tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315192540724732452024-03-13T07:12:14.162-04:00theblessedlifecaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.comBlogger488125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-68015129663711193642014-02-27T13:26:00.000-05:002014-02-27T13:26:24.402-05:00a little news...<br />
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<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-83631392963148673752014-01-31T13:05:00.001-05:002014-01-31T13:05:02.292-05:00how I master the grocery story with a toddler<br />
Let me clarify the title of the post...<br />
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How I <strike>Master</strike> Survive the Grocery Store </div>
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Before Nap and Lunch With a Toddler that Usually Loathes Sitting Still</div>
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We have finally gotten down a pretty consistent grocery-going routine during this stage of toddlerhood and our weekly schedule. And I feel at this point I can say there are quite a few things I have found work well for us! (Disclaimer: Work well most trips. It's not always consistent with a toddler!)<br />
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We almost always go to the grocery after our Toddler Time at the local library. This works for us because it gives us just enough time before nap and lunch and we are out anyway.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's working for us and often lends itself to a successful shopping trip:</span><br />
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-McDonald's french fries and an apple juice box for Adeline/large Diet Coke for Momma (or let her open a pouch or snack that I pay for at the end)<br />
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-choosing a "yay-yoh" cart (Adeline's talk for a special cart with the fancy seats for kiddos- either one she can sit up facing ahead or one she can "drive")<br />
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-talking up something she looks forward to shopping for while we are shopping for the "not-so-fun" items (sometimes it's cookies we are buying, sometimes it's a new box of goldfish, or sometimes it's a small toy treat that I am going to let her pick out)<br />
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-reusable bags (we don't have a garage...easier to lug inside)<br />
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-bag of coupons/set aside...or my favorite...use the Cartwheel app at Target if we shop there<br />
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-let Adeline "help" pay<br />
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-list<br />
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-cash envelope ready<br />
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-double/duty store (wal-mart) to shop toiletries and groceries in one trip<br />
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-talking as we shop...there are SO many ways you can teach and be intentional while you shop- point out colors, names of fruits and veggies, talk about boxes being up high or down low, encourage them to talk and say hello if someone says hello to them, etc.<br />
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-toys to hold<br />
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Not a fool-proof system...but it's working for us...so I'll take it! <br />
<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-55796496894213991552013-12-27T14:04:00.000-05:002013-12-27T14:04:11.336-05:00to blog or not to blog<br />
...that's seriously the question.<br />
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I have this constant battle in my mind. This battle to capture every waking moment of this life. This beautiful, blessed life God has gifted me. This life that I am to live to the fullest for His glory.<br />
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And then I have this side of me that says "take a break! For goodness sake, take a break!" (As if I have religiously blogged the past, oh, say two years.)<br />
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So I continue this pondering into the beginning of 2014. I want to enjoy and soak in these days in a carefree, no strings attached, kinda way. I wish my mind would just let me leave those moments be and just take them for what they are. Because as a blogger, as a writer at heart, I never live a moment of this life without thinking, oh I need to blog about this! Or I look at those moments as a "what can I share from this moment? what metaphor is there here? I gotta keep this captured. I surely have something to say and share about this."<br />
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So as we inch closer and closer to 2014, there are many things I am pondering. I'm pondering for what I truly have a passion. What He wants me to do with this season, these moments. What I feel God has given me talents and equipped me to do better than other things:<br />
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-being organized<br />
-being thrifty<br />
-being a mommy<br />
-being productive<br />
-being efficient<br />
-being creative<br />
-writing<br />
-encouraging<br />
-studying God's word<br />
-PR for our store<br />
-budgeting<br />
-loving and caring<br />
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And I have a list going in my journal of areas I want to improve on for our family's well-being over the next year:<br />
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-getting active as a family<br />
-less social media (especially during sacred night time at home)<br />
-saying no to the unnecessary and excess things, events and commitments<br />
-packing Justin's lunches (so he doesn't have to grab things)<br />
-meal planning/eating intentionally healthier as a family <br />
-letting go of what I'm NOT doing<br />
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And that's where I'm leaving my thoughts right now. Trying to figure out how all these goals work together and how God can best be glorified amidst this. What does He want me to really tackle and what does He want me to push to the side so I'm not glorifying busyness, but I'm glorifying Him. <br />
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I'm listening to Him. I'm waiting upon Him.<br />
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The next steps are to be determined. Praise the Lord for being a work in progress that is completed in His grace.<br />
<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-75459044337367906482013-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:002013-12-10T07:00:03.685-05:00december blessings.<br />
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></div>
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I'm hosting with <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings
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God has placed in our paths during the week.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(One.) <span style="font-size: small;">I'm blessed by this sweet girl's zest for life. There's not a moment that goes by that she's not taking it all in and squealing with delight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Two.)</span> <span style="font-size: small;">I'm blessed by impromptu, unplanned memories that will last a lifetime. Adeline went to bed early the other night because of no nap. It was a snowy night and we got the urge to go ahead and put up the tree. We had started putting up the tree and I decided we would get it up just to the point of where Adeline could add some ornaments when she got up. She decided to wake up at 10 pm and wouldn't go back to sleep. So what did we do? We decorated the tree, baked cookies, and set up the manger!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Three.)</span> I'm beyond blessed to spend my days with my favorite girl. You just never know what kinda of shenanigans may happen.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Four.)<span style="color: #0000ee;"> <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm blessed knowing that my little one will grow up knowing a church <span style="color: #0000ee;">is a family. <span style="color: #0000ee;">That <span style="color: #0000ee;">God's house is a place of love, laug<span style="color: #0000ee;">hter, grace and fellowship. A place that <span style="color: #0000ee;">propels us to go out and love on people like crazy in His name.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Five.) </span> I'm blessed with these two. I'm daily overwhelmed by His goodness that shines through these two. This family.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Six.)</span> I'm blessed that I still have my grandparents on my Mom's side in my life. That Adeline has two great-grandparents to love and learn from. We spent Monday afternoon (Adeline still in her Christmas jammies) with my mom at my grandparents' eating lunch (my Grandma is the best cook) and helping them decorate their tree. The joy this brought them and the memories added to our Christmases because of this day are priceless.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image by Adeline</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm also linking up with <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">[the good life blog]</a> today for the virtual Christmas Pajama Party.</span><br />
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<i>We would love to have you join us!<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">All GOOD things come from above...how has God blessed you recently? </span></span>Make sure to grab the box<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">at the top</span></span> and link-up with us today!</i></div>
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></div>
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I'm hosting with <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings
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God has placed in our paths during the week.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">ONE.</span> This past Saturday, I completed my current Grad School class, which means I have 30 hours toward my 36 hour grad program to become a Reading Specialist. I was about halfway through when I found out I was pregnant with Adeline, so it is so nice to be so close! I will take a class this Spring and a class this summer and be FINISHED!!!! My state requires teachers to get their Masters by their 10th year to keep their teaching certificate, so to have this behind me will be a huge accomplishment.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TWO.</span> I have mentioned many times over that we are big Dave Ramsey fans and have seen Financial Peace work<span style="font-size: small;"> in our married lives tremendously and bless our family. So with that, we have paid cash for all of my Grad classes and I feel SO blessed to be debt-free with my masters, and know that we are almost completely finished saving for my classes. Lately, I have sold on IG, sold on eBay, sold on our local Facebook selling page, and crafted to make money to fund my classes. It hasn't been easy but it has been so fulfilling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three. </span><span style="font-size: small;">We have started the Radical (by David Platt) small group study</span> in our Sunday School and it has rocked my world. It is so challenging (in a good way) and is causing me to constantly lift my prayers to God to renew and mold my heart for His glory and His purpose.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Four.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I am a part of the Body Back challenge with quite a few blogger mommas and our close friends. We are in week 3 and it feels SO GOOD to have a fitness goal to be healthier and more toned. The 12 week program ends near our winter beach trip, so that is motivation at its finest. I'm so thankful for my personal trainer, Jillian! ;) 30 Day Shred anyone?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Five.</span> Friends. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful mommy friends that have such sweet babies (ahem, Toddlers) for Adeline to be friends with. Whether it's Toddler Time at the library, texts about how sore we are from workouts, or laid-back play dates at our homes, I am so blessed by the sweet friends in my life, which also means the sweet girls Adeline has as her friends growing up!</div>
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<i>We would love to have you join us!<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">All GOOD things come from above...how has God blessed you recently? </span></span>Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!</i><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-89815195182941636972013-11-12T06:00:00.000-05:002013-11-12T06:00:09.864-05:00birthday girl's day<br />
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></div>
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I'm hosting with <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings
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God has placed in our paths during the week.<br />
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We would love to have you join us!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!<br />
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Saturday was Adeline's 2nd birthday and we spent the day letting her enjoy herself and tell us (as much as she could) what she wanted to do! We had quite the fun day before her party that evening at our house (more to come on that in another post)! Because the day was such a blessing, celebrating our sweet little thing, I thought it was only fitting to share on the Blessing Box post!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">balloon surprise to wake-up the birthday girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">checking out the beginning of the birthday table decor for her party</td></tr>
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sprinkle covered cinnamon rolls for breakfast!</div>
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opening her birthday shirt!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">her favorite...qdoba for lunch!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Our next stop was Cabela's to see the fish...one of Adeline's favorite places!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adeline decided the aisle of bobbers was crazy exciting! She picked out a pink one as her birthday treat from Cabela's. ha! Love this girl!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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Finally, after a long nap and some errand running for her party, we surprised Adeline with her very own fish tank with three fish! She was a (tad) happy as you can tell!</div>
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Such a blessing of a day spending it with our special 2 year old! </div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-69637830704948575132013-11-09T09:00:00.000-05:002013-11-09T09:00:01.018-05:00Happy 2nd Birthday, Adeline Grace!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet baby girl today!</div>
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I didn't realize how much my heart could love. I didn't realize how much my world could be blessed. I didn't realize how much I was meant to be a Momma. To be this girl's Momma. </div>
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Until November 9th, 2011.</div>
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A heart like no one I know. A joy like I've never seen. A little soul that reaches others with her smile and huge personality more than anyone I've met. How did we get so blessed?!</div>
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Happy Birthday, Adeline Grace!</div>
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As long as I'm living...my baby you'll be.</div>
caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-31927718242189672032013-11-08T23:03:00.002-05:002013-11-08T23:03:52.386-05:0023 months!!All year, I did these posts a month behind. Well the year has caught up with me and here we are with Adeline turning TWO tomorrow! Time for her 23 month post, because whether I like it or not, she'll be TWO tomorrow. And I thought the first year flew by...<br />
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<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-16199055892018847682013-11-07T22:17:00.000-05:002013-11-07T22:21:34.329-05:00Adeline at 22 months! (belated post)Adeline turns TWO. Yes...TWO on Saturday. So I'm getting caught up on her monthly posts. About time right? ;)<br />
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<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-34979689705490899272013-10-29T06:00:00.000-04:002013-11-18T16:36:42.803-05:00a birthday blessing<br />
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></div>
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I'm hosting with <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings
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God has placed in our paths during the week.<br />
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We would love to have you join us!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!<br />
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Today, the blessing on my heart, is <span style="font-size: large;">my husband</span>! His 28th birthday is Friday...so what better topic than to share how crazy blessed I am by him!</div>
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Adeline and I are so blessed to have this man that...</div>
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has an amazing servants heart for God.</div>
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is a wonderful, patient husband.</div>
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is the best hands-on, fun-loving Daddy there could ever be. <br />
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and always puts family at the top. <br />
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We are truly blessed by this man that I get to call my husband </div>
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and Adeline gets to call Daddy.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, babe!</span></div>
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What blessings has God placed on your heart?<br />
Take a moment to thank Him, the One from whom <i>all</i> blessings flow.</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-84292604844058359152013-10-22T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T22:30:43.177-04:00forever my heart will sing<br />
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></div>
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I'm hosting with <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings
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God has placed in our paths during the week.<br />
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We would love to have you join us!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!<br />
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Today I'm showcasing five blessings on my heart. Five of SO many. God's love amazes me. The fact that He paid it ALL on the cross but yet His love doesn't stop there. That he blesses me daily with things that leave me speechless.</div>
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The way He pursues me and loves on me even though I'm so undeserving baffles my mind. T love the words of Phil Whickham's worship song "Cannons"...</div>
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<i>We're singing you are<br />
Holy, Great and Mighty<br />
The moon and the stars<br />
Declare who you are<br />
And I'm so unworthy<br />
But still You love me<br />
Forever my heart will sing<br />
Of how great you are</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(One.) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BsY0OMlVn04/UmXYWN8LpWI/AAAAAAAAEhs/UxQhXTQsP4E/s1600/IMG_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BsY0OMlVn04/UmXYWN8LpWI/AAAAAAAAEhs/UxQhXTQsP4E/s400/IMG_0776.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gator ride with Nanna on the farm!</td></tr>
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my momma. for the mom she is to me and the grandma she is to adeline. words can't fully explain the blessing she is. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Two.)</span></div>
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this girl. her joy for life. the joy she shares with others. she's just precious inside and out and I get to be her momma!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Three.) </span></div>
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my mornings almost always look like this. including a warm cup of coffee and my bible app. y'all have no idea how much joy it brings me to know that God has gifted me with this. there were so many painful, tear-filled moments when I didn't think I would ever be able to be without a full-time outside-the-home job. crazy blessed.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Four.)</span></div>
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my dad. he's just as much of a blessing in our lives as my sweet momma.
such a man of determination and love. truly a blessing.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Five.) </span></div>
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this man. the Christ follower he is.
the husband he is. the daddy he is. so full of love. so full of
understanding. and so ready to hand out grace. </div>
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I have been redeemed by an amazing God. A God that has blessed me like crazy for His glory. A God that I pray my heart will forever shine of His love. </div>
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What blessings has God placed in your path this past week?
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caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-6497187771854318222013-10-15T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-21T21:39:31.418-04:00blessings in words (link-up)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-oqLl2ZjKs/UlyjmdG0XLI/AAAAAAAAEyM/iKtbRLCmfsw/s1600/blessing+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-oqLl2ZjKs/UlyjmdG0XLI/AAAAAAAAEyM/iKtbRLCmfsw/s320/blessing+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm hosting with <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God has placed in our paths during the week.<br />
<br />
We would love to have you join us!<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!</div>
<br />
Words are powerful to me. I have always enjoyed quotes and lyrics of songs. I eat them up. Back in High School and College, I used to fill journals and pieces of scrap note paper with quotes and lyrics I loved.<br />
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So one of my favorite parts of Pinterest is "hoarding" these powerful words and quotes I find. Add the fact that they are always so pretty and creatively displayed...and I'm in heaven! The words are true blessings to me when they speak to me the way the ones below do. Here are a few of them that have blessed my heart here lately...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uenMVEI1M0w/UlyaloLShOI/AAAAAAAAEgo/4XsBXA7Vrro/s1600/c003af2cf7fa48b51bded603fd5da8dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uenMVEI1M0w/UlyaloLShOI/AAAAAAAAEgo/4XsBXA7Vrro/s400/c003af2cf7fa48b51bded603fd5da8dc.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961727617846/" target="_blank">source</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9Ag3FVg6s0/Ulya371FRhI/AAAAAAAAEgw/NUEX93lARAk/s1600/3c57297793cd1850b0f06ccc6b2c5d12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9Ag3FVg6s0/Ulya371FRhI/AAAAAAAAEgw/NUEX93lARAk/s400/3c57297793cd1850b0f06ccc6b2c5d12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961727617849/" target="_blank">source</a></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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-eE6yMbT7A/UlybKTXcLWI/AAAAAAAAEg4/YEsHNGzFx8I/s1600/3dae623257af6caf5c593c4aca7a94a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-eE6yMbT7A/UlybKTXcLWI/AAAAAAAAEg4/YEsHNGzFx8I/s400/3dae623257af6caf5c593c4aca7a94a0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961727608396/" target="_blank">source</a></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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAdF9KComAM/UlybzxFw_5I/AAAAAAAAEhE/9HRqcsNWprk/s1600/a333ce5cabfe8443e1f3d3f190effd78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAdF9KComAM/UlybzxFw_5I/AAAAAAAAEhE/9HRqcsNWprk/s400/a333ce5cabfe8443e1f3d3f190effd78.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961727570297/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOa4Vz1dNOo/UlycQN_baQI/AAAAAAAAEhM/Ex859GyZ2yY/s1600/0110e7c11f97f5cbdb5d30323578947d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOa4Vz1dNOo/UlycQN_baQI/AAAAAAAAEhM/Ex859GyZ2yY/s400/0110e7c11f97f5cbdb5d30323578947d.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961727560594/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
What blessings has God placed in your path this past week? </div>
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caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-10256679731046195102013-10-09T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-14T14:35:13.589-04:00prayers of a toddler<br />
Adeline loves to pray. Since she could sit up in her highchair, we have always made sure she was aware of our mealtime prayers. And we have always prayed with her at bedtime.<br />
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From that, stemmed Adeline wanting to pray herself. She tells us who she wants to pray for and will often stop and say "pay" and want to pray. It is so touching to hear her say "jeesh-us" and "ayyyy-MEN" when we walk her through her own prayers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961727539674/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7i1i0gkF7Mw/UlRJa_8cmqI/AAAAAAAAEgM/PaAHbe4vzdU/s1600/2cd1ac8aefc6ab2768bef60fe35a653a.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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So lately she's been very possessive and not liking other people (strangers) to come into her space. When we stroll through a crowd, she will say "gih owa way" (get out of the way) and will say "NO!" and wave her hand as if moving someone out of the way when we are going down aisles at the store. When we play at the train table or other places, she will say "no, no, no!" and do the same to other kiddos that come around. This has seriously disturbed me! The only thing we can figure out is that we say these things to our dog...SO we are pretty sure this is where it stemmed from. Adeline is such a sweetheart and has such a joy-filled, nice little heart...so it makes me sad to think other toddlers and Mommas see something different when we meet new people.<br />
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We started talking about nice hands and what nice hands do. She will now tell you that nice hands wave hello, bye bye, blow kisses, hug and pray. Ha! So sweet. We have also talked about how God and Mommy and Daddy want her to be a nice girl. But putting that into action when we talk up "being nice and using nice hands" has been a different story!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961726846796/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeDMVV2Fouk/UlRJk7r_zRI/AAAAAAAAEgU/6kSbwy_29F0/s1600/52052417ed374e9eee433cb76bfba086.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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So this morning on the way to library Toddler Time, we talked about nice hands again and as we were it hit me...SHE SHOULD PRAY FOR HELP! So while I was driving, I asked her if she wanted to pray about being a nice girl. If she wanted to ask God to help her. She of course said yes, because she always wants to pray. ;) So I led her through a prayer she prayed aloud in her own little language asking God to help her be a nice girl and to give her help and strength to do so. This moment will forever be in my heart and mind.<br />
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And you know what? She was seriously a changed little soul at the library. She shared. She was sweet, and she used nice hands and words. We talked and talked throughout the library and when we left about how proud I was of her. We called Daddy at work and told him all about her prayer and how she was a nice girl. She was proud in her own little toddler way and kept telling him about the duck stuffed animal she had shared with another little girl. I was so happy for her and proud of her. <br />
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Why it hadn't dawned on me to have her pray for help with something before, I'm not sure. I pray for help all the time. And we want Adeline to know from this young that prayer is powerful. That prayer changes things. It changes hearts. And the Holy Spirit at work in our lives is a mighty thing.<br />
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This mommy thing is just so amazing. The ability to help shape and mold her into a Christ-like little one that will grow up hopefully loving Jesus with all her heart for all her life. And sharing that joy with those around her. For this gift to be that role in her life, I am just so thankful.<br />
<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-51476661865757917552013-10-08T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-14T14:35:49.622-04:00messy blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s1600/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></center>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As you are probably getting used to seeing on Tuesdays now, I'm hosting with</span> <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings God has placed in our paths during the week.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have joined a local MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group this year</span> for the first time and oh how I'm enjoying it! There is just so much to be said about surrounding yourself with Mommies that can say "amen" and "oh my heavens, yes!" to so many things you face on a daily basis. But in the end...remind you (as you remind them) to point straight back to Jesus. That has been a HUGE blessing in and of itself. But our theme this year is "A Beautiful Mess". A constant, precious reminder that <span style="font-size: large;">our lives are messy</span>, but by golly, <span style="font-size: large;">our lives are BLESSED.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2thDooJDzHg/UlMCvhUMPEI/AAAAAAAAEf8/PxQd2pMZZlo/s1600/IMG_1450%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2thDooJDzHg/UlMCvhUMPEI/AAAAAAAAEf8/PxQd2pMZZlo/s1600/IMG_1450%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My current messy blessings are...</span><br />
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-eating breakfast on the couch with Adeline most mornings of the week because I have been gifted with spending my days with her<br />
-my sweet girl loves to paint and make a huge mess which means she's creative and artistic<br />
-that I have piles of laundry because it means my home is full and alive<br />
-that there are perpetual leaves in our foyer because it means we have a precious home with a beautiful surrounding<br />
-my (very) full calendar because it means our lives are rich with church, family and community events<br />
-my relationship with my husband because it means that we love like crazy and pour grace into our days together<br />
-my kitchen sink because it means that we have food to eat and time together to eat meals<br />
-Adeline's room that has toys all over the floor, at times dirty diapers thrown to the side, and clothes scattered throughout, because it means we have the blessing of wonderful little girl in our life<br />
-my dog-hair covered floor because it means our sweet "pup", Boone, that was our first "baby" and is now Adeline's best friend is still alive and going strong<br />
-the rug in our living room that is filled with spots as if it's a pattern in and of itself, because that means we have a warm place to put our feet and a cozy living room to snuggle as a family<br />
-our basement because it means we have more than enough when others don't have all they need<br />
-our tattered hallway carpet that is long in need of being replaced because it's a reminder that God has taught us to be wise and patient with our money<br />
-our ongoing backyard projects because it's a reminder that my husband does such a wonderful job of dreaming and implementing creative/useful outdoor spaces<br />
-my heart because God's still at work in me and has great plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Need to turn a negative mood around or just remember how blessed you are amidst the "mess" of your own life? Let me encourage you to <span style="font-size: large;">write your own messy blessings list</span>. Your heart will be instantly transformed in that moment.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
What blessings has God placed in your path this past week? We would love to have you join us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-73439485152374782842013-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-07T14:36:22.605-04:00blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s1600/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As you are probably getting used to seeing on Tuesdays now, I'm hosting with</span> <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, and <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a> to share the blessings God has placed in our paths during the week.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing One}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Moments like these...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6-J1WPSANM/UkoudKl5T4I/AAAAAAAAEfI/Xiqwt03n90U/s1600/IMG_1439%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6-J1WPSANM/UkoudKl5T4I/AAAAAAAAEfI/Xiqwt03n90U/s400/IMG_1439%5B1%5D.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing Two}</span><br />
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My Momma. I'm so blessed to have my Momma as a best friend and in our lives the way she is. Her and and my dad are such a blessing to us in so many ways. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IQn1ZAoTGU/Ukou1b7opYI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/QmQaqo9DFhc/s1600/IMG_1399%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IQn1ZAoTGU/Ukou1b7opYI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/QmQaqo9DFhc/s400/IMG_1399%5B1%5D.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing Three}</span><br />
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It's fall y'all!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing Four}</span><br />
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Our Family Friday Nights we have started! We had our second this past Friday and it has quickly caught on to be a tradition. We have a fun, yummy picnic in the living room while we watch a Disney Movie together! Two weeks ago was Peter Pan and last Friday was Tangled. Adeline has a ball with this time together. It blesses us tremendously!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO0UB5Vot4A/UkovwWU4nvI/AAAAAAAAEfg/QC2cCgRE-9I/s1600/IMG_1145%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO0UB5Vot4A/UkovwWU4nvI/AAAAAAAAEfg/QC2cCgRE-9I/s400/IMG_1145%5B1%5D.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing Five}</span><br />
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That these two have each other. They are brother and sister...forget the difference in number of legs and body covering...they are siblings. They love on each other. They play. The fight for window space. They make our house a home. And they are best friends.<br />
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What blessings has God placed in your path this past week? We would love to have you join us!</div>
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Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-24729920096220455072013-09-27T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-27T08:00:03.039-04:00Head on over...<div style="text-align: center;">
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...to Natalie's <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Extraordinary Love</a> </span>to find my guest post today! </div>
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I'm sharing 25 of our favorite "clean movie" picks that Justin and I have enjoyed recently as a couple. Make sure to share your favorite "clean" movie ideas too when you read!</div>
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caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-40296753658379297712013-09-24T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-30T22:04:14.126-04:00The Blessing Box (link-up!)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">As you are probably getting used to seeing on Tuesdays now, I'm hosting with</span> <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, <a href="http://the-happyhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mallorie</a>, <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a>, <a href="http://livingtheadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allie</a> to share the blessings God has placed in our paths during the week.</div>
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My main blessing this week was a weekend away with my two lovelies!! <br />
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Family time is so important to me and I absolutely treasure our time away from the hustle and bustle around us! We were originally supposed to go tent camping, but rain and storms in the forecast changed our plans. :) So we visited Cincinnati, Ohio instead and it was a perfect getaway!<br />
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On the agenda...<br />
-aquarium (Adeline's second aquarium visit) for our little "ish" lover<br />
-Ikea trip<br />
-outlet shopping<br />
-sight seeing<br />
-yummy food<br />
-swimming<br />
-relaxing<br />
-laughing<br />
-family memories<br />
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I'd say we checked them all (plus some) off the list!<br />
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Adeline's fave at the aquarium was definitely the "tuh-tles". The huge sea turtle caught her attention and she was begging for "moh tuh-tles" the entire rest of the time. She also got very brave and pet a starfish underwater! Another fave were the walkways over the water where she could see the "ish" swimming under!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gT3r_Eh2JCw/UkCIHHLX4uI/AAAAAAAAEcw/QVhz2IKh2ZE/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gT3r_Eh2JCw/UkCIHHLX4uI/AAAAAAAAEcw/QVhz2IKh2ZE/s400/IMG_1166.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cheesin' with the huge gator</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how we measured up to the big gator</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">play time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she couldn't get enough of the underwater tunnel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">classic "not impressed" face she gives these days ;)</td></tr>
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We did a lot of <strike>damage</strike> shopping this weekend too! Girlfriend went a tad crazy in the Disney Outlet Store. She went all through the store demanding for more "meh-nee! meh-nee!" (Minnie). She is <i>crazy</i> over Minnie Mouse right now! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scoping out the clearance...that's my girl! ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barney "choo-choo" was the perfect treat for being a good shopper!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hotel silliness before we left</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Adeline were pretty smitten with their first trip to Ikea!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a chocolate milkshake treat for the ride home!</td></tr>
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Justin and I both grew up in families where our parents made "family time" a priority. And we grew up <i>wanting</i> to spend time with our family. As Adeline grows up, we want her to know the excitement and joy of spending time together as a family. We want her to remember that we always carved away time to devote to "just us time". Looking back...I know we will only wish we had done even more of it! What a treasure this time is!<br />
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What blessings has God placed in your path this past week? We would love to have you join us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make sure to grab the box and link-up with us today!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-77307539995101041262013-09-17T09:09:00.000-04:002013-09-17T09:09:32.879-04:00The Blessing Box<div style="text-align: center;">
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I am so excited about co-hosting a new weekly link-up...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Blessing Box</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I</span> will be hosting along with my sweet friends each Tuesday! <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, <a href="http://the-happyhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mallorie</a>, <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a>, <a href="http://livingtheadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allie</a> and I will be sharing the blessings God has placed in our paths during the week. <br />
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We have been inspired by James 1:17a, "Every good and perfect gift is from above."<br />
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God blesses us daily, and it's important to be intentional on praising and thanking Him for those gifts in our lives! His love is so amazing, let's give Him the praise and recognition He deserves for the blessings He provides!<br />
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This is our second week and we are excited you're with us again! Grab the box, and link-up with us!<br />
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Blessing one-<br />
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Finding and joining a local MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group! I've joined with two of my friends, Cheri and Ashley, and their little girls. The toddlers have fun in a preschool setting type room while the mommies gather for a message, breakfast, conversation and sometimes craftiness! We meet once a week and our theme is "Beautiful Mess". I was reminded last week of how powerful it is to be a beautiful mess designed by God. I'm so thankful He loves me despite the mess of my mind and soul sometimes! I would so encourage you to seek one of these groups out near you by checking out the MOPS website!<br />
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Blessing two-<br />
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Speaking of messes! Getting artsy and creative with Adeline is one of my most treasured blessings! She LOVES painting, coloring and creating. I love feeding that with my own creative spirit!</div>
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Blessing three-</div>
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On Sunday after church, we took the afternoon afternoon and spent it as a family! We visited a local amusement park to enjoy the last weekend of the season for the water park to be open. We had such a good time!! Adeline enjoyed riding some rides BY HERSELF! Such a brave girl. And she of course loved all the slides going into the water. We had such a great, much-needed time together!</div>
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The picture doesn't show it- but she actually LOVED the space rockets and they went higher up and so fast!</div>
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caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-85067311277623474562013-09-11T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-11T06:00:05.332-04:00Guest Post<br />
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Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm guest posting today for my sweet, thrifty friend, Ashleigh, while she spends some well-needed time away with her very own sweet newborn Adeline!</div>
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Head on over to <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thankfullythrifty.com/" target="_blank">Thankfully Thrifty</a></span> to hear about what you just won't find in my kitchen!</div>
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Make sure to chime in with what we wouldn't find in your own kitchen.</div>
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caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-4753949470308863872013-09-10T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-23T14:21:15.329-04:00The Blessing Box Link-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s1600/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<textarea cols="17" rows="3"><a href="http://cait-theblessedlife.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xS_FwSWDof0/UilABW_pkXI/AAAAAAAAEhI/GAeJylEHXf0/s320/the+blessing+box+10.jpg" width="320"></a></textarea></center>
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I am so excited about co-hosting a new weekly link-up...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Blessing Box</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I</span> will be hosting along with my sweet friends each Tuesday! <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, <a href="http://the-happyhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mallorie</a>, <a href="http://smelly-life.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a>, <a href="http://livingtheadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allie</a> and I will be sharing the blessings God has placed in our paths during the week.<br />
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We have been inspired by James 1:17a, "Every good and perfect gift is from above."<br />
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God blesses us daily, and it's important to be intentional on praising and thanking Him for those gifts in our lives! His love is so amazing, let's give Him the praise and recognition He deserves for the blessings He provides!<br />
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So make sure to come back, grab the box, and link-up with us each Tuesday! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Disclaimer: I'm pictureless this week because of computer probs.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing One}</span><br />
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Contentment. With me staying at home this year, Justin and I are working even harder on staying on-budget and being focused on how we spend/don't spend our money. I am just so content with our current financial situation. That God has given us contentment with so much less than our world tells us we need. God continues to provide and be faithful in ways that consistently surprise us and remind us of His will in our lives.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing Two}</span><br />
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The joy my little girl brings to others. I hear it so often, that Adeline is "pure joy". Yes, I'm her mommy. But y'all...it's so true. Case in point. She absolutely made a sweet old lady's day at the grocery store the other day by talking to her, smiling and waving to her. I see so many littles get so frightened by older people and Adeline has just never been like that. We passed this lady a little later in another row, and without the lady seeing her at first, Adeline started waving to her and saying "bye bye. bye bye". The lady melted and joy filled her face. I'm so, so blessed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">{Blessing Three}</span><br />
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Simple words. Just how the simple words over others that they don't even realize, can turn your eyes and heart to God in a new, enlightened way. This happened to me in Sunday School on Sunday. One of my friends mentioned how we need to find that way/place that we can get closest to God. I think that we sometimes put in our minds a stereotypical way of worship. But not all of us worship God the same way. For me, it's nature. I'm always, always drawn closer to God through nature. Being it, sitting by the water or taking a walk. It's nature that draws me closest to Him. And I need to remember that. I need to get to that raw place of worship much more often than I do.<br />
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caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-28076207056355286682013-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T08:00:03.979-04:00Adeline's First Flight (and some tips)!<div>
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Adeline's first flight was a success!! We flew to Florida for a girls' beach trip with my two friends and each of their toddler daughters (you can read more about that here).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpU-wpATHy0/UioT0li5r6I/AAAAAAAAEaY/bJoXdHu4DPY/s1600/IMG_8492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpU-wpATHy0/UioT0li5r6I/AAAAAAAAEaY/bJoXdHu4DPY/s400/IMG_8492.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Daddy about to head in!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Disclaimer- Some of this was written on my phone while all this was fresh in my mind earlier in summer, so it may be short-handed in parts.)</span></div>
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We chose an evening, direct flight that was just two hours. We originally planned to have a quick two hour drive to the FL house from the airport but weren't able to go to the house until the next day due to scheduling conflicts. So the plan was to get into our rental van and drive when the girls would be sleepy for bedtime. That changed and we got a hotel 4 miles from the airport.<br />
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We chose Southwest because of their family-friendly policies and "perks":</div>
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-under 2 can sit on a lap for free; just show copy of birth certificate when you check in (you don't have to do anything in advance)</div>
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-carseat can be checked for no charge (and load that carseat bag with as much as possible- no weight ?s- diapers, beach floats, books, toys, etc.)</div>
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-you can check a stroller at the gate (my tip would be to leave the child in the stroller once you get into line for boarding until you step onto plane--I took her out in like and she got SUPER antsy)</div>
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-southwest allows two free bags up to 50 lbs. so I had a suitcase for both of us together and her pack n play as my other checked bag</div>
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-I carried on a big Vera (our overnight bag) and put overhead plus a "personal" item (her small Vera diaper backpack bag to put at my feet)</div>
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-free 24 hr advance check in online (almost always you will get A boarding) if you don't, they let families board between A and B and there are still plenty of seats</div>
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-(all airports) snacks (within reason) and meds are okay for babes plus milk/juice that can be opened and smelled to check</div>
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-(all airports) babies can be carried through security and can keep shoes on<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">play time before take-off</td></tr>
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Hubbies helped us get all the bags checked and then kissed us goodbye right before security. That was helpful to deal with all our luggage.</div>
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We headed into security where everyone was so nice to help us - folding up strollers, explaining why they had to check certain items a second time, etc.</div>
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We made it through only having to toss a few containers of horizon milk because they couldn't be opened and resealed to check to make sure it was what the container said. My friends let them toss the containers so they didn't have to get a pat down. ;)</div>
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We found our gate, took potty break turns, grabbed a snack, and let the girls run around like mad women before getting on the flight!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eye-squinting "cheese" as we waited to board</td></tr>
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Once we loaded, things went pretty smoothly! (Minus a super nice family rearranged seats with us since there are only 4 oxygen masks in a row and there were 6 of us when we counted the babes.) Our plan for the flight back was to all get aisle seats by each other instead of trying to all be in a row together- we ended up having two of us in a row together and the other mommy/baby across aisle from us.</div>
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Adeline was a bit nervous with take-off but simply sucked on her paci and whined for a split second. Once we were in the air, she enjoyed stickers, a drawing app (my other 50 I DL- only sorta kidding- didn't make her happy at all), a play phone, a book, and SUCKERS (biggest hit of all) worked for her. The other backpack full of toys did nothing for her (of course ;) She also enjoyed the free beverage service - ginger ale with a mini straw and lid. I did download a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode from iTunes, extra new apps, and two children's music albums before we left to use her headphones with- none of which made her happy. ;) She did not scream and squeal or beg to get up- all of the things I was so nervous she would do in this toddler stage. Whew! ;) I would be lying if I didn't say I was sweating and nervous the entire flight- BUT- it was success and she was great. Her buds and her even got tons of compliments about how great they were! So many people were so nice to help and pick up pacis when they dropped, etc.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukznEaXQ4TQ/UioUl8UoeCI/AAAAAAAAEak/kbOlOsS24kc/s1600/IMG_8506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukznEaXQ4TQ/UioUl8UoeCI/AAAAAAAAEak/kbOlOsS24kc/s400/IMG_8506.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in flight! (sucker in hand. of course. ;)</td></tr>
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The landing was her favorite part. She did her famous "weeee" that she does on theme park rides. Once we landed, I let her stand in the seat and stretch while she gave high fives to everyone around her. ;)<br />
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When we got our strollers, we took a quick potty break and headed to baggage claim (praying hard! ;) We each had two bags and a carseat. That would be 9 pieces of luggage, plus our strollers (and babies ;) and a carry on and/or personal item. We made it to the baggage claim belts and stood at a loss for a minute. The carts to rent were teeny tiny and weren't going to help. All the sudden, we grabbed a random airport employee and explained our situation. It was our "airport angel" we decided looking back! This awesome guy walked got a HUGE cart, walked us to the correct belt, loaded all luggage on the cart, took us to our car rental counter (and waited while we got our car keys), crossed the road with us with our babes and luggage, walked to our rental van with us AND LOADED OUR VAN while we put the seats in. To say we thanked him and gave him a big tip would be an understatement!! ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we survived!!</td></tr>
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<i>Was this all "easy"? </i>No. <br />
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<i>Do I think it would be easier when she was younger or when she's older (and with Daddy coming also)? </i>Probably ;) <br />
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<i>But would I fly again with her at this stage? </i>Of course! She was seriously a little angel and is ALWAYS up for an adventure!<br />
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The flight home was much more relaxing for me because we were "mommy with toddler" flying pros.<br />
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Mommy facing fear of flying without Daddy? Check. <br />
Adeline's first flight? Check.</div>
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Crazy mommy/baby with friends adventure? Check.<br />
Memories that will last a lifetime? Check.<br />
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caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-33357687002879847612013-09-07T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-07T09:00:00.350-04:00oh yea. about june!<br />
Our summer came and went so quickly. But it was filled with awesome times that I don't want to forget!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">{BEACH TRIP} </span></div>
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Our first big event in June was Adeline's FIRST FLIGHT! And our mommy/baby only trip to Florida! <br />
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The Daddies dropped us three mommies and babies off at the airport. After saying our tough good-byes, we left the Daddies at home to work and headed down to the beach for a girls' trip to play! We mastered security, waiting for flights, flights, baggage checking and claim (by the grace of God and a really nice/patient airport employees), a hotel overnight stay, car rental, and short commutes through a big city going and coming. But the tropical environment and beach awaited us...and it was FABULOUS!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-JPzaPa5YQ/Uin41oZ9mlI/AAAAAAAAEWo/RvnD2CLFloY/s1600/IMG_8497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-JPzaPa5YQ/Uin41oZ9mlI/AAAAAAAAEWo/RvnD2CLFloY/s400/IMG_8497.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready for their first flight!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfnfZI-SC6I/Uin41gAHVEI/AAAAAAAAEWk/ckoeosK300k/s1600/IMG_8501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfnfZI-SC6I/Uin41gAHVEI/AAAAAAAAEWk/ckoeosK300k/s400/IMG_8501.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all smiles ready for take-off</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfysVWBPX3M/Uin43_2SoiI/AAAAAAAAEW0/bTjQkb5xPIA/s1600/IMG_8540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfysVWBPX3M/Uin43_2SoiI/AAAAAAAAEW0/bTjQkb5xPIA/s400/IMG_8540.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">three adorable beach babies!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bR1P55TGyRg/Uin-2f3xI0I/AAAAAAAAEZE/_9vojShnBxI/s1600/IMG_8515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bR1P55TGyRg/Uin-2f3xI0I/AAAAAAAAEZE/_9vojShnBxI/s400/IMG_8515.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">overnight in a hotel after our flight down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J66bltQJ6co/Uin-9pe2uEI/AAAAAAAAEZc/hfvVkupiMwQ/s1600/IMG_8533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J66bltQJ6co/Uin-9pe2uEI/AAAAAAAAEZc/hfvVkupiMwQ/s400/IMG_8533.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this gal adores the beach (she's been every approx. 6 months of her life ;)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0YiawvIJWI/Uin-5LQ_O8I/AAAAAAAAEZQ/joW2DVQ4-54/s1600/IMG_8591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0YiawvIJWI/Uin-5LQ_O8I/AAAAAAAAEZQ/joW2DVQ4-54/s400/IMG_8591.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mornings on the lanai were a huge hit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYKmzKdptYg/Uin-5BpyzMI/AAAAAAAAEZM/XF7XrADck5s/s1600/IMG_8805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYKmzKdptYg/Uin-5BpyzMI/AAAAAAAAEZM/XF7XrADck5s/s400/IMG_8805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flight home. ginger ale was a hit.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rMK87s2xWE/Uin5DVXa48I/AAAAAAAAEXA/_3FAf-mLUSM/s1600/IMG_8561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rMK87s2xWE/Uin5DVXa48I/AAAAAAAAEXA/_3FAf-mLUSM/s400/IMG_8561.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tres amigos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2WWwDldq3Q/Uin5DeVfEoI/AAAAAAAAEW8/49sRQfOhKnI/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2WWwDldq3Q/Uin5DeVfEoI/AAAAAAAAEW8/49sRQfOhKnI/s400/IMG_8568.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love this sweet girl</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1zq-IDIP9g/Uin5GxSJDEI/AAAAAAAAEXU/2KyVHWDzMxM/s1600/IMG_8583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1zq-IDIP9g/Uin5GxSJDEI/AAAAAAAAEXU/2KyVHWDzMxM/s400/IMG_8583.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crazy water table shenanigans (drinking the wah-wah)</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3_ERSF2k3A/Uin5FXyPL1I/AAAAAAAAEXM/4Wrm-vBhUKk/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3_ERSF2k3A/Uin5FXyPL1I/AAAAAAAAEXM/4Wrm-vBhUKk/s400/IMG_8603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the pool!</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3Z0jd13gqo/Uin5Kpmx0YI/AAAAAAAAEXc/EFFOjPMWII8/s1600/IMG_8611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3Z0jd13gqo/Uin5Kpmx0YI/AAAAAAAAEXc/EFFOjPMWII8/s400/IMG_8611.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dinners by the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Keepin' it real:</span><br />
<br />
-it was hard to organize around three different naps<br />
-suckers were about all that worked at certain moments on the flight<br />
-three mommies with three different ways of doing things...not always easy (my friends would agree)<br />
-we missed the Daddies<br />
-dinners weren't too peaceful ;)<br />
-three toddlers playing off each others emotions and actions wasn't always great <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Perks to this adventure:</span><br />
<br />
-beach and pool time with friends<br />
-mommy chat time after bedtime<br />
-sun<br />
-warm temps<br />
-firsts<br />
-adeline flew great (I thought she would want to run around like crazy) <br />
-we had a blast!<br />
-our meal planning and grocery list making before trip was successful<br />
-and the list could go on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">{Mission Trip}</span></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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgr0Ntb5BlE/Uin80MH7iPI/AAAAAAAAEXw/eHEpgDqVhqQ/s1600/IMG_8847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgr0Ntb5BlE/Uin80MH7iPI/AAAAAAAAEXw/eHEpgDqVhqQ/s320/IMG_8847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love my family so much</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Justin's official start as Youth Minister at our church was at the beginning of June. We grew up in our youth group and have served in the youth group for our entire marriage. We've been on countless (for real) mission trips with our church all over the southeastern US and to the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. But this was Justin's first "in charge" mission trip. Our former youth pastor (and mentor) planned the trip since he was the current YP during planning season, but Justin was "head honcho in training". ;) We headed out just a couple days after getting home from our beach trip, but Adeline and I wouldn't have missed it!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAfbyVrnbkY/Uin8w4zOtaI/AAAAAAAAEXo/OqCpwAOvexM/s1600/IMG_8851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAfbyVrnbkY/Uin8w4zOtaI/AAAAAAAAEXo/OqCpwAOvexM/s400/IMG_8851.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">caravan to Alabama!</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkhxPsehqUk/Uin8--xZp4I/AAAAAAAAEX4/OSCH_3yZk-M/s1600/IMG_8857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkhxPsehqUk/Uin8--xZp4I/AAAAAAAAEX4/OSCH_3yZk-M/s400/IMG_8857.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun with the other little kids and the big "kids"</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42tHc4icrlE/Uin9BNFC6wI/AAAAAAAAEYA/nUpdvZFp9Jw/s1600/IMG_8894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42tHc4icrlE/Uin9BNFC6wI/AAAAAAAAEYA/nUpdvZFp9Jw/s400/IMG_8894.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">delivering popsicles to the family groups at the worksite was a big hit</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyS5A6NSyS0/UioG1vgRn-I/AAAAAAAAEZs/cTRSO5Xe7SA/s1600/IMG_8905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyS5A6NSyS0/UioG1vgRn-I/AAAAAAAAEZs/cTRSO5Xe7SA/s400/IMG_8905.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard worker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWSU8a2FuNE/Uin9JFRcrLI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/4_pHIyo5bL8/s1600/IMG_8931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWSU8a2FuNE/Uin9JFRcrLI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/4_pHIyo5bL8/s400/IMG_8931.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">helping Daddy paint at the Boys and Girls Club</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XshjSqtwo2s/Uin9TURSgcI/AAAAAAAAEYg/lk2H1cWl5Xs/s1600/IMG_8981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XshjSqtwo2s/Uin9TURSgcI/AAAAAAAAEYg/lk2H1cWl5Xs/s400/IMG_8981.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">work hard. play hard. aquatic center day!</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFgb37dmp-w/Uin9ajEPiUI/AAAAAAAAEYw/w5iGlLjzuE8/s1600/IMG_9043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFgb37dmp-w/Uin9ajEPiUI/AAAAAAAAEYw/w5iGlLjzuE8/s400/IMG_9043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she loved meeting new 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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd-tWRnzrhw/Uin9S_1cQeI/AAAAAAAAEYY/wah-v_-HWaY/s1600/IMG_9049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd-tWRnzrhw/Uin9S_1cQeI/AAAAAAAAEYY/wah-v_-HWaY/s400/IMG_9049.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all this travel was exhausting! ;)</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uGZNnUZiAc/Uin9dhrQGYI/AAAAAAAAEY4/bkOOAjqa8Rc/s1600/IMG_9075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uGZNnUZiAc/Uin9dhrQGYI/AAAAAAAAEY4/bkOOAjqa8Rc/s400/IMG_9075.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">working hard 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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPm6SqfNmqk/Uin9WCtAN8I/AAAAAAAAEYo/42lyFC0lwys/s1600/IMG_9100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPm6SqfNmqk/Uin9WCtAN8I/AAAAAAAAEYo/42lyFC0lwys/s400/IMG_9100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good thing she had her own work clothes!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Keepin' it real: </span><br />
<br />
-super, super late bedtimes<br />
-Adeline was not a pack-n-play sleeping fan (we stayed in a church Sunday School room ;) <br />
-loud atmosphere at bedtime<br />
-naps were consistently on the go<br />
-some meltdowns due to exhaustion<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Perks to this adventure: </span><br />
<br />
-Adeline's first mission trip (out of the belly)!<br />
-serving alongside our hubby/daddy<br />
-raising Adeline to serve God's kingdom<br />
-lots of "big kid" role models around<br />
-just pure fun serving, worshipping and fellowshipping with our church family<br />
-and the list could go on!<br />
<br />
June was a busy blast! We had an amazing time on our adventures! We are so blessed to have such a joy-filled and blessed calendar of events, for sure.<br />
<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-72438251737965293952013-09-06T11:30:00.002-04:002013-09-06T11:30:27.908-04:00Adeline Grace at 21 months<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb8Yv2eLNFQ/Uin07uvIjBI/AAAAAAAAEWY/MM35FPSVvIo/s1600/21+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb8Yv2eLNFQ/Uin07uvIjBI/AAAAAAAAEWY/MM35FPSVvIo/s640/21+months.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-49367223406578505552013-09-01T10:00:00.000-04:002013-09-01T10:00:02.359-04:00august in a flash!<br />
August went FAR too fast. Here's how we spent our last month of summer!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofKY7T8blHE/UiEDzZN_Q4I/AAAAAAAAEQg/G0sbLBeAJGA/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofKY7T8blHE/UiEDzZN_Q4I/AAAAAAAAEQg/G0sbLBeAJGA/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting messy (chocolate hands)</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwceFSE2HhY/UiEDlR_0LfI/AAAAAAAAEQI/CsL24dzOLrw/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwceFSE2HhY/UiEDlR_0LfI/AAAAAAAAEQI/CsL24dzOLrw/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">visiting great-grandparents</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09EVOIXcQMA/UiEDo4IMrFI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/Pvv13MYkpG8/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09EVOIXcQMA/UiEDo4IMrFI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/Pvv13MYkpG8/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eating out, rocking, and playing with Grandpa</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUlDQOD5j5I/UiED9fMO2WI/AAAAAAAAERI/1TzDEh6et1I/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUlDQOD5j5I/UiED9fMO2WI/AAAAAAAAERI/1TzDEh6et1I/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"cleaning"</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdTlo68Vf0U/UiEDsslA0II/AAAAAAAAEQY/kJf_aXPrDKo/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdTlo68Vf0U/UiEDsslA0II/AAAAAAAAEQY/kJf_aXPrDKo/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">creating masterpieces</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vthbLuX_dB8/UiERWQ9lrBI/AAAAAAAAEWI/QwITP14Ibk4/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vthbLuX_dB8/UiERWQ9lrBI/AAAAAAAAEWI/QwITP14Ibk4/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">being silly</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyC_dUWzBK4/UiEDz1XNh_I/AAAAAAAAEQk/5RgnZggDS3w/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyC_dUWzBK4/UiEDz1XNh_I/AAAAAAAAEQk/5RgnZggDS3w/s400/IMG_0035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">library 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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSM5QVs8AiM/UiED0rxbKkI/AAAAAAAAEQs/IBIOOX1nrRg/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSM5QVs8AiM/UiED0rxbKkI/AAAAAAAAEQs/IBIOOX1nrRg/s400/IMG_0072.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fishing, boating, lake 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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StEXY19_GI4/UiED8ngqEmI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/qlHTrSn4FgQ/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StEXY19_GI4/UiED8ngqEmI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/qlHTrSn4FgQ/s400/IMG_0102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more lake 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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQU3TUXzbq0/UiED8ft-Z-I/AAAAAAAAEQ8/D8TnZOYrH8M/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQU3TUXzbq0/UiED8ft-Z-I/AAAAAAAAEQ8/D8TnZOYrH8M/s400/IMG_0117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water table play</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMQUvX-Y0pI/UiEELWwW4GI/AAAAAAAAERs/189StYOf1Xs/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMQUvX-Y0pI/UiEELWwW4GI/AAAAAAAAERs/189StYOf1Xs/s400/IMG_0129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">play dates with 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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k154L7lOe8o/UiED9wsd8vI/AAAAAAAAERM/KqFQuoo-WbQ/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k154L7lOe8o/UiED9wsd8vI/AAAAAAAAERM/KqFQuoo-WbQ/s400/IMG_0141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cuddling</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TczgIGidQzc/UiEEDkxC-2I/AAAAAAAAERY/lkXpQS9UQzM/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TczgIGidQzc/UiEEDkxC-2I/AAAAAAAAERY/lkXpQS9UQzM/s400/IMG_0146.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baking (someone has a new love for "hep" -helping)</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-54dg3gj5c/UiEEU42_5AI/AAAAAAAAESI/YKoOgzlYQvQ/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-54dg3gj5c/UiEEU42_5AI/AAAAAAAAESI/YKoOgzlYQvQ/s400/IMG_0158.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking walks</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY3CpC35o_g/UiEEF4jztMI/AAAAAAAAERg/FII4MeSuVDo/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY3CpC35o_g/UiEEF4jztMI/AAAAAAAAERg/FII4MeSuVDo/s400/IMG_0166.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">exploring in the "tcheez" (trees)</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNgpP9DSl-w/UiEEKleEqbI/AAAAAAAAERo/OwljRiKyHs4/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNgpP9DSl-w/UiEEKleEqbI/AAAAAAAAERo/OwljRiKyHs4/s400/IMG_0184.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">choo choo exploring</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2drT-MXcBks/UiEEVMk9CII/AAAAAAAAESM/Q442YoATtFI/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2drT-MXcBks/UiEEVMk9CII/AAAAAAAAESM/Q442YoATtFI/s400/IMG_0215.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eating ice cream</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iO1Hv02-ek4/UiEEPX3bOjI/AAAAAAAAER4/h77aPxaKbxs/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iO1Hv02-ek4/UiEEPX3bOjI/AAAAAAAAER4/h77aPxaKbxs/s400/IMG_0219.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">truck bed picnics by the wah-wah</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPL29g_D1Iw/UiEERhqSIcI/AAAAAAAAESA/FpaMEogS0f0/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPL29g_D1Iw/UiEERhqSIcI/AAAAAAAAESA/FpaMEogS0f0/s400/IMG_0220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">catching "ish" (this is her first!)</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfbcFv-4SFY/UiEEWHWfcGI/AAAAAAAAESY/kuv6urDYORc/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfbcFv-4SFY/UiEEWHWfcGI/AAAAAAAAESY/kuv6urDYORc/s400/IMG_0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">parties</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttOk6c9g6_M/UiEEYxXkcSI/AAAAAAAAESg/yDrLIQv_3e4/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttOk6c9g6_M/UiEEYxXkcSI/AAAAAAAAESg/yDrLIQv_3e4/s400/IMG_0272.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rides on Daddy's boat</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Oqf_GT6mRQ/UiEEa0GB7FI/AAAAAAAAESo/S5scRnaCqPc/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Oqf_GT6mRQ/UiEEa0GB7FI/AAAAAAAAESo/S5scRnaCqPc/s400/IMG_0276.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making messes</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unyOb_CVM3s/UiEEgW7IXQI/AAAAAAAAESw/MY4K_BYRZ3o/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unyOb_CVM3s/UiEEgW7IXQI/AAAAAAAAESw/MY4K_BYRZ3o/s400/IMG_0298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">evening fun outside</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVghDO_gE7w/UiEEhy38nxI/AAAAAAAAES4/XadLiCaj-3k/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVghDO_gE7w/UiEEhy38nxI/AAAAAAAAES4/XadLiCaj-3k/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mall 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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4e3GrehShMI/UiEEo_LH7VI/AAAAAAAAETA/uygAFxavtuk/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4e3GrehShMI/UiEEo_LH7VI/AAAAAAAAETA/uygAFxavtuk/s400/IMG_0323.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sidewalk chalk 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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTjzY7Y1mN8/UiEEpR4lNgI/AAAAAAAAETE/jTt0cia4XZA/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTjzY7Y1mN8/UiEEpR4lNgI/AAAAAAAAETE/jTt0cia4XZA/s400/IMG_0356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lounging</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1h71CU0RSg/UiEEp6IvMQI/AAAAAAAAETM/skWAwK8jrdU/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1h71CU0RSg/UiEEp6IvMQI/AAAAAAAAETM/skWAwK8jrdU/s400/IMG_0378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walks after dinner</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htdnVGrXwQg/UiEEq3Y7bSI/AAAAAAAAETY/0JW9pCUfGg4/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htdnVGrXwQg/UiEEq3Y7bSI/AAAAAAAAETY/0JW9pCUfGg4/s400/IMG_0391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">helping Daddy</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMV-nVUZCUw/UiEEv7vg7hI/AAAAAAAAETg/DMXbl5D0wcU/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMV-nVUZCUw/UiEEv7vg7hI/AAAAAAAAETg/DMXbl5D0wcU/s400/IMG_0394.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cousin 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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knWeZFynRZE/UiEEwXGf80I/AAAAAAAAETs/vq-sXEUbxd8/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knWeZFynRZE/UiEEwXGf80I/AAAAAAAAETs/vq-sXEUbxd8/s400/IMG_0412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp Meeting Sunday at church</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS762xwbg4Q/UiEEwr3gg2I/AAAAAAAAETk/GnnkjNRIqUI/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS762xwbg4Q/UiEEwr3gg2I/AAAAAAAAETk/GnnkjNRIqUI/s400/IMG_0413.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playing in the baptismal "trough"</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSazCJL5rU0/UiEE54LvFzI/AAAAAAAAEUA/e17_aePzeWE/s1600/IMG_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSazCJL5rU0/UiEE54LvFzI/AAAAAAAAEUA/e17_aePzeWE/s400/IMG_0416.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">acting like a dog</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wY3XoE47tok/UiEEzlxmuNI/AAAAAAAAET4/QnlnL5uK6FA/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wY3XoE47tok/UiEEzlxmuNI/AAAAAAAAET4/QnlnL5uK6FA/s400/IMG_0426.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hollywooding it up</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LluAzcSkCY/UiEE_LyrcdI/AAAAAAAAEUM/OhVz18GfEY0/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LluAzcSkCY/UiEE_LyrcdI/AAAAAAAAEUM/OhVz18GfEY0/s400/IMG_0441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more fun with 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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Xfzp5wuZs/UiEE_OXV6EI/AAAAAAAAEUI/kl2yrnOy4_U/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Xfzp5wuZs/UiEE_OXV6EI/AAAAAAAAEUI/kl2yrnOy4_U/s400/IMG_0447.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking self portraits of our toesies</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmLsuFVTwM4/UiEFEB32w4I/AAAAAAAAEUc/8wSv1SmBQE0/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmLsuFVTwM4/UiEFEB32w4I/AAAAAAAAEUc/8wSv1SmBQE0/s400/IMG_0462.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and even more fun with 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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtbNwc_wCZY/UiEFECfhoZI/AAAAAAAAEUY/Uy8qCoFNn-I/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtbNwc_wCZY/UiEFECfhoZI/AAAAAAAAEUY/Uy8qCoFNn-I/s400/IMG_0471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eating more ice creams</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6fga3YFPTA/UiEFRqz2kAI/AAAAAAAAEVA/ZYk1hfY404A/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6fga3YFPTA/UiEFRqz2kAI/AAAAAAAAEVA/ZYk1hfY404A/s400/IMG_0482.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playground 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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuW1grUGdtE/UiEFMb7VfqI/AAAAAAAAEU0/avcuhAVXsrM/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuW1grUGdtE/UiEFMb7VfqI/AAAAAAAAEU0/avcuhAVXsrM/s400/IMG_0488.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crazy shenanigans</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efjX9yrbKOo/UiEFK1GQTPI/AAAAAAAAEUo/sJ4S86XAEs8/s1600/IMG_9858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efjX9yrbKOo/UiEFK1GQTPI/AAAAAAAAEUo/sJ4S86XAEs8/s400/IMG_9858.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">time on the Grandpa's and Nanna's 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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAKkg4jOFAQ/UiEFMkYQAuI/AAAAAAAAEUw/uzKRQbgAa3o/s1600/IMG_9879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAKkg4jOFAQ/UiEFMkYQAuI/AAAAAAAAEUw/uzKRQbgAa3o/s400/IMG_9879.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first ball game (and cotton candy and funnel cake)</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUQ0DASwX6A/UiEFYAZc2iI/AAAAAAAAEVI/OuRfwWoKxnA/s1600/IMG_9881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUQ0DASwX6A/UiEFYAZc2iI/AAAAAAAAEVI/OuRfwWoKxnA/s400/IMG_9881.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">staying up late</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_xwtkcx7ow/UiEFdQ81VSI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/pG3CrrJg-b0/s1600/IMG_9914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_xwtkcx7ow/UiEFdQ81VSI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/pG3CrrJg-b0/s400/IMG_9914.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swinging</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiWqLDvyWeU/UiEFeanfN8I/AAAAAAAAEVg/AKEs09_Ni3I/s1600/IMG_9920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiWqLDvyWeU/UiEFeanfN8I/AAAAAAAAEVg/AKEs09_Ni3I/s400/IMG_9920.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eating (lots) of popsicles</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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir_GhK7uGA0/UiEQqxpzs0I/AAAAAAAAEWA/kigyJVxrpvI/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir_GhK7uGA0/UiEQqxpzs0I/AAAAAAAAEWA/kigyJVxrpvI/s400/IMG_0521.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken rides on the "tra-to" (tractor) with PaPaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAgNFfLWGfw/UiEFeJVqYHI/AAAAAAAAEVY/uBjs8kN2Lcg/s1600/IMG_9935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAgNFfLWGfw/UiEFeJVqYHI/AAAAAAAAEVY/uBjs8kN2Lcg/s400/IMG_9935.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">moved to a big girl booster at the kitchen table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9FluEiFTJs/UiEFgTD31LI/AAAAAAAAEVo/W8BlqNRTnNY/s400/IMG_9977.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lounged some more during lazy mornings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9BIWH3bIfA/UiEFkSJKx5I/AAAAAAAAEVw/ZvFdNBHYlDY/s1600/IMG_9982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9BIWH3bIfA/UiEFkSJKx5I/AAAAAAAAEVw/ZvFdNBHYlDY/s400/IMG_9982.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and shopped</td></tr>
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We had a wonderful August! I'm so blessed to spend my days with this precious girl!</div>
<br />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331519254072473245.post-42213836383535450502013-08-30T15:56:00.001-04:002013-08-30T17:42:31.625-04:00FIVE on Friday<div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
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I'm excited to participate in a new link-up this week! I thought I would use this week's link-up to catch you up on a few changes in our world here lately that I haven't gotten a chance to officially share yet and some other randoms!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One- </span><br />
I'm officially a stay at home Momma this year!! (with a little side gig of working in my Momma's store on our historic main street) This was a long time coming in my desires and I feel so, so grateful that God has gifted me this opportunity. This desire started when I had Adeline and just longing to not have to go back after having her (as a teacher, I LOVED my students but my heart was being pulled to my own baby). So after finishing my fourth year of teaching after my maternity leave, I opted (was so blessed by this!) to job share 2.5 days a week as art teacher at my school last year! And then God kept up the awesome blessings by helping us realize we could take this leap of faith after Justin got a new job (see #2)! Mommy is definitely my favorite job!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqtD3gyJfrM/UiDwYxQXfBI/AAAAAAAAEPg/d_-iuyKCOcE/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqtD3gyJfrM/UiDwYxQXfBI/AAAAAAAAEPg/d_-iuyKCOcE/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we lounge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meqpF2-0yMI/UiDwOS2E5DI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/xeXcUttwQNo/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meqpF2-0yMI/UiDwOS2E5DI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/xeXcUttwQNo/s400/IMG_0477.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and lounge some more</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Yb_BhH8q4/UiDwWdbsB1I/AAAAAAAAEPY/jjYPA5m6Rck/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Yb_BhH8q4/UiDwWdbsB1I/AAAAAAAAEPY/jjYPA5m6Rck/s400/IMG_0520.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and play our days away</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two-</span><br />
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Speaking of the above...Justin is now a full-time Youth Minister! (along with working <strike>part-time</strike> almost full-time in our family's Landscape/Hardscape business). The process occurred in the Spring with his application and interview. June 1st was his first day, and it has been such an amazing blessing so far! Our summer was a crazy yet fun whirlwind of mission trips, retreats and many other youth functions! We actually grew up in this youth group and our youth pastor (that is now our associate pastor) is a great mentor to us. I am so proud of Justin for his dedication and perseverance to see God's direction in this phase in his life through to this exciting, culminating change for our sweet family! I am loving working alongside him in the ministry and excited to see where God takes us on this journey! He works his bum off and I'm so proud of him!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFwMBGGfBTE/Uh-3DJ3KoKI/AAAAAAAAEPA/-WIRI1GWmhU/s1600/1143_660191744093_1771028402_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFwMBGGfBTE/Uh-3DJ3KoKI/AAAAAAAAEPA/-WIRI1GWmhU/s400/1143_660191744093_1771028402_n.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin's first official Sunday</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three-</span><br />
I'm currently working on limiting my soft drink intake. Especially diet (to stay away from aspartame). Mainly because I'm an all or nothing person. I have a hard time just limiting. So I went a good month or so with NO soft drinks at all. Now I've slowly been reintroducing a Dr. Pepper here and there simply because I crave the taste! But that being said, I have turned into SUCH a coffee drinker! I have to have my coffee in the morning or I'm quite the bum!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Four-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I often stay up way. way. way too late chatting it up on Facebook Messenger with <a href="http://the-happyhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mallorie</a>, <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://bahlikeasheep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Ann</a>, <a href="http://livingtheadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allie</a> and <a href="http://eolove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jordan</a>. It still amazes me </span>how God can bless you through online friends that feel like you have known them forever and see them daily. We tend to chat about all things mommy, faith and other random tidbits that could easily make people blush (right, ladies? ;) Gotta love sweet friends you can be real with!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Five-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adeline is more and more verbal these days (well let me be honest...she has always been such a "talker") but I am LOVING the sweet little conversations we can have these days where she puts a couple words together or a long list of words together that I don't quite understand ;) . Whether it's if she wants milk or juice, what dress she wants to wear, or who she wants to pray for at bedtime. These are the moments that melt my mommy heart. And I try to hold onto oh so tight as she giggles back when I laugh at the silly things she says.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span>caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178161653629713972noreply@blogger.com5