tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53029761729549321612024-03-13T21:10:04.632-07:00Is this the person to whom I am speaking?June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-39211178998297276692011-01-12T08:38:00.000-08:002011-01-12T08:39:09.257-08:00And the Official, Official Word Is...Katie posted that it's official...she's off to Afghan. Now, this is good and bad news. Good, because as most of you know she's been having some health issues and now they are resolved and she is deemed healthy, and bad because she's going to a war torn and dangerous place.<br />
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I'm not quite sure how to feel about this, yet. I find myself angry, worried, happy (because she's healthy) and very, very, scared. I know she'll be alright. I know that. Still that mothering instinct is to run after her and steal away her M14 to protect her. Funny thing is, she'd be the one who could protect me now. There's a flip for ya.<br />
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Doesn't make it any easier...June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-11271899303454548122011-01-06T14:11:00.000-08:002011-01-06T14:11:53.212-08:00A Touch of the Blues...er Army GreensWOW! It's been a hard, taxing and long morning/day. It started out with the "hurry-ups" and the "we're going to be lates." It ended with a goodbye and a lot of tears.<br />
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I can't describe the feeling of sending your child into one of the most dangerous places on earth. I can't begin to help anyone who hasn't had this experience to understand it. It's not possible. All I can tell you is it's scary, sad, and well, to be honest, a bit exciting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2k9_P_zj1PrCcVSPSC_ponk3uIjQSSDtd5bFdvEimeiIuGbCyRJ22p8fOHTt8gD7cvz_NjGRoaFEzfuxbRrjHoXK4VeIkwmpw6Lpz1b8FmsBfZ38zaKD0Oym9PwerJ1wSPMFgSExhYo/s1600/Katie%2527s+Yellow+Ribbon+Deployment+Ceremony+Mandalay+Bay+1-6-11+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2k9_P_zj1PrCcVSPSC_ponk3uIjQSSDtd5bFdvEimeiIuGbCyRJ22p8fOHTt8gD7cvz_NjGRoaFEzfuxbRrjHoXK4VeIkwmpw6Lpz1b8FmsBfZ38zaKD0Oym9PwerJ1wSPMFgSExhYo/s320/Katie%2527s+Yellow+Ribbon+Deployment+Ceremony+Mandalay+Bay+1-6-11+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Truly, I am excited for Katie. She will see a part of the world I never will. She will meet people, experience things and do things I never will. That old Army motto of "Be All That You Can Be" is bouncing around in my head as I think of all the great things that are in store for my little girl--the little girl who is a married woman and not so little anymore. I am thinking of the old commercials about adventure and seeing places. It's true and she will have spectacular stories to share. I can't wait to hear them.<br />
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And though she's gone and my heart hurts from missing her and from the natural worry of motherhood, I know, inexplicably, that she will be fine. I know that this "adventure" is going to make her into an incredibly stronger and more courageous woman. I am proud of my daughter, my son and my son-in-law. All three of them are incredible Soldiers who amaze me. I am grateful for them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXFWhWIE1NXKtzD3kWYU7_4n5aWQaNiYgUARKCD-_OHHRvIK1D7E9xisl762teA0FT_9RQ6JPvQBUYaA8HilpJunx_SOG_G0fofpauNE5axdjziw1YkoQXYWcXK2uUUrqbVZN0z5MxmU/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXFWhWIE1NXKtzD3kWYU7_4n5aWQaNiYgUARKCD-_OHHRvIK1D7E9xisl762teA0FT_9RQ6JPvQBUYaA8HilpJunx_SOG_G0fofpauNE5axdjziw1YkoQXYWcXK2uUUrqbVZN0z5MxmU/s320/056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Can a heart be more full? Probably, but mine is bursting with pride from these three young people. And in a year, it will be a sweet reunion for all of us. In a short year, we will all have each other again.June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-81150126285194813682010-11-16T23:12:00.000-08:002010-11-16T23:22:19.328-08:00A Full House is Better Than a Pair...Ah! The joys of having 10 people sequestered in a lowly 5 bedroom, 2 bath home. Two of which are newlyweds who've only had a few weeks of married life together in their short 6 months of wedded bliss--no thanks to the U.S. Army. But, hey! They're good Soldiers and that's all that counts!<br />
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In such close quarters it's hard to turn around without bumping into someone or something. For the most part, we wedge our way into each other's space pretty well and without much mishap or vice. There are the occasional spats and fusses but the kids are getting along very well. Me? I just hide away and pretend the house is semi-empty again. That is, until it's dinner time, homework help time or any other numerous "times" that I am met with...constantly.<br />
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With the up coming holidays and a huge (fake) Christmas tree about to occupy even more of the limited space, I am drawn to the idea of renting a hall for all of us to sleep in while Christmas takes over. I can see us now, cozily laying in cots with mummy-bags surrounding our bodies to keep out the winter chill while a nice fire roasts in the make-believe fireplace...in the kitchen there is the wonderful smell of hot chocolate and candies. It's a nice idea--not a real one, but a nice one.<br />
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Wasn't it on Star Trek that they coined the phrase, "Space; the final frontier?" I know it was...I'm thinking it's about time to build a spacecraft and jump aboard. The only problem would be an even bigger lack of area! Those shuttles aren't any larger than our little home.<br />
All-in-all, it's not so bad. I'm grateful to have everyone home and safe. I'm glad to have our family together because truth be told, it was lonely. I was lonely. And even thought it's tight and close, there's really no other way I would choose to have it. <br />
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So now I suppose I'll go stake a claim in my bedroom and sprawl myself out on my side of the king-sized bed before it's overtaken by the other half. Maybe I'll find some Sugar Plum Fairies dancing tonight and I'll smell those odors of cocoa and candies. Maybe.June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-63017403141303637762010-10-28T15:35:00.000-07:002010-10-28T15:35:45.886-07:00I'm a Doin' a Jig....EVERYBODY SING WITH ME NOW:<br />
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Oh! When the Soldiers come marching home! OH! When the Soldiers come marching home! I'm gonna be there in that number! When my Soldiers come marching home!!<br />
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Yes! It's true!! In just a few more days there will be boys returning home to see family. US as a matter-of-fact! Both the boys are heading toward graduation from AIT and on their way to us. Can I get a happy dance? <br />
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There's only one thing that would hold Jeff back from coming home and that's the fact that they are planning on a lot of dental work. I guess he's a category 3 and needs some serious attention to his teeth. Snaggle-boy he will be no more! If that's the case, he'll be a few more weeks but he's still on that pathway home.<br />
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JT on the other-hand, is heading this way. He's catching that big ol' air-o-plane and flying it home. Katie is beside herself with excitement and rightfully so! It's been a long, hard 6 months for the two of them and it's only going to get harder when she deploys in the next little while.<br />
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Life seems to move in fast motion more and more. This deployment is coming quicker than anticipated and I'm finding it harder and harder to feel secure in letting my little girl go but it's what she does and I'm proud of her for it. She'll be back before I know it too and I'll have all my children safe and sound again. That's the day I'm holding my breath for.June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-1168589612180748492010-10-22T12:43:00.000-07:002010-10-22T12:44:37.743-07:00Sing! Sing a Song....<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last night, and the night before, </span>I was able to attend the girls'--Natalee and Maggie--choir concerts.<br />
I've tried to put up videos so you can all enjoy it but for some reason, it won't load. I'll keep trying. In the interim, here are pictures. :) <br />
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Natalee's was fun. A bunch of middle schoolers singing their little hearts out is always a good time. And they did pretty darn good! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkF_SnSZ6pfLZ3phYKch0jDVUumwiUrw42SdLrTJOcvBJxFLAPg9kxOemT5ZGhKPOliKFY8KJjmtbZMQ6gy0lUfTQ6ZiPD7vppMSZjekBj9YBHn1hBFRx15quSrZS2xSm0zKSeV0g1uNY/s1600/Natalee+and+Maggie%27s+Concerts+Fall+2010+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkF_SnSZ6pfLZ3phYKch0jDVUumwiUrw42SdLrTJOcvBJxFLAPg9kxOemT5ZGhKPOliKFY8KJjmtbZMQ6gy0lUfTQ6ZiPD7vppMSZjekBj9YBHn1hBFRx15quSrZS2xSm0zKSeV0g1uNY/s320/Natalee+and+Maggie%27s+Concerts+Fall+2010+001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1gHzG0fmprfyz6SYbaKJ3k9r8urtttNUQR_fjMcpaLrDOSnxvCrEfT5N3mLha59V2n3QRYXyQns2NeGgMqHGq44zLbxc_sjtYOLFunTuf4o2ARTUTqvQD13kdNDw9bl8ZXszM-BwnZg/s1600/Natalee+and+Maggie%27s+Concerts+Fall+2010+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1gHzG0fmprfyz6SYbaKJ3k9r8urtttNUQR_fjMcpaLrDOSnxvCrEfT5N3mLha59V2n3QRYXyQns2NeGgMqHGq44zLbxc_sjtYOLFunTuf4o2ARTUTqvQD13kdNDw9bl8ZXszM-BwnZg/s320/Natalee+and+Maggie%27s+Concerts+Fall+2010+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnDbD6Z7epCZn0n8QcKrVV2rMBvtqKLJlIiDT3xxrDOVgIT4eABQLfpqxidqxAdscJhwjJaoamSDCEFKP7gFsGGpNHKqNFTg4d09WGevuvbblPHb1IJxwrMsanvhOwLnDFl5h3IwLZAU/s1600/Natalee+and+Maggie%27s+Concerts+Fall+2010+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnDbD6Z7epCZn0n8QcKrVV2rMBvtqKLJlIiDT3xxrDOVgIT4eABQLfpqxidqxAdscJhwjJaoamSDCEFKP7gFsGGpNHKqNFTg4d09WGevuvbblPHb1IJxwrMsanvhOwLnDFl5h3IwLZAU/s320/Natalee+and+Maggie%27s+Concerts+Fall+2010+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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But Maggie's? was AMAZING!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1826350457"></span><span id="goog_1826350458"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1621359484"></span><span id="goog_1621359485"></span></div>June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-47414481511400707752010-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:002010-10-12T08:49:05.113-07:00Yum! Who wants a Cake Pop?We made the cake-pops and can I just tell you, they are DELICIOUS! :) And loads of fun to make!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOsCJBRx0L4sHFXtdfWnJW_n0mNuljHuph3BVGXX7TipabCv6EH5BCEvaV6SNZVettjd6Ys6bM7rQxmVVxeVZAW2uQQPQAp7nInSNSAeMuWM_LREhzkqJqVyncz10kVacwDfxKOG-7jo/s320/Cake+Pops%21+006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM! Who wants to lick the spoon?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOsCJBRx0L4sHFXtdfWnJW_n0mNuljHuph3BVGXX7TipabCv6EH5BCEvaV6SNZVettjd6Ys6bM7rQxmVVxeVZAW2uQQPQAp7nInSNSAeMuWM_LREhzkqJqVyncz10kVacwDfxKOG-7jo/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8anjXPkyyUrvuTs7yRR0IbWXKDERBd9kUZKSsbGIKaxmS52T5YDztJyEsv5wZCmTwWqs4pYaZ09Gjk9bsncXs64aPxaMb67-Q5AcbQEH7ku1uXHGYcWuDMOsWWXlf6aT-_wNCTZ6CCE0/s320/Cake+Pops%21+003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the "batter" and a few of the almost pops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8anjXPkyyUrvuTs7yRR0IbWXKDERBd9kUZKSsbGIKaxmS52T5YDztJyEsv5wZCmTwWqs4pYaZ09Gjk9bsncXs64aPxaMb67-Q5AcbQEH7ku1uXHGYcWuDMOsWWXlf6aT-_wNCTZ6CCE0/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>We got busy making quite a few of them. I recommend reading the directions fully before you dive in. I accidentally put too much frosting in the first batch and we had to quickly make another cake to even things out. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfpLDuTo5j6WO_a61lXJrCFD_Aza2l7VADQseckSmIZtFSHhVZ6K7hxOADohdn8vLZDVfObGxoDq36ybaMe1VAr-j8Lmc551wZAvWGUyK8dOCioVL1PvpgnFtotNi7E7VJmBnmWx4g_w/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfpLDuTo5j6WO_a61lXJrCFD_Aza2l7VADQseckSmIZtFSHhVZ6K7hxOADohdn8vLZDVfObGxoDq36ybaMe1VAr-j8Lmc551wZAvWGUyK8dOCioVL1PvpgnFtotNi7E7VJmBnmWx4g_w/s320/Cake+Pops%21+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1POJtnJ5ndqMAkkApcyOjj5a23CkY-Z-pM08QAOEjqwkxBJVuwHVeaPBosmHoqBUwknGOWoTXX-0vHF4qBm8EuVzj6jyL6eeRovRmUXz2-T6G0eLt82Mhi0rp83PMFnjxUL8kA9kSt5k/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1POJtnJ5ndqMAkkApcyOjj5a23CkY-Z-pM08QAOEjqwkxBJVuwHVeaPBosmHoqBUwknGOWoTXX-0vHF4qBm8EuVzj6jyL6eeRovRmUXz2-T6G0eLt82Mhi0rp83PMFnjxUL8kA9kSt5k/s320/Cake+Pops%21+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We discovered that being prepared really helps when you're making these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUwHYtYsevVDJgam_hrqsaXuMzPaszGZh9MgnX5W5lPtLXW_xsxAhqLFa26wld8qRhN2YIVfkTW0RdtlRcL0Kyjc5x8mpeloiysFR7ZdBs1EQ1fHdU5nS1gs5pQ6KDHVijQLNDPhg7_0/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUwHYtYsevVDJgam_hrqsaXuMzPaszGZh9MgnX5W5lPtLXW_xsxAhqLFa26wld8qRhN2YIVfkTW0RdtlRcL0Kyjc5x8mpeloiysFR7ZdBs1EQ1fHdU5nS1gs5pQ6KDHVijQLNDPhg7_0/s320/Cake+Pops%21+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_aQhpAALMe04gDC9gj_zmt6MN5-ur7mfotNauwOephRQVBZ6Dhq7SMMKkNzq0b1VvH8BOyFViH9UaSY8RL1TW16fcvif93O1j6HvWvH8jGWTAVvzWgDgEJwkkrUEz_oQzk14zkSW3WI/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_aQhpAALMe04gDC9gj_zmt6MN5-ur7mfotNauwOephRQVBZ6Dhq7SMMKkNzq0b1VvH8BOyFViH9UaSY8RL1TW16fcvif93O1j6HvWvH8jGWTAVvzWgDgEJwkkrUEz_oQzk14zkSW3WI/s320/Cake+Pops%21+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once the balls were formed, we stuck them in the freezer (like Bakerella recommends) and waited. And waited. And waited. It was a good thing we did! If they're not frozen, they don't like the melted chocolate and fall off the sticks. But soon we were ready to dive in to the "frosting" part of it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhChFhrLpVE9A_VEDG3bf5VU4nEgj9SRhDqKYiJlPXUskVQLDx6_w2b4K6EkVQs83V6uI_vdtBx3_dCBu9fnr0-F7PF4dML4vag1uazWlEP2qwPn4cx8GqAN-7_MHGLBdRvMN4Z7_yLuA/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhChFhrLpVE9A_VEDG3bf5VU4nEgj9SRhDqKYiJlPXUskVQLDx6_w2b4K6EkVQs83V6uI_vdtBx3_dCBu9fnr0-F7PF4dML4vag1uazWlEP2qwPn4cx8GqAN-7_MHGLBdRvMN4Z7_yLuA/s320/Cake+Pops%21+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WWNOKEoXOOQNjG_8reeVoBXCLXE4H83FsFv0wKwCz4RMM2yAZ7AD7dW_Mib5bRHx_XiQTXylO7CFpjb2k-_z1kwlBEbeFz_V_tOJUfaUTZoGqnALD_EcGTNzNnzpiiYyn6vi_2dgzPU/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WWNOKEoXOOQNjG_8reeVoBXCLXE4H83FsFv0wKwCz4RMM2yAZ7AD7dW_Mib5bRHx_XiQTXylO7CFpjb2k-_z1kwlBEbeFz_V_tOJUfaUTZoGqnALD_EcGTNzNnzpiiYyn6vi_2dgzPU/s320/Cake+Pops%21+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nZtFeUkfMaLdwhVbaPFKUzF6ZuOl5PFkIGtOgegLHYhyphenhyphenfe5veQjkGo5Y92UkhwWH0BE1EKgzOiZDll5FzZvWEziqxAZoNJFKRnbEOnpZtH59cqPlxgcLxjEV4HLZ2rxA3jNmitDeRGg/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nZtFeUkfMaLdwhVbaPFKUzF6ZuOl5PFkIGtOgegLHYhyphenhyphenfe5veQjkGo5Y92UkhwWH0BE1EKgzOiZDll5FzZvWEziqxAZoNJFKRnbEOnpZtH59cqPlxgcLxjEV4HLZ2rxA3jNmitDeRGg/s320/Cake+Pops%21+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRo_jZkVoXnJl7SVYXkE4BDeZkDKj6JXKV1gWwAxMt6-Tmlp3f689NLnUNRTvx4xJax_8y44Z-MZEAWWoJx_0iWusFsxo5DR_waA6HJzXUmZMJFqPvPjTMus1iK7MpGy-tmdZo2tmPN4/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRo_jZkVoXnJl7SVYXkE4BDeZkDKj6JXKV1gWwAxMt6-Tmlp3f689NLnUNRTvx4xJax_8y44Z-MZEAWWoJx_0iWusFsxo5DR_waA6HJzXUmZMJFqPvPjTMus1iK7MpGy-tmdZo2tmPN4/s320/Cake+Pops%21+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We found it was really important to keep your chocolate melted. <br />
And though ours were definitely not as pretty as Bakerella's, they were a lot of fun to make and they tasted wonderful! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tcSOSlKDH_0mLODHtTRA4SFxWxOYeObCxXNXPAdy38FMeokjznjS0mrjLLdjJJGuO_oIJ1OQM9B3KwtaaHwf6Ig1em9ttCFvFMRLvd-XpH1AseCfJUn3lNGRsnGe6BhAux_pPo6jq_s/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tcSOSlKDH_0mLODHtTRA4SFxWxOYeObCxXNXPAdy38FMeokjznjS0mrjLLdjJJGuO_oIJ1OQM9B3KwtaaHwf6Ig1em9ttCFvFMRLvd-XpH1AseCfJUn3lNGRsnGe6BhAux_pPo6jq_s/s320/Cake+Pops%21+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98eVT0qdcRK7BE2nVRB3GCCt1WYx6QcJJgh88ABijVHiBWlkQ14YU16I4UYMqjaXel18rnE32RKIcunfNoeuZEypKFHh-2TEBltBrdD-VjNqcJS5s7RQ1xg3XmFgG3F8Tz43482wDf7M/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98eVT0qdcRK7BE2nVRB3GCCt1WYx6QcJJgh88ABijVHiBWlkQ14YU16I4UYMqjaXel18rnE32RKIcunfNoeuZEypKFHh-2TEBltBrdD-VjNqcJS5s7RQ1xg3XmFgG3F8Tz43482wDf7M/s320/Cake+Pops%21+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweMlctF3QAiokdGD6lFlPDksJIGfz1oOKhHj9CBkrDuBKKAgCBRqLbOv5YACsX31goRqitJRhOLGFss3Pw1eAuX_kqwYLrzbeqtyp2d0TF6ZSEz1vMTR8vzRXnmD64oIXxJPGpeMOHes/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweMlctF3QAiokdGD6lFlPDksJIGfz1oOKhHj9CBkrDuBKKAgCBRqLbOv5YACsX31goRqitJRhOLGFss3Pw1eAuX_kqwYLrzbeqtyp2d0TF6ZSEz1vMTR8vzRXnmD64oIXxJPGpeMOHes/s320/Cake+Pops%21+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeB04XUirCJS06-y2S43jsB6frhZnMp4QsVhbPQ7VeYw_i9MULmAcpU1QPYttLz9N-TU8GDsXTj0DDFVAdG-epkbna8XnGW_Xl_D9qc5ykPKEuX-BEXJApQms58rMj-9eCmZwt4WurYc/s320/Cake+Pops%21+009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using coffee stirrers doesn't work very well. You really need the lolly-pop sticks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeB04XUirCJS06-y2S43jsB6frhZnMp4QsVhbPQ7VeYw_i9MULmAcpU1QPYttLz9N-TU8GDsXTj0DDFVAdG-epkbna8XnGW_Xl_D9qc5ykPKEuX-BEXJApQms58rMj-9eCmZwt4WurYc/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg23n7pI8bjD-03tlpUr3Yit95Pj90bX-SdHgwiSP_gpTmpZGfOLMwDRS7xV9bAs-1esghzh08HaE9T56DT8hP_zrvaNMi9S-W5RFXZyMCtinUWqoMaS2SUF98H5JV9BUc1z-gLi8BmY/s320/Cake+Pops%21+014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blah! I vant to eat your cake pop! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg23n7pI8bjD-03tlpUr3Yit95Pj90bX-SdHgwiSP_gpTmpZGfOLMwDRS7xV9bAs-1esghzh08HaE9T56DT8hP_zrvaNMi9S-W5RFXZyMCtinUWqoMaS2SUF98H5JV9BUc1z-gLi8BmY/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-qGNws-ty9ET3LDrsY0XAbn9DknOcQ6Oy6CWyJMw4-fz-zbiSO1pBNyPuK4BMQihuJfxGScATjcIbQe5gGWnKFqh8TwOma5K1dJw5V11Nu34SzUfIz6SZBAOefVtuURn4yglKpSJhLk/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-qGNws-ty9ET3LDrsY0XAbn9DknOcQ6Oy6CWyJMw4-fz-zbiSO1pBNyPuK4BMQihuJfxGScATjcIbQe5gGWnKFqh8TwOma5K1dJw5V11Nu34SzUfIz6SZBAOefVtuURn4yglKpSJhLk/s320/Cake+Pops%21+017.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmvP4VnHiq82DrvRUG3pBQgDkV3cO6IglS1K7qnAb-3ZlH4yqWgrwh1gTYWjovKRzvUSxcFahOKKBNzrmkiCC2DVpdV5b5Dlft8TPuByvMUDiiQYR0hokix5PcFFsh8018Rsua1iJZBg/s320/Cake+Pops%21+020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our "Old Man" cake pop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmvP4VnHiq82DrvRUG3pBQgDkV3cO6IglS1K7qnAb-3ZlH4yqWgrwh1gTYWjovKRzvUSxcFahOKKBNzrmkiCC2DVpdV5b5Dlft8TPuByvMUDiiQYR0hokix5PcFFsh8018Rsua1iJZBg/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie's "artistic" picture of the table and stuff on it...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc_DWJhyAqSmV2gRio04eUDcTsbPbbE1lKH7l7eIU_6YV2TDTBC87HtkZLRi8XqWs9iR2UyWY8mgvr-sqL8E1aQq2PtUgDcC-y6gzPm2IZ9aEoO-2A8O6guyIhs7C3tKlJmO4u04ZoCw/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sfpKMw8Tu18graGAWlgf2S4JHRW7M6Q-DS7pqgWlK2_v0m0sSqfxLfES7x1g_uWjWin8IZO-pzFCr2SQi88UkFr5u9_B1ubEJi4po1gtB8UFl2p6ANHz5h5nx5833d6vouLfJs17L9M/s1600/Cake+Pops%21+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sfpKMw8Tu18graGAWlgf2S4JHRW7M6Q-DS7pqgWlK2_v0m0sSqfxLfES7x1g_uWjWin8IZO-pzFCr2SQi88UkFr5u9_B1ubEJi4po1gtB8UFl2p6ANHz5h5nx5833d6vouLfJs17L9M/s320/Cake+Pops%21+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>They're so much fun, in fact, that I'm making more on Friday to take with us on Saturday for our church activity. I think they'll be a hit! Thanks Bakerella!June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-19698544987348569262010-10-07T08:54:00.000-07:002010-10-07T08:54:04.428-07:00Swwweettt bloggers! I found a good one!Once, a long time ago, I enjoyed being creative, baking and doing all those "girly" things. After having all the children and being busy as a mom, I sort of lost my love for all of it. Every once in a while though, I get a hankering for some baking and when I find a person who is beyond creative I like to follow them--just to see what new things they'll come up with next. It just so happens I did find someone new. And I'm in LOVE!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">My new favorite blogspot! </a><br />
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I grabbed the fall edition of <i>Betty Crocker</i> at our local grocery store last night because the cover was so enticing. Isn't it always that way? And inside I found recipe after recipe after sweet recipe that I'm dying to try. There are more things in this little compact magazine to try than I think I have time for in a day. Good thing there are more days of Fall for me to use than one!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bakerella.com/peek-a-boo/">Here's a copy of the magazine cover.</a><br />
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So, I'm going to do my reading for class and then, yes, I'm going to attempt to have some fun in my kitchen with some of these wonderful recipes I've found. I'll put some pictures up when I've finished. They won't look as good as those professional ones <i>Betty Crocker</i> has in her magazine, but hey, it's all good--especially the food! :)June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-84633745665043930842010-10-07T00:24:00.000-07:002010-10-07T09:47:45.738-07:00Home again...But for how long? You may ask. I can honestly tell you I'm here for a while.<br />
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The trip was FANTASTIC! We saw so many wonderful things, experienced history and learned so much. We visited places I never thought we'd get a chance to see. Ahhh. Vacations. :)<br />
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Of course, the best part of the trip was seeing our son, Jeff, graduate from Basic Training. Now I know I'm a little late on this particular post, especially because he returns home from AIT some time next month, but it's still important to write about, right? Right...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding the Company Flag</td></tr>
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We flew into Jacksonville, FL and were accompanied by two of the best people anyone could ever ask for as traveling companions, my in-laws. Truly, they were a lot of fun to be with and we enjoyed the 15 days we had with them to tour and discover. They weren't sure they'd be able to make it at first but in the end they were there and 100%. It was great.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee and Ruth</td></tr>
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After the long flight, we jumped in the rental car and took off for Savannah, GA. Now, anyone who knows me, knows I <u><i><b>LOVE</b></i></u> Savannah. Those who live there might call it the "Black Hole of the south," but <i>I</i> adore visiting and seeing all the sights. There's never a shortage of things to explore or beauty to behold. From the Spanish Moss to the canopy of trees that shroud the streets, Savannah holds a mystery and an air of discovery to her. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7gMuQ2OIIlaV1jCqGy8aumf36f4-r9MxGWdfgbvjopeRKdOYLUF8GUs4aKuOxSuZ92lH4_jhabBYhVsY1jYSeihY5jbhiTSI6DgYmuyRh8sx15A1gLpXhn2Z_J4k6SCLWnkhO_xE7Bk/s320/Jeff's+Graduation+and+Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+157.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah, GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7gMuQ2OIIlaV1jCqGy8aumf36f4-r9MxGWdfgbvjopeRKdOYLUF8GUs4aKuOxSuZ92lH4_jhabBYhVsY1jYSeihY5jbhiTSI6DgYmuyRh8sx15A1gLpXhn2Z_J4k6SCLWnkhO_xE7Bk/s1600/Jeff's+Graduation+and+Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>From the many squares that litter down-town to the quaint River-Front shops, Savannah entices. She entices you to walk back in time, slow down and become genteel, refined and well-mannered. I must admit to having a love affair here, in Savannah, an affair with history and Southern Hospitality. They are good mistresses.<br />
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South Carolina has its own choice places to see and visit but we never seem to get further than Ft. Jackson for some reason. One day, we'll go explore her shores and cities and see what bounty she has to offer. But for now, we are sufficed with the amazing soldiers she produces and that is good enough for me.<br />
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Virginia, now there's a place to set some visiting roots! From plantations that still function to cities that glow in the night, Virginia has it all. It's that southern pace that really causes a person to be drawn to these states. It's slow, easy and comfortable. And like Savannah, Virginia holds secrets from the past. I love to visit anywhere in Virginia. I'm never disappointed. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamestown, VA looking out to the Atlantic Ocean</td></tr>
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Seeing Washington, D.C. was better this time than the first. We had the opportunity to tour the Capital Building, see the actual Senate House and take our son, and soldier, to Arlington National Cemetery where he had the chance to participate--although not directly--in the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Because he was in uniform, he was able to solute those men who gave their lives willingly for our freedoms. It was surreal to see my son solute them and know that some other mother, some where, didn't know the whereabouts of her son, a soldier. I was proud in that moment, proud and humbled.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tomb of the Unknowns</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HCkaOmaTngWcnI9Ve0wRuDKTZ2SgMfe-rU8cLqZuC3hOGNPxs5HCXA2ZZBrUWcmsrci74zny3i1svpuGuluhIQ44Lz5WNKi8Jyc_7Esje-C7L8Fks2Wj5S0-3tPr68EPD-YjESwjZUg/s1600/Jeff's+Graduation+and+Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>We met up with my sister-in-law in DC and had a great time touring around. She took her parents back with her to Delaware and Jeff and I took our son on to his AIT. We had a wonderful time with him and were sad to say goodbye after such a short time with him but we know he's doing what he's always wanted to do and he's happy. That's all that matters.<br />
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Jeff and I took a few days to tour around Virginia after that and went to places like Jamestown, Williamsburg and a few other spots. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves but were happy to head up to Beck and David's to see them and the boys and spend some touring time with them in Delaware and Pennsylvania. <br />
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Amish Country was a lot of great shopping! I highly recommend going there with an abundance of money! Just remember to either ship home or pack into a different bag any items that are liquid and check them in! I promise, you'll be glad you did when you get to security at the airport.<b> : /</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great little band!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRIDGkF7NHurp6nZhApUB9zNprN95J3ArWicSv3eq6zVeym1r4Z5Wd0NBlYo5fsqfOUutpWapvFfY5i8PgBYeUAdFASm3GYOpRob21GXB52NQZKfo_1KlkGnuwxBUeN06YgiA2wwZEBc/s1600/Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+Jeff%27s+Graduation+484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>We ended up at the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall and many other exciting places while we were there. We had the best sandwiches <b><u><i>ever</i></u></b> at Reading Station and I did some more shopping. It was a great day, couple of days, in Philly! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is THE place for Philly Cheese-steak Sandwiches!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7zFok1AlcErqL9ojCCvtYWAUzyWbAck3MVjORwuzEo1m1Oej_JoI0kMVbL3mEdHdT8E8utzG5JYcNew0zD6AHmVwra3UnrnlcopXjFhNQEEgh3f3A-IbSmNUO9p72is5toyTUnEIZ0g/s320/Jeff's+Graduation+and+Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+1395.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But if you want a great Italian sub...look no further!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q32R7RZAFyxjdYGrG_EKoPydNyL4ThzWrroW4vo9ntGYoJj136GhqSdW062EP1Lo1h8T2lZ79J5qbabbJxK_xacZvcPjPR0DCFA_2oLIU3vWzZZqh8Vvu849Fpv6AIwQgK5HiMEWEOs/s1600/Jeff's+Graduation+and+Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q32R7RZAFyxjdYGrG_EKoPydNyL4ThzWrroW4vo9ntGYoJj136GhqSdW062EP1Lo1h8T2lZ79J5qbabbJxK_xacZvcPjPR0DCFA_2oLIU3vWzZZqh8Vvu849Fpv6AIwQgK5HiMEWEOs/s320/Jeff's+Graduation+and+Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+1396.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beck and Jeff</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You always have room for ice cream!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlN6vS_Q3YfDkMk9UzO2l4y_JRgwlW2ImIhxDRMMbZGrhxuPnITlJLSlEbOMgBqhKvzbCHEiGs7i4HS9otpYZuzwUY8JQyzSllK4oiwnyQh3mRy2KPWUDbU4UAqz9aYfVZoTofhi7HlU/s1600/Jeff's+Graduation+and+Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+1398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
There's never enough time, is there? It always seems to be cut short and it's time to head home again. But we didn't pack our bags up quite yet. We went to Valley Forge and spent the day walking where George Washington and his troops wintered and lived. We visited the most amazing church while there and grew to appreciate those men who gave their all for our country. It was stirring and humbling to walk those grounds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADO8iHsPfTu55cLxGfvxyWLTRWX_7Yt8MpcYvuE_6LfHrplvFPiv8-fFRu6XB4rx6ojhYwt9S3URAlgEzRMaaMd72-fPEK-oAh58lIegHguxrhoaCa8qgP6b_nuLAe3WG5oslL818NSQ/s320/Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+Jeff%27s+Graduation+652.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monument to the Revolutionary soldiers at Valley Forge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADO8iHsPfTu55cLxGfvxyWLTRWX_7Yt8MpcYvuE_6LfHrplvFPiv8-fFRu6XB4rx6ojhYwt9S3URAlgEzRMaaMd72-fPEK-oAh58lIegHguxrhoaCa8qgP6b_nuLAe3WG5oslL818NSQ/s1600/Our+Vacation+August+and+September+2010+Jeff%27s+Graduation+652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I am glad we went and I'm even more glad to be home to share these experiences with all of you. I hope you enjoy the few photos and the little bit of story. If you want to know everything we did, well that, you'll have to ask me in person. :)June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-23897969538768478912010-08-27T09:09:00.000-07:002010-08-27T09:22:55.963-07:00Alright Folks, We're Off!Tomorrow starts the long trip back east. I'm so excited to see Jeff I can't hardly stand it. We have a picture of him along with some video courtesy of www.victoryconcerts.com. They are a fabulous group who go out to the bases and encourage our BCT--soon-to-be--graduates and give them a much needed moral boost.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURg594ErAevebc1lV-NTMrsIwsYB6VDTNMQjHqaqgWv7Ej4H8idPqDLCYh0qnw5lFz9iDlLHZ9nt4O2fdUUKThHm6ejddnNirzzP6kOOKzIVDGZKDsv1JSCrEQq027SHrY_zD0llc3w/s1600/Jeffrey+T.+Victory+Concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURg594ErAevebc1lV-NTMrsIwsYB6VDTNMQjHqaqgWv7Ej4H8idPqDLCYh0qnw5lFz9iDlLHZ9nt4O2fdUUKThHm6ejddnNirzzP6kOOKzIVDGZKDsv1JSCrEQq027SHrY_zD0llc3w/s320/Jeffrey+T.+Victory+Concert.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff is the one holding the two sodas right in front.</td></tr>
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My amazing in-laws showed up safely yesterday and all is well with them. I'm so grateful. They've had a long road with Mom's illness and Lee's. But both are doing phenomenally well. It's going to be so much fun to have them along to do some great things while we're back there. I'm excited for the opportunity to see Beck and David and the boys again--and so soon! :)<br />
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The kids are back to school on Monday. We, of course, won't be here. We miss their first two weeks of school. I'm really grateful Katie is old enough to play "mommy" while we're out taking care of Jeff. I don't know what we'd do without her. And of course she is excited because JT gets to come home in a week for a few days of leave. They haven't had much time in the way of newlyweddedness. (Yes, yes I did just make up the word)<br />
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I start back to school Monday also. How that's going to work is anybody's question. Thankfully there are ways to access my classes via the web. Too bad I can't access my actual on-campus classes. But it will all work out, right?<br />
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I think the most exciting part--besides seeing Jeff--is that I get to have my husband for 15 days without Quality Towing waking us up and interfering in our lives! 15 blissful days of a silent phone. Ahhh! :) <br />
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I just got off the phone with Jeff and he's told me there's a hurricane due for Savannah, GA and the rest of the eastern coastline. He thinks he wants to go body-surfing. Gotta love that crazy man!! <br />
Watch for pictures. I promise to add some of Jeff's and my trip. Especially ones with Jeff, Jr. and all the fun things we get to do with him. We only get one day but it's one day more than we've had for a long time.<br />
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Alright folks. We're off....June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-31882113263272973842010-08-17T11:54:00.000-07:002010-08-17T11:56:16.061-07:00I'm leaving on a jet plane...It's true. I just got home and in 11 days I leave again. Only this time I get to take Jeff along with me! I'm tittering with excitement. 15 days of just us...what a novel idea.<br />
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We're doing pretty much the same trip Katie and I did with a few twists. We aren't going on the extra trip up to Boston; we're heading into Philadelphia to see what wonders it holds. I'm excited to see my sister-in-law and her family again so soon! I'm looking forward to some good "water-ice" from Rita's and having Jeff share the experience. The question is, what flavor to try this time??<br />
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While we were out and about on our last trip, we got news from home that my mother-in-law had been placed back in the hospital. Thankfully things are going better with her now and we're still holding out that she and my father-in-law can accompany us on this next journey.<br />
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It's hard to believe that Jeffrey T. is ready to graduate from Basic Training! It seems like it was just yesterday that he left. He'll be home from AIT before we know it and off on a mission. Where does the time go? I think it slips by and we are so busy we miss half of what's going on.<br />
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Anyway, I thought I'd add a few pictures of Kate's and my trip for your viewing pleasure. :) I know, I know, you're really looking forward to it, aren't you?? You are? I'm so glad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlYGftsCzPCBdWc5OB5BvJkhJMPs7lsM4MiKkwThFja24vi3UB0R1h5ShzVk2-_30IYk_-WU-1jl284itUBm76sItaCNZW0w5rGgZSF9d_h5LwJbIMHVKcUrW7qnGiOxFrGexO2HJ5_s/s1600/Boston+Trip+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlYGftsCzPCBdWc5OB5BvJkhJMPs7lsM4MiKkwThFja24vi3UB0R1h5ShzVk2-_30IYk_-WU-1jl284itUBm76sItaCNZW0w5rGgZSF9d_h5LwJbIMHVKcUrW7qnGiOxFrGexO2HJ5_s/s320/Boston+Trip+127.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is one of the gates leading into Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8CIAsICkA7I7CB3jOq1uSVhwRzKO_Dq3Chk-YcZ_1dlW3irUxvCjsJgNxsUfC_HpEq30-2FQPMQfkh-_rTaJpuD0rdIp0JWPLQDpIowCIwhlimyg0Ld62AWmygJrNrGImeYYRtPcSeE/s1600/Boston+Trip+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8CIAsICkA7I7CB3jOq1uSVhwRzKO_Dq3Chk-YcZ_1dlW3irUxvCjsJgNxsUfC_HpEq30-2FQPMQfkh-_rTaJpuD0rdIp0JWPLQDpIowCIwhlimyg0Ld62AWmygJrNrGImeYYRtPcSeE/s320/Boston+Trip+111.jpg" /></a></div> At Beck and David's house with the boys. Aren't they adorable?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfkfXGKrKVXpwda84qQlS2jrw-LdIcZKzMaaMxjF3okELnjUxJkAtKNFT1rsu9LmPejuIt9RO3OfsI2pgKR5fVgOjJ1dEwEKGI9-BvytSxpKNKMJATswxrIilwV8VDsgpwiqbe7519MY/s1600/Boston+Trip+1720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfkfXGKrKVXpwda84qQlS2jrw-LdIcZKzMaaMxjF3okELnjUxJkAtKNFT1rsu9LmPejuIt9RO3OfsI2pgKR5fVgOjJ1dEwEKGI9-BvytSxpKNKMJATswxrIilwV8VDsgpwiqbe7519MY/s320/Boston+Trip+1720.jpg" /></a></div>Outside of Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, NJ. It was a crazy 2 hour wait to get inside. But we did see Joey and Grace!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzvcYzJ1c5RvstWnIhOgZ5ONFQSlrkBpgGF4PTkishpxi8xUx60YhrmuDkq7AyLcd3JcaGllXpQE6AaGrsmJyZBcFXX0cN9DBw-ULq2l6vAyGSUO3JTq0JWAwfAKrSK-FjW-thfC0VM4/s1600/Boston+Trip+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzvcYzJ1c5RvstWnIhOgZ5ONFQSlrkBpgGF4PTkishpxi8xUx60YhrmuDkq7AyLcd3JcaGllXpQE6AaGrsmJyZBcFXX0cN9DBw-ULq2l6vAyGSUO3JTq0JWAwfAKrSK-FjW-thfC0VM4/s320/Boston+Trip+057.jpg" /></a></div>This is the Changing of the Wreath. Part of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC.June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-54674575087752064122010-08-13T15:01:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:02:36.266-07:00Trippin in da citay<span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #38761d;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><span style="background-color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: #6aa84f;"></span></span></span></span>Home is where your bed is! And it's a great place to lay your weary head after a week and a half of traipsing about the country. But playing in the city was fun too. And we explored (Katie and me) more than one city! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We started out in Jacksonville, Florida and made our way over to friends in White Springs, FL. Where we enjoyed some true Southern hospitality and delicious home-cooked meals. Can we say yummy fried chicken, green beans, creamed corn, fried pork chops, etc. etc. etc.! And to finish it off, grits and sausage and bacon for breakfast. :) Yes, it was good! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">While we were there, Devin Harris--formally known to us here in Vegas as Elder Harris--took us out to the family pond to find a "gator." But he was an elusive fella who only showed us his eyes when it was dark. Harris jumped in his boat and paddled around and around calling out, "Here gator, gator, gator," to no avail. The sneaky thing stayed hidden. However, there was a point in that adventure when Devin actually got a hold of it by the neck. He was quite sad that we didn't get to see a gator in its natural habitat. I think we were fine..yep just fine. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The following day took us to Savannah, Georgia. I love to visit this eloquent, quaint city. It's like stepping back in time. Good friends, more like family, allowed us to stay in their home. Rhonda has been a Savannah resident for 2 years now and Ashley for 4. They say it's a better place to visit than to live. It didn't matter to us, we just love the history there. We tootled around the town and ate at our favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Zunzi's. It's not a well known eatery to many. Mostly the SCAD students frequent the joint. Let me tell you, it's fantastic! Once the deliciousness of Zunzi's wore off we sauntered over to Leopold's Ice Cream Shop. Ahhh! As my father-in-law says, "There is always room for ice cream." Especially when it's so dang delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We headed up to Colombia, South Carolina next. Our stop there brought a happy, but too short, reunion for Katie and JT. We spent Family Day messing around and buying fun gadgets for JT to play with while he finishes his AIT. The next morning we enjoyed his graduation ceremony and tossed his things into the car and hurried off to Petersburg, Virginia--passing through 2 states on our way to Aberdeen, Maryland.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The East Coast is packed with lush, green, tall trees that surround you on each side of the roadway. If you're claustrophobic, it can be a tad unnerving. Fortunately, it does open up enough to keep the feeling at bay. I was grateful for those patches of open sky. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">After a good nights sleep in Aberdeen, we met up with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their two adorable boys. It was a visit many years in the making and I can't begin to describe how wonderful it was. They got to meet JT and we got to spend the day trying to maneuver our way through DC! We saw many things from a distance. But it was still worth every second we spent together. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Too quickly we were heading back to take JT to AIT. It was hard for the kids to say goodbye and I felt so bad for them both. But they are strong and they do well, all things considered. It was very late when we dropped him off and he was gone fast. Two escorts helped him find his barracks and tote his items there. The kids barely had time to kiss each other goodbye before they shuffled him away. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We woke up early the next morning, set out for Beck and David's house and ended up spending the day with them. It was a wonderful visit packed with Philly Cheese-steak sandwiches and Rita's Water-Ice. But it was the company that made it soo good! We had fun playing with the boys and talking and catching up on many things. It was perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Boston came the next day and we were excited to visit such an important city. Our little hotel was about 30 minutes from downtown and we decided to take the subway in. I was glad we did. There's not much in the way of parking there and what there is, is expensive. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Our first stop was Harvard. WOW! What a beautiful campus! The buildings are like a time warp and the ambiance is nothing I've experienced before. It was truly a great place to see. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Jumping back on the subway, we headed into the heart of Boston. There is so much to see and do there. It is impossible to do it all in one day. But what we did do, we thoroughly enjoyed! The Old North Church where the lanterns were held to signal the British attack; Paul Revere's house and Square; the crypt and bell tower in the Old North Church; shopping at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. The list goes on and on! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Walking the Freedom Trail was the highlight of the trip. Our tour guide was fantastic! We went to the Granary Burying Ground where Paul Revere, the Franklin family, Sam Adams, John Hancock and many, many others are interred. We touched buildings and walked in footsteps of those who fought for our freedom and gave us this amazing land of opportunity. It was an awesome experience!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">But like all great things, our trip had to come to an end. And so the next morning, bright and early, we headed back down the coast and landed in Petersburg, VA again. Sleep was a definite friend that night. The next morning we decided to visit the Berkley Plantation and enjoy some more of what Virginia has to offer. It was well worth the stop. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Soon we were in Savannah again and then off to the airport in Jacksonville to fly home. Our trip and our adventure had come to its end but the memories never will. Laughing and crying and playing with my daughter was certainly the best part of the whole trip. I would do it again in a heart beat!</span><br />
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</span>June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-38562344983893843092009-09-29T20:44:00.000-07:002009-09-29T20:55:02.861-07:00Up Up and AwayOn Thursday, Jeffrey T. leaves for MEPS. FINALLY! Phew what a long time in coming this has been. There was a mess up with his ASVAB score, so he had to retake it and then we waited on the Dr.s to decide he was clear to go. But we are there. And he is happy.<br /><br />Katie and June started school back in August. Both have a heavy class load. It will pay off in the end and that's what we're waiting for.<br /><br />The rest of the kids are doing great.<br /><br />Maggie got a lead role in her school's play!! HOORAY for Maggie! We are very proud of her. We also found out that she is second, out of the whole school district here, in reading. She can read 288 words a minute, out loud, without mistake!<br /><br />Natalee is pulling A's and B's in all of her classes and blossoming into a beautiful young lady. She's also crossing her fingers and toes that she made it on the school's dance team.<br /><br />Karlee is on track to graduate with honors. *beaming smile* She is the manager for the JV volleyball team at her school.<br /><br />Kyle is doing well too! He is really getting close to getting his Eagle. He's a cute kid. His math teacher told me that it's his goofiness that he loves the most. Who couldn't love his nuttiness?<br /><br />Jacob is having a great time as a fourth grader. He went with his mom on a field trip the other day and they had a blast.<br /><br />There are the updates. When we find out what job Jeffrey T will be doing, we'll let you know!June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-3429690794430077972009-08-11T08:29:00.000-07:002009-08-11T08:39:34.624-07:00The Long Road to BloggingObviously, this is not one of my strongest suits. Blogging kind of took a dump when I got Katie home and life continued.<br /><br />A quick catch-up is in order, I think.<br /><br />Jeff, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Jr</span>. has not joined <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">NG</span> yet. They put stipulations in place because our state had too many soldiers. It's a Federal law that only X amount of soldiers can be in place in each state and we were way over that mark. The thought is that sometime this month or next he'll get the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">opportunity</span> to get things signed and squared away. I'm not holding my breath....<br /><br />School starts again in a few days. Kate and I are both taking full class loads and will be very busy. I don't think she really understands just how much work college is going to be.<br /><br />Jeff, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Jr</span>. is a Senior this year! It's crazy to think my children are aging so quickly especially when the majority of the women I associate with are still cuddling babies with diapers.<br /><br />Kyle and Karlee are Sophomores, 15 and busy; Maggie is in 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, Natalee starts middle school as a 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grader and Jacob is in 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. We've finally reached the point of one child in Elementary again. Getting older has its perks. :D<br /><br />Jeff is still hanging in there at Quality--for now. It's a miserable job but we're grateful to have one in these economic times.<br /><br />That's about it for updates. When, and if, Jeff, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Jr</span>. decides what he's doing, I'll update again. Until then enjoy the rest of your summer!!June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-16577088621388612202009-02-18T10:13:00.000-08:002009-02-18T10:22:21.195-08:00Let's get physicalThe good news is, Katie passed her LAST PT test! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hooah</span>!! She has one more test and a written test and she is done. Can I say it again??? SHE IS DONE!! Graduation is on March 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> and she is home on the 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>. :)<br /><br />New news: Jeff, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jr</span>. takes his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ASVAB</span> test TODAY!! Then he'll fly out for his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MEPS</span> next week. Summer vacation won't be such a vacation for him this year! He'll be a soldier just like his sister. This has been a long time in coming. He's worked hard, studied hard and prayerfully he'll pass with flying colors.<br /><br />On the second, Natalee turned 11. We're getting closer and closer to not having any Primary kids. I don't know what the ward will do when ALL of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sorensens</span> are out and gone. :)<br /><br />Maggie is officially a teenager! *sigh* Somebody pass me the earplugs! Who knew a house with 5, yes count them -- 5, teenagers could be SO loud!? Music and singing and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">TV</span> and friends.... :) I wouldn't have it any other way.<br /><br />Friday of next week sees me flying to Ohio where I'll travel with my sister to Virginia to watch Kate's graduation. I'm excited to see her (both Katie and Barbie) and have some fun!<br /><br />I'm back in school full swing and loving it. In fact, I'm off to finish my essay!June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-86136747557764813252008-12-14T15:11:00.001-08:002008-12-14T15:12:42.451-08:00Packages for KatieSorry! I completely forgot to add that Katie can receive whatever you want to send her. She can have food, electronics, etc. AIT is much more lax than Basic was.June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-22121622603343808902008-12-14T14:54:00.000-08:002008-12-14T15:06:55.487-08:00RALPHIE!!My children and I are sitting here watching "A Christmas Story" and enjoying it. It's one of our family's favorites.<br /><br />Our wonderful friend agreed (thanks to his amazing and wonderful wife who is also my best friend) to come and take a family picture of us for our Christmas cards. I'm so excited to get them sent out.<br /><br />Katie will be her in 7 days!!! She is flying in at midnight on the 21st. She flies back on the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span>. Then she will graduate in March and be home for good. She isn't writing letters anymore because she has phone privileges so we talk to her daily. It's nice.<br /><br />We have some great pictures of our trip back to see her graduate from Basic Training. I'll add some soon. It was a fantastic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">opportunity</span> to watch all those soldiers make the commitment to serve our country. We had tears in our eyes and goose bumps littering our skin when they chanted the Soldier's Creed. The last line states firmly that they are American Soldiers. What an experience!<br /><br />Jeffrey Tanner is taking his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ASVAB</span> this week, hopefully. He will ship out to Basic in the summer if all goes well. Then we'll have more letters to post from another soldier. :0)<br /><br />You hear all the time about the blessings parents and families <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">receive</span> when they have a missionary. I can attest to you all that we are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">receiving</span> some fantastic blessings from having our daughter serve our country. I truly believe the Lord blesses those who are willing to sacrifice their time, talents and energies.<br /><br />Have a wonderful Holiday Season! We sure will. Our whole family will be together again. We understand so well how quickly that opportunity is slipping away. The children are growing and leaving and we are blessed to be together. Who knows what the year ahead will bring, so for now, we'll celebrate!June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-13029168215611352402008-11-22T17:10:00.000-08:002008-11-22T17:24:08.154-08:00Katie's Address at Ft. LeeShe's there! We got her safely delivered after a long, but fun drive. I have pictures I'll post of our trip and her graduation. It was a fabulous experience and worth every minute! We got to see Savannah, GA and states I thought we'd never get to go to. It is amazingly beautiful back East.<br /><br />Anyway, you can now write to her again. She comes home at Christmas from the twentieth through the second. Then she comes home for good, unless deployed, in February. The chances of deployment are pretty slim.<br /><br />We're still waiting on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span> for care-packages. As soon as Katie gives us the what she can or can't have, we'll let ya know!<br /><br />So for now here is her address:<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Katelynn</span> M. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sorensen</span><br />India Company, 262 QM <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BN</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PLT</span> 7<br />Bldg 9300 A Ave<br />Ft. Lee, Virginia<br />23801June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-39585741891983380202008-11-02T16:09:00.000-08:002008-11-02T16:16:13.390-08:00Letter 26: Graduation is here!Oct. 29, 2008<br /><br />Hi Family!<br /><br />So I have the best news ever!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span> so Monday, I took my final PT test right? And I failed by 3 sit-ups or 5 points, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">technically</span>. Well yesterday, the drill sergeant called some people's names and she said you all are the ones who got a 50% or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">higher</span> in all 3 events , so you're retaking the PT test tomorrow with Alpha.<br /><br />So today we woke up, went down there and took our PT test again. And guess how well I did!? Well I did 31 push-ups, 56 sit-ups and ran 17:32!! So in other words...<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I PASSED MY PT TEST!!!!</span></strong><br /><br />I get to graduate!!! I'm so freaking happy!!! Like I had to refrain from jumping up and down.<br /><br />I just had to write and tell you that. :)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mkay</span> I'm going to sleep.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Katie<br /><br />P.S. Mom when you guys come, can you bring <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Twix</span>, Snickers, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Reese's</span>, Ding Dongs and a Dr. Pepper please?! I'm just dying for some sweets!June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-13819102854999915292008-10-30T14:48:00.000-07:002008-10-30T14:56:53.646-07:00Letter 25: Some things good, some things badOct. 27, 2008<br /><br />Hi Family!<br /><br />Ok I've got good news, bad news, good news, and other news.<br /><br />Good news will be last. Bad news, I didn't pass my last PT Test. I was 3 freaking sit-ups away! I was so mad!! I did 50 altogether but it still wasn't enough. I should get two more chances to retake it but I don't know. I might have to redo it on family day. I really hope not. But I did improve. I went from doing 35 to 50 so that's not bad.<br /><br />Ok good news: I may not have passed sit-ups, but I did pass my push-ups and my run. Remember how I need 19 push-ups and my run in 18:54? Well... last time I did 18 push-ups and my run in 18:36. This time (BIG SMILE) I did 34 push-ups and my run in 17:32!!! I was way happy about that!<br /><br />Ok, my other news ... I need ya'll to stop sending letters. :( because we go to Victory Forge on Friday and then we clean and prepare for Graduation. I'll still write, you just can't write back. (pass on the information please)<br /><br />I'm enclosing a few post cards too. Just of things I've done here. They're pretty nifty I think.<br /><br />But I'll send you my AIT address when I get it.<br /><br />Millions of hugs and kisses<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />KatieJune Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-63610873917734358752008-10-30T14:37:00.000-07:002008-10-30T14:58:16.088-07:00Letter 24: Souvenirs GalloreOct. 26, 2008<br /><br />Dear Family,<br /><br />Hi! How's it going? Me, I'm doin ok. I have my final PT test tomorrow. Eeks! Wish me luck! I'll pass it though. I got a blessing today to help me and comfort me. So I should be ok. But wish me luck just in case.<br /><br />We are finally on our 8th week! It's gone by so freaking fast! At first it seemed like the time was slowly ticking by and now it's speeding. That means only two more weeks with these freaking females! Thank goodness!!! So we go do Victory Forge on Friday. I'm so excited! That should be interesting.<br /><br />Oh I bought my platoon t-shirt. Yeah I've spent way too much money here lol. I bought my platoon t-shirt, a sweatshirt, some U.S. Army shirts that are way freaking cool, and a jacket that is kinda like a Letterman's jacket only it's for the army. Then I bought my pictures and the yearbook and the DVD. Yeah it's fun.<br /><br />Um I think that's about it. We did Omaha already if I haven't told you yet. That was fun. There were a lot of mud puddles on the range and we all dove into them! Our uniforms are so dirty! lol And it's funny because the other platoons came back not dirty and our DS was like, "That's what a platoon <em>should </em>look like" to the other platoons. He said they didn't do it properly because they weren't dirty.Yeah it was great.<br /><br />But I'm going to bed. Long day tomorrow.<br /><br />Love and miss you!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />KatieJune Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-42553697026273742722008-10-28T08:36:00.000-07:002008-10-28T08:48:45.774-07:00Letter 23: "Vegas, you're a fighter..."October 18,2008<br /><br />Dear Mom, Dad, Jeff, Kyle, Karlee, Maggie, Natalee, and Jacob,<br /><br />Hi guys! How's it going? I hope you all are doing well. Me, at the moment in time am sore. We have done <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">combatives</span> for two days in a row. That was so much fun! The first day we did it I got my butt kicked. But that 's only because the girl I fought cheated. She used her finger nails and bit and grabbed hair. Yeah it wasn't fun at all. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">second</span> time however, I won. That was a much better fight because the girl didn't cheat. My drill sergeant (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DS</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pellew</span>) came up to me afterwards and said, "Vegas, you're a fighter. I didn't think you had it in you." Ever since he found out I was from Vegas he's called me that. Which is pretty cool, I guess.<br /><br />Um we go on our 3 day tomorrow. That should be interesting. I really ope my platoon doesn't screw up on that one. It would really suck if they did. Who knows what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DS</span> Stephens would do to us. We'd probably get 0 hours of sleep. It's a 6 mile walk there. Yeah, not too excited about that. I hope I don't fall out. Keep prayers for me!!<br /><br />Oh I got good news! I did 50 sit ups today! Can I get a high five? I think I did them in 2 min. But I don't know. I'm planning on doing more tonight (timed) just to make sure I can do my 53 in 2 minutes. Hopefully I can. Cross your fingers.<br /><br />Um what else can I tell you ... Um shoot I really don't know what else to tell you. Oh next week is supposed to be all mandatory training. We have our 3 day, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nic</span> at Night, Omaha and some other stuff. Oh yeah and grenades! I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">excited</span> about that one! Oh yeah and our final PT test is on the 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span>. Eek! I'm kinda nervous but I know I'll do good. I'll let you know how that goes. Well I'm off to go knock out some push ups and sit ups before I go to sleep.<br /><br />I love and miss you all!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Katie<br /><br />P.S. We are now on our 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> week!June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-89304841026265150512008-10-16T15:17:00.000-07:002008-10-16T15:24:00.773-07:00Letter 22: It's amazing what starts to look good when you're away from civilization!Oct. 13, 2008<br /><br />Hey Family,<br /><br />What's going on? I'm bored. Today was one of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">the</span> easiest days in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BCT</span> ever. We watched movies and did a mini talent show with one of the Drill Sergeants. That was interesting.<br /><br />So the males here are starting to look really cute. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lol</span> They weren't kidding when they said after a few weeks some of those males would look cute. Yeah. They were right. But I'm behaving of course. :)<br /><br />I'm starting to get use to the food here. Now I'm not as hungry and I can't seem to eat as much as I use to. And I use to eat a lot. But I eat Cheerios at least once a day for breakfast. They're really good.<br /><br />Oh! We got to sleep in till 5:30 this morning. I never thought I'd say that I jumped for joy because I had to wake up at 5:30 in the morning.<br /><br />Um I think that's everything. I miss you all! Keep writing me and everything!<br /><br />Love and miss you!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MWAH</span>!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />KatieJune Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-91839769669010463492008-10-16T15:06:00.000-07:002008-10-16T15:17:08.805-07:00Letter 21: PT TestsOct. 11, 2008<br /><br />Hey Family!<br /><br />So we had our 3rd PT test today. I didn't pass my sit ups or my push-ups but oh my gosh I came so close. Like I'm suppose to have 53 sit-ups and 19 push-ups. My run is suppose to be 18:54. I did 18 push-ups, 35 sit-ups and my run was 18:36 or 38. I'm so proud of myself! I have so much more confidence in myself now!<br /><br />Oh Mom! I need <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mentholatum</span>! No one here knows what it is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lol</span>. And I know it'll help if I get another cold or if I have bruises etc. etc.. I love that stuff! And pictures! I could use more pictures!<br /><br />Um other than that there really isn't anything new to report. We do our 3 day next Sunday and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">combatives</span> sometime this week or next. I can't remember.<br /><br />Oh! If you want, mom and dad, you can drive me to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AIT</span> after graduation. If you want more details on that I'll tell you.<br /><br />But I'm going to sleep. It was a long day!!!<br /><br />Love and miss you all!<br /> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">XOXOXO</span><br /><br />KatieJune Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-44616246626538625872008-10-14T17:13:00.000-07:002008-10-14T17:29:44.787-07:00Letter 20: IVs and a Great Day!Oct 9, 2008<br /><br />FAMILY!<br /><br />Hi everyone! So today has been the ultimate best day of the entire cycle!<br /><br />We are the only platoon that is in White phase! All 3 of the other platoons are in Red phase! When the 1st Sgt. asked the platoon S<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gts</span> if they were ready I swear I felt like our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DS</span> was going to say we weren't ready. But we were! All 3 of the platoons were so jealous! It ROCKS! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lol</span><br /><br />I've improved on my sit ups. Today I did 49 in 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mins</span>. but that's not bad. Going from 15 to 49. Can I get a high five? Oh and tomorrow we get to shoot our M16s at night. That sounds like so much fun. We're also doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">combatives</span> soon. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">That'll</span> be interesting.<br /><br />Oh, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lol</span> we got to do first aid today. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">OMGOSH</span>! That was an experience! We poked <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">each other</span> with IVs. Luckily my buddy paid attention. It was a great learning experience. Of course my veins were practically invisible but luckily I only got poked once.<br /><br />Oh the coolest letter arrived today. I got my own personal letter from Elder Oaks from the 70. I was so excited. It really helped. I'll send it or a copy if you want it.<br /><br />What else? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nothin</span> else I can really think of at the moment.<br /><br />How's everything in Vegas? Is it cold yet? What are you doing for Halloween? Are you going to Homecoming Jeff? Or did you go? Do I get pics?! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">lol</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ok</span> I think I'm good for the night.<br /><br />I love and miss you all!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />KatieJune Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5302976172954932161.post-13408403542189842352008-10-08T22:29:00.000-07:002008-10-08T23:09:40.119-07:00A Letter from The Seventy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWRgWCpgzpfCfvjfVe_wpZUod52op6BO52TjsYJ1GH-F_Gk2dUBQRVkHDHXC6EQ7jSt3qhk8etlbR3jxL7Xb23nB_QoraCBrStHEQRHXcaF0mHHShKvnpsK0p_XXCBuIiQVqtSyCVRbM/s1600-h/robert_c_oaks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255031530600833618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWRgWCpgzpfCfvjfVe_wpZUod52op6BO52TjsYJ1GH-F_Gk2dUBQRVkHDHXC6EQ7jSt3qhk8etlbR3jxL7Xb23nB_QoraCBrStHEQRHXcaF0mHHShKvnpsK0p_XXCBuIiQVqtSyCVRbM/s200/robert_c_oaks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>October 1, 2008<br /><br />Dear Mr. and Mrs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sorensen</span>:<br /><br />We recently learned that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Katelynn</span> has joined the military and is attending basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC. We are pleased to inform you that she has been attending the Church services on base and are grateful for the spirit she brings to the meetings. President Robinson is the Church leader at Ft. Jackson and will do all he can to help strengthen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Katelynn's</span> faith and testimony. We appreciate your support and know you join with us in asking that the Lord will guide and protect her during this time of uncertainty and turmoil in the world.<br /><br />In these troubled times, it is heartwarming to see sons and daughters courageously step forward to help preserve our freedom and way of life. You can be proud of the part you played in molding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Katelynn's</span> character. Courage and patriotism do not come automatically; they are planted in the hearts of children by their parents. We express our gratitude to you for your selfless service in her behalf.<br /><br />We have a deep and abiding interest in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Katelynn's</span> welfare and want to ensure the blessings of Church membership are available wherever she is stationed. As military members move around, occasionally they are unable to find out where and when <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">the</span> Church meetings are held. Our Military Relations Division can assist them. Likewise, we are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">able</span> to help concerned parents locate the bishop or branch president where their son or daughter is stationed. In addition, many times we can assist in locating the name of a group leader aboard a ship or at a deployed location around the world.<br /><br />If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Military Relations Division .... We know that the Lord is mindful of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Katelynn</span> and the challenges she will face as she valiantly serves in the military.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Robert C. Oaks<br /><br /></div><div>["...of the Presidency of the Quorums of the Seventy,(a retired four-star general and commander of NATO air forces in Central Europe)"] <a href="http://www.lds.org/">www.LDS.Org</a>, 10-08-08 (search results)</div>June Sorensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10270436222353067910noreply@blogger.com2