tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39165045722542182692023-11-16T07:57:59.223-08:00He Graces:The Gibler's journey through God's graceHe Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.comBlogger238125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-87974724049443544532016-01-31T13:10:00.000-08:002016-01-31T13:10:12.025-08:00Big TransitionsAs of three weeks ago, Bob transitioned out of his full-time job at our church, Redeemer Fellowship. The timing of this transition was sudden, but not entirely unexpected, as he's wrestled for the last couple of months with the direction Redeemer wants to take his position, and whether that direction was a good fit for him. While we are heartbroken and still have processing to do, we trust God's care over our lives and the direction of Redeemer.<br />
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So what's next?<br />
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Well, we aren't entirely sure. We can tell you we plan to stay at Redeemer. It's our church home, our best friends are there, and what God is doing through Redeemer for the good of his people and the benefit of our city is undeniable.<br />
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We can also tell you that, for the time being, Bob will stay home with the kids while I work full-time outside the home.<br />
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Almost immediately after Bob's transition out of his staff role at Redeemer, God overwhelmed him with construction opportunities. This, in addition to his skills and current desires, is leading him to consider rebuilding his construction business with the hope of doing for others what he did to our home. We still find value in one parent being home with our young kids, though. Which is why the plan (and we know how perfectly those play out) would be for Bob to do a few projects here and there until Brooks is in school, then launch his business. We aren't sure if Bob will go back into vocational ministry. We are, however, excited to jump into Redeemer as lay members who continue to build up the body.<br />
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As for me: At the time everything happened for Bob there was a full-time opening within my old company, EPR Properties, that I accepted. Before staying home with the kids, I spent 5 years at EPR. I can't think of a better group of people to come back to. They're also giving me the space and encouragement to think through what role I'd like to hold long-term within the company (or possibly outside of it) and what it would look like to get me there. Nothing has been promised, and I still feel uncertain which career path to pursue, but I'm excited by the prospects.<br />
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If you want to know how you can pray for us, please pray that our next steps would become clear and that as we deal with very real human emotions, we would do so unashamedly with our community. We know we aren't the only ones who have dealt with huge changes or unmet expectations. God has proven he's strong enough to carry us through these things, and his presence working through his people is what we need to help carry our load--a huge thanks to those who have been doing just that!<br />
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While this is not how we would have written our story, and we're still quite raw as we step into our new reality, we can say with all assurance that God's kindness and goodness have overwhelmed us.<br />
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Thanks for all of your love and support!<br />
<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-17678237181188481772015-08-06T13:47:00.002-07:002015-08-06T13:51:23.378-07:00Interior House photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, friends. I had high hopes of taking pictures of the house with my fancy camera then putting together side by sides of the before and afters, but that's not happening. At least not right now. So instead of holding off, here are some super grainy, poorly lit, photos of what our house currently looks like.<br />
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<b>Living Room</b></div>
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<b>Entry</b></div>
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<b>Dining Room </b></div>
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<b>Kitchen</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWlQFsDhJlcU5zbjO41w-eb-NVuF3oELFj2Bq5-TArLA9w76eG-Nu-MtdJaqtpAqeYOG1c0Ijv-ImjVUyxekrQ8RqsjVqweUpb9RCyWHHuR_pNUzn4XuoEfww5AIS_yN-RF84n1NaoNcC/s1600/blogger-image-230705174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWlQFsDhJlcU5zbjO41w-eb-NVuF3oELFj2Bq5-TArLA9w76eG-Nu-MtdJaqtpAqeYOG1c0Ijv-ImjVUyxekrQ8RqsjVqweUpb9RCyWHHuR_pNUzn4XuoEfww5AIS_yN-RF84n1NaoNcC/s640/blogger-image-230705174.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Envision floor to ceiling, wall to wall, white subway tile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our range will go to the ceiling once Bob finishes the install </td></tr>
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<b>First Floor Half Bath</b></div>
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<b>Master Bedroom</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Master Bathroom</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Boys Bedroom</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Avery's Bedroom & Kids Bath</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Laundry Room </b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGflpI5O8_Rv31PYwoFrtcIi3Eje4AfJuYebac3b1kK7Y5pEqu4mZMF_KTOLLv1XtBNkimN-HrjHDj6J8HGAgvcjiP1gDtAGRd2Va_vMRXZMu42u5TxcvL0GkzMvDnobLqjC6AKMTpm_I/s1600/blogger-image-112983070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGflpI5O8_Rv31PYwoFrtcIi3Eje4AfJuYebac3b1kK7Y5pEqu4mZMF_KTOLLv1XtBNkimN-HrjHDj6J8HGAgvcjiP1gDtAGRd2Va_vMRXZMu42u5TxcvL0GkzMvDnobLqjC6AKMTpm_I/s640/blogger-image-112983070.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny as she may be, the ridiculously deep built-in shelves next to the washer and dryer make it super functional</td></tr>
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There's still work to be done, namely our kitchen backsplash, fireplace tile, and closet doors/rods, but those projects are slow going for a variety of reasons. The boys room will also not be decorated until Brooks is out of the crib and we get big boy beds in there. The house decor/organizing will continue to be ever-evolving and rooms like our living room won't look like I want them to for years, because buying new furniture is out of the picture. But I love this place and I'm so so happy it gets to be our home!<br />
<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-79354731335808636912015-07-08T13:27:00.001-07:002015-07-08T13:33:36.967-07:00Life right now <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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We are creatures of habit, which means Monday through Thursday looks the same for us. Yes, even in the summer. We just love a good structure. Without one we are not good humans. None of us. Well, except Bob. He has an uncanny ability to thrive in chaos, which is what happens when us Giblers don't know what to expect for the day.</div>
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Let it be known, though. If we are homebound for any reason, and Brooks won't stop crying, I shut down from life and our schedule goes out the window. Like, I watch Netflix all day, don't brush my teeth, and, at some point, will lay in the fetal position sobbing. Thankfully, we don't have many days like this anymore. But they do still exist.<br />
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Here's what a typical day looks like:<br />
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I get up between 4:30 am- 4:45 am to work. I actually love getting up before the kids. This also means I enjoy an entire cup of hot coffee. Hot. Glory.</div>
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When the kids wake, Bob gets them dressed and gives them their breakfast before leaving for work. Yup. My husband is that capable. </div>
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The kids watch a show (or 3) while I wrap up work and around 8:30 am or 9:00 am we hit the gym for a few hours. Not before at least two kids whine for a snack, though. Who cares that they just had breakfast twenty minutes ago.</div>
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When we get home they have a snack (of course), play (fight), we eat lunch, put Brooks to bed, and while Brooks sleeps the kids watch shows and I finish work. Oh and there are approximately 15 requests for snacks. Sometimes they even ask for a snack while eating lunch. There's no logic in them, I swear it.</div>
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Often Brooks wakes up grumpy (surprise) which means 2:30-4:00 pm is not. my. favorite. I need to do a better job structuring these post-nap afternoon hours, because it's our worst time of the day. We tried going to the zoo, as Brooks does better outside the house, but apparently that's the animals indoor rest time. How dare they.<br />
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Around 4:00 p.m. the kids clean up their toys and bedrooms while I begin dinner. This too is difficult and requires wine, because cooking with a screaming, giant, toddler is no bueno. Sometimes Brooks gets distracted upstairs while the kids clean and when that happens I'm sure there's a God who loves me. I enjoy cooking, but it's not the same when there's an almost 40 lb man-child clinging to my legs. There's no joy in that. None. So lately, like the last year and a half, our meals have been simple, quick, and the same menu cycles every week. Sorry family. At least you're getting food.<br />
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Now, some of you awesome parents may cringe at how much TV I allow in our day. To that I say, good for you. Seriously. I think it's great you can make it through the day without turning on the tube. I cannot. And I don't feel bad about it. I used to, but then I realized that's silly. So I set my own screen time standards and most days we stick to it because I set those standards according to my family and our needs. It works for us. So if you find yourself feeling guilty in your parenting/family life, evaluate what you're feeling and see if you're trying to achieve standards you don't actually believe in. Sometimes we should alter our habits, we all have areas we can improve on, but more times than not we're stressing for no reason. Or is that just me?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvPMCsy_0wVmJqTJtUkRdi4yTiZniO5rD92GQOLx6IqSn0Gt4MX76ZlA2UHtFeRWMktRQUa_a5nhgcr7wPKWvv456HwYT765JjmT0gLk1kl-x2Qe_OpkooTpcfSvGs0i6I6GOKTWhOpPf/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvPMCsy_0wVmJqTJtUkRdi4yTiZniO5rD92GQOLx6IqSn0Gt4MX76ZlA2UHtFeRWMktRQUa_a5nhgcr7wPKWvv456HwYT765JjmT0gLk1kl-x2Qe_OpkooTpcfSvGs0i6I6GOKTWhOpPf/s640/IMG_6180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gah. No matter how difficult you are, son. You're totally worth it.<br />
<br />
Playing paper-rock-scissor with himself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We have some of the best people in our lives. From old friends, to our closest friends, to our neighbors, to family, to our church family. Despite my desire to deepen many of these relationships, Bob and I decided to make time for a few people and really invest in them. For us, that looks like connecting once a week through a playdate, dinner, or lengthly this-is-where-I'm-at text message. Which may not sound like much, but if I'm honest it's difficult to make a text message happen most weeks. Lame? yes. Which is why I'm praising God for friends with similar personalities who get it and get me.<br />
<div>
<br />
Gosh, friends are so important and I don't want to be done with this parenting thing (not that we're ever really done) and find I don't know my husband and I have no friends. I'm confident I can't be who I need to be without these two relationships, marriage and friendship, and I don't want to lose sight of that, even if there isn't much time for it right now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH2t8LWelnPaLzz93-huvdqCVeOF9n7ZitmvQSuShKQyze8SW5d1VojVgayX61sE751-QkgMaZYH3xY9kbiNBGnVZYu0DTcEqgv1WQHBrSvbguEblwcD6H4EzVzATooKB2yHR2iNMfA-a/s1600/IMG_6234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH2t8LWelnPaLzz93-huvdqCVeOF9n7ZitmvQSuShKQyze8SW5d1VojVgayX61sE751-QkgMaZYH3xY9kbiNBGnVZYu0DTcEqgv1WQHBrSvbguEblwcD6H4EzVzATooKB2yHR2iNMfA-a/s640/IMG_6234.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, that was a fun night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlRKdPuJ9YH28_5sbYsY9M0r4XBCIgBLBxNEdUzP1LaNxrQlQdLYkSJj9hKwz7D5-GHaHoRE6T1Iue31OjpWTX9aVYh6aCXn-BBeLylRwCY3JYTJA9QxjaYxtSihBifboYhZCuA8sFhqt/s1600/IMG_6242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlRKdPuJ9YH28_5sbYsY9M0r4XBCIgBLBxNEdUzP1LaNxrQlQdLYkSJj9hKwz7D5-GHaHoRE6T1Iue31OjpWTX9aVYh6aCXn-BBeLylRwCY3JYTJA9QxjaYxtSihBifboYhZCuA8sFhqt/s640/IMG_6242.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Tracy! We love you!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO4M5rCASXr2lZw0Qifovoqol5Ckew1W__-TOBju-8mhQ0qSEQra0T2Y53t2xq2uLmwRQe1HT9pDnj0N6KiPfcpFj2W5qPpCBaMOEYkadKzF638ua7YsVbB9kHq78FX-OW5jmvYwBVrUt/s1600/IMG_6258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO4M5rCASXr2lZw0Qifovoqol5Ckew1W__-TOBju-8mhQ0qSEQra0T2Y53t2xq2uLmwRQe1HT9pDnj0N6KiPfcpFj2W5qPpCBaMOEYkadKzF638ua7YsVbB9kHq78FX-OW5jmvYwBVrUt/s640/IMG_6258.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks makes the best faces.<br />
Happy Father's Day, Daddy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjrH6GonlmYW21dRm8iZcd6NPgTXtzmiUMSZipkm2brdqqfY27Tfmf4tqtKv9Iaoi8ul4uSu7rLDBLB0sgUtYNiAViVtf_5VNm4jfnwzm8kpvLVoJHK1Ir0svJjacru-2lgzIRmFzj6jz/s1600/IMG_6276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjrH6GonlmYW21dRm8iZcd6NPgTXtzmiUMSZipkm2brdqqfY27Tfmf4tqtKv9Iaoi8ul4uSu7rLDBLB0sgUtYNiAViVtf_5VNm4jfnwzm8kpvLVoJHK1Ir0svJjacru-2lgzIRmFzj6jz/s640/IMG_6276.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could eat these two dishes all summer long.<br />
<br />
Boiled potatoes and green beans with loads of butter, salt, and pepper.<br />
Tomato, cucumber, onion, basil salad. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SU3otA3PlN6oZOGsf1cEIsGoZ6x5Fq-4xGTQxEBnhohONUZS9JWjdpcQhIKZmxacrF5Waisd2Rk8YAeeIIflsyhyphenhyphencaUcLLexKy2v2-8Io-mMuqL6I0aAHjW7rJwN0M_YmrXWVrcC92vq/s1600/IMG_6297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SU3otA3PlN6oZOGsf1cEIsGoZ6x5Fq-4xGTQxEBnhohONUZS9JWjdpcQhIKZmxacrF5Waisd2Rk8YAeeIIflsyhyphenhyphencaUcLLexKy2v2-8Io-mMuqL6I0aAHjW7rJwN0M_YmrXWVrcC92vq/s640/IMG_6297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5IlKPF5FqFALaWHma7b7NSMC8VXINccOxrhHQbmQxFQw85bW2hkvL4SfbKXn-Ynn0plenGigRBMuA_ndYi5i8hpMWtkHMWFRlddgkw3GvhS8iv-EHHl5S6ojXqS38_1jAvFk_yhWU3Ts/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5IlKPF5FqFALaWHma7b7NSMC8VXINccOxrhHQbmQxFQw85bW2hkvL4SfbKXn-Ynn0plenGigRBMuA_ndYi5i8hpMWtkHMWFRlddgkw3GvhS8iv-EHHl5S6ojXqS38_1jAvFk_yhWU3Ts/s640/IMG_6303.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands down the biggest eater in our house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ptat1oyP3mJ6SFhYwCAqoYROO-YNKBuqtCt8AEpTP3hpGVFPkkuz-8v7in4hmZxqk4fLhuo_2B83E6xt3mwNayKt5fcTldYcNM0PAr4e0ddahc0rg_pJXXi_0MTK8tdu8aF6iXyKG9Ew/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ptat1oyP3mJ6SFhYwCAqoYROO-YNKBuqtCt8AEpTP3hpGVFPkkuz-8v7in4hmZxqk4fLhuo_2B83E6xt3mwNayKt5fcTldYcNM0PAr4e0ddahc0rg_pJXXi_0MTK8tdu8aF6iXyKG9Ew/s640/IMG_6349.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friend took me to her favorite vendors at the farmer's market. I'm in love.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDocJoNUqZmOtmGGfiobngUHrIr3M3wSrqY2lmTJ29_47m08WVZEl5Agg3QqFvVFU5ivjEIQD3NmrAKQvCsDgfzMOC_TJTw9RWcYT4Jh1LbuhMnv_skRV9PayzTADG54aSx6jB6gHrcAIv/s1600/IMG_6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDocJoNUqZmOtmGGfiobngUHrIr3M3wSrqY2lmTJ29_47m08WVZEl5Agg3QqFvVFU5ivjEIQD3NmrAKQvCsDgfzMOC_TJTw9RWcYT4Jh1LbuhMnv_skRV9PayzTADG54aSx6jB6gHrcAIv/s640/IMG_6353.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink of the summer. <br />
One shot gin. One shot simple syrup. One shot lime juice. A few basil leaves. Taste. And alter according to your heart's desire. ( I typically add more gin and simple syrup)<br />
<br />
Jami Nato, this drink forever revolutionized my drinking habits. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoRjYM8lc4oIbOaEOmaqGZ7SxWaJFEYJaIObzXzYsYIYoaV7Ep5TNxURkdzw_JNAMweXBWwGixxaMy6JU6OFSLs0ALo__XW23Vlu9HmZ7NUxJrnYPWsANmkdVdXb4Psdui2hkQqBeagix/s1600/IMG_6396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoRjYM8lc4oIbOaEOmaqGZ7SxWaJFEYJaIObzXzYsYIYoaV7Ep5TNxURkdzw_JNAMweXBWwGixxaMy6JU6OFSLs0ALo__XW23Vlu9HmZ7NUxJrnYPWsANmkdVdXb4Psdui2hkQqBeagix/s640/IMG_6396.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh man, this was a hard day. We had so many battles, me and this one, that when it came time to leave for brother's baseball game I didn't have it in me to fight a wardrobe battle. So to the ball park we went, mismatched shoes and all. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibckJOYlZE7XCxdHr7dgVWa1R8raJeDtopfZpH8HCYRxKS3kmkrAPw3G-7eMTTkqq6GAd6hi_xL7o_tcU0AWqrtr_gKNU6uta492nqBUVZPffeRAT_kG-iv8r2_dyzTfmkykX9l1P4EJbn/s1600/IMG_6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibckJOYlZE7XCxdHr7dgVWa1R8raJeDtopfZpH8HCYRxKS3kmkrAPw3G-7eMTTkqq6GAd6hi_xL7o_tcU0AWqrtr_gKNU6uta492nqBUVZPffeRAT_kG-iv8r2_dyzTfmkykX9l1P4EJbn/s640/IMG_6407.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 data-reactid=".2.0.0.0.2.1.0.0" style="border: 0px; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span data-reactid=".2.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I suppose it's a rite of passage, preparing team snacks for the first time. Because this means you have a kid old enough to play organized sports and well, you feel like you yourself should be playing instead. But alas your leaky bladder and bum knee remind you this is, in fact, your time to be the adult</span></h1>
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He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-18584298013718380622015-07-07T05:39:00.000-07:002015-07-07T05:40:04.613-07:00Dallas, Bray's 6th Birthday, and 4th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago I got to leave my husband and three littles to visit a friend in Dallas. Our family needed me to get away. It's become too easy to lose sight of the person behind the mama and wife. And I have passions, and thoughts, and know I'm more than the sum of my roles, but when those roles consume most of my energy and time, I get lost in the mundane and forget the bigger picture and why of it all. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
And praise God, I got to see the bigger picture and be encouraged and inspired by some of my favorite people. I also got to eat and drink to my hearts content, which is always a win. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
To Naomi and Ben, thanks for letting me invade your lives and for loving me now, loving me when I was unlovable, and for always encouraging me with the way you live. I'm lucky to know you, friends. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHWtS9FAW7roZV1WRAi1KXZonivIcEqJncOHWRIHf7r0K8SDRfhZfY9tf9fm9ZyR5SH-G0t1BB7BbvLpcoEjsmmFACzyaoMFMExOwtPVvFQNF2dsHxPDvWA0pf1lB6etwcfxkSTmZ6Cwd/s1600/IMG_6019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHWtS9FAW7roZV1WRAi1KXZonivIcEqJncOHWRIHf7r0K8SDRfhZfY9tf9fm9ZyR5SH-G0t1BB7BbvLpcoEjsmmFACzyaoMFMExOwtPVvFQNF2dsHxPDvWA0pf1lB6etwcfxkSTmZ6Cwd/s640/IMG_6019.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pre-trip packing side-kick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNdrS-uvfezl-2mirL8VVhj-nnsxs26p9w6zM8J342B8H5sbJMxWwgiUDJfSp3aiWV0TVHlNd7y7j5c1y1DpVr1QNDdeOlujcD1bT7Sr2wcYRRJoMdLvuTAbN7JktyMwnMqdnFA1HD3f9/s1600/IMG_6047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNdrS-uvfezl-2mirL8VVhj-nnsxs26p9w6zM8J342B8H5sbJMxWwgiUDJfSp3aiWV0TVHlNd7y7j5c1y1DpVr1QNDdeOlujcD1bT7Sr2wcYRRJoMdLvuTAbN7JktyMwnMqdnFA1HD3f9/s640/IMG_6047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCI, I've never been so excited to see you.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDgdBihQaJQwe1fm90o8Wnzr_3kblXjw-C1GmYh8zZzcLj49YyoVjfeRVa_-w8fjFxJMO7bEupevv31ihvoL9RKJLrhVguhOLfZCzmP5R-HS7csITNB_sGT5fQo7_tsKmrqr5Wcu2Y-P7/s1600/IMG_6058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDgdBihQaJQwe1fm90o8Wnzr_3kblXjw-C1GmYh8zZzcLj49YyoVjfeRVa_-w8fjFxJMO7bEupevv31ihvoL9RKJLrhVguhOLfZCzmP5R-HS7csITNB_sGT5fQo7_tsKmrqr5Wcu2Y-P7/s640/IMG_6058.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only in Texas will see you bible references used as bar advertisement.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UG17aREsNxn2lstHvAtAWtAAPKMs1eCYv046568v96EiRHGfyfS54OajeLXSp874BWnIhg-9ZpFKTvs0EoCYBsUeol1jSYH-3uhWlDMZE29W-2nzCb0O8bdMWp7M2encYdjEQu1Qhjb2/s1600/IMG_6063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UG17aREsNxn2lstHvAtAWtAAPKMs1eCYv046568v96EiRHGfyfS54OajeLXSp874BWnIhg-9ZpFKTvs0EoCYBsUeol1jSYH-3uhWlDMZE29W-2nzCb0O8bdMWp7M2encYdjEQu1Qhjb2/s640/IMG_6063.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a sucker for cocktails, Americana food, and these two.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-tksbxfgEtUjS5VNFO2yzkHQXXZn4Eyc6HRgFv1FXvPBPVWAKev1j673ZH3L3hm_9hYtkWo0ollCkp4d5k9PCmiBGp0cs3pHRuVdrstbVqeli0bCeumvcyJeq-fjBM9fTCdhcCKpTL80/s1600/IMG_6069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-tksbxfgEtUjS5VNFO2yzkHQXXZn4Eyc6HRgFv1FXvPBPVWAKev1j673ZH3L3hm_9hYtkWo0ollCkp4d5k9PCmiBGp0cs3pHRuVdrstbVqeli0bCeumvcyJeq-fjBM9fTCdhcCKpTL80/s640/IMG_6069.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emporium pies, ya'll. Totally legit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7XD5YR1wpzK8162AgA9cWyCfkM_GXePGhJVUhd5pSvRWipEjnzU4LJuibKixLmybs3DzbC_95YrBeBpGFpJVirTc1srcLUvtzSX7MYTbBL4d7oePzPximsM_HeIk6wBDunEVs7Q_QfKc/s1600/IMG_6071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7XD5YR1wpzK8162AgA9cWyCfkM_GXePGhJVUhd5pSvRWipEjnzU4LJuibKixLmybs3DzbC_95YrBeBpGFpJVirTc1srcLUvtzSX7MYTbBL4d7oePzPximsM_HeIk6wBDunEVs7Q_QfKc/s640/IMG_6071.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's pretty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time seeing mama after my trip. </td></tr>
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Bray turned 6 last Wednesday and for a number or reasons we opt'd out of a party with friends and settled on chocolate chip pancakes and a cousin sleepover. It was simple. It was loud. It involved lots of vacuuming. And it was awesome.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning chocolate chip pancakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10:30 p.m. and going strong.</td></tr>
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This Fourth of July we stayed in our neighborhood. While we missed family, I'm so glad we stayed close to home. We got to share good food with our neighbors. They had a meat smoking contest and oh man, Squier Park knows how to cook some meat. The kids had the best time running about, playing on the tire swing, lighting fireworks. And Bob and I got to catch up with friends which doesn't happen as often as it should.<br />
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It's actually surreal, how good we have it here in Squier Park. After all the houses that fell through in our real estate escapade. To now be on the other side, in the exact house we should be in. Well. It will always be a clear picture of God's love and kindness to me and my family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks' face kills me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always throwing a ball, this one. He even sleeps with Bray's glove on. <br />
Future baseball player? or weirdo? Time will only tell. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 data-reactid=".1.0.0.0.2.1.0.0" style="border: 0px; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span data-reactid=".1.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I don't love fireworks. I can enjoy a professional display every now and again, but amateurs lighting explosives? Not my thing. I've been this way since I was a kid and I remember feeling so conflicted, because I wanted to have fun like the rest of the kids, but inside I was miserable. Tonight, I saw the same struggle in Avery. Sister tried so hard to be brave, but every loud noise sent her running. So we left the boys to their fireworks and are now cuddled up in bed watching Curious George. And we're having the best time.</span></h1>
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He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-44446113232618984872015-07-06T05:16:00.000-07:002015-07-06T05:16:24.751-07:00Playing Catch Up: Stepping Stones<div>
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I wrote the below post in the heat of our renovation. It was a dark day that day, but the Lord redeemed it. Read below...<br />
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Last week I loaded the kids up and drove around the city for 2.5 hours. I couldn't quiet my fears and insecurities and I needed to remember, remember all that the Lord has done. So I drove to places that were clear marks, or stepping stones, of God's faithfulness and care over my life. I drove to Birchwood, the church where the Lord opened my eyes to who he is and the place I married Bob, God's greatest gift to me. I drove to Bob and I's first house. I remembered the time we couldn't make our house payment and God provided through a knock on the door and an anonymous envelope. I drove to our second house and remembered all of the memories we made with family next door and what it was like to bring two healthy babies home. I drove to our old church in the Crossroads and remembered the friendships and community. I drove downtown to my old job. I was so young and naive when I started there, but those 6 years brought experience, friendship, and financial stability that set Bob up and I up in ways I still don't quite understand. I drove to our current church and remembered walking through the doors for the first time. We went there needing a place to rest and recharge. I was in the midst of a season of doubt and needed God to show up in a big way. That first service left me in tears. From singing in unison as we collectively confessed our sins, to Kevin's ability to preach to a mind like mine. All of it has made such a difference.<br />
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And now, to be where we are, with friends we love, in jobs we love, at a church we are excited to be at, in a home we renovated, and with hearts that are miraculously becoming more like His. It's all too much to take in some times, just how good he has been to us.<br />
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It's amazing looking back on his hand in my life. How capable, loving, and able he is to sustain me.<br />
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If you find yourself bearing the weight of this broken world, wondering how you'll take your next breath without suffocating, let alone navigate your difficult circumstance, know there is a loving, mighty, God who is able to carry your load. Turn to him. He went to great lengths to bring you to his side, and when you realize the magnitude of who he is it will change you. I'm certainly living proof of that.<br />
<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-56620722984459959352015-07-05T11:12:00.003-07:002015-07-05T11:14:06.651-07:00Playing Catch Up: Easter 2015 and Braydon's Preschool<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Let the world chase itself and call your great love a little thing. But as for me, I will behold your face." -Trinity Grace Church</span></div>
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Easter is a big deal for the Gibler house. Our entire identity is founded on the truth that there is a God who went to great lengths to display his glory and love for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I realize it all sounds ridiculous and backwards, I would think that too had he not opened my eyes to the beauty of it all, but it is, and will always be, the best news we've ever heard.<br />
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Side note regarding pictures. Apparently a few files on my Canon were corrupt and I lost most of my spring pictures, including our Easter photos. So here's another round of grainy iPhone pictures :)<br />
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Bray began preschool this past January and he absolutely loved it. I was unsure how he'd fair, he's a bit shy and when I'd ask if he was ready to go to school outside the home he'd say, "I want to always do homeschool." But I knew I wasn't serving him well. I mean, relying on Daniel the Tiger for moral lessons and Leap Frog via Netflix for everything else wasn't what I wanted for him. Though we still love both those shows and use them frequently, especially right now, because good gracious summer days are long. Getting to send Bray to such a great school, to be challenged by a wonderful teacher, was just what our family needed. At least for that season.<br />
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Thank you for the memories, Old Mission!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before his spring concert</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikimA-nc8IUr28y3YndXOLRPDBb0PIYt3s8XC2bSl9PRZeu2ntNFdmrYld-YfPGhzEmzSs1wcDY_qn4jJRzGvvMoKkP_pIfPssNNSBHxVyKpNuDLFActXYM2B_XryX7RkmQM65S2aXY4W/s1600/IMG_5284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikimA-nc8IUr28y3YndXOLRPDBb0PIYt3s8XC2bSl9PRZeu2ntNFdmrYld-YfPGhzEmzSs1wcDY_qn4jJRzGvvMoKkP_pIfPssNNSBHxVyKpNuDLFActXYM2B_XryX7RkmQM65S2aXY4W/s640/IMG_5284.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring concert: Bob's parents</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring concert: My parents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg986s1zO4ZGp7YUnXYkhaGD99OGGca_BeuRoJOkApusWQEkflnBLP1xoRvQc7ANdfRN9CknzJJ9dHQZzGy9dZponbjHrgRLbRpupFMAjv1AT0fSxODFTJar58-uEzayGCisgX1nZZh7J/s1600/IMG_5292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg986s1zO4ZGp7YUnXYkhaGD99OGGca_BeuRoJOkApusWQEkflnBLP1xoRvQc7ANdfRN9CknzJJ9dHQZzGy9dZponbjHrgRLbRpupFMAjv1AT0fSxODFTJar58-uEzayGCisgX1nZZh7J/s640/IMG_5292.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY62y5XQQ2M538EhK9n4T3VZpnS610FpE6_cIHHezatvThp0Pr8jDpN0KuGy7p4a2AfPH2J_KxpKrYVCjgDb15BrKnqvW1h87y4fvUqWE6ePI0gMSRXLy0VJq6nzfjGGmO-91FSY5rXk6k/s1600/IMG_5294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY62y5XQQ2M538EhK9n4T3VZpnS610FpE6_cIHHezatvThp0Pr8jDpN0KuGy7p4a2AfPH2J_KxpKrYVCjgDb15BrKnqvW1h87y4fvUqWE6ePI0gMSRXLy0VJq6nzfjGGmO-91FSY5rXk6k/s640/IMG_5294.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bray and his good friend, Jude</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preschool graduating class</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At his graduation, telling us he'd like to be a baseball player when he grows up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bray's preschool class 2015</td></tr>
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He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-24556502568290851052015-07-02T06:10:00.001-07:002015-07-05T10:40:45.075-07:00The last three months...Over the last several months I've, in some ways, gone off the social media grid. After a long season of being open and vulnerable, both in my parenting struggles and renovation, I needed space to process the last two years.<br />
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And I'm so glad I took time away. Leaving Facebook, not committing to many social gatherings, being selective on what I shared (I'm a total over-share-er by nature). I needed to do all of these things to recover from the craziness of the last few years, as well as take time to discover our new normal without all the noise.<br />
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My little sabbatical was quite fruitful, and we are slowly gaining capacity for more. Which is why I wanted to take a second and fill you in on the last few months. I also want to record what's happened, because while blogging takes a lot of time, without it I don't record our family's memories or take as many pictures. I have no idea if I'll be able to maintain blogging, I'd at least like to try for the sake of memory keeping, though.<br />
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As for the last three months:<br />
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God's faithfulness and kindness has overwhelmed us, both in his presence and how he's worked out the details of our closing renovation. We still have projects to finish, but we expected that and we're not unfamiliar with living amidst undone work (hello, no kitchen cabinets for 3 years). It will likely be years before we have the time and money to finish these projects, but I really can't complain when 90% of my interior has been redone to my liking.<br />
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Exterior work began on the house this week (exciting!) and at this point (there are still a few question marks on some of these) we are getting our porch rebuilt, exterior painted, new driveway, and new windows. The grants we're getting won't cover our detached garage, so it'll continue to look gross, but again, I can't really complain now can I?<br />
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As for life. Well. Brooks continues to refine my soul with his constant crying. I mean really, kid. GIVE IT UP. The other two are having a hard time adjusting to sleeping in their own bed which, in large part, is our fault since they've been in the same room as us for the last year and a half. In fact, there's not been a night in the last three months they haven't started or ended in our bed. No amount of spanking, conversing, reassuring, or bribing has kept them in their bed, because they're genuinely terrified. So until they mature a bit more, or we gain some awesome new tactic that helps them feel safe and unafraid, we will continue walking through their fear with love and gentleness the best we know how.<br />
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Other than sleep habits and Brooks' crying, the kids are doing well. Their growing friendship is adorable and they love to mimc snakes and panthers that slither and prowl about the house. No one goes upstairs by themselves, which is quite cute and equally as annoying. Avery continues to perfect her made-up songs skills, and Brooks has discovered a love of dance. Bray is obsessed with Jurassic World, though he will likely never see the movie, at least not until he knows how to sleep in his own bed.<br />
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Most meals happen around our kitchen island which has been so fun. And the most significant benefit to this house has been the space. Oh my word. I didn't realize how quickly a house becomes cluttered when you're doing most of life in one room. To have bedrooms upstairs, bedrooms large enough to play in, and to have the dining/kitchen/living rooms be their own space has made such a difference!<br />
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As a family we are loving our neighborhood. The kids frequently play in the yard and field across the street, and we have some amazing friends nearby. Bob takes the kids for walks often, usually while I'm working, and in doing so he's built lots of relationships with our neighbors. Who knew he'd be such a social butterfly?<br />
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I absolutely love living in the city and could not think of a better place to raise my family. The culture, the coffee shops and restaurants, the parks. All of it is so enjoyable and refreshing. It's also pretty awesome to be in Kasnas City, specifically. So many great things are happening in the way of craftsmanship. People are really taking back their city with loads of care and investment.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who has encouraged us throughout these crazy years. We feel loved and supported and are excited to see what God has planned for us in this place.<br />
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Now for a gob of grainy iPhone pictures. I'll have more photos once my iPhoto is able to import my camera's pictures again. I'll also have a few catch up posts to follow this one, that chronicle some of the bigger events from my non-blogging months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincjsiuRNA5W8m9xZXnRsLYXtd_H5GYnB4rIWYqvPHTd-DPtqtH62ZNdYvQL4AsVZyzY3zsZpQEUkpHhj_upird2w8TOiBPuEbBA6EfDeP33oQiimGLo6KEPsFJkA9onLv2lEpRfaZwtjw/s1600/IMG_3152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincjsiuRNA5W8m9xZXnRsLYXtd_H5GYnB4rIWYqvPHTd-DPtqtH62ZNdYvQL4AsVZyzY3zsZpQEUkpHhj_upird2w8TOiBPuEbBA6EfDeP33oQiimGLo6KEPsFJkA9onLv2lEpRfaZwtjw/s640/IMG_3152.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oven mits as boots? Awesome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCfUPrgtiHk3y88U_E8jrOZGJHk_ZZe96i_Yi0feOHIksCOFOxsytmCD7N6afI6M44HCdZdDJMr1gBHdlK_Gtxb2YmjeNlGEPkcwVaSpYUSTlyYINEqY-anWSZitFFxTHSxUw1bBKI-kj/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCfUPrgtiHk3y88U_E8jrOZGJHk_ZZe96i_Yi0feOHIksCOFOxsytmCD7N6afI6M44HCdZdDJMr1gBHdlK_Gtxb2YmjeNlGEPkcwVaSpYUSTlyYINEqY-anWSZitFFxTHSxUw1bBKI-kj/s640/IMG_3197.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She yelled, "I LOVE MY PEOPLE" right before tackling me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaWYbpSzg5Unb_Zkuua29Xa_KORsWAMr3oILD9cAlx3RAE8VEtzX3AA7B9lTcoteN0h8RBr9hCrZ3uJ4cmun_uQPqX7yhyphenhyphenFQZy8YLLfwFKx_ICmPONrJ047BtmM475pWcw6IG4AVl6v1G/s1600/IMG_3230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaWYbpSzg5Unb_Zkuua29Xa_KORsWAMr3oILD9cAlx3RAE8VEtzX3AA7B9lTcoteN0h8RBr9hCrZ3uJ4cmun_uQPqX7yhyphenhyphenFQZy8YLLfwFKx_ICmPONrJ047BtmM475pWcw6IG4AVl6v1G/s640/IMG_3230.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My goodness these two are snugglers</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hWro1SbHT8Adj2KUPudTSlUR6dr9TfIURq8cqvtJc87szSqpRiRKDGiLklXGHyJrVrnVwTx8cDk7hs4PrAUw-Ue-nCO2f9oBnpz4NJ7uAI6G5Y3KFAR-SZm5WG9xCf0kAMftXufQz9fm/s1600/IMG_4302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hWro1SbHT8Adj2KUPudTSlUR6dr9TfIURq8cqvtJc87szSqpRiRKDGiLklXGHyJrVrnVwTx8cDk7hs4PrAUw-Ue-nCO2f9oBnpz4NJ7uAI6G5Y3KFAR-SZm5WG9xCf0kAMftXufQz9fm/s640/IMG_4302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ghM9yRJtgNIpFnsQrLOzDRsUxhhKmsd9zS1W8E9-GmKiMkS_VDEwbqmfSF4Xh67l47zZulNjRWHd02d7Ih6qdRNrkjl8HowWdbalYAI8ZusIrrk2bfHB5II4f_jfmytqYWHdCEKiPwiT/s1600/IMG_4350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ghM9yRJtgNIpFnsQrLOzDRsUxhhKmsd9zS1W8E9-GmKiMkS_VDEwbqmfSF4Xh67l47zZulNjRWHd02d7Ih6qdRNrkjl8HowWdbalYAI8ZusIrrk2bfHB5II4f_jfmytqYWHdCEKiPwiT/s640/IMG_4350.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Valentines Day basket</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKGUgRQpIFHWyAxHrs_bdK7Fn1g4UINeIeFob4_iy3gH1U-IxSZwaINpJSUC3bhVwzgKSkWDmrpi_ZwHpxTPtD7UZaT3lZIL9BBrqA7eEPQcyjHc48Q-QEiaokDJU8WbrX2XJ-EDib4Ls/s1600/IMG_4470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKGUgRQpIFHWyAxHrs_bdK7Fn1g4UINeIeFob4_iy3gH1U-IxSZwaINpJSUC3bhVwzgKSkWDmrpi_ZwHpxTPtD7UZaT3lZIL9BBrqA7eEPQcyjHc48Q-QEiaokDJU8WbrX2XJ-EDib4Ls/s640/IMG_4470.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAaRxUzv3A81GGMadoIY5VdkN_vZlTb6Zhjg1NzUP3ipl5Kk7Wqm61mrP76-XmOu93KQsD6uB23pjBxJ7v7b0TjymFDxK5khaI4k06wKL0rojc621hH24ICvEN-MJFrpav1CRe95p4XXT/s1600/IMG_4542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAaRxUzv3A81GGMadoIY5VdkN_vZlTb6Zhjg1NzUP3ipl5Kk7Wqm61mrP76-XmOu93KQsD6uB23pjBxJ7v7b0TjymFDxK5khaI4k06wKL0rojc621hH24ICvEN-MJFrpav1CRe95p4XXT/s640/IMG_4542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That belly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloyjbl_H-dxl18kwq74eXk5dVvW0AFraiGvkgQcML1e1DecLd2o_aVg5l-mPd5OeCvXGMJZZUAAzyEQ-Hp-uV1CzI-uFxpcRA-_W_uLSC4ixvFYDohL6enNpNroO1drScwBbO8jgQD23t/s1600/IMG_4633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloyjbl_H-dxl18kwq74eXk5dVvW0AFraiGvkgQcML1e1DecLd2o_aVg5l-mPd5OeCvXGMJZZUAAzyEQ-Hp-uV1CzI-uFxpcRA-_W_uLSC4ixvFYDohL6enNpNroO1drScwBbO8jgQD23t/s640/IMG_4633.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another amazing outfit choice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDqH5Tzyq8IUiAsaTyev9sdNXapboDn5rdixo6YpIhcYzZjzZPUXw3E-pmRurp3yI4gDCxHXERMGlcG14sA6eYcVUj8bF-MmcJ68iFqPdqLu7vkAW_XIHhQQUT6RYwOUPNz1jtW9AasBr/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDqH5Tzyq8IUiAsaTyev9sdNXapboDn5rdixo6YpIhcYzZjzZPUXw3E-pmRurp3yI4gDCxHXERMGlcG14sA6eYcVUj8bF-MmcJ68iFqPdqLu7vkAW_XIHhQQUT6RYwOUPNz1jtW9AasBr/s640/IMG_4729.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin trip to the vintage markets. We had so much fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kw9Wxjyx21nwAwiomfYynmNgJsnFeKIr-EmUpvW9m1OFMEYQeAfLccJn_sFkE13Y0-KbzGwL26ExJNwCweKtaKT8l0ICKjXOYCHvptPsYEUpc-nGx2JJhd_8RMHqjw547usVwHL25wqZ/s1600/IMG_4896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kw9Wxjyx21nwAwiomfYynmNgJsnFeKIr-EmUpvW9m1OFMEYQeAfLccJn_sFkE13Y0-KbzGwL26ExJNwCweKtaKT8l0ICKjXOYCHvptPsYEUpc-nGx2JJhd_8RMHqjw547usVwHL25wqZ/s640/IMG_4896.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our first weekends in the house. My mom took the kids for the night, so Bob and I got pad thai and a movie and LIVED IT UP. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEmqvMoM8_Uz3hfFS9DpEhKgux65Gvuvxkhf8uwPSIYKE6mCgmDxgTSJflsL99gFGYOLT4dte7vf75ZN6BlSX5U6MzDRFe2i4UZsFmIvZD7iLA03d64FSxVl-5OgZzTn8b-NLiN8X0rl9/s1600/IMG_4901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEmqvMoM8_Uz3hfFS9DpEhKgux65Gvuvxkhf8uwPSIYKE6mCgmDxgTSJflsL99gFGYOLT4dte7vf75ZN6BlSX5U6MzDRFe2i4UZsFmIvZD7iLA03d64FSxVl-5OgZzTn8b-NLiN8X0rl9/s640/IMG_4901.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the neighborhood gift from the Beans and their chickens. We also were spoiled with a fresh loaf of bread from the Janis' and tulips from our housing association. I love our neighborhood!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4586svZlWHl9-foTk5KvjQyftAMBWfaYMt0ChG7-ThVPiWuBSgjxsF7onMuGmJ_zm8Vm1uim1OeeKR66TNo1cD3OlHy7IDddvQ1Zuh1RVggxWI_Rv4PymK51uf4jIZk49XK48Ap-Lb3me/s1600/IMG_4975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4586svZlWHl9-foTk5KvjQyftAMBWfaYMt0ChG7-ThVPiWuBSgjxsF7onMuGmJ_zm8Vm1uim1OeeKR66TNo1cD3OlHy7IDddvQ1Zuh1RVggxWI_Rv4PymK51uf4jIZk49XK48Ap-Lb3me/s640/IMG_4975.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He actually put a toy in his diaper and that "look" is when he went back to retrieve it. <br />Still hilarious, though. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXqRWAYbuudD8R1-noOo259WdFu7rI_AFT0dl61AgZ0YIxxT5OtwZtT_G5IQiNb1Jd3gjJQBXL2Kr7xIydQMXWuHyv6akG_AAjY9tnL8XGE5cwGKYNEeQXVov_8_IdFqzjCw4VW8zvZHf/s1600/IMG_4990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXqRWAYbuudD8R1-noOo259WdFu7rI_AFT0dl61AgZ0YIxxT5OtwZtT_G5IQiNb1Jd3gjJQBXL2Kr7xIydQMXWuHyv6akG_AAjY9tnL8XGE5cwGKYNEeQXVov_8_IdFqzjCw4VW8zvZHf/s640/IMG_4990.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically what I looked like for the first month in our house. Unpacking, organizing, and decorating with three littles takes a toll. Clearly. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFY4cWGlVNODSbgRuAMXAGhraC7W_LHCcpr5XpWMMpi3cviRvCiVL0s74Sd4JvLsiuUSOwOlnyV24QR-lPRjG0L71mIvQPzwDQW56ABFvtSKp3j7EEQCZW6gYek7b1-hYDfqnFlh1JhQ4/s1600/IMG_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFY4cWGlVNODSbgRuAMXAGhraC7W_LHCcpr5XpWMMpi3cviRvCiVL0s74Sd4JvLsiuUSOwOlnyV24QR-lPRjG0L71mIvQPzwDQW56ABFvtSKp3j7EEQCZW6gYek7b1-hYDfqnFlh1JhQ4/s640/IMG_4997.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found our beloved scone recipe that had been in storage and this was our first batch in the new house.<br />So. Good.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggePaNUf5r1ITvmiCvEFE8t82-Y-jbnJRKaxw1RnSjezIVyT5xWdMNt9mjfOjbC3_y7zqX2aFS1yogse1JoMLjancOECimI-lSTsUeSN7GnZp2fCukGcXOrWNW5wWh9LQWGMyyjMu_NDEG/s1600/IMG_5136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggePaNUf5r1ITvmiCvEFE8t82-Y-jbnJRKaxw1RnSjezIVyT5xWdMNt9mjfOjbC3_y7zqX2aFS1yogse1JoMLjancOECimI-lSTsUeSN7GnZp2fCukGcXOrWNW5wWh9LQWGMyyjMu_NDEG/s640/IMG_5136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFTQ3qG9c1DvJQyW-NKoAaevtjTE2TNE9Kdm134k3kOIecVfrg8heqCwQn0Hh0bUpzb11s8qO0HrnW0_Z73UdNRkC4rOHpuk7RWI82SkpB6bt6DWB6wbhjqt_yJYKMWBmtYyxHAQ_LFhc/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFTQ3qG9c1DvJQyW-NKoAaevtjTE2TNE9Kdm134k3kOIecVfrg8heqCwQn0Hh0bUpzb11s8qO0HrnW0_Z73UdNRkC4rOHpuk7RWI82SkpB6bt6DWB6wbhjqt_yJYKMWBmtYyxHAQ_LFhc/s640/IMG_5254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZr7l2wGYa2-JQKGfRFhpOKqtmQ9OZZXOVqs0QEmH_k7_zs2Tk1AFfd0H0Kk6LmjBX_es9U9e2W02aDQ4vsbtj_Yet0dxGZseCdsiFNuJtIiYv1Y9S89Doxt_PxML6sw0tZCEQkm-dv7nv/s1600/IMG_5297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZr7l2wGYa2-JQKGfRFhpOKqtmQ9OZZXOVqs0QEmH_k7_zs2Tk1AFfd0H0Kk6LmjBX_es9U9e2W02aDQ4vsbtj_Yet0dxGZseCdsiFNuJtIiYv1Y9S89Doxt_PxML6sw0tZCEQkm-dv7nv/s640/IMG_5297.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejCXkpDXwrOFzurAbAMVQd4VvNRyWhGnoIwpLA8JYk-JlO7ATi_CTI1Y1GinBY0DUA2DF5pvZa-xfj0vsSJFcVOxvrHvZn-jOhmDoq9x5i4WyvDAvvc46FbiF4yO8S7B2SDCdk5HprAcj/s1600/IMG_5323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejCXkpDXwrOFzurAbAMVQd4VvNRyWhGnoIwpLA8JYk-JlO7ATi_CTI1Y1GinBY0DUA2DF5pvZa-xfj0vsSJFcVOxvrHvZn-jOhmDoq9x5i4WyvDAvvc46FbiF4yO8S7B2SDCdk5HprAcj/s640/IMG_5323.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He can't keep his hands off her</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4nj1ynZ-dpDXon6x-VlH_8C6G98Ltk24xVFC70x08Z1uTG_wfNTJ20gXm1w0wCjky5uefTV4yB3Aap2GZOswEFllJRZm8J6D5yhGmeyWVVKXxyRcGhZT_glvF6w0wOyj0P3asf4HiiSA/s1600/IMG_5344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4nj1ynZ-dpDXon6x-VlH_8C6G98Ltk24xVFC70x08Z1uTG_wfNTJ20gXm1w0wCjky5uefTV4yB3Aap2GZOswEFllJRZm8J6D5yhGmeyWVVKXxyRcGhZT_glvF6w0wOyj0P3asf4HiiSA/s640/IMG_5344.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters are the best</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ajrnd93LmInbL3Qo-9ZJwRXIBQYqVLpxVO0WxQWcgsAZa8ZUG85OnzOYtcZQCRCyxsWNFZyqnoSjjyq6YAz1b33Une3ovOAqLUep40SNDuqIo-JwJASnM-9CsZ_Rqoxb-cXosnamXD9u/s1600/IMG_5437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ajrnd93LmInbL3Qo-9ZJwRXIBQYqVLpxVO0WxQWcgsAZa8ZUG85OnzOYtcZQCRCyxsWNFZyqnoSjjyq6YAz1b33Une3ovOAqLUep40SNDuqIo-JwJASnM-9CsZ_Rqoxb-cXosnamXD9u/s640/IMG_5437.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I had a hott date that night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXTbXwl7N3A5n-YdWZTF946tNJYiy1kbw0wKjGmnPC7VhPSwi9Kz3yRXi50lRbVJZy0_3z168Hdpkq-Xga8tiZGatio2zb6E7PAztZe9__RHHUHpp90qMcIj92HT4lbZTGb6y8jx3hZfs/s1600/IMG_5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXTbXwl7N3A5n-YdWZTF946tNJYiy1kbw0wKjGmnPC7VhPSwi9Kz3yRXi50lRbVJZy0_3z168Hdpkq-Xga8tiZGatio2zb6E7PAztZe9__RHHUHpp90qMcIj92HT4lbZTGb6y8jx3hZfs/s640/IMG_5490.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime conversations over chips and salsa. Our fav.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xpKD1VVAVJyLSHl_g5dxPrPZLPWjIW0Nqd94Wts8bHBN6n_ue2BCUH0qTNnV8eb-sb3wq0pjDz2S09ANjpl1Zw-EuXnjelDm13Jigp7DO9Q8zR_c1qjRJLj7MEPabxp2viKBbw0DpmU_/s1600/IMG_5518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xpKD1VVAVJyLSHl_g5dxPrPZLPWjIW0Nqd94Wts8bHBN6n_ue2BCUH0qTNnV8eb-sb3wq0pjDz2S09ANjpl1Zw-EuXnjelDm13Jigp7DO9Q8zR_c1qjRJLj7MEPabxp2viKBbw0DpmU_/s640/IMG_5518.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She looks so tiny out there</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPL_8tlHQhdYq-PFVzVBgK_lvgNvID3xyr7hiyWdfm7k2U-b3o4_uK2RWD2Q-RHkVibyTgG3-7XjJli_02KLLtBUrm_fLJo2fJGZRDiW329XHxdZ16p650RGERGWURJjCkk6KZexjj-hm/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPL_8tlHQhdYq-PFVzVBgK_lvgNvID3xyr7hiyWdfm7k2U-b3o4_uK2RWD2Q-RHkVibyTgG3-7XjJli_02KLLtBUrm_fLJo2fJGZRDiW329XHxdZ16p650RGERGWURJjCkk6KZexjj-hm/s640/IMG_5542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek-a-boo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royals Game</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtJctB88fY4536YuwMIBIeg4vEAiGXt48BZnlCo5p3WISgaIOfNwVs_Vl8iv3oDY6xNcYTHB53RI1rfV4E7BWwCtjHMB-w7qqgJ8zYA2UlsFOksZzvITPLPOYpMZHDFwe4RawcOaR668X/s1600/IMG_5568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtJctB88fY4536YuwMIBIeg4vEAiGXt48BZnlCo5p3WISgaIOfNwVs_Vl8iv3oDY6xNcYTHB53RI1rfV4E7BWwCtjHMB-w7qqgJ8zYA2UlsFOksZzvITPLPOYpMZHDFwe4RawcOaR668X/s640/IMG_5568.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her first Royals Game</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner out as a family! We are just now doing these types of things. Still a bit risky with sir cry alot, but at least this dinner went well. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03oIq-cSubZJoKPu8jQjh1TNAZoOBXJHYUUaFrVUie2IaGxcQJOXObMP7U9M5ETHmJlFc-UJ67uesG-V3i6yDAVuPhKSLWHwVh-we_qQw5uUqcEe6BWBjpuKjIvXifh3UvpAJwM6NVhHo/s1600/IMG_5610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03oIq-cSubZJoKPu8jQjh1TNAZoOBXJHYUUaFrVUie2IaGxcQJOXObMP7U9M5ETHmJlFc-UJ67uesG-V3i6yDAVuPhKSLWHwVh-we_qQw5uUqcEe6BWBjpuKjIvXifh3UvpAJwM6NVhHo/s640/IMG_5610.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#threenager</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhRBwMTjOOJu67-InYetjV4aun2tlh5aGWxDNyl0_OM4gtsF0qei4fu2f6iLQQGoyEprGnbwU0sBAfaAe3eu5lTIM1Nb-M9u-6jR7tolw5VT7RMq0u1A22Rg71gEkXsAV8xFC2MSO91iM/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhRBwMTjOOJu67-InYetjV4aun2tlh5aGWxDNyl0_OM4gtsF0qei4fu2f6iLQQGoyEprGnbwU0sBAfaAe3eu5lTIM1Nb-M9u-6jR7tolw5VT7RMq0u1A22Rg71gEkXsAV8xFC2MSO91iM/s640/IMG_5674.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first handmade Mother's Day gift. swoon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOE_lKkvgEvDrqSsjNEOeHZ_vzF7mJS5viVNnXrecRX6G4Hf2tkqy3LFMeVxw4c7tEyZyzg4nDPeEgyx4ItgUyUfG3hc-OZTU7Fau5xuQXNuM4GmBEa5tJni1yn1GHT_9myDvefOs9uDm/s1600/IMG_5850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOE_lKkvgEvDrqSsjNEOeHZ_vzF7mJS5viVNnXrecRX6G4Hf2tkqy3LFMeVxw4c7tEyZyzg4nDPeEgyx4ItgUyUfG3hc-OZTU7Fau5xuQXNuM4GmBEa5tJni1yn1GHT_9myDvefOs9uDm/s640/IMG_5850.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He insisted on wearing brother's underpants over his diaper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUFz2q9YaYyGSbZH8HQgv9IeT_SlT-ms-NGSIyfiBd1PmE5tS2MIihHcG2dQU1jhVL_pi5Gh3NBj_PPq1Q75EMoZySeTeGdiG4bBZD_v40sPFCIOA3za326n2AVurJaJ1RPLsUF4349qK/s1600/IMG_5872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUFz2q9YaYyGSbZH8HQgv9IeT_SlT-ms-NGSIyfiBd1PmE5tS2MIihHcG2dQU1jhVL_pi5Gh3NBj_PPq1Q75EMoZySeTeGdiG4bBZD_v40sPFCIOA3za326n2AVurJaJ1RPLsUF4349qK/s640/IMG_5872.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother snuggles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQH85MjAPcWUmS6oiCJgHhwZuTGR-FY7YcjudCnLrSNdokbdi2unQStv6FjshJo-wX-1Jp33ggouFKnYH0q_CkdAvvbOAn_dwshhHnWjavbD4lHVRUr2JRQBKbbL5gnjwxi5TP17_f7Lz/s1600/IMG_5932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQH85MjAPcWUmS6oiCJgHhwZuTGR-FY7YcjudCnLrSNdokbdi2unQStv6FjshJo-wX-1Jp33ggouFKnYH0q_CkdAvvbOAn_dwshhHnWjavbD4lHVRUr2JRQBKbbL5gnjwxi5TP17_f7Lz/s640/IMG_5932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their attempt to "multiply" the bacon.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1621946686"></span><span id="goog_1621946687"></span><br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-34940755876624829812015-02-20T17:13:00.000-08:002015-02-20T17:13:41.716-08:00Exterior: Paint, Deck, Landscaping I realize what I'm about to show you is incredibly premature and may not happen for another 10 years. But if there's anything I've learned during this remodel it's that you can never be too prepared with a vision and a plan.<br />
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So without further ado, here is my vision for the exterior of our home.<br />
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<b><u>Paint:</u></b><br />
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I'll paint the body of the house Dovetail (4.). The main trim and columns will be white, and the second trim color will be one of the three options below (1 - 3). The second trim color is for the decorative trim piece (where you see blue paint and the strip under the windows), as well as the garage door. Then we'll stain the front door similar to the below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sikDOVzlUvkjYwDnqWlZUtGc7a8M6uNZGV9vw2ocxQYq2301ZYiMxeuOEJS7t8DglByX-7msd1xb0wUUVim385km-Ubq4jjSoQ9VTVSuLHDdKSGh1dWMA_DiGzafrJK1NOxusCf9NBYB/s1600/exterior+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sikDOVzlUvkjYwDnqWlZUtGc7a8M6uNZGV9vw2ocxQYq2301ZYiMxeuOEJS7t8DglByX-7msd1xb0wUUVim385km-Ubq4jjSoQ9VTVSuLHDdKSGh1dWMA_DiGzafrJK1NOxusCf9NBYB/s1600/exterior+paint.jpg" height="328" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Espresso Beans by Behr<br />
2. Black Fox by Sherwin Williams<br />
3. Espresso Bean by Benjamin Moore<br />
4. Dovetail by Sherwin Williams</td></tr>
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<b>Deck: </b></div>
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We plan to put french doors in the mudroom (where the black door is) and we'll tear off the shingles and add stucco to the areas that don't have it. I mean, as much as I love the four different exterior materials they got-to-go. </div>
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When you walk through the french doors you'll walk onto the deck. The immediate space out of the doors will be for the grill and built in benches. Past the grill, to the left, the deck will open into the outdoor dining area that will be covered by a pergola. The deck color will be stained similar to the front door, a dark brown.</div>
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We also hope to put up a new fence, one that is a darker stain. Again, similar to the front door. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkRjEoEg_vjRsdfObc00tFBCtP8NHCRd5dzEPEBwHxM7AWApkSvf0ygFni9OrIzbYBxQhM1kTAWrXAjiY1_dBnzywLwWOBH1Gl-DpquZeS9pCU2iXOf9cS7J-30WnfStrpmdOYUBSlpYg/s1600/deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkRjEoEg_vjRsdfObc00tFBCtP8NHCRd5dzEPEBwHxM7AWApkSvf0ygFni9OrIzbYBxQhM1kTAWrXAjiY1_dBnzywLwWOBH1Gl-DpquZeS9pCU2iXOf9cS7J-30WnfStrpmdOYUBSlpYg/s1600/deck.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Landscaping:</u></b></div>
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I basically have no idea what I'm doing here. I started with an idea of the plants and colors I like, which is what you see below. Now I'll begin researching what I can afford and take care of, I guess? </div>
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As for layout. Well that is where I'll rely on my friends, because I don't have the slightest clue. Like no, no, no clue. </div>
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As for a plan to make this all happen. We are applying for the RAMP program immediately after we move in. This program is set up to give $15K FOR FREE so long as the money goes to exterior work and you stay in your house for 5 years. This program is leaving our neighborhood in April and moving onto another neighborhood in KC. If you live in KC check it out! Your neighborhood may be next.<br />
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What we don't get done with the RAMP money we will do over time. I image we'll make a spreadsheet of what projects are left and approximately how much each project will cost.<br />
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I'm excited to get a more definitive answer to our timeline questions, because our exterior needs some major lovin, but first. LET'S MOVE IN.<br />
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<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-40327565711029482612015-01-28T18:50:00.001-08:002015-07-05T11:15:02.785-07:00What eating looks like now I really enjoy seeing how other people do healthy. So here's a snapshot of what our last three weeks have looked like in regards to food. The point was to start with familiar items that are simple to prepare.<br />
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Side note: below I've included a grocery list. The kid's snacks are listed, but I don't eat them (I'm only eating meat, nuts, fruit, veggies, the occasional Ezekiel bread, and JP shakes). When we decided to clean up our meals I knew it would be a hard transition for the littles. Keeping their snacks the same is my way of easing them into this. Their typical snacks are: string cheese, yogurt, Kefir, cliff bars, cereal, veggie straws, almonds, bananas, apples, tortilla chips, and fruit snacks. I do regulate how often they get their snacks, because they are expensive and I've found they are a great bargaining chip to get more healthy food in their diet. <i>Oh, you want fruit snacks? Eat three pieces of broccoli. A cliff bar? Eat an apple first. </i> Often when they eat a banana before a granola bar they opt out of the bar, because they are too full. Do I bargain every time they ask for a snack? NO. In fact, Brooks ate a cliff bar for every meal yesterday, because it made him happy and I needed those few moments without his crying (for more awesome parenting tips, email me at...).<br />
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Being intentional starts with a plan; this is my plan.<br />
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<b>Dinner/Breakfast/Lunch:</b><br />
Spicy sweet potato hash with eggs<br />
Taco salad<br />
Fried egg, avocado, and Ezekiel toast<br />
Scrambled eggs with peppers, mushrooms, avocado, salsa<br />
Scrambled eggs with avocado and bacon<br />
Baked rosemary chicken with salad, avocado, carrots, and hummus<br />
Mud pies (hamburger with no bun) with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and roasted broccoli<br />
Beef stew with rosemary, thyme, carrots, and yukon gold potatoes<br />
Beef stew with sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and garlic<br />
Cobb salad with boiled eggs, bacon, broccoli, red peppers<br />
Meatballs with homemade ragu and spaghetti squash<br />
Baked chicken and roasted broccoli and cauliflower<br />
Baked rosemary pork chops and roasted broccoli and cauliflower<br />
Baked chicken with avocado and salsa<br />
Baked pork chops and salad<br />
Juice Plus shakes mixed with almond milk (we add frozen berries to the vanilla mix)<br />
Baked chicken and brussels sprouts<br />
Roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and bacon<br />
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<b>Snacks:</b><br />
Red pepper and hummus<br />
Carrots and hummus<br />
Bananas and peanut butter<br />
Apple and peanut butter<br />
Almonds and oranges<br />
Ezekiel toast, avocado, and coconut oil<br />
Cashew clusters<br />
Juice Plus shake<br />
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Here are a few cooking tips when preparing your meat. I tried these when we first began our journey, because if I was going to eat this much meat I needed something to change in the way I was preparing it. And brining has made a world of difference.<br />
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<b>Chicken</b>: 30 min to 2 hours before you cook the meat, put it in a plastic bag with 2-3 tbsp of salt and cover the chicken in water. I leave my chicken on the counter when brining, because it's usually half thawed. But if fully thawed, let it brine in the fridge. After the brine, cook the chicken at 350 for 15-25 min.<br />
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When reheating chicken in a microwave cut up the leftover chicken and place in a bowl, put a little water in the bowl, cover with a paper towel, then reheat. I don't like reheated chicken because it's dry and has a funky taste, but I can eat it this way.<br />
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Typical seasonings: garlic, salt, rosemary, thyme<br />
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<b>Pork chops: </b>Brine the meat just like the chicken. Cook on the stove at a high heat, 3 min on each side. Then move them to a 400 degree oven and cook an additional 6-12 minutes (<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-perfect-pork-chops-in-the-oven-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-194257" target="_blank">here</a> is a good site with more detailed instructions).<br />
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When reheating pork, use the same method as the chicken.<br />
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Typical seasonings: garlic, salt, rosemary, thyme<br />
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Here's my grocery list:</div>
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<b><u>Costco</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Coconut Oil<br />
Avocado Oil x2<br />
Almond milk- unsweetened<br />
Butter<br />
Canned Organic tomatoes<br />
Sweet potatoes x2<br />
Salsa<br />
Avocados x2<br />
Mushrooms x2<br />
Carrots<br />
Brussels sprouts x4<br />
Frozen organic green beans<br />
Frozen organic broccoli<br />
Raw broccoli<br />
Cauliflower x4<br />
Romain lettuce x2<br />
Spring mix<br />
Kefir x 3<br />
Apples x2<br />
Bananas x4<br />
Cuties (oranges)<br />
Onions<br />
Frozen organic berries<br />
Frozen blueberries<br />
Coffee x2<br />
Udi's bread x4<br />
Butter<br />
Lemon juice<br />
Red peppers x4<br />
Stew meat (made 2 meals)<br />
Roast (made 2 meals)<br />
Bag of chicken x2<br />
Organic grass-fed ground beef x2<br />
Ground bison<br />
Pork chops<br />
Grass-fed, non-hormonal bacon x2<br />
Veggie straws x2<br />
Ezekiel bread<br />
Organic tortilla chips<br />
Cashew clusters<br />
Organic fruit snacks<br />
Eggs x2<br />
Organic eggs<br />
Milk x 7<br />
Hummus<br />
Greek yogurt<br />
String cheese<br />
Almonds<br />
GoGo Squeeze apple sauce<br />
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<b><u>Target</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Spinach<br />
Red onion<br />
Yukon gold potatoes<br />
Spaghetti squash x2<br />
Organic peanut butter<br />
Kids Cliff bars x3<br />
Organic, gluten-free, puff cereal x2<br />
Oatmeal<br />
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<b><u>Juice Plus</u></b><br />
Variety pack of shakes<br />
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Another thing. Eating this way is an investment. Liitterrrallyy. Your money will go into this and your dividend will be a stronger body. This month, using this particular shopping list, I spent approx $750. I am hoping that once we move into the city I can utilize the local Trader Joes, Aldi, and Farmers Market, cutting down my costs (though we are joining a CSA in April and I have no idea what that means for our budget). But I also know that the American food system doesn't make it easy nor affordable to make healthy food choices. At some point I have to be ok with this and make some adjustments to my budget, because if I'm not sacrificing now then in 15 years I can't be surprised when the doctor puts me on three chronic medications that cost $300 a month (that's my family's cycle). Talk about a budget blower.<br />
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I also know not everyone can just "adjust their budget" and spend a mortgage payment on food each month. There are some months we can't either. That's when I remember I'm called to do the best I can with what I have. And that is absolutely enough.<br />
<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-67691438151996642222015-01-26T07:45:00.000-08:002015-01-26T07:45:35.133-08:00House sitting and the coming weeksBob's Aunt and Uncle graciously asked us to house sit while they take an extended vacation. And guys, their home is just beautiful. With many aspects of it feeling like a resort. For example. The bed we sleep in. It's a dream. And the sheets! I must get a pair of these sheets. Their hot tub is a blast and oh so relaxing. The fireplace, well we love fireplaces. The giant shower with two shower heads. My kids absolutely love it. It's like a party in there and the only feedback I get when it's time to take a shower are shrieks of joy. Their toilet seat is heated and every time Avery sits on it she says, <i>ah, so cozy. </i>There's also an amazing kitchen to cook in. Windows everywhere. Windows that overlook a golf course, which has a lovely view of the sunrise. And the few days we've had 50 degree weather my kids have lived in their back yard.<br />
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To say we are grateful for this opportunity is an understatement.<br />
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And with every passing day we grow in anticipation and excitement for our house. This weekend Bob and his brother will begin refinishing the wood floors. That's supposed to take two weeks, but I'm preparing myself for three since they are working on them in the evenings and weekends. After that the plumber and electrician will come back to set the fixtures and sinks/toilets, then we can move in! Bob did say we may need some time for the floors to cure. Perhaps up to two weeks. I'm not really sure what that means, but I'm fairly certain if he asks me to wait two more weeks I might break his knee caps.<br />
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The coming weeks have the potential to be some of the hardest yet. Bob will have long days with no rest. I'll have long days with no rest. We know the end goal is worth it, but I've learned along this journey that there's nothing that can cure a long day with a screaming child except Jesus' intervention. Not the hope of what's to come. Not pep talks. Just Jesus. His presence is the only thing that will enable us to walk these coming weeks well. Please pray for us if you think about it. That the floors move quickly, Jesus' presence is tangible, and Brooks keeps it together.<br />
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I must say, it's been so fun sharing our housing journey with you all. The encouragement. The prayers. The comments. It's all mattered. *Big internet hug*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UbrmL25tpGRhCnjwpSALJsbueuhKx-u6O1odDI4NiLOITrhWf0UCi3B4Qf2NXo2EWiCeHZx0fTC7vhSc4b2VY8CUiAY_hc6V9NtQkJ2iZM1SC_bKrT7eMefL1u0iWmIyP4D5FJh8MbSH/s1600/IMG_3711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UbrmL25tpGRhCnjwpSALJsbueuhKx-u6O1odDI4NiLOITrhWf0UCi3B4Qf2NXo2EWiCeHZx0fTC7vhSc4b2VY8CUiAY_hc6V9NtQkJ2iZM1SC_bKrT7eMefL1u0iWmIyP4D5FJh8MbSH/s1600/IMG_3711.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I tell him no he does this: lays himself on the floor and covers his eyes. No screaming. No tantrum. Just the saddest display of hurt feelings you ever did see. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stomach bug was the worst. But I sure did love those snuggles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can finally tame the mane with a ponytail!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_rs8IDIuvNr7FJKTnvuOIryuHbl0Yx0gcDRBTiB5N72uk8t6qyYNDM4k3DsBO3tEDx4ztFsIenKc356rgERlg406W6EH77C0o6PvgqxSVPJEI4_IQQUqAjqPR9TnC9w65btD6ZqtxHjx/s1600/IMG_3898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_rs8IDIuvNr7FJKTnvuOIryuHbl0Yx0gcDRBTiB5N72uk8t6qyYNDM4k3DsBO3tEDx4ztFsIenKc356rgERlg406W6EH77C0o6PvgqxSVPJEI4_IQQUqAjqPR9TnC9w65btD6ZqtxHjx/s1600/IMG_3898.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to make himself eggs. <br />Cracking the eggs is obviously his favorite, but we have some work to do #somanyshells</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzRTJxm9PEUBE5Ton0aXxlD4VabbkdgRe6Uvs-cHZmocoKZpS6c4UR-4pMfhJVbhgntT6CBIsrI7D3KSDybkWaNTD7HwU97QO1ku_0z9UfR6vDbavhQQb9UhwaZfPMqH3WvL9Atz8euyX/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzRTJxm9PEUBE5Ton0aXxlD4VabbkdgRe6Uvs-cHZmocoKZpS6c4UR-4pMfhJVbhgntT6CBIsrI7D3KSDybkWaNTD7HwU97QO1ku_0z9UfR6vDbavhQQb9UhwaZfPMqH3WvL9Atz8euyX/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In our two weeks of sickness we had to wait to meet baby, Susanna. So Brooks passed the time by carrying baby "nanna" with him. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hide in seek is all the rage in our house. Notice Bray to the left? He thought he was so sneaky.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Linda left us bird seed and food for the squirrels. <br />My kids absolutely love feeding the animals and pass so much time sitting by the door watching them eat.</td></tr>
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<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-66938458411628589022015-01-25T12:40:00.002-08:002015-01-25T13:29:49.769-08:00Decorating with a planI've mentioned before that I no longer have a decorating budget built into our remodel. Which means I have to turn to our every day budget to make the prettiness happen. And I will make it happen. Not only do I think it contributes to the overall coziness of our home, it's something I love, love, love to do. And I haven't done it in OVER A YEAR.<br />
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We don't have a plethora of extra money to pour into decorating, though. In order to keep myself from the all-too-familiar-walk-of-shame to Target's return section, <i>because I was blinded by creative forces and it made me think I had million bucks</i>, I've created a plan. One I absolutely have to stick to as I'm determined to never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever go back into debt.<br />
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So I created a spreadsheet. Nothing profound. In fact, I'm sure they are teaching third graders how to create more complex workbooks.<br />
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Inside the spreadsheet I have a tab for each room. I compiled my wants by spending time on the internet and walking through stores. Mainly Target, IKEA, and a few small online businesses because those are the kinds of stores we can afford. This has taken me months because well, IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR, and at some point I had to do these types of things to keep the right side of my brain alive.<br />
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Once I found something I loved, I added it to the list, including prices and what store the item is from. The hope is to keep an eye on sales and coupons, but here's the catch. No matter how good the sale is, if I don't have the money right then and there I have to say no. No. No. No. I'm the queen at justifying sale purchases. The queen. But if the money's not there. It's not there. Profound, right?<br />
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This plan will take work, but I know what it feels like to be in debt. I also know what it feels like to buy everything I think I need, promise my husband I won't buy another thing for at least 5 years, then the next day be wanting for more. These things can't hold the weight of my ultimate satisfaction. Only God can. To truly enjoy this decorating process, with no guilt and honoring all the Lord has given me, I have to do it this way.<br />
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So here's to trying! And to patience. And pain. And more patience. And joy. Lots and lots of joy. BECAUSE I HAVE A HOUSE TO DECORATE. Thank you, Lord!<br />
<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-56550146214720925332015-01-25T11:36:00.000-08:002015-01-25T13:29:55.219-08:00Redemption in a houseA couple months ago I was walking a friend around our house, sharing my ideas and vision for what it will be, and she said <i>isn't it amazing? how we, as humans, yearn to make things beautiful?</i><i> </i><br />
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I think about what my friend said often. Especially as I find myself waffling between anxiety, because it's been a year and a half and I'm ready for stability. Guilt, because there's much need around the world, yet I'm picking out countertops and new appliances. And excitement, because this is a dream of Bob and I's.<br />
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Yet knowing that my longing to right what is wrong, to restore beauty, is the same longing that belongs to my Creator allows me to still my heart and see that this house is about so much more than paint colors and decorations, tile and lighting fixtures. It's a picture of redemption.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master shower: still needs grout, trim pieces, and a threshold piece.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third floor bathroom tile- a little dirty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third floor shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint colors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second floor hallway leading into the Master. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9O23It94qUllvaas_wiL22Sq4Wg_KTh3XEaNBcUe1eWq9n5MYcAxSGRfwQfrsRaxt9AZigFgwOGOykTeAJjqlaxE13nWg5-0X5C_JQ3mW-qBpZ8iDRCbda57TFDzXa2MToXN9jmpFJNG/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9O23It94qUllvaas_wiL22Sq4Wg_KTh3XEaNBcUe1eWq9n5MYcAxSGRfwQfrsRaxt9AZigFgwOGOykTeAJjqlaxE13nWg5-0X5C_JQ3mW-qBpZ8iDRCbda57TFDzXa2MToXN9jmpFJNG/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avery's closet and entrance into the kids bathroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcpTI1lTG2a9yrxP4h4bQBa8z3Kj09Pqk3UjVLkW8wa17sINwb3l2noU3F5AXm1Lz8ZSKGf5C7si7FCuLfTo5SRENeF23DCUt3hkpbGC33vX7Wgeiruj3YSlel5VnmdQI-GmCrdFqgfP5/s1600/blogger-image-1638975891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcpTI1lTG2a9yrxP4h4bQBa8z3Kj09Pqk3UjVLkW8wa17sINwb3l2noU3F5AXm1Lz8ZSKGf5C7si7FCuLfTo5SRENeF23DCUt3hkpbGC33vX7Wgeiruj3YSlel5VnmdQI-GmCrdFqgfP5/s1600/blogger-image-1638975891.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imperfect pano of our primed master vanity</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7Al4eb8Fro-n1H26V7wrH-HVxJJY993IR2m0ORgxrD3AVeQmAAeSQCvKF_0ll6-jKvWXxTsiGN95_Ad-QP4eER_4tWwg9ilteF9wGTrpdMpH0Uvq_xF1pxTSPJ14fWX8U6ANAcCoHVHF/s1600/blogger-image--1657337491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7Al4eb8Fro-n1H26V7wrH-HVxJJY993IR2m0ORgxrD3AVeQmAAeSQCvKF_0ll6-jKvWXxTsiGN95_Ad-QP4eER_4tWwg9ilteF9wGTrpdMpH0Uvq_xF1pxTSPJ14fWX8U6ANAcCoHVHF/s1600/blogger-image--1657337491.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portion of the master closet we had built</td></tr>
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*<i>The house has come a ways since the above pictures. Trim pieces are up. House is clean. And paint is happening. By the end of next week all painting will be done and the refinishing of our wood floors will begin. EEKK!</i>He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-62017243523191881012015-01-02T10:04:00.001-08:002015-01-25T13:30:00.134-08:002015, I'm thankful you're before me<div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." Psalm 105:1</i></span></span></div>
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Bring meaning to it all.<br />
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When I sat down to set goals for 2015 that's what continually came back to me: <i>bring meaning to it all. </i>It didn't take long for that to be the driving force behind every goal I set.<br />
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For example:<br />
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My goal to eat better: food is meant to come from the earth, not a factory. And farmers are important. If I don't contribute to their livelihood then I shouldn't be shocked when big business takes over and (likely) ruins all of my food options with chemicals. So instead of setting out to lose weight, we will join a CSA (probably <a href="http://www.farrarfamilyfarmkc.com/" target="_blank">this one</a>). We will do our best to purchase our produce from the local Farmers Market, and I won't feel bad if we have a month when money's tight and we need to buy the $20 frozen bag of chicken at Costco. Because that's life. This also means we will follow the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent, good and whole food. Twenty percent, yummy crap.<br />
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My goal to exercise: God created our bodies to move, not be sedentary. So I'll do my best to workout a few times a week, but just as fervently I'll walk my kids to the park or up the street to a friend's backyard, and we will play. No matter the year, this will always be a goal, because my health is important and I think it's valuable for my kids to see me striving towards an active lifestyle.<br />
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My goal to have a better marriage: we will simply keep trying, because this is the most important relationship I have next to Jesus. And we will try within the season of life we are in. That means date nights will be difficult. We rarely get away now, and it will only become harder as we move from our 5 minute drive to both Nanas. So instead of saying date night every week, we will say once a week we will connect. If that means wine after the kids go to bed, with no tv and phones, awesome.<br />
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My goal to make dinner more of a family event: this comes from a place of wanting my family to feel safe and connected, as well as teach them that food is something to be enjoyed. This desire doesn't become a reality on it's own. It takes work to know my kids and make them feel known. It also takes work to make dinner happen with the kids present. So I'll do my best to include them in the cooking (this is hard for me, b/c I don't like messes), and we will ask each other questions as we eat. Dinner won't be rushed and we'll likely serve dessert when it's over. Will this happen every night? Absolutely not. But if I can make it happen 3 nights a week, well that'll feel good. I also want dinnertime to be fun, as opposed to a forced routine that leaves everyone annoyed they can't enjoy their food in front of the tv (shameful truth: I love to eat in front of the tv). I have no idea how we'll do this, but I'm going to pray for wisdom and ask my momma friends what they do.<br />
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My goal to be generous with our time and resources: I tell my kids often that <i>they'll be happier if they share their toys rather than keep everything to themselves, because that's what God wants for our hearts, to be givers.</i> It's time to focus on showing them what that looks like. Especially now that we'll have a house (or will very soon). I also want them to see that giving within their means is just as important as actually giving. It doesn't do anything but add stress if you are generous with money you don't have (this was and continues to be my struggle; my heart is bigger than my wallet). It also isn't good to overcommit your time (another big struggle of mine). Because of my personal struggles, this has to be an area I work on so I don't condition my kids to a behavior that doesn't serve them or the people around them well.<br />
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I have lived with most of these convictions (goals) for a number of years. For a variety of reasons, (exhaustion, being overwhelmed) I haven't executed them or at best, didn't execute them well. 2014 reminded me that each year holds it's own hardships and that God is strong enough to meet me in my trying. And that's the only way real, lasting, results are produced anyway, through him.<br />
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So we are diving in with all we have, setting out to give 2015 our best shot!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God’s will is not a problem to be solved.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">God’s Word tells me His faithfulness does not depend on my wisdom. (</span><a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Lamentations 3.22-24" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lamentations%203.22-24" style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lamentations 3:22-24</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">God’s Word tells me His grace does not depend on my performance. (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Ephesians 2.8-9" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ephesians%202.8-9" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God’s Word tells me that whatever shape my life takes, His steadfastness and goodness trump whatever is going on around me.</b> (Psalm 136)</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: purple;">And if all that is true? It changes how I view every single circumstance in my life.</span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Rejoice always. </i><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Pray without ceasing. </i><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Give thanks in all circumstances.</i><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">THIS is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.</i><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">(<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Thessalonians 5.16-18" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thessalonians%205.16-18" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a>)" </i></span><br />
<i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: purple;"> She Reads Truth</span></i><br />
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He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-16063435507100817722014-12-31T08:31:00.000-08:002014-12-31T08:32:16.197-08:002014, you were somethingIt's kind of hard to write about you, 2014. You held many wonderful things like the purchase of our home, Avery's nakedness, Braydon's science projects, Brooks' snuggles, and weekends at the lake.<br />
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You also exposed some deep ugly. My ugly. The stuff that had me losing my mind over the slightest inconvenience. The kind that left me entitled and angry, controlling and mean. You held lots and lots of hard moments. Some of the hardest of my life.<br />
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But I'm stronger.<br />
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I'v become more aware of my sin and weakness, which magnified the beauty of His grace.<br />
I benefited from the Lord's presence and it's absolutely true, no righted circumstance is greater than Him.<br />
I re-prioritized and brought intentionality to areas that matter.<br />
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I will always see 2014 as the year my foundation was made strong. I'm sure more difficult years are before me, but having walked through this year, the year that kicked my ass, the harder years ahead seem less threatening. Because no matter what, He'll be there with me, and I've tasted how "enough" He really is.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the last 365 days. It's no small thing to have people love you.<br />
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<b>For funsies, here are a few of my favorites items from 2014 (links in blue):</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Extravagant-Grace-Glory-Displayed-Weakness/dp/1596384492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419884768&sr=1-1&keywords=extravagant+grace" target="_blank">Extravagant Grace </a>: one of the most beneficial books I've ever read.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0781412153/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=42263576930&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6368297326840250164&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3uyl2ao9vn_e" target="_blank">The Hardest Peace</a>: this book will inspire you, encourage you, and make you cry ugly tears<br />
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<a href="http://allsonsanddaughters.com/" target="_blank">All Sons and Daughters</a>: buy their music!<br />
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<a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/Lucky-Brand-Basel-Zip-Booties_301_-1_301_504684870?df=04320757_zi_grout&categoryId=425&scrollTop=92" target="_blank">Lucky Basel Booties in toffee </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.juiceplus.com/content/JuicePlus/en/buy/complete/juice-plus--complete-variety.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiAlISlBRDHpIekkMGiiskBEiQAh-0KQMamhNM0GACNvB4ACx1KTWF-c12D1w_THo7AxTy7HRcaAvqe8P8HAQ#.VKG6gJ1cGA" target="_blank">Juice Plus shakes</a> (I add Almond milk): this has been a breakfast staple (and sometimes lunch) for Bob and I. The kids love them too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nbc.com/parenthood" target="_blank">Parenthood</a>: I finally watched this show and oh my word, I love it!<br />
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<a href="http://level99jeans.com/shop/signature/tanya-high-rise-flare/level-99-tanya-high-rise-flare-jagged.html" target="_blank">These jeans</a> from Level 99 (I got mine on a sale and had a coupon code) and <a href="http://www.costco.com/Matty-M-Ladies'-Legging%E2%80%93Black.product.100034683.html" target="_blank">these leggings</a> from Matty M.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/34780?article=34780-A#article=34780-A" target="_blank">These sweaters</a> from H&M. I got a medium and it's giant, more like a tunic top, so I wear it with my Matty M leggings and Lucky Booties. It's basically all I wear (I have three colors). If I want to dress it down I wear a large scarf like <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/46719?article=46719-B" target="_blank">this one </a>(mine is plum from the plaza store), or I wear a fancy necklace like <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/necklaces/a-grand-statement-necklace" target="_blank">this one</a> with some adorable flats.<br />
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<a href="http://store.kellymoorebag.com/products/libby" target="_blank">Kelly Moore bag in caramel</a>: this has been the BEST bag. I can fit my camera, laptop, and diapers/wipes inside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thevillagechurch.net/resources/sermons/a-beautiful-design/" target="_blank">Matt Chandelier's Beautiful Design series</a>: this is so impactful and fun to listen to!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thevillagechurch.net/sermon/the-big-picture/" target="_blank">This parenting class</a> by Jeff and Jen Wilkin<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thessalonians-Living-Gospel-Bible-Studies/dp/1596381043" target="_blank">This bible study</a> by Kathleen Nielson<br />
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/essie-nail-color-berry-naughty/-/A-13249621" target="_blank">Berry Naughty</a> by Essie: my favorite nail color of the year.<br />
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<b>Happy New Year!! </b>He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-48472062190556449262014-12-29T08:50:00.000-08:002014-12-29T09:04:29.862-08:00This MorningIn the 5 hours we've been awake, Brooks has stopped crying for 30 minutes. That's not 30 minutes straight. No. That's a collective 30 minutes. 5 minutes here. 7 there. This has been his story for the majority of his life. We've had test after test run to rule out medical reasons for his incessant tears, but they've all come back negative. So I endure the tears, doing all I can to eliminate them, which honestly, makes me feel like a slave to my one year old.<br />
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This morning, as I paced the house trying to calm him down, I found myself in a dark place. I can't handle the crying. I'm already prone to anxiety and I'm still reeling in the postpartum hormones.<br />
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I haven't mentioned it much on this space (because who wants to hear about that), but I've had many dark days over the last year. I've sought help through midwives, my friends, my husband, our pastors. My support system is strong, and this morning, as I fight another surge of emotions, God broke into my world and reminded me how strong he is. And how in control he is over this situation. So I sat down on the floor, with my wailing one year old, and we sobbed. I cried out, asking God to make Brooks stop crying like I have so many times before, and we continued to cry lots and lots of ugly tears.<br />
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Brooks never stopped crying. In fact, he's still crying in his crib. But as I rose from that defeated spot on the floor, I felt stronger. Because in my weakness God became bigger. He met me in those tears by increasing my faith and reminding me that there's purpose in everything. He can make Brooks stop crying. he's not. But he can. And he's good. His promise to work ALL things for his glory and my good ring true and by believing this promise I can look at this maddening situation and know he's with me and he cares.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">"He is in the wanting and the asking.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">He is in the waiting and the receiving.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">He is in the mourning and the dancing.</span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #464646; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Our God is in and before and beyond it all." (She Reads Truth)</i><br />
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I'm sure today will continue to be hard. I'll pray otherwise, and we'll do all we can to combat the tears, but something tells me the point isn't in his answer.<br />
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If you find yourself in a similar place of wanting or need, know there's a mighty Creator who may or may not answer you in the way you'd like, but his presence will overwhelm you in the best way and that's pretty life-giving.<br />
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And if he doesn't answer you, there's a GOOD reason for it.He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-78508768606622576632014-12-28T09:00:00.002-08:002014-12-28T09:00:41.358-08:00Christmas and Av's Birthday: we were those parents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bob and I called this Christmas the forgotten Christmas. We said it in jest, our families and Jesus made it great, but it didn't feel like Christmas. Perhaps it was the absence of traditions or that Bob was hardly around due to long hours at the house. Regardless of how we felt though, there was much to celebrate in Jesus and there's much to look forward to in 2015! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY65T7PA4Oe5VP4-6GnXGe187VuPLUq3Xr_ssz9HWRO41RXBZsQqFE8Ya4j2MyvuojpRL78WHN5ZSBfXCXNSbK_UGfq03WMibkWl2iB0QFBF3zy6iT2R6PHG3xd9vfAu-qNcedqfn0uIf/s1600/IMG_4747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY65T7PA4Oe5VP4-6GnXGe187VuPLUq3Xr_ssz9HWRO41RXBZsQqFE8Ya4j2MyvuojpRL78WHN5ZSBfXCXNSbK_UGfq03WMibkWl2iB0QFBF3zy6iT2R6PHG3xd9vfAu-qNcedqfn0uIf/s1600/IMG_4747.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas and his apple pie moonshine. What a hick :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHTQLW15-f8HdKiiePIXKVD7edzOB6k8OMfT2pCeaq81nVCeqHO7kVI3uH5N9qU_fU6klAExP-4QYKx50pmpGwrag-xKrlNjQQHXsK6Qt4aIaJJGSO-EtQykgTjYnegSbVXzU94dp8ayI/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHTQLW15-f8HdKiiePIXKVD7edzOB6k8OMfT2pCeaq81nVCeqHO7kVI3uH5N9qU_fU6klAExP-4QYKx50pmpGwrag-xKrlNjQQHXsK6Qt4aIaJJGSO-EtQykgTjYnegSbVXzU94dp8ayI/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We surprised my parents with a flat screen TV to replace their GIANT box TV.<br />It's the dawning of a new age, folks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm5Kjt_ip9_mJLSSs8GwvP9kAJLYXsFMvEi14divTbxBWkAi85SRaAKHA6lqyAYDhOuo1u1IeaskBkugiXD4YhyPfCoAmBByV4DDtEI-7XIibsBRtqJJZY82VAE9ufiPD5wrYFh7fZcdi/s1600/IMG_4788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm5Kjt_ip9_mJLSSs8GwvP9kAJLYXsFMvEi14divTbxBWkAi85SRaAKHA6lqyAYDhOuo1u1IeaskBkugiXD4YhyPfCoAmBByV4DDtEI-7XIibsBRtqJJZY82VAE9ufiPD5wrYFh7fZcdi/s1600/IMG_4788.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bray got a punching bag, but Avery took it upon herself to break it in (of course). I was quite impressed with her skills. She went to town with punches and kicks and even threw in a booty bump.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaAGHFVWH6ZnPVWoUS0x2xyE2Rm9YgCO2lYNu2zSNR-CTj3Bp2rP7mrwYXLPzFnocp8WfocTCU5VE2mGM2D_6iPqeWlZRnogwSRTfjHpCUrmjHRoEHKAJajI3PXBJ2LxF4ucFheg_i0NH/s1600/IMG_4808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaAGHFVWH6ZnPVWoUS0x2xyE2Rm9YgCO2lYNu2zSNR-CTj3Bp2rP7mrwYXLPzFnocp8WfocTCU5VE2mGM2D_6iPqeWlZRnogwSRTfjHpCUrmjHRoEHKAJajI3PXBJ2LxF4ucFheg_i0NH/s1600/IMG_4808.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy is walking all over the place!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZH-IUuRpobQWchif26hKIU665ajd-EV7NSxYO5CeAtSXTV_dCSk87fiLapA8MmiS4Vxl5pno40HqInKai_KSFn3ykx1mWNbsP0A1jMLqFF2GclrjMQuToNjnQCiyPxx23974SsB8JExp/s1600/IMG_4816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZH-IUuRpobQWchif26hKIU665ajd-EV7NSxYO5CeAtSXTV_dCSk87fiLapA8MmiS4Vxl5pno40HqInKai_KSFn3ykx1mWNbsP0A1jMLqFF2GclrjMQuToNjnQCiyPxx23974SsB8JExp/s1600/IMG_4816.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how Christmas really went. Tons of snotty noses and tons of coughing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCFuNxW0ccpGMRb-c7-9F0DeQI7ZK469pmnM-E2hG-Ut7cdtQ_suZrgXfQdbNBWphVENl45R0Pt0pIjy3v-ssq2yhdKPsp0SpbMY47Nx1cph_mQzNDJpkRYe95o5lEuQW9R_mu4NJrcMP/s1600/IMG_4863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCFuNxW0ccpGMRb-c7-9F0DeQI7ZK469pmnM-E2hG-Ut7cdtQ_suZrgXfQdbNBWphVENl45R0Pt0pIjy3v-ssq2yhdKPsp0SpbMY47Nx1cph_mQzNDJpkRYe95o5lEuQW9R_mu4NJrcMP/s1600/IMG_4863.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas: the day you take the same picture but in multiple locations. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qvguZotr2pbG9djtAdtzOuYA_0cRNVd9kvH8q_hlG5ppQkMu8NJZI3Wkwkg9Zmv-zINbp-wbV-JyewbkLvZfdIdW81FKy4dUwvXnzo5YmkdSm7smcO-PNcTg4JyrA_veSfGK-tivpmJi/s1600/IMG_4876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qvguZotr2pbG9djtAdtzOuYA_0cRNVd9kvH8q_hlG5ppQkMu8NJZI3Wkwkg9Zmv-zINbp-wbV-JyewbkLvZfdIdW81FKy4dUwvXnzo5YmkdSm7smcO-PNcTg4JyrA_veSfGK-tivpmJi/s1600/IMG_4876.jpg" height="640" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elsa and Anna for the birthday girls.<br />Aunt Peggy makes the best hats!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw8_KJ3CtDn-K2vkaw4FGlaCDQmqHbi1-1RetxzONuCM5Qj1-HXhmERuC8JvmSDRhrmMQnHr2Q790KsfS4oJq7FNkGqkdYZz6j4WKc2l0DsIo8jE6Ux9FD5FkbI_ogEnezu4U4AcoL_sN/s1600/IMG_4895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw8_KJ3CtDn-K2vkaw4FGlaCDQmqHbi1-1RetxzONuCM5Qj1-HXhmERuC8JvmSDRhrmMQnHr2Q790KsfS4oJq7FNkGqkdYZz6j4WKc2l0DsIo8jE6Ux9FD5FkbI_ogEnezu4U4AcoL_sN/s1600/IMG_4895.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW83DR4Qh50yPIjS9D3-s9kK1o5au3LtzqIseD9kOsqZ05aHSn9D4Ax6VmsDJUN7NB2ktkwPmwkxfmf68V9n-NCch0skjlyi1ROvoUj7ymO0wNdfVq1fCsJVBp6XbzrFecdcO5ih5COGxM/s1600/IMG_4924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW83DR4Qh50yPIjS9D3-s9kK1o5au3LtzqIseD9kOsqZ05aHSn9D4Ax6VmsDJUN7NB2ktkwPmwkxfmf68V9n-NCch0skjlyi1ROvoUj7ymO0wNdfVq1fCsJVBp6XbzrFecdcO5ih5COGxM/s1600/IMG_4924.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every Christmas Aunt Peggy makes the great grandkids new hats and they are a hit! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycGyXI_btGy56kfPT6ZX4SMOyFSoHIbAOBBC-KlyO4VyGUQ8xfPSoN58eZ1jBAUQ7gaqnOIw5dnfV_Re_CmWGEFtYFvUs8uJgVtwlsy59lIxMV98EpIYZVf1A_jsvLpzo4jV7nsOnjcpt/s1600/IMG_4935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycGyXI_btGy56kfPT6ZX4SMOyFSoHIbAOBBC-KlyO4VyGUQ8xfPSoN58eZ1jBAUQ7gaqnOIw5dnfV_Re_CmWGEFtYFvUs8uJgVtwlsy59lIxMV98EpIYZVf1A_jsvLpzo4jV7nsOnjcpt/s1600/IMG_4935.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get that girl in some baby modeling! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtLF5IzSo6YR5QxqOuEUPjmR2TBzH1pGqRaRyC3XKf0BFlROyimzZLkJBHrlHbFF1sJc0265iSI9fdza53U-_3HCxuFMx-8mS2WE71Miq_DMCFprV0W7A8lH7dVQFxIUXlQbR1g_xSLLm/s1600/IMG_4957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtLF5IzSo6YR5QxqOuEUPjmR2TBzH1pGqRaRyC3XKf0BFlROyimzZLkJBHrlHbFF1sJc0265iSI9fdza53U-_3HCxuFMx-8mS2WE71Miq_DMCFprV0W7A8lH7dVQFxIUXlQbR1g_xSLLm/s1600/IMG_4957.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The part of Christmas where you break out the sweat pants is my favorite. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2LtAYK7a21wSA_T5WdMXn599KG-UPvqTb8FZpHZ8AeDP9n0kG1B2vggPqAX1CbvyQhT01VIrGRvmR3DqYuzA7mTMGJBaD6ASTr5tDDv4k0msE0AX9wEtzTLR_PtzVqr62Hfcoy8cCuYl/s1600/IMG_4961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2LtAYK7a21wSA_T5WdMXn599KG-UPvqTb8FZpHZ8AeDP9n0kG1B2vggPqAX1CbvyQhT01VIrGRvmR3DqYuzA7mTMGJBaD6ASTr5tDDv4k0msE0AX9wEtzTLR_PtzVqr62Hfcoy8cCuYl/s1600/IMG_4961.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wfntv3druVp2Z0AL36-PGBbLzAkCc_qMzqkqlOnmvfmuccBZsD3hfYzhW1FhaRhArkrkq16jlIw71KXqlBqAonZsiqdS7-RYoxa21nzPpWooxW-YUuetFBFTJkB8FJVcIZMVKwAtro8U/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wfntv3druVp2Z0AL36-PGBbLzAkCc_qMzqkqlOnmvfmuccBZsD3hfYzhW1FhaRhArkrkq16jlIw71KXqlBqAonZsiqdS7-RYoxa21nzPpWooxW-YUuetFBFTJkB8FJVcIZMVKwAtro8U/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best frands</td></tr>
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Avery's Birthday: we became those parents. The ones with a December baby whose day is merely three days after Christmas and we celebrated on Christmas. GASP. I swore I'd never do it. And given my love of party throwing I thought it'd be easy to keep to my convictions. But I didn't have it in me this year. With all we have going on and yet another birthday of borrowing someone's house to host. I. just. couldn't. do. it. <div>
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She's not complaining, though. And today, her actual birthday, we are celebrating with pancakes and lots of reminders that she is loved. </div>
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Happy Birthday, sis!<br /><div>
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He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-81442088152198135472014-12-21T07:38:00.000-08:002014-12-21T13:49:15.997-08:00Journals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shortly after Bray turned one I purchased a journal for him. I love to journal and I thought this could be a good way to record moments of his life, as well as my prayers, through a means that comes naturally to me.<br />
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Now, I'm three kids deep and I've continued the tradition with all of them. <i>would you look at that. </i><br />
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The way it works is around each child's first birthday I buy a leather journal. For Avery it was more like a year and a half, but who's counting. I got all three journals from Barnes & Noble, because I didn't plan ahead to have them made by a small business. Though if I did it over, I'd use a local company.<br />
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After I purchase the journals I write as often as I can. Which mean't two times last year and the year before, eight times. I'll record anything from what they did that day, to their personality quirks, to funny moments, to our fights, to my prayers for them.<br />
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The hope is to give each child their journal as either a wedding gift or a birthday present (should they not marry), and that it becomes a place to see God's love and care over the details of their lives.<br />
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Not only do I love having this to hand down to my kids, it's become a wonderful way to keep me grateful. As I think about what to write, I get to step back from the hard work and messes and be reminded me that though these details feel mundane they serve a great purpose.<br />
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<i>Side note: I love reading blogs and hearing how other moms do life. This is one reason I share what I share on my tiny corner of the internet. But I never want to heap guilt on another parent or make one feel like their not up to par. We do that enough to ourselves, amen? So if you don't like journaling, don't do this and don't feel like less of a parent for not. Find other ways to record memories. Or don't record memories. I think it's important to run our families in such a way that fits the personalities God has given us. To do anything else is silly and quite painful. </i><br />
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<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-62691778887443634962014-12-19T10:05:00.000-08:002014-12-19T13:42:55.245-08:00My Birthday and other happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, do you all listen to 'All Sons and Daughters' on Spotify or Pandora? If you don't, immediately make this happen. It's been our constant background. Well second to Good Morning America and World News, because I like my news sources to be unbiased and totally accurate. </div>
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I digress. </div>
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All Sons and Daughters is more my jam, more than the local Christian radio station. Do they vet those people before they let them on the air? I submit to you no, they do not. </div>
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Again I digress. </div>
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These last few weeks have flown by. And while our holiday season looks very different than the usual gloriousness that ensues this time of the year, it's held it's own. </div>
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We even had a fun evening decorating mom's house with her decor. This involved a pink pig, a pink themed Christmas tree, and her usual baby (ahem, fake) tree. Avery about died when she saw the pink ornaments, <i>it's my favorite coll-ler!! </i></div>
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This year I've been a part of a moms group with a few ladies from church. It's hard to describe how beneficial our time together has been. To have people who are for you during a season when you find yourself at the edge of your sanity, has brought much encouragement and maturity. Their perspectives and prayers were game changers, for sure.<br>
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And to celebrate the last 6 months, we had a Christmas party involving a hot chocolate bar and amazing amounts of sugar that I immediately regretted consuming (no I didn't).<br>
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Next on our merry holiday madness: game night at the Beans. We played boys vs. girls pictionary while feasting and drinking pomegranate sangrias and pomegranate margs. The Beans sure know how to throw a party, am I right?<br>
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And the (almost) comeback from the ladies was of epic proportions.<br>
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But alas, the boys took the victory. womp. womp. </div>
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On a more mundane note, Brooks had his first hair cut. His hair is so different than the other kids. Avery's is a tangled curly mess (similar to that of Einstein), Bray's is thick and coarse (read: horse hair), and Brooks' is thin and incredibly soft.<br>
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I was nervous how he would fare during the cut, since he's a temperamental little guy, but he sat like a somber stud and looked so darn handsome when it was over.<br>
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My Birthday. I turned 30 this year and with all of our money and time going towards the house, I thought our celebrating would be minimal. But then my husband surprised me with some of our best people and a little dinner prepared by the one and only, Tracy Shipe. <br>
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Bob made sure I had my two favorite wines at dinner. Talk about making a girl feel loved.<br>
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Then Tracy served french onion soup. Followed by meat pie, mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots. You guys, this meat pie was straight from heaven. It had Tracy's crust, which if you know Tracy you know what a treat that is. And the filling. Oh the filling! It was minced pork, mushrooms, potatoes, cooked in bay leaves. It was a country french pie of perfection.<br>
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Then there was dessert. Bob had a cheesecake made by a co-worker's mom and it was hands down the best cheesecake I've ever eaten. It was creamy. It was light. It was everything you'd want in a cheesecake.<br>
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This night was so special to me. Partly because Bob went to great lengths to make me feel loved, and to have your man do that is no small thing. And partly because this busy season leaves little room for pursuing friendship. Having people in your life who don't require much maintenance, and find themselves in similar spots, is something to be treasured.<br>
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This night also made me realize how lucky Bob and I are to have so many people we wished were there to celebrate with us. There are childhood friends. College friends. Friends from our first years of marriage. And friends we now do life with. We love each of you and feel lucky to have you in our story.<br>
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And since food is obviously my love language. My mom had the kids make a chocolate cake while we were at dinner. The cake was not only delicious, but was decorated in the best way.<br>
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THEN. On my actual birthday. Bob and I spent the day without kids tackling house stuff. We started with breakfast in the city, then ventured to a lumber store, an oriental rug shop (that we had no business being in- gasp), Architectural Salvage, IKEA, and we ended our day at Arrowhead for my company's Christmas party. The day was glorious, but by 2:00 p.m. I was sure we would fall asleep standing up. Thanks to a car nap and loads of caffeine we pulled through, though.<br>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Recognize this dress? It's the same one I've worn to every occasion that merited a cocktail dress for the last two years. </span><span style="text-align: center;">Just call me french.</span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was the best tour guide!</td></tr>
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Oh my word. This girl and her newfound hormones bring much hilarity and crazy to our day.<br>
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So this one time at the Tile shop. I awkwardly stood in a showroom bathroom, because my husband was negotiating tile prices and the harmonizer in me went into complete distress. Yikes.<br>
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And this guy. He's become so much fun. He gives kisses. He walks, but mostly sideways and only when he wants to. He says things like apple, water, nana, papa, ball, bar, yes, no, and a baby version of I love you. He still has his hard days where he wakes up screaming and goes to bed screaming. But I'm learning that if he's the tiniest bit uncomfortable it will result in a day of screaming. During a season of teething and colds that means we have several of these days a week, but at least it makes the good days feel really, really good :)<br>
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My dad turned 60 this year and mom threw him and some friends a little party. It was adorable.<br>
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I have to say, it's fun watching my parents have friends and a life outside of us kids. This year they bought a lake house and boat near their friend's place and every weekend the weather permits they are down there throwing dinner parties and spending hours on the water.<br>
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I hope to have that when I'm their age.<br>
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I continue to find myself in an unrelenting season of unexpected circumstances, insecurity, and bad attitudes. I'm being stretched, though. And God continues to be near.<br>
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I'm also amazed by how one moment of the Spirit breaking into my day can change everything.<br>
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Well, would you look at that. There's the first three weeks of our December in a nutshell.He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-18139749404389718052014-12-09T15:39:00.000-08:002014-12-09T18:40:19.402-08:00Ode to the last 30 years...Over the weekend I took a moment to think about the last 30 years. Here's what came out.<br>
It reads: I'm one lucky gal. In case you'd prefer to skip all the hormones. <br>
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0- Kindergarden- Cousin fun. Eureka's Castle. Spaghetti with butter and fake parmesan. Roasting tortillas over the gas stove when grandma wasn't looking (it's amazing I still have skin on my forearms). Swimming for hours on end. 0-6, you rocked. </div>
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Elementary- Great friends and their amazing mamas. Great school. Killer hair bow making with "Katy A." Neighborhood shenanigans with Alysa, Joel, and the Bernsteins. In fact, can I go back?</div>
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Middle School- I have vivid memories of contemplating who I wanted to be in this big world. Intense I know. I also had my first history teacher who cultivated my love of the subject. The rest is just a Saved By the Bell blur. </div>
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High School- I had some amazing friends who didn't give up on me (thank you for your prayers, Adrienne.) A few incredible teachers. Many, many, many moments of stupidity fueled by insecurity. And while I'd like to forget much of high school, I never want to forget Wednesdays with the Penningtons, Kaytee's laughter, long talks with Stevie, Jess's lake house, dance parties in Christy's basement, Sunday school with the Phillips', and high school sporting events (because who doesn't love puff panting shirts). </div>
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College- I can barely breathe when I think about how good you were to me. It's actually hard to describe, because the people I met and the experiences I had were some of the most significant of my life... But to the girls who became my family: thank you for choosing me. To Youthfront: I feel lucky to have spent my summers with you and to have known the people that believed in you. To Istanbul and Africa: seeing you awakened the deepest part of my soul. To the countless friends who brought many late nights (but not really late b/c I'm an old lady) and much laughter: you won't soon be forgotten. To the Krehbiels, Laurie, and Nicky: thank you for pouring yourself out for my benefit. </div>
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Marriage- I love my love story. I love my man. I love what we have and what we've committed to. I love that we are partners that are for each other. Next to Jesus, you are my best thing. </div>
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To my In-Laws- I really hit the jack pot with you. Thank you for welcoming me in. For showing me what Jesus looks like in a family. Thank you for your friendship. </div>
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To Callie- Thank you for the long talks. For challenging me. For continuing to inspire me with the life you are choosing to lead. </div>
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To New Life- Thank you for giving me my first married friends. Thank you for community in the Totta's living room. It came from such a motley crew :)<br>
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To Sarah- You were my first friend when I came back to KC. Thank you for bringing me into your world. I feel lucky to know you and I'm continually challenged by the life you and Tony lead.<br>
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Ash and Megan- I'm grateful for the times we've had. Having our first babies together was so much fun!<br>
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Parenthood- You continue to be the best and the hardest. You've broken me. You are rebuilding me. You've brought me a love that in any given moment propels me to lay down my life for the sake of another. For this self-involved creature, that's quite a feat. </div>
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To EPR- I could not have dreamed of a better first job. Those six years brought me great friends, maturity, amazing food, and some incredible experiences. And while it wasn't exactly my dream job, I'm thankful to have a been apart of your story.<br>
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Redeemer- You've given my husband the opportunity to do what he loves while providing for us- a million thank yous. You've also stirred my affections for Jesus and given me a group of moms who remind me that I'm not alone- I love you ladies. You also brought me back from a dark season by giving me truth and unashamedly proclaiming the brokeness that Jesus is redeeming. <br>
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To the Breckenridges and Shipes- I never thought I'd find you. And I can barely contain myself when I think about the gift you have been and continue to be to me. Be my best friends forever?<br>
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To the Beans, Murrays, Janis', and Crabtrees- Thank you for porch nights. For all the fun we've had and for all the fun that's ahead. You make me excited to move to the city and raise my family with you. <br>
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To the Crowes- get your asses to Ivanhoe so we can be neighbors who watch gross amounts of Friday Night Lights while our boys read wordy things. Yes? (pardon le french)<br>
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To eShipping- Thank you for being a company that believes in people, that believes in family. Thank you for giving me an outlet that helps provide for my family.<br>
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To the white house on Forest- You may kill me, but my goodness I'm happy you came along. </div>
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To my Parents- Thank you for being the best parents you know how to be. This gig is hard. I'm hard. But the lengths you've gone to provide for me is inspiring. Thank you for the lake and for doing all you could to be apart of everything I was ever involved in. ever. Perhaps the greatest of your contributions is your most recent. Letting us live with you is no small task. Thank you.<br>
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To the rest of my family- Thank you for loving me. I've got a good bunch in you all.<br>
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And most importantly. To the one that gave me life- Thank you for pursuing me. For never leaving and for promising to never leave. You have not only earned my devotion with your extravagant love, but you deserve it. Because you are who you are, King of it all...Thank you for the last 30 years. Your hand has touched everything. And that allows me to see even the ugliest of moments as beautiful, because you give everything purpose. And everything points to you...I'm excited to one day be with you in the land where brokeness is no more and you are my prize.<br>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I apologize if I left anyone out. I'm sure I'll lay in bed tonight and think of all the people I forgot to mention. </span></i></div>
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He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-78808897222162041392014-11-30T12:15:00.001-08:002014-11-30T12:28:10.390-08:00The ugly side of what we're doing.Before we began our renovation we were told <i>be prepared, it always costs more than you think and it will take longer than you'd like</i>. And boy were they right.<br />
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The original plan was to be in our house by Thanksgiving. Then we got word it would be Christmas. Then New Years. Now it's February 1st.<br />
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And we are over-budget despite our efforts to plan ahead with a contingency fund. We have money to fall back on, thank goodness, but we aren't sure if it's wise to use that money right away. So now we must decide what projects can wait, what fixtures need to be cheaper, and what things Bob should do himself. I also have zero decorating and furnishing money. What we'd set aside was used for extra framing and insulation.<br />
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Not to mention, it's been over 5 months since my family invaded someone else's house. And while my parents have generously given us two rooms to occupy, it's really difficult to keep five people's winter clothes, toys, and shoes organized and in their place.<br />
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To put it frankly, we are exhausted and some days I wonder if we are crazy for taking on such a project.<br />
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It can be easy to look at what we are doing and think it's all fun and pinterest projects. It's not. On my good days I'm completely ok with that. On my bad I struggle with the never ending to-do list and lack of money.<br />
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In case you are contemplating a similar path I want you to know that. That some days will be dark and it won't feel as American-dreamy as you'd like. But I also want you to know that I'm thankful. Especially when I step back and see the bigger picture. I mean, I'm getting a home that was correctly put back together, no shortcuts, and every inch has (or will have) our touch. That's pretty amazing.<br />
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So yes, this process is hard. Harder than I ever could've imagined. But we think it's worth it and we're willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Even now, in the midst of the madness I can say that. Because we love this house and we love Kansas City.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcaDCu7o-5iqOHgWfeyGuIzJZoubVGIw7lUhGV530WKVRQ_Dkgqd59YmrRtLk6QaKvwZpUUBaoOge4tr4byPEKvB1FosZPNPAr-V7c93yD2CRzg8NyAYfX2Lc4NLm8JMwKDfw4oD9ZXhK/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcaDCu7o-5iqOHgWfeyGuIzJZoubVGIw7lUhGV530WKVRQ_Dkgqd59YmrRtLk6QaKvwZpUUBaoOge4tr4byPEKvB1FosZPNPAr-V7c93yD2CRzg8NyAYfX2Lc4NLm8JMwKDfw4oD9ZXhK/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our brick has been restored and is ready to serve as a kick butt backsplash to our gas range. To the left of the brick there will be floating reclaimed wood shelves for spices and other pretty things. I will have two additional sections of these open shelves in the kitchen as well. Because who doesn't love open shelving? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have to cover the brick on the fireplace and can't decide if we should stick with white mosaic subway tile or cover it with concrete (similar to concrete countertops). Decisions, decisions.<br />
Also, mudding is almost done then it's onto the trim repair, painting, and refinishing the floors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lwy58euM4fYiCIZMpS9LzB7PW6WDN4WNmb2sFdsUYizDVD0oyrthQV1lRit99i6Jo-j4KEadzsEO3qmLJMzuCqKe12xSie4_FuqqnZYzj7vFSRtM7Evu7t39nJLJsY7GWMIhu4WDCvjv/s1600/IMG_2860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lwy58euM4fYiCIZMpS9LzB7PW6WDN4WNmb2sFdsUYizDVD0oyrthQV1lRit99i6Jo-j4KEadzsEO3qmLJMzuCqKe12xSie4_FuqqnZYzj7vFSRtM7Evu7t39nJLJsY7GWMIhu4WDCvjv/s1600/IMG_2860.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day this will be repaved and landscaping will be a beautiful reality.<br />
(I do love the community garden across the street, though). </td></tr>
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He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-85905337536806707632014-11-29T11:41:00.003-08:002014-11-30T12:28:15.885-08:00Thanksgiving 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Can we all just agree that the holidays are hard? There's extra cleaning, shopping, hosting, cooking. All while keeping a good attitude, because we are making memories people. And the little ones aren't exactly robots who obey perfectly now are they? In fact, while I was cleaning the house Brooks was throwing pee soaked toilet paper across the bathroom. But there's a lot to be thankful for, yes? Even if life doesn't look like you want it to. Because God's faithfulness and goodness is real. And that changes everything."<br />
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- Instagram post on 11/26/14 inspired by holiday prep chaos, a meltdown from yours truly, and a reminder that God's faithfulness has changed me for the better. <br />
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<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-12694468013027560342014-11-18T14:18:00.000-08:002014-11-19T11:03:15.820-08:00House Update- Lighting and Tile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are a bit behind schedule on the house, but whatever. Sheet rock is going in as we speak and every time I stop by it looks more and more like a home so I can't complain. </div>
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One bit of exciting news. I get a working, WOOD BURNING, fireplace on the first floor. We are installing an insert which is more cost effective than fixing the existing issues and way more energy efficient. We will eventually put a gas insert in our Master bedroom, but that project won't happen for a few years.</div>
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<h2>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Lighting:</span></u></b></h2>
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I'm going for simple and industrial. I have no idea if all of these pieces will go together since I'm ordering everything online, but I'm hopeful :) I'm sticking with bronze fixtures and I'll have light oil rubbed bronze pulls and knobs in the kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the Master Bathroom I'm breaking all the rules and having brushed nickel. Because I can. </div>
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1. <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Pratt-Street-Metal-1-light-Autumn-Bronze-Pendant/8895467/product.html" target="_blank">Kitchen Island</a>- I'll have two above the island<br>
2. <a href="http://www.build.com/kichler-45459-braelyn-bathroom-light/s1005971?source=smrf_product_Kichler_45459" target="_blank">Half Bath</a>- vanity on first floor<br>
3. <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Robert-Abbey-Albert-1-Light-Wall-Sconce-Z745-P745-RAB3376.html" target="_blank">Hallway</a>- on first floor. Due to building limitations I can only have a sconce in this space, which I don't love, but at least I love this light<br>
4. <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Academy-1-light-Heirloom-Bronze-Small-Semi-Flush-Mount-with-Satin-White-Schoolhouse-Glass/8026207/product.html?refccid=KQ4EPDJGOOMIQACH23K4QWS2UU&searchidx=2" target="_blank">Stairway Landing</a>- for second and third floor<br>
5. <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Urban-1-light-Mini-Pendant-in-Polished-Nickel/9467780/product.html" target="_blank">Master Bath Pendants</a>- We have two mirrors, so we'll have two pendants, one for each mirror<br>
6. <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/eldridge-pendant/209472?SourceCode=PINTMERC&cm_mmc=Pinterest-_-Mercent-_-general-_-prodlink&mr:trackingCode=B15F0096-E448-E311-9917-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA" target="_blank">Dining Room</a>- I'll have one large light over the table. I'll also have this light on our front porch<br>
7. <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Quorum-1-Light-Pendant-6822-QUF2947.html?refid=SBP.rBAZEVN22_6kNUP6kqw3AjMoX6ruZ0gAsp0lkSr9SXM" target="_blank">Kids Bath and Entry way</a><br>
8. <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Kichler-Crystal-Persuasion-3-Light-Drum-Pendant-42122NI-KI12631.html?refid=SBP.rBAZEVN22_6kNUP6kqw3AjMoX6ruZ0gAsp0lkSr9SXM" target="_blank">Living Room</a>- I'm hopeful this won't be as tan in real life. If it is I may need to find a whiter version.<br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Tile:</span></u></b><br>
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We are purchasing all of our tile through a local tile shop which is why there are no links, but you can find some links on my pinterest boards. Also, the coloring is off on the images. Almost all of the tile is white, not grey. Except the grey hex tile for our Master bathroom. But even it is much lighter in person.<br>
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1. Fireplace- first and second floor. I'm not sure you can tell, but this is smaller mosaic subway tile<br>
2. Kitchen backsplash, Master shower walls, and third floor shower walls. The kitchen backsplash will have white grout, but the other two spaces we'll use light grey grout.<br>
3. Kids bathroom and third floor bathroom floors<br>
4. Master bathroom- floor tile<br>
<br>He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-5763550226402930702014-11-18T12:14:00.000-08:002014-11-19T11:09:49.235-08:00How we are doing simple. At least right now.I've been intentionally praying and thinking through how we can simplify right where we're at. While I have a bigger list for after our move, here are a few things I've implemented now and some I'll try during the holiday blitz.<br />
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1. Meal planning: Rotate the same five meals for two weeks. Then switch to another set of 5 or keep the same rotation for the duration of the month. This makes grocery shopping quick and easy, and the meals I've selected are ones I can make in my sleep- tacos, buffalo chicken salad, chicken nachos, turkey bacon sweet potato hash, and Italian chicken soup. I'm also bringing the same side to every Thanksgiving dinner (we have 3), balsamic brussels sprouts with parmesan cheese. aka- cruciferous crack.<br />
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As for breakfast, we rotate eggs, oatmeal, and our plant based protein shakes from Juice Plus.<br />
Lunch is either peanut sandwiches, protein shakes from Juice plus, eggs, salad, or leftovers.<br />
Snacks are apples, string cheese, bananas, greek yogurt, veggie straws, Kefir, carrots, and kids Cliff bars. This list never changes because the Giblers are creatures of habit.<br />
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2. Christmas shopping. We are spending $15 on each kid. Yes, $15. There is no judging from me if you choose to spend $1, 500. This is just what we've decided. Because one, we have another move ahead of us and hand to God, there are 60 trash bags of unused toys in our storage unit. Second, our kids are used to getting two gifts from us, so it won't feel much different. And they are ok. They don't need mountains of toys to open. In fact, they are just as excited with what we give them, as they are when Nana gives them 5 presents each. We also make Christmas morning about more than just the toys. We eat a special breakfast together, watch a cartoon, and read the Christmas story. The story is usually boring to them, but everything else brings excitement which is nice, because I want their excitement to not just be around the toys, but the experience as a family.<br />
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And, I'm already done with their gifts and it took one trip to Target's $1 section and a 30 minute session on Amazon. Bray got one lego set. Brooks got some balls. And I got Avery Elsa slippers and craft supplies. Done and done. As for everyone else, I'm almost done thanks to Costco and Amazon. The key (for me) is finding stores that flow with my daily rhythms. Right now, because I don't have much time to visit stores or shop online, that means Costco, Target, and Amazon are my zones. <br />
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3. A friend of mine told me about this app called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chore-pad-hd/id384854237?mt=8" target="_blank">Chore pad</a>. Each kid has their own icon. Within each icon there are individualized chore lists. Once a chore is completed they check it off the list and receive points. She has morning and evening routines on there (brush your teeth, get dressed). After a certain number of points (of your choosing) they can cash them in for a prize (of your choosing- more screen time, a special dessert). I love the idea, because each kid has clear expectations and it makes them responsible. It also removes my constant reminders- we all need less of this in our lives.<br />
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4. I'm taking time to laugh with the kids, especially if I find myself irritable or stressed. Usually this means I set the timer on my phone for 15 minutes and that 15 minutes is dedicated to tickle fights, hide in seek, or building a quick fort. I know it may sound ridiculous that I need to do this, but at this stage every moment of non-"I need you mommy" time is dedicated to work or our house. It won't always be this way, but for now fitting in at least two of these 15 minutes sessions is my way of connecting with the kids outside of meals, potty, and bedtime.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You guys. She still doesn't wear clothes. And when I make her she cries, "I so hot! I so hot, mama!" </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dUVFx7f_c9PREPy7uHjFdQy0JnxPbEe4cJJjpmSSYUydOFIe7S6lXSqp0Kp-Qfx56xM4Io35hQc-svH_6aqe2tlnntlK8eR_R0dylpeHgY9rNSe8S-tEzdd2s8BwmkCcKRwjy2wVGA70/s1600/IMG_2390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dUVFx7f_c9PREPy7uHjFdQy0JnxPbEe4cJJjpmSSYUydOFIe7S6lXSqp0Kp-Qfx56xM4Io35hQc-svH_6aqe2tlnntlK8eR_R0dylpeHgY9rNSe8S-tEzdd2s8BwmkCcKRwjy2wVGA70/s1600/IMG_2390.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fear they will not fare well when we move and they have their own rooms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T9JTiRL3HgL1mN_FDvHcAVEZoSepc-XA5UxI9oSXhGsF5IekuxcL-R_iyPLKyCivJ35-F28qZu6W5lCJXodaMWhtTPgerJF5VCScPHYelm58IYV7AsMFLn_twyLBcY8PU3lImMA0M2rv/s1600/IMG_2507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T9JTiRL3HgL1mN_FDvHcAVEZoSepc-XA5UxI9oSXhGsF5IekuxcL-R_iyPLKyCivJ35-F28qZu6W5lCJXodaMWhtTPgerJF5VCScPHYelm58IYV7AsMFLn_twyLBcY8PU3lImMA0M2rv/s1600/IMG_2507.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safety first</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4rTH0wB8YVy43fnqqaKzT5hJp9mXG_pu4OwHD_H8flzxkUbyXPHTpSN4s5hNcvlDX9usniEGMOYEgCS-J-6NasjfXy9pdHscWg-ZX10R9xpb3KjH64zlULEl4q77e1-kcOLGGEdxjxqz/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4rTH0wB8YVy43fnqqaKzT5hJp9mXG_pu4OwHD_H8flzxkUbyXPHTpSN4s5hNcvlDX9usniEGMOYEgCS-J-6NasjfXy9pdHscWg-ZX10R9xpb3KjH64zlULEl4q77e1-kcOLGGEdxjxqz/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That one time we hung out in our tank tops, then hours later it was below freezing.<br />
Oh, Missouri</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4_GNE38IQzClOlm8fhqW0tiFt5-FTDqHje7e6vbq7HJzfFKxdvwMbHPt_1mpgaPDKlu0E2v6tp7M6urrzmun3M2jbWJ55DZ-35xCQe3zB93tHZFNVUR_n_fCdxHKj1i9Bx19kxq6Hg1I/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4_GNE38IQzClOlm8fhqW0tiFt5-FTDqHje7e6vbq7HJzfFKxdvwMbHPt_1mpgaPDKlu0E2v6tp7M6urrzmun3M2jbWJ55DZ-35xCQe3zB93tHZFNVUR_n_fCdxHKj1i9Bx19kxq6Hg1I/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana did not realize Av had pink eye shadow on that brush</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgmQBsjgCtJ8kTTk3oWeNmBxIInFegDVfd7PLJ9WzXAiPrMQLQzfjlUpYUitUNMoO2c_Hs3Giz71H82M9YKSbXGLbc17qdG2qYWweLbVVsBTZfHgBcXfGIoQqpX0UtrpDhCUuwdRFTu28/s1600/IMG_2576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgmQBsjgCtJ8kTTk3oWeNmBxIInFegDVfd7PLJ9WzXAiPrMQLQzfjlUpYUitUNMoO2c_Hs3Giz71H82M9YKSbXGLbc17qdG2qYWweLbVVsBTZfHgBcXfGIoQqpX0UtrpDhCUuwdRFTu28/s1600/IMG_2576.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my Teva Sandals so much that they become my house shoes in the fall and spring. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvacNdCDpTS_KOCX-vPAuUhYYJs02PEG2Cg-w8XhM2NG-FYfJNPh6pah9sU5WxQwfRNlCJn1d0UmmiqsBQli7BUzIne1ycQYKcldsg9lQ99uXazPdV6lheE70Zqc_OCm528uNXgkL1cLl/s1600/IMG_2588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvacNdCDpTS_KOCX-vPAuUhYYJs02PEG2Cg-w8XhM2NG-FYfJNPh6pah9sU5WxQwfRNlCJn1d0UmmiqsBQli7BUzIne1ycQYKcldsg9lQ99uXazPdV6lheE70Zqc_OCm528uNXgkL1cLl/s1600/IMG_2588.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nsVPWTetzQW879YGq-v8fsroNKKemlUH06dh2jkxYtYQsuKRxyinggUbpHQeEY1GyMKLThwg3BPG_QhsdjpHeqHx42Ya67YyEeIQA7mjIyWXrAqA-OcjRAT1E7JbrN3gksQfjLFs7IGB/s1600/IMG_2596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nsVPWTetzQW879YGq-v8fsroNKKemlUH06dh2jkxYtYQsuKRxyinggUbpHQeEY1GyMKLThwg3BPG_QhsdjpHeqHx42Ya67YyEeIQA7mjIyWXrAqA-OcjRAT1E7JbrN3gksQfjLFs7IGB/s1600/IMG_2596.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cheap entertainment</td></tr>
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<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-19273567783289893932014-11-03T10:44:00.002-08:002014-11-19T11:03:15.832-08:00Halloween 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Most aspects of Halloween terrify my children. From the giant spider at target to the horrifying display of headless humans in a neighbor's yard- only in Independence, folks. They do love dressing up though, and for weeks I've heard, "Is it Halloween? I be brave (Avery was Merida)."<br />
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When the day finally arrived they were so excited, though we only made it to five houses before the kids were done trick or treating. It was cold and Brooks wasn't feeling well. Yet somehow they managed to bring home a bucketful of candy. Nooooo.</div>
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I for one am not a fan of Halloween candy. I know, I know. How can this be? I just prefer my sweet tooth be satisfied from baked goods and not paraffin wax chocolate bars. I also don't love the idea of my kids eating the stuff. So in an effort to thwart their endless plea's for more Reeses, I offer them the chance to trade in their bucket of candy for a shopping trip that involves a $5 bill, Starbucks hot chocolate, and a trip to Target to spend their "monies." Thank goodness $5 is a fortune to them, because in the two years we've done this they've opted for the spending trip every time. </div>
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As for the rest of the night, we visited Bob's Aunt and Uncle's Halloween party. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures, because it was awesome! The food and decorations were amazing, and they went all out on their costumes. I want to throw a Halloween party like them when I grow up :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins! Minus Gigi and baby Mila- we missed you!</td></tr>
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<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3916504572254218269.post-32877410419200405842014-10-26T17:37:00.000-07:002014-11-19T11:03:15.837-08:00Red Barn Farm This weekend has been timely and so very good for me:<br />
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The Royals consumed all of my free time and it's. been. awesome.<br />
I took an hour nap.<br />
I cleaned and organized our little areas.<br />
I ate well. Like homemade pumpkin pop-tart and pigwhich well.<br />
I also ate a Chipotle burrito that had me thanking Jesus with every bite.<br />
Did I mention I got an hour nap?<br />
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We also went to Red Barn Farm in Weston, Mo. The weather could not have been more perfect: heavy fog in the morning, beautiful foliage, and amazing sunshine in the afternoon. It was fun having Brooks with us, too. He made his debut a week after we visited the farm last year and I must say, I prefer him on this side of the womb. fo sho.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As good as I was going to get</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMRG1exxZO_XTVvPXKW6KLLzAovjLN6QhLSXe9cIPPyB8G-flrRJ9HOmnpza-GJiSdJkHFvy-LJfwjWeWFRWjdMHzfvF_PQeZfh5bSeXB2YE3JbQbsGo2jrUlNiCmjvC8K73jh2iOs32l/s1600/IMG_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMRG1exxZO_XTVvPXKW6KLLzAovjLN6QhLSXe9cIPPyB8G-flrRJ9HOmnpza-GJiSdJkHFvy-LJfwjWeWFRWjdMHzfvF_PQeZfh5bSeXB2YE3JbQbsGo2jrUlNiCmjvC8K73jh2iOs32l/s1600/IMG_4139.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grumpy chunk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai5SxCrBj_lMk3PVYyjim_FM4IcRTHyaOYVsIUtmvIL1kSUcjuC_isPQ8oylXkcQuczKI8BFvo3zH6iYIcTuvHlRGgF4lEHXAqkDzd9R7gnCRdkWAl4gcIiF104xHEJmFSXuxHZVKarec/s1600/IMG_4167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai5SxCrBj_lMk3PVYyjim_FM4IcRTHyaOYVsIUtmvIL1kSUcjuC_isPQ8oylXkcQuczKI8BFvo3zH6iYIcTuvHlRGgF4lEHXAqkDzd9R7gnCRdkWAl4gcIiF104xHEJmFSXuxHZVKarec/s1600/IMG_4167.jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47f_9UeBYF04noTq1471IwzaMPh5DIzXMJiWNkL9dy_AYhzN2QPYVaGj-RFjnu2abs_lcNIInj_yUJc5xTeFuZ9B7Ja0QoaZEjr7kvyB78jXZ-g_xJv01ERtKdzRmoa5HhdIKcpJLyBp1/s1600/IMG_4175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47f_9UeBYF04noTq1471IwzaMPh5DIzXMJiWNkL9dy_AYhzN2QPYVaGj-RFjnu2abs_lcNIInj_yUJc5xTeFuZ9B7Ja0QoaZEjr7kvyB78jXZ-g_xJv01ERtKdzRmoa5HhdIKcpJLyBp1/s1600/IMG_4175.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHtHYGNoQKLsk7riIEljZAuy3T1GJwM5LSeHzbPgO1Mj2aPO0Mwo9ujwPNWhb5Ugopv3EsA6W_AhT-LWi_oS5SBVXbZQl-1fhPnaeQ5EKnwYi6b6ksC2jobEdNxx2uNBTjGjjtQtNgbXb/s1600/IMG_4182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHtHYGNoQKLsk7riIEljZAuy3T1GJwM5LSeHzbPgO1Mj2aPO0Mwo9ujwPNWhb5Ugopv3EsA6W_AhT-LWi_oS5SBVXbZQl-1fhPnaeQ5EKnwYi6b6ksC2jobEdNxx2uNBTjGjjtQtNgbXb/s1600/IMG_4182.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's quite the jump stance, sis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qjb70WWwTnPdEpxow17V4rT9HnEJNA39Dt3y_-5zTy610a6qk0wCYp-ppa_xvvyJ9eh7Nq3eusgilH1swiioteCgnOsu_u9ayuEQRa9Ie3FjRJxn-8MrwZwQaQE3sgXLoP3Kfxvfbs6z/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qjb70WWwTnPdEpxow17V4rT9HnEJNA39Dt3y_-5zTy610a6qk0wCYp-ppa_xvvyJ9eh7Nq3eusgilH1swiioteCgnOsu_u9ayuEQRa9Ie3FjRJxn-8MrwZwQaQE3sgXLoP3Kfxvfbs6z/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfm4KQx8KZJPnJTJWw6JDpeDukaPGTYIzxgWyiuQpf5Kwq3sXZKoqAQw5UzcyeLeGeK-8bKUzf_vp3-fw0NCYdAY2vhMLmJCPD01q04IXB0zytfY9oL1qlaUzEoItQvBXHKt_q_x9qHBG/s1600/IMG_4225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfm4KQx8KZJPnJTJWw6JDpeDukaPGTYIzxgWyiuQpf5Kwq3sXZKoqAQw5UzcyeLeGeK-8bKUzf_vp3-fw0NCYdAY2vhMLmJCPD01q04IXB0zytfY9oL1qlaUzEoItQvBXHKt_q_x9qHBG/s1600/IMG_4225.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the first year the girls took off by themselves, tromping through the vines finding "baby punkins" </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic74OtZtt7Zm9tv7Td-EJgebyuG1YlEVDVATrZntuExiMdzD6nKMJqwOsUeK1LAfvDXgqPmOSga8KDWhyphenhyphendq-7mI1NLpL6lMRsdw9eLatHMOSX4RImufInlgGoEZlCQk_1wu6x91V-xnZlB/s1600/IMG_4244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic74OtZtt7Zm9tv7Td-EJgebyuG1YlEVDVATrZntuExiMdzD6nKMJqwOsUeK1LAfvDXgqPmOSga8KDWhyphenhyphendq-7mI1NLpL6lMRsdw9eLatHMOSX4RImufInlgGoEZlCQk_1wu6x91V-xnZlB/s1600/IMG_4244.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that sass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fnbveF7lb0WYF3-TLt23Pl6D8FiQqzSOqDDSGkrp5W5ecDFb_ka6xHnvMZkfmv5DeQvQFdSImoUi4c6NpNXNM4uBPr3djeY6dXffTVhM7C1IgiHWjrBCSZtH9kV9kI3vzilTTHhfxJId/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fnbveF7lb0WYF3-TLt23Pl6D8FiQqzSOqDDSGkrp5W5ecDFb_ka6xHnvMZkfmv5DeQvQFdSImoUi4c6NpNXNM4uBPr3djeY6dXffTVhM7C1IgiHWjrBCSZtH9kV9kI3vzilTTHhfxJId/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N5s5UlAn-NW8mSe3vUBLRsp7k3ceMAw9lPTK0PWF0j3umy7WMDWhnto5B5s7yUm_MW6rofHmY69U6nyzDrn6bZXGfFydFaH-6MiI6c8epWINwfb5AvP_fbD7v4hp6yn1u-unozZxq2R8/s1600/IMG_4290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N5s5UlAn-NW8mSe3vUBLRsp7k3ceMAw9lPTK0PWF0j3umy7WMDWhnto5B5s7yUm_MW6rofHmY69U6nyzDrn6bZXGfFydFaH-6MiI6c8epWINwfb5AvP_fbD7v4hp6yn1u-unozZxq2R8/s1600/IMG_4290.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arms crossed, waiting on Gigi. It's like she's a teenager or something </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdCVt3UnDjvWvKZt-FsemjINS1wD_CHCL9dKdUyKlDYrmYLM1efuXC8j9qrli1WH-jZsjqteHsabb6fWWotF9-iHLwkq_KtVICF9crABTFcCijaDiBsm1xhVUILQmul8x2o5h_5KVRxhK/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdCVt3UnDjvWvKZt-FsemjINS1wD_CHCL9dKdUyKlDYrmYLM1efuXC8j9qrli1WH-jZsjqteHsabb6fWWotF9-iHLwkq_KtVICF9crABTFcCijaDiBsm1xhVUILQmul8x2o5h_5KVRxhK/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically how we carried him the entire time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK0BOetjPWehQ300C5JPctvHm6XBr6vvOdUjAQpSD66EbUNpyDN2d1Ul1_siDzq2MUTNlACNdQ2WAReZjiSOs88nyx9oWdyt0qJw0HwpB9PxYVtEfhTqzzxwY3nXaYYhVo7k73l1m_YtM/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK0BOetjPWehQ300C5JPctvHm6XBr6vvOdUjAQpSD66EbUNpyDN2d1Ul1_siDzq2MUTNlACNdQ2WAReZjiSOs88nyx9oWdyt0qJw0HwpB9PxYVtEfhTqzzxwY3nXaYYhVo7k73l1m_YtM/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3kmjr3DiO2VQ0pRwBaulQDNNL3ZwRwGYPv27gKolyRyC-MM7JXUKP3ve9WHSscbbQhpHrWgWgOEoi4qsKpW2WDoj0H9CDldWW4ttSAb2uZyyQHZKBgzMqw7Q3RPE6WXTXXdMfoBZENt5/s1600/IMG_4320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3kmjr3DiO2VQ0pRwBaulQDNNL3ZwRwGYPv27gKolyRyC-MM7JXUKP3ve9WHSscbbQhpHrWgWgOEoi4qsKpW2WDoj0H9CDldWW4ttSAb2uZyyQHZKBgzMqw7Q3RPE6WXTXXdMfoBZENt5/s1600/IMG_4320.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited for pumpkin donuts. Just like the mama</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSRTNbKo-1LUwXln7XhprafkT0w9d_IbvX14i5dCSrBC-yo6L9C8r46ZMyASSozMekC_p0TuG1Z091DbgyqT35PCCOgPD1iXSgnbG0qLuvpzApzHCrNwgaDkJTjmYFwhEd2I9ToaTRodF/s1600/IMG_4331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSRTNbKo-1LUwXln7XhprafkT0w9d_IbvX14i5dCSrBC-yo6L9C8r46ZMyASSozMekC_p0TuG1Z091DbgyqT35PCCOgPD1iXSgnbG0qLuvpzApzHCrNwgaDkJTjmYFwhEd2I9ToaTRodF/s1600/IMG_4331.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She much preferred the apple slush.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsteQUQk6CMFZ_1EPovIDPm4P6MP-lsGT77q8rrBtNZiknNtUsU6JSFfv_ZMjrqCmYOjTOGYZrFDHDVHigTzaeck-1ZepOqQYs6UHQH1HTZ8IdvgxSmOdUqJ0L19mzxuAvJYRVZAV41SC/s1600/IMG_4337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsteQUQk6CMFZ_1EPovIDPm4P6MP-lsGT77q8rrBtNZiknNtUsU6JSFfv_ZMjrqCmYOjTOGYZrFDHDVHigTzaeck-1ZepOqQYs6UHQH1HTZ8IdvgxSmOdUqJ0L19mzxuAvJYRVZAV41SC/s1600/IMG_4337.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LETS GO ROYALS</td></tr>
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<br />He Graceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09977914825024008607noreply@blogger.com0