tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43989051251859390302024-03-12T21:47:13.791-07:00You + Me + 3 = FamilyA place for me to document lifes happenings and memorable momentsChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.comBlogger417125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-15907615041082500032014-09-10T12:29:00.000-07:002014-09-10T12:29:03.780-07:00Children Are ...Whoa! I knew I had put the blog on the back burner, but honestly had no idea it had been SO long. I'm committed to refocusing a little time updating now that the kids are back in school so bear with me as I share about summer activities, first day of school and such in the next week or so.<br />
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Today I wanted to share this "poem" that was given to us on back to school night.<br /><br /><b><i>Children Are</i></b> ...<br />
<i><b>Amazing</b></i>, acknowledge them<br />
<b><i>Believable</i></b>, trust them<br />
<b><i>Childlike</i></b>, allow them<br />
<b><i>Divine</i></b>, honor them<br />
<b><i>Energetic</i></b>, nourish them<br />
<b><i>Fallible</i></b>, embrace them<br />
<b><i>Gifts</i></b>, treasure them<br />
<b><i>Here now</i></b>, be with them<br />
<b><i>Innocent</i></b>, delight with them<br />
<b><i>Joyful</i></b>, appreciate them<br />
<b><i>Kindhearted</i></b>, learn from them<br />
<b><i>Lovable</i></b>, cherish them<br />
<b><i>Magical</i></b>, fly with them<br />
<b><i>Noble</i></b>, esteem them<br />
<b><i>Open-minded</i></b>, respect them<br />
<b><i>Precious</i></b>, value them<br />
<b><i>Questioners</i></b>, encourage them<br />
<b><i>Resourceful</i></b>, support them<br />
<b><i>Spontaneous</i></b>, enjoy them<br />
<b><i>Talented</i></b>, believe in them<br />
<b><i>Unique</i></b>, affirm them<br />
<b><i>Vulnerable</i></b>, protect them<br />
<b><i>Whole</i></b>, recognize them<br />
<b><i>Xtraspecial</i></b>, celebrate them<br />
<b><i>Yearning</i></b>, notice them<br />
<b><i>Zany</i></b>, laugh with them<br />
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This first month of school has proven to be difficult so as I pulled this out today and reread it, I paused to reflect on each of these adjectives <span style="font-size: x-small;">(character traits if you will)</span>. Each trait can easily be seen in our children - some more than others. I wish to embrace, build up & esteem these traits in them. So when they come home ravishing hungry, grumbling about the low points of the day or complaining about homework assignments or less than perfect grades (we live with a child who strives for perfection), I want to delight in them rather than allow my tensions to rise; affirm them that they are great students giving it their all; and celebrate them when they reach benchmarks and their personal goals.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-67216455139017639672014-06-25T20:41:00.000-07:002014-06-25T20:41:18.243-07:00Happy Father's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy {belated} Father's Day to this handsome guy. </div>
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To the one who is greeted with squeals and embraces upon returning home from work. </div>
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To the one who is our handyman; Mr. Fixit; ask and he will build it man.</div>
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To our landscaper and lawn care keeper.</div>
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To the one who plays catch, hits countless golf balls and pushes the swing a little longer and higher. </div>
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To our provider and protector.</div>
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To the one our three beautiful kiddos call Daddy-O. </div>
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We love you endlessly ...</div>
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and will never grow tired of planting kisses on you!</div>
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Well maybe Boo will, but we won't tell him that yet :)</div>
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And to <i>my</i> Dad,</div>
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You are treasured.</div>
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You are loved.</div>
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You are such a big part of who I am and have become - both the good and the <strike>ugly</strike> not so good. I am a people lover <b>just like you</b>. We know no stranger and make everyone to feel liked and appreciated. I am short on patience <b>just like you</b>. We both need to work on this one :) I am bold in making a situation right when I have been wronged <b>just like you </b>(hellooooo AT&T Uverse billing department). I ask a million questions, sometimes questions that aren't any of my business, <b>just like you</b>. We are detail people and we aren't afraid to ask for information when it isn't given. I am frugal and conscientious of spending money wisely <b>just like you</b>. My mealtime isn't complete without it being followed by something sweet <b>just like you</b>r mealtimes. (Does having a sweat tooth qualify as a good quality we share or does that fall into the not so good category? :)) I love my family fiercely <b>just like you</b>. </div>
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You are an incredible encourager and supporter of your family.</div>
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You are a huge blessing as both a Father and Grandfather to<b><i> ALL</i></b> your grands.</div>
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You make us laugh!</div>
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I don't tell you enough how much your love means to me and how your presence in my family's life makes it richer. </div>
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To both of you,</div>
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<b><i>I </i></b>love you! <b><i>We</i></b> love you!</div>
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Happy Father's Day!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-82985463068963019092014-06-22T20:12:00.002-07:002014-06-22T20:15:15.966-07:00There was a Tiny Turtle<div style="text-align: center;">
We spent our Memorial Day at our favorite home away from home aka my brother's beautiful house on Lake Lotawana. The kids fished and swam off the dock thee.entire.day while I split my time between supervising them, visiting with my SIL and nephew, and lounging. Gabrielle caught her biggest fish to date but unfortunately when I sent my phone with Dawson for Travis to take a picture in my absence, he took a 2 second video instead. Oops! </div>
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I <i><b>love </b></i>that my kids enjoy fishing and are making these memories!</div>
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Gabrielle found this stinkin' teeny tiny turtle while swimming near the buoy and immediately snatched her up. She proclaimed she saved it from nearly getting hit by a boat :) It was love at 1st sight! She had been asking for a pet of her very own for months ... specifically a fish, but a turtle undoubtedly trumped a fish! She named her Shelby (Sheldon for a boy perhaps) and created a make shift home in a large SOLO cup to bring her home. Without giving too many details <b><i>much</i></b>, <i><span style="font-size: large;">much</span></i> time, research and visits to the local pet stores took place over the course of the next several days. It was agonizing gathering all the details and weighing a decision to make quite a costly investment to make this little creature a permanent member of our family or to choose to return her back into her natural habitat. </div>
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We learned Shelby is a hatchling red-eared slider. They can live 20 - 30 years but their life expectancy is shortened when in captivity. They require both aquatic life as well as sun basking to thrive and grow at a rather rapid rate. </div>
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This picture perfectly portrays Gabi's affection toward her new tiny friend and her angst (shown in her tear) about making the wisest decision to set her free. I also adore the picture because it shows her newly acquired tooth gap which we awaited and highly anticipated for all too long! </div>
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I took Gabrielle to a nearby large pond to return Shelby to her natural habitat. She was emotional in pondering the what ifs of Shelby adjusting to her new surroundings and questioning her survival. I assured her she/we had made the best decision and Shelby would be all the happier. </div>
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As we pulled away toward home it began to rain. We looked off to the east and there was a beautiful rainbow. It lightened the mood and turned sadness into joy. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Genesis 9:13</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-61375014691616990752014-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-13T06:00:08.837-07:00That's a Wrap <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another school year is in the books. No pun intended :) </div>
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May 21st t'was a big day at the Hicks house.</div>
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This handsome dude graduated Kindergarten! </div>
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Can you see the excitement in his face as we loaded for carpool? I could reach through this screen right NOW and plant a smooch on his adorable face! I'm <b>so.not.ready</b> for him to lose that baby face :(</div>
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This <i><b>may</b></i> be thee only picture I got of Dawson with his teacher, Mrs. Anita Davis.</div>
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Dawson's class grew from 16 to 18 at semester with twins, Will & Addison moving into the district. They were a great bunch of kids who were energetic but eager to learn.</div>
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The following day was Gabrielle's last day of 3rd grade. Unlike Dawson, she was NOT ready for the school year to come to an end! Any guesses why? Let me give you a hint. She is pictured above ^^^! We couldn't have asked for a better teacher for G. Ms. Lindsey was fun, full of energy (she <b>had</b> to be with a class of 27 rowdy, rambunctious, non-stop talking kids), encouraging, edifying, and an absolute treasure of a Christian example for our girl. She prayed regularly for <i>and</i> with Gabrielle.</div>
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As their mom, I was really looking forward to time at home with them this summer so was glad to say goodbye to the school year. We're keeping our summer carefree with minimal commitments. I somewhat chuckle as I type that as the kids have MAD camp this week, VBS next week, baseball season running through July, Gabrielle will attend her 1st overnight summer camp in early July and an online program that is occupying much of their time. Add doctor appointments, necessary errands, swimming & play dates to that and our weeks are full to overflowing! </div>
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Look out Summer, we're out for some fun!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-50668087911324795142014-06-12T10:24:00.002-07:002014-06-12T10:24:27.151-07:00What's CookingBBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivreCNBvIsgHZzg39BweskxDK_JaEz4wUdNBQr0exNfypqFJTT7dGVWVK8FeSL2wnsaNzlMZ1h-im9ODG-4MCBgXNYnj9MiZVfmhyphenhyphenNph3mQ5XY9zW92sPoCtcT20a8Duzn0LJQVGJ1syhL/s1600/BBQ+Pork+Sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivreCNBvIsgHZzg39BweskxDK_JaEz4wUdNBQr0exNfypqFJTT7dGVWVK8FeSL2wnsaNzlMZ1h-im9ODG-4MCBgXNYnj9MiZVfmhyphenhyphenNph3mQ5XY9zW92sPoCtcT20a8Duzn0LJQVGJ1syhL/s1600/BBQ+Pork+Sandwich.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Recipe and photo "stolen" from the interweb</div>
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Do yourself a favor and make this for your family. It does not disappoint!</div>
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Ingredients:<br />
3 lb pork roast<br />
2 T olive oil<br />
Montreal Steak Seasoning<br />
3 - 4 C Root Beer, Dr. Pepper or Coke<br />
1 1/2 - 2 C Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce<br />
Rolls to serve on<br />
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Prep:<br />
Season one side of your roast generously with Montreal Seasoning<br />
Work seasoning into meat with your fingers<br />
Warm olive oil in a skillet before placing meat, seasoned side down, into skillet<br />
Season top side of roast while "bottom" side is searing nicely<br />
Turn roast over and sear side 2<br />
* This will cause your meat to become a bit crusty. You want this as it provides the meat a nice smokey/salty flavor *<br />
Poke roast with a fork a couple times and transfer to crockpot<br />
Pour soda over the roast and cook on low for 7 hours<br />
Shred meat with a fork<br />
Cook an additional hour<br />
Drain juices and pour in BBQ sauce<br />
Cook an additional 30 - 60 minutes<br />
Serve on Rolls<br />
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Delicious and perfect for left overs or serving guests<br />
<br />
Other recipes worth noting:<br />
<a href="http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2008/08/no-peek-beef-tips.html" target="_blank">No Peek Beef Tips</a><br />
www.mommyskitchen.net<br />
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<a href="http://therecipecritic.com/2012/07/beefy-sour-cream-noodle-bake/" target="_blank">Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake</a><br />
www.therecipecritic.com<br />
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What are/have been of your tried and true recipes?<br />
Please leave links in the comments.<br />
These are all new recipes I've added to our recipe binder recently.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-23782875556612531402014-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-11T06:00:08.091-07:00Melt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really don't have words to describe the joy I feel looking back on this series of pictures.<br />
Our church, <a href="http://cedarridge.cc/" target="_blank">Cedar Ridge Christian Church</a>, hosts a Daddy Daughter dance biennially. This years theme was a spin off the ever so popular Disney movie <a href="http://movies.disney.com/frozen" target="_blank">Frozen</a> which we simply titled <i>Melt</i>. Think frozen/winter turned spring. The planning team worked cohesively on theme, preparations, decor, food, set up and tear down which made for a very pleasant experience for all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U9XTDy9vVgotQ02ZvLo9FsByJTepQvXUuAev_77HjdAMKEhZKf0mRI6AFWSgax2dTS0GAe9dK5H65tN02yXrbE31dmdBdg8GRv_sI6x0kWe2dKVCL0y7VoYjOntOYicODbOF4qe_xHLF/s1600/IMG_0893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U9XTDy9vVgotQ02ZvLo9FsByJTepQvXUuAev_77HjdAMKEhZKf0mRI6AFWSgax2dTS0GAe9dK5H65tN02yXrbE31dmdBdg8GRv_sI6x0kWe2dKVCL0y7VoYjOntOYicODbOF4qe_xHLF/s1600/IMG_0893.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>
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My sweet friend gifted us McKenna's dress which I big puffy heart LOVE!</div>
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I purchased Gabrielle's coordinating dress at JcPenney.<br />
The matching hair bows were found at Children's Orchard.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The pictures below were taken with my DSLR and display a more true to life color of the </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">dresses.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjD7YcogUZbAQVWI-FWMpka0c8rh2gvzbzeuYCRkOgD1lA44PQf0zyya99UEyw14tWfEWnV2z8eRR4ism0WldjQwIl499mdUyhu-3kM2qUTxJakwDeWf5APKXuib-mDhjpkumwAgSOx49/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjD7YcogUZbAQVWI-FWMpka0c8rh2gvzbzeuYCRkOgD1lA44PQf0zyya99UEyw14tWfEWnV2z8eRR4ism0WldjQwIl499mdUyhu-3kM2qUTxJakwDeWf5APKXuib-mDhjpkumwAgSOx49/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
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The girls had a fun time getting ready for the dance getting their hair done, putting on lipgloss & wearing fancy new gold shoes ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBObhU0hYXSyBM1KtJJBDD1EPBdBF__hZQgqfdpKqtISfL-X6IsYV_ZWCJuxsd8rEPm6sDxaelgHyoAfiCAB7NcoxG2xF_PyA9pq6fBtdNlUyZAQESk_ZX4B6b-HrC5oVD7jRzEONy0_W/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBObhU0hYXSyBM1KtJJBDD1EPBdBF__hZQgqfdpKqtISfL-X6IsYV_ZWCJuxsd8rEPm6sDxaelgHyoAfiCAB7NcoxG2xF_PyA9pq6fBtdNlUyZAQESk_ZX4B6b-HrC5oVD7jRzEONy0_W/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLt9ibUlI6oLmqryQIQmBA41yv-nYd9l6UPetbaqfk4_tz2hCQKIn5y4zW8d0E0oBZ36eXgMmFAoO2LxXtdahsVrM1q6UWEVPBamcFBb0VaBnXWIi9hQReMAe7BsKvcE3qLOTVRmPxMwq/s1600/IMG_3975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLt9ibUlI6oLmqryQIQmBA41yv-nYd9l6UPetbaqfk4_tz2hCQKIn5y4zW8d0E0oBZ36eXgMmFAoO2LxXtdahsVrM1q6UWEVPBamcFBb0VaBnXWIi9hQReMAe7BsKvcE3qLOTVRmPxMwq/s1600/IMG_3975.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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And {overpriced} corsages of course!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrRfQ8LDJgSeyLQJdfUljyzu6EHxy-gCf4s4iDnP6XgRKosuu2oXIAGjp1jWBgB6vQjoP2hYQJuQj3OqNCKxNgaAKothBh-eGPob5oGi7l_dnA_SXG_tIkpXUTi0GRGZUmr4q1rix1-vX/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrRfQ8LDJgSeyLQJdfUljyzu6EHxy-gCf4s4iDnP6XgRKosuu2oXIAGjp1jWBgB6vQjoP2hYQJuQj3OqNCKxNgaAKothBh-eGPob5oGi7l_dnA_SXG_tIkpXUTi0GRGZUmr4q1rix1-vX/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" height="343" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is times such as this that I am so thankful that God gave these two one another. </div>
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Sisters. </div>
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Although there is a six year age gap between them there is an undeniable bond they share. </div>
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Hopefully one day they will call each other not only sister, but best friend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhys5v_RqX9fCy6fPkrjaPhXgZ1j_d3g-mJQk2iNbe1_K1CRifqhxqYG6iCuM6mbrymDlWJgCQqOz2RKMg_SPU_ZUqp2R9NVsCdPfGum-X0mqyn49eb3j1ufVbhQCtLNi9bklBMdQsMwN/s1600/091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhys5v_RqX9fCy6fPkrjaPhXgZ1j_d3g-mJQk2iNbe1_K1CRifqhxqYG6iCuM6mbrymDlWJgCQqOz2RKMg_SPU_ZUqp2R9NVsCdPfGum-X0mqyn49eb3j1ufVbhQCtLNi9bklBMdQsMwN/s1600/091.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thank you to <a href="http://melissamcgeephotography.com/" target="_blank">Melissa McGee Photography</a> for volunteering her talents and for the beautiful image above. </div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-12234498144680855762014-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-10T06:00:09.151-07:00Spring GOTR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey!</div>
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Yo!</div>
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You Go Girl!</div>
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You Go Girl, Go!</div>
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Another season has come and gone of Girls on the Run. It was a season chalk full of inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience based curriculum which incorporates a lesson, stretching, warm up (practical application of the lesson) and running. </div>
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It was also a season of seeing the returning girls grow exponentially in their strengths. For some that is encouraging other girls, for others being an amazing team player and yet others interjecting humor into our time together. Each girl grew in their love of running ... or so I like to think they each did :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Hag7YSqJMSo0Opg99Q15c_nbRPo9L6WZ_DhBpqSCR2TtHCaVd9cdwTu5t9dBQcvQtzpY2ZzKBhOP_nHYouwvhTnhldSDINGDbDOmKZNIS1lm-MGaLQFsGa-rqEZaC1EZz9tKmFWwjEBx/s1600/IMG_0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Hag7YSqJMSo0Opg99Q15c_nbRPo9L6WZ_DhBpqSCR2TtHCaVd9cdwTu5t9dBQcvQtzpY2ZzKBhOP_nHYouwvhTnhldSDINGDbDOmKZNIS1lm-MGaLQFsGa-rqEZaC1EZz9tKmFWwjEBx/s1600/IMG_0868.jpg" height="400" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Gabrielle celebrating the completion of our practice 5K} </span></div>
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Each GOTR teammate was encouraged to invite someone to participate in the practice 5K as their running buddy. Gabi chose no other than her beloved teacher, Mrs. Lindsey. Maci was such a source of encouragement to Gabrielle which I believe strongly factored into her shaving several minutes off her completion time from the Fall season's practice run. </div>
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We had 13 girls participate in the Spring session of GOTR. We will lose two of our participants this coming Fall as they will be moving on to middle school however we are expecting a lot of growth and are already making plans for a 2nd team! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_hYkPK3ff2GSlHhVTexsDYRqcnhKq2SBXGXABodRWf-VJezHt1vJjFN3ESkWOQR3DhXms9dtKgceKPde7NzgY395nIzofbcSNQqEZqBQ1XS-vGvrF3_Y2lyQ2Nda10ScWJyKJTCa52Cz/s1600/IMG_1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_hYkPK3ff2GSlHhVTexsDYRqcnhKq2SBXGXABodRWf-VJezHt1vJjFN3ESkWOQR3DhXms9dtKgceKPde7NzgY395nIzofbcSNQqEZqBQ1XS-vGvrF3_Y2lyQ2Nda10ScWJyKJTCa52Cz/s1600/IMG_1020.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I spent the better part of an afternoon the week before our season finale 5K race making pinwheel hair bows for the team to wear. The lead coach, Nicole, reverse tie dyed our race tee shirts which turned out great! </div>
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The Friday prior to the season ending 5K run at Corporate Woods we completed a service project. The girls each decorated a dozen paper lunch sacks and stuffed them with canned meat, fruit, chips, granola bar and bottled water to feed the homeless in the KC area. I loved watching some of the girls tap into their artistic side. </div>
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It was a bittersweet ending to our Spring GOTR season. We had an absolutely perfect morning for our race. I am blessed to be a small part of instilling great values and encouragement into these girls. I'm already anticipating the Fall season and new curriculum!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-73161021292174559172014-06-09T09:28:00.000-07:002014-06-09T09:28:12.308-07:00Wordle<div style="text-align: center;">
To: Mommy</div>
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From: Gabrielle </div>
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Happy Mother's Day</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{Please excuse the poor quality scanned image}</span></div>
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I treasure this thoughtful gift from Gabrielle and have it proudly displayed in our kitchen.</div>
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It encompasses all the words that quickly come to mind when she thinks of me. </div>
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I adore that she included dogs because our family has a shared love for the 4 legged fuzzy friends :)</div>
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What I love most about this simple piece of "art" is that all these words also describe <span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">her</i>. </span>She is </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beautiful, Christian, Clean, Fair, Happy, Loving, Organized, Silly, Sweet & Trustworthy. She is also extremely artistic, creative, compassionate and a loyal friend to a fault. </div>
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<br /></div>
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You can go <a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank">here</a> to www.wordle.net to create your own. </div>
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I think they would make an awesome gift for any occasion!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-32835193512819841742014-05-20T14:05:00.000-07:002014-05-20T14:05:35.282-07:00Silver Bullets Soccer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little dude was so excited for the opportunity to participate in soccer again this Spring. Last year we signed him up with Sporting Tykes through the YMCA and it quickly became apparent that he loved the game. We knew this Spring we wanted him to be involved in a more "competitive" league so we chose <a href="http://www.kansasrush.com/" target="_blank">Kansas Rush Soccer Club</a>. The teams consist of six same age players. Dawson was fortunate to play with three other Meadow Lane Kindergartners as well as two boys from other area elementary schools. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdMZVbQAnTPl9A9s2aFAq60XoVaPtShehyphenhyphensxieBeeARbgFAGoUYrlUlM_vFxC277Nq_c-wcQT6gEzqVw44q6EeTU0R-GrOw1Q5tq_6eswL9hgIZfAN2JHsQGveU2ooel8rlqPwCKdB1Oz/s1600/IMG_1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdMZVbQAnTPl9A9s2aFAq60XoVaPtShehyphenhyphensxieBeeARbgFAGoUYrlUlM_vFxC277Nq_c-wcQT6gEzqVw44q6EeTU0R-GrOw1Q5tq_6eswL9hgIZfAN2JHsQGveU2ooel8rlqPwCKdB1Oz/s1600/IMG_1012.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The red streaks under his eyes are NOT the latest in soccer accessory/fashion.</div>
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They're signs of the poor kid suffering terribly from allergies :( </div>
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Dawson plays a mean game of defense but put the ball near him and he gives it his all! He is a hustler and has a fierce determination to win. He scored multiple goals within the season scoring two in his final game. </div>
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Dawson, Brady, Caleb and Christiano</div>
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Missing from photo - Noah and Peyton</div>
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Meet team <span style="color: #999999;">Silver Bullets</span> {Christiano missing}. </div>
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Quite possibly the cutest group of six year old boys in the JoCo area. These boys praticed and played with passion. They became fast friends and had a blast together! The coaches and parents are already in talks of getting them together over the summer for a BBQ and possible participation in a summer soccer camp. We are also in high hopes of playing together as a team again this Fall. </div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-76945017626823991292014-05-15T15:24:00.001-07:002014-05-15T15:24:38.003-07:00My Special Mom - A Mother's Day tribute by DawsonMy mother is the most wonderful Mom in the world.<br />
She is as pretty as <u><span style="color: blue;">roses</span></u>.<br />
She weighs <u><span style="color: blue;">30 lbs</span></u> and is <u><span style="color: blue;">1 foot</span></u> tall.<br />
Her favorite food is <u><span style="color: blue;">pancakes</span></u>.<br />
In the old days, when my mother was little, she used to <u><span style="color: blue;">do what normal babies do</span></u>.<br />
I think Mom looks funny when she <u><span style="color: blue;">changes my sister's diaper</span></u>.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please note she is fully potty trained and diaper changes are so last year :)</span><br />
My mother is happy when <u><span style="color: blue;">we clean</span></u>.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">^^^ AMEN! ^^^</span><br />
I wish Mom would <u><span style="color: blue;">snuggle</span></u> with me everyday.<br />
I wouldn't trade my mother for <u><span style="color: blue;">a piece of junk</span></u>.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I'm so glad to know I'm valued more than a piece of junk. Rolling in laughter!</span><br />
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<br />
Top Five Reasons Why I love My Mom<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>My Mom gives me hugs and kisses</li>
<li>I love my Mom</li>
<li>My Mom loves me</li>
<li>I love my family</li>
<li>My Dad is awesome </li>
</ol>
{I'm not so sure how #5 describes the top five reasons why he loves ME, but we will roll with it}<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>- My Mom -<br />
My Mom is good.<br />
She likes to give me hugs and kisses.<br />
She always cleans.<br />
Sometimes she takes me to the pool.<br />
But the best thing about my Mom is she gives me hugs and kisses.<br />
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Happy Mother's Day!<br />Love,<br />
Dawson<br />
<br />
These.<br />
Keepers for sure!<br />
I want to remember these sweet, yet hilarious "love notes" from my Boo.<br />
I adore that his primary love language is so apparent in his answers given above. He is my little lover and professional snuggler. I often joke that he needs to stop making out with me or his Daddy will get jealous :) Secretly I hope his affections don't wane in the years to come. I love his genuine hugs and sweet kisses. I love when he crawls in bed with me and isn't satisfied until his arm is underneath my back and his head rested on my chest. I love that he never fails to profess his love for me when I tuck him in even when he is sour at me (or me with him). I love this boy of mine and where he fits in our family. He is rough & rowdy but soft & sappy at the same time and oh so cute! Man alive is he cute!<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-88404262734624176232014-05-01T06:19:00.000-07:002014-05-01T06:19:48.436-07:00Embrace the Camera: May 1, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gabrielle and Dawson with their GG</div>
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Easter 2014</div>
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Pontoon ride on Lake Lotawana</div>
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iPhone 5S</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-18200508944663664932014-04-30T13:47:00.000-07:002014-04-30T13:47:01.060-07:00Easter 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- Easter - </div>
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It was an incredibly relaxing weekend. We had our DuBay family Easter at my brother's home Friday evening on Lake Lotawana. The weather was crisp but just right for fishing off the dock, a long pontoon ride snuggled up in blankets as the sunset and s'more assembly fireside in the evening. It was a wonderful day spent with family and we look forward to more days spent doing very much the same in the coming months. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{Grainy goodness right here ^^^^}</span> </div>
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Saturday we boiled, dyed and decorated eggs after Dawson's noon soccer game.</div>
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It was an eventful hour. There may or may not have been a tantrum and gnashing of teeth because a middle child wasn't happy with his Sharpie drawing on his egg {see far right blue egg in front} and I let out a big gasp of air upon realizing that the <span style="background-color: yellow;">Kool-A</span>id seeped under the wax paper dyeing my table top as well. Magic Eraser did its magic but also removed the sheen finish from our island :(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hZwrfuS1c5pjD5HPIEFCOShnbu2KTcgQideI0ZXar_sl0Wa7igLUfzV176Z9S1qA3ifW6ZQwalr7qXqLUO73-Oy0mabPbr3Jj40EmdNhgGJHFR9U2JBPX1ed2rjTJCkQxipQ0SJ1dYwk/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hZwrfuS1c5pjD5HPIEFCOShnbu2KTcgQideI0ZXar_sl0Wa7igLUfzV176Z9S1qA3ifW6ZQwalr7qXqLUO73-Oy0mabPbr3Jj40EmdNhgGJHFR9U2JBPX1ed2rjTJCkQxipQ0SJ1dYwk/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOc28n5VS5fLJMY6ockCXzBdbm26x8n_vOM-eFUxwU34r7yCWRcE4Yq4APPQ-sNwGh-gXxOhVFdptKcFWxrt2pz1WQY_10gmNuLKxGgrA0knG8e9OQeCXvmUh8ohK0vP4rgTYkEHwUZ7X/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOc28n5VS5fLJMY6ockCXzBdbm26x8n_vOM-eFUxwU34r7yCWRcE4Yq4APPQ-sNwGh-gXxOhVFdptKcFWxrt2pz1WQY_10gmNuLKxGgrA0knG8e9OQeCXvmUh8ohK0vP4rgTYkEHwUZ7X/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwGKaFkqzUJPIIljHW0nNu0nV9D5Fa4z9KRA1bppzAtibmx2GLdRLVFzRtoMc0L-lRvqYpjoHVSSXKDZ-nsgPc2MymHut3UjqOoF74jKrvau8rHaRaaaNmA7UBy9NA1TZXVKDANjOH3ss/s1600/IMG_3923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwGKaFkqzUJPIIljHW0nNu0nV9D5Fa4z9KRA1bppzAtibmx2GLdRLVFzRtoMc0L-lRvqYpjoHVSSXKDZ-nsgPc2MymHut3UjqOoF74jKrvau8rHaRaaaNmA7UBy9NA1TZXVKDANjOH3ss/s1600/IMG_3923.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Sunday we attended an AMAZING worship service at our church then returned home for brunch with Travis's mom who was in town visiting and my parents. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlWJ5l9gJVNHzqpcdEsLCxsYuf2VcNBRdaOzOziuKMSUfpKlVSpwiCngjJPOaHHuqjGbut8lzEMrB5noxad9AP1c19c201ekBrBzBcuUwMSIhxlu5zLQBwhDJJ6Vrx87EbQOQw0YI6Tqp/s1600/IMG_3935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlWJ5l9gJVNHzqpcdEsLCxsYuf2VcNBRdaOzOziuKMSUfpKlVSpwiCngjJPOaHHuqjGbut8lzEMrB5noxad9AP1c19c201ekBrBzBcuUwMSIhxlu5zLQBwhDJJ6Vrx87EbQOQw0YI6Tqp/s1600/IMG_3935.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The kids were less than thrilled when I <strike>forced</strike> convinced them to take pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihatT2OVTqo9TogQDXVrH_4wMWud8aJOKscuBkjpeRu0kS-A1rVjnGrEXl12fnnUTqdGsrv5E4A1beyko2o_JAtpO3tn4y6M6TTVHyvAZxxEQ_sewHgKM553VFC_S5WFc1yhYWRJDiburW/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihatT2OVTqo9TogQDXVrH_4wMWud8aJOKscuBkjpeRu0kS-A1rVjnGrEXl12fnnUTqdGsrv5E4A1beyko2o_JAtpO3tn4y6M6TTVHyvAZxxEQ_sewHgKM553VFC_S5WFc1yhYWRJDiburW/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujv9ypwyDIUgzQKL9ISOts4iX9TODxB6sPhPTOVb7knD0q1fRfIK9XlEndgQ86QNlVbxDeMHMiiLlHFgdoI2Hgf2HTzELS0b08bGNLeLG3x-8LfgLLujb8F2ASRGSB8ZsYUoSVs2zpohq/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujv9ypwyDIUgzQKL9ISOts4iX9TODxB6sPhPTOVb7knD0q1fRfIK9XlEndgQ86QNlVbxDeMHMiiLlHFgdoI2Hgf2HTzELS0b08bGNLeLG3x-8LfgLLujb8F2ASRGSB8ZsYUoSVs2zpohq/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was as good as it got. </div>
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Kids squinting; one child or another running off; tempers raising ... all in the name of a picture! </div>
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I hope your Easter was a blessed one remembering the sacrifice of our risen King! </div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-27392962099247037222014-04-17T14:42:00.000-07:002014-04-17T14:42:43.541-07:00Embrace the Camera: June 17, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
I both give and receive worship through song. </div>
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The song that has currently been speaking to my heart is "Let Them See You by JJ Weeks". </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Let them see You in me</span></b></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Let them hear You when I speak</span></b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Let them feel You when I sing</span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;">Let them see You </span></b></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;">Just let them see You in me</span></b></div>
</span></b></span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Who am I without Your grace?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Another smile, another face</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Another breath, a grain of sand</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Passing quickly through Your hand</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I give my life, an offering</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Take it all, take everything</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Let them see You in me</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Let them hear You when I speak</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Let them feel You when I sing</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Let them see You</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Just let them see You in me</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrFbidswcKmg4rIj6841GgzrebTZbLclkfrJMGZ6craczmvKAFLaUIAsV88pT1oyGVUrqHsDi-qzjmXIF4hW27chANJNCRxsmhNoQ94oJrkC9bnow0VZrqaZoC2tDijVoRtm_MWJaagUF/s1600/3555a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrFbidswcKmg4rIj6841GgzrebTZbLclkfrJMGZ6craczmvKAFLaUIAsV88pT1oyGVUrqHsDi-qzjmXIF4hW27chANJNCRxsmhNoQ94oJrkC9bnow0VZrqaZoC2tDijVoRtm_MWJaagUF/s1600/3555a.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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This is my prayer.</div>
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I am imperfect. </div>
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He is perfect.</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">His grace is sufficient for me; His power is made perfect in my weakness. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">2 Corinthians 12:9</span></div>
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Let them {my husband, my children, my neighbors and friends ... all those I encounter} see Him in me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnesn_TcDx_3gZdrB-QaANpWXy1kj_QqGTvZldi_-sLJNvbdPTL8HOnTdAz7whNm6Gx92dq3JvZmQqERFYhlIMTgq5DtU2ehztWxoOt3gekxgcJRL4ZQ_8esIoMwI7dwxsaw4htqDtMXD/s1600/3752a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnesn_TcDx_3gZdrB-QaANpWXy1kj_QqGTvZldi_-sLJNvbdPTL8HOnTdAz7whNm6Gx92dq3JvZmQqERFYhlIMTgq5DtU2ehztWxoOt3gekxgcJRL4ZQ_8esIoMwI7dwxsaw4htqDtMXD/s1600/3752a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gabs, Boo and Little Miss,</div>
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Mommy has many shortcomings. I'm impatient. I'm quick to raise my voice. I often rush bedtime skipping stories and prayers. I say "no" a lot. Although I am all these things and I'm sure you could/would add more I thank God that he has entrusted you to me. You are each amazing and bright and beautiful beyond words! I know I have done something right in parenting you while on this earth because you know and love the Lord. My heart's desire is that you learn to know Him more through me - through my actions, words, expressions of love to you and those around us. I am imperfect, but I am a work in progress seeking His hand in parenting you for you are His. A gift to us. The best gifts!</div>
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I love you to the moon and back, to the highest mountain, to the deepest and widest ocean, to infinity. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Dawson says this each time he says his goodbyes}</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-60567186185283172772014-04-03T13:13:00.003-07:002014-04-04T05:51:17.542-07:00Embrace the Camera: April 3, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
I snuck away with this handsome young man last Thursday for a mommy/son date. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{I'm so glad I did because I've been super sick ever since.}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmozk_NhKWc3aggHTC8AO6cObCZdQdr7-A90RT36CpHLzGI4HQkkG1bH-Sec-ydmpsV6qwU_AJF1SGLmwsCLR4BwZ54_-FQDPcoLlJMkP5I3I_s4mQczVs_iXKMNGuiQeKmFuYuCUs-YF/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmozk_NhKWc3aggHTC8AO6cObCZdQdr7-A90RT36CpHLzGI4HQkkG1bH-Sec-ydmpsV6qwU_AJF1SGLmwsCLR4BwZ54_-FQDPcoLlJMkP5I3I_s4mQczVs_iXKMNGuiQeKmFuYuCUs-YF/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little man of mine shares my love language of physical touch. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is a master snuggler, kiss giver and is never shy of sharing his love for me verbally. </div>
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He's a keeper! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXdfwWZNGtroHL_tECk3sG6GURk8r_QpY2Xq1ScH8AgkBmPPLt1ZprtMPaxx6qCQkiqmo5Xf6VO_eeeJsu9l5HiYxSHCefJSaD-lVEpPbwMYroDdereID2nGXjXfQEhIpkxAO4l1-Cm-5/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXdfwWZNGtroHL_tECk3sG6GURk8r_QpY2Xq1ScH8AgkBmPPLt1ZprtMPaxx6qCQkiqmo5Xf6VO_eeeJsu9l5HiYxSHCefJSaD-lVEpPbwMYroDdereID2nGXjXfQEhIpkxAO4l1-Cm-5/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Boo, </div>
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Thank-you for being the best sister sandwich handsome brother in the middle!</div>
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Muah!</div>
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Mommy</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-83537476646377019262014-03-28T07:32:00.000-07:002014-03-28T07:32:09.251-07:00Hall Bath Refresh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our hall bathroom primarily serves as the kids bath. For the first 4+ years we lived in this home the walls remained the builders <strike>blah</strike> beige color. We did little more than add a couple small fun art prints from Target and a striped shower curtain and called it good. Fast forward to my brother and sister-in-laws recent moving sale and this<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> </span>bath·tub plank art gave us the necessary push for a quick bath refresh. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6mqlwdFFZekwgCov7dHM1ZfMubMP3Jz9ZA2hgBWaRx4OjVbUciAQBnzudLNTghRIlObGVKHZp72FYOHSEL5LRSoM5fL0cWF_eqhbL3gtdtr0VxJzx5Vltn67Fkh50fppJvCG3nMyq0Et/s1600/IMG_3874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6mqlwdFFZekwgCov7dHM1ZfMubMP3Jz9ZA2hgBWaRx4OjVbUciAQBnzudLNTghRIlObGVKHZp72FYOHSEL5LRSoM5fL0cWF_eqhbL3gtdtr0VxJzx5Vltn67Fkh50fppJvCG3nMyq0Et/s1600/IMG_3874.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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This could also read:</div>
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bath·tub</div>
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n. A vessel which receives overuse from one certain 3 year old toddler who takes up residence here multiple times in any given day</div>
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{no.lie! the child is bath obsessed}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gh6yAo1-VW8oQ7CEVFnwHqOnvOZo8MPU9TPjwE-SWWACnXbxM1WOP0ZH8C7oWDOVt1S4-655xz2bQvIbhV0JipQxsBhQiE2YJ1f_iSnMtlgmrvsq1LYwWfLqOQBhRHM3rBfkZy9FhhBQ/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gh6yAo1-VW8oQ7CEVFnwHqOnvOZo8MPU9TPjwE-SWWACnXbxM1WOP0ZH8C7oWDOVt1S4-655xz2bQvIbhV0JipQxsBhQiE2YJ1f_iSnMtlgmrvsq1LYwWfLqOQBhRHM3rBfkZy9FhhBQ/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a quick view from the door straight ahead. </div>
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The walls received a fresh coat of Behr Water Mark paint. </div>
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I replaced the previous shower curtain with a simple white waffle weave that I scored somewhere along the way for $1. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTEGdoccDJN0aqalYV0Qr9AkZSefcemSbsKdggtfGMY_wovE0ex_xWu8oAaesfOumsQpoWYif2x-u_Yvsu11QUYbP05Setuq0FoBiv611y3LHPW8zAReHnJIzZoiFc76A2K78Ruuui8Hm/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTEGdoccDJN0aqalYV0Qr9AkZSefcemSbsKdggtfGMY_wovE0ex_xWu8oAaesfOumsQpoWYif2x-u_Yvsu11QUYbP05Setuq0FoBiv611y3LHPW8zAReHnJIzZoiFc76A2K78Ruuui8Hm/s1600/IMG_3861.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This white apothecary cabinet has been stored in our basement since the move in October 2009. I couldn't bring it upon myself to sell it and I'm so glad I didn't because it has found new life again.<br />
Since taking these pictures I've since purchased new white hand towels and wash clothes to replace the previous creme & yellow colored ones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj1xtboavHlx_NhpXmMzzrCzHKIUDGeHY0EO34-NO30dHN73V_SMjP1sGHU-EAUsMKxB_ZgCdVHxRClLNAL4wSaIHQTtQWOP0-V-DVUtuxiXl24dCcYTR3JbHtdy6vsionM7iair30qFM/s1600/IMG_3864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj1xtboavHlx_NhpXmMzzrCzHKIUDGeHY0EO34-NO30dHN73V_SMjP1sGHU-EAUsMKxB_ZgCdVHxRClLNAL4wSaIHQTtQWOP0-V-DVUtuxiXl24dCcYTR3JbHtdy6vsionM7iair30qFM/s1600/IMG_3864.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our long term goals for this space are to replace the lighting & linoleum flooring as well as either add wainscoting or tile detailing on the walls. I'd also love to remove the mirror and replace with two separate beveled mirrors OR trim the mirror out similar to in our previous home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SNNGIcJyLhcxCgKDL8V2xRfFTEobo6RHDLCYF0RCAEPU2icF3PMVpYEPCqRWAN9jf0Yvh8XadBfb5AoNtrJBf6ueBxWIyy0sfryNhtofmsgYBkDroBYXeMW4odxfJ7GFhi5nNwMw_iZz/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SNNGIcJyLhcxCgKDL8V2xRfFTEobo6RHDLCYF0RCAEPU2icF3PMVpYEPCqRWAN9jf0Yvh8XadBfb5AoNtrJBf6ueBxWIyy0sfryNhtofmsgYBkDroBYXeMW4odxfJ7GFhi5nNwMw_iZz/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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We replaced the previous over the door towel hooks with IKEA hooks we had on hand.</div>
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Note to self - Gabrielle needs a white hooded towel to match the others :)</div>
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{Yes, she is 9 and still uses her hooded towels. Read that as astronomical return on investment.} </div>
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I bought several rug options from JCPenney but when I stumbled upon this set at Aldi for $9.99 I didn't blink an eye before returning the much more expensive options in place of the <strike>disposable</strike> affordable option. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXvZDBFSdbqK4BanlvrXZ0LCScuvsbhslfvgkevEChLKG30S9Jao8EXBzqiIZJ8tK0cvl37CfDVGdJQtFIq5iXGX_p94kJ3IxUhKAzVYZcHBmRZ6m52Ha0It5SEQAWxRuLuChfRzJ80SV/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXvZDBFSdbqK4BanlvrXZ0LCScuvsbhslfvgkevEChLKG30S9Jao8EXBzqiIZJ8tK0cvl37CfDVGdJQtFIq5iXGX_p94kJ3IxUhKAzVYZcHBmRZ6m52Ha0It5SEQAWxRuLuChfRzJ80SV/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The last facelift I'd like for this bath is to receive is to paint the cabinetry. Our builder used very nice quality cabinets throughout the house but they are beginning to show water wear in this bath as evidenced by this photo. </div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-57049407642615232222014-03-27T16:29:00.001-07:002014-03-27T16:29:33.919-07:00Embrace the Camera: March 27, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9hc3zdnpcCdjoDIoZZ7ufIoKQ3prVIbGU6Omx0cBMQWqN_6CJfk0sHnr2AEPSwvQfTGyhkb95gN5vRcAsIz8F_9E71F4UUK1RtW2LrKmyFMDpLtqBO6xa9j1TeXCzgUfsDfpsEUMGh8j/s1600/IMG_3837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9hc3zdnpcCdjoDIoZZ7ufIoKQ3prVIbGU6Omx0cBMQWqN_6CJfk0sHnr2AEPSwvQfTGyhkb95gN5vRcAsIz8F_9E71F4UUK1RtW2LrKmyFMDpLtqBO6xa9j1TeXCzgUfsDfpsEUMGh8j/s1600/IMG_3837.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aunt Shari and GG came to visit over Spring Break. </div>
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We visited Nelson Atkins Museum, did a little thrifting and shopping, s'mored whilst consuming adult beverages around the chimenea and enjoyed each others company. Oh did I mention we ate? A.lot! </div>
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Aunt Shari and the girls gave each other manicures and pedicures but the real fun came later that evening when Shari colored my hair {it may or may not have turned out a tad on the reddish side eek!} and I convinced her to say goodbye to the mousey blond and hello to dark brown!</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-63278114032213999652014-03-21T09:48:00.000-07:002014-03-21T09:50:33.022-07:00Office Overhaul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What started as a playroom overhaul led to me tackling our home office area.</div>
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This IKEA GLIS storage box is the culprit for my fit of organizational rage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13xpW_yyGWJuu2RwnDxfHNb0KG3xgcW9pg-OL3yqwQYjRrOMmNkf49mgg4PZfmPnT4FjMD5MoFFoO-RzlwXXGhysANkZ-uvGM21nfqaiNqe6VfUq7tNgDVPXT4qSfcLlyISZZJ5b2WbX8/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13xpW_yyGWJuu2RwnDxfHNb0KG3xgcW9pg-OL3yqwQYjRrOMmNkf49mgg4PZfmPnT4FjMD5MoFFoO-RzlwXXGhysANkZ-uvGM21nfqaiNqe6VfUq7tNgDVPXT4qSfcLlyISZZJ5b2WbX8/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I had seen people using tackle boxes on Pinterest for battery storage so when the GLIS box was no longer in use in the playroom I grabbed it knowing it would be perfect for the job.</div>
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That simple 5 minute task of removing batteries from packaging and sorting by size led to this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXtNtPQ_dZrC_EMVHsP9RKyWuRuhd4tXViGfOZij2Zr_9KguYnx59A9sZZN14DOC-GFyjjl-sbdvnKIjV9jaGSVI64Vr2SrmdU_Vve9NmF46B7r1VhGyElGzks3G9-Hnmjs02ZcEWg_D1/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXtNtPQ_dZrC_EMVHsP9RKyWuRuhd4tXViGfOZij2Zr_9KguYnx59A9sZZN14DOC-GFyjjl-sbdvnKIjV9jaGSVI64Vr2SrmdU_Vve9NmF46B7r1VhGyElGzks3G9-Hnmjs02ZcEWg_D1/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>
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I really wish I had taken a before picture because although this picture is a hot mess of office supplies it <b><i>was</i></b> quite organized {in a not very appealing to the eye kind of way}. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk-ztIAieXFNHr7kAsejxapSasC_haDoBhli1RGr7fcP8qWEId2bORznktD4qCYgcG7XiUlkS2F6YJJUIi7ELKNpgXNKbsgC831JR5enn2OL2JpHnBR28oYlck83ffhu5tl23yRoClxLU/s1600/IMG_3848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk-ztIAieXFNHr7kAsejxapSasC_haDoBhli1RGr7fcP8qWEId2bORznktD4qCYgcG7XiUlkS2F6YJJUIi7ELKNpgXNKbsgC831JR5enn2OL2JpHnBR28oYlck83ffhu5tl23yRoClxLU/s1600/IMG_3848.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A quick trip to Dollar General and WalMart for the white storage baskets and drawers & an hour or less later and I had this.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Item Sources:</span></div>
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The fabric storage cubes were a garage sale find and were previously used to house puzzles and craft kits, the metal box is from my SIL and the two slim wicker baskets on the bottom shelf were purchased at Pier 1 Imports years ago. The multi colored mesh storage on the middle shelf are from IKEA and have been used and abused hard and have held up like new. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4cy7do9EbiB65Q6BT_gtXUMJcDHJ50CI_9I5N93EqsWSpKdbhTn2zfFFpTkx54FYJzvxOW767aB1eB2_3PnmpXMqzaHpOV7bjwKpr8BHtdwrd8L8pkWSa8n5VAy7ytH3GScy8BZ_Zo69/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4cy7do9EbiB65Q6BT_gtXUMJcDHJ50CI_9I5N93EqsWSpKdbhTn2zfFFpTkx54FYJzvxOW767aB1eB2_3PnmpXMqzaHpOV7bjwKpr8BHtdwrd8L8pkWSa8n5VAy7ytH3GScy8BZ_Zo69/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I printed out labels and ran them through my laminator before cutting and attaching with velcro.</div>
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This area in our kitchen packs a big punch with storage. </div>
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It houses all our technology related disks and cords, vitamins and medications, flashlights & other miscellaneous items in the far left; batteries, camera and video equipment & bill related info in the middle and a large assortment of office supplies on the far right. </div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-41808036149008178012014-03-08T15:08:00.000-08:002014-03-08T15:08:04.072-08:00Embrace The Camera: March 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been too long since I've been intentional about getting IN the picture with my littles. I resolve to make a better effort of doing so this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8Xn9GSFyAy-oW69xo1yv05OTifiHUwM8gQzI_tfAI-WbrJsVUDTmgwAEyG-82YlF-x4Sxw86XY2yjPX_HHjemedgFyGDV57iRbBJVaDhqTHUgNT9dsgWX4Djk4fu3xznMxuRG4BaBNZh/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8Xn9GSFyAy-oW69xo1yv05OTifiHUwM8gQzI_tfAI-WbrJsVUDTmgwAEyG-82YlF-x4Sxw86XY2yjPX_HHjemedgFyGDV57iRbBJVaDhqTHUgNT9dsgWX4Djk4fu3xznMxuRG4BaBNZh/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Little Miss momma assisting in bottle feeding Makayla {and hamming it up for the camera}. </div>
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My sweet babes on Valentine's day.</div>
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Life is a beautiful mess with these three but is full of love because of them!</div>
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I soaked in <i>every.last.second</i> of this cuddle season with my baby girl. I wasn't ready to let her go when she let loose. She's growing leaps and bounds right in front of our eyes and is no longer our tiny little love. She still asks us to "Hold you me" on a regular basis and insists on her nightly cuddle seasons with her Daddy which melts us both. Thank-you Ms. G for confiscating mommy's phone to take this picture :)</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-38423370806232309412014-03-05T17:01:00.000-08:002014-03-05T17:03:33.940-08:00Valentine's <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
February </div>
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The shortest month of the year</div>
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The month my niece celebrated her 21st birthday</div>
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also the month we celebrate Valentine's Day</div>
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A fellow blogger refers to it as Lover's Holiday which I think is charming </div>
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I can thank all the recent snow days we've had for my creative crafting spark being lit</div>
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We dedicated some time the weekend prior to Lover's Holiday creating Valentine's boxes and Valentine's for the bigs classroom parties</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We 100% lifted (that's a craft term for any non-crafters that may read this post) the ideas from the www and Pinterest</span></div>
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We used an empty cereal box for the body of Gabrielle's owl then recycled some crepe paper streamers I had sewn for previous party decor to create its feathers, corrugated card stock for the eyes and feet and an over abundance of hot glue to attach everything</div>
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What can I say? Girlfriend {Gabi} worked the glue gun like a boss</div>
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We confiscated Papa and Mema's oatmeal cylinder for Dawson's shark</div>
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We wrapped the cylinder in aluminum foil (I would have loved to use silver wrapping paper but used what we had on hand) and simply cut slits to insert the fins & tail</div>
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Travis free handed the body parts and cut them from craft foam</div>
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I honestly can't recall where I stumbled upon this free printable Valentine but just did a google search and found it <a href="http://www.733blog.com/2014/01/hey-smartie-printable-valentine.html">here</a></div>
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I give this quick valentine exchange a big thumbs up for cost, ease and cuteness</div>
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Valentine day was spent celebrating with my 3 favorite little peeps</div>
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As we were heading out for a full day of activities, we were surprised with a super fun love package from Lynee, Micah and Makayla</div>
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She knows the way to our hearts is straight access through our sweet tooth!!</div>
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I tweaked our mantel a bit this year by removing the glass hurricane candy holders from the black candle bases and replaced them with tin mailboxes I picked up at Target a few years back</div>
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I added the La La Love You print from the girls 2012 birthday decor to a fun magnetic board we received from Aunt Linda</div>
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I anchored the left side of the mantel with a feather heart wreath</div>
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And everyone's favorite new addition is this adorable red and pink dachshund </div>
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She fits right in with our dachsie lovin' family!</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-7532190457116396782014-03-04T13:39:00.001-08:002014-03-04T13:41:01.832-08:00Dance for the Lord<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This song has really been ministering to me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I Want to Know You"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jesus Culture</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">(YouTube video found<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7C2cQfJdo4"> here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stand before You, awed by Your majesty<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Covered by Your mercy, Your blood has made me free<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Draw me to You and set my heart on fire<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I want to know You, You're my one desire<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I give You my worship<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />All of my passion<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I give You my whole heart<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />All my devotion<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Grace never ending, Your hands they carry me<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Body that was broken, for all the world to see<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />My heart is held by love so unconditional<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />You captivate me, You're the lover of my soul<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I give You my worship<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />All of my passion<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I give You my whole heart<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />All my devotion<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Here I will bow down<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />And say that I need You<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Here I will worship<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />And say that I love You<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Oh how I love you<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Oh how I love you<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I want to know You<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let Your spirit overwhelm me<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let Your presence overtake my heart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">McKenna Jane worshipping the Lord with dancing </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalms 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-41098133337702792532014-03-03T15:17:00.000-08:002014-03-03T15:17:11.452-08:00I-ClickIt's seems like months have passed since I last visited the blog when in fact it has been several loooong weeks. Rather than one long exhaustive post I will provide a brief update in the form of life captured through the lens of my iPhone.<br />
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The entire 3rd grade class at Meadow Lane participated in a wax museum in late January. Each student chose a famous person {past or present} and did extensive research on their lives. They then wrote a narrative which they presented to fellow students, staff and parents at the wax museum. Gabrielle choose Carrie Underwood and thoroughly enjoyed learning the little details of her life as well as dressing the part :)<br />
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I'm sporting specs <i><b>again</b></i>. I began wearing glasses in the 2nd grade and graduated to contacts in the 7th grade. I despised wearing glasses in my early adult life. Picture Coke bottle lenses - not.even.lying! Fast forward to late 1999 when I met Travis and that sweet man paid $4100 cold hard cash to have LASIK surgery performed on my eyes (before we were engaged or married holla!). My specialist suggested at my recent visit that I wear glasses driving at night and/or reading to improve the clouded vision resulting from my vitreous detachment that I shared about <a href="http://lovemytwo.blogspot.com/2011/10/finding-joy-in-our-circumstances.html">here</a>. What a difference they make! I went cheap and a little on the trendy side in choosing my frames.<br />
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This is a glimpse into our playroom on any given day we entertain "extra" kiddos in our home. I would absolutely be a fraud if I didn't say that just looking at this picture gives me the jitters BUT I will gladly take the messes when it means my kiddos are living it up with their friends enjoying free imaginative play. You have to look really close but McKenna and Buggie (Ellaina) are hiding under the table.<br />
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For the <3 class="goog-spellcheck-word" of="" span="" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Legos</3><br />
. Dawson loves Legos. I love that D loves Legos. Truth be told, <b><i>I love Legos</i></b><!--3-->so when Legos began taking over his bedroom and his existing shelf was overflowing with completed and 1/2 completed projects I asked Travis to cut, stain and install a 2nd much larger shelf. I realize this is one tiny corner of it, but it is functioning oh so well! I'm also over the moon happy with how the Lego Manual I created turned out.<br />
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This wee one has me at hello (remember Jerry Maguire circa 1996?) each and every morning. What is it with our last babes? I <span style="font-size: large;">can't/won't/refuse</span> to let her grow up!<br />
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Travis saw his surgeon for his 10 week post operative appointment February 19th. His surgeon harassed Travis that he was smuggling a golf ball in there. We laughed, but seriously this picture brings the term cankles to a whole new level!<br />
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I'll wrap up with our little man representin' on our family date night last Friday. #PowerGen!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-70391640823474983462014-01-30T11:06:00.001-08:002014-01-30T11:07:35.828-08:00Little Miss Sunshine Turns 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This sweet Sunshine turned 3 on January 11th</div>
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... and this is really how she felt about getting her picture taken :)</div>
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We invited her besties - Ellaina (pictured above), Hartley, Logann, Faith & Micah - to join us at <a href="http://www.wonderscope.org/">Wonderscope Children's Museum</a> for a morning of play. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG8eNa1eaapx-xCrXmfLsgGMGcLXBDJVvJclPKzp5ZSPlB-JSaca6s4Y64htVv5vrX7A3p7Z6uuWiqjRabECSyFAXCVFHBa2wcR-MNAN5BEDHo_5OD_AlYrkV8O8tg2CWvv2FKXGic0Rd/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG8eNa1eaapx-xCrXmfLsgGMGcLXBDJVvJclPKzp5ZSPlB-JSaca6s4Y64htVv5vrX7A3p7Z6uuWiqjRabECSyFAXCVFHBa2wcR-MNAN5BEDHo_5OD_AlYrkV8O8tg2CWvv2FKXGic0Rd/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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We had cupcakes and juice to fuel up for the fun.</div>
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Daddy did a little cupcake smash after she blew out the candle!</div>
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How is it possible that our baby girl is 3?!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Vazqek0_Q4JS3V0eN5qYTmtxPP5r8JPMmqh-twrApMoj-FOrQWqApW77Nd2zoKCrY4yY_ICDTeVac432uINsrDoduwi7s92a51vFljFB183LQCK93LJIIpvIxRgJaZDYA9vCKZoz0n3/s1600/IMG_3713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Vazqek0_Q4JS3V0eN5qYTmtxPP5r8JPMmqh-twrApMoj-FOrQWqApW77Nd2zoKCrY4yY_ICDTeVac432uINsrDoduwi7s92a51vFljFB183LQCK93LJIIpvIxRgJaZDYA9vCKZoz0n3/s1600/IMG_3713.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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McKenna Jane,</div>
You are the sunshine of our lives! Because of you our days are brighter, more full of love & laughter <i><b>and</b></i> noise. Your personality exudes happiness. You love when we crank the zuzic (music) up loud and have dance parties; snuggling up in front of a cartoon; playing Barbies and baby dolls and play time with just about anyone.<br />
Currently, you would eat an endless supply of fishies (Goldfish crackers) or fruit snacks; watch countless episodes of Tom & Jerry; bathe a dozen times a week never growing tire of playing surfer girl and live in your footie pajamas if life allowed. You would also chose to spend 1/2 your days at Papa and Mema's house as they are your grown up best friends and you never tire of quality time with them.<br />
We love you more than you could ever possibly know!<br />
Mommy and DaddyChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-4613033284966931682014-01-21T14:26:00.000-08:002014-01-21T14:38:27.711-08:00Photo Dump<div style="text-align: left;">
It's time for a photo dump of recent pics
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIiPsPhVa9ztXbZ5RjwTIFHrduVFjFjyF5Omx3sQRq4hMPBbSyTN-vGP2RTDDfOJNBL5Cto0-iaM34sGFM3wLqbvCAvdrhhFQnAxj-yk5lmiY8JPKWxy8nDgro7Ksth2tkIscUV21qh9k/s1600/IMG_5657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIiPsPhVa9ztXbZ5RjwTIFHrduVFjFjyF5Omx3sQRq4hMPBbSyTN-vGP2RTDDfOJNBL5Cto0-iaM34sGFM3wLqbvCAvdrhhFQnAxj-yk5lmiY8JPKWxy8nDgro7Ksth2tkIscUV21qh9k/s1600/IMG_5657.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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It is love or hate around this house with these 3. They go from each other's best friend and playmate to being unkind to one another in the snap of a finger. Another snap of the finger and they are back in the friend zone. I missed this opportunity to video their deep belly laughs while piggy piling on one another Christmas afternoon.</div>
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Photo taken 12/25/2013</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaWGFR6yMy3lIctrrUIztM-pS3djag8w12sTPCZv6b3xMl9-1T9QCAm7p9By9UDDyWnuZjKiury_HqFg-31gydZTTC3ZpiS0BGeiMRlCD-Tr7fi6eiHs1_aM_erGtc1ynvwtXeShy3YZl/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaWGFR6yMy3lIctrrUIztM-pS3djag8w12sTPCZv6b3xMl9-1T9QCAm7p9By9UDDyWnuZjKiury_HqFg-31gydZTTC3ZpiS0BGeiMRlCD-Tr7fi6eiHs1_aM_erGtc1ynvwtXeShy3YZl/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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McKenna crawled onto the counter in hot pursuit of finding Makayla's pacifier stash. She (McKenna) gave hers up on August 23rd and this is the 1st time she snuck one into her mouth only to immediately be reprimanded. She quickly removed it with a look of shame on her sweet face. This is her cowering in hopes of not being seen. Stinker!</div>
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Photo taken 12/31/2013</div>
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This one can almost always be found during quiet time with her new Kindle in hand.</div>
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Photo taken 01/03/2014</div>
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This fiercely independent one was given NO choice but to say good bye to diapers in early January. All it took was me saying no more to diapers and placing them out of reach. Day 1 I gave her the incentive to earn 1 sticker with each potty made in the toilet and after earning 5 stickers she could have a bowl of ice cream. A little bribery proved for success! It has been 19 days since we began potty training and I am ELATED to share she is doing #1 and #2 in the potty and is accident free 98% of the time. Can I get a woot woot!</div>
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Potty training initiated and photos taken on 01/03/2014</div>
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Gabrielle received this American Girl self guided sew and stuff owl craft kit from Papa and Mema for her birthday. We took a good chunk of our Saturday afternoon and sewed the larger of the 2 owls. This one is for Gabrielle, the smaller owl will be for her dolls.</div>
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Crafternoon completed 01/04/2014</div>
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Gabrielle wasn't feeling her best and curled up on the couch to rest. It was a matter of moments before McKenna was right next to her. This picture pulls at this momma's heartstrings big.time! It represents what I had hoped and prayed for when we found out we were expecting McKenna Jane ... sisters loving one another, lifting one another up and unabashed laughter. My heart explodes at the sight of them together at times!<!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><br />
Photo taken 01/05/2014</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWBkTOrEt4neCiBw2T-gxiCbNODxfeBj-j291o1yhmVciIZ0qQ9SIrzsLhPIECxsq7rxJ7DtvB9wH58PDG7JNp9IcaMCGeB8Lly8y4XRem18kRxRY6VHOUyHxvbvqJmPOI7Ydhfl9lAtS/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWBkTOrEt4neCiBw2T-gxiCbNODxfeBj-j291o1yhmVciIZ0qQ9SIrzsLhPIECxsq7rxJ7DtvB9wH58PDG7JNp9IcaMCGeB8Lly8y4XRem18kRxRY6VHOUyHxvbvqJmPOI7Ydhfl9lAtS/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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If this photo could tell you it's story. Oh my! I try very hard to make one on one time in the afternoon with my little dude. Last week I was sitting down with him in the kitchen enjoying "us" time. Some time had passed and the eery silence surrounding us grabbed my attention. That generally means one thing - Little Miss Mischief. I walked upstairs to find MJ in our master bedroom standing in the middle of a haze of white powder. A large section of carpet was matted and the furniture covered in a think film of white. That turkey got a hold of a large size bottle of baby powder and decided to powder her bottom only to empty it's <i><b>entire</b></i> contents! I grabbed the Dyson and began vacuuming holding my breath in hopes I wasn't causing any damage to the motor or components. After the powder clean up, the Dyson got a deep cleaning and is working good as new, PTL!</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-75756557621846066352014-01-19T12:06:00.000-08:002014-01-19T12:06:34.917-08:00Ms. G celebrates #9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New Year's Day marked another year in life for our #1, Gabrielle Annique. She wanted a small group of friends for a few games of bowling and a sleepover to celebrate her 9th. Wish granted!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XWzsnkq5iYaF7UwnN9LuxuF6neM5AISj_JvxnB1egtV7GaPUjYoe9eyzWLMQXeTpLvHKMUjVzoDKsaToTj-TJTeV1v5htBdUtVxcbTJiFo641fiOHoyJUWfObnsDn43y5JlP8fBHFv8U/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XWzsnkq5iYaF7UwnN9LuxuF6neM5AISj_JvxnB1egtV7GaPUjYoe9eyzWLMQXeTpLvHKMUjVzoDKsaToTj-TJTeV1v5htBdUtVxcbTJiFo641fiOHoyJUWfObnsDn43y5JlP8fBHFv8U/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
These girls rocked the lanes at Mission Bowl.<br />
Ava {far right} got a strike followed by a spare in the 1st round of bowling and Gabi got a spare.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp9wQE2gFIydXgOrzl2fBI4j-9yW0qFPRCivV9gI0zHQNctPkBGTmCVKjTyyQS9k28AVhqRneDwKYbYPLG7E8RPYpXkQ9EnMVbV8x7vrXjNOPcXJyX775Awcg44Btg3OzMVJjSXSqedEM/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp9wQE2gFIydXgOrzl2fBI4j-9yW0qFPRCivV9gI0zHQNctPkBGTmCVKjTyyQS9k28AVhqRneDwKYbYPLG7E8RPYpXkQ9EnMVbV8x7vrXjNOPcXJyX775Awcg44Btg3OzMVJjSXSqedEM/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo evidence of G's spare :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ERjUvRKUdb_SIGMNRfPP9COeiO-xKQ9QS5OjMvJWZBUHsiMbFksQBqT3agMjyJH6iJ2MLYOD144dKCDIquH5hRKA9FsJrxf1qU1-CTe0S7CDaKwpm7lyscYjfYTRN6qiBkWx1hER8Al/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ERjUvRKUdb_SIGMNRfPP9COeiO-xKQ9QS5OjMvJWZBUHsiMbFksQBqT3agMjyJH6iJ2MLYOD144dKCDIquH5hRKA9FsJrxf1qU1-CTe0S7CDaKwpm7lyscYjfYTRN6qiBkWx1hER8Al/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a> </div>
It was really fun for me to watch the girls interact and giggle until I was sure they couldn't laugh any more. After bowling we returned home for pink lemonade cupcakes and ice cream sundaes in waffle bowls before the girls retreated to the basement for a movie, popcorn and theater candy. It is fair to say they were successfully sugared up yet amazingly well mannered!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNafUGJgdTLYEOjX7gLIkCNmeqwyJf46KN41CpkbwK850H6CdO5qQLqo3EC0o4Aiv4f3FIzA5r5Y7xz67MV_L7BTax_ClRpYyJAwrR7FenqokbvAk81qnpw-0dotSPQkhrNiAMKC-Lmf6A/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNafUGJgdTLYEOjX7gLIkCNmeqwyJf46KN41CpkbwK850H6CdO5qQLqo3EC0o4Aiv4f3FIzA5r5Y7xz67MV_L7BTax_ClRpYyJAwrR7FenqokbvAk81qnpw-0dotSPQkhrNiAMKC-Lmf6A/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Good morning bed head x 4!!!!</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">A big shout out and thanks to the Morris's for the FUN birthday spectacles! I'm sure these bad boys will make frequent return appearances over the years :)</span></div>
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Saturday morning we fixed Gabrielle's favorite breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. She had invited five friends for her birthday but Tatum traveled to Oklahoma to celebrate Christmas the weekend of the sleepover and Harper woke with the stomach flu. </div>
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* <span style="font-size: x-small;">Once again the iPhone saved the day in documenting Gabrielle's 9th birthday celebration * </span></div>
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We gifted Gabi a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BIBOFXI/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">protective case</a> for her Kindle, a cardigan sweater and headband that coordinate with the wellies she received in her stocking for her AG dolls and an AG craft kit. Her friends were very generous in gifting her cash, new clothing from H&M (one of her favorite stores), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beat-The-Parents-Board-Game/dp/B00421AGHA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390161289&sr=8-1&keywords=beat+the+parents">Beat the Parents</a> board game and friendship bracelet kit, loom accessories and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fashion-Angels-Tapefitti-Art-Desk/dp/B00BU7C1TK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1390161326&sr=8-4&keywords=tapefitti">Tapefitti Art Desk Set</a>. </div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4398905125185939030.post-46054080265132571582014-01-16T16:49:00.000-08:002014-01-16T16:49:33.801-08:00Embrace the Camera: January 16, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I very much dislike being in front of the camera. It's not my thing <i><u>but</u></i> I'm vowing to do a better job of getting in the picture with my monkeys this year. My kiddos will thank me someday for it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3WnAUhUleNJ_JOVmYIV-Ega2ljiP2T6OGjWOTLCga6BTcmsystbjrw7KtBqnhUYceY-leWW26uWxBJgt2m7CyfGBaEJ9-hpAyu4z0TmKTg-sZIsBcHGeshsj91zsx32a0_4MHIuoNjii/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3WnAUhUleNJ_JOVmYIV-Ega2ljiP2T6OGjWOTLCga6BTcmsystbjrw7KtBqnhUYceY-leWW26uWxBJgt2m7CyfGBaEJ9-hpAyu4z0TmKTg-sZIsBcHGeshsj91zsx32a0_4MHIuoNjii/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">iPhone photo taken on January 11th at McKenna's birthday lunch outing to Fazoli's</span></span></div>
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Me and my Boo. A momma's boy in every way! </div>
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He told me just this week, "Momma, I know what we'll do. When I get too big for you to hold, I'll just hold you." He showers me in endless kisses and jumps into my arms, throws his legs around my waste and squeezes in tight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigypBCcWfbnW2DpJqx6YRX0wPuzVoStP8D6dh3dTIBNFOZKCj0KTlwKFvEGIoHzyj4u7SXWf4wSqZ94RHZHCU1pLfW3WeLQoDCidaYTAA2v1yYR-_D8r41SWlBgigAIeGBnf1snD9VCZ4d/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigypBCcWfbnW2DpJqx6YRX0wPuzVoStP8D6dh3dTIBNFOZKCj0KTlwKFvEGIoHzyj4u7SXWf4wSqZ94RHZHCU1pLfW3WeLQoDCidaYTAA2v1yYR-_D8r41SWlBgigAIeGBnf1snD9VCZ4d/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">iPhone photo taken January 16th while in route to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for the Meadow Lane 3rd grade class field trip</span></span></div>
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I treasured the 3 hours today that I stole away with my #1. It isn't too often that she gets me all to herself and today she soaked up my full attention. She even cuddled into my lap on the bus ride home and drifted off as I stroked her hair. I was filled with gratitude in the moment that this beautiful girl made us a family. </div>
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<a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/15yi6ad.jpg" /></a></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214783532788154917noreply@blogger.com0