumel, power snorkeling in Costa Maya, and visiting the preservation park in Honduras.  Plus, while aboard our ship we ate delicious food, took in nightly shows, ate delicious food, laid out by the pool, ate delicious food, shopped, ate delicious food, gambled in the casino, ate delicious food, dressed up for 2 formal nights, and did I mention, we ate A LOT of delicious food?? :)  For those of you who have never cruised before...eating is a big part of the activity on board, and the food is amazing and always available.  It's somewhat ridiculous, actually.  </div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5lBCZLCI/AAAAAAAADA4/OmzegYRJT4Y/s1600-h/IMG_2564%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2564" border="0" alt="IMG_2564" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5lwPbyTI/AAAAAAAADA8/zQjHcYEeD0c/IMG_2564_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="234" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Yep, that’s our ship.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5nHsLkyI/AAAAAAAADBA/CNBrCOIqpTk/s1600-h/IMG_2570%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2570" border="0" alt="IMG_2570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5nncPsLI/AAAAAAAADBE/Tnup7-pXlyM/IMG_2570_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="238" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Neighbors.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5oc3MWzI/AAAAAAAADBI/IYD4BnlsY0Y/s1600-h/IMG_2571%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2571" border="0" alt="IMG_2571" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5pHNmxTI/AAAAAAAADBM/EoET51mIhvQ/IMG_2571_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="241" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Our room.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5qO8HhgI/AAAAAAAADBQ/T76tUQq94ys/s1600-h/IMG_2703%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2703" border="0" alt="IMG_2703" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5qYn-a7I/AAAAAAAADBU/bM9Wyi53uo8/IMG_2703_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="309" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Complimentary rob, slipper and iced tea.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5rYz50fI/AAAAAAAADBY/sWSQFjRFZ2U/s1600-h/IMG_2585%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2585" border="0" alt="IMG_2585" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5rkC2CxI/AAAAAAAADBc/9NQS2m6wu68/IMG_2585_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="257" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Our first night aboard.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5spUcFbI/AAAAAAAADBg/XABSAje96oo/s1600-h/IMG_2613%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2613" border="0" alt="IMG_2613" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5szc-iOI/AAAAAAAADBk/SXrke2qBS5A/IMG_2613_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="369" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">We’ve been to Hell and back.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5tja0IEI/AAAAAAAADBo/MZO-WsVjEhk/s1600-h/IMG_2615%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2615" border="0" alt="IMG_2615" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5uBr-gLI/AAAAAAAADBs/bERPz-8e5OY/IMG_2615_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="252" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">The waves were huge in Grand Cayman.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5uz60crI/AAAAAAAADBw/GkDBM6DFK6c/s1600-h/IMG_2622%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2622" border="0" alt="IMG_2622" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5vPcgF6I/AAAAAAAADB0/MmJBjLd14xI/IMG_2622_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="210" height="278" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5v93VJ2I/AAAAAAAADB4/xhrIVBB8hz0/s1600-h/IMG_2623%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2623" border="0" alt="IMG_2623" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5wCSHX8I/AAAAAAAADB8/jVYbjXt-N3I/IMG_2623_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" height="276" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5wjxVuhI/AAAAAAAADCA/_wtiZfwkd5Q/s1600-h/IMG_2624%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2624" border="0" alt="IMG_2624" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5xMgixdI/AAAAAAAADCE/8J0RRHde8DA/IMG_2624_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="287" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">We got to hold turtles!</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5xw404yI/AAAAAAAADCI/IxMCoqD_qxc/s1600-h/IMG_2633%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2633" border="0" alt="IMG_2633" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5-8U74RI/AAAAAAAADCM/XLTGoPSve6s/IMG_2633_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="287" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi5_0yzgqI/AAAAAAAADCQ/yk0CO9tTMoY/s1600-h/IMG_2634%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2634" border="0" alt="IMG_2634" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6AEtUnJI/AAAAAAAADCU/FYrNq7Tgp94/IMG_2634_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="288" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">About to go zip lining.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6BBThjdI/AAAAAAAADCY/eRuhvlS7KeE/s1600-h/IMG_2636%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2636" border="0" alt="IMG_2636" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6BRB5hwI/AAAAAAAADCc/0tdGwSg73hE/IMG_2636_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="234" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">On the shuttle boat back to the ship.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6CUXzmQI/AAAAAAAADCg/scktSS00-uo/s1600-h/IMG_2643%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2643" border="0" alt="IMG_2643" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6CiJMNAI/AAAAAAAADCk/03URlf6Gr2U/IMG_2643_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="227" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Jayla’s “pretend” anniversary.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6DhAYiuI/AAAAAAAADCo/RAwy7dsQsOI/s1600-h/IMG_2644%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2644" border="0" alt="IMG_2644" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6D5Sk3uI/AAAAAAAADCs/cCnTth0sW5c/IMG_2644_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="242" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Costa Maya.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6E8wpRxI/AAAAAAAADCw/Zqzg6WB6GLU/s1600-h/IMG_2657%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2657" border="0" alt="IMG_2657" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6FYh1fAI/AAAAAAAADC0/axpdHNV1GNA/IMG_2657_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="242" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6GSvUlGI/AAAAAAAADC4/vghe1pPxY_4/s1600-h/IMG_2658%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2658" border="0" alt="IMG_2658" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6GtNOFPI/AAAAAAAADC8/-rt9kpSJEjA/IMG_2658_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="245" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Honduras was gorgeous!</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6Ha_eivI/AAAAAAAADDA/2MUPdYR3-AY/s1600-h/IMG_2667%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2667" border="0" alt="IMG_2667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6HwS5pqI/AAAAAAAADDE/mtCshTVWiCg/IMG_2667_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="256" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6J79emXI/AAAAAAAADDI/nZ1zjCDmqPI/s1600-h/IMG_2668%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2668" border="0" alt="IMG_2668" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6KEFBWjI/AAAAAAAADDM/uv9Oj_B7j7A/IMG_2668_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="197" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">At the preservation park…</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6K524wlI/AAAAAAAADDQ/r2ppWR8qQ6E/s1600-h/IMG_2671%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2671" border="0" alt="IMG_2671" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6LAGTMPI/AAAAAAAADDU/qaeKH48GwAU/IMG_2671_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="274" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6L33IMDI/AAAAAAAADDY/LkwjlcDcFsk/s1600-h/IMG_2678%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2678" border="0" alt="IMG_2678" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6M2y9_3I/AAAAAAAADDc/039u0L5nGyU/IMG_2678_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="272" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6N6g3T5I/AAAAAAAADDg/__s2hBqQNFM/s1600-h/IMG_2680%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2680" border="0" alt="IMG_2680" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6OVFrNOI/AAAAAAAADDk/uq6IfvkVDls/IMG_2680_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="225" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Where we made new friends.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6PU7EUHI/AAAAAAAADDo/pSfT6OX_ouk/s1600-h/IMG_2696%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2696" border="0" alt="IMG_2696" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6Pnaa9gI/AAAAAAAADDs/4AZxixi9cog/IMG_2696_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="289" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6QdEZiBI/AAAAAAAADDw/P7KX1zaisYI/s1600-h/IMG_2698%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2698" border="0" alt="IMG_2698" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6QvHvx3I/AAAAAAAADD0/R34uwfUaN-g/IMG_2698_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="289" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Formal night.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6Re5K4KI/AAAAAAAADD4/47jl7bR5yxw/s1600-h/IMG_2701%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2701" border="0" alt="IMG_2701" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6Rjgg-oI/AAAAAAAADD8/7vSSmx8hCsQ/IMG_2701_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="238" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">What a great vacation! <br /></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">We had an awesome time on this cruise and there have already been talks of cruising the Eastern Caribbean in the future.  Jake and Kayla, thanks for another great vacation!  We had a blast!</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"> </div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6TIyyyuI/AAAAAAAADEA/OUtJSEf_DRU/s1600-h/IMG_2663%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2663" border="0" alt="IMG_2663" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TVi6Tv9UqwI/AAAAAAAADEI/tK2kaT5wEd0/IMG_2663_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="271" /></a></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">My favorite group shot!</div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-87960509158844570772011-02-04T00:00:00.000-07:002011-02-04T00:00:00.121-07:00Litfuse Blog Tour and Review: Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy<p><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUt4d7LNdxI/AAAAAAAAC_4/4sfEskmf3Vs/s1600-h/Rhythm%20of%20Secrets%20Cover%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rhythm of Secrets Cover" border="0" alt="Rhythm of Secrets Cover" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUt4eSsVLoI/AAAAAAAAC_8/zT4i55odoUQ/Rhythm%20of%20Secrets%20Cover_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="327" /></a></p> <p><em>The Rhythm of Secrets</em> <br />by Patti Lacy <br />Published January 31st, 2011 <br />Kregel Publications  <br />320 pages <br />ISBN: 9780825426742 <br />Fiction/Historical </p> <p> <b>A</b><b>bout the book</b>: Since 1955, Sheila Franklin, a talented musician, has perfectly performed the role of devout pastor’s wife, locking away her past as Sheba Alexander and Sylvia Allen. Her carefully constructed façade crumbles with a single phone call from a young Marine named Samuel, the illegitimate son she secretly put up for adoption. Samuel begs Sheila to use her government contacts to get his fiancé, Mali, a Thai prostitute, into America. A dangerous mixture of love and guilt spurs her to help her only child even though it devastates her husband Edward and exposes her questionable past. After a quarrel with Edward, Sheila and Samuel board a C-130 for Thailand and then search Bangkok’s steamy streets for a Madonna-faced prostitute. The two whisk Mali from a brothel but are seized by a warlord who considers Mali his “number one girl.” In a teak “ghost house,” Sheila discovers God’s grace and gains the freedom she needs to find her own identity—Sheila, Sylvia, and Sheba. A framed story, this novel has roots in the bohemian 1940s New Orleans French Quarter and spans three decades, including the turbulent Vietnam era. </p> <p><strong>My Review</strong>:</p> <p>The Rhythm of Secrets was the first book I’ve read by Patti Lacy and I am thoroughly impressed!  Mrs. Lacy was able to transport me back to places such as 1940’s New Orleans, a summery beach in Mississippi, a home for unwed mothers and even to a brothel in Thailand, during the Vietnam war.  And let me tell you, what an emotional, wild and grace-filled ride, it was!</p> <p>In all honesty, I didn’t think that I would like this book very much; however, I was immediately captured by the flash back story line of Shelia’s present day and her childhood.  I couldn’t wait to hear her story and understand why she gave up Samuel, but I also wanted to find out what would happen now that he was back in her life.  Also, I enjoyed how this book dealt with “real” issues of era.  Racism, alcohol, prostitution, and a baby out of wedlock are all brought up in this book and they were were handled tastefully and realistically.  Lastly, Mrs. Lacy has a beautiful writing style.  It is rich with descriptions and at times, I felt like I actually was Sheba grieving the loss of her parents, or Sylvia fighting to keep her baby, or even Shelia struggling to understand God’s love for her.  </p> <p>The only downside to this book (and this is really stretching for a downside) was that there was SO much going on and it was  always intense!  After following along all the ups and downs of Shelia’s emotional journey, I felt like I should have been on page 400, but when I looked down, it was surprising to find that I was only on page 200.  </p> <p>Overall, I’m so glad that I read this book!  Shelia is such a strong and brave character, who perseveres and gets the life that she deserves at the end. It’s an entertaining story that will make you think with all its plot twists and turns, and make you smile with an overwhelming message of forgiveness. <strong>Sara’s rating:</strong> 4.5 out of 5 stars</p> <p><em>Many thanks to </em><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/" target="_blank"><em>Litfuse Publicity Group</em></a><em> for sending me this complimentary review copy in exchange for posting my honest review!</em>  </p> <p align="center"><b><a href="http://pattilacy.com/">Patti Lacy</a> is celebrating the release of her latest book with a NOOK Giveaway, blog tour and Book Club Party!</b> <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/the-rhythm-of-secrets-by-patti-lacy.html"><b>Follow the blog tour and read the reviews!</b></a> <b>Patti and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are giving away a NOOK prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!! </b></p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/91774"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyur4-7_V417fMF07M1WI2sjbyfFLngaVEzfbMFLbeKmwDAggUah9fOYKz-EgJn4Ws0ieI8EfYOkNzGHYWUyi9CO4NESqwTEmTTBt5MEspx7Ge4hxmjgawnjsGUx5jSRZUPt8rrPPvIXSh/s1600/rhythm_of_secrets300x250.gif" /></a></div> <b>Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:</b> <ul> <li>A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi </li> <li>$25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble </li> </ul> To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 16th at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187451107939562" target="_blank"><b>Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party</b></a>. <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/91774" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via E-mail" alt="Enter via E-mail" src="http://litfusegroup.com/images/stories/email_button.png" width="48" height="48" /></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/91774" target="_blank"><img title="Enter via Facebook" alt="Enter via Facebook" src="http://litfusegroup.com/images/stories/Facebook_button.png" width="48" height="48" /></a><a> <p ="<P"></p> </a> </div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-60397029666642455882011-02-01T20:19:00.000-07:002011-02-01T20:19:31.903-07:00The Knee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi blog readers! What is new in the life of Jeremy and Sara, you ask? Well, Jeremy decided he needed a break from work for a bit...so, he went and hurt his knee. Just kidding! Well, kinda. A few days before New Years, Jeremy hurt his knee playing basketball. As a matter of fact, he hurt it pretty bad. Bad enough to tear his ACL and need surgery. Yep. Apparently to Jeremy, if you're going to hurt yourself...you might as well go all out and hurt yourself bad! So, he had surgery last Friday to fix his knee and is on the road to recovery. Here are some pictures of his first few days after surgery... we'll keep you posted on his progress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUjI-XzNaGI/AAAAAAAAC_s/NLNbPks7S7c/s1600/IMG00078-20110128-1601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUjI-XzNaGI/AAAAAAAAC_s/NLNbPks7S7c/s400/IMG00078-20110128-1601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right after he got home. Connected to the Polar Care 500.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUjJA8-fhzI/AAAAAAAAC_w/7uQaRbGQ71k/s1600/IMG00080-20110129-1743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUjJA8-fhzI/AAAAAAAAC_w/7uQaRbGQ71k/s400/IMG00080-20110129-1743.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blanket = check. Potato Chips = check. Laptop = check.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUjJD60CO5I/AAAAAAAAC_0/hNbx10bt7LY/s1600/IMG00081-20110130-1759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TUjJD60CO5I/AAAAAAAAC_0/hNbx10bt7LY/s400/IMG00081-20110130-1759.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeremy's entourage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283827148159398280.post-7893366633212637372011-01-05T21:13:00.001-07:002011-01-05T21:13:31.644-07:00CSN Stores Product Review–Doggie Jacket!<p align="center">As I’ve mentioned before, <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/">CSN stores</a> has given me the opportunity to review a product from one of there website again!  Last time I picked shoes.  I’ve also gotten kitchen items.  But this time, I decided to get a little something for Diesel…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TSVBYStAnGI/AAAAAAAAC_A/g6Y2MmNT0oE/s1600-h/IMG_2555%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2555" border="0" alt="IMG_2555" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TSVBY8ZCsmI/AAAAAAAAC_E/gBHg4ui6NzM/IMG_2555_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="331" /></a></p> <p align="center">a <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=RFF1008&init=1" target="_blank">Ruff Wear K-9 Overcoat</a>!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TSVBZ7udLSI/AAAAAAAAC_I/zzqHvLwCeJs/s1600-h/IMG_2554%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2554" border="0" alt="IMG_2554" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TSVBaPXG77I/AAAAAAAAC_M/plc7nVu1n90/IMG_2554_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="255" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Isn’t he a handsome model?</p> <p align="center">This jacket is awesome!  With winter being here, Jeremy and I decided that I might be worthwhile to get Diesel a little jacket.  We found this one on CSN Stores and we couldn’t pass it up!  After all, just check out the description:</p> <blockquote> <p align="center">Sometimes nature's coat just isn't enough. When dogs join us on our adventures, they can become uncomfortably, even dangerously cold when exposed to the harsh elements. The K-9 Overcoat II™ reduces loss of core body heat, protecting dogs from wind, rain, snow, brush, and burrs. The integrated chest panel with adjustable side release buckles provides a custom fit that remains securely in place throughout vigorous activities. Whether your treks take you and your four-legged friends to the mountains, desert, or the city, the K-9 Overcoat II™ will improve your dog's performance and extend their range. Available in two great colors to match your dog's great personality! </p> </blockquote> <p align="center">We got snow last week, so this overcoat has definitely been useful, plus Diesel wears it whenever he goes on an early morning or evening walk.  He’s even learning the word “jacket!”  If we tell him to go get his jacket, he’ll run up to it and nudge it with his nose…now if only we could teach him to put it, grab his leash and go to the front door, we’d be set!</p> <p align="center">I’m so thankful that <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/">CSN Stores</a> gave me the opportunity to do this product review!  I definitely picked another winner.  If you’re looking for new shoes, or even patio furniture or pet items, be sure to check out the CSN Stores website!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:682d8bcb-9b63-47bf-8c18-43813dcbd525" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="cb14b5e5-c985-4bcc-8ebf-afef4836a3ef" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veSAm18orBo" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_90c-imWj0CQ/TSVBatUlamI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/O-d6hhnFryg/videoc662067678aa%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('cb14b5e5-c985-4bcc-8ebf-afef4836a3ef'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/veSAm18orBo?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/veSAm18orBo?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">And I leave you with a video of the jacket in action…</div></div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261012485611691494noreply@blogger.com1