Independence Day

Yesterday was a fabulous day!

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Steve came home from Wal-Mart at 7:30am.  He climbed into bed, and I climbed out.  Did I mention that we got a brandy-spanking new mattress and box spring?  First time EVAH in our marriage.  It's a full-size, Sealy "Sarina" king coil with a pillow top.  HEAVEN.  And new pillows.  I'm in love.

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I went for a walk/jog.  You have to understand, I don't run.  But I've always wanted to be a runner, but it's just, oh, I don't know, I'm not consistent enough, I guess.  So it's always like this monumental thing when I try to run (as in exercise--I can run if I have to...).  But after 2 weeks of biking, I thought I'd give it a shot.  I did okay.  I can run for maybe 30-45 seconds before I have to walk again for a bit.  Better than 10 seconds.

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So I did that, then came home and rode the exercise bike (which has been moved into the living room) while I watched the Women's Wimbledon final.  I was surprised that Serena Williams won in straight sets, but she's been playing incredibly.

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Then it was time to get ready for Val & Dan's 4th of July party.  I made a big pan of brownies.  Maddie helped me make a huge tossed salad.  Being on Weight Watchers, I was really concerned about having food at the cookout that I could eat.  I packed two fat-free hot dogs and 2 lite buns, and brought a nectarine for myself.

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We left our house around 1:30 to be at Val's by 2pm.  She and Dan have a beautiful home with a great backyard.  The weather (after so many days of thunderstorms) was beyond gorgeous--big, puffy clouds, blue skies, a great breeze, and SUNSHINE.

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The kids went swimming, even though the water in the pool was freezing.  Crazy kids.

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It was a really nice time of visiting.  I played volleyball--I am SO sore today.  Just dying. 

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We ended up staying until 8:30pm.  We had a bonfire and smores.  My camera batteries died, but Dan had more, and I took over 200 pictures.  Here's just a few (who am I kidding, more than a few...LOL).

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My beautiful friend, Beth

Her son, Jake, doing a cartwheel on the balance beam

Me and my man-cub

Sisters, sisters, there were never more devoted sisters...

Patience and Grace

Kind of getting a smile out of Ashley--she's almost 15

A great picture of the Birkenfeld family, if I do say so myself

Getting a kiss from my girl, after the volleyball game

Paula & Nicola, and the girls

Me & my Maddie-girl

Our pastor & his wife (Rich & Paula) and our hosts (Val & Dan)

Me & Patience

Smores!!!!

Happy 4th of July!  Happy Birthday, America!

10:49 AM - Jul. 5, 2009 - post comment

Fun Times!

It looks like a fun time was had by all! What beautiful pictures!!!! I hope your summer is going well and every one is still having fun! :)
Tracy

tscarpulla - 7:53 AM - Jul. 23, 2009

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Untitled Comment

Hey Amanda~

Looks like you had a great 4th of july. I tried to leave a comment on here the other day and ended up having to go do something else and never made it back. I am half way through Julie and Julia and OMG her mouth is filthy. I'm now even sure if I like the book yet. I really liked A Homemade Life and The Gentle Art of Domesticity. I was thinking it would be something like those but not at all. I am curious how the movie will be. I read on Amazon that Julia Child did not want to be involved in this project at all.

What are you up to?

Ruth

Anonymous - 7:51 PM - Jul. 27, 2009

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