tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51254403778010770812024-03-05T23:13:35.457-08:00Optimist by ChoicePam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-77796491750260438962012-01-07T08:41:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:41:52.510-08:00A tribute to Prince<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8iRkanDD7qfi4hiPW4ZiZqgYPyIGa0_50Iv3Q9MW6bZgN-uVjUTADaLeE-COr5zY_49dhv953ysq-5y8LrEamXcRtuJoYk1oyEtdudBYKipTdhHGcVzV8sj9mJEP7_0pSUMNZ2iTb5g/s1600/buddy6-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8iRkanDD7qfi4hiPW4ZiZqgYPyIGa0_50Iv3Q9MW6bZgN-uVjUTADaLeE-COr5zY_49dhv953ysq-5y8LrEamXcRtuJoYk1oyEtdudBYKipTdhHGcVzV8sj9mJEP7_0pSUMNZ2iTb5g/s200/buddy6-01.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVieU6jZhtYmYu49ROJ61Ar90_DUA8E1j2i-lPdzGcp13DcmP7klBeaxbf3Y848muS9z4PQFFoiamhW0R3faN8AA5AYBAyIOXxR7y7Xqw_17NMbfaj9fUmDjEBdxbExX2fiFhvY1oJmsM/s1600/Prince6-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVieU6jZhtYmYu49ROJ61Ar90_DUA8E1j2i-lPdzGcp13DcmP7klBeaxbf3Y848muS9z4PQFFoiamhW0R3faN8AA5AYBAyIOXxR7y7Xqw_17NMbfaj9fUmDjEBdxbExX2fiFhvY1oJmsM/s200/Prince6-01.jpg" width="200" /></a>Almost exactly 11 years ago, after doing much research, we set out on a icy winter day to a town a few hours away. With much anticipation, we picked out two Bichon puppies - one for our family and one for my parents, lovingly known as Naana and Pa in our house. Naana and Pa named their puppy Prince and ours is Buddy. These brothers have grown up close by each other and were always happy to see each other. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l8vamU0Z1DBq3CcFsoi667v3pVp_vs2EWtM2NiNFxkBYTvHSI9WNTM7G-URkosAPtfPJ-5ZAIicxziyv8Q7XMujoR-W47vKF3ZF9OgNlY54Y5rMh5YEsBL5T9TOdgcYIjZowkICO9-8/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l8vamU0Z1DBq3CcFsoi667v3pVp_vs2EWtM2NiNFxkBYTvHSI9WNTM7G-URkosAPtfPJ-5ZAIicxziyv8Q7XMujoR-W47vKF3ZF9OgNlY54Y5rMh5YEsBL5T9TOdgcYIjZowkICO9-8/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l8vamU0Z1DBq3CcFsoi667v3pVp_vs2EWtM2NiNFxkBYTvHSI9WNTM7G-URkosAPtfPJ-5ZAIicxziyv8Q7XMujoR-W47vKF3ZF9OgNlY54Y5rMh5YEsBL5T9TOdgcYIjZowkICO9-8/s400/IMG_1410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Prince grew up very loved and very spoiled. These are the things he loved: licking Pa's plate after Pa was finished with it, going to Sonic for Happy Hour or the cleaners or especially Petsmart, sleeping in between Naana and Pa, having company, taking walks, and kids. When I would pull up to their house, he would continue to look out the door to see if I had brought his brother, Buddy or the kids with me. That's who he preferred. He loved kids and would never snap at anyone. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_d_QCpKMHhEIMyL-XFU4JLvrobfL6XJ5YGZAQl8icyRbOaRuR2-RO3iTY48LzkhqsNgeqUXIikdeYvkhSBBMHx724vzJeSzY3ONDGKQ_nl4yQM797nIwP8XYAXJGXs6X2taB3Ep3Qjk/s1600/Amy+and+Buddy+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_d_QCpKMHhEIMyL-XFU4JLvrobfL6XJ5YGZAQl8icyRbOaRuR2-RO3iTY48LzkhqsNgeqUXIikdeYvkhSBBMHx724vzJeSzY3ONDGKQ_nl4yQM797nIwP8XYAXJGXs6X2taB3Ep3Qjk/s200/Amy+and+Buddy+Christmas.jpg" width="200" /></a> He also kept Naana fit as he always wanted to take a walk in the evenings. He was usually a bit fluffier and softer than Buddy because most evenings he would sit on Pa's lap while Pa brushed him. He went everywhere he could with Naana and Pa. He was a great traveler. When he couldn't go, he would stay with us where he would get to play with his brother and later Boo and Jack. (It took awhile to get used to them.) He was always a welcome part to our family. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0TWeCOvbef5tX5vKn35Qee9snjHaaDPR-Q0w6G6p8wKLf2wq3t8OYFrg-FG3BcgPD_rxqwPWaspwAM6TcBHSkwILJ9dCQgB7GDidSWHpJEL3GjP8huPIMGWVgXbow6qBm_-OYgYX2Wc/s1600/Doty+Christmas+2005+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0TWeCOvbef5tX5vKn35Qee9snjHaaDPR-Q0w6G6p8wKLf2wq3t8OYFrg-FG3BcgPD_rxqwPWaspwAM6TcBHSkwILJ9dCQgB7GDidSWHpJEL3GjP8huPIMGWVgXbow6qBm_-OYgYX2Wc/s320/Doty+Christmas+2005+021.jpg" width="320" /></a>His downfall was dark chocolate. One trip we took a few years ago, he got into our snack food, and ate a bunch of dark chocolate. He loved it, but it didn't love him. We immediately took him to a vet. They induced vomiting and saved his life but said he could suffer some consequences to this later in the form of pancreatitis. Just a few months ago, it came on rather suddenly, and Prince became very sick. He stayed overnight at the vet's receiving fluids and had blood work. The vet said he had acute pancreatitis. He survived that episode but seemed to go downhill. He continued to lose weight and muscle and his vitality. The vet said he was dying of liver failure, and just to take him home and love him. Naana said they could spoil him anymore than they already do. He made it through Christmas and continued to get love and be spoiled, but he passed away on their bed 2 nights ago. <br />
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They will really miss him and so will we. Here is what Naana wrote about him:<br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">And God said - You know, these little children in heaven need a little doggy to run and play with. And Jesus said - the Doty's have a sweet, white little dog that has been very sick for the last couple months, and the Vet says there's nothing else he can do for him. And he loves kids. So Jesus came to our house this evening and very lovingly picked up our 11 year old faithful forever friend, Prince, to take him to play with the children in heaven. We will miss him terribly.</span></span></h6><br />
RIP Prince.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-64240022417610513652011-12-31T06:53:00.000-08:002012-01-04T17:55:33.772-08:00Help us Find Haley<div style="color: black;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Update: Haley has been found in California. Her father flew to her, and she chose to return home with him. Praise God!</span></b></div><br />
I haven't blogged in a couple of months, but this is something important that I wanted to share with you. <br />
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A friend's daughter who is 17 years old ran away from home on December 26, 2011. Her family wants to know that she is safe. They are reaching out through social media to try to find her as she left her cell phone behind. Here is a You Tube video her father put together to get the word out: <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you could help pass this information along, the family and friends would be so appreciative. And of course, if you were to spot her, please contact the number on the poster. Thank you all so much.</b> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PQYxLt_VUJui07IFAdo-NzqEUWaTpp5I2Z3fmZE7Mh4HJBRpY1u4s-EgLyLNtC5wQKNnXOzJVGqxgBfbQebG9dw6PIIEskkmLQGisDAcjwl1eE3C85Ac2gYj61-C4KfFyYz2PrcCyYM/s1600/321921_320195368000495_319570981396267_1067262_1317615603_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PQYxLt_VUJui07IFAdo-NzqEUWaTpp5I2Z3fmZE7Mh4HJBRpY1u4s-EgLyLNtC5wQKNnXOzJVGqxgBfbQebG9dw6PIIEskkmLQGisDAcjwl1eE3C85Ac2gYj61-C4KfFyYz2PrcCyYM/s640/321921_320195368000495_319570981396267_1067262_1317615603_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-76291577338207939862011-10-31T10:17:00.000-07:002011-10-31T10:17:14.144-07:00Preserving Memories: Part TwoMaking photo calendars for loved ones is something I've done for many years now. I use the website, Shutterfly.com, but there are many photo sites that do the same thing. I always have given them for Christmas presents, and now they are expected. If a Grandparent did not get a photo calendar, I cannot imagine the wrath I would receive. Just kidding. Maybe not.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSubUoBLP3XNL4S_VZxWj0j72nMpvH6BYfvAZvBOG2wOFDxNGknAHjeT10Ebgg-vFfblQMtO9UGQfkVYbVLFbOO49bhEyS-pkj7Euyc1xQSpcYdMOSmStKS2R-qB00JjDv7Quf0nxdkaA/s1600/P1000306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSubUoBLP3XNL4S_VZxWj0j72nMpvH6BYfvAZvBOG2wOFDxNGknAHjeT10Ebgg-vFfblQMtO9UGQfkVYbVLFbOO49bhEyS-pkj7Euyc1xQSpcYdMOSmStKS2R-qB00JjDv7Quf0nxdkaA/s320/P1000306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In order to create these calendars, I need to take pictures all year long. Sometimes toward the end of the year, I find myself wondering why I didn't take more pictures. I also try to take pictures of all the family members because a Grandparent wants ALL of their grandchildren in the calendar. I try to include a picture of the grandchild on the month of their birthday. Most of these companies will also include printing the names of everyone on their birthdate. You can also choose templates which can include many photos on a page or just one big photo. Other ideas for calendars might include friends, family, school fund raisers, etc. Maybe you'll be able to use this idea for a Christmas present this year. Beware, it can become expected. Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-42905530025433863462011-10-27T07:39:00.000-07:002011-10-27T07:39:18.170-07:00Snowing in October<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEOfSRe_ojhzFgTtFmFbtc15kYf3VlYboSNpZDblBe8-63RN5bqsdYtrbKUQ31xVqb9fe1Lkv40kxillX6p_lJbpXcpIs_NMF38h5Hn2krj2s1qWpUOT0d0vYLPtwuakNoWikcnB88mQ/s1600/october-calendar-thumbnail-190x190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEOfSRe_ojhzFgTtFmFbtc15kYf3VlYboSNpZDblBe8-63RN5bqsdYtrbKUQ31xVqb9fe1Lkv40kxillX6p_lJbpXcpIs_NMF38h5Hn2krj2s1qWpUOT0d0vYLPtwuakNoWikcnB88mQ/s320/october-calendar-thumbnail-190x190.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHxLom3LVZqKlIE_hwTKNlhl4mayE4GZobYYYaX4FOYctkfIlVVldB3iSeGOU7F8zdQFruc9QqyOjq8sk1MlaZxd74PUkY-6lZ-X6DSV2fgWJjLfpTGevSLUsWkjYn2Ul_SgV3QSz4vY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">It's October 27 and it's snowing in Texas. I've got to say, I'm more of a summer girl, but you've got to love this! Tomorrow it's supposed to be up to about 54 degrees so it will melt quickly. We REALLY needed the moisture. Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings! </span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIhEHp6nPcGxWd73bO8-EcrDHfTGsxbtUxkfLhqfXDlZmT9w-CSwRGRcrnkF1HpTBXeVMueIWC-c137J_7BLtaZfAr-uCW7TcO2hEWbYTxZJTOysewPRJeAkPJ1e6Eu13a9LLk7klrP4/s1600/first+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIhEHp6nPcGxWd73bO8-EcrDHfTGsxbtUxkfLhqfXDlZmT9w-CSwRGRcrnkF1HpTBXeVMueIWC-c137J_7BLtaZfAr-uCW7TcO2hEWbYTxZJTOysewPRJeAkPJ1e6Eu13a9LLk7klrP4/s640/first+snow.jpg" width="640" /> </a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Notice Jack at the door. He doesn't particularly like getting out in it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-48617257056597136962011-10-25T07:17:00.001-07:002011-10-26T06:09:43.855-07:0020 Questions. . .<h2 class="date-header"></h2><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5125440377801077081&postID=4861725705659713696" name="3210919695266790315"></a> <br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I don't think I've filled one of these out before, but I thought it might help you to get to know me a little bit.</span><span id="goog_2027456888" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span id="goog_2027456889" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h3><div class="post-header"></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3210919695266790315"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: black;"> 1. How often do you go over the speed limit? <span style="color: blue;">Probably a little </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: blue;">everyday</span></span><br />
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2. Do you dance like crazy when no one is looking? <span style="color: blue;">Sure, doesn't everybody?</span><br />
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3. If you were going to be stuck on a desert island, which book, which movie, and which CD would you take with you? <span style="color: blue;"> Francine Rivers' </span><u style="color: blue;">Her Mother's Hope</u><span style="color: blue;"> (I love Francine Rivers' books and haven't read that one yet.), can't think of a movie I'd even like to take, a CD of my daughter's own music that she has written and sung with her acoustic guitar (She's promised me a CD.)</span></span><br />
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4. What did you get in trouble for when you were a kid? <span style="color: blue;">Being hyper and talking too much</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33oLuQvM8xnNHotkrd95jiSPuEdqWzhm_nrWtwLNap3uSmLdoxOcGGRt2PoPbZU7A7A8ikLeCYIdcNXUTL9DmVbcOb8EHxj-Fjr7_eRwt6IdEv6i_E8QztYk16iG8S53648EWY8JXBb8/s1600/Amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33oLuQvM8xnNHotkrd95jiSPuEdqWzhm_nrWtwLNap3uSmLdoxOcGGRt2PoPbZU7A7A8ikLeCYIdcNXUTL9DmVbcOb8EHxj-Fjr7_eRwt6IdEv6i_E8QztYk16iG8S53648EWY8JXBb8/s320/Amy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy in her new dress (#18)</td></tr>
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5. What really gives you the creeps? <span style="color: blue;"> Snakes</span><br />
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6. What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? <span style="color: blue;">my dolls, especially the one that you pulled the string and she spoke</span><br />
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7. You run into a friend while shopping. Where are you? <span style="color: blue;">the grocery store</span><br />
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8. When you fall asleep, are you usually on your side, your stomach, or your back? <span style="color: blue;">on my side, in the fetal position, or sometimes, flat on my back</span><br />
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9. If fat or calorie intake wasn't an issue, what one food would you eat the most? <span style="color: blue;">Pizza </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br />
10. If you could hire one of the following, which one would it be? Driver, chef, maid, or stylist? Do I have to pick just one? <span style="color: blue;"> First, should probably be a chef, since I hate to cook and am not very good at it. Second, a maid.</span><br />
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11. What movie have you watched the most? <span style="color: blue;">Body Guard with Richard Gere and Whitney Houston</span><br />
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12. What kind of perfume do you wear? <span style="color: blue;">I don't wear just one. I rotate between several. My favorites are Beautiful, Ralph Lauren's Notorious, and Liz Claiborne.</span><br />
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13. What was your favorite sitcom growing up? <span style="color: blue;">Happy Days</span><br />
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14. What were you doing the last time you had a really good laugh? <span style="color: blue;">playing a game called Quelf with my family</span><br />
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15. What was the very first concert you ever attended? <span style="color: blue;">Petra</span><br />
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16. Who is the fourth person on your missed call list? <span style="color: blue;">my mom</span><br />
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17. How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings? <span style="color: blue;">From shower to completion, about 50 minutes</span><br />
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18. When is the last time you went to the mall and what did you buy? <span style="color: blue;"> a couple of weeks ago. I bought Amy a nice dress for a special occasion (which she doesn't have yet).</span><br />
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19. Ever go to camp? <span style="color: blue;">Every summer - Camp Good News </span><br />
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20. Do you collect anything? <span style="color: blue;"> Nope</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH8yR7YfBnJ7CvPTT2YjkEHSiq212mQiVmpaqByYGhN6kLzhIIZ3lCn8GhrJ9RUaCru7IOL713tJcPNUiUgM6vr-1FKs2qjewDFt550kmWh_5BZV7Jk8BBVbIpZJdGxWFmAFy-jo6PPk/s1600/IMG_1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH8yR7YfBnJ7CvPTT2YjkEHSiq212mQiVmpaqByYGhN6kLzhIIZ3lCn8GhrJ9RUaCru7IOL713tJcPNUiUgM6vr-1FKs2qjewDFt550kmWh_5BZV7Jk8BBVbIpZJdGxWFmAFy-jo6PPk/s640/IMG_1764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Good News - I'm on the front, far right. I'm back to the same camp as a teacher. #19</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></div></div></div></div>Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-58052315290925268392011-10-25T06:56:00.000-07:002011-10-25T06:56:03.713-07:00Preserving Memories: Part One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X5nP5q09VU8ZSIdjH_cnv2AVCy0Qb_AiC2EMxdjr5NJGeBoZ__O0lW5wAjWP8hecftkaVyr9JgON4ye9LRW5jg2Wa5HX9MY8d08YkzfNmP-9XceEmkAwoIvMGyqIhZJXURhGbWtt0Xg/s1600/old-crayons-600x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X5nP5q09VU8ZSIdjH_cnv2AVCy0Qb_AiC2EMxdjr5NJGeBoZ__O0lW5wAjWP8hecftkaVyr9JgON4ye9LRW5jg2Wa5HX9MY8d08YkzfNmP-9XceEmkAwoIvMGyqIhZJXURhGbWtt0Xg/s320/old-crayons-600x400.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'd like to share an idea with you that you might enjoy, especially if you are a mother of young children. If you don't fall into this category, maybe you could share the idea with someone who does.<br />
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My kids are now in 6th grade, 10th grade, and Freshman in College. When my first one started school, (Homeschool), I started this process of preserving some of her school work by binding a sampling of that year's school work into a book form.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHkBvPmO3l-2iJTFtOBD5c1C_M7EOFsjJ-DvgEA4Mb1yvbgdAww9POrv4shqzV4fqUotnCG_7ZtPXPLEZTlv-JiBjih2y29twCEg0Z0iErcXWrG4f8Ctqs-GRdwzJ6h5MxF5QDBMjtmU/s1600/P1000300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHkBvPmO3l-2iJTFtOBD5c1C_M7EOFsjJ-DvgEA4Mb1yvbgdAww9POrv4shqzV4fqUotnCG_7ZtPXPLEZTlv-JiBjih2y29twCEg0Z0iErcXWrG4f8Ctqs-GRdwzJ6h5MxF5QDBMjtmU/s320/P1000300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I usually keep their best work. I also keep anything that they have written themselves, such as: a report, a story, a report, a speech, etc. Other ideas of things to put into this special book are special awards, report cards, class schedule, class pictures, notes from teachers, art work. <br />
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Having these books cut down on clutter. I don't have a drawer full of papers. The kids love to go through these books, remember the projects and work they did that year. I try to get this completed during the summer right after school has ended. I go through the papers finding the BEST work and the things we would want to preserve, then I take them to a UPS store or FED EX store. They will bind the papers into a book for a small price. I don't remember the exact price but I know it's under $10. <br />
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By the way, I will not be doing this for my College student this year. Sorry, Emily.Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-35581784801262311732011-10-22T20:42:00.000-07:002011-10-22T20:42:33.417-07:00Bath Day for Buddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: black;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeJYbUmxUMWNpmx_or5_daNUOa4QLBhwqudac-0O0kNx6AA0afotaoHnJp-DroSCNLhyphenhyphenmrOpdSBQ-UOy18McEGFUQftL2Nzbvxgsg8wGdz6uyFuuxc6yPrqBnkABMGLOTgLefubrSEGU/s1600/Luke+bathing+Boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: black; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeJYbUmxUMWNpmx_or5_daNUOa4QLBhwqudac-0O0kNx6AA0afotaoHnJp-DroSCNLhyphenhyphenmrOpdSBQ-UOy18McEGFUQftL2Nzbvxgsg8wGdz6uyFuuxc6yPrqBnkABMGLOTgLefubrSEGU/s400/Luke+bathing+Boo.jpg" width="263" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0itk3jvHkRs8EXlWi9F_qxrEdTdioJoVsJzK2GuFqft0QY-6LzoGv8dlPk1ZwEeY1n07TtJzTVOtJ19F6o1K3RsHytNHv5LQsk0-4-WnOQ74zWdCcP3kn6Yj_fhlhBY9WNqOb88eu0Q/s1600/Poor+Boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Today was bath day for Buddy. Buddy is the white Bichon Frise. He needs a bath quite often because he gets smelly and doesn't look as nice. He also goes to the groomer about once every 6 weeks so he's what you might consider "high maintenance". Boo, on the other hand , rarely gets a bath. Because of that, she really hates them. Boo is a Boston Terrier. Jack is our newest puppy. He's a miniature Yorkie. He requires regular baths, and also goes to a groomer about once a month. We just enjoy snuggling him more when he smells nice. Plus, he just looks cuter. I thought you might enjoy these cute wet dog pictures.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqy0Obbk7f6vKa3fT17_R3EU1z1oM6jQ_nPmPLmAecMJ7bUsjZ9cYxWkSw5LRL1-bnkSAOyXMaZkcpYEUUiOHzqK0K-INRGbOI703bhyU9Tu9o-IhXR-5A_Iv3QKLAsHu_Zt6T8mghws/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqy0Obbk7f6vKa3fT17_R3EU1z1oM6jQ_nPmPLmAecMJ7bUsjZ9cYxWkSw5LRL1-bnkSAOyXMaZkcpYEUUiOHzqK0K-INRGbOI703bhyU9Tu9o-IhXR-5A_Iv3QKLAsHu_Zt6T8mghws/s640/IMG_2725.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_bPj6P6wZ9OsR0bzPgTsXB4DlHq7qMQMA32FhO4FNd2ZYNg4svEVPZEgqstrleXytlgj-u8c8Kyl4LQOl5WFsYk4h8sWHhXDNIhA-t_eaHfJNUWLXad4Fy2DJsD4Aj5o85WLG4T4hVU/s1600/Emily+giving+Boo+a+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_bPj6P6wZ9OsR0bzPgTsXB4DlHq7qMQMA32FhO4FNd2ZYNg4svEVPZEgqstrleXytlgj-u8c8Kyl4LQOl5WFsYk4h8sWHhXDNIhA-t_eaHfJNUWLXad4Fy2DJsD4Aj5o85WLG4T4hVU/s400/Emily+giving+Boo+a+Bath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-62380231438425964962011-10-19T19:04:00.000-07:002011-10-19T19:04:53.104-07:00Why I Married Him<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv82W_TvTCHYDBTccOfEALeDRwMFDEG3cq3YZMiVh6G5XdXJQuCqsfkHmPmr_mJievmHbo0jTMrZGGd6PXf9tfza6N99xGFzmLJWzdcNad9ifQoQRTjDNiq610S5tAEDUWWgKI3Y-3UI/s1600/Jeff+and+Pam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv82W_TvTCHYDBTccOfEALeDRwMFDEG3cq3YZMiVh6G5XdXJQuCqsfkHmPmr_mJievmHbo0jTMrZGGd6PXf9tfza6N99xGFzmLJWzdcNad9ifQoQRTjDNiq610S5tAEDUWWgKI3Y-3UI/s200/Jeff+and+Pam.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv82W_TvTCHYDBTccOfEALeDRwMFDEG3cq3YZMiVh6G5XdXJQuCqsfkHmPmr_mJievmHbo0jTMrZGGd6PXf9tfza6N99xGFzmLJWzdcNad9ifQoQRTjDNiq610S5tAEDUWWgKI3Y-3UI/s1600/Jeff+and+Pam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;">Today I'm going to talk about my wonderful husband. Yesterday we had a little scare. You see, my husband wants to be healthy and in shape (and lose a little weight) so he's been exercising on a regular basis for the past 6 months. He tried working out with a MMA instructor but now he's resorted to doing Insanity. This is a video workout that REALLY lives up to it's name.</span></a>It's 6 days of intense workout. Recently, he felt his heartbeat doing some funny stuff at the height of his workout so he scheduled an appointment with his cardiologist. Much to his surprise, he failed the treadmill stress test. He went the entire 15 minutes (which is impressive) but it did show some depression which can be indicative of heart disease. He then had to take a thallium stress test which we found out today was negative for heart disease. We are so thankful and relieved.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCZBgYHHH_wFFJn5dHFykanhckhBi6fQYu5EFELZxPx8qOMqNDMuGsqylDpZr7r7KeWLDniyOmc48xBdZICFrxKu-3axl1UoDaNeusqzjgS3XFs3WUMQNePQGSZdakJIl4kn7DMw4qS0/s1600/Emily+and+Jeff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCZBgYHHH_wFFJn5dHFykanhckhBi6fQYu5EFELZxPx8qOMqNDMuGsqylDpZr7r7KeWLDniyOmc48xBdZICFrxKu-3axl1UoDaNeusqzjgS3XFs3WUMQNePQGSZdakJIl4kn7DMw4qS0/s320/Emily+and+Jeff.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Xy9MNu3050qt5V3yuck45opiWPe3EA5VGDbsdkI9f1mPSRPrh6z7zm1-a6UJlSB_yeEZg7RWrEcbjY5B6HtrTdIcO30baSuN4yOpO8Ntlp9fczlOTKFVnpFRGL5wJfOpu_A1ALTMUpk/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Xy9MNu3050qt5V3yuck45opiWPe3EA5VGDbsdkI9f1mPSRPrh6z7zm1-a6UJlSB_yeEZg7RWrEcbjY5B6HtrTdIcO30baSuN4yOpO8Ntlp9fczlOTKFVnpFRGL5wJfOpu_A1ALTMUpk/s200/IMG_2404.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Because of this scare, it has caused me to pause and to appreciate my husband for all that he does for us. He is such a good daddy. He really tries to spend quality time with each child. They are much more responsive to him than me. He is also a sensitive and compassionate guy. Even though he doesn't always love the responsibility that comes with being a doctor, he is always good to his patients. Even in the middle of the night, I've been amazed at how patient and kind he is. He's so good to me also. Really, he spoils me. He has really stepped up and become the spiritual leader of our family. He has a great sense of humor. He's quite goofy, really. He complains that I don't laugh at his jokes anymore, but I tell him that I've been hearing the same ones for 22 years now. <br />
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Just a few fun facts about him include: He's an avid Cowboys fan. He's afraid of heights to put it mildly. He sings in a Gospel Quartet. He loves to golf, and still plays a little basketball on occasion. <br />
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He hates to have his picture taken so I don't have that many of him. I've already informed him that we are taking family pictures Thanksgiving, so be ready. He hates to be in the spotlight so he would be embarrassed to know I am writing this. Oh well. We'll let it be a surprise! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnubcb5BQFdOLFoj8gMAQ30_p2gRAtP1_s-GnmrGdGE14eBg4BX7RtzqhbGPf1z2PodCTddGcEflvqAMW6q75KQzHLgbZByDQ5JlOHG4K1BoETClFPlkyAz25zqKSYNRqP5dVJA5VJ8yg/s1600/Jeff+and+Luke" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnubcb5BQFdOLFoj8gMAQ30_p2gRAtP1_s-GnmrGdGE14eBg4BX7RtzqhbGPf1z2PodCTddGcEflvqAMW6q75KQzHLgbZByDQ5JlOHG4K1BoETClFPlkyAz25zqKSYNRqP5dVJA5VJ8yg/s320/Jeff+and+Luke" width="320" /></a></div>Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-45138134057403051672011-10-17T20:01:00.000-07:002011-10-17T20:01:36.062-07:00My Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1861117130"></span><span id="goog_1861117131"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL-yhVXqs8UskhWX6ftbKhVZX9Kt8VKN_Bfk8S73jdtCUCM7cgLxImfq8Mdob0sNddxKLIY1q0UCvlum23lui3Hbp0FZ16nzr8O6SNQWQi7oECpfOwPa26tuWpWuQvqzwPX-7GGyNOUk/s1600/Luke+and+Ali%2527s+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut-NJ2dNlh9G9vV4oAlG6FQZgi2Y3WqfSCMtBdxelgAUw6VdiFNYyhZkLnSpbFn1fU-0jAcEhyphenhyphenWhfUKuUUKIAiAn23bhrVSULgZa8WgGPCl8KnldG2pMKTvVOyC8lwSHaa3CWVkRExgA/s1600/legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut-NJ2dNlh9G9vV4oAlG6FQZgi2Y3WqfSCMtBdxelgAUw6VdiFNYyhZkLnSpbFn1fU-0jAcEhyphenhyphenWhfUKuUUKIAiAn23bhrVSULgZa8WgGPCl8KnldG2pMKTvVOyC8lwSHaa3CWVkRExgA/s320/legs.jpg" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">My daughter, Emily, has always encouraged me to write a blog. The pressure is on now since she wrote such a nice introduction for me. When I have told her that I wouldn't know what to write, she instructed me just to write about my family and post lots of pictures. So here goes. I'm going to try to share my heart with you. My family is my heart.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPy5OnK7CYHhuOG30xMowx3ZY9mz7HsbBuhvU80xqLXp1wb_JN_mzrch3BpfycEOmNR_y1i0GfVfy6ngHDR5m9hKa-6iJ8RUb85OwY3Wj3atFZTzVomPI01rKcfPGRF9GrAybRTISbDI/s1600/Ali+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPy5OnK7CYHhuOG30xMowx3ZY9mz7HsbBuhvU80xqLXp1wb_JN_mzrch3BpfycEOmNR_y1i0GfVfy6ngHDR5m9hKa-6iJ8RUb85OwY3Wj3atFZTzVomPI01rKcfPGRF9GrAybRTISbDI/s200/Ali+and+me.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0QmSNcZ4KaAJGrRAhBsGzAMroW8py6QHT-Aj4ehsuO4Mz2QPKlniktwnkj665chNiRHAs7GIzCHlZV7pJRiaueS5wScQ5YIi72yPNLaD8iI7v5TOY7REwrXi1lmpcec05H_GF2N3cO8/s1600/Aggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0QmSNcZ4KaAJGrRAhBsGzAMroW8py6QHT-Aj4ehsuO4Mz2QPKlniktwnkj665chNiRHAs7GIzCHlZV7pJRiaueS5wScQ5YIi72yPNLaD8iI7v5TOY7REwrXi1lmpcec05H_GF2N3cO8/s400/Aggies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></div>Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125440377801077081.post-71561938860525770302011-10-17T17:02:00.000-07:002011-10-17T17:02:10.279-07:00Meet My MomHello... <a href="http://bighairali.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-ali.html">again</a>, I am not the author of this blog. I have come over from <a href="http://www.emilytheperson.com/">Emily is Smiling</a> in order to introduce my mom to the blogging world. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XcdIqZx6ilzBUezgpawY0EaiTQ59e-2vFfYlruUtNhGx4miOgbaTfNigpq-inumzx0EcK7cn3bW0V4infHCIacTnO0ZNAKYmsYnShW76-oLMaX8_RTDT3yj_0hYF4Yafb-u6eRGYNSw/s1600/mom+and+daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XcdIqZx6ilzBUezgpawY0EaiTQ59e-2vFfYlruUtNhGx4miOgbaTfNigpq-inumzx0EcK7cn3bW0V4infHCIacTnO0ZNAKYmsYnShW76-oLMaX8_RTDT3yj_0hYF4Yafb-u6eRGYNSw/s320/mom+and+daughter.jpg" width="228" /></a>Blogging can be such a joy. It's a way to capture moments in life so you can look back on them and smile. It's a way to share snapshots of one's family and lifestyle. It's a way to share and gain information and it's a way to open your heart and thoughts to the world. <br />
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I have been blogging for a little over two years now. My mom is an avid reader of my blog (especially now that I live ten hours away from home at college) and I figured it was time for her to make her own. Of course, she didn't know how to actually <i>make</i> one, so I did that for her.<br />
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I'm probably not the one who should be writing the first post for this blog. Perhaps because I don't like calling my mom "Pam," which is what a good guest-blogger would do... because she's "Mom" to me. I suppose I could share about her heart. My mom and dad have been married for my entire life, which is a rare and beautiful thing. About fourteen months ago, they embraced my best friend Ali into our home. Through this experience, I've been able to see the magnitude of love my mom has in her heart. She isn't just "my" mom. She has the heart of a mommy and is willing to share her love with those who God has put in her life. My mom is a stay-at-home-mom, so she's been an active part of my life since I was a baby, which has been such a blessing to me and my siblings.<br />
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My family has grown to be fairly big. It consists of my dad (Jeff), my mom (Pam), me (Emily, age 19), 15-year-old Amy, 12-year-old Luke, and now 19-year-old Ali as well. We also have three precious dogs: Buddy, Boo, and Jack, who frequently add entertainment to our lives. We also have an obese cat named Oreo and the occasional fish. We've been blessed with grandparents who are an active part of our lives, so expect to read about them occasionally as well.<br />
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I named my mom's blog "Optimist by Choice" because this is a quality my mom has displayed in her life for as long as I can remember. She is a big believer in making a choice to be joyful and optimistic. She is a true example of an optimist by choice.<br />
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I'm only a guest writer on this blog... the "real" first post will come sometime soon. Hope you enjoy your new blog, Mom.Pam Whelchelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03159347546428647220noreply@blogger.com1