tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218485342024-03-13T08:47:05.993-07:00not quite newlyweds anymoreevery day is a reality show...Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-75310779435962149232012-05-14T19:55:00.000-07:002012-05-14T19:55:20.574-07:00What's in a name ... an introduction<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWZeJpcfIvw/T7HD__NMX1I/AAAAAAAABhA/ZhxTgrLJkdY/s1600/7-0339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWZeJpcfIvw/T7HD__NMX1I/AAAAAAAABhA/ZhxTgrLJkdY/s400/7-0339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well here it is, I had intended to have this written and
posted shortly after Maelin’s birth – but anyone with a newborn knows that was
just plain wishful thinking. Then I
thought for certain I could get it done in time for Mother’s Day – (it seems I
like to set lofty goals for myself) but alas I think today is going to be the
day… so here it is <o:p></o:p></div>
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What’s in a name, an introduction <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Maelin Joy Williams</span> was born March 7<sup>th</sup> 2012 at
11:36 a.m. in what I consider to be the greatest labor and delivery ever (not
that I have a lot of them to compare it too, right) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Maelin ◊ Mae ◊ Maeby* ◊ Mae Mae </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>*(like baby, ok I might be a huge
Arrested Development fan <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>)
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
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- no matter what we’re
calling you – know that Maelin means love <o:p></o:p></div>
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A lot of thought was put into just what to call our lil girl
– <o:p></o:p></div>
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Maelin, you won’t find your name in most baby name books,
and I doubt it will ever make it into the top 10, or 50 or even 100- so let me
take a minute or two to explain to you and everyone else, just what Maelin
means<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: red;">Mae</span></u>lin</span> – your Oma is
Dorothy <span style="color: red;">Mae</span>, she is strong and courageous and
she is a fighter. She will always fight for what she believes to be right and
she always searches out the truth. She is kind and she is funny and your Oma
always has a way of making you feel special.
She makes the best dumplings, barbequed chicken with mash potatoes and
gravy and Holiday Ham gravy. While she may be far in miles, I know you will always
be close in her heart. Maelin, you take a little bit of your Oma with you each
and every day. She is an amazing mom, and my promise to you is that I will try my
best to make her proud. That’s the <span style="color: red;">Mae</span> in you- it means strong, determined and
courageous. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mae<b><span style="color: #7030a0;"><u>lin</u></span></b></span>- you have been blessed with a lot of
amazing women in your life, most of them you haven’t even met yet, but you
will. There are your aunts Jill <span style="color: #7030a0;">Lynn </span>and Jacque<span style="color: #7030a0;">lyn </span>and
Maria <span style="color: #7030a0;">Len </span>and me of course, your mommy, Joy<b><span style="color: #7030a0;">lin</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0;">. </span>I had the
privilege of having these great ladies in my life and am so excited for you to
get to know them too. They are loving and funny, and each one of them has
helped me become the mother that I am today. I watched each of them become moms
before me and I witnessed the amazing little people they helped bring into this
world. (Those people aren’t so little any more, you will see for yourself
someday- you have a whole army of cousins who will always have your back) Mae<b><span style="color: #7030a0;">lin</span> </b>someday
you will be a mother- and I know you will be kind and loving and you will love
your children with all of your heart, because you will take with you the
lessons you learn from these great women in your life, that is the <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">lin </span></b>in
you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #4F6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent3; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Maelin</span></u></span> - </b>you
have an amazing Daddy, and I have no doubt you are a Daddy’s girl (give him a
little time to recover from that Wal-mart experience, you’ll see) Your Daddy is
Ryan <span style="color: #4f6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #4F6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent3; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">Mahlon </span>- yep that’s right, it sounds the same. Your Daddy loves you and he has since that
very first day you became a reality to us- while we were standing in Miller
Park (we’ll tell you that story someday) <span style="color: #4f6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #4F6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent3; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">Maelin </span>never forget you are your daddy’s girl- no matter
what he will always be there for you. He
will always be in your corner <span style="color: #4f6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #4F6228; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent3; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">Maelin</span>, he will always be your biggest fan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So I am happy to introduce, our little bundle of joy, <span style="font-size: x-large;">Maelin
Joy Williams</span>. She is sweet and she is loved. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-85777956105363662622012-03-08T09:50:00.000-08:002012-05-22T10:11:44.147-07:009 Month Lock- Out Ends with Successful Negotiation for Team owners and
Players<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">AP- Simi Valley, CA <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzxE3rTku3s/T1jvq-WRH4I/AAAAAAAABgM/JcI6DMAGFjg/s1600/P3070256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzxE3rTku3s/T1jvq-WRH4I/AAAAAAAABgM/JcI6DMAGFjg/s400/P3070256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">After a nine month lock out, Ryan and Joylin Williams- Co- Owners in Team R. Williams have reached a successful contract negotiation with newest team member Maelin Joy Williams. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">After what seemed like the longest maternal lock out ever- Maelin Joy Williams finally reached an agreement at 11:36am on March 7<sup>th</sup>, 2012. After a record breaking 4.5 hours, Maelin Joy Williams, 6lbs 8oz, 20 inches long agreed to sign on to be the newest member of the R. Williams Team. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">While the majority of the contract specifics will remain confidential, Ryan and Joy did reveal that Maelin will be loved and adored for eternity. Also as part of the contract, Ryan Williams has agreed to wrap himself around Maelin’s finger and be at her beckon call. There has also been speculation that Ryan may have agreed to buy Mae a mocking bird and a diamond ring. According to a source close to both parties, Joy Williams has agreed to let Daddy know when he “just doesn’t get it” and take Maelin to get her ears pierced (in the far, far future). Team Captain, Ari Williams has agreed to protect Mae always- and in a last minute contract addition, he has also signed on to share his toys and his “Momma”. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Team Williams became apprehensive near the end of February when it seemed as though Maelin was unwilling to show up for the contract negotiations. “I tried everything possible to end the lock out in the end of February, Team Williams was anxious and excited, but Maelin had other plans – we got over it, we moved on and we are thrilled about how it all ended” said Joy Williams. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“The team is stronger than ever” said Ryan Williams as he headed out to get lunch after the deal was sealed Wednesday afternoon. “We are very excited with the newest member of our team; she truly is a perfect fit to our organization. Her full head of dark brown hair, skinny little feet, strong lungs and excellent latch are exactly what we were looking for when we entered into these negotiations last June.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
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At press time Maelin was unable to be reached for comment, her agent said she was busy sleeping, eating or pooping at the time and could not be bothered. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
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</span></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-80766699859900472852012-01-18T20:25:00.001-08:002012-01-18T20:25:29.299-08:00Nesting.....I have finally finished all of the sewing projects I had wanted to do for Ari's toddler bed. I finished the quilt and pillow sham a while ago, but wanted to use extra fabric to make a bed skirt. <br />
But.... I got sick, and tired, and busy! aka -pregnant <br />
Also, my dearest Ari, in a fit of rage (yep he has those moments) or possibly out of boredom- Ari decided to "hammer" the side rail of his toddler bed. It's made from a pretty soft wood and left some awesome knicks and scrapes. Nothing a sander and a new coat of paint can't fix- but in the meantime I hated looking at it. Also, Ari has recently gotten in the habit of "needing" to have a ridiculous amount of things with him at bed time. <br />
Right now he requests: <br />
Tag jr <br />
Tag jr books (like 6 books)<br />
Puppy dog night light <br />
Light sabre (doesn't every little boy need one of those to sleep) <br />
Regular books- these change daily usually 3 or 4 <br />
A gun - yep he is all boy! <br />
Anyway he "needs" all these items and then throughout the night we hear little thuds coming from Ari's room- at first we thought it was Ari getting out of bed but no it's just him tossing his "needs" on the floor. <br />
I wanted to make a little organizer that I could tie to his bed rail and cover up the knick marks. It took me a while but I finally finished. <br />
Of course in true Ari tradition - he hates it, so it's going to take a little getting used to. His exact words were take it off, I want it all on the floor. <br />
*I have no expectations of Ari keeping his "needs" in his organizer, but I am excited to have a place for it all so I can have a place to keep all his "needs". <br />
Now I can finally get started on all the baby girl projects I have brewing in my brain. <br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QvKmJnCQkwo/TxebJkMv37I/AAAAAAAABfo/1nWSK61A8_g/s640/blogger-image-1168415462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QvKmJnCQkwo/TxebJkMv37I/AAAAAAAABfo/1nWSK61A8_g/s640/blogger-image-1168415462.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FWDInHr0Gl4/TxebK1VVVKI/AAAAAAAABfw/HNjWYuJXkJw/s640/blogger-image--941983535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FWDInHr0Gl4/TxebK1VVVKI/AAAAAAAABfw/HNjWYuJXkJw/s640/blogger-image--941983535.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XcxZtSZA2ro/TxebMzHPpHI/AAAAAAAABf4/rdmJbcUpoQQ/s640/blogger-image--1778885291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XcxZtSZA2ro/TxebMzHPpHI/AAAAAAAABf4/rdmJbcUpoQQ/s640/blogger-image--1778885291.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WwoYNsiuGD4/TxebOLat1jI/AAAAAAAABgA/wJ6Q4_LgD0g/s640/blogger-image--730374413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WwoYNsiuGD4/TxebOLat1jI/AAAAAAAABgA/wJ6Q4_LgD0g/s640/blogger-image--730374413.jpg" /></a></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com4Simi Valley Simi Valley34.258159 -118.783522tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-68298745765231068692011-11-11T11:20:00.000-08:002011-11-11T11:20:55.762-08:00Parents Elect Controversial Facebook free Pregnancy<div class="MsoNormal">Parents Elect Controversial Facebook free Pregnancy <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">AP – Simi Valley, CA <o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyyRO6teJAY/Tr10vvrzWAI/AAAAAAAABfc/hjli5Z_wx_c/s1600/facebook+free+pregnancy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyyRO6teJAY/Tr10vvrzWAI/AAAAAAAABfc/hjli5Z_wx_c/s1600/facebook+free+pregnancy.png" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A local couple has decided to have a Facebook free pregnancy, citing privacy and their unborn child’s right to choose as their main reasons for this less than traditional approach to pregnancy. Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg couldn’t be reached for comment, however sources who claim they know exactly what Mark would say have responded in droves.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Joe Reeves, an avid Facebook user with over 15,000 friends noted; “It’s totally irresponsible; with the technology we have today these parents should be ashamed of themselves. It’s that mother’s responsibility to keep their Facebook friends updated on things like Doctor appointments, uncomfortable body changes, and the miserable and joyous events surrounding this impending birth.”<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">“What gives these “parents” the right to shut the rest of the world out from their pregnancy, if you have a Facebook account, it’s in your user’s agreement- you are REQUIRED to share every mundane, boring, exciting, and/or private detail of your life- they are in direct violation and something should be done about it.” – Karen Kinsmoore, self-professed Facebook master and neighborhood gossip. <o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Without the direct written consent of our soon to be born DAUGHTER, we felt we had no legal right to put any aspect of this pregnancy and upcoming birth on Facebook. Sure I would have loved to post a daily “ what the heck is going on with my body post” as well as monthly “I had to wait ____ long to see my Doctor, agh so frustrating” not to mention the ever growing list of foods I cannot eat, and locations I have thrown up “ said future baby- momma Joy Williams. <o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">With their 3 year old son, Ari, already seeking the legal counsel of attorney Jeffery Williams regarding time outs and his bed time, the couple had a lot to think about. Ryan Williams, the expectant father explained, “We really had to think, do we put ourselves out there and share our experience with the world of Facebook, risking an expensive settlement if baby GIRL Williams decides to seek legal action upon her arrival in MARCH. We could be talking a lot of money, if this goes to dinner table court. We could end up having to buy her a<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Licensed-Roadster-Electric-battery-powered/dp/B001IOQKMY" target="_blank"> BMW Z4 Roadster 6v Battery Powered Car</a>, or worse a pony.” <o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Supporters of the Facebook free pregnancy were also willing to show their support, @hasanopinionabouteverything tweeted “These parents should be heralded as forward thinking- I think deciding not to tell people the gender of the child and allowing the child to choose its own gender ID is an excellent parenting strategy…. What they’re having a girl, this isn’t about gender identity – it’s about not Facebooking their news the day that double line showed up, @#$#&; that’s just stupid, what are those parents thinking”. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Really we’re just lazy…. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">P.S. Do you think <a href="http://www.theonion.com/" target="_blank">The Onion</a> is hiring? <o:p></o:p></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-19250701882051981192010-11-22T14:11:00.000-08:002010-11-22T14:47:50.888-08:00Check out this awesome offer from ShutterflyBecause I love you, and I love a deal - I am pretty sure you all love deals too. Check out this awesome deal I found from <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly</span></a> for bloggers. I ran across a promotion the other day for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly</span>, where bloggers can get 50 free cards! How awesome is that??? I love <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a> for their great customer service, large selection and quick turnaround! I love, love, love, the photo books you can create on their website. Super easy and super cute. I made two of them earlier this year, one for Kristin's wedding shower and one as a guest book for Kristin and Macky's wedding.I have also printed digital scrapbook pages using <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly</span> and they turned out awesome. You can use their templates or upload your own pages. They have such an awesome selection that anyone can find something they love! Check them out- <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly</span></a> won't disappoint! This is such a great opportunity to find great gifts for just about anyone on your list. Chances are if you are on my Holiday list- your getting something from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly!</span><br />
<br />
This year I am using <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly</span> to make a lot of my holiday gifts, including things like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #063e3f; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars">calanders</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #063e3f; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #063e3f; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #063e3f; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs">photo mugs</a></span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #063e3f; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery">holiday cards</a>. </span>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-8355508914149680312010-10-23T19:20:00.000-07:002010-10-23T19:20:26.248-07:00I had a minute to updateI had a minute to update and after fighting with blogger - I finally gave in - the blogs are posted out of order - so scroll down and start at the beginning if you want to or just read them as they are - either way I hope you will enjoy them<br />
<br />
Love<br />
<br />
JoyRyan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-2898773847294612412010-10-23T19:19:00.000-07:002010-11-22T14:58:38.036-08:00The 39.3 miles that changed my life ... Conclusion!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, here are the last photo's from <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">My Avon Walk </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVWlr5mSI/AAAAAAAABdw/D4rJpX4wrFA/s1600/0911000656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVWlr5mSI/AAAAAAAABdw/D4rJpX4wrFA/s320/0911000656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">day one - opening ceremony </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVabPErsI/AAAAAAAABd0/HWROEgw-e8s/s1600/0911001147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVabPErsI/AAAAAAAABd0/HWROEgw-e8s/s320/0911001147.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day one mile 12</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVc1YXHPI/AAAAAAAABd4/IKX6ZvBz7XQ/s1600/0911001544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVc1YXHPI/AAAAAAAABd4/IKX6ZvBz7XQ/s320/0911001544.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 mile 23 ( isn't that obvious?) </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVj0O4EjI/AAAAAAAABd8/ATMUi63CZV4/s1600/0911001652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVj0O4EjI/AAAAAAAABd8/ATMUi63CZV4/s320/0911001652.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 26 ... it was pretty congested </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVm3skZ_I/AAAAAAAABeA/YhWwTA5Eqp0/s1600/0911001656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVm3skZ_I/AAAAAAAABeA/YhWwTA5Eqp0/s320/0911001656.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Line Day One </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVugVZ5GI/AAAAAAAABeE/2fnqWcwTJds/s1600/0911001659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVugVZ5GI/AAAAAAAABeE/2fnqWcwTJds/s320/0911001659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tired feet day 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVxcoMxTI/AAAAAAAABeI/s452Zb_E_H4/s1600/0911001736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVxcoMxTI/AAAAAAAABeI/s452Zb_E_H4/s320/0911001736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big huge blister </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVzRgqXTI/AAAAAAAABeM/DiedGpDEoRg/s1600/0911001802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOVzRgqXTI/AAAAAAAABeM/DiedGpDEoRg/s320/0911001802.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so pretty I though you would want to see it twice </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOV1qFWfFI/AAAAAAAABeQ/0zgqJfdtOO8/s1600/0912000731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOV1qFWfFI/AAAAAAAABeQ/0zgqJfdtOO8/s320/0912000731.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">breakfast.. for anyone who knows me... this was<br />
hard to eat , thank goodness for<br />
ketchup </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOV3aBUx7I/AAAAAAAABeU/EKxeZYU3jlI/s1600/0912001333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOV3aBUx7I/AAAAAAAABeU/EKxeZYU3jlI/s320/0912001333.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the finish line day 2 </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOV-edksnI/AAAAAAAABeY/nwgI1tyBxW4/s1600/0912001347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOV-edksnI/AAAAAAAABeY/nwgI1tyBxW4/s320/0912001347.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My feet - day 2 </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOWA6JJiCI/AAAAAAAABec/keYbvIrxWUw/s1600/0914001415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOWA6JJiCI/AAAAAAAABec/keYbvIrxWUw/s320/0914001415.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pretty pretty flowers from my mom & dad <br />
Thanks for all your love<br />
and support !!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>if you haven't already ... go donate PLEASE <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams </a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams"></a>if you ever get the opportunity to be a part of this walk - I highly recommend it - immediately after I crossed the finish line I told Kate I wanted to do it again!!!<br />
<br />
</div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-9766603988219006782010-10-23T19:07:00.000-07:002010-10-23T19:07:24.909-07:0039.3 miles that changed my life Part 3So I have been fighting with blogger - and blogger is winning<br />
Here is another post<br />
So we got to Wellness Village at the end of Day one and it took everything I had not to break down and cry - I was so overcome with emotion- emotion from the amazing people I had met and stories I had heard, the heartbreaking losses so many had to go through that brought them to this point, the emotion of actually making it the entire 26.2 miles - when at points I thought I was not going to make it another mile. I called Ryan and I almost broke down, I called my mom and I almost lost it. It's a combination of excitement and exhaustion, pain and pride.... it's unlike anything I have ever experienced before. <br />
Once we were at Wellness Village we got foot and back massages, went and got our tent and set it up.. (yeah we had to pitch our own tents....) ate ( Kate and I both went back for seconds... yeah for pasta) showered. And then we went to the Med tent... see during the walk, I could tell that my foot hurt but I didn't dare to look- if I had I don't know if I would have had the will power to go any further. I had the hugest blister on my left big toe. Actually considering my feet and my history with loosing toe nails and getting blisters ALL THE TIME ... I consider this a success... only one blister - it was just <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">HUGE. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">After getting my blister drained... it was so gross. We headed back to camp and went to sleep. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We woke up early the next morning ( early then we were planning thanks to our noisy neighbors) Went and had a delicious breakfast of eggs and potatoes ( yep I had to break down and eat eggs ....luckily there was ketchup) We set off for day two feeling tired, and sore, somehow 13.1 miles sounded a heck of a lot further today then it did yesterday. </span></b><br />
But we did it - the last 3 miles were horrible - we were tired , my back was killing me, Kate's ankle's were swelling more then normal for a pregnant person (although probably exactly as much as they should given the fact that she had walked 40+ miles)<br />
We made it - and it was AWESOME !!! Don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">My Walk Page</a> I just $460 from my fundraising goal.... every donation makes a difference!!!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMORTU2aFbI/AAAAAAAABdI/GfNWF2AiyIM/s1600/SAM_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMORTU2aFbI/AAAAAAAABdI/GfNWF2AiyIM/s320/SAM_0216.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to see but I was trying to<br />
get a picture of all the walkers behind<br />
us - Day 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMORgBIeYhI/AAAAAAAABdM/Uwtmb-XiSZs/s1600/SAM_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMORgBIeYhI/AAAAAAAABdM/Uwtmb-XiSZs/s320/SAM_0217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2 mile 7 - so really mile 33.2 miles<br />
this was a little more than half way<br />
day two !<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMORs6MDCfI/AAAAAAAABdQ/w2GBIOPzgEY/s1600/SAM_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMORs6MDCfI/AAAAAAAABdQ/w2GBIOPzgEY/s320/SAM_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many rest- stops where we could refill water<br />
go to the bathroom and get medical attention if needed<br />
Each rest stop had a theme I think this one<br />
was old Hollywood </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOR56_MCII/AAAAAAAABdU/IUQ2DfV5tSM/s1600/SAM_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOR56_MCII/AAAAAAAABdU/IUQ2DfV5tSM/s320/SAM_0219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are just outside the closing ceremonies<br />
waiting to cross the finish line - Day 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOSHGpGCRI/AAAAAAAABdY/m_FGPkhA52I/s1600/SAM_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOSHGpGCRI/AAAAAAAABdY/m_FGPkhA52I/s320/SAM_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Closing Cermony - it's basically a sea of pink</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOSTrs4YsI/AAAAAAAABdc/y-M4wxkw9vI/s1600/SAM_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOSTrs4YsI/AAAAAAAABdc/y-M4wxkw9vI/s320/SAM_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still waiting.. the finish line is in sight!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOSguzSYYI/AAAAAAAABdg/p6jaTkMLI10/s1600/SAM_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOSguzSYYI/AAAAAAAABdg/p6jaTkMLI10/s320/SAM_0222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are my feet - 39.3 miles later ... bandaged and broken<br />
(not literally) but it was all worth it </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOStJ5s4KI/AAAAAAAABdk/LKSjb2htSC0/s1600/SAM_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOStJ5s4KI/AAAAAAAABdk/LKSjb2htSC0/s320/SAM_0223.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did it !!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOS6Ot_VBI/AAAAAAAABdo/SWH0DtbxxLA/s1600/SAM_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOS6Ot_VBI/AAAAAAAABdo/SWH0DtbxxLA/s320/SAM_0224.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did it!!!!!<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-64190398298702177232010-10-23T18:30:00.000-07:002010-10-23T18:30:18.109-07:0039.3 miles that changed my life Part 2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOBDy8eiWI/AAAAAAAABcU/hqJpuOMNYK4/s1600/SAM_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOBDy8eiWI/AAAAAAAABcU/hqJpuOMNYK4/s200/SAM_0203.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So here we are Day one complete - there was so much<br />
traffic at the "Official" 26.2 mile<br />
marker that we borrowed this sign<br />
from on the the people cheering<br />
at the side lines<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMODQTRH21I/AAAAAAAABdA/1rZh-B5zHQg/s1600/SAM_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMODQTRH21I/AAAAAAAABdA/1rZh-B5zHQg/s320/SAM_0215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMODQTRH21I/AAAAAAAABdA/1rZh-B5zHQg/s1600/SAM_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Here is our address for the event. E88, sleeping in a small tent on the hard ground never felt so good. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMODChwnJeI/AAAAAAAABc8/AWKM3VqAnAE/s1600/SAM_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMODChwnJeI/AAAAAAAABc8/AWKM3VqAnAE/s320/SAM_0214.JPG" width="240" /></a>Here is our tent .. home sweet home ! </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;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOC1lsu8qI/AAAAAAAABc4/y9jmNFgzu54/s1600/SAM_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOC1lsu8qI/AAAAAAAABc4/y9jmNFgzu54/s400/SAM_0213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They call this tent city - you can see the shower trucks in the<br />
background... once again, I have never enjoyed showering<br />
in a tent so much </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCpQW3T2I/AAAAAAAABc0/dl57-N08I0E/s1600/SAM_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCpQW3T2I/AAAAAAAABc0/dl57-N08I0E/s400/SAM_0212.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yep, as if getting up at 6:00am to the thought of walking another 13.1 miles<br />
wasn't hard enough... we had to take down our own tents </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCdJAkZJI/AAAAAAAABcw/w3t1WGBk1xk/s1600/SAM_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCdJAkZJI/AAAAAAAABcw/w3t1WGBk1xk/s400/SAM_0211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent City </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCQ28EsfI/AAAAAAAABcs/ChxydWpEPvU/s1600/SAM_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCQ28EsfI/AAAAAAAABcs/ChxydWpEPvU/s320/SAM_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent City @ night </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCExgU3yI/AAAAAAAABco/l-qdUXMwqAs/s1600/SAM_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOCExgU3yI/AAAAAAAABco/l-qdUXMwqAs/s400/SAM_0208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the tent where we ate dinner and breakfast while at Wellness Village </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOB4NMWIoI/AAAAAAAABck/Vfvtx1QvlMg/s1600/SAM_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOB4NMWIoI/AAAAAAAABck/Vfvtx1QvlMg/s400/SAM_0207.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are my feet after day one.. I haven't taken my socks off yet<br />
to see the 6th toe I grew on my left toe </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOBrskQE4I/AAAAAAAABcg/rgcQ_Zf_98k/s1600/SAM_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOBrskQE4I/AAAAAAAABcg/rgcQ_Zf_98k/s320/SAM_0206.JPG" width="240" /></a> Here we are at the official END of the Walk on Day ONE </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-39933433717316458122010-10-23T18:17:00.000-07:002010-10-23T18:17:00.867-07:0039.3 miles that changed my life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I know, I know... my <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">Avon Walk For Breast Cancer</a> was officially 41 days ago... but I have been uber busy with school and teaching and Ari and life - and it seems like I almost never get a free moment to update my blog. But alas it seems I might actually get a chance to do it right now- so here it goes. <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">On September 11th I participated, along with 2800 others, in the <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">Avon Walk For Breast Cancer Santa Barbara</a>. It was one of the most amazing events I have ever been a part of and I am so glad I made it my New Year's resolution oh so long ago... </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It started out with my best friend forever Kate, who just happened to be 5 months pregnant at the time, flying all the way from Alabama to participate in the walk with me- LOVE YOU KATE </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kate flew in on Thursday night, Friday we were busy all day tying up loose ends to prepare for the walk, and Friday night we had a great pasta dinner at Buca di Beppo's. Early to bed for us (although I was so excited I could not sleep!!!) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We got up EARLY 4:30am to drive the hour drive to Santa Barbara so we could be ready for the walk to begin</div><br />
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<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;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN3-bOG6TI/AAAAAAAABbM/E_Fd313S3YA/s1600/SAM_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN3-bOG6TI/AAAAAAAABbM/E_Fd313S3YA/s320/SAM_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was Opening Ceremonies when we first arrived.. so EARLY </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN4K8zCO1I/AAAAAAAABbQ/-FfuzmudDdY/s1600/SAM_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN4K8zCO1I/AAAAAAAABbQ/-FfuzmudDdY/s320/SAM_0195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view in front of us - Opening Ceremony </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN4Z-kIMGI/AAAAAAAABbU/LJZa2lVAzkE/s1600/SAM_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN4Z-kIMGI/AAAAAAAABbU/LJZa2lVAzkE/s320/SAM_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view behind us - Opening Ceremony </td></tr>
</tbody></table>it was cold and foggy as we waited with the other walkers and crew - but we were excited and eager to begin.<br />
As we got started we met the most remarkable people, people who were walking in honor of loved ones they had lost, people walking while fighting their own battle with breast cancer, and people who had fought and won their battle - proud to announce that they were now cancer free. Some of the most amazing people we met were the people who spent their Saturday and Sunday camped out on the sides of the roads cheering us on, handing us treats, and thanking us for walking. Every time I felt like I couldn't walk any further- someone, either another walker, Kate or someone from the sidelines said just the right thing to keep me going. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6dLJBSvI/AAAAAAAABbk/YPqNWbE8RZQ/s1600/SAM_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6dLJBSvI/AAAAAAAABbk/YPqNWbE8RZQ/s320/SAM_0198.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture Opportunity with John Wayne Mile 12</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We were so busy walking and enjoying the time we had to catch up with each other... (I hadn't seen Kate in years...) that honestly the first 12 miles sort of flew by. I am happy about that because I take it to mean that all the time I spent walking with Ari and training at the gym paid off. Around mile 11 or so we started to walk up what the walk organizers had described as moderate hills... yeah right - these hills were STEEP and that sucked, but at mile 12 the John Wayne Cancer Foundation had a mile marker and a photo op spot for the walkers ( who can resist John Wayne) as well as pink bandannas dipped in ice water that were PRICELESS!!!! They were so refreshing!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6QXdxzoI/AAAAAAAABbg/bXtTfI-wwk4/s1600/SAM_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6QXdxzoI/AAAAAAAABbg/bXtTfI-wwk4/s200/SAM_0197.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6qgD5I6I/AAAAAAAABbo/9ptxKJxlESw/s1600/SAM_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6qgD5I6I/AAAAAAAABbo/9ptxKJxlESw/s320/SAM_0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kate showing John Wayne some love!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN63NMB-HI/AAAAAAAABbs/PGnjS1dI30o/s1600/SAM_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN63NMB-HI/AAAAAAAABbs/PGnjS1dI30o/s320/SAM_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13.1 Miles on day one- the official half way mark<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6D7nlGaI/AAAAAAAABbc/M2ucWu0dEVw/s1600/SAM_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN6D7nlGaI/AAAAAAAABbc/M2ucWu0dEVw/s320/SAM_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mile 20 and still feeling pretty good. My foot had started to hurt but I didn't dare look at it. I figured ignorance was bliss at this point. We were so excited to only have 6.2 miles left of our walk... for the day. I don't think I have ever been more excited about the prospect of pitching a tent and sleeping. By this time of the day - that sounded like the Ritz! </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN7DhLPtvI/AAAAAAAABbw/JEJFSWoMo_w/s1600/SAM_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMN7DhLPtvI/AAAAAAAABbw/JEJFSWoMo_w/s320/SAM_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was attached to a motorcycle that belonged to the<br />
group of bikers who were working the event. Most of the<br />
bikers would blast music from their bike stereo and<br />
they would dance to keep our spirits up. They were<br />
awesome people (most of them were men)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOBDy8eiWI/AAAAAAAABcU/hqJpuOMNYK4/s1600/SAM_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TMOBDy8eiWI/AAAAAAAABcU/hqJpuOMNYK4/s200/SAM_0203.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day ONE - COMPLETED !!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>We met some of the most inspiring people during the walk, as well as some of the nicest. There was a group of bikers, mostly men, who had signed up to volunteer and direct traffic. They would park their bikes at the intersections where we had to cross and most of them had their bike and themselves decorated for the occasion. They cheered us on, and had candy and gum for us. One of the motorcycle crew members had this on his bike - we saw him several times throughout the weekend and he always made us laugh. (it helped that he looked a lot like Santa Claus)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-38773436924935708332010-08-17T16:00:00.000-07:002010-08-17T16:00:29.614-07:00Tender MerciesI'm not going to lie... church is hard for us- don't get me wrong- I love going to church and when we don't go I miss it and my entire week is a mess. But that being said, it is hard for us (well really ME) <br />
Ari is at this age where the hour long sacrament meeting is just too much - we have tried everything: quiet toys he only sees on Sundays, crayons, snacks, etc., etc, etc. nothing works. The few minutes I do get to spend with Ari is sacrament meeting he is usually being LOUD, trying to crawl under the pews, or trying to get other people in the meeting to start up a conversation with him. He pretends to have no idea of what it means to be quiet or whisper. <br />
This last Sunday, Team Williams was down a player to begin with (Ryan was at the office all day preparing for an audit)<br />
We made it to church almost on time and I was optimistic that we might make it through a decent part of Sacrament- BUT from the moment we walked into the chapel - Ari started screaming - screaming....<br />
Agh... I panic, I know most people have gone through this, I try to tell myself that no one is judging my parenting skills because of this outburst and we exit as quickly as possible.<br />
Now anyone who knows me knows I am not a super spiritual person- don't get me wrong- I am spiritual - but I don't get up and bear my testimony monthly (or yearly....) so what I am about to share with you, may seem small- but felt like a mountain moving to me. <br />
I broke down in the Mother's room, I couldn't take it anymore, I felt broken and defeated and like the worst Mom in the world, I mean what kind of mom can't keep her two year old quietly entertained for an hour? And worst of all, I was angry at a two year old... and I was mad at myself for being angry... I was pleading<br />
with myself to be a better mom, and pleading with my Heavenly Father to help me be a better mom.<br />
And just then, screaming Ari went silent, and laid in my arms, and looked up at me with his big brown eyes and said "love you mommy" and laid in my arms for the rest of the hour and just stared into my eyes ...<br />
And there was peace in my heart- and I knew Ari meant it, and I knew I was a good mom and I knew my Heavenly Father listened to my prayer...<br />
I don't remember what the talks were about on Sunday, but the hour I spent in the Mother's room did more for my spiritual well being then any talk I have heard in a long time...<br />
I love this little boy... and all the tender mercies along the way<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TGsUYUEe0KI/AAAAAAAABZ4/NrruVgFzjio/s1600/8.17.2010+351+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TGsUYUEe0KI/AAAAAAAABZ4/NrruVgFzjio/s320/8.17.2010+351+-+Copy.JPG" /></a></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-41572808873666257502010-06-17T15:20:00.000-07:002010-06-17T15:20:43.762-07:00Avon Walk for Breast Cancer:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TBqfq8we7dI/AAAAAAAABZg/31_iC0nzO5w/s1600/104_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/TBqfq8we7dI/AAAAAAAABZg/31_iC0nzO5w/s320/104_0900.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Did you know that three million women are living with breast cancer -- and one third of them don’t even know it? Even more startling, breast cancer kills approximately one woman every 13 minutes, robbing us of our mothers and grandmothers, our sisters, and our best friends. No one knows what causes breast cancer or how it can be prevented and there is currently no known cure.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing these statistics I feel even more compelled to do something to bring us one step closer to finding a cure. This September I will join thousands of others in the Santa Barbara area to walk 39.1 miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As part of this commitment, I have agreed to raise at least $1,800 for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. Since 1992, the Crusade has raised and awarded more than $525 million for the cause. That money is used for medical research, clinical care, support services, education and early detection programs. While researchers have made significant progress in the last few years, there’s still more that needs to be done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know that the journey I’m about to take doesn’t begin to compare with the challenges that cancer patients and their families endure. So, for each step I take and for every time I think I can’t possibly go any father, I’ll be humbled… recognizing the small sacrifice I’m taking on behalf of millions of women everywhere. I’ll think of those who have lost the battle and of those who fight fearlessly everyday. Victory for me will be crossing the finish line and surpassing my fundraising goal, and I hope you’ll be a part of it. Please take this opportunity to honor the women you love by donating to the cause. Give whatever you can - every dollar really does help.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement in this big undertaking. When I hit the road, I’ll know that you were a special part of my journey and of the journey of so many others along the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you would like further information on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, please visit <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">www.avonwalk.org</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Please also visit my personal walk page <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliam">www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliam</a>s – to see the progress I am making as I prepare for my walk or make a donation online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In It To End It,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Joy Williams </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">p.s. If you would like information on how you can blog for the cause, please email me @ </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:joylinwilliams@gmail.com">joylinwilliams@gmail.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t cost you anything and hotels combined will donate $20 for each blogger I get to spread the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Email me or visit <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx">http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx</a> for more information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-44818956654370061772010-06-08T09:39:00.000-07:002010-06-08T09:39:22.751-07:00your reading this So......your reading this so I am going to assume that you are aware of the blogging world.... and being aware of the blogging world is what I need. Now here is your call to action.... go to <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx">http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx</a> and follow the blogging directions<br />
copy the pre written code and paste it into an HTML/Code box in your blog layout... just make sure you change the part that says World Vision to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer<br />
then send the email (just like the blog directions state... giving the address of your blog and the name of the charity you want your donation sent to which is www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams<br />
then ... so I can include you on my shirt of sponsors post a comment to this blog post letting me know you did it<br />
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Hotels combined will donate $20 for every blog that does this - 65 blogs and my goal is made.... but I need to make sure it gets done with enough time for the money to show up in my account so please don't wait ... do it now....<br />
p.s. I don't have 65 friends that blog ... but I have you and I know you have atleast 5 friends that blog and they have atleast another 5 friends that blog that you don't know and so on and so on... so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE .... spread the word - wouldn't it be awesome to have like 100 blogs post this widget .... that would be $2000 .... easy !!!!! all for a really really amazing cause<br />
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don't forget to visit my <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">walk page</a> and check out my progress!!!! My walk is less then 100 days away !!!!!Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-68796493950381798122010-05-21T10:18:00.000-07:002010-05-21T10:18:38.944-07:00I have this really talented friendI have this really talented friend and she just opened an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilbitandnan">etsy shop</a> with her really talented mommy - so check it out its really cute<br />
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and while you are surfing the web, check out <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">my walk page</a> and check on my progress, and join my army of 1000. Already a member... check out <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx">Spread the word for charity </a> and see how you can raise another $20 for <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">my walk</a> - and it won't cost you a thing<br />
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and then tell ALL your friends about this really cute <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilbitandnan">etsy shop</a>, <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">my avon walk</a> and <a href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx">spread the word for charity</a> <br />
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don't forget the charity this is all going for is www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams - you have to let them know so the money goes to the right place...<br />
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now what are you waiting for... go go goRyan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-31788890635779885612010-05-15T12:30:00.000-07:002010-05-15T12:34:23.453-07:005 years ... <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Has it really been 5 years... (well 6 if you ask Ryan). Yep, that is right Ryan and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on May 14th. I can't believe we have been married 5 years, it seems like just yesterday- but they have been 5 amazing years. I love being married to my best friend and I love that no matter where we are or what we are doing - I always have a good time if Ryan is there with me. He is the best husband, and partner and Daddy I could ever ask for. He is a hard worker and he knows how to have fun. I love his relaxed, carefree attitude, and I love watching him play with Ari. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ryan and I have been missing Utah a lot lately.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">WHAT.!?!</span> okay not really Utah - but Utah dining. Seems to us, that while we lived in Utah we had restaurants that fulfilled all of our cravings, - and well since moving to California - that just isn't as easy to do. (Funny little side note- when we used to visit Cali or even Vegas we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">HAD </span>to go to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">IN-N-OUT</span>, we would eat there all the time while on vacation.... now that I live here and it's down the street - well- I just don't really crave it anymore.....) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, but lately I have been missing pupusas from center street in Provo, burritos from bajio, pork salads from Cafe Rio or Costa Vita, pot stickers from David's kitchen, sticky rice from 5 star restaurant, and Mongolian BBQ from China Buffet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I talk to Ryan all the time about how, even though the weather here is 100% better and we have Disneyland and etc. etc. every once and a while I get Utah sick .... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So for our anniversary Ryan surprised me dinner at Cafe Rio!!!!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7uMvCeX3I/AAAAAAAABYw/kI9hubmfn8E/s1600/104_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7uMvCeX3I/AAAAAAAABYw/kI9hubmfn8E/s200/104_0850.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7ubiHB0sI/AAAAAAAABY4/jJQyZ4sK6XY/s1600/104_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7ubiHB0sI/AAAAAAAABY4/jJQyZ4sK6XY/s200/104_0851.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7uq2TU3uI/AAAAAAAABZA/6k5ZyP4lZt8/s1600/104_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7uq2TU3uI/AAAAAAAABZA/6k5ZyP4lZt8/s200/104_0852.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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</div>That's right - Ryan found out that a Cafe Rio had opened up in Manhattan Beach which is only like an hour away - so we drove down there for our dinner. Cafe Rio pork salad has never tasted so good. It may not have been a fancy dinner - and it definitely wasn't our most expensive meal- but it was perfect - exactly what my Utah sick heart needed. Now we just need to find a pupusa place ??? <br />
<div>I love you Ryan - I love you more today than I did yesterday, if that is even possible - and I will love you forever, without a doubt. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Then to finish off our completely un-fancy but PERFECT evening - Ryan and I went to see <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Iron Man, </span> - it's a little known fact that Robert Downey Jr. is my #1 celebrity crush - (what you think that is weird... well I think you're weird!!!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-71KBDF1QI/AAAAAAAABZM/7QMhZQ9LTCQ/s1600/robert+downey+jr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-71KBDF1QI/AAAAAAAABZM/7QMhZQ9LTCQ/s200/robert+downey+jr.jpg" width="141" /></a> </div><br />
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</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-71Nyxa5nI/AAAAAAAABZU/90dATLxciyU/s1600/ourwedding+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-71Nyxa5nI/AAAAAAAABZU/90dATLxciyU/s200/ourwedding+081.jpg" width="132" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span></div><div><br />
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</div><div>But even on his best days..... I crush on Ryan more..... </div><div><br />
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</div><div>yeah, you might say I am pretty happy with the way things turned out </div><div><br />
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</div><div>Here's to forever Ryan.... Love you !<br />
p.s. have you joined my Army of 1000 strong - well, I think you better <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">1000 Strong</a><br />
p.p.s. it would make a great anniversary gift.... you know, if you haven't bought us anything yet- hint, hint.... <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">go now!!!!</a></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-39602131865198667312010-05-15T11:47:00.000-07:002010-05-15T11:47:19.236-07:00Ari & MaryOn Friday, I babysat for a friend of ours, who has a six week old little girl named Mary- Elizabeth. I was a little curious about how Ari would react to the baby - and I was pleasantly surprised. (Although I don't know why since he is so gentle with everything else - of course he was going to be gentle and helpful.) but he was down right adorable...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7q9XBgApI/AAAAAAAABYo/WvHm8jPQH-o/s1600/SAM_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7q9XBgApI/AAAAAAAABYo/WvHm8jPQH-o/s320/SAM_0011.JPG" /></a> Ari helping Mary- Elizabeth play Legos with him. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7qwiKFAXI/AAAAAAAABYg/o8XAicx7pFs/s1600/SAM_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7qwiKFAXI/AAAAAAAABYg/o8XAicx7pFs/s320/SAM_0009.JPG" /></a>Ari showing Mary- Elizabeth how tall he can build.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7qIRi1B0I/AAAAAAAABYI/Dxm5vg4qnr0/s1600/SAM_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7qIRi1B0I/AAAAAAAABYI/Dxm5vg4qnr0/s320/SAM_0001.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ari and Mary-Elizabeth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7qXMRarYI/AAAAAAAABYQ/x2Fb9pHfvok/s1600/SAM_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S-7qXMRarYI/AAAAAAAABYQ/x2Fb9pHfvok/s320/SAM_0002.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet Kisses </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">such a sweet boy - he was a great helper! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love you Ari.... you have such a sweet heart ! </div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-76338039513092994832010-05-06T10:16:00.000-07:002010-05-06T11:30:43.923-07:00here's the dealSome of you may know that I am participating in the<a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams"> Avon Walk for Breast Cancer</a>. This is a two day 39.1 mile walk. I know it will be hard- but I also know it is nothing compared to the battle cancer patients fight to survive. I wanted to be a part of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer because I wanted an opportunity to be part of something so much more important than myself- I wanted to really make a difference and I feel that this is an important and worthy cause. I have pledged to raise <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">$1800</span> for the fight against breast cancer by September - and I can not do that without the support of my friends and family and to be completely honest .... complete strangers who want to help. <br />
Which brings me to this - My birthday is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">July 22nd</a></span> - and I have been brainstorming on how I am going to come up with the money and ways that I can get all the emotions support needed to walk <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">39</span> miles - and I started to think about those who donate to the cause in my name. I thought about how if I got 39 people to donate- in my head I would have 39 people cheering me on mile after mile, so if I got <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">50</span> people to donate ... WOW what a cheering crowd - I kept thinking about how while I am walking I will be thinking of all those effected by this horrible disease, and how I will feel all the support and love from those who have donated and it hit me --- WHAT IF I COULD GET <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1000</span> PEOPLE TO DONATE - what if I could get 1000 people to donate just $1.00 each for my birthday - with all that <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">love and support</a> - I am sure I could do anything<br />
SO that is the challange I have decided to take on - I want to see if I can get 1000 people to donate by my birthday July 22nd. Now I don't even think I know 1000 people and that is where <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">YOU come in. </span> I need you to be part of my Breast Cancer Army - I need you to send links to this post to all your friends and urge them to send it on to their friends ... All I am asking for is a $1.00 <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">donation </a> (If you feel inspired and have more that you can donate.... please do - this cause is so worth it)<br />
I will be writing the names of each of my "sponsors" on my shirt for the walk - and I would love to fill it up with a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1000</span> names of people who are in it to end it too. <br />
If you were planning on sending me a birthday card, present or well wishes please do so <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">here</a> What were your going to spend on a birthday card $2.95 ? How about a donation of $2.95 towards something so amazing instead....<br />
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This is my <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">challenge</a> - to get 1000 donations by July 22nd - it's my own way of proving that ever LITTLE bit counts - and small steps can make a big difference - it's my way of giving <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1000</span> people the opportunity to be part of this amazing cause - and it's my way of having my own personal cheering crowd, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1000</span> strong - as I cross the finish line on September 12th....<br />
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<a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">Pass it along</a> -Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-14211759665126407072010-04-30T11:04:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:04:13.864-07:00Crazy little thing called LOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sR3SMi-1I/AAAAAAAABWM/jBrqnIj_rjU/s1600/100_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sR3SMi-1I/AAAAAAAABWM/jBrqnIj_rjU/s320/100_0800.JPG" /></a></div>Sometimes when I look at Ari - I am reminded just how much I love him and how no matter what - seeing his little face and hearing his voice can make everything better. It's a crazy little thing - the love between a mommy and her little boy - a bond I hope to share with Ari his my entire life. <br />
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Here are some really great things about Ari -<br />
1- he LOVES his momma, sometimes I worry that he loves me too much, recently he has taken to kissing me a little too passionately - it's really funny - and I am sure it is nothing but he turns his little head and strokes my face while he kisses me on the lips- not every time - but when he does it always makes me worry "what is this kids watching on TV?"<br />
2- he has mastered the word NO but maybe not the meaning- and he hasn't figured out yes yet -<br />
Here is an example: <br />
Me: "Ari do you want to take a nap?"<br />
Ari: "No"<br />
Me: "Ari do you want to cuddle on the couch?"<br />
Ari: "No"<br />
Me:"Ari do you want to go do the mall?"<br />
Ari: "No"<br />
Me: " Ari, do you want some chocolate?"<br />
Ari: silence .... silence.... "Chocolate" <br />
yep that's another thing about my little guy - he is a chocolate ADDICT - and he does not discriminate - extra dark, milk, semi sweet.... he loves them all<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sSFsX_ckI/AAAAAAAABWU/YkNcubf2MsQ/s1600/100_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sSFsX_ckI/AAAAAAAABWU/YkNcubf2MsQ/s320/100_0806.JPG" /></a></div>Here is my little Hugh Hefner .... it's official Ari out grew his bathrobe.... (he probably out grew it months ago but we usually use this great towel my BFF <a href="http://growinguproderick.blogspot.com/">Kate</a> made for Ari when he was just born... but the other day I tried this on him and well it was a little short ..... his little baby cheeks were hanging out the back<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sSg17IISI/AAAAAAAABWc/LdsihxT5fsg/s1600/100_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sSg17IISI/AAAAAAAABWc/LdsihxT5fsg/s320/100_0840.JPG" /></a><br />
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3) Ari may LOVE his momma - but he wants to be just like his daddy - and lucky for him he is well on his way. (We found more old pictures of Ryan when he was little and Ari is a dead ringer for his twin - it amazing how Ari looks EXACTLY like Ryan. Ari has learned how to open the back door - which means it has to be deadlocked all the time... the other day, before we knew he could open the door, Ryan was out mowing the lawn and Ari ran out - dragged his lil mower out of the garage and "helped" daddy ... it was so cute<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sTjDQbMjI/AAAAAAAABW0/bRxxtYEl_Wc/s1600/100_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sTjDQbMjI/AAAAAAAABW0/bRxxtYEl_Wc/s320/100_0844.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sS3scd5nI/AAAAAAAABWk/tp7JLV_-E7M/s1600/100_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sS3scd5nI/AAAAAAAABWk/tp7JLV_-E7M/s640/100_0841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He is just too cute - anyone who meets Ari can't help but love him. 4) Ari loves to say Hi - to EVERYONE Sometimes we will be in a store and there will be somebody in the same aisle as us and Ari will say "Hi" and if he doesn't get a response from the person he continues to say "HI" louder and louder and louder.... until he gets some sort of reaction or we change aisles. It's really funny - also Ari loves to say Thank you - its too cute - we will be at the store ( I swear we do other things besides shop) and when I finish paying Ari always says Thank you to the cashier and the bagger.... its adorable </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sTNl0fexI/AAAAAAAABWs/i1A5EyhdWkc/s1600/100_0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sTNl0fexI/AAAAAAAABWs/i1A5EyhdWkc/s320/100_0842.JPG" /></a> Ari is go, go, go - from morning til way to late at night!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sT34aQ6GI/AAAAAAAABW8/l2Fu0mgvSlc/s1600/SAM_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sT34aQ6GI/AAAAAAAABW8/l2Fu0mgvSlc/s320/SAM_0003.JPG" /></a> The other day Ari was outside and he saw a bee on the ground - he laid on the ground and just watched the bee who's little legs were covered in pollen - it was so fun to watch his so interested in his world - he kept saying "Bee, bee" "BZZZZZZ" - I reminded him not to touch and he was having a blast watching the little guy just take a break from his busy bee work </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sUMcn_XVI/AAAAAAAABXI/RiVcHVcNTUw/s1600/SAM_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sUMcn_XVI/AAAAAAAABXI/RiVcHVcNTUw/s320/SAM_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a> He is so curious and so smart - a little naughty and <b>VERY MISCHIEVOUS</b></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sUaUuUyeI/AAAAAAAABXQ/ncotYCHguvo/s1600/SAM_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sUaUuUyeI/AAAAAAAABXQ/ncotYCHguvo/s320/SAM_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a> You just can't help but love this little guy!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ari has also recently taught himself how to put CD's in the Bose and turn it on - he loves to Dance. Ari loves doing flashcards - he will pull them out and bring them to you and say "Cards....Cards" He gets so excited as he gets them right he jumps up and down and his voice gets louder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh and yesterday - without prompting - Ari took a picture of Jesus and said "Jesus" ..... awe... Ryan and I are doing something right - (or the nursery is!?! ) we'll take the credit for that one though </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. Ari wanted to remind everyone to go and DONATE to <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">AVON WALK</a> - Ari knows that his mommy is doing this walk for all the boys and girls who's mommies are battling this very horrible disease and for all the mommies's who have lost their fight - No kid should have to lose a parent to cancer - GO DONATE </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-37316458806675251482010-04-30T10:21:00.000-07:002010-04-30T10:21:02.183-07:00What we've been up toSorry - I now I went AWOL for the last oh I don't know - ever - but between school and Ari and everything else - well blogging just feel to the wayside. Ryan's little sister Kristin got engaged over Thanksgiving and since about Christmas we have been in wedding count down mode. In March I helped throw a baby shower for my friend <a href="http://robertandbethanypearson.blogspot.com/">Bethany</a> - and it was a HUGE shower - way over the top - and it was right during mid terms and it was stress - But Bethany had a great time and her beautiful baby Mary Elizabeth was born about a week later - so just in time. Just about as soon as I took a breath from baby shower prep it was time to start in on Bridal Shower prep -<br />
When I married Ryan, I was so excited to get little sisters, having never had a little sister - and so I was thrilled with the opportunity to throw Kristin a shower for her wedding - it was really fun and I am glad she had a good time - she is going to be a beautiful bride -<br />
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Here is the tree of Knowledge I did for Kristin - all of her shower guest wrote her a little advice and hung it on the tree<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sNiZAt-iI/AAAAAAAABV0/xkyQPumjwTk/s1600/100_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sNiZAt-iI/AAAAAAAABV0/xkyQPumjwTk/s200/100_0827.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Here are the Cake Boxes that I made for her favors - Inside I put a little bath and body works hand sanitizer and some bliss chocolates - the note inside said "Its been so much fun to reminisce, and hear all about Kristin & Macky's first kiss- Thank you for sharing in Kristin's bliss."<br />
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View from the top of the cake boxes ......<br />
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Kristin & Whitney opening presents<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sMowAeokI/AAAAAAAABVU/qRf8oBSRM_g/s1600/100_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sMowAeokI/AAAAAAAABVU/qRf8oBSRM_g/s200/100_0811.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kristin </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sNFjYPn4I/AAAAAAAABVk/lfwU8_dzmM4/s1600/100_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sNFjYPn4I/AAAAAAAABVk/lfwU8_dzmM4/s320/100_0821.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Some of the delicious food we had - it was so good - Thanks Sharon, Whitney and Ellen - could not have pulled it off without you foodies! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sQsXe8W1I/AAAAAAAABWE/lKOPXFYi4K0/s1600/100_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S9sQsXe8W1I/AAAAAAAABWE/lKOPXFYi4K0/s320/100_0820.JPG" /></a><br />
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Oh and cake pops .... you are especially delicious - so glad you are out of the house .... such a temptation!!!!<br />
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The shower was so fun - both of them really - but I think I am done throwing showers for a while, luckily I don't know anyone else getting married anytime soon and I don't have anymore prego friends out here - so I think I should get a little break<br />
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Now on to the actual wedding prep stuff ....... AGHRyan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-12838097302115145702010-04-30T09:49:00.000-07:002010-04-30T09:49:07.115-07:00Fooling myself into believing that blogging is what I should be doing right now...I am desperately trying to fool myself into believing that blogging is what I should be doing right now- Not working on one of my 4 MAJOR projects due in the next week, not doing the loads of laundry that are piling up in my bedroom, not going to the store to buy a baby shower present for a shower that is TONIGHT, not dressing my son, (it's only 9:20am its totally acceptable to still be in pj's if you are under the age of 3), not cleaning our bedroom which is a disaster area due to the 4 MAJOR projects due in the next week and my son who is still in pj's.... and not the million and five other things that I really should be doing - NOPE - I have successfully convinced myself that all these things can wait while I blog - if only I could use my willpower for something a little more meaningful, ( well maybe for the 2 followers out there - this update will be really inspiring- like Oprahish in a way!!!!!)<br />
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So amuse me while I ignore the rest of my world right now and go on a bit of a blogging marathon.....<br />
(oh and come to think of it I should be fundraising for <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">MY WALK</a> - so here is my little plug - this is a cause I really believe in and as I work towards my goal of a) raising $2000 for Breast Cancer research and support and b) train my butt off (hopefully) to be physically ready for the 39.1 miles I will trek in 4 short months- I have been so inspired to really make a difference- So I am inviting you to take this journey with me, all from the comfort of your home - just donate - I will be representing you all while I walk - and your support will help me along the way - I can NOT do it with out your support <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">GO DONATE NOW </a>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-30297821406577492222010-04-16T09:04:00.000-07:002010-04-16T09:04:54.400-07:00I know its been a while....I know I have been absent from the blogging world and I have a ton of pictures I need to post on here too- but we have been super busy.<br />
School for me has been crazy - and I was so excited for Spring Break - although it went way too fast and didn't feel much like a break but more of a whole new set of assignments....<br />
We did get a chance to take Ari to Disneyland and Ryan and I got a much needed fun little date at California Adventure<br />
Ryan's little sister came and I threw her a Bridal Shower - so glad that is over, but now it's on to getting everything ready for the big day.....<br />
and then for reasons I am having a hard time remembering - I started boot camp... I had been thinking about doing it for a really long time but was having a hard time talking myself into it and finding a time that worked in my schedule - and finally after we got our tax return - I just signed up - this has been a total lifestyle adjustment already, Ari usually sleeps in until 9 or 9:30 so I sleep in til then too - not anymore - I now wake up at the crack of dawn with Ryan so that I can get worked to the point of exhaustion all before Ari wakes up - and I am loving it<br />
<a href="http://www.805bootcamp.com/">805 Boot Camp </a><br />
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So this is my first week of boot camp and it is kicking my butt- but I feel great and I love getting outdoors to work out - plus I know this boot camp is getting me one step closer to preparing myself for my 39 mile walk in September... speaking of which - don't you have some donating to do???? <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">My Avon Walk Page </a>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-47769575219331722162010-02-06T23:43:00.000-08:002010-02-06T23:43:20.156-08:00I will do the hard work ... but you can make the differencewww.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams<br />
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I have made my commitment.<br />
I am going to train<br />
I am going to walk until I can't walk any further... and then I am going to walk some more<br />
I am going to wake up early and lace up my shoes<br />
My feet will blister and crack from the pain<br />
but I will do it<br />
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what will you do ? <br />
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A lot of you may be asking yourself - why is she doing this? Believe me I asked myself the same thing about a hundred times. I don't personally know anyone who has been diagnosed with <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">Breast Cancer</a> - I AM LUCKY<br />
I realize just how lucky I am that this horrible disease has not effected me more personally - and I want other people to be as lucky as me. <br />
So why and I doing this walk? Why have I committed to spend my summer training to walk a marathon and a half ? <br />
I am doing it for my son, and my husband - While I have been lucky enough to not be personally effected by Breast Cancer - I am doing this walk to help keep it that way -<br />
I want Ari to grow up with out the fear of losing his mom, grandma, wife, sister, aunt, cousin or daughter to this horrible disease. I am walking for my husband- and for your's too.... Let's face it - they need us- as little as they sometimes like to admit it - they NEED us- and I don't want them to have to live without us. <br />
I am doing it for every person - who, because of this horrible disease - can't do it for themselves... they were brave and I owe them this much.<br />
and lastly - I do it for myself- see while I have been lucky so far - I still fear that someone close to me, will be personally effected by breast cancer - I am doing this to gain the strength I will need to face breast cancer head on and fight when the time comes. <br />
I am doing this because I can make a difference -<br />
AND SO CAN YOU<br />
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I can't do it without your support - please visit my<a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams"> personal page</a> and <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">donate</a> for the cause - if you would feel more comfortable sending a check - send me an email and I will get you the information. I am counting on you all to be my little Army - I have sent you emails and now I have given you the <a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams">link</a> - now forward those emails and pass on my link to everyone you know- if you are willing to forward a joke or a funny picture - I am sure you can forward an email about an amazing cause<br />
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I love you all - know that when I walk - I will be thinking of all of you - you are my strength and my inspiration!!!Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-5032060022181750472010-02-03T14:50:00.000-08:002010-02-03T14:50:59.362-08:00Checking in on my resolutions....Ok - so its almost been a month since I posted my resolutions - so its time for a check in<br />
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I am proud to report that I have done really well so far. <br />
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I have successfully broken up with soda ... it was HARD - and I am not going to lie about a week into our "break" I fell off the wagon - soda went out and got a brand new fancy ..."made with real sugar" and I just had to give it a try - but half way through the night it was the same ol same ol bickering and blaming and I remembered once again why I had broken up with soda in the first place - since then I have not looked back<br />
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water and I are becoming really close - I can't believe it but I actually crave water now... who would have thought???<br />
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Fastfood and I are barely speaking - I don't even make eye contact when I have to run into "the king" for nuggets for Ari .... Go Me!!!<br />
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Healthy Eating -- well its a slow starting relationship - but we are getting there - and me and breakfast, well we are really starting to enjoy each other<br />
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TV - don't even miss the lame shows I thought were cool - Now I am down to 3 Bachelor and Idol and Make it or Break it<br />
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I have started to write more often then I was before I made the resolution - I have cut down on my candy (although that was really just a seasonal thing.... its not like I eat a candy bar a day or anything)<br />
I think I am doing a much better job at enjoying Ari - which has been such a blessing to me. We are going through an especially tough time with our little guy right now- he used to be so easy to get down for a nap and for bed, but now it takes everything I have to get him to bed.... but rather than dread it - I have started to love it - I love that it takes an hour instead of the previous 15 minutes to put my little guy to bed. I love that he wants to sit on my lap and rock with me in the dark while we listen to music... I love his sticky kisses and how he wraps his little arms around me while we read books...<br />
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BUT THE COOLEST PART OF MY RESOLUTIONS AND THE ONE THAT I AM THE MOST EXCITED ABOUT IS...........<br />
I am going to do the<a href="http://www.avonwalk.org/"> Avon Walk for Breast Cancer</a> I wish I could take credit for this - but I owe it to my amazing friend <a href="http://growinguproderick.blogspot.com/">KATE </a> I really really wanted to do the walk but was to apprehensive to take it on all by myself. Kate is going to fly in for the weekend ( September 11-12) so that she can walk with me. It's going to be so great to be able to do something so amazing with one of the women in my life that I find to be so awe inspiring... and we will get to catch up on life. <br />
Now I need all of your help - while I am definitely getting a lot out of this walk (fitness, a weekend with my BFF, etc) I am really doing it to help find a cure to this horrible disease. I am doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer all of those people who can't do the walk because of the toll this disease has taken on them. So here is YOUR call to ACTION - I have committed to raising $1800 for breast cancer research and funding - and that is where I need your help. I am going to do the training and the walking - but I need you to do the donating. Every little bit will help - So for the next eight months I am going to update you on my progress and remind you to donate to this amazing cause. In the next week or two I should have my donation web page up and running and I will post it here on the blog and on Facebook and in the multiply emails I will be sending to you and the letters you will receive in our mail box.... <br />
I have committed and I am In It To End It....Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-22943623505093376332010-01-07T21:15:00.000-08:002010-01-07T21:03:27.399-08:00While I have a minute ....Ok ... While I have a moment or two I am going to try and update this blog- I don't have nearly as much updating to do as I should - since for one reason or another I have once again have failed to take pictures of almost everything that has happened lately. (There are two basic reasons why I don't take pictures...1- Our camera eats batteries like nobody's business and 2- my son NEVER holds still and the blurry results just depress me)<br /><div>So sit back and enjoy a little thing I like to call my blogger cram session. </div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848534.post-84213719102746832702010-01-07T21:14:00.000-08:002010-01-07T21:11:24.999-08:00Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aTku38gnI/AAAAAAAABPo/IohC-RzCMUU/s1600-h/100_0783.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424185060481598066" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aTku38gnI/AAAAAAAABPo/IohC-RzCMUU/s320/100_0783.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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We had an awesome Christmas this year - the entire Williams clan was under one roof for Christmas for the first time in 5 years... <br />
<div>The last time everyone was home was the year Ryan & I got engaged.... (and Lindsey & Brady)<br />
<div>Holding true to tradition - Our little Kristin had something new and shiny on her finger this Christmas- we are all so excited to welcome Macky into the family. (They actually got engaged a few days before Thanksgiving.. but since we hadn't seen her since she got engaged... it was exciting for us)<br />
</div><div>So the house was full - Ari had a blast spending time with his aunts & uncle & uncle-to-be.<br />
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</div><div>We all seemed to get exactly what we wanted for Christmas this year -<br />
</div><div>We thought we had learned a lesson from last year - and decided not to go "overboard" on presents for Ari this year - I think we did a decent job at that this year <br />
</div><div>For Christmas Ari received:<br />
</div><div>-Clothes ... (his least favorite present but hey I had to take advantage of my seasonal Macy's discount) <br />
</div><div>-Duplo blocks ( to add to the ones he got for his birthday) *** <span style="font-size: x-small;">These were actually a birthday present from Ari's Sievert Cousins - but he was pretty overwhelmed by presents at birthday time so we just wrapped these up for Christmas, it's nice that he is still little enough that we can spread out his presents</span><br />
</div><div>-Dinosaur puppets from his far away puppy Berkelee <br />
</div><div>-Converse Chuck Taylor shoes just like his mom and dad from Santa<br />
</div><div>-books from Kristin and Nana& Papa <br />
</div><div>-<a href="http://www.automoblox.com/">these awesome cars from his cousin Cambren</a> <br />
</div><div>-a Dodger's Ball and bat set from his soon to be uncle Macky ( I am already planning my pay back for that gift.... Ari + bat= DESTRUCTION <br />
</div><div>- the Tag Jr reading system and books (which has been such a hit with him) Thanks Nana & Papa and Oma & Opa <br />
</div><div>- A new BYU football jersey from his Kristin<br />
</div><div>AND - last but not least ..... the gift Ryan and I were the most excited/stressed about<br />
</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424185038780620578" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aTjeCB3yI/AAAAAAAABPY/h1I4GFpJUlA/s320/100_0781.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424185050904793682" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aTkLMqElI/AAAAAAAABPg/DrU7eLlqpTY/s320/100_0782.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /><br />
</div><div>We searched everywhere for the "perfect" tricycle. I read reviews online, we went to Target, Walmart and Toys'r'us... but once we spotted this one we just fell in love with it- It is so AWESOME - it's the original Radio Flyer Tricycle - with rubber tires and a bell (and the double step so Ari can take his lady friends for a ride.... <br />
</div><div>Ari LOVES it (sadly he is a little to short for the peddles so we are working on getting some blocks so he can truly cruise in style<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424185061443950658" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aTkydY2EI/AAAAAAAABPw/1y2VbBzfPoc/s320/100_0784.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I do have really cute video of Ari on Christmas morning - coming down to see his tricycle for the first time - and I promise someday to get our videos on to our blog - (we got a replacement USB cord- now I just need to figure out how to use it) <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424185072806662706" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aTlcyeEjI/AAAAAAAABP4/nvy2ibbxC78/s320/100_0785.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /> Ari taking inventory of all his AWESOME gifts<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ari was so cute the day after Christmas - as soon as he woke up he ran down stairs and climbed on his trike again - it was like he was saying " it wasn't a dream... I really am the luckiest boy alive" and every morning since Christmas he has done the same thing..... love him <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424190469161744194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aYfjxx90I/AAAAAAAABQM/0oZCPGGSW3o/s320/100_0787.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424190456879915874" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0aYe2BkI2I/AAAAAAAABQE/tV5XGCqxvww/s320/100_0786.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Sunday after Christmas Nana, Kristin, Macky, Ari and I went up north to Paso to visit family up there. We had such a nice time visiting and got to see the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.elephantseal.org/">elephant seals</a> again and I was finally able to tour <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.hearstcastle.org/">Hearst Castle</a>. It was so amazing <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424196427948296066" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81cmYj0pA-0/S0ad6Z_NB4I/AAAAAAAABQg/xfwK1ePQdwU/s320/HearstCastle-712894.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a great holiday season and we miss everyone already ..... <br />
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</div></div>Ryan 'n' Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138755657997670877noreply@blogger.com1