tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85304024365968266072024-03-13T09:32:51.430-04:00I've been thinking...Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-79272266385082601792011-07-30T00:01:00.000-04:002011-07-30T00:01:36.081-04:00Alligator, it tastes like turtle...and my visit to Bass Pro ShopI spent the evening of the 27th at <a href="http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&appID=94&storeID=54">Bass Pro Shop</a>. It was all about <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">geocaching</a> for me. Ted had multiple purposes for his visit. When we arrived at the Portage, Indiana store we headed directly to the Marine section to look at the GPSs. It was time to finally replace my ancient Magellan eXplorist 200. Yes, I've been caching with VERY old technology. It gets the job done, usually, but it was time to upgrade. We are not retiring my little yellow friend, just not using it so much.<br />
Before our shopping trip I read reviews on units and narrowed my search based on the amount of money I wanted to spend and what features I had to have. Once we started looking at the display all of that went out the window because Ted decided he wanted more, more, MORE! He wanted the Oregon 450 because of the screen size and the DeLorme PN-60 because of the accuracy and the marine maps(he fancies himself a fisherman). What reigned him in was the prices. The Dakota 20 at Bass Pro Shop was cheaper than the Dakota 10 at Dick's and the Dakota 20 was my choice. So, we decided to walk away and make the GPS decision.<br />
Off to Islamorada Fish Company for dinner. We opted for an appetizer which is rare for us. I let Ted choose and he knew what I wanted, alligator. It's something I've always wanted to try. My husband is so wonderful. He would never have picked that for himself. The alligator was served deep-fried in a spicy breading (I'm guessing it was cornmeal) on a bed of field greens surrounded by a neon-green sauce (a very, very mild wasabi wannabe). With my first bite I felt that this alligator tasted like turtle. Some of the pieces were rubbery and not pleasant to chew. Someone needs help with their prep skills. Ted said, with the completion of that course, we were officially swamp people. Yay! From that point forward my meal was just okay. I wanted something light and their menu was not really light. Their salads are full of bleu cheese (Yuck!) and I wasn't seeing anything else I was drawn too. I ended up with less than exciting (dry) grilled lemon-pepper tilapia. Ted chose the popular Islamorada Portofino, blackened tilapia topped with grilled shrimp in a rich, creamy lobster sauce. He liked it until he ate his last shrimp and it had the vein. Our waitress was attentive and nice, she brought drinks and warm bread (a bread with sugar on top) right away. But, we'll probably never eat there again and I wouldn't recommend the restaurant. It's just not great. Our meal totaled $40 and change. Surrounding the Portage store are a few other restaurant choices including Quaker Steak and Lube, Deli in Your Belly/Egg on Your Face, and Starbucks. <br />
As we ate we hashed out the GPS issue. We quickly eliminated the DeLorme PN-60. The screen was smaller than my eXplorist and Ted wanted something bigger. The accuracy and marine card wasn't enough to keep him interested. The price was also the highest of the three we were looking at also. So we were left with two choices, the Garmin Oregon 450 and Dakota 20. Both devices featured triaxial compasses, micro SD card slots, paperless geocaching capabilities, touch screens, and the availability of free maps (among their many features). The Oregon had a bigger screen and cost $100 more. We really had to decide if the bigger screen was worth paying $100 more. I didn't think so. I could see Ted wavering and I pointed out to him that he was already used to the smaller screen of the eXplorist. We decided that we would purchase the Dakota 20.<br />
With that, Ted headed out on his next mission...metal detectors. I went to look for new hiking shoes. I want Keens but they didn't have what I wanted so I went to find Ted. I was lucky to find a bench on which to rest because I knew I could be there awhile. Unfortunately, I felt like I was in fishing jail. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsa-AVd3S_UjtswmNdazmNcdNbpJN_Hne7w4wxbEAjrQ_01ADNZrykpBfP3vI4nKXYpeysrLkjaR1NxBwIMJ5eD3ECrpnlyGUmDKQtB5Aok0dsWD2U-4oJTAMK2K5cXxpV27O0WQT5gPj/s1600/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsa-AVd3S_UjtswmNdazmNcdNbpJN_Hne7w4wxbEAjrQ_01ADNZrykpBfP3vI4nKXYpeysrLkjaR1NxBwIMJ5eD3ECrpnlyGUmDKQtB5Aok0dsWD2U-4oJTAMK2K5cXxpV27O0WQT5gPj/s400/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So, I waited and waited and waited a bit more. In the end we left without a metal detector. He will have to continue to use the one he has for now. I don't believe he'll suffer...too much.<br />
We also saw some great fish at Bass Pro Shop. Unfortunately, I did not get great photos. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho277CL6WTG2Ry4uNMm_UBSJ_BDy6irNFoSLqQt0D3wBgdVXTIDkAWHis14UAkJcaiXrvHcVs22brzMMshIHUjmfZC9knAcaSpXfQAD2Y80DJs2rwEMKBvazhbH6hMKqaO2Nif6AVB-V0Z/s1600/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+004.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho277CL6WTG2Ry4uNMm_UBSJ_BDy6irNFoSLqQt0D3wBgdVXTIDkAWHis14UAkJcaiXrvHcVs22brzMMshIHUjmfZC9knAcaSpXfQAD2Y80DJs2rwEMKBvazhbH6hMKqaO2Nif6AVB-V0Z/s200/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+004.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUvci73AF3kgOu55d_Gn59nKJQrGoSPgWICN-v8u30cpxwpdJKIC2kRpk_L4hBhK_AWnVdWZRnE5elWtyyjZr4S9MgKRWHhhrbXuc7_b_UYlOm2pI8RtI6yO05HG2mMR0EjumcsLZuv13/s1600/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+002.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUvci73AF3kgOu55d_Gn59nKJQrGoSPgWICN-v8u30cpxwpdJKIC2kRpk_L4hBhK_AWnVdWZRnE5elWtyyjZr4S9MgKRWHhhrbXuc7_b_UYlOm2pI8RtI6yO05HG2mMR0EjumcsLZuv13/s200/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+002.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This fish really creeped my out. There were several of his kind in the tank. Those lips were really something to see. Before we went to pay for our new toy Ted had one last item on his agenda. He needed to visit the shooting gallery. Now, I'm thinking that a place that must make as much money as Bass Pro Shop could have a free game for "kids." But no, Ted needed 50 cents (several times). Too bad I didn't have much change and they didn't have a change machine, boo hoo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7muz5k5aKZXX55GG_W6IlTBTylA4sL-skWiN8m1YeJEdacsKq738aI2j1EL-PtWcBQey-S7JRF9uVc2h8rBkYR07W7IPiNfNVwmJumbMxIfE8SaNv2F4tvF1ZqVly02L5TZi7heFHn-uv/s1600/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7muz5k5aKZXX55GG_W6IlTBTylA4sL-skWiN8m1YeJEdacsKq738aI2j1EL-PtWcBQey-S7JRF9uVc2h8rBkYR07W7IPiNfNVwmJumbMxIfE8SaNv2F4tvF1ZqVly02L5TZi7heFHn-uv/s400/Bass+Pro+Shop+7-27-2011+020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We had a great visit to Bass Pro Shop. Hmmm, what do we need from Cabella's?Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-88219661230525399202011-07-05T18:34:00.003-04:002011-07-26T10:02:30.563-04:00Laura Days in Burr Oak, Iowa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TgETsMvEfXuV7dvtnsbsNlPIsMDzWqxXg2s3s6CNhSkC1vgYd1fSqPxM4a9oaOAIbVaFYScO8cjl2F3GHy5x8bBSCHpZLWfCbT0G4UNGYrEn50alJkI0MkktLu0aA8WLVycvMUY8ApI/s1600/Burr+Oak+6-25-11+%25288%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TgETsMvEfXuV7dvtnsbsNlPIsMDzWqxXg2s3s6CNhSkC1vgYd1fSqPxM4a9oaOAIbVaFYScO8cjl2F3GHy5x8bBSCHpZLWfCbT0G4UNGYrEn50alJkI0MkktLu0aA8WLVycvMUY8ApI/s200/Burr+Oak+6-25-11+%25288%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633660794863345314" border="0" /></a><br />We were in Burr Oak on June 25 for Laura Ingalls Wilder Days. The weather was beautiful (although a little sun would have been nice). It made for a great day spent outside. The morning was spent shopping and spending a lot of money in the visitors center. Burr Oak's visitor center is located in an old bank. Not only will you see information about Laura, but also a display about the robbery the bank. I'll be honest. I didn't look at the display. There were too many people and it is a small area. The robbery was in 1931 and was the first bank robbery in the county. The bank robbers locked the employees and patrons in the bank vault before they left.<br />Next we attended a presentation on one-room school houses by Sarah Uthoff, a fellow member of The Laura Ingalls Literary Society. Sarah has a wealth of knowledge to share on this subject and did a great job making her presentation interesting to adults and children. Listen to Sarah on her radio show: <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/trundlebedtales">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/trundlebedtales</a> or follow her on Twitter <span class="screen-name screen-name-Trundlebedtales pill">@Trundlebedtales.</span><br />After chatting a bit with Sarah, Ted and I had a quick bite to eat at the food tent. For less then $5 we each had a hot dog and a drink and I had a brownie. It tasted great, too. While eating we listened to The Bread and Butter String Band. They played classic fiddle music. Pa Ingalls would have been proud. It was great to listen to some of the older people enjoying the music. When a new song began there was always a happy murmur throughout the crowd and someone always said, "I love this song."<br />As soon as lunch was over we moved on to tour the Master's Hotel. This is the first home the Ingalls family lived in upon their arrival to Burr Oak. The entire family also worked in the hotel. Our tour guide was a 15 year-old girl from the area. She had a great personality and made the tour enjoyable. <a href="http://www.lauraingallswilder.us/">Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum</a><br />The tour ended in time for us to see the end of the pie auction and then the highlight for many, the announcement of the Little Laura and Little Almanzo winners. It was great to hear the kids read their essays and see all of the girls and boys in their costumes.<br />Throughout the day I was struck by the "small town feel" of Burr Oak. I loved being back home in Iowa. I truly believe people are more welcoming there. Or, is it there that I am more receptive of the kindness of others?<br />This was actually our second visit to Burr Oak but Ted didn't remember being there before which made it entertaining for me. He kept looking at me and saying, "Are you sure we've been here before?" No amount of reassurance helped. Nothing I said triggered memories of our first trip through with our nephew Brad, maybe, seven years ago.<br />Hopefully, before the summer is over we will return to Iowa. I'd like to slip in a trip to West Branch and the Herbert Hoover Library and maybe the Amana Colonies.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-58666015735041148462010-09-12T14:21:00.002-04:002010-09-12T14:33:11.568-04:00Ted loves the Irish<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> 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mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <h3 style="font-weight: normal; font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="uistorymessage">Sarah reminisced to me about a time when Ted celebrated a Notre Dame touchdown during a car trip. She is 23 now and must have been no more than 14 when this happened. It made quite an impression upon her.<br /></span></span></h3><h3 style="font-weight: normal; font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ted was listening to the game on the radio as we drove down the highway. Notre Dame scored and Ted quickly<span class="uistorymessage"> pulled over onto the shoulder, exited the car, and fist-pumped on the side of the road and probably cheered and screamed.</span></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">When I told Ted about Sarah's memory he immediately chimed in with more details. He told me that it was the USC game, we were on our way to Michigan City, and that when we arrived at Lighthouse Place, USC scored and Notre Dame lost. To quote Ted, "that celebration was for nothing." </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="">Ah, the memories. I had blocked ALL of this out of my mind. Sarah on the other hand said this was the moment when she realized how much Notre Dame football meant to Uncle Ted. Poor Girl.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="">I blocked all of this out of my mind. I try to block all things related to Notre Dame football out of my mind, although, I do have a few funny stories from going to games. Maybe someday I'll write them down.<br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:13.5pt;" ><br /></span></b></span></p>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-38670310023839770582010-07-19T15:09:00.013-04:002010-07-19T23:38:23.182-04:00It's a GIANT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7T3ucrh-XS_Wki_rFKdNE70aVoZ94YW7O2QPmeCN2BRni7_WIuipxbRBoHbuisIq-QRJdQEorZt5A5n_J0GcR5gCe8E49gMzlW0N3Qx5YO4EmbrWYWgjB_NkiidYysnD_ecaqIWFYRo/s1600/clifford2.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7T3ucrh-XS_Wki_rFKdNE70aVoZ94YW7O2QPmeCN2BRni7_WIuipxbRBoHbuisIq-QRJdQEorZt5A5n_J0GcR5gCe8E49gMzlW0N3Qx5YO4EmbrWYWgjB_NkiidYysnD_ecaqIWFYRo/s200/clifford2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495699844407150322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" >I have a Giant bicycle. Not a GIANT, like Clifford the Big Red Dog, but Giant the brand. I love my bicycle (it's hanging from the ceiling in a dark garage in this picture by the way). It's a silver and purple comfort bike. The saddle is a custom addition for added comfort, wide and padded. I take care of my lovely bike and it takes care of me. In fact, it's time for a tune-up.</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" >I take my Giant to my favorite shop, </span><a style="font-family: verdana; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.familybicyclecenter.com/">Family Bicycle Center</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" >. They are the best. The tune-up costs about half as much for my bike as it does for my car (I might be exaggerating). Of course, I don't tune my bike up as often as Ted does his bike. He has some fierce Giant off-road mountain bike (note his handle bar in the photo above). We've had our bikes for almost 10 years and they have never given us a bit of trouble, unlike our cars. If I lived closer to work I would ride my bike to school.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFF0oAnQvdnkO8zpwizF0OBZxYEprQ77twrhNkRdNJVcoV0omuWFU6nWWwqgn8El_Nlc-0rYvT8wOLSbKuE6VFTkQV9H0ERbVCW9ufcJy2gUCYMCBD5CezomIeGnW0eBsLiSPjkQrh68/s1600/Giant+bike.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFF0oAnQvdnkO8zpwizF0OBZxYEprQ77twrhNkRdNJVcoV0omuWFU6nWWwqgn8El_Nlc-0rYvT8wOLSbKuE6VFTkQV9H0ERbVCW9ufcJy2gUCYMCBD5CezomIeGnW0eBsLiSPjkQrh68/s200/Giant+bike.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495824324246849778" border="0" /></a>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-81693268100424096742010-07-19T00:48:00.002-04:002010-07-19T01:21:21.582-04:00June?What happened to June? I blinked and it was gone. Ted was busy with a class and I was busy reading and relaxing 8-)<br /> The highlight of the month was our trip to Wisconsin. We had our visit with the allergist. I spent an extra hour at the clinic participating in chemical testing. The results showed a few more chemicals to which I'm allergic. But, in addition to the 6 peanuts I'm allowed to eat each day, I may also indulge in 2T. of peanut butter. Yum!!! Dr. agreed with my neurologist that I should totally eliminate wheat from my diet for 4 months. He said that if my migraines don't improve in that period of time that it is not the wheat allergy [causing my daily migraines] and I should go back to having one serving of wheat per day. But, he was kind enough to remind me that I have a severe wheat allergy, "Thanks."<br /> The best part of the trip to Wisconsin was visiting with my family. I don't see them enough, so these weekends are bittersweet. We spent the early afternoon with one side of the family at a picnic. Great fun. That evening with some of the other side. I was very glad Amy and the kids came home on Saturday from Portland so that we could visit. Bob and Nick were in town too. We also met Nick's girlfriend Missy. We stayed up late talking and enjoying our time together.<br /> July is half over! After church today I learned that my cousin is now engaged to her boyfriend. I'm so happy for her. Congratulations Linda and Tim!<br />In one month it will be back to work. Relearning Kdg. and first grade curriculum, meeting my new students and their families and figuring out where I put everything when I moved my classroom.<br /> Summer Reading is fab! I'm on book 29, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Idiot-Girls-Action-Adventure-Club-Magnificent/dp/0375760911"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club</span></a> . Last year I read 36 books. I'm on my way to meat or beat last years record, woo hoo!Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-12030983206891859072010-05-29T12:47:00.000-04:002010-05-29T12:50:10.201-04:00School Year Memories<link style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMiller%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMiller%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMiller%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal">While my school year was pleasantly uneventful, there were some special moments that were very meaningful and I will have in my heart always.<span style=""> </span>They revolve around the blessings that the Lord has placed in my life no matter how long or how brief.<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal">One student has been in my life for three years.<span style=""> </span>She is sweet, sensitive and for the first two years of our life together, very well behaved.<span style=""> </span>This year life threw her some curve balls and she experimented with naughtiness.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think either of us knew how to handle that venture.</p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal">Last year she discovered a song on my iTunes that she decided was “her song.”<span style=""> </span>Written and performed by the son of a dear friend of mine and a former teacher of my student, the song is called, “He Knows Your Name.”<span style=""> </span>When she would finish her work each day she wanted to listen to “her song.”<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal">One day she looked at me with eyes of pure innocence.<span style=""> </span>I wish I could capture that look in a photograph to be sure I’d never forget.<span style=""> </span>She quietly asked me, “Does God really know my name?”</p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I couldn’t help but smile widely as I gladly told her yes, he most assuredly does.<span style=""> </span>Her eyes welled with tears when I told her that God knew her before she was born and he truly does know every hair on her head and he loves her more than anyone could or would ever be able to love her.<span style=""> </span>Through those teary eyes she smiled brightly and hit repeat on “her song” so that she could her Denver tell her one more time that He knows her name.<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal">Less than a month ago she came to me with an equally important question.<span style=""> </span>She sat down next to me quietly and looked into my eyes, “Does God love us no matter what, even when we’re bad?”<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal">“More than anything,” I told her, “He might be disappointed in the choices we make, but he never stops loving us.”<span style=""> </span>She smiled her beautiful smile and went back to her work.<span style=""> </span>Whatever weight that was on her heart had been lifted.<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal">I<span style=""> </span>had three years of smiles and laughter with her, but those two brief moments meant so much to me.<span style=""> </span>They remind me that this is where God wants me for now.<span style=""> </span>This is my place, these children are my purpose.<span style=""> </span>I love them each in a different way.<span style=""> </span>This one is going on to a new school.<span style=""> </span>I will miss her madly, but<span style="">, </span>I will cherish the time I had with her.</p> Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-82402788881381051622010-05-29T11:42:00.001-04:002010-05-29T11:45:01.069-04:00Stand For Christ (repost)<div class="post-header"> </div> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" >19 people per hour die for Christ.<br />456 per day<br />3,192 per week<br />165,984 per year<br /><br />These numbers are staggering, but what do they mean for you? To me it means, these people have put themselves all out for our Savior. They go to dangerous places to spread the gospel. They worship Him illegally because they love Him so much. They carry one page of scripture because that's all they have and they do that knowing if they are caught they will be punished. They stand for Jesus...what do we do to stand for Him? Do you live each day with Him by your side? Do you soak in His word and show others His love through your actions?</span>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-29619123300926707652010-03-06T21:24:00.014-05:002010-03-06T22:34:08.093-05:00Contentment<span style="font-family:verdana;">S</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >igns of spring are everywhere around us. The snow is all but gone and the ground hog has been digging in the yard again. While I love the sunshine and warm air that are beginning to make daily appearances I will miss winter. I love winter. It won't be long until I will find mys</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >elf dreaming of looking out across the field out back and seeing the snowflak</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >es s</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >lowly fall to the ground.<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" > Right now, this evening, I am content. I'm</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" > tired</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" > and ready to fall asleep from a busy day, but I'm so at peace. I honestly fee</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >l as though I am resting in the arms of the Lord. I haven't a worry or a care in the world at this moment in time. What a gift. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" > Another gift from the Father I received today was </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >a long-awaited answer to a prayer. I've asked the Lord to use my migrain</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >e suffering in some positive way. I knew, after all, that I couldn't have all of</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" > this pain for so long and have no good come from it. Today I was sharing with Ted a</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >bout how I helped someone wh</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >o is suddenly experiencing migraines. As our conv</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >ers</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >ation ended and I moved into another room I realized...He had used me and answered my prayers. I wonder how many other prayers He has answered in my life in such a subtle manner and I have failed to take </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >notice. It saddens me to think it's possibly many times, especially before I was so cognizant of His voice. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >We spent a few hours today visiting with family. It was our great-nephew's second birthday. It was fun to see "the ba</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >bies</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >" playing. I can't believe my nieces and nephews are starting to have children. I love them all so much and seeing them happy is so wonderful. We don't see th</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >e</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:verdana;" >m nearly enough. Below is a photo from today. A self-portrait from Dustin, age 20 months. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRQ2QpiZTWQxMoh_9WJeqJPPNPuuW2ghUakBDQgBmPgaP0COKlsIQUNWrBTOZjtDN_xq6htZWGIn_39ShsaeC9lncPPKT19QD6F8N5TnnREKJ3XzlfT_AhlvPYzW2WkCJ_q-a2cwrwXI/s1600-h/100_0914.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRQ2QpiZTWQxMoh_9WJeqJPPNPuuW2ghUakBDQgBmPgaP0COKlsIQUNWrBTOZjtDN_xq6htZWGIn_39ShsaeC9lncPPKT19QD6F8N5TnnREKJ3XzlfT_AhlvPYzW2WkCJ_q-a2cwrwXI/s200/100_0914.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445729795318088594" border="0" /></a>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-78157490109293072492010-02-17T22:11:00.002-05:002010-02-17T22:16:51.464-05:00Gifts<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have the most awesome gifts in the woman I study with on Wednesday evenings. We learn, laugh, and pray together. I have developed friendships that I never knew I could have. God gives gifts so often that they are taken for granted. I have never thanked him for these precious woman. Each has been so important in my growth as a Christian. Seeing them in the middle of the week is part of the water that fills my cup until Sunday.</span> <br /></span></span>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-55017274850968634282010-02-15T18:39:00.003-05:002010-02-15T18:51:04.894-05:00About MondayMonday Moaning<br />*South Side Soda Shop and Diner is closed on Mondays (Ted knew that, why didn't I), everyone was sad.<br /><br />*This could end up being Migraine Monday...I feel something happening, I'm praying it's just stress.<br /><br />*And the biggest moan of all... I'm on the verge of anger. I can not and will not let this make me angry. It's not worth the aggravation.<br /><br />Merry Monday<br />*I visited with my in-laws. We don't see them enough and it was nice to share a meal and chat.<br /><br />*I received a great email from someone I wrote to out of the blue. We don't know each other but I felt lead to write her and I'm sure it was God.<br /><br />*I picked up some knitting and let the fiber flow through my fingers as I added some rows to a gift I'm making.<br /><br />*I shared some smiles and laughs with my husband.<br /><br />*I was able to pray for strangers in sad situations. I pray that they will one day know God's grace and love.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-82864945685156424522010-02-15T10:00:00.003-05:002010-02-15T10:27:46.436-05:00Nothing Exciting<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" > March will be baby month. At work two co-workers are expecting within one day of each other. A family friend is due in about 3 weeks. I have no gifts ready. I'm thinking I'll knit hats. I thought about getting out patterns yesterday but that never happened. I still owe Sponge a replacement hat for the one E lost in December. I have a hat for myself on the needles. I REALLY need to finish the last 5 rows of a gift and bind off so I can get it in the mail. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" > Later today we must go do a favor for my SIL. If this wasn't my only day off in February it wouldn't be a sacrifice, but... Ted's parents are going to take us to lunch. I'm hoping for a little South Side Soda Shop and Diner. We haven't eaten there in a long time. Ted may also need to pick up some candy at Olympia which means I'll buy a chocolate covered cherry, yum. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" > I was going to have a craft day with Tam. That has been postponed. I'm going to help her designed bags for her new business. I'm excited because although she doesn't know it yet, I think my designs should be free to me. I only need one. I'll even buy my own materials. She would only be assembling the product. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" > </span>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-3861264201123555932010-01-18T11:44:00.002-05:002010-01-18T11:51:13.345-05:00Putting our faith where it belongsWe are following His call in our life. Surrendering to Him. Please keep us in your prayers. 8- )Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-28800727994921745582009-12-31T10:18:00.003-05:002009-12-31T11:03:01.836-05:00What is wrong with my yarn?The following conversation took place between 11:00pm and 12:00am. (Can't you just hear Kiefer Sutherland saying that?)<br /><br />T: (as he is trying to actually put coats in my yarn closet) Why do have so much yarn?<br />D: (I pretend not to hear.)<br />T: (louder) Why do you buy yarn if you aren't going to use it right away? (Now I hear him untying bags of yarn from the bar in the closet. These are projects: yarn and patterns actually in the bags, TOGETHER. They just haven't been started.)<br />D: All of the yarn you're moving is for a project.<br />T: (now obviously frustrated, it's late and I'm using skills I've learned from my students in being evasive.) That's not what I asked. Why do you buy yarn if you aren't going to use it as soon as you buy it?<br />D: (silence is golden, right?)<br />T: Well?<br />D: Because. (I drew this out as long as I could without making it sound whiny. Woo Hoo! He went back downstairs!!!! I don't have to explain this compulsion I have to buy ultra soft, beautiful to my eye fiber. Oh, and if it's on sale? I really have to buy it then. Has he forgotten all of the yarn shops he's visited with me and I've just bought yarn because it would be a nice hat for someone? I get a lot of hat requests from family and friends. Has he forgotten the times I've specifically been lured to shops by sales? I just mentioned to him this week that we should go to Grand Rapids this week because of a yarn sale....and he said as long as he could go to Koeze's that was fine!)<br /><br />Oh well. I've escaped the yarn integration once again. The last time this happened he made me go buy new storage for my yarn. Too bad, huh 8- ) Now I have nice clear boxes and my yarn is sorted by weight and fiber. I was hoping he'd telling me to go by more boxes to store my projects but that didn't pan out. I probably should bring those three large totes of yarn up from the basement this week. He might really see some storage issues then.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-23117556688157512022009-12-30T13:52:00.005-05:002009-12-30T21:51:09.724-05:00ReflectionThe last few months have been a roller coaster of emotions. I've had a brother-in-law die, a friend die, a great-nephew born, a friend adopt a child, and friend's son die unexpectedly. J's birth and K's adoption are bright spots to keep returning to and rejoicing over. <br /><br />I still look back on our failed adoption and reflect on what happened. It was just this year when we really have been able to sort the whole thing out and I finally have peace. I can now look forward and wonder if there is a child for whom God is preparing us. <br /><br />I also recently learned that a friend is expecting a baby. It was a not planned, but totally gifted from the Father. For the first time in a very long time I had that familiar ache in my heart. I felt a sudden pang of jealousy that I was able to quickly send away. I am truly happy for her and can't wait to see her new baby. It also made me begin to think once again, if I am supposed to be searching and preparing a place for a child to join our family. <br /><br />For the past two days I have been looking at the faces of children trapped in orphanages overseas. Some at the same orphanage from which K was rescued (visit <a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/">Reece's Rainbow</a> to learn more). I have been praying for the children and the parents that they will one day call their own. I've restarted the old conversations with the Lord that He and I have had many times. Only he knows the answers to my questions. <br /><br />So now I wait and pray, and know that I'll be fine no matter what because I have a Father who knows what I need.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-490617255451484322009-12-28T10:15:00.002-05:002009-12-28T11:38:02.295-05:00VacationI haven't written a thing in ages. Life is flying by and I record it in my trusty journal. Who needs a blog? Apparently a lot of people. And I read them. A lot of them. I'm trying to figure out what makes me read one person's blog over another. I haven't figured it out yet. But I keep reading.<br /><br />Last week I spent a frenzied week shopping, wrapping, knitting and reading. It culminated in a wonderful day at my parent's house and a migraine headache that has so far lasted 4 days, and a fun evening with the Miller's at Tom and Denise's farm.<br /><br />I'm still knitting. Yesterday I made an Elf hat for Tyler. It is so very cute. If I knew where my camera was I'd upload a picture. Last week I made a hat for Dustin...again no picture. Although, I need to ask Holly or Justin to take a picture. [This is why Bev is the only one who reads my blog. My life is boring and she loves me and feels some sense of obligation to read it! Thanks Bev 8- )]<br /><br />I'm reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Indigo Christmas</span> by local author <a href="http://www.jeannedams.com/">Jeanne M. Dams</a>. I love this Hilda Johansson series. I've been convinced to give her Dorothy Martin Mysteries a try. I have number one waiting. Anyway, I began reading the Hilda Johansson series because it took place in South Bend. I still enjoy the bits of local history thrown in, but the mysteries are quite good and the character development is enjoyable.<br /><br />I'm also reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Free-Range Knitter</span> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. I love her blog, <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a>. The book is quirky like the author. It's a slow read for me though, I'm not used to that as a reader. As a knitter, it's nice to read something that I can relate to and know that I'm not crazy.<br /><br />The third book I have going at the moment is <span style="font-style: italic;">Knit Two</span> by <a href="http://www.katejacobs.com/">Kate Jacobs</a>. It's the sequel to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Friday Night Knitting Club</span>. Since the first book ended in what I deemed to be a less than desirable way I am surprised to find myself reading book 2 and having book 3, <span style="font-style: italic;">Knit the Season</span>, waiting in the pile of books to read. While knitting is in the background of these books the main theme is women and their relationships with one another. I found it difficult to get into the first book but I don't know if it was the book, of the fact that I was listening to it on tape. I definitely don't miss the actress and her strange interpretations of everyone's voices. She was working my last nerve for sure.<br /><br />Last week I read two books by <a href="http://www.laurainesnelling.com/">Lauraine Snelling</a>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Pearls of Grace</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Rebecca's Rewards</span>. As always, I enjoyed her books. I have another waiting to be read. As a person who loves history and the Dakotas these books have always drawn me right in. Within a few pages I'm right back with the characters I've grown to know and love. I think that speaks volumes for the author. She develops characters so well it is as if you truly know them.<br /><br />What are my plans for this week? Cleaning a bit for our New Year's Eve get together with the James', go to the butcher shop (I love John's in Nappanee!), knit, read, play with my Nintendo DSi, bake, knit and read. knit and read, knit and read....oh, and do my quarterly reports 8-(<br /><br />This vacation will end much to soon I'm afraid. I cannot believe that one semester has ended. In retrospect it has flown by. With ISTEP coming up I'm fairly certain the second semester will fester.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-34711301070978951322009-08-01T22:22:00.000-04:002009-08-01T22:35:10.364-04:00Hello World!It's almost time to go back to work. That makes me sad. I don't feel ready yet. Next week I have a training for special ed and the following week I have two days of meetings. The next week is back to work. Where did my vacation go?<br /><br />I did ready 36 books so far this summer! I feel pretty good about that. Only one of them was a book I would never recommend. Today I looked a someones online reading list and saw a bunch of nonfiction at which I'd love to look. Too bad I have a pile of my own next to the bed, bought and paid for waiting to be read.<br /><br />Oh, and my hair whine from my last post...I never did a thing about that. Ted said I don't have gray hair. Just one more reason to love him. I do need a hair cut. That won't happen until I donate it or I just get brave.<br /><br />Tonight I bought some wheat and egg free frozen waffles at the grocery store. I was so excited. The first brand I found contained citric acid (of course). I almost gave up and walked away. Then I found the brand I bought. They were cheaper and I'm not allergic to anything in them. WOO HOO! I've been craving waffles and this made my day. I'll be eating them tomorrow with crushed pineapple...yummy.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-55738550490186414502009-06-06T11:43:00.000-04:002009-06-06T13:09:31.161-04:00Creeping Through the CobwebsWOW! Let me dust off a seat! It's been awhile since March 6th when I last took the time to share some meaningless drivel from my life with you. Today's post won't disappoint. It's a little bit meaningless, and a little bit drively (can I do that to the word drivel?).<br /><br />I've been getting gray hair for about 9 months (or maybe a year)...but now it's really noticeable and it's bothering me. I've never been vain so it bothers me that I'm bothered. The simple solution would be to just color my hair, right? Well...it's not that simple. I have a list of reasons and I'm going to bore you with it. Notice, if you will, the slight redundancies and subtle whining:<br /><br />*I like my hair color...there is no way to match it exactly...I KNOW IT!!!!<br />*I could never color my own hair with a do it yourself color kit.<br />*I'm too cheap to pay someone to do it.<br />*I don't trust anyone to do it (even though my best friend is a beautician, a friend from HS is a <br /> beautician, a niece is a beautician, and the list goes on).<br />*I don't want people to think, "Oh, Dawn started coloring her hair."<br />*I don't want people to think, "That doesn't look like Dawn's natural hair color."<br />*I don't want this thought going through someone's mind, "OMG, what did she do to her hair!?"<br />*I <em><strong>REALLY</strong></em> don't want people to ask me if I colored my hair.<br />*I don't want to start coloring my hair and then have to keep coloring it.<br />etc.<br /><br />Needless to say, at some point this summer I will probably get my hair colored and I will probably not do it myself. I wouldn't want to blame myself if anything went horribly wrong with the color job. <br /><br />Who will do it remains to be seen. It can't be a friend or a relative. Can you imagine having to look them in the face if they mess my hair up? No, they have to be left in reserves in case I need a repair job. They need to be left as hair heroes. <br /><br />No matter who does the job it will, however, involve prayer. I wonder if the Lord gets many prayers about things of this nature?Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-17433506434745850642009-03-06T16:28:00.001-05:002009-03-06T16:33:17.409-05:00It's FridayTed's bringing home supper!<br /><br />-I have one ISTEP to make up on Monday...G probably thinks staying home today got him out of that test...think again!<br />-L is retiring this year. I will miss her. Having her at work has meant so much to me these last 4 years. Now she will get to be with her grandkids and do whatever she is led...lucky duck!<br />-I'm tired and hungry...how exciting is that?Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-47106113506456025982009-03-05T22:56:00.000-05:002009-03-05T23:03:12.892-05:00I am not...the shapest knife in the block.<br /><br />Since coming home from work nearly everything I have eaten has including an ingredient to which I am allergic. My tongue and throat hurt. I have itchy skin. I knew exactly what I was doing. I made a consious choice to consume these toxins. Now, I must suffer. <br /><br />Tomorrow, I'm back on the good food wagon.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-86669495486265752602009-03-01T20:31:00.000-05:002009-03-01T20:46:41.750-05:00Our First Date<span style="font-family:verdana;">In July Ted and I will be married for 20 years. It doesn't seem like that much time has passed. We had our first date in August of 1987. Ted called me the afternoon after we met and asked me out. I was glad because I was hoping he would call.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We went too see Can't Buy Me Love. It was playing at the Concord Mall in Elkhart. One of the things I will never forget about that date was Ted driving by the theater. He was just talking away and got all the way to JC Penney before he looked at me and said, "Where is that movie theatre anyway?" I just smiled and hitched my thumb back as I said, "Back there." He turned around and went back. I'm sure he was embarrassed. I mean, it was right in front of him as he drove by...</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We enjoyed the movie. We've never seen it since, even when it plays on TV. But I have fond memories of it. Afterwards we went and talked for a couple of hours. To this day Ted says that was one of the things he loved, how easy it was to talk to me. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I love my husband. God has blessed me with the perfect mate for me 8- )</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">What did you do on your first date with your husband (or wife...I think one of you is a man)?</span>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-62157895736262369442009-02-22T00:43:00.000-05:002009-02-22T00:57:19.378-05:00I don't know...very loud sigh?<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">On any given day I am watching one of my loved ones making poor decisions. They are young adults. It happens. I've been there myself. I try not to "interfere" and sometimes I'm looking for duct tape for my own mouth. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">Tonight I'm hunting down the duct tape as I watch someone I love very, very much act like they left their brain at an unknown location. Maybe it's with my duct tape (lost). </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">And so I say to you, Once Intelligent Being...you are not crazy...use the brain God gave you and move on...you are worth so much more than you are accepting in all of this mess.</span>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-53249690269882132292009-02-09T20:44:00.001-05:002009-02-09T20:56:11.858-05:00Ugh<span style="font-family:verdana;">The enemy swoops in and strikes when you least expect him. He's sneaky, that devil. He's patient too. He's willing to lie in wait for as long as it takes. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I will not let him win. I will not let him smile at the pain he has caused me today. Instead, I will hold on to my God who stands firmly beside me. He supports me, he is my shield.</span>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-61550727628321912082009-02-01T22:02:00.000-05:002009-02-01T22:41:12.243-05:00Mothman, ACK!I hope I have just scared myself unnecessarily. I thought I saw a baby Mothman in my kitchen. If I did I'm sure it was the first in-home sighting of this creepy monster. I told Ted. He laughed. He never said a word. He simply laughed. Then he went back to watching the end of this never ending football game. Apparently the fact that there could be a floaty, spooky monster downstairs doesn't matter. I should take that as a sign. "A sign of what?," you ask. That I'm loopy and I watched too many episodes of Monster Quest last night before I went to sleep.Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-75923287177590790732009-02-01T16:54:00.000-05:002009-02-01T16:59:56.467-05:00My travelsThis are the states that have seen my feet:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.world66.com/myworld66/visitedStates/statemap?visited=ALAZCODCDEFLGAILINIAKSKYMDMIMNMOMTNENVNJNMNYOHOKPASDTXUTVTVAWVWIWY"><br/><br /><a href="http://www.world66.com/myworld66">create your own personalized map of the USA</a><br /> or check out our<a href="http://www.world66.com/northamerica/unitedstates/california">California travel guide</a>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8530402436596826607.post-83149309641393536402009-01-27T21:53:00.000-05:002009-01-27T22:01:52.380-05:0025 Random Things About Me<span >1. I love winter and it drives me nuts when people complain about the cold weather. I can't imagine living in a warm climate.</span><br /><span >2. This summer my husband and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage. </span><br /><span >3. I am allergic to 4 of the top 8 food allergens; milk, eggs, wheat, and peanuts. I'm currently in a desensitization program so I am able to have certain amounts of these each day. I miss my peanut butter.</span><br /><span >4. I'm a wee bit obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder. I've studied her life, traveled to her homes, and studied the lives of her friends and family members. My history loving husband has come along for the ride. I've even been able to get one of my cousins and her children to visit Laura's birthplace, OH, and another cousin too. And then...I always manage to get a student or two liking her every year.</span><br /><span >5. I keep several journals. I love to write about what's going on, what I'm praying about, dreaming about, I make lists, I plan, and I record every book I read. And then, because I'm goofy, I decorate pages with stickers, I use different colored ink, and I draw pictures with crayons and markers. My journals are great. Oh, and I blog. My blog is not that great.</span><br /><span >6. I love to write. Someday I would love to have one of my projects published. </span><br /><span >7. I am a Christ Follower. It is the biggest piece of who I am. </span><br /><span >8. I love to read. During the summer I read a book a day. Yes, that means all I am doing all day long is reading. </span><br /><span >9. I also love to knit. I have many projects going at one time. </span><br /><span >10. Wow, this is only number 10. I only like even numbers. I think odd numbers are ugly. I also think the numbers containing the numeral 6 are ugly. Pretty weird, huh?</span><br /><span >11. July 29th is my favorite day of the summer. The summer needs a holiday and I think that should be it. Just ask Alli and Sarah. Mark your calendars people!</span><br /><span >12. I've donated my hair to Locks of Love 3 times and I think I'm about ready for my 4th donation.</span><br /><span >13. I am afraid of bridges and head lice.</span><br /><span >14. My favorite colors in junior high were pink and green...they still are...just not together.</span><br /><span >15. I love Hello Kitty. Ted bought me a Hello Kitty desk lamp for Christmas. One of my students is in love with it 8-) We love Hello Kitty together. I am in deep like with Choco Cat.</span><br /><span >16. I like being connected to my cousins on the Internet. It's a little sad really that I should need a tool like Facebook or email to "talk" to my family. Oops...I'm part loser.</span><br /><span >17. I become easily addicted to reality shows, even those that I really shouldn't be watching. Since I don't watch that much tv that means my limited viewing time is wasted on trash. Except for the Deadliest Catch and Amazing Race, they are awesome.</span><br /><span >18. My favorite show is The Office. My favorite character...maybe Dwight...</span><br /><span >19. Perfume tends to give me headaches...but not the one I wear to work...Love's Baby Soft. It's pink and it smells good.20. My husband told me if I win $2 million I can quit my job. But, I never play the lottery or gamble. So, does anyone know where I can win $2 million? Guaranteed?</span><br /><span >21. I am not proofreading this...it's taking too long and I don't want to read it again 8-) #21 I hate editing my own writing. I love editing the work of others.</span><br /><span >22. I love to ride my bike. In the summer Ted and I go for rides late at night and see all the deer that live behind us. It's cool.</span><br /><span >23. Asthma sucks.</span><br /><span >24. Migraines suck.</span><br /><span >25. I have the greatest husband in the world!</span>Dawn Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486257647507499085noreply@blogger.com1