tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14062048553212200582024-03-05T08:45:21.415-06:00Growing Upour journey as a familyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-80954078902861359522017-01-25T15:28:00.001-06:002017-01-25T16:19:52.407-06:00A Gentle Answer<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Prov-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Proverbs 15 says:</span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Prov-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Prov-15-1" id="en-NLT-16785" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">A <i>gentle</i> answer deflects anger,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but <i>harsh words</i> make tempers flare.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-2" id="en-NLT-16786" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but the <i>mouth of a fool belches out foolishness</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-3" id="en-NLT-16787" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is watching everywhere,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">keeping his eye on <i>both the evil and the good</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-4" id="en-NLT-16788" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><i>Gentle</i> words are a tree of life;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">a <i>deceitful tongue crushes the spirit</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-5" id="en-NLT-16789" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Only a <i>fool despises a parent’s discipline</i>;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">whoever <i>learns from correction is wise</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-13" id="en-NLT-16797" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>A <i>glad</i> heart makes a happy face;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">a <i>broken heart crushes the spirit</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-28" id="en-NLT-16812" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>The heart of the godly <i>thinks carefully before speaking</i>;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-28" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the mouth of the wicked <i>overflows with evil words</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-29" id="en-NLT-16813" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><i>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is far from the wicked,</i></span><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but he hears the prayers of the righteous.</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-30" id="en-NLT-16814" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>A <i>cheerful look</i> brings joy to the heart;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">good news makes for good health.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-31" id="en-NLT-16815" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>If you listen to <i>constructive criticism</i>,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you will be at <i>home</i> among the wise.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-32" id="en-NLT-16816" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><i>If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;</i></span><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-32" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Prov-15-33" id="en-NLT-16817" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><i>Fear of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> teaches wisdom;</i></span><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-15-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">humility precedes honor.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Prov-15-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">(Emphasis mine. This is not the whole chapter. To read the whole chapter go <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+15&version=AMP" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Prov-15-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
Verses from this chapter in the Bible have continually shown up in random areas in the course of my lifetime. Most recently, some of these verses have shown up in ALL of my current book studies or my quiet times with the Lord. Every single verse in this chapter speaks to my life, past and present. </div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
It's no lie that I have been going through growing pains in my walk with the Lord. After accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 19, falling away but returning just before turning 22, my life has been full of ups and downs. <span style="line-height: 24px;">The Lord has seen me worthy to call Walnut Creek my home. He has blessed me with a husband who puts up with my constant "booty-hurt"-ness (his words, not mine) and sass. He has graciously loaned me 4 of his glorious children. Not to mention COUNTLESS other blessings and honors. Not for my glory, but TO GOD BE THE GLORY. </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">The Lord has also seen fit to allow me to grow and learn and stumble and fall and lovingly pick me back up to do it all over again. He has given me numerous persons as living examples of his love, grace, truth, faithfulness, etc (all the fruits of the Holy Spirit). </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">I have seen this world hurt. I have seen my loved ones hurt. I have seen my child hurt. I have seen excruciating amounts of pain over the last 31 (almost 32) years I have been alive- whether in my own life or people I love. I have caused hurt and pain and suffering. I have experienced hurt and pain and suffering. I praise Jesus for the comfort he provides to those who seek him, because I've been seeking it since 8:47am.</span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="line-height: 24px;">Just a few days ago in my devotional, I was reminded about the goodness that can come from constructive criticism meant to help and grow, rather than critical or harsh words aimed to hurt and tear down. Yesterday, while reading through one of my book studies, I was reminded of the importance of gentle and kind words. And these aren't the only instances that I can think of where God was trying to get my attention regarding the truth laid out in Proverbs 15 above. </span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">This morning, God gave me an opportunity to put into practice the things he's been telling me. And I failed. Miserably. My morning, almost literally, came crashing down. Bad choices were made. Worse reactions followed. I will not go into details (...I have no idea why I even try to hold on to my dignity, the Lord has a way of humbling me no matter what...) but I will say that I was a Mean Mommy this morning. Did my children deserve consequences for their actions? Yes. Did my children deserve my reactions? No. Just as much as God gives me gentle reminders/rebukes and allows me to endure/persevere through the consequences while loving me and showing me grace/mercy, my children deserve the same. I will not make excuses for myself. Yes, I was tired. But that's not their fault, I stayed up late for my own selfish desires. Yes, I woke up later than I wanted (see previous excuse), and therefore, I was frazzled. Also, not their fault. I let my own frustrations and anger overpower the gentleness and love that I know I am capable of showing! </span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Luke 8:15 says " </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">But as for that </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">seed</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and noble heart, and hold on to it tightly, and bear fruit with patience."</span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">God has gently reminded me to HOLD ON to his word tightly. And He has been prepping me with Proverbs 15. How patient is our Lord? He deals with me, clearly he has patience. I'm so undeserving of His goodness and love. He loves me so much. Or better yet, He loves my children so much, that he is seeing his good work in their mother to completion. I am so very far from perfect. But I am so very thankful that our God is faithful in his promises. God promises me that he will teach me if I am willing to learn. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Psalms 32:8 "</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you." I am willing to learn. I have learned that my hard heart is a result of pent up anger, greed, self-centeredness, and bitterness. Jesus healed me of those things over a decade ago, and I want a soft and teachable heart. I want to be a better child of God, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, co-parent, and neighbor, and I pray that God will continue to (gently) grow me in each of these roles. Lord, teach me to let go of my anger and bitterness. Fill me up with your love and gentleness. In Jesus' name, Amen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">I pray for all you out there reading my jumbled up thoughts. Be teachable, be gentle in your words, and most importantly, be loving. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="text Ps-32-8" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><br /></span>
<br /></div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-76168072664878890632016-12-13T13:50:00.002-06:002016-12-13T13:50:51.313-06:00Laundry and Dishes and Floors! Oh My!<b><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></b>lright. I'm about to lay some <b><span style="font-size: large;">truth</span></b> on all of you. I suggest you grab a <u>paper bag</u> to breathe in and <span style="font-size: large;">sit down</span>.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check out this picture.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5_NGBWzZu1s61s4U8qdLjuQivgrrVDtH8ZLPFVNWgK9eRAy6RduKk8iPn8Fn3nyNwkrlJdrVLzpTDAG9AWYhR3c1-GrlfOXetcMBpFYJ4kRiY-VkXErCEYtMHsHgg6gzw5V6syx41MI/s1600/20161213_114702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5_NGBWzZu1s61s4U8qdLjuQivgrrVDtH8ZLPFVNWgK9eRAy6RduKk8iPn8Fn3nyNwkrlJdrVLzpTDAG9AWYhR3c1-GrlfOXetcMBpFYJ4kRiY-VkXErCEYtMHsHgg6gzw5V6syx41MI/s400/20161213_114702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">**GASP!** </span>I know. It's bad. Want to know something? This is actually an improvement!</div>
<div>
The good news is that it's all <span style="font-size: large;">clean</span> laundry. The bad news is that it won't fold and put itself away <span style="font-size: x-small;">no matter how many Accio, Evanesce, or Mobiliarbus spells I try</span> (see <a href="https://www.pottermore.com/">Harry Potter</a>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If I'm honest, I don't like cleaning. I don't organizing. But, I also don't like messes or losing things. My daily life is a<span style="font-size: large;"> conundrum</span>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are a <b><span style="font-size: large;">busy</span></b> family. We have church and AWANA and sports and school and piano and reading and play dates and <u>the list goes on</u>. The <span style="font-size: large;">last thing</span> I want to do is <span style="font-size: large;">add </span>to the list of things.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some <span style="font-size: x-small;">really</span> <span style="font-size: large;">awesome</span> moms in my life gave me the following signs/canvases for my home and they are <b>my encouragement</b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA9SSDz_OPTwL6zTslqYspaGbEIHEJlMSJ2rvWFvym4j9G8ll4ClkoRhIhn0JLUkv4NK7zri5ZaYr39FMw6QpUOi_2NTyftLcVUr2YxX5h6UFqH-ndm_ZaUIWhsjPiafKeesfWNzWWdw/s1600/20161213_122316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA9SSDz_OPTwL6zTslqYspaGbEIHEJlMSJ2rvWFvym4j9G8ll4ClkoRhIhn0JLUkv4NK7zri5ZaYr39FMw6QpUOi_2NTyftLcVUr2YxX5h6UFqH-ndm_ZaUIWhsjPiafKeesfWNzWWdw/s400/20161213_122316.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVLXAMnPU3-OaH9fUhk5WIgqsmLR-hISfb_QIU_Uf4dMXfh5OVRbisCKf6Io6ai_SBByJRcYTr65hqU0jq6JwDR4RrhlU-wpk0gLGk599FSW2t0XRNKbhTlH5NuDlDb6OrH6-xszh7a0/s1600/20161213_122420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVLXAMnPU3-OaH9fUhk5WIgqsmLR-hISfb_QIU_Uf4dMXfh5OVRbisCKf6Io6ai_SBByJRcYTr65hqU0jq6JwDR4RrhlU-wpk0gLGk599FSW2t0XRNKbhTlH5NuDlDb6OrH6-xszh7a0/s400/20161213_122420.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozFowTSktWd3KCV2SaW86RXToze3op9WqXKKusMVcYfPTc9BM6r65KqSpezPJ2kuZcnvDlK8n2cOAUaEYknQTgzAs1dvE7jPkLBT8PyYBNiuLg5PFTC2CUW2KQu6ehS5QjAWaSk5lYd8/s1600/20161213_122449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozFowTSktWd3KCV2SaW86RXToze3op9WqXKKusMVcYfPTc9BM6r65KqSpezPJ2kuZcnvDlK8n2cOAUaEYknQTgzAs1dvE7jPkLBT8PyYBNiuLg5PFTC2CUW2KQu6ehS5QjAWaSk5lYd8/s640/20161213_122449.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">B</span>eing a good mom <span style="font-size: large;">doesn't mean having a clean house</span>. <span style="font-size: large;">B</span>eing a good mom is all about <u>loving your kids and teaching them <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19:14&version=NIV">truth</a></u>. I want my kids to know that they are wanted and loved and like they can take on the world. <b>And they do</b>. Our home is filled with loud noises, warmth and comfort, silliness, and fun. You may need a <span style="font-size: large;">tetanus shot</span> when you leave, but at least you will walk away <span style="font-size: x-large;">feeling loved</span>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, I will say that we do clean, and we do organize, and we attempt to keep the house somewhat presentable.<u> But, I know that we can do better, and I hope that we will all grow in this area.</u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My kids help me load the dishwasher<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (whenever I get around to doing dishes)</span>. They help me get the dirty clothes to the laundry room, and they help me get them back to their room <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(folding is an entirely different story)</span>. They love to vacuum. I sweep because <span style="font-size: large;">they're the worst </span>at this. They help pick up the outdoor toys. They sometimes even pick up their indoor toys. If you ever stop by our home, you will see unfinished projects, at least one laundry basket overflowing with clothes<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (clean or dirty, maybe both)</span>, books and toys everywhere, and probably a dish or two where they shouldn't be. But, there will be a place to sit, and <u>we will give you <b><span style="font-size: large;">coffee!</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ultimately, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>God</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> bless this mess that is my life. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What are some<span style="font-size: large;"> tips and tricks</span> you can share with me and your fellow readers? Leave your ideas in the comment section <span style="font-size: x-small;">(keep them simple, my kids are chore-illiterate)</span>. We will try a few of them and then give you and update in a month or two... <span style="font-size: xx-small;">or whenever I get around to it. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-59956509359821384122016-12-08T16:37:00.000-06:002016-12-08T16:37:59.458-06:00Family Photos 2016<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm back! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">And with pictures!!!</span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">What, What?!?! </span></div>
<div>
I know, it's been a while. </div>
<div>
I hope to be more faithful in my blogging for 2017... until then, I hope this ties you all over!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">**Scroll down to avoid a sappy story/small catch up**</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My parents are the best</span>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">For real, you can't find better. I know they have some stiff competition, I've met some of your parents.</span> Anywho, they paid to have a photographer come and shoot our WHOLE family over Labor Day weekend. <span style="font-size: x-small;">TBH, I wish that I had the money to do family photos every year</span>. We were super blessed to have some out of state family join us.<div>
<br /><div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tangent - Fun story about my crazy emotions that holiday weekend real quick: I knew my Aunt Molly was in town, and that my sister, Mary, and niece, Allie, were coming. Brandon and I (and kids) had a wedding on the other side of the state the same weekend (Friday/Saturday).</span> Due to some unsolicited drama in my life, I was feeling crazy defeated. Saturday night, we were gathering at one of my (many) sister's homes for a grill out. I was frustrated and angry, and my poor hubs and kids were getting the mean end of it. I wanted to crawl into a hole and cry, and I couldn't wait to get to my mom (she's the <strike>best</strike> greatest advice giver). I was walking to the back yard - all booty hurt - I see my Aunt Molly (first time in a long time), and I feel all the feels. Then... I see my big brother - from Florida, who I hadn't see in far too long, and had no idea would be there. <span style="font-size: large;">I could not stop crying.</span> I kid you not, I'm crying right now remembering it. All you little sisters out there who live more than 10 hours away from your big brother know what I'm talking about. I hugged him, he hugged me, I called him a <span style="font-size: large;">jerk</span>, and all seemed right in the world again. It was a great surprise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Catch up:</span> It's been .... <span style="font-size: large;">3 1/2 years since I blogged?</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Not funny</span>. I've had so many blog ideas, and a lack of <span style="font-size: xx-small;">willingness to commit/</span>time. New family photos did however, give me a desire to refresh. Also, I have discovered that I can be <span style="font-size: large;">super</span> ADD about things, and therefore, my writing style isn't what you would call professional level blogger status... Brandon has switched jobs a couple times. Each time it has been God-blessed, and great for our family (he doesn't travel for work anymore!!!!). I no longer work, and get to stay home with the kids (this was a financial sacrifice for us, which I plan to talk about more in a later post). <span style="font-size: large;">We moved into our first home! </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">No more renting!</span> Asa has switched from Iowa Christian Academy to Olmsted Elementary School in Urbandale. <span style="font-size: large;">He is smarter than me</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(not really, but smarter than I was at that age)</span>. Emmett has started Kindergarten at the same school, and is doing well, thanks to some very awesome and <span style="font-size: large;">devoted </span>teachers (also, a later post). The girls are homeschool-preschool and <span style="font-size: large;">sassy.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Brandon says they get that from me, I don't see it.</span> Our cat died. We got a new one. Van died. Got a new one. And much, <span style="font-size: large;">much</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">more</span>! </div>
<div>
<br /><div>
I will not share ALL the photos, because #time and there's too many to choose from. But I will share some of my little family, and a few group photos. <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">**PICTURE TIME**</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_fbua-4Kt1BgbW_41RupYgcG3DlLEVhTc-OQ30x5yW58wIXf3GKKCKKrEN3ydgtPiw1hWgDbFU9pcrwX1yVnc_d_ooy3ufEPySZOlASUm90MHuZSmnRMyDVg1RCL2dA2JaQj02N0P3k/s1600/5U6W5307_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_fbua-4Kt1BgbW_41RupYgcG3DlLEVhTc-OQ30x5yW58wIXf3GKKCKKrEN3ydgtPiw1hWgDbFU9pcrwX1yVnc_d_ooy3ufEPySZOlASUm90MHuZSmnRMyDVg1RCL2dA2JaQj02N0P3k/s640/5U6W5307_1.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nellia was a Mama's girl that day. Little did I know that the boys were up to no good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1geyOXzbdPaBmlbltbWP-Pnhw7HHze6tpr-3FdHpHKXwij-o9fKf7QqYkxQcpWXKKgBcVA8UV4VqhKNLPJ1TH78QCdQC-u0LvRcpSDNpM95oqRVThZ0GhFe5syXvQ_DJL_NUkff39Ck4/s1600/5U6W5317_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1geyOXzbdPaBmlbltbWP-Pnhw7HHze6tpr-3FdHpHKXwij-o9fKf7QqYkxQcpWXKKgBcVA8UV4VqhKNLPJ1TH78QCdQC-u0LvRcpSDNpM95oqRVThZ0GhFe5syXvQ_DJL_NUkff39Ck4/s640/5U6W5317_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett looks like he's up to something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QzaBA9ipzSFQuaWZBzpnrs6xEQn8khSvhIoWI3_IO0Rfxbec2LWdTlQAEctz4RvTYVerWx5EjbZu0aNERXsLyMZMJ7yevZmEDpkIOqc2WVcWcUNdu1zi22cB3FK9m2YRQldCkHYpkKo/s1600/5U6W5323_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QzaBA9ipzSFQuaWZBzpnrs6xEQn8khSvhIoWI3_IO0Rfxbec2LWdTlQAEctz4RvTYVerWx5EjbZu0aNERXsLyMZMJ7yevZmEDpkIOqc2WVcWcUNdu1zi22cB3FK9m2YRQldCkHYpkKo/s640/5U6W5323_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa and Emmett executing their nefarious plot, while Mom is distracted by Nellia's puppy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF5xLzX_BT8a3KWiI_gNl23ygCEi1exsa7uh5vhrw7eJ_Gdo205VL9UzOBixQ3e71AtixXdy5Zym3xwLCp_MuQoR-SYXL94UgYMqAagCvyj9Gc1njC63KL0Vr6GHpmTYxgoB-AcsdKBI/s1600/5U6W5324_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF5xLzX_BT8a3KWiI_gNl23ygCEi1exsa7uh5vhrw7eJ_Gdo205VL9UzOBixQ3e71AtixXdy5Zym3xwLCp_MuQoR-SYXL94UgYMqAagCvyj9Gc1njC63KL0Vr6GHpmTYxgoB-AcsdKBI/s640/5U6W5324_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any moment now,...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYLQp_FVjIpnvYi_R5EUpVdhQfRfYw8LlfIms88IsDmA9PRGTI4SRaAwXxn9dyZWOS2vJxsitA4qbZJ5WpePAk7yx1RffOTFmAYvcLnAZhnW3_vCJ3b0CkOjd97_6ium7mf_VV5NYvuE/s1600/5U6W5326_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYLQp_FVjIpnvYi_R5EUpVdhQfRfYw8LlfIms88IsDmA9PRGTI4SRaAwXxn9dyZWOS2vJxsitA4qbZJ5WpePAk7yx1RffOTFmAYvcLnAZhnW3_vCJ3b0CkOjd97_6ium7mf_VV5NYvuE/s640/5U6W5326_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bracing for it...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU3H_7cUjYyBhRouZHjHg2KX18SR9ZFqeeye__4RbUedmPv8qQp0sVLJhyphenhyphenC8cgEFMLN22DXxokH3ovoxVZ7d8Xr5UkfnauptfE3XoykmUPikgYcShTXiLm0auSTjZLn1fqFcJgKQzC0o/s1600/5U6W5334_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU3H_7cUjYyBhRouZHjHg2KX18SR9ZFqeeye__4RbUedmPv8qQp0sVLJhyphenhyphenC8cgEFMLN22DXxokH3ovoxVZ7d8Xr5UkfnauptfE3XoykmUPikgYcShTXiLm0auSTjZLn1fqFcJgKQzC0o/s640/5U6W5334_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was dud, act natural.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnw-zqXk0QDTV0g2d3hnZodrIMx8s9EO_qmz3va8YOEOmWRY-BoIXy5uwmjJug7jvyxaqd4P5ExPVmndc213EWH7s-EseeVO7VKd1Nxt3sP2ASe6yxoR3-2NnXiu8LsCL-JqeBlGKPSg/s1600/5U6W5338_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnw-zqXk0QDTV0g2d3hnZodrIMx8s9EO_qmz3va8YOEOmWRY-BoIXy5uwmjJug7jvyxaqd4P5ExPVmndc213EWH7s-EseeVO7VKd1Nxt3sP2ASe6yxoR3-2NnXiu8LsCL-JqeBlGKPSg/s640/5U6W5338_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett, I said act natural, you're going to give us away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4sLVbmurnwKLw8BHo_INahUx2h69UP4lj3iUZvhrh8SYlE_8y86CfxXsOJHxUUMB52mmZarOTn60XQQO7wSsWMlWLbhUFO4gbSwT70C4WBp370fOrM8gclFdSy7sO6T0SCrcpK4obuY/s1600/5U6W5340_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4sLVbmurnwKLw8BHo_INahUx2h69UP4lj3iUZvhrh8SYlE_8y86CfxXsOJHxUUMB52mmZarOTn60XQQO7wSsWMlWLbhUFO4gbSwT70C4WBp370fOrM8gclFdSy7sO6T0SCrcpK4obuY/s640/5U6W5340_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Nellia lost her puppy for a picture or two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSs2elDgf7s3At7TpuQFe_SkgrH_upT4mIlDH8fZA5YgKEWYxC1ZLZD4F9ay3-DALBwVhXBD1jNlLe_UWHUGvSNULSdbBCWCwrToqysafIQq6AnXsbBxjMmk-WjD13SUNXs5-56MZLxd4/s1600/5U6W5347_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSs2elDgf7s3At7TpuQFe_SkgrH_upT4mIlDH8fZA5YgKEWYxC1ZLZD4F9ay3-DALBwVhXBD1jNlLe_UWHUGvSNULSdbBCWCwrToqysafIQq6AnXsbBxjMmk-WjD13SUNXs5-56MZLxd4/s640/5U6W5347_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was NOT having it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeICtBi209qxKdvdLteCkjr_wAW8IeqEy2n2BtKxUOkHCOsKq5DHW4tQ3HRmNGddNUC8hcrckVFD_GpqaPl7og1J-brhayGK21eJe3WNudrCWyLx2cNYcqMlv_FBFV6XTEOngeg3BupU/s1600/5U6W5350_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeICtBi209qxKdvdLteCkjr_wAW8IeqEy2n2BtKxUOkHCOsKq5DHW4tQ3HRmNGddNUC8hcrckVFD_GpqaPl7og1J-brhayGK21eJe3WNudrCWyLx2cNYcqMlv_FBFV6XTEOngeg3BupU/s640/5U6W5350_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All is well again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEqkMgyAbPS1ni_6QqZLE9L1GWNfreUOfnAEnwlb43slxHdg6beZeHG-LOr_sqaDjP92d3mYXKCFBrf8YMizphqV9zyIlgCCcrkOeW3Yu3rrZU2aX8L_UJvZW-eEJu0VkZQqlEYMjrTs/s1600/5U6W5353_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEqkMgyAbPS1ni_6QqZLE9L1GWNfreUOfnAEnwlb43slxHdg6beZeHG-LOr_sqaDjP92d3mYXKCFBrf8YMizphqV9zyIlgCCcrkOeW3Yu3rrZU2aX8L_UJvZW-eEJu0VkZQqlEYMjrTs/s640/5U6W5353_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hearts are full.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y0dsSuO94sXiTnR6iGzbopUIGqkl6umZpWt87g60L5a6m8t0COXs1-UEweiV2UlFamzT-8fEch2Ep212rjhKminhja3CfI2IzHndhRJU-MkphbFSGlIE1WWInVVtAFiNfVLgkuLnvsg/s1600/5U6W5358_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y0dsSuO94sXiTnR6iGzbopUIGqkl6umZpWt87g60L5a6m8t0COXs1-UEweiV2UlFamzT-8fEch2Ep212rjhKminhja3CfI2IzHndhRJU-MkphbFSGlIE1WWInVVtAFiNfVLgkuLnvsg/s640/5U6W5358_1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora lost a sandal. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqbFvjwP2VXVNt_xJxNh164nKhs0v79ecR6FSemL-_WVlf7_rRxGk9MixqM8qZtXaU6otuUns2K734LXtF5oVLZw0m1ABsXgQG_yeq9VGloSpBrUHT8398HwKK_i826bS5erm0NaeJ2M/s1600/5U6W5371_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqbFvjwP2VXVNt_xJxNh164nKhs0v79ecR6FSemL-_WVlf7_rRxGk9MixqM8qZtXaU6otuUns2K734LXtF5oVLZw0m1ABsXgQG_yeq9VGloSpBrUHT8398HwKK_i826bS5erm0NaeJ2M/s640/5U6W5371_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These four are either best friends or accomplices... I can't tell always tell which.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ue-IVAoQPFX5ro1c1993fBQ2GA1ygDr1_H5lTYL20OtFsE9827-AZCWRDGFMQEtD2SnW-sPXqGVRz_-kEoDnNTnXXKBX3uiRShlLdbcmbKwtbG_CGR2Ky84yCNCFJ3J7WmeTyeMHqE4/s1600/5U6W5376_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ue-IVAoQPFX5ro1c1993fBQ2GA1ygDr1_H5lTYL20OtFsE9827-AZCWRDGFMQEtD2SnW-sPXqGVRz_-kEoDnNTnXXKBX3uiRShlLdbcmbKwtbG_CGR2Ky84yCNCFJ3J7WmeTyeMHqE4/s640/5U6W5376_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would it kill Emmett to be normal?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQDa9KdEEJyEFHrd7cQrO96XmdvGeJlr5cNTlLOiDdhztdOZB1A7McoW5zXrZzdSrB9r4fOkDkhPV6zqmYZziBD4X5GS-6ww25NQ_YhCPYHIvf4O6ZY_-8YrKwNoWTyLf1Yczw0vaks8/s1600/5U6W5386_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQDa9KdEEJyEFHrd7cQrO96XmdvGeJlr5cNTlLOiDdhztdOZB1A7McoW5zXrZzdSrB9r4fOkDkhPV6zqmYZziBD4X5GS-6ww25NQ_YhCPYHIvf4O6ZY_-8YrKwNoWTyLf1Yczw0vaks8/s640/5U6W5386_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, 3 out of 4 smiling ain't bad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKn7sWJCXR2DgNbNh9SJpRfFNQ_jlc-aXPTU6Ko_Ns0dGDrBnRjPfu_9idAvkA4dzX8xoG7m2mecQS3cnedkpYCfKWIiGZ9f6P_gDcUwtd1_16FCwflPYwa9vYFPZ3Scktpc6hIOCrOA/s1600/5U6W5399_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKn7sWJCXR2DgNbNh9SJpRfFNQ_jlc-aXPTU6Ko_Ns0dGDrBnRjPfu_9idAvkA4dzX8xoG7m2mecQS3cnedkpYCfKWIiGZ9f6P_gDcUwtd1_16FCwflPYwa9vYFPZ3Scktpc6hIOCrOA/s640/5U6W5399_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up on 7 years with this stud.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_forUsCOCJUs9IUEpbzgDAfs0P5ty_AQME44xptV-53FkQnT4l-iIyzEZ9cfsEXtWZFJRTC9o7Hxp9mXvya3nNH7wT9eIu8rCng6-QobFR9EpcfZiF3A6DuK3sOjJ8BM5ckAPlrrKSk/s1600/5U6W5407_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_forUsCOCJUs9IUEpbzgDAfs0P5ty_AQME44xptV-53FkQnT4l-iIyzEZ9cfsEXtWZFJRTC9o7Hxp9mXvya3nNH7wT9eIu8rCng6-QobFR9EpcfZiF3A6DuK3sOjJ8BM5ckAPlrrKSk/s640/5U6W5407_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like him. A LOT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8bGUdrlhP021do5y9L_KOY-F7XeB4eQrwT8crWEiWnzn57sBw2AcvIkeYBPtu7k7C2giQwBJoNs8K_3PmuczzoZMicMfbnTKhrfg5kESR8OhBkeMYxTepNK6VtGVdgZCOrua54CN-8s/s1600/5U6W5418_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8bGUdrlhP021do5y9L_KOY-F7XeB4eQrwT8crWEiWnzn57sBw2AcvIkeYBPtu7k7C2giQwBJoNs8K_3PmuczzoZMicMfbnTKhrfg5kESR8OhBkeMYxTepNK6VtGVdgZCOrua54CN-8s/s640/5U6W5418_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL the siblings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypq8jAazzu_gX1r9cLNXmaUy21Lklrv-VGqrFkircnf3HSCduhhw8UdJJZ-CPNme9nnk3DHpP8ufdQX5uNrwxy2747xqP7W6Jla2i6m4efa_pvnL6xTeuDDU2J_l_qJ-EZhXYoHVlC9Q/s1600/5U6W5422_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypq8jAazzu_gX1r9cLNXmaUy21Lklrv-VGqrFkircnf3HSCduhhw8UdJJZ-CPNme9nnk3DHpP8ufdQX5uNrwxy2747xqP7W6Jla2i6m4efa_pvnL6xTeuDDU2J_l_qJ-EZhXYoHVlC9Q/s640/5U6W5422_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They put the pretty one's on the ends to make us all look better ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOms0PYnXObUdfs7a7RdzEozhT-bEDHaET6fMzdnApwdTibLSIHLSUhHhdj_gzeb1mOHxYDXqhdt1XW8rjikYHbFy3_Syztt4vr8f_2NTd7TmqkU2nJ-FeeRlHRiirTTseCUcPAA_VvKg/s1600/5U6W5455_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOms0PYnXObUdfs7a7RdzEozhT-bEDHaET6fMzdnApwdTibLSIHLSUhHhdj_gzeb1mOHxYDXqhdt1XW8rjikYHbFy3_Syztt4vr8f_2NTd7TmqkU2nJ-FeeRlHRiirTTseCUcPAA_VvKg/s640/5U6W5455_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's always that one awkward pose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPZ1QY_Q7KKTibYRI8fcLeoJPMPcUw5UgTsG67zNA8b-JYa9K_xUwZcNXFCaSY90RwaM1lOo-bXs8GY4zIoDSUQidWIyGyaj6XNOmgQO9Ys9haNstc1jBeGoH5__gNhQL64kFPgqb0lA/s1600/5U6W5466_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPZ1QY_Q7KKTibYRI8fcLeoJPMPcUw5UgTsG67zNA8b-JYa9K_xUwZcNXFCaSY90RwaM1lOo-bXs8GY4zIoDSUQidWIyGyaj6XNOmgQO9Ys9haNstc1jBeGoH5__gNhQL64kFPgqb0lA/s640/5U6W5466_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brady Bunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaUKaOWBHbASxuiKD-bQgRp1kzKrIM_e7sTnQvdTkj_GjmzxH7sViHGT1dF_a89uVZ2bB14MR0U_NtX8-KQsSFoX-6eR-2UzjFbVcwYwkLf5j9AoWGXCiSk71rTGqAmd-np2jwEh4USE/s1600/5U6W5530_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaUKaOWBHbASxuiKD-bQgRp1kzKrIM_e7sTnQvdTkj_GjmzxH7sViHGT1dF_a89uVZ2bB14MR0U_NtX8-KQsSFoX-6eR-2UzjFbVcwYwkLf5j9AoWGXCiSk71rTGqAmd-np2jwEh4USE/s640/5U6W5530_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's pretty obvious who the good-looking ones are...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmRg_yQSm_Sa_kwOBkzXjyQUnZ2mqP3stiRp_tVdB2fEz0Q70B8NebqhvXrCxoS7lqoLvywKq21kPlNXtApnuuF2si9dmM2n-HL663znwmYwFMzQumPHf9qFso8mP8snCy4maTQ7SD7I/s1600/5U6W5726_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmRg_yQSm_Sa_kwOBkzXjyQUnZ2mqP3stiRp_tVdB2fEz0Q70B8NebqhvXrCxoS7lqoLvywKq21kPlNXtApnuuF2si9dmM2n-HL663znwmYwFMzQumPHf9qFso8mP8snCy4maTQ7SD7I/s640/5U6W5726_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE Grandad's face in this picture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kH9TIexXph7s4ZjPrA5-RgoHfUGmzQvEqWL1T5NPPHbBZxtpU4iUZcgrBYoLW7_3lq7Ovm8CaWWOR-II-6IbEtTbJhP8GOIRLv3Oea2Bd6Myr-1i1_HWMH_gCS9glE4XEUBnsAzq0tY/s1600/5U6W5779_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kH9TIexXph7s4ZjPrA5-RgoHfUGmzQvEqWL1T5NPPHbBZxtpU4iUZcgrBYoLW7_3lq7Ovm8CaWWOR-II-6IbEtTbJhP8GOIRLv3Oea2Bd6Myr-1i1_HWMH_gCS9glE4XEUBnsAzq0tY/s640/5U6W5779_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you believe me if I said this isn't our whole family?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrgVdLS6Hw5nacFODATcLJHHEVHGP8rERhIzdOQpESpD5v8nHKieMo0zc7QJBhfv2iroCcqCZYkSRxandJQsq7n6i2TxIBE3qoa4pxEsj2wZSKSnHFnHdiSsUczzeplt6SMjCMZAK5ns/s1600/5U6W5941_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrgVdLS6Hw5nacFODATcLJHHEVHGP8rERhIzdOQpESpD5v8nHKieMo0zc7QJBhfv2iroCcqCZYkSRxandJQsq7n6i2TxIBE3qoa4pxEsj2wZSKSnHFnHdiSsUczzeplt6SMjCMZAK5ns/s640/5U6W5941_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Original 6 (in age order - left to right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw62CMe-DG-mPnBvISCN5kza7UZmWerr8XYOrTGyVMEe4VX1mZhJC4yA6MNyXayH3Suj-ZqpetFmAMzC1oq08yN0K0AiGKHtnEyBNicAdJPO3A8jg7T_yYDUDlx5iaiGtMACgJd2tzTc/s1600/5U6W5958_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw62CMe-DG-mPnBvISCN5kza7UZmWerr8XYOrTGyVMEe4VX1mZhJC4yA6MNyXayH3Suj-ZqpetFmAMzC1oq08yN0K0AiGKHtnEyBNicAdJPO3A8jg7T_yYDUDlx5iaiGtMACgJd2tzTc/s640/5U6W5958_1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pyramid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEqw_xhwc6IR2gymFVh9w2W1lMF1mkvQyWE83OOUaTCAS1Axjc3jrdZVswYZAgvwcgnVYKNNqvg9ZxSAsgJcBhBNLsG2iMN9o1zK0i1lMpwg0i3V1A19gcWgHYxpm_bcAwdq1DNA_dQ4/s1600/5U6W5965_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEqw_xhwc6IR2gymFVh9w2W1lMF1mkvQyWE83OOUaTCAS1Axjc3jrdZVswYZAgvwcgnVYKNNqvg9ZxSAsgJcBhBNLsG2iMN9o1zK0i1lMpwg0i3V1A19gcWgHYxpm_bcAwdq1DNA_dQ4/s640/5U6W5965_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon & Mary comparing bellies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPvZkCHQPJOJZjOSG-iQBUk6zq1NPHzxKWLFjiFLall4YqCeBlhLjePdbX7k_zDBJlTCaOFCS_uJX9-W_Ccd9PKDEu5rz6TxM9POLPR_5MsD9WyW865iQVJaDg7flFbLUKx5yQENiv94/s1600/5U6W5967_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPvZkCHQPJOJZjOSG-iQBUk6zq1NPHzxKWLFjiFLall4YqCeBlhLjePdbX7k_zDBJlTCaOFCS_uJX9-W_Ccd9PKDEu5rz6TxM9POLPR_5MsD9WyW865iQVJaDg7flFbLUKx5yQENiv94/s640/5U6W5967_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can only assume my brother made some smart ass remark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRmW-xUdOfiV_8bLrByO_5OZ7_mJbSPM5Z9tZ1F8XH_5Qyd72DHVg7JNGbZFxKHJT5oGI9LS_jsKSAUOfrb-pLhCD9hqzqgiz_6L7fIcJG4gCWmHsMS8gtjsK4f8BmToooHXvT1PqIwo/s1600/5U6W5974_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRmW-xUdOfiV_8bLrByO_5OZ7_mJbSPM5Z9tZ1F8XH_5Qyd72DHVg7JNGbZFxKHJT5oGI9LS_jsKSAUOfrb-pLhCD9hqzqgiz_6L7fIcJG4gCWmHsMS8gtjsK4f8BmToooHXvT1PqIwo/s640/5U6W5974_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's 7 (in age order - left to right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8syVGX-P38X_YrmVw0RlO_DJNc2CeBL2uvzA9UCvc3dTiR7iC8KNweg9ypNo9gDMLl4dIPMZuyRMfYji9cZMZ3wwjqZAiqq2fL_ok_SGiYcAuJvO56sm2ZQGiF89wlo4Y6EeXkHuoao/s1600/5U6W5984_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8syVGX-P38X_YrmVw0RlO_DJNc2CeBL2uvzA9UCvc3dTiR7iC8KNweg9ypNo9gDMLl4dIPMZuyRMfYji9cZMZ3wwjqZAiqq2fL_ok_SGiYcAuJvO56sm2ZQGiF89wlo4Y6EeXkHuoao/s640/5U6W5984_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was flippin' heavy, folks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXAaatjkVgLxjQjNpeWjt-LFdnRs4tdX4oQcDmP9FHWKEM5bPAOuCgaFiLefD5d9GbRIhwvhRPd3CSoZdRgmNL-giqQtAfwjAhQcdR33SxTtcDSQOpwbRIG7rQqRLEdYXxTRy-nJ0S-0/s1600/5U6W5995_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXAaatjkVgLxjQjNpeWjt-LFdnRs4tdX4oQcDmP9FHWKEM5bPAOuCgaFiLefD5d9GbRIhwvhRPd3CSoZdRgmNL-giqQtAfwjAhQcdR33SxTtcDSQOpwbRIG7rQqRLEdYXxTRy-nJ0S-0/s640/5U6W5995_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, we did what any good sisters would do... we dropped him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
^^^Haha, he probably deserved it. Love you Jonny! **PS, he HATES being called Jonny**</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-10507897041958225252016-10-20T20:15:00.001-05:002016-10-20T20:15:22.188-05:00Coming Soon! Um, no, I'm not pregnant. Let's get that one out of the way quickly!<br />
<br />
It's been 3 1/2 years since my last post, and a lot has changed.<br />
<br />
I will be writing a new post SOON! I PROMISE!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-82295294296938658062013-04-01T09:30:00.000-05:002013-04-01T09:30:14.939-05:00Signs of SpringThere's always a few signs in our home that spring is in the air. <br />
<br />
1.) Easter. We love Easter at our house. We love talking about how much our Lord loved us and how he showed it to us over 2,000 years ago. We also love egghunts, Easter baskets, and time with family. While I didn't get copies of the pictures taken from our family get together, I did get this cute one of our daughters playing with their bunnies they received from Grandma and Grandad Sprague.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4LFz6lssdv9bEBmDteTS_gg5xcUl3NtAuGfJvlLvEBZabI3we7RxsZP0Bgplc8KnEqMojflD4mBzxnt0Z7i75NY0NKdKCOOYYZJZM4heynuyjv7AttLP1PLDnc0cQd7aeQaY0ZekqEs/s1600/WP_000185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4LFz6lssdv9bEBmDteTS_gg5xcUl3NtAuGfJvlLvEBZabI3we7RxsZP0Bgplc8KnEqMojflD4mBzxnt0Z7i75NY0NKdKCOOYYZJZM4heynuyjv7AttLP1PLDnc0cQd7aeQaY0ZekqEs/s320/WP_000185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2.) Spring Cleaning/ Garage Sale. Most of you probably know that I don't have a passion for cleaning, but rather an organized mess approach. Me and kids would much rather be palying than cleaning. But even I couldn't help but get in the cleaning mood with the nice weather (WINDOWS OPEN!). So, we've been cleaning machines over here. And while the house still looks like a tornado hit it several times over, it's getting there, and our piles for the upcoming garage sale (April 5th and 6th) are growing! Check them out! So many clothes! So many toys! Still so much more to come!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hZvPAQgRZxZ4mGKJoYx6bY3CQ4w5dvumz4_y7uaeUF4YkCacuir7_TAvhSNVTU8D_riWA8NH7Tu706vZZVkGjLD5Xeo_fHFPnfm5FZb-zECBVCG-UNm-DU2J-rvmw3E2xRPSvinX6AM/s1600/WP_000184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hZvPAQgRZxZ4mGKJoYx6bY3CQ4w5dvumz4_y7uaeUF4YkCacuir7_TAvhSNVTU8D_riWA8NH7Tu706vZZVkGjLD5Xeo_fHFPnfm5FZb-zECBVCG-UNm-DU2J-rvmw3E2xRPSvinX6AM/s320/WP_000184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSPS7SIDUj-8pZYYOMLtOd44BNmeSYOeLuP4xiTRH8BgT_JE7VSowvCWbJgtg273cPEByBVwpAXU0cZZO5mV0pehamg8ky4zRmH_Pj9AZuYGsJzFqYrK7ybVem7P9YJeQMzmWDPJkc1o/s1600/WP_000186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSPS7SIDUj-8pZYYOMLtOd44BNmeSYOeLuP4xiTRH8BgT_JE7VSowvCWbJgtg273cPEByBVwpAXU0cZZO5mV0pehamg8ky4zRmH_Pj9AZuYGsJzFqYrK7ybVem7P9YJeQMzmWDPJkc1o/s320/WP_000186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3.) A Clean Porch! We don't have a 4 seasons porch, so during the winter, once a week, we switch out toys with toy tubs already on the porch, and play inside. Well, it's SPRING! No more winter toy tubs! Thus, a nice clean, organized (soon to be unorganized =) ) porch. Asa was quick to help me get this done and ready. He loves being the big helper around the house, and yesterday was the perfect day to do this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI56jssN2exXjuW_tnWQnUlSG7tHMyY7t5ZhHuuDSFqLJH5IhGE7LabVkrP2wKCL2RlTOwyqnwrf2-LCsAinfBHjyUegEZOfAB-20PmIqtSBjx_nws0ZGVp6kFvdteONryt06LYlQSbY/s1600/WP_000187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI56jssN2exXjuW_tnWQnUlSG7tHMyY7t5ZhHuuDSFqLJH5IhGE7LabVkrP2wKCL2RlTOwyqnwrf2-LCsAinfBHjyUegEZOfAB-20PmIqtSBjx_nws0ZGVp6kFvdteONryt06LYlQSbY/s320/WP_000187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Play dates here we come!<br />
<br />
4.) Family days spent outside. I SOOOOO wish I would've had my camera with me yesterday when we went out, but I was so busy and excited that I forgot to grab it on my way out. We went to Grays Lake (a favorite place of mine). We played at the playground, flew a kite, enjoyed some snacks, pet a bunny, and played some more. It was so wonderful, and I was so happy to get out of the house!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sorry about the absence of the blog. As you can expect, life with 4 (and 3 under 3) is busy, I hope to get caught up soon =) Thanks for the grace!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-56332264483054805002012-06-04T22:45:00.001-05:002012-06-04T22:45:15.598-05:00Our day today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTmDiFJCs6Lz8d7zElVoBP9TmLC9NoWhKqJBPJuOnw6vStiZjW2wLNUsbFx4wT4pg9pxKL5jmqCeoKJWXxSIJQ2r2vHE0FWcgX_ddnZhgKBILphDWSWA16yfSNC5GFLmZNTFlR8gRS2g/s1600/181269_10100705436785990_987813005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTmDiFJCs6Lz8d7zElVoBP9TmLC9NoWhKqJBPJuOnw6vStiZjW2wLNUsbFx4wT4pg9pxKL5jmqCeoKJWXxSIJQ2r2vHE0FWcgX_ddnZhgKBILphDWSWA16yfSNC5GFLmZNTFlR8gRS2g/s320/181269_10100705436785990_987813005_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryNgoq9BzCGHAbJm-NZhAoHQxBJce4UkjL1VGER8jD88gA6a9nAeGi-2ioRnC1P_wU8nyEMsbNUah5qbdm3tcSOEJsMKzLFJx78HamoaA661C2BB5FgLWnQtWkKHxxGuK-K-yuOumDFY/s1600/301874_10100706054582920_568303425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryNgoq9BzCGHAbJm-NZhAoHQxBJce4UkjL1VGER8jD88gA6a9nAeGi-2ioRnC1P_wU8nyEMsbNUah5qbdm3tcSOEJsMKzLFJx78HamoaA661C2BB5FgLWnQtWkKHxxGuK-K-yuOumDFY/s320/301874_10100706054582920_568303425_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXDDmtb0dl0QDZFA7SpGneGYxwjezaF7jJ2WFeXwTVk9tv2dWQQxvrRC7BIUpmwwM9JI-DwEpclyB7zkTHb9Kgs6m0CGsvVsuXUUBo6j0ygjfCcXl7jwHGM_q2D_xQAI-GEpa94l8V9I/s1600/560467_10100706071733550_16904848_50150153_781097315_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXDDmtb0dl0QDZFA7SpGneGYxwjezaF7jJ2WFeXwTVk9tv2dWQQxvrRC7BIUpmwwM9JI-DwEpclyB7zkTHb9Kgs6m0CGsvVsuXUUBo6j0ygjfCcXl7jwHGM_q2D_xQAI-GEpa94l8V9I/s320/560467_10100706071733550_16904848_50150153_781097315_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought I'd post the pictures first, because they're a lot more fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, at our mom's memorization group, we recited 2/3 of the chapter we are currently working on. This is a huge thing for me. I'm horrible at memorizing. I'm great at remember verses that really stick out to me, but a passage of scripture just because... that's too hard. I'm really excited about getting to the end of the chapter and being able to recall it later from memory when the Lord needs me to. 2 Corinthians 4. It's a good one to know!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But alas, I didn't sleep well last night so 6am was too early for me, and it set the tone for the day =(. I feel like a hit a wall. I was doing fine, and then all of a sudden yesterday and this morning I was SOOO exhausted. Emmett decided 530am would be a great time to wake up too... but luckily I got him back in bed. Asa got up at 630am, so there was no going back to bed for me at memo group.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They did have fun playing with each other though, and that's the 1st picture up above. They were giggle boxes. But me... I couldn't help but be grumpy. Coffee didn't help either. My poor boys, they just didn't need me to be in a bad mood, but I was =( I felt like just a bad mommy... until Kathy texted me and saved the day. "Splash Park" were the only words I needed to see.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got the boys ready and a snack packed and got out the door. We were at the splash park by 10am. And it was a perfect day for it. Emmett took a little while to get comfortable with the water, and Asa enjoyed it right away. Quite a few of our friends were there, too, so it was great for my babes to spend some time away from me, and for me to get some more mom time in. Once Emmett warmed up the water, there was no stopping the two of them, they LOVED it. They love water anyway, lol. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We left at lunch time, and I splurged and got McD's for Asa and I, Emmett was already passed out in the back seat. This set the tone for the rest of the day.</div>
<br />
Asa and I ate lunch, and then we ALL laid down. Both boys napped for 3 hours, I did a QT and then napped for 2 hours. When we all woke up, we were all in good moods. We watched a movie, ate dinner, and then played outside.<br />
<br />
Then bedtime came. Emmett didn't want to lay down, but he did after about 20 minutes of fussing and hitting his window while I watered my garden and plants. Asa went down easy. And I finished my last load of laundry! My mom and mom-in-law would be so proud =).<br />
<br />
Then I thought I'd take a 30 week photo (see above), because quite a few moms at the splash park asked how far along I was and that I was "about ready to pop!", lol. I suppose I do look big, but I have a reason =). And since the day ended up 100% better than it started, I thought I'd have a nice late night snack, Brownies and Milk (see above).<br />
<br />
ONLY 6 WEEKS LEFT Y'ALL!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-84490321846394900942012-05-30T14:34:00.001-05:002012-05-30T14:34:49.697-05:0026, 27, 28, 29....Holy Smokes, I need to remember to post more often!<br />
<br />
Today, I am 29 weeks and 3 days pregnant with the Twins! I had a great OB appointment yesterday (Thank you Jenny for watching the boys!), where we started to discuss what the next 6 weeks will look like. I have 3 ultrasounds lined up, another OB appointment, a NST (non stress test), and I hope Brandon will be able to be present for at least one of those. At the next OB appointment we'll create our birthing plan, which I pray won't be a C-section. They also told me the "minimums" that the girls can be in order to come home. 34 weeks & 5 lbs. NO LESS. Any less that either of those numbers, and they're in the NICU for at least 3 days. I was really pleased with this last visit with Dr. Lehman, because I feel like we got some big answers to questions, and now we can SPECIFICALLY pray for things.<br />
<br />
The girls finally have names! You can thank my brother for that =) I'm a huge stickler about names, and don't like to double up as much as I can. As you can imagine, that's quite difficult with a large family and so many friends have babies. To make matters worse, Brandon and I never agree on things of this nature to begin with. So we found nicknames that we both liked, and waited to hear the name of our baby niece... who was born 2 weeks ago. Her name is Nora, which I LOVE!!!! but there's a Nora already at the church, so it was off our list... but I'm THRILLED that I have a niece with that name! We're not technically keeping our names secret, now that we've agreed, but I always get nervous that someone else will have a girl before ours and one of the names will be taken... which will send me back to the drawing board because of my very strange OCDness about doubling up names.<br />
<br />
Emmett is more and more wild. I've come to the conclusion that he will never half-heartedly do anything. When he does something, it's with 110%. There's always a new bruise or bloody lip or scraped knee, but a HUGE smile to go with! He's definitely a brut, and lives up to his name (which means energetic/strength). Here's my little blue eyed boy....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF-mTH3bsK83FDmOiBfq0hYzWiyMGtzN5dSQTmxZ3a-DYEN58xXFO6caRX5cejUWTH-MUjMBKeqfTD1P85JnQAFBf_wrvcai0lm_lQwXUpupe-jWeNI4UV7Pp42jsTfvuER7rsh6PEQo/s1600/2012-04-18+07.52.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF-mTH3bsK83FDmOiBfq0hYzWiyMGtzN5dSQTmxZ3a-DYEN58xXFO6caRX5cejUWTH-MUjMBKeqfTD1P85JnQAFBf_wrvcai0lm_lQwXUpupe-jWeNI4UV7Pp42jsTfvuER7rsh6PEQo/s320/2012-04-18+07.52.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtJRvxTBzjvlB3t7YesN4oyckMzHrk0gwg8FuENoKlnYf8JiV3knUFyp5qaCi600hZkcRFDg2hA8s6gSnS5Zstm1FBEXeRiGBnTU4uNhJ4ZqwY9L5QBun51lp1vx_JFZNdiZGbOkRE9g/s1600/emmett+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtJRvxTBzjvlB3t7YesN4oyckMzHrk0gwg8FuENoKlnYf8JiV3knUFyp5qaCi600hZkcRFDg2hA8s6gSnS5Zstm1FBEXeRiGBnTU4uNhJ4ZqwY9L5QBun51lp1vx_JFZNdiZGbOkRE9g/s320/emmett+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDowvcmsrPB4eTeLvWiaJ2lzH-5iImgcl4zThGWJPqb9g3H9PlVnPFdsqdRbpz2jeip9sYVwILlRUZ6NFgE_wRMPuhLofnqmH2oKxHnFwNq4sWepcg9A-D3VVxC3NWdcdGnrDEF6DKL0A/s1600/emmett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDowvcmsrPB4eTeLvWiaJ2lzH-5iImgcl4zThGWJPqb9g3H9PlVnPFdsqdRbpz2jeip9sYVwILlRUZ6NFgE_wRMPuhLofnqmH2oKxHnFwNq4sWepcg9A-D3VVxC3NWdcdGnrDEF6DKL0A/s320/emmett.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
He just keeps growing up! And he always wants to do what big brother is doing, which gets in into a LOT of trouble.<br />
<br />
Speaking of big brother! Asa is so sweet! And handsome, and intelligent, and I can never get enough of this kid! We took him to the Omaha Zoo recently, and he knew the names of sooooo many animals without us having to tell him. And it wasn't just like "look, mom, a parrot!", oh no, it was "Mom!!! A Scarlet Macaw!" I mean really, this kid is in a league of his own! He never stops learning, and I absolutely love that quality about him. Here he is being the sweet goofball that I love...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJJBBwjS-8hNnNpmAAheX90aj1polaOLsCpAProZb_gkQWnBhcRCEuwcZeit6sMPKPL3sUp6C2MnXDxAe-auhxSORpoX8h_LI4Aje-HZ6WglWIw-G3Ai9YJOgRhLhXa7Vh8rlo9o6FHA/s1600/389215_134978039969025_1086808867_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJJBBwjS-8hNnNpmAAheX90aj1polaOLsCpAProZb_gkQWnBhcRCEuwcZeit6sMPKPL3sUp6C2MnXDxAe-auhxSORpoX8h_LI4Aje-HZ6WglWIw-G3Ai9YJOgRhLhXa7Vh8rlo9o6FHA/s320/389215_134978039969025_1086808867_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLB9JtjMA8jseQKWBhvvqoIXZ4nLabiEDn9grAXEGLt02hf9QLZl-11Y38B1KVHziqVfAQ0BcBt8lQhBMip9wzPZta5C9v6i84dliBEM-emd-ccm3p3YYSBXv7Rj-btQ1aPpk0B-zbHo/s1600/522109_10100653590102160_2058389135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLB9JtjMA8jseQKWBhvvqoIXZ4nLabiEDn9grAXEGLt02hf9QLZl-11Y38B1KVHziqVfAQ0BcBt8lQhBMip9wzPZta5C9v6i84dliBEM-emd-ccm3p3YYSBXv7Rj-btQ1aPpk0B-zbHo/s320/522109_10100653590102160_2058389135_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsk-7uOTbluBMIJXJh9CCLc2AQu5v_NjuJoeHLCzycf74bCzTr6g8WplEmu3daE5YCBiCkSfdaTUizBi_wP_xVGpCKk7DgNbOPEMpM19l29Qj1vTe9wJbJB7pp_hedxy8shyphenhyphenmGXM9YJc/s1600/540408_10100661720259260_16904848_49874167_1530778326_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsk-7uOTbluBMIJXJh9CCLc2AQu5v_NjuJoeHLCzycf74bCzTr6g8WplEmu3daE5YCBiCkSfdaTUizBi_wP_xVGpCKk7DgNbOPEMpM19l29Qj1vTe9wJbJB7pp_hedxy8shyphenhyphenmGXM9YJc/s320/540408_10100661720259260_16904848_49874167_1530778326_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnV3jeZUGT6Dm5WDtKSkrfCm3z7XByv0JBLzG0swZZu70wZoond8pfIhgG54rGGZtqCURbd-lsEfiaZadXCLNdT8UsLcXjTodw83_TWXLwDH-h748t8Ghmye4DWKnXc6bZMlTr63TOwRQ/s1600/549289_10100650099118120_16904848_49849530_828795159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnV3jeZUGT6Dm5WDtKSkrfCm3z7XByv0JBLzG0swZZu70wZoond8pfIhgG54rGGZtqCURbd-lsEfiaZadXCLNdT8UsLcXjTodw83_TWXLwDH-h748t8Ghmye4DWKnXc6bZMlTr63TOwRQ/s320/549289_10100650099118120_16904848_49849530_828795159_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryLQzinF51rHhNlY8KhcaOnbwdLS0y7H_TIGDO7UsTHo1XaPUj4wY48hPVk0PfyQG-PPiKkPZGfaX90ZHHL9i8oqWnHa1-km0SWiVt3udvoLiPTVILJh-K_x7g-bTEWS8x3aCvCTAFjw/s1600/574802_10100637526224300_487922043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryLQzinF51rHhNlY8KhcaOnbwdLS0y7H_TIGDO7UsTHo1XaPUj4wY48hPVk0PfyQG-PPiKkPZGfaX90ZHHL9i8oqWnHa1-km0SWiVt3udvoLiPTVILJh-K_x7g-bTEWS8x3aCvCTAFjw/s320/574802_10100637526224300_487922043_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A Special Thank you to Jenny Schreiner who let us come to the zoo with her, Owen and Eden, Owen who sweetly took pictures with Asa, Graham Gardner who took so super cute family pics, and the Lord who blessed me greatly with these two little boys!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-44981581492013157472012-05-01T14:55:00.001-05:002012-05-01T14:55:29.404-05:0025 weeks down, 11 to go!I'm 2/3's the way done!!! Crazy! The last 2 months have really flown by. I have an ultrasound every two weeks to double check the girls growth and to make sure that I'm gaining weight. So far, we're good in both those categories. The girls are over 1 1/2 lbs each, and I'm finally gaining enough to weight that the doctors are backing off a little. They want to see more weight gain on my end... which I don't understand, but if it means that the girls are healthy, then BRING ON THE PROTEIN AND CALORIES!!! I really don't mind eating meat, I just have a hard time preparing while prego... it grosses me out more than normal, and then I have a hard time eating it thinking about what it looked like prior to cooking... and Brandon doesn't really cook, so it's a bit of a dilema. But I drink a protein shake a day and that seems to help. And as far as calories, lol, I try to eat as healthy as I can in order to reach the caloric intake necessary... but sometimes I have to throw in a candy bar or some ice cream in order to make it. I'm not complaining =)<br />
<br />
Asa is getting more and more helpful, which is great, because I'm becoming more and more in need of it. Emmett, unfortunately, just hit that "I want Mommy all the time" phase. I was kind of hoping he'd skip right through it, but alas, it's here, and it's not a good time for it. He wants to be held ALL the time. I don't let him get his way, mainly because I need him to continue on as normal, but also because if I hold him for too long I get way too exhausted and have to rest more frequently. We seem to have found a happy medium of sitting on the floor together with him on my lap, that way he can still get up and get a toy and I'll still be there when he comes back. Asa is really great about snuggling with me after Emmy goes to bed, and likes to rub my tummy (or as he says it "my sisters"). He is such a darling about it, and I keep reminding him that they are going to be really tiny when they come, and he's going to have to be SUPER gentle. He seems to understand. Which is wonderful, because I'm nervous that Emmett is going to kill them. He's such a brut these days. 150% boy. I think the hardest part so far is wanting to spend extra time with each of them before the girls come, but there are so many projects still to get done.<br />
<br />
Brandon's parents and my parents have been AWESOME in helping us get ready. As well as ALL of our siblings. Everyone has done such a great job pitching in where we need them or the help. We now have a double stroller specifically for the twins, as well as their carseats and bases. We have a ton of clothes (thank you to EVERYONE that has given us clothes, it's a HUGE blessing!). The basement has been cleaned and organized, we've had 2 yard sales to try and get rid of stuff, we've been to Goodwill on several occasions to donate items, our house has been cleaned several times, our boys get plenty of attention, we've been doing the Dave Ramsey thing for a few months and are making some headway on our debt, and Brandon and I have even been on a few dates and been able to stay out late at hang outs or after church. And that's just in the last 2 months!!! There's still a whole bunch more blessings coming our way! Brandon's mom and my mom are both throwing us baby showers (yay!), my mom has organized a huge cleaning party weekend while we're at the baby shower in Dyersville (special thanks to EVERYONE on that crew... it means so much to us that you're willing to sacrifice your weekend and sanity to clean and organize the rest of my house!), my sister is letting me drop of more stuff to be sold a garage sale that she hasn't even planned yet (super blessing to have the boxes and totes out of my house early), that same sister is donating bunk beds for the boys new room, and I feel like I'm still leaving things out! God has been so good about answering prayers, and even answering things that we haven't thought about praying for! It's been amazing!<br />
<br />
I can't express how much Brandon and I's love for the Lord has grown over that last few months. The twins were completely unexpected, but we can already see the plans he has in store for our family. We're so RIDICULOUSLY thankful for everything that everyone has done for us. We don't even know where to start with thanking you all.<br />
<br />
We're really started to get excited about life with the girls, and how our family will change over the next few years. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers, and for thinking of us! We love you all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5qM6FolmWrsPOKqOl_1-yQdV-Y_NmCS9T-wU_JVeCrF6iksDYZ6ERYHdWuxYzWdDl4k8DGQx-PKrFRw6tJWig8BB-gA405N_bppgXZkXBakI7s2QHOT2LF5j0YYTsv3jbG228VSw-f4/s1600/25+weeks+1+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5qM6FolmWrsPOKqOl_1-yQdV-Y_NmCS9T-wU_JVeCrF6iksDYZ6ERYHdWuxYzWdDl4k8DGQx-PKrFRw6tJWig8BB-gA405N_bppgXZkXBakI7s2QHOT2LF5j0YYTsv3jbG228VSw-f4/s320/25+weeks+1+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading my rambling blog!!!! We're so thankful for all of you out there! Below is a prayer list if you would like to pray for our family along with us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Prayer List:<br />
<br />
The girls' continued growth. That they would remain healthy and within 25% of each others body weight.<br />
No bed rest for Molly.<br />
That Molly and the girls would make it to 36 weeks gestation without problems.<br />
Safe and healthy delivery.<br />
No C-section. Molly's fear over such a surgery.<br />
Grace with Brandon's work schedule as we get closer to the due date. That his work would be understanding and keep him within 4 hours drive time at all times.<br />
Insurance. They Brandon would be granted Paternity Leave, or Short Term Disabiltiy for 2 weeks or more.<br />
Our Finances. That we would be faithful to our budget and continue with the Dave Ramsey program. That we would trust the Lord that he will always provide.<br />
Nursing. That the girls would be good at nursing and that we can avoid formula.<br />
Asa and Emmett. That they would be loving and good brothers during this time of change.<br />
Provision from the Lord. There are still things that we need that we're not sure if we'll receive from baby showers, but prayer that the Lord would provide such things.<br />
Our hearts as parents. Parenting is difficult with 2 kids, and we can't imagine 4! But prayer that we will always stay true to God's word throughout all of lifes difficulties.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-78039289977847732022012-04-08T23:38:00.001-05:002012-04-08T23:38:45.445-05:00Asa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAOQjLg4oIg8_YcD_wzUCOPXws0deCHZp45C_rxx9KdxA3Bjh9S1NXOfqHRnRAkTwmBQTpnp74l4IyY2YpiVCuq8uzYi37Py2AAIrlx3DkQBvU664UoUGnPuvfCs78h2hYojVawmVrhs/s1600/Asa+%2526+Suave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAOQjLg4oIg8_YcD_wzUCOPXws0deCHZp45C_rxx9KdxA3Bjh9S1NXOfqHRnRAkTwmBQTpnp74l4IyY2YpiVCuq8uzYi37Py2AAIrlx3DkQBvU664UoUGnPuvfCs78h2hYojVawmVrhs/s320/Asa+%2526+Suave.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Take a look at that picture... Is he not the best? He is pretty stinking amazing if you ask me =)<br />
<br />
He got to be in a Hy-Vee ad recently, and I just absolutely love a few of the pictures we were able to get from them. Above is by far my favorite, I think it says a lot about Asa.<br />
<br />
I wasn't planning on writing a blog this Easter evening. Even though my family had a wonderful weekend celebrating the death and resurrection of our Savior, I still wasn't planning on writing anything.<br />
<br />
But, as I sit here and wait for my brain to turn off thinking about this week, one thought keeps popping up... "I'm so blessed to have Asa".<br />
<br />
God has had me thinking a lot lately about His will and how it has affected my life, how it has affected others lives, and what is in store for the future. As Brandon and I were about to pray last night before bed, I told him that even though I'm super confused about what God wants from us... me... right now, I do know that I've seen His will in action in my life before, and it's something worth trusting.<br />
<br />
Almost 5 1/2 years ago, I found out I was pregnant with Asa, and my life has never been the same. I keep thinking about how my life was before that moment in a Wal-Mart bathroom as my sister tried to console me. I was a drunk, I dabbled in drugs, I was completely impure, Selfish, Rude, Hateful, Proud, you name the sin, I'm sure I committed it or something close to. And when I really think about it, there's was no reason for a baby to find it's way into my womb and survive. I wasn't completely opposed to abortion at the time, and with my lifestyle, I'm surprised my body didn't miscarry. I kept hoping it was a mistake, and that I would miscarry. I was too chicken to go through with an abortion (I think that was God). So, that was that.... a child was to be born. And a child was going to need to grow up. God had been so faithful to so many peoples prayers that I was completely unaware of, and softened my heart in the knick of time. I found my way to Ruth Harbor, then to Walnut Creek, and then God put very key people in my life. ALL OF THIS WAS HIS WILL. Asa was HIS WILL for me. Living at Ruth Harbor was His will for me. ALL OF IT!<br />
<br />
Why? That I'll have to wait ask until Heaven. Because I'm sure there's way more to that than I'll ever know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
But, I can tell you, that lately, when I look at my son, Asa, all I see is God in motion. I see how God took a life so hideous, and wiped it clean (Thanks to Jesus) and made it precious to Him. I watch as Asa grows more and more into a man of God, and I can't help but Thank the Lord that he's not dead due to abortion or miscarry, but that God hugged me and held me so tight to let me know He was near the whole time.<br />
<br />
I'm not writing this to be proud, or to boast, but to express how thankful I am for the Lord in my life, and how he blessed me with one awesome kid. Asa is smart, sweet, kind, loving, funny, handsome, respectful, helpful, obediant, and his curiousity about God reminds me that I need to have a childlike faith as well. I love when he snuggles with me, and I love how God refines me through him.<br />
<br />
I love Emmett just as much as I love Asa. But Asa is one of the things God used to change this sinners heart, and I can't help but feel a special bond there, one that helps me feel that much closer to God.<br />
<br />
So, Lord, here I am, trusting your will for me and my family.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-3349430820155254062012-03-21T18:23:00.001-05:002012-03-21T18:23:29.799-05:0015 Months went waaaay to fast!Emmett is officially 15 months old! <br />
<br />
It has been a really fun 15 months having Emmett as baby brother in our family. Most of my readers know that Emmett has always been our rambuncious little peanut. He was an early crawler, an early walker, and apparently now and early climber and jumper (he's been climing and jumping the past few months). He is such a blessing to our little family. Asa loves to have a little brother follow him around and copy what he does (most of the time), and Asa does such a great job playing with him and teaching him how to things like blow bubbles in the tub, or dunk your corndog in ketchup, or talking funny into a fan.<br />
<br />
Emmett is finally out of the 10-15% range for weight and height, and is now in the 35-40%! This makes us super happy. He EATS ALL THE TIME! I can't stop this kid from eating or muching or snacking! He'll eat anything you put in front of him... except maybe lettuce... but everything else =)<br />
<br />
He's really starting to point things out and try to make noises that sound similar to what we're saying, but not really any words yet. I asked the doctor if this was normal (he only says 3 or 4 words), and he says when a kid has an older sibling, they tend to let that older sibling do all the talking, BUT they want to be where that sibling is all the time, hence the excelled motor skills. I think this very much describes our boys!<br />
<br />
I asked Brandon what his favorite memory of Emmett was, he said he loves how he won't just do a simple thing (like go down the slide), he always has to do it in a crazy way (try as hard as he can to climb up the slide in order to go down). Also, there was one night where we were sitting on the couch after Emmett had gone to bed, and we hear a bottle hitting something... we peek through the door, and Emmett is running his bottle back and forth across the bars like he's in jail. We got a good laugh in that night. Brandon also said how Emmett chases the cat. The cat will let this happen, always staying just enough ahead of Emmy.<br />
<br />
It's hard to believe that it's already been 15 months, but again, we are so happy to have so many wonderful memories of our little boys. Here are some fun pictures of our little peanut =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFB7W0FWf3ASJm02zWE_MBL8tcMBhce1czgd7Mt7ujHYfDp1BHF73iPIo9_L1vpX2MoQbvIIXBUs1CrCIWhipjYoqN8On_oeN-RdhvH14L0pT0Izd1Ooysbem479JTgS1ELCQlyNqZvE/s1600/2012-03-21+17.21.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFB7W0FWf3ASJm02zWE_MBL8tcMBhce1czgd7Mt7ujHYfDp1BHF73iPIo9_L1vpX2MoQbvIIXBUs1CrCIWhipjYoqN8On_oeN-RdhvH14L0pT0Izd1Ooysbem479JTgS1ELCQlyNqZvE/s320/2012-03-21+17.21.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GgVtnNyFvuSPrjTGKvzOzUhoJxeT10ii0p36Qul-7GOHHpgyyPyGgVniTD72yn8qzuhrIdsw8Ui7VWNPMtFIjn_Edr6ArsHRPlL9lcaOefdblbjXy5m2HzbzcYnQz4w3Ua25Sac1GSE/s1600/2012-03-19+10.21.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GgVtnNyFvuSPrjTGKvzOzUhoJxeT10ii0p36Qul-7GOHHpgyyPyGgVniTD72yn8qzuhrIdsw8Ui7VWNPMtFIjn_Edr6ArsHRPlL9lcaOefdblbjXy5m2HzbzcYnQz4w3Ua25Sac1GSE/s320/2012-03-19+10.21.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zaGH3_lzXje0iu1e5dlntH5Z82XAcGK8RgjdIe0R0T7ebaF6uO6inyZdTdmBtny5lh2d-VyCduyn8SJeKO91MUrOYfcnCMHEJDgS-RKWkPWV0o0lCi4uFjWDyH0E1v_6l6lMzLItwzs/s1600/2012-03-19+10.21.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zaGH3_lzXje0iu1e5dlntH5Z82XAcGK8RgjdIe0R0T7ebaF6uO6inyZdTdmBtny5lh2d-VyCduyn8SJeKO91MUrOYfcnCMHEJDgS-RKWkPWV0o0lCi4uFjWDyH0E1v_6l6lMzLItwzs/s320/2012-03-19+10.21.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAn2B1_dOW0_QlNGQOG88K2GtU-jq-PrM7igS_9118HIiZS8MibRC9ra7ipfbq0kGyrRDRRzomHGGk1SpQARP7VqyK7dVrf4nD27E6zqmR2HsFmdm-2neoWvGkBKiARl99mNfePhwRdU/s1600/2012-03-19+10.20.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAn2B1_dOW0_QlNGQOG88K2GtU-jq-PrM7igS_9118HIiZS8MibRC9ra7ipfbq0kGyrRDRRzomHGGk1SpQARP7VqyK7dVrf4nD27E6zqmR2HsFmdm-2neoWvGkBKiARl99mNfePhwRdU/s320/2012-03-19+10.20.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinle_2SKRGrzD9T6V6z6DeU5AX51iUnOyWx_-Gni9PowclmN_Hpjdj5bOIJ5ADcrWkJb2mb_vDA5aYPqL7p46IrJh_TUA2HOJJNTAsF4iLuP3om0YwIwjPXcGh6kI9AhhUSb6-sV7fI8U/s1600/2012-03-07+08.59.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinle_2SKRGrzD9T6V6z6DeU5AX51iUnOyWx_-Gni9PowclmN_Hpjdj5bOIJ5ADcrWkJb2mb_vDA5aYPqL7p46IrJh_TUA2HOJJNTAsF4iLuP3om0YwIwjPXcGh6kI9AhhUSb6-sV7fI8U/s320/2012-03-07+08.59.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbA6fALE0xbhyphenhyphenFLLwNxKdnCRXYdP7QmYNSMPX0iuRgVZFS0JXSMbpk4x0MyQqtqkVhLGoQZt2Skr-20X3cHBHyb6lsFubb-KYwkYAkrgqgmLA3MJT7CX9_ClIZibqkL0LmcYfKZmQkZ0/s1600/2012-03-03+11.17.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbA6fALE0xbhyphenhyphenFLLwNxKdnCRXYdP7QmYNSMPX0iuRgVZFS0JXSMbpk4x0MyQqtqkVhLGoQZt2Skr-20X3cHBHyb6lsFubb-KYwkYAkrgqgmLA3MJT7CX9_ClIZibqkL0LmcYfKZmQkZ0/s320/2012-03-03+11.17.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVh_D2hlvHT7SVa0v_d51eADUbunQDSh_iPP1RnV9iZ0WGkDnqeBhguq3W8T-Cse80RG8iWdhlY9h7dL68Ua0BVEdTPxHKAXbXZDgTuflnCRyABnXGwbkMdrTdZqGpZDzO2mEuxrVc0A/s1600/2012-02-14+08.49.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVh_D2hlvHT7SVa0v_d51eADUbunQDSh_iPP1RnV9iZ0WGkDnqeBhguq3W8T-Cse80RG8iWdhlY9h7dL68Ua0BVEdTPxHKAXbXZDgTuflnCRyABnXGwbkMdrTdZqGpZDzO2mEuxrVc0A/s320/2012-02-14+08.49.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8VCLuh3tlLeNhyphenhyphenwbdP6T5h1R61clqBhiDUZwOaHM5BhDtr48f4WcC8ampyRs-2szpf6lEh-NCuE57yXLYX9kzh1F3SXjF-gb3V-6Zkrjq2iCBUzS_i5nz358tUrj6HbZB-qzQIvDn3M/s1600/2012-02-14+18.53.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8VCLuh3tlLeNhyphenhyphenwbdP6T5h1R61clqBhiDUZwOaHM5BhDtr48f4WcC8ampyRs-2szpf6lEh-NCuE57yXLYX9kzh1F3SXjF-gb3V-6Zkrjq2iCBUzS_i5nz358tUrj6HbZB-qzQIvDn3M/s320/2012-02-14+18.53.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ctaJZVkW_LzXjo-uiqA2429Z0_o_EdP7bNuv02DtQbbJw646PzkhOLfBycrvcnlGl-9S4bgSKF0cf5KzRLmOssiPf4oidEixABhAiI_k64imGenG0N7yeEkgulde0f0SsAcQdHoWVSw/s1600/2012-01-17+10.52.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ctaJZVkW_LzXjo-uiqA2429Z0_o_EdP7bNuv02DtQbbJw646PzkhOLfBycrvcnlGl-9S4bgSKF0cf5KzRLmOssiPf4oidEixABhAiI_k64imGenG0N7yeEkgulde0f0SsAcQdHoWVSw/s320/2012-01-17+10.52.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaewQQ3AEGC5gH6R-elpQgkdvo-1M6CQbn0HKXx_yydmlXTXzwfuSN_zAYrKFfVYP2fM6rx3NOzA9e2KevreB12tSCwFKiMHD2SmxIqFNoSFBHSy6My7Oyn6DhBLV1Uw2A4CYtwLqLlc/s1600/2011-12-19+12.15.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaewQQ3AEGC5gH6R-elpQgkdvo-1M6CQbn0HKXx_yydmlXTXzwfuSN_zAYrKFfVYP2fM6rx3NOzA9e2KevreB12tSCwFKiMHD2SmxIqFNoSFBHSy6My7Oyn6DhBLV1Uw2A4CYtwLqLlc/s320/2011-12-19+12.15.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-12954663443968665762012-03-16T10:52:00.002-05:002012-03-16T10:52:26.311-05:00One Sweet Birthday =)So, I'm only a few hours into my 27th birthday, but already, it's been so sweet!<br />
<br />
I've had more than enough friends and family wish me a happy birthday. So nice to know that I'm loved by more than just God!<br />
<br />
Brandon got me a giftcard to Starbucks, a place I barely go to now that I'm pregnant with the twins, and especially since we decreased spending in that area =) Needless to say, I was SOOOO happy by this =) I love to have anything caramel from them on ice (so good during the summer... or this summer like spring we have)!<br />
<br />
Asa is spending the day at his Grandma Sharleen's, but was sweet enough to send me a picture of his making me a card, and promising me one his delicious cakes later!<br />
<br />
AND!!! We got to have another ultrasound to measure the twins, and this time, we did get profile pictures of our sweet little girls! The entire time, they were facing each other and it looked like they were kicking and hitting each other, we got a good laugh at this. Funny to see how they interact already and they haven't even been born yet! The Perinatal doctor is very pleased with their growth over the last 2 weeks, and told me to keep up the good work =) Praise God for his amazing creations, and his love for my unborn children!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOlKAzQMH2k4vr22_hGQMIsr-32v2Q37pqVKEs3FgM1acSZ0LGY81djyue1Oakm0o8NaI7uLvtMeaqqpkl7aBQNBYAc4eSqjFh9gFmRNT3gypsYUyPzh0hmjwMTnUqHTS_thGB03tvx8/s1600/2012-03-16+10.35.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOlKAzQMH2k4vr22_hGQMIsr-32v2Q37pqVKEs3FgM1acSZ0LGY81djyue1Oakm0o8NaI7uLvtMeaqqpkl7aBQNBYAc4eSqjFh9gFmRNT3gypsYUyPzh0hmjwMTnUqHTS_thGB03tvx8/s320/2012-03-16+10.35.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 weeks 5 days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcCOVqOrqU7POxR29yfxvFnaharqdgnapRnPqSKkgofJefWV5CA1ACjjvQsynQJXmNdQEIwTwGSuoEXqJOcEauX8pGcUNPJ5RqjCU2-n0npT93eIQEK4iSAaJloZ57ICs0lBnUs6Jwf0/s1600/Deutmeyer_Molly_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcCOVqOrqU7POxR29yfxvFnaharqdgnapRnPqSKkgofJefWV5CA1ACjjvQsynQJXmNdQEIwTwGSuoEXqJOcEauX8pGcUNPJ5RqjCU2-n0npT93eIQEK4iSAaJloZ57ICs0lBnUs6Jwf0/s320/Deutmeyer_Molly_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Twin A</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GwqDsBYkWze4D0N-O4aKrUWaTzsbpSISGXUA3Ou3v7ln_JjBowl4-rdj2lT6sZiVYPTPR4BSJmPWHiqt2Kki_ir6BcMBdKF_ksZhAGNmKbPCmoO4xamZXpFP1H1cazYpMSxE0QRr60s/s1600/Deutmeyer_Molly_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GwqDsBYkWze4D0N-O4aKrUWaTzsbpSISGXUA3Ou3v7ln_JjBowl4-rdj2lT6sZiVYPTPR4BSJmPWHiqt2Kki_ir6BcMBdKF_ksZhAGNmKbPCmoO4xamZXpFP1H1cazYpMSxE0QRr60s/s320/Deutmeyer_Molly_11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Twin B</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OmW9vCE7OHYmBoQrtdBta81kIVVA6oUZQffw7VYSmgfBq54QBctwcyKVQAXU82qkjUls-dN5wJA5tD-16FuivR87XnP25zvmkUWKthBWfNzOZk6zalZpVkMS3zQ3zqNDjEWUoqhUqk0/s1600/Deutmeyer_Molly_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OmW9vCE7OHYmBoQrtdBta81kIVVA6oUZQffw7VYSmgfBq54QBctwcyKVQAXU82qkjUls-dN5wJA5tD-16FuivR87XnP25zvmkUWKthBWfNzOZk6zalZpVkMS3zQ3zqNDjEWUoqhUqk0/s320/Deutmeyer_Molly_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters who already love and fight with each other =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another sweet thing that happened today on my birthday... Brandon is vacuuming the rugs, and changing Emmett's diaper while he waits for me to finish this post.... Goodness I love my man =)<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for my 27th birthday. 5 years ago today, I made Lasagne for the first time ever, and had just moved into Ruth Harbor while pregnant with Asa. DTC had just started! I'm amazed at how the Lord has changed my life over the last 5 years and how he has provided me with the most amazing church/friends/family/support system/husband/children! I have more than enough to be thankful for for the rest of my life!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-60723150054529636392012-03-02T15:35:00.002-06:002012-03-02T15:35:48.253-06:00Almost 17 weeks, and The Twins are....I know a lot of you have been waiting all day for this news... But first.<br />
<br />
If you follow me on facebook, I apologize for the VERY long wait. I really needed to connect with all my family before spilling the beans, and it was hard to get in touch with some family (my brother and family are driving through that nasty weather happening in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and such, and my Mom is in Mexico on vacation). Then!!! Brandon had the diaper bag which had all the pictures and so I couldn't do the blog, and I had to work for a few hours this afternoon, lol. All in all, it's been a WILD day!<br />
<br />
So... The pictures we got this time weren't all that great,... informative, but not great. They aren't that fun to look at, unless you know what your actually looking at...<br />
<br />
<br />
So,.... here are the results of the ultrasound....<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">The babies are IDENTICAL TWIN GIRLS!!!!!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-33052052830299601462012-02-22T14:47:00.001-06:002012-02-22T14:47:49.887-06:0015 weeks and couting!Holy Smokes. I didn't know that 15 weeks pregnant with twins would change my life as much as it already has!<br />
<br />
What life is like being 15 weeks pregnant with twins: Everything takes more time. I get physically exhausted quicker than I thought I would, so I sit down a lot while I'm getting ready. Or I sit down on the floor to get Emmett ready instead of standing at the changing table. I eat more... so that always takes up time =)<br />
<br />
What I wasn't expecting: the amazing amount of JOY I feel while in prayer with the Lord about expeanding my family. the overwhelming amount of anxiety I feel when thinking about what life will be like when the twins come home. the funny things Asa says when he speaks about the babies (He's hoping for brothers). Losing 16 lbs!<br />
<br />
I was able to meet my new OB today, Dr. Erin Lehman from Lakeview Medical. Even though I went through the midwives, she was the one who delivered Emmett, so I was pretty excited when the midwives HIGHLY recommended her. She is so sweet, and was very patient with me and my boys, and the millions of questions I had for her.<br />
<br />
There are still a lot of questions unanswered, like "will I develope gestational diabetes?" "will I develope preeclampsia?" "will I have to go on bed rest?". But there are a lot of questions that were answered. "When will I deliver?" (Before July 16th) "Is there anything I need to worry about when it comes to my twins?" (Twin to Twin Transfer syndrome... but really nothing, as long as I stay healthy and take care of myself) "Are they Identical?" (70% chance). ETC.<br />
<br />
I'm really excited because I get an ultrasound next Friday, March 2nd, and I'll be able to (most-likely) find out the genders of the babies. I'll also be able to narrow down a more exact due date (40 weeks right now is somewhere between Aug 5th and Aug 12th). I'll be able to see them is what I'm most excited about. I want to see how they've grown. I have Mono-Di twins, which means they share a placenta, but have seperate sacs to grow in, so, there could be a size difference, which will tell us what the next step is.<br />
<br />
Here's my belly ( you'll get pictures of the twins next week...) =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKevxZarPpAhuA9z0FOu4ee5cWcbyt_m6m5YEq0AuKi9KM_GYslff1IsVHsYz0MW_BQ-JBRB5TyMKDERvYIOMxaU-NazDs3qcqX3kS5iDTN7EEkkQyJ5V1QHAZvFT9BbOZqljFBgOe0c/s1600/12_-_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKevxZarPpAhuA9z0FOu4ee5cWcbyt_m6m5YEq0AuKi9KM_GYslff1IsVHsYz0MW_BQ-JBRB5TyMKDERvYIOMxaU-NazDs3qcqX3kS5iDTN7EEkkQyJ5V1QHAZvFT9BbOZqljFBgOe0c/s320/12_-_1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-20995525611912063312012-01-21T12:00:00.001-06:002012-01-21T12:00:33.103-06:00My 11 Week Baby Bump!Yay for Baby Bumps! Pay close Attention to what you're looking at folks!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OfShudfki6_I_LVs7jh9FyayZLEezRCy6dTZHcVt2wKd36bCukEXAu_DQjM_BAr6aS49s4CTl1ePZaTdLJFH3OJ4i7UTwnb1QN9tJ7G1Djznd7ZRWHhlVwVnZPP-vakmIjEg53oOXv0/s1600/belly+11+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OfShudfki6_I_LVs7jh9FyayZLEezRCy6dTZHcVt2wKd36bCukEXAu_DQjM_BAr6aS49s4CTl1ePZaTdLJFH3OJ4i7UTwnb1QN9tJ7G1Djznd7ZRWHhlVwVnZPP-vakmIjEg53oOXv0/s320/belly+11+weeks.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 weeks already!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zYQKE7SVLumkGO_dT-cMwmRliIjW9l09DHrVPJ7BKSW4mRDVkosyPwGKYeIQxGl276u6QPWCOEFtwQrngRwH5NkWnxoDa5ZiPmgm6fiA_zzPKMNlM3SZfwkWBVD6qXUx6-iSjPy9z3I/s1600/baby+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zYQKE7SVLumkGO_dT-cMwmRliIjW9l09DHrVPJ7BKSW4mRDVkosyPwGKYeIQxGl276u6QPWCOEFtwQrngRwH5NkWnxoDa5ZiPmgm6fiA_zzPKMNlM3SZfwkWBVD6qXUx6-iSjPy9z3I/s320/baby+b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that cutie! It's almost like he/she is waving =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujbrQP01FpefSuYo37soDnFA0G-iXKzG7xPTyr5U6H1dExr0QY5zaRERSBTPyqK1PeQ8pYleAYkdXLU2fkxrn3BWY2KiKMErjsIsolQOWBXf8pCHPIC5SbCUw99BfIQswmMLveicLUmA/s1600/baby+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujbrQP01FpefSuYo37soDnFA0G-iXKzG7xPTyr5U6H1dExr0QY5zaRERSBTPyqK1PeQ8pYleAYkdXLU2fkxrn3BWY2KiKMErjsIsolQOWBXf8pCHPIC5SbCUw99BfIQswmMLveicLUmA/s320/baby+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently, it's waving at this one ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq2I-FyuVXhp3BwLpMOlsGhsyRDv0l9iS08sEz0OaQdVWIMwZ0r3YcjHKDeEGIXIfX9o1xuF4GYdZuTOMaNK7DRuvT6NFYE1mpPllkErZU71_dv-Wd8mOI5lLBMwG26iNp19_8ogtAg8/s1600/twins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq2I-FyuVXhp3BwLpMOlsGhsyRDv0l9iS08sEz0OaQdVWIMwZ0r3YcjHKDeEGIXIfX9o1xuF4GYdZuTOMaNK7DRuvT6NFYE1mpPllkErZU71_dv-Wd8mOI5lLBMwG26iNp19_8ogtAg8/s320/twins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SURPRISE!!!!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now believe me, I WAS SURPRISED!!!!! Completely unexpected, but completely loved already! Praise God for TWO very healthy babies!<br />
<br />
We'll find out more at our next OB appointment, but what we do know for now, is that God is changing our lives drastically this year, lol!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-18930901468543715082012-01-18T14:45:00.000-06:002012-01-18T14:45:01.378-06:00Our Little Family ChristmasSo this is only close to a month late, but I was finally able to get the pictures off my camera and onto my laptop.<br />
<br />
This year for Christmas, Brandon and I both knew going into it, money was going to be a little tight.<br />
<br />
But that didn't stop Brandon from surprising me at Thanksgiving with tickets to go see Wicked =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O-cUfXGgcxm34KsWs0g-2frnGPDXebYWWZ8g1XE9m_Za2TWymfNxdB5rufaECWw66gZfKwv1dHXIoB6UUWsF4EcqtQ4l3L0DdDR2iH_6LA9JNoJDBPcdV6wjmlC4SXlFnFpcyvXOnck/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O-cUfXGgcxm34KsWs0g-2frnGPDXebYWWZ8g1XE9m_Za2TWymfNxdB5rufaECWw66gZfKwv1dHXIoB6UUWsF4EcqtQ4l3L0DdDR2iH_6LA9JNoJDBPcdV6wjmlC4SXlFnFpcyvXOnck/s320/074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We were also suppose to go to Spaghetti Works for dinner, but we had a hard time getting the boys settled at Grandma and Grandad's house. But that still didn't stop Brandon from getting me my favorite fast food, Taco Johns! Lol, we ended having such a great night, and we laughed a lot, and even ran into our friends, Ashley and Aubrey! I love to go on dates like this with B, but it was a little expensive, and I would hope that he doesn't spend that much on every date =)<br />
<br />
The next weekend (December 3rd & 4th), we travelled up to the farm to have Christmas with Brandons family. It was a great weekend! The girls (Janell, Jessi, Tracy, and Me) went out for a spa day, which included a pedicure and hot stone massage. This was a my first hot stone massage, and I was not dissappointed. I haven't felt that relaxed since my honeymoon! We then got some lunch at Red Robin, which was great, lots of laughs with my in laws. <br />
After we got home, we cooked and had dinner, and then played BINGO! Now, I play Bingo with my dad's side every year, and I'm kind of proud of myself for letting it rub on of the Deutmeyers =) It was an interesting night to say the least. Let's just say there was a "Cool Table" by the end of the night, and I was at it, lol.<br />
The next morning, after chores, we got to open presents. My boys have never been so spoiled! I would show you pictures, but my camera battery was dead =( Overall, we were greatly blessed by Brandon's family, so many wonderful gifts! We had a hard time getting it all packed up in the van, and the boys have enough new toys to last them until next Christmas!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
The following weekend (December 9th, 10th & 11th) was my Dad's "Thanksgiving" Game Night/ Art Auction, and Bake day with my sisters and mom. This was a very eventful weekend, considering Brandon and I had just found out we were expecting Baby #3, and I was feeling the best... we ended up telling my side of the family. We enjoyed the game night, and the Cousin Art Auction was a success!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7ixkDHK7t_WV71ZlNFMEze6DHtvvdDEZ6oXrxPdrZveTFjfugKrPuUHn2EzJd4Ryo3eqG1x6J03FsAdQxQwkinNc7GAmERXVIV8nzRDxCzbo3I892S2gkKtet6WUjuBJFuYNKAdaCV4/s1600/emmett+art+auction+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7ixkDHK7t_WV71ZlNFMEze6DHtvvdDEZ6oXrxPdrZveTFjfugKrPuUHn2EzJd4Ryo3eqG1x6J03FsAdQxQwkinNc7GAmERXVIV8nzRDxCzbo3I892S2gkKtet6WUjuBJFuYNKAdaCV4/s320/emmett+art+auction+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett made a Penguin with his foot =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvw07dr0m0v6jiSWgx_tQQiYUH7j95XDeQ0-hVfQqBz6tk6pnovTVFBCAJJIzSch1yqsVFDVIW3_1xsle2kxNiPv2ATffBMXUvsDnuoBuRCmdquF7sdkyR1-xamPdDYvlSXtCBVc5NV8Y/s1600/asa+art+auction+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvw07dr0m0v6jiSWgx_tQQiYUH7j95XDeQ0-hVfQqBz6tk6pnovTVFBCAJJIzSch1yqsVFDVIW3_1xsle2kxNiPv2ATffBMXUvsDnuoBuRCmdquF7sdkyR1-xamPdDYvlSXtCBVc5NV8Y/s320/asa+art+auction+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa worked really hard on this for a week =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Both of my boys pieces of art were ideas off Pinterest, and both raised a lot of money!<br />
Every year we do the Cousin Art Auction. Each cousin is responsible for donating a work of art, and then we auction them off. The money made is pooled all together, and divided evenly amongst all the cousins, and then at the end of the night, they draw names for the Cousin Secret Santa. It's been a really fun tradition that started a few years ago, and we love to keep it going.<br />
<br />
Then came Bake Day! A tradition among the ladies in my family. My mom gets all the ingredients, and "has" all the recipes, and we start really early, and finish really late. But we make some really great goodies! I had my first round of queasiness at lunch time with someone brought out Mayo for our burgers.... It went away pretty quick once they put the lid back on, lol. Last year during bake day, I was giving birth, which is the only excuse to get out of bake day. <br />
<br />
The following weekend (December 17th & 18th) was Emmett's Birthday weekend! It was such a fast year! I'll do a seperate post on that!<br />
<br />
The next weekend was officially CHRISTMAS! My FAVORITE HOLIDAY! Friday night was the Christmas Eve service at the DTC, and Brandon and I really enjoyed it. Something about singing songs about Christ's birth really make me happy. The next morning we got up with our boys and had our friend, Tabatha, join us for breakfast. Then we opened presents!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLNYrEzqpFnEnio4A5RzvckSJl3Q2o4QX1Mxuhwg8OZPCjayFwE8g38l8MmLnYGcKMscnJP3n_x9a3njpxpr9ixaDrg9SAuISivTx9uphfdO91lhPHmTBRr8a8Z3GEcZo6fThx4bc8Cc/s1600/176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLNYrEzqpFnEnio4A5RzvckSJl3Q2o4QX1Mxuhwg8OZPCjayFwE8g38l8MmLnYGcKMscnJP3n_x9a3njpxpr9ixaDrg9SAuISivTx9uphfdO91lhPHmTBRr8a8Z3GEcZo6fThx4bc8Cc/s320/176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2GeCIy7E0vnOxRs09CglL1H6Nx8u5ANuPqGRIKiFjO21WwsInzdSA0GDCY8U6df9u_jMc3onMY8kiHTrTnIr9FbR8dnUgGknYFvIQfAwG_u_JCF-EhnoGU4hNkXbpJEWm4xt_4qtDIw/s1600/181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2GeCIy7E0vnOxRs09CglL1H6Nx8u5ANuPqGRIKiFjO21WwsInzdSA0GDCY8U6df9u_jMc3onMY8kiHTrTnIr9FbR8dnUgGknYFvIQfAwG_u_JCF-EhnoGU4hNkXbpJEWm4xt_4qtDIw/s320/181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7G-TajVCuy9IjiGBB0YLNnoApK1LASHdy-fvRxWv1hZt_iftnkejJDK7ayqvPl0ETkl4KPY8aJbPBK5408r8ixk2pjHXKYPylTEYUjgNlvs6y49Umuz-1VDSE3et2D0qSGn8w1w1RmPU/s1600/183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7G-TajVCuy9IjiGBB0YLNnoApK1LASHdy-fvRxWv1hZt_iftnkejJDK7ayqvPl0ETkl4KPY8aJbPBK5408r8ixk2pjHXKYPylTEYUjgNlvs6y49Umuz-1VDSE3et2D0qSGn8w1w1RmPU/s320/183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cY4CgSV8pXJL43K-iTN3M6FPkuqHKFGzI3uF7jfqtcXdxnz_1h_lkOvykInVBKIKgmei9Ryhp_Aack9YjFHNCIDnzX_4nQAkjL7XUmAc6h124q2lUmjwOSYZY5delf7bM_6xBAHta2s/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cY4CgSV8pXJL43K-iTN3M6FPkuqHKFGzI3uF7jfqtcXdxnz_1h_lkOvykInVBKIKgmei9Ryhp_Aack9YjFHNCIDnzX_4nQAkjL7XUmAc6h124q2lUmjwOSYZY5delf7bM_6xBAHta2s/s320/187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSpX0c5zzKUlYZHYlqe6x0KTyuDyIyTVTcTZrb7qjr2pyzFxwEUHPOPfmZqIP6xf2iR4hCjKc30_FPtFBusVqAEqA8srIWBY05rKEgr0P5sh5ohXlLfAb6Qy0CcrBcAKkIp4Vkqpm0Hg/s1600/188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSpX0c5zzKUlYZHYlqe6x0KTyuDyIyTVTcTZrb7qjr2pyzFxwEUHPOPfmZqIP6xf2iR4hCjKc30_FPtFBusVqAEqA8srIWBY05rKEgr0P5sh5ohXlLfAb6Qy0CcrBcAKkIp4Vkqpm0Hg/s320/188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FA02ij6L2dMhv-jWRkv-eK6rFf1Pg29KyLKy35duMg2r-8jdKDkkUv7LOusxuVQXDOyPQaiPjP8blCnAMN932gr31R1E87zRLN-5ArYuwSow1Y_94LOqDRenS9JwchTVyX3W3LBIyzs/s1600/190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FA02ij6L2dMhv-jWRkv-eK6rFf1Pg29KyLKy35duMg2r-8jdKDkkUv7LOusxuVQXDOyPQaiPjP8blCnAMN932gr31R1E87zRLN-5ArYuwSow1Y_94LOqDRenS9JwchTVyX3W3LBIyzs/s320/190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0s8KTeh0u_gqKqHwe5szo_noV-R5hbJ2jTjWyLwyA_VM6nSjGLhGdFsa-IsvcpV3jX9rCmSOM9wmba_ustjwdy243FZMd6U6_mERjy4rygwH_Nc9OYfrbYLkjY6fFriTv80O6QkPuNw/s1600/191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0s8KTeh0u_gqKqHwe5szo_noV-R5hbJ2jTjWyLwyA_VM6nSjGLhGdFsa-IsvcpV3jX9rCmSOM9wmba_ustjwdy243FZMd6U6_mERjy4rygwH_Nc9OYfrbYLkjY6fFriTv80O6QkPuNw/s320/191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLmVNzlZsQXxszabn23grul8_LvOSyzgv3TWZIywGnbSLhsdfvwJY142rrGLsIUHBn5MjXkJjl46DLAYifLWjsZNyMLJWdWAXYGSo-bZ6mRV_Yr_vLXsZ1pIAhNMv9qG6mwqA29FSxOs/s1600/199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLmVNzlZsQXxszabn23grul8_LvOSyzgv3TWZIywGnbSLhsdfvwJY142rrGLsIUHBn5MjXkJjl46DLAYifLWjsZNyMLJWdWAXYGSo-bZ6mRV_Yr_vLXsZ1pIAhNMv9qG6mwqA29FSxOs/s320/199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdpDNaIp0XqV7mmh5CBAT1QoDE2XLabRqJlFAC5ZNCV-tY63PT-QhscM1afI1EGpB79mp9irUMi9OHYi1q9Qh9fPS9Y8MOSMMhdYW3czkTiBh9R-5AQBVu3szYJvZdrZVbSd54PmLpQE/s1600/204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdpDNaIp0XqV7mmh5CBAT1QoDE2XLabRqJlFAC5ZNCV-tY63PT-QhscM1afI1EGpB79mp9irUMi9OHYi1q9Qh9fPS9Y8MOSMMhdYW3czkTiBh9R-5AQBVu3szYJvZdrZVbSd54PmLpQE/s320/204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-hUuogRkWeOeqxUdiif-A0bJaoBv608CIyfrfirxzf-zqKkOAJ-5Lv-68eFVM5NxmEAUEZDNj9lnc3ILmHgEhZQgmor8yO1s7Y1mi-AVSrv_O3pZd8xkPJey_hej1FTAAyXQ-vNQvOc/s1600/206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-hUuogRkWeOeqxUdiif-A0bJaoBv608CIyfrfirxzf-zqKkOAJ-5Lv-68eFVM5NxmEAUEZDNj9lnc3ILmHgEhZQgmor8yO1s7Y1mi-AVSrv_O3pZd8xkPJey_hej1FTAAyXQ-vNQvOc/s320/206.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I GOT A SKILLET!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Tabatha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7reCDdwinQre1OCyVQAwwmUej86Ua6k3CkSm75aU3ggt12Q13avKgNz3e_OagN8Pz1Agb27blYnhTAfM6DeD1Y6ClCQaU_bhCihOXlWxKwelium4xEVd2PMm57F0liEmrRO8saNIytM/s1600/213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7reCDdwinQre1OCyVQAwwmUej86Ua6k3CkSm75aU3ggt12Q13avKgNz3e_OagN8Pz1Agb27blYnhTAfM6DeD1Y6ClCQaU_bhCihOXlWxKwelium4xEVd2PMm57F0liEmrRO8saNIytM/s320/213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After our little family Christmas was over, we had Christmas dinner at my mom's. My mom made Turkey with all the fixings, so so so so good! As tradition, we read the story of Jesus' birth by candle light and then sang Silent Night. Such a great tradition that really brings the true meaning of Christmas to light. Then we opened PRESENTS! Lol, Asa got a cowboy set, with amazing boots, hat and pistols. It's his favorite toy!<br />
<br />
Then came Faithwalkers. I look forward to Faithwalkers every year. But this year was very different. We took both boys this year... and Brandon got called into work... and couldn't come until after dinner the 2nd to last night. I still had a great time fellowshipping with friends while we were there, and it's so encouraging to hear what God is teaching other people. But for next year, we might skip Faithwalkers, and have a mini one at our house instead. We'll see how this year pans out with the new baby coming in August.<br />
<br />
After Faithwalkers, was my dad's Christmas. When it comes to my dad's Christmas, it's all about tradition. And my tradition, I mean Bingo. This was our 19th year of playing Bingo. There were over 50 prizes. And I'm really proud of Asa for bringing home one of the Kids Grand Prizes (FIRST PLACE BABY!). But really, it's so much fun, and we all have our Bingo sayings "Don't stop B-11, Hold on to the Feeling" "I-20... You wish!" etc. This year there was a trophy to be handed out to the person who could come up with a new and orignal Bingo saying. The trophy went to Val with "B-6y and I know it" (a take off of LMFAO "Sexy and I know it"). She had a lot of great ones this year, so I just couldn't compete. So much fun, and I really look forward to next years 20th Bingo!!!!!!! My dad is planning something really awesome, and I can't wait!<br />
<br />
The next day was New Years =) Brandon and I's 2nd Anniversary. It's been a really fun 2 years, and I'm so happy the Lord brought Brandon into Asa and I's life. I'm excited for the next 60some years. We were going to go to 801 Chophouse, but with my morning sickness, I didn't feel like ruining the memory, so we went to HuHot instead, and saw a movie. It was a fun, relaxing evening with my wonderful hubby =)<br />
<br />
So, that's our "little" family Christmas! God bless!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-68738974931947205612012-01-09T15:18:00.002-06:002012-01-09T15:18:56.887-06:00Spending Time at the Farm**The Next few blogs may not be in order**<br />
<br />
As many of you know, Brandon grew up on a dairy farm in northeast Iowa. Good ol' Dyersville. The boys love to go and spend time there with Granpa Terry and Granma Nellie, so we try and visit every other month or so. Here are some pictures from our trip there a few months ago (during harvest time).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq55orIRn3CMROeP2AhfgXN4mSBlB9hicTmSOIG2yBmMFsqx4CzEB-EzQ-FftZwHjjVivuWnztqd5rM9lXkDzCzXNQmPTx2pPp9delqOXJEXZ-a1r9GVYBWwo9hVNd0vZshPJ-1CHwflQ/s1600/382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq55orIRn3CMROeP2AhfgXN4mSBlB9hicTmSOIG2yBmMFsqx4CzEB-EzQ-FftZwHjjVivuWnztqd5rM9lXkDzCzXNQmPTx2pPp9delqOXJEXZ-a1r9GVYBWwo9hVNd0vZshPJ-1CHwflQ/s320/382.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a new Wind Farm a few miles from where Brandon's parents live, so Brandon and I went to see the windmills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDE-zusFOgvepjTDeDhhUlSskUOzTQTSs-c2Olytl2DyQkgakQryxG6t34Fo8j39MtsH1ZYYQgPveZgwfuWFYQ1bdO0hMPhyphenhyphenhHWqWq7QpfiqPFkwnrxG23pPDoD7WFkW0KKXIPcGvqg8/s1600/385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDE-zusFOgvepjTDeDhhUlSskUOzTQTSs-c2Olytl2DyQkgakQryxG6t34Fo8j39MtsH1ZYYQgPveZgwfuWFYQ1bdO0hMPhyphenhyphenhHWqWq7QpfiqPFkwnrxG23pPDoD7WFkW0KKXIPcGvqg8/s320/385.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are SOOOO BIG!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKttQ80MQewNdMc7IROaisAk41WS2Pq-HF09HBOmGL5V6CbsPIKW6x9RPM0TRjLV1zZ6Hjm0VJ_VXWdgHPvPoqWOFMJ63EFF08nlwmuBhybydGyZLnvd_fQsblmby_birrG67CsFEQao/s1600/387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKttQ80MQewNdMc7IROaisAk41WS2Pq-HF09HBOmGL5V6CbsPIKW6x9RPM0TRjLV1zZ6Hjm0VJ_VXWdgHPvPoqWOFMJ63EFF08nlwmuBhybydGyZLnvd_fQsblmby_birrG67CsFEQao/s1600/387.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett sits in his hairchair most of the time at the farm, but only because he eats so much while we're there =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-uNGbyzF8EyT-5v84jk8Jxh_4kjK07Nv2CLnOZk3MMa0KIsl20HojpHFA5q1QZkxQYaQ2wEmUi0DQmNSDzp0NOjW0xkDJG8L7osaBEgoyDREMNO-U3ylOCmm0QhOnXznowy9LtdusOE/s1600/393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-uNGbyzF8EyT-5v84jk8Jxh_4kjK07Nv2CLnOZk3MMa0KIsl20HojpHFA5q1QZkxQYaQ2wEmUi0DQmNSDzp0NOjW0xkDJG8L7osaBEgoyDREMNO-U3ylOCmm0QhOnXznowy9LtdusOE/s1600/393.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what he's doing the other half of the time =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T3KBoas6pqNvkFnkn31miMIxwLpVCSF7kN3OWLU6WmbL-c8Sko8CisEbTPaRIi1IGCPufjoMguGZnW0A4_sAbNRxcokqC515SKf94GTIpYnCOJKYX6WsC_5q0LxeR3UfLWYdvL1Q-Eg/s1600/395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T3KBoas6pqNvkFnkn31miMIxwLpVCSF7kN3OWLU6WmbL-c8Sko8CisEbTPaRIi1IGCPufjoMguGZnW0A4_sAbNRxcokqC515SKf94GTIpYnCOJKYX6WsC_5q0LxeR3UfLWYdvL1Q-Eg/s320/395.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa is always building something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-cv3ts1riirOYVC5ppYArERpwTtCQMGhqA4t7ZoPHehAzay6zDMLCi5b98LFpify_kuF9QmHpZIAV3vgCTxy3Fkz6_v6Di_slKlp3OpgHapZytDMXN65AZOuTnGwFRkJlSB2661-MCA/s1600/396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-cv3ts1riirOYVC5ppYArERpwTtCQMGhqA4t7ZoPHehAzay6zDMLCi5b98LFpify_kuF9QmHpZIAV3vgCTxy3Fkz6_v6Di_slKlp3OpgHapZytDMXN65AZOuTnGwFRkJlSB2661-MCA/s320/396.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to the Aquarium while we were up there, and the boys LOVED it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhSH66s0WyId9B74MHzwYBGiqz0KjQMjIkWXJjVw8i-ELwluOQcJjqnrn6CukX1HmCrg9b1fkd4KkWpW4sEtKiMXCXlR-LPiDuL4OwUDuwCcnJMgtg7IGD9l2DJa25mgz5KY5hnWgyVE/s1600/403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhSH66s0WyId9B74MHzwYBGiqz0KjQMjIkWXJjVw8i-ELwluOQcJjqnrn6CukX1HmCrg9b1fkd4KkWpW4sEtKiMXCXlR-LPiDuL4OwUDuwCcnJMgtg7IGD9l2DJa25mgz5KY5hnWgyVE/s1600/403.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa riding in the combine, he had so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce_TXqQUoMSWld9ZfCKQieIJox2BtYS5ylvbNxGt4Edj7vAcHG9n_Mhp68sunJRkBBRQtvrOOx-hXlZKr6g4ShPLMAYMxBm57zbpLxlaNyZJD4EksF6d4D20QSyRrzABlZAMsVfUs6AE/s1600/407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce_TXqQUoMSWld9ZfCKQieIJox2BtYS5ylvbNxGt4Edj7vAcHG9n_Mhp68sunJRkBBRQtvrOOx-hXlZKr6g4ShPLMAYMxBm57zbpLxlaNyZJD4EksF6d4D20QSyRrzABlZAMsVfUs6AE/s1600/407.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a little ham =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhZcy6NQ3G7O0AL47vTuAwsMwTfvVLHDWGmPG2pFczQmrk_1L4UmSljUP05hXa370vArQmTC6F3-ZAvjtMQkIeNWOhgVlwZYd_2cU0GD0P2GbwdQTuPrI5spmyZ4bH83h07Rwt0KPOds/s1600/409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhZcy6NQ3G7O0AL47vTuAwsMwTfvVLHDWGmPG2pFczQmrk_1L4UmSljUP05hXa370vArQmTC6F3-ZAvjtMQkIeNWOhgVlwZYd_2cU0GD0P2GbwdQTuPrI5spmyZ4bH83h07Rwt0KPOds/s320/409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub75xxPzS3T7tMHf3dqtORLXnfv9Ip0qBCbsy68H3yl5rOUanxuPPfPOxtYBSKESpQ2jvz0-zGR4YF6W6coGET0UQecpuYM4ajW2NcrfizD1jqy_d6pi3u5cU0ntxiwVb4IDPAvBC8x0/s1600/415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub75xxPzS3T7tMHf3dqtORLXnfv9Ip0qBCbsy68H3yl5rOUanxuPPfPOxtYBSKESpQ2jvz0-zGR4YF6W6coGET0UQecpuYM4ajW2NcrfizD1jqy_d6pi3u5cU0ntxiwVb4IDPAvBC8x0/s320/415.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett and cousin Paolie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWNoSDnW66Ni00MkMMx_4nnmGIpEiUjR5Iv8iYaEeBDj-IMPf3e6XggKLKRc8fWtsKZ9s23mdVZ1lXUF37gnQMkiye0nrfEMsygtNzXvXTNYe0y1719TO6ztKK8tORbL7lR5ZZItd_YE/s1600/417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWNoSDnW66Ni00MkMMx_4nnmGIpEiUjR5Iv8iYaEeBDj-IMPf3e6XggKLKRc8fWtsKZ9s23mdVZ1lXUF37gnQMkiye0nrfEMsygtNzXvXTNYe0y1719TO6ztKK8tORbL7lR5ZZItd_YE/s320/417.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys love to wrestle, here's a small taste =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Well that's all for now =) We'll be visiting the farm in a few weeks again, and hopefully I'll remember to bring my camera!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-21889222428260160722011-11-09T16:04:00.002-06:002011-11-09T16:04:51.187-06:00State Fair, Asa's Birthday & Labor Day Weekend Trip to St. LouisOkay, so I know that this is SO late. But I had a legitimate excuse. I couldn't upload any pictures from any of my cameras or phones until this last week when I got the port fixed (thank you Best Buy).<br />
<br />
So, between now and the rest of the week, get ready for some major blog action! Starting with:<br />
<br />
The State Fair.<br />
<br />
Now, there's a little back story here. Brandon and I go to the fair every year. Usually once together as a date, enjoying all the delicious foods, and a second time with the boys, enjoying all the fun stuff there is for kids to do =). But this year was EXTRA SPECIAL! ALL (and I mean ALL) my siblings were in town! This is extremely rare, the last time this happened was my rehersal dinner for my wedding! We had just enjoyed a day floating on a river, and the next day we all got ready and went to the fair. Not to mention, on our family day there, one of my favorite bands was playing, and my dad recieved a blue ribbon for his amazing stained glass art!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXmdsuqzgFx9ZsQ4oN795vtCJK1MjGBnFqVe5yzT4EY3DeS__yMOe4R3lv1jAJmagxSXYPTHoB-VM8YALOrNY1zBloYE0YL6hiNSpJJgqm2ZNr7IK-mTek3F7xhZ8u2g0oz_7rf-65IA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXmdsuqzgFx9ZsQ4oN795vtCJK1MjGBnFqVe5yzT4EY3DeS__yMOe4R3lv1jAJmagxSXYPTHoB-VM8YALOrNY1zBloYE0YL6hiNSpJJgqm2ZNr7IK-mTek3F7xhZ8u2g0oz_7rf-65IA/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out that Blue Ribbon! Way to go Dad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3hj_CZ8KiINgU4pCJkqqiE_bTT5Yw5rXFqDok47vaTafGsO2uNWZLguXz_4hlVD2Xy_cWAj2LUnK9mbTz0xZe4dWrnEJy-xppJrOhbnXZbBqGKonTasdVnJW535kCTaZNX7Ol0VDT2A/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3hj_CZ8KiINgU4pCJkqqiE_bTT5Yw5rXFqDok47vaTafGsO2uNWZLguXz_4hlVD2Xy_cWAj2LUnK9mbTz0xZe4dWrnEJy-xppJrOhbnXZbBqGKonTasdVnJW535kCTaZNX7Ol0VDT2A/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JoVpRhNQvlu3pFC9ubR2gSiDyIAXG5G0H6J3bZfLZ4a04D8gecq9wd8B7kH1jwwqXvuRY4v2p7KB57Ph-XqNzlWsJQ00flMtcyD82gm3s8sZ1TCXW7p3cD4Kner2UeSRqDoOlbt5Vms/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JoVpRhNQvlu3pFC9ubR2gSiDyIAXG5G0H6J3bZfLZ4a04D8gecq9wd8B7kH1jwwqXvuRY4v2p7KB57Ph-XqNzlWsJQ00flMtcyD82gm3s8sZ1TCXW7p3cD4Kner2UeSRqDoOlbt5Vms/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my nieces going down the Big Slide (a Leonard Family Tradition)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZhiOBEyf33uG1zF5kHItbjF8OqjgWMdNymiFVIRuU6qsc7YLO6-GFf3WQhkg4mYkMoY9T-SfdELFanxFE66ubEG6Wc8CJMVxrircJTcyd9Q5dzwo_WcOhMcsFODeDKwjLyoqnfABDV8/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZhiOBEyf33uG1zF5kHItbjF8OqjgWMdNymiFVIRuU6qsc7YLO6-GFf3WQhkg4mYkMoY9T-SfdELFanxFE66ubEG6Wc8CJMVxrircJTcyd9Q5dzwo_WcOhMcsFODeDKwjLyoqnfABDV8/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, Mary, and niece, Allison (St. Louis)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3KbZIkWZmU3XU_magtBBoZvVEGXY4xu49KZfQzXDrJ7EUxnTsHHV9PRO1LJ-Odi9J06gQLq45JozoeNvdbXrZ0U4C4irdOnAntqWbVgKdkosRaRtctoQEDNnEWoeIv2SS9XFxuU6JMQ/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3KbZIkWZmU3XU_magtBBoZvVEGXY4xu49KZfQzXDrJ7EUxnTsHHV9PRO1LJ-Odi9J06gQLq45JozoeNvdbXrZ0U4C4irdOnAntqWbVgKdkosRaRtctoQEDNnEWoeIv2SS9XFxuU6JMQ/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Giant nephew, Maxon (seriously folks, he's huge... but super cute)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuqFZy6QrDXpYB8hVj2UWbvwn5SItT3kIfZV3ARP0vl5bPRlI5y4tPPbHQxnK7PKgZFBAyTWyt1JipwPMqOWsZaysrCBCza44DyBkIcKi6OrYbyARXqlmU_jq-bbQAKNGwPzFPnUKsqk/s1600/297139_2131671204221_1019220566_32270950_8246535_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuqFZy6QrDXpYB8hVj2UWbvwn5SItT3kIfZV3ARP0vl5bPRlI5y4tPPbHQxnK7PKgZFBAyTWyt1JipwPMqOWsZaysrCBCza44DyBkIcKi6OrYbyARXqlmU_jq-bbQAKNGwPzFPnUKsqk/s320/297139_2131671204221_1019220566_32270950_8246535_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Entire Gang (-Asa & Zach, Lizzie & Addison): (first row)Val & Nate, Jonathan & Shawna, Christine & Nathan, Me & Brandon, Annie, Mary & Adam, (second row) Nate Jr., Gracie, Maxon, Maggie, Emmett, Allison, Tommy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5BG0XnFuqiRg4DSfUXEySGGL5yoTx_OwSEPWpnjCVfflA2H_gmq7sP_HwJf6OExMGJ9xEOQH2iicBugWx5eHoM6Uds4vscVaE_patZDyMcrw8ZiYIDAGmIbLc95zKnBBdD2HacJfRmI/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5BG0XnFuqiRg4DSfUXEySGGL5yoTx_OwSEPWpnjCVfflA2H_gmq7sP_HwJf6OExMGJ9xEOQH2iicBugWx5eHoM6Uds4vscVaE_patZDyMcrw8ZiYIDAGmIbLc95zKnBBdD2HacJfRmI/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG3-zPx0-REMGRbfrcDs3fBkr64rugiJf82I8Vf4nMSo1qIAKc5dhUlF78e4C7ZbQ_EXPvkO0f-UX5HLb85oOzjkoy0A6fpv2sNmFjJe0Xv4nEHQHPraC-G648cZ-U8zcDf64wpUSDGU/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG3-zPx0-REMGRbfrcDs3fBkr64rugiJf82I8Vf4nMSo1qIAKc5dhUlF78e4C7ZbQ_EXPvkO0f-UX5HLb85oOzjkoy0A6fpv2sNmFjJe0Xv4nEHQHPraC-G648cZ-U8zcDf64wpUSDGU/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunLWWjhXrwuGWeqXen8c-0PohgcBydNE_srlhDtCd_sLLmK-SivXKDpW3KK-rGK4nA79spbQSVW64Ztm6JgjgotqcZO9Soz9C9zC-QmHOpeGYl4j1zP_XN35UYc2d1Te-imf4_wpGLPM/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunLWWjhXrwuGWeqXen8c-0PohgcBydNE_srlhDtCd_sLLmK-SivXKDpW3KK-rGK4nA79spbQSVW64Ztm6JgjgotqcZO9Soz9C9zC-QmHOpeGYl4j1zP_XN35UYc2d1Te-imf4_wpGLPM/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKzdE0FHBjImHz_uW-fFLT-lPAI2DEDn-A-gUgzTY3Mduae4ct2IQ2XV4Hr_h35J6Z3jT799odurA1dE1yCr4W1bO9tNsumONG-EfWpM3PxRnYXAkzKXdW4Mz2ZgGHALFy7hNXgriZMI/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKzdE0FHBjImHz_uW-fFLT-lPAI2DEDn-A-gUgzTY3Mduae4ct2IQ2XV4Hr_h35J6Z3jT799odurA1dE1yCr4W1bO9tNsumONG-EfWpM3PxRnYXAkzKXdW4Mz2ZgGHALFy7hNXgriZMI/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Wonderful Boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJI_u49bqpDhWtPbBip7xOHJ2Te6TgQRBonRkmJ1jtzIsjyKU9zgLW5yxBwZa7oavq0MFuN6jnL-CF37NEn7xqgtJDxm8wAq4xVpuHeLI1xYhDa2GzWUr3IiYFMkdhYG-cz3cYvFuvb54/s1600/251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJI_u49bqpDhWtPbBip7xOHJ2Te6TgQRBonRkmJ1jtzIsjyKU9zgLW5yxBwZa7oavq0MFuN6jnL-CF37NEn7xqgtJDxm8wAq4xVpuHeLI1xYhDa2GzWUr3IiYFMkdhYG-cz3cYvFuvb54/s320/251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was before the Tenth Avenue North Concert started, they were wiped out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up:<br />
<br />
Asa's 4th Birthday!!!!<br />
<br />
I can't believe he's 4. This is very cliche to say, but it seems like it was just yesterday that I was holding him for the first time and seeing what God was capable of. God gave me one great son when he blessed me with Asa. Asa is smart, funny (a class clown), sweet, forgiving, and an amazing big brother. We are so thankful for him. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXczZcrCpNt0MSLnQErRvAl3RrZAW49ORsfSC0t2YUQXg1EmWgIHt6ZfXzB2crTH83UWKn3v0Inqyi9KeM-_1DPrRCP2B3GFe_NwSq1EynRKnUPPFxaivSwsXGIIUGU7zav4pCwLR5wI/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXczZcrCpNt0MSLnQErRvAl3RrZAW49ORsfSC0t2YUQXg1EmWgIHt6ZfXzB2crTH83UWKn3v0Inqyi9KeM-_1DPrRCP2B3GFe_NwSq1EynRKnUPPFxaivSwsXGIIUGU7zav4pCwLR5wI/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fWOwnntaX27vBqleiEftexjataGa6LLHa1B5sZ6Y3UGI5N70A1qniQEQNBNimym73tODMVMziQLjZstfNsfhLrNu-bebLk_CvEnmo_HYn5-D6OAwwrmZ2pkvmfVfGFpPDKrOV6t3TF8/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fWOwnntaX27vBqleiEftexjataGa6LLHa1B5sZ6Y3UGI5N70A1qniQEQNBNimym73tODMVMziQLjZstfNsfhLrNu-bebLk_CvEnmo_HYn5-D6OAwwrmZ2pkvmfVfGFpPDKrOV6t3TF8/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast with Muje (upon request =) !)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ykjoYBMMxwM9tQ24tv9NPs75Riu0NlpVJxJqIyNibzGtKtKGYavRKRwaTnEKkq9akNqnn1k3gOg-Aj6GnUG5HhZaI6xDewfbMTzjjkHLd3WfxVTZsBCqO-VrQ3l_vS9D1lN2kkHQd9E/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ykjoYBMMxwM9tQ24tv9NPs75Riu0NlpVJxJqIyNibzGtKtKGYavRKRwaTnEKkq9akNqnn1k3gOg-Aj6GnUG5HhZaI6xDewfbMTzjjkHLd3WfxVTZsBCqO-VrQ3l_vS9D1lN2kkHQd9E/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aM-YzwA6OaRam4O-oHinPuLqBEahGhaFZd8zD8VPJ6hscagxdXIjkBM39uC1-3kcMsCu37cgFFOc1tuQIFvkk1E1hJ76mI9S-4KepwAufPkepO-ISmwK5Jqi6MXhWT3E-FcRp50YxH4/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aM-YzwA6OaRam4O-oHinPuLqBEahGhaFZd8zD8VPJ6hscagxdXIjkBM39uC1-3kcMsCu37cgFFOc1tuQIFvkk1E1hJ76mI9S-4KepwAufPkepO-ISmwK5Jqi6MXhWT3E-FcRp50YxH4/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVm3bAr7VDCfkDhyphenhyphenhbMFVWZansLRAYxT8jHr8RNg9yYwT_CX2rnpeJ5CkilCjItgBBga2BinRUoYi8Ij40QOoLqBfEtY5T26fqrRvTeWfNh11AdlGJSpyiDsVDQrvRqvDrkKSzmAroqY/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVm3bAr7VDCfkDhyphenhyphenhbMFVWZansLRAYxT8jHr8RNg9yYwT_CX2rnpeJ5CkilCjItgBBga2BinRUoYi8Ij40QOoLqBfEtY5T26fqrRvTeWfNh11AdlGJSpyiDsVDQrvRqvDrkKSzmAroqY/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Trip to the Zoo with some great friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTT59uNLR3Pgc-I12ekK6rR8GASUxP5wYCaTt4av3mmUluOX_DVcmOiYjV0XpPBsxS4B0jedWDlIj2o-Ge5fnCRCK_epd9Gyncq5ozJoP3_CuGBwlPUN95Jy5at98HqeTxrZ1CdS1zvo/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTT59uNLR3Pgc-I12ekK6rR8GASUxP5wYCaTt4av3mmUluOX_DVcmOiYjV0XpPBsxS4B0jedWDlIj2o-Ge5fnCRCK_epd9Gyncq5ozJoP3_CuGBwlPUN95Jy5at98HqeTxrZ1CdS1zvo/s320/058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovering an ENORMOUS preying mantis outside our front window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, it was an excellant birthday, we had so much fun celebrating it with doing some of our favorite things (breakfast with Muje, the Zoo, and discovering bugs). We ended it with Little Ceasar's pizza and ice cream!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And last but not least:<br />
<br />
Labor Day Weekend Trip to St. Louis<br />
<br />
I didn't get as many photos from this trip as I would've liked, but we were having too much fun =) My sister, Mary, and her family live in St. Louis, and we love to visit once or twice a year. This was Emmett's second time going to St. Louis, but the first time all four of us went. Here are some fun pictures =)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJldaXTocGT5S1re6w_8cOucG3wp75BIqTsPOA-zDBkuiVKAw6ftincN9SXBe8UHyXCNr90VUSxMku4xoHL0_0BtGDkSCPrmi3vkhe7HR_ztoJXMMAhbKKDw95j9oDcdmUJ2fDgFJWh3I/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJldaXTocGT5S1re6w_8cOucG3wp75BIqTsPOA-zDBkuiVKAw6ftincN9SXBe8UHyXCNr90VUSxMku4xoHL0_0BtGDkSCPrmi3vkhe7HR_ztoJXMMAhbKKDw95j9oDcdmUJ2fDgFJWh3I/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grants Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uPfq_OkOiOV8rV7N5D1heeLxfYP4Zgt9C-eaCnMCKHnrneXjnvP-oIew_VEMxaiAs8cgtrei4mj-hEAyZdJvTIkELc5ojTTFXdyAIgHf2oxZchkK5BzdzD7HEPH45yayKnz6vC4LnMM/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uPfq_OkOiOV8rV7N5D1heeLxfYP4Zgt9C-eaCnMCKHnrneXjnvP-oIew_VEMxaiAs8cgtrei4mj-hEAyZdJvTIkELc5ojTTFXdyAIgHf2oxZchkK5BzdzD7HEPH45yayKnz6vC4LnMM/s320/063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slushies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo52WYN_BfOLK5vz2VP4S6p4flI9rRNCANpJ3hhOAxxroCWOnZAGHeFOlq6Q8PF6OHLgSi3vgmcq4EvjZ7d2iD7IUoECB3hvZtSPRAvsY-poR3brL_M8mt6dqmXvh1tFeKblCn0uQeT0o/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo52WYN_BfOLK5vz2VP4S6p4flI9rRNCANpJ3hhOAxxroCWOnZAGHeFOlq6Q8PF6OHLgSi3vgmcq4EvjZ7d2iD7IUoECB3hvZtSPRAvsY-poR3brL_M8mt6dqmXvh1tFeKblCn0uQeT0o/s320/064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa2WsiR41w4YcuiDqdDYZnHlISxsQ9tPAX7X0znkfERgYYGKAuAg5x3TE-YPCLLTaZmULeU35xDdn7i0e-oduIDoA6Fubn6fQxDrCSmcYYEm2KrBp5sCQuFQRNdv5Wk_XL5t4gNH_0wE/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa2WsiR41w4YcuiDqdDYZnHlISxsQ9tPAX7X0znkfERgYYGKAuAg5x3TE-YPCLLTaZmULeU35xDdn7i0e-oduIDoA6Fubn6fQxDrCSmcYYEm2KrBp5sCQuFQRNdv5Wk_XL5t4gNH_0wE/s320/067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IvNhCROcKI9u_Kx3TIa1KWOlMa5rpvCdnltdx8qxrvTJetwSTrSND7WI2G9mfYvvMNvOirQ1U9m6seJ9RVi3KFRdcLHNcTGmYkGqrpkMp_ns-nBq-Ud-g18Y3dzrEt29vpj2YfowTZQ/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IvNhCROcKI9u_Kx3TIa1KWOlMa5rpvCdnltdx8qxrvTJetwSTrSND7WI2G9mfYvvMNvOirQ1U9m6seJ9RVi3KFRdcLHNcTGmYkGqrpkMp_ns-nBq-Ud-g18Y3dzrEt29vpj2YfowTZQ/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gI3mLD1Ty6K24liBhutdNmZXrZLrgQ4U_oyyJy00KRQg3m2fBz3f0nHEeAsi1iKKvIC8rg_uV1B7loMVk8Qr_CTd0LcPaL1i4dmoJ2nY8fRxKjwyTzZV58Heh8wheK8f1jqjhkpjmOk/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gI3mLD1Ty6K24liBhutdNmZXrZLrgQ4U_oyyJy00KRQg3m2fBz3f0nHEeAsi1iKKvIC8rg_uV1B7loMVk8Qr_CTd0LcPaL1i4dmoJ2nY8fRxKjwyTzZV58Heh8wheK8f1jqjhkpjmOk/s320/074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN_x3bH8NI3S-uze_36RsAT9pvKeJ3MIqfzOOZCBAEb0MaOGaZg4uB273vhJc9cUyBeroaLEqzphIeXdZfLKVu9oBb4jNONjQ5f4kzkn8Pc7BeGlWluHFHX9vnr5ZtgoSCUe4Y5YYorc/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN_x3bH8NI3S-uze_36RsAT9pvKeJ3MIqfzOOZCBAEb0MaOGaZg4uB273vhJc9cUyBeroaLEqzphIeXdZfLKVu9oBb4jNONjQ5f4kzkn8Pc7BeGlWluHFHX9vnr5ZtgoSCUe4Y5YYorc/s320/078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rub-a-dub-dub, 3 Cousins in a tub!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrJDw0sFIitoCCJC7j2FnhfNZiB2xxTFrvM0L31Rk3bOw18NXgk-sUa92Ump5VC46BsFdFZrIye__Qp_-KNuc45iUj8dCWXXfSwsmy-ZZf8pw2rySRL51050e5g9aIKdB_o-iKhinQTA/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrJDw0sFIitoCCJC7j2FnhfNZiB2xxTFrvM0L31Rk3bOw18NXgk-sUa92Ump5VC46BsFdFZrIye__Qp_-KNuc45iUj8dCWXXfSwsmy-ZZf8pw2rySRL51050e5g9aIKdB_o-iKhinQTA/s320/079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOk09La8krpBAU_296Kk3Rdvw25VmS25QFrtg0zjX-6yBYqhAZa8a9QFUeCR3BK6YorfK5BzNbQkXCRpeoZ-e_H71FJC73Xe1fR3fvZSlBBNub1AbHPNpK-nOWwF9NeQFCeGvzYSfZd8/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOk09La8krpBAU_296Kk3Rdvw25VmS25QFrtg0zjX-6yBYqhAZa8a9QFUeCR3BK6YorfK5BzNbQkXCRpeoZ-e_H71FJC73Xe1fR3fvZSlBBNub1AbHPNpK-nOWwF9NeQFCeGvzYSfZd8/s320/080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We went to Grant's Farm on Saturday, which is becoming a favorite for our two small families. We enjoy the train ride, seeing all sorts of animals, and feeding goats. We also seem to miss the elephant show, haha, but we made up for it this time with slushies =)<br />
On Sunday, we took a ride on Adam's (my bro in law) boat. We went out on the Mississippi River, which was super fun. We stopped for a picnic on a small island, and let the kids play, and Emmett got to sit in the river for the first time.<br />
On Monday, our last day, we went to Ekhart's Farm, which is a very popular apple orchard on the Illinois side. We had so much fun playing on the tractors and bouncy houses and kids rides. Then we got to pick A TON of HONEYCRISP! Our Favorite!<br />
<br />
Overall, it was a very fun month for our family, and we were so happy to be able to spend time with all of my siblings. I am so thankful that I have such a large family, and that we get to have vacations like that every-so-often. I'm really thankful that my kids have cousins their age, and I look forward to more fun vacations as they grow up. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-20144021039608680672011-10-05T10:06:00.000-05:002011-10-05T10:06:06.417-05:00Unpacking...Unpacking is waaaaaaaaaay harder with kids. I've come to realize this as we moved into our new house. Don't worry! We have liveable space and I've unpacked all the super important stuff. But it's almost impossible to do much else unless Brandon takes the boys out for a little while and leaves me home to do it myself. And even then, some of the boxed as more heavy than they look.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures of the boys enjoying the new place: **ps, my camera is dead, so these are from my phone, sorry about the quality**<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTl7Ct91w038sMcQoe9PhkVOvfJiCfjpL3qMLig8Dvwr2Oynqggdu5wmrTpD0h4zLCftRCNqZfqTtTBLMJAm5cvHW_ku6VtXRxCvhDxJtU1u-r9UxVwHDy9ru4rzq8tjwmE2PWy1U3CA/s1600/2011-08-10_18.52.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTl7Ct91w038sMcQoe9PhkVOvfJiCfjpL3qMLig8Dvwr2Oynqggdu5wmrTpD0h4zLCftRCNqZfqTtTBLMJAm5cvHW_ku6VtXRxCvhDxJtU1u-r9UxVwHDy9ru4rzq8tjwmE2PWy1U3CA/s320/2011-08-10_18.52.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWT0A2RzEkTDSKzy7pCNRLiPO7VHbupkLjc0-BQy_XZ3QqfjczSUzS3HkSSb8Rg3G7BCN9UYz4IY2Vl5gBTM8bXkRwlj32ggZcTCKdmTJM5RnD-dyA3HK0CrIJ9syHnQ7GzfQOuHTcjlU/s1600/2011-08-18_14.46.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWT0A2RzEkTDSKzy7pCNRLiPO7VHbupkLjc0-BQy_XZ3QqfjczSUzS3HkSSb8Rg3G7BCN9UYz4IY2Vl5gBTM8bXkRwlj32ggZcTCKdmTJM5RnD-dyA3HK0CrIJ9syHnQ7GzfQOuHTcjlU/s320/2011-08-18_14.46.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Goodness I love them =)<br />
<br />
Oh! AND! Asa had his 4 year check up not too long ago and Emmett had his 9 month check up, too.<br />
Asa is in in the 70% for weight, and 45% for height (didn't know we had a chunker? but he is pretty solid), and Dr. Dave says he's the best 4 year old he knows.<br />
Emmett is apparently our little peanut! He's only 24in tall, putting him in at 12% for height, and was 17lb 7oz, which was 8% for weight! Crazy! I thought for sure it'd be higher! The doctor thinks it's because he's so gosh darn active. Either way, Dr. Dave isn't concerned because Emmett is very porpotionate.<br />
<br />
Here are some Baby vs. Present day photos of both the boys, Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tojIT6NRCpHHaTncj_d06ZTsvYk5LZ4PlzxKomTFQHiJiYM_AYK3eyOP52tjeOV4jTC-AzynIxNDDCjLzhLD91ovuHaEm02tGCGYdB508CC1hhz_wlswmuKAl5MZEzx0nyXug5bl5so/s1600/n16904848_34815813_6418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tojIT6NRCpHHaTncj_d06ZTsvYk5LZ4PlzxKomTFQHiJiYM_AYK3eyOP52tjeOV4jTC-AzynIxNDDCjLzhLD91ovuHaEm02tGCGYdB508CC1hhz_wlswmuKAl5MZEzx0nyXug5bl5so/s320/n16904848_34815813_6418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxMVfYEcC5FmL3RG2TKJkJwOZ4z-aG9FdVW-qCYq8wiyF34aV-jBvv2JjtsJ8dpI1PP5oxhYlqxakuYsRIAObsN3r3tIFKjfGG65hgle_vSmnNz6lObBTLkfExeWUy1iH4bx6NjW2kYE/s1600/200034_964156440770_16904848_46452224_1731448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxMVfYEcC5FmL3RG2TKJkJwOZ4z-aG9FdVW-qCYq8wiyF34aV-jBvv2JjtsJ8dpI1PP5oxhYlqxakuYsRIAObsN3r3tIFKjfGG65hgle_vSmnNz6lObBTLkfExeWUy1iH4bx6NjW2kYE/s320/200034_964156440770_16904848_46452224_1731448_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoYyuF8c1uXoGyPAZS7xMwJEaxS0FpOKJWYnKtYeBTu3fJdL57vLgk3yZXWTrn5lOJS1JWzYIWQr1Yu6zztk7_LbPsORzAciGG_db1RjLm_s99ZmI8NSD-NEqehC4F_AgSLoOjSS7ALo/s1600/249466_10100113535101710_16904848_46886960_8065024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoYyuF8c1uXoGyPAZS7xMwJEaxS0FpOKJWYnKtYeBTu3fJdL57vLgk3yZXWTrn5lOJS1JWzYIWQr1Yu6zztk7_LbPsORzAciGG_db1RjLm_s99ZmI8NSD-NEqehC4F_AgSLoOjSS7ALo/s320/249466_10100113535101710_16904848_46886960_8065024_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy_U8oJ0xfIwVmmYWDlS5yP_Dmk6rTFF5RBEr5jSFBD_YYBWXX8KHbSKvBCUjCwboy5wqZXesaOprXzzXapNd_HT8JqREh8kUTVQBRt0W8InhP8uDiUfsRKq5T3vqsAnPnkDm53nyFGo/s1600/296353_10100271739538750_16904848_48155049_2120018655_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy_U8oJ0xfIwVmmYWDlS5yP_Dmk6rTFF5RBEr5jSFBD_YYBWXX8KHbSKvBCUjCwboy5wqZXesaOprXzzXapNd_HT8JqREh8kUTVQBRt0W8InhP8uDiUfsRKq5T3vqsAnPnkDm53nyFGo/s320/296353_10100271739538750_16904848_48155049_2120018655_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-5232135947825759242011-07-28T14:46:00.000-05:002011-07-28T14:46:51.760-05:00Finally! We have a place! Part Deux!Here are pictures of our new place! These were taken before we moved stuff, and I'll take more after we unpack and decorate!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H5CYRWEg3trtq9LhjQiEoDTDrhLycff-_DcR1CKdPp6m23y6WTZ1YZgzVaoEHVYHuEc60BTHMCJYlCtAEdz6la0zhBY1hn8WtxS17OB6G1mVuJ3jrVXi66o3KVAH8oFCuAsPdaavMdI/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H5CYRWEg3trtq9LhjQiEoDTDrhLycff-_DcR1CKdPp6m23y6WTZ1YZgzVaoEHVYHuEc60BTHMCJYlCtAEdz6la0zhBY1hn8WtxS17OB6G1mVuJ3jrVXi66o3KVAH8oFCuAsPdaavMdI/s320/012.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cute Little Home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr4tfcfNWQjJVmO7puEADwZBJk5gdlXDlCk_Yq-L73HBQQe85gzaVgWQDSeJUFyykrQy-xK7igd_S51htTDKUW6yVr8y-3ouwd0q1FvrWJdHpOldaOcMh3FlVrlgb-Og44bAKkm31zOU/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr4tfcfNWQjJVmO7puEADwZBJk5gdlXDlCk_Yq-L73HBQQe85gzaVgWQDSeJUFyykrQy-xK7igd_S51htTDKUW6yVr8y-3ouwd0q1FvrWJdHpOldaOcMh3FlVrlgb-Og44bAKkm31zOU/s320/011.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Front Porch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrURlB7ikDf5koC8lk2fxnXh34w7oea2Iyl2wsneRUipwIwgPalnNShgnxjFvTqRRNtWnfwGoMC-I-_N_5HUKshB8ntn8yetXWvPqqWbjVD15vfdgnRZAbJ-prQumzJuJ9TOOpl33QD8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrURlB7ikDf5koC8lk2fxnXh34w7oea2Iyl2wsneRUipwIwgPalnNShgnxjFvTqRRNtWnfwGoMC-I-_N_5HUKshB8ntn8yetXWvPqqWbjVD15vfdgnRZAbJ-prQumzJuJ9TOOpl33QD8/s320/003.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Kitchen (1st half)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTEBjQmkEql_3lz6wmoJE8GWqZ3jcurIyS0kFYZjVHx46npX_4uaSNZiD9tMRkdJODHgE2sJAHV4pq7UCGcwrpbS_3k-ITNEc7xUuwh6OO065iNDxttAMiXYDOSn9K98ZZoTkWNgRJas/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTEBjQmkEql_3lz6wmoJE8GWqZ3jcurIyS0kFYZjVHx46npX_4uaSNZiD9tMRkdJODHgE2sJAHV4pq7UCGcwrpbS_3k-ITNEc7xUuwh6OO065iNDxttAMiXYDOSn9K98ZZoTkWNgRJas/s320/015.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Kitchen (2nd Half)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-kquQhkL0blCJZEYysTGX15EX-1QJtIJOZ47mEVud1bkFPsPdqcAWPgjHeFXJ1DA0vzBmpR9l0UgSJa_RMe5TTkt8ct1fLCEIVDnQDVBbIHxNaGevmHKsN6__JhpeICuCLdw7vc4arI/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-kquQhkL0blCJZEYysTGX15EX-1QJtIJOZ47mEVud1bkFPsPdqcAWPgjHeFXJ1DA0vzBmpR9l0UgSJa_RMe5TTkt8ct1fLCEIVDnQDVBbIHxNaGevmHKsN6__JhpeICuCLdw7vc4arI/s320/007.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Dining Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzem12A07HLrMCgjaZjTGngG4cW4RFaSc-fhFDiaGAq4joKBW9VqjTfkLsZc2oxP1N31kI1Ft1umx-E7fuugx-RlyQtiLHOOsSd_jAfbOMutfqbTKTwIOuNrt8GmvX5R7-Un0KRk5WnZ4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzem12A07HLrMCgjaZjTGngG4cW4RFaSc-fhFDiaGAq4joKBW9VqjTfkLsZc2oxP1N31kI1Ft1umx-E7fuugx-RlyQtiLHOOsSd_jAfbOMutfqbTKTwIOuNrt8GmvX5R7-Un0KRk5WnZ4/s320/008.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Livingroom (1st half)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq-VKpI57pACEGlXyTYKwfb5wlY2vm8snO6OUgTqJ6LhsxmPVzsnOa106xGKim0sAwAqaj7T3aRraCYEk3jy6cKbeiBWOHFouKA0LJYV1yUBmZ7qP3qfG1T1Sggc_oO1-tuDg52IKlXY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq-VKpI57pACEGlXyTYKwfb5wlY2vm8snO6OUgTqJ6LhsxmPVzsnOa106xGKim0sAwAqaj7T3aRraCYEk3jy6cKbeiBWOHFouKA0LJYV1yUBmZ7qP3qfG1T1Sggc_oO1-tuDg52IKlXY/s320/009.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Livingroom (2nd half)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ds9QoIxGtzLgKzp_UMUnT8v1bmbXfwmP-X4hLu6zkrITlc5z6fPhBieujvwdTn98xxsVw83jXXxwfoBXnWM7eNiGn5uWzRUBCWU8O7zn6-LvE0ablwAjikALONXwvnbwA13SEalwxcs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ds9QoIxGtzLgKzp_UMUnT8v1bmbXfwmP-X4hLu6zkrITlc5z6fPhBieujvwdTn98xxsVw83jXXxwfoBXnWM7eNiGn5uWzRUBCWU8O7zn6-LvE0ablwAjikALONXwvnbwA13SEalwxcs/s320/014.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sweet HUGE door from the Livingroom to the Guest Room/Den</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHfQEaLlDF098XVpqXGun-BC16SliqAfmSP4V1cA18mN7oxcUf7gVqmkALIZKs8zW-4fhDfCHFKukJLaQvjW9EAaYfA1P4BakT7nivVBkTnEP9-Ln9cfbmxphbclHvfCUj5w1FKCOeRY/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHfQEaLlDF098XVpqXGun-BC16SliqAfmSP4V1cA18mN7oxcUf7gVqmkALIZKs8zW-4fhDfCHFKukJLaQvjW9EAaYfA1P4BakT7nivVBkTnEP9-Ln9cfbmxphbclHvfCUj5w1FKCOeRY/s320/010.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guest Room/Den</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEWaeVAnb5jjdgWwJdpshna3_aoit4vuwNx38zsaO5ExNou8KAt9OrC1vKItgbDuPsKW8ZAJoLYAwT96kNdnKeoTsmh3lOEhs8bacj4A9xrBA5EMIuYw0HzXMlDIXR2ZquGbVjbyj0EI/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEWaeVAnb5jjdgWwJdpshna3_aoit4vuwNx38zsaO5ExNou8KAt9OrC1vKItgbDuPsKW8ZAJoLYAwT96kNdnKeoTsmh3lOEhs8bacj4A9xrBA5EMIuYw0HzXMlDIXR2ZquGbVjbyj0EI/s320/005.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa and Emmett's Room (Asa is super excited!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0u-p_o0u8ekEZck5UsPqsCn4KIKrCZpSk1cIyW_mUMSDIFsTdRl0RFW336wjucb2QQsLpJuBP_niMJG6U1CSMTVj574FuxUPPl0pjMmPAXPQ2JM92Ewx1e1hDIyJSQv9ginbsOl2kxA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0u-p_o0u8ekEZck5UsPqsCn4KIKrCZpSk1cIyW_mUMSDIFsTdRl0RFW336wjucb2QQsLpJuBP_niMJG6U1CSMTVj574FuxUPPl0pjMmPAXPQ2JM92Ewx1e1hDIyJSQv9ginbsOl2kxA/s320/006.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVniK-G9tb72mgutnj4946LQBZr4Itj8jI-XABAZyTLdeC0rlpndv8m3H9NSVFxCin7ptXg1Q-Hf-HGPfVkk0Uv6E82FnstELPhuLCank0wXOcnAp1Yba5wOyZNP6hWFcw0xROnv-VqY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVniK-G9tb72mgutnj4946LQBZr4Itj8jI-XABAZyTLdeC0rlpndv8m3H9NSVFxCin7ptXg1Q-Hf-HGPfVkk0Uv6E82FnstELPhuLCank0wXOcnAp1Yba5wOyZNP6hWFcw0xROnv-VqY/s320/004.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our nice long Bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
So that's the new place! I really look forward to making it a home!<br />
<br />
The Story behind this house:<br />
<br />
The fall before Brandon and I got married, we had driven past this house and noticed that it was for sale, and so we stopped and got one of the fliers. We really liked the idea of owning a home, and it got our minds thinking about it. The house was quickly snapped up, and we didn't stand a chance. But God was good, and we found our apartment, and have lived here for 18 months.<br />
Over the last 18 months, we've tried looking at houses twice, but it never worked out (see Previous blog Title "So Long, Fare Well"). Brandon and I both agreed that we just felt like the Lord was saying, "Wait, I have something planned, and I want you to wait". But our lease was up, and we needed to move. So we started looking at new places to rent.<br />
We found a cute 2 bedroom in Ankeny that would've been great. It was close to Brandon's work, and my sister and mom's houses, and had all the amenities that we wanted. We were pretty excited about it. And the landlord was very sweet. A few nights later, we agreed to fill out the application and send it in. But before I mailed it, I felt very anxious, and took that to the Lord. I talked it out with Brandon, and we agreed (once again), to keep looking, just in case.<br />
**side note, this house went on the market again back in March, which is what got the ball rolling a 3rd time for looking at places, lol, but again, was snapped up before we started officially looking**<br />
I was looking on Craigslist that night, and saw an ad for "DMU/Drake House", and I skipped over it because I thought for sure, it was going to be in a bad neighborhood... like the one we want to get out of.<br />
I kept looking, and I went and looked at several apartment buildings, and found a lot of really great ones. But all the ones we liked didn't have openings until mid August, and we needed be out before August 1st. As I continued to look on Craigslist, I kept seeing this ad "DMU/Drake House"... so finally I looked at the ad. What was interested was that there was no address, not even a cross street mentioned, just pictures... but I recognized the pictures. It was same house that got us thinking about homes 2 years ago! I was in shock! So I emailed the gentleman. I heard back from him, and the rest was just God's amazing handy work playing out in front of us!<br />
I am truly amazed at how evident God made himself during these last few weeks. And I'm even more amazed at the plan that he had in mind for us.<br />
Granted, we will probably grow out of this house, but I love that God took into consideration the desires of my heart while he was guiding us to a new home.<br />
<br />
In other news, I've also learned the disastrous effects of Evil. My van was broken into 2 mornings ago before I left for work. It's so sad. They stole my wallet and pretty diaper bag (which was actually just a very large purse). I lost all of our credit cards, checks, and a lot of money that we had just received after pay day and were going to use to purchase a new washer and dryer THAT evening. It's been a crazy few days trying to get everything sorted out. But God is so gracious. He's blessed us with AMAZING Family and Friends who have been there to help us through. So here's a thank you to ALL of my family who has been very understanding and been so helpful with the boys. And a thank you to ALL of our friends who have helped us out. A special Thank you so Christine, my sister, who graciously let the boys spend the night so that Brandon and I could take time to meet with our new Landlords and pack, and another special Thank you to Anthony and Kathy Johanns, you know what you did!<br />
<br />
Prayer Request:<br />
That the move would go smoothly and no one would get hurt while moving furniture from our 3rd floor apartment to the new place.<br />
That I would forgive the person who stole from us.<br />
That the person who stole from us would find Salvation in Christ, and repent of their sins.<br />
<br />
Thank you all so much! We love you so much!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-83174136478968648322011-07-25T23:21:00.000-05:002011-07-25T23:21:42.152-05:00Finally! We have a place!Yes, that's right! We have a place to move in to! <br />
We sign our contract on Wednesday night, and get our keys!<br />
<br />
I will post pictures of the house and the move soon!<br />
<br />
But for now, I need to finish packing!<br />
<br />
God is sooooo Good!<br />
<br />
Jeremiah 29:11Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-39043184579847062332011-06-30T11:27:00.000-05:002011-06-30T11:27:39.289-05:00Fenugreek.... More to it than meets the eyeOkay, so Emmett has been eating a ton, and I can't seem to stay caught up. So I asked lots of mom's and the consensus was Fenugreek.<br />
<br />
I bought some and as I was pumping one night, I read the warning lable: Not for pregnant or nursing mothers.<br />
<br />
That's interesting.... so I googled it, as I do with most things.<br />
<br />
I stumbled across this website <a href="http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/">http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/</a> .<br />
<br />
Not only did it ease my fear of taking fenugreek while nursing... but it supplied me with some very interested uses.<br />
<br />
I suggest reading the section titled : Little known uses<br />
<br />
So, for all you mom's out there, Fenugreek is great if you need help amping your milk supply..... and for all you wives out there... I don't think your husband is going to mind you taking this supplement either ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-68677366153832506212011-06-30T11:21:00.000-05:002011-06-30T11:21:47.755-05:00So Long Fare Well! (to my laptop and hopefully my apt)Not going to lie.... it's been a emotional rollercoaster for me the past few months.<br />
<br />
Lost my laptop that had all of the boy's photos on them (all of Asa's 3 1/2 years, and Emmett's first 6 months), and our wedding photos (excluding from the photographer), and some fun family photos over the last 2 years. As well as all of my side work for Green's and These Are A Few of My Favorite Things Holiday Show. **Geek Squad is working on getting this back for me, but there's a very slim chance.... please pray =( **<br />
<br />
Finally had the finances to buy a House!!!! Looked through at least 50 houses... found one!!!! Prayed about it, sought council about it, put in an offer on it..... Denied. Put in another offer on it.... Denied. Prayed about it over the next few weeks, while looking at more houses..... Finally, after not finding anything else, put in another offer on the original.... Accepted!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, but God had something else in store. The seller was going to write a check to a contracted upon closing (they were going to pay for 1/2 the repairs needed to the HVAC system, and we were going to pay the remainder come September when the system was installed), but our loan states that if the seller writes a check to a contractor for work to be completed, that work MUST be completed PRIOR to closing, and the loan appraiser must verify that the work is completed and PAID for. Not normally a problem... except we still needed to save up the other half and it would take us 2 more months to get that.... and we'd probably be broke... and this just wasn't working. I cried for 3 days, while pleading with God to come through with a wonderful miracle, while Brandon prayed for guidance, wisdom, confidence, ect. I'm sad to say this.... but we are backing out of the buying this particular house at this particular time. I mourned last night, but feel much better with the decision that my HUSBAND made (note... I did not make this decision, I'm waaaaaaaaay to emotional, and want a house waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to badly). I know that God will bless us for being patient and waiting, and that he has something better in store for our family. But this was very hard on my heart. Please pray that God will continue to guide us, and that he would provide quickly.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons why we want to move so bad. Our new neighbors. It was nice when all of our neighbors were Walnut Creek girls. But they have all moved out (due to reasons that I will not list), and now we have new ones. At first it was fine, some of the new people were very quiet, kept to themselves, and it was peaceful. But within the last few weeks, we have 3 new sets of neighbors... and I'm not comfortable with them. It's to a point where, if I were to come home late at night (ummm... say Saturday after church and hang out?) Brandon won't let me walk through the parking lot alone. Now imagine this, on a Friday night, when I have my children. I'm not saying that there are people out in our parking lot with guns and knives and creepy looking faces. But our new neighbors drink heavily out on there patio or out in the parking lot on their tail gates, and they aren't from around here, and you never know.... I know God will protect us, but I still need to be cautious.<br />
<br />
Okay, so lots of things that the enemy is using to lie me into an anxiety attack.... it's not fun, and truth be told, I've been going to the Lord at least twice a week over the last two months just to lay it down at this feet. I cling to Philippians 4: 4-9<br />
<strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">"4</span></sup></strong> Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29448"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup> Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29449"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup> Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29450"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup> And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29451"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup> Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29452"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></strong></sup> Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."<br />
<br />
I know that this a lot, and if anyone knows me, I can say it a lot faster that I can type it, hahaha. All in all, I've seen God be so evident in our lives lately, and I've seen him come through for us in mighty ways. I've been learning not to put God in a box, but to trust that He can do bigger things than I can imagine. And even though I didn't get "the house of my dreams", I know that He has the RIGHT house out there waiting for us at the right time to find it. He has taught Brandon and I patience, humility, and submission this last week. And we are very grateful for it.<br />
<br />
Prayer Requests:<br />
<br />
That Geek Squad would recover my laptop's harddrive so that I could have our photos back (i've learned my lesson and will be backing up to an external harddrive from now on).<br />
That God would give us strength and time as we continue to house hunt.<br />
That God would guide us to the home that He wants us to grow our family in (after all, we need one if we plan on having any more littles ones =) )<br />
<br />
Here are some cute photos (from my phone) of the boys =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6GT4mVC4rZdqQG9BnOfYFoH5cxmGcR5WZpSw-e4KonS_ZUkKvdr8SpCcinNBSQSaNaiukELiryfCgpoSya2rem2RaUUPUuXo8h10470jXFzq3djK1q7lR1-fCcHm3iVlEODGLy2Ujjs/s1600/2011-06-18_10.12.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6GT4mVC4rZdqQG9BnOfYFoH5cxmGcR5WZpSw-e4KonS_ZUkKvdr8SpCcinNBSQSaNaiukELiryfCgpoSya2rem2RaUUPUuXo8h10470jXFzq3djK1q7lR1-fCcHm3iVlEODGLy2Ujjs/s320/2011-06-18_10.12.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALBeGJk3fDT3zUV9UneEyqylteAtLlUAoOmY1df6bc_5KZTjNxMUC-wvwUFykCYr5c7k9XBlYlVczWPw3mbhzsDUclfeA2IX7Is31kbmjzXzUe59tsdDh9V3ZDNnjAWytMNzXd91VF-k/s1600/2011-05-03_12.39.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALBeGJk3fDT3zUV9UneEyqylteAtLlUAoOmY1df6bc_5KZTjNxMUC-wvwUFykCYr5c7k9XBlYlVczWPw3mbhzsDUclfeA2IX7Is31kbmjzXzUe59tsdDh9V3ZDNnjAWytMNzXd91VF-k/s320/2011-05-03_12.39.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-81274452821715329542011-04-22T10:31:00.000-05:002011-04-22T10:31:20.173-05:004 Month Check UpMy Little Emmett is 4 months old already! I know it's said a lot, and it's very cliche, but it flew by so fast!<br />
<br />
Praise God for how good he is! He has blessed us with one healthy big boy!<br />
Emmett stats:<br />
Height 25 1/4in (60%)<br />
Weight 13lbs 10oz (35%)<br />
<br />
Dr. Dave (who we just LOVE) said that he's on the think side because of how much he moves. I tell you what! This boy is a mover and a shaker! All he does it move! He does not like to sit still, haha!<br />
Dr. Dave also said that he's one of the strongest 4 month olds he's seen. This made me very happy to hear. He told me to expect great things from my boys. I love hearing this.<br />
Dr. Dave is always so impressed with Asa and how clever and smart he is, and has told me not to compare Emmett to him in that category. But he informed me, that Emmett will definitely be able to hold his own when it comes to strength, and that I might find myself with an early crawler and walker! (He also told me not to hold him to that, just in case)<br />
<br />
We also got some shots today =( Emmett did ok with them, I think. At his 2 month check up, he was a mess, it was hard to calm him down. This time, he cried, but stopped as soon as the band aids were on. "What a tough guy" was the nurses comment =)<br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorite pictures from the last 4 months<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xXKo6HcQ-9mum-KCRDHlzER1_EEhnGZLOMpKt-4SPJv7Ftz1pG_2PEHrKX7NInT-rOFazkYSRTYlbllS1uPtdW2hxXjK6EvDYqMLoPo3Z3QOvCptQ9aLf620uNAIKtBNDQtp_mGkTFo/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xXKo6HcQ-9mum-KCRDHlzER1_EEhnGZLOMpKt-4SPJv7Ftz1pG_2PEHrKX7NInT-rOFazkYSRTYlbllS1uPtdW2hxXjK6EvDYqMLoPo3Z3QOvCptQ9aLf620uNAIKtBNDQtp_mGkTFo/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx5TDpgJrn3chuqrpV94JCd_acxPQFMVLeQoqeVTzs0gy4vinRREZtFxFSusUjcL5umLmhyPzD1TURMWGMta1YPRvu2HDAhOdJy5xs-RataLSlxugoEmCZYPyKSMiGwM_ys6_ulW6KPE/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx5TDpgJrn3chuqrpV94JCd_acxPQFMVLeQoqeVTzs0gy4vinRREZtFxFSusUjcL5umLmhyPzD1TURMWGMta1YPRvu2HDAhOdJy5xs-RataLSlxugoEmCZYPyKSMiGwM_ys6_ulW6KPE/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Be5mWdWPb1VWn_Qd5nHJdgcipm_2AnudbhwhKpUvCCQTzzZ7_UyHNLItwO_eMbvRpsHJob1iP5PTGDmKhTsOkIy6C__WfVbKVZOHfUtNPDNFneaIbxPzYqrAC41cIwOTUDKRW_zEekU/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Be5mWdWPb1VWn_Qd5nHJdgcipm_2AnudbhwhKpUvCCQTzzZ7_UyHNLItwO_eMbvRpsHJob1iP5PTGDmKhTsOkIy6C__WfVbKVZOHfUtNPDNFneaIbxPzYqrAC41cIwOTUDKRW_zEekU/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqBtBViUZKqZq491V3BX8lFNl9yJfXOykyS0atwVAdoVGcyf7iuNl4KH-xIBkogh8Y3XE2DF8lRucwIiTBeZbeSsHTlMGm9erQYSdsXHU3zi_r0ZNDzRcohUrdCbR9BqqArhweB5xsxA/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqBtBViUZKqZq491V3BX8lFNl9yJfXOykyS0atwVAdoVGcyf7iuNl4KH-xIBkogh8Y3XE2DF8lRucwIiTBeZbeSsHTlMGm9erQYSdsXHU3zi_r0ZNDzRcohUrdCbR9BqqArhweB5xsxA/s320/041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW3l6DawWzN3WK_COrhFHYLMQTbgK03Na4xKahG7jhHaJ7Hyiut3fwaGgOfCw5wp-m5Hk_oLFwbWz4jr8oX4tLWoNut0wno4pXltkWx2HfREJCB1aCjIKJbW6cHA9IQvbaMlCq7ldrFc/s1600/_DSC0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW3l6DawWzN3WK_COrhFHYLMQTbgK03Na4xKahG7jhHaJ7Hyiut3fwaGgOfCw5wp-m5Hk_oLFwbWz4jr8oX4tLWoNut0wno4pXltkWx2HfREJCB1aCjIKJbW6cHA9IQvbaMlCq7ldrFc/s320/_DSC0126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiJiiYwWD_1Pw_oMfPDJgbQZTzZHp5O_3_9Rpy4xa4qW3XnJaHhH-V14eH6pcyOyHXFoqosx0RPqypmY-9ZtQuiMPlbXj5nOphWGRlQxzjaLXZYhzlu0quYy0lWjzEd-073Nri6JcOjs/s1600/_DSC0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiJiiYwWD_1Pw_oMfPDJgbQZTzZHp5O_3_9Rpy4xa4qW3XnJaHhH-V14eH6pcyOyHXFoqosx0RPqypmY-9ZtQuiMPlbXj5nOphWGRlQxzjaLXZYhzlu0quYy0lWjzEd-073Nri6JcOjs/s320/_DSC0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A special Thanks to Uncle Jordon who took the last 2 pictures =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-80688198155218367792011-04-21T08:55:00.000-05:002011-04-21T08:55:26.172-05:00Emmett and TitanFor all you Cat Lovers out there =)<br />
<br />
<br />
For our first Valentine's Day, Brandon bought a cute fluffy kitty, and we named him Titan.<br />
Titan has been a wonderful addition to our family. He loves to cuddle and meow, and sleep on my head.<br />
<br />
After we had Emmett, Titan didn't get as much attention, and I don't think he enjoyed the crying too much.<br />
All that has seemed to change.<br />
<br />
Titan spends his nights sleeping on my head (sometimes Brandon's if I'm up a lot with Emmett). <br />
Usually around 6 or 630am, Emmett wakes up to eat, so I pull him into bed with me, and we fall asleep afterwards. This is what I normally find:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCC2bEfp9HUtU5NnRKv0PIX2Zd9pcbTu3kSxgd177gQY6_S4CAdaxwCspC-biVIyHYU7e3x5nsAraEaMn5_iWAnVqSvXvvxLabggVnNlfM9UYXn_s_o7WMdweFU7kKXxVzal-g_M9FVI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCC2bEfp9HUtU5NnRKv0PIX2Zd9pcbTu3kSxgd177gQY6_S4CAdaxwCspC-biVIyHYU7e3x5nsAraEaMn5_iWAnVqSvXvvxLabggVnNlfM9UYXn_s_o7WMdweFU7kKXxVzal-g_M9FVI/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6Ovrg5xhdmPCbQVSRiAzkxgGw0BsBCljcSH4Iu-vcbtJsrGQnCDpXxYHIulW_QIxAFowSKwaCs7sBEj9XhjUnV0MUtsPlprHGWO0LUe25CCUssBIw0sLuv0NSlvIdiZFktELOePwD2M/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6Ovrg5xhdmPCbQVSRiAzkxgGw0BsBCljcSH4Iu-vcbtJsrGQnCDpXxYHIulW_QIxAFowSKwaCs7sBEj9XhjUnV0MUtsPlprHGWO0LUe25CCUssBIw0sLuv0NSlvIdiZFktELOePwD2M/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But as of the past few mornings, this is what I've found:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraKg38uC03DAwIofPyIQJut7QwjWa9pYfrkurC7erXVJgIAp7sLjFBVL6KbeK6x4WJSgyXdsooNabgue4oGRJdgH6ziuQnnDu6sSt-Uw59Kl0XFFrBTn2njgyzddV4AlTrRXj8URDUAU/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraKg38uC03DAwIofPyIQJut7QwjWa9pYfrkurC7erXVJgIAp7sLjFBVL6KbeK6x4WJSgyXdsooNabgue4oGRJdgH6ziuQnnDu6sSt-Uw59Kl0XFFrBTn2njgyzddV4AlTrRXj8URDUAU/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7yycrJ-1TANLXwYDLfacrVEiJLrOQApTIrCcGllWM2AW_PIVgiDXGCjNeTczjYpLTqljAbRMTFbP-HRmPrVUUPjVOZich8s9-aByKzfQr4t2NeKX-B3CQUiDLbcRqZzm8SNPw7qNMoA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7yycrJ-1TANLXwYDLfacrVEiJLrOQApTIrCcGllWM2AW_PIVgiDXGCjNeTczjYpLTqljAbRMTFbP-HRmPrVUUPjVOZich8s9-aByKzfQr4t2NeKX-B3CQUiDLbcRqZzm8SNPw7qNMoA/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It's as if Titan knows that he shouldn't get right on top of him, but to sleep above his head (a courtesy he's never given Brandon or I). <br />
And truth be told, Emmett usually wakes up within an hour after I feed him, but with Titan he sleeps for an additional 2 hours!<br />
I think they're going to be best buds!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406204855321220058.post-25201830002804145572011-04-14T09:56:00.000-05:002011-04-14T09:56:06.810-05:00SPRING!!!! (and Firsts)I love Iowa. I love our change of seasons, and how drastic they can be. I love winter, because of the beautiful white snow, and hot cocoa, and snuggling up in warm clothes and socks. I love fall because of Football, and how pretty it is when the leaves change, and hot apple cider, and bonfires. I love summer because of swimming and camping and cold ice cream and watermelon. And I love spring because after a long winter, it feels good to get out of the house and go on walks, and bike rides, and the zoo!<br />
<br />
We've already been to the Zoo 3 times this year! And each time it's been just as fun as the time before! Below are some pictures of Asa, friend Kiara, and cousin Allie at the Zoo. There are also some pictures of Asa riding his bike, and Emmett trying Cereal... a whole bunch on Firsts!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mUxokmZNmW1vWi0zdmrXBCzEiur_sc4uuFyZhYm7Vf1R4-Tu95zCm0u7h2fVPvG3FBSe9VK1Euw546-FhBGci5Jm1xKqzFqy8WG2cYbpqU7irjlm_fbYdDPnE29hnrd19aYscNCO_xs/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mUxokmZNmW1vWi0zdmrXBCzEiur_sc4uuFyZhYm7Vf1R4-Tu95zCm0u7h2fVPvG3FBSe9VK1Euw546-FhBGci5Jm1xKqzFqy8WG2cYbpqU7irjlm_fbYdDPnE29hnrd19aYscNCO_xs/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGupqcHYfirQOUYLu2Zw_3cHiPhd19aw6fSbcDS_VAFZRzH4uqVP0BvO76TmxyukNW5M0XzKVFs6u6VVxVRC1SrZQZCf60RsyylTG7SR_n9JpAnoChsUyXFp_XjVoyYz09KBqZgDX-jN8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGupqcHYfirQOUYLu2Zw_3cHiPhd19aw6fSbcDS_VAFZRzH4uqVP0BvO76TmxyukNW5M0XzKVFs6u6VVxVRC1SrZQZCf60RsyylTG7SR_n9JpAnoChsUyXFp_XjVoyYz09KBqZgDX-jN8/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a cheese!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MurlodBy2bf1Sb3FLb7vvMSvcwrGBYo79mMCca3JDyJVUdIXzaCKwRefVOBoFLwuho2o_scZGAcsKvIah4KMs-vbw2ECkN2HQZimZuWVQIZ4ATEHKoqzgHhIqHwgghhc9gwgmTgC2_4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MurlodBy2bf1Sb3FLb7vvMSvcwrGBYo79mMCca3JDyJVUdIXzaCKwRefVOBoFLwuho2o_scZGAcsKvIah4KMs-vbw2ECkN2HQZimZuWVQIZ4ATEHKoqzgHhIqHwgghhc9gwgmTgC2_4/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsvYBpWyc53I2Ejif8jjgQFjyVIjKeIrXBfXKCmLHPw_XRzM2gdQOTwMA4bvIQglNqRs3VsE7D8OCIgQxagE2CCK74dAU5XXF1pMMHSjqfOeWM70prVibPnHEvySiELuDZdc0i92Me7o/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsvYBpWyc53I2Ejif8jjgQFjyVIjKeIrXBfXKCmLHPw_XRzM2gdQOTwMA4bvIQglNqRs3VsE7D8OCIgQxagE2CCK74dAU5XXF1pMMHSjqfOeWM70prVibPnHEvySiELuDZdc0i92Me7o/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIYLzDs5cCsb7jwFqJWa4wfgu0k4-FU5EQs716rnspgyQ91coVv1s8SgY1PrPVn5-qYa1kAlbe289ZXLoj0VoTUJMCQs1zUirmsm3dhPL7LDQsWcYnscVicH4L00rOfkrWxG8VlS2IBI/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIYLzDs5cCsb7jwFqJWa4wfgu0k4-FU5EQs716rnspgyQ91coVv1s8SgY1PrPVn5-qYa1kAlbe289ZXLoj0VoTUJMCQs1zUirmsm3dhPL7LDQsWcYnscVicH4L00rOfkrWxG8VlS2IBI/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskYhqFNHq-KwxbJnoUwITmYN9KF4rvNhy8kWNM5eDpE1sgkGbDKhdIXC7BBLUpl91RIgp7oWAeEALS4TrOAN8Y0ooN2iaZAk8xuJM1PAyhJauOt5nj_tfE301F8Y3Ap0dqc9rPc77mro/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskYhqFNHq-KwxbJnoUwITmYN9KF4rvNhy8kWNM5eDpE1sgkGbDKhdIXC7BBLUpl91RIgp7oWAeEALS4TrOAN8Y0ooN2iaZAk8xuJM1PAyhJauOt5nj_tfE301F8Y3Ap0dqc9rPc77mro/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43Ujf57XRa4Hztx3DpDX4aRJw0yZ4X0dh6eKuKSFZTT72jaYaO-Uwokp0ELK6f-KD5dABruE3OOvJi9Y-miNOIsU3QlXTF9LHpvIeC791m-wctqPc4jT7DF_2ILMxhrtGoElkynzKfvI/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43Ujf57XRa4Hztx3DpDX4aRJw0yZ4X0dh6eKuKSFZTT72jaYaO-Uwokp0ELK6f-KD5dABruE3OOvJi9Y-miNOIsU3QlXTF9LHpvIeC791m-wctqPc4jT7DF_2ILMxhrtGoElkynzKfvI/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfz09vM8wtC9ohUI7Onw4SPVrgiH_wg6bQO8KJj_mJmzvwCcYpg87EDrRiF2ICgMUra_EnCPA5s6LMLEkWXwTO3Pl17xu-iiVfzO63Nto9IeRkT0KUCFEzr23KDSHEBpscbd-YR85Yc8g/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfz09vM8wtC9ohUI7Onw4SPVrgiH_wg6bQO8KJj_mJmzvwCcYpg87EDrRiF2ICgMUra_EnCPA5s6LMLEkWXwTO3Pl17xu-iiVfzO63Nto9IeRkT0KUCFEzr23KDSHEBpscbd-YR85Yc8g/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMpLi7ZhGbip5ZIo2zDKqQ8iIHttcKg_BqctYZun2DFfLqQFiDnNMVsEay3699f0Nz5QllOnp0lortE1uj_t8KrSyUdrws_dfRRN8CCZpZpmZ6JUFpdN77CyF3tXq9KpziTtT8_yibnM/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMpLi7ZhGbip5ZIo2zDKqQ8iIHttcKg_BqctYZun2DFfLqQFiDnNMVsEay3699f0Nz5QllOnp0lortE1uj_t8KrSyUdrws_dfRRN8CCZpZpmZ6JUFpdN77CyF3tXq9KpziTtT8_yibnM/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXptj-DYfGSMkh3TdDJwu39_3ZihTWNEBhrVKtBpLLP9RJP1w5uBNnrUDj4kVyBORWdc1JgV61p7u68oJ8qwehbSett1p8IsHyXgNrUoYKtT4Agv6kSkTfBub1r16YcXWBrLvj0YZwkHo/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXptj-DYfGSMkh3TdDJwu39_3ZihTWNEBhrVKtBpLLP9RJP1w5uBNnrUDj4kVyBORWdc1JgV61p7u68oJ8qwehbSett1p8IsHyXgNrUoYKtT4Agv6kSkTfBub1r16YcXWBrLvj0YZwkHo/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allie got splashed by the fish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoO3u8DWnzLcgw5I4Fn_Asy1Bob1HocPZG_ZWz5yIB1Y6Epf5UN9m_UXgt0eG8I6PzKdo9wXBVzr9MLN-YUkn2n0X0qp1jTOsZ6nEUXZyQcDqnermnwLGrx6O5W5-aJUVaXwT6WXOqHA/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoO3u8DWnzLcgw5I4Fn_Asy1Bob1HocPZG_ZWz5yIB1Y6Epf5UN9m_UXgt0eG8I6PzKdo9wXBVzr9MLN-YUkn2n0X0qp1jTOsZ6nEUXZyQcDqnermnwLGrx6O5W5-aJUVaXwT6WXOqHA/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfp_Z1BcX89BD_6WVBy7nvxj25EEf5TovELXbX3LtM-fAo4_s1xgrmmq9msGrRvNcABAKV9Mo-FiT3EzAdLAN0gebQLujRgbzGRAacy2AQnak_BDqCNECie0WFnw3VkAAzwbSoWLYJDI/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfp_Z1BcX89BD_6WVBy7nvxj25EEf5TovELXbX3LtM-fAo4_s1xgrmmq9msGrRvNcABAKV9Mo-FiT3EzAdLAN0gebQLujRgbzGRAacy2AQnak_BDqCNECie0WFnw3VkAAzwbSoWLYJDI/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Dada, I wanna hold the spoon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYr7k4k9vP2v96sZ_LSNzER5x9JAroNmV_RE9IsmNj89Mz5b4sjLHJSumVZOUI31V15r4RcFcw3aIwqQtMTPYsshb1Tg-xy5O5FW_zUv-CwBRQIkq3sVVyp2CWqU9vwvoK9wOjIkFt_w/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYr7k4k9vP2v96sZ_LSNzER5x9JAroNmV_RE9IsmNj89Mz5b4sjLHJSumVZOUI31V15r4RcFcw3aIwqQtMTPYsshb1Tg-xy5O5FW_zUv-CwBRQIkq3sVVyp2CWqU9vwvoK9wOjIkFt_w/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzQVU42nMLz6u0VisUtF0VhsPkZcZWKjtSvxr6otmvLpepWNSGz6tF9Rju90sXmlFUOrLF9eBGd1n_jW1bb-tgBFa-2bZEuojLXj85ZYZrO-D3d6rXB2-dfn_k6ngaOne8ULG5355htA/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzQVU42nMLz6u0VisUtF0VhsPkZcZWKjtSvxr6otmvLpepWNSGz6tF9Rju90sXmlFUOrLF9eBGd1n_jW1bb-tgBFa-2bZEuojLXj85ZYZrO-D3d6rXB2-dfn_k6ngaOne8ULG5355htA/s320/062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it's easier this way for a while</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL_Mnc1FM5hMEqtu7gS_8Db6rFAYtDy4fp5F6UD9tz6_RD9jO8JdxXM4e4GMhFfsBUQkkFg2eEr4rySFm9t9BdlPPaS1V6iSaRkiwQbgMGRszdr4IA5sg-G7idIzp-GqV8nFu_59aY8A/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL_Mnc1FM5hMEqtu7gS_8Db6rFAYtDy4fp5F6UD9tz6_RD9jO8JdxXM4e4GMhFfsBUQkkFg2eEr4rySFm9t9BdlPPaS1V6iSaRkiwQbgMGRszdr4IA5sg-G7idIzp-GqV8nFu_59aY8A/s320/071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2w78AoH2f6iwqIr80UhjF1OzuXroSyGaM6c3xRXC3B6NpUZh-J3Ov-oUE0umfPOaAo3p2s2JS0YwkHHTvrBwfA6z_ZVNbTIcQE3x1VjqzadNMba7wIIfm4Z2E5IHIv-4JxWjDUUVxMs/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2w78AoH2f6iwqIr80UhjF1OzuXroSyGaM6c3xRXC3B6NpUZh-J3Ov-oUE0umfPOaAo3p2s2JS0YwkHHTvrBwfA6z_ZVNbTIcQE3x1VjqzadNMba7wIIfm4Z2E5IHIv-4JxWjDUUVxMs/s320/072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's starting to get really good at it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0