tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23744118548430696822024-02-21T19:40:34.597-07:00Hoppie ThoughtsTara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-29734660786717192262011-06-16T11:45:00.004-06:002011-06-16T12:10:09.019-06:00Looking UpLife is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">roller coaster</span>. I am really learning what it means to look <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">toward</span> the light at the end of the tunnel. There are many things that are really good in my life currently though, and I thought I would put them down so I can remember to be thankful today.<br /><br />It is baseball season, and Zane is thrilled. He loves being on a team, and baseball is his favorite sport to play. I love watching my kids play sports. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nyah</span> is more interested in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">gymnastics</span>, and I love seeing her enjoy that as well.<br /><br />I have such great friends! I have so many people that call me, text me, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">facebook</span> me, and invite me to hang out, and it feels so nice to have so many real connections. I have a few friends that even send me cards, and it makes my day every time (thanks Beth, Liz, and Andy!)<br /><br />Now that the weather has warmed up the kids and I have been going hiking. Hiking is one of my very favorite things to do. I get a good work out while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the hills, mountains, and valleys around me. The kids and I love to run up the steep parts and see how fast we can reach the top!<br /><br />So many people are still looking for jobs or are unhappy in their positions, but I have a FANTASTIC job that I love. Working for the Marine Corps is such a blessing. I have been able to meet so many amazing people, and I feel like I am doing something to help college kids and grads. So many grads are struggling to find good jobs, and I get to be a little part of helping some of them start a career in the military.<br /><br />Okay, so that is enough. I am feeling good and I am excited for what new things I will experience in the near future. Being happy isn't always about things being perfect. It is about looking for the silver lining, and continuing to strive to put yourself and others around you in a better situation. Lesson learned.Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-40251009878037408192011-05-13T21:04:00.004-06:002011-05-16T13:02:21.230-06:00In the Eye of the StormThis has turned out to be a difficult beginning for 2011. My life has been very stormy, with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lightning</span> bolts striking in every direction. Some of it was caused by me, some of it was out of my control. A good friend reminded me recently that I need to be able to let go of what I can't control, have the strength to change what I can control, and the wisdom to know the difference... or something along those lines. Either which way you might say it, that is exactly what I need to do. I know that I can't make other people change. I know I can't change the past. But I can decide how I let other people's decisions affect me, and I can decide to be strong enough to make better decisions in the future. It can be so hard to face the reality of my imperfections, or of my distorted thinking, but I must be willing to see what is in the mirror if I am truly going to make a change.<br /><br />My father passed away on April 5, 2011. I was told by a police officer on April 6. It was completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">devastating</span> at that moment. I felt as if the wind had been completely knocked out of me and that I would collapse under the pressure of the enormous boulder that had just crushed my entire body. I have never felt so helpless, so completely alone as I did in that very moment. I knew that my father had taken his life, and in that realization I felt conflicted in being completely rejected while also being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">devastated</span> at the amazing anguish he must have felt to commit such a permanent and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">devastating</span> act. I have gone through a whirlwind of emotion in this past month, but I have been lifted by God, carried by the forgiveness and compassion of the Savior. I am getting through this, and I will be alright. I just need to make it through this storm so I will find the joy of the Summer days that lie ahead for me.<br /><br />Many wonderful and loving friends and family members have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">instruments</span> in the hands of God. He has answered many of my prayers through them, and I will be eternally grateful that they listened to his promptings to be there for me, to love me unconditionally through the most difficult time in my life. There are many other very difficult situations that have been complicating my life lately, and some of them have been completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">heart wrenching</span>, but I know that I will figure this all out, and that through prayer, strength, patience, and diligence I will come out more whole in the end.Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-66195075194648856872011-01-23T15:11:00.006-07:002011-01-29T07:49:01.963-07:00Walk MS 2011I just signed the <strong>Hoppers</strong> up for <strong>WALK MS 2011</strong> for our <em>fourth</em> year, and I am excited to get things going. Each of the three previous years have been such great experiences, and I am really looking forward to participating with the team again. There have been such amazing things that have happened with this team, and I thought it would be nice to share a few here.<br /><br />In April 2008 the Hoppers were born. I had just been diagnosed with MS, and I found out that Walk MS was just around the corner. I was pretty scared when I was first diagnosed, and I had been through quite a bit the month or two leading up to it, not to mention the previous 2 or 3 years before, and I wanted to do something, <strong>anything</strong> to make me feel like I wasn't just sitting around feeling sorry for myself. So, I talked to my sister-in-law Jenny, and we came up with the team name and signed up. I really wanted to be involved as much as I could, so I got to work designing t-shirts and sending out emails inviting friends and family to join the team and/or donate in the team's name. I was overwhelmed with the positive response, and we ended up raising <em>two or three</em> (I can't quite remember) <em>thousand dollars</em> in a matter of weeks. Many of my friends and family signed up and came to walk with us, even on such short notice. As we were walking around the first corner during the walk, tears welled up in my eyes as I realized <strong>thousands</strong> of people were downtown Salt Lake supporting someone with MS, and were trying to make a difference for someone they loved. Needless to say, I was glad I was wearing sunglasses so nobody would notice my tears.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSjdAQodNTLNCWbtdlSr_TW5dlM6gTupnGAkfC5-QkJMjkcbMqbwd9M_KZoZYgCfGPTXvn0Pt-feB5f824DS7_bEZ-dQr8BolI8Px_tcRVuGGOZIakLUOzqqYx_Q-fm-j7nh9_ZvplOAI/s1600/Hoppers+Team+2008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565518742276935634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSjdAQodNTLNCWbtdlSr_TW5dlM6gTupnGAkfC5-QkJMjkcbMqbwd9M_KZoZYgCfGPTXvn0Pt-feB5f824DS7_bEZ-dQr8BolI8Px_tcRVuGGOZIakLUOzqqYx_Q-fm-j7nh9_ZvplOAI/s320/Hoppers+Team+2008.jpg" /></a> Hoppers 2008<br /><br />In gearing up for 2009, some of the team decided to do a garage/bake sale to help raise money. Many members of the team and their friends donated items for the sale, and many people baked fresh breads, cookies, cakes, pies, etc to support the cause.That event raised about $450 for the walk, and it was a great thing to be a part of. Later in the year another team member baked and sold <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">doggie</span></span> treats to raise money for the team. It was fun to see how many dog lovers were happy to help the cause ;-)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapZ-S5zhRyCR5i2odcC7u9hMyX6QbKNdLTp8IMiHTC7dywV_xnuSgdU0Y56WJymoyVIqy619H64ZVI4HszN7Gm80GReFzLvS0u9LnjZcfacrm-IxJ-tlMboxJZaYvnKGM7E2GM1WfaFSd/s1600/MS%252520Walk%2525204-11-09%252520071%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565519701633983810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapZ-S5zhRyCR5i2odcC7u9hMyX6QbKNdLTp8IMiHTC7dywV_xnuSgdU0Y56WJymoyVIqy619H64ZVI4HszN7Gm80GReFzLvS0u9LnjZcfacrm-IxJ-tlMboxJZaYvnKGM7E2GM1WfaFSd/s320/MS%252520Walk%2525204-11-09%252520071%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a><br />Hoppers 2009<br /><br />2010 touched my heart even more than I could imagine. The Hoppers is made up of people of all ages, and we love to have kids participate with us. In the past the kids would participate just by walking with us, but that year three of the kids on the team (none of which were mine) decided they wanted to have a bake sale to raise money for the walk. They made several different kinds of treats and beverages and sold them out by the park in their neighborhood on a busy Saturday afternoon. They made signs and everything, and I believe they sold every last treat they made. I could hardly believe that little kids cared enough to do all that work and spend a large portion of their Saturday to raise money for the cause. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">There is a second story about last year that both surprised and humbled me. One day during the time that I was raising money online I came home to find $500 had been donated through my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">web page</span> by an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anonymous</span> person. Generally I can't tell who made a donation when they mark it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anonymous</span>, but somehow I could see their email address on the list of donors. I don't know that person, I have never even heard that name before! Who would donate <em>five hundred dollars</em> using the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">web page</span> of someone they do not know? I sent that person a thank you email, but since they obviously wanted to remain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anonymous</span>, I didn't hear back. Maybe I shouldn't have even sent the email, but I wanted that person to know how <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grateful</span> I was, and how their donation had brought joy to my experience. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> I will never forget either of those stories, and it still warms my heart to think of them giving so much. </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEWElnwK3SFA3DbOg30NTUVYJ0KA0Znv6KXFE_K69OlL0wDjILDJAJRWuYxFdT-r5J_eOW-t-P7q6UTou1X98_7Fx8MQVX5PlcugH6R2VpfGj_LsaXyrd9MkJ5N9CeO-bfyqbNVMtyrrp/s1600/Walk+MS+2010+team.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565518751476359682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEWElnwK3SFA3DbOg30NTUVYJ0KA0Znv6KXFE_K69OlL0wDjILDJAJRWuYxFdT-r5J_eOW-t-P7q6UTou1X98_7Fx8MQVX5PlcugH6R2VpfGj_LsaXyrd9MkJ5N9CeO-bfyqbNVMtyrrp/s320/Walk+MS+2010+team.jpg" /></a> Hoppers 2010<br /><br />Every year has been fun, and I want to throw the invitation out to anyone who is interested in joining our team or donating to the cause. I know that many people have causes they volunteer with and/or donate to on a regular basis, and I also realize you can't be involved in everything... but if you are looking for a way to volunteer your time and energy to a good cause and want to have some fun while doing it, please sign up to join the Hoppers for Walk MS 2011. Follow the link below to either donate, or sign up, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.<br /><br />http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/UTUWalkEvents?px=4644547&pg=personal&fr_id=16822 </div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-38665991598604526432011-01-01T15:28:00.003-07:002011-01-01T15:57:09.922-07:00Making My Resolutions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtggygHrZSC1G47loudMs6X7Sh946sN0SQaum3fr-KO5D3giJAa45KmjIogOpV7bIhTwFqrSGk9wGEGcgRJ8i-rgw8GCehRuxoOPaD_zx5Wkgy34RTHgdwFHvGTLNktPEYWfQDYmpDFVT/s1600/1happynewyear.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557355267823330242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtggygHrZSC1G47loudMs6X7Sh946sN0SQaum3fr-KO5D3giJAa45KmjIogOpV7bIhTwFqrSGk9wGEGcgRJ8i-rgw8GCehRuxoOPaD_zx5Wkgy34RTHgdwFHvGTLNktPEYWfQDYmpDFVT/s320/1happynewyear.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I love making resolutions each New Year. I usually make between 1 and 5 resolutions, and each year I do well on 1 or 2, and drop the ball on 1 or 2. I have a particular resolution that I have made several years in a row now, and even though I have not been perfect with it yet, I have done better and better each year. Last year I did pretty darn well with it, so I think this is the year I kill it!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Resolutions are funny because we really should make them as life happens, as we realize we need to make a particular change. I think we do this occasionally, when something smacks us across the face and makes itself so obvious that we have no choice but to make a change. But at least for me, I make most of my serious assessments for change each new year. Maybe one of my resolutions this year should be to assess my life and tweak my resolutions on a monthly basis or something. Hmmm... I guess I will have to think about that a bit more. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Some of my resolutions are extremely personal, so I don't share them with others. But there are a few that I have had in the past that I don't mind publishing. Here they are:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lose weight</div><br /><div>Exercise on a regular basis</div><br /><div>Read scripture every day</div><br /><div>Run a half marathon</div><br /><div>Write in a journal daily</div><br /><div>Pay an full tithe each and every paycheck</div><br /><div>Verbalize my appreciation each day</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am grateful for the tradition of New Year's Resolutions because I have become a better, healthier, more well rounded person by participating in it. I have enjoyed making exercise part of my daily routine in the past 3 years, and I have found it personally rewarding to verbalize my appreciation daily. I am going to ponder the needs and desires I have for the coming year to maximize the potential outcome of the resolutions I make for 2011. I haven't decided what will make the list this year quite yet, but I am sure I will have it together in the next day or so. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am excited to hear if any of my friends that read this blog (meaning YOU!) make New Year's Resolutions, and what some of your resolutions have been in the past. Bring on the ideas!</div><br /><div></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-74486482457221336612010-12-12T18:29:00.004-07:002010-12-12T18:50:19.349-07:00Christmas MusicI love Christmastime. I love the movies, the lights, the religious aspect, and the music. I asked each member of my family which Christmas songs they wanted on the blog this year. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nyah</span> chose "Silver Bells" (she learned that song in preschool), Zane wanted something from David <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Archuleta</span>, I wanted "Little Drummer Girl" by Alicia Keys, and Jeff wanted "Blue Christmas" by Porky Pig... yes, his favorite Christmas song is sung by <strong>Porky Pig</strong>. I have to laugh, it totally fits his personality. I added a few from Josh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Groban</span> because I love his Christmas album Noel, and Jeff wanted me to add "Stop Giving Me Crap For Christmas"... again, <em><strong>so</strong></em> him. Ha! I am sure that nobody really visits my blog anymore (who has the time, really), but I like to bring it up every now and then for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">play list</span>. The kids love to dance around the room when I put it on, so it is worth keeping up even if it is just for us.<br /><br />Tonight I made baked potato soup for the first time. It was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">delish</span>! I really need to get into finding new recipes and making new things for the family each week. I am so glad I did today because I found a new favorite. It had tons of flavor and was the kind of comfort food I was looking for today.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIR9EZIOCFq-X03fqVRlJNSv9NHaBl07rZsZzGliP5yFHNWiP0w4apCTYfA2D8-GNdrFXjH8u06nchImVW-29h4qbYCeuFDHHhacGHEMwnqNL7tMAnqM6ZexGcV83jK87WNT9l4lpunq4R/s1600/nativity.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549977645603000770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIR9EZIOCFq-X03fqVRlJNSv9NHaBl07rZsZzGliP5yFHNWiP0w4apCTYfA2D8-GNdrFXjH8u06nchImVW-29h4qbYCeuFDHHhacGHEMwnqNL7tMAnqM6ZexGcV83jK87WNT9l4lpunq4R/s320/nativity.jpg" /></a>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-52621662998701840562010-12-03T20:31:00.003-07:002010-12-03T20:47:18.641-07:00Trip to Cali<div align="center">Jeff and I decided to take the kids to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Knott's</span> Berry Farm this year for Thanksgiving break because that was the only time we had this whole year to go anywhere. Both Jeff and I used to visit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Knott's</span> when we were little, and it was fun to go back as adults and take our kids. The week before Thanksgiving the kids and I stayed at my mom's house and visited with family and friends. It was so good to see Andy, Sylvia, Shannon, Connie, Amy, and many other friends while we were there. Unfortunately we missed several that we absolutely adore and miss like the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gublers</span> and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Skylers</span>. I have lots of pictures from that trip, but since I only ever have a few precious moments to post anything on this blog, I am only putting up a few.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNo4_x8EgGH0Ih4J_xxyb_ufr1YIASEBwbbC1drRTp-a3-O_2S1FJssR4Gj4WoiIVpf_6BCGRkieDEThfxt6Hz7nXoEnZ81pfPrwGYFE0r2dsdgmrxAH6-xJEIIeg0s-3I2hwoTkgRGAl/s1600/2010+Nov+in+cali+with+Grandma+Deb.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546666202589128290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNo4_x8EgGH0Ih4J_xxyb_ufr1YIASEBwbbC1drRTp-a3-O_2S1FJssR4Gj4WoiIVpf_6BCGRkieDEThfxt6Hz7nXoEnZ81pfPrwGYFE0r2dsdgmrxAH6-xJEIIeg0s-3I2hwoTkgRGAl/s320/2010+Nov+in+cali+with+Grandma+Deb.bmp" /> <p align="center"></a>Zane, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ny</span>, and Grandma Deb on the Teacups</p><p align="center"><br /> </p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7PflTUPKK_kLvt7nS1yanD6Ks8jBYwi1Gi6poxbdavMEwp8l3V04Kwim_AhksTCQgvwSXkOmosfB1rlNVYBSJgVlsSZnpySWKkj2V5PPp8NeuiDEbkI1PpUP6hfXLhTlbqNHJuQs2ztc/s1600/2010+Nov+in+Cali+at+Knotts.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546666196762755986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7PflTUPKK_kLvt7nS1yanD6Ks8jBYwi1Gi6poxbdavMEwp8l3V04Kwim_AhksTCQgvwSXkOmosfB1rlNVYBSJgVlsSZnpySWKkj2V5PPp8NeuiDEbkI1PpUP6hfXLhTlbqNHJuQs2ztc/s320/2010+Nov+in+Cali+at+Knotts.bmp" /></a> Jeff and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ny</span> on some train ride<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0iWGI64LkmifGjWDVqZu2gJX1ZNzF-NceK2tPBUOeO0lusF2ilftJnl25CgnMqK23bEkFGGE_iiLZF6J1YOVd3zdL0JNO8kYaW9TRanuWV20Ys19Fp0Mb-tW2py7Gx1lfXzpEPaM-jw6/s1600/2010+Nov+in+Cali+with+RJ.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546666192046592578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0iWGI64LkmifGjWDVqZu2gJX1ZNzF-NceK2tPBUOeO0lusF2ilftJnl25CgnMqK23bEkFGGE_iiLZF6J1YOVd3zdL0JNO8kYaW9TRanuWV20Ys19Fp0Mb-tW2py7Gx1lfXzpEPaM-jw6/s320/2010+Nov+in+Cali+with+RJ.jpg" /></a><br />My awesome little bro <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">RJ</span> and me at my mom's<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMYR3NywEeGerpP6seeacHk-Nxze5tNj2pdlH0X3LLulHN2BAcUW_8Np-tZzYKbbiSiB9Q1Rtpzv3Zw-prIprZ42oKzwVqdTOyZbcF8oVhdaywa4rTD13OP0UTYjE_zbNZySPqxgFrNcP/s1600/2010+Nov+in+Cali+with+Andy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546664838860839266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMYR3NywEeGerpP6seeacHk-Nxze5tNj2pdlH0X3LLulHN2BAcUW_8Np-tZzYKbbiSiB9Q1Rtpzv3Zw-prIprZ42oKzwVqdTOyZbcF8oVhdaywa4rTD13OP0UTYjE_zbNZySPqxgFrNcP/s320/2010+Nov+in+Cali+with+Andy.jpg" /></a><br />Zane, Me, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ny</span>, Grandma Deb, and our life long friend Andy<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-43006598222639884622010-11-14T19:05:00.007-07:002010-11-14T19:35:50.692-07:00Half Marathon, MC Ball, and Ya-Ya!I am sure that since I almost never update this nobody reads it anymore, which is totally fine. I have gone to some of my friends blogs lately and seen that they don't have time to update theirs either. I guess I just feel compelled to keep posting things every now and then for myself. This is kind of a journal of the events in my life, and I think that keeping up even now and then is good for me to do. So, here's a bit about my life recently...<br /><br />I ran and finished the Halloween Half Marathon. I am super proud of it even though my time wasn't great. Honestly, who cares about my time, right? It's that I finished it. 2 hours and 15 minutes. I had 2 new years resolutions this year, and one of them was to run a half marathon. Thanks Captain Davis, Raquel, and Captain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Turley</span> for helping me make that resolution come to fruition. Since it was a HALLOWEEN half, I had to dress up even if it was just a little. Here is a picture of me and one of the Marine Corps Officer Candidates before the race.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4AkMb9vs-amRs9ANLV7cAH0IMm8NthPX8A8wEaXwVNs09JhNZB3gHdiEoN8mR2lKug34Z5AaPJpyBAuZTR1LE_lThjOyUUSf_fvFbrPcWmAmhAPK2wbjsCh_J2mQ5021U6biFZ6MvUwm/s1600/HalfMarathonCamo2010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539593686477344098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4AkMb9vs-amRs9ANLV7cAH0IMm8NthPX8A8wEaXwVNs09JhNZB3gHdiEoN8mR2lKug34Z5AaPJpyBAuZTR1LE_lThjOyUUSf_fvFbrPcWmAmhAPK2wbjsCh_J2mQ5021U6biFZ6MvUwm/s320/HalfMarathonCamo2010.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p>This past Friday I had the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privilege</span> of attending the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. I have to say that it was completely AMAZING. I have always been patriotic, and I have always loved and felt supportive of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">troops</span>, but this really helped bring it even closer to my heart. There are pictures of Jeff and I together at the ball, but they weren't taken with my camera so I can't post them yet. All I have from that night is this...<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn76cNIEbpnK5o8Y3xyc0Cwl3lQNpH8ZE9L_B8G1Vuab9Q8QSb_zw10E2189ez61oezl2zcAYd2h7lz6J_YcUxRkGYRslzC2_vMyFxcQ0R8fP-zi6eBTdMMnOZfBt3CzF-M0THxUT5vps/s1600/MarineCorps+Ball.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539594719304292386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn76cNIEbpnK5o8Y3xyc0Cwl3lQNpH8ZE9L_B8G1Vuab9Q8QSb_zw10E2189ez61oezl2zcAYd2h7lz6J_YcUxRkGYRslzC2_vMyFxcQ0R8fP-zi6eBTdMMnOZfBt3CzF-M0THxUT5vps/s320/MarineCorps+Ball.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p>One last little update... Raquel and I took <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nyah</span> to a Ya-Ya <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Sisterhood</span> party at Thanksgiving Point. It was so fun to be around a bunch of crazy women (like me!), and my favorite part was burning our woes. Ha! That is something I could get into on a regular basis. We got a few cute pictures of the three of us all dressed up that I think are worth posting.<br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLx3U08LGWKKdDWLT-k823_j9VrsgPNiPrnweNwUZarZ2wJSLNxdBwfu0kh5EckN4wHFmWDAPQxBu61u9yQ922lGircGn2hveV030mkYB4t-ooqOObla3NwQyGaVL9XQLcn0mCU-qLqNB/s1600/Ya-Ya2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539598968782423090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLx3U08LGWKKdDWLT-k823_j9VrsgPNiPrnweNwUZarZ2wJSLNxdBwfu0kh5EckN4wHFmWDAPQxBu61u9yQ922lGircGn2hveV030mkYB4t-ooqOObla3NwQyGaVL9XQLcn0mCU-qLqNB/s320/Ya-Ya2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyRjFMHLxQDwB491h3PETJQebSpoJi2wcrW3Ko2cUmETUv_UYD5jY6cRMuzj3-OZr8Xzpn-mXDiubXj_B-mYeIKhnOUDo-y1-BoM-qzo2KNoCL3QOopWu5Y51vSVgybYydytEoBK0NwQM/s1600/Ya-Ya1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539598964426801586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyRjFMHLxQDwB491h3PETJQebSpoJi2wcrW3Ko2cUmETUv_UYD5jY6cRMuzj3-OZr8Xzpn-mXDiubXj_B-mYeIKhnOUDo-y1-BoM-qzo2KNoCL3QOopWu5Y51vSVgybYydytEoBK0NwQM/s320/Ya-Ya1.jpg" /></a>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-50948238926179209492010-09-23T12:41:00.002-06:002010-09-23T12:46:55.579-06:00Halloween Half MarathonSo I have committed. I am going to run a half marathon with the officer candidates at the end of October. I have been slacking with my cardio lately, focusing on weight training, but I am back on the horse as of today.<br /><br />Day1: 4 miles, 1% incline.<br /><br />I was PUSHING through the last half. Yuck. The air is so thin up here! No big deal, I will train my lungs to be strong. I can do this! (I have to tell myself positive things if I am going to make it. I know it sounds lame, but who cares?) Tomorrow, 5 miles.Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-66213535046916742892010-09-06T14:12:00.002-06:002010-09-06T14:19:26.246-06:00TO MY FRIENDSBlogging has been on the back burner lately. I am super busy, and frankly, super tired. You know me though, it's all good. This might be a valley in my life, but there is beautiful green grass all around, and I am ready to climb to the next peak. I miss all my friends, you know I love you! Sorry I haven't been around lately. Know that I am still here, still surviving, and I think of you often. I need to plan a little shin-dig or something so we can all catch up at once. I have changed the first several songs on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">play list</span>... for all of you that tell me you love them. Enjoy this one. I threw in some oldies but goodies that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shouldn't</span> be forgotten :-) Pics to come later. Keep up with me on f<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">acebook</span>, I am a bit better about keeping up with that since it doesn't take much time.Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-18766765932692234722010-06-11T23:51:00.002-06:002010-06-12T00:07:36.858-06:00My Mom is Allergic to CaliforniaCalifornia was so fun! I have to say, I just love the Central Coast. I am going to have to wait for pics from my brother, mom, and friends since I forgot to bring my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">stinkin</span>' camera. Seriously, I am getting blonder by the day.<br /><br />We went to the beach several times, and the kids loved splashing in the ocean. We built sand castles, had squirt gun fights, jumped waves, hunted for shells, and ate lunch right on the beach. Zane wanted to kayak in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Morro</span> Bay, so we rented one and went out to find sea otters. We didn't have any luck with them, but we did see a <em><strong>giant</strong></em> seal swimming and playing right next to our little boat! Amazing!<br /><br />I really wanted to connect with some friends, so we met Melissa and Tonya (and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">fam</span>) at Avila Beach. I have known them since first grade, and it was incredible to see them again. We also hooked up with my college <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">roomie</span> Liz and her new hubby in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Monterey</span>. We went to the aquarium, and I was blown away. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nyah</span> even touched a sea cucumber. I could hardly believe it.<br /><br />It was also fun to go to church on Sunday and visit one of our old wards. It was the ward Zane was born and blessed in, and it brought back so many good memories. I love the people there, they feel like lifetime friends. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petrillis</span>, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hansens</span>, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hendrys</span>, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brunners</span>, the Wrights, and so many more great friends. I can't wait for the next visit.<br /><br />The last thing I will share is a funny <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nyah</span> quote. I had seasonal allergies beginning the moment we landed in Cali, and I explained to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ny</span> that I was sneezing and sniffing because I was allergic to California. I thought this was the easiest way to explain my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hay fever</span>. I didn't think she even gave it a second thought, but when we were on the plane back home she turned to the woman next to her and said, <em><strong>"My mom is allergic to California."</strong></em> Ha! The lady laughed and laughed, and I explained where she came up with that, and then she laughed some more. That <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ny</span>!Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-47806555771939669992010-05-04T08:20:00.003-06:002010-05-04T08:25:26.346-06:00A Sneak Peek<div>Both the Provo walk and the Salt Lake City walk were awesome! We had so many people come support the team, and I am grateful. I only have a moment, so here is a sneak peek for you.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibau0h5S0hk6xm6cLf-8TF5Y9eWez8SFFoTydQlrTlZfT98wAJrrl4wKnUWwRs51zTRNqB4D0SZkyNWrNeFuzIlkFMP4sj2vG35YSzinY_-pmZhaObzJ9h_WGTNTHQDBtMNoVWVDgdHUF6/s1600/Liz+Laudie+Spencer+Nathan.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467420623886616354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibau0h5S0hk6xm6cLf-8TF5Y9eWez8SFFoTydQlrTlZfT98wAJrrl4wKnUWwRs51zTRNqB4D0SZkyNWrNeFuzIlkFMP4sj2vG35YSzinY_-pmZhaObzJ9h_WGTNTHQDBtMNoVWVDgdHUF6/s320/Liz+Laudie+Spencer+Nathan.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcoi-fKP4xPzVrRHKNCD7IAPA9fuh-HmGe-4JYW8pYpgGiut0xRrk4tyiFu82pvslf0Bnyf_pWRpG4mjZqorTmFIDc-53IVYzg9yyUdYukxc0dtIhzuMEJ4DOxX2HnhgsqbhWLrIqSmIo/s1600/Mom+and+Larae.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467420609338839378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcoi-fKP4xPzVrRHKNCD7IAPA9fuh-HmGe-4JYW8pYpgGiut0xRrk4tyiFu82pvslf0Bnyf_pWRpG4mjZqorTmFIDc-53IVYzg9yyUdYukxc0dtIhzuMEJ4DOxX2HnhgsqbhWLrIqSmIo/s320/Mom+and+Larae.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYDAgrcMouBdQ8UUPa1-gy9uFVkoFjYv3vCGASGfPLQmSRSyFFBrwvSZMydwpy6s85feAYuxiUbIqUaqVURw7Lr3wKey1Sq24SODrJwOvMPqnFAgRtuiXEwP5pEzwTVd1JYZs66vo9j7W/s1600/Me+and+Jeff.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467420606403480642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYDAgrcMouBdQ8UUPa1-gy9uFVkoFjYv3vCGASGfPLQmSRSyFFBrwvSZMydwpy6s85feAYuxiUbIqUaqVURw7Lr3wKey1Sq24SODrJwOvMPqnFAgRtuiXEwP5pEzwTVd1JYZs66vo9j7W/s320/Me+and+Jeff.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq-TDLIlBFYTJhyphenhyphenCPls7S-ZtaubLuBXD-D7akLUXLL6kXL1QdLhT-T5l6hyphenhyphen4ev1fyLPBtorLJ0ZdUpY2KZe3gHkmnYhE1XkmZ4qW01srZiuXNh5_ocllkWwEtRWsBDDyBRvzqw8WnjSAy/s1600/Merry+Larae+and+Missy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467420591369182050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq-TDLIlBFYTJhyphenhyphenCPls7S-ZtaubLuBXD-D7akLUXLL6kXL1QdLhT-T5l6hyphenhyphen4ev1fyLPBtorLJ0ZdUpY2KZe3gHkmnYhE1XkmZ4qW01srZiuXNh5_ocllkWwEtRWsBDDyBRvzqw8WnjSAy/s320/Merry+Larae+and+Missy.JPG" /></a> </div></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-38872966055135464162010-02-13T11:18:00.006-07:002010-02-13T11:59:30.558-07:00The Hoppers are Making a Comeback!<div align="center">MS Walk 2010 is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coming</span> soon, and I am<span style="color:#009900;"> <em>jazzed</em></span> to get the <span style="color:#006600;"><strong><em>Hoppers</em></strong></span> up and running again!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWplyF5MCyC6ZdCxnC1XSG9sGMUo6_30NYl_0SY5ntSFyF1Z7wi96gXQElJ3ey3fSlP6-McjzFDo11me-SQpRnilSepLhZTkrhmVCpgTfLzh7NYOmYq5LMUJjCfjl74kfdF-2NSvhAtrmR/s1600-h/MS%2520Walk%25204-11-09%2520071%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437801915581414098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWplyF5MCyC6ZdCxnC1XSG9sGMUo6_30NYl_0SY5ntSFyF1Z7wi96gXQElJ3ey3fSlP6-McjzFDo11me-SQpRnilSepLhZTkrhmVCpgTfLzh7NYOmYq5LMUJjCfjl74kfdF-2NSvhAtrmR/s320/MS%2520Walk%25204-11-09%2520071%5B1%5D.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span> Walk, with just a few late-comers missing<br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QRR0EvTjOSd8RlWuA9Zv5bpTgX0tSuUh6LADVS-XSUOQ-9lPglD51yeKSiYhnFxePhIHgCjNhos6K_eudxOqSnKk4_w-n6Ens9cXt2Z3CcZMHEDPbkuDqtMZE9DvST3TkZeoxqo4UtGJ/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437801206353542226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QRR0EvTjOSd8RlWuA9Zv5bpTgX0tSuUh6LADVS-XSUOQ-9lPglD51yeKSiYhnFxePhIHgCjNhos6K_eudxOqSnKk4_w-n6Ens9cXt2Z3CcZMHEDPbkuDqtMZE9DvST3TkZeoxqo4UtGJ/s320/020.JPG" /></a> A family event!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPE-PfV8PUPo3XA8wPpgS1JXkEa_2WlEUkpPh78Uh92EpkrNmG0a6EhMCV8hrpA211WXFIqsbK_Q6rXDsk3Laxh_P7OBoA9PrBruET7nYeOnK9D9xSzKCON2w3IBskxhyphenhyphenQIq_m62PPN4J/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437801194949198098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPE-PfV8PUPo3XA8wPpgS1JXkEa_2WlEUkpPh78Uh92EpkrNmG0a6EhMCV8hrpA211WXFIqsbK_Q6rXDsk3Laxh_P7OBoA9PrBruET7nYeOnK9D9xSzKCON2w3IBskxhyphenhyphenQIq_m62PPN4J/s320/022.JPG" /></a>With lots of good friends<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc6_M3O8NWt28V4_7t80N_nVwOWZu4ClOnLYh0Zt3KSf0JweZ0ueptRlUF95WrFwRLFvCVhHdnE4AkyF6JyAxoJy1lr6oLbpiwL_0y10SaZzg2fHzvfg5fTdnWGbLQsadLSQGX7paJ9ol/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437801181479856946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc6_M3O8NWt28V4_7t80N_nVwOWZu4ClOnLYh0Zt3KSf0JweZ0ueptRlUF95WrFwRLFvCVhHdnE4AkyF6JyAxoJy1lr6oLbpiwL_0y10SaZzg2fHzvfg5fTdnWGbLQsadLSQGX7paJ9ol/s320/017.JPG" /></a> And free stuff. Doesn't it look fun?!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2PQ1YprMf83rw9mUj9OGLwEz06BHPdTbYcaeE1IzelVlIKYQiVgR4X7ng2KAnPvmFtJK5ajb4yW5Exro2mYpVk1DAnQZKMobQ6SIE9yxgC49IdfsEaTxtJ6tN5v-mMglBxfmr5EZV4Pv/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437801172608249314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2PQ1YprMf83rw9mUj9OGLwEz06BHPdTbYcaeE1IzelVlIKYQiVgR4X7ng2KAnPvmFtJK5ajb4yW5Exro2mYpVk1DAnQZKMobQ6SIE9yxgC49IdfsEaTxtJ6tN5v-mMglBxfmr5EZV4Pv/s320/023.JPG" /></a> Look! Balloon swords!<br /><br />I want everyone to know how humbled I am with the response I had last year to Walk MS. Thanks to all of you who joined our team, and to all of you who donated. I know that many of you have other friends and family members with MS, and you walk in their honor, and donate because you love them. That is <span style="color:#33cc00;">SO GREAT</span>! I also know that some of you don't know anyone besides me that has MS, and it really doesn't affect your life at all. That is cool too. We all have our causes, and we can't support everything, or we would all be exhausted and broke. But if this is something you want to support, or if you think it might be fun, or if you are just looking for an easy and fun way to help out and feel good about what you are doing, then please join. If you have other things that you are doing and can't support this cause at this time, then that is alright too. I love ya either way. If you want to join us or make a donation, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">please visit</span> my site at: </div><div align="center"></div>http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=4644547&pg=personal&fr_id=13283<br /></div></div></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-80820804284945697112010-02-06T23:23:00.003-07:002010-02-06T23:31:21.065-07:00Have You Seen Dear John?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jKq2ZfKkVW7Xi1TODz64taR4IHU8eMW7u_skfw3wf9HTHiO-9iWNZDbO8hFNaPzSxiYIqyTWRcJ7ZIGSBgEANIqxlgi74yjcL-RRmffPEAc48LvQLBbYq8XuklETcAf1IBImo182qF-d/s1600-h/DearJohn_mid_still01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435385236010827266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jKq2ZfKkVW7Xi1TODz64taR4IHU8eMW7u_skfw3wf9HTHiO-9iWNZDbO8hFNaPzSxiYIqyTWRcJ7ZIGSBgEANIqxlgi74yjcL-RRmffPEAc48LvQLBbYq8XuklETcAf1IBImo182qF-d/s320/DearJohn_mid_still01.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Wow. Jeff took me to see <strong><em>Dear John</em></strong> tonight, and I absolutely loved it. The music was <strong><em>so me, </em></strong>not to mention how romantic it is. I just love movies about people who have a strong connection, and it reminds me of my connections in life. Not just the awesome connection I have with Jeff, but the connections I have with my kids, my parents, my friends. For all of you who love a good chick flick, it is a must see. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>P.S. I have decided what to do for V-Day, but I won't post it until after it's over just in case Jeff decides to read my blog. He probably won't, but you never know :-)</div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-28235634582149594582010-01-30T09:02:00.002-07:002010-01-30T09:14:11.721-07:00Valentines Day is Coming!It is almost Valentines Day, and I am starting to worry that I won't think of a good idea of something to do for Jeff. Jeff has been working so hard lately with school and the kids and his job, and I wanted to show my appreciation by doing something special for him on Valentines Day. I am going to continue to think about it, but I thought I'd see if anyone else has any ideas to share. I don't have a ton of money to spend, but I do have some. As long as it is under $50, I should be fine. Thanks in advance!Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-87504252433771922202010-01-22T18:28:00.002-07:002010-01-22T18:34:30.560-07:00Quickly...I don't have much time to post because I have a new job. I work at Challenger School where my kids go, but at a different campus. It has been so fun and so busy. Now I have to try to fit in all the things I used to do with much less time. No worris though. I really needed this job, and it is perfect for me. It really is a blessing. I work with many wonderful and brilliant people, and it has been fun. I will try to post more later, whenever I get a few moments.Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-47113229913365111362009-12-31T16:43:00.002-07:002009-12-31T17:04:27.511-07:00The Last Day of 2009I can hardly believe that today is the last day of 2009. A decade has come and gone and I am sitting here wondering why time seems to go so much faster now that I have kids. Maybe it's because I am so much busier than I used to be. Whatever the reason I am glad that I have kids, but a little sad that time is going so quickly. I look back at the photos of my kids last year and the year before, and it makes me miss the days when they were so little. It's not that I don't love exactly what age they are now, I am just a little afraid that this stage will pass as quickly as all the others have and before I know it they will be all grown up! I am sure that I am being ridiculous, but maybe I can get past these fears if I get them off my chest and move on. Does anybody else ever feel this way?<br /><br />2009 has been a great year. I prefer to look at the positives and forget about the negatives. Our kids have been so happy and have learned so much, and I feel blessed to be able to be part of that. We have done many exciting things together like go boating with our cousins, ride bikes in the neighborhood, go to the dollar movies, play baseball and basketball at the park, go swimming, visit the fire station, and so much more. We love to go go go and it has always helped us learn, grow and have fun. <br /><br />I am excited for 2010. I think it will bring many good opportunities for our family, and we plan to take advantage of as many of them as we can. I hope this new year turns out to be one of the best yet for us and for all of our friends and family. HAPPY NEW YEAR!Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-26159778619011368852009-12-12T09:31:00.003-07:002009-12-12T10:14:49.682-07:00<div align="center">I can hardly believe I have already gotten around to posting a few more photos. I am glad that I fit it in because a few of them are great!<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IWCeHHCtKa1PsxWxR9WEs5anum0PaIeDsVREnGsM6enuC3_cBLW5cIe6XvQszsgJY6lR6-zyYFBowMPw-2vSLw0o233sVKvKGAteA_3vsWuYsGFe1Fv2x-JH8u546z19_JTeYR2MCboq/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+494.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414391069395842322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IWCeHHCtKa1PsxWxR9WEs5anum0PaIeDsVREnGsM6enuC3_cBLW5cIe6XvQszsgJY6lR6-zyYFBowMPw-2vSLw0o233sVKvKGAteA_3vsWuYsGFe1Fv2x-JH8u546z19_JTeYR2MCboq/s320/November+and+December+2009+494.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Grandma and Grandpa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hoppie</span> gave Zane and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ny</span> this ghost night light in October. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ny</span> slept with it just like this for several nights in a row. Can you see its belly glowing?<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oCY_wUFnW7XT_raewmKWDhP5A5zCzgD_0yv2xmygjBmlih7prw0f20naE4dcwy5i6JTDuOx9zu_0ByyLEqp9BmqA_sUGAQdquPpV4oy2tzbPa58m83iO8I87RhfmMmDYoSj32dN5tNfS/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+439.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414391058349647730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oCY_wUFnW7XT_raewmKWDhP5A5zCzgD_0yv2xmygjBmlih7prw0f20naE4dcwy5i6JTDuOx9zu_0ByyLEqp9BmqA_sUGAQdquPpV4oy2tzbPa58m83iO8I87RhfmMmDYoSj32dN5tNfS/s320/November+and+December+2009+439.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are some of the girls in our 'hood all dressed up for a kiddie Halloween party. It was so much fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujSrJUJ_dFGXH-T-9shPFVuPuvRAdQ_DGjPG9PbMLyR2ov8D67Mn3viAT9fgD52lbcBN67YDFy5ZTbUcqmENNpGfUE3ehe0EPzqyfMUy41XsfWVwHTQxy1Y1X3pvhLXQfg-KxSl7OBZgX/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+547.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414391071776512402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujSrJUJ_dFGXH-T-9shPFVuPuvRAdQ_DGjPG9PbMLyR2ov8D67Mn3viAT9fgD52lbcBN67YDFy5ZTbUcqmENNpGfUE3ehe0EPzqyfMUy41XsfWVwHTQxy1Y1X3pvhLXQfg-KxSl7OBZgX/s320/November+and+December+2009+547.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is one of the turkey cookies Zane and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ny</span> made for thanksgiving. They used a copy of their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hand print</span> to cut the shape. So cute!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1FwG_J5TV7w/SyPIAImfw9I/AAAAAAAAAZk/"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1FwG_J5TV7w/SyPIAImfw9I/AAAAAAAAAZk/"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1FwG_J5TV7w/SyPIAImfw9I/AAAAAAAAAZk/"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414391081663972306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI9n_xjk7SDxcOWwjKCmb54XMwh26HfTS88X6G0tB-ryBtZGzML3g3iT10oIkaZvDGNPaiUT0VSHHHKjoaNlY9o4PHZjmPshAcqNSQfX7iTmG1Kic_rP-PZ4UD3Vn6hMdT7QKh8JoFaKs/s320/November+and+December+2009+646.JPG" border="0" /></a>Jeff and I right after our 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> anniversary cruise. Can you see the ship behind us?<br /><br /><br /><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hyZIKoqslemvOVteS52n4xZPgabRdwZzRAIQRgTFB2IoDGhc0K3K6-N9gmzzBJ7mnuLPwEgXpXc1F83ptDJG6ec5QFvRJhRGuluwvq34jwNT-Bw43Rb1dcSvhgAp_FMaPsPnVq42VmFY/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+665.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414391090689516050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hyZIKoqslemvOVteS52n4xZPgabRdwZzRAIQRgTFB2IoDGhc0K3K6-N9gmzzBJ7mnuLPwEgXpXc1F83ptDJG6ec5QFvRJhRGuluwvq34jwNT-Bw43Rb1dcSvhgAp_FMaPsPnVq42VmFY/s320/November+and+December+2009+665.JPG" border="0" /></a>I took the kids to the live Nativity in Draper this year. It was FREEZING, but well worth the wait in the icy cold line :-)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ8fj5XXohdMtwW7q6CGDfUdyHRRJVVxNhlIgQ5TLI-5FzGXuOFPbL-JsHfwxsnQf0sOQ_tSYSB-FZY4ceKi8pHGUeSGGFB7e2u4Sit6gFWUEiuI3PNpaq7MiIJnxhGjSr8-HlU07z0q_/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+697.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414394377090254274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ8fj5XXohdMtwW7q6CGDfUdyHRRJVVxNhlIgQ5TLI-5FzGXuOFPbL-JsHfwxsnQf0sOQ_tSYSB-FZY4ceKi8pHGUeSGGFB7e2u4Sit6gFWUEiuI3PNpaq7MiIJnxhGjSr8-HlU07z0q_/s320/November+and+December+2009+697.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nyah</span> had her preschool Christmas program this past week. She is the one in the polka dot dress up front. So cute!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PCNsM2b9ptBfkd9NshLkZnVZgJpzYNH4LWZmCUD777t8LMyBPgJENlJNHjFAAwT9qKytxBE_PrIK8gQ94GT3Ovk1Uii2mzo5rvP9KXMqAjupX53nj3O2a4K3_zOO5sVjSJrRrn9IPAnk/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+705.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414394362674555778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PCNsM2b9ptBfkd9NshLkZnVZgJpzYNH4LWZmCUD777t8LMyBPgJENlJNHjFAAwT9qKytxBE_PrIK8gQ94GT3Ovk1Uii2mzo5rvP9KXMqAjupX53nj3O2a4K3_zOO5sVjSJrRrn9IPAnk/s320/November+and+December+2009+705.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is me and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ny</span> after the program. She is so beautiful, and so sweet. I just love that girl!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMHPjDyhm_w5tsJ2PSKzZl1o95icLiepR2KFYtis40mtw5acaXyDz8pZ5lxb5cMiVWNs5jtM2wuZ9pIVowaBc3-Nj-VJNWYHpHStSF54gp_GGocGZ0ZT1Fi-c1vlqIGkSLRhm8Vm5ssM-/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414394371307717762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMHPjDyhm_w5tsJ2PSKzZl1o95icLiepR2KFYtis40mtw5acaXyDz8pZ5lxb5cMiVWNs5jtM2wuZ9pIVowaBc3-Nj-VJNWYHpHStSF54gp_GGocGZ0ZT1Fi-c1vlqIGkSLRhm8Vm5ssM-/s320/November+and+December+2009+708.JPG" border="0" /></a> She wanted to get a picture of us with her candy cane in it. Candy canes are oh so important, and must not be left out of cute photos!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1qfuPJ-G2eYyWvNLvw63HutKaXa3SnxKLyTv2GR6d8RZr4XEeSVuWcWgOU_j_yHs4AADfkJWu_TQ6MeRKuJvSMrbxmyLIrIybOI8h8k1WN8t0x-psNBLxB63R5P5XKkw7MvjE4hE7Mcz/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+716.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414394384279911762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1qfuPJ-G2eYyWvNLvw63HutKaXa3SnxKLyTv2GR6d8RZr4XEeSVuWcWgOU_j_yHs4AADfkJWu_TQ6MeRKuJvSMrbxmyLIrIybOI8h8k1WN8t0x-psNBLxB63R5P5XKkw7MvjE4hE7Mcz/s320/November+and+December+2009+716.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is our ginger bread house. The kids chose to build Snoopy's dog house. Too funny.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left">I have more, so maybe I will get a chance to add them sometime soon. Merry Christmas!<br /></div><br /></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-50809695033783728152009-12-11T17:43:00.004-07:002009-12-11T18:03:08.913-07:00A little Peek Into My LifeWow, it has been a long time, and there are so many fun things to share. I guess I will just post some photos and let you see for yourself!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11CF8o8N8V74AYzN7ViFVD6WxRQLL_I0D1Q3wW0HnVavOoOaFZXVuOkE2w8KKk68ngDe2eqZak6bFhrjR2KbqHyFXGA18qlkdkq6OxmL3o6sO1SNZJ1FiPsDJpnLcJYB0LvxmRlIf6-_Y/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414147213148742002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11CF8o8N8V74AYzN7ViFVD6WxRQLL_I0D1Q3wW0HnVavOoOaFZXVuOkE2w8KKk68ngDe2eqZak6bFhrjR2KbqHyFXGA18qlkdkq6OxmL3o6sO1SNZJ1FiPsDJpnLcJYB0LvxmRlIf6-_Y/s320/November+and+December+2009+529.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Jeff helping Ny carve her pumpkin into a kitty cat.<br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpneMKgyLn2Vuiz20S8qNamqfkAvl7e7Ppb-JdtGJRdNZN8VxAWOJHUb59QWbJ4TlFmbjflLmH9OrxxIHl4DV3OO7_-EE1XkggS1sWadVy2sV7cslrq0nD9y2Fh__Ced7SVEpnI1winPOc/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+506.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414147208696583554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpneMKgyLn2Vuiz20S8qNamqfkAvl7e7Ppb-JdtGJRdNZN8VxAWOJHUb59QWbJ4TlFmbjflLmH9OrxxIHl4DV3OO7_-EE1XkggS1sWadVy2sV7cslrq0nD9y2Fh__Ced7SVEpnI1winPOc/s320/November+and+December+2009+506.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Zane and Ny on a walk by Great Grandma's house.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiReG1KdvHlwVP95kvBrX5XrLQ8eOItqb8FMXrAj_G1SWAMqGF-SXoDr41hRmq81qieGT2bhiNzCsUvnFLFnmj_goWd-QlceJbaM3rAA7hthdUiTVIbdIduLqD4YsCW4-fcWvn5PkWAyO/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+367.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414147194072757890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiReG1KdvHlwVP95kvBrX5XrLQ8eOItqb8FMXrAj_G1SWAMqGF-SXoDr41hRmq81qieGT2bhiNzCsUvnFLFnmj_goWd-QlceJbaM3rAA7hthdUiTVIbdIduLqD4YsCW4-fcWvn5PkWAyO/s320/November+and+December+2009+367.JPG" border="0" /></a> Zane playing Flag football.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c1ZOtWuUsNIsAV1Pje5WNT888lEMSJ30NtlLH47JTlJMLgf3v1jiR3CRd-phJCTQpmTooPgZ3uNB-kUYMLgpQaF_7zUDqnm6rFCV6IQJPrvmrsWU0-L6ufcCwIWqs1n7hg5hBobFePSO/s1600-h/November+and+December+2009+559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414147224897064434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c1ZOtWuUsNIsAV1Pje5WNT888lEMSJ30NtlLH47JTlJMLgf3v1jiR3CRd-phJCTQpmTooPgZ3uNB-kUYMLgpQaF_7zUDqnm6rFCV6IQJPrvmrsWU0-L6ufcCwIWqs1n7hg5hBobFePSO/s320/November+and+December+2009+544.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Jeff and I in Ensenada for our 10th anniversary!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Suprise, surprise... I am short on time, so I will post more pics asap! Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-54190319967139926652009-09-21T11:13:00.003-06:002009-09-21T11:25:41.239-06:00My FamilyI have some cute pics of the kids and of Jeff's birthday dinner, but I think I will post them later. Today I just wanted to record how much I love my awesome family. Every day my children say or do something that brings love and light into my life. They are so funny, so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">adorable</span>, so smart and kind. They love to cuddle up with me or with Jeff, and it just warms me up! Whenever I ask them who loves them the most, they say, "You and Daddy". So true.<br /><br />I am also blessed to have the kindest most generous husband who always tries to put my needs and the needs of our kids first. How did I get so lucky? He works darn hard for us everyday, and he is committed to being the best dad and hubby around. I adore him, and I love him more and more everyday.<br /><br />I know this is a little squishy for a blog, so I guess I hope nobody else reads it, but I wanted to make sure it was out there just in case. I read a blog today that was written by a loving mother and wife who passed away last year. You could read how much she adored her family, and I thought that it was an amazing gift she gave her family. They will always have that to look back on and know of her love for them. I feel pretty confident that I will live to be an old old woman, but I guess you just never know :-)Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-37149622218845984512009-08-21T14:26:00.009-06:002009-08-21T22:10:03.520-06:00FINALLY, SOME BOATING PICS!!!!<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdXk9_VDO0JCCrTSgty5I_tU-lT4zKFbY3SbOA-yl72qrIHSi01qRsPFNhlSzzcZueMdiZcSYavkWZ0yzLzQoyUl7jqmbLPvRYpqJKEhuA3TFtcjXT-jcqA6K3M-40AJajuJwJKU8TKdQ/s1600-h/SDC10185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372630416795278770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdXk9_VDO0JCCrTSgty5I_tU-lT4zKFbY3SbOA-yl72qrIHSi01qRsPFNhlSzzcZueMdiZcSYavkWZ0yzLzQoyUl7jqmbLPvRYpqJKEhuA3TFtcjXT-jcqA6K3M-40AJajuJwJKU8TKdQ/s320/SDC10185.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Jeff</span><span style="color:#ff6666;"> and Ny on the tube with Nikki and Brayden</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPWb4fRmainYyVxVD6t-wK3rhUhetqmROGa5_f62Gmr9Yorqs2GkmRRRyWpvY83ZcaNVCfbwJRbiesZxP51DX71yvQG-CsnoleKCFUeNGWBpd_6O9V9Vp-450OnO7GfT7Yw9KXjhd43jr/s1600-h/SDC10215.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372630411096768162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPWb4fRmainYyVxVD6t-wK3rhUhetqmROGa5_f62Gmr9Yorqs2GkmRRRyWpvY83ZcaNVCfbwJRbiesZxP51DX71yvQG-CsnoleKCFUeNGWBpd_6O9V9Vp-450OnO7GfT7Yw9KXjhd43jr/s320/SDC10215.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"> Zane swimming in the lake<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQbggliY8UCyyUp1d-SQUR4EeM_YX1ze3O-AGaCYHjjVwoh2i5MXJzG2Hnv4plCjSzkAR5doWGftE-k0h6JRtRFjAshZIYvgLA6ome_qgavRD6oZqx6L3HzBdk7GxHRBXYit6KhXlXJok/s1600-h/SDC10199.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372630399960868082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQbggliY8UCyyUp1d-SQUR4EeM_YX1ze3O-AGaCYHjjVwoh2i5MXJzG2Hnv4plCjSzkAR5doWGftE-k0h6JRtRFjAshZIYvgLA6ome_qgavRD6oZqx6L3HzBdk7GxHRBXYit6KhXlXJok/s320/SDC10199.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Brandon and Aunt Kimmie<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv0htHxkaeeABz_BTG00xeQ8Ob7ki6_UAUpkGA3xPIs0TOR0pNWOeAZFSVeH4WcpnyaJBMNm4RMN_AN3M2m8sKdbR6OpY7lMsu9p5Jbpg0szfDjyYeQGFmX2CViL4gJslTvMpjykj079J/s1600-h/SDC10183.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372630391215330498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv0htHxkaeeABz_BTG00xeQ8Ob7ki6_UAUpkGA3xPIs0TOR0pNWOeAZFSVeH4WcpnyaJBMNm4RMN_AN3M2m8sKdbR6OpY7lMsu9p5Jbpg0szfDjyYeQGFmX2CViL4gJslTvMpjykj079J/s320/SDC10183.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"> Peeps on the boat and in the tube</span><br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsGI5xmwp6bk8jhtSlHWxnZFuIFO9RiwxKCd3V_aGPLy2G1jeRSQDhsGp9YmnVIHQMAL7B2XIU0XcGi88H5u0zOIi1ubar2fH7Z_mHGVYmXvPW3DA9OEjCmiCi_UpsFz31wluJGDyrI4n/s1600-h/SDC10151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372630381805913042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsGI5xmwp6bk8jhtSlHWxnZFuIFO9RiwxKCd3V_aGPLy2G1jeRSQDhsGp9YmnVIHQMAL7B2XIU0XcGi88H5u0zOIi1ubar2fH7Z_mHGVYmXvPW3DA9OEjCmiCi_UpsFz31wluJGDyrI4n/s320/SDC10151.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Matt, Zane, and Trent</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQgpzcAU0U7nH42-EOZ_FPARgthewdI1Ds-8lyJj3hKiY-FHRVszq_pvpB8Y7OmTfz3ZvcN6ZYeep1VN-OA9KWLq_L7PPRfuYXgJn2svH-9IR2iGwfLj7o4zhOpsAJMs0fBuhS7g3Je7X/s1600-h/SDC10135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372629614523579090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQgpzcAU0U7nH42-EOZ_FPARgthewdI1Ds-8lyJj3hKiY-FHRVszq_pvpB8Y7OmTfz3ZvcN6ZYeep1VN-OA9KWLq_L7PPRfuYXgJn2svH-9IR2iGwfLj7o4zhOpsAJMs0fBuhS7g3Je7X/s320/SDC10135.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"> Jeff just chillin' on the boat</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3afSrZtErJ8MSWcx1DrgoGYcFk56m34QuxpYJh4BCvPFK5PFHGXyJrIR94J3y__15rYYTfctpG404K2F4kBKxJm32fMeISyR8_kD533b02Ckrnw0y6qQNc_TilSIP3gJ6MK2K3AWjwHe2/s1600-h/SDC10105.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372629606987633522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3afSrZtErJ8MSWcx1DrgoGYcFk56m34QuxpYJh4BCvPFK5PFHGXyJrIR94J3y__15rYYTfctpG404K2F4kBKxJm32fMeISyR8_kD533b02Ckrnw0y6qQNc_TilSIP3gJ6MK2K3AWjwHe2/s320/SDC10105.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Nyah, trying to muster the courage to jump in :-)<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A5ggGF7vSe3X38EPQIML98MC5AJ6-NJf427X7Gg9o-_Im2O7eCFUjIbhGzzIsRHOCzKrlVPuIz_RLMk6x8eYB8FtydbZGPfnnqnadEuoWb8q9P3B2SdIU8T6FcvLdcB-Qd2tvbHxjOih/s1600-h/SDC10065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372629596929469170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A5ggGF7vSe3X38EPQIML98MC5AJ6-NJf427X7Gg9o-_Im2O7eCFUjIbhGzzIsRHOCzKrlVPuIz_RLMk6x8eYB8FtydbZGPfnnqnadEuoWb8q9P3B2SdIU8T6FcvLdcB-Qd2tvbHxjOih/s320/SDC10065.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Shay and her little cousins trying to get her wet!<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPcmhVPuiRU89bOypCZ6lUWoh8LtH2YgMRcThScP00b9fXUKeXNrp9WG6tEq0JXEUEowEYzzzvKOm5YZCEGfWaz0Mcqurl4d2AjeYLdefDkCzmEree8nNkQ65YoqteKaKbOsR1FGhCxX9/s1600-h/SDC10068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372629591749005426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPcmhVPuiRU89bOypCZ6lUWoh8LtH2YgMRcThScP00b9fXUKeXNrp9WG6tEq0JXEUEowEYzzzvKOm5YZCEGfWaz0Mcqurl4d2AjeYLdefDkCzmEree8nNkQ65YoqteKaKbOsR1FGhCxX9/s320/SDC10068.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"> The Aunties being silly<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefkxwZUlznDwRBJFELFv95n_Jw1qEIO0bNm5aojaokCx6cC9nLg09BCSkWRBdL2rBoSN4s-B7wdPyWaMxAKS7K09tHTdkyagPrzaZRt9NTKTWFhFvk_UuyEPtkqJsdrBBKU62jVf12S8B/s1600-h/SDC10257.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372629579253125826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefkxwZUlznDwRBJFELFv95n_Jw1qEIO0bNm5aojaokCx6cC9nLg09BCSkWRBdL2rBoSN4s-B7wdPyWaMxAKS7K09tHTdkyagPrzaZRt9NTKTWFhFvk_UuyEPtkqJsdrBBKU62jVf12S8B/s320/SDC10257.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Zane with a grasshopper crawling up his arm!</span></div><div> </div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span><div align="left"><span style="color:#009900;">There are several other great pics of the boating trip, but I think I will just post them on Facebook in a few days. It really was a fun trip, and we are so grateful for Pam and Andy and their generocity. Zane is already asking when we can go back to Boise and hang out on the boat with our cousins again. Maybe next year.....</span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-64602309667481902012009-07-31T17:32:00.003-06:002009-07-31T17:43:23.898-06:00Because I Love YouOkay, so I am slow getting boating pics up, but I will do that soon. I just wanted to share a little conversation I had with my precious daughter Nyah recently.<br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;">Me</span>: I am so lucky that you are my daughter. Do you know how you came to be mine?<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">Nyah</span>: No.<br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;">Me</span>: Heavenly Father decided to send you to me and to Daddy.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">Nyah</span>: Wow.<br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;">Me</span>: Why do you think Heavenly Father decided to send you to us?<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">Nyah</span>: <em>Because I love you.</em><br /><br />Talk about melt your heart! I was not sure what answer she was going to come up with, but that is the very best one I can ever imagine. I love that girl!Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-88268972684784669862009-07-23T21:24:00.002-06:002009-07-23T21:31:35.662-06:00Boating!We are still here in Boise with the fam doing a fun boating trip. Zane and Nyah are having a ball with their cousins. Zane is a big fan of the tube rides, and he loves to catch as much air as he can. He even got bucked off the tube yesterday, but luckily Shyalie was a great Baywatch Babe and dove in after him. When she got there he was grinning from hear to ear. He is one tough cookie!<br /><br />Nyah loves the boat, and when she gets hot and tired we make her a little bed and she takes a snooze. I can hardly believe she can sleep on a wild boat! I guess that is one of the perks of being three.<br /><br />I have lots of great pics, but I will have to wait until I get home to upload them. Stay tuned...Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-3229652260954833332009-07-06T16:08:00.005-06:002009-07-08T00:01:34.033-06:00GIRLS NIGHT OUT (You don't want to miss this!)<div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Friday, July 10th @ Provo Marriot Hotel</span></strong><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6dFhbw-XC-xrwoYd3Dlecd-Z2-r0KjgaJQjOzOBPl9mZ0YmXgjHioggL8Hu2SeiPtezejP2HZ3gz5wM8DCQ6zxKIQV_GmevN8qubDdam6MQsNcyy2JsvYzoMO2MsvOa0Je9zC4edA1hyphenhyphen/s1600-h/Kristi+Approved.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355472751995961490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6dFhbw-XC-xrwoYd3Dlecd-Z2-r0KjgaJQjOzOBPl9mZ0YmXgjHioggL8Hu2SeiPtezejP2HZ3gz5wM8DCQ6zxKIQV_GmevN8qubDdam6MQsNcyy2JsvYzoMO2MsvOa0Je9zC4edA1hyphenhyphen/s320/Kristi+Approved.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a></p>Sorry, this is a little hard to read, but you should look into this if you are interested in changing your body in an awesome way! Kristi and Trish can give you a step by step plan on how to eat to to lose fat, and how to exercise to get you toned! Visit their blog to check it out! I am "Living the Life" with Kristi Approved, and I have already lost over 5 lbs of nasty fat, and started toning and building muscle! After only 3 weeks I shed 1 1/2 inches off my waist, 2 inches off my hips, and 3/4 inch off each of my thighs! This is a great way to live and have more energy than ever!<br /><br />If you are interested, go to <a href="http://www.kristiapproved.com/">http://www.kristiapproved.com/</a> or kristiapproved.blogspot.com<br /><p align="center"></p>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-51256738096827998172009-06-28T09:02:00.005-06:002009-06-28T09:23:09.846-06:00Potty Training, T-Ball, and PrincessesI have been so darn busy lately! I want to cram in a few things that I have been meaning to blog about but haven't yet. Enjoy!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nyah</span> finally decided 3 weeks ago that she is a big girl, and she is ready to wear big girl underwear and go to the potty. I was a little scared since we had big plans that day (Saturday) to go to Lagoon and I didn't want to ruin her resolve by making her wear a diaper, so I took some extra cloths with us and crossed my fingers. I couldn't believe it, but she told us 8 times that day that she needed to go to the potty, and she did it every time with NO ACCIDENTS! She did it at home twice, at Lagoon twice, when we were driving home (We pulled over and took her to Wendy's), and while we were at my sister-in-law's house twice! I don't want to get too graphic, but it was pee and poop! Since that day 3 weeks ago she has only had 2 accidents, and they were both right in front of the potty while she was pulling off her undies. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yay</span> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nyah</span>!!!<br /><br />Zane recently started T-Ball on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lehi</span> City League, and Jeff volunteered to be the coach. I can't tell you how excited Zane was when he found out that his dad would be his coach! We have had 2 practices and 1 rained out game, so Zane is itching to get out and play another team. He really is quite good, he knows all the rules (he watches baseball with Jeff and plays with Jeff all the time), he can throw and catch quite well, and he is one heck of a hitter. I heard that his cousin Tyler (who I think is almost 10) is a baseball phenom, so I guess Zane is trying to follow in his footsteps. There is another family rumor that Jeff and his big bro Dan were awesome ball players in their day as well, not to mention the Softball skills of all of his aunties, so maybe baseball runs in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hoppie</span> blood ;-)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nyah</span> will be three on Monday, and I wanted her to have a little party with all of her 3 year old friends to celebrate. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ny</span> wanted a princess party, so we decided to go with it. We get little Disney princess invites and handed them out to her friends in the area. She also told the next door neighbor about her upcoming party, and she offered us some beautiful crystal looking plates and matching cups to make the girls really feel like royalty. I was afraid that they would get broken, but she assured me she didn't mind if they did since she had so many and bought them second hand anyway. I couldn't believe her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">generosity</span>!<br /><br />I decorated with purple flowers, a strand of Christmas lights, party favors (crowns, rock candy wands, stick-on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">earrings</span>, barbie stickers, fashion rings), and the cake.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bYT9xft44Pcv8A_h5IxhEqmfO0_coVtUI_jdCNydGs_Q_dx-1lxsy5ktEO4M7AysXZdOt4N-PQDK0YkTyvYeZawBUFulhTs_c67r73WgoXtocGS7j1C1lAJaQLrFDnIRJIWsjN1poF6J/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352394737402347378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bYT9xft44Pcv8A_h5IxhEqmfO0_coVtUI_jdCNydGs_Q_dx-1lxsy5ktEO4M7AysXZdOt4N-PQDK0YkTyvYeZawBUFulhTs_c67r73WgoXtocGS7j1C1lAJaQLrFDnIRJIWsjN1poF6J/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+027.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Table<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkRJN9xLe6qMFiRn9y11fl3VdcTO1vDQPtV9VZ6dpXyHnJ1tC1PM5PB4aCS30OV-i9y6irAOiclvauNZAfi6zTV6hbYLI11Al08SuRSRSxnmd6XnbOI_t5YfaQKhIGYIj6K-hmQrU-mJm/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352394741168462386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkRJN9xLe6qMFiRn9y11fl3VdcTO1vDQPtV9VZ6dpXyHnJ1tC1PM5PB4aCS30OV-i9y6irAOiclvauNZAfi6zTV6hbYLI11Al08SuRSRSxnmd6XnbOI_t5YfaQKhIGYIj6K-hmQrU-mJm/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+028.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Cake and Place Setting<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNeqwwOJT3jtGiDAUgL4j9VUZKStwxpIqEf6m_n8ux2rCTGbq5hFflrGIlngmdPRBTLuCVp670FAmTqZTfPqqkhfUnHxMUBoiAGtO0nA1EAg9dweyQOgM141p8C19NnH2jpmYhyRs1WgB/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352394744633442882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNeqwwOJT3jtGiDAUgL4j9VUZKStwxpIqEf6m_n8ux2rCTGbq5hFflrGIlngmdPRBTLuCVp670FAmTqZTfPqqkhfUnHxMUBoiAGtO0nA1EAg9dweyQOgM141p8C19NnH2jpmYhyRs1WgB/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+030.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lizzy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nyah</span>, and Megan<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmbiC4sZNJuq50i6RTsXNH-ftM9run4crj72HjAYTF4NKmxHJD8DNs9NZ5JH3S6x5u7j4AeKbBMGze49V2WVmCVlPvch_gspMvYDIYdfDk2IFxDbB0GGYCPHyKBT6xTcKIa_Gzh1KavSD/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352394750699142674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmbiC4sZNJuq50i6RTsXNH-ftM9run4crj72HjAYTF4NKmxHJD8DNs9NZ5JH3S6x5u7j4AeKbBMGze49V2WVmCVlPvch_gspMvYDIYdfDk2IFxDbB0GGYCPHyKBT6xTcKIa_Gzh1KavSD/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+031.JPG" border="0" /></a>Getting Ready to Bead Bracelets<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeS4kFvTJ0oiQo1o4DSbrRgLaF6RKSsuNjjmbHxESRjhZehnpjj5vPIlqBvCq-FdkSRiLFlHv2AaNaTbULb_JVWlq21afmzTSu-LNhJMkT03F8SoYNKE2o-B8j2WL2g8k3DdGbcAouW1G/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352394754653719794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeS4kFvTJ0oiQo1o4DSbrRgLaF6RKSsuNjjmbHxESRjhZehnpjj5vPIlqBvCq-FdkSRiLFlHv2AaNaTbULb_JVWlq21afmzTSu-LNhJMkT03F8SoYNKE2o-B8j2WL2g8k3DdGbcAouW1G/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+044.JPG" border="0" /></a> Princesses Eating<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgFYO2sh83V8-Tew1lASWlKH8hrRwNqU0-U0-9w5W6n-ahOh17OC8a-jnUNT0tRpJMFtKf2WSIMGuB3_dV86HRroAZ-dOJHa8t0qjGKoW_4suZAbSUOI70aDaoGUeWdTW2ChJbW86YD_n/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352395176578274482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgFYO2sh83V8-Tew1lASWlKH8hrRwNqU0-U0-9w5W6n-ahOh17OC8a-jnUNT0tRpJMFtKf2WSIMGuB3_dV86HRroAZ-dOJHa8t0qjGKoW_4suZAbSUOI70aDaoGUeWdTW2ChJbW86YD_n/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+048.JPG" border="0" /></a> Princess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nyah</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVxSfFYa_SmEivCWNte0HAMDU3iBhVfUUM_FdRJ95T40sENqxXstSH7FKjQ7HRwruZox3V33vGDWFBKyKjGhNin3dW7ZvHqaNpYKzt8EHRoIbXE3rbZv_4nagyouK37BVYJ-v-NvzR3OT/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352395183485587218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVxSfFYa_SmEivCWNte0HAMDU3iBhVfUUM_FdRJ95T40sENqxXstSH7FKjQ7HRwruZox3V33vGDWFBKyKjGhNin3dW7ZvHqaNpYKzt8EHRoIbXE3rbZv_4nagyouK37BVYJ-v-NvzR3OT/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+047.JPG" border="0" /></a>Heart Shaped Sandwiches<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUrAZ0oa_gf-ltbhbTn-Tf-z7vdOpUT2aVKzOfjS6kYtOkzSGGjkM2VNGnCKtQWiKhIUW0K41zaA3zFfvjjS76eChNXup-4Rb5evyOK10IEXiiUAYM3gVHV6VBFwtuyLSJnHNo7LL2MWV/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352395187543239938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUrAZ0oa_gf-ltbhbTn-Tf-z7vdOpUT2aVKzOfjS6kYtOkzSGGjkM2VNGnCKtQWiKhIUW0K41zaA3zFfvjjS76eChNXup-4Rb5evyOK10IEXiiUAYM3gVHV6VBFwtuyLSJnHNo7LL2MWV/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+059.JPG" border="0" /></a> Bracelets!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOOjf1L9F3khKyFu6I0fUYUovmKgBAR8kE6smgE8Cqj3tn_eFLnGu0YGfhwtS8va8YwvPUi7Ukx7ZYw6w1d1RfkBcUwtyFpbA_mDwudDSeRI4FnVtFPX2SP-60vDz5w25U3QDZznRJvcR/s1600-h/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352395184970850162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOOjf1L9F3khKyFu6I0fUYUovmKgBAR8kE6smgE8Cqj3tn_eFLnGu0YGfhwtS8va8YwvPUi7Ukx7ZYw6w1d1RfkBcUwtyFpbA_mDwudDSeRI4FnVtFPX2SP-60vDz5w25U3QDZznRJvcR/s320/Nyah's+Princess+Party+and+Others+09+071.JPG" border="0" /></a>Directly After the Party </div><div>( <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">lol</span>.)<br /></div><div align="left">It was so much fun to have all those little princesses over making bracelets, eating finger foods, opening gifts, playing together and giggling! Thanks to all of the moms who let us borrow their little princesses for the afternoon. It made <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nyah's</span> party so fun and so memorable.<br /></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2374411854843069682.post-1452218124201928402009-06-06T19:12:00.003-06:002009-06-06T19:27:02.005-06:0012 Weeks to a NEW ME!So, I am pretty sick of working out every day and staying the <em>same size</em>. I have been <strong>busting my bunz</strong> running, lifting weights, swimming, doing aerobics and pilates, and although I am seeing improvements in my stamina, strength, and overall health, I have plateaued in the weight loss category. I know (and have known) what the problem is (I don't eat right), but honestly I have no idea how to plan for, shop for, and cook a really healthy meal. So when I found out that my friend Trish and her buddy Kristi started a business to help women learn to eat right and get a rock hard body,<strong> I was on board</strong>! They gave me a book (they call it the Pink Bible) that outlines <strong><em>EXACTLY</em></strong> what to eat, how to prepare it, when to eat it, and what exercises to do... for a whole 12 weeks! You should see the before and after shots of Trish, it is unbelievable. So I am starting my journey to a new healthier, thinner, firmer me, and I couldn't be more excited... or scared ;-) I am taking a before pic tonight in a bikini, but don't worry, I won't post it here... but if I end up looking as hot as Trish, maybe I will make this blog private and post my after photo... or not! We'll see....<br /><br />Wish me luck!Tara Hoppiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00816474781469930636noreply@blogger.com9