tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54867741147104376132024-03-13T04:18:11.857-07:00Home Is Where We Want To BeTasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-6308817162952785962021-06-28T15:18:00.001-07:002021-06-28T15:18:23.336-07:00Something AmazingI came across an amazing website a few days ago, <a href="https://www.homeschoolshare.com">homeschoolshare.com</a>. Ami created this website all the way back in 2004. How did I never see this?! According to Ami, this site is an "online hub where homeschool moms could have a place to share literature-based unit studies they had written". Genius. I spent hours on Saturday and today (Monday) downloading a ton of files to my computer. You really need to check it out for yourself. There are unit studies, lapbooks, and printables. Some are literature based, some are not, and they cover all of the main subjects. This is the first time I have ever been excited to do lapbooks. I do love unit studies, but I usually come up with my own so they're not so complicated. These ones, however, look so easy to do and fun. Love, love, love! I can't wait to use these for this upcoming school year. Seriously, check it out.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-88586532248176320302021-06-17T23:18:00.001-07:002021-06-17T23:18:21.623-07:00Back AgainI can't believe it's been almost 11 years since I've posted on this blog. Instead of starting all over again, I'm going to just continue using this one. Why? Because home is where we want to be. I started homeschooling way back in 2008. We just completed our 12th year. Given everything that is going on in our world today, I'm so grateful we already had a routine that didn't fall to pieces because of Covid-19. I felt so, I don't know how to say it, sad and angry for everything the teachers and kids went through. The constant ups and downs, ins and outs, to put it lightly. I get it. I was so thankful though that we didn't have to add that onto our plate. I'm also so grateful that my kids haven't had to deal with everything else that's come about these last few years in the schools. Do I shelter my kids? Nope. I probably say more than I should. I sometimes wonder if I'm causing anxiety that I don't see. But then I remind myself that these issues are their life and they need to know about them. Anyway, I want my children to be proud of their country and of who they are. I want them to have the confidence to reach for their dreams even if everyone tells them they can't. Most important of all, I want them to know that they are sons and daughters of God. They are in a fight for their lives, for their souls, and they need God at all times. Not just on Sunday, but every day, all day. Home can provide that place for them. It's a place of learning, intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional growth. I'm continuing this blog so I can share with you what our life is like, so you can see that you don't need to be picture perfect, and neither does your house or your homeschool. There won't be any Pinterest perfect pictures, no professionally written blog posts, no perfect homemaking anything. This post probably comes across as harsh, not trying to, but I just wanted to lay it all out there. Hopefully I have something to share that can be of help. Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-90085388750967540792010-10-04T23:38:00.003-07:002010-10-05T12:39:28.567-07:00My familyWow, it's been a long time since I've posted anything. So here's a quick run down. The newest addition to our family, Katy, is 9 1/2 months now. She is very determined to have and do what she wants. She has been my most attached child yet my most independent. It's a complete oxymoron, but apparently that's just the way is works. A few weeks after crawling around on her belly she decided she could move faster crawling on all fours but even that wasn't good enough. So in a three day time span she started crawling on all fours, pulling herself up to stand, and then stepping a few steps along the furniture. She is one determined girl. This was about three weeks ago and now for the first time today when she was standing she let go and stood for a few seconds on her own. I was so proud of her. She also waved for the first time today. She has kept me mighty busy these last nine months. So that's where I disappeared to. Rebeka was baptized in August and she makes Seth and I proud with her desire to feel the spirit. It really touches our hearts when she says to us, "Do you feel the Spirit, I do." Jacob loves his family so much and still at six years of age loves to be cuddled. He has a huge, soft heart it that little body of his. Jayson loves playing with his little sister and takes good care of her. He too is a big teddy bear and loves his hugs and kisses. James has stolen the spotlight from Jacob and is the new class clown. He loves to make people laugh and be so silly. He loves to play with his little sister and enjoys giving hugs and kisses. My sweetheart Seth enjoys doing all he can to serve me and loves to see me smile. He loves playing with the kids esp. when he gets to tickle them (which he does to all of us often :) ) He is my best friend and I love him so much. As for me I'm enjoying home school. I'm in my third year now and I truly enjoy watching my children grow. Our bond has been stronger and continues to grow. I enjoy my children and love them so much. They bring so much joy to my life. I am so grateful for my family and for their unconditional love. They truly are beautiful.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-44555384644578367382009-10-14T10:16:00.002-07:002009-10-14T10:41:22.562-07:00Almost ThereWell, we are officially two and a half weeks away from getting the keys to our house. I can hardly contain my excitement anymore. All that's left to be done is the front landscaping, countertops, carpet, and tile. We are in the midst of packing up our belongings and I'm trying to get it done quickly as Seth will not be here the week of the move. Yep, you heard me right. He will be out of town at a convention in Vegas with his boss. They are leaving on Monday and will be back around midnight Thursday night. He'll be working Friday, signing closing papers later in the day, then getting the keys either Friday night or I'll get them Saturday morning. Then later Saturday afternoon we will be moving in and then of course trick-or-treating that night. Busy, busy, busy! Ya, so that last week I'll be by myself with four kids and 31 weeks pregnant. What a ride! Speaking of which. My OB decided to keep my original due date of Dec 24 since the baby was measuring within two weeks. Oh, and it's a girl!Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-21452743287242067452009-08-03T14:20:00.002-07:002009-08-03T14:27:34.335-07:00NewsWow, I didn't realize it's been four months since my last post. Well, to update everyone we just bought a new house in Queen Creek at Skyline. It will be finished the end of October/beginning November. We're super excited to have our own home and not have to move anymore. Just so you know, we've moved six times in the almost eight years we've been married (which will be next month). That is way to many times and we are quite known for that. The other news we have to share is that we are going to have A GIRL!!! We are so excited since we currently have one girl and three boys. It's time for another girl. I'm due Dec 31st so maybe we'll have another Christmas baby.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-56508148323824021132009-03-26T14:03:00.002-07:002009-03-26T14:26:44.167-07:00Vinegar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scoutmaster.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/18/vinegar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 170px;" src="http://scoutmaster.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/18/vinegar.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In my quest for going back to basics in my family's life I have stumbled upon vinegar. To some of you this isn't anything new, but for me it is so I'm going to share what I've found. There are so many uses for vinegar. I have been using this in our home for the last two weeks and let me tell you, I am absolutely amazed! Our clothes are cleaner and smell fresh. My dishes no longer have water spots on them and they're actually smooth to the touch. I add the vinegar to my water saver cycle before the main detergent cup opens. I haven't tried the first rinse cycle since I did not know I had more than one, but I like my result so I'm keeping it where it's at. I even mopped my floors (linoleum) with it today using 1/4 cup per gallon and my floor is smooth and shiny. It actually reflects the furniture on the floor. Crazy, I know! If you have tile or wood floors make sure it's safe to use. Research on-line or test an inconspicuous spot. Anyway, the list goes on and on. I love using it because it's natural and contains no chemicals and it's much cheaper. A gallon bottle is $2. Here are some web sites for you to check out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vinegartips.com/">http://www.vinegartips.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html#1">http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html#1</a>Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-45501525196558811802009-03-18T23:26:00.002-07:002009-03-18T23:31:06.923-07:00MIAFor those who don't know we moved a few weeks ago back to ASU East. We're glad to be back and feel like we're home again. We do miss our friends from Gilbert and are grateful for facebook that allows us to stay in touch. It's been crazy, but we're finally settled in.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-28800750378735501242009-01-28T13:45:00.004-07:002009-01-28T14:19:55.848-07:00Tag, you're it!Ok, so there are many, many wonderful blogs out there, but sometimes you just need to highlight those that make you feel good about yourself. So what do you do, you make them feel good right back!<br /><br />So, here's what you do:<br /><br />1. From your list of blogs, pick <strong>1 blogger</strong> that you know or knew from AZ.<br /><br />2. Tell a <strong>2-sentence</strong> brief history of where you know them and how.<br /><br />3. Describe them and their blog in <strong>3 cool words</strong>.<br /><br />4. Tag <strong>4 bloggers</strong> you know or knew from AZ.<br /><br />5. <strong>Click on the featured blog</strong> below then comment to invite them to come see yours.<br /><br />Ok, I'm picking <a href="http://ladycarlitas.blogspot.com/">Carla's Place</a> from Carla Engstrom.<br /><br />We met at Gateway Ward in Mesa. She lived a few houses down from me.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br />CLASSY, PASSIONATE, BEAUTIFUL</span></span><br /><br />Ok, I'm tagging Courtney, Molly, Brandis, and Laurel.<br /><br />Go on, make someone's day and tag them right back! :DTasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-13819624440772628372009-01-27T15:09:00.009-07:002009-01-27T15:33:28.979-07:00ChristmasWell, we went to Thatcher for Christmas to be with Seth's family. We enjoy hanging out with them and we have loads of fun. This year, the kids and I met Seth's older brother Jared and his family. Jared calls us once in a while so it was nice to put a face to the name. They are an awesome family family and I really enjoyed getting to know them. For the first time my children were able to watch it snow and then have fun playing in it. It truly was a magical Christmas. Here are some pictures from our trip.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbzquNkEuemFDzs65h5fQwWF_buFL_fwv-FQjoiqI9WPC3aL4k2VDhUWs1G75KZ4BC6QeaeaUWPZbf7SG4lfote59QIUBRszrWeSPvCDZlH4nSN4sZfX3_IcfWJAX7WNld0yPzcS9Mket/s1600-h/100_2408.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/AVvXsEgTbzquNkEuemFDzs65h5fQwWF_buFL_fwv-FQjoiqI9WPC3aL4k2VDhUWs1G75KZ4BC6QeaeaUWPZbf7SG4lfote59QIUBRszrWeSPvCDZlH4nSN4sZfX3_IcfWJAX7WNld0yPzcS9Mket/s200/100_2408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296104891455619810" border="0" /></a>This was the view on the way up. Absolutely beautiful!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTEX7ktsAOyARGOEEwy9TYdLsZzCKtxakxfxK1L4RLzs38yD2xf6FkBfUj1lHbZX_LPcVzfrSC6GFAqcSz9sAOwLCEkS5LkLK3ElSrL42by16H3M3_qXo3N4TrS0ei8rG3XwNtvzrDxB_/s1600-h/100_2422.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/AVvXsEgOTEX7ktsAOyARGOEEwy9TYdLsZzCKtxakxfxK1L4RLzs38yD2xf6FkBfUj1lHbZX_LPcVzfrSC6GFAqcSz9sAOwLCEkS5LkLK3ElSrL42by16H3M3_qXo3N4TrS0ei8rG3XwNtvzrDxB_/s200/100_2422.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296103698533359794" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of James with snow in his hair.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBCduN60uQ9rKMspYsNp4bw2aKMtv9ylNjTEXjLaoxMzc9xwG_7Aadzd2wRe69LRMo5fsnYW0ek8NwMnAHFZ_ArATv5_G_-jwlru5_j6wRGkj4XjkxMyODt6fpf8ERQfyR-08aoPbAvn6/s1600-h/000_0541.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/AVvXsEhTBCduN60uQ9rKMspYsNp4bw2aKMtv9ylNjTEXjLaoxMzc9xwG_7Aadzd2wRe69LRMo5fsnYW0ek8NwMnAHFZ_ArATv5_G_-jwlru5_j6wRGkj4XjkxMyODt6fpf8ERQfyR-08aoPbAvn6/s200/000_0541.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296101722887294178" border="0" /></a>This is our van getting snowed on.<br />(ignore the date)<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EufJ2z7ZF2EVq-vFQo3zExdrqZMBLK-uz1bTT6veiAl2UuPeasNO7AYcAFEpXwmzn7IMiPvrUpby-HidC3nDft6TLi7yUzl2wyBYCHxb3MBGqvauAC0fQEsPp6onMxw0eKQmwvMQuU07/s1600-h/100_2452.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/AVvXsEh_EufJ2z7ZF2EVq-vFQo3zExdrqZMBLK-uz1bTT6veiAl2UuPeasNO7AYcAFEpXwmzn7IMiPvrUpby-HidC3nDft6TLi7yUzl2wyBYCHxb3MBGqvauAC0fQEsPp6onMxw0eKQmwvMQuU07/s200/100_2452.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296102299833194354" border="0" /></a>This was our van the following morning.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdGqsupy41olwqf9BwgyvL6zp9B8TKfQm17UWuFBtSilBZgx21LQU2IQj1OKfx2VK1XFpQxe7Q8-DB8VCX5VQbIj8xzPyLEBifEc8XmzrYXq1tAPhh-1hDnCRuGdZaiOTiWo9oMBmkQOj/s1600-h/100_2444.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/AVvXsEjBdGqsupy41olwqf9BwgyvL6zp9B8TKfQm17UWuFBtSilBZgx21LQU2IQj1OKfx2VK1XFpQxe7Q8-DB8VCX5VQbIj8xzPyLEBifEc8XmzrYXq1tAPhh-1hDnCRuGdZaiOTiWo9oMBmkQOj/s200/100_2444.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296102941088365314" border="0" /></a>This is the view from my mother-in-laws back porch.<br /></div>Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-7203106948954388792008-12-03T12:27:00.006-07:002008-12-03T12:39:19.749-07:00For the First Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4E9NH-juYkFKr-W_6_CkkCUYrAbxN_jYl9R3j906cU6rX21M5jod4fnmMvd0tytRfzgjfIFAW7Cq6qca6ZGp0aXZ56GhXsCDe2Zz5TwuswIijY2hBDU48Es6_kJBMDduvZ_u5lEbTO0N/s1600-h/000_0498.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4E9NH-juYkFKr-W_6_CkkCUYrAbxN_jYl9R3j906cU6rX21M5jod4fnmMvd0tytRfzgjfIFAW7Cq6qca6ZGp0aXZ56GhXsCDe2Zz5TwuswIijY2hBDU48Es6_kJBMDduvZ_u5lEbTO0N/s200/000_0498.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275648630863129474" border="0" /></a><br />James had his first shopping trip without being in his car seat. Don't worry I sanitized the parts of the shopping cart he would be touching (I need to pull out my cart cover). This picture is of James before we left home.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e3Zv0ox20iWo2flMSU6dfs21b_tjKj1qPj0pLhUZXG0LzXUqKKo4XhU2pQsNdHYENll1qSFJvdQWPosLXlH9tn7qdYxJybrBuNDjGvMjsF7KtoMsJs_VQNXpT-cMkvsJvYvNtq6WbzUl/s1600-h/100_1999.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e3Zv0ox20iWo2flMSU6dfs21b_tjKj1qPj0pLhUZXG0LzXUqKKo4XhU2pQsNdHYENll1qSFJvdQWPosLXlH9tn7qdYxJybrBuNDjGvMjsF7KtoMsJs_VQNXpT-cMkvsJvYvNtq6WbzUl/s200/100_1999.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275649000653056466" border="0" /></a><br />Here he is chillin' in his seat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6G4_lV9cuQZy4ZBuM_kS7kpkwfztDSdBryxIhgRL0xbYEFlu3qNHwglF3n4RrVeujdKjc0Q4weriHa4Kur7sEjNxjvpExhhQBjUSl-CgBuBNe0z2zCQTLmHjVJtB7FiI4FX80XMTRiK3/s1600-h/100_2007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6G4_lV9cuQZy4ZBuM_kS7kpkwfztDSdBryxIhgRL0xbYEFlu3qNHwglF3n4RrVeujdKjc0Q4weriHa4Kur7sEjNxjvpExhhQBjUSl-CgBuBNe0z2zCQTLmHjVJtB7FiI4FX80XMTRiK3/s200/100_2007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275649617255512722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h0oKRSw4WBOSKjSgE8hMngnK9AsTrZVVG4e6tSMjamlWp7wmmoRiKrj6i7ryKz-cqHEel3CHO-x82Pm0DQcV01i73_N-KiB94FoAjTOt3FqrLQ1KNg7etYkiSKhv3S04I6lgRp8-bIUZ/s1600-h/100_2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h0oKRSw4WBOSKjSgE8hMngnK9AsTrZVVG4e6tSMjamlWp7wmmoRiKrj6i7ryKz-cqHEel3CHO-x82Pm0DQcV01i73_N-KiB94FoAjTOt3FqrLQ1KNg7etYkiSKhv3S04I6lgRp8-bIUZ/s200/100_2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275650506540941794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here are some pictures of our other children.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-293213370162565952008-12-03T11:03:00.010-07:002008-12-03T12:26:37.300-07:00Lots of Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6ebkiwHhvzWd-PJNHrxDwc-2MZgtWRGH8enpqErN63YqPtZNq_GUoOCYbFbXYXLEx-LOakuoQPQWo_JCwdkByFF9AXacDKNQdFRvDIP9tMrIu2WLnQ6fhq7gY38PUJ4D5yMZCiVoRoNQ/s1600-h/100_2145.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/AVvXsEhu6ebkiwHhvzWd-PJNHrxDwc-2MZgtWRGH8enpqErN63YqPtZNq_GUoOCYbFbXYXLEx-LOakuoQPQWo_JCwdkByFF9AXacDKNQdFRvDIP9tMrIu2WLnQ6fhq7gY38PUJ4D5yMZCiVoRoNQ/s200/100_2145.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275643602564472610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AAMC__LygXaYu6DLq5iRH1Ts8zkmdWNWKeWfNrAuvGnhPF9ELC8X_TN_dw2Nl3iLXwDh8Z9MVYuP1HuxeDbS8NxJ7HcLeSTzA1XxPiYGMREwa31jn2x3cWVYHTUibRwkENDwN4RGje2a/s1600-h/100_2148.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/AVvXsEg-AAMC__LygXaYu6DLq5iRH1Ts8zkmdWNWKeWfNrAuvGnhPF9ELC8X_TN_dw2Nl3iLXwDh8Z9MVYuP1HuxeDbS8NxJ7HcLeSTzA1XxPiYGMREwa31jn2x3cWVYHTUibRwkENDwN4RGje2a/s200/100_2148.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275643847159759682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyYescosZxT9a-FTfYwXVMgqGFU-0PM39Yn-RBtrlWfsXD6YXx0DzPg2E3cLxMj047LImD95cdCQhN7230aEd7iCRSVH5afpOLVYsx5IrQbdlWwcKOYRbNc_I2mRKvIkpsKbn814zGrWT/s1600-h/100_2152.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/AVvXsEjCyYescosZxT9a-FTfYwXVMgqGFU-0PM39Yn-RBtrlWfsXD6YXx0DzPg2E3cLxMj047LImD95cdCQhN7230aEd7iCRSVH5afpOLVYsx5IrQbdlWwcKOYRbNc_I2mRKvIkpsKbn814zGrWT/s200/100_2152.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275644083419473826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJD5P-AkTTKo9k2fKXZ1hKJnlT9jALBSRTxMGkkljvUCgz4Ts6x0EkldTMZNqK9vEDeTMieyA8q3ECjoGYOoXuVXXj1OFqeL6bXu2ryqtG-An5FrRlqTGcW49qHlNI2ve6VrJZSk8E8RS/s1600-h/100_2144.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/AVvXsEhDJD5P-AkTTKo9k2fKXZ1hKJnlT9jALBSRTxMGkkljvUCgz4Ts6x0EkldTMZNqK9vEDeTMieyA8q3ECjoGYOoXuVXXj1OFqeL6bXu2ryqtG-An5FrRlqTGcW49qHlNI2ve6VrJZSk8E8RS/s200/100_2144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275643427714946162" border="0" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvICSyLmfqGxByww-FFZMlWEy0PXKPtwRuysgpdBDVR7BKIsDoDJktliYTnnESz5SqxRBgYYI-_yJBAfPhZb4RG4pls2dPgkOoTh_Su55Klgp-4vHDyS3N9PdIXew9mToBuBNmvi7z835/s1600-h/100_2150.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/AVvXsEhgvICSyLmfqGxByww-FFZMlWEy0PXKPtwRuysgpdBDVR7BKIsDoDJktliYTnnESz5SqxRBgYYI-_yJBAfPhZb4RG4pls2dPgkOoTh_Su55Klgp-4vHDyS3N9PdIXew9mToBuBNmvi7z835/s200/100_2150.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275643204101544690" border="0" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LR3sT-KfN50fM-aOhE-DrUkR9_TF9nYyKYPaBm48xdzT1Kf0_qvC6cWYUJ80MtWM59TCEBxVRXDdcjjl-Q5g6tzazRlOOjvEYehdQ8dcmzifLF_7MJYAUNsAXmE0CyX5kMZSKbwu3sW_/s1600-h/100_2137.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/AVvXsEg8LR3sT-KfN50fM-aOhE-DrUkR9_TF9nYyKYPaBm48xdzT1Kf0_qvC6cWYUJ80MtWM59TCEBxVRXDdcjjl-Q5g6tzazRlOOjvEYehdQ8dcmzifLF_7MJYAUNsAXmE0CyX5kMZSKbwu3sW_/s200/100_2137.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275642861453708898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-REJ0wLmvWzP2TO6NPFSDRVw8G7O4h_yLmdyfYY9EGXQ_2oanfoPoCZZ_2LBSmX6hLBFCkqESPmq9X9pdfQWQcy2-CxaoxI73ru2bdOFOdMTEn-K5xvq1x3elq95TnYt2MSCfebMmxBFz/s1600-h/100_2153.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/AVvXsEi-REJ0wLmvWzP2TO6NPFSDRVw8G7O4h_yLmdyfYY9EGXQ_2oanfoPoCZZ_2LBSmX6hLBFCkqESPmq9X9pdfQWQcy2-CxaoxI73ru2bdOFOdMTEn-K5xvq1x3elq95TnYt2MSCfebMmxBFz/s200/100_2153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275644328864658738" border="0" /></a><br />Here are pictures of our yummy food, my aunt and uncle and grandparents, the children, and my brothers and sister.<br /><br />Thanksgiving was a total blast. This was the first time I've hosted a party and I felt like it was a huge success. Everyone seemed to have fun, even the grandparents. Some of us played a game called, "You Might Be a Redneck if..." by Jeff Foxworthy. It was fun to see everyone laugh at the jokes. We had tons of awesome food with tons of leftovers that everyone took home. We're going to host the family Christmas party too since we'll be here for that, then we'll be up in Thatcher for Christmas with Seth's family. I'm excited to see how well the Christmas party at our house will go.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-50666956500875828282008-11-26T11:27:00.003-07:002008-11-26T11:58:20.745-07:00Getting Ready<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Zsn-LpL3UCpf8MnVUz_H7Pwvzym9LdL4O_kkvTLcK8erCzM7YQEJAQyxXH9KaPjCAt3-fcbsQ1SQSAVs-U3RNkmg6v-yh75pkfL2j6FSwfRa_-U67DTRDcZApVvvEJoPz83Eg4aLirv3/s1600-h/thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Zsn-LpL3UCpf8MnVUz_H7Pwvzym9LdL4O_kkvTLcK8erCzM7YQEJAQyxXH9KaPjCAt3-fcbsQ1SQSAVs-U3RNkmg6v-yh75pkfL2j6FSwfRa_-U67DTRDcZApVvvEJoPz83Eg4aLirv3/s200/thanksgiving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273042497928010194" border="0" /></a><br />We normally have Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's house with her side of the family but this year she is in Hawaii. So, we decided to have it at our place. It'll be a little cramped but we have enough couch space. I'm really excited which isn't like me. Normally I would be totally stressed about the house having to be cleaned and the food prepared, but this time it's different. My only explanation is that I've been doing pretty good at keeping the living room and kitchen clean so I only have to do touch ups and a little bit of clutter control. No one needs to go into the rest of the rooms so I don't need to worry about those. It's always been tradition to do a potluck, but this year I've gone all out. I don't know what others are bringing, but I want to be prepared just in case something gets left out. I have a turkey, two pies with whipped cream, three cans of cranberry sauce, all the paper products such as plates and cups, silverware, and two things of ice cream. I wanted to get rolls but I have a hard time buying things with MSG in them. I just can't justify that. So, hopefully someone will bring rolls. My sister usually brings dessert and my aunt and grandparents bring side dishes so we should be set. My brothers will be there too but they're not bringing anything. I'm totally excited for this and I'll let you know how it goes.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-15962164595388813692008-11-25T16:30:00.003-07:002008-11-25T16:44:01.709-07:00Jacob<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVq5I_utjOF410ZdWYmm4bAq7rVFL9Gk0D-trvvVQIvEHSPQ_l5OlUsX6ikFn2RT7Xg3_ds1OW3Q3_PY-Xab9c_GPzpJRoUpbzZHErc-WJFcpBMOUMtAKQL2LT5sBXfGMrlZPLqNNY3t9/s1600-h/100_1494.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVq5I_utjOF410ZdWYmm4bAq7rVFL9Gk0D-trvvVQIvEHSPQ_l5OlUsX6ikFn2RT7Xg3_ds1OW3Q3_PY-Xab9c_GPzpJRoUpbzZHErc-WJFcpBMOUMtAKQL2LT5sBXfGMrlZPLqNNY3t9/s200/100_1494.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272743748643556850" border="0" /></a><br />This is Jacob. He is the family clown and loves to be the center of attention. In most of his pictures he's goofing off. He must have been pretty tired after playing for me to get him with a straight face.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-57720209844169076212008-11-25T16:10:00.004-07:002008-11-25T16:44:42.857-07:00Boo-Boo's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivszwEpv4xlOmLfPujZTYpg90qAe3VM5ZE7-tM42fjlz1EMGOGE-mZ_Ibb4dpsL8Hde_LKtb8jteRhIkKr4IphwfLnYkKBKEZsQ2mcwc5AxVXuN10qF0fOwBDJTEFLZbmw2CkD4cukXgUk/s1600-h/100_1738.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivszwEpv4xlOmLfPujZTYpg90qAe3VM5ZE7-tM42fjlz1EMGOGE-mZ_Ibb4dpsL8Hde_LKtb8jteRhIkKr4IphwfLnYkKBKEZsQ2mcwc5AxVXuN10qF0fOwBDJTEFLZbmw2CkD4cukXgUk/s200/100_1738.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272739745534217762" border="0" /></a>Jayson was running into his bedroom and tripped over the toys hitting his head on Rebeka's metal bed frame. Thankfully, the gash wasn't big enough for stitches but we still had to have it glued. He was so strong, holding very still for the doctor. He protected his "owie" for weeks. I had to convince him it was finally healed and we could touch his head in that spot again. He has a scar, but it's pretty light so it will most likely fade over time. He's such a strong and determined little boy.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-26404186035301617422008-11-25T15:56:00.003-07:002008-11-25T16:57:40.213-07:00Rebeka<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjnSrn0YawiYVwq6v6Jq_iEXxIFOjxtUXPo8CItGekORrktKapl1HqXifFrXxCqcFIfynWP7-rVnqfKcVo-bM9yu1T4ejM8omD13ZvZrN7lEGDt9zOAttdCWsoWnLjLiqq7djMKl_0uTf/s1600-h/100_1485.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjnSrn0YawiYVwq6v6Jq_iEXxIFOjxtUXPo8CItGekORrktKapl1HqXifFrXxCqcFIfynWP7-rVnqfKcVo-bM9yu1T4ejM8omD13ZvZrN7lEGDt9zOAttdCWsoWnLjLiqq7djMKl_0uTf/s200/100_1485.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272748592492840722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Wow, what can I say. My baby girl isn't a baby anymore.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-56611089774229067622008-11-25T15:47:00.003-07:002008-11-25T16:45:59.279-07:00James<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NNKXIN5hOERCwwuydCtJDocYD97GYnoMrYb_w9wThM6mCzPWBYwgi12QjuR2fgDMrJz7L2aqaKKhQKiluS9hBPuyNus7Kyx9lJwHO1Ip6D8MJzwPwtk2ayNqdt8vhGtWPz0uIQbsZEWf/s1600-h/000_0486.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NNKXIN5hOERCwwuydCtJDocYD97GYnoMrYb_w9wThM6mCzPWBYwgi12QjuR2fgDMrJz7L2aqaKKhQKiluS9hBPuyNus7Kyx9lJwHO1Ip6D8MJzwPwtk2ayNqdt8vhGtWPz0uIQbsZEWf/s200/000_0486.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272732049346245154" border="0" /></a>James is checking out his new sippy cup while wearing his new pajamas. He is a curious little boy.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-51520411757982156392008-11-25T14:29:00.002-07:002021-06-17T23:49:02.757-07:00About UsSeth and I have been married for almost 20 years. We have 9 children and have homeschooled for the past 12 years.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5486774114710437613.post-61252133902233472872008-11-24T13:10:00.001-07:002008-11-25T16:46:31.104-07:00Speeding Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJK2Q37BudO8PQUGwFjJ73SoBhwR81kZq8y9-Q3Y_TtKZfjXE59_C-gFXDe0pKXAb6OnnWg1a7HhFwWWI73gZ1z74A4I2xizRedaz7MH6pZV5-0BT2pqwlL541C5adeMHeLWRl79J1dUe/s1600-h/100_1934.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 96px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJK2Q37BudO8PQUGwFjJ73SoBhwR81kZq8y9-Q3Y_TtKZfjXE59_C-gFXDe0pKXAb6OnnWg1a7HhFwWWI73gZ1z74A4I2xizRedaz7MH6pZV5-0BT2pqwlL541C5adeMHeLWRl79J1dUe/s200/100_1934.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272323782743283218" border="0" /></a><br />James is starting to crawl faster now and at times will try to get away from me. We make a game out of it and he really enjoys it. It's good for his motor skills too.Tasha Dodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13260408299146605029noreply@blogger.com0