tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32179884272036396582024-03-13T17:21:04.654-08:00Boots and The BearMichelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-13920565520345604912016-10-25T17:34:00.000-08:002016-10-25T17:34:17.606-08:00Comfortable in the Uncomfortable <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Today marks our one year anniversary of being back in Texas. While I so love being much closer to our families, a big part of me still misses Alaska. I think it’s the wilderness and adventure part of it. I crave the scenery and the fresh air – and after my morning run left me sweating – I even miss the cold temperatures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s such an odd feeling to still miss it after all this time, especially when I hated it for the first few months we were there. Through of all these experiences, I’ve tried my best to be content with where I am. That mentality is what made me fall in love with Alaska in the first place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had to stop thinking about all the things and people I missed, and start appreciating all the little things. Several times through the course of this year, that’s been easier said than done. We had only been back in Texas for a few months, when it felt like everything was crashing down around me. My dad was diagnosed with cancer, I was having a hard time finding a job and we got news that Nathanial was losing his job. My dad finished his treatment and received a great report. I’m in a job that was tailor made for me. And while Nathanial is still looking for work, we have such a peace that everything will work out. God has been with us through it all and what I’ve learned is to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. To find appreciate the little things and to be content in the waiting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-22898305079929408002016-08-29T18:35:00.001-08:002016-08-29T18:35:41.330-08:00Colorful Rain ShowersTwo couples in our Sunday School class recently had babies so we decided to throw them a joint shower/sprinkle. <div><br></div><div>One baby was a boy and the other a girl. That combined with my not volunteering to plan it until Wednesday (when the shower was Sunday) made for some interesting and busy days of crafting. A huge thank you to my wonderful husband who worked tirelessly alongside me to pull it all together. </div><div><br></div><div>I decided to go with a rain cloud theme with various shades of blue and pink. </div><div><br></div><div>I designed a quick invite and sent it out via email. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih3Wv-oTtTn8sKa8PpVID2a_SqT9qP3x3tV0cqlRE9f9pjLG85T1Srftg_Jyk8vIrY5YLa1WX48-9iBi5syqBWm37kgBuY-UdCLc4BKD_uS97DUMqKYTGbBY3xFjaZ0bN6qOyh3XjThSc/s640/blogger-image--1631652039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih3Wv-oTtTn8sKa8PpVID2a_SqT9qP3x3tV0cqlRE9f9pjLG85T1Srftg_Jyk8vIrY5YLa1WX48-9iBi5syqBWm37kgBuY-UdCLc4BKD_uS97DUMqKYTGbBY3xFjaZ0bN6qOyh3XjThSc/s640/blogger-image--1631652039.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I knew I wanted the rain drops to play a prominent role in the decor. I found a shape I liked and printed out tons of copies on different colors of card stock. It took me a few Netflix episodes but I got them all cut out. I used them for a backdrop and on the centerpieces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our class is normally set up in long rows of chairs but that wouldn't be conducive to a shower. Nathanial headed up to church on Friday afternoon and set up some round tables. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp9dfKfyVLhZp4VIHsjTt1ke9btRvUS5aASKuG1-sJlvia_YjU2dume4sF3qO4G4fTN6FN3C7bYFj0k8woF_Avwm5RYshaABDEKatgfxmYHxoxYo9ucOHDTRsWfJDgiqJECpH_J4rutHO/s640/blogger-image-378548128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp9dfKfyVLhZp4VIHsjTt1ke9btRvUS5aASKuG1-sJlvia_YjU2dume4sF3qO4G4fTN6FN3C7bYFj0k8woF_Avwm5RYshaABDEKatgfxmYHxoxYo9ucOHDTRsWfJDgiqJECpH_J4rutHO/s640/blogger-image-378548128.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found some blue tablecloths and then went about creating the centerpieces. I had a clear vision in my head and thought it would be simple to make some tissue paper clouds and attach the rain drops. The clouds were a disaster. There was tissue paper everywhere and no shapes resembling a cloud. So I ended up buying poster board and cutting out cloud shapes. I attached the rain drops with fishing line and tape. I used floral foam in buckets <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and a dowel rod to attach the rain clouds. Once I set them up on the table, I added some kisses to cover up the foam and fill the buckets. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMNvxYVTIfPJWabFtYSxGxN7TB68bknk0K8W4asnFB2xho6RksObSJFXuAQ2mjR2_vmO9wMxLBE1REwLCLfRDY0fpxYYY0hkuewIKu3QIxA-q-s5J7Yqj5nkARhAYOAOTYCjmDKwOt3gB/s640/blogger-image--743575908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMNvxYVTIfPJWabFtYSxGxN7TB68bknk0K8W4asnFB2xho6RksObSJFXuAQ2mjR2_vmO9wMxLBE1REwLCLfRDY0fpxYYY0hkuewIKu3QIxA-q-s5J7Yqj5nkARhAYOAOTYCjmDKwOt3gB/s640/blogger-image--743575908.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I also put some notecards out on the table with watercolor backgrounds and each couple's names. The idea with those was that we would "shower them with encouragement." </div><div><br></div><div>By far, my favorite part of the decor was the rain cloud backdrop. I was overwhelmed with all the other details, so my amazing husband assembled it on his own. I loved it! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61A6uZeETrpLksI2XndQQmOz5MFjJuR0EPpwk0Sq90eWgcGcSVkgb6XsJJ6G5pCcHppsIeOFta5QOP7yskIC1UUexR5NixoxCUeHkgXCxbAEGO5qErsoW3XarnVlaLDn-QM5av0ufZFwb/s640/blogger-image--1876700717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61A6uZeETrpLksI2XndQQmOz5MFjJuR0EPpwk0Sq90eWgcGcSVkgb6XsJJ6G5pCcHppsIeOFta5QOP7yskIC1UUexR5NixoxCUeHkgXCxbAEGO5qErsoW3XarnVlaLDn-QM5av0ufZFwb/s640/blogger-image--1876700717.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wanted something on the doors but thought there were probably enough clouds. I opted to make diaper wreaths. It was my first time but not my last. There were easy to put together once I got the hang of it. I cut out foam core initials for each wreath and then mod podged cute scrapbook paper on top. I loved how these turned out too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8xzSCPKwLQJnSFNtQCXLGm0NY-fQA1fterUMaYqFZPDxmG2EXweaVpHeX1S4obdRiYetaXINFJ1sW51gOk78fx2zjYgCYuhHDIDy1xrLFheAXbVWnip6kYtgMkbW6R9kk_hLQVblnEi3/s640/blogger-image-24250752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8xzSCPKwLQJnSFNtQCXLGm0NY-fQA1fterUMaYqFZPDxmG2EXweaVpHeX1S4obdRiYetaXINFJ1sW51gOk78fx2zjYgCYuhHDIDy1xrLFheAXbVWnip6kYtgMkbW6R9kk_hLQVblnEi3/s640/blogger-image-24250752.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIRP03U-fEuuo7A6IgSSWffCeVh6qN_Bj3k6y6WNQoYA2W8cUz3qgdD4U8fgykFHYROUiWdczG5yTstcxSFrqVkqBHNde8z2iKAX3XPT_DyQkjTvrSQnFnSsj7D6-yZOdghpyEFz8ltPU/s640/blogger-image--1395385457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIRP03U-fEuuo7A6IgSSWffCeVh6qN_Bj3k6y6WNQoYA2W8cUz3qgdD4U8fgykFHYROUiWdczG5yTstcxSFrqVkqBHNde8z2iKAX3XPT_DyQkjTvrSQnFnSsj7D6-yZOdghpyEFz8ltPU/s640/blogger-image--1395385457.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was thrilled with how everything turned out and had such a good time celebrating these sweet babies. In fact,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I loved the theme so much that I was a little sad to trash the decorations at the end. Unfortunately rain clouds don't go with the decor in the rest of our house. </div></div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-22800197136504657512016-08-08T18:07:00.001-08:002016-08-08T18:29:15.114-08:00EscapingI'm usually not a Monday hater but this one was particularly hard after such a great weekend. My birthday is coming up this week so my family joined us Sunday afternoon for an early celebration. <div><br></div><div>We started the festivities at a local escape room - The Lock. I've been wanting to check out an escape room for a long time and it did not disappoint. For those unfamiliar with the concept, escape rooms are an adventure game where players are locked in a room and have to use elements of the room as clues to get out. We played a multi-room scenario where we had to escape jail cells and then the overall jail. It was such a blast! We got out with 25 seconds (of our hour time limit) to spare. We probably would have had more time if we didn't spend 10 minutes trying to communicate with the staff that our walkie talkie was dead, which as it turns out was just turned off. There were so many funny moments but I can't say much more without giving away hints. I loved how the entire family worked together. It was an experience we won't forget. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYTJ5gkh7dTB5ffFmmystDBM9QSE_P849c5eLrWo2t2ndyd46LbmF9CuWgBUHhaPdNocUQmlftaAd7d1hnznnhtIr7saE06CExege3jwlO7ZEFkTGetC9j6ibriH41S64hhdh7wO84_er/s640/blogger-image--1131929757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYTJ5gkh7dTB5ffFmmystDBM9QSE_P849c5eLrWo2t2ndyd46LbmF9CuWgBUHhaPdNocUQmlftaAd7d1hnznnhtIr7saE06CExege3jwlO7ZEFkTGetC9j6ibriH41S64hhdh7wO84_er/s640/blogger-image--1131929757.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Afterwards we headed back to my house for cake and presents. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My mom set the cutest table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF54nKx92g7TP3GX0iD8VMdy4yEEBZPkUIEGXhTsbgIQqSh3TR3faCmEYQIq-3t0YydN2h4sNmOdnBPdzqG-qhwBuohYjaOvO8ge9k9AoxxTuboQvvL_Ak27P1ys4WIuE-xmBEAcI7aaq/s640/blogger-image-1502698731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF54nKx92g7TP3GX0iD8VMdy4yEEBZPkUIEGXhTsbgIQqSh3TR3faCmEYQIq-3t0YydN2h4sNmOdnBPdzqG-qhwBuohYjaOvO8ge9k9AoxxTuboQvvL_Ak27P1ys4WIuE-xmBEAcI7aaq/s640/blogger-image-1502698731.jpg"></a></div>And then Nathanial surprised us all with confetti cannons. Ever since I ran the Route 66 Half Marathon (with confetti) I've been obsessed with confetti. We'll be finding confetti pieces for a while but it was well worth it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOkv3OWMAVWcu8_S8XqO4EvC-eXBPACOOgAqrto-SbAU2XyOugaIx4wHLL6e5Kmn4YgSCiXlM6r5yAlzUg1VEv3ABzxCIuLTh7DpHFp4Ynp2D-LDxTzoS_h8YUMFbhRHU20rOBuZN0DEm/s640/blogger-image--274334634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOkv3OWMAVWcu8_S8XqO4EvC-eXBPACOOgAqrto-SbAU2XyOugaIx4wHLL6e5Kmn4YgSCiXlM6r5yAlzUg1VEv3ABzxCIuLTh7DpHFp4Ynp2D-LDxTzoS_h8YUMFbhRHU20rOBuZN0DEm/s640/blogger-image--274334634.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4AoEue3e4XQ-Ag8bhbhhIoh6X5u-wKiNjrW9Y36s_MZxalQY_MAgHp4u8XmguEmZ3KFbwdsjhRYSNtURYQiQn06-fKumD-5_v6cXpFtvEpZ0kdHKqfR8Mw5jLOgtRsvu9eMbfJySBrsI/s640/blogger-image-1810811799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4AoEue3e4XQ-Ag8bhbhhIoh6X5u-wKiNjrW9Y36s_MZxalQY_MAgHp4u8XmguEmZ3KFbwdsjhRYSNtURYQiQn06-fKumD-5_v6cXpFtvEpZ0kdHKqfR8Mw5jLOgtRsvu9eMbfJySBrsI/s640/blogger-image-1810811799.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He even got a giant cannon for me to shoot off. Confetti rained over me and it was fabulous. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCs2ZzHOHSDcKV_cLFS0bNghrWLNHSdyIa0tbzZncdr-MidD3A6lNrbkqoT5UVlSwA7AcaYmxXkJDlHaxS6bZojobpyUmH-ZV72hyphenhyphen1Rg7KREwhF0L5BOZDMXyLdVeoElEv6UZvqz1I2aV/s640/blogger-image--668091906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCs2ZzHOHSDcKV_cLFS0bNghrWLNHSdyIa0tbzZncdr-MidD3A6lNrbkqoT5UVlSwA7AcaYmxXkJDlHaxS6bZojobpyUmH-ZV72hyphenhyphen1Rg7KREwhF0L5BOZDMXyLdVeoElEv6UZvqz1I2aV/s640/blogger-image--668091906.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As usual, my family spoiled me with all kinds of awesome gifts. They also have a knack for finding truly unique things. This year, they found an awesome LED lighted hat perfect for early morning running and soap with a hidden jewelry piece inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If the celebration was any indication, this is going to be the best year yet. I'm a lucky girl. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-16028174946695555402016-06-21T19:02:00.001-08:002016-06-21T19:16:25.449-08:00The Problem with Working OutA year ago today, we were at a baseball game that didn't start until 10 p.m. Tonight, I'll be lucky to stay up much past 10. Oh the difference a year and a few thousand miles make. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oniGfOUvieFfOR-6A4OKaGKGK8_lxLdHv1mZdPd9lJhu2ZGZDZYjPViOrRMYKG54HwqgyzZ7nh2wIey9TrrbU0z_GYUn9t-WhGkWpRxDDPIv9_AgiOEto8OPzfl0TTf7qvI5zl5KLnAE/s640/blogger-image-2043668426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oniGfOUvieFfOR-6A4OKaGKGK8_lxLdHv1mZdPd9lJhu2ZGZDZYjPViOrRMYKG54HwqgyzZ7nh2wIey9TrrbU0z_GYUn9t-WhGkWpRxDDPIv9_AgiOEto8OPzfl0TTf7qvI5zl5KLnAE/s640/blogger-image-2043668426.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I've been really diligent about working out again lately. Mostly because I accidentally signed up for the Houston Marathon. Yes, accidentally. When we moved, the Houston Marathon utilized a lottery system. I convinced myself to tackle my bucket list goal of running a full marathon with the justification that I probably wouldn't even get in. Imagine my surprise when I immediately got a "congratulations; you're registered" email. Apparently the lottery system has gone away and I need to be better about reading before making a purchase. </div><div><br></div><div>I've been taking an intense spin class over the last few weeks in the hope of getting rid of the leg pain that has plagued me for the last few running seasons. I ran for the first time in a bit on Saturday and was so excited to have no leg pain and to shave 3 minutes off my mile time. Hard work really does pay off! I am loving the results I'm seeing from working out but there are some things I don't love. </div><div><br></div><div>1) Laundry. Not only do I have to shower and change clothes several times a day, but I also have to keep washing my workout clothes.</div><div><br></div><div>2) Clothes. Actually doing workouts in my workout clothes means my choices for lounge wear are limited. I guess I need more yoga pants. I take classes with the same people, so I also have to make sure not to repeat outfits too often. </div><div><br></div><div>3) Pain. Part of me loves being sore because I feel like I've accomplished something, but then I have to sit down and I no longer love being sore. </div><div><br></div><div>4)Addiction. Not only is it addicting to get my endorphins going, to earn points for working out with my employer (that can be spent on things like purses, gift cards, etc.) but now I keep finding things to sign up for. Marathon: check. Training group for the marathon: check. 10 million shorter races between now and January: probably check. </div><div><br></div><div>5)Heat. Probably my least favorite thing about working out right now is our geographic location. The Texas heat has me whining and missing Alaska daily.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FNp27X6YIxceVMKHzU6KEvGIxasjk5-kW6bZHe10M1SuVaDh8LHIRdNyyT0Dy5ytk1p5nBL9bkjqYJ_AH8sBUQxsiQej_Y_6vTCcrCu1uSmGsWwiqxavO4mXj1FSM4UQCzAZKSx937bP/s640/blogger-image--419090769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FNp27X6YIxceVMKHzU6KEvGIxasjk5-kW6bZHe10M1SuVaDh8LHIRdNyyT0Dy5ytk1p5nBL9bkjqYJ_AH8sBUQxsiQej_Y_6vTCcrCu1uSmGsWwiqxavO4mXj1FSM4UQCzAZKSx937bP/s640/blogger-image--419090769.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Before and after: workout edition </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-51051565243993259022016-05-23T16:00:00.001-08:002016-05-23T19:44:12.444-08:00Celebrating: 2 Minutes of FameHowdy stranger. Good to see you again. To be honest, I'm impressed I even remembered the password to this blog. Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement since my last post. My family is still in the midst of some pretty hard stuff but we're trusting God's plan and know that He works all things for good. <div>
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Now that the deep stuff is out of the way, let's talk about my minutes of fame. Nathanial celebrated his 26th birthday a few weeks ago. I was determined to make the day as festive as possible from sun up to sun down. We had his favorite breakfast, we had the from scratch cake he requested <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and then we had so much fun with friends. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8i2uGgNIYXiLj8Gtnvyo8NP2CZkxUAmXwaGPD9Aad3eyCGyA1XqyCkkpX5OrWB_QK3Ci-IJqe5cMyvb8wQgzpC5TejnY6CzqzzhXEUWbxmNn_liqzyxznOJcUmlLeOj9L-AxP2cSL9OU/s640/blogger-image-1858867764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8i2uGgNIYXiLj8Gtnvyo8NP2CZkxUAmXwaGPD9Aad3eyCGyA1XqyCkkpX5OrWB_QK3Ci-IJqe5cMyvb8wQgzpC5TejnY6CzqzzhXEUWbxmNn_liqzyxznOJcUmlLeOj9L-AxP2cSL9OU/s640/blogger-image-1858867764.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>I surprised Nathanial with tickets to opening day for a local baseball team and really surprised him when some of his best friends showed up. </div><div><br></div><div>This is the mascot, not his friends. ;)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6i_9OLMF2nyBlo93ygTofOQA58sJvqnY7yeNVPblZEjYfO-ttwieRdPF4wfUOKIKw87EsYWOnZj-kxbAil4dHyKQjrDBa3-V0rSg5n6AWChOPzt-f6gfCc14lBC0KaNRW8GwHcQTjFPp/s640/blogger-image--717367937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6i_9OLMF2nyBlo93ygTofOQA58sJvqnY7yeNVPblZEjYfO-ttwieRdPF4wfUOKIKw87EsYWOnZj-kxbAil4dHyKQjrDBa3-V0rSg5n6AWChOPzt-f6gfCc14lBC0KaNRW8GwHcQTjFPp/s640/blogger-image--717367937.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But the biggest surprise of the night was when the birthday boy and I were picked to play a game during the 7th inning.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YM18YfMF00PVg9mBPI3kxKgXOQVXH4f8IAdGP4XYDfnlsA9SglCoQ0-NA_hRbtsv8oVnC0GtzwR-2N13q4Ok6TbdKsWaaRixRllikuOrioAujkiyv02AOLoY9awdeArH_YlD6eqGSaZ1/s640/blogger-image-1363243316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YM18YfMF00PVg9mBPI3kxKgXOQVXH4f8IAdGP4XYDfnlsA9SglCoQ0-NA_hRbtsv8oVnC0GtzwR-2N13q4Ok6TbdKsWaaRixRllikuOrioAujkiyv02AOLoY9awdeArH_YlD6eqGSaZ1/s640/blogger-image-1363243316.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We lucked out and got to play a drawing game and not some of the other crazier activities happening between innings. I wouldn't have been so excited if we had to wear chicken suits or play musical port-a-potties. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We climbed up on the dugout and each of us had to draw the team's logo on a giant easel while a timer was going. Once time was up, the crowd voted with applause for the best drawing. I was too competitive to let Nathanial win but I did write Happy Birthday on my picture. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5AftsGMZn3HB2h4bQ1BzEh1jOa9du447Xe5A0_vev3PVnMswB5bWu4FXat2shVkZMcATP0f8hBwgALine-1l6mvODizm_chmymPl3Oh0QesoGhBYAhrJlpOpaOPV83phqqPElbYqaFBr/s640/blogger-image--1271722909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5AftsGMZn3HB2h4bQ1BzEh1jOa9du447Xe5A0_vev3PVnMswB5bWu4FXat2shVkZMcATP0f8hBwgALine-1l6mvODizm_chmymPl3Oh0QesoGhBYAhrJlpOpaOPV83phqqPElbYqaFBr/s640/blogger-image--1271722909.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Skeeters won the game and we ended the night with an awesome fireworks show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLUYNnSALY69M7F_HN7qyMp4zoc8E0RZCCojaVyKwZ2fra1AsbNjml78-SRx8qKi9e80_PmI4PgSMEVwK0idxf3d4y3ikpcq89Xe3RHKRktbh6VzV4Tfp3XhoswMOQkB_q66cASYwy3vI/s640/blogger-image--721527513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLUYNnSALY69M7F_HN7qyMp4zoc8E0RZCCojaVyKwZ2fra1AsbNjml78-SRx8qKi9e80_PmI4PgSMEVwK0idxf3d4y3ikpcq89Xe3RHKRktbh6VzV4Tfp3XhoswMOQkB_q66cASYwy3vI/s640/blogger-image--721527513.jpg"></a></div> </div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I wasn't able to cross Kiss Cam off my bucket list but this was nearly as good. </font></div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-36087454268895452552016-04-18T22:20:00.001-08:002016-04-18T22:20:17.144-08:00When Things Are HardI haven't posted much since the move. Life in Texas is a lot less unique than our time in Alaska and frankly it's been pretty tough too. It's been hard for me to find the words to write. <div><br></div><div>Nathanial lost his job a little over a month ago. It wasn't completely unexpected given the current climate in oil and gas but that didn't make it any easier. I have been looking for a position since we moved and nothing seemed to be working out. We suddenly found ourselves both out of work. In the midst of that, some serious health stuff came up with my dad. </div><div><br></div><div>At the end of last week, I accepted a job offer, so things feel like they are looking up. While I wouldn't volunteer for more hard stuff, I am thankful for the growth that I have experienced through all of this. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's what I learned about when things are hard:</div><div><br></div><div>* Have Faith</div><div>Even on the hardest days, I had knew I could trust in my relationship with God. Certain scriptures really spoke to me and gave me comfort. </div><div><br></div><div>"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Lamentations 3:22</div><div><br></div><div>"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3</div><div><br></div><div>Above all, I was able to trust that God's ways are better than my ways and that His plan was beyond anything I could imagine. Drawing closer to Him gave me peace and hope. </div><div><br></div><div>* Look for the Blessing</div><div>This situation has shown me that no matter the circumstance, you can find the good in it. Not working meant lots of free time. I was able to spend more time with family and friends and lots of time practicing hobbies. N and I have perfected the art of cooking ribs and my calligraphy has really improved. </div><div><br></div><div>* Surround Yourself with Good People</div><div>It hasn't been easy for me to talk about what has been happening. Regardless of how anti-social I was, some incredible people poured into me during this time. Countless calls, texts and prayers occurred. It was such an encouragement to know we weren't facing anything alone. </div><div><br></div><div>* Attitude Matters</div><div>Bad things will happen. How you respond is what shows your character. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-67767461427949170182016-02-18T12:47:00.000-09:002016-02-18T13:00:47.387-09:00Flourishing (Learning to write pretty)At Christmas, Nathanial and my mother-in-law teamed up to surprise me with a calligraphy class I've been wanting to take. I've been following a professional calligrapher on Instagram for a few years now but couldn't take a class because we were in Alaska and her classes were mostly in Texas. She books up pretty fast so Nathanial scheduled me for a February class and last week it finally happened. It was such an incredible experience!<div>
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The class was during the evening in Fort Worth so we took the opportunity to explore a bit during the day. We stopped at the Perot Museum in Dallas on the way. It was easily the most fun museum I've been to. It was chock full of interactive exhibits - my personal favorite was in the sports hall where you got to race an animal or athlete. Both Nathanial and I are faster than a t-rex :)</div>
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After fun exploring and a great dinner, it was time to head to class. I was a little apprehensive about what to expect. Would I be good at it? Would I be the only person attending alone? I had no reason to be nervous; the teacher was incredible and the ladies at my table were so sweet! The class lasted over three hours and a new hobby was born. I've been practicing several hours a day since.</div>
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It's been about a week and I've already gone through:</div>
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6 nibs, 1 pot of ink and lots of paper.</div>
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I've written the alphabet, names, song lyrics, random words and lots of Bible verses. </div>
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For a few days, I kept writing "pickle" over and over again because my p and k needed some work. </div>
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Want to help me practice? Leave something in the comments I can write for you. Favorite verse, movie quote - name it and I'll write it!</div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-55611593181218819302016-02-08T19:38:00.001-09:002016-02-08T19:38:37.103-09:00I'm a SurvivorEveryone is complaining about how much food they ate yesterday. Not me. I guess that's one benefit of the Whole 30. I survived a Super Bowl party with plantain chips and La Croix. <div><br></div><div>Want to know what else survived the weekend? My flash drive. I had a major freak out on Friday afternoon when my laptop got knocked over with my flash drive inside. The tip of my flash drive, which happened to contain important and irreplaceable files from my career, broke off. </div><div><br></div><div>Brilliant husband to the rescue. </div><div><br></div><div>Nathanial mentioned it could be salvaged with some quick soldering. A trip to Radio Shack and Lowe's later and we were in business. </div><div><br></div><div>Of course Nathanial didn't tell me until after he was finished that he was never very good at soldering. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_7x9QHqidkZCdy8_4M3syUPtvyuDaNdnppSz-TTBi300OgsxHOnQ4Cml1X5k8IYCiNYL7tLyk_QTtAUeTGFiflxzqiejEn56a-JqFYacBaZ9R2-8dJ9075YDDYLTjpWWlHU0vNZeOzQR/s640/blogger-image--1182538854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_7x9QHqidkZCdy8_4M3syUPtvyuDaNdnppSz-TTBi300OgsxHOnQ4Cml1X5k8IYCiNYL7tLyk_QTtAUeTGFiflxzqiejEn56a-JqFYacBaZ9R2-8dJ9075YDDYLTjpWWlHU0vNZeOzQR/s640/blogger-image--1182538854.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I don't think many things exist that he's not good at. I'm happy to report the files were retrieved and backed up. </div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-38393048503723639032016-02-02T08:30:00.001-09:002016-02-02T08:45:33.389-09:00Two Years Down. A Lifetime to Go.Nathanial and I celebrated our SECOND wedding anniversary on Sunday. We opted for something a little more low key because I'm doing the Whole 30 (more on that in a future post) and Nathanial's arms still have a ways to go from last weekend's accident. We'll take a trip to further celebrate in the next few months after things calm down work wise. <div><br></div><div>The traditional theme for the second year gift is cotton.</div><div><br></div><div>I stuck with the theme and opted to make a basket. I had an item for each letter of cotton (t is for tickets) along with some actual cotton items. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o2OZsBAFH4ttLFfWlY01lQ1PmRrRWYccu3sOYvBiB_qa4LhLzsq2R2HLlc6nthoiL-ZXOrDfglfc3748pb4CfkJ_jqGLD_nELPCDufCM49nIWSvS0uaGyFXJSdVnigL2FpabHq8kTxeY/s640/blogger-image--875533008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o2OZsBAFH4ttLFfWlY01lQ1PmRrRWYccu3sOYvBiB_qa4LhLzsq2R2HLlc6nthoiL-ZXOrDfglfc3748pb4CfkJ_jqGLD_nELPCDufCM49nIWSvS0uaGyFXJSdVnigL2FpabHq8kTxeY/s640/blogger-image--875533008.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Nathanial didn't really embrace the theme at all but got me something that's been at the top of my wish list for a while- a ladder bookshelf. </div><div><br></div><div>I love it! It's the perfect addition to my office/ craft room. Now all that room needs is a new paint job. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbyEIRRG759-8wI9TqDXJ3vRTHeyzKT_BXbw0T1WKQZHAP546S_ndBRlkoN30nPq_cE6pQk0xXq2L8sdGUMqBtzYsBe6MVKW4hyms5pV-4t8o3S2pPguQz1BwwXXPBdm3rZ_RJuZavPC4/s640/blogger-image-1271670100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbyEIRRG759-8wI9TqDXJ3vRTHeyzKT_BXbw0T1WKQZHAP546S_ndBRlkoN30nPq_cE6pQk0xXq2L8sdGUMqBtzYsBe6MVKW4hyms5pV-4t8o3S2pPguQz1BwwXXPBdm3rZ_RJuZavPC4/s640/blogger-image-1271670100.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Nathanial fixed an incredible dinner. Lamb isn't something I eat often, but if it's always that good, I may need to add it to the rotation. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFVwegYNG-7Fh_dwK2nhNoKYb7SCLLZfadu9td_cbHM3M6K6lirItapBMLVDmWZyN5pbL16IPJ8eahhyphenhyphenLn9K_Fmrxf9303UBfI2XTkqhyt_yBfomuymP8-j8QQ82KCtkJOuP8axF8fmG0/s640/blogger-image--451435184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFVwegYNG-7Fh_dwK2nhNoKYb7SCLLZfadu9td_cbHM3M6K6lirItapBMLVDmWZyN5pbL16IPJ8eahhyphenhyphenLn9K_Fmrxf9303UBfI2XTkqhyt_yBfomuymP8-j8QQ82KCtkJOuP8axF8fmG0/s640/blogger-image--451435184.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyoYfgyq53Odng_qyoFsFF3hxVJW8rQMHOIEYwzRlLLCwWeHTQc3emJrQevtGcy0ilbznsrxIvtyhiiphvVlaQTImum1oPThtyOXSIiL7O10Rw0GgH8SCm7rvk9U6eoCiFo4CIs75vf3y/s640/blogger-image--561275480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyoYfgyq53Odng_qyoFsFF3hxVJW8rQMHOIEYwzRlLLCwWeHTQc3emJrQevtGcy0ilbznsrxIvtyhiiphvVlaQTImum1oPThtyOXSIiL7O10Rw0GgH8SCm7rvk9U6eoCiFo4CIs75vf3y/s640/blogger-image--561275480.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We capped off the evening by watching our wedding video and then Rambo because marriage is all about balance. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's to many more years of married bliss and adventures! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqABgHG8PRF2_adsoATrDRqBMx7j1fwfEwJThKEcOyKFUVpSUzkNnofz9-FMDizk02LEP4wlPzerhnQ2CZBrMaqpn9LQkgvtXOAh6G8XCL6QqE4kP6OMt4W6sNK-f7SSHzSsFpNraNkf7/s640/blogger-image-276855181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqABgHG8PRF2_adsoATrDRqBMx7j1fwfEwJThKEcOyKFUVpSUzkNnofz9-FMDizk02LEP4wlPzerhnQ2CZBrMaqpn9LQkgvtXOAh6G8XCL6QqE4kP6OMt4W6sNK-f7SSHzSsFpNraNkf7/s640/blogger-image-276855181.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-58667129403516284802016-01-26T17:33:00.001-09:002016-01-26T17:33:17.369-09:00When A Good Weekend Goes BadThe weather this weekend was beautiful so we decided to head up to the property in Huntsville. It's always a welcome change to spend time outdoors soaking up the sunshine and Nathanial is able to let off some steam by doing manly things like ripping down fences. <div><br></div><div>There are several large piles that needed to be burned so we figured that would be a good way to kickoff the day. </div><div><br></div><div>Nathanial got the area ready by cutting up a huge dead tree, mowing the grass, etc. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAG3N6NFbgXNax2eARsoBEllWj_72KcsaftinGAMLQsthvBR8dvO-yG_88tyhaI2PUIOZtmzsBdRqcnGlVXet0_zgPn7gph0tr3CSkypdgbzVFk1zmzN34wKKcfcRw5J9qL7gwhcc68v2/s640/blogger-image-1604255174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAG3N6NFbgXNax2eARsoBEllWj_72KcsaftinGAMLQsthvBR8dvO-yG_88tyhaI2PUIOZtmzsBdRqcnGlVXet0_zgPn7gph0tr3CSkypdgbzVFk1zmzN34wKKcfcRw5J9qL7gwhcc68v2/s640/blogger-image-1604255174.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I loved seeing him and my dad together.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykONiUbSZlB8kh37tJlnhlP6ftGybbCOcGJZcrtuRK6N1RGM2U4snC5eG7VhsZb4HxxWq9gc9ypbkBJOsIboeJbLgjO3WJhyqlHDB6L03XraLGWvxHBZWPMYFjOvNC3hOzKGZhEWcTqsN/s640/blogger-image-1617885037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykONiUbSZlB8kh37tJlnhlP6ftGybbCOcGJZcrtuRK6N1RGM2U4snC5eG7VhsZb4HxxWq9gc9ypbkBJOsIboeJbLgjO3WJhyqlHDB6L03XraLGWvxHBZWPMYFjOvNC3hOzKGZhEWcTqsN/s640/blogger-image-1617885037.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The fire started pretty quickly but some of the larger parts weren't going. Nathanial headed over to add some gasoline to the fire. </div><div><br></div><div>What happened next is a blur. I remember a large whoosh sound and seeing a big fireball.</div><div><br></div><div>Nathanial took off running amid screams from my dad and I. At first he seemed to be fine but when he started pouring a case of bottled water on himself, I knew it wasn't good. </div><div><br></div><div>His arms turned red and then gray pretty quickly, so he agreed to go the emergency room. They got us right in and began the process of trying to stop the burning. His face and arms were burned pretty badly. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkYS9YLJVcnfvBkdF7H6g25S5VSrwd2W9lvM0RkLw8cikmZYQ1ZzxrjjlL9SAqCRhkWjPf1AL2lCjr32FAazQic_Oz9kpHIOnpMunLVu-QwIVCkTTpQjFm-UVvLGcDXpe6i-FgDfW8FD2/s640/blogger-image-662298514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkYS9YLJVcnfvBkdF7H6g25S5VSrwd2W9lvM0RkLw8cikmZYQ1ZzxrjjlL9SAqCRhkWjPf1AL2lCjr32FAazQic_Oz9kpHIOnpMunLVu-QwIVCkTTpQjFm-UVvLGcDXpe6i-FgDfW8FD2/s640/blogger-image-662298514.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'm not a great crisis wife to begin with and when the nurse started talking about the worst case scenarios, I lost it. I was crying so loudly she asked what she could do for me. I wanted to say stop terrifying me, but instead just pulled myself together. </div><div><br></div><div>We spent the next few hours at the E.R. Once his skin was cooled down, they applied burn cream and bandaged him up. They gave us some supplies for the rest of the week along with good instructions on how to care for the burns. </div><div><br></div><div>It is evident God protected Nathanial given the amount of hair burned off around his head and his complete lack of eyelashes. We are so incredibly thankful. </div><div>It could have been so much worse.</div><div><br></div><div>Nathanial has handled everything extremely well. No whining and minimal wincing when the burn cream is applied. He's a trooper. He has even managed to make it to work all week. Today has been his highest pain level because parts of his skin are really stiff and other parts are raw. Please pray for his continued healing and that there will be no complications or infections. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-81040121081490296972016-01-10T19:02:00.001-09:002016-01-16T15:06:16.765-09:00The Big EasyIt's a good thing I didn't resolve to blog more this year since I've gone 10 days without posting. <div><br></div><div>Hope your year is off to a great start! </div><div><br></div><div>We rang in the new year from New Orleans, from the comfort of our "boutique" hotel room because we're an old married couple and still jaded about large crowds. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuonKGqOUv3NgcPTeUaVtdCqH6Tx5xIe1cRmHJjXjndb8LWNQhQhy756VC9PXAchrXGWaQAmVlpG-kkFFCjVcg-7gVx1WsuGWI5qsDvFLH_VFZOmxHGUrg-cYuYvKesm5g8vhJ3jj8bii1/s640/blogger-image--1245145116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuonKGqOUv3NgcPTeUaVtdCqH6Tx5xIe1cRmHJjXjndb8LWNQhQhy756VC9PXAchrXGWaQAmVlpG-kkFFCjVcg-7gVx1WsuGWI5qsDvFLH_VFZOmxHGUrg-cYuYvKesm5g8vhJ3jj8bii1/s640/blogger-image--1245145116.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>As Nathanial puts it, our trip to Louisiana was great minus the few hours we spent at the Sugar Bowl. Ah the life of an OSU fan. </div><div><br></div><div>We got into New Orleans the afternoon of New Year's Eve. We drove around the French Quarter for nearly an hour trying to find a parking spot so we could see the parade. We finally decided to check into our hotel and then ride the street car over to the parade. There wasn't much in the way of signage so we were lucky to hop on the right route. The street car was jam packed with people. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLmhzL7uyIokRZ6NY6pL1ffF3JR0ojyVzIlimAfGYgowtRJpHN8gvv9QAGQThlrAmO4Kr42DR1HY3KGsAag_Rn25TIO-Y9lOXzKj6_EShwQouM8J0QDeiN2ciyfbaB3C09Q7rDLO_044K/s640/blogger-image-102844515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLmhzL7uyIokRZ6NY6pL1ffF3JR0ojyVzIlimAfGYgowtRJpHN8gvv9QAGQThlrAmO4Kr42DR1HY3KGsAag_Rn25TIO-Y9lOXzKj6_EShwQouM8J0QDeiN2ciyfbaB3C09Q7rDLO_044K/s640/blogger-image-102844515.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The parade was short but so fun. My favorite parts were the local bands. They definitely had swagger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsJ5gmFGoeoWisg6rKVZJk0jfxKKTdx8Ibz0FVz_JD-hsimV7AgeKofa7GwAx0NOTcEKmMTDU_8P_CQOLEj4XliwjMCCNL1GY5u2-H-VRtxcVYBwb8D1CEO8LoXU9_inIaBtJHPOw-FVK/s640/blogger-image--960267909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsJ5gmFGoeoWisg6rKVZJk0jfxKKTdx8Ibz0FVz_JD-hsimV7AgeKofa7GwAx0NOTcEKmMTDU_8P_CQOLEj4XliwjMCCNL1GY5u2-H-VRtxcVYBwb8D1CEO8LoXU9_inIaBtJHPOw-FVK/s640/blogger-image--960267909.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the parade, we met up with some of Nathanial's college friends to catch the end of the OU game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We headed back to our room after dinner. We used Uber for the first time and it was a great experience! We even missed the surge pricing because we headed back so early. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our hotel was labeled as a botique hotel but apparently that just means super tiny room. It was fine for the short time we were in the city but I wouldn't recommend it for a long stay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We tried to do all the touristy things before the game Friday. We had beignets at Cafe Du Monde. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf-teziUcRxJLfg_MMc1js_nWQf6Vygltf0fGLDLCC94EZY2fAC1CYNPyyN_zHNLC48es0BvN0iBOIbH2otNcXPD-l4CydiL9cQR9D9KtaCJ6qeKEtavl2LEGAOeVyHb7rMlC_M2ZMoje/s640/blogger-image--916421775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf-teziUcRxJLfg_MMc1js_nWQf6Vygltf0fGLDLCC94EZY2fAC1CYNPyyN_zHNLC48es0BvN0iBOIbH2otNcXPD-l4CydiL9cQR9D9KtaCJ6qeKEtavl2LEGAOeVyHb7rMlC_M2ZMoje/s640/blogger-image--916421775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-7Skmu8W28QWrIqDH91Jlh5S_gkLKmuWvYUPeTPPXH93YU_arDgCHfKHaa_zkjz-KeZDBz-G8DMlp8AwReT1z74eMn6GwqO7HuyP-cQhql4la85u8iSzQEmGcnk48V2id2_Dv_aY8e_a/s640/blogger-image--1319767173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-7Skmu8W28QWrIqDH91Jlh5S_gkLKmuWvYUPeTPPXH93YU_arDgCHfKHaa_zkjz-KeZDBz-G8DMlp8AwReT1z74eMn6GwqO7HuyP-cQhql4la85u8iSzQEmGcnk48V2id2_Dv_aY8e_a/s640/blogger-image--1319767173.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We walked around the shops of the market and surrounding French Quarter. Our best finds were a Sugar Bowl ornament and some yummy beef jerky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had lunch at Mr. B's as recommended by my brother who frequents New Orleands for work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Subl6iG0Ra5q81tVjPpAQnUW3bd925kfSx1vULXyR8J8RS1xPhLVCdEpcTtYu3bQ4JIgFbYOiHJUihtIwVitL4UyE1szz78Ab5IN2Vbkv9yCUXfWgfbdAdxP1A-fyGBHWNC70x3US2XP/s640/blogger-image-523782612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Subl6iG0Ra5q81tVjPpAQnUW3bd925kfSx1vULXyR8J8RS1xPhLVCdEpcTtYu3bQ4JIgFbYOiHJUihtIwVitL4UyE1szz78Ab5IN2Vbkv9yCUXfWgfbdAdxP1A-fyGBHWNC70x3US2XP/s640/blogger-image-523782612.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had the shrimp. It was so messy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Nathanial got the bourbon pork chop and had a much better dining experience. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjBn1BJ7JRc3R95Ag04KADfbGf_2zQ_qbyLJNu1CtA8ew0tIr1UoDfJV7PZwSCp5a9SMyYHRqYfgwQ-Ka1KoA3zVl7eE4FlnwAtjxNX3otvld_YVb7muHq7pgf2srcfc01U8udFdD9v77/s640/blogger-image--2124969409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjBn1BJ7JRc3R95Ag04KADfbGf_2zQ_qbyLJNu1CtA8ew0tIr1UoDfJV7PZwSCp5a9SMyYHRqYfgwQ-Ka1KoA3zVl7eE4FlnwAtjxNX3otvld_YVb7muHq7pgf2srcfc01U8udFdD9v77/s640/blogger-image--2124969409.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We spent time after lunch exploring the city and then it was finally time for the game. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was raining pretty hard so we used Uber again. There was a pretty long line to get into the Superdome. Nathanial forgot he had his pocket knife on him and got scolded and had to throw it away before we could go inside. Criminal. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWpyLAPniXXV6srBrA8affDGNxfsic7H_q65Ld-ojX2o7kDw1C4tB9vE7fk5Vlzio1eNbKpZ-mOH2MIDpK7-LwgpAaBY7t2VCHr2O1HI3Rr2-Lk8EE2ehAGyvUVPGFFHkkEHA3aIxd4KU/s640/blogger-image-80969857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWpyLAPniXXV6srBrA8affDGNxfsic7H_q65Ld-ojX2o7kDw1C4tB9vE7fk5Vlzio1eNbKpZ-mOH2MIDpK7-LwgpAaBY7t2VCHr2O1HI3Rr2-Lk8EE2ehAGyvUVPGFFHkkEHA3aIxd4KU/s640/blogger-image-80969857.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our seats were on the 50 yard line. Despite the blowout, it was still a fun game. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs73Dbdf55UeiF938zN_OV7_AXWLrNpzPWKQnrnnruWqQgMeQMJU-sVQ67jFp62c-9D1mAcF74ouBCad50r1lrDDMp08-JyFsF-1hoq6UQBkm4EGSPky9veykwPHf0hVp9NisGcdXpPDS4/s640/blogger-image--1262197608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs73Dbdf55UeiF938zN_OV7_AXWLrNpzPWKQnrnnruWqQgMeQMJU-sVQ67jFp62c-9D1mAcF74ouBCad50r1lrDDMp08-JyFsF-1hoq6UQBkm4EGSPky9veykwPHf0hVp9NisGcdXpPDS4/s640/blogger-image--1262197608.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z-EitAiXsWk6rgFG_WU7yA4oynPGHv9UMdxAKWMHNF-IzmVLEa1njw2kion5qAn_ycaEKQxmnmOBMn1hv7JKhhkkG6Bb4-SedIxDPPO5xXPySGzR0maZRFqiUXTWlT4B2VsLs2y1NPcw/s640/blogger-image--1308901893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z-EitAiXsWk6rgFG_WU7yA4oynPGHv9UMdxAKWMHNF-IzmVLEa1njw2kion5qAn_ycaEKQxmnmOBMn1hv7JKhhkkG6Bb4-SedIxDPPO5xXPySGzR0maZRFqiUXTWlT4B2VsLs2y1NPcw/s640/blogger-image--1308901893.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We didn't get back from the game until after midnight so we had a pretty leisurely start to the day on Saturday. We decided to stop by the Oak Alley Plantation on our way home. It was my favorite part of the trip!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MP-sa0qCjiLuXWbx5r6FrPuxmIOs2awXdbAYPR_GlwOy0GqTECMAXYDhCKcnPLCY_trNcXi5z1ffxblchPu9VldyewYCLXNTkwM7RB3NcC5v_91_AGDqYSpFjMSVLsnK7mXyucmzcgDk/s640/blogger-image-728582146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MP-sa0qCjiLuXWbx5r6FrPuxmIOs2awXdbAYPR_GlwOy0GqTECMAXYDhCKcnPLCY_trNcXi5z1ffxblchPu9VldyewYCLXNTkwM7RB3NcC5v_91_AGDqYSpFjMSVLsnK7mXyucmzcgDk/s640/blogger-image-728582146.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiUL6KCkdSZvunSwFm7QWs4yHqqWrhJbLcb7KIV5K1Jsp2SkUGKrQjPfFr8HDYtVeedy4JMAost2IoFPMzRLHwPsaj55yMGVprZ_zWAl7XLhrAk3Q_uqXgTXjTb8kizrPm01ch037StYu/s640/blogger-image--1536749360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiUL6KCkdSZvunSwFm7QWs4yHqqWrhJbLcb7KIV5K1Jsp2SkUGKrQjPfFr8HDYtVeedy4JMAost2IoFPMzRLHwPsaj55yMGVprZ_zWAl7XLhrAk3Q_uqXgTXjTb8kizrPm01ch037StYu/s640/blogger-image--1536749360.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtv56MixnfC5gsKh6PamXv0QLnQhvl5mbmDUuh6zn8lj0IzvOw0xHjQ6YzSCl0SgvwdC8EazBgqD2J-IC32bazZAXWokNgD93cvTgtfROiJ_0JA99BxZARqplt0OHnk4sr_lhYF60xtvH/s640/blogger-image--1581093833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtv56MixnfC5gsKh6PamXv0QLnQhvl5mbmDUuh6zn8lj0IzvOw0xHjQ6YzSCl0SgvwdC8EazBgqD2J-IC32bazZAXWokNgD93cvTgtfROiJ_0JA99BxZARqplt0OHnk4sr_lhYF60xtvH/s640/blogger-image--1581093833.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The tour was fascinating. I was especially impressed by the cedar wood surround that was painted by French artists to look like marble. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvTp-QKVpCV9pCoqfgkij8Qw4zdTqIJlQf7Eh0vWwSDG03IqDkrGFZ_tPrfhm-JXWu57BGnF1QkWk0qcxYt839vYWxA3O-ycYAjzMPJrjWiuB-ILBDMgZLcYrKaDBusizsXEWGqiK_gbz/s640/blogger-image-477024703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvTp-QKVpCV9pCoqfgkij8Qw4zdTqIJlQf7Eh0vWwSDG03IqDkrGFZ_tPrfhm-JXWu57BGnF1QkWk0qcxYt839vYWxA3O-ycYAjzMPJrjWiuB-ILBDMgZLcYrKaDBusizsXEWGqiK_gbz/s640/blogger-image-477024703.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Nathanial also took Monday off so we rounded out the weekend with some time outdoors at the family property. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Some Mondays aren't so bad!</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a4ppJ8VTlE_mz1j5j0Kx2UK8lgpkC5bVDuAS6KB3EDEdGe1VZCtA476fkx968FHrXgJu_ydMSUo9XfaOfjyq44DP2wYOB0tKj2qpsM1z59l3psaWPEKhdFJxROzcy7_hnEE2LNZvIVEJ/s640/blogger-image--275765547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a4ppJ8VTlE_mz1j5j0Kx2UK8lgpkC5bVDuAS6KB3EDEdGe1VZCtA476fkx968FHrXgJu_ydMSUo9XfaOfjyq44DP2wYOB0tKj2qpsM1z59l3psaWPEKhdFJxROzcy7_hnEE2LNZvIVEJ/s640/blogger-image--275765547.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-62202141372789436752015-12-31T10:15:00.001-09:002015-12-31T19:46:47.067-09:002015 - The Year of Alaska<div>I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> can't believe it's New Year's Eve. This year has flown by! </span></div><div><br></div><div>The last few years, we've gotten in the habit of finding a word or phrase to characterize the year. This year was definitely the year of Alaska. When we moved there, I had no idea what to expect. And when we suddenly moved back to Texas, I had no idea how much I would miss Alaska. It has a piece of my heart. And always will. It's no surprise that my best memories of the year came from living in Alaska. </div><div><br></div><div>I thought it would be fun to do a short recap of fun happenings from each month this year. </div><div><br></div><div>January - </div><div>We celebrated our first anniversary at the Hotel Alyeska. Nathanial pulled out all the stops and had so many surprises for me during the weekend. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjQaoRmBZuu6YqL_8p0WZC9g4BKganYwcdi0Tg4YWu4tfLwI2rmgbE0-plgYawZAc1s4x4GV0_CqpzTcInQvdVhm1pqcMkPpbut7nAS6FwyHz-yJPhkgJffxObtCA7ltG6PZNWAlDOwW4/s640/blogger-image-307417447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjQaoRmBZuu6YqL_8p0WZC9g4BKganYwcdi0Tg4YWu4tfLwI2rmgbE0-plgYawZAc1s4x4GV0_CqpzTcInQvdVhm1pqcMkPpbut7nAS6FwyHz-yJPhkgJffxObtCA7ltG6PZNWAlDOwW4/s640/blogger-image-307417447.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">February - I ran my first freezing 5k. Let's be honest, I did it for the scarf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxNjiWpLvbjuQe58NG-IEiKmPTZ6SL375Bo3Yb2I5aL4mwlK5vvVIBiYcNNBlPC7ZHfJNjisrv8pXoH0-WuCNuYEIQ_IAEZraIADbWWA3CQfXzODoLrQ-uDeYGDAK36pjJ-lYm3zqIurw/s640/blogger-image-912717023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxNjiWpLvbjuQe58NG-IEiKmPTZ6SL375Bo3Yb2I5aL4mwlK5vvVIBiYcNNBlPC7ZHfJNjisrv8pXoH0-WuCNuYEIQ_IAEZraIADbWWA3CQfXzODoLrQ-uDeYGDAK36pjJ-lYm3zqIurw/s640/blogger-image-912717023.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">March -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So much happened in March. We got to experience the Iditarod and all the events that went along with Fur Rondy. My favorite was running with the reindeer. It was incredible! I also ran a St. Patrick's 5k. It was -3 at the start and my hair froze. The sunroof on my car randomly exploded as I was going down the highway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3_1v3vdU7LxDRZEQyXF2-TBm3_MCRjgSErZW0UII68OBSRowSnb42Jk2PM-SZPCe8EKHbexCFYIFaj1XR2tQjTSdwOJXBI-cPLBGWoRkJVqHGcWVj5WlMgrGnbesjtTdb5HwheXG7nka/s640/blogger-image-285678809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3_1v3vdU7LxDRZEQyXF2-TBm3_MCRjgSErZW0UII68OBSRowSnb42Jk2PM-SZPCe8EKHbexCFYIFaj1XR2tQjTSdwOJXBI-cPLBGWoRkJVqHGcWVj5WlMgrGnbesjtTdb5HwheXG7nka/s640/blogger-image-285678809.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">April - We celebrated Easter, Nathanial's birthday and I ran another 5k. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNgz_kQEKiUiybksm3fxBjOG_onIWhjBbGIbN0fe9Nah0vK3iMe_yedL6emRs06eTzqvk_E4pXQSVar_RQceY6C-12XvAIcfUMZKwmgfbsHiElwkzGUUaQ3tmqdLz_WD84SucSFFg-N28/s640/blogger-image--1050307334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNgz_kQEKiUiybksm3fxBjOG_onIWhjBbGIbN0fe9Nah0vK3iMe_yedL6emRs06eTzqvk_E4pXQSVar_RQceY6C-12XvAIcfUMZKwmgfbsHiElwkzGUUaQ3tmqdLz_WD84SucSFFg-N28/s640/blogger-image--1050307334.jpg"></a></div><br></div>May - The lights went out while we were attending a performance of Sister Act. This is also the month my running training group started. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGySkTpxaF_VBVvMhiDoJBw5RnwXpMXSntFCNWRj-bCYrGa544K43k3JLxwfiOdS255mDaXIsIgkoIXBJEl59LXy5O9NAcK-_tgzn9zd1hFVSKab9ezDxR2o0S55ifLvGYT8w2X7EuBq29/s640/blogger-image--19221331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGySkTpxaF_VBVvMhiDoJBw5RnwXpMXSntFCNWRj-bCYrGa544K43k3JLxwfiOdS255mDaXIsIgkoIXBJEl59LXy5O9NAcK-_tgzn9zd1hFVSKab9ezDxR2o0S55ifLvGYT8w2X7EuBq29/s640/blogger-image--19221331.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">June - This is the month we got the most sunlight. We took full advantage by replanting our flower bed at midnight and watching a baseball game that didn't start until 10 p.m. I ran a 12k. My parents came to visit in the midst of a heat wave. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_c_z9-1MS2U4AIaVASu9u_4irzoJd2YkX2vp53byhwat-9IqWbja7hRjopajZNREfQNfnENthEI8pDYg-8QOMwPEzNGtw9bdaZ3oqsUL4jjYD6ge-lJ7SYuJ6t8kKw3lUxNXGRvydSNC/s640/blogger-image--767367538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_c_z9-1MS2U4AIaVASu9u_4irzoJd2YkX2vp53byhwat-9IqWbja7hRjopajZNREfQNfnENthEI8pDYg-8QOMwPEzNGtw9bdaZ3oqsUL4jjYD6ge-lJ7SYuJ6t8kKw3lUxNXGRvydSNC/s640/blogger-image--767367538.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">July - Nathanial's grandparents came to visit us. A story I pitched at work got picked up by all the local outlets so I was on the news quite a bit. I ran a half marathon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdltEGhdTNuzuBtmqApn5me854gV-_beCVhyne4XuOHJI39Vp7y1hERSUMTQQcBIjFT35Ztb6J5mtRSg2D9VclWHkB6pZr6SvIdudXYcmr_bE3u2L6pvDs2hH-aWhixYOqribP0vqf5JM6/s640/blogger-image--1130439592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdltEGhdTNuzuBtmqApn5me854gV-_beCVhyne4XuOHJI39Vp7y1hERSUMTQQcBIjFT35Ztb6J5mtRSg2D9VclWHkB6pZr6SvIdudXYcmr_bE3u2L6pvDs2hH-aWhixYOqribP0vqf5JM6/s640/blogger-image--1130439592.jpg"></a></div><br></div>August - I had the best birthday ever when Nathanial surprised me with a behind the scenes tour at the Wildlife center. We got to feed the animals! Nathanial's parents came to visit and we all ran a 1 mile race (complete with Alaska shaped medal). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtWS11y2irAu0blBiY3LZ_ujKUaQdrW_XPJHICZ6oec_IOpDfsVnIROH5BiDucZ3R8twfkY0HuiL8xP_HKY4PdV-4jlueMsJsUUvXJ5aHgTzvLknY1OInm2tsFxDWusqvp1FA_V8ZCdhM/s640/blogger-image-1733182783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtWS11y2irAu0blBiY3LZ_ujKUaQdrW_XPJHICZ6oec_IOpDfsVnIROH5BiDucZ3R8twfkY0HuiL8xP_HKY4PdV-4jlueMsJsUUvXJ5aHgTzvLknY1OInm2tsFxDWusqvp1FA_V8ZCdhM/s640/blogger-image-1733182783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">September - We attended the Alaska State Fair. We picked vegetables at a farm over Labor Day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaDk6boaIzgZbM7HLIu40fsGEifILRp3RRESJH0nmD2n-HTVEs0jV8CMASxA1403t29wD2gGS0y3qAvauvytyDV4M2OJjXh0Fi4OcCNP_L3IDlLYMeyOJwM7hpZnuH1i6F-y18_LYEitb/s640/blogger-image-794854766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaDk6boaIzgZbM7HLIu40fsGEifILRp3RRESJH0nmD2n-HTVEs0jV8CMASxA1403t29wD2gGS0y3qAvauvytyDV4M2OJjXh0Fi4OcCNP_L3IDlLYMeyOJwM7hpZnuH1i6F-y18_LYEitb/s640/blogger-image-794854766.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">October - This month it snowed for the first time this year. We found out we were moving and moved two weeks later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfaCfD7TPTgNn8FE-XE0t3q-iKsjWk8UUbsSg1KO20KzkXHQ3poBmyL1wMkuPneU7xOO-yzezcvEUDvcNpGqAMmEgQKKQMA4nSAMp7OREfWvzHXagkL3UXqLfyBLNegeZOaGzE6TMT0OJ/s640/blogger-image--58397794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfaCfD7TPTgNn8FE-XE0t3q-iKsjWk8UUbsSg1KO20KzkXHQ3poBmyL1wMkuPneU7xOO-yzezcvEUDvcNpGqAMmEgQKKQMA4nSAMp7OREfWvzHXagkL3UXqLfyBLNegeZOaGzE6TMT0OJ/s640/blogger-image--58397794.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">November - We started adjusting to life back in Texas. We closed on our house two days before Thanksgiving. I ran the Route 66 Half Marathon with my father-in -law. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WYmGd7xEAPiUFU_55OjgxOS0DbeCjfglT4xlAm94OSw0UjhSTI_PZCy7lfAPDyeoHpMix236NOXOH7lH7LrICNkdg8bcBuBQ_nM-O4Bnsnfed5lBEQcmNJd1Pg5eUZP415AcTZixYoW-/s640/blogger-image-1726100951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WYmGd7xEAPiUFU_55OjgxOS0DbeCjfglT4xlAm94OSw0UjhSTI_PZCy7lfAPDyeoHpMix236NOXOH7lH7LrICNkdg8bcBuBQ_nM-O4Bnsnfed5lBEQcmNJd1Pg5eUZP415AcTZixYoW-/s640/blogger-image-1726100951.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">December - We got the house in order and spent the month with friends and family. We hosted our first (and second) Christmas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAiga5CEkOtlmhqpKBdc7ke7KTL6ifhLsqSvZzzKEhm1FZCK0mt7rEfpy47Ytjwno5fvDiq3x3s1pparY4qlS8qpjiaMxMuTgu-cYtFsQz7yVJq_otKUSZFJFHn8goLRiIr1D5IaFDvHe/s640/blogger-image-1867118958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAiga5CEkOtlmhqpKBdc7ke7KTL6ifhLsqSvZzzKEhm1FZCK0mt7rEfpy47Ytjwno5fvDiq3x3s1pparY4qlS8qpjiaMxMuTgu-cYtFsQz7yVJq_otKUSZFJFHn8goLRiIr1D5IaFDvHe/s640/blogger-image-1867118958.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a year! </div><br></div></div></div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-53220832767085815342015-12-14T19:44:00.001-09:002015-12-15T08:44:46.073-09:00It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The first thing people want to know about our time in Alaska was how we handled the weather. It makes me laugh to think about it because dressing for Texas weather lately is much worse than dressing for Alaska. 80 degrees in December is crazy. </span></div><div><br><div>Despite the warm weather, we're doing our best to be in the holiday spirit. We celebrated all weekend long. </div></div><div><br></div><div>Friday night, our Sunday School class did an "As Seen on TV" white elephant gift exchange. We almost walked away with the clapper (clap on, clap off) but it was snatched up at the last second. </div><div><br></div><div>Saturday afternoon we celebrated Christmas with my brother and his family since they'll be traveling Christmas Day. It was an afternoon filled with fun and lots of laughter. </div><div><br></div><div>On the way home, Nathanial's car kept giving us weather alerts. That was especially exciting since we had his company party that evening. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQAKduZLmjy_r_UkTKiK2uBYMGWePf5ob4_FecjaOIUz_vRRRaSrVupY21yq0SWz5pBjS3xpiK4Sro1GLypATRLA_LCr5F6EuMKyMudp8ji9IvqSV6UYVxboZSC21xmW6KwfcqCGzAeJS/s640/blogger-image-41134762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQAKduZLmjy_r_UkTKiK2uBYMGWePf5ob4_FecjaOIUz_vRRRaSrVupY21yq0SWz5pBjS3xpiK4Sro1GLypATRLA_LCr5F6EuMKyMudp8ji9IvqSV6UYVxboZSC21xmW6KwfcqCGzAeJS/s640/blogger-image-41134762.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkeyVQU8alZ77-vDbRUbaTI5khlEPxCkXnFSx3J-fGxI3nSMFbCpheRysKPMZkYmowO9ZXD0OnkgaoaYP01cKRRTPP7UGsxbyKKcF8XjKysXxIU3jMF0c7GH2JKV6rMKJcrpyRqtTOjPg/s640/blogger-image-1721961164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkeyVQU8alZ77-vDbRUbaTI5khlEPxCkXnFSx3J-fGxI3nSMFbCpheRysKPMZkYmowO9ZXD0OnkgaoaYP01cKRRTPP7UGsxbyKKcF8XjKysXxIU3jMF0c7GH2JKV6rMKJcrpyRqtTOjPg/s640/blogger-image-1721961164.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>We got the worst of the weather on the way to the party. Once we were parked, it wasn't an issue. The evening was an elegant affair complete with magician. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3UPAMhU7rEW5cYV6W87yeiZe4_NUDOo9YIhljX_6dj-Ua8rGlt4CHmEsJoCHqzqcuIkan_AgvUQvk4U2wUv6JirAjkMOKJYX4FOrbPwNwTLrN7mUJO8dUxHfJD4B0hl4rgCx4eHjqJ_N/s640/blogger-image-347481711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3UPAMhU7rEW5cYV6W87yeiZe4_NUDOo9YIhljX_6dj-Ua8rGlt4CHmEsJoCHqzqcuIkan_AgvUQvk4U2wUv6JirAjkMOKJYX4FOrbPwNwTLrN7mUJO8dUxHfJD4B0hl4rgCx4eHjqJ_N/s640/blogger-image-347481711.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>After church on Sunday, N hung a mirror over the mantle and helped me with some other projects around the house. I love how the Christmas decor looks. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVIAdQ4oWTfed73ldXsqqjgThrk5K_olYWaZKK2p_zQALO5zMplr0W3B58CLmoSl64viEpEh4wzdoOeCrf1N_7Sb0KWhdwlIFEf-fswSmocT0gn1k0y0C9afK5LbYAJoldx0hhSIhGB1b/s640/blogger-image-1534034506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVIAdQ4oWTfed73ldXsqqjgThrk5K_olYWaZKK2p_zQALO5zMplr0W3B58CLmoSl64viEpEh4wzdoOeCrf1N_7Sb0KWhdwlIFEf-fswSmocT0gn1k0y0C9afK5LbYAJoldx0hhSIhGB1b/s640/blogger-image-1534034506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's our dining room. It was green last week. It looks so much better now! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8buktrlE21yDQjV7J4nLzUmHjoJMUIkH7u3DYqMac-CKZ7jGsrWoY9ONx6zKQ8BmGCEwOgDxxWtJgewMyStgCgrxUrKh3a-abjgC0v90KzODhdkm0_u_59qwzWkIsgk60uPJRHKQ13lm/s640/blogger-image-717952320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8buktrlE21yDQjV7J4nLzUmHjoJMUIkH7u3DYqMac-CKZ7jGsrWoY9ONx6zKQ8BmGCEwOgDxxWtJgewMyStgCgrxUrKh3a-abjgC0v90KzODhdkm0_u_59qwzWkIsgk60uPJRHKQ13lm/s640/blogger-image-717952320.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can I just keep Christmas decorations up year round?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmbUmJdvNovKsgnOqgie72yIRj_vVh270AaCmN9sjK2cOu-m7VC38f66zUeAX2PqGLihagJRFUeczpx9uYy1Rta61olKZjTb0BeHd3wt1OsCFAcHGa2US-HvGCyIEJNflwklO55n8xmig/s640/blogger-image--1401199475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmbUmJdvNovKsgnOqgie72yIRj_vVh270AaCmN9sjK2cOu-m7VC38f66zUeAX2PqGLihagJRFUeczpx9uYy1Rta61olKZjTb0BeHd3wt1OsCFAcHGa2US-HvGCyIEJNflwklO55n8xmig/s640/blogger-image--1401199475.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTstnNm0i42QVFXdjBkTAgwLnpKbUi_xQAISDOWvH9S8BXtyh3iSUDTajpEGAgKu6hJhnIGhyphenhyphen_UNMxIt14_VImjgoo41qFUI8tonXXKmK916a2oB0-7nwafm_OHoySW0pACQb9b5LyXr7J/s640/blogger-image-1233775434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTstnNm0i42QVFXdjBkTAgwLnpKbUi_xQAISDOWvH9S8BXtyh3iSUDTajpEGAgKu6hJhnIGhyphenhyphen_UNMxIt14_VImjgoo41qFUI8tonXXKmK916a2oB0-7nwafm_OHoySW0pACQb9b5LyXr7J/s640/blogger-image-1233775434.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I just got this table on Friday. I love it and the Christmas prints from a talented college friend but am still figuring out how to style them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uaXUMdb36EnJkP3uzlj4WmjZCaJex7JVVFKLVykkgHgUqHQI9c3qPwYkQOapTBX6x0SbNORpXnxshFfy91oeaM6vIxZ2uN2qCnIl44LgDWS_TP6qdt3-Of8iz-vEEstO_fW_1tFLIY6g/s640/blogger-image--495149268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uaXUMdb36EnJkP3uzlj4WmjZCaJex7JVVFKLVykkgHgUqHQI9c3qPwYkQOapTBX6x0SbNORpXnxshFfy91oeaM6vIxZ2uN2qCnIl44LgDWS_TP6qdt3-Of8iz-vEEstO_fW_1tFLIY6g/s640/blogger-image--495149268.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even our dining table is festive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_cgxbf7xC8fK7S95GOhlml786rcI4iue2RxYEDCzBVjqVLoepkvLD4bby1u7dY1CXNsh6m3lwbFb0G08UhEcM2Z0IZQySrVa4W9rJlkXJrJNy8WVWzOSLh-M-6zWR8BpMBznVsrL_HI4/s640/blogger-image-363477106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_cgxbf7xC8fK7S95GOhlml786rcI4iue2RxYEDCzBVjqVLoepkvLD4bby1u7dY1CXNsh6m3lwbFb0G08UhEcM2Z0IZQySrVa4W9rJlkXJrJNy8WVWzOSLh-M-6zWR8BpMBznVsrL_HI4/s640/blogger-image-363477106.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepXfL7G3OUHoBxYNuX838BIPuz-x2njQIR74rNy-KyEn8ODZqEu4MJn3bkwytQtoBmhBXqqiZrswz73Cr1DeNmNeOV-nhpiNf9zNhrH2DdGPUDx8gqQoV3XjiPPUuG3ulL-67y81gGt7O/s640/blogger-image-1789838785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepXfL7G3OUHoBxYNuX838BIPuz-x2njQIR74rNy-KyEn8ODZqEu4MJn3bkwytQtoBmhBXqqiZrswz73Cr1DeNmNeOV-nhpiNf9zNhrH2DdGPUDx8gqQoV3XjiPPUuG3ulL-67y81gGt7O/s640/blogger-image-1789838785.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvdxFZwxbewoj1yT7mKO_fd8rNJBH74SHypHUcPyf-z37j9wU5KXZS03ASeh1EFdmBidiAlBMWeUrhFgc2yDDH7Z4S1P4nSPSuZmKtV8atTPAAqVPt1L5DCADUMxTmPH1EPRP3S4TBm1V/s640/blogger-image-1100557435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvdxFZwxbewoj1yT7mKO_fd8rNJBH74SHypHUcPyf-z37j9wU5KXZS03ASeh1EFdmBidiAlBMWeUrhFgc2yDDH7Z4S1P4nSPSuZmKtV8atTPAAqVPt1L5DCADUMxTmPH1EPRP3S4TBm1V/s640/blogger-image-1100557435.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div>It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Now if we could just get the weather to feel like Christmas. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-39523950625667132822015-12-08T08:04:00.001-09:002015-12-10T05:19:30.855-09:00A Weekend of Animals: Zoo Lights and Christmas Parades<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I'm happy to report I escaped the land of boxes and got everything unpacked. Our garage is crammed full of said boxes so I'm pretty embarrassed to open it these days. <div><br></div><div>I spent the rest of my time last week running errands and trying to decide how to decorate the house. This house is shaped a lot differently so what worked in our Alaska house won't work here. It's a little daunting. </div><div><br></div><div>I was especially overwhelmed at picking paint colors. Unfortunately that part hasn't gotten any better. The painter is 3/4 of the way done with the downstairs and I still can't decide if I like the color. Fingers crossed, that's just the paint fumes talking. </div><div><br></div><div>Friday night, we hung out with our niece and nephew while their parents were at a Christmas party. We played a board game some friends of our introduced us to and had a blast. Saturday we saw them again as we watched the Baylor game. This meme pretty accurately sums it up. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrkbr0Bt4l6ThK2UVleV4d-fcHUig8S2UD1hIPjEGGvceH8iBRaOs4mXJQk3xf-zUpkV_uktEY4qDrHubfE5ZOro390NZxQM-2ituBwF-rzdMvPtVbtHn__8cXS59ShMbHI_vAbiQEL9D/s640/blogger-image-1029268941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrkbr0Bt4l6ThK2UVleV4d-fcHUig8S2UD1hIPjEGGvceH8iBRaOs4mXJQk3xf-zUpkV_uktEY4qDrHubfE5ZOro390NZxQM-2ituBwF-rzdMvPtVbtHn__8cXS59ShMbHI_vAbiQEL9D/s640/blogger-image-1029268941.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also took in our community's Christmas parade. That kind of thing makes me love living in the suburbs. My favorite parts were the miniature donkey - I now need one - and the Polar Express float. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVReDKNecvSEYsIKYK8dCb0wg3vCzirzIgTFBmkuikVPSp8CTJ8R7Qkhk-vmj_WP9wLjdxoj9xK6W93Fc4stD_KAvfteiQKbAE-I0ubqOPJv2JxU-yq5VzpBNN5xXbtAFZqyNxfx_XFKP/s640/blogger-image--1319970610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVReDKNecvSEYsIKYK8dCb0wg3vCzirzIgTFBmkuikVPSp8CTJ8R7Qkhk-vmj_WP9wLjdxoj9xK6W93Fc4stD_KAvfteiQKbAE-I0ubqOPJv2JxU-yq5VzpBNN5xXbtAFZqyNxfx_XFKP/s640/blogger-image--1319970610.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYbdq6cpkWVIGF45Diyonog7ouYRHp1KjnmwcQtR-Mt8lmLoRBDkB1QjgWgJKc6rE_2ExzF_DzEv8dAWC7Al0_GM95155N5uskkPvFfX_O1Or27c5etyMnh_pngpEkljyjFab2u99PZnn/s640/blogger-image--946948562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYbdq6cpkWVIGF45Diyonog7ouYRHp1KjnmwcQtR-Mt8lmLoRBDkB1QjgWgJKc6rE_2ExzF_DzEv8dAWC7Al0_GM95155N5uskkPvFfX_O1Or27c5etyMnh_pngpEkljyjFab2u99PZnn/s640/blogger-image--946948562.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Saturday evening, we met up with our friends Mason and Ashley, and convinced them to drive downtown to see the Zoo Lights. Neither husband was too impressed (with traffic, the hour long line to get in, or the LED lights, even though there were over a million of them.) They were good sports though. It was great getting to spend time with old friends. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Found a moose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0YUMZ8EtLRczvMZTrPWotvJqJqcviIb2wwSh3d73fpVDp_ayLR4CZPrvg1w0QoZxHkqlOw0u5Bee3lh2bXhMDgg_HXK0F7-n35c70Ozd2ssbUtNAPkqGaros7YqHp6guY6cEIEgpy7kO/s640/blogger-image--1852178048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0YUMZ8EtLRczvMZTrPWotvJqJqcviIb2wwSh3d73fpVDp_ayLR4CZPrvg1w0QoZxHkqlOw0u5Bee3lh2bXhMDgg_HXK0F7-n35c70Ozd2ssbUtNAPkqGaros7YqHp6guY6cEIEgpy7kO/s640/blogger-image--1852178048.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreBnms284lJyBhBfD1QKGqsXeU2Vl0MOxUYcCMRamD93Ccl6BmnPAwJZjXAnoFyGwNBaVBGIOGYgv4fj16_kXxudqMVJSz_MrW68E125yS4Jr-iXuDB6Lux2MAgxu2Z-uySQnPAJkJN3c/s640/blogger-image--1060125771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreBnms284lJyBhBfD1QKGqsXeU2Vl0MOxUYcCMRamD93Ccl6BmnPAwJZjXAnoFyGwNBaVBGIOGYgv4fj16_kXxudqMVJSz_MrW68E125yS4Jr-iXuDB6Lux2MAgxu2Z-uySQnPAJkJN3c/s640/blogger-image--1060125771.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The giraffes stole the show. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3oSLO6rKiBAvU4MddDSNrmJyih7QP90r5-a-lxH3xC6QAqiy_q11T4BdX8vn6hoKthvRA6BhZKl6jm3Dvl7MyCVTRxZlAPRZ1FVmKTjQkcbXS4Tk7PRAIgDj-3rauC3J2jAgmtEy53df/s640/blogger-image--972958077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3oSLO6rKiBAvU4MddDSNrmJyih7QP90r5-a-lxH3xC6QAqiy_q11T4BdX8vn6hoKthvRA6BhZKl6jm3Dvl7MyCVTRxZlAPRZ1FVmKTjQkcbXS4Tk7PRAIgDj-3rauC3J2jAgmtEy53df/s640/blogger-image--972958077.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Sunday, we went to church and got ready for the painter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm hoping he finishes today and I can decorate the Christmas tree without looking at this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfyd4m0BPOtAQNnKWKBzcm0_-bexbAI9TXPOgqPzTrc-6JiEE7TdZ7tzXAiVj05eVKO-O4_Tw3TOikzAkkjGSG1Fjrit2h2zSX3r9ymjinpWA3a8EXActcQvB09m6A_8DSKVJ9QmqFTMW/s640/blogger-image-535236387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfyd4m0BPOtAQNnKWKBzcm0_-bexbAI9TXPOgqPzTrc-6JiEE7TdZ7tzXAiVj05eVKO-O4_Tw3TOikzAkkjGSG1Fjrit2h2zSX3r9ymjinpWA3a8EXActcQvB09m6A_8DSKVJ9QmqFTMW/s640/blogger-image-535236387.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The previous homeowners really liked color. I love avocado but not on my wall. Stay tuned to see how we transform the space. </div><br></div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-47199125764040132102015-11-30T16:50:00.001-09:002015-11-30T16:50:54.562-09:00Weekend Recap: A whole lot of boxesThis year I celebrated Black Friday by dressing in black and mourning the fact that we would spend the foreseeable future unpacking. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZuHyvrCzHyDdhYYezV_EY1s0WTN7EfsX8AzHlNLLvLLFo2m172v7CW7Nad8HkOe7Gxuf39O2efh2MbWyh77UmXZF1Rof07ZJxoXVnPxFs8PuixXDc-yfIoVTHKkEdRw3pTx8412XorQG/s640/blogger-image--850334469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZuHyvrCzHyDdhYYezV_EY1s0WTN7EfsX8AzHlNLLvLLFo2m172v7CW7Nad8HkOe7Gxuf39O2efh2MbWyh77UmXZF1Rof07ZJxoXVnPxFs8PuixXDc-yfIoVTHKkEdRw3pTx8412XorQG/s640/blogger-image--850334469.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSRRe5fJf28j6iiqQIg3dmJr8s295ufL_vuFtnELSEolwuIp9-GCgzkIs6Ghvyo_F0tspw9MJziPk9O4QHgJTbE126hIK35la3cWOUoQhQUB07TC1j4dr2tNnKy3PjoFT96BkK6mfweiV/s640/blogger-image--1332739035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSRRe5fJf28j6iiqQIg3dmJr8s295ufL_vuFtnELSEolwuIp9-GCgzkIs6Ghvyo_F0tspw9MJziPk9O4QHgJTbE126hIK35la3cWOUoQhQUB07TC1j4dr2tNnKy3PjoFT96BkK6mfweiV/s640/blogger-image--1332739035.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Don't get my wrong, I LOVE our new house and am so happy to be reunited with our belongings after their voyage from Alaska; I'm just not thrilled at the prospect of unpacking from now until forever. I've seen beautiful mountains and they are not made at cardboard. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVIT-OGWgo3zDGEw9jH_Pd04wYuDz7P85eDBUozLLzRaYeEaVGa6VkgB6g-XHSwa8Fgh1py__XqyYSROl1tOkaOvfpbDIV_p4U98-ju3rUqLvvjXg-ooRUrYRdMGPsmssY0s8HP7mPcz4/s640/blogger-image-1871724383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVIT-OGWgo3zDGEw9jH_Pd04wYuDz7P85eDBUozLLzRaYeEaVGa6VkgB6g-XHSwa8Fgh1py__XqyYSROl1tOkaOvfpbDIV_p4U98-ju3rUqLvvjXg-ooRUrYRdMGPsmssY0s8HP7mPcz4/s640/blogger-image-1871724383.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>After lots of work this weekend, we are finally making a dent in the boxes. Not to be confused with the dents the movers made in the boxes and every piece of furniture we own. No really. Our stuff has never looked worse. I'm really perplexed as to how everything could be so damaged when they used 5 pieces of paper to each item. We're in for a long process of paperwork, but fingers crossed we should compensated for the damage. What's a huge gouge on a headboard run these days? </div><div><br></div><div>I'll also be getting to go on a shopping trip since the only box that didn't make it was my shoes. Oh well. Some of my heels probably needed replacing anyways. </div><div><br></div><div>Besides unpacking, we spent our weekend watching football. Our cable provider can't make it out until next week (which is mostly disheartening because of all the good holiday movies I'm missing) so we watched games at wing places near where we live. I'm ok with not having anything buffalo flavored for a while. Friday night's game was terrible 1) because my team lost and 2) because Buffalo Wild Wings soft drink machine was down. We take Diet Coke very seriously in the Wells house. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuE76KvftJoI0Omxmw7mFLjWzsOi1fVpAzdTymMp1pKZyDAIByfHQBhFj0Z_DLFdDTr41DkzWMqeNY5QtKR9ANz67N9acFNvCN778QZIDX8863Aao6AhVXdPIZCdZyAmtT_oQX_33xiAFy/s640/blogger-image--1625950820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuE76KvftJoI0Omxmw7mFLjWzsOi1fVpAzdTymMp1pKZyDAIByfHQBhFj0Z_DLFdDTr41DkzWMqeNY5QtKR9ANz67N9acFNvCN778QZIDX8863Aao6AhVXdPIZCdZyAmtT_oQX_33xiAFy/s640/blogger-image--1625950820.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'm hoping to be done unpacking tonight and then be able to focus on fun stuff like decorating over the next few days. We'll also make it a priority to repaint as the previous owners had a love for bold colors (looking at you lime green and brown dining room).</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-85219532548649475662015-11-26T19:33:00.001-09:002015-11-26T19:51:11.662-09:00What Where They Thinking: Movers EditionI hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!<div>I'm still trying to come to terms with the weather in Texas and 90% humidity and 80 degree temperatures aren't helping.</div><div><br></div><div>It was great to get to spend the holiday with family. And even better to get to eat my mom's cooking again. Hooray for family and good food.</div><div><br></div><div>I represented Alaska during my time in the kitchen with this cute apron my mom bought on a trip years ago. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvoMtL7q-6MDjKNo-9-qCzHA_lQTNcmvc5UwHQtQ6_8RPuUEIOxmxGGovL7suS12y9P407TE1_7lldgRbYgPeGUWvv2LUZUs8HuND1PsAovXEG48DM-ZKUcVtqX51e8WnqvSowlhwk2pT/s640/blogger-image--635220878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvoMtL7q-6MDjKNo-9-qCzHA_lQTNcmvc5UwHQtQ6_8RPuUEIOxmxGGovL7suS12y9P407TE1_7lldgRbYgPeGUWvv2LUZUs8HuND1PsAovXEG48DM-ZKUcVtqX51e8WnqvSowlhwk2pT/s640/blogger-image--635220878.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvAWMaBStOu1U5hjmDemn1bIbDzKlSCkmYuNIOKyTUBsJlN1bjGn2V_5gcAos1NRXHFuSLIos9pdoSRcOto6i-r6zs1xqCzt55Fz5ZYrgBVA5F6DF7GatcZTJHglYQp3CIccOfSHqxvzF/s640/blogger-image--227577847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvAWMaBStOu1U5hjmDemn1bIbDzKlSCkmYuNIOKyTUBsJlN1bjGn2V_5gcAos1NRXHFuSLIos9pdoSRcOto6i-r6zs1xqCzt55Fz5ZYrgBVA5F6DF7GatcZTJHglYQp3CIccOfSHqxvzF/s640/blogger-image--227577847.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My favorite part of the day was probably when my grandma decided to go lay in my nephew's hammock. She's usually not one for adventure. It became even more funny when my nephew got in it with her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6fKac1vbGBn20ctHiovDX6-5DKispmFrhYABtTIr60uxxLmkpkF9GxhZrNXYJ84iXX66b0NIbyQlZ5jZ8S8dOmOyODWwn3lSW2rZXDHyHfea6pstZEeiAgL0ownn3KxjI6InGVVvPcAu/s640/blogger-image-780095751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6fKac1vbGBn20ctHiovDX6-5DKispmFrhYABtTIr60uxxLmkpkF9GxhZrNXYJ84iXX66b0NIbyQlZ5jZ8S8dOmOyODWwn3lSW2rZXDHyHfea6pstZEeiAgL0ownn3KxjI6InGVVvPcAu/s640/blogger-image-780095751.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nathanial and I headed back to our house (the one we bought in Texas, closed on earlier this week and I still haven't blogged about) to start going through the sea of boxes that the movers brought yesterday. This move is proving to be much worse than any other so I'm sure this will be the first of many posts on the subject. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There were several moments in the midst of unpacking where I wondered what the movers had been thinking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here are a few:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- Moving policy said no liquids but they packed a scrubber brush FULL of dish soap. I'm glad there were 5 pounds of paper to absorb the blue Dawn that leaked everywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- They put a painted canvas (a one of a kind masterpiece might I add) paint side closest to the cardboard. With sharp objects in the box. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- They packed the racks to our kitchen sink. The one that's still in our Anchorage house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- They packed paper napkins and a plate holder together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRks45l-RYV9H7ms7F786lwkAnrx7mySn2n0EYLgWMrP1V0XCYIZKcHj1afeWOwFhfiPCCm6XERRzhXIkST2VuDmbOGg9Z9TUsxRTG1ZVtKyhOMZLv4104XzzUPag9QJeoh5pkpzalVibV/s640/blogger-image-1639656958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRks45l-RYV9H7ms7F786lwkAnrx7mySn2n0EYLgWMrP1V0XCYIZKcHj1afeWOwFhfiPCCm6XERRzhXIkST2VuDmbOGg9Z9TUsxRTG1ZVtKyhOMZLv4104XzzUPag9QJeoh5pkpzalVibV/s640/blogger-image-1639656958.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- They packed a beverage dispenser and Pyrex dish inside a laundry basket. This is especially impressive considering each of those items had been in a different room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6CPoX9O4lvwmDOkh7D1n3gAGr4KEO7YzbIh93XYUTzq7oux-HfGkjH7UgNAKvraE-A2V8M5WJU0XjGsyt8_ZJ1FRkFKfhQgBwKm7yXvdBTuv4MG-fkWdDdwon7i5QgrvImd8pvgLOmi5/s640/blogger-image--108446076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6CPoX9O4lvwmDOkh7D1n3gAGr4KEO7YzbIh93XYUTzq7oux-HfGkjH7UgNAKvraE-A2V8M5WJU0XjGsyt8_ZJ1FRkFKfhQgBwKm7yXvdBTuv4MG-fkWdDdwon7i5QgrvImd8pvgLOmi5/s640/blogger-image--108446076.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is only a few boxes in. There's no telling what else I'll find.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow you can find me Black Friday shopping in boxes. Remembering the stuff I already had and figuring out where it goes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-91131867887884000742015-11-24T19:02:00.001-09:002015-11-24T20:14:05.325-09:00Embracing the SilenceThis weekend I ran my fourth half marathon. Life right now feels like a continual state of running a marathon so I thought I might as well get a medal out of it. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvHe5YtPpmhVaRJ-w_em3VnOlBzCE1i3zH2z5v0H6cUUn4jHwjNEmaHfYmAfIEcP4HG27JkYmUT6FcmW7kfh7E3Mf0je_FnT79MYQjdv-2O6PGNFSU0BMniJGzc3uCRNM76eYY-3et6cA/s640/blogger-image--1695920826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvHe5YtPpmhVaRJ-w_em3VnOlBzCE1i3zH2z5v0H6cUUn4jHwjNEmaHfYmAfIEcP4HG27JkYmUT6FcmW7kfh7E3Mf0je_FnT79MYQjdv-2O6PGNFSU0BMniJGzc3uCRNM76eYY-3et6cA/s640/blogger-image--1695920826.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We started the weekend by attending the wedding of one of Nathanial's good friends. It was at a beautiful ranch so we got to spend a few days hanging out with guys from Nathanial's childhood and enjoying the outdoors. There was a lot of laughter and not much sleep. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34fXE04Hg8vXmUGncfc1mT6A5OusohGlaI6NeIIha52qhLzLxQBgId_Cs45kd2FqGS7CM_kMORThtMj04iefibW8SnNN2QfObxuYJspWhM1qpZBP_v00n6fN878_CpJxn7kmEa7GfEWNr/s640/blogger-image--1027411110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34fXE04Hg8vXmUGncfc1mT6A5OusohGlaI6NeIIha52qhLzLxQBgId_Cs45kd2FqGS7CM_kMORThtMj04iefibW8SnNN2QfObxuYJspWhM1qpZBP_v00n6fN878_CpJxn7kmEa7GfEWNr/s640/blogger-image--1027411110.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Once the bride and groom made their exit, we started our trek to Oklahoma. We drove through the night which involved lots of singing and Diet Coke. </div><div><br></div><div>We got in a few hours of sleep and then headed off to the race. It was a brisk morning for the Oklahomans but I was in heaven with the cooler weather. </div><div><br></div><div>I noticed before the race started that my music didn't seem to be playing correctly. I didn't give it much thought since the event was pumping in loud music at the start line. But when the gun went off and I could only hear the background track, I knew I was in trouble. I found a position that the headphones seemed to work normally in but that was only if I didn't move which proved problematic while running. At one point I tried to forcefully keep the headphones in position but that resulted in the jack breaking off inside my phone and the rest of the headphones being in separate pieces.</div><div><br></div><div>Nathanial offered me a new set of headphones when he found me on the course around mile 2.5. He was even sweet when I said I needed his phone instead. I had just turned on the Pandora Spinning station when his phone jumped from 30 to 1% battery. I gave up and decided to embrace the silence. The route was beautiful and there were enough spectators to keep it interesting. The early miles flew by but around mile 9 it got brutal. That could have something to do with the fact that my legs decided they were done around that point too. I ran through my ever growing to do lists and did lots of praying and soul searching and finally the finish line appeared in view. </div><div><br></div><div>I didn't have any goals for this race outside of finishing. I took some (a lot) of time off of running at the advice of the physical therapist I visited for leg and foot pain. I only started running again after moving back to Texas and most mornings didn't go much further than a mile. Three weeks of one-milers and three hours of sleep and I still made it to the finish line. That's a big success to me even if it meant my worst time ever. </div><div><br></div><div>The course had quite a few hills but it's absolutely a race I would do again. I had so much fun - silence and all.</div><div><br></div><div>Oh and the start line had confetti canons. It was everything I thought it would be. I need more confetti in my everyday life.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk9vZT_FzopDAoKBYGiMf6js8xgvAE5DETLbAg78qeZfSlTenKcopP-E_CTN_QtjY0L1G9Ugayl_oNOhfWlRpI8sbOakE7DGXsjSMxE8NXquO9P8oXQuJZN8MP40o5CUU00yceyjSqRZW/s640/blogger-image--61059119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk9vZT_FzopDAoKBYGiMf6js8xgvAE5DETLbAg78qeZfSlTenKcopP-E_CTN_QtjY0L1G9Ugayl_oNOhfWlRpI8sbOakE7DGXsjSMxE8NXquO9P8oXQuJZN8MP40o5CUU00yceyjSqRZW/s640/blogger-image--61059119.jpg"></a></div> </div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-64278657569426536012015-11-10T14:00:00.001-09:002015-11-11T14:56:05.334-09:00ChangesI started to write several times since my last post but got overwhelmed thinking about where to start. So much has happened in the last few weeks. We left Alaska and moved back to Texas where we've been staying with my incredible brother and sister-in-law who have graciously allowed us to live with them for a few weeks. <br>
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It still doesn't feel real. Probably because I only have 10 shirts to choose from (thanks hubby for giving me a hard time about packing) and because it's hard to find a routine when you're sharing a car and working remotely.<br>
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I'm still amazed at everything we have been able to accomplish in such a short timespan. It's been a whirlwind but I wouldn't trade it. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't thrilled about moving to Alaska. I had no idea what life there would look like. I also had no idea how much I could love a place until we found out we were moving and would have to leave Alaska. I am forever changed because of my time there. It was a more incredible experience than I could ever have imagined. In some ways I'm disappointed to be back from what seemed like the grand adventure of a lifetime (I'm looking at you humidity and traffic) but mostly I'm excited. Excited to see what this next chapter holds. I'm also excited about the Mexican food and family time. Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-18485931981023219062015-10-19T16:23:00.000-08:002015-10-19T16:23:11.710-08:00Fun and Not Fun<b><i>Fun.</i></b><div>
Going to the season opener hockey game and screaming and cowbell-ing your heart out.</div>
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With my friend Monica. </div>
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N was there too but he's doing this new thing where he won't smile for selfies. </div>
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Coming up with ways to avoid your million mile long to-do list. Things like going to the movies, scheduling a last minute photo shoot, and binge watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix.</div>
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<b><i>Not Fun.</i></b></div>
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Realizing that the movers come in two days. And you'll be leaving the state in 5 days.</div>
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<b><i>Fun. </i></b></div>
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Trying new restaurants that never got crossed off the list.</div>
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Pretty decent chicken for a place that couldn't be further from the South.</div>
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Having to eat out constantly because showings at your house mean you can't go home. Now if one of those people would just buy it!</div>
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Getting moose themed gifts from your sweet friends because they know how much you love moose.</div>
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<b><i>Not Fun. </i></b></div>
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Telling those same sweet friends goodbye. Note to self: telling yourself you won't cry doesn't work very well.</div>
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<b><i>Both Fun and Not Fun. </i></b> </div>
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A farewell lunch from your church family. The same one you've spent the last few holidays with. This time it was even complete with moose chili.</div>
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Rain aside, we couldn't have asked for a better last weekend in Anchorage. We are so blessed.</div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-80143246417603520122015-10-16T11:39:00.001-08:002015-10-18T14:34:02.221-08:00Big NewsCricket cricket.<br>
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I've struggled with writing a new blog post because so much has been going on. Where to even begin.<br>
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First, thanks for the prayers based on my last post. God worked in a big way. A tumor was found in my best friend's infant son but the most recent scans show they were able to get it all. Such a relief.<br>
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Nathanial and I found out last week we will be moving back to Texas SOON. As in, by this time next week my house will be completely empty, soon.<br>
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There's not much that's great about this expedited time frame, but on the plus side, it doesn't give me much time to linger in my feelings about it. People keep asking how I'm doing, how I'm handling having so much going on, and the truth is I don't have a choice. The move is happening regardless so I can either be steamrolled by it or roll with the punches and try to whittle down our ever growing to do list.<br>
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We got very little sleep over the weekend - shout out to my friends with newborns, I'm more than happy to bring you coffee from now on - getting our house ready to list. It's been on the market since Monday and since Monday I've felt like I was living in a museum. We've had several showings so fingers crossed, one of them wants to buy it. Until then, we'll continue having the most spotless house on the block and spend every night playing what's different here. After Monday's showings, my couch and bed pillows were messed up. Way to get into the house buying experience, mystery buyers. Other showings left the shower curtain and doormats askew. One set of buyers didn't even manage to close the screen door. I said I didn't want anyone buying our house that couldn't figure out how to close a door, but N said he didn't care as long as they could pay. True that.<br>
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We're also in the process of selling N's truck which means we'll get to buy a new house and a new car when we get to Houston. Apparently our marriage motto is big changes in short time frames. We still like being around each so I guess it's working. :)<br>
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There are lots of other logistics either in the works or still to be determined. For now, I'm just really thankful for N, a God who I know has everything under control, awesome family and friends willing to help in whatever way possible and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.<br>
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And because I need to take advantage of Alaskan things for this blog while I can, enjoy this scenery.<br>
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<br>Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-10323116984719886202015-10-06T10:16:00.001-08:002015-10-06T10:16:20.013-08:00What Really Matters<div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I try to keep it light on here. It's more fun that way and I get less worried phone calls from my family. </span></div>
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Yesterday I was planning on writing about clinging onto fall and the things I'm loving this season. Then my best friend called with hard news. The kind where you just want to curl up in a ball and cry. The kind of news that makes everything else seem so trivial. In those moments as I struggled to find the right words, I realized how few things that we place importance on really matter. </div>
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I wanted so badly to be able to say something that would help, but I didn't know what to say. I wanted to be able to do something, anything, to make it hurt less for her. To make the situation better. There was nothing I could do but turn it over to God.<br />
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I don't know why hard things happen.<br />
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But I do know that whatever the circumstance, God is in control. My faith is a core part of me and how I live life. Yesterday as I struggled to wrap my head around what was happening to my friend, I couldn't help but think of how even in those dark, and hard moments God is there. I can't imagine going through life without the promise of that. I'm thankful for an all sovereign God - one who is in control and has plans greater than I could ever imagine, but is also a God who comforts and provides peace, who knows how tough life can be and is there each step of the way.<br />
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And that's what really matters.<br />
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"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."<br />
Lamentation 3:22</div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-48893690250052054652015-09-30T10:40:00.001-08:002015-09-30T11:05:56.811-08:00Fall is OverFamily and food aside, one of the things I was most excited about during our trip to Oklahoma was getting to go to Hobby Lobby. The leaves in Anchorage turned several weeks ago and visions of pumpkins and "Happy Fall, Y'all" signs danced in my head. <br />
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My options for fall decor in Anchorage were the same as my options for any decor - Michael's, which is better for crafting than decorating; Walmart, ew, I hate that place;Target and Lowe's, which surprisingly doesn't have much in the way of cuteness this time of year. So needless to say I was downright giddy about shopping at the Hob Lob! I don't know how they did it but their merchandise selection has gotten even cuter over the last year in my absence. I wanted one of everything. Luckily for my husband, my purchases had to travel back by airplane.Unluckily for my husband, he got to carry the new doormat I had to have as a carry on. That was fun while sprinting across the airport in the middle of the night...</div>
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My fall dreams were short lived. We had to scrape our windshield at the airport and have had to most mornings since then too.</div>
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In a few short days, we went from this:</div>
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(Oh hey cute rug from Oklahoma)</div>
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To this.</div>
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I woke up like this. </div>
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The first snow of last year left me in tears because all of the streets were frozen and my 10 minute drive to church turned into 20 minutes of terror with my car slipping all over the place and refusing to stop. I don't have four wheel drive, because Houston didn't need it, so driving in winter in Alaska isn't much fun. Putting on snow tires made a huge difference and outside of the first snow, I made it through the winter without any problems. I don't have the snow tires on my car yet because it usually doesn't snow until late October and the city bans certain types of snow tires until Sept. 30 (today).<br />
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So this morning when we woke up to three inches of snow, Nathanial and I both talked about working from home. Then we realized we were out of Diet Coke. And decided to go in. #priorities <br />
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(Also, to avoid worried calls from my Grandma, it should be noted that it's much warmer today and there's no ice.)</div>
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My poor flowers :(</div>
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Pulling into the office. The campus I work at has pedestrian bridges which connect all the buildings so you don't have to go outside once you're inside. It's a nice feature on a snowy day like today.</div>
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Here's the view from my office window.</div>
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On the plus side, snow means warm boots and wool socks. And nights of curling up in front of the fireplace. I don't hate it. At least not yet anyways ;)</div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-35786542067590238142015-09-21T17:13:00.001-08:002015-09-21T17:13:45.938-08:00Weekend Recap: Up in the AirThis weekend flew by. And by that I mean, Nathanial and I flew to Oklahoma by six flights and five different airports. <div>
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Here's what I learned over the course of our travel-heavy weekend.</div>
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<li><i>The best laid plans...</i></li>
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Nathanial and I both laid out our clothes for the trip Wednesday evening with the intention of leaving work a few minutes early on Thursday to pack before the airport. We both left work over an hour later than planned which left us scrambling to run errands and get packed before heading out. We managed to get everything done and still hit the road pretty much on time. I was pleased until I noticed this while we were on the airport shuttle. </div>
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Yep. Apparently in my rush I managed to grab two different shoes. Taking airport fashion to a whole new level.</div>
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At least when you live in Alaska and deplane to see a Chick-Fil-A in the Minneapolis airport. I got pretty excited about the Sonic in the Tulsa airport too and I don't even like Sonic food. But absence and lack of availability makes the heart grow fonder.</div>
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Both of the trips to and from Oklahoma had three legs. Both trips spanned two days. And both trips made me wonder where we were and what time it was. </div>
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<li><i>Little things go a long ways</i></li>
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The best of the six legs is also coincidentally the one that played Shake It Off before departure. Clearly Taylor Swift makes everything better. And so do Andes Mints at baggage claim.</div>
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<li><i>I still love Mexican food</i></li>
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Because Mexican food in the Lower 48 actually tastes good, I easily could have eaten it at every meal. We settled for one meal - one super awesome meal. </div>
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I didn't have to travel all weekend to realize it, but Nathanial and I are really blessed to have such great families. From loaning us a car to get around in, to picking us up at an airport two hours away, and even crossing state lines to have a meal together - we hit the family jackpot.</div>
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I texted my brother with excitement about Chick-Fil-A and he responded with this- a Si selfie. Clearly one of us has better travel luck than the other. I'm pretty sure they even sat next to each other in First Class sipping ice tea.</div>
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<li><i>I never want to be on the Amazing Race</i></li>
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Our flight from Salt Lake City to Seattle was delayed by 45 minutes which meant we landed as our flight from Seattle to Anchorage was supposed to be taking off. I looked up flights on the on-air wifi and saw the next flight to Anchorage wasn't until 10 a.m. the next morning. Luckily, we got off the plane and were told the other plane was waiting on us. Nathanial and I, along with 8 other people, ran through the airport. Running is not fun in flip flops, on stairs and pedestrian sidewalks.</div>
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The temperature was close to 90 the entire time we were in Oklahoma with really high humidity too. I have not missed temps like that in our time in Alaska. When we finally made it to Anchorage and back to our car around 2 in the morning to find ice on the windshield, I realized I hadn't missed freezing temperatures either.</div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-17119509870657663972015-09-14T10:53:00.001-08:002015-09-14T10:54:21.877-08:00So Alaskan : News Headlines EditionThis morning I had to laugh when browsing the news before work because the headlines pretty accurately summed up what it's like to live in Alaska.<br />
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<i>Because giant rocks on the only major highway might be a problem.</i></div>
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Photo courtesy of Alaska Dispatch News</div>
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<i>I thought things like bear bells and bear spray were a joke when we first moved here. But it's serious business. I have yet to see a bear in the wild, but after reading this story I think I'm ok with that.</i></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ktva.com/local-bears-treated-to-state-fair-veggies-836/">Local Bears Treated to State Fair Veggies</a></li>
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<i>My favorite bears - the ones in enclosures at the Wildlife Conservation Center- were treated to the <a href="http://bootsandthebear.blogspot.com/2015/09/alaska-and-giant-vegetables.html">giant vegetables</a> from the State Fair.</i></div>
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And a bonus picture. This sign at the supermarket cracked me up.</div>
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<i>You know you're in Alaska when "Trick or Treat in the Heat" means 40 degrees and it's September. Also, because it's probably the only place where families pay to go trick or treating a month early.</i></div>
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<i>Apparently residents should be weary of drinking stream water as the number of back country hunters leads to a spike in tainted water in the month of September. Inquiring minds should know there was no mention of beavers in the article.</i></div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3217988427203639658.post-14646531726821801852015-09-11T17:08:00.000-08:002015-09-11T17:08:06.093-08:00Alaska and the Giant VegetablesIf you're new around here, you might think I'm a bit bipolar in my feelings for Alaska. And that's probably true. I was a proud Texan born and raised. Until the Summer of 2014, I never considered the possibility of living elsewhere. I subscribed (and still pretty much do) to the view that Texas is the greatest place in the world. And then we wound up in Alaska. In September. Where it rains day in and day out and then turns cold and I started to fall every two seconds from the ice in parking lots. I was definitely not digging Alaska in those months. Then the cold started to fade and we were blessed with spring and a beautiful summer. A summer where my hair didn't frizz the moment I stepped outdoors and where I actually wanted to be outside. I found a running community and beautiful trails and learned to appreciate (ok, actually love) the constant sunshine. I noticed the beautiful scenery at every turn and learned to appreciate Alaska for what it is and not what it's not. One of our guests this summer said it best when they said "Alaska is a state of mind."<br />
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When I meet people new to the area and can tell they are struggling to love Alaska, I caution them to give it some time. And to embrace the adventure and laugh at the Alaskan.<br />
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Nathanial and I went to the Alaska State Fair a few weekends ago. I was excited to go back to see how our view of it changed after living in Alaska for a year. This time I was determined to have lower expectations (there's a statement you don't hear often) and to find the unique elements.<br />
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On the way to the fair, we experienced the "worst traffic." Traffic in Alaska is anything longer than 4 cars - which I'm totally ok with. Lots of people were on the one highway heading to the State Fair.<br />
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The feel of the fair reminds me of the county fair in the small town I grew up in. From parking on the grass to the ride section being the most happening part of the whole thing. Anyone remember the Gravitron? <br />
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We made the mistake of getting pulled pork sandwiches for lunch. One day I will remember that all barbecue (especially the kind not in the South) is not created equal. <br />
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For dessert, I chose a triple berry cream puff.<br />
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Then we headed over to the lumberjack show. It was emceed by Timber Tina who made sure to teach the crowd the traditional lumberjack cheer of "YO-HO!" Who know the YOLO movement was inspired by logging camps? Three lumberjacks competed in all kinds of events from log rolling, to axe throwing.<br />
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Next we checked out the Rat Races. We stumbled upon this booth last year and knew to bring change for it this year. Gambling isn't legal in Alaska unless you're a local Elks lodge and put a rat on a roulette wheel then it's fine. The bets are .25 with a 1.50 maximum. My favorite part of this was how everyone kept cheering for the rat to run to a certain color. "Yellow, Stewart. Run to yellow." This was especially funny seeing as how a kid from the crowd would pick the name of the rat at random and then moments later everyone would be cheering said name. Clearly that wasn't a great strategy.<br />
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After our quarters were spent, we decided to check out the exhibit hall. The Alaska State Fair is unique in that it gives out the least number of prizes for livestock. The big winners? Vegetables! <br />
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There were several other categories unique to Alaska. Like the Reddest Red Flower Contest.<br />
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And the hottest pepper. Complete with do not handle sign.</div>
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There were some very interesting animals on display.</div>
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And interesting art too.</div>
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We saw an entertaining jousting show. The announcer was quick to point out that unlike any dinner theater show, this was full contact. The knights couldn't decide if they wanted to be modern or medieval. So they picked rock songs as intros but then wore traditional knight suits. It was $10 well spent.</div>
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We headed home after the jousting.<br />
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I was amused by this sign on the way out.<br />
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And didn't hate this view on the drive.</div>
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Until next time, Alaska State Fair.</div>
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(Photo courtesy of Alaska State Fair.)</div>
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Michelle | Boots and the Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709134130628638675noreply@blogger.com0