tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34802485468477113442023-11-16T01:22:15.006-06:00Jaimee Hunter OnlineWriting has played a part in my life for as long as I can remember. My first adventure with pencil and paper was mimicking my older sister as she practiced forming the beautiful pictures I would later learn were letters. My first masterpiece was "I Love You!" Sister had written it on a scratch piece of paper and told me to copy it onto my paper. This is a very telling scene in my life and explains a lot about my writing.Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.comBlogger378125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-6564229601021219222015-12-24T08:15:00.002-06:002015-12-24T08:21:55.801-06:00Granny’s Chicken and Dressing<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr><w:sdt docpart="F0CAB42CA7AF4ABFA2D12212A542352E" id="89512082" storeitemid="X_5F329CAD-B019-4FA6-9FEF-74898909AD20" text="t" title="Post Title" xpath="/ns0:BlogPostInfo/ns0:PostTitle"></w:sdt></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MyMama was my cheerleader as I ran my first 5k this year.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">MyMama doesn’t necessarily like to cook. However, growing up
in the 80’s, we didn’t have the eat-out option like today. Therefore, Mama did
her best to be creative. There will always be the story of the chicken pot pie
that no one but I would eat (I was and always will be a Mama pleaser). She
finally said, “Baby girl, don’t eat that.” It was thrown out and a neighborhood
dog was rumored to have died that night. I didn’t think it was that bad, but
Mama was teased forever about it. </span></div>
</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now when it came to the Holidays, everyone looked forward to
ONE thing. MyMama’s dressing. It’s a mix-match of two recipes from BettyC with
some variations to please the Moore-Tutt masses. I have even made a variation
to please MyDaddy. Now that I am a mom with a family, this recipe is requested
by my in-laws and daughter as well. Darling Daughter has asked before, “Is this
Memaw’s dressing? Yes? Okay, I will eat it.” I made it this year for
Thanksgiving and MyDaddy, who doesn’t usually request a repeat at Christmas,
specifically asked for me to make him some more of my dressing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am posting it here for easy look up when I am traveling
here or there or where ever I need to be for the holidays. Make it with LOVE,
and it will be a hit with your family too.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make the cornbread the night before to hurry things along.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cornbread</span></b></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<br />
2 cups milk<br />
½ cup butter, melted<br />
2 large eggs<br />
2 ½ cups yellow cornmeal<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
½ cup sugar<br />
2 tablespoons baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heat oven to 400. Grease the bottom
and sides of a large skillet with butter (not included in the ingredients
list).</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I mix all the ingredients in a
topper to a cake carrier because it is technically a double batch of cornbread.
Beat milk, butter and eggs with mixer. Stir in remaining ingredients until
moistened (lumpy). Pour into skillet.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake 20-30 minutes until a knife
inserted in center comes out clean.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let cool overnight on a baking
rack.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dressing</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boil 6-8 chicken thighs until
cooked through. Let cool and remove the bones and skin.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<br />
Cornbread crumbled up<br />
1 onion and 1 bunch of celery made to liquid in a Veggie Mixer<br />
2 cups butter melted<br />
4 ½ teaspoons salt<br />
5 teaspoons sage<br />
2 ½ teaspoons thyme<br />
1 ½ teaspoon pepper<br />
4 cans of chicken broth<br />
<br />
In a large skillet, cook and stir onion, celery and butter for 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stir in 1/3 of the bread crumbs.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turn mixture into that same cake
cover lid (largest bowl I own). Add remaining ingredients except chicken broth.
Toss thoroughly.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add chicken and broth to mixture.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turn everything into a very large
baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake at 400 until it is the desired
consistency, stirring every 30 minutes (About an hour and a half).</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-21511969189207249022015-09-21T12:55:00.001-05:002015-09-21T12:55:17.234-05:00IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! RECIPE: Chicken Tortilla Soup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuSc6AbPkIusgcbb60CHBBzKu1-lZYF0no0PNcFDPIUOqNiIuLomINoLgA0PxWTATmBzRWneIJaddlVIShqyurpizMq8hTOHnNXvm0N66buKD3UgDNJP06BU53asdy0dJu9_BdtDLuqo/s1600/1marvelousmondaysicon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuSc6AbPkIusgcbb60CHBBzKu1-lZYF0no0PNcFDPIUOqNiIuLomINoLgA0PxWTATmBzRWneIJaddlVIShqyurpizMq8hTOHnNXvm0N66buKD3UgDNJP06BU53asdy0dJu9_BdtDLuqo/s320/1marvelousmondaysicon.gif" width="240" /></a>So with teeny, tiny tummy comes teeny tiny meals. The more protein you can pack in, the longer you feel full. Protein is your friend with gastric vertical sleeve. In my search for high-protein meals, I have experimented and either flew or fell. This was a fail for chicken tacos but seems to be a flight of fabulous for chicken soup!<br />
<br />
I have been sick for a couple of weeks now (thank you allergies and rag weed). Well, despite my efforts, I still ended up with bronchitis. To make myself feel better, I was thinking chicken tacos. I don't know where I saw the ingredients and idea so forgive me if I have committed Internet theft of a really good idea that was yours. <br />
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I put the ingredients in the crockpot and let it commit its magic while I slept off my bronchitis. After a few hours, our home smelled like heaven. I went to check on the shredibility of the chicken. Each time I made a grab for the chicken breast, it just shredded itself back into the crockpot. With the liquid a plenty, I made a snap decision...tacos out, soup in. Husband friend ate his with a bed of tortilla chips and cheese.<br />
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<strong>Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup (Tortilla Optional)</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>4 Chicken Breasts</li>
<li>1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Powder</li>
<li>1 pkg. Old El Paso Taco Seasoning</li>
<li>1 pkg. McCormick's Chile Seasoning</li>
<li>1 Box of Swanson's Chicken Broth</li>
<li>1 Can of Black Beans</li>
<li>Your choice of soup vegetables; maybe some rotel tomatoes too!</li>
</ul>
Place first five ingredients in the crockpot on high. Cook till chicken falls apart. Add beans and vegetables. Cook for another hour. Serve hot over tortilla chips and cheese if desired.<br />
<br />
8 servings at around 220 calories/serving<br />
<br />
GVS buddies, I put just the soup in a ramekin to get my 1/4 cup (@110 calories). I skipped the chips and cheese.<br />
<br />
<br />Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-76100678259911835272015-09-08T19:55:00.003-05:002015-09-08T19:55:56.238-05:00You Do You...I Am Doing Me<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRorGcpV0BAq1mczhFCxTrkukxqUhxPKFn_keD1zmcoZ6uopDWDm5tGDgox6i1RzEUCalmg4M1DK7Sl9LHRAQ2Nn-HEztLO6BUN4s_Edko6qBF787A8rsfff7vZSSaoeW8VOoxX6_cKc/s1600/afterAugust2015_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRorGcpV0BAq1mczhFCxTrkukxqUhxPKFn_keD1zmcoZ6uopDWDm5tGDgox6i1RzEUCalmg4M1DK7Sl9LHRAQ2Nn-HEztLO6BUN4s_Edko6qBF787A8rsfff7vZSSaoeW8VOoxX6_cKc/s320/afterAugust2015_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Year Ago and Now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tonight at the Try-it Tuesday for the Lifetime Fitness 90-day Challenge, as we were waiting on the grocery store tour to begin (in a nutshell, shop the outside and avoid the aisles), one of the ladies recounted her weekend.<br />
<br />
She told us of her "pity party" (her words, not mine) that she threw after seeing that she hadn't lost as much weight as most of the country in this Challenge. She lamented that her two, no three, okay four "bad" meals had led her to gain weight this week. I asked her why she was comparing herself to others. She remarked that she was highly competitive.<br />
<br />
My advice is the same I give to everyone: If you aren't doing this for you, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. If you are highly competitive, which I am not, then compete with yourself. If you lost one pound last week, then lose one and a half this week. If you only made it to the gym twice, shoot for three times. Can't hold that plank for 30 grueling, fire-in-the-belly seconds, then do it every day until you can.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am doing this so that my daughter has a mother and my husband has a wife. I made this decision so that my parents don't have to say good-bye to another child too soon. Most importantly, I do this for me. I have life that wasn't there before. I love myself for the first time in my life...inside and out. You do you...FOR you. No one else has to live with your decisions more than you.Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-62131164182919601872015-09-07T15:15:00.000-05:002015-09-08T19:56:34.459-05:00Losing to Win Update: One Year Since Decision<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-99N6d3a4UcYj-93wuV_Ubiip4DgCpI_aJyMmmzrJJVEBn2ZDXY-joKzGF2Qfw9lhnKXhsLhNyfLQYAHAHQ8UBQ7Nkic5ZqUmXMQjxyQ_v6vHeS81ahdjHNuSgj7ZU_dNILfZEt56rK8/s1600/afterAugust2015_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-99N6d3a4UcYj-93wuV_Ubiip4DgCpI_aJyMmmzrJJVEBn2ZDXY-joKzGF2Qfw9lhnKXhsLhNyfLQYAHAHQ8UBQ7Nkic5ZqUmXMQjxyQ_v6vHeS81ahdjHNuSgj7ZU_dNILfZEt56rK8/s320/afterAugust2015_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Year Ago and Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To say it's been a while since I blogged is an understatement. To help me get back in the groove, I am making a list of possible topics. For today, let's go with an update since my December post about weight loss surgery. <br />
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<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Transformation</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In August 2014, my family and I
traveled to Mexico on vacation. At 332 pounds, I was devastated and embarrassed
to have to request a seatbelt extension from the flight hostess. To further my
devastation, my daughter Darby and husband Chad felt they had to make
themselves as small as possible so that I would be able to be somewhat more
comfortable traveling. Then while we were there, I wanted to parasail but was
told by an awkward young man that I weighed too much to complete the expedition
safely. The final insult to injury was, while I was able to slowly keep up with
our traveling party wherever we went, I spent one day of vacation unable to
leave the bed for the pain in my feet, back, and knees. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">During this time, stuck in our
room, missing out on vacation, I was reminded of a recent doctor’s appointment
where my physician frankly told me that if I didn’t “do something” about my
weight, then I would be lucky to have 10 more years with my family. We had lost
my sister Gayla, 38, a few years earlier, and I could not hurt my parents, my
husband and daughter, and my friends by dieing young too. I had seen that
devastation and didn’t want to add to their misery. Then I did the math and
realized that my daughter would only be in her 20s in the next decade! I would
not leave her so early if there was something I could do to prevent it. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This line of thinking led me to
also remember that my husband and parents had spent the better part of three
years practically begging me to have bariatric surgery. I remembered being
offended and insisting that I could do it on my own. I spent those years trying
and failing to lose weight, exercise, and eat right. A little more math and I
figured out that I had gained 110 pounds in less than a decade. How would I be
able to lose what I had gained and 50 more in order to be considered a healthy
weight?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The night after we returned from
our vacation, I took a deep, shaky breath and told the love of my life, “I
don’t want to die.” I asked if his offer to support me and care for me through
bariatric surgery was still good. I had spent the day reading up on it and
explained that our entire life would change. What we ate, what we did,
everything would be altered. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This man, who will have my heart
forever, embraced me and my decision, reminding that my body was not like a
“normal” person. He said it “betrayed” me at every turn. I had sleep apnea and
had to sleep with a machine to keep me breathing. I also suffered with high
blood pressure, migraines, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol. In the
previous five years, I had been hospitalized three times for suspected strokes
because my blood pressure was so high and migraines so tormenting.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">From this conversation, there were
the ones we had with my parents and our daughter. All were on board and ready
to make this decision a reality. For my first information meeting, my husband
had to travel for work so our daughter insisted that she would go with me. She
said, “I want to know that this is the right thing for us to do.” The fact that
she was involved and she said “us” sealed it for me. This is what I would do. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Dr. Roshek of <a href="http://www.nicholsonclinic.com/" target="_blank">The NicholsonClinic</a> led the information meeting, explaining all options available. He also
explained how most people gain weight back on regular diets because of a
hormone ghrelin that made you think you were hungry, even if you weren’t. Dr.
Roshek explained the statistics and surgery options so well that my daughter
was able to enlighten her father about what to expect, even using air quotes
when she explained the difference between the LapBand and the Gastric
Sleeve—“Sure the Lap is ‘reversible’ in that the device can be removed but your
stomach stays in that shape.” We chose the gastric sleeve option.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">From this point we proceeded with
Dr. Carlton and an exploratory EGD, which showed I also suffered with a hiatal
hernia on top of my other ailments. I thought, “How have I survived this long much
less the next 10 years?” Once we had a surgery date with Dr. Nicholson, I began
to share the news with those closest to me. There were mixed reactions, but the
people who mattered the most said, “If this is what YOU want, then you have my
support.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">After surgery in December, there
was time for healing. However, I figured out pretty quickly that walking made
recovery so much better. I started walking. And walking. And walking. That got
boring so I took it to the gym…a gym for which I had been paying for years yet
using only sparingly, <a href="https://www.lifetimefitness.com/en.html" target="_blank">Lifetime Fitness</a>. I found my trainer Aaron Frisvold and,
one month after surgery, I joined Lifetime’s 90-day challenge at the
encouragement of Aaron. I was elated the first time I ran a mile and ecstatic
the first time I ran two miles. Aaron continues to motivate me to hit those
Firsts. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I found out that I
had won the 90-day challenge! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Today we began the next 90-day
challenge at Lifetime. I have every intention of winning this too. However, I
feel like I am already a winner. I took on this life-long challenge and am a
whole new person for it. In April, it was discovered that I no longer need
blood pressure medicine. Shortly after that, I didn’t need the sleep apnea
machine when I slept. By the end of May, I had hit the 100-pounds-lost
milestone. The weight loss has slowed significantly, and I have turned to
looking at my muscle definition and body mass index for the progress. Aaron
gets excited about the number of calories the fancy scale says I burn because
of my lean muscle. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In the beginning, I sported a 53
BMI. Today that was down to 35 BMI. To date, I have lost 120 pounds and have 42
left till I hit my personal goal weight of 170 pounds, a weight I could
identify with being happy with my body. Also, at my last doctor’s visit, my
thyroid looked good and my cholesterol was “normal.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The most amazing thing that I
have gained in all of this is self-confidence. For the first time in my life, I
am proud of me, inside and out. I love the life that is blooming all around me.
Chad and I greet each day for the adventure that is a life without the burden
of being overweight and unhealthy. We have even adopted a weekly date night
where he joins me at the gym. He has also discovered that he is a rock star at
cooking healthy.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My gratitude overflows for
everyone involved. To The Nicholson Clinic (Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Roshek, Dr.
Carlton, Sandy, and Melody), thank you for your expertise and continued
support. To Aaron and all the trainers at Lifetime, thank you for all of the
high-fives and at-a-girls that keep me running and pumping that iron. To my
friend Brandy, thank you for being my workout buddy and cheerleader. To my
friend Sarah, thank you for all the loaner clothes and the encouragement. To my
parents, thank you for the emotional and financial support to make this a
reality. Thank you for reminding me that I am always your “pretty baby.” To my
daughter Darby, thank you for reminding me that I have to love me as much as I
love anyone else if not more. Thank you for demanding that I stick up for
myself. To my darling Chad, thank you for making me admit that I needed help
from everyone, for learning to cook healthy, and for being my biggest fan.</span></div>
Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-29691096693361305572014-12-16T19:35:00.001-06:002014-12-16T19:35:38.871-06:00Losing to Win: Big Decision<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlJVk78aI4hs4PymoYV2RM-8ezzuPUu4uVyd6v-SqT9yf-09JRoXE5j6V7r-y5hv7jd2Wxdfqj_bEyt3-12rIUpLJnBR-W-c8955Hysx_FZeEQQ-a4DGWzyOjTLjrSOrTtTPK4GNYuKE/s640/blogger-image-215726597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlJVk78aI4hs4PymoYV2RM-8ezzuPUu4uVyd6v-SqT9yf-09JRoXE5j6V7r-y5hv7jd2Wxdfqj_bEyt3-12rIUpLJnBR-W-c8955Hysx_FZeEQQ-a4DGWzyOjTLjrSOrTtTPK4GNYuKE/s640/blogger-image-215726597.jpg"></a></div>In July, after returning from our Cancun vacation, I made the difficult decision to have weight loss surgery, specifically the gastric sleeve. I never wanted to see Darling Daughter and Husband Friend struggle to fly with me again, sharing their seat space with me. If I wanted to go parasailing, I didn't want the weight limit to prevent it. I didn't want struggle to keep up only to have my feet and legs and back suffer. </div><div><br></div><div>I went to Husband Friend first. As soon as I voiced my wish, our future opened right before my eyes. I'd never realized I couldn't see glimpses of our future until then. We held a family meeting to let DD know and voice any concerns she might have. She added to our visions for the future. In fact, she insisted on going with me to the initial information meeting. The next call was to my parents who were giddy with support. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw1KTstz0UKvJWkeQbNaMUgAAbwRBIvnNEI_jYB8fgd8L2BP1N42R6IKx6wfIXlPgQPRqnDkYKmNITU5xdDY7glT5nGL5AO9_ELsFubKXfAN3kBwbLD9zbE7FEPWQIfWGNlenYTWphh8/s640/blogger-image-464828043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw1KTstz0UKvJWkeQbNaMUgAAbwRBIvnNEI_jYB8fgd8L2BP1N42R6IKx6wfIXlPgQPRqnDkYKmNITU5xdDY7glT5nGL5AO9_ELsFubKXfAN3kBwbLD9zbE7FEPWQIfWGNlenYTWphh8/s640/blogger-image-464828043.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Waiting for winter break was going to be the hardest part. After months of dreaming of the future, making a weight wish list, meetings, tests, counseling, battling a last-minute head cold, and insurance hoop jumping, I had the gastric sleeve procedure and hiatal hernia surgery yesterday (12/15/14). Overall pain hasn't gotten above a 7 in 24 hours. Dozing off while people are talking to me is distressing but everyone seems to understand. Sipping fluids every 15 minutes isn't too difficult. Walking every hour helps with soreness. There are so many medications that my mother and husband are creating a spreadsheet. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm proud of how non-weenie I am being. This is going to be an amazing adventure!</div>Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-34757839099665355942013-04-11T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-11T00:00:00.181-05:00J is for Jackanapes<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0LebeyoWLgKtGVfdMm-5ftWV1BvmGoBjNSGfqV2D9pvea3JUKtWi_941tdoVzjA5Q_YxKeUIeTLj8CrNAV7aGQgMcMRKWNOveOap8VhRI4DbA7N2i-239gNTRIveKQEW2za39q4ELBQ/s1600/darby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0LebeyoWLgKtGVfdMm-5ftWV1BvmGoBjNSGfqV2D9pvea3JUKtWi_941tdoVzjA5Q_YxKeUIeTLj8CrNAV7aGQgMcMRKWNOveOap8VhRI4DbA7N2i-239gNTRIveKQEW2za39q4ELBQ/s320/darby.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite Jackanape!</td></tr>
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I am a zookeeper, y'all! I specialize in Jackanapes. <br />
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The particular species I am currently keeping are the adolescent jackanapes. These are tricky critters, especially when they are socializing with others of their kind. The males are extremely physically social, touching and rough housing with all varieties of their kind. The males suggest the behaviors are friendly through smiles and call of laughter. The female jackanapes are rumored to negatively socialize with other females of the clan, ONLY when not observed. This indicates to this scientist that they are quite capable of reasonable thought. Now if we could train both male and female jackanapes to use their powers for Good! <br />
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I like my job. I used to love it when the jackanapes were pre-adolescent. The genuine curiosity of the world and their peers. Their honest desire for training and attention. I hear the infant jackanapes are even sweeter in nature. Mayhap I should transfer to a new zoo.<br />
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BTW, I asked my four-year-old nephew what it was that his Aunt J-Me does for a living. He responded without hesitation and with complete seriousness, "My Aunt J-Me teacher the kids at the school." That baby boy is the cutest Jackanape I know!Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-15551228547457924332013-04-10T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-10T00:00:07.507-05:00I is for Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OJkUtVaP9iWN9rppJRbzrwhwUVFPx-Ki2uBf4vkRjjrcK8_XBinypP8che8as_jSDGKXgOm5mgblIDlFckITO9Hy06e6BCHfwf6vMZSZbSdV9mULloxvaCORY7n8YedYC_IX5I-zotI/s1600/pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OJkUtVaP9iWN9rppJRbzrwhwUVFPx-Ki2uBf4vkRjjrcK8_XBinypP8che8as_jSDGKXgOm5mgblIDlFckITO9Hy06e6BCHfwf6vMZSZbSdV9mULloxvaCORY7n8YedYC_IX5I-zotI/s200/pinterest.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
Reading before bed used to be my wind-down. I would escape the reality of the day and go on an adventure of the mind. More recently, I have joined millions of other escapees in the world of Pinterest instead. <br />
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Pin, pin, pin, I snag everything I see, leaving myself imbued with inspiration for how I will cook, crochet, craft, and clean my way through weekends, holidays, and summer vacation. If I had a dollar every time I gave advice that began, "I saw something on Pinterest that said..." I might be able to afford the materials for all the fun to be had.<br />
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Aunt J-Me's Top 10 Pins to Try:<br />
1. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639852291680" target="_blank">Fire starters for camping</a> <br />
2. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639850298322" target="_blank">Laundry room make over</a><br />
3. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639850846872" target="_blank">Pool-side towel rack for camping</a><br />
4. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639852589385" target="_blank">Banana Pudding Poke Cake</a><br />
5. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639849883750" target="_blank">Pizza Grilled Cheese</a><br />
6. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639852133075" target="_blank">Glow in the Dark Path</a><br />
7. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639850294582" target="_blank">Tiered Planter with House Number</a><br />
8. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639852654512" target="_blank">Sign for my classroom door</a><br />
9. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639852046964" target="_blank">Crochet Parasol</a><br />
10. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273382639852342044" target="_blank">Necktie Quilt</a><br />
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Share your favorite Pinterest find in the comments!Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-30431971505315621372013-04-09T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-09T00:00:07.320-05:00H is for Howdy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7ASLr-gnf91Q_YnOL1kVNgpHcPempPUOivzlRHfv21M1anTv2MqHakUllw2_OnNu_EtzV3YEzD0-_7tclMhnaTYTkIb_6JTd-TFdeBnmVu5Xq91i6p-astkoa_4lWzt2mGf1P1XLG7o/s1600/Howdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7ASLr-gnf91Q_YnOL1kVNgpHcPempPUOivzlRHfv21M1anTv2MqHakUllw2_OnNu_EtzV3YEzD0-_7tclMhnaTYTkIb_6JTd-TFdeBnmVu5Xq91i6p-astkoa_4lWzt2mGf1P1XLG7o/s400/Howdy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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HOW ARE YOU DOING?<br />a question we all answer "fine"<br />HOW-DO, HOW-DO?<br />native understanding<br />HOW YA' DOIN'?<br />less formal, we respond "good" or "okay"<br />HOWDY<br />hurly burly whoops<br /> </h4>
Wikipedia states, "Howdy is an informal greeting, commonly thought to have originated as a shortened form of the greeting "How do you do?" It was first recorded as part of the Southern U.S. dialect in 1840. Literature from that period includes the use of "How-do, how-do" as a greeting used by Native Americans when addressing Anglo settlers in greeting. The double form of the idiom is still found in parts of Texas as "Howdy, howdy". Without regard to etymological beginnings, the word is used as a greeting such as "Hello" and not, normally, as an inquiry."Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-29616901615755525922013-04-08T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-08T00:00:01.041-05:00G is, and always will be, for Gayla<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-emQo_Rc9OMsWzr_kbPPCyG8ka1dmjjAWwptAZLJDNAcquZ9DF4pvAUSXWCB_nJ8Yldo668dhq0xKCYVhBzU6fKDqwI2Q0bW1iiw1K1cB42MBBzVb0rzluM7g3gIA2hbNiBvPIeHiloQ/s1600/gayla2011.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-emQo_Rc9OMsWzr_kbPPCyG8ka1dmjjAWwptAZLJDNAcquZ9DF4pvAUSXWCB_nJ8Yldo668dhq0xKCYVhBzU6fKDqwI2Q0bW1iiw1K1cB42MBBzVb0rzluM7g3gIA2hbNiBvPIeHiloQ/s320/gayla2011.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gayla's adventure in Mexico just two <br />weeks before she was gone. I always find it<br />ironic that I worried for her safety there, and she<br />was at home heading for a pedicure when we lost her.</td></tr>
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I dream of Gayla at least once a week now. Sometimes we are back in college as roommates; mostly she has a cameo at the end of whatever drama my brain is working through. No matter the dream, I beeline for sister and tackle her in a hug, much like I did when she would come home from school when we were little girls, sharing a bedroom on Ellen.<br />
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It has been a little more than two years since that distracted truck driver took Gayla from us. I genuflect and thank God she did not suffer. Then I shake my fist and scream in agony, "WHY!?!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfKastKbG8dT31Pkssx7fDG1oNF7m1lT8uyl2UtK4k0AmtN3s4SzoVzbJ1-TCRMznTKb5B4HhX7Mfz7slM9WQZhN7ZY1pC8MEVDhUHtTGI_5EpX3oxFIsht_Mzzv0W9nF1AZFWqKbaWI/s1600/blogger-image--7083040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfKastKbG8dT31Pkssx7fDG1oNF7m1lT8uyl2UtK4k0AmtN3s4SzoVzbJ1-TCRMznTKb5B4HhX7Mfz7slM9WQZhN7ZY1pC8MEVDhUHtTGI_5EpX3oxFIsht_Mzzv0W9nF1AZFWqKbaWI/s320/blogger-image--7083040.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister on the night of her<br />20th High School Reunion</td></tr>
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Grief is bipolar like that. In the same instant that I am thankful for all He provides, I will stomp my <br />
feet and feel the surge of CRAZY that wants to escape and pummel all that played a part in my beloved sister's demise. If it weren't for my 'Rents, Hubby Dearest, and Darling Daughter (and the 70 kiddos who expect me to teach them each day), I would allow this grief to suck me in. However, Gayla would be angry at that so I soldier on. I occasionally let the crazy hang out for a minute or two and pretend Sister's stay in witness protection will end soon and life will be good again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pERc1uYWKDsJbLjZhjE91mNaATTO_IUknXoS8aVwbdRawU4D1tQHeOD8107wmomTL5Ici_nEPiIfMrHqCNEIhHo1Bxqdt2W3xYNvS4VnRsyiqMyk452pVkWWW8GSA33eDxRsf-R9FXQ/s1600/gandj75_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pERc1uYWKDsJbLjZhjE91mNaATTO_IUknXoS8aVwbdRawU4D1tQHeOD8107wmomTL5Ici_nEPiIfMrHqCNEIhHo1Bxqdt2W3xYNvS4VnRsyiqMyk452pVkWWW8GSA33eDxRsf-R9FXQ/s320/gandj75_2.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 1975, one of our first pictures together</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0DJDeXyy1fQaupCZVtIF9v2MOuJWYAIOnaZl9ydQ60Twqv9nrX7C43GvZGGT2QpqpgBHOZQ4i0UWPIHjI3_1RA-NBRre8BaMHGGF30uGVmnZFgtpcLco-tq3-5LHCMvDfxlTRHukRoo/s1600/epicfun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0DJDeXyy1fQaupCZVtIF9v2MOuJWYAIOnaZl9ydQ60Twqv9nrX7C43GvZGGT2QpqpgBHOZQ4i0UWPIHjI3_1RA-NBRre8BaMHGGF30uGVmnZFgtpcLco-tq3-5LHCMvDfxlTRHukRoo/s320/epicfun.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 2011, our last picture together</td></tr>
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Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-8451827514032588582013-04-06T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-06T00:00:00.482-05:00F is for Finger PaintIt's spring in Texas so you better enjoy these fabulous two weeks when the fulgent sun doesn't turn your backyard into the 80s version of the easy bake oven. Each afternoon, I emerge from my classroom with no windows and want to embrace that radiant globe by doing something child-like. Today I chose to ... FINGER PAINT! What do you do to embrace your inner kiddo? <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQSygIAEHI6Zww-oVek3JsHny5_mQ5W5ellUFEwIaHrMtE0WLxPg7t7CTf32VRYQRX7XNrOG6cuHFDz7PoQLEBY4f5rGknHERwPOjKG5o56dVtpt6wfqpGL4x0FhRXAn3vEE-0k8ugA8/s640/blogger-image--938373815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQSygIAEHI6Zww-oVek3JsHny5_mQ5W5ellUFEwIaHrMtE0WLxPg7t7CTf32VRYQRX7XNrOG6cuHFDz7PoQLEBY4f5rGknHERwPOjKG5o56dVtpt6wfqpGL4x0FhRXAn3vEE-0k8ugA8/s640/blogger-image--938373815.jpg" /></a></div>Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-3490076392298098592013-04-05T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-05T00:00:03.020-05:00E is for Equality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7ygnIakYMG5I2sm1pOR2q-RJ7hDJonSMPvQhtU7wjCvsXZcBgC4BNUILMfoj-gnDhbQWqK0c-G6nJlednEAMrygOD_CuF0D1l-2bnxjiIyMAULPX9msg2daQ3-xwWLftTM37BqRD3Bk/s1600/equal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7ygnIakYMG5I2sm1pOR2q-RJ7hDJonSMPvQhtU7wjCvsXZcBgC4BNUILMfoj-gnDhbQWqK0c-G6nJlednEAMrygOD_CuF0D1l-2bnxjiIyMAULPX9msg2daQ3-xwWLftTM37BqRD3Bk/s320/equal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Have you ever stopped to really look at and ponder the words, "We are all equal in the eyes of God"? He created each of us as uniquely as snowflakes. No two of us are the same, but He loves us all just the same. There is an empyrean home in heaven waiting for each of us. This is all good parenting on His part. <br />
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We, His children, however, are not being good brothers and sisters in this family. We are not spreading His lessons of love to all of our siblings. We are not treating each other has He treats us...equally. I am just as bad and wayward as they come when it comes to the word "HATE."<br />
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I have been finding myself, more and more, saying, "I hate _______." For instance, I hate DOMA. I hate that my best friends who are committed to one another cannot fully rest in the security of the more than 1,200 rights under the law that my husband and I are afforded because we are married. I hate that the fear our society puts into our youths keeps some battened down in the proverbial closets choosing lives of loneliness or denial. I ate that the students in the halls at school use, "that's so gay" as a pejorative for everything. I hate that there is no zero tolerance rule for the offenders. I hate that school-aged children take their own lives because they can't see a life without abuse in their future. I ate that hate is winning a popularity contest in our government. I hate that people I know and love would hate me if I were gay. I HATE HATE!Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-90644976823294392852013-04-04T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-04T00:00:06.956-05:00D is for Dictionary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DNGjx6FFCA9lqqPtV5YuLrYLIuDgrUm-EZDsvUswKyRjn91k2ut7_edH63Wk52I3ZS8Khy06xRJnixPLMsjETrrwcuMbYpmCj1XZO7wNpuZz-R2rF1oe9dpECPITLxP032TZ5FRFrg8/s1600/dictionary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DNGjx6FFCA9lqqPtV5YuLrYLIuDgrUm-EZDsvUswKyRjn91k2ut7_edH63Wk52I3ZS8Khy06xRJnixPLMsjETrrwcuMbYpmCj1XZO7wNpuZz-R2rF1oe9dpECPITLxP032TZ5FRFrg8/s320/dictionary.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
"MISS!" bellowed the student sitting next to the shelf with forty, neatly-stacked, never-been-touched dictionaries. "How do you spell (<u>insert a word I probably could spell but maybe not)</u>?"<br />
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"D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y," I respond.<br />
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"Wait, ________ doesn't start with a 'D', Miss. What are you spelling?"<br />
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"D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y." <br />
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Student number two, who isn't impressed with my joke helps his peer, "She is spelling dictionary. She wants you to look it up."<br />
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"Miss, you're silly! I'll just use my phone to look it up," student one said.<br />
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I can't blame them. I cannot spell because I grew up in the birth of spell check and auto correct. When I graduated from high school, the high-stakes test said that my spelling was on par with a 7th grader. I am intelligent. Heck, I am one of the most educated people I know, and I read constantly. I cannot, however, remember if appreciate gets one P or two and apologize was misspelled in this blog before I hit spellcheck.<br />
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Growing up, a paper and ink dictionary was not where I went to check spelling. It was the prop in a self-created game I liked to play. I would thumb through the pages, stop on a page, and pick a word. I'd practice that word (i.e. deliquesce, a verb meaning to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air; example: You can't help but deliquesce into a puddle from the heat and humidity in Texas during the summer.). Then I would impress others with my advanced vocabulary. Too bad I couldn't remember the spelling of my fancy-pants word of the day. <br />
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What is your "fake-it-till-you-make-it" talent?Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-22736762163614495632013-04-03T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-03T00:00:10.884-05:00C is for Camping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeweKVRfJJ5Y8iXP_TvxX9sLWabajzf9Og1fvr5WZKzvkmGCqnDsSkuklK6kWczjM5pf6SgbH_N31fNZLCnJ0PJzLgJpBGI8o2VFAyyKxUyKO7p-fwGtoWGiJx3dJ0SiZSf07GK3uGEU8/s1600/camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeweKVRfJJ5Y8iXP_TvxX9sLWabajzf9Og1fvr5WZKzvkmGCqnDsSkuklK6kWczjM5pf6SgbH_N31fNZLCnJ0PJzLgJpBGI8o2VFAyyKxUyKO7p-fwGtoWGiJx3dJ0SiZSf07GK3uGEU8/s320/camp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The cacophony (noun meaning harsh, jarring sound) of thunder rattled through the campgrounds this past weekend, and yet I was not bothered. Water soaked into my last pair of dry shoes and pants, yet I was happy as a lark. I was camping! Well, sorta camping...with the 'Rents' new PUMA, it's more like bringing the house with you for an extended picnic. Beds, central heat, refrigerators, and air conditioning make camping these days quite a bit more pleasant than the tent pitching of yester year. <br />
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I do have to say though, one of the best camping trips I can remember was the year Daddy bought me my own pup tent and I could have my own space...less than 10 feet from the big tent, just in case. Another memorable trip would be in 2000 when sister, brother, sil, and I slept in the bed of Gayla's truck on a beach in Corpus. Sister-in-law taught us the Girl Scout way of making hot dogs in the sand and baking biscuits in a box (sand in every mouthful). There was also the year when I was beginning school that we lived at the creek in a trailer...Mama or Daddy had to check outside the camper for snakes before we could get in the car to head to school.<br />
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Skipping rocks and trout fishing at Bull Shoals. Owls on a string of lights. The ten different ways the Good Sams could take Christmas lights and solo cups to make a Red Neck Chandelier. Hot dogs on the fire, s'mores for dessert, and trying to teach Sosie how to cook over an open flame. Some of my happiest memories happened around a camp fire. Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-53846454099860892902013-04-02T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-02T00:00:02.494-05:00B is for Brother <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vdgwFfLUwI2Y2gZ4HxeEZJ5lbblgieXKcIfezt8Ikclh5taB5vwRI4gZ_pJzQq26zSRexIArNqokmKPtzGFwk32OGwDo1jM_TnOoa6gd-YP6Huh_0RpvMKZjtrx62bqM49yy-uo4jPw/s1600/blogger-image-967886190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vdgwFfLUwI2Y2gZ4HxeEZJ5lbblgieXKcIfezt8Ikclh5taB5vwRI4gZ_pJzQq26zSRexIArNqokmKPtzGFwk32OGwDo1jM_TnOoa6gd-YP6Huh_0RpvMKZjtrx62bqM49yy-uo4jPw/s320/blogger-image-967886190.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James II has been there through it all...poor guy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEire3cTRVa_fT6rswiD4OSR5ISgTvyaqTV48prhPC_mHswZQ4fpR71w7DLwz3bOAKPKx36Fj9cYibqJPSbpjgVF4mRkLWu0V21VDIb9A8mece6d1qbSMK5XUVYz9GKstuK_FDK75-FLq5I/s1600/jesseandlala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEire3cTRVa_fT6rswiD4OSR5ISgTvyaqTV48prhPC_mHswZQ4fpR71w7DLwz3bOAKPKx36Fj9cYibqJPSbpjgVF4mRkLWu0V21VDIb9A8mece6d1qbSMK5XUVYz9GKstuK_FDK75-FLq5I/s320/jesseandlala.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse just joined the fun!</td></tr>
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God gave me one brother when I was almost three years old; He led me to find the others over time. One by blood, two by marriage, and two by the love in my heart. I am blessed with all of these men...most days! On the other days, I am bombasted with bumptious (adjective meaning disagreeable) picking and teasing that would make you think I grew up with them all making blanket forts in the living room and fighting over who gets the last roll at dinner. Most importantly, I know they all love me. I know that I am blessed by brothers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zCvp-5gLHlRjLaWyu9qPaeZ9iiU_71BugqbAKFC57oVPVpobEnz9Bk-SGxwfAe15sozhj-n4db5RcesXZA99NSr8HnjB4FObUXpX5SK6gqQQx9KNCRFtUv6M2YxrVqIKaHyURf7jwBw/s1600/gmikeandjeremy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zCvp-5gLHlRjLaWyu9qPaeZ9iiU_71BugqbAKFC57oVPVpobEnz9Bk-SGxwfAe15sozhj-n4db5RcesXZA99NSr8HnjB4FObUXpX5SK6gqQQx9KNCRFtUv6M2YxrVqIKaHyURf7jwBw/s320/gmikeandjeremy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gayla with Mike and Jeremy, brothers of my heart.</td></tr>
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Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-77241654821750090462013-04-01T00:00:00.000-05:002013-04-01T00:00:07.613-05:00The Scarlet Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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I can remember my sister Gayla telling me when we were in high school that she had read the first book that she ever liked...<i>The Scarlet Letter</i> by Nathaniel Hawthorn. When we were young 20-somethings, I can remember she told me she loved the movie even though it was a complete off-road trek from the book (I think it was the sex/love scene). For some reason, I did not ever read Hawthorn-man's opus, but recently, I got sucked into the movie. HARD PASS if you are thinking this is a review. From what I read online the book is depressing as all get out. The movie wraps everything up into a nice, little, flower-covered package. Blah on both!</div>
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With the "<a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Blogging from A to Z Challenge</a>" in mind, I decided that the first post for the letter A should be about about the crimson letter A that philandering Hester had to don on her person for Adultery. For the standard definition of adultery, make note of where I stand. IF YOU ARE MARRIED OR COMMITTED TO ANOTHER PERSON, THEN YOU DO NOT LET ANOTHER INTO YOUR HEART OR YOUR BRITCHES. No shades of gray here...it's black and white. Be faithful. Be a man or woman of your word and honor your commitment. </div>
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Still this is not where I wanted to go with this post. Being the mother of a teen, I have spent the last few years worrying and stressing over the message to provide Darling Daughter when it comes to sexual relationships outside and before marriage. The first couple of years of her curiosity I spent teaching her the biology of her body and the hormones engulfing her senses. For added measure, I stressed the part about sexually transmitted diseases. </div>
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When she approached the relationship years, DD's father and I added an addendum, "Who you love is up to you; just make sure you have a connection of the heart and the mind." Now that we are in the really scary years, the mama in my heart wants to tell her, "No sex without marriage!" Since reality and history tell me this is naive, uneducated and...duh!...hypocritical, my pearl of wisdom is, "Be a kid as long as you can. When you add sex to a relationship, it takes it to a level of intensity that you're just not ready for yet."</div>
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I am blessed by this wonderful young woman whom I call Daughter. She has the maturity and wisdom of someone twice her age on this front. She asks questions. I give her the real, straightforward answers, sometimes leaving her wishing that I pulled a few punches every now and again. I say a prayer of thanks every day that she comes to me for straight talk about the most serious (and sometimes silly) issues. I pray that I haven't screwed her up too much. I beg God to let us always have this open relationship. And to make sure I am not too far off base, I scour the earth for articles, books, etc. about parenting teens on sex. </div>
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For straightforward, teen-speak information, I can recommend the <a href="http://www.scarleteen.com/" target="_blank">Scarleteen </a>web site. I look at the teens I teach each day and see that some of them have no Mama-J at home with whom they can have truthful and frank discussions about sex, and this site is an information explosion attacking the issue of youths and sex in the most honest way. Check out their philosophy <a href="http://www.scarleteen.com/about_scarleteen" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-36690704425286827862013-03-24T18:11:00.001-05:002013-03-24T18:11:43.656-05:00ABC Blogging in April--Year Three<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Join the Challenge by clicking on the pic!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Nope! Contrary to the wildest imaginations out there, I have not, in fact, been abducted by aliens, unless you count the hormone-saturated pre-adults that I have been trying to force-feed an education into for the last seven months. I have missed blogging. In truth, each Sunday I tell myself I will pry my "</span><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/blue-man-group/shake-your-euphemism-lyrics/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">second face</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">" from the sofa, put down the clicker, and stop watching <em>Pitch Perfect</em> for the millionth time so I can get to my computer and blog about the epiphany I am having at that moment. Take a look to see how many times I listened to my inner voice. I ignore her as much as my Darling Daughter ignores me asking her to empty the dishwasher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">RECAP SINCE AUGUST: Found out at the last possible minute I would be returning to teaching (reading at the high school level); Hubby Dearest traveled to NYC A-FREAKING-LOT for his job, which was tough when he broke his ankle playing rec-league hockey in October; Darling Daughter started and finished her second season in youth hockey and is now ready to get her first job and attend driving school; Mama and Daddy bought a camper "for the grandkids" (wink wink); Dr. Meanie bragged on me for getting to the gym with "some" regularity and for not having bronchitis in the past 14 months; Took the family to LA in August and NYC in March; found out two weeks ago that I am not being laid off but am being re-assigned to another campus for next year (last one in, first one out). I am sure there is a ton more but I can hear "the Rif off" about to start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So here's the skinny...the challenge that got me into blogging is going to bring me back to my favorite past time...writing! A to Z Blogging Challenge. Come join the fun. Sign up on the website (follow) the link from the picture above. Then blog and post each day in April. You skip the Sundays (or use them to play catch up). The only rule is that you blog according to the letter of the alphabet for that day...April 1 is A, April 2 is B, you get the rest I hope. I have a week to get my writing list in some sort of order. It's going to take planning to stay on target this year. Can't wait to read what everyone is thinking!</span>Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-42416018085143668232013-01-20T14:20:00.001-06:002013-01-20T14:20:48.017-06:00Supply and DemandEcon 101...if there is a high demand, there will be suppliers to meet that demand. Gun control mandates or not, if the people demand violence, then there will be someone to supply it. We need a culture change, not a change in constitution. People kill people so let's change our people. Where better to start than with our children.<br />
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We can all point a finger (or ten) at all the causes we want to blame. Blame games are easy. How about we teach our children to take responsibility for their own feelings and their own actions. We need to teach them to roll with the punches and to rebound from disappointments. We need to demand that violence not be our entertainment, our last resort, or, for that matter, our first resort. We need to demand that our families be healthy environments to nurture and grow our future generations. <br />
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Provide our children love, responsibility, education, and support for their dreams. When they ask "why?" find out the answer if you don't know, and answer their questions. Whatever you do, don't resort to "Because I said so." That doesn't honor them nor does it build their trust. Even if the answer isn't ribbons and bows and puppy dog tails, tell the truth and teach your children the difference between right and wrong and the shades of color in between. If we demand only the best of them, then they will supply us beyond our imaginations. Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-2168192705681485852012-10-17T08:12:00.000-05:002012-10-17T08:12:23.639-05:00Being a Woman of my Word<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0cLit_syI7nIaU50vTOOhYJAPsHom85ge-mjhXqv5yl3a0XYM-ioRd6B6tkij3Cl9K7Ci9n0Li1GctIaEwWJrQO2W6QkSIvx_qa2l6usaKQzHhkIQ2HeoWXfu7aG0S8Mb5rgz-a0Zv8/s1600/6609_kiddskidssticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0cLit_syI7nIaU50vTOOhYJAPsHom85ge-mjhXqv5yl3a0XYM-ioRd6B6tkij3Cl9K7Ci9n0Li1GctIaEwWJrQO2W6QkSIvx_qa2l6usaKQzHhkIQ2HeoWXfu7aG0S8Mb5rgz-a0Zv8/s1600/6609_kiddskidssticker.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My beautiful and giving sister Gayla was the best example a giver of time and money to charities. Also, when a friend needed, she gave all she could. When a job needed to be done for another, she signed up, tied on her apron and worked for the better of this world. It is still a heartbreak to keep moving forward now that Sister is gone. However, it is with her charitable heart that I am able to finally be a woman on my word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I first came to DFW, this small-town gal had had only had a handful of radio stations in which to listen in Texarkana. When I discovered <a href="http://www.kiddskids.com/donate/" target="_blank">Kidd Kraddick</a> and his band of morning enthusiasts, I felt like I found friends to wake up with each morning. I have laughed with them and cried. They are the friends I have never met personally. When the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show became syndicated, it was a thrill to know that my hometown friends and family would get to experience these wonderful people's talent as well.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJxuqzxJdha5h1Is72Egc5UvH9gcGPy9I2IuMWgOkp0JVYHhrDE3ilAVbRA7k1AeLPUp6bFMWF5XSMqDRL6Yr8Ld6Mmj97IgBXHCJT-dpuGDao0aYaayI3htcKMC6fRm0_LLwCa_a8Z8/s1600/before4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJxuqzxJdha5h1Is72Egc5UvH9gcGPy9I2IuMWgOkp0JVYHhrDE3ilAVbRA7k1AeLPUp6bFMWF5XSMqDRL6Yr8Ld6Mmj97IgBXHCJT-dpuGDao0aYaayI3htcKMC6fRm0_LLwCa_a8Z8/s320/before4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Me and Gayla in 2010</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over the years, Kidd's charity, <a href="http://www.kiddskids.com/donate/" target="_blank">Kidd's Kids</a> has sent many a chronic or terminally ill child and his/her family to Disney World. Until now, I have only been able to give donations of about $20 each year to this worthy cause. However, in my heart and mind, I always promised myself that should I ever be able, I would give more. It is because of my sister's tragic death that I am able to keep my promise to myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Please join me today, Kidd's Kids Day (the only day of the year that the morning show campaigns for donations), and give what you can. Give for the children you are so blessed to have who are healthy. Give for the children in this world who aren't. Give for the people like Gayla who gave just because it is on their hearts to do so. Any size donation is fabulous! Give and then enjoy the rush of your heart instantly quadrupling in size.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.kiddskids.com/donate/">http://www.kiddskids.com/donate/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Much Love, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jaimee</span><br />
Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-90926154936338958692012-09-13T00:00:00.000-05:002012-09-13T00:00:06.775-05:00Sept. 13--Positive Thinking Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjLv3Nv5fzWgoi42souFvRN3D2UeynClcDh1BlUsBmprA3Cha5mXZRdUTLaH83-U3ogLQz9Pr5k1-yoE0Yztt7gxazloijzERMDuEbaTijYqE29zQaibui5_fYknzVdlOLu0JQ49Rz2E/s1600/everday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjLv3Nv5fzWgoi42souFvRN3D2UeynClcDh1BlUsBmprA3Cha5mXZRdUTLaH83-U3ogLQz9Pr5k1-yoE0Yztt7gxazloijzERMDuEbaTijYqE29zQaibui5_fYknzVdlOLu0JQ49Rz2E/s320/everday.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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I have tried to always be a positive thinker. I used to be the first person to say, "There's a reason for this. You'll see." I thought that was a positive outlook, always seeking the silver lining. Then a nut-bag of an ex-BOYfriend told me that I was a fatalist because of this outlook. So which is it? Am I forever looking for the silver lining or just resigned to having no control? Whatever the outcome, I'll keep looking for the positive each day, especially today.</div>
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By the way...silver lining explanation. When dark or darker clouds block the sun, a bright outline appears around the cloud. I see this as even in the dark times, there is always a sun just waiting to brighten the day. Be blessed! </div>
Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-43110416972667766682012-09-12T00:00:00.000-05:002012-09-12T00:00:07.944-05:00Sept. 12--Chocolate Milk-shake Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurXZNiZY5RMCQpuWzm6wfMgm78sqVRX306nixepM15wEkHQ4uj2OkMfhEWEnX1JhQEbnX9NI6muGQuRrvP5ICrInAC_cVTap5IfMRC3JKnWvusxf6z_XFyc81L2bO_2AJRFp0RJFGfek/s1600/penguins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurXZNiZY5RMCQpuWzm6wfMgm78sqVRX306nixepM15wEkHQ4uj2OkMfhEWEnX1JhQEbnX9NI6muGQuRrvP5ICrInAC_cVTap5IfMRC3JKnWvusxf6z_XFyc81L2bO_2AJRFp0RJFGfek/s320/penguins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KJkew_V01QjQYAffaJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dpenguin%26fr%3Dmcafee%26fr2%3Dpiv-web%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D2&w=2667&h=1875&imgurl=upload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F4%2F40%2FEmperor_Penguin_Kiss.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFile%3AEmperor_Penguin_Kiss.jpg&size=2.3+KB&name=File%3AEmperor+Penguin+Kiss.jpg+-+Wikipedia%2C+the+free+encyclopedia&p=penguin&oid=9b318e903e4f4b80ea92390fd8a64a61&fr2=piv-web&fr=mcafee&tt=File%253AEmperor%2BPenguin%2BKiss.jpg%2B-%2BWikipedia%252C%2Bthe%2Bfree%2Bencyclopedia&b=0&ni=21&no=2&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=11qjg0mob&sigb=12trnao13&sigi=1247nh4cc&.crumb=51juR1ivLWD" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a></td></tr>
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In honor of today being Chocolate Milkshake Day, I have a joke for you that only a select few will give a chuckle. </div>
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There are two penguins on an iceberg. </div>
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The iceberg breaks apart sending one penguin one way and the other penguin in the opposite direction. </div>
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The first penguin screams, "Bye, my love! I will miss you and love you forever!!!"</div>
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The second penguin yells back, "CHOCOLATE MILK!"</div>
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If you aren't laughing, I won't hold it against you. Just know that for those in my life that have a hard time saying, "I
Love You," I always know what they mean when they say, "CHOCOLATE MILK!"<br />
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NOTE: Send all your prayers for my beloved Daddy who is having back surgery today. I am a nervous wreck and can't focus for squat! </div>
Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-14314985481012953952012-09-11T00:00:00.000-05:002012-09-11T00:00:00.969-05:00Sept. 11--Hero Day, Patriot Day, Rememberance Day<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I love being back in the school system teaching once again. I especially love that my school has deemed today Hero Day. Students and faculty were encouraged to dress up as their hero with the understanding that superheroes were not included in the activity. I won't dress up as my hero because I have too many to pick just one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJxuqzxJdha5h1Is72Egc5UvH9gcGPy9I2IuMWgOkp0JVYHhrDE3ilAVbRA7k1AeLPUp6bFMWF5XSMqDRL6Yr8Ld6Mmj97IgBXHCJT-dpuGDao0aYaayI3htcKMC6fRm0_LLwCa_a8Z8/s1600/before4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJxuqzxJdha5h1Is72Egc5UvH9gcGPy9I2IuMWgOkp0JVYHhrDE3ilAVbRA7k1AeLPUp6bFMWF5XSMqDRL6Yr8Ld6Mmj97IgBXHCJT-dpuGDao0aYaayI3htcKMC6fRm0_LLwCa_a8Z8/s320/before4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First, myGayla was my life-long hero. From the time I was old enough to say GA-LA and toddle after my older sister imitating everything she did, she was my hero. I spent 36 years following in her footsteps and listening to her wise words whenever I would fall down and she would pick me back up. If I had to pick one lesson that she taught me over any other, it would be to love myself and see myself they way she did. Each day living without my sister is a lesson in getting back up when life knocks you down. Some days I bounce back pretty quickly. Most days, I just have to internally yell at myself to get up and get moving because Gayla expects it of me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislMfSfcmDDvIOqVHN6-wQSUTvM5f_84EnArFOHxfF83qSY5Hz-RNePnuljOdl3ha6AFpqyX-TpT4F2vkKtu2MQvIEAPvWIuEndKpjcEKIDbs27-_4jUFQ8Q2Z9HffNrmwvPQcJYlZgYo/s1600/chadndarby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislMfSfcmDDvIOqVHN6-wQSUTvM5f_84EnArFOHxfF83qSY5Hz-RNePnuljOdl3ha6AFpqyX-TpT4F2vkKtu2MQvIEAPvWIuEndKpjcEKIDbs27-_4jUFQ8Q2Z9HffNrmwvPQcJYlZgYo/s320/chadndarby.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The next heroes on my list are Hubby Dearest and Darling Daughter. Bless their hearts. On those days where I am stuck at neither bouncing up nor moving forward, they are there with hugs, compassion, and loving words of encouragement. HD has held me while I scream in agony, held my hand when I had to be brave despite my fear and anxiety, and held my heart protectively close to his own. DD has reminded me to be kind to myself and told me in no uncertain terms that she is "happy you are part of our lives because you know Daddy and I would never make it anywhere on time without you."</div>
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MeMaw and PapaJames are next on this long list of heroes. They are my parents and, in my eyes, have always been the infallible, just, and compassionate hearts that have made me who I am today. They taught me how to love my fellow man and instilled in my heart a desire to "save the world." Because of their love for one another and their love for our family (both blood kin and those of our choosing), I am able to give my whole heart to those I love and fight the good fight for what I believe.</div>
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This blog post could go on and on with all the heroes with whom I have been blessed. Little Rascals, you've picked up the broken parts of me and helped in putting them back together. You've brought me uncontrollable laughter at some pretty inappropriate times. Your unconditional love and support have made all the difference in my life. </div>
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Finally, to my former and current students, you give me a purpose each day. To my fans, you read my tra-la-la and my boo-hoo-hoo, and you still continue to follow this little bit of crazy each day. I thank you all and send you my most heartfelt hugs today. You are my heroes!</div>
Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-59259283301050211502012-09-10T00:00:00.000-05:002012-09-10T00:00:03.281-05:00Sept. 10--TV Dinner Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVf7p0rHkDZJvlaDJl6XnssIu-ilILZXPSfjA74nH1kSIc2xoggBm_E2AnEI6tsXkWD6MVeN10RHnD6goIqVvwXWrJIwdHwEqyeYxxm-lg2WuayrN-m3fdojY_a8sjvmyC-ABC3EX3S1k/s1600/jetsons1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVf7p0rHkDZJvlaDJl6XnssIu-ilILZXPSfjA74nH1kSIc2xoggBm_E2AnEI6tsXkWD6MVeN10RHnD6goIqVvwXWrJIwdHwEqyeYxxm-lg2WuayrN-m3fdojY_a8sjvmyC-ABC3EX3S1k/s320/jetsons1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There really is a day for everything! Besides being Sewing Machine Day, today is TV Dinner Day! Swanson brought us the first frozen meal way back when it was served in a metal sectioned tin pan that was warmed in the oven. Now we nuke most TV Dinners in the microwave, with a few companies making some that are still cooked in the oven. For a full history, check out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tv_dinner" target="_blank">Wikipedia </a>(don't judge...I was in a hurry).</div>
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I am not ashamed to tell the world, I feed my family frozen dinners! I would rather spend what little time we have together in the evening crafting with darling daughter, crocheting while we watch television TOGETHER, and being a family. Plus, we have a few standards like lasagna and enchiladas that everyone can agree upon, something that is sometimes difficult with picky eaters. I do have dreams of cooking big on weekends and freezing but that still hasn't come to be a reality even after my extensive research and hours of cooking show know-how.</div>
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What shortcuts do you take to give yourself more time with your kin and kindred?</div>
Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-17178668324086454702012-09-09T21:02:00.004-05:002012-09-09T21:02:45.504-05:00Sept. 9--Teddy Bear Day<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I don't remember having a teddy bear as a child. I do have a recollection of my Bubba having a Pooh Bear that was toted everywhere until the fateful day that Pooh took a dive out of an open car window and was run over by the back tires. You would think the little man would cry, demand Pooh have a bath in the washing machine, and then go on with his three-year-old life as if no harm had come to the little bear. My memory is that we had to have a funeral for the toy bear, prayers and all. I think we may have buried him too but that part is fuzzy. I'll have to ask Packer if there is an old, beat-up Pooh bear in the Nephews' (Thing1 and Thing2) inherited toy collection. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrfZNTiZUZE_UsXJwZ3XYO5C-3C58TaXS09ZBpeVT1J02Z-eQ2pPRLzbS39CXsZy_JlVFpPRV5bf5BGDN0dMcLXuGlAtjgVXTHGeQoKyUaXJYFxI3DpBCw6FuVMQxqbuaGN0JgK8fuRs/s1600/auntjmcreates_teadybear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrfZNTiZUZE_UsXJwZ3XYO5C-3C58TaXS09ZBpeVT1J02Z-eQ2pPRLzbS39CXsZy_JlVFpPRV5bf5BGDN0dMcLXuGlAtjgVXTHGeQoKyUaXJYFxI3DpBCw6FuVMQxqbuaGN0JgK8fuRs/s400/auntjmcreates_teadybear.jpg" width="300" /></a>Nevertheless, today is <a href="http://jaimeehunter.blogspot.com/2012/08/theres-day-for-everything-september.html" target="_blank">Teddy Bear Day</a>! In 1902, US President Teddy Roosevelt's refusal to shoot a bear that had been caught and tied to a tree by his shooting party, stating they had been less than sportsman-like in their pursuit, garnered some attention from the media. Morris Michtom of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. also paid homage to the President's act of humanity and created a toy bear cub. He called it Teddy's Bear. That's how we come to call our stuffed friends Teddy Bears. Who feels like they learned something? I DO! I DO!</div>
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Check out this amigurumi teddy I crocheted for Thing2! I have no pattern because I wasn't using one. I just kept crocheting in the round until I had the trunk of the bear. Then I made two arms and two legs. I stuffed the little guy with a corrugated yarn that I would never have used for anything because that stuff is ridiculously difficult to work with. It's not pretty, but I like it...so did Thing2.</div>
Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-42340197388027732202012-08-31T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-31T00:00:06.699-05:00There's A Day for Everything!September<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One might say I am quirky (most call me weird). However, in my book, it is perfectly okay to embrace each day as if it is special. In fact, I am going out in search of the special in each day. If you know of one I haven't found, please do share.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FXxE9RTwIXXoImv7vmeesFkDWJVfLrdfc5_B2zqE7eg_Tp8-sn975hIqYJajMZLC8S_i1fq4AyQySqJxtqFX0dV6bbrvKWmyxqe1ZB2N9zwJzbtC7sywXcc7Nzxaa4hZzXDMvcIUwQs/s1600/mikeandjaimee2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FXxE9RTwIXXoImv7vmeesFkDWJVfLrdfc5_B2zqE7eg_Tp8-sn975hIqYJajMZLC8S_i1fq4AyQySqJxtqFX0dV6bbrvKWmyxqe1ZB2N9zwJzbtC7sywXcc7Nzxaa4hZzXDMvcIUwQs/s200/mikeandjaimee2003.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">myMike and Me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>September </strong>(</span><a href="http://www.honey.com/nhb/home/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">National Honey Month</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> First Monday--Labor Day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> First Sunday after Labor Day--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/grand.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grandparent's Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 1--</span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/calendar-adjustment-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Calendar Adjustment Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 2--</span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/v-j-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">V-J Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 3--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/skyscraperday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Skyscraper Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://jaimeehunter.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-of-thankful-day-16-mike.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">MyMike's birthday</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 4--</span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/newspaper-carrier-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Newspaper Carrier Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> (so please take a day off guy who throws a paper at my lawn every other day)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 5--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/belateforsomething.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be Late for Something Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> (bahahaha!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 6--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/fightprocrastination.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Don't Procrastinate Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 7--</span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/salami-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Salami Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 8--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/literacyday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">International Literacy Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 9--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/teddybearday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Teddy Bear Day</span></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsSAyQ95jC79T-KKx4LM6R3D2ZYUTJ4-XvpEg42MrXGTUgJRXPdIwRDaqxRUM7DxFTt65pvvxWoGUULI0WskE1gxByZLQLV5IFju-ESB-JOjH0pr0sXZ5s-zDlDdHFBqJm0cx-gD2QnA/s1600/jaimeeanddarbythanksgiving2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsSAyQ95jC79T-KKx4LM6R3D2ZYUTJ4-XvpEg42MrXGTUgJRXPdIwRDaqxRUM7DxFTt65pvvxWoGUULI0WskE1gxByZLQLV5IFju-ESB-JOjH0pr0sXZ5s-zDlDdHFBqJm0cx-gD2QnA/s200/jaimeeanddarbythanksgiving2011.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Me and Darling Daughter</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">10--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/June/sewingmachineday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sewing Machine Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://inventors.about.com/od/inventionsalphabet/a/tv_dinner.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">TV Dinner Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">11--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/september911.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remembrance Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> aka </span><a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.911memorial.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Patriot Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">12--</span><a href="http://coffeetea.about.com/od/icedchocolate/r/basicshake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chocolate Milkshake Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">13--</span><a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive%2Dthinking/SR00009" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Positive Thinking Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and Peanut Day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">14--</span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/stand-up-to-cancer-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stand Up to Cancer Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">15--</span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/greenpeace-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Greenpeace Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">16--</span><a href="http://www.celebratelove.com/stepfamilyday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Step Family Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/playdohday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Play-Dough Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">17--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/const.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Constitution Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">18--</span><a href="http://www.altiusdirectory.com/Society/2008/09/events-national-cheeseburger-day-18th.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">National Cheeseburger Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">19--</span><a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.talklikeapirate.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Talk Like A Pirate Day</span></a><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREDszKMCy1Fbf6_Xc-6h3rRhgADXU91mv-B6RzD9tBjY5LQ80pT38LKqt85R465je8Tz5eVIs0QBfpElGoYOryrzyt1st4aMDjkGQ48lvJm9ujTzAzAGi-7T819EsdCw5uiFl8IDCHWA/s1600/arrgyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREDszKMCy1Fbf6_Xc-6h3rRhgADXU91mv-B6RzD9tBjY5LQ80pT38LKqt85R465je8Tz5eVIs0QBfpElGoYOryrzyt1st4aMDjkGQ48lvJm9ujTzAzAGi-7T819EsdCw5uiFl8IDCHWA/s200/arrgyle.jpg" width="156" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ARRRGyle the Sock Pirate</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">20--In honor of this being self-improvement month, do something for yourself!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">21--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/ipd.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">International Peace Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://jaimeehunter.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-of-thankful-day-7-dana.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Packer's Birthday!</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">22--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/fall.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First Day of Autumn</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/elephantappreciationday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Elephant Appreciation Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, and Mike and Jeremy Get Married!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">23--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/checkersday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Presidential Dog Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">24--</span><a href="http://www.nationalpunctuationday.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">National Punctuation Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">25--</span><a href="http://www.reelclassics.com/Musicals/MaryPoppins/marypoppins.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mary Poppins Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/comicbookday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Comic Book Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/national-one-hit-wonder-day" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One Hit Wonder Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">26--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/appleseedday.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Johnny Appleseed Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> (sing along! "oh the Lord's been good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need like the sun and the rain and the apple seed")</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">27--</span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tourism-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tourism Day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fourth Friday--</span><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/native.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Native Indian/American Day</span></a><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSObX0GP9WhjUGg6b1hdHz0NOK_hbp7mKHkWX02FZlyrxG97i1qy_-ZX0c0ZcluR3dWyNqqu4U_BmwdKkO8uf5sCAjK8KxjcaT1SDYnGIMOc3ewlJjEGgMrUKV_nP5xFdXoZijXyfIZTA/s1600/dana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSObX0GP9WhjUGg6b1hdHz0NOK_hbp7mKHkWX02FZlyrxG97i1qy_-ZX0c0ZcluR3dWyNqqu4U_BmwdKkO8uf5sCAjK8KxjcaT1SDYnGIMOc3ewlJjEGgMrUKV_nP5xFdXoZijXyfIZTA/s200/dana.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Packer and Thing 1 in 2009</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">28--First Born Nephew Day (yeah! I made this one up but it's real to me! Love you Thing 1!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">29--Heck yeah! </span><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/coffee-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">COFFEE DAY</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> y'all</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">30--In honor of September being Better Breakfast month, take your spouse to breakfast today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Please share if you know of a special day in September that I need to include! </span>Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3480248546847711344.post-65724058508213624992012-08-24T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-24T00:00:08.582-05:00August 24--Have A Peach Waffle and Listen to Some Crazy Beats...Then Call This Day Celebrated<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Holy all things in a hurry...so much has been going on that I haven't had a chance to pause long enough to update the blog! Last week, I became a teacher again! After waiting till day before yesterday for the FBI to give me the go-for-it, I hit the ground running at the speed of light since the first day of school is this coming Monday. I am thrilled to be heading back into my heart career. I am so unprepared at this point that I am running on pure "this has to get done" juice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's Friday! Since </span><a href="http://jaimeehunter.blogspot.com/2012/08/theres-day-for-everything-august.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">everyday is a celebration</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, it's perfect to combine the greatness of today and say, "Have a waffle slathered in peaches while listening to some crazy music and call today CELEBRATED!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's some fun crazy to get you in the spirit...I LOVE GENIUS THAT TAKES A SONG THAT HAS BEEN PLAYED TO CLICHE AND MAKES IT FUN AGAIN!</span><br />
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Jaimee Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735348809998154246noreply@blogger.com0